It is New Years Eve and we are enjoying a quiet night at home. Although it will take a few days to really settle into "normal" without my beloved family we are glad to be home.
Tonight our family made pizza, imitating two of our restaurant favourites; Chicken Caesar and Spicy Perogy and watched a movie - "How To Train a Dragon". Great Movie. Now we are just enjoying the quiet and will likely have a quiet countdown to the New Year.
The celebration of a new year is a funny thing. Really, it is just another day but it represents something so much more. It represents a fresh start and a new opportunity. For the past couple of years I have decided to memorize scripture throughout the year. It started out as an individual goal but then part way through the 2009 I came across the LPM blog - Living Proof Ministry Blog led by Beth Moore. They were doing scripture memory accountability on the blog. As some of you may remember from previous posts, I joined in. Tomorrow they are starting Siesta Scripture Memory again on the LPM blog. Although I did it last year partly alone, partly with my sister, I will be joining in again this year. I find the accountability both helpful and encouraging. I will leave the link to their blog here in case you are interested in joining too. Read the instructions Beth Moore leaves and see if this is something you feel you'd like commit to for the coming year.
Siesta Scripture Memory
If any of you are interested I'd love to know and to memorize along with you. I know it can be intimidating leaving a message on a blog but I do find the accountability makes me more disciplined; having an accountability partner can do the same thing. I believe that if we are committed to being a follower of God with our whole life that we need to have disciplines in place. Studying scripture and memorizing scripture are two ways that I am committed to. I will share more about this in the next week or so. With regards to scripture memory in particular it is a way that I can have God's Word in me to guide me and to convict me, to challenge my reactions and my thoughts and to help clothe myself in the life that Christ promises to those that believe in Him.
I will sign off now. My middle child seems to want to ring in the New Year by giving her parents a kiss as she has joined our lively party.
I'd love to memorize scripture with you this year. Please comment below or let me know if you want to take up this challenge with me.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
I just wanted to sign in to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
We just finished having a snack. Our appetites will be satisified (that is an understatement when I am taken care of by my Mom!) until our turkey diner later today. The adults just sat down to play a game so I thought I would take this opportunity to say hi.
I'm writing from Alberta, enjoying the coulees and the view of the mountains and am hoping that your celebrations, wherever they are, are filled with the hope that only Christ can bring. I hope that your giving is more meaningful, your receiving is gracious, your eating is celebratory and your reactions to situations filled with a sense of humour.
I loved being able to sit by my Mom at the Christmas Eve service, to sing next to her and then share an evening with family in a beautifully decorated candlelit room. My Mom is so gifted as a homemaker.
During a season where relationship with family and close friends is key we see true and lasting friendship is both a gift and a challenge (a worthwhile one). My need for the hope of Christ is so evident in these relational situations as I am reminded that my soul finds rest in Christ alone. Psalm 62:1. I don't know about you but intense family situations for prolonged periods of time can bring out all sorts of insecurities. Because I love everyone dearly, I need an extra measure of God. I am thankful that He is willing and able to be in every situation and make everything new.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
I wish you a VERY MERRY Christmas and hope that you experience the deepness in your relationships through God this season.
Love,
Nicole
We just finished having a snack. Our appetites will be satisified (that is an understatement when I am taken care of by my Mom!) until our turkey diner later today. The adults just sat down to play a game so I thought I would take this opportunity to say hi.
I'm writing from Alberta, enjoying the coulees and the view of the mountains and am hoping that your celebrations, wherever they are, are filled with the hope that only Christ can bring. I hope that your giving is more meaningful, your receiving is gracious, your eating is celebratory and your reactions to situations filled with a sense of humour.
I loved being able to sit by my Mom at the Christmas Eve service, to sing next to her and then share an evening with family in a beautifully decorated candlelit room. My Mom is so gifted as a homemaker.
During a season where relationship with family and close friends is key we see true and lasting friendship is both a gift and a challenge (a worthwhile one). My need for the hope of Christ is so evident in these relational situations as I am reminded that my soul finds rest in Christ alone. Psalm 62:1. I don't know about you but intense family situations for prolonged periods of time can bring out all sorts of insecurities. Because I love everyone dearly, I need an extra measure of God. I am thankful that He is willing and able to be in every situation and make everything new.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
I wish you a VERY MERRY Christmas and hope that you experience the deepness in your relationships through God this season.
Love,
Nicole
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Living Hope
In our church's advent series "Hope," we have had the privilege of hearing a number of testimonies. The testimonies bear witness to the transforming power of God in the lives of everyday people like you and me.
One of our weekly challenges to each other as a family is to listen for something that really spoke to us in the church service or during Kid's Cove/56 Degrees. It has been exciting to hear the kids take home a Truth from someone's testimony. I have been deeply moved by God's ability to show His love so uniquely and so completely to each person. I have also been challenged by people like Dave and Louise Sinclair Peters and their willingness to let go of personal fears and follow Christ. Their lives radiate Christ's love and hope to anyone nearby. If you want to hear their testimony follow this link: When Hope Draws Near.
Last night, during our family time, we were talking about Hope. About the trans-formative power of Jesus Christ through God the Father. We talked further about what we are choosing to do as a family this Christmas season because of that Hope. We really are living in a tension (talked about on Sunday morning.) We are living with the tension of worldly fears and measures on the one side and the desire to do good and live for the glory of God on the other side. We desire to adjust our attitudes because we know we were made to find complete satisfaction in God and to direct others to that same satisfaction through our words and our actions. The difficulty is that it just isn't natural. Natural for me is self preservation and self promotion. Displaying this Hope will only come through giving up of habits,thoughts and actions that hinder and taking on, with humility, a willing faith and the love of Christ.
After our time together I was left reflecting on the following questions: Are we acting like we know about the Hope? Are we sharing like we know? Do those around us want to ask why we do things the way we do? Do they see a sparkle in our eye that points to a different way - the way of God through Jesus Christ?
We ended by praying about it together and in faith asking Him to lead us through this. We ended by pondering 2 Corinthians 9.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously...and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession for the gospel of Christ...thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
God may you truly be our Hope this Christmas season. May you be glorified even in the small steps we take. Show your power through these clay jars.
One of our weekly challenges to each other as a family is to listen for something that really spoke to us in the church service or during Kid's Cove/56 Degrees. It has been exciting to hear the kids take home a Truth from someone's testimony. I have been deeply moved by God's ability to show His love so uniquely and so completely to each person. I have also been challenged by people like Dave and Louise Sinclair Peters and their willingness to let go of personal fears and follow Christ. Their lives radiate Christ's love and hope to anyone nearby. If you want to hear their testimony follow this link: When Hope Draws Near.
Last night, during our family time, we were talking about Hope. About the trans-formative power of Jesus Christ through God the Father. We talked further about what we are choosing to do as a family this Christmas season because of that Hope. We really are living in a tension (talked about on Sunday morning.) We are living with the tension of worldly fears and measures on the one side and the desire to do good and live for the glory of God on the other side. We desire to adjust our attitudes because we know we were made to find complete satisfaction in God and to direct others to that same satisfaction through our words and our actions. The difficulty is that it just isn't natural. Natural for me is self preservation and self promotion. Displaying this Hope will only come through giving up of habits,thoughts and actions that hinder and taking on, with humility, a willing faith and the love of Christ.
After our time together I was left reflecting on the following questions: Are we acting like we know about the Hope? Are we sharing like we know? Do those around us want to ask why we do things the way we do? Do they see a sparkle in our eye that points to a different way - the way of God through Jesus Christ?
We ended by praying about it together and in faith asking Him to lead us through this. We ended by pondering 2 Corinthians 9.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously...and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession for the gospel of Christ...thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
God may you truly be our Hope this Christmas season. May you be glorified even in the small steps we take. Show your power through these clay jars.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Heart of Compassion
Getting ready for bed last night was an exciting thing. I had just put fresh flannel sheets on the bed and both warmth and comfort were anticipated. It looked promising for a great night's rest.
Around 3am the promise broke.
Our sweet son who plays hard and sings constantly during the day, was in our room complaining of a stomach ache and sore throat!
Not good news.
Dave is by far the most compassionate person in our house during these situations and he was the first to comfort him and get him a bucket. Both were needed.
We settled Alexander into our room quickly once we realized what kind of night it would be. Around 5am, our sick boy called out desperately, "Is it morning yet?" Although he didn't voice it, his hope was that morning would bring the normalcy he so badly wanted. It didn't.
It was a long night and day for Alexander and he ended up missing "The Birthday Party for Jesus" at church that he had waited for and planned for all week.
At night we gathered as a family to talk and pray. Fitting to the season and to the day, Dave led us through a few Biblical prophecies related to Christmas. The prophets spoke of a hope that was to come. They longed for a Messiah and hoped for restoration as a nation. Their hope was in the promise of the prophecy and they waited. We talked about how the people of Israel expected things to happen even though they were given clues and how things actually happened. We talked about what expectations we place on God today based on our desires and how we could follow God less selfishly. As a family, we realized that it is hard to pray in a manner that focuses on knowing and loving God more than asking God for personal blessings and comforts.
When it was Alexander's turn to pray tonight, he simply prayed that he would follow God tomorrow and asked that no one else in the family get sick and named each of us to God.
I was deeply touched. Even in his fatigue and feverish body, he understood.
