llboss

10:38 pm: Millard Devern Perkins
Lovingly known as Mel. He loved the province of his birth, New Brunswick. He was a hard worker and a husband to Joan for over 51 years. He was dad to Linda, Jane, Kelly and Colby. He was poppy to his 11 grandchildren. He was big brother to Barbara, and little brother to Russell, Kempton, Bill, Philip, Norval, Sam, Lynwood, Marie and Roberta. He was son to Sam and Leila.

Dad worked as a brick layer, he enjoyed fishing, 4 wheeling, sledding and hunting birds. He always had a project that had to be done. He believed a good man can fix anything with anything.

He believed in God, and towards the end of his life, the scriptures became a source of strength for him.

Dad could tell a good story, sometimes it was such a good story- even he would be believing it! He knew what it was to be poor, and he knew what it was to have need of nothing.

Our family was taken on many adventure with Dad as our guide. We travelled this awesome country from coast to coast. We went on Bike rides around the city on Saturdays. We drove through snow storms to get out of town for weekends in the country. We snowmobiled together, rode motorcycles together, and got lost together.

We sang Stompin Tom songs. We laughed. We drove through the night, munching on bologna sandwiches.

In 1982, in Bristol New Brunswick Dad walked me down the aisle and gave me away to my best friend. And now, in 2006 our family has walked dad down the aisle and given Dad back to the one who created him.

05:30 pm: The sting.
November 2nd, 2006 the day I felt the sting. The sting, the pain, the grief. The feeling of aching eyes in a throbbing head. The call, the cry, the prayer.

God is my refuge and strength, breathe on me breath of God. I feel His presence with me, and I rejoice. I rejoice even though I am dust...

The children will be arriving soon, and our journey will continue. We will meet with the rest of the clan in upper Canada for mutual comforting. I pray that I will be salt and light. Light to show the way, and salt to cleanse the wounds.

More later...

07:10 pm: Thanksgiving
Where ever in your life you are, whatever circumstances facing you, joy or sorrow, have a thankful heart. I find it is a choice to be thankful. Just as it is a choice to be kind, show love and take time to pray. God has made us free agents. We have the freedom to choose. This day I choose to say thank you to God for his great love. He redeemed my life from the pit.

Am I filled with happiness? No. Am I experiencing difficulty? Yes. Is God with me? Definitely!

"Praise Him, Praise Him all ye little children,
God is Love.
God is Love!"

This morning in church, the children led worship. The congregation jumped and clapped with them as they sang- Jesus is my superhero! What a blessing to be led by children. Purest praise from sincere worshippers.

Jesus is my superhero. Batman, Superman, Mr. Incredible have got nothing on Him. To Him belongs all majesty, glory and honour forever and ever. Amen!

07:33 pm: The Autumn of 2006
The leaves are changing and it is a reminder of the love of Christ for the world. "This is my Fathers world, and to my listening ear, all nature rings and round me sings the music of the spheres." I love that hymn. All creation sings of the majesty of our God! Especially visible this time of year in NB and Ontario.

I have been traveling for the past 4 weeks. I can say conclusively with the wise Dorothy of old, "There is no place like home, Aunty Em!" I have loved meeting and helping new caf. supervisors and their staff! What awesome people I have met. I am a better person for having them in my life. They are now included in my prayers as well.

Last week was different then the other weeks of travel. Last week I went to visit with Dad. Terminal Cancer. Pray for him, he needs to reconnect with his faith. He is a seeker! This is how I happened to meet Grays friend from CA Steve. In the small town of Madoc, in a small church, there was a fellow whom I had read of in his blog. http://skatepastorchris.blogspot.com/ By the way, Dad picked the church, I just went along for the ride.

How amazing that I would meet one of Gray's friends, after I told my dad how Gray was an awesome woman of God who taught me the value of hugs! I gave alot of hugs out the last 4 weeks. (God Bless you Gray!)

I know all things work together for the good to those who love the Lord, to those who are called according to His purpose. I am living proof of this.


I also spent the weekend at Brookwood. I cooked for the Katimavik group that rented the camp. I sure missed my protein eatin machines! You know who you are!

Anyone want to know how to eat on a budget of $5.25 per person per day? That was my budget for the weekend. I did, by gum!

Corn chowder, and biscuits with molasses cookies! Yummy and cheap!

04:59 pm: My strength.
My friend is moving, not far. But she won't be around the corner. I will still see her several times a year. Saying goodbye is hard. We worked together. I remember 9/11, and where I was when I heard about the travesty. My friend and I went off by ourselves and prayed for our world, what it had become and where it was headed. We were at work. This is the type of friend that I am going to miss. The friend who feeds your kids when you are sick. Who would do anything to help another out. God Bless you Gail!

I have a hard phone call to make. My dad's best friend died last night. Dad was just here from Ontario and got to see his friend. I'm sure he will have no regrets. The "funny" thing is Dad is dying of cancer and his friend was apparently healthy. It just goes to show you, only God knows the time that we will be called.

The house is quiet. I have 3 empty bedrooms. My youngest son is now living at college. I miss him, his music and just the way he reminded me of me!

A new school year has begun, my prayer for my student friends, learn the truth, love with all your being, and be faithful to God in each situation.


Standing on the Solid Rock, otherwise I would be sunk in the miry clay!

04:13 pm: The first Week back at school
I have completed the first school week in Carleton County. I have survived. I pulled out some hair but I am not bald yet! This is good. What have I accomplished? 2 new cafeterias offering healthy food. Oversaw 6 schools completing their year end inventories. Arranged food for a lunch in Hartland for over 500 teachers. Arranged food for a lunch in Bristol for a group of 165 TA's. Was I busy? Yup. But I got through it. Thanks be to God!

Oh and this was the week that the young entrepeneurs set up the BBQ down the street from the school and sold hot dogs and sausages(PROTEIN) and pop, things that I can not sell to students. Smarty pants! Oh well, it is all fun and games until someone comes down with food poisening. How do you wash your hands, dishes etc., when you are cooking on the side of the road? Can you spell "BARF" boys and girls. How about " Camphobactyr"? Or "Sheigella" or "Salmonella" Nasty bugs all!
Pass the toilet paper Ethel!

08:22 pm: Camp is Over
After an interesting summer working as a camp cook for a small group of younguns, I am back to reality. Schedules, deadlines, pressures unimaginable for a "glorified lunch lady"! I miss those ravenous teens who ate and ate. There love for all things proteiny was amazing. They are in my daily prayers as I understand some may be in hot water. They are so young! My summer was so enriched by their energy and their love and kindness. Even when they totally ticked me off by their constant mess making, I couldn't be mad at them.

So, now. I am planning lunches for hundreds of people. I am dealing with government who won't repair broken down equipment. I am being ruthless in my business dealings by cutting my staffs hours because of the low sales. Thanks to the nutrition policy...And all the while, I know that my Dad is dying of cancer. I do believe in healing. I just don't know if it is going to happen for my dad. Tears fall. My heart breaks. Must stay busy...Must drink coffee. I will be strong, I am the one who has faith in God. No matter what, in Him will I trust.