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Pina's Pad...Sharing my thoughts and testimony of how life changed ... January 10 ... ahhh, an EpiphanyEphesians 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This Bible verse was in my daily devotional today. As I read it many aspects in my life became clear, especially my marriage. Chris and I have faced some struggles lately. Let's just say neither of us have exactly been 100% willing to "be completely humble and gentle and patient" at all times. Especially when confronted by one another. We catch ourselves quickly though. We truly want to give grace to each other. However, as you know relationships are HARD! But God calls us to something higher... quite a different view than what we encounter around us in the "real world". This scripture really empowers me. I'm convinced and I claim this verse to be my New Year's Resolution ... so to speak. Yep, I guess I can actually say that I have had an Epiphany today. Now I understand the meaning. hmmmmm.... this is definitely meaty and gives me a lot to chew on... to be completely humble and gentle... patient... bearing with one another in love... to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit... (and I really love this part)... through the bond of peace. The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Ephesian church while he was imprisoned. I doubt he realized then that his admonishment to the Ephesians would touch countless others for millenia to come, including me! Thank God! Happy New Year and Good night. P. December 23 It's Christmas!It's Christmas time. Finally here. And we've been celebrating for over a month now! Our Christmas tree went up the day before the Santa Claus parade (Nov. 17th). Simon is 14 months old now and understanding it's a special time of year. He actually thinks the tree is full of toys (ornaments) just for him. Everyday he pulls one or two off the branches and drags them around the house. Then at night whilst he's asleep Mommy and the Elves find them and return them to their place, adorning our front room. Glowing white lights, angels, doves and a tiny nativity set welcome friends and family as they come to our front door. Simon loves playing with baby Jesus.
He loves the lights and special music. He really tries his best to sing along with us and claps his hands in tune with the song. He's such a bright kid. Daddy is his special friend... I bet it's because he loves to be tossed in the air several times a day by such big strong loving arms. Simon LOVES Daddy!
We are truly enjoying our new home. God's amazing creatures visit regularly. And not earwigs or scary critters like that, but Blue Jays and brilliant red Cardinals, big fat squirrels and many many kitty cats. Simon's two favourite words at the moment are "tree" and "kitty cat" and yes, he DOES say them! He is SUCH a bright kid! He gets completely excited when one of the neighbourhood cats appears on our back deck. He runs to the patio door and the cat typically stares at him (and Abbey our bird) for a few moments before sauntering off to check out the neighbour's house.
The Frasers have enjoyed a full and exciting year. Our faithful and loving God has provided richly for us and continues to bless us. 5 exceptional ladies grace our home and help me care for my family daily. They truly are an answer to our prayer for loyal and caring staff. May the Lord bless them.
Our wonderful volunteers from China, Qing and Li, have become a part of our family. My mom and dad have basically adopted them. These girls faithfully visit us every week. We've been getting to know their friends and boyfriends who are all as lovely as they are. The Chinese are an awesome people. They really bless us.
We are in the midst of preparing for a small Christmas Eve gathering after a special Christmas church service. This year we're having a traditional French Canadian meal with lamb tortierre, pickels and olives, pumpernickel and french bread, wine and cheese. I made my own tortierre and it smells scrumptuous! For dessert... chocolate cherry rum cake made by 'moi aussi' (that's me also). Chris will decorate our cake with a special birthday message to JESUS! Simon knows who Jesus is and is curiously attracted to our 'Mother and Child' silver tooling and a picture of Jesus on the mountain hanging on our wall. This will be our family tradition for years to come, celebrating Jesus' birthday. Besides, JESUS is the reason for the season right?
What are your family Christmas traditions?
My love and blessings to you always. I pray God's Spirit will fill your heart with His Joy and Peace. May you enjoy true fellowship with those who love you and want the best for you.
Merry Christmas!
Pina November 07 To baptize or not to baptize?After much thought Chris and I decided to have Simon baptized. This past Sunday little Simon was baptized at the Anglican church where we were wed. St. Hilary's in Mississauga is one of our church family's and as usual we were tremendously blessed with their warmth and love. Thanks to all who made the day so special. We love you all. October 15 further clarityI wrote my story .. and let me tell you narrowing it down to their limit of 400 words was tough! Nevertheless, the story is a jist of how God answered my prayer to change my life. Someday I plan to expand the story and see how far it goes.
