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Friday, July 30, 2010

A Father’s Love

A Father’s Love

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready. "His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?" His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son. "Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. His eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the doorbell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven-year-old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son? With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You! " Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have any testimony or want to say anything?" Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away." I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for his son... Except for One. Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honour to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named. Heaven is for His people! Remember. God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. "Faith is the affirmation and the act that bids eternal truth be present fact
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  I found this story in my archives and I thought I would share it. Some of you may remember when I posted this on my other blog , and some may not.

We can all make a difference in some ones life by just being kind, and showing a little Grace. It doesn’t always have to be something big. Some of the best acts of kindness are the little, simple things that can make all the difference in the world, and you may or may not ever know what it means to that person. A smile as you are walking by another person , or a prayer for someone you noticed as you are driving by on your way to work or wherever.

I just want to say that many of you have made a difference in my life with your thoughts , prayers, kind words, comments, and all that you share. Thank You! Dianne :)

The Day God Called You Home (Archive) 05/17/2010

God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.

You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you're always by our side.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.

Author Unknown

It is a beautiful , sunny morning and I heard the birds singing in the distance. I had a quiet morning, just reflecting on my dad’s life, did some reading and quiet prayer. I have many thoughts and feelings and I am taking things as they come. I need to get up and get going and enjoy this beautiful day that the Lord has given me. I have my moments and grieve I will, but I am getting on with my life as my dad would want me too. He is getting on with his life in his new home. Someday we will meet again and he is ever in my heart and memories. If I did not morn that would mean I didn’t love him , and I love him dearly. It is because of my mom and dad and their love for each other, that I am here and have life.  I am ever grateful for the gift of life. May I live my life wisely and to the fullest. This is the first day of the rest of my life. This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I want to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. You really did and do make a difference with your outpouring of love, prayers, support, words of sympathy, encouragement, kindness , scripture verses, photos, graphics and so much more.  It means more to me and my family than you will ever know.

God Bless each and everyone of you.

Love and Gratefulness

Dianne :)

P.S   I hope to check on the swans later today. I was down yesterday and so far I haven’t seen any baby swans. Mom is still on the nest and dad is sticking pretty close.  I will keep you all updated.

Have a Beautiful Day!!!

My Dad Is In Heaven_May 10th,2010 (Archive)

My dad was healed of all sickness and pain this morning. He is completely healed, and with Jesus in Heaven. He left us at 7:15 this morning. We will meet again when the time is right and for now we , his family will go on living life to the fullest. I am in the middle of processing it all and have begun the grieving process. I have Peace of Mind , heart and soul knowing my dad is with the Lord. He will not have to go to a nursing home, be in and out of the hospital , suffer any more pain. He is in Heaven this very moment.

That is all I have to say at the moment. Thank you all for your love and prayers.

Dianne

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Oct.31,2009 My Trip To Pembroke To See My Dad (Archive)

DSCF4005 On The Road Again

 

I began my long trip along Hwy.41 to Pembroke, to see my dad last Sunday.

As beautiful as it is along the way, I don’t usually stop to take many photos if any at all.

It takes me about 8 hrs. round trip. That makes for a lot of driving and a very long day.

Some of the photos I will show you are taken with my little Fuji Camera. Others with my Canon.

 

HWY. 41

 

Autumn colours as I  drive Hwy. 41 along the Canadian Shield

You can run into all kinds of weather. Sun and blue sky to grey cloudy sky with rain or snow.

It did rain in parts along the way and then I was once again greeted by the sun and more blue sky.

DSCF4045 Along The Canadian Shield_Hwy.41

 

Driving along the Canadian Shield

DSCF4099 Hyw.41_Canadian Sheild

Driving through the Canadian Shield and more blue sky.

 

IMG_2735_The River Flows_Hwy 41

 

As I was driving, something caught my attention.

There are many lakes, rivers and streams along the way.

They are all so Beautiful and I stopped to take this picture.

It felt so good to have this moment and any stress or tiredness I may have felt was gone.

My soul was refreshed and I moved on. I knew it was going to be a good day .

 

IMG_2748 River Along Hwy 41-Pembroke

 

DSCF4184 Driveby

 

I thought of you Lisa when I drove by this farm. This one is for you. :)

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I had a wonderful day with my dad at his home.

Yes he is still home and doing fairly well.

It was a day I won’t forget.  :)

 

IMG_2762 Ottawa River

 

Before I left to come home, I drove down to view the Ottawa River.

This place has so many memories for me. I grew up in this area as a little girl.

The sun was beginning to go down and there was a chill in the air.

Time to head home.

 

DSCF4224 The Long Ride Home

 

The drive home didn’t seem that long as I had so many thoughts going through my head,

and my heart was full of new treasures.

It was the best day I had with my dad in a very long time.

I hope you enjoyed this part of my journey.

Thank you for coming along , and for all your prayers and support for my dad and I.