In a small, allegoric way, I was participating in the hope of our sweet, normally energetic boy who had experienced an extreme low today. His selfless and heartfelt prayer was a reminder to me that we have a Great and Eternal Hope who we can place our trust in this Advent season.
I love the sentimental and romantic feelings that our holiday celebrations create. I also know how quickly these dreams can be dashed - leaving us angrily and discontentedly staring at mere fragments of what we thought to be our hope.
My hopeful prayer tonight is that we would place our hope and strength in God, the Father. That through the Holy Spirit we would be able to respond to the sacrifice of Jesus and act selflessly in order to display the incredible riches we have in this season of fulfilled prophecy.
Around 3am the promise broke.
Our sweet son who plays hard and sings constantly during the day, was in our room complaining of a stomach ache and sore throat!
Not good news.
Dave is by far the most compassionate person in our house during these situations and he was the first to comfort him and get him a bucket. Both were needed.
We settled Alexander into our room quickly once we realized what kind of night it would be. Around 5am, our sick boy called out desperately, "Is it morning yet?" Although he didn't voice it, his hope was that morning would bring the normalcy he so badly wanted. It didn't.
It was a long night and day for Alexander and he ended up missing "The Birthday Party for Jesus" at church that he had waited for and planned for all week.
At night we gathered as a family to talk and pray. Fitting to the season and to the day, Dave led us through a few Biblical prophecies related to Christmas. The prophets spoke of a hope that was to come. They longed for a Messiah and hoped for restoration as a nation. Their hope was in the promise of the prophecy and they waited. We talked about how the people of Israel expected things to happen even though they were given clues and how things actually happened. We talked about what expectations we place on God today based on our desires and how we could follow God less selfishly. As a family, we realized that it is hard to pray in a manner that focuses on knowing and loving God more than asking God for personal blessings and comforts.
When it was Alexander's turn to pray tonight, he simply prayed that he would follow God tomorrow and asked that no one else in the family get sick and named each of us to God.
I was deeply touched. Even in his fatigue and feverish body, he understood.
In a small, allegoric way, I was participating in the hope of our sweet, normally energetic boy who had experienced an extreme low today. His selfless and heartfelt prayer was a reminder to me that we have a Great and Eternal Hope who we can place our trust in this Advent season.
I love the sentimental and romantic feelings that our holiday celebrations create. I also know how quickly these dreams can be dashed - leaving us angrily and discontentedly staring at mere fragments of what we thought to be our hope.
My hopeful prayer tonight is that we would place our hope and strength in God, the Father. That through the Holy Spirit we would be able to respond to the sacrifice of Jesus and act selflessly in order to display the incredible riches we have in this season of fulfilled prophecy.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Purses with a Purpose
A couple of weeks ago we finished our women's study on Jonah. Throughout the study we were encouraged to think missionally. To process the idea that the gifts and talents God has given to each of us are not merely for our personal gain. They are meant to be shared with those around us to show the love of God that is at work in us. God wanted to use Jonah to save a wicked city and went to great lengths to make it happen.
As a group we wanted to open ourselves up to this call, collectively. We wanted to take a step towards showing that knowing the Word of God isn't just for us but is meant to change our lives in such a way that others can't help but be affected by Jesus in our lives; the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. One of the ways we wanted to show love to others was by collecting current clothing and purses for women who were looking for a new start and were preparing for an interview. What I really enjoyed was filling the purses with personal items and hygiene items that would be necessary for helping someone in their job preparation.
I pray that as we continue to grow in our love for God, we will continue to grow in our love for others and be passionate about them knowing and experiencing God's love. May we see the needs around us and respond with our time, talents and money.
As a group we wanted to open ourselves up to this call, collectively. We wanted to take a step towards showing that knowing the Word of God isn't just for us but is meant to change our lives in such a way that others can't help but be affected by Jesus in our lives; the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. One of the ways we wanted to show love to others was by collecting current clothing and purses for women who were looking for a new start and were preparing for an interview. What I really enjoyed was filling the purses with personal items and hygiene items that would be necessary for helping someone in their job preparation.
I pray that as we continue to grow in our love for God, we will continue to grow in our love for others and be passionate about them knowing and experiencing God's love. May we see the needs around us and respond with our time, talents and money.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Snow-shocked!
It has been a few days since the snow came. The abrupt change from green grass to complete snow cover was a little overwhelming. I still had my hopes up that we might enjoy a late winter like last year. But I have to take words of caution from a few 7 years olds in this regard. A fellow classmate of my sons announced a number of days ago that he did not like snow. His classmates looked at him in disbelief, laughed and said, "You've got a problem!"
I knew I had a problem when the snow was beautifully falling on Thursday and the kids sat slumped over, staring outside unhappily saying, "I don't like the snow!" I was more shocked at their response than at the amount of snow because I know without a doubt that I was the one who corrupted them. Kids are supposed to have unbridled joy when the snow falls. They are supposed to run around looking for all their winter gear so that they can frolic and play! After a few days of coming to grips with the arrival of winter I decided that today my attitude needed redeeming. I went outside with the kids and taught them a snow game that my dad taught me as a kid. We ran around with Max in the snow and walked through our little woods and looked for deer, stopping every once in a while to make snow angels. We did see the deer at our neighbours pond. Beautiful.
You know, the snow really is beautiful. I am thankful for toques, snow pants, warm jackets and mitts and neck warmers...and hot chocolate. And I am thankful for the change of seasons. What a creative God we have.
I knew I had a problem when the snow was beautifully falling on Thursday and the kids sat slumped over, staring outside unhappily saying, "I don't like the snow!" I was more shocked at their response than at the amount of snow because I know without a doubt that I was the one who corrupted them. Kids are supposed to have unbridled joy when the snow falls. They are supposed to run around looking for all their winter gear so that they can frolic and play! After a few days of coming to grips with the arrival of winter I decided that today my attitude needed redeeming. I went outside with the kids and taught them a snow game that my dad taught me as a kid. We ran around with Max in the snow and walked through our little woods and looked for deer, stopping every once in a while to make snow angels. We did see the deer at our neighbours pond. Beautiful.
You know, the snow really is beautiful. I am thankful for toques, snow pants, warm jackets and mitts and neck warmers...and hot chocolate. And I am thankful for the change of seasons. What a creative God we have.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Step by Step
The past few weeks have brought about a few changes in our lives and in the lives of people around us - friends, relatives and neighbours. Although they vary in intensity, they are all life altering. Sometimes life changes are brought on by our own choosing. We invite the change and position ourselves in such a way that we can completely embrace that change. This may be a response of obedience to God. We may be intentionally looking for ways to respond to those around us in love and patience instead of in anger or impatience. It may be a new job or a new house.
Other times change happens to us. We don't choose the tragedy or loss or addition but it comes and causes complete change in our lives. It rocks the very foundation on which we stand and challenges us to truly believe God in faith. Believe that HE IS THE GOD of heaven above and earth below. There is no other God. Duet. 4:39
Throughout these past few weeks I have been reading "Singing Through the Night: Courageous Stories of Faith from Women in the Persecuted Church" by Anneke Companjen. The stories tell of many women around the world who have chosen to follow God with their lives; with their whole hearts.
On one account a wife was visiting her innocent husband in jail and he said to her, "You know that when I gave my heart to the Lord I was like a lot of people. I went to church every Sunday, sang praises to the Lord, prayed and gave my money - and that was it until the next Sunday. But here in this cell, I found the true Lord and Master of my life, the Lord Jesus Christ. I gave myself to the Lord in a new way - with all my heart."(page 259)
The stories speak of the satisfaction of knowing God. Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing and serving God. Through following Him they are more and more convinced that Jesus is the only answer in spite of the suffering and loss they are called to live with. Their journey's of faith happen step by step. Believing and acting in this obedience.
This past week as I was driving home I found myself singing Step by Step. It was one of those times where I didn't realize what I was singing right aways but when I did - it touched a place that gave me a new hope and I sang it with confidence.
Oh God you are my God
and I will ever praise You.
Oh God you are my God
and I will ever praise You.
I will seek you in the morning
and I will learn to walk in Your ways
and step by step You'll lead me
and I will follow you all of my days.
I want to learn all that God has for me through whatever He allows. I want to trust Him with my whole life. It feels like such a slow process of learning and following at times but I believe God is faithful and He will do it! 1 Thess 5:24
Other times change happens to us. We don't choose the tragedy or loss or addition but it comes and causes complete change in our lives. It rocks the very foundation on which we stand and challenges us to truly believe God in faith. Believe that HE IS THE GOD of heaven above and earth below. There is no other God. Duet. 4:39
Throughout these past few weeks I have been reading "Singing Through the Night: Courageous Stories of Faith from Women in the Persecuted Church" by Anneke Companjen. The stories tell of many women around the world who have chosen to follow God with their lives; with their whole hearts.
On one account a wife was visiting her innocent husband in jail and he said to her, "You know that when I gave my heart to the Lord I was like a lot of people. I went to church every Sunday, sang praises to the Lord, prayed and gave my money - and that was it until the next Sunday. But here in this cell, I found the true Lord and Master of my life, the Lord Jesus Christ. I gave myself to the Lord in a new way - with all my heart."(page 259)
The stories speak of the satisfaction of knowing God. Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing and serving God. Through following Him they are more and more convinced that Jesus is the only answer in spite of the suffering and loss they are called to live with. Their journey's of faith happen step by step. Believing and acting in this obedience.
