tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46043020626448855752024-03-19T04:56:21.290-04:00Pickford FilesRachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-52782490352120742892011-06-15T16:14:00.011-04:002011-06-17T15:55:07.269-04:00Transformation or Fluke?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you're coming here from the online newsletter I sent out June 2011, thank you! I am really excited for you to read the transformation these young ladies are experiencing. God is so good. Praise Him for Genevieve and Natasha!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(By the way, my answer to my own question is definitely TRANSFORMATION. R</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ead their stories to see what I mean...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ98vJ2nACkMrPW-sLB21UoL3FmzRfhv2n0RFEM14Afim6WaPuhlTkhtYP11qZukAg8c2Gug8-43JE3l4nBmdR0rtlsJfpjcut84FA4sZaSAR7NDdN2foTsjImuUZaYnhDeG7FE8fDBc/s1600/Gen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ98vJ2nACkMrPW-sLB21UoL3FmzRfhv2n0RFEM14Afim6WaPuhlTkhtYP11qZukAg8c2Gug8-43JE3l4nBmdR0rtlsJfpjcut84FA4sZaSAR7NDdN2foTsjImuUZaYnhDeG7FE8fDBc/s200/Gen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; color: #666666; line-height: 21px;"><b>GENEVIEVE HALLEY (wrestler, U of Calgary)</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; color: #505050; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 21px;"><em>"...my "retirement" (from being a slave to my sport)<from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""><from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""><from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""><from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""><from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""><from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""> <from a="" being="" my="" slave="" sport="" to=""> <of an="" athlete="" being="" slave="">was put to the test really quickly when I got back (from National Training Camp)<from camp="" national="" training=""><from aia's="" camp="" national="" training=""><from aia's="" camp="" national="" training=""><from aia's="" camp="" national="" training=""><from aia's="" camp="" national="" training=""><from camp="" national="" training="">! <a href="http://rachelpickford.blogspot.com/p/genevieves-retirement-from-athlete.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Read more!</span></b></a></from></from></from></from></from></from></of></from></from></from></from></from></from></from></em></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XHAszasd7u3Fo2tD6sRg0XdCmVNNE8y_SXo-GA4TeKav1XoM3w2oxyKtrHuvpz9UquC6CRMLPIblMcNlF6ggLdYQ6GJPxYKIXc1czNUsQkKrph-aOezja6unCCwirCDBtoaWJkXe6R0/s1600/natasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XHAszasd7u3Fo2tD6sRg0XdCmVNNE8y_SXo-GA4TeKav1XoM3w2oxyKtrHuvpz9UquC6CRMLPIblMcNlF6ggLdYQ6GJPxYKIXc1czNUsQkKrph-aOezja6unCCwirCDBtoaWJkXe6R0/s200/natasha.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NATASHA CHENG (wrestler, Brock University)</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I reflect on the last 3 months, and its been tough. I am a second year Kinesiology student, wrestling for Brock University, at least I thought that is who I wrestled for.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><a href="http://rachelpickford.blogspot.com/p/natashas-story.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Read more!</b></span></a></i></span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-88578766780064817662011-06-13T14:58:00.000-04:002011-06-13T14:58:07.392-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoOvase6M8mFPjt7eHxmNuX1m0DZNtQz72C5TIbTp4dYKealu4dWPFpglv6dpCWqu2PAoEETbVF0AsHhghww' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-64702990824667430622011-01-22T17:45:00.000-05:002011-01-22T17:45:53.759-05:00Life is FullHi TEAM!<br />
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I'm baaaack :) After a wonderful 14 months off with my beautiful girls & hubby, I am back at work. Two weeks ago the new routine began and as the title of my blog states, LIFE IS FULL! I am loving this new stage and look forward to seeing what God is going to do through my ministry.<br />
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So, since Olivia goes to school Mon/Wed/Fri, I work those days while Jordyn is cared for by my dear mom one day and the other two at my neighbour's behind me. It's great how everything worked out regarding care for Jordyn and I am so thankful to God for that.<br />
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I am focusing on support raising with a bit of time doing what I absolutely love...mentoring young women/athletes. I've had a chance already to meet with a few of them and WOW, how energizing! It's really cool knowing that I am <b><i>furthering the kingdom sitting in Starbuck's</i></b> over a tea with a young girl or sitting at the cafeteria with an Ottawa U student between classes...all the while talking about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the hope we have in Him, and how all of that sees us through each day.<br />
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I hope to be at full support within the next couple of months. I am presently at 75% and would <b style="background-color: white; color: blue;">ask for your prayers</b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>that the remaining 25% does come in soon as my strong desire is to focus all my working hours on mentorship/discipleship. Thank you so much!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #274e13;">Thank you</b></span> also for your continued support in prayer, finances, encouraging words, scripture... They are blessings.<br />
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By the way, did you <b>notice my poll</b> to the left of my blog? Would love to hear from you on that! Please participate!<br />
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Have a wonderful week! (<b>Feel free to leave comment here or <a href="mailto:rachel.pickford@gmail.com">email me</a> directly</b>. It's always nice to hear from you; how you're doing...prayer requests...praise items).<br />
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<i><b style="color: purple;">P.S. If you're reading this and you have no idea what I'm doing or you don't know why I addressed this blog "Hi TEAM", please ask - don't be shy! I'd love to share with you what God has laid on my heart.</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-SbD_6acFVNayOGxp9ZYzQVXuY2IVhvRUDXwC4mExMQKI8FDZo-F8Lovi-M0qIyaY6yoSrkLwGt8I2w7UqE5DBleGM6USQUY_uoB19Xdged-GUYMJAptCDzqgLzwOvYeQYwSh29Mh6k/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-SbD_6acFVNayOGxp9ZYzQVXuY2IVhvRUDXwC4mExMQKI8FDZo-F8Lovi-M0qIyaY6yoSrkLwGt8I2w7UqE5DBleGM6USQUY_uoB19Xdged-GUYMJAptCDzqgLzwOvYeQYwSh29Mh6k/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordyn with her favourite book</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33NSHkHBisMo16dXr8pfwXJnjMvBuItqF_RKuAkf-wasV-H9DjF1JM6yglQxluVxka90VvIGmae9IgDOhDeXTWR5YOgYMW_onsuhqbsqgEDyzgjGcGBXLmgKsf2_-gMX2gqmYYIB8gPM/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33NSHkHBisMo16dXr8pfwXJnjMvBuItqF_RKuAkf-wasV-H9DjF1JM6yglQxluVxka90VvIGmae9IgDOhDeXTWR5YOgYMW_onsuhqbsqgEDyzgjGcGBXLmgKsf2_-gMX2gqmYYIB8gPM/s200/IMG_0029.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia at school</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-89958416833304269172010-07-19T13:20:00.000-04:002010-07-19T13:20:17.643-04:00GIVE-A-WAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjt5ugyxTt_UJpahkQ8KTLUb7myq2Wz0gRdHVVtuSj-d9k6vIPHBhrjyfHR9sxjtC5ptNi3eKPsb-yKdSrEyppMAE1LP0tKmBHh01IrodCf1g7b9NsjDwGoI9t0V7StMcz5qC0V9JVq8/s1600/handsonbible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjt5ugyxTt_UJpahkQ8KTLUb7myq2Wz0gRdHVVtuSj-d9k6vIPHBhrjyfHR9sxjtC5ptNi3eKPsb-yKdSrEyppMAE1LP0tKmBHh01IrodCf1g7b9NsjDwGoI9t0V7StMcz5qC0V9JVq8/s200/handsonbible.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>Have you heard of the <a href="http://www.myhandsonbible.com/">My Hands On Bible </a>distributed by Tyndale? I have gone through some of the devotionals and it looks really easy to incorporate into every day life. The devotionals and activities are family-friendly and they are sure to leave lasting impressions on everyone who takes part.<br />
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So, there's a give-a-way! Take advantage of the FREE learning tools. You must login which I've done and the resources are pdf downloads. <br />
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<a href="http://canadianladybugreviews.blogspot.com/2010/07/hands-on-bible.html">Canadian Ladybug Reviews </a>is giving away a copy! Go enter~your children will love this Bible! (ENDS 7/30)Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-65964254025865718732010-07-08T00:39:00.003-04:002010-07-08T00:56:57.711-04:00Just checkin' inHello Team!<br />
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As the title of this post says, I'm just checking in :) It's been a few months and I thought I'd update you on our little family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OLIVIA</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP36oTePCe5IzmNOgc-A6Pe6t0VUEi0DXG1rms5Nllx0q1gqUdLo6tGipXaEYNFkkYgTIEMlYJpGAX443GOk5vyVbGwV0Rz6VdGE5pazfDguvdo6hOWXBb5vPo7X-X7a-QKL4CmNvm_v4/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP36oTePCe5IzmNOgc-A6Pe6t0VUEi0DXG1rms5Nllx0q1gqUdLo6tGipXaEYNFkkYgTIEMlYJpGAX443GOk5vyVbGwV0Rz6VdGE5pazfDguvdo6hOWXBb5vPo7X-X7a-QKL4CmNvm_v4/s200/IMG_0162.JPG" width="200" /></a>My bubbly, life-loving, little girl finished her first year of school. Junior Kindergarten suited her to a tee. She loved her 2 teachers and came home every week (and usually daily) talking about the new things she learned. I guess I'm glad for that - if she didn't, I'd be wondering what was going on in her classroom! Usually every day ended with a hug for the teacher.<br />
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Olivia also made some great little friends so there were a few (times 10!!) play dates set up this past year. She looks forward to seeing them throughout the summer too.<br />
