22.11.10
21.3.10
moseley
so last week i caved. i got a puppy :)
most of you know i've been wanting one for over two years. and i was tired of the constant arguments that it was never a good time to get a dog. let alone a puppy.
most of the time i love that i am rational. that i think through every decision. rarely do anything impulsive. basically live a boring life :) but seriously the logical, rational, realistic side of my brain always listed a myriad of reasons why a puppy is a bad idea.
so i silenced them last week and got the cutest puppy ever! like most i wonder if i am partial since he is mine. but it has been confirmed by everyone we've met including strangers of the street. and can i say that i love strangers of the street?
not just because they love my puppy but because they are nice. strangers smile. they stop and talk to you. the world really is a better place with puppy. so go get yourself one and start talking to strangers.
thankful that God gives simple things to help us connect with others. simple things that bring joy :)
meet moseley . . .
most of you know i've been wanting one for over two years. and i was tired of the constant arguments that it was never a good time to get a dog. let alone a puppy.
most of the time i love that i am rational. that i think through every decision. rarely do anything impulsive. basically live a boring life :) but seriously the logical, rational, realistic side of my brain always listed a myriad of reasons why a puppy is a bad idea.
so i silenced them last week and got the cutest puppy ever! like most i wonder if i am partial since he is mine. but it has been confirmed by everyone we've met including strangers of the street. and can i say that i love strangers of the street?
not just because they love my puppy but because they are nice. strangers smile. they stop and talk to you. the world really is a better place with puppy. so go get yourself one and start talking to strangers.
thankful that God gives simple things to help us connect with others. simple things that bring joy :)
meet moseley . . .
13.3.10
happy
so how many of you think of God as happy? joyful? laughing? smiling?
its hard to actually to picture it. there is so much going wrong in the world. earthquakes, hurricanes, bombs, hunger. then there is our own personal sins; anger, pride, selfishness, etc. so it almost seems crazy to think of God as happy. wrong in a way.
but these last few weeks i've been thinking about it. one my readings prompted the thought and since then i haven't been able to get it out of my head. and then in class we had to choose a verse to teach on.
our group choose zephaniah 3. do you remember it? it talks about God rejoicing over us with singing. and i am so glad we've chosen it. i want an excuse to really look at the happiness of God. a God who smiles, rejoices, sings. a God that still receives pleasure from his creation that is so messed up, sinful and ugly.
i'll let you know what i ended up discovering but since we are taking 7 weeks to learn the method of teaching it will be a while :)
so today i noticed my little violet budding. finally. and i smiled. because i had given up on it ever blooming again and today there it was :)
its hard to actually to picture it. there is so much going wrong in the world. earthquakes, hurricanes, bombs, hunger. then there is our own personal sins; anger, pride, selfishness, etc. so it almost seems crazy to think of God as happy. wrong in a way.
but these last few weeks i've been thinking about it. one my readings prompted the thought and since then i haven't been able to get it out of my head. and then in class we had to choose a verse to teach on.
our group choose zephaniah 3. do you remember it? it talks about God rejoicing over us with singing. and i am so glad we've chosen it. i want an excuse to really look at the happiness of God. a God who smiles, rejoices, sings. a God that still receives pleasure from his creation that is so messed up, sinful and ugly.
i'll let you know what i ended up discovering but since we are taking 7 weeks to learn the method of teaching it will be a while :)
so today i noticed my little violet budding. finally. and i smiled. because i had given up on it ever blooming again and today there it was :)
20.2.10
knowing
i am reading calvin's institutes for my doctrine of God class. its hard not to highlight everything. for example . . .
'it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face and then descend from contemplating him to scrutinize himself'
or this one . . .
' until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that he is the Author of their every food, that they should seek nothing beyond him- they will never yield to him in will service. Nay, unless they establish their complete happiness in him they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to him.'
so i get to read stuff like this for class. and i love it. granted, i'll be doing lots of reading over the next couple of months. i have 10 books for one class, 4 for another, 3 for one, 5 and 2. so lots of reading, learning, writing, digesting and comprehending. but the greatest thing about all of it is that our professors remind us on a weekly basis that knowledge without taking it to the heart, that knowing without transformation is worthless!
so while i am thankful to be increasing in knowledge of God, his Church, his people and myself, i am even more thankful for the challenge to make it real in my life. that knowledge by itself is only arrogance and not beneficial to anyone including myself. our duty is to take what we know, what we believe and let it transform us from the inside out, so that our knowledge is a reality in us. my only prayer is that i remember this four years from now :)
knowledge of God is good but it must lead us to establish our happiness in God.
the trees are barren, asking for their clothes, echoing my cries for spring to come soon . . .
'it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face and then descend from contemplating him to scrutinize himself'
or this one . . .
' until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that he is the Author of their every food, that they should seek nothing beyond him- they will never yield to him in will service. Nay, unless they establish their complete happiness in him they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to him.'
so i get to read stuff like this for class. and i love it. granted, i'll be doing lots of reading over the next couple of months. i have 10 books for one class, 4 for another, 3 for one, 5 and 2. so lots of reading, learning, writing, digesting and comprehending. but the greatest thing about all of it is that our professors remind us on a weekly basis that knowledge without taking it to the heart, that knowing without transformation is worthless!
so while i am thankful to be increasing in knowledge of God, his Church, his people and myself, i am even more thankful for the challenge to make it real in my life. that knowledge by itself is only arrogance and not beneficial to anyone including myself. our duty is to take what we know, what we believe and let it transform us from the inside out, so that our knowledge is a reality in us. my only prayer is that i remember this four years from now :)
knowledge of God is good but it must lead us to establish our happiness in God.
the trees are barren, asking for their clothes, echoing my cries for spring to come soon . . .
13.2.10
unearthed
a snow storm and a blizzard later i am finally starting to feel unearthed.
seriously what a week. i had just managed to buy a shovel and a storm came. dug myself out. got to class. ordered my books. took liz for pancakes. and then a blizzard. classes cancelled. more digging. this time for two and half hours. finally got liz to the airport. school opens. finally have my books. and its the weekend.
some how being snowed in the second time wasn't as fun. maybe missing my first class was the reason. maybe worrying about liz getting back to england because her flight was cancelled took the enjoyment out. i don't know but i do know that somehow i'm more behind then ahead.
aren't snow days suppose to be used for getting ahead? getting things done that you don't normally have time for. cleaning the house. cooking. watching movies. updating your photo albums. writing emails.
so while my car is unearthed, i am now using my weekend to unearth myself from the back-load of class assignments, untouched work, piles of laundry and messy bathrooms. so i can be ready for monday.
i've never been so thankful for the weekend. just the idea that weekends are supposed to be restful already has me relaxed :) and i am thankful for friends this week. thankful that i company for two storms instead of being on my own. thankful for good conversations. thankful for all the ways God takes care of me.
