These ARE the Good Old Days!

Running into a long lost relative/friend is easier than ever with reunions, the internet and Facebook. This can be joyful or really rather difficult. A song, smell, picture or conversation can bring back a flood of memories. Some may force us into a sense of nostalgic sadness.

In looking back, we can see what developed into the bigger picture of what is now. It's certainly encouraging to look back on happier times, but re-hashing hurts can be destructive:

"But one thing I do, is forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."

Phil. 3:13

God has called us heavenward... What can we do TODAY to live the supernatural, extraordinary life He has called us to? How can we live with arms wide open, extended?

Keeping our focus forward and on Him enroute, is the testimony of our days – days filled with purpose and progress to the greatest reunion of all. The one where we get to meet all - new and old departed, reunited in praise and glory – no remorse, no regret. Focus on the eternal, heavenly days, living in the now for Him.

Press in and press on,

Giselle

Just Breath

What is something that takes your breath away and leaves you in awe of God? Maybe your new born baby, or the pure laughter of children? Maybe that great cup of hot tea you just steeped? Gardening? Walking? Running? Your pets?

For me its always been nature and creation. The lush green leaves, the fragrances of flowers drifting thought the air, the bird's song and even just the beauty of the birds. Rushing rivers, fluffy white clouds drifting in the bright blue sky and all this is heightened for me after the rain when everything has that clear freshness to it. Psalms 19:1 says “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

The vast beauty of creation is God's handiwork and it brings me to complete and utter awe of God. My soul quiets . . . Ps. 46:10 says, "Be still and know I am God" my spirit, and my whole being, knows and see’s God clearly.

What is that thing in your daily life that sparks that aweness, that joy and you see or feel God in that special moment and special way?

Has that same closeness to God during those special moments slowly become forgotten or lost in the busyness of life for you? My soul sings in those moments, but honesty those moments I had seen so regularly before are happening less and less. Why? I believe I am thinking and worrying and dwelling on "life's troubles" more and more instead of "trusting in the Lord with all my heart" Prov 3:5.

In my own life I am drawn back to the basics and trusting in God to care for my needs. Just breathing, opening up my senses and enjoying those moments in creation to breath God in. One of the ways I feel like God is showing me himself is that small baby bunny hopping in the yard; the big, bright moon; the crisp, winter morning with frost clinging to everything; the sunsets and sunrises. I enjoy the awe and wonder of it all.

I am reminded in nature and in the stillness that God is right here among all of us. IS there that one thing that brings you into awe of God? What is it? Have you been aware of it lately?

Sarah J.

Sarah is an early childhood educator and is involved in her church's youth group "Thrive". She is also on the missions committee in her church.

Beautiful Mess!

Looking at friends’ pictures in albums and on line I have discovered something that many of us as parents have in common. As we teach our children how to feed themselves it seems that at some point we present them with some sort of spaghetti meal. The next step in this process is a picture of the grinning child sporting the remnants of the meal.

What a beautiful mess!

Mealtime messes are part of life if children are involved – a necessary part of the process. The nursing infant doesn’t create nearly the mess that a determined toddler with a spoon is capable of accomplishing!

Even moving from the toddler stage doesn’t stop the messes. One of our family mysteries is figuring out how our then preschooler managed to get the chocolate pudding on his back while he was eating it…thankfully he does much better now…but still…it was a beautiful mess!

Then fast forward to the teen years when it seems that food consumption is non-stop. The constant sight of dirty dishes in the sink…a beautiful mess!

Are you questioning? A beautiful mess? Really?

Each of these messy stages shows us that growth is happening. Maturity is developing.

Each of these messy stages had to happen and because we know they are a sign of growth and that they are passing we can label them beautiful messes.

Sometimes we have situations in our lives which look like a mess. Just a mess…no beauty at all.

Sometimes we feel like a mess – not nearly as together as we imagine everyone else to be…

Our Father uses these things, these messes, to move us forward if we will let him…so that tomorrow we are not at the same place that we were yesterday… so that we do grow…mature in our walk…become more like His Son.