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She recently graduated to Pre-School D swimming lessons. It took her about 5 tries but our determined little girl pressed on and finally passed. She was verrrry excited. She'll begin Pre-School D in the fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IYxKjFS9-sL6HYDxbicXO_-YeSilWbbNgWs2KMHd_YXAvAyjkyDnHZRUWmoT_0lhKp8jwf7nVXewX8Lvf8iQYk97zbgOd4JXbPz2QdLFPuwRrozo5Sda4mB-z0yG2s9hE-Y-cni9YIg/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IYxKjFS9-sL6HYDxbicXO_-YeSilWbbNgWs2KMHd_YXAvAyjkyDnHZRUWmoT_0lhKp8jwf7nVXewX8Lvf8iQYk97zbgOd4JXbPz2QdLFPuwRrozo5Sda4mB-z0yG2s9hE-Y-cni9YIg/s200/IMG_0086.JPG" width="150" /></a>Another feat of hers is learning how to ride a 2-wheeler! It took her only a couple of days after Corey found a how-to on YouTube. Many of the kids in the neighbourhood have now begun to learn too. Way to go Olivia!<br />
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So this summer for Olivia is pretty full. She is going to an Arts & Crafts camp for one week in July (includes swimming in the afternoons!!) and she will be going to Vacation Bible School with a friend for one week and she will be going to a Day Camp at Cedarview Alliance Church for a week in August.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgZbhFJOIfOXKzOpV4lLqIyDZaB4PcykAjCxk0tZvNPbUwn3aMEPThf3QO5VATgLd4tfGRlxVlQrGKyEqwLyVhmA5PgsZFAVUcWav7-qmA_rwZ4hu_5MUsgNo6ZygeFhtxN17nvef2nI/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgZbhFJOIfOXKzOpV4lLqIyDZaB4PcykAjCxk0tZvNPbUwn3aMEPThf3QO5VATgLd4tfGRlxVlQrGKyEqwLyVhmA5PgsZFAVUcWav7-qmA_rwZ4hu_5MUsgNo6ZygeFhtxN17nvef2nI/s200/IMG_0161.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Did you know it's Olivia's birthday this month? July 25th she will be celebrating her 5th birthday. It's amazing how fast these 5 years have gone by! She is growing into a very responsible, compassionate, and kind little girl. She is becoming famous for belting out a tune or two about how much she loves Jesus and how much He loves her. So incredibly cute :) Corey and I are very proud of her and look forward to what this new year will bring her.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">JORDYN</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxCQ-DImzlPb43C2Cgoq8dz2Xzaod5Mulvntb8WyJv8mW34StDw_6yfuOYp5TZrVaewxcVxOaK-dUTk0zA4hbOeT6l_Q3LQI87YPUTyKht4rcOoR9FyJrRlYjtLYL77SYN9viml3tF9k/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxCQ-DImzlPb43C2Cgoq8dz2Xzaod5Mulvntb8WyJv8mW34StDw_6yfuOYp5TZrVaewxcVxOaK-dUTk0zA4hbOeT6l_Q3LQI87YPUTyKht4rcOoR9FyJrRlYjtLYL77SYN9viml3tF9k/s200/IMG_0165.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Our quiet, laid back, little girl is just that although she has found her voice as of late.. When she and Olivia get going, it's a pretty loud household :)<br />
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Her repertoire when it comes to vocabulary consists of: dadada, bababa, and a weird gurgling sound only she can make (believe me... Corey and I have tried to mimic it!).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wHGwsRFMIKVh4ebZf1Qcia1O3XQahGrs5dnAlSkmTNTUMvrFI5bnjcYgejA4YPpoktdf_xEKNYMVVNyY8_Yeg5rVkP4N7ioVxWwFDTd3s7prcSaOs39sYwOUTBlRKyyOk7u2pRL64PA/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wHGwsRFMIKVh4ebZf1Qcia1O3XQahGrs5dnAlSkmTNTUMvrFI5bnjcYgejA4YPpoktdf_xEKNYMVVNyY8_Yeg5rVkP4N7ioVxWwFDTd3s7prcSaOs39sYwOUTBlRKyyOk7u2pRL64PA/s200/IMG_0040.JPG" width="150" /></a>She is sitting on her own now although I still put pillows around her. She actually has started to make motions to crawl this week! I'm excited for that stage but then being able to plop her down and know she isn't going anywhere is a nice stage too...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvs0Jyjin_rE8g8VJ9hyphenhyphenhGqHkw-TEuzzNFVGEZ3d9vxas7wAFVx0DIwQ8ZZRVFLGUl0YmL_RDTiywKnqm8MkF78BgSIr289gWfbkGFGUbBuEkI9VJfZC5e1H2o67NVadEBwfqZfvffeA/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvs0Jyjin_rE8g8VJ9hyphenhyphenhGqHkw-TEuzzNFVGEZ3d9vxas7wAFVx0DIwQ8ZZRVFLGUl0YmL_RDTiywKnqm8MkF78BgSIr289gWfbkGFGUbBuEkI9VJfZC5e1H2o67NVadEBwfqZfvffeA/s200/IMG_0036.JPG" width="200" /></a>She is thoroughly enjoying her "solid" foods. She absolutely loves her fruits and is so-so with the meats & veggies. But sneaky mommy mixes that with her fruit and she gobbles it all up.<br />
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I would be very surprised if she doesn't turn out to be a lover of the outdoors. She loves going for walks and playing at the park. She is recognizing 'outside' noises like birds and planes. It is so neat to see her notice new things.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Corey</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TCSX6qEtKGjExhJlfMDxiBSDr3mgtJwRd1Ot-nhiSKsqfRFFi0LzvQtRnDPFZpAu-rOuM_3TKxlv4SpgHIFvVTKZpjsXUP41qfHjAqi0uTKaseF1pYFYQZBl8SdKkOlvy6BDL5IY5p4/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TCSX6qEtKGjExhJlfMDxiBSDr3mgtJwRd1Ot-nhiSKsqfRFFi0LzvQtRnDPFZpAu-rOuM_3TKxlv4SpgHIFvVTKZpjsXUP41qfHjAqi0uTKaseF1pYFYQZBl8SdKkOlvy6BDL5IY5p4/s200/IMG_0040.JPG" width="200" /></a>My handy man is keeping himself busy around the house when not working or playing hockey. His next project is building Olivia a bookshelf to contain her many many books.<br />
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IBM is going well and we are very thankful for continued employment. Since the weather has been beautiful, Corey's been biking to work. I admire Corey for wanting to take care of himself and to stay in shape as best he can.<br />
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Corey has adapted well to being a father of 2 girls. He loves playing with them - having tickle fights with Olivia and doing all he can to get Jordyn to laugh. There's nothing like seeing your husband and kids laughing together. Warms my heart.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">RACHEL</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vwUw7qLTSlMDR6w20rWfmabKHj1X39q1W_GPeRkkbH6KvJblTTz5xy-orPOvAFaoCe3dPR_qtjynZrTLRZPLLDLJ2CAeUb7Yxeux38e9GOZKs5BlPe3yhRnoJl6VaQ_iO3EO6MyD8Yo/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vwUw7qLTSlMDR6w20rWfmabKHj1X39q1W_GPeRkkbH6KvJblTTz5xy-orPOvAFaoCe3dPR_qtjynZrTLRZPLLDLJ2CAeUb7Yxeux38e9GOZKs5BlPe3yhRnoJl6VaQ_iO3EO6MyD8Yo/s200/IMG_0027.JPG" width="173" /></a>Well, what can I say about me. I am loving my time home with the girls. I am cherishing these times because I know how fast time flies by. Lately the girls and I have been going to the park with little friends and going for lots of walks. We've visited with some friends too which Olivia loves.<br />
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I am finally finding more time to focus on a hobby of mine - making cards. I'm not the most creative on the block but I see some designs I like and I just copy them :) It's a great outlet for me and it's nice to have something in my life that's just for me. If you'd like 'home-made' cards created for you, just let me know ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQYu9v7Care9jfGvQGG7C7B_MnUSdatE7XDC0gB5d8ZK7w7CIrDVZynqAUxaxIHGxfQ6BdukkpqjVHHt7_-Gumt48tY_1JfTMl5DUX936BWJLQ412Ikd8vOLNGq2TVXzoT0II7Wmc3Co/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQYu9v7Care9jfGvQGG7C7B_MnUSdatE7XDC0gB5d8ZK7w7CIrDVZynqAUxaxIHGxfQ6BdukkpqjVHHt7_-Gumt48tY_1JfTMl5DUX936BWJLQ412Ikd8vOLNGq2TVXzoT0II7Wmc3Co/s200/IMG_0152.JPG" width="174" /></a>What else have I been up to? Well, I had the privilege of celebrating 6 years of marriage June 25th. Corey and I went to Wakefield, QC for the day and we had a blast reconnecting - brought back memories of our dating days :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT'S NEXT?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJNFKjqv6VpGz5BwX9n1yWoq6uP8mIsQjGOBtBK7lrQ1Nkl0J3xb7RBZlDRgPV3oxJ7xRbrzcY_zBkqYCWdDA_3DhULfy7HHNH1U_Z0gVpKGD94HKDdPIwRTlHigdEv8ciUkyP0UofUI/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJNFKjqv6VpGz5BwX9n1yWoq6uP8mIsQjGOBtBK7lrQ1Nkl0J3xb7RBZlDRgPV3oxJ7xRbrzcY_zBkqYCWdDA_3DhULfy7HHNH1U_Z0gVpKGD94HKDdPIwRTlHigdEv8ciUkyP0UofUI/s200/IMG_0120.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUU69rtbFoKIj07SLPFv-ZhcMZJ7wyqFRNfQb_zeQkPrbRRLRAaQ3mRH_quNJyEuX3O5XejnCrXXwsJHqm6nbjWPyGYFxhcUiIyN6DUuJCeTSSPpVhsFKYhvYXNiT4Bm7rJXSNO_44oY/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUU69rtbFoKIj07SLPFv-ZhcMZJ7wyqFRNfQb_zeQkPrbRRLRAaQ3mRH_quNJyEuX3O5XejnCrXXwsJHqm6nbjWPyGYFxhcUiIyN6DUuJCeTSSPpVhsFKYhvYXNiT4Bm7rJXSNO_44oY/s200/IMG_0065.JPG" width="200" /></a>We decided to buy a camper for the family so we can begin a tradition of summer camping. Corey came across a great private deal in the spring and our first camping trip was the May long weekend. We camped for a few days at Rideau River Provincial Park and had a blast!! The weather was great except there were too many mosquitos as far as I'm concerned. We hit the beach a few times and in general just hung out. Olivia loved riding her bike there and Jordyn loved watching her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjZsw2vmFXhwu89VLSHbqHkxKWxSXsuwS68QZBojrg0Hq7gzBL3EkTUvd2lqUY3fod3n3Xxl3m71f1zasuNKDsPva5e-B0fUihRsXJ9_o9tzuRoM9EpdC7dVcEjhBaXJnj13enqA9PUg/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjZsw2vmFXhwu89VLSHbqHkxKWxSXsuwS68QZBojrg0Hq7gzBL3EkTUvd2lqUY3fod3n3Xxl3m71f1zasuNKDsPva5e-B0fUihRsXJ9_o9tzuRoM9EpdC7dVcEjhBaXJnj13enqA9PUg/s200/IMG_0133.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We just came back from a week at a private campground (Quinte Isle Campark) near Sandbanks Provincial Park. It was so fun! There were activities for the kids 3 times a day (rock painting, tye-dying, relay races, basketball, colouring...). They also had a huge pool and a brand new splash park. It was a great experience and we've decided to go there every year as long as we can. Olivia had such a good time with her new little friends and always wanted to ride her bike, hit the pool, and roast marshmellows. I love her zest for life.<br />
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We also have a PEI trip planned for this summer. Our last one for the year. The last time we were there was 11 years ago when Corey and I were newly dating. It will be nice to go back with the kids.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">IMPORTANT DATES </span><br />
July 25: Olivia's 5th birthday<br />
August 27: Mom & Dad Van Dyke's 44th wedding anniversary<br />
August 31: Mom Van Dyke's birthday<br />
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I will sign this book off now ;) It would be wonderful to hear how you're doing. I love getting your emails so send off a note or two when you can.<br />
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Enjoy the rest of your summer. May it be richly blessed!Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-29541133591012795952010-03-31T10:05:00.016-04:002010-04-13T11:16:03.761-04:00Spring has Sprung<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi TEAM!<br />
