We had the pleasure of accompanying our children and grandchildren to the Elmvale Zoo.  I will have lasting memories of Mia and Olivia both of whom are two years old standing in front of a beautiful male lion’s cage roaring at him.  He seemed quite fascinated by them, hopefully not as a potential appetizer!  The girls loved all the animals but the giraffes were a special hit especially because they experienced these huge animals licking grain off their tiny hands. 

How I love seeing the world through the eyes of a child.  When did you last squeal as you jumped into a puddle?  When did you last laugh so hard you fell over because of the antics of a monkey?  When did you rush up and hug a loved one without abandon?  Children invite us to set aside our weariness and jaded views to engage the world in a fresh new way.  They have much to teach us about awe and wonder as we marvel at God’s world.

We are about to depart on a motorcycle trip as part of our holidays.  It provides the same kind of delight in God’s creation.  You are far more aware of temperature changes, fragrances (!) and the scenery than you are when travelling the same miles by car.  There is far more cooperation with nature involved and a willingness to let the day unfold.  God invites us to cherish every moment that comes to us.  Each experience is offered as a blessing and an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our Creator.

Enjoy the blessings of this summer and recognize that each day is a gift from God not to be squandered away but rather to be fully experienced.

Blessings,

Karen Horst

karenhorst@rogers.com

We have great news.  We have become adoptive parents!  Before you gasp, let me explain.  Bailey is a five year old cat.  He is absolutely beautiful.  His ears, paws, tail and face are smokey gray and the rest of him is a lovely creamy shade.  He is fur on wheels.  He has already brought us great joy.  When he arrived, he hid under the bed for a few hours but gradually he settled in.  Now he is King of the castle.  He is presently training us about the times he should be shown affection and fed! 

The story of how Bailey came to us speaks volumes of the love of God.  It was during the preparations for a funeral that the family of the deceased half jokingly asked if I would consider taking in a cat.  Bailey was their greatest concern and they were having trouble finding a loving home for him.  He was dearly loved by his original owner and it was a deep point of grief for the family that he might not have a place to go.  Little did they know that we had considered the possiblity of taking in a homeless cat many months ago.  To date we had done nothing about it.  It happened so easily.  We said yes and the rest is history.

I am reminded of the hymn God sees the little sparrow fall.  God loves all of creation from the greatest to the least.  God made it possible for one fluffy puff-ball to have a home.  God is love and God is compassion.  Bailey is purring proof!

Blessings

Karen Horst

karenhorst@rogers.com

This is one of my favourite poems.   It is a must read and apply!

Moments

If I had my life to live over,

I would make more mistakes next time.

I would relax.

I would lighten up.

I would be sillier than I have ever been,

            And I would take more things less seriously.

I would succeed by accident.

I would take more trips.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and

            Watch more sunsets.

I would have more real problems and

            Very few imaginary ones.

Oh, I have had my moments; and if I had it

            To do over again, I’d have more of them.

In fact, I’d have nothing else…

Just moments, one after another instead of

            Living so many years ahead of each day.

I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.

I would start barefoot earlier in the spring

And stay that way later in the fall.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds, and gather more clowns in my life.

I would pick more daisies.

I would meet more people, hold more hands, and give more hugs.

I would meet you earlier and know you longer.

I would love you better…

            Perhaps it’s not too late!

By Nadine Stair, Age 85

Blessings & enjoy every moment as a gift from God.

Karen Horst

karenhorst@rogers.com