We do not always recognize the beauty of the mess while we are in it – but be encouraged…with our God, nothing is wasted. He promises to walk with us through whatever the mess is…to bring us out the other side…and that makes it a beautiful mess!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.” (Is.43:2,3a)

Ruth

Taking The Plunge

During the summer, our family spends a lot of time at our local outdoor swimming pool or beaches in and around our travels. As our youngest gets older, I am more aware of what is going on around me than ever and get to do one of my favourite (I confess) past times: people watch. I am especially intrigued at laying alongside the diving board deep end – watching people take “the plunge”.

One particular afternoon, I observed a young lad – probably about 8 or 9 climb those stairs, step boldly forward two steps followed by about 5 baby steps, curl his toes around the lip of the diving board, look down and step precariously back to safety. He would get to the bottom of the stairs only to set himself back in line to try again. He did this not once or twice, but probably 15 times.

Leaving the safety of that diving board into the pool was a real challenge for him, as is taking a risk that will enlarge our own lives is for us. It reminds me of Abraham in Genesis 12, where God asks Abraham to leave his country, his people and his father's household to go to the land God would show him. Abraham did. That willingness opened up a brand new world in what becomes known as the Promised Land.

God's expanding of your life likely requires you to take a step outside of your comfort zone, like our little diver. God's greatest adventures start with a command to leave – or turn away from something – towards a plan He has in mind. That's the part that had that young boy's toes wrapped around the end of the diving board... God usually only shows us step by step what to do – we don't always catch the whole picture...but...He asks for our obedience and trust. What is our response?

You don't want to miss the adventure of that jump – the exhilaration of action and refreshing plunge into something that God has in store for you...faithfulness is free-ing.

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you, He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

Press in and press on,

Giselle

Encourage

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Do you remember that rhyme from your days in school? Do you remember when you learned that it wasn’t true…that words can hurt?

The writer of Proverbs has a lot to say about words.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue – our words- have the power of life and death.

We need to choose life!

Here is some more wisdom from Proverbs: "…a timely word is good." (15:23b) and "…a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (25:11)

Sounds like our words can be affirming and encouraging rather than hurtful. Sounds like our words can have great value – precious like silver and gold.

Words of criticism and complaint come so easily. Though some folks seem to be naturals at encouraging, for most of us, it requires a conscious decision.

1 Thes.5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Encourage one another…it’s not complicated really. It doesn’t require eloquence – just a word…maybe an email…a quick phone call…send a text… a note sent in the mail (so exciting to receive!).

When you tell someone that what they are doing makes a difference…that makes a difference!

Sometimes God will prompt you to encourage someone. You may not know why. You may not know that they need encouragement on that day but God knows. Just a simple but sincere “praying for you today.” can make an impact and also open the door for more … more ministry … more relationship.

On the other hand, if you have been encouraged, let the encourager know that what they did mattered. That’s building each other up – it goes two ways. Receive encouragement. Give encouragement…"build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Ruth

A Time for Everything

Sometimes it's good to be reminded of God's timing . . . in everything.

"For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."

Eccl. 3:1-8

Jo-Ann

Where Are The Poor?

Where are the poor?

As I contemplate this question from the coziness and quiet of my room, trying to will myself to fall asleep (well after midnight I might add!) my mind wanders to far away places. The sights, sounds and smells are vivid and tangible as I drift in and out of consciousness.

Streets lined with beggars. Some looking for food, some looking for money and some just looking for a glimmer of hope and a way out of the only life they've ever known. Here it's easy to see the 'poor'. It's easy to identify those who are 'hopeless'. It's easy to place judgement on bad decisions, poor choices, corrupt society, etc. But go with me for a moment to the 'other side of the tracks', to the places we dare not go, to the places that make the hair on the back of our neck stand up, to the places that allow fear to creep into our soul. What about those places? What is the difference between us and them? What separates our lives form theirs . . . our destiny from theirs? And who are these beautiful, God-created souls? They are every day people, they serve our lunch, do our taxes, stamp our passport, take our blood and . . . and . . . dare I even say - hand us our bulletin each Sunday morning.

What is the difference between 'hope' and 'hopeless'? It is a little bridge called LOVE.

Mt. 22:37-38 encapsulates he very heart of God is two simple statements. Vs. 37 "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind." Vs. 38 "Love your neighbour as yourself."

