Sending Christmas greetings from the South! Praying that you have a blessed Christmas wherever you are and whatever you may be doing. May we not get so busy and so "wrapped up in the unwrapping" that we lose focus on The Reason for the Season! Was great to go to the Christmas Eve service at my sister's church and sing those wonderful Christmas carols and hear a message about 'The Joy of the World'...and that Joy being Jesus...how He was sent as a baby and ultimately to the Cross for our sins so we could spend eternity with Him! As I write this, I think of two individuals (Mr. John Brewer and Mrs. Sammy Jo Crawford) from my home town who went to be with the Lord in the past couple of days. They have left a legacy and mark on our town and the lives of many. They will be celebrating with Jesus on His birthday! You can lift up these families in your prayers.
Well, I sure didn't think I would be sitting in my sister's home on Christmas Eve...with it beginning to snow! Yes, it's snowing in the Nashville area, so we will probably wake up to a White Christmas! What fun that will be! Obviously, I've seen plenty of snow, but not on Christmas!
There is much on my mind as I think back to what has transpired in two weeks. I am continuing to try to trust God and know He has the perfect plan for my life. Everything still seems a bit surreal...being here for Christmas when I didn't think I would and not knowing, really, how all the immigration stuff will come out. But, we don't really know how anything will turn out in life. We can plan and plan for even the smallest of things and our plans get changed. Every day is a gift...
I sure am missing my Canadian family! It's sometimes strange being back in my homeland, readjusting to life here, but my mind and heart with the people and place that has become home. Yet, I am still thankful to be here...
It has been a good week of getting some rest, loads of laughs with my precious nieces and nephew, and not having any set schedule. Crazy antics around the house! I am finding that the kids are my therapy of sorts because they bring such joy to my life and I always know there will be plenty of hugs, giggles, sillyness, and smiles to go around! I enjoyed getting to go to church with my sister last Sunday and hearing my brother-in-law Nathan preach. He is on staff at a Presbyterian church and will be starting a new church very soon! Mom and Dad got here yesterday, so we're all enjoying being together. Dad is fighting a cold so you pray for his healing. Great that Mom is seeing so well after her cataract surgery. PTL! Mom, the girls, and I played Old Maid last night. Dad, the girls, and I enjoyed a game of Sorry today. Playing games with the girls is one of my favorite things.
Knox likes to be a part of everything, loves his stuffed animals, being read too, singing "Jingle Bells" and snacking! He is just fun to play with and is quite the little character. He doesn't miss a beat and just loves it when he knows he's being the center of attention. Sweetest thing yesterday was when he, the girls, Christy, and i were having lunch. I shared part of the kitchen table stool with Rosalyn, as only 3 stools were out. Next thing I know, Knox is getting the 4th stool for me! Christy and I had been just been standing up. What a little gentleman at almost 3! I can see the spiritual maturity and intelligence in Rosalyn. Big milestones this year as she became a Christian and started 1st grade. She loves to play school, do arts and crafts, read, sing, and just be silly. Katie as really 'shot up' this year and knows so much as she started preschool! She is the cuddler of the three, loves doing many of the things that Rosalyn does, but is still independent. They both love to tickle!
I know it will be tons of fun with them as we open presents and play with new toys.
Well, as I look at the clock, I see it's midnight...so it's officially Christmas Day and way past my bedtime! I function so much better if I can get to bed earlier.
I thank you for your prayers as I continue on this journey. It means so much to know that so many are praying! You are such a blessing!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". John 3:16
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
We made it!!!
Praise the Lord that we made it to Nashville/Franklin around 11PM last night! We took our time getting started with our day , had great weather, and was so glad we could get to our destination on Thursday. Even with our slight delay and not getting as far as we wanted to the day before, we still made good time.
So many of you have been a part of this trip as you prayed for us before we left and as we traveled across the US. As we've already said, we could feel your prayers!!!!
Jenna leaves early in the morning for a few days in Concord, NC. What a blessing that she will get this unexpected time with family and friends! She will be back to Cochrane in time for Christmas with her family. She has been an incredible blessing to me and I don't know what I would have done without her. I will miss her while we are apart.
It is wonderful to be with my sister and her family! Will see Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve when they come here for Christmas. I think it's all still surreal for me. I had pretty much come to accept that I wouldn't be here for the holidays and God had reasons for that. And now, I am here. It's still a whirlwind for me. That's just the best way to describe things...
