tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157626901251901252024-03-13T17:27:44.744-07:00Way Of The DoveWithin every single minute there are seconds waiting to dream, to laugh, to love and to smile... This is my storyEVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-2887432624291026862012-11-17T10:24:00.003-08:002012-11-17T10:24:43.660-08:00Fear Not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;">I remember this bitter sweet moment. It was 2 years after my stroke and I was learning how to go into a grocery store. I put on a brave face and challenged my fears. As I walked through the aisles my brain began to shut down, my little girl</span><br />
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was with me. I began to walk like I was completely drunk, my speech became slurred and I slumped to one side as I wobbled to and fro. My beautiful girl held my hand and grabbed the groceries. She looked up at me with such pride; I knew that people were starring at me and even some looked at me with disgust and snickered. My head dropped in shame, though I had done nothing wrong. Covered in tears I lifted my head and thought of my dear little girl who smiled as I fought to take each and every step. I knew right there and then that courage is beautiful and family is priceless. People can judge me but I was going to leave that store with my head held high, conquering a fear and creating a memory worth cherishing for a lifetime. As we walk slowly to our car my daughter says "your the best stroke survivor daddy there is". With a big hug she gave me all the joy, the strength and the laughter I needed for the day, in fact I think of that moment quite often and still smile. God knows just the right thing to do and how to do it well. </div>
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EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-237705641898390432012-10-13T10:27:00.001-07:002012-10-13T10:27:17.654-07:00The Quivering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We can all to often feel afraid when we face the unknown, something of uncertainty but have you ever noticed the brave at heart, the ones who seem to face fear head on and just smile. What makes them who they are, what they feel and how they overcome! Well I was on that side until my stroke happened, then when months had passed and I had to deal with every little thing that said "you can't do this" it got me mad and really tough. I didn't know that I was becoming such an overcomer until my kids started saying "Dad, we believe in you, you can do it"<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pdtsp39qz6Qx0CZfEfCO-txmsyFEcKifjbT7M_QOqFEiz3FEMBmqwj2EdNBSkT1FXHzJyKIGk3O6GngGzla5UiBquu-J5cov20Yos9aIr3IKftACDJe7RHIfyZEx3X_Gjua9AZiWh6od/s1600/2392606022353252_gyn99OFx_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pdtsp39qz6Qx0CZfEfCO-txmsyFEcKifjbT7M_QOqFEiz3FEMBmqwj2EdNBSkT1FXHzJyKIGk3O6GngGzla5UiBquu-J5cov20Yos9aIr3IKftACDJe7RHIfyZEx3X_Gjua9AZiWh6od/s1600/2392606022353252_gyn99OFx_b.jpg" /></a> Maybe for some of us the encouragement wasn't there as we grew up or we tried to do something with the little amount of courage that we had and or could muster, and then it failed miserably. It leaves a heavy impression, especially at a very young age and with that impression there can be years of trying to reprogram in our heads that we can believe and succeed. I am not a complete success story in the sense of what others might think but I am a success story by what I think and know. Meaning I now believe that I can make a difference and that my life is precious and profound if I let it, if I let God do His work in me and I do my part, which is to simply believe, receive and conceive. That sounds a little hokey but what I mean is, hear the truth, accept the truth and live the truth, and if it takes baby steps for you to do it then do it.</div>
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Just after my stroke I had to do everything, everything from scratch and when you scratch long enough and hard enough your fingers get stronger, your will gets tougher and you can definitely endure much more. I believe it is called stamina of the heart.</div>
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Be the person that you wish to be, fight for it and live it, you are worth the triumph!</div>
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EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-62146086080943946312012-09-23T08:08:00.003-07:002012-09-23T08:09:08.068-07:00Just Hug It Out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes failures, disappointments and all around life needs a really big HUG~IT~OUT session.<br />
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EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-67018021631937564642012-09-22T09:24:00.000-07:002012-09-22T09:27:54.354-07:00Bully 101<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Hey, its Terry Fox stroke E run, ha look at him"<br />
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The heckling was at an all time high, the 13 year old boy followed me as I ran with my little kid. I thought I could have a little bit of peace and enjoy one of my favourite moments with my son who was so proud to run with his daddy. My son even looked up at me and said "Dad, you are the best stroke survivor, EVER" of course in his eyes that is truer than true. I chuckled and held his hand and we ran the entire loop during a cancer fundraiser at langley meadows school. My son though has sadly seen the sweet and sour of life as well. For three years my son and daughter who are little kids have seen a neighbour heckle us, swear at us, threaten us on a continual basis only to ask "why so much hate dad, why do they have to say yucky things at us" I respond with this "I just don't know, they are very sad and unhappy people. We just need to be us and let it slide" Sometimes that can truly be hard and you have your moments but all in all you just have to rise above. Little did I know that rising above required every ounce of forgiveness within my body and that bullying is a cowards way of saying "I am unhappy". I love my kids to the end of the moon and back and my wife is precious and our family has been through a lot, so one thing I can say is that we are becoming stronger and stronger. :D</div>
