tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47640272630426967412012-02-03T17:22:32.020+01:00A little bit about my experiences in Basqueland.Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-48899919287988366002012-02-03T17:22:00.000+01:002012-02-03T17:22:32.031+01:00

Agate deuna 2012 - Santa Agueda – Saint Agatha  This morning the monthly ‘news’ bulletin of ‘our’ town, Sopelana, here in Basqueland arrived in our mailbox in the downstairs lobby. It’s quite an interesting magazine called “Sopelana Gurea” – ‘Our Sopelana’. It’s edited, I’d say, 60% in the Basque language and 40% in Spanish. You’ll find information re new bicycles paths, a new children’s

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-74777903649441336962012-01-25T12:09:00.000+01:002012-01-25T12:09:40.902+01:00

There’s another very enjoyable custom at this time of year in Basqueland. It begins a few weeks before Christmas and continues til about mid-February. We have enjoyed going out for a walk – “strolling time” – in the evening, mingling with the many others who are doing the same, stopping in a little store or two, greeting a waitress in one of the many coffee shops in the area. “Let’s stop on the

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-47964232128288308852012-01-16T15:42:00.000+01:002012-01-16T15:42:32.830+01:00

“Be ready to preach, pray or die!” I remember one of our teachers at Bible School often emphasizing this in his class of Pastoral Theology. As students we were assured we might be in places –unexpected situations – and be called on to “Preach”, whether we had notes or a sermon outline with us or not. “Pray” – yes, be asked to lead in prayer in a service, pray for someone specifically or pray for

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-41116805053267394812012-01-12T20:20:00.002+01:002012-01-16T15:27:25.673+01:00

Grandma and Grandpa talked together, “We should take the grandkids out one morning. We could go to McD’s for breakfast. They’d like that.” “O.K. Let’s do it.” And then we added after some contemplation, “All of them? All NINE of them? Ummmm….. let’s take the first three, the older ones, one morning for breakfast and then the middle three and then…..” [After talking with the parents we agreed that

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-69786362012501022712012-01-09T22:04:00.002+01:002012-01-09T22:07:16.796+01:00

This is the greeting you'll receive in Basqueland for Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you happen to be in Basqueland at this time of year you would see illuminated signs:  ZORIONAK! And folk would greet you in the Basque language – “URTE BERRI ON” Zorionak actually means ‘congratulations’ or ‘happiness’ and is used for birthday greetings as well. Happy New Year! It’s something we say

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-43959261338897672722011-12-20T18:04:00.000+01:002011-12-20T18:04:38.362+01:00

When does your Christmas season begin? How long does it last? It really begins and ends at different times for different people depending on where they live or what their background is or their state of ‘busyness’. My Christmas Season begins the first of December, when we return to Basqueland from our annual Missionary Thanksgiving retreat held in central Spain and it lasts til January 6th – El

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-64705003631602924922011-12-17T21:21:00.000+01:002011-12-17T21:21:22.805+01:00

“Temporal” - enduring for a time only; temporary; transitory (opposed to eternal). That is the definition I find in English (online) Dictionary. “Temporal” in Spanish = can mean a period of time that is not permanent but it also means a very strong storm “Un Temporal” – on land or sea and an extended period of rain.  And what a day this ‘temporal’ has been. It hit this area of Basqueland very

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-23404650017677806402011-12-15T20:53:00.000+01:002011-12-15T20:53:48.112+01:00

The Christmas season in Basqueland is not really like the Christmas season in Canada or the United States. Oh there are many similarities: most families put up a small Christmas tree, there's the same hustle and bustle to get to the stores to buy gifts and food for the festivities, the same plans to be with family. But there are differences too: lights are hung over the streets of the downtown

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-60909399345266342162011-12-11T14:54:00.001+01:002011-12-11T14:55:45.075+01:00

This time of year brings many holidays to Basqueland - holidays before and during the Christmas season right up to January 6th, the Day of the Kings or the Wisemen. December 6 – Día de la Constitución = Constitution Day. - commemorating 33 years of the signing and accepting of the Spanish Constitution after 40 years of dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-52929490729604443562011-11-28T18:15:00.000+01:002011-11-28T18:15:53.133+01:00

