Proposal? & B. Celebration!

Today, is a special day.  For several reasons, which I will write about, on Life with Lynnie (LwL), today.

This year, 2012, is a leap year.  Meaning that our month of February has an extra day, tacked onto it.  Normally, February has 28 days, but not this year.  Once every four (4) years is considered a special year.  A day when time actually catches up with itself.  So, an extra day is added to our calendar year.  And, today is the day!  Leap Day!

If you'd like to read more about leap year, here is a link to Wikipedia, where you can read more about it.

On this day, it is acceptable for women to propose marriage to a man.

Well, for some women, but not for me.  There's no man in my life, so there's no man to propose marriage to.

At the YMCA/YWCA (Y) this morning, when I was there doing my pool work out, a fellow pool person who exercises around the same time as I usually do, told me of a circumstance in her life that has made her very happy.  It doesn't totally apply to Leap Day, but even so, I thought it was a very romantic story.  One suitable for writing about on this special day.

A while back, my pool friend was convinced by family members to join Facebook (F).  Her daughters helped her set up her account.  Within four (4) days, she told me she was contacted by a man.  This wasn't just any man.  He was special.  They had been in love, when they were younger.  For some reason they split up and their lives went in different directions.

In any case, their friendship was rekindled.  Then, one day, she arrived home, where her daughters who were visiting and waiting for her to arrive home, suggested she close her eyes, while they led her into her home.  She did.  When she was told to open her eyes, there before her, was a huge floral arrangement.  Yes, from this long lost, but newly reaquainted love.

Their relationship grew.  He moved from Victoria, BC, Canada and now lives here in Windsor, so they can be together. 

It's amazing to me that even though they hadn't seen each other since 1959, they still had deep, heartfelt feelings for each other.  But then, true love never dies.

Of course, to those who were born on February 29th, it's a different story.  They may celebrate their birthdays on another day of the month, but in reality, they only have one (1) anniversary of the day they were born (their birthday), every four (4) years.

Even though my grandson N wasn't born on the 29th, my family and I are celebrating N's birthday, today.  We weren't able to all be together a few days ago, so he celebrated with friends.  Today, was our family celebration. 

Here's a pic of N blowing out his birthday candles.  You may have noticed that I changed things this year.  One (1) candle for Happy Birthday and another for good luck!  No more setting off smoke detectors!  lol :-))

Happy Birthday, N!

Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Christian vs Denomination...

Although I wrote a little bit about this Lord's Day, I failed to mention what I wanted to tell you.  So, here it is!

On Sunday morning, on February 26th, I awoke after a much needed rest.  Even though my body wasn't hurting as badly as it had the day before, I was still experiencing some pain. 

If you've read recent Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries, you may be aware that I worked out in the YMCA/YWCA (Y) pool, after several weeks of not being able to do so, because their pool pump/filter system had broken down and needed replacing. 

As I said, although I was still in some pain, I got myself up and running.  Well, walking to be sure!

This morning, I had made up my mind to only worship at my church, and not attend any other churches.  There is a reason for this, but at this time, I cannot go into the reason why.  It's enough to say that I recently wrote about how upset I have been over an issue with a fellow Christian.

I wasn't aware that our senior pastor and his wife were away for the weekend, so I was rather surprised to see our associate pastor was scheduled to preach today's sermon and head today's worship service.

In any case, I enjoyed worshipping God.  As I always do.

While pastor spoke, I thought about what he was saying.  You'll probably think this is normal, but I rarely hear this pastor speak; it seemed like what he was saying was directed at me.

If you've been reading LwL lately, you'll be aware that I've had some heartbreaking trouble with some of my fellow church worshippers; I know, I should call them church family, but it has become evidently clear that I am not family to them.

During his sermon, he was encouraging us to have courage, to stand up for what is right, and to trust God that He will provide, regardless of the circumstances. 

Wow!  How wonderful it is that God knew I needed to hear this.

Isn't this what I've already been doing?  Yes!  And, because I have been doing this, I have been condemned by those who are not standing with me.  Oh well, as I have said before, I've forgiven them, pray for them and will do good to them.  Even if my heart is still broken.

After service was complete, friends came over to talk with me.  We yakked for a few minutes and I was invited to their home for a card making evening, next month.  In the past, some of us women have met in a group meeting at our church, in order to do this.  However, this time, we'll be at their home.  I'm looking forward to this!

Since our service ended earlier than normal, I was able to catch a radio programme, as I pulled away from where I was parked.  It is called, The Lutheran Hour. 

If you've been a reader of LwL for any length of time, I'm sure you are aware that when I am driving, I don't usually listen to music.  Instead, I prefer to listen to preachers speaking/teaching.  Today, was no different.

What was being spoken of, hit to the core of my soul.  Some might think this strange, because I worship at a Baptist church, yet I am open to listening to pastors/preachers speak from backgrounds different than my own. 

The truth is, I do not consider myself Baptist.  Nor any other denomination.  I am Christian, because I belong to Christ.  And, that my friend, is all there is to it.

In any case, Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus was speaking something that I believe everyone needs to hear.  Here is a link where you can listen.  Since it is not very long, I hope you'll listen to the whole broadcast, right to the very end. 

In case the link doesn't open up to today's sermon directly, please look for what was aired February 26, 2012, entitled, Repent.

I must say that this was one of the best preaching/teaching radio broadcasts I have heard in a while.  I was grateful to have heard it.

Hopefully, you enjoyed a blessed Lord's Day, today.  May God bless you, richly.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Disappointment and Encouragement, cont'd...

If you have not yet read yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I would suggest you do so.  This way, you'll know what I am writing about, without me having to rewrite much about this heartbreaking issue.

However, I will say that what happened shocked me, beyond belief.  It literally broke my heart.  And, hurt me, immensely.

It made me wonder if those in question were ever really my church family.  It made me feel like I don't fit in there, if they think so little of me.

Oh, but then again, reality came back to my mind.  The other person involved has credibility, being a friend of someone in authority in my church.

It made me feel sick to my stomach that after 18 years, I would ever be faced with a circumstance, like this one.

While this situation, in addition to the original problem, is heartbreaking, I realize that God believes I can handle it.  Otherwise, it wouldn't have happened.

After all, God's will is always done.  While He didn't create this situation, He certainly is in control of it.  For this, I am thankful.

Yes, I have already forgiven those involved.  Even if my heart is still broken.  Why would I do this?  Because, I am commanded of God to do this.  So are you!

Is it a simple thing to do?  To forgive and stand for what is right?  To stand for Christ?  Not really.  But, I do so, anyway.

After all, it's easy to stand for Christ and stand for what is right, when things go well.  Like when everything in life is going well.  When family is happy.  When no major problems are having to be dealt with.

The real truth comes out, when we are facing situations that could change how we react.  When we feel our lives are falling apart.

How did I react?  I am still standing for what is right.  And, standing for my Lord, Jesus Christ.  I've forgiven those who have hurt me, prayed for them, and am making an effort to do good to those who have dispitefully used me.

I'm making every effort to be obedient, to God as He told us to do, in His Word, the Bible.

This week, there was something I was grateful for.  A church friend of mine, who also had heard about this situation, prayed with me.  I thank you for this, friend.  This was very encouraging to me.

The fact is, when the original situation becomes resolved, the truth will come out.  Hopefully, it won't be long, before this happens.

Then, I can only wonder how those who were so eager to murder me with their mouths, will feel.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Disappointment and Encouragement...

