More Christmas Pics

We had a lovely Christmas break and I had planned to do this earlier, but life has a way of getting busy and so I forgot to do this.  Better late than never...here are just a few pics from our visit to Wainfleet and our time at home together.

  David and Grandpa playing some pool...

Hailey and Jared

David, Owen, Ethan and Nate

 Hailey enjoying a book with Gavyn

Ethan and Nate (Erin in the background)

Rick spending some quality time with Benjamin

Oh yes, and Taylor had her braces taken off just before Christmas! ♥ What a lovely smile!!!♥

First significant snow of the season

 

David with a new friend

Levi...very happy with his new blanket

God's Delicate Winter Handiwork

Sometimes words don't capture...sometimes pictures can't quite capture either...but I tried...

"...wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (Ps. 51:7b)

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Ethiopian Muslims warn Christians to convert, leav...

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Ethiopian Muslims warn Christians to convert, leav...: "Pray for believers in Ethiopia today. International Christian Concern has learned that Christians in the Ethiopian city of Besheno are bei..."

The "Being" One

I had a blessed Lord's Day this past weekend.  I had the privilege of playing the organ again, and do the people in Trinity ever sing!! Some Sundays their singing just blows me away.  Such power and volume and praise from those lungs.  Not only that, the words of the hymns were beautiful to meditate on.

It was another day of encouragement from God's Word and in the evening Carl spoke about the Majesty of God.  I was drawn to those thoughts earlier Sunday afternoon, when I didn't really even know he was going to speak on that theme.  He is preaching through Habakkuk in the evenings, and this week we looked at chapter 2:20.  "But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him." Our thoughts were directed to focus on the many attributes of God.  His transcendence and omnipotence, His omnipresence and omniscience.  His holiness.  The "I am".  I didn't write down who this particular term came from, but Carl read from someone who spoke about God as the "Being" one.  I like that...the "Being" one.  God always has been and always will be.  He is always the same.  He never changes.  Awesome thoughts.

We thought about how God is completely present wherever He is.  All that He is, is everywhere, where God is.  He is the high and lofty one.  We thought about Jesus being at the right hand of God, in Majesty.  How man makes plans but the Lord directs his steps and our times are in His hands. 

I have to confess that often my thoughts of God are too small.  The more I think about Him, the smaller I feel and the more I realize I don't know much about Him.  There's so much to learn.  The older I get, it seems the less I know...

It was wonderful to think about how certain words in scripture are repeated for emphasis.  Repeated so that we won't miss the point.  Like when Jesus would start something by saying, "Truly, truly I say unto you..."  You know the repeat is there for a very good reason. It should cause us to pay close attention to what comes next.  Or it is like saying it's "Cold, cold" outside.  It means it's really cold out there.

And so we contemplated that and thought about the holiness of God and the references in scripture to those who are before the throne crying out, "Holy."  Not just one holy, but "Holy...Holy...Holy."  God is thrice holy.  So pure, without blemish, absolutely light, no darkness at all.  To think that the Holy, Holy, Holy God loves......me.  To think that this God in fact, lives in me with His Spirit...humbling thoughts.

Some day, we who are His children, will see Him as He is.  We will see Jesus face to face.  It causes me to quietly reflect, but it also fills my heart to want to cry out and sing to Him.  It is cause to rejoice for what He has done, and it is also cause to trust.  To trust Him...our majestic God who keeps His promises...always.

Isn't it wonderful that while we go through the ups and downs of life, we have a majestic God who is the "Being" one.  He is steadfast and doesn't change.  He has given us a Bible full of promises and He has promised to keep us to the end, to never leave us or forsake us, to never give us more than we can handle, and to be there with us when we go through this "vale of tears."  Some day...no more tears. 

We have an awesome God!

Well, on Sunday afternoon I put some of my pictures to the music of one of Chris Tomlin's beautiful praise songs, "Majesty of Heaven."  I hope you enjoy the video and glorify God for what He has done for us.  I pray the words will touch your heart.  He's given us these things to enjoy...so give Him the glory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QWBR5ti1Gk

It Was Cold at Calvary

It Was Cold at Calvary
If you have some time, click on this link to read this poem by Piper.

Meryton Townhall (for grandpa&grandma)

This is in honour of our New Year's dance...remember?!?
There are a few oopsies in it, but I think it's not gonna get much better than this.

(Now you can dance again at home...)
ENJOY!!!

Playing by ear...

While I was doing dishes Sunday evening, I was listening to David try to play a couple songs that he had in his head.  It was so entertaining to listen to him go through the whole process of figuring it out.  After he got a part nailed down I thought it'd be fun to record it...