my car is the one in the middle- and yes we shoveled that pile of snow that is higher than my car!
seriously what a week. i had just managed to buy a shovel and a storm came. dug myself out. got to class. ordered my books. took liz for pancakes. and then a blizzard. classes cancelled. more digging. this time for two and half hours. finally got liz to the airport. school opens. finally have my books. and its the weekend.
some how being snowed in the second time wasn't as fun. maybe missing my first class was the reason. maybe worrying about liz getting back to england because her flight was cancelled took the enjoyment out. i don't know but i do know that somehow i'm more behind then ahead.
aren't snow days suppose to be used for getting ahead? getting things done that you don't normally have time for. cleaning the house. cooking. watching movies. updating your photo albums. writing emails.
so while my car is unearthed, i am now using my weekend to unearth myself from the back-load of class assignments, untouched work, piles of laundry and messy bathrooms. so i can be ready for monday.
i've never been so thankful for the weekend. just the idea that weekends are supposed to be restful already has me relaxed :) and i am thankful for friends this week. thankful that i company for two storms instead of being on my own. thankful for good conversations. thankful for all the ways God takes care of me.
my car is the one in the middle- and yes we shoveled that pile of snow that is higher than my car!
6.2.10
sparrow
"You can't always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes well you just might find,
You get what you need"
- the Rolling Stones
i love how pop culture can be so profound sometimes. and how a song can get in your head and stay there for weeks. or you get a fortune cookie on your birthday that says . . .
'No need to worry! You will always have everything that you need.'
but sometimes a word, a song, a friend comes at just the right time. your heart is soft, your ears are open and you are ready to hear the encouragement that you need the most. and from the strangest places.
i'm still mediating on that verse- love incorruptible. but it the mean time i really can't get that song out of my head. every time i want to complain. or worry about my circumstances. when i'm tempted to be ungrateful. or think that God has forgotten me. that He no longer cares. when i'm uptight about the future. and even when i remember this last year.
so to me this chorus says it all. it jump starts me out of worry. and bizarrely reminds me of a sparrow. that God's eye is on the sparrow and He cares. He will not let one sparrow fall to the ground without His eyes on it. His eye is on the sparrow. and He cares. for me.
so i might not get what i want. and even if i can't always try or i try too hard. God will always provide what i need. so i do not need to worry. His eye is on me and He cares for me :)
can i just say that food is more fun when there is someone to eat with you? for example our treats from the last week- carrot cake and picnics on the sleeper sofa :)
But if you try sometimes well you just might find,
You get what you need"
- the Rolling Stones
i love how pop culture can be so profound sometimes. and how a song can get in your head and stay there for weeks. or you get a fortune cookie on your birthday that says . . .
'No need to worry! You will always have everything that you need.'
but sometimes a word, a song, a friend comes at just the right time. your heart is soft, your ears are open and you are ready to hear the encouragement that you need the most. and from the strangest places.
i'm still mediating on that verse- love incorruptible. but it the mean time i really can't get that song out of my head. every time i want to complain. or worry about my circumstances. when i'm tempted to be ungrateful. or think that God has forgotten me. that He no longer cares. when i'm uptight about the future. and even when i remember this last year.
so to me this chorus says it all. it jump starts me out of worry. and bizarrely reminds me of a sparrow. that God's eye is on the sparrow and He cares. He will not let one sparrow fall to the ground without His eyes on it. His eye is on the sparrow. and He cares. for me.
so i might not get what i want. and even if i can't always try or i try too hard. God will always provide what i need. so i do not need to worry. His eye is on me and He cares for me :)
can i just say that food is more fun when there is someone to eat with you? for example our treats from the last week- carrot cake and picnics on the sleeper sofa :)
30.1.10
30
there is something nice about the end of a decade and a start of a new one. a chance to look at 10 whole years. remembering the best, laughing at the worst and being thankful for the good and the bad. so here are some standouts from the last decade- my 20's :)
Top 10 Disasters!
10. Camping in Wales- being so cold you can't sleep and its august!
9. Getting lost in Wales- in the dark, alone, with no mobile phone reception.
8. Paying UK Taxes! ughhh
7. A Christmas party- with no electricity or heat! in a building still damp from recent flooding :(
6. Having to eat fish pie- once a month for a year- yuck :P
5. Adjusting back to driving in the US- i.e. almost entering an exit ramp on the highway!!!
4. Language faux pas- i.e. getting a group of Muslim children to smile by saying 'sausages' in true British form :)
3. Almost burning NPU's chapel down! and seeing 4 Chicago fire trucks role in!!!
2. Getting my car stolen- in the suburbs after 12 years of city living!
1. Gaining a crown of glory i.e gray hair and lots of it :)
Top 10 Highlights :)
10. Graduating from NorthPark- with a BA in Art and Bible & Theology and with honours!
9. Road trips across the US and Europe- days in a car with friends :)
8. Acquiring a taste for a good pint :)
7. Discovering how much I love to cook and feed people- and take pictures of the result!
6. A Mexican Adventure- going a real mexican wedding and experiencing Oaxaca :)
5. Spending an evening at Kababish- my favourite curry house by far!!!
4. Chapel Installation at NPU- loving joining faith, God and art in a real and tangible way!
3. Traveling - seeing and experiencing 18 countries plus 40 of these United States- so that's Austria, the Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Venezuela, and Wales!!!
2. Gaining a sister-in-law and becoming an aunt twice over :) loving our growing family!
and the best for last- number 1 of the last decade . . . .
1. Moving to and living in the UK for almost 7 years!! and everything that goes with it :)
so no regrets just lots of good memories and so much to thank God for- His goodness, mercy, love and joy :)
and my last gift of my 20's is a very close friend flying across an ocean to be with me, to close out a decade and begin a new one :) so blessed!
Top 10 Disasters!
10. Camping in Wales- being so cold you can't sleep and its august!
9. Getting lost in Wales- in the dark, alone, with no mobile phone reception.
8. Paying UK Taxes! ughhh
7. A Christmas party- with no electricity or heat! in a building still damp from recent flooding :(
6. Having to eat fish pie- once a month for a year- yuck :P
5. Adjusting back to driving in the US- i.e. almost entering an exit ramp on the highway!!!
4. Language faux pas- i.e. getting a group of Muslim children to smile by saying 'sausages' in true British form :)
3. Almost burning NPU's chapel down! and seeing 4 Chicago fire trucks role in!!!
2. Getting my car stolen- in the suburbs after 12 years of city living!
1. Gaining a crown of glory i.e gray hair and lots of it :)
Top 10 Highlights :)
10. Graduating from NorthPark- with a BA in Art and Bible & Theology and with honours!
9. Road trips across the US and Europe- days in a car with friends :)
8. Acquiring a taste for a good pint :)
7. Discovering how much I love to cook and feed people- and take pictures of the result!
6. A Mexican Adventure- going a real mexican wedding and experiencing Oaxaca :)
5. Spending an evening at Kababish- my favourite curry house by far!!!
4. Chapel Installation at NPU- loving joining faith, God and art in a real and tangible way!
3. Traveling - seeing and experiencing 18 countries plus 40 of these United States- so that's Austria, the Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Venezuela, and Wales!!!