This past week as I was driving home I found myself singing Step by Step. It was one of those times where I didn't realize what I was singing right aways but when I did - it touched a place that gave me a new hope and I sang it with confidence.
Oh God you are my God
and I will ever praise You.
Oh God you are my God
and I will ever praise You.
I will seek you in the morning
and I will learn to walk in Your ways
and step by step You'll lead me
and I will follow you all of my days.
I want to learn all that God has for me through whatever He allows. I want to trust Him with my whole life. It feels like such a slow process of learning and following at times but I believe God is faithful and He will do it! 1 Thess 5:24
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Importance of Remembering
Growing up, Remembrance day stood for two things in my life. It meant walking to the outdoor cenotaph a couple of blocks from our school on a crisp November day and taking part in solemn remembrance of the wars fellow Canadians have been a part of. It meant haunting trumpet solos and moments of silence. It meant that life wasn't always peaceful and that a price is paid for our hatred. We needed to remember and imagine and learn of that pain and respond by choosing to live as peacemakers.
The other thing that Remembrance day stood for in my life was my parents' anniversary. They never meant to get married on November 11th but my dad had gotten into a terrible accident at work while he and my mom were engaged. Their summer wedding date came and went. Dad was in the hospital fighting to keep his foot from being amputated. Remembrance day was the first day that he was well enough to walk down the aisle without his crutches. Remembrance day stood for love and commitment.
I never thought of this then but it is fitting in my mind that these two thoughts are coupled on such a day. The statement that follows is really oversimplified with little substantiative material for a proper thesis development for this particular blog post. However, here it is. Remembering the pain, the price that was paid, gives us opportunity to respond in a commitment of love. Like the marriage vow our commitment to living a life ruled by the peace of God is needed for a lifetime. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...
If you weren't able to visit your child's Remembrance Day program or take part in a community remembrance, take time now to pray for our families, neighbours, churches, leaders, country, our world. Our Creator God is greater than our hearts. It is only He who can change a heart.
Lest we forget.
The other thing that Remembrance day stood for in my life was my parents' anniversary. They never meant to get married on November 11th but my dad had gotten into a terrible accident at work while he and my mom were engaged. Their summer wedding date came and went. Dad was in the hospital fighting to keep his foot from being amputated. Remembrance day was the first day that he was well enough to walk down the aisle without his crutches. Remembrance day stood for love and commitment.
I never thought of this then but it is fitting in my mind that these two thoughts are coupled on such a day. The statement that follows is really oversimplified with little substantiative material for a proper thesis development for this particular blog post. However, here it is. Remembering the pain, the price that was paid, gives us opportunity to respond in a commitment of love. Like the marriage vow our commitment to living a life ruled by the peace of God is needed for a lifetime. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...
If you weren't able to visit your child's Remembrance Day program or take part in a community remembrance, take time now to pray for our families, neighbours, churches, leaders, country, our world. Our Creator God is greater than our hearts. It is only He who can change a heart.
Lest we forget.
Too Cute Not to Share
I realize these pictures are 'dated' but my brain has been a little fuzzy due to the high sugar consumption since Halloween. I am just getting to posting them now!
Alexander thought that taking a picture with a costume on was the best thing ever. He didn't even have to smile!
In Megan's world - everyone would wear pajama's all day.
Lauren has always LOVED cats and is constantly trying to find a way to bring a cat in the house without me having an allergic reaction. She has found a way!!
Alexander thought that taking a picture with a costume on was the best thing ever. He didn't even have to smile!
In Megan's world - everyone would wear pajama's all day.
Lauren has always LOVED cats and is constantly trying to find a way to bring a cat in the house without me having an allergic reaction. She has found a way!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
More Than a Study - Part 2
Part 2
Our Care group is going through a study right now that is called “The Tangible Kingdom Primer.” The Jonah study and the Tangible Kingdom study have complimented each other so well. Both studies talk about personal and worldly resistance when taking hard steps in obedience, about unexpected opportunities that are really Divine interventions and the love of God that is for all. On a personal level, both studies challenge me to be willing to listen and follow through with what I am hearing. They speak of the need to abandon those parts of my selfish nature that inhibit my willingness to follow God.
The focus of the TK study in a nutshell is to build lifelong habits of being the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighbourhoods, in our community. We have been challenged to take missional steps – to do things as small as meeting someone across the street we don't know or going out to “check the mail” when your neighbour is outside to start up a conversation. Taking these small steps on a daily basis changes your world. Following through with this challenge has caused me to be looking for opportunities and to not see them as interruptions. It is softening my heart towards others and creating a willingness obey in the moment.
The authors of the TK study, Hugh Halter and Matt Smay say that one of purposes for the primer “is to be a field guide for starting mission together.”
In the previous Mission Post I shared the passage from Isaiah that I have been working through.
The New Testament echo to this is found in Matthew 25: 34b – 40
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
The the righteous will answer him,
“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invited you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
The King will reply,
' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me.'
According to this passage, following the call of God won't be easy. If it were everyone would receive their inheritance. It means seeking God and His purposes – to know and see and hear the needs around us. The Word does show however, that the reward is great both for our earthly time and humanity and for eternity.
In a book called “Radical” by David Platt, he says there is risk involved in non-discipleship. If we don't respond to Jesus with our lives the world will suffer and we will not experience the significance of knowing and living for the only person who can fulfil our deepest longings; our Creator God.
In talking about the parable from Matthew 13:44-46 he says,
“Yes, you are abandoning everything you have, but you are also gaining more than you could have in any other way. So with joy— with joy!—you sell it all, you abandon it all. Why? Because you have found something worth losing everything else for.”
Our Care group is going through a study right now that is called “The Tangible Kingdom Primer.” The Jonah study and the Tangible Kingdom study have complimented each other so well. Both studies talk about personal and worldly resistance when taking hard steps in obedience, about unexpected opportunities that are really Divine interventions and the love of God that is for all. On a personal level, both studies challenge me to be willing to listen and follow through with what I am hearing. They speak of the need to abandon those parts of my selfish nature that inhibit my willingness to follow God.
The focus of the TK study in a nutshell is to build lifelong habits of being the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighbourhoods, in our community. We have been challenged to take missional steps – to do things as small as meeting someone across the street we don't know or going out to “check the mail” when your neighbour is outside to start up a conversation. Taking these small steps on a daily basis changes your world. Following through with this challenge has caused me to be looking for opportunities and to not see them as interruptions. It is softening my heart towards others and creating a willingness obey in the moment.
The authors of the TK study, Hugh Halter and Matt Smay say that one of purposes for the primer “is to be a field guide for starting mission together.”
In the previous Mission Post I shared the passage from Isaiah that I have been working through.
The New Testament echo to this is found in Matthew 25: 34b – 40
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
The the righteous will answer him,
“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invited you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
The King will reply,
' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me.'
According to this passage, following the call of God won't be easy. If it were everyone would receive their inheritance. It means seeking God and His purposes – to know and see and hear the needs around us. The Word does show however, that the reward is great both for our earthly time and humanity and for eternity.
In a book called “Radical” by David Platt, he says there is risk involved in non-discipleship. If we don't respond to Jesus with our lives the world will suffer and we will not experience the significance of knowing and living for the only person who can fulfil our deepest longings; our Creator God.
In talking about the parable from Matthew 13:44-46 he says,
“Yes, you are abandoning everything you have, but you are also gaining more than you could have in any other way. So with joy— with joy!—you sell it all, you abandon it all. Why? Because you have found something worth losing everything else for.”
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One Happy Birthday Boy!
This here is one very happy seven year old. Our boy turned 7 this past week. He is such a gift to our family. We love him so much.
Buddy, we love you more than words can say. We love all the noises you make with your mouth as you play. We love the songs that you sing anywhere and everywhere and louder than anything else that is going on. Your ability to sing over various instruments and household machines is impressive. You surely will be able to study in a dorm room or study hall someday. We love your carefully chosen outfits for each day. I 'm sure that guys don't call them outfits...We love your laughter. We love your sense of humour and love that you laugh so easily and so hard. Your full body belly laugh is so contagious. We love how you love your friends. We love your easy going personality.
I pray that you will display the name of Jesus in your life.
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
More Than a Study - Part 1
Part 1
Over the next few posts I will be hashing out some thoughts on being missional. I have divided it into a few parts because my thoughts are too long to put them all in one post.
At our Wednesday night Bible Study at church we have been studying the life of Jonah. We have been challenged to look at the literal Nineveh as well as reflect on our own Nineveh's both individually and corporately. Nineveh can be defined as a “place of hopelessness – a place where people are unloved, forgotten, and seemingly unreachable.” (Shirer)
God has created us in His own image. I believe that as a result we are most fulfilled when we serve Him wholeheartedly. Like Jonah, we can be really patriotic to our church community or individual lifestyle and feel gypped when we are asked to give it up to go to the hopeless places at cost to ourselves. However, I believe that God's command to love Him with our heart, soul, mind and strength is something we are called and equipped by God to do (Hebrews 13:20-21). I'm not saying it is easy or even natural but rather a choice that will meet our highest need – to love God and give Him glory.
I am memorizing the following passage right now from Isaiah;
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen;
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:6 – 8
Just prior to this portion the passage speaks to the nation of Israel and their selfish faith. They talk like they are enthusiastic followers of God but in reality they are just doing their own thing under a religious guise. God is totally unimpressed with their piety.
