Emmanuel's Seniors Journal

  This weekend, Murray and I went again on the road, as we have for the last month, to explore Saskatoon's surrounding communities.    Murray suggested we travel towards Asquith.   He heard the fields were covered with geese getting ready to travel south.   We did not find geese but explored a regional park we had never heard of, Eagle Creek, which is only about a 45-minute drive from Saskatoon.   A hidden park that looks like it would be a nice spot to camp in the summer.   On the hills above the valley, three old combines sit like guardians for the area.   I was able to have two in the photo. They are a reminder of a time long past.   I have enjoyed getting to explore the areas around Saskatoon.   I have always liked an adventure, and this was on my invisible bucket list for years.   The best part, Murray, is with me on the journey. On a lighter note, I would like to share a funny event from Murray’s journey.   He wen...

Last week, I decided to gather my Willow Tree figurines together.   I have about twelve of them. I had several in my office at the church, and others scattered around my home.   Each one arrived for a special event or situation that has taken place in my life. It was nice to remember how they came into my life and why. It is good to take time to reflect.   In the following display, I have placed soar, freedom, and hope.   Mark and Cindy, who are with the Heartland Regional Office part of the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada (CBWC), sent the flowers.   The Staff and the Board of EBC also sent their prayers and love through a lovely bouquet.   I enjoy having beauty in my home, especially when the item reminds me that I am part of a broader community holding me up in prayer.   Thank you to everyone for the creative ways you have expressed your love and care for my family during this crazy beautiful season. Soar arrived during ordination as a rem...

Well, I am a bit late in sending out a Thanksgiving thought.   It has been a full weekend for my family. On Saturday, my family gathered to have pictures taken.   Lyndon Smith so graciously offered to take some photos for us.   I am so grateful for his kindness.   Jan came along to keep the younger grandchildren focused. She did a fantastic job!   Thank you both.   I can't wait to see the pictures.   The following two pictures were taken by one of my children, and my favourite so far is the one with four of our grandchildren, Haliey 17, Alex 8, Gracie 4, and Avery 1.   I also like the one with the little girls and I sitting in the leaves. Yes, the picture was taken in my backyard, and the neighbour's tree has only dropped half of what we will eventually receive.   Usually, we have about 15 bags of leaves. The girls loved it!  The following reflection on being thankful is from Elsie Nickorick. Thanksgiving—Giving Thanks to God "...

  The last three weeks, since finding out my life would take a different path, each day brings a new house guest, today grief came my way.   There are many house guests to come, I am sure.   Loss is a hard one, but I need to walk through it well.   So, as I am learning, it is okay to grieve and to cry. We all suffer in different ways for many reasons. We all grieve various losses, but as we do, may we remember God is with us. We need to sit with the house guests that come, acknowledge the presence, and let the process heal us.   God comforts us and gives us the courage to arise each morning to what may come.   I am incredibly grateful for family and community walking along-side me in this season to remind me of God’s goodness and mercy that is always near.   Psalm 91 and was read to me by a dear friend as I cried, verse 2 stood out. “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.”   L...