God does continue to remind me of His promises and faithfulness and how He goes before us in everything. Just trying to trust Him and know He has the perfect plan.
Please pray for the Foreign Worker Application that was sent in by the office yesterday, for the third time. This is the application that determines if the job is approved and I get the document I need to return. Pray for the ones reviewing the application. With the holidays, it could take longer than usual for this process.
Thanks again for your continued prayers!
have a blessed weekend!!!
So many of you have been a part of this trip as you prayed for us before we left and as we traveled across the US. As we've already said, we could feel your prayers!!!!
Jenna leaves early in the morning for a few days in Concord, NC. What a blessing that she will get this unexpected time with family and friends! She will be back to Cochrane in time for Christmas with her family. She has been an incredible blessing to me and I don't know what I would have done without her. I will miss her while we are apart.
It is wonderful to be with my sister and her family! Will see Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve when they come here for Christmas. I think it's all still surreal for me. I had pretty much come to accept that I wouldn't be here for the holidays and God had reasons for that. And now, I am here. It's still a whirlwind for me. That's just the best way to describe things...
God does continue to remind me of His promises and faithfulness and how He goes before us in everything. Just trying to trust Him and know He has the perfect plan.
Please pray for the Foreign Worker Application that was sent in by the office yesterday, for the third time. This is the application that determines if the job is approved and I get the document I need to return. Pray for the ones reviewing the application. With the holidays, it could take longer than usual for this process.
Thanks again for your continued prayers!
have a blessed weekend!!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Third Day of our Journey...quite the experience!
We could definitely feel your prayers last night as we were on Interstate 70 near Topeka, Kansas, and hit freezing rain...though it wasn't raining but the roads were slick. Traffic was slow with hazards on, truckers and cars pulled over, cars in the median overturned...Scary! But God was with us...
We are about to leave for Nashville area. Will get there when we can and may have to take an alternate route because of weather in other areas. Will see. Please continue to pray for us as we are on the last leg of our journey.
This is Jenna now... I think that the theme thus far in our trip has been trust. God has really been showing me (and I'm pretty sure Ellen as well) to just trust Him. To trust that He truly does know best regardless of how we feel. We've had to trust that He would take care of us in getting us across the border, trust that He would keep us safe, trust that He would give us wisdom in which routes to take, when to stop at night. We serve an amazing God!! He has taken care of us in the big and little things. Once again last night, as Ellen has already briefly shared about, we had to trust Him. At first we could not figure out what was going on. I was driving and as we started to see more and more cars with their hazard lights on, and some pulled over, the feeling that we began to get was not one of ease. The roads did not look wet to us and we weren't sliding but there was obviously something major going on that we weren't aware of. Then we began seeing cars flipped, on their sides and some had slid into the ditch. Still not knowing what was going on, Ellen text somebody to try and figure out what was going on as there was nothing on the radio about it. Once we found out what was going on and could tell that the roads were getting worse, it was a matter of trusting God! Trusting that He would get us to our destination safely. I kept reminding myself "Do not fear for I am with you!" As we have began each day, we have prayed that God would protect us, send angels to surround us, for Him to be the pilot and to keep us safe. It was just a matter of trusting that He would do so. It was also a good feeling to know that you guys were praying for us as well! We could definitely feel them as God guided the car straight to the hotel. So I thank you so much!!! I look back at His perfect record and just think that He hasn't failed yet so why would He fail now?! God is good! And thanks again for your continued prayers.
from both of us: how awesome that we got to have dinner at Cracker Barrel after that crazy drive! we love Cracker Barrel!!
We are about to leave for Nashville area. Will get there when we can and may have to take an alternate route because of weather in other areas. Will see. Please continue to pray for us as we are on the last leg of our journey.