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It's high time that I add another blog entry to let you all know how we Pickfords are doing!<br />
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The last 4 months have come and gone in a blink of an eye. With Jordyn here life is much fuller and busier - in a good way of course. She is a very good baby and makes life easy for me :)<br />
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So, what have we been up to?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AwwgMYWpDhgjEU7KOtd9QCtTSAGYFwXJQ-_Scr_-fPuWaKoPWG9AEZSOC7vESstJjR4N0vohOwoq5EMJFpuqRaooYrItJkmDtew-sGja4db5Mx2550GzvfHlTu18sYGYRg9M2Wya5-E/s1600/Christmas+shot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454806570852061202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AwwgMYWpDhgjEU7KOtd9QCtTSAGYFwXJQ-_Scr_-fPuWaKoPWG9AEZSOC7vESstJjR4N0vohOwoq5EMJFpuqRaooYrItJkmDtew-sGja4db5Mx2550GzvfHlTu18sYGYRg9M2Wya5-E/s320/Christmas+shot.jpg" style="float: right; height: 138px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 246px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">December:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> celebrated Christmas as a family of 4 and what a treat that was. So special to see our baby girl here after experiencing the miscarriage 2 years ago and then waiting quite a while to finally conceive Jordyn. Christmas is our favourite time of year and it was extra special this year.<br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWZHtFOI2BonosgIuzXcBWF6n-WM-RTb3CQTYWP3PZ-JLGxcCU1NoWiGcaGNesfsoDnDW9sx-uHFVzLRUJxPxVd4DKVr1Xs5ngjs9d83AeyYTdwL5Scfc6sSarSY1XobN_dHHqPgQI7A/s1600/Sheri.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454806925182080610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWZHtFOI2BonosgIuzXcBWF6n-WM-RTb3CQTYWP3PZ-JLGxcCU1NoWiGcaGNesfsoDnDW9sx-uHFVzLRUJxPxVd4DKVr1Xs5ngjs9d83AeyYTdwL5Scfc6sSarSY1XobN_dHHqPgQI7A/s320/Sheri.jpg" style="float: left; height: 130px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 72px;" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Janua</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">ry:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> my sister, Sheri, got married! It was a very intimate affair with 30 guests witnessing </span><span style="font-size: small;">her and Ron begin a new chapter in their lives.<br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">February: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Jordyn's first big trip! We went to BC to visit Corey's family plus take in some<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCZ0tPbRY-gM4RD-sjTnVI_RxFi2kaL-xJrhGfll-0b5gafWAMNQCkCKwLV-86ZHJFX-AZD-xyZ-dRQ7E8YnxjwVglqHX_qt9iGiSpJ9oaxJRv-kopVVu2VZ2MBgLe33-mtI5h43MUWo/s1600/Olympics.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454809035329486018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCZ0tPbRY-gM4RD-sjTnVI_RxFi2kaL-xJrhGfll-0b5gafWAMNQCkCKwLV-86ZHJFX-AZD-xyZ-dRQ7E8YnxjwVglqHX_qt9iGiSpJ9oaxJRv-kopVVu2VZ2MBgLe33-mtI5h43MUWo/s320/Olympics.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 179px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a> Olympic events. We were fortunate enough to have tickets to 3 of the men's hockey quarter finals and both semis. It was such an amazing experience to be in the arena...especially when Canada whooped Russia! Olivia and Jordyn stayed back with NaNa and PaPa while Corey and I enjoyed a couple of days together. It was like we were back in our dating days again! :) The visit with family was really nice too. We celebrated Corey's parent's 40th anniversary. What a great legacy to leave their kids and grandkids as being married that long these days is a rarity.<br />
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<b>March:</b> sat down and figured out some summer plans. Excitedly, we are taking our camper to Sandbanks in June/July and then to PEI/East Coast in August. We are very excited for this opportunity and we are sure the girls (well, particularly Olivia) will have an absolute blast! We are very thankful to have found this camper at such a good price. We know that many happy memories will be made on our camping trips</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back on the homefront, we are very blessed to have 2 beautiful and happy little girls. Here is the low-down of their progress:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jgVHtOuzVREb9MMfRZFUZzHdp6Yo3AqIK0lWTzuSmj2z9jVOoufphVOS_0rlORLqcX51wxrrT9uZUgw9-D9xMd00RyV70g7ZxmT4s-9BfG7jRUUTCoDrddSePcnx_RLs62c6CgjS4H8/s1600/o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454811840195462114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jgVHtOuzVREb9MMfRZFUZzHdp6Yo3AqIK0lWTzuSmj2z9jVOoufphVOS_0rlORLqcX51wxrrT9uZUgw9-D9xMd00RyV70g7ZxmT4s-9BfG7jRUUTCoDrddSePcnx_RLs62c6CgjS4H8/s200/o.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 137px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 133px;" /></a><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">OLIVIA</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Loves Junior Kindergarten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfW2tXlpYjaGFxo6NsqtfZPBMXcqV23A2VwRNwabCHsU-du7fsbxtim1m_nYrt50g_Gzg74cZ416zCzMqZ3V34D1eHMyPPTgzzXJDR9Ov1fphfduSnRlqStz2Sza0B7PswENlt9upPL0/s1600/o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Is becoming very good at imaginative play</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She loves to make crafts and bake. On her own accord (with no help from me) she put together Easter treats in mini paper cups for my family. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She just started swimming lessons</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgRdZyAVDL-cQ-cKJEdvZhA4YGpwAEErquviOtN3pHRT2LN-CaD3yHHobtbMZxPla3R-mcLT362RaDTOQ5FDZXtKStJsILFXo_b2rLaE8ptm-MZawBzDzPXnY4dYns_h8IWABhhsovM0/s1600/OJ_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454810720216637666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgRdZyAVDL-cQ-cKJEdvZhA4YGpwAEErquviOtN3pHRT2LN-CaD3yHHobtbMZxPla3R-mcLT362RaDTOQ5FDZXtKStJsILFXo_b2rLaE8ptm-MZawBzDzPXnY4dYns_h8IWABhhsovM0/s320/OJ_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 168px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 126px;" /></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She has told us that when she grows up she wants to be a doctor :)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She adores Jordyn and hasn't had one instance of jealousy. She sings her songs, tells her stories, shows her toys, and comforts her when Jordyn cries saying, "It's okay sweetheart, big sister is here".</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>JORDYN</b> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">The 2 most common observations people make</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">....She is so happy!</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">....She is so alert!</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><ul><ul><ul><ul></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLcDVdG47qbkIV_6M3FF6PzwGux6nt8VLsD3F04tNCTngMIUMFQwkuJQXq3DLU7wu8aNzV5x9XYeXWMJxHB4mIfxWw9aTzCfgtURoPa07hGRMWPQeQItkV1i-jkgMAHBkUoPNMRZydvM/s1600/J_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLcDVdG47qbkIV_6M3FF6PzwGux6nt8VLsD3F04tNCTngMIUMFQwkuJQXq3DLU7wu8aNzV5x9XYeXWMJxHB4mIfxWw9aTzCfgtURoPa07hGRMWPQeQItkV1i-jkgMAHBkUoPNMRZydvM/s200/J_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ddjI9teCIaRPcsmeap7epphW3h7I5JiudMlfkwSCNoFYAg51NA8ZLbfdBa-ooWiAkj5x2f-hfI2CndFEGNPvsrNj9HK4qsKmrCFQtuaExRLYUi5TVrf1-TgeGkbO62K3ryHs1m3OgQg/s1600/Jordyn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454812705607580306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ddjI9teCIaRPcsmeap7epphW3h7I5JiudMlfkwSCNoFYAg51NA8ZLbfdBa-ooWiAkj5x2f-hfI2CndFEGNPvsrNj9HK4qsKmrCFQtuaExRLYUi5TVrf1-TgeGkbO62K3ryHs1m3OgQg/s200/Jordyn.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a></span> </ul><br />
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<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">She is sleeping from 8pm-7am most nights</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She rolled over a couple of weeks ago from her tummy to her back</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She loves her excersaucer and her activity mat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She talks most when I'm changing her. It seems to be her cue to converse with me :)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">She is quite quiet and observant - loves watching Olivia do her thing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Although some features are similar to Olivia's (same eyes and shape of face) she definitely is different with darker hair and complexion.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see, our girls are bringing us much joy. As I said earlier, God has blessed us immensely and I sometimes well up with tears of much gratitude when I see them play together and just live life.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, as we enjoy this spring season; the flowers blooming, the buds on trees appearing, the sounds of birds filling the air (and the vents in our houses....), remember the new life we have because of Jesus' sweet sacrifice on the cross. I praise Him each day for His unfailing love and grace for me, Rachel Pickford, a sinner, but a daughter of the King. HALLELUJAH!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="display: block;"><span class="" id="formatbar_InsertUnorderedList" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 16);ButtonMouseDown(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseup="" style="display: block;" title="Bulleted List"><br />