What exactly do these statements mean? Does it mean that everything you do should reflect the exact heart of Jesus, everything you say should come form an heart full of goodness, grace and mercy? Could it possibly mean that your entire will rests on the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus? Does it give your mind authority to take each thought captive? What about 'love your neighbour'? Does it include EVERY neighbour or just the ones on 'your side of the tracks', or just the ones you like, with things in common . . . who believe what you believe . . . (see where I'm going here?!).

For just a moment, for just a dare, let's define poor. As blessed Canadians, often we use 'poor' in reference to finances, but in reality, poor goes entirely beyond anything financial. I truly believe you can be the poorest person but have the richest soul. So again, define poor. Come with me again and let's imagine for a moment - could it mean poor in spirit? What about poor in health? Or, what about poor in judgement? And, if so, are we loving these people just the same? Are we really loving the addict who is making a commitment to Christ, yet not quite ready to give up his addictions? Are we loving the young lady who, after a lifetime of abuse, made some choices that have led her to a beautiful family of her own? And are we loving the new family in the third pew who are trying to hold it together after a diagnosis threatens to rob the children of their father?

Do we cast judgement or do we love? Do we sneer and roll our eyes as they walk to the altar and make the decision to let Jesus heal their pain despite al of their own efforts. Do we be-friend these 'sinners'? . . . Because Jesus did. He even called Himself a Friend of Sinners! He loved the poor so why, if we are followers or Jesus, don't we? If we love Jesus like we say we do we should be living a life that reflects Him. And shouldn't people be undeniably attracted to us because of it? Maybe instead of asking 'where are the poor' we should start asking WHO are the poor? WHAT am I doing to love them? WHEN am I going to stop talking and start doing? WHERE can I shine light to the darkness and why am I still sitting here reading?

There is a world of people who need to know what the love of Christ feels like!

Tara W.

Get What You Came For

Do you ever leave the grocery store with less than you intended to pick up? Maybe it was too busy for your liking and so you just grabbed a couple of things thinking that you could come back later when it won’t be so hard to get what you need.

It’s not the grocery store’s fault. Everything that you need – everything that you came for is just sitting there on the shelves, ready for you, but you make the decision to go home with less than what you need.

Do you remember the story of the woman who had been ill for twelve years – the one who pushed through a crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, believing that if she could only do that, she would be healed? (Mark 5)

She had come out that day with a specific purpose in mind. She needed to encounter the Healer and she persisted until she had that encounter.

Now here’s my question: Do you suppose that this woman was the only one in the crowd that day who had a need? Unlikely? If you put together a number of people… a crowd of people…there are going to be multiple needs represented. And yet, as recorded in this account, there was only one woman whose need was met. Why?

She had made a plan, had determined in her heart that she was going out into a crowd and that she was going to get to Jesus. It couldn’t have been easy. No doubt she was jostled and bumped along the way. Did the condition that she had, bleeding for twelve years, leave her tired and weak? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just stay at home in bed?

Who would you be in this story? The woman who pushed through until her need was met or someone in the crowd who just went back home in the same condition? No real encounter with Jesus.

Hear me carefully. This isn’t about earning your healing. Nor is it about praying long enough or doing the right things so that your Father takes notice. It is more about having the courage to say,” I have a need” and then to acknowledge that I am completely unable to meet my own need.

Think back to the grocery store. There are the things I need, just sitting on the shelf, waiting for me to pick them up and yet I sometimes leave with less than I need. Maybe I’m in a hurry. Maybe I don’t want someone else to see what is in my cart – don’t want anyone to know what my needs are. Maybe I fear that I won’t have enough in my wallet to cover the cost.

Our Father has provided all that we need. The price has been paid. Shame has been taken care of. Provision is there. We just need to ask.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6)

Ruth

Transformation

Rom. 12:2 says ". . . be transformed . . ."

Recently, I have found myself challenged with the word transformed. What does it look like for someone to be transformed? Will I really know if they are transformed? Does one look and behave differently if they are transformed? Should they?

As believers, the bible is clear that we are to be transformed, changed, different . . . noticeably different. It doesn't take long for us to realize that neither we, nor anyone else, will be transformed and become perfect overnight. However, when we are transformed by Jesus there has to be something noticeable or different for others to see what Jesus has done in our life. Sometimes very obvious external things are quickly transformed - our language, our drug addiction, our temperament. But as many of us know, there are many areas in our lives which we need to constantly and diligently bring to the foot of the cross asking Jesus to help us behave like Him, to make healthy, wise choices and to intentionally live like Jesus.