Words of encouragement sure help as we travel along our journey wherever God places us. We all want encouragement; we all need encouragement, no matter where we are or what we are doing. When we happen to encourage someone it not only makes them feel better but we feel good too. In the dictionary I found several meanings for the word ‘encourage’. Here are a few that go along with the title: To

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-80850445598601889642011-11-17T12:26:00.000+01:002011-11-17T12:26:33.773+01:00

Psalms 59:16 - "But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” (NLT) “ ‘Mornin’ sweetheart!”,  I said to my hubby . “Did you have a good night? I woke up singing!” and that’s what has been happening to me. I think it is rather amazing. It seems every morning, and for

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-34212321193965059562011-11-01T23:07:00.000+01:002011-11-01T23:07:43.151+01:00

November 1 - “Día de Todos Los Santos” = “All Saints’ Day”. Roman Catholics celebrate this day, in the western part of the world as a day to honor the saints, (known and unknown) - all the saints down through history, all Christian martyrs.  In Basqueland, in Spain ‘Día de Los Santos’ is a national holiday, a very important one. Schools are closed, all stores are closed, banks, post office,

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-51741532018434315722011-10-26T17:53:00.000+02:002011-10-26T17:53:12.153+02:00

“Grandma, why can’t you live closer?” The question came from granddaughter #2 – the first child in our son’s family. She is 8 years old. “Why can’t you live closer?” The question came at the end of a 9-day stay at our son and daughter-in law’s place – with their 4 little ones. “Why can’t you live closer?” We had had such a good week together, even though everyone was busy with school, work,

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-65958150615705946552011-10-17T18:35:00.000+02:002011-10-17T18:35:21.219+02:00

Ega River Estella is a town of 13,000 inhabitants in the province or community of Navarre – northern Spain. It dates its founding to 1090, when King Sancho Ramírez saw its important location along the Santiago pilgrimage route. The community began to grow as inns and hospital were built to attend to the pilgrims needs along with many, many cathedrals, convents and monasteries. A French monk

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-63223177062760072452011-10-10T17:10:00.000+02:002011-10-10T17:10:38.827+02:00

 6:25 p.m. = 18:25 hs – and we’re waiting at the Metro station, on our way to meet friends. We’ve been invited to ‘dar un paseo’ = ‘go for a stroll’ – a leisurely walk - an evening stroll – a very typical occurrence in Basqueland. You who live in northern countries, or across the water, are likely finishing, or have already finished, your dinner or supper, and are preparing for a relaxing

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-38487986873639883892011-10-03T18:35:00.000+02:002011-10-03T18:35:13.305+02:00

Advice........ I love it – well if it doesn't affect how I feel or if it doesn’t have too great an influence on my actions or decisions. Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV)  tells me to “listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” – and we can also “give delight by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9 - (NKJV). So advice accepted or given can be good. How do you feel

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-30915199142118835362011-09-29T12:32:00.000+02:002011-09-29T12:32:11.706+02:00

Blog, Blogs - no Blogs. Where are the Blogs? It's just that we've been away from Basqueland - AND - without my little ACER = more challenging to type and save, impossible to download/upload photos...... so no Blogs. I shall take my little 'friend' with me next time “It’s time to go – got to get out the door!” “O.K, I’m almost ready” …… which meant – brush teeth, fluff up my hair, put on

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-41517544160717942142011-07-13T19:07:00.001+02:002011-07-15T23:10:05.977+02:00

Yes, we took a trip to Madrid – and that at the beginning of July! As soon as you cross over the beautiful mountains of Basqueland, you are in the dry , arid meseta that is most of Spain. It has its own beauty, but we tell everyone, “Basqueland is the prettiest part of Spain!” Even though it rains a lot in Basqueland, the temperatures are more moderate = not as cold in the winter as Madrid and

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-59210249119521975622011-07-11T15:00:00.000+02:002011-07-11T15:00:18.277+02:00