</span></span></span></div><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></ul>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-48275212120871195912009-12-24T17:07:00.000-05:002009-12-24T22:36:47.592-05:00Introducing Jordyn Brenda Pickford!!<div style="text-align: left;">Hello TEAM!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3JgPI1R_sAk5xe-QCHguHqW1967gvStpqHlQuuAC5sPERp2i-0hyphenhyphenyqwYlTiemyiox199gQymgms0CQIUNRc58hrPCpa2oGGtVzIppqZgvJ_24cayZYQxEPixgbTCgmE8c_bSlGIhaJA/s200/IMG_1331_a.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418997609290363586" /></div><div>I finally have some time to update my blog to introduce our newest little angel. <b>Jordyn Brenda Pickfor</b><b>d</b> was born November 26 at 11:11am after a very quick 2.5 hours of labour. She was 7 lbs 2 oz and 20.5" long...a full pound lighter than what Olivia was!</div><div><br /></div><div>Jordyn is so precious. She is a very content little girl. She cries only if very hungry and of course if she has a present waiting in her diaper :) She seems to be quite different from Olivia in the fact that she is quite calm. She is a strong little girl already being able to hold her head up (since day 2 actually!!).</div><div><br /></div><div>She started sleeping 4 hours at night at just 4 days old!! Now it can range from anywhere between 5 & 8 hours! She is averaging 6 hours each night. PRAISE THE LORD! Mama feels quite rested :)</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDo3hbJqgSbg0ijbPJ7T1X5atHqMeJr30CQdxA4D97oiKTg0Kh420Cw29-0RWWaNuIuyO84k9eaPzhQFmLIiPizWyyijXLwpGWI6EV6Hl9FeZsvDS-kjpaJP8R9iyEsDyllZdgmrEZuA/s200/IMG_1385.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418994494922505330" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Olivia is handling the adjustment VERY well. She is very excited to help with caring for her little sister. She is keen to get the diapers & wipes and of course give Jordyn a soother when she's whimpering. <b>Lots </b>of kisses are given too. Olivia says she excited to share her toys once Jordyn's old enough to play with them :)</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lfN5nE_krK-W7FC9nDVg9ZmSz3chwHHFMmAf2-hwrKNSGuzevVo96S-7mOYIIzLoLNLN1ogyyw1HVTrZK0FYw-llF6uZkTWlRUx_R26ndh3FK-Zpaw7xKiKH8YRhv3C0ltyHvtSXgmg/s200/IMG_1307_a.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419011233802595234" /><div>Corey and I are also adjusting very well. Life with two kids is quite busy as you of 2 or more kids know :) We are enjoying every minute though and feel extremely blessed to be given the family we have. Olivia and Jordyn are gifts indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, as we head into <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Christ</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>mas</b></span> (tomorrow), may we all find the time to reflect on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">real</span></b> reason for the season - Jesus' birth!! Praise God for sending His Son so that we may </div><div>have eternal life.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Merry Christmas</span></b> friends. May 2010 bring you unimaginable blessings and God's <b><i>complete </i></b>joy, peace, and love.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIOIGlJbKrjkuYR41IaRjUwqAlSXKP8TPAT-bqqfQRW-t9HMjVG-HwvIBKgECe2sUGF1-AN7b3Pe96ltdUq30R-grgdL9dpGpz31sV_aWLLw0RikJ7WNY_5-rIIvkgd-hAsnwZSSEClo/s200/Girls.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419007653732142402" /></div><div>God Bless!</div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-71562319429789524682009-09-10T10:13:00.001-04:002009-09-10T10:22:20.934-04:00Praise Him in the Easy AND Hard Times?Hi TEAM!<br /><br />I subscribe to a daily devotional called "Girlfriends in God". It is an amazing tool to help in developing your rela<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQSRyDwpfKPEUvOnPSIQm7lRcbiRzgJOoRnTWYYeRtgDP6q-32A7_I57VhtHVIlevlR3awBNFr4p9P1gMM0B0GLB-em0mjIKGsNok17qC8dqfvGJZu7hUVPX0cT6rQbXwazpAgE57qZ4/s1600-h/GIG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQSRyDwpfKPEUvOnPSIQm7lRcbiRzgJOoRnTWYYeRtgDP6q-32A7_I57VhtHVIlevlR3awBNFr4p9P1gMM0B0GLB-em0mjIKGsNok17qC8dqfvGJZu7hUVPX0cT6rQbXwazpAgE57qZ4/s400/GIG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379843118104020898" border="0" /></a>tionship with the Lord. Although the title includes "Girlfriends", you men reading this can take a tidbit from today's devotional :) Read on about how we can praise our faithful Father in the easy AND hard times. If you want to check out the website, click <a href="http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/">here</a>.<br />___________________________________<br /><p><strong><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ><o:p></o:p><span style="font-size:130%;">Today's Truth </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" ><br /></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.crosswalkmail.com/zrvfsnvsfv_jtpwpcppjss.html">Philippians 4:6-7</a><em><span style=";font-family:";" > "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV).</span></em> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Friend To Friend </span></strong><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><br /></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Someone recently gave me a refrigerator magnet that said, "I know God promises to never give me more than I can handle. But sometimes, I just wish he didn't trust me so much." When trials come and life seems hard, we plead with God to deliver us <em><span style=";font-family:";" >from</span></em> the problem when many times his plan is to deliver us <em><span style=";font-family:";" >in</span></em> the problem. Praise does not depend upon an understanding of the circumstance or trial. Praise depends upon faith in the God of that circumstance or trial. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >As humans, we will never fully understand God - this side of heaven. God is holy and without blemish. God is all powerful and omniscient. He is Creator of the universe and yet lives in you and me. He is the only true, living God! We may understand some of his ways and comprehend the reasoning behind some of his plans. We may even come to the place of knowing him on what we call an intimate level, but a full understanding of God is reserved for heaven. Until then, we walk by faith, not by sight. We praise him in the darkness, knowing that the light is just ahead. We trust him for things we cannot see and praise him in the valleys. Honestly, the thought of serving and relying on a God I can understand is not a reassuring thought. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Most people who know me well would describe me as a strong person, someone who can usually handle what life holds. I thought the same thing until, in 1995, I found myself a powerless, prisoner of the darkness as I battled clinical depression. It took me two long years to climb out of that pit and not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of that wonderful, horrible time. One of the many lessons I learned from my "pit experience" was that I cannot depend upon my own strength or my fickle emotions. God often asked me to praise him when, as far as I could tell, there wasn't a whole lot to praise him for! I didn't <em><span style=";font-family:";" >feel </span></em>like praising him. I began to understand that praise is not a feeling but a choice, a step of obedience taken without the assurance of a changed circumstance or the elimination of a trial. Praise focuses on God, not the circumstance, and fixes its gaze upon God's truth and God's character instead of the trial at hand or the one just ahead. That's why we can celebrate the battle before it begins. The outcome is neither our responsibility nor our goal. Praise begins and ends with faith in the very nature, personality and integrity of God ... and that reality never changes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >No matter what lies ahead, God is faithful. No matter how hot the fiery trial may be, God will deliver us. No matter what man says or does, God loves and accepts us. So praise God! Thank him today for every victory tomorrow holds! Celebrate - knowing the battle belongs to God and because of that single truth, victory is certain. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Now It's Your Turn </span></strong><b><span style=";font-family:";" ><br /></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Begin your "Joy Journal" by recording the daily blessings he gives you each day. Remember to add the "small" miracles as well as the "large" ones. At the end of the week, have a private praise service - just you and God. Thank him for his presence and power at work in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Memorize Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Think about it... </span></strong></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >· When I hear the word "praise", what comes to my mind? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >· Do I really believe my life can bring God pleasure? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >· After reading Psalm 139, how do I think God sees me? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >· What are the sources of discouragement in my life? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >· What steps do I need to take to eliminate those sources? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Let's Pray </span></strong><b><span style=";font-family:";" ><br /></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >Father, I praise You today for all that You have done in my life. You are faithful even when I am faithless. Your love pursues me even when I am unlovable. Your forgiveness covers my sin and frees me from its penalty. Lord, teach me to praise You. Help me to see and understand the power of praising You in my life. I want to bring You pleasure, Father. I praise You for your love and faithfulness to me. Your presence in my life changes everything, empowering me to live each moment of every day, content in knowing You are in control. As I face today, Lord, remind me that no matters what happens, I can praise You! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">In Jesus' name,<br />Amen </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-6836114758811484412009-08-09T14:10:00.001-04:002009-08-09T14:23:39.505-04:00Soccer Camp is here!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ283pwGfMeUwH0hzTxvAcTbAv5R4RducoA_8LYMQQApTaP2k4QF2-vQLceM4eJDFaEF683tY9BkHnif-27-pgF7FZK4ZP8E25dl72CfQZG9peryT8LZsUMlbxp-tRHNupZD893hbug0/s1600-h/Soccer+ball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ283pwGfMeUwH0hzTxvAcTbAv5R4RducoA_8LYMQQApTaP2k4QF2-vQLceM4eJDFaEF683tY9BkHnif-27-pgF7FZK4ZP8E25dl72CfQZG9peryT8LZsUMlbxp-tRHNupZD893hbug0/s400/Soccer+ball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368031252761952354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Soccer Camp is finally here</span>!<br />We have 38 kids registered and almost half are from the community! I am really looking forward to this week and seeing what God is going to do in these young lives.