As my thoughts have travelled down this road I look around at people I have known for many years - what do I see changed in them? Then I wonder if others can see God's hand of transformation in my life? If not, then why?

I am finding myself praying for the Lord to continue to transform me - noticeably transform me. And as I pray for others (believers or not) I am praying for them to have a radical, transforming encounter with the King of Kings and Lord of Lord.

I am convinced our world needs Godly men and women who have personally encountered God in a life-changing, transformational way.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18"

Come Lord Jesus!

Jo-Ann

A Legacy of Transformation

“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ~ Romans 12:3 (New Living Translation)

I grew up in a farm family with lots of siblings. We worked hard together, ate meals together, and had family devotions twice a day. I grew up with parents who were – and are – earnest believers and followers of Christ. They have always wanted the best for their children.

Unfortunately, like many parents who have unhealed hurts from their own pasts, my parents unintentionally repeated certain patterns from their own upbringings. There’s no way to sugar-coat the painful impact this had on me and my siblings in various ways.

These things could have cemented a sad history and become the lasting legacy of my parents’ lives. But instead, it is only the very beginning of our family story. My parents saw the high cost of these intergenerational wounds and were confronted with a choice. Would they stay in the old ways, stubbornly defending themselves? Or would they take a risk, trust God’s promise of restoration, and make some huge changes?

Change is really hard. It’s so much easier to continue doing the same thing and hoping for the painful consequences to go away. It’s especially difficult to change established patterns of relating to the people we love. Sometimes we carry on communicating in ways that are unhelpful or damaging, simply because we have done it for so long. Maybe because it’s too hard to humbly admit we have been wrong. Haven’t we sometimes felt desperate about painful broken family relationships, yet still resistant to do anything different?

My parents made the decision to pray for change, and became willing to be changed. They began by talking with each of their children, listening to our experiences and how we had been affected. They listened without explaining themselves, offering excuses, or becoming defensive. They asked for forgiveness, and genuinely changed the way our family related.

I could tell many stories about how things have changed in my family. It didn’t happen overnight, but we are not the same family we were 15-20 years ago. There has been much healing. We are living God’s promise of restoration of transformation.

Last week, my parents celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Which is an amazing gift in itself. But in my eyes, their most profound legacy is the gift of hopefulness – that no situation or person is beyond restoration. God can do amazing things with people who are willing. When we submit and humbly allow ourselves to be transformed, we learn to know God’s will and end up exactly where God wants us to be.

Arlene

Rest

Have you ever thought that common sense is just not that …common?

Do you remember the news story from a few years ago about the woman who sued McDonalds after spilling coffee on herself? Apparently the coffee was hot! Now when a similar beverage is purchased, the take-out cup bears the warning that “contents may be hot!”

I found some other examples of warnings that have appeared on various products.

RCA TV Remote: Not Dishwasher Safe.

Iron: Never Iron Clothes While Wearing.

Chainsaw: Do Not Attempt to Stop Chainsaw With Hands.

Hairdryer: Do Not Use While Taking A Shower.

It worries me a bit that some of these warning labels may exist out of necessity. Has someone really tried to iron their clothes while wearing them…or put the remote in the dishwasher…or tried to stop a chainsaw with their hands?

Sometimes we do need to be told that there is a way to avoid bringing harm to ourselves. With summer arriving (hopefully!) there are things to watch out for …excessive heat and sunburn for example. We are reminded to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, or wear a hat. We wouldn’t need those reminders every year if we didn’t have summer. The reminders exist because there is a need.

Jesus said “Come to me, all who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt.11:28)

Have you ever felt like somehow you dropped the ball if you needed to take a rest…that maybe that it’s just a sign of weakness? Do you have the idea that you should be able to carry on indefinitely because after all "I can do all things…" And yet, Jesus said… "I will give you rest." …You would almost think that he knew we would need rest!

We do live in a culture that can tend to view rest with suspicion. We pile activity on top of activity. Even our leisure time becomes activity based. How many people have you heard say that they needed a rest after their vacation?

Sometimes life just leaves us ‘weary and burdened’…but rest is available…made available because the one who knows us completely knows that we need it.

Don’t let your summer go by without rest.

Don’t live your life without rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28, 29)

Ruth