tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76931562991938115992024-03-12T16:52:42.838-07:00We have this treasure in earthen vesselsto show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Cor 4:7-10philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-63627144930828796952012-10-29T10:44:00.001-07:002012-10-29T18:59:12.904-07:00Something Exciting!!So it's been a long time. There is so much to share, I wouldn't even know where to start.<br />
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My main reason for signing into my blog was to go back and read all my old posts.<br />
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I have been given an amazing opportunity to share my testimony and the gospel at two events at Willingdon Church in Burnaby! I'll post the links below.<br />
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If you live in Vancouver and you are interested in coming to either one PLEASE let me know I'll set you up with tickets.<br />
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http://willingdon.org/content/womens-high-tea<br />
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http://willingdon.org/content/womens-ministry-2012-improv-night-outreach-event<br />
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I'm so blessed and humbled by this opportunity. If you think of it please pray for God to be glorified through my words, that the women will be encouraged and most importantly that people will hear the gospel for the first time and respond to God's grace!<br />
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I'm hoping that this post will also break my silence that has lasted way too long!<br />
<br />philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-68768710694092396492012-04-05T06:14:00.011-07:002012-04-05T12:50:48.471-07:00JezebelWe all know the story of Jezebel, she is infamous for being the most evil woman in the Bible. I have never felt like I have anything in common with her, until yesterday. I have been reading through The Story by Randy Frazee, it is the Bible written like a novel would be. There are no embellishments or imagined addition. It is scripture with a few sections paraphrased to condense it. I was reading through the chapter on Elijah and his confrontations with King Ahab, Queen Jezebel and the priest of Baal. In description of Jezebel Randy wrote this, <i>" Jezebel was not one to count her losses. When Ahab's own will to fight was exhausted, he could count on Jezebel to keep charging. Her will to win overcame any doubts she might have had about the failure at Mount Carmel."</i><br /><br /><br /><div>This was unnerving for me! I have never through of Jezebel as someone I could relate to, until I read that statement. Not only do I know how competitive I am (will to win), but I also know how determind I can be to have my own way. Both theses personality traits of mine can push me past reason, the truth of the Word, and even at times, my own conscience. If I'm shamefully honest, I know that it can cause me to lie and be manipulative. Once I have made my mind up, I spend my time mulling over how to get what I want. I confess too, that the more my plan gets thwarted the more sullen and angry I become. It is childish really.</div><br /><br /><div>There are only two things that make me different from Jezebel. First off, I am not a queen, so I don't wheeled the power or the wealth she did. These things removed many limitations, allowing her to push further and further into her own self-absorbed will. She had pently of oppertunity to feed her ego, so it grew. The second and by far the most important, God has chosen me to be his; he saved me and is sanctifying me. He is slowly purging me of my selfish desires. If this wasn't the case I would be as sinful as Jezebel, stopping at nothing to get my way.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>You might think detemination has two sides, bad and good. Couldn't all that effort be put to good use if channelled for furthering the kingdom of God? Well yes and no. This deep rooted stubbornness and "will to win" as a Christian, even if applied to godly desires, tends to flesh itself out in self-sufficiency. I am the queen of self-suffiancy. I spend so much time seeking my own glory, I constantly need reminding that there is nothing good in me, on my own. Nothing! Not even determination, "will to win" or white knuckle self control, things our world would admire. The only good in me comes from God, by his grace. This world applauds a fierce, confident, independent, motivated woman; I don't and neither does He. There can only be good in me if my heavenly Father put it there.<br /></div><br /><div>If you are like me, there is a little diva inside of you that is screaming at me right now. "No, that's not true! She is wrong! You're good, you're strong, you can do great things!" If you listen to her, she is concerned with one thing, <em>you</em>. That little diva is the little Jezebel I'm talking about. She needs to be put death. You can argue and reason with her, but she is set on one thing, her own glory. She is evil, silence her! Just how God did through Elijah, push her out of the window of her palace to her death, to be eaten by dogs.</div><br /><br /><div>"but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13</div><br /><br /><div>Instead, look to Jesus the founder and perfecter of your faith, Heb 12:2.