This is Jenna now... I think that the theme thus far in our trip has been trust. God has really been showing me (and I'm pretty sure Ellen as well) to just trust Him. To trust that He truly does know best regardless of how we feel. We've had to trust that He would take care of us in getting us across the border, trust that He would keep us safe, trust that He would give us wisdom in which routes to take, when to stop at night. We serve an amazing God!! He has taken care of us in the big and little things. Once again last night, as Ellen has already briefly shared about, we had to trust Him. At first we could not figure out what was going on. I was driving and as we started to see more and more cars with their hazard lights on, and some pulled over, the feeling that we began to get was not one of ease. The roads did not look wet to us and we weren't sliding but there was obviously something major going on that we weren't aware of. Then we began seeing cars flipped, on their sides and some had slid into the ditch. Still not knowing what was going on, Ellen text somebody to try and figure out what was going on as there was nothing on the radio about it. Once we found out what was going on and could tell that the roads were getting worse, it was a matter of trusting God! Trusting that He would get us to our destination safely. I kept reminding myself "Do not fear for I am with you!" As we have began each day, we have prayed that God would protect us, send angels to surround us, for Him to be the pilot and to keep us safe. It was just a matter of trusting that He would do so. It was also a good feeling to know that you guys were praying for us as well! We could definitely feel them as God guided the car straight to the hotel. So I thank you so much!!! I look back at His perfect record and just think that He hasn't failed yet so why would He fail now?! God is good! And thanks again for your continued prayers.
from both of us: how awesome that we got to have dinner at Cracker Barrel after that crazy drive! we love Cracker Barrel!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Second Day of our Journey
It's Wednesday morning and we're about to leave Denver. We drove 15 hours yesterday! But we got to where we wanted and we'll see how far we get today. We've had clear roads, good weather, and another good rate on a room! God is good...
Our happiest time yesterday was getting to meet up with our friend, Kaitlyn Sullivan (and a friend of hers) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We had a great dinner and laughs together and she gave us U of Wyoming tshirts :)
I am learning some things about my "daughter" Jenna. She is expecting too much from me. Why in the world she thinks I'm supposed to unlock her door, open and close it, I do not know! But I think I will keep her around because she does a great job cleaning all the windows when we stop for gas! LOL! Seriously, things are going well...
After I blogged Monday night, here is what we read in my devotional from In Touch on December 13:
John 14:1, 27 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Charles Stanley writes: What has a grip on your heart? Think about the things that trouble you...What are we supposed to do with all the challenging situations we face?...Yes, we will experience trials, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can endure struggles with the peace of Christ...But how do we move from overwhelming distress to undisturbed tranquility? Begin by focusing immediately on the Lord, not on the circumstance, trusting Him to help you through it. Read the Scriptures so you can understand His perspectives on the problem and search out His promises. Then believe God and do whatever He says, because you can never have His peace without obedience. And lastly, present your troubles to the Lord in prayer, not just with requests for their removal, but with thanks for His strength to endure them.
ok, God...wow! Do I really need to say more?
We can feel your prayers and ask you to continue to pray as we travel, for our health and strength. I am finding that I am mentally exhausted and haven't slept that well, although last night was better than the first.
So thankful for my dear family and friends! oh, Mom's cataract surgery went well! thanks for praying!
Our happiest time yesterday was getting to meet up with our friend, Kaitlyn Sullivan (and a friend of hers) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We had a great dinner and laughs together and she gave us U of Wyoming tshirts :)
I am learning some things about my "daughter" Jenna. She is expecting too much from me. Why in the world she thinks I'm supposed to unlock her door, open and close it, I do not know! But I think I will keep her around because she does a great job cleaning all the windows when we stop for gas! LOL! Seriously, things are going well...
After I blogged Monday night, here is what we read in my devotional from In Touch on December 13:
John 14:1, 27 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Charles Stanley writes: What has a grip on your heart? Think about the things that trouble you...What are we supposed to do with all the challenging situations we face?...Yes, we will experience trials, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can endure struggles with the peace of Christ...But how do we move from overwhelming distress to undisturbed tranquility? Begin by focusing immediately on the Lord, not on the circumstance, trusting Him to help you through it. Read the Scriptures so you can understand His perspectives on the problem and search out His promises. Then believe God and do whatever He says, because you can never have His peace without obedience. And lastly, present your troubles to the Lord in prayer, not just with requests for their removal, but with thanks for His strength to endure them.
ok, God...wow! Do I really need to say more?
We can feel your prayers and ask you to continue to pray as we travel, for our health and strength. I am finding that I am mentally exhausted and haven't slept that well, although last night was better than the first.
So thankful for my dear family and friends! oh, Mom's cataract surgery went well! thanks for praying!
Monday, December 13, 2010
First Day of the Journey
Thanks so much for your prayers as Jenna and I began our journey South today. I still can't believe what all has transpired in my life in just 4 days. It's one day at a time for sure!