<br /><br /><br />Can you <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">please keep the following in prayer</span> this week:<br /></span><ul style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">the <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">kids will be receptive</span> to hear about who Jesus is</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">the <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;">weather will cooperate</span> (thunder showers are forecasted for tomorrow & Tuesday)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">the <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">coaches & assistant coaches will really connect with their group </span>of kids<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">health & safety</span> for everyone involved<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">more kids will register</span> by tomorrow morning</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Would you like to commit to praying specifically for this camp this week?</span><br /></span>If so, drop me a line at rachel.pickford@gmail.com and I'll be sure to send updates throughout the week including updated prayer requests and praise reports.<br /><br />Thanks TEAM!</span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-90313099113248948382009-07-09T11:12:00.000-04:002009-07-09T13:39:10.914-04:00AIA in Serbia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60d3esp-3Lv6gw7lyZt87DtBaFOWvtTOyEazFfUVPUnIA4EDiCL7c3ZsjEOEHIvzR9Ryg5h1KJSJSuXB1UuAhx2OUYP8esZOiuKA_1hlhtSj8PnKb_FWx8543rQigpHzpQBji263SLtk/s1600-h/volleyball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60d3esp-3Lv6gw7lyZt87DtBaFOWvtTOyEazFfUVPUnIA4EDiCL7c3ZsjEOEHIvzR9Ryg5h1KJSJSuXB1UuAhx2OUYP8esZOiuKA_1hlhtSj8PnKb_FWx8543rQigpHzpQBji263SLtk/s400/volleyball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356479992741839346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><div class="viewContent"><div class="news_single_article_main"><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Hey Team,</span><div class="news_single_article_body"> <p style="font-family: arial;">You hear so many stories of how students from Ottawa continue to grow and step out in faith. Here is an update from Crystal to my co-worker Morgan. Crystal is serving with the AIA Team in Serbia at the World University Games with Kibby (Ottawa U) and other students and staff.</p> <p><em>Hey morgan!!!<br /><br />Roxanne, Kibby, Steph and myself all went to the Canada Women's basketball game against Slovakia. We got to the game but the shuttle bus was driving through flooded roads because it was raining so hard and the drainage systems aren't very good, so cars were stalled on the road. We watched the game and Canada ended up losing. I ended up talking to Moriah Trowell (she was the assistant coach for Ottawa U basketball team this year) and she said that she was going to try to set up a team meeting with the canada team and spread the word which was sooo sweet. (Moriah is acting as team liason between canada and the CIS and also team leader/ manager). After that Rox ended up getting us a ride back on the Team Canada bus, which was sweet because we got to talk to Robin Buno (an SFU bball player CIS mvp) and 2 girls from the NCAA who were both interested in coming out for worship!! We also got back and got to go to the opening ceremonies. The opening ceremonies were pretty sweet.</em></p><p><br /><em></em></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">And another update from Dave Johns, longstanding AIA staff member:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >We are having a great time in Serbia and making lots of good international and canadian connections. For example, I met the head of the delegation from Benin today, a small west african country, and was able to give him dvd's for all his athletes. Rox had a great meeting with the canadian women's soccer team, spoke to them all and gave them the dvd's.</span> <p style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chapel starts in a few minutes for thursday nite. We get athletes from south africa, togo, namibia, estonia, spain and more.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">Please pray for an american woman on our team, Leah, who tore her maniscus last night, while walking home. The serbian games medical staff sent her directly to the hospital for an operation, but she is very scared to have it here. we need some wisdom to help her make all right decisions.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span>TEAM, please continue to pray for our team there:</span><br /><ul><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">many opportunities will be available to share about Jesus</li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">continued health & safety</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">wisdom for Leah regarding surgery<br /></span></li></ul></div></div></div></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-32513674109743206732009-07-07T14:17:00.000-04:002009-07-07T15:10:05.987-04:00Soccer Camp: ANSWERED PRAYERS!<span style="font-family:verdana;">TEAM! You are all wonderful. Obviously you lifted up a prayer or two (or more!!) because God showed up Canada Day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I asked for prayer for good weather.</span>.. It was supposed to thunderstorm and rain the whole day. I was checking the weather network, outside, the weather network, outside.. The sky certainly was cloudy and looked a bit ominous but shortly after we set up the sun broke and there was blue sky all day. Dark clouds would roll our way but then veered off and missed us completely! It was such a beautiful day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I asked for prayer that 30 kids would register</span>.... I kept praying on that one and felt it was a tad unrealistic (even though I know God c</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">an do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine) so I felt 5 was a reasonable request. In the end SEVEN children registered.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So, thank you team for your prayers. I believe God moved because of your faithfulness. We now have 21 confirm</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">ed registrants and 6 unconfirmed.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirN3qIetgPeXK7DNoeIghf3j-nIImN76VG5yyBjfpKV2wIl1vNVnHqeinsjWKNp8iXDISj6WRxMyEopXQypqRulXF5_cGDdwvJgLIlLBf0CHiEZIfoSZ_QJWOjDWB_Ef-KVGBlMRpUmA/s1600-h/Tori.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirN3qIetgPeXK7DNoeIghf3j-nIImN76VG5yyBjfpKV2wIl1vNVnHqeinsjWKNp8iXDISj6WRxMyEopXQypqRulXF5_cGDdwvJgLIlLBf0CHiEZIfoSZ_QJWOjDWB_Ef-KVGBlMRpUmA/s400/Tori.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355795843451069746" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Me and one of our wonderful volunteers, Tori, at the Soccer Camp table</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:verdana;" >Additional Prayer Requests:</span></span> <ol style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;" ><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">More Kids to Register:</span> many parents received soccer camp postcards promoting the camp plus registration forms. Please pray they will either mail them in or register online. We are believing God for 60 kids!<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Assistant Coaches:</span> we need another 2 assistant coaches. No experience is necessary - just a desire to engage with the kids and see them flourish not just in their soccer skill but spiritually as well.</li></ol><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Get Involved!</span></span> <ol style="font-family: verdana;"><li>Become an assistant coach! NO experience necessary!<br /></li><li>Sponsor a child (or more!). The cost per child is $125.<br /></li></ol><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you again, TEAM! This camp is going to be amazing. I look forward to sharing many stories with you!</span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-27453715412847432182009-06-30T13:51:00.000-04:002009-06-30T14:50:01.579-04:00Soccer Camp: Prayers Needed!!<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Hi TEAM!</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >AIA is partnering with several churches across Canada to host soccer camps for kids!<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >My church, Sequoia Community Church, is hosting a <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=cDcteVJMQXNvVDdPNXhZOUZjb0lsZUE6MA">Soccer Camp</a> August 10 - 14 and we are really excited to engage with the kids!!</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxZf-C0bbhD5gAG0kc2Pw8fEPn8vZqs5unEgNMh7wHzyRkRT5fXSqLLW1EySMSRXIu3-Qf4pDa6Em88yTCRVsEMXc9qpFpoEXXiC81LFXyknYRipZMQX0tDPcvM69dhJl_SbiliKh5FQ/s1600-h/Fun+Cruiser.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxZf-C0bbhD5gAG0kc2Pw8fEPn8vZqs5unEgNMh7wHzyRkRT5fXSqLLW1EySMSRXIu3-Qf4pDa6Em88yTCRVsEMXc9qpFpoEXXiC81LFXyknYRipZMQX0tDPcvM69dhJl_SbiliKh5FQ/s400/Fun+Cruiser.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353184280612089986" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Tomorrow, J</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >u</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >l</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >y 1st, my town is putting on incredible Ca</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >n</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >ada Day Festivities and my church will have their Fun Cruiser which</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >provides FREE popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy. A great way my chu</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >rch is able to engage with your community.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br />AIA will also set up a table beside this Fun Cruiser to encourage parents to register for our <span style="font-weight: bold;">Soccer Camp</span>!</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Here's where you come in</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">PLEASE PRAY</span> over the next 24 - 30 hours!! </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxMpX0kR4zdrmpFc26f8FoL5cqAq_sMFBHthHSqaqkVE3kst0JE48IiZloWkSJhaUzbiJRX1R5exAWAQ0-lLI_ROFYkvyzhmaWsxzyor-0a4bR2e1tcNzM8gqavp5bcCSqGiazuEnC1Q/s1600-h/IMG_3684.