2. Gaining a sister-in-law and becoming an aunt twice over :) loving our growing family!
and the best for last- number 1 of the last decade . . . .
1. Moving to and living in the UK for almost 7 years!! and everything that goes with it :)
so no regrets just lots of good memories and so much to thank God for- His goodness, mercy, love and joy :)
and my last gift of my 20's is a very close friend flying across an ocean to be with me, to close out a decade and begin a new one :) so blessed!
22.1.10
incorruptible
'grace be with you all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible' eph. 6:24
love incorruptible.
this verse hit me today. i don't think i know what love incorruptible is. and i confess that i sometimes wonder if i know how to love at all.
we live in a world where love is not pure. there is selfish gain to most aspects of love. and if there is not gain then it is commanded. or if its freely given it is still imperfect. so love incorruptible. what is that?
i love. i love deeply sometimes. i love when it hurts. but i feel like its a shadow of what real love is like. and i think this is at the root of it. that only God can love pure, without false motive, fully, past hurt and pain, unconditionally. but even more than that- Gods love cannot ever even be corrupted.
even if we, the object of God's love are weak, needy, corrupt, evil, without any real concept of true, lasting, perfect love. we cannot corrupt God's love for us. how amazingly wonderful is that?
it makes me want to love. to truly love because i am loved incorruptibly. and it makes me want to keep loving even when i don't think i do a very good job. when it seems like other people love me better. or that others know and love others better than my weak efforts. and even when others seem to love God so much better than ever i can or will be able to.
today i am thankful for God's love. His unending, unbelievable, unconditional love for me who does such a bad job at loving and who's love for Him is corrupted by this world and by my sin.
i had friends over last saturday- frankie loved dessert :)
love incorruptible.
this verse hit me today. i don't think i know what love incorruptible is. and i confess that i sometimes wonder if i know how to love at all.
we live in a world where love is not pure. there is selfish gain to most aspects of love. and if there is not gain then it is commanded. or if its freely given it is still imperfect. so love incorruptible. what is that?
i love. i love deeply sometimes. i love when it hurts. but i feel like its a shadow of what real love is like. and i think this is at the root of it. that only God can love pure, without false motive, fully, past hurt and pain, unconditionally. but even more than that- Gods love cannot ever even be corrupted.
even if we, the object of God's love are weak, needy, corrupt, evil, without any real concept of true, lasting, perfect love. we cannot corrupt God's love for us. how amazingly wonderful is that?
it makes me want to love. to truly love because i am loved incorruptibly. and it makes me want to keep loving even when i don't think i do a very good job. when it seems like other people love me better. or that others know and love others better than my weak efforts. and even when others seem to love God so much better than ever i can or will be able to.
today i am thankful for God's love. His unending, unbelievable, unconditional love for me who does such a bad job at loving and who's love for Him is corrupted by this world and by my sin.
i had friends over last saturday- frankie loved dessert :)
15.1.10
fair-trade
i was wandering the aisles of the grocery store this week. mostly trying to get essentials and stock my kitchen. but it was a taxing process.
if i was in england i would know exactly what to get. what was more cost efficient. what was worth the brand name and what didn't matter.
but instead i was looking at prices. and frankly appalled. and left wondering what on earth am i going to start cooking for myself. i'm going to have to start to new habits. new ways of cooking. and definitely new ways of saving money.
and i also have noticed the lack of fair-trade items. i always bought fair-trade bananas, coffee, sugar and chocolate. and it was so easy to buy local veg. and then i found an aisle with british products and almost wept.
i miss knowing how to shop. how to be economical but spend the extra when its worth it. like on fair-trade food. or local produce. because it helps the world and helps the environment.
my kitchen has become the constant reminder of what i miss most of all. cooking was where i found comfort and joy. and now i find myself having to learn all over again. it reminds me that i never really lived in the US- never really supported myself as an american. instead i cooked and shopped like a european for 7 years.
but i am thankful for finding some small reminders of britain. lyle's golden syrup to make tiffin bars, heinz beans to have beans on toast with cheese, my favourite digestives for when i need them and galaxy chocolate so i don't have to worry about someone sending me some from england. small mercies. and maybe one day the US will understand the importance of fair-trade and start shopping like they know their choices affect the world. yet for now i am just thankful that i will learn, i will adjust and eventually i will just be thankful in my kitchen without wishing to be at sandford road in my tiny kitchen cooking for 8 :)
my find of the week . . .
if i was in england i would know exactly what to get. what was more cost efficient. what was worth the brand name and what didn't matter.
but instead i was looking at prices. and frankly appalled. and left wondering what on earth am i going to start cooking for myself. i'm going to have to start to new habits. new ways of cooking. and definitely new ways of saving money.
and i also have noticed the lack of fair-trade items. i always bought fair-trade bananas, coffee, sugar and chocolate. and it was so easy to buy local veg. and then i found an aisle with british products and almost wept.
i miss knowing how to shop. how to be economical but spend the extra when its worth it. like on fair-trade food. or local produce. because it helps the world and helps the environment.
my kitchen has become the constant reminder of what i miss most of all. cooking was where i found comfort and joy. and now i find myself having to learn all over again. it reminds me that i never really lived in the US- never really supported myself as an american. instead i cooked and shopped like a european for 7 years.
but i am thankful for finding some small reminders of britain. lyle's golden syrup to make tiffin bars, heinz beans to have beans on toast with cheese, my favourite digestives for when i need them and galaxy chocolate so i don't have to worry about someone sending me some from england. small mercies. and maybe one day the US will understand the importance of fair-trade and start shopping like they know their choices affect the world. yet for now i am just thankful that i will learn, i will adjust and eventually i will just be thankful in my kitchen without wishing to be at sandford road in my tiny kitchen cooking for 8 :)
my find of the week . . .