We got into our home country just fine and were so relieved. We made it to Helena, Montana and got a great rate on a room! Would have probably driven to Billings from Great Falls, but because it was dark we wanted to take the interstate and not just the 2 lane highway. We hope to make it to the Denver area tomorrow night.
It was a beautiful sunny day today with mild temps in Calgary and even here! The half moon and starlit sky was sure nice.
God is continuing to show Himself faithful...as He has promised!
Please continue to pray for us as we travel. I'm thankful for a great traveling and driving buddy!
Please lift up prayers for my mom as she has cataract surgery on her other eye tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. Things went really well last week and she's seeing 20/20 in that eye! Having such good sight will be a great Christmas present for her...and of course, having me home!
Thanks to our dear sista Mary Parra for sending this to us via text today: "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa. 41:10)
That verse came as we were getting close to the border and a bit nervous...
I heard this favorite hymn tonight: "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lam. 3:22-24)
our highlight today? Eating a bite at Sonic in Great Falls!!! it's one of my favorite places and "hit the spot"!
We got into our home country just fine and were so relieved. We made it to Helena, Montana and got a great rate on a room! Would have probably driven to Billings from Great Falls, but because it was dark we wanted to take the interstate and not just the 2 lane highway. We hope to make it to the Denver area tomorrow night.
It was a beautiful sunny day today with mild temps in Calgary and even here! The half moon and starlit sky was sure nice.
God is continuing to show Himself faithful...as He has promised!
Please continue to pray for us as we travel. I'm thankful for a great traveling and driving buddy!
Please lift up prayers for my mom as she has cataract surgery on her other eye tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. Things went really well last week and she's seeing 20/20 in that eye! Having such good sight will be a great Christmas present for her...and of course, having me home!
Thanks to our dear sista Mary Parra for sending this to us via text today: "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa. 41:10)
That verse came as we were getting close to the border and a bit nervous...
I heard this favorite hymn tonight: "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lam. 3:22-24)
our highlight today? Eating a bite at Sonic in Great Falls!!! it's one of my favorite places and "hit the spot"!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Having to Leave
I apologize upfront for those I have not contacted personally about the latest in my life. This is the easiest way to let all of you know what is going on with me. As most of you know, I have been waiting to hear back from immigration concerning work visa renewal. I found out last night (Thurs) via a letter in the mail that my work visa application has been rejected and I must leave the country immediately. This is all similar to what happened in 2008 when I came to Alberta to work. Had to go home and wait on the proper document in order to get a work visa. That visa has expired so I had to renew. The appropriate paperwork is still in process or having to be redone, so that's why the application was denied.
So, needless to say I will be leaving Calgary on Monday...driving south and thank the Lord that He has met my need for someone to ride with me and help me drive. My sweet friend and "daughter" Jenna will travel with me, get to visit family in North Carolina and will fly back to Calgary. Her dad is a student at our seminary; her mom and I share an office and have become the best of friends; and we attend the same church. Sometime last year, I realized that if I had had a child at 16, that child would be Jenna's age (18)...so she often calls me "mom" and I call her "daughter". Her younger brother often calls me "mom" as well and even got our kids' Sunday School class started on it last week. Too funny! Anyway...
I will be in the Nashville, TN area and Mississippi until the convention office receives the paperwork needed, mails it to me in MS, and I can head back and hopefully get a new work visa.
I was wanting to be with my family for Christmas and attend the national WMU meeting in Alabama in January. Because of immigration issues, I thought I wouldn't get home. I was bummed about all that but had pretty much accepted it and would make the best out of Christmas here and then 10 days in Prince Edward Island, where I lived for 18 months. As folks have told me today, take all this as a blessing and your way to do those things you were wanting to do. That is what I am doing. God is good through all of this and He is already showing Himself faithful.
I have a range of emotions right now. I was pretty much able to leave the office Friday with things done that needed doing. I have my "to do" list as far as packing and things to take care of before I go. Thankfully I had my car serviced and new winter tires put on a few weeks ago. Just need to get jumper cables and those 'winter preparedness' things one needs on the road in the winter! I've made the trek south in this time of the year before and that went pretty smoothly. Still have to plan out the route, check the extended forecast, etc.
It's somewhat strange preparing to leave when I don't know when, or maybe if, I will return. I feel fairly confident that I wll be back in due time...this is just a season...God showed Himself faithful before. I also am holding onto His Promises and that how I still have a peace about being here doing what I'm doing. I know that can change, especially when it comes to immigration...