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EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-61912245370692962472012-09-19T20:43:00.003-07:002012-09-19T20:44:54.512-07:00Today is a day for you!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbPlsKXXJPYgEhqmfTkGln_rgcphaue8ieHmVEiAMz4L-PybQ7OC_yG0FSjhZagvflh6emAxq9WsRkQKa7gGjNc7t0m_LefncZVSICeiTtC03mdmVvbRmg593sty4RSEUkOhGuslcesGM/s1600/railway+fl~EVK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbPlsKXXJPYgEhqmfTkGln_rgcphaue8ieHmVEiAMz4L-PybQ7OC_yG0FSjhZagvflh6emAxq9WsRkQKa7gGjNc7t0m_LefncZVSICeiTtC03mdmVvbRmg593sty4RSEUkOhGuslcesGM/s320/railway+fl~EVK.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"> </span> I remember when the doctor told me I had a stroke, it shook me to the core, infact maybe it was more profound than the stroke itself. I can't really put my finger on why it felt like a bomb inside my little world or reality but it definitely exploded with an array of thoughts and emotions that left me crawling for years. Now with all that being said there was something special, something beautiful that came out of all this mud and mire, I began to fight for everything, not just my health but my rights to having respect, honor and even self worth. From that day I became a fighter, maybe this is where the rocky music kicks in but since I am writing a note you will just have to imagine. Funny thing is, imagine, truly is a profound word in itself. I had to literally imagine what I wasn't, what I could be and even imagine myself without borders, walls and restrictions on who or what I would become. I had to imagine how God was going to use this situation for His glory. You see, people often fall apart because their imagination crumbles, they lose who or what they are, that my friend is precious!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbPlsKXXJPYgEhqmfTkGln_rgcphaue8ieHmVEiAMz4L-PybQ7OC_yG0FSjhZagvflh6emAxq9WsRkQKa7gGjNc7t0m_LefncZVSICeiTtC03mdmVvbRmg593sty4RSEUkOhGuslcesGM/s1600/railway+fl~EVK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> I began every morning with some words that I whispered to myself and I prayed for strength to see outside my circumstances. I began to imagine....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I would look at myself in the mirror and even though one eye was half shut or if my face couldn't smile or I just couldn't see clearly or hear properly, I would look straight ahead into the mirror and say " Today is a good day for you, you can do this and do it well" Some days I would scream it, some days I would cry it but every day I would look in that mirror and be the coach that I desperately needed. My wife always stood by me, cried by me, laughed with me and fought along side of me. There is something special about overcoming impossibilities, surviving and even thriving. Beating the odds and doing what most thought was brut</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">al or heartbreaking, I am blessed not because of materials or wealth or what have you, I am blessed because God knew I could be so much more than who I am and He stayed with me through the hell and high waters of life only to say "Well done" Gods confidence in me is what makes me press onward and upward. My life is short and love will make me outshine this dark time, this hour of broken dreams. Today is a good day for YOU! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"give it your best and when that is gone, give it your all" by Ernie V Kasper</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Way-Of-The-Dove/159043010803248" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Way-Of-The-Dove/159043010803248</a></div>
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EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-46341537487834907272012-04-08T00:45:00.000-07:002012-04-08T00:50:05.456-07:00No Bullies Allowed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Being afraid for a moment is inevitable but being afraid for a lifetime is a choice. By EVK<br />
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The last week has been something of a testing ground, a shake up or a wake up call. I have been bullied by a 12 year old for sometime (2 years) I am not sure why the child is so hateful or spiteful but from all the screaming that I hear in their home I can only guess. It is sad when parents don't teach their children love, honour and respect, it literally affects everyone. Well everything came to a grinding halt when I was shot in the face with a bb gun. I had enough of seeing the child doing all kinds of crazy behaviour and bullying tactics due to his angry demeanor. As I stood my ground I called the cops and some neighbours were passionately agreeing with me and others were not impressed. Well standing up for what is right is never a popular opinion and bullying is wrong no matter what. The nut doesn't fall far from the tree when you see the father being just as disrespectful, hateful and cruel.<br />
Well after all that has transpired the grandfather is now swearing at me and giving me stare downs. Though everything has happened as it has I am proud of my family for standing up for what is right and for me not letting the neighbours bully us. I could get into all the crazy things the child has done but that would detract from the message that I simply want to stand up for, which is NO bullying PERIOD.<br />
<br /></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-77025733760231383962012-03-21T05:34:00.001-07:002012-03-21T05:37:40.953-07:00Time will only tell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVhPuIspaDX0BA0hRQmznPIqn2gbBSWhtGg-mt-aS4jwg7QoHU-Zn16w65EgtJhMGe0uo6_Y6gvkWx9ep83NqVUA-J0-nOSsrAyca4L9e3J7uVpgk-TF0FStQDt-UUV9bAjP0Zm24odJf/s1600/truth+must+be+told.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVhPuIspaDX0BA0hRQmznPIqn2gbBSWhtGg-mt-aS4jwg7QoHU-Zn16w65EgtJhMGe0uo6_Y6gvkWx9ep83NqVUA-J0-nOSsrAyca4L9e3J7uVpgk-TF0FStQDt-UUV9bAjP0Zm24odJf/s1600/truth+must+be+told.jpg" /></a> Well it has been sometime since I posted my thoughts and feelings on this blog, not because I am too busy but because I have put all of my efforts into running my 70x7 tour. There have been a lot of emotions that I never knew existed. When I wrote down this very personal goal to inspire myself and other survivors of illness, I just didn't imagine the magnitude or possibly the apathy of others. Let me explain myself more thoroughly. After I began to walk, talk, read, write and deal with my ability to understand others I quickly realized that if you want something to change then you've got to be the change! Live your convictions with hope, passion and honour. Be the person that you can look back at and say "I did it with respect"<br />
As I began to run farther and farther, the newspapers took notice and inevitably people began to personally email me their struggles and feelings as well. I felt encouraged and compassionate for their plight, it gave me fuel for each and every city that I came across. Well here I am at city 17 and I am taken by surprise, I survived a stroke and now I am trying to find sponsors, money in order to reach city 70! This will be a tough battle and one that has heard its share of empty promises with big smiles attached. My dad always told me "action speaks louder than words" well I have become a firm believer in that now. So I guess all in all, what I am saying is "Be your promises, live your respect, act on your honour"<br />
