Merry Christmas

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (KJV) Greetings this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour once again! Wow, as I look back over 2009 it has passed by in the blink of an eye. Ups and downs, trials and celebrations seem to be a natural part of our everyday life, but I can still find Joy in serving Jesus daily. "Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Lack of adventure in our life leads me to a brief recap of the past year. Not a bad thing when it comes to a less adventurous year which has brought us to a more relaxing stay at home couple.

For Barbara, speaking engagements were still a part of my volunteer duties at various fundraising events for Cystic Fibrosis. Representing the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis as the coordinator here in Saskatoon has been very rewarding for me as I am emotionally touched by the overwhelming generosity of so many who give of themselves for a cause that is so dear to my heart. I also took in a Prairie Regional CF conference for a weekend in Oct. in Winnipeg. I was humbled by being the recipient of an award called "Adult with CF Award". I volunteer simply to further pursue a better quality of life for those less fortunate than myself and to see others experience a full life as I have been so blessed to live to the fullest. I will continue to volunteer where I can for CF as long as God gives me the strength and the health to do so. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

There have been some changes in my health this year that have caused me to learn to somewhat adjust to new circumstances. I have been diagnosed with CF related Diabetes, which is treated slightly different from type 1 or type 2 Diabetic. The past 2 months have been a day to day learning experience as I have been giving myself insulin injections. For me it is all about counting carbs, but not restricting carbs. Most people with Cystic Fibrosis have problems gaining weight, so the idea is to ear as much of anything and, to help compensate for the high blood sugars insulin is the answer. Counting carbs has been a bit tough to figure out for me, but one day at a time and I am slowly but surely getting closer to mastering it. My lung function has also taken a little downhill spiral tipping the scales just below 50 per cent lung function. I have had to become a little stricter on a daily basis doing physio and nebs more regularly. Winter has become a time of shortness of breath, learning to walk a little slower and protecting myself better from the cold air. Oh yes in case you are wondering I had both the seasonal flu shot and the HINI shot. The only symptom was a sore arm for one sleepless night and then it passed. I have nothing to complaining about, but everything to be thankful and grateful for. I turned 48 this year - yes I sure did - woohoo - so I can only continue to think of the blessings that are overflowing in my life. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

Gary is still at Nutana Machine continuing his duties as one of the supervisors. A job that is not all it is chalked up to be, but Gary is hanging in there. He continues to find computer games and video games that keep him busy on his weekends and evenings. Having a laptop also makes it easy for him to take his games on the road as we ventured out to Drumheller, Alberta in August, just to get away from Saskatoon for a bit. Where there is a will there is a way they say. None the less it was nice to get away for a few days and very relaxing for both of us. By myself I took 2 small flights to Elmonton to spend time with my cousin in Sherwood Park. A short day trip to Regina with a couple of ladies to visit some friends and another short road trip to Nipawin with my sister and niece for a very over due visit with some more special friends.

A special highlight for me this year was being asked to speak at a Christian women's Morning Out event. Sharing my testimony with this group of ladies helps to put into perspective how great God is and how much He loves me. As I look back over the journey I have been so blessed with I find it difficult to express in words how blessed I have been, beyond what I am deserving of. This time of year reminds me of a Saviour who was born to be the Messiah and the Redeemer of this world, and to forgive me of my sins. Without His birth there would be no hope for eternal life and not much to celebrate at this time of year around the world. May God Bless you as you celebrate this Christmas season together with family and friends, remembering the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to close with some verses that have been special to me as long as I can remember. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Reflections of Easter

Easter to me is about the sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross for me. It is the time of year I humbly reflect on the gift that has been given so freely for all mankind. This gift - Salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16,17 The gospels give a true account of how Jesus was betrayed, condemned and ultimately crucified. Crucified for my sin and the sin of the whole world. Jesus paid the price on the cross and rose victorious from the grave.

Matthew 27:1 & 2 says, "Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor." As you continue to read through Matthew 27 and 28 we see how everyone condemns and mocks him and shouts out to crucify him. Ultimately we read that Jesus is crucified on a cross and He is then buried and is victorious over death through His resurrection. "The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He is risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:5 & 6

It is getting to be that time of year again. The Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis will be held Sunday, May 31st, 2009. Take note of the new venue as we have out grown the shack at the Forestry Farm. Our goal is to raise more than $22,ooo.00, which was the amount we reached last year. Please join us as walkers, pledgers or volunteers to help us get closer to a cure and a continued hope for those living with CF. Check out the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.ccff.ca to register online or to make a pledge.

Jump, Jive & Wail

On February 24th, 2009 a fundrasier for Cystic Fibrosis was held at the Odeon Events Centre in Saskatoon. As you can tell by the photo I spoke at the event, by sharing my story and life lived with CF. My opportunity to speak about Cystic Fibrosis comes at least once a year. I am happy to educate the public about this disease and to share the hope there is for the future of those living with CF today. Thank you to those that support a cause that has touched my life and my families lives in such a personal way. I have been blessed beyond measure and pray that others livng with Cystic Fibrosis will achieve their goals and dreams someday.

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble." Psalm 41:1