Uploaded by http://www.cellspin.net/

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: India’s Christians facing spike in assaults

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: India’s Christians facing spike in assaults: "Christians in India faced an upsurge in violence in the past decade. At the end of December, Compass Direct News released a report on how ..."

Some Thoughts on the Words..."I Love You"

Those words are said a lot in this house.  We tell our kids we love them.  I speak those words to my husband several times a day and he also says them frequently to me.  I never grow tired of hearing them.  They never grow old.  They are not just words.  Love is demonstrated through acts of kindness to one another.  Love is a fruit of the Spirit, and as far as the fruits go...it's the one on the top of that list.  Don't you think that being on the top of the list means something?

Love is the summary of the law...to love God with all that we are...to love Him above all and our neighbour as ourself.  We are commanded to love.  Husbands are commanded to love their wives...Titus 2 tells the older women to encourage the younger women to love their husbands and to love their children.  Our marriage and our family life is to be characterized by love.  The Bible is full of examples of love and explicit commands to love...not just the ones we find easy to love. 
We love our children just because of who they are.  We love them even when they disappoint us.  We love because God first loved us.  We love because of what Jesus has done for us. 

Well, it's the beginning of a new year.  I pray that I will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in the year 2011.  I pray that I'll grow in love as I should...that I'll forgive others as God forgives me...frequently and completely.  That I'll display those fruits of the Spirit more and more.  I pray that when December 2011 rolls around(DV), I will be able to look back and again see God's faithfulness in my life. That He has drawn me closer to Him and that He's made me more like Jesus.  How exciting it is to have a fresh new year to live for Him.  Who knows what God will bring our way this year...

What a lovely Christmas break we had as a family.  It was such a blessing just to be together and celebrate this wonderful gift of Jesus. 
Just prior to Christmas I celebrated 40 years of life.  How can it be that I am 40?  I still remember being a young girl and my mom turning 40. 
Isn't life amazing?  The older we get, the younger we think we really are...I'm not so old really, am I? 
All I have to do is ask my youngest.  He thinks 40 is a pretty big number...It's all perspective, I guess.

I believe that the best gifts don't have to cost a lot of money.  They don't have to be wrapped in fancy paper.  Sometimes the best gifts are the simplest.  For me, this card was one of those gifts.  It struck home and reminded me once again how God has blessed me.  Are husbands supposed to make you cry on your birthday?  (My dad says happy tears are ok...)

I am posting pics of the card I received from Rick for my birthday...probably illegal to do so...but I wanted to share it's message...and I want to be able to read it from time to time...(just in case the paper version does accidentally get misplaced...)

♥I am so blessed...

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Pakistan's blasphemy law will change 'over our dea...

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Pakistan's blasphemy law will change 'over our dea...: "Protesters held a 24-hour strike in Pakistan on Friday against amendments to the country's blasphemy law, reports Mission Network News ..."

Announcing...

Here she is!!!  The new addition to the Schenk home...

Everyone is super excited about her!

Isn't she beautiful?  Built in 1971...You gotta come over and hear her sing!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas ♥ God bless!!!

With love from all of us...

Rick♥Kim

Amber

Taylor

Levi

David

Messiah Musings

My excuse for not blogging lately:  I have been putting in way too many hours at the big Box store and I am looking forward to some down time during the holidays.  Hopefully I'll have some time to catch up with my pics and blogging and post a bit of what has been going on around here.
Today I have a couple boys home with me...they are under the weather...so I have a pot of chicken soup simmering and should get back to that shortly.
Before I head back to the kitchen, I just wanted to post a pic that Taylor took of Rick and myself before we left for the Messiah last night.  It was a very memorable performance.  (Ok, I was going crazy b/c of the hyper child sitting behind us, but I'd better not get started on that...)
I didn't care much for Andrew Davis' new orchestration...I prefer the original.  Why mess with something so beautiful?!?  
Some of the changes were tasteful, but others?  In my opinion, there were several things that were out of place and bordered on rediculous.  I found myself constantly thinking..."that's not supposed to be like that"...  I imagine not everyone felt that way, and most wouldn't notice, but these ears did.
Well, regardless of all the changes to the orchestration, the fundamental message and music still brought tears to my eyes and was uplifting to my soul.  Kudos to the orchestra...and in all fairness, it was a lovely, intensely full and deep sound.  I don't think they could have fit any more instruments on that stage.  (I did enjoy the use of the organ...What can I say, I'm biased.)  Other than one oopsy by the soprano, it was a delicious feast for my musical ears.  It is amazing how something like that can lift your soul to worship.  Amazing.
Every year, we are struck by the sad fact that so many of those performers have really no idea what they are singing. It's such a beautiful summary of the gospel message.