Beautiful mountains of Basqueland  - a small city in a river valley surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Basqueland. It’s Basque name is Arrasate and so the city is often called Arrasate-Mondragon. A well-known legend tells of a dragon that lived on a nearby mountain and terrorized the inhabitants of Arrasate and surrounding areas. This dragon was eventually conquered by the strong men and

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-84672618174964382642011-06-19T20:34:00.000+02:002011-06-19T20:34:44.729+02:00

Father’s Day! Here in Basqueland ‘Día del Padre’ – Father’s Day – is always March 19. That is the "Dia de San José" - or "St. Joseph's Day". So Father's Day in Basqueland is in honor of the earthly father of Jesus - Joseph or José. There are several stories or legends about when the first Father's Day was held. This week I heard one that I have ‘kept’. I like it. It tells about Mrs. Bruce John

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-1108634769318898472011-06-17T16:47:00.000+02:002011-06-17T16:47:55.573+02:00

- a city of about 25,000 people- important  Roman city from 200 BC to 400AD.- situated in a river valley – Rio Ebro – and known for its agriculture - especially the great variety of vegetables and the canning industry. - known as “La Captial de la Verdura” – The Vegetable Capital - also known for the manufacturing of slippers- early Christians came to this area in 300AD. I read about Saint

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-565456810783550912011-06-06T11:31:00.000+02:002011-06-06T11:31:30.965+02:00

I remember the first visit I made to Mungia. The town is not far from where we live = 20 minute drive, but it’s not along the ‘direct’ route so we hadn’t visited. We had 'passed by' on our way to the coast, had even made a wrong turn and ended up in the town, but that’s not really a visit. It was a year and a half ago, when a team was with us from the U. S. that we visited Mungia. In fact every

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-5282752787646545572011-05-26T17:50:00.000+02:002011-05-26T17:50:20.214+02:00

You’ll recall this is the town where Maria lived and where she came to faith in Christ alone. I’ll tell you a bit more of the history of  Barbastro. During the time of the Protestant Reformation (XVI C), Luther’s writings, his commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, and other pamphlets began to be brought into Spain. I read of many areas of Spain where Protestantism made inroads. Several

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-77931237839907504092011-05-18T12:12:00.000+02:002011-05-18T12:12:09.359+02:00

“Opus Dei is an organization founded in Spain in 1928 by Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. The stated aim of Opus Dei is to "spread throughout society a profound awareness of the universal call to holiness and apostolate through one's professional work carried out with freedom and personal responsibility." (Encyclopedia of Associations) “Opus Dei is made up of lay members and priests; Opus Dei

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-86880131056128669572011-05-10T17:25:00.000+02:002011-05-10T17:25:17.581+02:00

MUNGIA …….another city where we would like to see a church planted. The church in Getxo which was planted 4 years ago also is focussing on Mungia. That’s wonderful! We want to help them and help other reach out to cities and towns in their area here in Basqueland. Mungia – has a population of 16,000. (Munguía = Spanish/Mungia = Basque) The town dates back to the 11th century when it was an

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-89789624128307439952011-05-03T13:02:00.000+02:002011-05-03T13:02:18.991+02:00

Enraptured. Exhilarated. Thrilled. Delighted. I still have the feeling of being absolutely thrilled and pleasantly surprised … when I think back to the Royal Wedding last Friday. I should say I am very thankful we can tune in to BBC TV here in Basqueland. That’s where we could really enjoy the hours before, during and following the wedding. We could take in the complete ceremony in Westminster

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-51214871589394786852011-04-30T15:52:00.000+02:002011-04-30T15:52:21.970+02:00

PASSION WEEK, HOLY WEEK, SEMANA SANTA with all its religious fervor has ended. The images, the beautiful sculptured and painted ‘pasos’ or ‘floats’ have been put away til next year - some on their ‘perch’ in an old church or cathedral, some in the museum where you can stop and see them if you wish during the year. Did you know? I just read about it. The ‘pasos’ can weigh more than 1.000 kilos .