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-31344402691656698852011-12-12T10:08:00.000-08:002011-12-12T11:29:06.677-08:00Relentless Patience<div>I just started the story of Moses this morning. God meets Moses through the burning bush, He calls himself "I AM WHO I AM" which is a whole other blog in itself (pretty crazy cool statement, I just love it!). Then I AM tells Moses, He is going to use him to free the Israelites from the oppression of the Egyptians. Moses is like, "Ummm, b-b-b-but God I'm not very good at t-t-t-talking, so you should probably find someone else." At that point, if I was God I would have smacked Moses upside the head. Moses you idiot, I just told you I AM WHO I AM!, isn't that enough for you? But God is far more patient that I am (thank God!). He does reprimand Moses though<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><b>:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" Exodus 4:11</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Even after this Moses still insists God has the wrong guy for the job. The Lord is so patient with him. He even is so gracious as to give Moses his brother Aaron to do the public speaking for him. This shows me two things, God will accomplish His purpose no matter how rebellious His people are and God still uses us even though we don't believe Him like we should. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Think over the story of Moses as much as you can remember. God to did some insanely amazing things through Moses. There were the plagues, escape from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the pillars of smoke and fire, the 10 commandments, the manna and quail, just to name a few. The same Moses screwed up, was stubborn, faithless and rebellious through out the whole journey to the promise land. How is that possible? Why would God use such a messed up guy? Yet He did and still does. It is almost like God prefers to use the weak... (that was kind of sarcastic, we know he does, 1 Cor 1:27)! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All this is very comforting to me as a stubborn woman who wants her own way and doesn't usually learn the first time around. I look at my life and think, wow, God has been very gracious to me. Yet so often choose to wallow in self pity because my life doesn't look the way I thought it would. Then I become even more frustrated with myself because of my lack of trust in God and how I am far more concerned with my own will than His. I seem to never quite get it. I feel like Moses, "but God I can't..." fill in the blank. Yet God is relentlessly patient with me. He is so gracious! He is so good. He <i>will</i> accomplish His purpose through me. Why? Because it is not about me, what I can or can't do. It is about HIM, what He <i>is</i> doing.</span></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-61851774880028047702011-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:20:12.100-08:00JesusI feel the need to share how I have been convicted twice now in the past few weeks. <div><br /></div><div>The first time was when we were in Quebec City, the speaker was talking about gospel fluency and loving Jesus. He told a story about a young Christian guy in there community group who really enjoyed movies. A lady that came to there community group that was not a believer observed that he talked more about movies and was more passionate about sharing his opinion on them than he was about Jesus and the gospel. The speaker asked the question of us, "What would other people who know you say you are the most passionate about?" Yikes! I thought, for me I know it would not be Jesus, it would probably be fashion. Ouch. I let that thought go, but became painfully aware where most of my conversations went in the following weeks. Especially with women, it was shoes and hair and clothing. It was like God granted me a unique view on myself in conversation, I was observing myself externally. I was cut to the core. How is it possible that I am more passionate about fashion than Jesus! Jesus who dies for my sins, baring the wrath of God on Himself and giving me his perfect righteousness. Not because of anything I have done or could ever do, but simply because he loves me, and ultimately for His glory. </div><div><br /></div><div>The second moment that drove the first conviction home was last night at the Church Planting BC banquet, a young apprentice was sharing the word with us and asked the question, "when the door is closed and the lights are off, where does your mind go first?" It breaks my heart and brings me to tears as I write to answer that question truthfully. My thoughts most often, when I am falling asleep at night, are what am I going to wear tomorrow and how will I do my hair! I so desperately wish I could tell you in all honesty I think of Jesus, but I don't! </div><div><br /></div><div>So with a fresh understanding and reminder of how depraved I am in my flesh, I am humbled. I see myself and think how could He possibly love me? Chose me? Work through me? He is so patient, so gracious, so faithful, so kind and so good! I don't love Him, praise Him, honor Him, worship Him, speak of Him as I should, yet He remains the same towards me. He does not waver or hold back His love. He still pursues me, calls me, draws me and embraces me in is massive, loving fatherly arms!</div><div><br /></div><div>As Paul says in Romans 7:24 & 25</div><div><br /></div><div>"Wretched (wo)man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."</div><div><br /></div><div>.... Romans 8:1-5</div><div><br /></div><div>"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." </div><div><br /></div><div>So sisters, please dare with me to ask yourself the same two question, everyday if necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you talk about the most? What would other people say you are the most passionate about?</div><div><br /></div><div>When the lights are off and the door is closed what is your first thought? Where does you mind go first when you are alone?