God is still working in us as we walk in His Grace.

Love and Hugs

Dianne (dsphotocats) :)

Sept.22/2009 (Dad) Good News (Archive)

My dad is going home to his apartment from the hospital on Thurs. Lord Willing. The Drs. are amazed at my dads recovery and said , he is like a cat with 9 lives. :) He will be getting more community health care while at home . My dad is a fighter and a Christian and we believe God has answered many prayers. My dad wanted to go home and he is going to be given the chance to see how he does. We will take it a day at a time.

I went to see him last Sunday and he had a day pass and I got to visit him at home and he did very well. It was so nice to sit and visit and see my dad so happy and content to be home and feeling well enough to be there. None of us know what tomorrow may bring but today we will seize the day and Thank God for answered prayers and for all of you who helped by praying and for your thoughtfulness and support. God Bless You All and thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Dianne :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today We Are Swimming! But No Matter What..... God Is Good!

Update On My Dad On Sept 9th 2009 (Archive)

September 09

Update on my Dad

My dad had a good day. He is regaining his strength slowly. He was able to walk with his walker a short distance with help.  He is no longer confused nor agitated. He is more at peace and determined to get well and get moving and get out of the hospital. He wants to be able to move into the retirement home. I will be honest , it did not look good and I thought he was slipping away from us but he has fought back. I prayed that The Lord would either restore my dad's health or move him to his Eternal Home. It has been really hard seeing my dad like this. My heart has been very heavy but tonight it is much lighter. He is not out of the woods by any means and there is still a lot of things up in the air but today was a good day and for that I am very thankful . For those of you who feel led to pray for my dad, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

God Bless You!

xx's Dianne :)

My Dad Had A Setback On Sept.3/2009 (Archive)

I just received a phone call , that my dad has had a setback  and will remain in the hospital. As some of you know he has been in and out of the hospital since early spring. He was to go to a Retirement Home tomorrow which he was very happy about as he had gone to check it out and really like it there.

My dad has a history of Chronic Heart Failure and his Kidneys aren't functioning properly.

I would ask that those who believe in prayer would pray for my dad. Thank you!

I will be heading up to see my dad on Sat. morning unless things change. I could use your prayers too. Thanks! Dianne

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Spring Sunrise_ May24/09

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Just Before Sunrise On A Saturday Morning In May

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God’s Painting Before My Eyes

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The Sun Is Still Behind The Horizon

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Waiting For The Sun To Come Up

and

It Begins To Rise

In The Set Time

No Person Can Manipulate It’s Timing

All Must Wait

Only The Creator

Can Cause It to Rise and Set.

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I Am In Awe

and

Feel At Peace

As I Witness

The Act Of God

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All We Can Do

Is Try To Copy It’s Splendour

Whether By Painting On Canvas

Or Taking A Photograph

We Can Ignore It

Or

We Can Embrace It’s Beauty

But One Thing We Know

God Gave Us The Light

And

He Gave Us His Son

We Can Choose To

Accept Him and Embrace Him

Or

We Can Choose To Reject Him

And Walk Alone

God Is Gracious

and

Loves Each One

Today Is A Gift

Tomorrow May Not Be Ours

Don’t Take Life For granted

Embrace Today

and

Hope For Tomorrow

Trust And Believe

Give Him Your Life

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Every Sunrise Is Different

But

God Never Changes

He Is

And Was

and

Always Will Be

The Creator

and

Almighty God.

He Loves You

and

He Loves Me.

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Written and Photographed by Dianne (dsphotocats)

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I had no idea where I was going with this post when I started. May it somehow speak to your heart as it did me.

I woke up Saturday morning at 3:30 and dozed off again, and then the robins began to sing at 4:30 and I couldn’t get back to sleep. I got up and decided to grab my camera and a coffee to go, and headed down to the Bay. I was the only one there at 5 A.M accept for nature itself and yes I did feel the presence of God. It was so quiet accept for the birds singing, the waves splashing gently on the shore. I was wide awake and in Awe of what I seen before my eyes and what I heard which was music to my ears.

In closing I want to wish you all a very good week.

Blessings to all.

Dianne :)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Little Cygnets Are Growing

 

 

IMG_0634 Meet The Family

The first showing of the proud parents and their 8 cygnets was on May 20th/2010

A lot has happened since then as some of you have read and witnessed through my blog.

 

 

IMG_4174 Swans in Posing

This photo was taken on June 2/2010

There are 4 surviving cygnets plus their parents.

 

 

IMG_4249_4 remaining cygnets out of 8 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4601 Cygnets are growing

This photo was taken on July 1st/2010

You can see how much they have grown.

They still have their nest and although they are too big for it they still call it home.

They get up early to feed and come back to the nesting place for an afternoon nap…

Then they go back out and come back again around 5 p.m and then back out into the deeper water until around 9 p.m when they settle for the night.