So, that is what's going on and I covet your prayers during this time. Many of you have been praying already and ask how the process is going. Thank you! Pray for me to have a calm spirit and that I can think straight when packing and doing all those necessities. Pray for me as I continue to say 'see ya later' to those so dear to me here. Pray for Jenna and me as we travel (car, clear roads, good weather, good health, safety...). Pray for my family as I know they will be concerned wtih us traveling. Should take no more than 4 days. Also much has been going on in the lives of people my family knows...Pray for peace that surpasses all understanding in everyone's lives. Please lift up the convention and application that will soon be sent off for the document I need. Pray for officers reviewing the file.
I will be checking email periodically and recently set up a new email. Yahoo account is becoming overwhelming! You can email me at ellen.cone2001@gmail.com. Of course, Facebook is great and I'm able to access from my Blackberry. I have unlimited texting in North America, so feel free to text me at 403-671-1046. I will try not to talk on my cell much in the States as price goes up. If you'd like to talk on the phone, wonderful! I can send you numbers of where I'll be in the States.
I pray you and your family have a blessd holiday season and all the best in 2011! May we keep our focus on Jesus---THE Reason of the Season! He continues to change lives...including mine!
Thank you for being such a source of support and encouragement to me. You are a blessing!
So, needless to say I will be leaving Calgary on Monday...driving south and thank the Lord that He has met my need for someone to ride with me and help me drive. My sweet friend and "daughter" Jenna will travel with me, get to visit family in North Carolina and will fly back to Calgary. Her dad is a student at our seminary; her mom and I share an office and have become the best of friends; and we attend the same church. Sometime last year, I realized that if I had had a child at 16, that child would be Jenna's age (18)...so she often calls me "mom" and I call her "daughter". Her younger brother often calls me "mom" as well and even got our kids' Sunday School class started on it last week. Too funny! Anyway...
I will be in the Nashville, TN area and Mississippi until the convention office receives the paperwork needed, mails it to me in MS, and I can head back and hopefully get a new work visa.
I was wanting to be with my family for Christmas and attend the national WMU meeting in Alabama in January. Because of immigration issues, I thought I wouldn't get home. I was bummed about all that but had pretty much accepted it and would make the best out of Christmas here and then 10 days in Prince Edward Island, where I lived for 18 months. As folks have told me today, take all this as a blessing and your way to do those things you were wanting to do. That is what I am doing. God is good through all of this and He is already showing Himself faithful.
I have a range of emotions right now. I was pretty much able to leave the office Friday with things done that needed doing. I have my "to do" list as far as packing and things to take care of before I go. Thankfully I had my car serviced and new winter tires put on a few weeks ago. Just need to get jumper cables and those 'winter preparedness' things one needs on the road in the winter! I've made the trek south in this time of the year before and that went pretty smoothly. Still have to plan out the route, check the extended forecast, etc.
It's somewhat strange preparing to leave when I don't know when, or maybe if, I will return. I feel fairly confident that I wll be back in due time...this is just a season...God showed Himself faithful before. I also am holding onto His Promises and that how I still have a peace about being here doing what I'm doing. I know that can change, especially when it comes to immigration...
So, that is what's going on and I covet your prayers during this time. Many of you have been praying already and ask how the process is going. Thank you! Pray for me to have a calm spirit and that I can think straight when packing and doing all those necessities. Pray for me as I continue to say 'see ya later' to those so dear to me here. Pray for Jenna and me as we travel (car, clear roads, good weather, good health, safety...). Pray for my family as I know they will be concerned wtih us traveling. Should take no more than 4 days. Also much has been going on in the lives of people my family knows...Pray for peace that surpasses all understanding in everyone's lives. Please lift up the convention and application that will soon be sent off for the document I need. Pray for officers reviewing the file.
I will be checking email periodically and recently set up a new email. Yahoo account is becoming overwhelming! You can email me at ellen.cone2001@gmail.com. Of course, Facebook is great and I'm able to access from my Blackberry. I have unlimited texting in North America, so feel free to text me at 403-671-1046. I will try not to talk on my cell much in the States as price goes up. If you'd like to talk on the phone, wonderful! I can send you numbers of where I'll be in the States.
I pray you and your family have a blessd holiday season and all the best in 2011! May we keep our focus on Jesus---THE Reason of the Season! He continues to change lives...including mine!
Thank you for being such a source of support and encouragement to me. You are a blessing!
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