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Live your words and blaze a trail of change.</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-11417666769122572432012-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:002012-01-21T04:54:45.821-08:00Why So Hard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eW3bLQHEY/Txqy-Os7_iI/AAAAAAAAE78/WYxEPaRf7xM/s1600/gold1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eW3bLQHEY/Txqy-Os7_iI/AAAAAAAAE78/WYxEPaRf7xM/s320/gold1.jpg" width="284" /></a> Well today is such a beautiful day, why you ask? Well the reason it is beautiful is simply because I know that whatever happens I am free, free from frustration, disappointment and what ever garbage that seems to weigh down the heart of a man/woman. I have pursued sponsors with a fire in my soul and yet not a single one has committed and that is just fine by me. The hardship of my journey isn't in the rejection of others or how they view my stroke as non important, what matters the most is am I willing to fight for what I believe in, is it precious to me and will I go beyond my weaknesses to find hope.<br />
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I am very happy to say that my joy isn't in my acceptance of others but in a God of grace and so I press onward despite the lack of funding in order for me to reach the goal that is set before me. Have you ever desired or wanted something that you knew was good for the soul?! Something so precious that you knew it could only drive you to higher heights, to a place of "I knew in the heart of hearts that there was a reason for what I did" If you have a passion that you are willing to fight for, to sweat for, to sacrifice almost anything for, then it better be worth its weight in gold. Consider the cost before building the building, I believe there is a bible verse pertaining to that concept. We all face walls of doubt or resistance whether it be exterior or internal but either way it has to be overcome or left to failure. I tell you one thing though, when you overcome what seemed almost impossible to imagine, it makes your heart dance for joy and your mind just shakes with absolute confidence!<br />
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Well despite my present financial circumstances I am proud to say that I am willing to fight for what I believe in and I hope you are to. If you can't lay your heart on the line for something then you really can't find out what you are really made of. Life is the pot and circumstances the fire that causes the water to bubble and the gold is Gods purpose for your life. So let the dross come to the top in challenges and whatever is pure shall remain beautiful. </div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-46012350136829327452011-12-25T21:23:00.000-08:002011-12-25T21:23:40.300-08:00No Guts No Glory<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I first stood up after being told I had a stroke, I had a fire in me, a drive to never let this thing kill me, eat me up. Slowly as time passed I notice severe challenges, too many to count. Sometimes when you face so many obstacles you become numb and when something happens on top of all the challenges you either break or you simply say "c'mon, bring it on!". What will one more obstacle or challenge do, so you pick up your sunglasses and you smile look up and say "Never ever give up!". You come to a conclusion or an epiphany and set your goals and pursue them no matter what. You refuse to settle for second best or for that matter what ever else, it isn't about perfection or not accepting yourself for who you are, it is just a matter of overcoming what life throws at you and maybe, just maybe you want to be stronger in the end. I don't like to give up and all through history great people never quit. I thank God I am still alive and now I want to inspire others instead of sitting around and sulking about what I have or may not have. Life is short and it is definitely beautiful, so live it to the fullest under Gods grace. Well that is my thought for the day and I hope you will look at your impossibilities and live beyond your limitations. Here I am running my 15th city and I am out of money, and I have petitioned almost every company possible for support, some say "yes" then back out while others don't give me the time of day. Just because 200 people refuse that doesn't mean there isn't 1, just 1 that will take me in and believe in what I am doing. If anything happens I have gotten thicker skin and I really am learning how people tick.<br />
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It really boils down to how you see things, how you approach the race, the goal! When everything else fades, your mind needs to be steadfast and secure on what you believe is possible, inevitable. Then you train your heart out and fight for every step, go past every hurdle and live the dream. Remember nothing is worth its time unless you have to fight for it!</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-42459519664746610992011-12-12T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-12T16:45:57.448-08:00Those little moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgawthKDc4/TuaeLnvujjI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/48U9T_4M81A/s1600/gym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgawthKDc4/TuaeLnvujjI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/48U9T_4M81A/s200/gym.jpg" width="200" /></a> Today at the gym a wonderful lady was exercising and she was very overweight, she looked very uncomfortable so I told her that I had a stroke and had to learn everything again. Her eyes widened as she watched me lifting my toes to the bar above me. Then I told her this "kudos to you for coming here and taking a big step and you know what, the battle is all in your mind. I fought long and hard to get where I am and I just focused on the goal and pursued it and you can do the same!"<br />
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Then a different lady came up to me and said "That was really kind of you to say that, that really moved me, thank you" You never know who is listening and what you can do for others if you just give from the heart. We sometimes become so occupied with our end destination or goal that we leave everything that is beautiful behind. Why not embrace every step along the way and make others happy while you do it. It is worth it if you try. Maybe some hidden treasure will be found in the process, a gem that will keep a smile on your face for years to come :)</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-8998488744140042632011-12-11T00:49:00.001-08:002011-12-11T00:56:38.952-08:00Hunger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShte-LohVyhCSJCgR8n5wsXVfRc-hFgBM7L4S0tMNad4sKI46zbt82vpHid1PallOVHq0Tz8d31s-Y3K-WeCZGGpBnD18bUsW0jvULdfhdi0keTOxhlV1fPtpL-XyDi1TFXoCAT_yH2G5/s1600/Too+much+of+them+and+not+enough+of+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShte-LohVyhCSJCgR8n5wsXVfRc-hFgBM7L4S0tMNad4sKI46zbt82vpHid1PallOVHq0Tz8d31s-Y3K-WeCZGGpBnD18bUsW0jvULdfhdi0keTOxhlV1fPtpL-XyDi1TFXoCAT_yH2G5/s320/Too+much+of+them+and+not+enough+of+me.