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-70407507781154676262011-04-21T12:19:00.000+02:002011-04-21T12:19:13.114+02:00

It’s good at this time of year to think about God’s love for us and why Jesus came. Folk in Basqueland as well as all over the country of Spain are either taken up with a 5-day holiday and just getting away somewhere, or going to the old part of the cities to view the slow-moving processions as men carry the many statues and images of Christ and the Virgin Marys through the streets. Folk in other

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-81940197134123553892011-04-18T15:53:00.000+02:002011-04-18T15:53:13.942+02:00

Second rate….. Third rate….looked down on….head low? The sign on a recent flight read: “b-flex economy +  in front of this seat row” I was behind that sign. Business class was at the front of the plane. I know this, but I sort of expected the rest of the area to be general = economy. But no! The first half was “b-flex economy +” and what was the remaining half or the back half? We were

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-14687005909708077472011-04-11T03:20:00.000+02:002011-04-11T03:20:18.488+02:00

......and this is grandchild number 9!!! What a blessing! How special, always, to hold a little baby close to you again - on your shoulder 'trying' to get a little burp out after a feeding - in your arms as you 'swing and side-step' (some call it the 'Lindy Hop'), and hum a tune while he cries - holding him as you walk around and pat him; he closes his eyes and sleeps. Here's a poem, written by

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-36677733007739733872011-04-05T19:58:00.000+02:002011-04-05T19:58:41.726+02:00

It was a happy day. I was enjoying every minute. I was with my ‘girls’ = my two daughters. One was putting her little girl down for a nap. One had dropped of her 5 year old while she went to the doctors. We had enjoyed a cup of café con leche as we chatted at the kitchen table. So good to be together again. The grocery list was on the counter. I offered to go and take my 5 year old grandson with

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-12489344288112223862011-04-01T02:03:00.000+02:002011-04-01T02:03:12.156+02:00

And we were invited! = guests of honor!!! The special Saturday p.m. celebration was held in the auditorium of a High School in the center of Pamplona. How good to see ‘greeters’ at the steps and at the doors, looking so sharp, dress shirt and tie and a smile, helping, showing the way. So many came to greet us as we entered and walked towards the front. Two kisses, hugs, much happiness. The pastor

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-89566130881564636522011-03-18T18:23:00.000+01:002011-03-18T18:23:55.259+01:00

“Tienes que estar prevenida”  =  “You have to think ahead!” As a popular refrain here in Basqueland says, “Hombre (mujer) prevenido/a vale por dos.” = “A man or a woman who thinks ahead knows how to act or prepare for what may come and it will go better for him or her.” We left the apartment mid-morning, on our way to a city in Basqueland – a small city of about 15,000 inhabitants, a pretty

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-33466392874535519712011-03-15T17:48:00.010+01:002011-03-15T18:26:11.146+01:00

‘Carnaval’ – celebrated in many countries of the world at this time of year – countries that have had a Roman Catholic influence. It is a time of revelry, drunkenness and debauchery in some places. I was ‘chatting’ to a pastor in Bolivia who told me, “’Carnaval’ is such a terrible time here. The churches plan retreats. I just got back from ours.” It’s a few days of fun in others spots with many

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-44462425062807888692011-03-09T17:46:00.000+01:002011-03-09T17:46:14.531+01:00

Yes, in these past days, past weeks, we seem to be looking for, even welcoming, words of comfort. Comfort for the young widow with her three little ones, comfort for her mom and dad, his mom and dad, all the family, extended family, friends – God’s family in Africa, in Canada, USA, Europe – so many close by and far away. “Where could I go? Where could I go’ Seeking a refuge for my soul. Needing

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-55824152605091711552011-03-03T20:20:00.001+01:002011-03-07T17:15:13.579+01:00

“I have bad news……” My daughter was weeping. I was alone in our apartment in Basqueland, sitting at the table, cell phone to my ear – wondering if something had happened to the baby (our daughter is due in a few weeks), her hubby, her in-laws, as I waited. “Rob was killed in Africa this afternoon, at a construction sight. The blade of the electric saw came loose and got him in the chest.” My