In the rest of the chapter, the prophet shows that the kind of compassion spoken of in verses 6 – 8 when practised, restores the community and brings us to delight in the Lord (v 14).
One commentary puts it this way:
So here are my questions for contemplation. What would God say to our church today? Are we self-serving or do we practise compassion to those in need in our communities and in our city. Does our community know that our church serves and worships a great big God who specializes in healing and restoration. How do they see it by our lives?
This blog hasn't typically been very interactive and this may not be the time or place but I would love to hear your responses to this call to missional living either here on the blog or in person. Tell me what your care group is doing to be missional. Where are the hopeless places in our city? How can we show God's love in those areas? How are our churches already doing this? Can we contribute more in these areas? How can these places be better because we are being obedient to God's call in our lives?
Over the next few posts I will be hashing out some thoughts on being missional. I have divided it into a few parts because my thoughts are too long to put them all in one post.
At our Wednesday night Bible Study at church we have been studying the life of Jonah. We have been challenged to look at the literal Nineveh as well as reflect on our own Nineveh's both individually and corporately. Nineveh can be defined as a “place of hopelessness – a place where people are unloved, forgotten, and seemingly unreachable.” (Shirer)
God has created us in His own image. I believe that as a result we are most fulfilled when we serve Him wholeheartedly. Like Jonah, we can be really patriotic to our church community or individual lifestyle and feel gypped when we are asked to give it up to go to the hopeless places at cost to ourselves. However, I believe that God's command to love Him with our heart, soul, mind and strength is something we are called and equipped by God to do (Hebrews 13:20-21). I'm not saying it is easy or even natural but rather a choice that will meet our highest need – to love God and give Him glory.
I am memorizing the following passage right now from Isaiah;
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen;
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:6 – 8
Just prior to this portion the passage speaks to the nation of Israel and their selfish faith. They talk like they are enthusiastic followers of God but in reality they are just doing their own thing under a religious guise. God is totally unimpressed with their piety.
In the rest of the chapter, the prophet shows that the kind of compassion spoken of in verses 6 – 8 when practised, restores the community and brings us to delight in the Lord (v 14).
One commentary puts it this way:
“Even as they live true to the image of God in their day-to-day life by imitating God's acts of loving-kindness and giving expression to authentic community through mutual caring, God's people celebrate the origin of all life in life's source through worship, by honouring God in a special way on the Sabbath. The inseparability of worship from the life of justice and compassion thus is reaffirmed and held up as the only reliable foundation...” (Paul D Hanson, Interpretation commentary)
So here are my questions for contemplation. What would God say to our church today? Are we self-serving or do we practise compassion to those in need in our communities and in our city. Does our community know that our church serves and worships a great big God who specializes in healing and restoration. How do they see it by our lives?
This blog hasn't typically been very interactive and this may not be the time or place but I would love to hear your responses to this call to missional living either here on the blog or in person. Tell me what your care group is doing to be missional. Where are the hopeless places in our city? How can we show God's love in those areas? How are our churches already doing this? Can we contribute more in these areas? How can these places be better because we are being obedient to God's call in our lives?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thank You God
This amazing gift of warm weather has really elevated my state of thankfulness over the past weeks. I love warmth and I love sunshine. (I am my father's daughter.) There are so many small things that have recently brought a smile to my face.
Seeing motorbikes, convertibles with their tops down, flowers still blooming, zucchini still producing, the dog poking his head out of the window in our moving vehicle, having a freezie as a refreshing snack in Fall, evening fires and smores, long walks wearing t-shirts and shorts, sitting outside to read, having to throw off my duvet at night, enjoying a thanksgiving picnic and wearing flip flops! The list could go on and on. God is good in so many ways.
Last night I was reading "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Something I have wanted to do since he was quoted in the Psalms of Ascents Bible Study last Fall. Here is a quote that got me thinking on my level of thankfulness on the tail end of Thanksgiving weekend.
Bonhoeffer also said, "God is the God of truth, not the God of emotions."
I had to think on this for a minute because God has created us with emotions and He himself shows His understanding to us by His display of emotions in the Bible. However, what the author intends is that we know that we cannot be run by our emotions. Reacting and living by our emotions will cause us to run from God every time He calls us to something outside our comforts and dreams. We need to base our life on Truth. It is only since I have started believing what God's word says as truth that I can truly overcome the daily struggles I have. Often struggles of response and fears.
I am deeply thankful to God for His ways – that they are not our ways.
I am thankful that God is my salvation. He has saved my life and He continues to deliver me daily from unbelief, lack of self control, lack of love...
I am thankful for His abounding love which is greater than all I can imagine and greater than my condemning heart.
Thank you God that you are a God of Truth.
Seeing motorbikes, convertibles with their tops down, flowers still blooming, zucchini still producing, the dog poking his head out of the window in our moving vehicle, having a freezie as a refreshing snack in Fall, evening fires and smores, long walks wearing t-shirts and shorts, sitting outside to read, having to throw off my duvet at night, enjoying a thanksgiving picnic and wearing flip flops! The list could go on and on. God is good in so many ways.
Last night I was reading "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Something I have wanted to do since he was quoted in the Psalms of Ascents Bible Study last Fall. Here is a quote that got me thinking on my level of thankfulness on the tail end of Thanksgiving weekend.
Bonhoeffer also said, "God is the God of truth, not the God of emotions."
I had to think on this for a minute because God has created us with emotions and He himself shows His understanding to us by His display of emotions in the Bible. However, what the author intends is that we know that we cannot be run by our emotions. Reacting and living by our emotions will cause us to run from God every time He calls us to something outside our comforts and dreams. We need to base our life on Truth. It is only since I have started believing what God's word says as truth that I can truly overcome the daily struggles I have. Often struggles of response and fears.
I am deeply thankful to God for His ways – that they are not our ways.
I am thankful that God is my salvation. He has saved my life and He continues to deliver me daily from unbelief, lack of self control, lack of love...
I am thankful for His abounding love which is greater than all I can imagine and greater than my condemning heart.
Thank you God that you are a God of Truth.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
You Remind Me of...
I was on my second day of a 2 day subbing job when a student came up to me and curiously asked if I was related to "so & so". I said, "well yes, she is my cousin!"
She smiled a huge smile and said, "I thought so because during the first day of subbing I kept thinking that I knew that voice and that you looked so familiar. When I went home I said to my Mom that the sub reminded me of "so & so! Now, I finally got up the courage to ask."
This conversation made me smile and think about the previous weekend where I met up with my Uncle who was visiting from Ontario. I haven't seen him in quite a while. He was in Winnipeg to perform at an event with my Mom and step Dad. I grew up loving this Uncle dearly. His daughter and I were good friends and played together well. We exchanged sleepover visits and we even did some holidaying together. This past weekend I felt like a grown up with a child like affection for him. I just wanted to be near him and talk to him and find out how he and his family were doing. I think I followed him around like a magnet!
When I think of different sides of my family, each name carries with it certain characteristics. Maybe you have found the same to be true? Some we want to be identified with- like with my cousin, and some we work hard at changing.
We are image bearers. God made us that way - in His image. He has given us the choice to bear that image or not. As well, God has given us the power through the Holy Spirit to display God in our lives (2 Cor. 4:7).
Over the years I have become more and more convinced that I won't waste any time working at being intentional about the image that I want to bear personally as well as the image I want our family to bear. There is far too much at stake not to be intentional - namely my selfish nature's tendency to take over.
There is a kids song with a chorus that has lyrics that resonate with the sentiment of the last statement;
Someone tell me, tell me why I -
Do what I do when I don't want to do it?
Say what I say when i don't want to say it?
Feel what I feel when I don't want to feel it?
Somebody tell me, somebody tell me...
The song goes on to say;
In everything I do
In everything I say
I wanna give you the latitude
To show me the way
...really cute song.
Colossians 3 speaks well of our need to replace our earthly nature with a renewed Christlike self. Here are some snippets from the NIV. Look it up for the full impact.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above...Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things a these...Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
It amazes me that we have influence over family members and friends whether we want to or not. I pray that our families will be marked with the image of our creator as we strive to know and follow hard after Him.
She smiled a huge smile and said, "I thought so because during the first day of subbing I kept thinking that I knew that voice and that you looked so familiar. When I went home I said to my Mom that the sub reminded me of "so & so! Now, I finally got up the courage to ask."
This conversation made me smile and think about the previous weekend where I met up with my Uncle who was visiting from Ontario. I haven't seen him in quite a while. He was in Winnipeg to perform at an event with my Mom and step Dad. I grew up loving this Uncle dearly. His daughter and I were good friends and played together well. We exchanged sleepover visits and we even did some holidaying together. This past weekend I felt like a grown up with a child like affection for him. I just wanted to be near him and talk to him and find out how he and his family were doing. I think I followed him around like a magnet!
When I think of different sides of my family, each name carries with it certain characteristics. Maybe you have found the same to be true? Some we want to be identified with- like with my cousin, and some we work hard at changing.
We are image bearers. God made us that way - in His image. He has given us the choice to bear that image or not. As well, God has given us the power through the Holy Spirit to display God in our lives (2 Cor. 4:7).
Over the years I have become more and more convinced that I won't waste any time working at being intentional about the image that I want to bear personally as well as the image I want our family to bear. There is far too much at stake not to be intentional - namely my selfish nature's tendency to take over.
