Cure Contention

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--

-- when they see the love you have for each other."
(John 13: 34-35, The Message)

Summer 2010 Thus Far!

**click on collage to gain a better view of the pics**

** some of my summer activities thus far:**

~ tour of Camp X, the WWII Spy Training School
~ outdoor Yoga at Parkwood Estate
~ shopping in Toronto
~ swimming at Centennial Pool
~ watching the Fifa World Cup final match (the pic is in top row and tiny!)
~ hanging with family and friends
~ visiting the library
~ outdoor Shakespeare theatre at Parkwood
~ pampering myself
~ volunteering for Community Care
~ jamming with local bands
~touring the local countryside
~ remodelling
~ road trips
~ gastronomy pleasures
~ soaking up the beauty of nature around me
~ just chillin'
~ watching the never-ending construction of a church on the same property as my apartment
~ savoring summertime memories

visit with American cousins in Kittaning, PA

Last weekend, I went on a road trip with my folks travelling down the Alleghany River in Pennslyvania, USA. Final stop: a small town nestled on the banks of this gorgeous river where my dad's cousins live. Enjoy the photo collage of this latest adventure.
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Some noteworthy observations about life in smalltown USA:
* the old country church (circa 1872) we attended Sunday morning had air conditioning but no indoor plumbing. Their outhouse was the first I'd been in that was carpeted! It was a "pleasure" doing business in there!
* the graves at the church cemetery are marked with American flags and special badges if the deceased was a war veteran
* you can't get away from fried food
* everyone is so friendly and willing to help, esp. while shopping at the Walmart
* the sales are INCREDIBLE and 100% better than in Canada
* the court house square reminds me of "Back to the Future"
* only my parents will plan a party in their hotel room for the whole clan!
*everyone is patriotic and speaks their mind-out loud!
I like that!

PS Click on the collage and it will enlarge so you can actually see some of the pics!

a bold memorial

I saw something today that made me stop and turn my car around. I wanted to take a closer look. It was a memorial. One that no doubt is controversial, but worth pausing to reflect and remember.

In the shadow of the large maple tree looming high above the catholic church hall, there stood a white, wooden cross. An abundantly colourful wildflower garden surrounded the cross. In the middle, nailed to that cross, was a yellow sign with black bold lettering which proclaimed:

"In honour of those who lost their lives due to abortion."


I realize the abortion issue is a controversial one , even to those reading my blog. I am pro- life. I make no bones about it. However, I make no judgement upon those who are pro-choice. Realistically, if I am to be honest with myself, I have no idea what decision I would make if I was suddenly raped and left pregnant. I would hope I would chose life, but I can't be 100% certain.

Life is a miracle. More and more I am utterly amazed at how intricately detailed God has designed our bodies to be alive and to create life. A couple months back I went to the Body Worlds exhibit with my school. I found it to be a fascinating exhibit. I learned so much and, being a visual learner I was in my glory. It clearly showed me how truly amazing our human body is and how the design of it fits together perfectly. It confirmed in my mind God is an amazing Creator.

The one area that intrigued me the most was seeing the babies (fetuses) as young as 5 weeks (I believe) right up to 40 weeks. I stood and stared for a long time marvelling at these precious babies standing only 1 cm tall- they WERE babies with fingernails, eyelashes, smiles on their faces, etc. It saddened me as well to know these babies were children of parents out there who lost them far too young. It was a poignant moment for me. But one that affirmed life begins at conception. Truly a miracle. Life is precious.

So how does one respond to a bold, powerful memorial declaring to those that pass by, life is precious choose wisely, remember the innocent ones who didn't have the opportunity to experience life here on earth?

My response. A prayer for the families and then I thanked God for the life He has allowed me to live. May I continue to live it wisely.