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I lived in my car for sometime due to contractors lying and cheating me out of wages so their sons could drive bmw's etc. Well I didn't get paid and slept through an entire winter in a car. I often woke up because of the chattering of my teeth, I ate small amounts of food that my soon to be wife gave me (an apple or an orange, maybe a banana) She took only food that was her own and then shared it with me. Some nights were beyond bareable and so I slept during the day when the sun was out. My girlfriend was going to school at the time and while she was in class I would sleep in the main study hall. I was a very broken person back then, disheartened by those who lied and those who withheld due wages. In fact I remember my stomach hurting so much that I often thought of eating garbage just so I could get by. Well right across from me was a food dispenser that I often stared at but had no money to purchase food for my hunger, late one afternoon I saw a few women from my girlfriends dorm room tipping the machine so they could get candies and food just for the sake of it. They thought it trivial and erroneous to believe they were stealing and for some reason felt it was humorous to take what was not their own. As they walked away they chuckled at the thought of their actions and that they had the money to purchase but instead took what they felt they deserved despite the lack of hunger.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I never forgot that day nor the hunger that constantly burned in my belly. I questioned Gods kindness and mans mercy but I knew that in those moments that God was digging deeper into the very depths of my soul, telling me with memories that hunger is but a moment but honour is a lifetime. Don't forget that every action you do has an indescribable reaction. You can chose to have a photo album of memories worth smiling about, looking back knowing that you put your faith in a God who remains strong through even the roughest times. I am no special person by any means but I do believe that Christ has created in me a clean heart, to worship him, to live for him, to run for him, to be all the things that Gods heart spurs me towards. Late one night as I was shaking from the cold a security guard took notice to my predicament, he invited me to his office and gave me hot chocolate and 10 dollars. We spoke and laughed for a brief time, I forget the words he spoke but I never forgot his kind smile and giving heart. We all have an opportunity to be the light that everyone so desperately needs, sometimes it's like the break of dawn, shining beautifully as it rises and other times it just a brief light to guide the ship home from rough waters. After that winter and others I had experienced in hardship I never forgot the value of people over objects. Christmas is a time of giving from the heart not the wallet, a precious star of hope guiding us to a promise much bigger than ourselves.</span></div>
</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com04071-4357 224 St, Langley, BC V2Z 1M1, Canada49.081062364320736 -122.60742187548.409688864320735 -123.870849375 49.752435864320738 -121.343994375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-34076694146550822072011-12-08T00:25:00.001-08:002011-12-08T00:29:06.838-08:00The Rest Of Your Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebtlkycG5ry9hNN2VQRQXTFLxziTrOI-nsRo023OTxrqhEhU1qtphX7xcN4gMqdO26x3ecc3p84tNIIyHwFdiQ2fspDa14euzPHC2eZisAzJwi83fQ4MdI43xj6L9CM3VzbfgzrZb8CEw/s1600/happiness+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebtlkycG5ry9hNN2VQRQXTFLxziTrOI-nsRo023OTxrqhEhU1qtphX7xcN4gMqdO26x3ecc3p84tNIIyHwFdiQ2fspDa14euzPHC2eZisAzJwi83fQ4MdI43xj6L9CM3VzbfgzrZb8CEw/s1600/happiness+cartoon.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Pain tells me on a regular basis that it feels that it governs who and what I am, what I should accomplish and how far I should run or what I should strive for. Little does it know that I am chiselled, shaped and molded for something bigger than myself and so I consider it mute, daft and useless under the greatest earplugs ever made, hope! So why not live a life that is memorable and profound, embrace every step and live beyond the average! You can do it ;)</span></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-86355076544097742282011-11-23T08:29:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:36:55.737-08:00Backbone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQTLihL01bI/Ts0hBCYMKAI/AAAAAAAAE6U/CT8sYUTEUhw/s1600/difficult+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQTLihL01bI/Ts0hBCYMKAI/AAAAAAAAE6U/CT8sYUTEUhw/s1600/difficult+people.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Well tonight I had a blowout, well not really a blowout but a momentary lapse of judgement. The story is a bit long but worth mentioning, I was sitting in the van waiting for my kids to come out of the church and I saw this young man and his wife arguing with one of the volunteers. Now I must tell you something of importance, they were known for being complainers and frustratingly hmmm what is the right word? Well it will come to me, well I could see they were getting really nasty towards the church staff and I have heard for some time that they were a pain in everyone's side. Now to put in context, this was a kids bible, slash, event centre. So the problem truly arose due to the issues surrounding the couples child who has been a constant trouble maker. Every time the matter is brought up to the parents they blame someone else or believe that they or their child could never do no wrong. Any time a staff member deals with the couple it ends in eye rolling, shrugs and shear frustration. They often come across as being far better than others. Well now that I have laid the ground work for my momentary lapse of judgement I will proceed forward with my story.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was sitting in the van watching the couple berate some innocent volunteer because they decided that the young child was being problematic (once again) I could see by the fathers posture that he was laying right into the poor guy. This was going on for a good 5 to 10 minutes and so I got out of the van and walked in. I listened for a few minutes and thought "no I just have to use the bathroom, just leave it alone" but then it got worse. The volunteer was apologizing but yet trying to stand his ground, being polite as possible but as soon as he left the pastor came walking over and said " is there anything wrong?" Then the mother of the child ripped into the pastor and then that was it! My stroke problems kicked in. I just stepped in and told them this " You guys are so arrogant and it is disgusting, you should be ashamed! It's disgusting, man you guys are so full of shhhhhh" well you get the idea. I thankfully held back my tongue and didn't finish the statement as intended. I was angry not because the couple was completely unreasonable or self absorbed or the thousand other things that they truly were, I was angry that so many people put up with their childish behaviour. The squeeky wheel was getting the grease and it was insulting. I wanted someone to have some backbone, any one! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After this transpired, I walked over to the van and for some reason I felt really good about myself. Maybe because they deserved to hear that they were arrogant or maybe because I stood up to something that I personally hate, apathy. Personally it may not have been the best approach but as far as me standing up to some severely manipulative people, it was an A+. Being a christian doesn't mean you have to be a doormat to people who cause nothing but strife. Others are watching and they learn about dealing with conflict. There comes a time when you have to stand up to others and refuse to take what they are giving. It is called dignity and respect. </span></div></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-79332372458113280752011-11-13T00:48:00.000-08:002011-11-13T00:48:05.660-08:00Toy Traders Giveaway Winner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Thank you to everyone who entered the Toy Traders giveaway! Comment number 9 was randomly selected. Congratulations Jaimy S!</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here is your sequence:</div><pre class="data" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 2em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">9
</pre><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Timestamp: 2011-11-13 08:24:30 UTC</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><dt class="comment-author " id="c6022336084281453590" style="background-position: 0px 1.5em; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.496094); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin-left: -45px; padding-left: 45px; padding-top: 1.5em;">jaimy S said...</dt><br />
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-6022336084281453590" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 25px; margin-top: 0.5em;">I would spend the $50 Lego and....a wii game!</dd><br />
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</div></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-77426921783409133572011-11-12T23:25:00.000-08:002011-11-13T19:58:15.971-08:00For oh but one<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Well here I am sitting in my room thinking of all the tasks that seem to be overwhelming me. The frustration with talking, the embarrassing moments of stumbling and looking like I am drunk but really it is my stroke. I know that if I think for but a few moments I could really revel in my weaknesses, even cringe at the thought of what others might think but really is that what life is about or should be about?! Worrying about what others think is a full time job and I didn't apply for it so I am going to put it to the way side and pick up my dreams, my hopes and aspirations and look ahead. I want my life to be a shining star, a bright moment of hope! We can accomplish so much in the days that we live but what matters most is the dignity and honour that we carry in our struggles, the grace in our stride is profound if we choose it.<br />
I remember as a child sitting in a field of beautiful colours and the grass was swaying to and fro, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the butterflies passing me by as the gentle breeze kissed my face gently. The sunlight embraced me with warmth and wonder and I felt the hand of Gods amazing beauty, all of creation dancing in a silhouette of laughter. I wasn't worried, fearful or concerned, I just embraced the moment with praise. As a child I looked at what was and not so much at what was not, I was just immersed in learning, loving, laughing and being alive. This is where I am now, making the conscious decision to simply just love and be something more then a worry or a frown. Life is short and I am even shorter ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IKByoUyOhU/Tr9woGEQ9TI/AAAAAAAAE58/S-vLxk8bRn4/s1600/colourful+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IKByoUyOhU/Tr9woGEQ9TI/AAAAAAAAE58/S-vLxk8bRn4/s1600/colourful+hands.jpg" /></a></div> When I look back I remember the painful moments in life but more so the beauty and grace that touches my heart and that is worth fighting for.<br />
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</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-58045573286724022302011-10-28T01:18:00.000-07:002011-10-28T16:13:26.528-07:00Toy Traders Giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4pIAHdkIsW4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">One of you lucky people will win a woman's Toy Traders </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">t-shirt, a man's Flash t-shirt and $50 worth of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Toy-Traders/102086346525214?ref=ts" style="color: #557799; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Toy Trader</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> bucks. The shirts will be in the size of your choosing (based on availability) and the $50 Toy Trader bucks can be used on anything in the store (Lego, Playmobil, Webkinz, video games etc). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What a great way to get some Christmas shopping done!!!</span><br />
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<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoS6rnhyYfY/TqpfmL-o-FI/AAAAAAAAE5s/wKuTDA09nDw/s1600/toy+traders+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoS6rnhyYfY/TqpfmL-o-FI/AAAAAAAAE5s/wKuTDA09nDw/s320/toy+traders+giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Leave a separate comment for each entry. Please leave your e-mail in this format: wayofthedove(at)yahoo(dot)com so you can be contacted if you win. All entries will be verified.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Mandatory entry:</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">* like </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Way-Of-The-Dove/159043010803248">Way of the Dove</a> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Toy-Traders/102086346525214?ref=ts">Toy Traders</a> on Facebook </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">(and comment here with your first name and last initial of your Facebook name ie: Ernie K) </span><br />