</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-68596933483337033252011-10-08T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-18T17:36:11.934-07:00SovereigntyAs women, I believe it is absolutely vital that we have solid theology. It is easy enough to be content with the basics of the gospel. God create the earth, man sinned, Jesus the son of God was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, bore the wrath of God upon himself, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and is coming again. This is very important to know and believe. But this is a skeleton. It brings you to a saving relationship with God the Father. We can't just stop there, leaving the deep stuff to the men. Should I care about the perfect sovereignty of God, the inerrancy of scripture, pineal substitutionary atonement, election, total depravity and so forth? Of course the answer is yes, yes, yes!<div><br /></div><div>I believe it is essential to have a robust view of the meticulous sovereignty of God. Meaning God is in total control of everything and ordained every single detail of every single moment of history. Think of a rain drop, God is in control of where it falls, when it falls, at what speed and what quantity of water it contains. From the huge details, like the location of continents and World Wars, to small details like the color of your eyes, but also the seemingly unimportant details like how many leaves are on each tree in the whole world or when and how each ant dies. Allow your self a moment to think of all the biggest and smallest things that are occurring on this planet. Our Father God isn't only in control of each thing (as we discuses in the previous blog "Powerful") he actually planned every single detail before he created the earth. </div><div><br /></div><div>How can we possibly deal with pain, suffering, sickness, death, poverty, infertility, betrayal and all of the hardships in life, if we don't believe in a God who is completely in control of every last detail?</div><div><br /></div><div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>"And we know that for those who love God all things work together<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> for good, for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> those who are called according to his purpose</i>." Romans 8:28</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>"</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>And I am sure of this, that he who began<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29351H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> a good work in you<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29351I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> will bring it to completion at<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29351J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> the day of Jesus Christ.</i>" Phillipians 1:6</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ephesians 2:10 <b>"</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><i>For<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29223W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> we are his workmanship,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29223X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> created in Christ Jesus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29223Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> for good works,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29223Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> which God prepared beforehand,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em; "><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29223AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> that we should walk in them."</i> </span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">God had blessed me from a young age with a deep love for scripture which led me to see his meticulous sovereignty. If he had not blessed me with this understanding of him I honestly don't know what I would have done through out my husband's illnesses and times in the hospital. Sitting beside Matt in the hospital, totally powerless except for prayer, while he was weak and gripped with excruciating pain. During the times of having to go to bed at night while he was curled in pain up on the floor unable to eat or drink, but I had to go to work in the morning, so all I could do was pray as I fell asleep. Yet I had peace! Through countless hospital visits, all the complications, disappointments and frustrations. Yes, God blessed me with a peace that passes understanding, but I believe that peace was rooted in the understanding that we were in the center of our loving Fathers will, not only that but he planned every detail before there was time. And that ultimately it would work out for His glory. So if there was a moment of weakness or selfishness, it was only because I wanted my glory more than His.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">1 Peter 5:10"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."</i></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This is my favorite doxology,</span></p><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>"Oh, the depth of the riches and<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28227AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> wisdom and knowledge of God!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28227AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!<br />"For<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28228AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> who has known the mind of the Lord,<br /> or<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28228AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> who has been his counselor?"