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxMpX0kR4zdrmpFc26f8FoL5cqAq_sMFBHthHSqaqkVE3kst0JE48IiZloWkSJhaUzbiJRX1R5exAWAQ0-lLI_ROFYkvyzhmaWsxzyor-0a4bR2e1tcNzM8gqavp5bcCSqGiazuEnC1Q/s400/IMG_3684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353189747163533954" border="0" /></a></span> <ol style="font-family:verdana;"><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Incredible Weather</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: this will allow many residents to come out, enjoy the festivities, have the chance to talk to coo</span><span style="font-size:130%;">l christians from Sequoia, PLUS there will be many families there who may be interested in the camp!</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >At least 30 kids will register</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> tomorrow for the camp. We are believing God for 60 kids to attend camp.</span><br /></span></li></ol><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Your fervent prayers are appreciated.</span> We see this camp as an incredible opportunity to reach out to our community; to share with the kids & their families Jesus' amazing love and forgiveness for all people!</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Thank you TEAM!</span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-72152435499766059082009-05-26T09:38:00.000-04:002009-05-26T16:52:23.445-04:00One Week + 36 Students + Transformed Lives = Priceless<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqhAXO2ddHey1r7tMaAbUGUo43Xya2azbZ8_Bu-NDgs-h56uvTsUwNJXaPHh6una3S1dDLG51-K3876z_F4GUoC8-82HiYBgezczYjr6wa2GEFcX26FT5q8Al8LMN93hkobOwk-Dj8ls/s1600-h/NTC+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqhAXO2ddHey1r7tMaAbUGUo43Xya2azbZ8_Bu-NDgs-h56uvTsUwNJXaPHh6una3S1dDLG51-K3876z_F4GUoC8-82HiYBgezczYjr6wa2GEFcX26FT5q8Al8LMN93hkobOwk-Dj8ls/s400/NTC+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340236679600224850" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:verdana;">NTC 2009 - what a ride! Walking into NTC, I didn't know what the Lord had in store for me but I was pretty much ready for it.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />Thirty-six student athletes came to Ottawa from across Canada to learn about integrating faith & sport. I am confident in saying that they each left the conference at the end of the week with a new perspective on who God is, who they are in Christ, and what it means to surrender all! Their testimonies at the end-of-conference banquet said it all. Very moving stories of what God did and the walls that were broken down. Praise GOD!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I will share more details in my newsletter which is coming next week. But let me say that the experience of NTC was amazing. Not just seeing what God was doing in the students' lives but what He was doing in mine!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">TEAM, thank you so much for keeping us staff & the students in your prayers. Your support and encouragement went a long way. Bless you for your faithful partnership!</span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-43804424644981265832009-05-04T13:20:00.000-04:002009-05-04T14:05:18.763-04:00National Training Camp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgzcHV_z0wELMnSV5zWPRcndAVyjIpE9Pc1hjMrgBAz8S2vo2wm26y2fdeLe8jsUHZbH-O0xIMmSBGmwz5IEyrgnU7fcxViaqTb3XLZFrvmqO92JMjLWtUKIe-Y8lLnt2NZnyT-e-BH0/s1600-h/ad_5.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332031060977968850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 71px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgzcHV_z0wELMnSV5zWPRcndAVyjIpE9Pc1hjMrgBAz8S2vo2wm26y2fdeLe8jsUHZbH-O0xIMmSBGmwz5IEyrgnU7fcxViaqTb3XLZFrvmqO92JMjLWtUKIe-Y8lLnt2NZnyT-e-BH0/s320/ad_5.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000099;">National Training Camp (NTC) is finally here!</span> Thirty six students from across Canada are gathering together to better understand the relationship between faith and sport. Combining in-class instruction with competition application, the National Training Camp is designed to address this issue.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The students will be challenged to raise their level of faith, on and off the field. And see themselves and competition through the lens of God. The culmination of NTC ends with the “ultimate” test...a 24-hour multi-sport marathon known as the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. This is a time where the students can apply what they learned throughout the week and fully surrender themselves to God. A very challenging but rewarding time is ahead of them.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Can you take a few minutes out of each day from <strong>today to May 10 to specifically pray for the following</strong>?</span><br /></div><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#009900;">Health and safety</span> for both staff & students</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">That the <span style="color:#cc33cc;">students' will be challenged & convicted</span> by what they will be learning</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">For <span style="color:#ff6600;">students to see the amazing reality of Christ</span> and who they are in His eyes</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">That we as <span style="color:#996633;">AIA staff will be in tune to the Holy Spirit's leading</span> and not our own agenda as we pour into the students' lives</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">That ultimately <span style="color:#ff0000;">God will be glorfied</span> throughout this week</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Thank you TEAM! Your prayers are cherished and God will answer :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Finally, do you desire to come alongside us and <span style="color:#000099;">financially support the event OR support a student who can't afford the funds</span> for the conference? All contributions are tax deductible. Email me today and we can chat about the process to set that up. Thank you for prayerfully considering this!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I will send a full report next week! Stay tuned...!!</span></p></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-30716002095831986852009-03-05T15:26:00.000-05:002009-03-05T15:38:18.465-05:00AIA Winter Retreat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l7arQhOa3XPhQ_e2_-hWl2uHkaoTctBY1cXgpbxHq9toHMLQyDt7AzocZeipaogoqdUcJh7Zh8t5LQKhzvaLLN8WsRxuTfGhrSHYHcjFdomBlwq80PSBUGp1mK0Dji3z31NUxn6hyv0/s1600-h/IMG_0371.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; clear: both; float: right; width: 208px; height: 189px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l7arQhOa3XPhQ_e2_-hWl2uHkaoTctBY1cXgpbxHq9toHMLQyDt7AzocZeipaogoqdUcJh7Zh8t5LQKhzvaLLN8WsRxuTfGhrSHYHcjFdomBlwq80PSBUGp1mK0Dji3z31NUxn6hyv0/s320/IMG_0371.jpg" border="0" /></a> What an amazing weekend we had at the retreat! It was a wild & crazy ride up to Camp Iawah...literally. As we were leaving Ottawa, we got hit with freezing rain. A few cars slid off the road, I almost rear-ended a truck as we were both slowing down, a deer ran across the highway....and to top it all off, I missed a turn-off and it took us an extra hour to get to our destination. BUT, we made it :)<br /><br />I didn't know what to expect at the retreat because I had never been to this one before. It is targeted to university students; kids a good 15 years younger than me! "What am I going to offer these people?" I thought. I came in with very low expectations, asking God to use me as He saw fit.<br /><br />And use me He did! I was able to connect with 2 girls in particular and was able to share my story with them! They were open, honest, vulnerable and ready to hear. So I said silent prayers and just let God speak through me.<br /><br />It was amazing to see the truth release them from the struggles they were dealing with. One girl, Melissa, after opening up to me about her upbringing and her journey to faith, broke into tears when I shared with her that she should not feel guilty for things she did in her past. That guilt is not from God but from the enemy. I explained that God is so merciful and compassionate that He does not nor will He ever look down in condemnation but rather He loves us so much. I shared that our sin is covered by Jesus' blood on the cross and that what God sees is purity, perfection, beauty. She said that she never heard that before. Her life before coming to faith was very much guilt driven and this was such a new and refreshing concept for her.<br /><br />God in His amazing way, planned for that conversation to happen because after she & I spoke, our speaker highlighted those truths in a very very clear way. Actually many if not all the things Melissa and I spoke about were brought up again during the speaking sessions. Obviously God wanted her to hear it and believe it.<br /><br />Another young woman, Jaclyn, and I hit it off during our time at the retreat. She and I (pictured above) took quite a bit of time going through some things she is struggling with. It was actually uncanny because many of these things I struggled with at her age. Of course God knew this and paired us up :)<br /><br />When I first thought about joining the Campus Ministry, I kept wrestling with the thought, "What do I have to offer these girls? I am 15 years older!". However, this past weekend God spoke very clearly to my heart. "Rachel, you have gone through things and struggled with things that they are now or will very soon be dealing with. Offer your heart and ME to them." WOW!<br /><br />After the weekend, I was just in awe of how God worked. I know these girls didn't approach me to talk because of anything I did or said but because God knew that He could use my experiences 10-15 years ago to speak to these girls. Incredible!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TEAM</span>, please join me in:<br /><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">PRAISING GOD</span> in how he used little 'ol me to reach 2 precious young girls</li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Praying</span> for Melissa & Jaclyn as they live out their faith and apply what they learned at the retreat</li><li>Although they live in Southern Ontario, I offered to have a weekly call with them in order to support them in the things they are wrestling with. Please <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">pray</span> that the calls take place and that I will follow the Spirit's leading as to what I should say...or NOT say</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Thank you TEAM</span> for your amazing support of me in my ministry with AIA. I am so excited for what God has in store and I am thankful you are on this journey with me.