8.1.10
debt
have you ever been indebted to someone? have you known that feeling that you will never be able to return the favour, pay them back or even come close to thanking them enough for all they've done? well every time i think i get used to that feeling something will inevitably happen that will again place me in someones debt.
my car this week being a prime example. a friend has saved me hundreds of dollars in repairs and labour. i will never ever be able to pay that back. and i can start to feel the weight of owing them. and i can start to feel the loss of joy because the relationship now feels unequal and i can't make it up. instead i should be thankful. not indebted.
and i can feel that pretty much every day. my salary is paid by people that have names and faces. amazing people who give and sacrifice because they believe in me. i know them each personally. i know how much they give. and if i let myself i can get weighed down by the knowledge of how much i owe them. how much i can never return what they have given me, whether in money, prayers, gifts, encouragement or pretty much everything. and it is humbling.
it also made me think about other peoples jobs and gifts. for example my brother is employed by the government so technically each of us that pays our federal taxes contributes to his salary- whether willingly or unwillingly :)
and think about the simple choice of toilet paper- a willing and necessary choice. when you by it you support the tree growers, harvesters, shippers, makers and packers. when you buy a certain brand you pay for the advertisement, the TV commercials, the CEO and even the middlemangement that went into that toilet paper. in effect you have contributed to the salary of hundreds by a simple choice of toilet paper.
you may not know their names or see their faces. and of the 4 dollars that you spend on it, probably less than a penny goes to each. however you have still paid it. they are still receiving it. and so they are indebted to you for your simple choice in a daily product.
so i am trying to remind myself to receive with a thankful heart. to lay the burden of indebtedness down. to remember that if i feel this way about simple things then i need to question if i am carrying that same burden for Christ who gave so much more. thankful that Jesus said my burden is light and my yoke is easy. thankful that God does not want us walking around with the burden of debt on our shoulders.
from my time on whidby island, washington.
my car this week being a prime example. a friend has saved me hundreds of dollars in repairs and labour. i will never ever be able to pay that back. and i can start to feel the weight of owing them. and i can start to feel the loss of joy because the relationship now feels unequal and i can't make it up. instead i should be thankful. not indebted.
and i can feel that pretty much every day. my salary is paid by people that have names and faces. amazing people who give and sacrifice because they believe in me. i know them each personally. i know how much they give. and if i let myself i can get weighed down by the knowledge of how much i owe them. how much i can never return what they have given me, whether in money, prayers, gifts, encouragement or pretty much everything. and it is humbling.
it also made me think about other peoples jobs and gifts. for example my brother is employed by the government so technically each of us that pays our federal taxes contributes to his salary- whether willingly or unwillingly :)
and think about the simple choice of toilet paper- a willing and necessary choice. when you by it you support the tree growers, harvesters, shippers, makers and packers. when you buy a certain brand you pay for the advertisement, the TV commercials, the CEO and even the middlemangement that went into that toilet paper. in effect you have contributed to the salary of hundreds by a simple choice of toilet paper.
you may not know their names or see their faces. and of the 4 dollars that you spend on it, probably less than a penny goes to each. however you have still paid it. they are still receiving it. and so they are indebted to you for your simple choice in a daily product.
so i am trying to remind myself to receive with a thankful heart. to lay the burden of indebtedness down. to remember that if i feel this way about simple things then i need to question if i am carrying that same burden for Christ who gave so much more. thankful that Jesus said my burden is light and my yoke is easy. thankful that God does not want us walking around with the burden of debt on our shoulders.
from my time on whidby island, washington.
20.12.09
silent
there are times when we just feel like that silent observer. sitting in a room full of people. watching a family play together. standing at the airport.
quietly watching the world go by. the strange man in a skunk hat. the noisy woman on the phone sharing her life story for all to hear. visiting a new church.
and there are even those times when it happens within our own family and circle of friends. times when we could fully participate but the joy in standing back. taking a moment. being that silent witness to joy, happiness and love.
i've had that privilege this week. there were definitely times of helping out, holding mollie, changing diapers, distracting maggie, giving hugs and kisses, and making my nieces smile. fully engaging. participating. living.
but some of my favourite moments have been the times of being that silent witness. to watch love, discipline, joy, tears. to stand back. to sit by. not because its better or because i'm tired. because there is something about the privilege of just being there.
and i confess that sometimes i am just overwhelmed. my eyes glaze over. my heart is close to bursting. expanding with thankfulness. grateful that God gives so much. so much in just being silent and taking it all in. that we are not always required to do anything but enjoy the moment. take it all in. silently.
and here are some of my favourite moments living it and not standing back. because lets be honest - how many chances do we really get to stop and really absorb the gift we have in front of us?
quietly watching the world go by. the strange man in a skunk hat. the noisy woman on the phone sharing her life story for all to hear. visiting a new church.
and there are even those times when it happens within our own family and circle of friends. times when we could fully participate but the joy in standing back. taking a moment. being that silent witness to joy, happiness and love.
i've had that privilege this week. there were definitely times of helping out, holding mollie, changing diapers, distracting maggie, giving hugs and kisses, and making my nieces smile. fully engaging. participating. living.
but some of my favourite moments have been the times of being that silent witness. to watch love, discipline, joy, tears. to stand back. to sit by. not because its better or because i'm tired. because there is something about the privilege of just being there.
and i confess that sometimes i am just overwhelmed. my eyes glaze over. my heart is close to bursting. expanding with thankfulness. grateful that God gives so much. so much in just being silent and taking it all in. that we are not always required to do anything but enjoy the moment. take it all in. silently.
and here are some of my favourite moments living it and not standing back. because lets be honest - how many chances do we really get to stop and really absorb the gift we have in front of us?
4.12.09
choice
vicktor frankl, a survivor of the holocaust once said:
'everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.'
powerful stuff when you think about it.
in one week my car was stolen, solutions have been provided for within days, my long awaited boxes arrived from england, unpacked boxes showed some broken family and sentimental things, a mother/daughter day was spent visiting the governor's house to see it decorated for christmas, and today i've been baking pecan pie in my kitchen for tonight, an evening with food and friends.
and again i am left with that thought that it really is my choice what i focus on. what gets my attention or drags me down. i have been praying a lot this week. and not just because my car was stolen.
but because i don't want this to be about me. my bad luck. poor decisions. or even just the way it is. i want to see God be glorified in me because He is able to use even a stolen car to bring His name glory. and that is what i liked to see. i want to give praise even if its never found, even if i have to drive a car not of my choice, and even if nothing of consequence seems to come out of it. it is my choice to pray for this and to adjust my attitude to reflect it.
i leave with this thought on prayer from a book a group of us are reading by mark batterson,
'Prayer is less about changing our circumstances and more about changing our perspective.'
thankful for a God who is good all the time and never leaves or forsakes!
'everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.'
powerful stuff when you think about it.
in one week my car was stolen, solutions have been provided for within days, my long awaited boxes arrived from england, unpacked boxes showed some broken family and sentimental things, a mother/daughter day was spent visiting the governor's house to see it decorated for christmas, and today i've been baking pecan pie in my kitchen for tonight, an evening with food and friends.
and again i am left with that thought that it really is my choice what i focus on. what gets my attention or drags me down. i have been praying a lot this week. and not just because my car was stolen.
but because i don't want this to be about me. my bad luck. poor decisions. or even just the way it is. i want to see God be glorified in me because He is able to use even a stolen car to bring His name glory. and that is what i liked to see. i want to give praise even if its never found, even if i have to drive a car not of my choice, and even if nothing of consequence seems to come out of it. it is my choice to pray for this and to adjust my attitude to reflect it.
i leave with this thought on prayer from a book a group of us are reading by mark batterson,
'Prayer is less about changing our circumstances and more about changing our perspective.'
thankful for a God who is good all the time and never leaves or forsakes!