<br />"Or<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28229AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> who has given a gift to him<br /> that he might be repaid?"</i></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>For<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28230AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> from him and through him and to him are all things.<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 0.5em; font-size:0.65em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28230AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> To him be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36</i></span></p><p></p></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-13773510858645392132011-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:002011-10-12T19:44:07.788-07:00Powerful"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."Revelations 4:11<div><br /></div><div>God is powerful. Far beyond our understanding. He created everything. He merely spoke and everything that we know, and have not yet discovered, came in to existence. There was nothing, darkness and a void as Genesis says, and then there was everything. Because of his <i>will</i> he created. I can sit down and exert my will, every last ounce of it, but nothing will happen. I can try to speak things that are not into existence, but nothing will happen. Why? Because I am powerless, I am limited to only create from what God has already created. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following verses are all in reference to Jesus.</div><div>Colossians 1:17 says. "And he is before all things, and<i> in him all things hold together</i>." </div><div><br /></div><div>or Romans 11:36, "For <i>from him and through him and to him are all things</i>. To him be the glory forever. Amen."</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Hebrews 1:3 "He is radiance of the glory of God and the imprint of his nature, <i>and he upholds the universe by the word of his power</i>."</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Of course, I can never say it better that the Word of God does, but what I can do is bring some of the scripture together to show you what is undeniable. One might picture God on his thrown in heaven, arms crossed peering down at earth every now and again to make sure we don't make a total mess of things. But scripture shows us that is completely incorrect, he is so utterly involved, he is constantly, </span>unceasingly<span class="Apple-style-span"> sustaining the earth! Not only did he create everything by his word, but it only continues to exist by his word, minute to minute, second to second. You only take your next breath because it is God's <i>will</i> to give it to you.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>From the greatest miracle, to the tiniest detail, God is perpetually, willfully sustaining it all. God is carrying the earth in it's orbit and causing every single rotation. If he stopped we would lose gravity... then what? We can only try to imagine what chaos that would be.</div><div><br /></div><div>No matter who we are or who long we have been a Christian, our view of God too small, in fact it is miniscule. That is not an insult, it is simply the truth. Our finite minds can not comprehend and infinite God. But that does not mean we shut off our brains and stop trying. On the contrary, it should inspire us to know every bit of Him we possibly can! </div><div><br /></div><div>"... the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints." Col 1:26 (Paul is referring to the Preeminence of Christ which he was speaking of in Col 1:15-21, a great read but too long to tackle in an already long post.)</div><div><br /></div><div>As humans, in our rational minds we measure everything, time, distance, speed, age, sound, energy, mass and the list goes on. But we do not have a human measurement system to measure the power of God by. The thing is we should not use the word powerful to define God, on the contrary we should use God to define the word powerful. What I am trying to say is that in the same way we say, "God is love" instead of "God has love" which would mean it is in a measurable amount. We can say "God is power", and let all other powers be brought to scale using him as the standard. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know this is already long, I may have lost some of you, but what is the point of all this if it doesn't change us? It is useless to know about God, the Pharisee's knew about God and we all know how JC felt about them! Better understanding the power of God should cause us to love him more, desire him more, dig more deeply into his word, long for his glory in our lives more, to trust him more and seek out His will our lives. </div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-41419275433844472642011-09-27T14:02:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:02:01.768-07:00MoreThis morning as I was reading my Bible, Rev. 2:4 <em>“But this I have against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”,</em> I realized that it has been a long time since I felt a deep surge of love and joy, in and for my Savior. As painful as this is to admit, I have been spiritually stagnant. I have been in this place for far too long. My heart has been too satisfied by finite things, earthly things, and selfish things. I find my tendency is to get caught up in everything other than knowing my heavenly Father more. But I came to the place this morning where I am not okay with it any longer. It is destressing to realize once again that I don’t love Him as I should, I don’t desire him as I should, I don’t fear Him, serve Him or find joy in Him as I should. I hate that. The disgust I feel with the state of my own heart is a gift from God for which I am thankful. The desire for deeper intimacy with him has filled me like a cup under a dripping faucet, one drop at a time until it finally spills over. I can’t be content any longer; I must have more of Him!