Ciao for now.
P. some clarification......just to clarify, I am not the author of the book. My story is being published by a Christian publisher in affiliation with Crosswalk.com, and they have put together a number of stories in a book called "Praise Reports - Inspiring Real-Life Stories of how God answers prayer!". An invitation was sent to all subscribers of Crosswalk to submit their story. Mine was chosen! I feel very honoured. Apparently, the book will be sold in 25,000 bookstores (including online etailers like Amazon.com). Ok, I admit, this does motivate me to keep writing... it's pretty neat stuff! God bless. Quote ok, here's the story October 13 ok, here's the story My story that is being published and in the bookstores around the middle of October!
Getting married was my life long dream. I yearned to belong in a family of my own. While I succeeded with a higher education and career, I constantly battled low self-esteem. You see I have a chronic and deteriorating form of Muscular Dystrophy and from birth I learned to adapt from a different perspective... sitting down. In my thirties many friends were getting married and becoming more involved in their new lives. My relationships were short lived and always ended in devastation. I couldn’t grasp what I had to do to meet my husband. I cried to God and fasted and prayed. I got involved in ministry, yet became more depressed and alone. Had God forgotten me? A Christian friend at work felt called to intercede for me. For three years she prayed daily for my husband to come into my life. Although not very computer savvy she kept suggesting I join a single’s club on the Internet. Against the idea I adamantly said ‘NO’ every time. She encouraged me that a Christian dating service was not her idea but she felt strongly that this might be God’s plan. I signed up for a 6-month membership and met wonderful Christians all over the world. There were a few whom I considered ‘a good match’, however we never met in person. Toward the end of my membership I was frustrated and decided this was NOT for me! Days before my membership expired a sweet guy emailed me. As nice as he was I ignored him thinking ‘this just isn’t for me anyway’. Over the course of a week I kept feeling a tug at my heart to reply. I finally did and we both felt an immediate connection when we spoke on the phone. After two days we met in person at the bus terminal. I didn’t believe in love at first sight, but as he walked into the terminal my heart pounded when I saw his eyes. He saw my smile and that was it! We knew we would share something very special. Until then my prayer had been "God, please change my life" and He certainly did just that. After seven months we got married. Fourteen months later our biggest miracle happened. Against the medical community’s advice I gave birth to a beautiful son. Love is indeed a miracle and with God ALL things are possible. Never stop believing. Pina Fraser is a 38 year old women who has beat the odds. Raised by immigrant parents Pina struggled with their belief that her disability would keep her from a "normal" lifestyle. Today Pina is successful and happily married to Chris. They have a healthy and beautiful son. Quote I figured it out I figured it outwow... I didn't know I can change the font size and colour too! Now this is cool.
So, I did figure out how to add pictures here. Check out the photos section. I've added quite a few with captions in 3 different albums. JoJo thanks for your comment. God bless you as well and I will have fun. Check back here in a bit... I am going to upload my story of how life changed that is actually being published in a book entitled "Praise Reports - How God Answers Prayer" and it will be in bookstores across North America any day now. Very cool I think! ... this opportunity that is.  October 12 Hello Everyone!Well this is my first entry and rather a new venture into the world of cyberspace for me! Don't get me wrong I've been a presence on the world wide web for years now (ie. messengers and even my own web site: www.eaglearts.net that I share with my hubby Chris). But... sharing my thoughts and heart online and having it accessible to the world's readership is a new step. However, I promise to keep this communication positive and encouraging and hope that many of my friends, family and their friends and family will read my blog.
If anyone has had difficulty adding photos to your live space perhaps you can fill me in on What To Do?? For some reason I'm unable to download the program necessary to add photos.
Anyway, I'll write again soon and keep building my space!
Gotta feed Simon now... he's my baby for those of you who are just reading about me for the first time.
Ciao and many blessings to you and for your day.
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