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Additional entries:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">* follow </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/WofTD">WofTD</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">and </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/ToyTraders">Toy Traders</a> on Twitter </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">(and comment here with your Twitter name)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">* leave a comment saying what you would buy with your $50 Toy Trader bucks</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Daily entry:</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">* tweet the following and post the link to your tweet here each day<i> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>#Win $50 Toy Trader bucks to #ToyTraders in #Langley and two awesome T-shirts from @WofTD and @ToyTraders </i></span><i><a href="http://wayofthedove.blogspot.com/2011/10/toy-traders-giveaway.html">http://wayofthedove.blogspot.com/2011/10/toy-traders-giveaway.html</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> (Nov 12)</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; line-height: 24px;">(Not sure how to get a link to your tweet? Find out</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/instructions-tweetlink/" style="line-height: 24px;">here</a>.)</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Open to anyone willing to drive to Toy Traders in Langley, BC to pick up their prizes. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Ends November 12, 2011</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When commenting you can select "Name" (leave the "url" space blank if you like) OR you can select "Anonymous" -- just be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!</span></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-50876808580986325632011-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:002011-09-30T11:50:08.870-07:00A note to a dear friend.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Dear Me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQuVtlot6Qd7t2Air9VXbpDKBT5REdSYekhSIfq_Movt0Maf3qxaFarbD7j0efQB65uBE1o_j0gFYeSnr4P3jG_PKeJD66zhnG8E8USpEhdyobScUE8qcdEhOP-o5zOnWpAIgYTlW7XX8/s1600/PurpleHazeLavenderFarmSe62534+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQuVtlot6Qd7t2Air9VXbpDKBT5REdSYekhSIfq_Movt0Maf3qxaFarbD7j0efQB65uBE1o_j0gFYeSnr4P3jG_PKeJD66zhnG8E8USpEhdyobScUE8qcdEhOP-o5zOnWpAIgYTlW7XX8/s320/PurpleHazeLavenderFarmSe62534+resize.jpg" width="320" /></a> Now I know you are lost in fear, I feel it within every step I take. The moments in between laughter and sorrow, tears of hope and whisperings of failure. It seems as though I am climbing a mountain that never ends but who am I and what am I?! I must be more than this. Well I am.....<br />
In life I know that things change and sometimes people fade away and maybe even memories but I was meant for more than feeling afraid or lost in the dark! I have survived a devastating storm and for this I should be proud, I should be proud that I am crawling out of this dark hole of impossibilities. Soon the light will shine once more and I will feel the warmth upon my face but until that moment passes I will carry on. The garden of my dreams has been ruined but that doesn't mean that things will not grow it only means I have to work harder to make it happen. So it is time for me to pull the weeds of anxiety, dig out the rocks of doubt and plant tiny seeds of change and hope. Embrace the seasons as they turn and dance with the grace of God. I am more than just a day that passes under the morning light, I am the laughter that tears will embrace, I am the joy that sorrow will kiss. I am the victory that God will never miss!<br />
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Dedicated to my dear friend tracy and all those who feel lost or overwhelmed....<br />
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You are more than this moment!<br />
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</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-89468633352381850772011-09-29T20:34:00.000-07:002011-09-30T09:12:47.939-07:00Words Of Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> As of lately, I have been running my feet off and when I say "feet off" I mean it! I say that with a slight chuckle but all in all it is true. I never thought in my wildest dreams that this 70x7 tour would take off so well and yet it has. Somewhere deep inside my heart I felt there was a reason why all of this happened and that God knows His business. I just decided that either I was looking at one big pile of impossibilities or I would take every minute at a time, maybe even seconds and see opportunities. Yes, sometimes it really got that bad but I'm not a quitter and I never will be! Now I could sugar coat my journey but for the most part it was hell on earth, no two ways about it, period.<br />
<div> In life we can either triumph over our circumstances or we can believe that everything should be handed to us on a silver platter and well, that just isn't me. I chose to run for hope, not away from it! You can simply choose one or the other but from that point onward, one will strengthen you and the other will lead you astray. slowly compromising all your hopes, dreams and aspirations. Take this moment to embrace victory and challenge every little opposition that dares to tell you that you can't do it! Every little doubt that wants you to fail, slowly pay less attention to it and the voice will only get quieter. Start today, you are worth it! Whatever requires strength, demands excellence in repetition. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nJmHX9P7NAH4vU_XinUXFwJmg0y7Sv6Psu4llD4FOJpWSwB96KWEKJTJXlUk5pwqJrEVks8T4MvNxwSDfNr2xrGipUacDzxVBnjkBy4C2LpDlhknphzS80SZ94dIvZCXKuEc_Y0kQeAS/s1600/WordALIVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nJmHX9P7NAH4vU_XinUXFwJmg0y7Sv6Psu4llD4FOJpWSwB96KWEKJTJXlUk5pwqJrEVks8T4MvNxwSDfNr2xrGipUacDzxVBnjkBy4C2LpDlhknphzS80SZ94dIvZCXKuEc_Y0kQeAS/s1600/WordALIVE.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>I hope these words give you comfort and dare to challenge you, to make you believe that you have a greater purpose than failure! I know Gods grace will carry you onward..</div></div></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-18643963390015556302011-08-19T05:24:00.000-07:002011-08-19T05:24:47.416-07:00Me and Crabmagoo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1IPnz35TTA/Tk5V7YGHueI/AAAAAAAAE5U/_0CtY18vkSg/s1600/Hello+Friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1IPnz35TTA/Tk5V7YGHueI/AAAAAAAAE5U/_0CtY18vkSg/s1600/Hello+Friend.jpg" /></a></div> Have you ever heard of the crabmagoo theory?! Well most likely you have felt it in some way or another or may just maybe you might have done it your self. Now of course the real name is some what lengthy but I prefer the crabmagoo theory! What I mean is this, when you begin to do something great in your life or accomplish something worthy of a little joy or excitement there is always someone who sees your attempts to escape the bucket and tries to pull you down. It sounds crazy doesn't it?! Well sadly enough crabs will continually pull each other down not wanting to let the other one go or to escape. We sometimes catch that little bit of fever and do the same or have been victimized in the same manner. If you are that person who is diligently trying to overcome your situation, trying to be a better person or for that matter just living out your dreams and hopes when suddenly someone comes along and tries to yank you back down into the bucket with the rest of the crabs, just remember you don't have to be there. Fight with every bit, every ounce of who you are and keep reaching higher and if those friends try to pull you down again, it just might be time to let go of that friend. Their selfishness may supersede their intent to be what all good friends ought to be, encouraging, loving, thoughtful and caring.<br />