<br /><br />There is a split second of confusion… but how? Then I am flooded with gratefulness for the Word. I am so thankful that I know if I seek Him I will find (Matt 7:7 & Jer 29:13), if I ask for wisdom He will give it to me (James 1:5), if I wait on Him I will find rest for my soul (Matt 11:29), if I ask for more of the Spirit He will give it generously (Luke 11:13). Over the past few years I have grown in my reliance on God for my physical needs. I am blessed to say that most of the time my first reaction to a physical need, great or small, is to pray and ask my heavenly Father and then trust that he will provide. When I comes to my spiritual needs and growth I usually try to slug along in my own strength, acting like it is in my own hands. If I just try hard enough I can do it, right? But this always brings me to a place of exhaustion, frustration and even despair, down on my knees before my Savior. Not only is He the only one who can satisfy my spiritual needs, but He wants to bless me to over flow, to be brimming with His glory.<br /><br />I am reminded of a great quote by C. S Lewis from his Book “The Weight of Glory”<br /><br /><em>“Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.<br />We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”<br /></em><br />I definitely could not say it any better. I encourage you to ask yourself, “Am I too easily pleased?” What a wonderful, amazing God we serve. He is so far beyond our comprehension, so perfect and holy and yet he wants to be known by us! Jesus humbled Himself, even to death on a cross (Phil 2:8) to restore us to right relationship with the Father. So then, <em>“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." </em>Hebrews 4:14-16 <em><br /><br /></em>Sisters, let us press in to know Him more. If you recognize that you don’t even desire Him the way you should, pray. Ask Him to give you a desire to know Him more, a desire to be consumed by Him. He will do it! Grab you Bible and your journal sit down, dig in and ask for more.philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-34070632820705819312011-08-21T10:10:00.001-07:002011-09-10T16:55:26.178-07:00Provision: Part 3<i>"But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34</span></i><div><i><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">In the Old Testament God commands the Israelites to remember what He has done. The passover was to remember and was also a beautiful foreshadowing of the death of Jesus for our sins. When they crossed the Jordan River to enter the promise land God commanded them to build a monument so they would remember what He had done. Many times the Israelites are instructed by God to remember to remember the miracles. I deeply believe in the importance of remembering and sharing what God has done. David said, <i>"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." Ps 34:1-3</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">My goal in sharing this is that you would exalt His name with me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">This story of Gods provision may be minor in comparison to Him providing a place to live, blessing my job situation or keeping my husband alive. But to me it shows how loving He is and faithful in the smaller details. When we first got married God blessed us with the money to by a beautiful good quality loveseat and sofa set. Upon moving to Vancouver we had to leave behind our sofa due to lack of space. The new place we are moving into has space restrictions as well but we are determined to figure out the best way to fit the most people in our living room with out making it too crowded. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">After a trip to Ikea and a perfect to scale drawing of the new place (thanks to my dear husbands carpentry skills) we hashed out a plan on how to maximize seating without cramping the space. This meant the TV got the boot to the second bedroom. We also realized there was no way to fit a loveseat and a sofa in together. We picked out the perfect combo, a sofa with chaise lounge attached from Ikea, we even picked out the material we wanted. The only problem was the cost. Not that we couldn't take it out of our saving but we were debating how important it was for us to have that exact set up. We prayed and trusted that God would provide what He wanted. My heart was firm, we would not spend the extra money we would find something else on Craigslist. So I typed into the Craigslist search, "Karlstad sofa with chaise lounge" Bingo! The day before someone had posted one... Crazy right. Crazier still it was the exact material we had pick. It was still available and it was half the price of the new one. It had hardly been used. On top of it all, the girl selling it was storing it at her mothers. The mother said she didn't mind keeping it there until we were able to pick it up, even if it was until we moved to our new place saving us having to move it twice. But seriously, the exact couch with chaise lounge in the exact material we wanted. God, you are so good!