There is a kids song with a chorus that has lyrics that resonate with the sentiment of the last statement;
Someone tell me, tell me why I -
Do what I do when I don't want to do it?
Say what I say when i don't want to say it?
Feel what I feel when I don't want to feel it?
Somebody tell me, somebody tell me...
The song goes on to say;
In everything I do
In everything I say
I wanna give you the latitude
To show me the way
...really cute song.
Colossians 3 speaks well of our need to replace our earthly nature with a renewed Christlike self. Here are some snippets from the NIV. Look it up for the full impact.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above...Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things a these...Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
It amazes me that we have influence over family members and friends whether we want to or not. I pray that our families will be marked with the image of our creator as we strive to know and follow hard after Him.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Encore!
This past Wednesday, Dave and I had the privilege of attending the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra's opening concert. The guest artist was none other than the amazingly talented pianist, Marc-Andre Hamelin.
Again, I will say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
From the very first note, I was mesmerized. I have been living in that state for a few days considering the amount of thought, practise and complete devotion he must spend on knowing his instrument.
When he played, people leaned forward. No one had any desire to turn a page of their programs. People who brought their children switched spots to make sure they had the best sight path available to ensure visibility of the hands that made that delightful music. If you dared close your eyes you would have heard sounds and sonorities that were fresh and mind boggling. When he played you noticed conversations between his left and right hand and between oboe and piano and flute. His cadenzas (solos) were artful. They were daring. Not once did you feel nervous for him - they were simply wonders to behold and to enjoy.
It didn't matter that we clapped till our hands hurt, he didn't oblige us with an encore. I shouldn't feel begrudged as he did gift us with two entire masterworks!
As I was listening and as I left the building I was searching with Dave for adjectives that would best describe his playing. As hard as we tried, it couldn't be summed up in one word. There was just too much there. Words like seamless, effortless, smooth as...butter? Inspiring, beautiful, tasteful, thoughtful, comfortable, risky and thorough are a few words we came up with.
Suffice it to say, I am inspired. Inspired to play piano with more care and understanding, to teach piano with more care, to listen to more good music. I am also inspired by his example as a role model. He instills passion in other people by his playing. Not a word was spoken but we are all better for what we heard.
It begs the question; what kind of impact do I have on others? What adjectives would they use to describe me? What impact does the church leave on others? How are others inspired by what we do?
Well maybe the gift of no encore is the gift of wanting more. We know that no earthly "anything" will satisfy. One encore would never be enough. More of Jesus will allow the world to experience fulfilment. More of Jesus will leave all of us searching for adjectives that lead us into worship and a desire to follow with passion.
Again, I will say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
From the very first note, I was mesmerized. I have been living in that state for a few days considering the amount of thought, practise and complete devotion he must spend on knowing his instrument.
When he played, people leaned forward. No one had any desire to turn a page of their programs. People who brought their children switched spots to make sure they had the best sight path available to ensure visibility of the hands that made that delightful music. If you dared close your eyes you would have heard sounds and sonorities that were fresh and mind boggling. When he played you noticed conversations between his left and right hand and between oboe and piano and flute. His cadenzas (solos) were artful. They were daring. Not once did you feel nervous for him - they were simply wonders to behold and to enjoy.
It didn't matter that we clapped till our hands hurt, he didn't oblige us with an encore. I shouldn't feel begrudged as he did gift us with two entire masterworks!
As I was listening and as I left the building I was searching with Dave for adjectives that would best describe his playing. As hard as we tried, it couldn't be summed up in one word. There was just too much there. Words like seamless, effortless, smooth as...butter? Inspiring, beautiful, tasteful, thoughtful, comfortable, risky and thorough are a few words we came up with.
Suffice it to say, I am inspired. Inspired to play piano with more care and understanding, to teach piano with more care, to listen to more good music. I am also inspired by his example as a role model. He instills passion in other people by his playing. Not a word was spoken but we are all better for what we heard.
It begs the question; what kind of impact do I have on others? What adjectives would they use to describe me? What impact does the church leave on others? How are others inspired by what we do?
Well maybe the gift of no encore is the gift of wanting more. We know that no earthly "anything" will satisfy. One encore would never be enough. More of Jesus will allow the world to experience fulfilment. More of Jesus will leave all of us searching for adjectives that lead us into worship and a desire to follow with passion.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Being Missional
I am very excited for our upcoming Women's Bible study in October. I am excited to learn more of what God want's to speak to us as a group and as individuals through the book of Jonah and through His follower - Priscilla. I have been enjoying getting to "know" Priscilla Shirer a bit more through her blog. I want to direct you to her site and to one of her recent posts so you can get to know her more also. One of the things that has really attracted me to Priscilla is her missional attitude. She speaks to many women at any one of her gatherings and her philosophy is that the place where she speaks should be changed because of the gathering. The city should know that "1600" women met and worshipped and learned and responded!
For someone like me who loves to study and learn, it is so easy to go from service to study to event to retreat taking in over and over. God does call us to grow in our faith and knowledge of Him. He also asks us to be His kingdom on earth. To love as Jesus loved. To give up so we can give back.
In the post Priscilla asks the question, "How are you being the hands and feet of Jesus? How are you making an impact?"
Priscilla Shirer's Blog
For those of us anticipating involvement in a group Bible study this Fall; how we can be missional as a group. How can our Bible study gatherings make a difference? How can we let our neighbours know that loving and believing in Jesus is the difference in our lives?
For someone like me who loves to study and learn, it is so easy to go from service to study to event to retreat taking in over and over. God does call us to grow in our faith and knowledge of Him. He also asks us to be His kingdom on earth. To love as Jesus loved. To give up so we can give back.
In the post Priscilla asks the question, "How are you being the hands and feet of Jesus? How are you making an impact?"
Priscilla Shirer's Blog
For those of us anticipating involvement in a group Bible study this Fall; how we can be missional as a group. How can our Bible study gatherings make a difference? How can we let our neighbours know that loving and believing in Jesus is the difference in our lives?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
An Opportunity of a Lifetime
This past weekend my eldest daughter had the opportunity to be part of a very special event. Her music teacher from school was getting married and had asked a small choir of students (my daughter included) to sing at the wedding and share in celebration with her. I was so thankful for this special opportunity and humbled by the importance that was placed on the children for this event. Megan's teacher thought of everything from loot bags for the kids, great song selection, to bubbles at the end. In my mind, I think it takes a pretty special bride to plan for, to rehearse with before school started, and to enjoy the students at the wedding!! The kids sang two worship songs with a worship leader and Happy Together for walking out. What fun!
I am very thankful that my daughter has this teacher as her role model and instructor. She gave the kids dignity and they lived up to that gift by being responsible and competent performers as they celebrated at a sacred event.
I am very thankful that my daughter has this teacher as her role model and instructor. She gave the kids dignity and they lived up to that gift by being responsible and competent performers as they celebrated at a sacred event.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Apple Junction
I think today I fell in love with Manitoba more deeply!
Over the past week I have spent a few hours each day with this view.
Growing up with apples in Ontario I wasn't sure how these worked. But since we appear to have a bumper crop both on the ground and in the trees I thought I should be a true to my heritage and get preserving. I am pleased to report that 6 quarts of crab apples soaked in water and cream of tartar made 5 quarts of juice! I also made crab apple jelly that turned out to be the perfect shade of clear pink. We were very pleased with both canning ventures.
On my first day of picking as high as I could reach with our ladder on the one tree, I moved on to the next tree. (We think we have about three trees with good sized apples on our yard but there are about 4 - 5 more in the woods with even bigger apples that we already missed.) But that tree was FULL of wasps. I could be way off but my guess was that the apples were sweeter. They even looked different. After my second sting I decided to take a break.
In the evening when the wasps were back at their nests we grabbed another bucket of apples then I took a few in to try.
THEY WERE AMAZING!!!
I NEVER would have guessed they could be the perfect combination of sweet and sour. The flesh was very white and the apples very juicy. The wasps have very good taste. I suddenly feel proud of our little crab apple orchard and am no longer annoyed at the mess of the fallen apples and the attraction they are to the wasps. I have even been wondering about pruning them next year. Hard core crab apple tree growers! (Pun intended:))
That evening Dave went out while it was dark and raked up a lot of the fallen apples hoping to keep the wasps away a bit more for future days. They really are crazy out there! I even saw a fight between a large wasp and a large black hard shelled beetle. They were really going after each other and all of a sudden the beetle froze. I thought maybe he was dead but he must have just got stung because all of a sudden he turned over and walked away! Interesting!
In sharing our preserving fortunes with friends we found out about a family who will juice apples and crab apples. Their business is called Apple Junction. They reside in Landmark and some of you may know them from the items they bring to the garden market in St. Norbert. They have that Mum's truck. After calling them I was booked in with an appointment for today at lunch. After making the appointment I spent a few more evenings up on the ladder collecting as many apples as I could. After two wasp stings I chose to pick in the evenings because the wasps aren't around then. I even wore garden gloves, long sleeves and long pants!
Today was the day!! I was giddy with excitement while waiting our turn for making the cider. I have such good memories of drinking home made apple cider in Ontario. The family was so kind and knew their way around the equipment very well. I have a special spot in my heart for these home stations because I grew up in a cucumber station. Anyways, while watching the apples get dumped, washed, crushed, strained and pressed, we tried to guess how many litres of juice our apples might give us. Megan guessed 18L, Lauren 16L and I 20L. Alexander had no guess. We were all way off! We got 40L of fresh apple cider!!! We were so excited all the way home and put Dave on speaker phone after we tried our first fresh glass. It was amazing!!! The kids have even offered to help pick next year! What a gift of Autumn God brought to our house the day before school starts.