<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-85130401513090911002009-01-29T11:39:00.000-05:002009-01-29T12:53:12.507-05:00Jet settin', in more ways than one!<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Happy New Year, TEAM! How many people made resolutions and already 'broke' them? (My hand is up) :)<br /><br />Earlier this month Corey, Olivia, and I jet-setted off to BC so I could attend AIA's Summit (conference). It was hit or miss if the conference was actually going to happen since BC was inundated with snow. The </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >main road up to the conference centre was washed out due to flooding. Thankfully, the road cleared up and we all made it safe & sound. We had 2 speakers join us and so our schedule was quite full but it we had good teaching on Servant-Leadership plus Organic Multiplication</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >. More</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > details to come in my newsl</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >etter.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxokrZMGXle5Iv-xE2WSZBdpIzkwtgYO-VCawEI-AY5iaaD4VZ4FgIvO2uTryIi6QnsU2d_g4uo289df9Cza22ZXCWTGgtQUhz1T_5LNjgaJVb5ggVVLZX0TiU-2nnZvjYmbo5XhMuT4/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxokrZMGXle5Iv-xE2WSZBdpIzkwtgYO-VCawEI-AY5iaaD4VZ4FgIvO2uTryIi6QnsU2d_g4uo289df9Cza22ZXCWTGgtQUhz1T_5LNjgaJVb5ggVVLZX0TiU-2nnZvjYmbo5XhMuT4/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296766342168874882" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >We had great down-time too at the conference with m</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >ost AIAers taking part in the annual "DJ Knuckles </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >F</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >oo</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >t</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >ball Tournament". It was wet, snowy, and cold but people braved the elements :)<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb5pXfQ0uFOoHo2h6GH3J9mi18Almcq0e0p-F4STLD_5KVIoTMguPL63BtztUiBKUrlB_KT9eRhzVJyoazLV5vXaXpCnFQGnCwMVZe2jYCuO4qcCbnGmiDYMs6CA5wZgy5unSq41dUac/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb5pXfQ0uFOoHo2h6GH3J9mi18Almcq0e0p-F4STLD_5KVIoTMguPL63BtztUiBKUrlB_KT9eRhzVJyoazLV5vXaXpCnFQGnCwMVZe2jYCuO4qcCbnGmiDYMs6CA5wZgy5unSq41dUac/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296765710014863266" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >We were</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > able </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >to spend a couple of days with Corey's family too. It wa</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >s </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >great to chill out, catch up, and celebrate Christms (a second time - WHOO HOO!). Olivia had a BLAST in the hot tub :)<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />A couple of weeks ago I jet-setted off to Calgary for our first 2010 Grey Cup Breakfast meeting. It was a preliminary meeting to connect with those in the Calgary area who are interested in working on this project on a volunteer basis. Next week we will meet again (by phone) and hopefully will have people conf</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtigTt-HgNDZz8yy5_4xlyL7cnSWUCAOQAbpz_6ToW2umgHz65_1WwtahIAVq0viPGYsYeNECXLlVTGyLcw15nN-1KHpvl6PD93y58RDDoXywd9W0cGX_fo0iUgGF3qfkCN14fWlXMVUY/s1600-h/09gcblogo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtigTt-HgNDZz8yy5_4xlyL7cnSWUCAOQAbpz_6ToW2umgHz65_1WwtahIAVq0viPGYsYeNECXLlVTGyLcw15nN-1KHpvl6PD93y58RDDoXywd9W0cGX_fo0iUgGF3qfkCN14fWlXMVUY/s320/09gcblogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296766773607294930" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >irm their involvement. We are pumped for this event - we expect between 1000 -1400 people to </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >attend! We will also incorporate a new element this year. The largest church in Calgary (Centre Street Church) will be hosting a Youth Event on the Friday evening. We are praying for 500 youth to attend.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >As we begin to plan and get this project off t</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >he ground, please pray for:<br /> 1. Us as a committee as we plan <br />2. Those who are considering volunteering<br /><br />Still on the jet-setting theme, I feel God is calling me to get more involve</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >d when it comes to ministry with AIA. The last couple of months, I have felt that I could be doing more. Not regarding Project Management, but ministry with others. After much prayer, I feel He is leading me to work with student athletes on campus. I have felt this tug for quite some time and fought it for different reasons but earlier this month it was clear that was the path I need to be on. So last </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lSRO7fkDPcKtxU4doWB6-I6xnPK6AVdJfqzemZGuj45VWFeu6tEUalgY3JoFsZ68joTAV5NJ2Y8_klNkuGariV5qWwJOEMvU6S8PxxuqGzThYxP-s2IhnVLNm8cIgWIQEoWgwjxu_BQ/s1600-h/uOttawa-logo-home.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 63px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lSRO7fkDPcKtxU4doWB6-I6xnPK6AVdJfqzemZGuj45VWFeu6tEUalgY3JoFsZ68joTAV5NJ2Y8_klNkuGariV5qWwJOEMvU6S8PxxuqGzThYxP-s2IhnVLNm8cIgWIQEoWgwjxu_BQ/s320/uOttawa-logo-home.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296773727692491762" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >week was my firs</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >t official week on campus at Ottawa U. I am dedicating 25% of</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > my time to this path for now. I am really excited to journey with young girls in their quest to know God more...or at all. I believe my testimony is meant for someone or many student female athletes and I am pumped to see how God will use me. More to come in my newsletter...</span><br /></span></span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-19771747934505462292008-12-19T10:09:00.001-05:002008-12-19T10:31:41.001-05:00Pickford's Ranglin' Christmas Dance<div style="background-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); width: 425px;"><object id="A118673" quality="high" data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=toHPwCYkAUCbxsdj&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="319"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=toHPwCYkAUCbxsdj&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"><param name="scaleMode" value="showAll"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="FlashVars" value="external_make_id=toHPwCYkAUCbxsdj&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center; width: 435px; margin-top: 6px;">Send your own <a href="http://www.elfyourself.com/">ElfYourself</a> <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a><br /></div></div><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIyOTY5ODgwODc4NiZwdD*xMjI5Njk5MzYxNzgzJnA9NDE4ODEzJmQ9MjAyNjY4Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz1iY2UyMTUzOWYzZGI*NjcwODc5MWYwMGRkZmRmMDhhYw==.gif" border="0" width="0" height="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Do you like our dance? I think Olivia is hilarious!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are really looking forward to the Christmas holidays. We have had a few parties that we have gone to and a few more to come. I am full already.... :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It will be a busy holiday but one that is filled with visits with family & friends.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I want to end this blog with a familiar story found in <a href="http://ebible.com/bible/TNIV/Luke%202%3A15">Luke 2</a>... Enjoy...</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" >"</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" id="tniv24982" class="verse" >And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" id="tniv24983" class="verse" ><span class="verseNum"> </span>An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" id="tniv24984" class="verse" ><span class="verseNum"> </span>But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" id="tniv24985" class="verse" > Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" id="tniv24986" class="verse" ><span class="verseNum"> </span>This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”<br /></span></span><p style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="tniv24987" class="verse">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,</span><span id="tniv24987" class="verse"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="tniv24988" class="verse">“Glory to God in the highest heaven,<br />and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”</span><span id="tniv24988" class="verse"><br /></span></span></p><div style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" class="selected_passage"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="tniv24989" class="verse">When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”<br /></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span id="tniv24990" class="verse" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="verseNum"></span><br />So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.</span><span id="tniv24991" class="verse" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="verseNum"> </span>When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,</span><span id="tniv24992" class="verse" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="verseNum"> </span>and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.</span><span id="tniv24993" class="verse" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="verseNum"> </span>But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.