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I'm sure you know this already, but it is not about the sofa. As Matt and I move forward in what God has called us to it will be hard. There will be all kinds of opposition. First off our own sinful nature that would rather pursue pleasure and comfort. Well meaning Christians who don't understand the vision. The practical aspect of fleshing our what we need to do in the place and time we live in. Spiritual opposition that will only get stronger the more we seek first the Kingdom and the more God uses us to call people enslaved to sin to himself. The list could go on, but you get the point. We know God has called us to reach the lost people in Vancouver. We feel the best way to do this is through prayer, the living out and preaching of the gospel, personal discipleship and family-like community. As challenges come God has blessed us with so many "Jordan crossings" that we can be confident we are exactly where He wants us. When I'm feeling overwhelmed and confused or frustrated, I can make my cup of tea, grab my Bible and journal and curl up in my Karlstad sofa chaise lounge in "Sivik Dark Gray" and remember how God brought us this far. How He is faithful in the big and small things. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works, I will mediate. They will speak of the might of your awesome deeds and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and sing aloud your righteousness."</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>Ps 145:3-7</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Will be continued sometime in the future, I'm sure.</span></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-66563228600259883402011-08-19T10:27:00.000-07:002011-08-28T14:19:09.780-07:00Provision: Part 2<i>"But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34</span></i><div><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">It has been 3 months, maybe longer since Matt and I started discussing my work situation and wondering if it would be best to change it. I like my job, but I'm not a career woman. I have always felt like a square peg in a round hole at my jobs and among the ladder climbing woman I have worked with. It has been the cause of many, many tears and frustrations for me. I can't seem to do the Christian-wife-full-time-work-housekeeper-cook thing and not drop the ball some where. Or if I'm not dropping the ball in an area, I'm on edge and totally stressed. Let's be honest when you drop the ball it is never my work that suffers, it is usually my time with God that whittles down to little or none. As the discussion began I was overwhelm with a feeling of failure. Why can't I keep it all together? It seems like other woman can do it, they make it look easy even. So why can't I? </span></div><div><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Well first of all, who are those other women? Good question right. "They" are out there for all of us. Those women who seem to manage to do the thing we can't perfectly. They look perfect, have perfect clean house, adoring husbands, University degrees, great careers, perfect children, love Jesus, are serving at church, the whole bloody gambit! <i>(They</i> would never say bloody!) She has it all together, right? But who are they? Can you name one that you actually have a relationship with? I can't, but for some reason I still think "They" are out there, those perfect women. But </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">"They" don't exist! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">So after more tearful conversations, Matt and I decided I would quit my job and find part time work. Not so I could laze around, I'm not the lazing type. Actually I have the opposite problem, I would run myself ragged to make sure everything gets done. As we start at the new church something that is extremely imporant to us is community. I'm not talking about small groups, I mean living life together as a family. Having our home open to people. Inviting people into our lives to be discipled, loved and nurtured, both physically and spiritually. Working full time including my daily commute, being a good wife, staying on top of the house work and meals, not to mention nurturing my own relationship with God, leaves me no room to add anything. I know it is important to see my job as a blessing from God for the way it supports us financially and also I know my work is a mission field in itself, but <i>The most precious commodity I have is time</i>. <i>I want to be investing my time in more things that are eternally valuable. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">The morning I planned to give notice, driving in Matt said, "Wouldn't it be cool if they changed it to a part time position for you?" Yes, it would be cool, but it has always been a full time position, it needs to be. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">So I walked into my manager's office, letter in hand to let her know I was going to leave in a month. I let her know I like the job and was only leaving because I needed to be working part time. She said, "Would you stay if we could make it part time for you?", Ah YES! And that is what happened. She got it approved by the Executive Director. We hashed out a plan. I would start off with just Fridays off until they hired someone for our dept. that they have been looking for since she let someone go in March. Once that person was trained the two assistants in our dept. would each work a day at reception and I would work three!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">Praise the Lord, only he could do that. He is so good, so faithful! He alone will be glorified on this earth and for eternity!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><i>"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20&21 </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">To be continued...