Still without Internet

Well, so far I am still without internet access at home. I feel SO out of touch! I can't blog, read blogs, receive email, send email, check Facebook, check websites... it's incredibly frustrating. I now see just how much of my time is used for computer-related things, and how much I rely on it for information and communication. It's not a bad thing, I only use the computer while James is napping or in bed for the night. So I've found myself a little bored while he is sleeping, but I have been trying to make better use out of the extra time, which usually means that I also take a nap!

Some things we've been up to lately have been being outside LOTS, taking many walks in the stroller, playing in the pool in the backyard, visiting grandparents and friends, going to the Zoo, and on Sunday we went to the beach. James loves being outside, and could spend ALL day outside. Unfortunately, sunscreen and chlorine cause his eczema to really flare up - to we have to limit his time in direct sun quite a bit (thank goodness for the stroller), and we can't spend too much time in Ryan's parents pool. It has all worked out though, and James seems to love his little backyard pool a lot.

I can't believe he's nineteen months old now! He is still the star of the show wherever we go. He is a real people person, and smiles and talks to everyone he sees. He is really good with remembering names, some favourites being "Becca", "Menno" (my uncle), "Robert" (Ryan's young cousin), and "Mike" (a guy who works for my dad). He is talking non-stop, and there is no limit to his vocabulary at this point. He will repeat anything and everything we say, and consistently says "no" or "okay" when we ask him questions. He has been sleeping really well, usually from 9:00pm to about 7:30am. He is still taking a 1.5 - 2 hour afternoon nap as well. It's been really, really nice to have a good and consistent sleep schedule.

James also loves animals, and was thrilled to visit several "puppies" on the beach yesterday. He is not afraid of any animals, except if the dogs are excited - then he will keep a distance. At the zoo he would gladly go into each and every cage. Perhaps he will be a vet, or a zoo keeper!

Our summer is slowly getting busier and busier. We have several weddings to attend, and a few short vacations planned. I am excited about a trip to Calgary we are taking with my parents in July, to visit my brother, and his girlfriend too. I want to take James to the Calgary Zoo, which I believe is one of the best zoos in the world. Don't quote me on that. I also hope to spend some time at IKEA, get to the top of the Calgary tower, go on many walks with James, and spend some time with my family.

I have been growing in my faith tremendously as well. A few weeks ago my friend Robin and I went to a special evening at a church in Winkler. Maybe some of you have heard of the huge revival happening at the Ignited Church in Lakeland, Florida with Todd Bentley. You can find a lot of videos of it on YouTube. There has been a huge outpouring of the Holy Spirit there, with many people being healed - a few have even been risen from dead! Anyway, a group from Winnipeg went down to Florida, and came back with a message to spread the power, gifts and healing from the Spirit. So, they had a service in Winkler to which we attended. It was a really awesome time of worship, and it felt so filled with the Spirit that many people, including myself, felt inclined to take off our shoes. The main part of the evening was something they called the "tunnel of fire". They formed a lineup of people praying, and each person walked through the line. Each person would pray over us, share words from God, and give blessings. We could go through several times if we wanted to. My first time through the line, I was blessed with words from God confirming that I can be a leader, a disciple, and a shepherd. I have been doubting my ability to do this - but God has faith in me! My second time through each person seemed to sense my desire for more children, and healing was prayed over me. One woman touched my tummy, and told me good things were to come. Another woman speaking in tongues told me that God will "impregnate your womb with His word... with His love... with miracles... with healing". It was a great night, and I was really inspired afterward to share that outpouring of the Spirit. A couple of weeks later, at Bible Study, God directly answered some prayers within a few minutes. This felt like a sign from Him, and it was a really emotional moment for me to see Him working, and answering my request within twenty minutes of it being said (sorry, can't go into details as it is confidential, and involves other people).

So that is the big long post of all that is going on here while I am without internet at home. Don't lose touch - I will hopefully be up and running really soon! Pray that someone can figure out what is going on with the silly connections.