Lately, my life has been filled with a mixture of disappointment and encouragement.  Truly, this is not very different from your life, as I am sure you experience this, as well, from time to time.

While I will not be addressing what the problem is, or any information regarding the issues at hand, I will say that I have felt rather affected by the whole thing.  I say the whole thing, because although there are two (2) issues at hand, they are interrelated.

Did they both begin as being interrelated?  No.  It began as one personal problem, that grew to become a church family problem due to the other person involved being a good friend of a person of authority in my church. 

It mattered not that I didn't speak to anyone regarding the problem I was having, for the other person involved his friend, who then involved several others of my church family.  I use that term loosely; church family, I mean.

While I thought they were my church family, I was absolutely shocked hearing something from my only church family member, that I told of this issue, before it became a major situation by the other person.  Last weekend, what I heard from her, was a report of an insult to my character.  An attack on my integrity.  A suggestion of dishonesty.  Made by some of my church family members.

Was I happy?  No.  To be honest, I lost it.  Literally, lost it.  My temper, I mean.  While I apologized to my friend for raising my voice and being upset, the pain in my heart stayed with me.

Wasn't it bad enough to have been highly stressed over the original problem over the past couple of months?  The problem that has yet to be resolved.  Obviously, not.  It seems there was much more pain and suffering to be had by me.

Of course, God ordained this; otherwise, it would never have happened.

While my thoughts over the past few weeks have been mixed, thinking that I should look for somewhere else to worship, part of me feels that I will not be chased away.  So, even if I have worshipped elsewhere over the past few weeks, I have made sure I have also worshipped at my own church.

However, when this assault on my character was told to me recently, my heart literally broke.

How could those involved ever made a remark like the one that was made?  After all, we have worshipped together for 18 years.  How could they ever have thought badly of me?  Don't they even know me, after 18 years?  How could they think so little of me?

I've said it before and I'll say it, again.  There is not much love in this world.

Certainly, not for me.  And, not for some of you, either.

That's why I am so very grateful for my Lord, Jesus Christ, who loved me so much, that He came to this earth, to fulfill God, our Father's plan of redemption for us.  To die, so that we won't have to suffer in hell, for eternity.  So that we can be with Him in heaven, for eternity.

If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord, and Saviour, please come to Christ, now.  You, like me, are not guaranteed tomorrow.  Do it, today.

If you need more information, please contact me.  May God bless you.

Please realize, there is more to be said, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.


Until next time...

If you would like to contact me, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

H.B. N! & Cup of Tea?

Before I begin today's entry, I would like to take the time to wish my grandson N, a very Happy Birthday!  We'll be gathering to celebrate this upcoming mid-week.

My goodness!  It's hard to believe I have fallen so far behind telling you about my comings and goings!

You may recall, if you've been reading Life with Lynnie (LwL) that I am a member of Windsor Book Club. 

Each month, we have a book we are to read, then we meet to discuss the book.  Lately, we've been meeting in the basement level of a church near the University of Windsor, where a coffee shop is housed.

This month, we reviewed Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen.

Some people have seen the movie, in addition to reading the book, but I have not.  Not yet, and maybe not ever, actually.

Most people seemed to like the book.  In fact, some people loved the book.  As for me, well I agree that it was a well-written book, and while I enjoyed the storyline, there was one thing I did not enjoy about the book. 

In my mind, I felt there was too much sin. 

In fact, not just too much sin, but the author went into great detail, when it came to parts of the book where sin was written about.  In my opinion, this was absolutely not necessary.

Some people truly enjoyed that aspect of the book.  The sin aspect, I mean.  As I've stated, I for one, did not.  While there may have been a time in my life when it wouldn't have bothered me at all, to read the graphic details of someone's sin, today, it does. 

Even though the book was not my cup of tea, I still enjoy reading, meeting with my group friends and having discussions about the book of the month. 

Yes, I look forward to it, every month... and am looking forward to next month's meeting.  I've already read the book we'll be discussing next month, but you'll have to wait until after our meeting, for me to tell you about it!

Now, back to the idea of not enjoying the sinful parts of the book.  Think I'm a prude, now?  Well, I'm not.

Being a person who has been around the block, in the past, I am well aware what is out there, in the world.  And, to be truthful, I wouldn't give you two (2) cents for it.

I'm so very grateful God saved me, through the shed blood of my Lord, Jesus Christ. 

And, I am so very thankful that I have become a new creature, as spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Who can attest to this being the truth?  Anyone who knew me, before I recommitted my life to Christ.

Now, I am different.  Very different.  Yet, very much the same, in some ways.  I'm still a very loving person, who cares about people.  One who reaches out to touch others, especially in their need.

Am I boasting?  No.  I am only stating fact, so that anyone who doesn't know me personally, will understand who I am.

Who am I? 

I am a child of God.  A sinner, saved by grace (alone), through faith (alone), in Christ (alone).  Nothing more.  Nothing less.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

No Running & No Hiding...

If you've been reading recent entries in Life with Lynnie (LwL), you'll be aware that I spoke and sang at my church's 50+ group luncheon, on Wednesday, February 15th.

You'll also be aware that I spoke with regards to love.  God's love.

The point I wish to discuss today, is that people can say they know God.  They can say they know Jesus.  They know what's right and what's wrong.  They can speak from head knowledge, having read and even possibly studied God's Word, the Bible. 

However, if they don't have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, all their knowledge is useless.  It's not just a matter of knowing Jesus, but even more importantly, it is a matter of Him knowing us! 

There's truly no running and no hiding from God.  He knows everything about us, especially the condition of our hearts.

Do people really know God, if their hearts are not right with Him?  Can they really say they know Jesus?  Or, do they actually mean that they know of Jesus, about Him, without having a personal relationship with him?

God tells us in his Word, in John 3:7, "Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again."

God told us this for a reason.  It's not enough to just be here on earth and learning about Jesus Christ; we must trust in Him. 

After all, God loved us, so much that He made a plan of redemption for us.  John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

And, when Jesus came to earth, He came knowing that He was fulfilling God's plan of redemption for us.  He tells us so, in Romans 6:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  And, continues on in verse 9, telling us, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

This is true love.  Love that we can only receive from God, not from humans.  Love for us, that never fails.

Love, a matter of the heart.  A matter of the heart, that is the heart of the matter.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

A Matter of the Heart...

Well, hopefully you aren't surprised that I've been writing in Life with Lynnie (LwL), about love.  It is, after all, the famous love month of Valentine's Day.

If you've been reading LwL lately, you'll know that I spoke and sang to my church's 50+ group, on Wednesday, February 15th.  One song I sang, you may want to check out, in yesterday's entry.

Another song I sang was Oh How He Loves You and Me.  Here is a Youtube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gdxh8opQJY as well as the lyrics:

Oh How He Loves You and Me

O how He loves you and me
O how He loves you and me
He gave His life, what more could He give?

O how He loves you
O how He loves me
O how He loves you and me

Jesus to Calvary did go
His love for mankind to show
What He did there brought hope from despair

O how He loves you
O how He loves me
O how He loves you and me

As for what I spoke about, well I'm sure you can guess that I spoke about God's love.  Probably not as you might suspect, though.

Yes, I mentioned that God told us in 1John 4:8, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

In addition, I spoke with regards to 1Corinthians, chapter 13, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

But, the passage that I tried to focus on most, was Acts 15:8, "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;".