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"> </span></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-11810965430636992592011-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:002011-08-21T11:36:34.319-07:00Provision: Part 1<i>"But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34</span></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Over the past month or so God has been tangibly showing his faithfulness to us in unexpected ways. There are many, many big and small areas that He has chosen to glorify himself, but I will not give an exhaustive list, rather highlight some of the bigger ways.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">First off our new place in East Van. We had been focusing our attention on a specific area, being that we feel it might be where God wants us to plant. It is extremely important to us to be living in the neighborhood we want to plant in. While driving home from an unsuccessful trip to the area in searching for a place to rent, out of the blue Matt wondered aloud, "Do you think we should look at the map of Vancouver again, to make sure we still feel we are looking in the right area?". Okay, why not? Once home Matt discovered an area we had never noticed before. (It is called Grandview-Woodland, sounds nice right) Why don't we start looking there? It was between where we had been looking and where we would be working in a plant for the next 2 years. The only problem was we had not seen anything come up for rent in that exact area. None the less Matt picked out a rectangular area on the map based on some of the main roads, "Wouldn't it be cool if we could move right into the centre of that area?" Next day a place popped up smack dap in the center! We go see it. It is not prefect, no dishwasher, stained carpets and a bit smaller than we had hoped for. But there were many things about it we loved, the young couple who own it and live up stairs in particular. The only problem was, it was to be rented for August 1, and we are in a lease until August 31. But we prayed and applied anyway. They offered us the place for August 15th, but we could not justify paying half a months rent at 2 places, especially not when rent is as high as it is around here! We even had family generously offer to pay for the 1/2 month if we really wanted the place. But we felt firmly, if it was God who wanted us there, it would be more cost effective to let him figure it out. We told them no, but we wish we could, and lets get together for a BBQ sometime anyway. One hour later the phone rang again, "We would like to offer the place to you for Sept 1st, it is important to us that we have the right people." Thank you Jesus!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">So I don't have a dishwasher and it has a very small living room. BUT it is on a lovely street, with character homes and large beautiful trees that arc over the street. We are close to everything we need. We'll have lots of windows with screens, it is bright, we have a second bedroom and we are exactly where God wants us to be, because it was only Him who could have done it. Oh, and while they were getting it painted they decide to have the carpets replaced as well, too much! He gets all the glory, that is the way it should be. Plus I'll have the opportunity to pray more and memorize scripture as I wash all the dishes by hand.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">God is so faithful. He is so good! He provides exactly what we need. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">To be continued...</span></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-81619924938243513362011-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:002011-08-13T08:43:41.720-07:00Change Vs. ConsistencySince getting married, each year has brought about considerable changes. Only 2 months after we celebrated our first anniversary Matt’s health had spiraled down to the point where he was skin and bones (literally!) laying in a hospital bed with TB, pneumonia and out of control ulcerative colitis. Matt had to leave his job, we moved out of our beloved first apartment and withdrew all our long term savings, losing half of them because of timing (2008 market crash) just to mention a few things that assailed us during that time. A month shy of a year later, seeking some stability for Matt’s unpredictable health we decided to have the malfunctioning colon removed, presenting a whole new plethora of daily challenges. After a roller coaster year to partial recovery we found ourselves packing up our stuff to move to Burnaby for Matt to start a one year pastoral internship at Willingdon Church.
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<br />The above paragraph barely scratches the surface of the first 3 years of our marriage. Looking over it in words, it seems so simplified, maybe it wasn’t that bad. But is was very hard, very messy, very testing and faith producing. Every hurdle, every challenge, every obstacle, every tear was an opportunity for God to show his faithfulness, his love and his grace in our lives.
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<br />To continue, thirteen months of health struggles, successes and huge job decisions has landed us were we are now; moving to East Van and starting a Church Planting apprenticeship. As we plan for the move that will be taking place in the next few weeks, I wonder, how long will this season last? How long will we be living in this basement suite or be at Reality for? We have said two years, but that is one year of being a part of the Church as a pastoral couple and then the next year (maybe less) will be preparing for our own plant. Will that be long enough to feel a sense of consistency?
