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.

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.

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

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.

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!!