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-23009042864764094212011-02-22T20:59:00.000+01:002011-02-22T20:59:00.939+01:00

February 2011 and we were part of the VII CONGRESO FADE = VII Annual Council of the Federation of the Assemblies of God of Spain – 48 years since the Spain Assemblies of God was formed.  The theme was “COMPROMETIDOS CON LA MISIÓN – Para una visión de Alcance – Romanos 15:17-26” (Committed to the mission and reaching towards the vision) or we could say, “Committed to the vision of reaching the

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-23186891880512025702011-02-19T19:32:00.001+01:002011-02-22T18:31:22.409+01:00

CALAMOCHA – a small town of 4,400 inhabitants, in the interior of Spain – one of the coldest spots in the country in the winter months – and that is where we stopped to ‘fill up’ on our 8-hour drive to the south east coast. We continued our journey and about 10 minutes down the road I just happened to ask my hubby, “How much did it cost to fill up back there? That’s because we have just arrived

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-39398038364625635282011-02-15T20:37:00.000+01:002011-02-15T20:37:59.007+01:00

Clearing closets and cupboards, packing suitcases, spending the last few hours with family – we are preparing to return to the north of Spain - for two years this time. Thank you for making this possible! Our months of itineration have gone well; it has been a joy for us to meet so many of you personally and have the opportunity to tell what God is doing in Spain. There are 65 cities in the

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-16609655135987589442011-02-02T16:15:00.000+01:002011-02-02T16:15:44.188+01:00

- neat white 45’ trailers = a Mobile Home – all in a row – most white with a variety of trim colors - golf carts in abundance and bikes and trikes - many ceramic figures adorning the outside - shuffleboard – daily plus tournaments throughout the season - folk out walking – morning and evening - a clubhouse – where folk meet to enjoy:            - the library

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-9011691474127764332011-01-29T19:29:00.002+01:002011-01-29T19:29:36.319+01:00

Do you know what that means? You see our life now – our main focus – is what is called ‘Itineration’. For those serving overseas, it used to be called ‘furlough’ – overseas for 3, 4 or more years, furlough back home for 1 year, then overseas again, then furlough. Furlough means – "A leave of absence or vacation" It was used for the military and began to be used in missionary agencies. So

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-34220220422884031062011-01-20T19:09:00.003+01:002011-01-20T19:14:45.995+01:00

Really? Am I still wishing folk a Happy New Year? Actually I’ve fallen behind on writing things to share – trying to catch up. So seeing we’re just half-way or a bit more, through the first month of 2011 I think I can still write about the new year.So “Happy New Year” - and this is how we greet everyone we meet on January 1st and during the first weeks of the first month of the year – “Happy New

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-25726800960121398142011-01-12T02:02:00.006+01:002011-01-12T02:15:30.280+01:00

Is it too late to say "HAPPY NEW YEAR"?Is there a cut-off date, sometime in January when it's passé to wish someone you meet = family, friend, neighbor, classmate, store associate........ the best for 2011? i think we can always be giving 'words' of encouragement, of blessing and inspiration.I was reading over - again - some of the poems and songs my father had written and looking for a specific

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-32151767853973340772010-12-22T17:53:00.006+01:002010-12-22T20:01:47.164+01:00

There’s something about lights – candles, flashlights, night lights, the light of the flame in a fire place, a bonfire, a lighthouse along the shore, that light up the eyes of a child. And yes, there’s something very special about Chrismtas light – not only for children, but for Grandmas and Grandpas too – everyone, really. I remember arriving by airplane into the city of Toronto, Canada one year

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-25929502060954161562010-12-20T16:01:00.008+01:002010-12-20T16:59:45.003+01:00

Today I'm sharing with you a poem my Dad composed many years ago."Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."Blessed Christmas!BETHLEHEM’S BABEHeavenly choir, blazing starShepherds - wise men from afarProclaim Him King!Gethsemane and CalvaryThorn crown – stripes - His agonyHail love redeeming!Then ring ye bells and sing ye heavenly hosts!Hail Him who with His