Here are a few pictures of our adventure for the day!
How 'bout dem apples!
Over the past week I have spent a few hours each day with this view.
Growing up with apples in Ontario I wasn't sure how these worked. But since we appear to have a bumper crop both on the ground and in the trees I thought I should be a true to my heritage and get preserving. I am pleased to report that 6 quarts of crab apples soaked in water and cream of tartar made 5 quarts of juice! I also made crab apple jelly that turned out to be the perfect shade of clear pink. We were very pleased with both canning ventures.
On my first day of picking as high as I could reach with our ladder on the one tree, I moved on to the next tree. (We think we have about three trees with good sized apples on our yard but there are about 4 - 5 more in the woods with even bigger apples that we already missed.) But that tree was FULL of wasps. I could be way off but my guess was that the apples were sweeter. They even looked different. After my second sting I decided to take a break.
In the evening when the wasps were back at their nests we grabbed another bucket of apples then I took a few in to try.
THEY WERE AMAZING!!!
I NEVER would have guessed they could be the perfect combination of sweet and sour. The flesh was very white and the apples very juicy. The wasps have very good taste. I suddenly feel proud of our little crab apple orchard and am no longer annoyed at the mess of the fallen apples and the attraction they are to the wasps. I have even been wondering about pruning them next year. Hard core crab apple tree growers! (Pun intended:))
That evening Dave went out while it was dark and raked up a lot of the fallen apples hoping to keep the wasps away a bit more for future days. They really are crazy out there! I even saw a fight between a large wasp and a large black hard shelled beetle. They were really going after each other and all of a sudden the beetle froze. I thought maybe he was dead but he must have just got stung because all of a sudden he turned over and walked away! Interesting!
In sharing our preserving fortunes with friends we found out about a family who will juice apples and crab apples. Their business is called Apple Junction. They reside in Landmark and some of you may know them from the items they bring to the garden market in St. Norbert. They have that Mum's truck. After calling them I was booked in with an appointment for today at lunch. After making the appointment I spent a few more evenings up on the ladder collecting as many apples as I could. After two wasp stings I chose to pick in the evenings because the wasps aren't around then. I even wore garden gloves, long sleeves and long pants!
Today was the day!! I was giddy with excitement while waiting our turn for making the cider. I have such good memories of drinking home made apple cider in Ontario. The family was so kind and knew their way around the equipment very well. I have a special spot in my heart for these home stations because I grew up in a cucumber station. Anyways, while watching the apples get dumped, washed, crushed, strained and pressed, we tried to guess how many litres of juice our apples might give us. Megan guessed 18L, Lauren 16L and I 20L. Alexander had no guess. We were all way off! We got 40L of fresh apple cider!!! We were so excited all the way home and put Dave on speaker phone after we tried our first fresh glass. It was amazing!!! The kids have even offered to help pick next year! What a gift of Autumn God brought to our house the day before school starts.
Here are a few pictures of our adventure for the day!
How 'bout dem apples!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Do it Lord!
I'm not sure what kind of goals you have for yourself that no one else may know about. For the past couple of years I have had this idea in my head that I wanted to see how fast I could run a 5K...at my age. This past spring as schedules settled it was apparent that I could add some consistent speed training to my runs towards this goal. I wouldn't be able to surpass the three times a week that I normally run but I could make my runs meaningful, so to speak. So within those boundaries I set out.
My first two races in spring went well and although I met my first goal after 5 weeks of training I wanted to see if I could do better. I wanted to do better. Some would say I am competitive! In retrospect (as is so often the case) I realized that I hadn't planned certain aspects of the training very well. So the next 11 weeks of training was more specific. I had a few options for races that I could work towards but because of conflicts had to pass on the third. Now as our schedules for Fall are picking up I was having second thoughts about whether or not it would even work to properly train to run the upcoming race. So I decided to be creative and run a timed "race" of my own at the track (where there are no distractions - or so I thought.)
This past Tuesday morning I ran 12 and a half laps at the 400m track. I will begin by saying that it was the hardest run I can ever remember doing, even harder than the endurance run in elementary school with Ontario summer humidity! Although I had no physical distractions such as traffic lights and cars, the mental distractions would prove to be much more difficult!
I started my "race" faster than I intended but not out of my range. I went with it though as I realized that I likely would not be able to run that pace later on once fatigue set in (research has shown this as well in case you are interested). Well, fatigue started coming after 5 laps and the desire to stop for a break was enormous. I had guessed this would be an issue and worked to train for this but never thought the mental anguish would be this hard. I knew if I stopped to walk for any amount of time I would not reach my goal.
It was at this time that I really felt like a spiritual battle was happening. I started doubting that I could accomplish what I set out to do, that my training was bogus, that God wasn't honoured by this type of venture, that it didn't really matter if I reached my goal anyways. I was overly aware of the state of my body; the different breathing, dryness of mouth, the shoulder cramping, the continuous extra effort that was required to complete the race at the tempo I trained for and the need to stick to my plan. As the mental fight continued I prayed through all the self defeating thoughts. I was angry that a discipline I felt God had allowed during the summer was being threatened and was destroying my confidence at large! This fight raised my determination and I was made aware of the life analogy forming in my mind.
The book of Hebrews uses the analogy of running a race with perseverance, the race marked out for us. When I set out to gain victory in any area of my life the success of that "race" depends on whether or not I believe what God says about Himself, the situation or about me - about how much he loves me as one of His people. If when things get tough, the situation or pressures feel too hard, if I let up and give in to the moment of weakness or let my unpreparedness for the moment be an excuse, I will get caught up or entangled in the old way. I will believe the lies of the world around me and grow weary. See Hebrews 12:1 - 3. As I was running and processing all this I realized anew the importance of fighting through these battles to the end. The Bible says I have been equipped for for these through God's Word, through the Holy Spirit. God, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3. We have his resurrection power in us to reach goals of faith and maturity. He honours those battles. It is ultimately through His power that we have victory, consistent victory.
I am happy to say that by the grace of God I pushed through and won the mental and physical battle for this 5K. A really beautiful moment happened as I was finishing my last 200m. The song that came up on my iPod was "Do it Lord, Do it Lord, do it Lord, we are praying, do it Lord do it, that Your glory may be seen!" It made me smile. I was so thankful that God cared enough to be part of a living analogy in my life at that moment. Praise the Lord He speaks and moves through all areas of our lives.
In case you are curious, I ended up beating my spring run by 1:36 (that's minutes and seconds!). I had been hoping to knock off at least 40 seconds so this was good!
I'm not sure what battle you are facing right now whether it be; back to school routine, loneliness, a sense of purpose, parenting young children, feeling overextended as you care for your children and your parents, working in a job that you don't like or being in a financial crisis. Whatever the situation, God is with you and wants to fight alongside through all the sweat and tears. He wants to do it so that His glory may be seen.
My first two races in spring went well and although I met my first goal after 5 weeks of training I wanted to see if I could do better. I wanted to do better. Some would say I am competitive! In retrospect (as is so often the case) I realized that I hadn't planned certain aspects of the training very well. So the next 11 weeks of training was more specific. I had a few options for races that I could work towards but because of conflicts had to pass on the third. Now as our schedules for Fall are picking up I was having second thoughts about whether or not it would even work to properly train to run the upcoming race. So I decided to be creative and run a timed "race" of my own at the track (where there are no distractions - or so I thought.)
This past Tuesday morning I ran 12 and a half laps at the 400m track. I will begin by saying that it was the hardest run I can ever remember doing, even harder than the endurance run in elementary school with Ontario summer humidity! Although I had no physical distractions such as traffic lights and cars, the mental distractions would prove to be much more difficult!
I started my "race" faster than I intended but not out of my range. I went with it though as I realized that I likely would not be able to run that pace later on once fatigue set in (research has shown this as well in case you are interested). Well, fatigue started coming after 5 laps and the desire to stop for a break was enormous. I had guessed this would be an issue and worked to train for this but never thought the mental anguish would be this hard. I knew if I stopped to walk for any amount of time I would not reach my goal.
It was at this time that I really felt like a spiritual battle was happening. I started doubting that I could accomplish what I set out to do, that my training was bogus, that God wasn't honoured by this type of venture, that it didn't really matter if I reached my goal anyways. I was overly aware of the state of my body; the different breathing, dryness of mouth, the shoulder cramping, the continuous extra effort that was required to complete the race at the tempo I trained for and the need to stick to my plan. As the mental fight continued I prayed through all the self defeating thoughts. I was angry that a discipline I felt God had allowed during the summer was being threatened and was destroying my confidence at large! This fight raised my determination and I was made aware of the life analogy forming in my mind.
The book of Hebrews uses the analogy of running a race with perseverance, the race marked out for us. When I set out to gain victory in any area of my life the success of that "race" depends on whether or not I believe what God says about Himself, the situation or about me - about how much he loves me as one of His people. If when things get tough, the situation or pressures feel too hard, if I let up and give in to the moment of weakness or let my unpreparedness for the moment be an excuse, I will get caught up or entangled in the old way. I will believe the lies of the world around me and grow weary. See Hebrews 12:1 - 3. As I was running and processing all this I realized anew the importance of fighting through these battles to the end. The Bible says I have been equipped for for these through God's Word, through the Holy Spirit. God, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3. We have his resurrection power in us to reach goals of faith and maturity. He honours those battles. It is ultimately through His power that we have victory, consistent victory.