As you probably have guessed, I'll finish up, tomorrow...


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Love Me, For Me...

Before I begin today's entry, I would like to say that had my parents been still alive, today would have been their wedding anniversary.  No point in wishing them Happy Anniversary, but it was on my mind.

If you read my day-before-yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, you'll know that I wrote about love, being a many splendored thing.  And, about how life can be lonely, when there is no love in your life.

But, as I mentioned at the end of that entry, the love that means the most to me, is God's love.

Of course, without it, there would be no love in my life.  Oh, I am not saying that family doesn't love me, for I am sure there is some love, there. 

However, the truth is, that many of us, go through life, experiencing trial after trial, with not much love, to balance out the celebration of life.

J.J. Heller, sings a song that describes what I am saying, called Who Will Love Me For Me:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWKkdgyJ_NI

Who Will Love Me For Me (aka:  Love me)

Songwriters: DANIEL ASH, KEVIN HASKINS, DAVID J. HASKINS

He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He’s the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night, “Dear God won’t you please
Could you send someone here who will love me?”

Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means

Her office is shrinking a little each day
She’s the woman whose husband has run away
She’ll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would’ve stayed
And she says…

Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means

He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone
He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
“Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home”

Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said
“I know you’ve murdered and I know you’ve lied
I have watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you’ll listen, I’ll tell you that I...”

I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew;
...Love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew

You may have heard me mention this song in the past, but on Wednesday, I sang this, when I spoke and sang at my church's 50+ group luncheon.

As you might have guessed, there is still more for me to say.  So, I ask for your patience. 


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

A Many Splendored Thing...

As you know, I've commented on recent Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries, about writing stuff that I wanted to post just after Valentine's Day.  Well, I'm finally doing this!

Hopefully, you enjoyed the one day of the year where love is celebrated around the world.

Hopefully, you had someone to celebrate this special love day, with.

Several Facebook (FB) friends of mine wished me Happy Valentine's Day, just as I did you.  It's always nice to be remembered by those you care for and about.

After all, love is special.

Oh, I know, when you love someone, you should celebrate the love you share, each and every day of your life.  And, those who actually have someone to love, do this. 

While others, can only dream.

A song came to mind, as the day progressed.  It was an oldie, but goodie, entitled Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.  Many have recorded this song, but here is a link to Andy Williams' version:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuBGHWAo2tw  and here are the lyrics:

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing

Love is a many splendored thing
It's the April rose
That only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving
A reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king

Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed
And the world stood still
Then your fingers touched
My silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's
A many splendored thing

Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed
And the world stood still
Then your fingers touched
My silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's
A many splendored thing

On a day like Valentine's Day, how can anyone who lives in today's world not think of human love? 

One FB friend in particular, chatted with me and told me that he is lonely.  I let him know I understood and agreed with him, that life can be quite lonely.  After all, when you are alone and have no one to love or be loved by, this world is a lonely place.

That's why, I no longer look to anyone or anything in this world, for love and/or happiness.

God is the most important person in my life.  As I wrote about in the poem I wrote and published in yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, there is no love that can compare.

I have more that I would like to say about this, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

More About Z & Knobby's Kids...

If you haven't yet read yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, please do so.  It will give you background, that you'll need to better understand today's entry.

This year, P was able to arrange for Z to play with the Knobby's Kids group.  For anyone who is not aware of what the Knobby's Kids group is, here is a link where you can read about it and the good work it does for the community.

It did my heart good, to watch my grandson Z, practicing and playing hockey with his teammates, assisted by the many volunteers who give their time and energy for all who benefit.

Something I must mention, is that there are a few supporters, who give to this cause, also.  Tim Horton's coffee shops, in the Windsor area, provide hot coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for all who want some.  In addition, they provide Tim Bits, those tasty little donut balls, for all the kids in attendance, after each session for the various age groups.

What a blessing this is!

Volunteers had photos of each player, ready for parents to pick up.  Complimentary, of course.  Another blessing, to be sure!

Today, was a special day, though.

From time to time, various sponsors are honoured at the end of the ice time.  Today, was one of those days.

After Z's hockey time was completed, and before another age group began, most of the players gathered on the ice, along with some of the volunteers. 

A special guest joined them, on the ice.  A representative from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

A Knobby's Kids volunteer receives a donation cheque from RBC in the amount of $5,000!

Yes, you read correctly.  RBC donated $5,000 to Knobby's Kids! 

This means that next year, RBC's donation, along with donations from other sponsors, as well as fund-raising funds will enable these children who love to play hockey, to be able to participate, once again.  Praise God!  Thank You, Jesus!

These volunteers need to be honoured more than what people realize.  When I think back, to how many young boys and young men were helped by the efforts of my dad and brother, it brings tears to my eyes.

Giving these children something to look forward to, something to work for, something to keep them off the streets, by encouraging and teaching them that they have value and are worthy, means there will be less chance of any going astray.  What a blessing!

If you would like to donate to Knobby's Kids, please contact them through their website:  http://knobbyskids.com/ .  I'm sure they would be grateful to hear from you.  May God bless you, for any prayer and support you can offer.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Z & Knobby's Kids...

As some of you know, if you've been reading Life with Lynnie (LwL) for a while, I had been going Saturday mornings, to work out in the pool at the YMCA/YWCA (Y), for 8:00 a.m.

If you've been reading LwL entries, you'll also know that the pool was shut for the last few weeks, due to the pump and filter system breaking down.  Hopefully, it will reopen, soon.

With yesterday being Saturday, it also meant that my grandson Z was attending hockey practice time, that includes short games among team members.  Also, at 8:00 a.m. 

Yes, I had been once before, but with being ill off and on, I didn't go to watch again, until yesterday.  No; I'm not 100% yet, but I thought about how the season was to end in a couple of weeks, and realized that well or not, I had to force myself to go and stand/sit out in the cold to watch Z.

As you probably are aware, my daughter P has Lupus.  Being disabled, it is financially impossible to have Z play in a traditional league.  Still, he loves playing hockey.  I'm sure he inherited this trait from my family!

Believe it or not, I recall my now deceased brother Glenn crying, a couple of years or so ago.  He was shedding tears, because he was so very sad that Z could not play hockey. 

Glenn's heart was breaking, while he let me know how terrible it was that Dick Rutter's great-grandson couldn't play organized hockey. 

You see, Dick Rutter was Glenn's and my dad.  Not only was he instrumental in getting his local hockey arena built, but he coached hockey for many, many years.  He even created a video library about how to goal-tend. And, he hadn't worked alone.  My brother Glenn, coached with him.

After my dad died, Don Cherry held a memorial hockey tournament at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the NHL used to play. 

For 13 years after that, a memorial weekend tournament was played at the local arena, where my dad and brother coached hockey.  In fact, had my mom not requested the tournaments be cancelled or at least renamed to honour someone else, this weekend would have been the weekend of the tournament.

So, yes.  While it was nice that Z played organized hockey for one (1) year, a few years ago, it was rather sad that Z wasn't able to play hockey, for the last few years.

That's why I was so grateful that P was able to enroll Z in the Knobby's Kids league, here in Windsor, Ontario.  I praise God for this group of volunteers!

More about Knobby's Kids, tomorrow.  For today, here's some pics of my grandson, Z!

Here's Z, as he's skating.  I tried taking more shots, but most turned out blurry, because he was skating so fast!