27.11.09
gold
so today as i was driving home stretched out before me was an amazing sky. deep dark clouds in layers and just at the horizon a shimmering continuous line of gold bursting forth against the black trees and threatening clouds above.
my first thought was 'God you are so good!' how beautiful. instantly my mind went to that old saying about a sliver lining. but this was a beautiful perfect gold lining. better than silver. more brilliant. gorgeous.
and then i remembered that no one asked me what i was thankful for this thanksgiving. no sharing around the table or friendly conversation. so i thought about what i would have said. what am i thankful for this year? in some ways it is a redundant question because this blog is all about what i am thankful for. every week i share how i see God and his goodness to me and around me.
but what about for 2009? what could i point to? what could i say for a year that in all honesty i would like to end asap. yet that is what i love about the sky that i saw tonight. it reminded me of what i am thankful for most of all.
our God is better than sliver linings. He gives us gold linings. perfectly stretched out from east to west unbroken. and this year i have seen the incredible goodness and mercy of God in a continuous, unstoppable way right next to the dark woods and dooming skies. and that is because His goodness is like the brilliant light that shines brightest and truest against the darkness.
so this year i am thankful for God's goodness to me- His unending, unchanging, unstoppable goodness that is best seen against the hard, difficult and challenging.
i am also thankful that i've gotten to see so much of my family this year- the most in 7 years. i just saw my cousins and in two weeks i get to see my wonderful nieces :)
my first thought was 'God you are so good!' how beautiful. instantly my mind went to that old saying about a sliver lining. but this was a beautiful perfect gold lining. better than silver. more brilliant. gorgeous.
and then i remembered that no one asked me what i was thankful for this thanksgiving. no sharing around the table or friendly conversation. so i thought about what i would have said. what am i thankful for this year? in some ways it is a redundant question because this blog is all about what i am thankful for. every week i share how i see God and his goodness to me and around me.
but what about for 2009? what could i point to? what could i say for a year that in all honesty i would like to end asap. yet that is what i love about the sky that i saw tonight. it reminded me of what i am thankful for most of all.
our God is better than sliver linings. He gives us gold linings. perfectly stretched out from east to west unbroken. and this year i have seen the incredible goodness and mercy of God in a continuous, unstoppable way right next to the dark woods and dooming skies. and that is because His goodness is like the brilliant light that shines brightest and truest against the darkness.
so this year i am thankful for God's goodness to me- His unending, unchanging, unstoppable goodness that is best seen against the hard, difficult and challenging.
i am also thankful that i've gotten to see so much of my family this year- the most in 7 years. i just saw my cousins and in two weeks i get to see my wonderful nieces :)
21.11.09
stuff
recently i was humming . . .
'give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.
and now let the weak say i am strong,
let the poor say i am rich,
because of what the Lord has done for me.
give thanks'
and i also read this week a post called treasures that made me think. its so easy to focus on the wrong thing. the wrong stuff.
i still don't know when i will get my stuff from england. apparently its cleared customs but that's about all i know. i've basically been living out of two suitcases for an entire year. i am fed up. i want my things. and i am longing.
longing for a home, longing for my stuff, longing for all the wrong things. focusing on the wrong stuff. the wrong treasure.
and it is the season of giving thanks. i should be thanking Christ for all He's done, for how He has provided. He has given strength when i've felt week. He has supplied even when I doubt. and most of all He has given all to prepare a place for me and a treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy.
my stuff, while seemingly important will rust, and fade, and break and eventually be worthless. and i am so thankful for the reminder that it is not my treasure or my security. i have much greater one :)
'give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.
and now let the weak say i am strong,
let the poor say i am rich,
because of what the Lord has done for me.
give thanks'
and i also read this week a post called treasures that made me think. its so easy to focus on the wrong thing. the wrong stuff.
i still don't know when i will get my stuff from england. apparently its cleared customs but that's about all i know. i've basically been living out of two suitcases for an entire year. i am fed up. i want my things. and i am longing.
longing for a home, longing for my stuff, longing for all the wrong things. focusing on the wrong stuff. the wrong treasure.
and it is the season of giving thanks. i should be thanking Christ for all He's done, for how He has provided. He has given strength when i've felt week. He has supplied even when I doubt. and most of all He has given all to prepare a place for me and a treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy.
my stuff, while seemingly important will rust, and fade, and break and eventually be worthless. and i am so thankful for the reminder that it is not my treasure or my security. i have much greater one :)
13.11.09
comfort
so where do you go for comfort?
a best friend, the gym to work it out, the chocolate aisle?
well for me, i go to the kitchen. when all else fails, when i can't reach a friend and no matter how many walks i go on, the kitchen remains my place of comfort.
its been a bit of a rough week, rattling around in almost empty house, waiting for news about my stuff, tired of looking at items trying to remember if i have that in a box somewhere.
so today i went to the grocery store and bought some food to put in my empty cabinets. and now i am cooking. i love the peace of a kitchen.
the simple sounds of chopping, cutting, scrubbing and bubbling. the smells of onion and garlic simmering. the mess and chaos while creating. the challenge of new recipe or the comfort of an old favourite. one that you've cooked so many times you don't need the recipe. in fact you could almost cook it blind. and then the cleaning up afterwards. a sparkling clean kitchen and yummy food to eat.
thankful that God gives comfort. i know we are to find it in Him. but i think He knows that we are tactile physical beings that need something tangible every once in a while. blessed to know the God of comfort and peace. and blessed to have a kitchen with just enough supplies to cook with for the mean time :)
some images of my new to me kitchen, making one of my favourite comfort foods- soup!
a best friend, the gym to work it out, the chocolate aisle?
well for me, i go to the kitchen. when all else fails, when i can't reach a friend and no matter how many walks i go on, the kitchen remains my place of comfort.
its been a bit of a rough week, rattling around in almost empty house, waiting for news about my stuff, tired of looking at items trying to remember if i have that in a box somewhere.
so today i went to the grocery store and bought some food to put in my empty cabinets. and now i am cooking. i love the peace of a kitchen.
the simple sounds of chopping, cutting, scrubbing and bubbling. the smells of onion and garlic simmering. the mess and chaos while creating. the challenge of new recipe or the comfort of an old favourite. one that you've cooked so many times you don't need the recipe. in fact you could almost cook it blind. and then the cleaning up afterwards. a sparkling clean kitchen and yummy food to eat.
thankful that God gives comfort. i know we are to find it in Him. but i think He knows that we are tactile physical beings that need something tangible every once in a while. blessed to know the God of comfort and peace. and blessed to have a kitchen with just enough supplies to cook with for the mean time :)
some images of my new to me kitchen, making one of my favourite comfort foods- soup!