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-53740670355414510652010-12-14T18:32:00.008+01:002010-12-20T16:01:30.539+01:00

My verse for this Christmas this year is, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6 – New Living TranslationEvery Christmas I find a verse, take it as a special one for me – as mine for the season. There have been verses about Jesus, the true Light, about good tidings of great joy, God’s gift, His love, about worship to Him. So this

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-58645140964910250672010-12-10T17:29:00.011+01:002010-12-10T18:11:30.063+01:00

We love BGMC = BOY AND GIRLS MISSIONARY CHALLENGEAnd what exactly is BGMC? It really is a ministry - a ministry involving boys and girls across the USA in missions, national and international. (In Canada this ministry is called MAK = Missions And Kids)BGMC has a mascot called Buddy. You can get a lot of ‘Buddy’ items – pens, pencils, erasers, balloons, yo-yos, bags, wallets, stuffed toys. The

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-32967875881883107652010-11-25T23:38:00.002+01:002010-11-25T23:43:53.713+01:00

FOUR grandchildren – on a Saturday morning. FOUR grandchildren and to McDonalds. We did it!Maybe that sounds strange to you, but when you haven’t been with these four little ones for any length of time over the past four years, you have second thoughts of taking four anywhere. They know they have grandparents far away in Basqueland and now those grandparents are here. We have tried to see them

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-29482775520357127812010-11-11T15:02:00.011+01:002010-11-12T02:25:35.418+01:00

A few weeks ago my five-year old grandson came home from Kindergarten ready to teach us a new song: (to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down)“All the leaves are falling downFalling down, falling downAll the leaves are falling downRed, green, orange and brown.”Of course, grandma joined in singing the song, doing the actions – arms stretched high, fingers moving as our arms slowly lowered to

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-51733672421642819772010-11-02T02:32:00.003+01:002010-11-02T02:40:10.155+01:00

I don’t believe it! We forgot our Passports!“Got everything?” "Yes!” “Tickets?” “Yes!” “Documents?” “Yes! – I’ve got my green card – just need the Passports….no, we don’t need that other document this time.” That was our conversation – a usual one before we leave the house for the airport.We drove an hour, unloaded the trunk of the car, proceeded to check-in. As we’re in line I hear, “What ID do

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-21463413381105891632010-10-25T21:50:00.018+02:002010-10-28T18:35:16.313+02:00

"Whaaaaat? Now how is that going to work out? What do they think we are? Have they not taken our AGE into consideration?"These were the thoughts running through my mind as I read the schedule for our weekend involvement at a special weekend in the Ottawa area.Saturday Oct 23travel from Toronto to Ottawa4:00 pm Dinner with Pastor Brian & wife5:30 pm to church6:00 pm Spanish “El Faro” Service8:00

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-71631172279918688262010-10-18T01:58:00.007+02:002010-10-19T02:05:47.128+02:00

"We wanted to recognize God and thank Him publicly!"Those were the words of one of the 33 miners that were brought up in the capsule - from darkness to light, very hot to very cold, weeks away - deep down to 'fresh air and freedom, family and friends. "There weren't 33 miners down below. There were 34! God was there with us!"I'm sure you noticed that most of the miners appeared wearing a shirt

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-46297738365159208432010-10-12T19:45:00.005+02:002010-10-12T20:06:22.434+02:00

That is..... “M. E.” = “MISSIONARIES EXTRAORDINAIRE”What an honor!What a privilege!We were invited to be part of the M.E. evening at a church in our area – along with three other missionaries families.“We love you!" "We appreciate you!" "We just want to thank you for all you’re doing.” And so the M.E. award event was planned. So many helped. So many were involved. What a great church! “You’ll be

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-52021392896850158352010-10-08T03:08:00.008+02:002010-10-08T03:50:12.903+02:00

This is a REAL experience we had during 'itineration'. (That's the time - weeks, months - when we travel to many churches giving a report on what God is doing in Basqueland). This really happened to us. Read on.....“Are you allergic to cats?”“Well, no, we, ah, we like cats!”“Good, just wanted to check. You'’ll be staying with a couple in the church and they have cats.”It was a little country