Z, after his hockey time at Lanspeary Park, outdoor rink!

Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Courage & Courageous!

I know.  I've been putting off posting some stuff on Life with Lynnie (LwL) that I wrote to be used around Valentine's Day.  I apologize, but I know I need to put it off for a few more days.

This week, being Valentine's week, hasn't been a very fun week.  As you can probably guess, it can be a very depressing time, to those who have no one to love.

I found that friends felt the same way I did.  Both real life friends and Facebook (FB) friends.  See, I'm not really alone!

Those of us who are saved, are never really alone, anyway.  For we belong to Jesus Christ.  And, God loves us, so we are never truly without love.

Even so, it was a rather trying week.

Of course, being sick didn't help any.  A few of my friends have been sick, too.  One, who is also widowed, was feeling rather depressed and let me know this.  In fact, they were talking as I have sometimes done, wishing our Lord, would take them home.

Although I felt rather down myself, I found myself encouraging others.  Lifting them up in any way I could and praying for them.  After all, when all is said and done, it truly take courage to make it through this life, especially through trying times.

On Monday evening, since I seemed to feel somewhat improved physically, I met with my group members of our Windsor Book Club.  As per normal, we reviewed the book we all had read this past month, Water for Elephants.  Here is a link for you to read more about this book.

Besides feeling somewhat better healthwise, I felt the need to get out of my home and do something good for myself.  This helped, immensely!

As you know, Valentine's Day evening was spent celebrating a birthday.

But, after being out two evenings and speaking and singing at church on Wednesday, when I still wasn't feeling up to snuff, I found myself once again feeling rather ill.  So, for the rest of the week, I stayed in.  At least until Friday. 

Not only did I work from home this week, but on Friday, I actually went out and showed property.  By the time I arrived home, I was absolutely exhausted.

While resting at home, I got a call from my daughter B.  Her son, my grandson, J wanted to go with me to my church, where they were showing the movie, Courageous.  Here is a link to find out more about the film, and here is a Youtube video, so you can view the trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs

Even though I wasn't feeling the best, I got myself together, picked J up and off we went.  Since we left rather late, I hoped we wouldn't miss the opening scenes, but unfortunately, we missed most of one extremely good parts of the movie.

However, I was glad we caught a glimpse of the part I knew in my heart, J would like.  And, he did!

In fact, I watched him jump around in his seat, eager with excitement, throughout parts of the movie.  Without him telling me, I knew he enjoyed it.  Although, he did tell me later, that he loved the film! 

I was happy, because truly, I had been disappointed that the rest of my family had not come with us to see it.  I believe it is a film that everyone should see, especially boys, men, husbands and fathers.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Bring It On!

As you may be aware, if you've been reading Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries, I spoke and sang at my church's 50+ group luncheon. 

For some reason, afterwards, I felt like I was once again becoming ill.  Either that, or the virus I had been battling, was leaving.  Only time will tell.

Throughout the evening, I felt absolutely exhausted.

In fact, as I sat in my comfy recliner chair, I once again, could not keep my eyes open.  The television progamme could not keep me awake.  Certainly, reading didn't, either.

Once I could finally wake myself up enough to feel alert, I made my way to bed.  I think I was asleep, before my head hit the pillow.  To be honest, I can't recall!  I was out, like a light.

And, did I dream!

As I have mentioned in some past LwL entries, ever since my husband died, I rarely dream.  Why this happens, I have no idea. 

However, when I slept that night, I dreamt like there was no tomorrow! 

While I do not recall everything about the dream, I recall that the situation I faced was rather stressful.  My husband, Gordon was not to be found after the beginning of my dream.  Somehow, it seemed I was lost and unable to find my way.

Every time I tried to find a way to access and exit, from where I was lost, I would try to make my way, but would find myself at another dead end.  Then, something happened to my rings.

My wedding and engagement rings, for some reason, broke.  They broke into pieces.  Pieces that I had trouble even finding.  Once I located some of the broken, missing pieces, I tried and tried to put my rings together. 

All this effort was all for nought.  No matter how I tried, it just couldn't be done.  My rings couldn't be healed and reformed back into their original state.

This may sound silly, but when I awoke on Thursday morning, I felt rather frustrated.  Thinking about this dream, I kind of related to my life.

My life is broken.  And, it cannot be put back together.  At least, my life, as I knew it, cannot be put back together.

Even so, I am trusting God.  I'm trusting that He has a plan for me.  After all, He told us in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So Lord, whenever You are ready, so am I.  Bring on my future, please Lord!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Speaking & Singing...

Once more, I must delay posting what I originally wrote for yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, because I felt I should write and post this entry, first.

If you've been reading LwL over the past couple of weeks, you'll know that I have battled being sick.  It seems that the battle continues, even though there are times I feel like I've won the battle.  It just keeps returning, over and over, even though I have times when I feel like I'm healed.  Any prayer for me, would be appreciated!  Thank you.  May God bless you...

Wednesday, February 15th, was the third (3rd) Wednesday of the month.  That's 50+ group luncheon time, at my church!

Over the past couple of weeks, the whole time I was sick, and not just at my worst, I had been praying that God would heal me.  I was scheduled to speak and sing, for the group.

As the time grew closer, I seemed to be healing.  By Wednesday morning, I was grateful that I felt like I was healed and was thanking my Lord!

Arriving with my contribution to lunch in hand, I found a seat and made sure I was prepared with my notes.  When it came time for my presentation, I could feel heaviness in my lungs, once again, in addition to my sinus' feeling full, once again.

Yes, I prayed, silently.  God positively answered my prayer.  He helped me throughout both the speaking and singing.  Praise God!  Thank You, Jesus!

Then afterwards, I once again began feeling like I needed to cough.  And, cough I did.  It wasn't bad, really.  I was able to control it, by sipping water.

Later, I had some work to do, and some stops to make on my way home.  By the time I reached home and finally had a chance to relax, I began sneezing.

Lord!  Once again, I felt like I was receiving an instant replay of my respiratory problem, since I began sneezing and literally, could not stop.  When I say I must have sneezed 20 or more times in a row.  No, I didn't count them!  Really.  lol :(

How shocking!  Over the last couple of days, I had felt great!  Now, I feel like I'm back to needing healing again.  I have since stopped sneezing, but now feel flushed.  My face is burning.  And, my sinus' feel like I'm going to once again sneeze.

Since what goes down into me from my head, must come up once again, I am praying that these symptoms are just a sign of this virus/ailment leaving me, now and not returning, once again.

I pray you are healthier than me.  And, even though God healed me in time to honour Him with speaking and singing, I pray that now I am once again feeling ill, I won't have infected anyone!

So, I'll just say... bye for now.  And, I'll trust God for total, restorative healing.  Blessings, friend.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

London, Ontario & H. B. K!

Originally, I planned to write about something else in today's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry.  But, that was before yesterday happened!

Of course, yesterday was Valentine's Day.  Hopefully, you enjoyed the day.  Or, at least made it through!

In addition to being Valentine's Day, yesterday was also another important day.  At least, to my family.  To be specific, my daughter P and her family.

It was P's boyfriend, K's birthday.  Happy Birthday, K!

Unfortunately, K didn't get a chance to spend his special day, in the way he may have wished to enjoy his special day.  Instead, he went to London, Ontario, with my daughter P, as she needed to see a specialist, there. 

