robin's journey

Picture from Simple Living "I will never"...were the words that flooded my mind when I first thought of the idea of actually speaking on a Sunday morning in my Church. First, I really never thought I would be asked. Secondly, I did not believe I could actually speak without throwing up or completely shaking in my shoes or shuddering uncontrollably. Thirdly, I did not believe I would have anything to say that someone would want to listen to. Well, I have learned not to say, "I will never!" I was completely wrong about all three of my assumptions. I was asked to speak for the seniors Sunday on May 16, it was totally appropriate considering I am on staff and the director for seniors ministry in my church. Secondly, I did not even feel like throwing up and I hardly shook at all. God has really been revealing to me that I have nothing to fear except for Him. Fear of man can paralyze a persons soul stopping them from being authentic and real. It does not m...

Today was one of those, you know, when your mind, body, soul, and strength are all in balance. Out of ten it was a nine kind of day. I enjoyed every moment of feeling like I was in balance with life. Totally refreshing! Most days I feel out of balance or something. Tomorrow is my turn to prepare coffee for our Wednesday morning church staff meeting. I woke up today thinking about making muffins for tomorrow. I believe I was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia to put my baking skills to work. There is something soothing for the soul about baking delicious, buttery sweet, no good for your body baking, while listening to soft Jazz! I have added a few pictures of my muffins: a while cooling picture, and ready to take in the morning picture. It is enjoyable to share my moment of baking homemade fresh blueberry strudel and apple strudel muffins with all of you. I know why there is a book titled the Joy of Baking …it is good for your soul. My home smells sweet and I am content! I w...

These little one's were born two days before my grandson on June 27, 2009. My husband and I have not had pets in over fifteen years, but some how these little ones caught our hearts. We took the leap of faith, and adopted them. They are curious about everything! Over the last week they have brought joy into my home, and lots of scratches. A quote to ponder by Ruth Haley Barton: "In solitude we must stop believing our own press." Love Robin

I have never posted one of those emails that come from friends into my in box, but this one is too good to not post. I do not know who wrote it, but they must have been middle aged. I am not a mermaid and never will be, so I will be happy being a whale! The world does have a pull that tells us to be loved we need to be skinny. NOT! My God and my husband love me just the way I am. If I do become slimmer it will be for health not for image. I have been blessed with many wonderful experiences in life, and I am grateful for each one. Tonight, I visited my now five week old grandson, he is beautiful and a treasure! With his birth I have a new weekly appointment, my goal is to visit him weekly. I would enjoy reading comments. Recently, in large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It read: THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE? A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on th...

A simple photo, a few online tools, a bit of creativity, and I made my own poster. How cool is that! The quote is completely mine. "Yeah for me." However, my butterflies are not moving, I will need to work on making them bling. Pax Robin

It is late, and as usual this is my favorite time to write. Last week I shared with you a video of my husband catching his first fish of the season. We have been trying to spend time with each other throughout our week. I enjoy joining him in what he likes to do, even if I do not fish! I usually read or write or sleep, last week I took a video. I simply like being in his presence. Yesterday, Murray surprised me by doing something I enjoy. Near our city, close to the South Saskatchewan river is a barn that has been turned into an eatery, with green houses, and a Saskatoon berry orchard. The Berry Barn has a unique menu, which includes the famous Saskatoon berry pie. Murray had never been there, we both had a simple supper, which was mushroom soup in a bread bowl. Followed with a berry dessert: My choice was cheesecake with Saskatoon berries, his was a berry surprise crumble. It is great when we can choose to be part of what another enjoys without complaining. Last week during ...

Over the last few weeks my life has been rather full. On Saturday, my husband Murray and I finally had an afternoon alone, the result was we went fishing. After the long cold spring, it was refreshing to have a warm sunny day in Saskatchewan with no wind. The video I am posting makes me laugh, I sound goofy, but I am going to share the adventure anyway. After Murray caught the first fish of the season, he caught one more, then the motor on our boat decided not start. Our next option was we had to row back to the fishing dock. I have never paddled/rowed the boat with my husband, and we were completely out of rhythm with each other. He told me he was totally embarrassed of how he paddled one way and I another, and that I seemed to be totally oblivious to it all. I was. Well, all that work for two small fish. When we arrived at the dock we ended up giving our catch away to a elderly lady who was happy to receive the gift. I did enjoy the beauty and peace that surrounded us, even i...

Someone on twitter was asked to describe themselves in two words, what a great idea. So off the cuff here is how I would describe myself in two words: simple, loving . How would you describe yourself in 2 words? I am off to my class in Regina until Saturday night, then my family is off to Victoria B.C until May the 12. I am not sure if I will have time to post before we leave, if you don't hear from me for the next two weeks you know why! I have a goal not to blog until I arrive home. I hope to have some great pictures and stories to share. Love to all... Robin

This made me cry! When we are down we need to get back up, no matter how we do it. We need to remember God is with us and will give us the creativity and strength to finish well.

My husband and I went to a marriage retreat at the Quest Camp at Christopher Lake in Northern Saskatchewan this past weekend. The lake was still covered with ice. It was wonderful to go on a hike through the forest with my husband enjoying the outdoors after the long Prairie winter. Walking in the forest was amazing and healing for my soul. After 27 years of being married this was the first time we have been on a retreat geared towards our marriage. I found it very relaxing and a great time to reconnect with my best friend. I was viewing several blogs from the southern States tonight and spring has truly blossomed there. Here spring is just beginning. A great Quote from the Wizard of Oz: "A vacation is what you take when you can't take what you have been taking any longer!"

On Monday March 30, I received the Spanish Dart Award from Alleluibelle at Humble as I go . Alleluibelle you have been a true encourager of the heart. I look forward to your comments and reading your blog. If you are reading this post Alleluibelle has a wonderful heart that loves to Praise her God, her site is worth checking out. "Spanish Darts Award" is also known as "Premo Dardos" , which means "Prize Darts" in English. It's given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. Here are some important things that went with this award: 1. Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and link to his/her blog. 2. Pass the award to other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgement, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award. I am still new to commenting and build...

I enjoyed listening to this soft, warm summer song, while it is still blowing winter outside. Spring sure would be nice... I am not sure why, but YouTube would not let this song post on my blog. I placed it as number one on my play list. This song bought a smile to my face after a full day of life. It is just a plain fun song that brought out the romantic within me. My husband makes me smile, Haliey makes me smile, and most of all, thoughts of Christ make me smile! Haliey (5) was cute at kids church tonight. She went up to everyone and shook their hand telling them her name. "Hi, I am Haliey." As she reaches for their hands, looking them straight in the face with her big blue eyes. God has Haliey close to His heart. I am blessed to have her and her family in my life. This Grandma of choice bubbles inside as she watches Haliey grow within Christ's family. I pray she stays awhile, and I can continue to smile as I engage life with her daily. What makes you smile or ...