31.10.09
carving
hmmmmm carving. carve a turkey. carve wood. carve out a pumpkin. carve out a new role. carve out our own place.
it got me thinking. while none of the subjects remain the same thing is still required for the carving to actually happen. and to be done well.
you need the right tools. dull blades, knives the wrong size or shape, insufficient information or lacking support all significantly impact the final product.
currently we are carving out a new role for me at work. and this week was spent gathering new tools- good tools at that. communication tools. web tools. meeting new contacts and people. training in current procedures. all very important things for me to do and to carve out my new role.
and i am thankful that God always equips for every good work. thankful that my organization values me and invests in me. thankful for all the great tools i received this week that will help me in the future.
so i carved a pumpkin last week. it was lots of fun. unfortunately it didn't make it to this week. it rotted to the core in less than 5 days. and it was perfect. so its killing me that i can't post of a picture of it this week. but this is where i got it from.
it got me thinking. while none of the subjects remain the same thing is still required for the carving to actually happen. and to be done well.
you need the right tools. dull blades, knives the wrong size or shape, insufficient information or lacking support all significantly impact the final product.
currently we are carving out a new role for me at work. and this week was spent gathering new tools- good tools at that. communication tools. web tools. meeting new contacts and people. training in current procedures. all very important things for me to do and to carve out my new role.
and i am thankful that God always equips for every good work. thankful that my organization values me and invests in me. thankful for all the great tools i received this week that will help me in the future.
so i carved a pumpkin last week. it was lots of fun. unfortunately it didn't make it to this week. it rotted to the core in less than 5 days. and it was perfect. so its killing me that i can't post of a picture of it this week. but this is where i got it from.
24.10.09
project
i love projects. this week i've made some curtains. i've painted a table for my living room. i've baked and cooked. and scoured places to find great deals and get the best price for my money.
with new projects the designing it, creating it and then seeing it accomplished feels great . but i still think my favourite projects are the ones where you take something old, something broken, something of no value or consequence and turn it into something amazing.
next week i'll be joining some colleagues to work on a monster project. a project that will take more training, more time, more money and more people. we are part of team that is reworking the reachglobal website. and its a doozie.
but i know we are all hopeful and excited to see something that wasn't working to its capabilities and reaching its target eventually be a site of character and worth. it is a huge project but it will be finished. maybe not this week but soon.
so i guess i am thankful for my small projects. my little ways that i've seen progress and growth. big projects can steal our motivation when we don't see progress and so i'm grateful that there are enough little projects to keep me going and to keep me thankful.
my little table- the draws still stick so its not quite finished but man does it look better than when i bought it for ten bucks :)
with new projects the designing it, creating it and then seeing it accomplished feels great . but i still think my favourite projects are the ones where you take something old, something broken, something of no value or consequence and turn it into something amazing.
next week i'll be joining some colleagues to work on a monster project. a project that will take more training, more time, more money and more people. we are part of team that is reworking the reachglobal website. and its a doozie.
but i know we are all hopeful and excited to see something that wasn't working to its capabilities and reaching its target eventually be a site of character and worth. it is a huge project but it will be finished. maybe not this week but soon.
so i guess i am thankful for my small projects. my little ways that i've seen progress and growth. big projects can steal our motivation when we don't see progress and so i'm grateful that there are enough little projects to keep me going and to keep me thankful.
my little table- the draws still stick so its not quite finished but man does it look better than when i bought it for ten bucks :)
17.10.09
waiting
so i've been doing a lot waiting these days. delayed flights, long lines, purchasing essentials.
and i'll still be waiting. waiting for the lease to go through. waiting for my boxes to arrive from england. and waiting to be settled in my home, my school and my work.
it is so tempting to want to rush. to get it done faster. to wish time away. to be done with waiting. but i've been learning that waiting doesn't mean just standing still. or doing nothing. it doesn't mean stopping.
i'm amazed that while waiting you can get an incredible amount of things accomplished. and that the waiting only makes you think through decisions more carefully. waiting lets you slow down.
so i'm thankful that i am being made to wait. trusting that eventually i will have a place to live, a car to drive, amazing teachers and classes and role at work that is valuable. and so i'm thankful that Jesus gives us that lesson of yeast and bread to remind us that the best things do come to those who wait!
one of the last things i made in england- a french recipe that i picked up in my travels. can't wait to make it again!
and i'll still be waiting. waiting for the lease to go through. waiting for my boxes to arrive from england. and waiting to be settled in my home, my school and my work.
it is so tempting to want to rush. to get it done faster. to wish time away. to be done with waiting. but i've been learning that waiting doesn't mean just standing still. or doing nothing. it doesn't mean stopping.
i'm amazed that while waiting you can get an incredible amount of things accomplished. and that the waiting only makes you think through decisions more carefully. waiting lets you slow down.
so i'm thankful that i am being made to wait. trusting that eventually i will have a place to live, a car to drive, amazing teachers and classes and role at work that is valuable. and so i'm thankful that Jesus gives us that lesson of yeast and bread to remind us that the best things do come to those who wait!
one of the last things i made in england- a french recipe that i picked up in my travels. can't wait to make it again!
3.10.09
ready
so i'm pretty much ready to go. ready for the next stage. happy for the stability that being at seminary for 4 years will bring. excited for my new role at work. looking forward to having a home with space and storage! anticipating finally getting out of the city. boxes packed and shipped.
yep pretty much ready on all accounts . . . that is except for one . . .
i don't think anyone is ever ready to say goodbye. how can you ever be ready to let go of 7 years of building a life. a community. an identity.
how can you ever say goodbye to such a large part of whats makes you who you are?
well i don't think you can. but i am thankful that God is with me. He will help me with every tearful goodbye this week. He will remind me that i can always visit. He will whisper in my ear that i am loved and an ocean cannot separate me from that love. thankful that when i tempted to dig my heals in and refuse to say goodbye because i'll never be ready that He is ready to meet me, go with me, guide me and love me at each step.
my mom with my almost ready boxes . . .
yep pretty much ready on all accounts . . . that is except for one . . .
i don't think anyone is ever ready to say goodbye. how can you ever be ready to let go of 7 years of building a life. a community. an identity.
how can you ever say goodbye to such a large part of whats makes you who you are?
well i don't think you can. but i am thankful that God is with me. He will help me with every tearful goodbye this week. He will remind me that i can always visit. He will whisper in my ear that i am loved and an ocean cannot separate me from that love. thankful that when i tempted to dig my heals in and refuse to say goodbye because i'll never be ready that He is ready to meet me, go with me, guide me and love me at each step.
my mom with my almost ready boxes . . .