To be honest, I am happy and grateful that P went to London, to see a doctor, there; in my opinion, this was a true blessing.  As you know, P is Rheumatoid Arthritic and has Lupus.  Over the last few months, she has not felt well and has had to receive blood transfusions. 

I praise God He provided a good physician for P.  He changed her meds, letting her know that the previous meds may have been contributing to the bone marrow problems she has been experiencing.  Hopefully, these new meds will make a difference.  Please pray for P.  Thank you.  May God bless you, for this.

Being Valentine's Day, I visited my daughter B and her family.  Of course, my grandchildren were happy to receive the sweet treats I brought with me, to celebrate my love for them.  B, was happy, too!  They all love chocolate!

Afterwards, since P and K had returned to Windsor, I made my way over to P's, to visit.  Some of my grandchildren were there, but some were not.

In any case, we celebrated K's birthday!  Here's a pic, taken just after K blew out his birthday candles.  Notice that the birthday cake I made for him, wasn't overwhelmed with candles.  P suggested I write his age on the cake, and just use one candle to wish him Happy Birthday and one candle, for good luck.  So, that's what I did!

Happy Birthday, K!

Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day

I have no Valentine,

I have no love,

except what comes

from my Lord, above.

No one to have,

no one to hold,

to spend my time with

as I grow old.

But, life is more

than flesh and blood.

I'm grateful for

my Lord, above.

He loves me,

He protects me,

He died for me,

to provide for me.

The same might be said

of you my friend,

for Jesus will love you

'til the very end.

Just trust in Him with all your heart,

and lean not unto your own understanding,

for there's no other name under heaven by which

a man can be saved, notwithstanding.

© Copyright Lynn McKenzie February 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

May God bless you

with a day filled with love...

Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com 

You're Timeless to Me & Without Love...

Hopefully, you were able to access the link I posted in yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, to the song I Know Where I've Been, from the movie/musical Hairspray.  If you did, I'm sure you'll agree with me that was a great song.

Another song I enjoyed from the musical reflected how life changes and how people change as they age, but was representative of how true love never fades.  The song is entitled, You're Timeless to Me sung by Christopher Walken and John Travolta.  Here is a Youtube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3hpahkYAFY

In case you cannot access the link, here are the lyrics:

You're Timeless to Me (written by Marc Shaimann and Scott Wittman)

Wilbur:styles keepa changin
the worlds rearrangin
but edna your timeless to me
hemlines are shorter
a beer costs a quarter
but time cannot take what comes free
your like a stinky old cheese babe
just gettin riper with age
your like a fatal disease babe
but theres no cure
so let this fever rage
some folks cant stand it
say time is like a bandit
but i take the opposite view
cause when i need a lift
time brings a gift
another day with you
a twist or a waltz
its all the same schmaltz
with just a change in the scenery
you'll never be old hat
thats that!
you're timeless to me
Edna:Oh Wilbur i love you!
fads keep a fadin'
castros invading
but wilber you're timeless to me
hairdos are higher
mine feels like barbed wire
but you say im chic as can be!
you're like a rare vintage ripple
a vintage they'll never forget
so pour me a teeny weenie triple
and we can toast the fact
we aint dead yet!
i cant stop eating
you're hairline's receding
and soon you'll have nothing at all
so you'll wear a wig
while i roast a pig
hey! pass the geritol!
glenn miller had brass
that chubby checker's a gas
but they all pass eventually
you'll never be passe
hip horray!
you're timeless to me!
(Musical Interlude)
Wilbur:you're like a broken down Chevy
Edna:all i need is a fresh coat of paint
Wilbur:and edna,
you got me goin hot and heavy
you're fat and old
but baby
boring you ain't!
Both:some folks dont get it
but we never fret it
cause we know that time
is our friend
yeah, its plain to see
that you're stuck with me
until the bitter end
and we got a kid
who's blowin the lid
off the turnblad family tree
Edna:you'll always hit the spot
BIG SHOT!
you're timeless to me
Wilbur:you'll always be du jour
mon amour
you're timeless to me
Edna:you'll always be first string
Wilbur:Ring-a-ding-ding!
Both:you're timeless to me
Edna:you're timeless to me
Wilbur:you're timeless to me
Both:you're timeless to me.
*******

I apologize for the length of today's entry, but I must post the final song I intend to tell you about.  It's entitled Without Love, and is sung by a variety of singers in the movie/musical.  Here's a Youtube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsAcsX_tcsA

Once again, if you can't access the above link, here are the lyrics:

Without Love (written by  Marc Shaimann & Scott Wittman)

LINK: Once i was a selfish fool
Who never understood
never looked inside myself
Though on the outside, i looked good!
Then we met and you made me
The man i am today
Tracy, i'm in love with you
No matter what you weigh
'Cause...
LINK - TRACY(& ENSEMBLE)Without love
Life is like the seasons with
No summer
Without love
Life is rock 'n' roll without
A drummer
Tracy, i'll be yours forever
'Cause I never wanna be
Without love
Tracy, never set me free
No, i ain't lyin'
Never set me free, Tracy,
No, no, no!!
SEAWEEDLiving in the ghetto
Black is everywhere ya go
Who'd 've thought i'd love a girl
With skin as white as winter's snow
PENNYIn my ivory tower
Life was just a hostess snack
But now i've tasted chocolate
And i'm never going back
PENNY & SEAWEED & ENSEMBLE'Cause without love
Life is like a beat that you can't follow
Without love
Life is doris day at the Apollo
Darling, i'll be yours forever
'Cause i never wanna be
Without love
So darlin never set me free
PENNY & SEAWEEDOh, I'm yours forever
Never set me free
PENNY & SEAWEED & ENSEMBLENo, no, no!
LINKIf i'm left without my babydoll
I don't kno wat ill do
TRACYLink, i've got to break out
So that i can get my hands on you
SEAWEEDAnd girl, if i can't touch you
and i'm gonna lose control
PENNYSeaweed, you're my black white knight
I've found my blue-eyed soul
SEAWEED & ENSEMBLESweet freedom is our goal
LINKTrace, i wanna kiss ya!
TRACYLet me out at the next toll
ALL'Cause without love
SEAWEEDLife is like a prom that won't invite us
ALLWithout love
LINKLife's getting my big break and laryngitis
ALLWithout love
PENNYLife's a '45' when you can't buy it
ALLWithout love
TRACYLife is like my mother on a diet
ALLLike a week that's only mondays
Only ice cream never sundaes
Like a circle with no center
Like a door marked "do not enter!"
Darlin i'll be yours forever
'Cause i never wanna be
Without love
now you've captured me
without love
I surrender happily
without love
Seaweed never set me free
no no no
I ain't lying
never set me free
no no no
no i don't wanna live
without love
Darlin you have best believed me,
never leave me
without love!
*******

What can I say?  Love makes the world go 'round, or at least that's what some people say.  No one wants to be left alone, without love.  At least, no one I know.  Unfortunately, some of us are.

As if it's not bad enough about being left alone, without love, tomorrow is the biggest love day of the year.  Valentine's Day.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

I Know Where I've Been...

In yesterday's Life with Lynnie (Lwl) entry, I wrote about watching the movie:  Hairspray, starring John Travolta.  I also mentioned about how hard I laughed at it.  And, about how I loved the music.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that music is part of me.  Melodies are of great importance to me, but lyrics are like the icing on the cake!

Throughout my life, I've always wanted to write music.  With not having any musical training, I never learned how to properly read music, never mind write it!