</span><span id="tniv24994" class="verse" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="verseNum"><br /><br /></span>The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">"</span></span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-58080045677985906942008-12-09T11:31:00.000-05:002008-12-09T11:36:50.141-05:00Christmas 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePUp1mdmlayY7bCmVShdIYbVGJd3PAc54jJRRjY_JoBpYjuPAZh3O9kMwv3W7WTAKJXB0XXihkeGEkaswNte0CIP5YQXCfQ8t2tA_zcr5CP0yCD9o95vchBzEIeehjS2FW58whP_rpIE/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePUp1mdmlayY7bCmVShdIYbVGJd3PAc54jJRRjY_JoBpYjuPAZh3O9kMwv3W7WTAKJXB0XXihkeGEkaswNte0CIP5YQXCfQ8t2tA_zcr5CP0yCD9o95vchBzEIeehjS2FW58whP_rpIE/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" alt="" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0pt; clear: both; float: left; width: 247px; height: 183px;" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I can't believe Christmas is only a couple of weeks away! There is so much to do and so little time...that seems to have been my motto these last few months... :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Christmas is, by far, my favourite time of year. Although I am not a fan of winter (you can't play beach volleyball on the snow!!), I do like the snow and how peaceful it is. The trees are beautiful with snow-capped branches. Kids are making snow angels. Things are bright & beautiful.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">What an amazing glimpse of beauty God has given us with the season of winter. There is so much beauty waiting for us in heaven. Winter is like Jesus saying to us "Just wait til you see what I have created for you up </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >here</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">!".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Friends, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Merry </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Christmas</span>. Corey, Olivia, and I wish you a time of <span style="font-style: italic;">relaxation, rest, and rejuvenation </span>as you head into 2009.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bless you.</span></span><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></span></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-33942348036703419532008-12-06T14:56:00.000-05:002008-12-06T15:04:55.901-05:00Grey Cup Breakfast 2008What an amazing morning! It started very early (4:15am) with set-up. Tons of wonderful volunteers and AIA staff came together to set up the room. There were around 90 tables that needed set up, vendor tables to be situated, and tickets that needed to be picked up.<br /><br />I felt like my head was spinning out of control as this was the first huge event I project managed. MANY prayers were said asking God for favour. True to form, God intervened where He had to. HALLELUJAH! :)<br /><br />CFL stars such as Henry Burris, Mike Palmer, and Marc Calixte shared their stories. And, as in past years, Pinball Clemons took some time to present the gospel. Afterwards, he invited the audience to consider a relationship with Christ. All in all, close to 900 people heard Pinball and here is the amazing fruit from that:<br /><ul><li>58 people made a first-time commitment to Christ</li><li>54 people renewed their commitment</li></ul>Incredible!!<br /><br />We were so encouraged when we read the Comment Cards and saw these numbers. We were once again reminded of the Sovereignty & goodness of Christ.<br /><br />Although not everything went as smoothly as I had hoped, the purpose of the event was accomplished...<br /><ul><li>People heard about Christ</li><li>Their hearts were open to having a relationship with Him. </li></ul>My prayer is that many more seeds were planted at the Breakfast and that those seeds will germinate & grow into a mature creation.<br /><br />Next year the Grey Cup Breakfast will be in Calgary! Very excited to see what God is going to do there. Stay tuned for more details :)Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-69038447502033904992008-11-07T09:33:00.001-05:002008-11-10T11:33:46.455-05:00More Potential "Wins"!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">What a wonderful week this has been! The weather has been amazing - I think this is our "Indian Summer" - and just so many great things have been happening at AIA. Read on!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ3EMSalAOlO8c76jiFCXIfgEduhf7vLO9cRsK42wEzBmqqU7Ypkx4dHyrKW5GwjMnNFVy_CQbOiocKqTe6EFkG77euxLbrYF6endDU2CSLoiF-HXem5YdO3r3RV9b-U_39EHoU46UqQ/s1600-h/uOttawa-logo-home.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 44px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ3EMSalAOlO8c76jiFCXIfgEduhf7vLO9cRsK42wEzBmqqU7Ypkx4dHyrKW5GwjMnNFVy_CQbOiocKqTe6EFkG77euxLbrYF6endDU2CSLoiF-HXem5YdO3r3RV9b-U_39EHoU46UqQ/s320/uOttawa-logo-home.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267067522812659714" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OTTAWA U TEAM MEETINGS</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our Ottawa Campus AIA reps had a team meeting with Ottawa U 's men's & women's hockey teams. Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators came in and shared his testimony and what it means to integrate faith & sport.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The meeting was only about 15-20 mins long and TEN girls from the women's team and FIVE from the men's team indicated on their comment cards that they would like to know more about what it means to have a relationship with Christ!! PRAISE THE LORD! That is the 'best' level of response from a team meeting ever! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Campus group is very excited about this and they will be actively following up with these folks within the next few weeks. Please pray for them as they connect with and mentor these kids.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGB_YoO-Qhpp03nIj1Y1oBztIK_2zcjRxVJh9L4nawCAPTh-6XjT0jK-fKo7KwPltkCbdwHAFJWFPlcTdejuDmH2h4QoZjKproNKgbjeqJ9jd_zWL4f3AQOSERu-_jfEnDUFMpCDH1zXY/s320/08gcblogo.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 190px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265925736276278002" border="0" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">GREY CUP BREAKFAST</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We have 71 out of 120 tables filled for the Grey Cup Breakfast! Thanks to many generous sponsors and eager folks who bought tickets to hear CFL athletes share about their faith in God and how God is such an impact in their sport...and life.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This year is looking like it will be the youngest audience ever! Roughly 150 kids from "Camp Wallaby" in La Salle, Quebec, and 233 Cree Nation children will be in attendance. We are so excited to see what God is going to do on November 22! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Please keep the committee in your prayers and those who will attend. We are expecting God to do great things!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks TEAM! Bless you as we partner together to further God's kingdom!</span></span></div>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604302062644885575.post-48548609926174589642008-10-30T10:43:00.000-04:002008-11-03T23:00:41.586-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPQwzDt0BcdriTwJzr-FCIimlj7WYr-TXXq3XVYtGCZyNIidJQLrJZkykOmGH1cp7u7mmS3_9qnowLXZwm24r8neasqOUkQjZ5xwGsezii78WoHmFr7mc2QF4fL-6FZ4YznYru0FjGw8/s1600-h/GCB_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPQwzDt0BcdriTwJzr-FCIimlj7WYr-TXXq3XVYtGCZyNIidJQLrJZkykOmGH1cp7u7mmS3_9qnowLXZwm24r8neasqOUkQjZ5xwGsezii78WoHmFr7mc2QF4fL-6FZ4YznYru0FjGw8/s320/GCB_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262960097786027746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Hey folks!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">My first b</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">log! What have I gotten myself into? I think this might be a good place to keep you updated on what's happening with The Pickfords, my ministry with AIA, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I know I send bi-monthly newsletters but this will likely keep you abreast of daily/week</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">ly 'going</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">s-on' with us.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I wan</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">t</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">ed to remind everyone of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grey Cup Breakfast</span> coming up!</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wh</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">e</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">n:</span> November 22, 2008</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time</span>: 8am - 10am (doors open at 7:30am)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where</span>: Hilton Bonaventure Hotel (900 rue de la Gauchetiere Ouest, Montreal)</span><span lkgal="undefined" jstcache="34" jsvalues="$title:m.title;$laddr:m.laddr;$addrurl:m.addressUrl;lkgal:m.lkgaddresslines;$features:features;$lkgal:m.lkgaddresslines"><span jsinstance="*1" jstcache="41" jsselect="m.addressLines" jsvalues="$addrline:$this;"><a jstcache="50" jsvalues="href:$addrurl" jsdisplay="$features.embed&&!$title&&$laddr&&$addrurl" href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=900+de+la+Gauchetiere+West,+Montreal&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.126023,72.509766&ie=UTF8&s=AARTsJq5aPS0NSFbF7sr_shq0dOwZh0Wig&view=map" target="_parent" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span dir="ltr" jstcache="57" jsvalues=".innerHTML:$addrline;dir:bidiDir($addrline,true)"></span></a></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tickets</span>: www.greycupbreakfast.ca</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cost</span>: only $50!</span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">You will hear first hand from CFL athletes how their faith in God keeps them grounded in the crazy world of sports. Check out the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Ew1NVO0p0">promo video</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">!</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Pass it along to your friends & family too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Come check it out and make sure to bring a friend!</span>Rachel Pickfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08465499932578060684noreply@blogger.com1