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-61089826070818526962010-10-06T03:22:00.003+02:002010-10-06T03:27:37.667+02:00

As we take several months to travel and visit churches back here in the USA, we’re often in meetings where we listen to other pastors preach. We have opportunities to be in Conventions and Seminars and listen to leaders in our District. I’m the kind who takes jottings during sermons – often – not just to keep me awake….. but it keeps me focussed. I pay closer attention and I can look at those

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-83983421778627846232010-09-29T16:56:00.005+02:002010-09-29T17:30:37.162+02:00

There’s Banana Bread, Pineapple Loaf, Carrot Loaf, Cranberry and Orange, Date, Lemon Raisin and so many more. One of my recipe books lists 58 different loaves I could bake. Have you ever tasted Zucchini Bread or Zucchini Loaf? I made several when I was in Basqueland – “Pan de Calabacín”. I wouldn’t let the ladies know what they were eating until the end of our time together. ¿Qué son esas

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-69398844824892726322010-09-23T04:03:00.004+02:002010-09-28T21:43:16.753+02:00

I did tell you of our travels from the southern part of the US to the north and across the border into Canada. I mentioned the “Old Friends” we found along the way.Something else that amazed me.as we travelled hundreds of miles & kilometres were the songs that are sung and enjoyed for each State. It began as we crossed the Suwanee River in northern Florida. I started to sing, “Way down upon the

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-43612765835485510632010-09-20T20:10:00.004+02:002010-09-20T20:22:13.435+02:00

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 was the Scripture for the pastor’s message Sunday morning. Right now and for several months we travel each Sunday to be in a church and tell what God is doing in Basqueland. Sometimes my hubby is asked to bring the message. Other times he is given a ‘5-minute’ or ‘10-minute window. That means a brief report. He’s good at doing that. When that happens I get to hear another

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-51570744378457245752010-09-18T17:41:00.005+02:002010-09-18T18:11:27.005+02:00

You may remember my many references to the very good ‘café con leche’ we enjoy in Basqueland. If you’ve travelled to Basqueland or other part of Spain – or Italy, Sweden, Greece – many European countries - you will have been introduced to excellent tasting brew. Then when you return to North America you may find youself saying”This coffee has NO flavor!” “This coffee is SO weak!” “This is like

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-14775557033208429272010-09-15T03:08:00.009+02:002010-09-16T01:22:21.918+02:00

So much laundry to do – piles of sheets, towels – 7 of us together in a cottage for the weekend.“I’ll start – I’ll help and do a bit each day,” were my words to my busy sister-in-law.We were in Newfoundland, the easternmost province of Canada. I always say it’s half-way to England! (well maybe to Iceland). There can be a lot of rainy days (like in Basqueland), very short summers, long, cold,

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-60429709663190993632010-08-30T16:31:00.003+02:002010-08-30T16:32:44.583+02:00

“Hi cousin” – and I greeted an in-law with a hug. (not really my cousin, but married into the family). “Good to see you again. How are you?”“Hi! Nice to see you to. Uh, pray for me – pray for my business.”“Are you going through a downtime?”, I asked.“Oh, there’s still movement, but not like it was. There could be more. But you know, that last song really ministered to me. I have a roof over me. I

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-68786787537678743772010-08-27T19:04:00.002+02:002010-08-27T19:13:01.607+02:00

I heard an excellent message a few Sundays ago – hadn’t heard an exposition like it - on Joshua 5:13-15 – (New International Version) - “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies? “Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4764027263042696741.post-45717914221233813202010-08-16T19:14:00.007+02:002010-08-17T17:32:32.473+02:00

"OLD FRIENDS – after all of these years…………"And that was our experience during our recent ravels. Suitcases were prepared again – just one each this time. A 2011 Road Atlas was purchased, cooler and ice pack ready – fruit, carrot sticks, crackers and cheese, almonds and celery.Up early and on the road. We stopped for breakfast later and continued our travels toward Alabama, our first stop.

Lindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17870175310441270412noreply@blogger.com0