26.9.09
lost
so what's the first thing you are supposed to do if you get lost?
i believe we are taught as children to stay put, wait, and let ourselves be found.
but can i tell you how hard that is? first to recognize that we are lost in the first place. and then to wait and keep waiting with trust until the moment we are found. we want to fight it, take control and get ourselves out of our situation.
i've been feeling more than a bit lost these days. lost in a sea of boxes. lost in the details. lost in trying to carve out a new identity. lost in the numbers. feeling like a little girl lost in a dress that is way too big for her.
God is teaching me that the best thing to do is to wait to be found. wait for God to rescue. trusting that we have a God who is in the business of finding what is lost. and as His child our job sometimes is just to wait.
thankful for His word poured out on me these last two weeks. thankful my mother will soon be here to help. thankful that God does provide and will provide. thankful God is more than enough.
He will set my feet upon the rock . . .
i believe we are taught as children to stay put, wait, and let ourselves be found.
but can i tell you how hard that is? first to recognize that we are lost in the first place. and then to wait and keep waiting with trust until the moment we are found. we want to fight it, take control and get ourselves out of our situation.
i've been feeling more than a bit lost these days. lost in a sea of boxes. lost in the details. lost in trying to carve out a new identity. lost in the numbers. feeling like a little girl lost in a dress that is way too big for her.
God is teaching me that the best thing to do is to wait to be found. wait for God to rescue. trusting that we have a God who is in the business of finding what is lost. and as His child our job sometimes is just to wait.
thankful for His word poured out on me these last two weeks. thankful my mother will soon be here to help. thankful that God does provide and will provide. thankful God is more than enough.
He will set my feet upon the rock . . .
11.9.09
retreat
on sunday i go on a two week retreat. and i've been questioning the timing of this. currently i surrounded by about 50 packed boxes. so not bad. still to be packed are my pictures and art. but that's basically it. its been a bit of a push but i've managed.
however leaving for two weeks means less time with friends. less time to find someone to buy my car. less time to sort out final details. less time full stop.
in return though for going on this retreat i hope to gain more energy. more perspective. more strength for the days ahead. more grace to say a very painful goodbye. more of me to go around. and more of God.
retreats are a funny thing because they are self-imposed. they are not vacation but to some they might seem that way. so i constantly feel the need to justify it. in my mind i know it is essential that i take this retreat. but my heart in warring on me, trying to find excuses to cancel and maybe just crawl into bed instead :)
thankful for my booked plane ticket, booked place to stay, booked people to greet me and help me. grateful that Jesus set the example for retreats.
an image from my last retreat a year and a half ago - although no ocean views for me this year- the mountains instead :) see you in two weeks. . .
however leaving for two weeks means less time with friends. less time to find someone to buy my car. less time to sort out final details. less time full stop.
in return though for going on this retreat i hope to gain more energy. more perspective. more strength for the days ahead. more grace to say a very painful goodbye. more of me to go around. and more of God.
retreats are a funny thing because they are self-imposed. they are not vacation but to some they might seem that way. so i constantly feel the need to justify it. in my mind i know it is essential that i take this retreat. but my heart in warring on me, trying to find excuses to cancel and maybe just crawl into bed instead :)
thankful for my booked plane ticket, booked place to stay, booked people to greet me and help me. grateful that Jesus set the example for retreats.
an image from my last retreat a year and a half ago - although no ocean views for me this year- the mountains instead :) see you in two weeks. . .
5.9.09
help
i hate asking for help. somehow it seems weak. especially when one is supposed to be self-sufficient, capable, and mature. shouldn't i be able to handle everything? shouldn't i be strong enough?
and i have some favourite excuses that prevent me from asking for help. any of these sound familiar?
it will be easier if i just do it myself . . .
oh they don't have the time, they're so busy . . .
i don't want to inconvenience anyone . . .
they'll probably just say no anyway . . .
and the excuses continue. and it does feel horrible when you finally do ask for help and then that person can't. do they have any idea how hard it was to ask in the first place? but the thing i have to keep reminding myself is that i still must keep asking. one no should not stop me from the future yeses.
the psalms are a great teacher of this. how many times do they call on God for help? and how many times does it seem like God is not answering? but when God does its always amazing- perfect in its timing and incredible in its quantity.
so i must believe in God's ability to help me and his desire to provide. i must remember to ask. and above all i must continue to give thanks to God for all he has done and continues to do.
from my window this week.
and i have some favourite excuses that prevent me from asking for help. any of these sound familiar?
it will be easier if i just do it myself . . .
oh they don't have the time, they're so busy . . .
i don't want to inconvenience anyone . . .
they'll probably just say no anyway . . .
and the excuses continue. and it does feel horrible when you finally do ask for help and then that person can't. do they have any idea how hard it was to ask in the first place? but the thing i have to keep reminding myself is that i still must keep asking. one no should not stop me from the future yeses.
the psalms are a great teacher of this. how many times do they call on God for help? and how many times does it seem like God is not answering? but when God does its always amazing- perfect in its timing and incredible in its quantity.
so i must believe in God's ability to help me and his desire to provide. i must remember to ask. and above all i must continue to give thanks to God for all he has done and continues to do.
from my window this week.
31.8.09
118
we sang psalm 118 yesterday. i almost cried. especially when we got the second verse.
Give thanks to God for He is good,
the everlasting Giver:
let all his people praise the LORD
whose love endures for ever.
For his right hand has made me strong;
I am his new creation:
he is my God, he is my song,
my strength and my salvation.
When troubles loomed on every side
and nameless fears surrounded,
to God my LORD I quickly cried
and soon his help abounded.
For God has heard my desperate plea
and seen my pain and sadness;
he came to me, and set me free
in paths of peace and gladness.
We trust in God, in him alone;
the stone that was rejected
has now become the cornerstone
that God has resurrected.
The day is his, first of days,
to celebrate with singing;
rejoice in God, and give him praise,
our best hosannas bringing.
The LORD has made his light to shine
on all our dark depression;
from east to west, believers join
his victory procession.
O save us LORD; give us success!
Your gifts flow like a river
O bless us, God whose name we bless!
Your love endures forever.
and the thing is in typical british fashion i have no idea what tune we sang it to :)
the doors of the cologne cathedral - we sang in a much humbler place . . .
Give thanks to God for He is good,
the everlasting Giver:
let all his people praise the LORD
whose love endures for ever.
For his right hand has made me strong;
I am his new creation:
he is my God, he is my song,
my strength and my salvation.
When troubles loomed on every side
and nameless fears surrounded,
to God my LORD I quickly cried
and soon his help abounded.
For God has heard my desperate plea
and seen my pain and sadness;
he came to me, and set me free
in paths of peace and gladness.
We trust in God, in him alone;
the stone that was rejected
has now become the cornerstone
that God has resurrected.
The day is his, first of days,
to celebrate with singing;
rejoice in God, and give him praise,
our best hosannas bringing.