The choir was absolutely beautiful and the soloists were both outstanding and entertaining.  At times I just sat there, closed my eyes, and imagined what it will be like some day to sing with everyone in heaven before the throne of our King.  I imagine I'll have a flawless voice then...someday...

Oh ya, I'd better get back to my soup...till next time...

KCC Senior Girls OFSAA Bball 2010

Amber had such a great time playing with the seniors this year.  They went to OFSAA and fought three difficult games.  They showed their skill, determination and adaptation to the variety of skill and intensity of the different teams that they game up against.  It was some seriously stiff competition and they kept all their games to within 6 or 8 points, so they did very well.  Dad and Mom and I watched all the games and did our best to cheer them on.  Our voices got a little weak, so in the last game on Friday night we were happy to recruit the rest of our family as well as Andrew and the boys.  Taylor and I made some signs and we whooped it up.  It was a very exciting game.  KCC was ahead the entire game, but fell short by one point in the end.  Oh well.  I believe they did their best and had fun.  It would have been nice to win one, but it wasn't meant to be.

Well, for those of you who are not on facebook, I tried to upload a video clip, but unfortunately I couldn't get it uploaded on to the blog.  It's a funny thing, cause it was as if I was taping a replay.  Twice during the last game, both Amber and her friend had opportunities, one right after the other, to break out and take the ball to the basket with a lovely layup.  It was like a deja vu moment...

I think I've managed to upload a few clips to youtube, so you can try these links:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWym9jzSyNs  and   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lWLKwzZlX4  and   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Hcz0JAM4E  Enjoy!!

My apologies for the poor quality of the pictures...tough to get nice pics in a gymnasium with my camera...

Playing Catch-up

I am so behind in the blogging...have been a little busy with things....Levi's 12th birthday came and went and we had fun celebrating, but I neglected to post the other pictures...shame on me!  (Love this smile!)

 

Taylor and Levi have been busy with their volleyball lately.  They both had one tournament so far, and they will have another one next week.  They are enjoying this a lot, and mom and dad had fun cheering them on!

Taylor was also involved with the Spelling Bee this year, and she went with one of her friends to Beacon Christian School to be representatives for Trinity.  She didn't come home the champion, but she had fun and did her best.

The Huizinga clan got together just over a week ago to have pictures taken.  We went to Rosa-Flora in Dunnville, and it was a rather painless procedure.  It went quickly and there was very little crying involved.  Grandpa and Grandma had pics taken with the grandkids and we did shots of everyone as well as individual family shots.  It was high-time we took pictures, because last time we did the family thing, Jay and Shar did not have any children.  Now they have four!  It was a nice morning and I think we came away with some nice pictures.

Amber is still playing basketball.  The junior team had a nice season and they even made it into the playoffs this year.  However, they came out of the regular season in 8th place and had to play the 1st place team...needless to say, the playoff experience was short lived.  Amber was asked to play with the senior team towards the end of their regular season.  She was able to participate with the seniors at the Christian School tournament, and later this week she will be going to Welland for a few days with the seniors and will be competing at OFSAA.  This is quite an honour and accomplishment for the team!  We look forward to cheering them on!  "Go King's Go!"

The rain is falling outside, but inside the house is shaping up for Christmas.  This past Friday the kids had a PD day, so Taylor and I picked up a Christmas tree...(one in a box).  That's right...I don't know what came over me this year, because we've always had a real tree.  FYI: Rick was on board with this decision...and he is very happy with what we've come up with.

The girls and I also decided on a new theme for the tree, a blue, white and silver one.  I really felt it was time to get some fresh decorations...the old ones were looking rather tired.  I think it's safe to say that all it needs yet is a bit more ribbon, perhaps a matching skirt, and a few presents.  

So far we are all enjoying this tree...(especially yours truly.)  On the positive side, I don't have to worry about watering it or cleaning up all the needles, and we can enjoy having the tree up for a longer period of time.  I suppose the down side is it doesn't smell pretty like a real tree, but that's OK.  I've come to terms with that and I also have a wonderful solution...my favourite cranberry scented candles to take the place of the absent pine smell.  I think it's a win-win!

All I need to do now is get past the inevitable birthday that is coming this week, whether I like it or not, and then I can get on to getting the Christmas cards in the mail and all the fun that the December Christmas season brings!



Reminder from Paul

Bear One Another's Burdens

This week we are burdened with the sorrow that dear friends are going through.  Isn't it amazing how God knits us all together into a family?  How He makes us all part of His body? When one rejoices we all rejoice, and when one is hurting we all hurt.
Praying for grace and peace and strength from God above...

James 4:8a

p.s.  Thank you Annette...