I am happy to say that by the grace of God I pushed through and won the mental and physical battle for this 5K. A really beautiful moment happened as I was finishing my last 200m. The song that came up on my iPod was "Do it Lord, Do it Lord, do it Lord, we are praying, do it Lord do it, that Your glory may be seen!" It made me smile. I was so thankful that God cared enough to be part of a living analogy in my life at that moment. Praise the Lord He speaks and moves through all areas of our lives.
In case you are curious, I ended up beating my spring run by 1:36 (that's minutes and seconds!). I had been hoping to knock off at least 40 seconds so this was good!
I'm not sure what battle you are facing right now whether it be; back to school routine, loneliness, a sense of purpose, parenting young children, feeling overextended as you care for your children and your parents, working in a job that you don't like or being in a financial crisis. Whatever the situation, God is with you and wants to fight alongside through all the sweat and tears. He wants to do it so that His glory may be seen.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Learning From Joseph
This past summer at Eastview Church we studied the life of Joseph. I have grown up hearing this story yet I found that I was completely enthralled and wanted to read and know the story more. I found Charles Swindol's, "Joseph" in the church library to supplement my learning.
One of the things that struck me was Joseph's trust in God. Very early in his life in Egypt his life openly showed that God was with him. Whether he was a slave, a promoted slave, a prisoner, a promoted prisoner or a leader in the land, his life showed devotion to God through the way he behaved and spoke and interacted with people. People saw God was with him and named that providence in his life.
As I am navigating through this particular time in my life, Joseph's example and God's clear plan in every part of Joseph's life, the good, bad and ugly, is such an encouragement to me and an assurance I yearn for.
I remember hearing an illustration in a sermon at a young age where the preacher said, "It doesn't matter if you are shovelling manurer, do it in such a way and with such an attitude that God is honoured."
Not every season of life is going to be filled with things that the world promises; beauty, health, wealth, romance, happiness and success. In fact, even though I get side-tracked at times, that isn't even the point. Being God filled and bringing glory to Him in my life situation is the point.
So how is it that I can live out this God honouring attitude? Not just for certain times but for every time? I find such hope in being preemptive and planning with God, through use of scripture, to fight a particular area of weakness. Like using Matthew 6:25-34 to fight worry tendencies. But I want more! What if my desire is to be in the presence of God at all times? How can I be in continual prayer about the ways of God? How can I love Him in EVERYTHING and obey Him in EVERYTHING - the Colossians 3:17 way.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I mean EVERYTHING - like when your imaginations run away on you, when you are doing very mundane things, when you are responding to a rather meaningless conversation that your children are having? When you are overtired and just going through the motions? Crisis situations almost seem easier - because you know instantly that they are beyond you.
I am reminded that this desire and this discipline is one that grows over time - over a lifetime. That it does start with specific areas like worry and then grows to include other areas as God examines and points them out.
I am also reminded to pray more. To bow in reverence and in need to God's sovereignty more.
Finally but not lastly, I am directed to scripture, the one true and lasting Word from God we are given to help us know Him more.
As I am focusing on my next steps in this area. The passage that came to me is from the Joseph story in Genesis near the end of Joseph's life as he is talking with his brothers.
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?" You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:19 - 20 (also see Genesis 45:5)
Joseph is humble and has given all the accolades to God in the matter of judgment and advancement of purpose. He is a willing player in the game and speaks with reassurance and kindness (Gen.50:21). These verses remind me that who God is and the ways of God are to be meditated on. Practising giving God the credit is paramount. Joseph openly lived his life for God when he was being seduced by Potipher's wife and when he was faced with forgiving his brothers as well as many other occasions. God's intentions were at the forefront of his actions and his words and therefore must have been in his imaginations.
When I was in grade school the Sutera Twins came and did a week long revival in our church. I don't remember much of the spoken content but was really captured by one thought that they shared. When making a commitment to Christ they impressed upon us the importance of practising a thankful heart. They stressed that one should be verbally thankful to God for 3 days taking time to thank God for anything and everything. I don't believe there was anything magical about the number 3 but that they were trying to help develop a habit.
What if I made it a habit to thank God for the mundane? What if I acknowledged that what I was doing at that moment was part of His plan to shape me into the creation He intended? What if the moment wasn't just something to get through but was an opportunity for growth - for knowing God more? What if every encounter I had was what God had planned for such a time as that!
That sounds both purposeful and fulfilling!
One of the things that struck me was Joseph's trust in God. Very early in his life in Egypt his life openly showed that God was with him. Whether he was a slave, a promoted slave, a prisoner, a promoted prisoner or a leader in the land, his life showed devotion to God through the way he behaved and spoke and interacted with people. People saw God was with him and named that providence in his life.
As I am navigating through this particular time in my life, Joseph's example and God's clear plan in every part of Joseph's life, the good, bad and ugly, is such an encouragement to me and an assurance I yearn for.
I remember hearing an illustration in a sermon at a young age where the preacher said, "It doesn't matter if you are shovelling manurer, do it in such a way and with such an attitude that God is honoured."
Not every season of life is going to be filled with things that the world promises; beauty, health, wealth, romance, happiness and success. In fact, even though I get side-tracked at times, that isn't even the point. Being God filled and bringing glory to Him in my life situation is the point.
So how is it that I can live out this God honouring attitude? Not just for certain times but for every time? I find such hope in being preemptive and planning with God, through use of scripture, to fight a particular area of weakness. Like using Matthew 6:25-34 to fight worry tendencies. But I want more! What if my desire is to be in the presence of God at all times? How can I be in continual prayer about the ways of God? How can I love Him in EVERYTHING and obey Him in EVERYTHING - the Colossians 3:17 way.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I mean EVERYTHING - like when your imaginations run away on you, when you are doing very mundane things, when you are responding to a rather meaningless conversation that your children are having? When you are overtired and just going through the motions? Crisis situations almost seem easier - because you know instantly that they are beyond you.
I am reminded that this desire and this discipline is one that grows over time - over a lifetime. That it does start with specific areas like worry and then grows to include other areas as God examines and points them out.
I am also reminded to pray more. To bow in reverence and in need to God's sovereignty more.
Finally but not lastly, I am directed to scripture, the one true and lasting Word from God we are given to help us know Him more.
As I am focusing on my next steps in this area. The passage that came to me is from the Joseph story in Genesis near the end of Joseph's life as he is talking with his brothers.
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?" You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:19 - 20 (also see Genesis 45:5)
Joseph is humble and has given all the accolades to God in the matter of judgment and advancement of purpose. He is a willing player in the game and speaks with reassurance and kindness (Gen.50:21). These verses remind me that who God is and the ways of God are to be meditated on. Practising giving God the credit is paramount. Joseph openly lived his life for God when he was being seduced by Potipher's wife and when he was faced with forgiving his brothers as well as many other occasions. God's intentions were at the forefront of his actions and his words and therefore must have been in his imaginations.
When I was in grade school the Sutera Twins came and did a week long revival in our church. I don't remember much of the spoken content but was really captured by one thought that they shared. When making a commitment to Christ they impressed upon us the importance of practising a thankful heart. They stressed that one should be verbally thankful to God for 3 days taking time to thank God for anything and everything. I don't believe there was anything magical about the number 3 but that they were trying to help develop a habit.
What if I made it a habit to thank God for the mundane? What if I acknowledged that what I was doing at that moment was part of His plan to shape me into the creation He intended? What if the moment wasn't just something to get through but was an opportunity for growth - for knowing God more? What if every encounter I had was what God had planned for such a time as that!
That sounds both purposeful and fulfilling!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Summer Camping
Decisions about Fall scheduling seems to be making its way into our our lives these days. We have been deciding on extra-curricular activities, picking up school supplies and talking about what is in store for each of us this Fall. Dave and I learned early as parents that back to school was one of the hardest seasons for us to face as a family. It is hard because we love the lazy days of summer, we love the activities of the season, we love travelling (even if it isn't very far)and we love being together as a family. That makes transition away from all of these things very hard. Our kids have been wired in such a way that they don't want to let go of any of it. Their tendency has been to hang on for dear life and to remember every and any ugly thing they can think of or dream up of regarding school. They do this to try to convince us that they ought to stay home on a permanent basis. So a few years ago we decided to have a celebration of summer. The evening involved a slide show on a big screen, going out for a favourite meal and a sharing time of how God was good to us during this season. We also talked of how God would be with us as we went forward. This freed them up to be excited about seeing their friends, being with their teachers, learning new things, being in routine. It worked incredibly well. On our first ever trial of this we also initiated our family nights once a week so that the kids would know we were committed to them all year. Our time together would just look different.
In light of all of this coming up I have been looking over some of our camping highlights and wanted to share a few with you. (As you can see, the dog also enjoyed our holidays considerably!)
In light of all of this coming up I have been looking over some of our camping highlights and wanted to share a few with you. (As you can see, the dog also enjoyed our holidays considerably!)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Looking Ahead...
It has been awhile since I have posted. Our family holidays in the first part of August were wonderful and I have taken a bit to get back into some sort of normalcy.
I am excited to share with you that we are going to be studying "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted" by Priscilla Shirer for our Fall study.