I try and go see them at least once a week and hope they stick around as I would love to see them learn how to fly.

That is it for now. I hope you have enjoyed the journey of the swans and I.

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Remember… If you look around you , you will catch a glimpse of His Beauty in the things He has created.

Hugs and Smiles

Dianne (dsphotocats)

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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A Few Snap Shots Of My Son and Daughter In-laws Wedding

 

As some of you know my son Ed and Daughter In-law Samantha were married on June 26th/2010. Here are a few snapshots I took with my little Fuji Camera. I was not the photographer and left my 50D at home. It just wouldn’t fit in my little handbag , and I wasn’t about to wear a back pack. :)

I did do a video of the whole ceremony and so I don’t have still photos of the ceremony itself . I left that up to the professional photographer who did a wonderful job. I just wanted to be mom and soak it all in and enjoy the day, which I did to the fullest. It was a very Special Day and one to remember. My youngest son married the love of his life and she too is very special and now is my daughter. I have too daughters now. The other one is married to my other son. Between my husband and I , we have 4 boys. I have gained 2 wonderful young women as daughters who I love as my own. :) Who knows in the next few years I may have a couple more.

I did my best to stay out of the photographers way, and here are just a few of my snapshots that I took.

 

DSCF5519 Ed & My Mom

My Mom and My Son Ed Before Boarding The Cruise Boat

 

 

DSCF5499 Jenna & Ed

My Granddaughter  With Uncle Ed Before The Wedding Ceremony

 

 

DSCF5529 The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party.

This photo was taken after the Wedding Ceremony and we had all got off the boat . The professional Photographer was busy taking pictures and I was off to the side , being careful as not to get in his way. He was a wonderful photographer who clearly was enjoying what he was doing.

 

 

DSCF5542 Daughter - Inlaws, Sons & Grandaughters

Here is a picture of my two sons and daughter In-laws, and my three granddaughter’s.

I am truly blessed, and so proud of my family although I seldom show them off on my blog.

Today is an exception to the rule.

 

 

DSCF5585 The Photographer Made Us Do It

The Photographer Made Us Do It :)

From left to right is little old me, Ed, Samantha, and her mom.

We had a lot of fun, laughter and happy tears that day.

 

 

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My son was very attentive to his new bride.

 

 

DSCF5568 We Did It  

That says it all !

 

 

DSCF5594 The Look Of Love

 

 

DSCF5594 Ed & Samantha

This is one of my favourite photos.

 

 

DSCF5597 Just before leaving on the cruise

This is the cruise boat or should I say , “The Love Boat”

The wedding ceremony was on the boat, then outside pictures in the park, then it was time to get back on the boat for a cruise around the lake, dinner and dancing. Oops I had better hurry. They are calling me and the boat is getting ready to leave.

One last thing. It poured rain as we were leaving for Port Perry for the wedding. I scooted in our van with umbrella in hand. I managed to stay dry, and kept praying on our 2 hr. drive to get there. We drove out of the rain and it was a sun and cloud day with just a prinkle of a shower while we were on the boat and no one cared because we were safe and dry from the elements. When the evening was over and we got off the boat , it was beautiful and dry. God answered our prayers and I want to thank all of you who prayed for us that day. God Bless You.  Hope you enjoyed just a glimpse of a perfect day.

Hugs and Smiles

Dianne  (dsphotocats)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Every Sunrise

Every Sunrise

Every sunrise is a present,

A gift from God above.

Gift- wrapped with scarlet ribbons,

Tied with a bow of love.

Each day is a new beginning,

A time to start anew,

While all the stars are sleeping,

The rose is a fresh with dew.

Each day is a new creation,

To lovely to ignore,

We may find a blessing,

Just outside the door.

We cannot keep the past,

Like fireflies in a jar,

Nor journey to the future,

By wishing on a star.

Every sunrise is a blessing,

A gift just for today.

Rejoice my friend,

Embrace it before it fades away.

Author Unknown

 

 

Hope 08_ Sunrise 170_Blog

 

Welcome to my new blog. This is a new day, a new beginning, and a new adventure.  I  am looking forward  to reuniting  with  friends, and making new friends. This blog is a work in progress and I  am a work in progress also, in so many ways. As the saying  goes, “Be patient with me, God isn’t finished with me yet.” I haven’t arrived by no means and have a lot to learn along my life journey.

One thing I have learned is to walk in God’s Grace. I never walk alone. He is always with me. He has been since I gave my life to Him many years ago. God gave His Son Jesus so that we could have life. The least I can do is live for Him. Most of us are familiar with John 3:16 written in the Bible which is God’s Love  letter to us.

Well It was a beautiful day here in my home town in Ontario Canada. Wherever you may be, I pray you will have a beautiful day from sunrise to the setting of the sun. I know many of us live in different time zones and whether it be day or night, God Bless you all.  That is it for my photographs and random thoughts this day.

Dianne :)

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