It never feels good to let a friendship go but sometimes there are seasons for friendships, for laughter, for pain, for so many things and life is messy. Don't take their baggage with you, just let it go and carry onward, you have victory in the waiting so press forward and don't give up! True friends will come along and you will forget all about the momentary pain of a friendship that once was...<br />
True friends are made of the best ingredients, love, patients, mercy, kindness, courage and so much more, their welcome never ends!<br />
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Here is one of my favourite songs about friendship and it is worth the listen.<br />
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Friends ~ By Michael W Smith<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c</a><br />
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</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-86506203236424405992011-07-30T11:11:00.000-07:002011-07-30T11:11:44.823-07:00From storm to storm what shall we be<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPJsngyXGbxmU0FzLvmDpb124yR5Pkd4R4QkmStYLxn7onv_vtmye98cOuIvUwg7hFvQfXzm6bI1hqf-4p2MYp1nJ2ANXWKMMt1f2kxTTlj9ENfPLF0fQSKbDXSjR7Y8ZHu8ZcXFXjbcC/s1600/Facing+The+Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPJsngyXGbxmU0FzLvmDpb124yR5Pkd4R4QkmStYLxn7onv_vtmye98cOuIvUwg7hFvQfXzm6bI1hqf-4p2MYp1nJ2ANXWKMMt1f2kxTTlj9ENfPLF0fQSKbDXSjR7Y8ZHu8ZcXFXjbcC/s320/Facing+The+Storm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> How fragile is life? For the past few years I knew that personally and intimately. I didn't mind the struggles because for some reason I just plugged away at it. You know, you just keep swimming because, well you have to! When my wife suddenly became sick, that was a shocker. Her body, her immune system finally broke down all because of my stroke, the stress.<div> Here I am looking down at my wife, watching her as she seems so lifeless, so withdrawn, no energy. She was the pillar for the last few years, being the real trooper, the sergeant in the midst of a war. Now things have turned, it may be for a short while but it has turned nonetheless. How do we overcome such obstacles, such walls of hurt? Well let me tell you something beautiful, something sweet. When I saw my wife lying there, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and that this was my moment to shine! It may sound crazy but what I mean is this, I have the chance to show my wife how much I love her and how much she means to me. I sat beside her bed and I rubbed her for some time, the minutes turned into hours and all I wanted to do is let her know that I am by her side! As the tears welled up in me, I just told myself "you can do this for her, be the strong one now!" It is funny how life can teach you how to be brave in so many different ways. You just never know who you really are until you face the storm! Will you hide, cringe and maybe even fall to the way side or will you suddenly stand up and raise your shield, your sword and fight! Become bold and brave....</div><div><br />
</div><div> We all face adversity, it is those moments that truly define you, the depth of who you are and are not. Most see affliction, suffering, trials and pain as a negative; all too harsh reality for losing ones spirit. I say it is the perfect opportunity for being the person that God has called you to be. Will you answer, will you step out of the boat and live a life of bravery! Are you willing to be different? Well I am going to run all those cities because now I know that this is what i was meant to do. It is time to shine like the stars and after being hard pressed on either side, this makes the journey even sweeter, more precious. Thank you God for being my strength, being my everlasting hope! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Matthew 14:29</div><div><br />
</div><div>You can rise above or sink into a world of fear but inevitably you must choose!</div><div><br />
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</div></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-49036074823706070982011-07-27T13:26:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:39:01.845-07:00Why I must<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDMmLJ3fd2pMqmSnzdUxhFBCB7-_0roIBTMxgOp-qe1jyz2L7nSj51_fhfr_rzHGZx48it3uPdR3Zt2suC1o6WmjkDLnn_Qm2NHOKi2D2DYBu524b7bPMLLfW8Gl2888IRFTVQRUMzjF6/s1600/WhiteRock+%2526+Me+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDMmLJ3fd2pMqmSnzdUxhFBCB7-_0roIBTMxgOp-qe1jyz2L7nSj51_fhfr_rzHGZx48it3uPdR3Zt2suC1o6WmjkDLnn_Qm2NHOKi2D2DYBu524b7bPMLLfW8Gl2888IRFTVQRUMzjF6/s320/WhiteRock+%2526+Me+10.jpg" width="285" /></a> The last few days have been very reflective for me. I can't really put into words the full spectrum of it all but I will try my best. For me it is as though I am falling out of a nightmare and landing into the most beautiful dream ever. When my stroke happened it was like hitting a huge massive wall, I mean I had faced poverty, bullying and so much more but the stroke literally took the wind out of my sails, in fact I think it took them altogether. Here I was stranded in the middle of the ocean without any way of getting back. I had to literally reinvent myself, find out who God wanted me to be and what I wanted to believe in the most. When desperate times require desperate measures I guess I took that to the extreme. I made my own wind sails and dug deep into the heart of perseverance. You know, now that I think about my journey I see that I have become much stronger, you either fall to the way side or you simply refuse to quit! I had no idea that I had that much strength in me and for the times I didn't have any, God gave me just the right amount. A perfect balance of hope, faith and love. Those really are the perfect ingredients for inspiration! For being able to move mountains of impossibility.<br />