It is a 7 session study with 6 weeks of homework (5 days of homework per week and approximately 30 minutes per day).
Below is a link to see a video clip with a brief overview if you are interested. (Bring your cursor to the middle of the video screen and a play button will appear.)
Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, video clip
I am very excited to go on this journey through God's Word with you. We will let you know more details and sign up information soon.
I am excited to share with you that we are going to be studying "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted" by Priscilla Shirer for our Fall study.
It is a 7 session study with 6 weeks of homework (5 days of homework per week and approximately 30 minutes per day).
Below is a link to see a video clip with a brief overview if you are interested. (Bring your cursor to the middle of the video screen and a play button will appear.)
Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, video clip
I am very excited to go on this journey through God's Word with you. We will let you know more details and sign up information soon.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Megan!
Today was Megan's Birthday. She is eleven years old! We love celebrating Birthdays and were thrilled that her birthday landed on the holiday Monday this year. She was born on the holiday Monday. Any of you Moms out there will know there are some pretty specific memories attached to the birth date/arrival of your children. Holding Megan and looking out the hospital window, watching little children play in a park across the street on a very sunny day is one of my memories.
Megan was very reluctant in deciding to come into this world. We worked long and hard to get her to join us! I laugh a bit (a very little bit!) at that recollection when connecting her delivery to her character. She definitely plays it safe. She is reluctant. Although that is a detriment in some ways it is definitely a gift in others. She often thinks through her choices quite thoroughly.
Last night as Megan was fighting sleep, we were getting her choice of Birthday meals ready for the day (a tradition of ours I might have shared on an earlier post). The dishes smelled so spicy, so flavourful. Megan has developed a great sense of taste. My Birthday prayer for her is that she will develop that great sense of taste in many areas of her life. That she will taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). That His Word will be sweeter than honey to her mouth (Psalm 119:103), or spicier than a pickle! Or more exciting than the flavour of a jelly belly bean! Even though life can be hard - as she has discovered over the past year - God is good and what He does is good (Psalm 119:68). His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8) and He uses situations and experiences we wouldn't dream of using for good and refines us as we trust in His goodness for EVERY situation. I pray that she would follow hard after God.
I love Megan and all that she and her siblings have brought to my life.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. Megan is "crying" in this picture. Dave's family has a tradition of singing several Birthday songs and one of them - in beautiful minor harmonies sings "pain and sorrow fill the air, people dying everywhere, happy birthday!"
In case you are wondering, Megan chose Italian soup stew (her favourite ingredients are the spicy sausage, cheese filled tortellini and pickle juice) with sour dough bread for lunch and butter chicken, oven fried rice (I know we are mixing our ethnic foods here but it's all very good together), asparagus and naan bread for supper. For dessert she settled on homemade ice cream sandwiches - brownies with Skor bar ice cream. A real hit - Alexander has already called it for his Birthday.
Megan was very reluctant in deciding to come into this world. We worked long and hard to get her to join us! I laugh a bit (a very little bit!) at that recollection when connecting her delivery to her character. She definitely plays it safe. She is reluctant. Although that is a detriment in some ways it is definitely a gift in others. She often thinks through her choices quite thoroughly.
Last night as Megan was fighting sleep, we were getting her choice of Birthday meals ready for the day (a tradition of ours I might have shared on an earlier post). The dishes smelled so spicy, so flavourful. Megan has developed a great sense of taste. My Birthday prayer for her is that she will develop that great sense of taste in many areas of her life. That she will taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). That His Word will be sweeter than honey to her mouth (Psalm 119:103), or spicier than a pickle! Or more exciting than the flavour of a jelly belly bean! Even though life can be hard - as she has discovered over the past year - God is good and what He does is good (Psalm 119:68). His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8) and He uses situations and experiences we wouldn't dream of using for good and refines us as we trust in His goodness for EVERY situation. I pray that she would follow hard after God.
I love Megan and all that she and her siblings have brought to my life.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. Megan is "crying" in this picture. Dave's family has a tradition of singing several Birthday songs and one of them - in beautiful minor harmonies sings "pain and sorrow fill the air, people dying everywhere, happy birthday!"
In case you are wondering, Megan chose Italian soup stew (her favourite ingredients are the spicy sausage, cheese filled tortellini and pickle juice) with sour dough bread for lunch and butter chicken, oven fried rice (I know we are mixing our ethnic foods here but it's all very good together), asparagus and naan bread for supper. For dessert she settled on homemade ice cream sandwiches - brownies with Skor bar ice cream. A real hit - Alexander has already called it for his Birthday.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
More on Sagemace...
Here are some of my categorized thoughts after further reflection on the week at Sagemace.
1. Definition of self.
During my quiet time one morning I was very frustrated with myself, remembering too many times, this week included, where I have struggled with my pride throughout the year. Part of my morning reading from Romans 8:13b, "but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." I was reminded of dying to self a thousand deaths each day - the fight, the surrender. What freedom there was in confessing this and surrendering to God and allowing the power of the Spirit to direct. There is a much more beautiful person in each of us to be revealed when we get our selfish desires out of the way - choosing God.
I have to say I am thankful God allowed me to see it and deal with it while there and not after the fact.
2. Making the most of every opportunity
I knew this camp experience was from God as He answered prayers for it to all work out the way it did. What if each opportunity and interaction was treated as sacred and anointed by God to show his love? That was my prayer.
3. God moments
The theme for the week was God's story in our lives. How has He changed our story? Three Bible stories were shared, the thief on the cross, the woman at the well and Saul's conversion. Also 4 Counsellors shared their testimonies throughout the week. Then cabin assignments were given to further enforce the love of God in our lives.
On the way home I asked Megan if there was a speaker she resonated with the most. She shared her thoughts on that and was really struck by the explanation of God moments through one of the testimonies. She spent the next while remembering times that God had been especially real for her - showing His love, calling her to Himself. That was my God moment.
4. A symbol of Community
There is something completely beautiful about the godly passion surrounding our college aged leaders. They are fun - even silly, unashamed, boisterous at times and determined in their approach to leading. What I love about them is that they dream and they pursue their dreams. They radiated energy and their enthusiasm was contagious. They spoke boldly into one another's lives - after all they only have a week to do this! By the end of the week everyone was hugging their good-byes, exchanging emails and addresses, trying to figure out when they would meet again, offering final words of encouragement and prayers, promising to find a way back next year. Isn't this a microcosm of what our churches should look like? How are we encouraging one another? Are we enthusiastic? Are we narrowly focused on following Christ? Do we look for ways to keep in touch and stay in each others lives? Do we speak boldly both words of encouragement and words of wisdom? As much as I am not sure if I could handle the high energy camp experience as a way of life - the experience has a lot of offer to our everyday living.
1. Definition of self.
During my quiet time one morning I was very frustrated with myself, remembering too many times, this week included, where I have struggled with my pride throughout the year. Part of my morning reading from Romans 8:13b, "but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." I was reminded of dying to self a thousand deaths each day - the fight, the surrender. What freedom there was in confessing this and surrendering to God and allowing the power of the Spirit to direct. There is a much more beautiful person in each of us to be revealed when we get our selfish desires out of the way - choosing God.
I have to say I am thankful God allowed me to see it and deal with it while there and not after the fact.
2. Making the most of every opportunity
I knew this camp experience was from God as He answered prayers for it to all work out the way it did. What if each opportunity and interaction was treated as sacred and anointed by God to show his love? That was my prayer.
3. God moments
The theme for the week was God's story in our lives. How has He changed our story? Three Bible stories were shared, the thief on the cross, the woman at the well and Saul's conversion. Also 4 Counsellors shared their testimonies throughout the week. Then cabin assignments were given to further enforce the love of God in our lives.
On the way home I asked Megan if there was a speaker she resonated with the most. She shared her thoughts on that and was really struck by the explanation of God moments through one of the testimonies. She spent the next while remembering times that God had been especially real for her - showing His love, calling her to Himself. That was my God moment.
4. A symbol of Community
There is something completely beautiful about the godly passion surrounding our college aged leaders. They are fun - even silly, unashamed, boisterous at times and determined in their approach to leading. What I love about them is that they dream and they pursue their dreams. They radiated energy and their enthusiasm was contagious. They spoke boldly into one another's lives - after all they only have a week to do this! By the end of the week everyone was hugging their good-byes, exchanging emails and addresses, trying to figure out when they would meet again, offering final words of encouragement and prayers, promising to find a way back next year. Isn't this a microcosm of what our churches should look like? How are we encouraging one another? Are we enthusiastic? Are we narrowly focused on following Christ? Do we look for ways to keep in touch and stay in each others lives? Do we speak boldly both words of encouragement and words of wisdom? As much as I am not sure if I could handle the high energy camp experience as a way of life - the experience has a lot of offer to our everyday living.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sagemace Bible Camp
Megan and I came back last night from being at Sagemace Bible Camp in Winnipegosis for the past week. We had such a good time and now are so glad to be home. Megan went as a camper and I went as kitchen help and resident camp photographer. It was fun to be at the camp and to be kept busy helping while waiting for my hugs from her. (Not sure who missed the other more.) I have such good memories of my own camp experiences growing up and am thankful for the impact of the leadership team and volunteer workers and counsellors who devoted their last two weeks to making this a memorable and impressionable experience for young people like my daughter.
Here are a some pictures of the week. I hope to write more another day.
Here are a some pictures of the week. I hope to write more another day.
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