Nor, have I ever learned to play an instrument.  Although, I must say, that if I had a choice, I would probably want to learn to play piano.

That's a dream that probably will never come true, so I won't add it to my bucket list. 

As you are probably aware, I now live in an apartment building, with a great view I hope to never leave behind.  Consequently, learning to play piano will probably never happen, even if the sound of today's music output can now be audibly controlled, as opposed to years ago.  Why?  No room for a piano!  :(

Even so, I enjoy music.  It's a part of me that will never die.

And, the music from Hairspray, was wonderful.  Although I enjoy all the music, there were three (3) songs that stuck out in my mind.

The song I decided to give a link to, is entitled:  I Know Where I've Been, sung by Queen Latifah.  Here's a Youtube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OVyoScw2a4

In case you cannot access the link, I'll post here the lyrics:

I Know Where I've Been (written by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman)

There's a light in the darkness
Though the night is black as my skin
There's a light burning bright showing me the way
But I know where I've been
There's a cry in distance
It's a voice that comes from deep within
There's a cry asking why
I pray the answer's up ahead, yeah
'cause I know where I've been
There's a road we've been travellin'
Lost so many on the way
But the riches will be plenty
With the price, the price we had to pay
There's a dream in the future
There's a struggle that we have yet to win
And there's pride in my heart
'cause I know where I'm going, yes I do
And I know where I've been, yeah
There's a road we must travel
There's a promise that we must make
Oh but the riches will be plenty
Worth the risk and the chances that we take
There's a dream in the future
There's a struggle that we have yet to win
Use that pride in our hearts
To lift us up to tomorrow
'cause just to sit still would be a sin
Lord knows I know where I've been
Oh, when we win
I'll give thanks to my God
'cause I know where I've been

Thank You, Lord... that I know where I've been... and I know where I'm going!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Laughed, Almost Uncontrollably!

Okay, I will finish up telling you about what else I did as I was recovering from being sick.  If you weren't aware I have been ill, you may want to read recent Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries.

You'll probably laugh when you read this, but I watched television.  You're probably thinking to yourself... of course you did, Lynn!  Well, it was one more thing I did.

In addition, I watched movies.

First, I watched some old movies.  Classics.  The oldies, that were and still are considered romantic for their era, are some of my favourites. 

I enjoy movies with some old-time actors, like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.  These are people who not only had an onscreen love for each other, but also real-life love.

Yes, of course, watching movies of this sort can be sad, during parts of the movie.  Yes, they make me feel sad at times, because I know that there is no love for me, in this world, anymore.

Still, I enjoy the passion that exudes onscreen.  Passion that isn't necessarily exhibited by means of nudity and/or being so sexually implicit that it leaves nothing to the viewer's imagination.

Then, I also watched some newer movies.  Maybe I should have said, less old movies.  Some I had seen, previously and some I hadn't.

Hairspray, was one.

Never before had I watched that movie.  I don't really know why; I just hadn't.

The version I watched was the one starring John Travolta.  Here's a link to Wikipedia, where you can read about it:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairspray_(2007_film)

As I began watching the movie, I wondered where John Travolta was.  At first, I didn't see him.  Not that he's one of my favourite actors, although I do think he's a good actor. 

Still, I didn't see him at first, so I thought possibly he was going to have a late entry into the movie.

Not so!  I laughed almost uncontrollably, when I realized the part he was playing.  Be still my heart!  No, I won't tell you about it, if you don't already know, because I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.

I will say this:  if you don't laugh as hard as I did over some of the scenes, I'd be surprised.

Being a musical, one would naturally think the music would be good.  Well, I thought it was wonderful!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Other Things...

Some of you, who have read recent Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries, might be wondering what I did with my time, when I was ill and couldn't sleep.  Well, that's what I will tell you, today.

I didn't read much.  I will say that.  Why?  Well, when my head is hurting beyond belief and my sinus' hurt, the last thing I want to do is try to focus on the written page. 

Of course, with all the aching in my body, including my arms, the last thing I want to do is even physically hold a book in my hands.

Even so, as I began to feel I was improving, I did read a little.  I read my Bible, off and on for a few minutes at a time.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I read through my Bible, annually.  I don't keep track of where I should be at this point in time, but I will say that I have just finished Numbers.  The next book of God's Word in my reading future, is of course, Deuteronomy.

But, with all that awake/alert time, I did other things. 

Even though I didn't have much energy, I found myself doing small things around my home.  Nothing major, but little things, like tidying this, or dusting that.  While it didn't amount to much at any one given time, later I was grateful I had pushed myself to not just sit and stare out onto my view from my apartment.

Although, I must admit, I love the view I have.  And, for me, the best part is that I don't have to do anything or go anywhere to look out, onto what I consider to be one of the most relaxing views I could have.

My recliner chair is located immediately next to the sliding door that leads to my balcony.  All I have to do is look out from where I am seated, to enjoy it.  Thank You, Lord!

While this pic is not a view from where I am usually seated, but it is represenatative of what I look out onto, on a daily basis:

Yes, this is a summer view...

...as is this one.

Okay, I'll admit it.  Those pics were taken a couple of summers ago.  However, at this time, we have no snow.  Other than the boats not being there, these views are basically what I see, now (without the green tree leaves, of course).

If we had snow at this time, my view might look like this pic, also taken a couple of years ago, during a winter with snow:

... but, we don't have snow, this year.  Just one more reason to be thankful!  lol :-))  Blessings, friend.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Leave Me, Now!

As you would already know, if you've been reading Life with Lynnie (LwL) as of late, I've been sick.

Going from feeling so ill and tired I couldn't keep my eyes open, to the opposite end of the scale, to where I couldn't even obtain a moment's sleep, due to taking medication that had an opposite effect on me, made me feel like I was on a roller-coaster ride!  Sort of like being all black and all white, without any gray, inbetween.

Even so, God has been with me.  He helped me, and has provided a measure of healing for me.  And, for this, I am grateful.  Thank You, Lord!

Does this mean I am healed?  No.  I am not fully healed.

Still, after feeing greatly improved, I thought about going out to get done what I felt I needed to do.  I was in two minds about this. 

Firstly, thoughts ran through my mind about making myself sicker again, by going outside.  I don't want this, because I need to be healed by Saturday.  You'll find out why, at a later time.

Then, I wondered if I am contagious.  After some prayer and thought, I decided I probably wasn't at this stage of the healing process. 

After sorting out my situation, I made the decision to go out and do what I felt I needed to do.  I must say that it felt good going outside, feeling the cold on my face, breathing in the refreshing cool air.

A couple hours after arriving home, I wondered if I had done the right thing.  Once again began to feel exhausted and felt some symptoms returning.

Then, I realized that this is usually what happens to me, during the healing process.  Believe it or not, this is usually the way I heal.  What goes down, must go up, again.  Meaning that whenever I get sick with something that begins with a sinus problem, it usually goes to my lungs and as I heal, it seems to go back up to my head again, before it leaves.

Believe me when I say that I am praying this is exactly what is happening to me, now.

Last night, I slept well.  Praise God! 

Today, I am breathing somewhat easier.  My lungs aren't as tight as they were, and as I am feeling improvement, my head is beginning to feel the effects, once again.  Yes, Lord!  Let this leave me, now!

Okay, so that remark sounds dramatic.  If you knew me better, you'd know that I am just grateful that it seems this virus is on its way out!  After all, today is Thursday.  And, I must be feeling back to snuff by Saturday!