So here I am just finishing city #3 and I am blown away by the dreams I am starting to see come about. I actually woke up this morning and was singing in the shower. I had to catch myself and just think about the fact that I hadn't sang in such a long time. I was too busy trying to swim to shore that I forgot that I wasn't doing the most peaceful and most enjoyable simple things. Well I have my tune, my melody and no one is going to take it away. The nice thing about music is that it is worth sharing and when it comes from the soul it simply is beautiful.<br />
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Time to kiss the dreams of angels and laugh among the clouds of courage and of change! By Evk<br />
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</div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-81001222533888006882011-07-19T22:30:00.000-07:002011-07-19T22:30:03.974-07:00So Shall It Be<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfHfxEhZVZFVXC0BPOB0ozn81ZW-EtVX7GKYUU5AKyU81QnwPXnT3cSgI28P2LIRqzWeF8uw7oO73ywKcrw4Ug2DnUvvqvppLRh28wDn0VH7zDrv5NfPAtQTUIecEdn1PyKlM6ZKxVsKc/s1600/70x7+tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfHfxEhZVZFVXC0BPOB0ozn81ZW-EtVX7GKYUU5AKyU81QnwPXnT3cSgI28P2LIRqzWeF8uw7oO73ywKcrw4Ug2DnUvvqvppLRh28wDn0VH7zDrv5NfPAtQTUIecEdn1PyKlM6ZKxVsKc/s320/70x7+tour.jpg" width="156" /></a> Here I am, jogging across another city. It was amazing to say the least! I had preciously imagined this moment, tasted it within my dreams. I don't know exactly why I am so driven, so focused on doing this task. I can't put a finger on when or how it really happened but it did. Maybe the stroke catapulted me into something that I didn't want but inevitably had to accept. Somehow it shaped my character more than I could have ever imagined. Well I am just about to run city number 3 and i am even more excited than the last time I ran. Why? Maybe because every time I face the giant I get a little bit stronger. I am slowly silencing the impossible, the improbable. Now I am making it possible!!<br />
As I pass through each city I run up to restaurants and tell them of my journey. The excitement is completely exhilarating and even inspiring when I see the smiles and the faces that seem a little awe struck at the challenge that I am taking on. It gives me something to focus on, to hold to when I run. My heart feels like it is floating on clouds....<br />
Well I must get back to eating the right foods for the run and continue training the best that I can! Everything that is amazing in life starts from somewhere, some small insignificant place, something small that begins to grow and grow until it cannot be ignored any longer! This dream deserves a pair of shoes and a beautiful cup of hot coco! Well sometimes... lolEVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-30356409312538162192011-07-17T16:11:00.000-07:002011-07-17T16:15:37.937-07:00You are mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro8jQqvHOH70cloWpBYHJjs8CaK0FTIL9uSYtONQWdiYRE3QeQ9NTZ48RUsrkeRn8i4kFUv3DM7dIGArI6fyUelw9bUE5XoIrRvfdKTTKgVrOfB5DAwcILcey13Tg0mDH5FWUTvhum7il/s1600/You+Are+Mine+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro8jQqvHOH70cloWpBYHJjs8CaK0FTIL9uSYtONQWdiYRE3QeQ9NTZ48RUsrkeRn8i4kFUv3DM7dIGArI6fyUelw9bUE5XoIrRvfdKTTKgVrOfB5DAwcILcey13Tg0mDH5FWUTvhum7il/s400/You+Are+Mine+FINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My friend is a model and she had this photo of herself on her page. Well it had me thinking right away and so I wrote this for her....EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-34500768427443490862011-07-17T15:46:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:50:07.879-07:00Common Grounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wrote this after running seven miles yesterday in my second city. I have 68 more to go! The tour is called 70 x 7. I decided that I wanted to be different, I didn't want to lay down and simply just survive from a stroke. I want to conquer with dignity and hope shouting from every nook and cranny of my being! So here I am believing that there is something more than just a dream, reality is just a touch away. God gives strength to His children and so I will trust in Him.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi86ZmFXU9cmvluagTrqe5FF8vmid1MNVCP3UXgyJyPkZm76xq6DHsTDv7yyq0NPPkdQB38Z2ATM8tJEd4CLNK6jaY5rfHsB6cSMXeVwVVhMz478-VLRMf1CeRGZLniRD4beNp3RnAZEwI/s1600/Well+Traveled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi86ZmFXU9cmvluagTrqe5FF8vmid1MNVCP3UXgyJyPkZm76xq6DHsTDv7yyq0NPPkdQB38Z2ATM8tJEd4CLNK6jaY5rfHsB6cSMXeVwVVhMz478-VLRMf1CeRGZLniRD4beNp3RnAZEwI/s400/Well+Traveled.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-415762690125190125.post-63670727291729706792011-07-15T10:23:00.000-07:002011-07-15T10:23:56.795-07:00From the mundane to the spectacular<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWIq9pDiN8_s0PedAeeSvI14PmfQaVVHHUHjhadZ2Ri2EM5ksohl6kA4jtMdnw203n9yfTsnExp9lOY5-E61EDhfedtd5NvLeZAwakjaxQBjop3xYDyc4JRVu-G3V_CXN8HRdFZnotDaJ/s1600/baby-steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWIq9pDiN8_s0PedAeeSvI14PmfQaVVHHUHjhadZ2Ri2EM5ksohl6kA4jtMdnw203n9yfTsnExp9lOY5-E61EDhfedtd5NvLeZAwakjaxQBjop3xYDyc4JRVu-G3V_CXN8HRdFZnotDaJ/s320/baby-steps.jpg" width="320" /></a> Sometimes we focus so hard on wishful thinking that we miss the simple, the mundane steps that truly conquer the impossible! We talk about things that we hope for but just leave it at that, a note or a drawing shoved into a small drawer in our minds. Every once and awhile we pull it out and admire it or even worse we scribble it out and do the same thing over again. Somehow, in some way or another we just leave where it is, maybe we even put it on the floor right in front of the door; a doormat! We come in and wipe our feet on it, we see it as a thought and no less, no more.<br />
Well that isn't me, I grew up having been bullied as a child and I never forgot the anguish and frustration it left me with. I did nothing but take the harsh words and belittling comments which eventually cut my self esteem to almost nothing. When I grew up I faced those giants, my struggles with self worth and a host of other issues! I couldn't believe my eyes when I began to grow, learn who I really was and what I could achieve. God really changed my mind and my heart. So what I learned was now ingrained, etched into my life! When I see something that seems almost impossible I face it head on, I want to conquer it, not because I think I am the end all be all but because I know that fear should never be left alone. Fear has a way of growing and growing until whatever challenges or dreams that you once had seem impossible!<br />
So take today as your opportunity to reach out and live beyond your fear, love beyond your hate, laugh beyond your worries. You can do it, just take baby steps, that is all that is required for a world of change.<br />
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:)<br />
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God Bless...<br />
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signed Stroke Survivor, now Conqueror!EVKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05848693420324172054noreply@blogger.com0