The LORD has made his light to shine
on all our dark depression;
from east to west, believers join
his victory procession.
O save us LORD; give us success!
Your gifts flow like a river
O bless us, God whose name we bless!
Your love endures forever.
and the thing is in typical british fashion i have no idea what tune we sang it to :)
the doors of the cologne cathedral - we sang in a much humbler place . . .
28.8.09
relief
finally everyone knows that i returning to the US. well i at least i think everyone knows :) and i am breathing a huge sigh of relief. i've had to wait over 8 months before i could finally announce my plans.
i do not like keeping things hidden, quiet or secret. i am bad at it. mostly because i can't tell a lie. all someone needs to do is ask me the right question and the answer is on my face before i even open my mouth. although living in england has taught me a few things.
i have learned that it is ok to give a vague answer- usually because its more than sufficient. i have learned that people really don't want to know your entire life story in five minutes. i have learned that the weather is always a safe topic :) and after almost 7 years of living here i have learned real friendships are for life and difficult circumstances only highlight the real ones.
so it has been with very mixed emotions that i've begun packing. surviving off of grilled cheese and coffee at the moment :) but so thankful for friends, for the time spent living overseas and for God's constant care and provision!
i do not like keeping things hidden, quiet or secret. i am bad at it. mostly because i can't tell a lie. all someone needs to do is ask me the right question and the answer is on my face before i even open my mouth. although living in england has taught me a few things.
i have learned that it is ok to give a vague answer- usually because its more than sufficient. i have learned that people really don't want to know your entire life story in five minutes. i have learned that the weather is always a safe topic :) and after almost 7 years of living here i have learned real friendships are for life and difficult circumstances only highlight the real ones.
so it has been with very mixed emotions that i've begun packing. surviving off of grilled cheese and coffee at the moment :) but so thankful for friends, for the time spent living overseas and for God's constant care and provision!
22.8.09
sojourner
last week i was sharing a lot of my journey with friends and colleagues and some where in between the sharing and the crying someone wisely said remember to enjoy the journey.
so i’ve been reflecting on what that means exactly. especially since so much of my journey these last two years have been painful. how are we to enjoy the path of suffering? how do we remember to take our eyes off the painful bits and revel in the tiny God moments along the way?
i have no answers. but i am thankful for the reminder. i have been travelling for two weeks now across europe. a sojourner. at times completely at the will and mercy of others- their hospitality, their mercy and their kindness.
and we are sojourners in this life. travelling. meeting change. having unexpected detours. partners and friendships along the way. and most importantly- totally at the mercy, will and love of God.
hopefully i will meet this bend in the road with joy and take pleasure in the road i’m on :)
just like my friends and i did travelling through europe!
maps and sat navs are the only way to go . . .
the ferry crossing was made special by flocks of seagulls flying alongside us . . .
one of the many amusing sights along the way :)
enjoying germany . . .
and its food :)
finally arriving to worship with our colleagues
the sign that greeted everyone at auschwitz- 'work gains freedom'
beautiful beautiful prague . . .
loving how europeans choose to travel :)
scenic strasbourg . . .
. . . and beautiful stain-glass
and finally close to home at canterbury :)
so i’ve been reflecting on what that means exactly. especially since so much of my journey these last two years have been painful. how are we to enjoy the path of suffering? how do we remember to take our eyes off the painful bits and revel in the tiny God moments along the way?
i have no answers. but i am thankful for the reminder. i have been travelling for two weeks now across europe. a sojourner. at times completely at the will and mercy of others- their hospitality, their mercy and their kindness.
and we are sojourners in this life. travelling. meeting change. having unexpected detours. partners and friendships along the way. and most importantly- totally at the mercy, will and love of God.
hopefully i will meet this bend in the road with joy and take pleasure in the road i’m on :)
just like my friends and i did travelling through europe!
maps and sat navs are the only way to go . . .
the ferry crossing was made special by flocks of seagulls flying alongside us . . .
one of the many amusing sights along the way :)
enjoying germany . . .
and its food :)
finally arriving to worship with our colleagues
the sign that greeted everyone at auschwitz- 'work gains freedom'
beautiful beautiful prague . . .
loving how europeans choose to travel :)
scenic strasbourg . . .
. . . and beautiful stain-glass
and finally close to home at canterbury :)
14.8.09
family
i think family is an amazing thing. mostly because i don't have much in the way of biological family members - small but mighty! and i also have a great extended family. o the joy of family both related and non. and the privilege.
right now my sister-in-law in due any day with their second child. and i am an eager aunt. sad to not be there soon after the baby's birth but so excited to that anticipated day.
and also right now i am with my other family. my co-workers in faith. and i love them. its like a wonderful reunion that lasts an entire week. we worship together. we cry together. we share. and share some more.
so blessed. blessed to have so much family. a growing family. blessed to be in poland with wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. blessed to have another niece to welcome in the family, to love and to spoil.
todd & beka . . . some of my family over here :)
right now my sister-in-law in due any day with their second child. and i am an eager aunt. sad to not be there soon after the baby's birth but so excited to that anticipated day.
and also right now i am with my other family. my co-workers in faith. and i love them. its like a wonderful reunion that lasts an entire week. we worship together. we cry together. we share. and share some more.
so blessed. blessed to have so much family. a growing family. blessed to be in poland with wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. blessed to have another niece to welcome in the family, to love and to spoil.
todd & beka . . . some of my family over here :)
7.8.09
member
there is something great about exceeded expectations. we've just had 16 americans for 10 whole days. and with them they brought a flurry of activity and plenty of enthusiasm. but the whole experience was more than i could ever have imagined and i was not prepared for what God would show me.
i was privileged to see the body of Christ at work. overwhelmed by what happens when everyone pulls together. pulls their weight. is a member of the body.
i worked with three different teams and while at times i wanted to pull my hair out because my phone wouldn't stop ringing, questions needed answers, and people direction. it was still a joy. i had my team of colleagues, my church here in england and my visiting church.
and the thing is we couldn't have done it without each other. if at any one point one had said, no thanks, not interested in being a member of this body it would have fallen apart.
and i am so thankful. thankful for God's grace. thankful for every member in the body of Christ. and thankful we are not left to our own but we've been given each other to accomplish greater things together :)
i was privileged to see the body of Christ at work. overwhelmed by what happens when everyone pulls together. pulls their weight. is a member of the body.
i worked with three different teams and while at times i wanted to pull my hair out because my phone wouldn't stop ringing, questions needed answers, and people direction. it was still a joy. i had my team of colleagues, my church here in england and my visiting church.
and the thing is we couldn't have done it without each other. if at any one point one had said, no thanks, not interested in being a member of this body it would have fallen apart.
and i am so thankful. thankful for God's grace. thankful for every member in the body of Christ. and thankful we are not left to our own but we've been given each other to accomplish greater things together :)
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