Once again, I thank you for being a blessing to me by praying for me.  May God bless you, my friend.  I appreciate you, more than you know.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Awake... Alert... Repeat...

After dozing and sleeping, as I wrote about in yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I managed to get myself up for a while.  Even so, all I did was doze in my comfy, recliner.

By Sunday afternoon, the medication I had begun taking to help me feel better, began to work on me in a way different than it affects most people, I'm sure.

For some reason, medications of this sort seem to react on me differently than they are supposed to.  This is one reason why I rarely take them.

Instead of relaxing me and helping me to rest, in an effort to assist my body in healing more quickly, it wakes me up.

Yes, it is true.  While most people take these sort of meds and are off to never never land, I am not one of the crowd.  I totally wake up.

Once it gets into my system, there's no changing it.

Throughout the evening, I was wide awake.  Throughout the night, I was wide awake.  In fact, I never had even a moment's sleep, throughout Sunday night.

No matter how I tried to relax, it just wasn't enough for me to doze off.

Any normal person would probably be exhausted by morning.  And then, hopefully sleep.  Not me!

Nope.  No sleep Sunday night, nor throughout the day on Monday.  The evening was the same; no dozing, no sleep.

Believe me when I say, I did not take any more of the medication.  I think if I had I would have been up for a week!  lol :)

Monday night, well let's just say I rambled throughout my apartment for most of the night, in an effort to wear myself out.  Yes, I did this, even though I was still sick.

Well after 6:00 a.m., I was finally tired.  I climbed into bed and prayed God would help me sleep.  It took a while, but I finally drifted off, for a couple of hours.  Thank You, Lord for answered prayer!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Doze... Sleep... Repeat...

If you've read recent Life with Lynnie (LwL) entries, you'll know that I've been sick.

After the funeral on Saturday, of my real estate partner/friend C's daughter J, I had an hour or two (2) of feeling okay, once again.  Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks!

Not only could I hardly breathe, but I suffered with headache.  Not to mention sore ears, nose and throat.  Even my lungs hurt.  And, it felt like every muscle and joint in my body hurt from head to toe. 

Aside from the pain, I was very tired.  In fact, I could hardly keep my eyes open.  While seated in my recliner chair, I didn't see much of anything being viewed on the television.

Eventually, I awoke enough to go take a nap in bed.  After a couple hours, I awoke and once again returned to my livingroom. 

Some might ask why I did this and didn't just stay in bed.  Well, the fact is, if I lay down too long, my spine not only hurts, but it is difficult to even walk, so I made sure I got myself up, walked around my home for a short time, before returning to my comfy livingroom.

By the time bedtime came, I felt like I had already had a night's sleep!  Even so, I once again climbed between my sheets and literally passed out.

Believe it or not, I didn't set my alarm clock.  I knew when I was about to close my eyes, that there was no way I was going to push myself to get up in the morning, if I didn't feel good.

Even so, I did awake early enough for church and got up.  I wasn't feeling any better.  In fact, I felt even worse, if it could possibly be the case.  Of course, any time a person has fever, it's never nice.

You know I must be sick, when I do not go worship my God!  Throughout Sunday, all I did was relax, doze and sleep. 

However, I did make sure I took sinus/cold medication to help me breathe. 

It took me a while to locate it, because I rarely use anything of this sort.  But one of my daughter's had needed this medication a while ago, so I had bought some, just in case she or the rest of my family needed some on short notice. 

Although it had been purchased in case my family needed it, I was grateful I had it on hand.  To be sure, it helped me.

For this, I am grateful!  Thank You, Jesus!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

H B, H! Funeral & Sick, Really...Sick...

Before I forget to mention this, I want to wish my friend H, who lives (with her husband, N) in Milton, Ontario, a very Happy Birthday!  I pray God will bless you and N throughout your time away on holiday and provide you with travelling mercies.

As I mentioned in yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, by the time I left Tim Horton's on Friday night, I was feeling rather sickly.  However, when I awoke Saturday morning, I seemed to feel okay.

As I mentioned previously in another entry, my real estate partner/friend C's daughter J died; her funeral was Saturday. 

My heart goes out to him and his family.  Not just because they lost a family member, but mainly because it is unnatural for a parent to bury a child.

C's heart is broken, as I am sure you can imagine.  Much like anyone would feel, who walked a mile in his shoes, he felt helpless. 

Please pray for C.  Between his own health concerns, and now grieving the loss of his daughter, along with grieving the loss of his wife, he needs all the prayer he can receive.  Thank you.  May God bless you...

The funeral service was typical of today's lifestyle most people live.  It was held at the funeral home, rather than at a church.  A pastor from a local church officiated.

The service itself was lovely.  One of J's friends gave a eulogy.  A cousin of J's played violin at various times throughout the service, including a time when her mom, J's aunt, gave a eulogy, as well.

In my opinion, what J's aunt said was the lovliest part of the service.  It was also the closest thing to a gospel message that was said, throughout the whole service.

This is one reason that if I have an opportunity to speak or sing at any funeral service, I make sure I give a gospel message, including the need for salvation.

It saddens me to think that people don't hear a gospel message at every funeral.  Even some pastors/ministers don't do this.  Like the one on Saturday.

It saddens me to think that people hear about Jesus, but not their need to trust in Him for their salvation.  Why?

In my opinion, many people who may not yet be saved, attend a service where Jesus is spoken of, may leave thinking they, along with everyone else, will automatically be going to heaven, when their lives end.  Which, is not the truth.

The Bible is clear on this issue.  God will save whom He will save.  Not everyone will go to heaven at the end of their lives.  Only those trusting in Jesus for their salvation, will be with Him in heaven.

Speaking of living, throughout the morning, I seemed to feel okay.  However, in the afternoon, and once I was at the funeral home, where the service was being held, I once again began to not feel well.

I sat alone, isolated from the majority of people, because although some may have thought I was crying, the truth was that my nose was running and I had to frequently blow my nose.  Oh, dear!  Well, I suppose if there was an appropriate place to have this happen, I suppose this was the place!

Forgive me, for my hopeless sense of humour!

As the evening progressed, my health worsened to the point where I was really ill.  Fever, sinus, ears, nose, throat, lungs.

All through the night, all I could think of was Lord, please don't leave me like this.  Please Lord, either heal me or take me home! 

The truth is, I realize He won't take me home.  That would be too easy!

Seriously, I don't mean to sound low in spirit, for truly, I am not.  I realize that God's will is always done.  Whether one's health is good or not.  After all, He does have a plan for the lives of each of His children.

Thank You Lord, for always being there, for me.  I'm so grateful You love me.


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Friends, Pics & Memories...

When I left off writing yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I mentioned that I made my way to Tim Horton's coffee shop at Crawford and Wyandotte St. W., here in Windsor.

At first, there were only two of us, R and I.  Even though others were later in arriving, we enjoyed nice conversation.  Just the two (2) of us!

As more people arrived, we expanded and moved to another set of tables.  Although we didn't have as many people as we used to have, because some have joined another group, we had a half dozen or so people, in attendance.

To be honest, the smaller group that we've had the last couple of months, has proved to be glorious.  More like real friends, gathering.  Of course, we are... friends, I mean.  But, it seems more like family, meeting like this.

After we had visited for a while, R brought out photos of a trip she made to Italy, a number of years ago.

How wonderful it was to look at her pics, while she described where they were taken and what the circumstances were of her being, there.  Many times, I recognized the places where the pics were taken.

It gave me a feeling of joy, yet sadness all at the same time. 

Whenever I recognized a place where Gordon and I had visited, that same old melancholy feeling enveloped me.  While it wasn't necessarily sadness, it sure brought with it a myriad of feelings.  Including the feelings of loss, and grief.

As we discussed R's pics, Y asked if I had pics of travelling with Gordon, in Europe.  I said I did.  She suggested that next month, I bring pics for all to see.  I agreed, that I would.

While sitting with the group, at first I thought it was a headache I was experiencing.

By the time we decided to end the gathering and go our separate ways, my nose was beginning to run, my head was aching, I felt like my ears, and throat were sore, not to mention my sinus.  Of course, I began coughing, too.

After dropping off a couple of friends, I made my way home.

I can't tell you how happy I was, to finally just be able to relax, take my vitamins, and something to help me feel improved.  Of course, I went on FB for a while, to update.

After chatting with friends for a while, I finally hit the sack.  Boy, did it feel good to climb between the sheets, and drift off to sleep.  It was a true blessing!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Sad/Happy Times & Happy Birthday, J!

Thursday was a busy day, but the evening was really busy for me. 

Knowing that my daughter P's boyfriend had been reaquainted with his son within this past year, I had felt compelled to accept this young man as one of my family.  J is a nice young man.  Pleasant.  Quiet.  Generally, a good young man.

Friday, was to be the time for a birthday celebration for J, even though his birthday had been Feb. 1st.  Happy Birthday, J!

So, on Thursday evening, I baked a birthday cake, iced it and lightly decorated it with a birthday wish.  This way it would be ready for Friday at suppertime, when we were to get together.

Friday, during the day was busy for me.

As I've mentioned before, my real estate partner/friend C's daughter had died.  Friday was when viewing was to take place at the funeral home.

Writing cards for family members, shopping for a floral arrangement and preparing other things I had to do, filled my time, during the day.  Including attending visitation to give my condolences.

It's such a gut-wrenching thing, to see a parent suffer, while in the process of burying their child.  After all, this is not what one normally expects in life.  Grief isn't easy, at any time, but I truly felt bad for my friend, C.

In any case, I spent quite a bit of the afternoon at the funeral home.  I was glad to see that other realtors came to support C and his family.

When I left there, I made a stop at my daughter B's home, before making my way to my daughter P's home.

We had a nice visit, together.  It seemed like J liked his gift and of course, the cake!  Here's a pic of J, blowing out his candles:

Happy Birthday, J!

When I left P's, I took my grandson D, with me.  Within a few minutes, I dropped him off downtown at the bus station, where he was going to wait for the next bus, to take him to meet up with some friends.

Then, being the first Friday of the month, I made my way to Tim Horton's coffee shop, to meet with Christian friends.  For the first time in a long time, we were back to meeting at Crawford and Wyandotte St. W., here in Windsor.

There is more to be said, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.  See you, then!


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Blessings & More Blessings...

Before I begin today's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I must mention that my friend Mary Ann Lehmann of Invis, received some pics from Monday's wine and cheese contest celebration that I wrote about over the last two (2) days.  Thank you Mary Ann, for forwarding them to me!

In this pic, from left to right, is Vanessa Wright (winner of the contest, who received the prize of $25,000), Vanessa's husband, A, J, D & S... who is President of Invis/Mortgage Intelligence and the fellow who lived for many years in the neighbourhood where I mostly lived, growing up!

Although this pic is not very clear, I'm sure you get the idea.  S is presenting Vanessa Wright and her husband the paperwork and real cheque in the amount of $25,000, while A announces congratulations!

Once again, thank you, Mary Ann.  I appreciated attending this evening!

Thank you also, to Invis/Mortgage Intelligence for sponsoring the contest and providing the prizes to both the winner and her mortgage agent/friend, as well as the wine and cheese celebration event that I attended as their and my mortgage agent friend, Mary Ann Lehmann's guest.

**************

On Wednesday, February 1st at 6:30 p.m., I was once again at Heritage Park Alliance Church (HPAC).  Not for a church service, but for a fun-time!

Bob Cates and his assistant/wife CJ entertained those who were in the crowded sanctuary.  In addition, they made sure they had audience involvement of two (2) children and one (1) adult. 

I must say, it was a wonderful experience, not just watching the show.  You see, at the end, Bob gives a gospel message in a manner suitable for children to understand.  What a blessing! 

I pray many came to Christ, that evening.  I pray Bob and CJ will be blessed by God, in many ways.

Here's a link to Bob Cates' website, in case you would like to consider having him entertain at your church:  http://www.comedyinmotion.com/

Yes, they travel from place to place, entertaining at events such as this one, and leading those to Christ, as God provides.

This brings up a question I must ask.  What do you do for Christ? 


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com

Wine and Cheese... Happy Ending!

In yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I wrote about how a mortgage agent friend of mine Mary Ann Lehmann of Invis, her husband Richard, picked me up and took me with them as their guest, to a celebration of sorts.  A wine and cheese party.

We arrived downtown at the Hilton Hotel, on Riverside Drive and made our way to the Ontario room.  This meeting room is a comfy place, with a view to die for, overlooking the river and looking onto a wonderful night view of Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Mary Ann introduced her husband and I to several people.

Since neither Mary Ann, nor I, were driving, and because her husband Richard was our designated driver, we each enjoyed a glass of wine.  Okay, we really had two (2) glasses, over the course of the evening!  She white; me, red.  :)  After selecting some cheese and crackers, we joined Richard already seated at a table.

Having relaxed for a few minutes, I decided to go speak once again with Mary Ann's three (3) superiors, who were in attendance, Jim, Angela and Stan.  As I spoke with each person, I gave them my real estate card and a book mark, advertising my book:  Love Never Fails You... (link) as well as some websites that I have, including LwL's web-address. 

I did this, because I wanted them to know that I would be writing about my experience at the wine and cheese party.  This gave them the option to let me know if they preferred I didn't write about the event.  But, they all seemed okay with the idea.

The reality was that Jim, Angela and Stan, all seemed to be happy to hear I would write about the event.  During announcements, Stan even mentioned the fact that I write a blog and would be writing about the party.  Thank you, Stan! 

Later, Stan spoke with me, again.  During our conversation, we realized that we lived for many years in the same subdivision in Clarkson, now part of Mississauga, a suburb of Toronto, Ontario.  What a coincidence!  What a surprise!

Then, came the time when the prize was given to the winner of the contest.  Vanessa Wright and her husband were called forward. 

An enormous oversized cheque, in the amount of $25,000 was held by Vanessa, her husband, and all three (3) company supervisors, while pics were taken (sorry, I forgot my camera!).  Then, the real paperwork and cheque were handed to Vanesssa.  Congratulations were given.

Congratulations were also given to Vanessa's mortgage agent friend, who had encouraged her to enter the contest.  She received a free trip to Mexico, that she will take, later this month!

Mary Ann, may God bless you, and the company you work for.  Not just because I enjoyed myself relaxing with you and others, but for allowing me to be there to see a family receive a prize that will make a difference in their lives. 

What a lovely, happy ending!  Thank you, Mary Ann, for including me in such a wonderful, relaxing celebration, friend. 


Until next time...

If you would like to comment, please e-mail:  lifewithlynnie@gmail.com