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<br />I have always been the one to enjoy change, but now it is losing it’s luster. Maybe I am getting old. I am very excited for the up coming move and changes, but deep down there is a part of me that is just wanting to sink into a totally normal, predictable rhythm for at least one year. Completely void of emergency rooms, blood transfusions, life altering decisions and the like. There is definitely a conflict inside me between my enjoyment in change and my desire for regularity. I can’t figure out if there is somehow a right or wrong way to feel, considering they are opposites. Is it wrong to crave consistency even though God so clearly has me on a path of annual change? How much harder would it be to add child into the mix. I can only imagine my desire for consistency would deepen. I want to not only be okay with the changes, but have joy, rest in Him and flourish where ever He places me, no matter how volatile the situation is.
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<br />I feel like a field that is tilled every fall and planted with something new every season. Experiencing continual weeding, pruning and even uprooting. I know God is changing me, purifying me and making me the tiniest bit more like Him with every challenge, all for His glory and my good. No matter how “normal” my life might be He will not stop working on me. It is moments like this where I need to remind myself, <em>this is not my home</em>. It will never be. As comfortable as I try to make myself here I will always have an inward groaning for another place. The place I was created for, heaven.
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<br /><em>“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18</em>
<br />philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-44635825441845365142011-04-22T17:50:00.000-07:002011-04-22T19:14:46.732-07:00ConfessionSo the plan was to blog about Chicago and tell you what an awesome time it was. How great the Gospel Coalition conference and speakers were. What I learned, the books I bought and all about getting stuck in Minneapolis over night. <div><br /><div>Or I could reflect on Good Friday and Easter, what could be more important then the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Well nothing actually and I could probably come up with some encouraging compelling things to say that would make me feel really spiritual and maybe convince my self that I really am doing okay. But the truth is I'm not okay. And I <i>hate</i> blogging when I don't have it all together. I would rather wait till I'm through the thick of it and write looking back in joyful reflection of God's grace on my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>But here I am unable to find anything to distract myself from the fragile state of my heart. Here it is; we have being "trying" to conceive for 6 months now. I just got my period yesterday, enough said, right? This is such a surprise, I never guessed that it would be us who would be unable to get pregnant. I know, I know, it is only 6 month, average is 6 months to 1 year anyway. But who doesn't expect to get pregnant right way? It is what our bodies were designed for. Yes, I'm regular, I have not been on the pill for well over 1.5 years, I eat healthy, take vitamins, exercises, drink lots of water, I'm not super stress, I rarely drink alcohol and never exceed 2 cups of coffee in the day, but usually only have one. Is there anything else? Before we jump to Matt, 80% of infertility is because of the woman. He is healthier than he has ever been (though still loosing blood daily) He is eating well, taking vitamins, exercising (like crazy!) drinking water, sleeping well and is only stressed occasionally. Finally, everything is fine in the bed room. </div><div><br /></div><div>So then, what is going on? Of course it is all in God's perfect timing right. But every month when the evidence appears that I'm definitely not growing a tiny blessing inside, my heart breaks. All month long I pray, pray, pray. I check my heart to make sure I'm not making an idol of it, but I pray that God would bless us with what I know He designed me for. It makes me feel sick when I realize that every month I don't get pregnant means one more month at my job, away from the home where my heart truly is. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is it. It is very difficult to not be jealous of the zillions of babies and pregnant woman that are every where I go. My evil hearts says "God I thought I already dealt with my impossible challenge! Why me, why us? We are committing everything to you, giving up so many comforts for your calling. Why would you not bless us with a child? Why would you give me such a deep yearning since I was so young to be a mother? I know you must have a reason and purpose but I just can't see it and it is breaking my heart!"</div><div><br /></div><div>At the risk of making this way to long I will conclude as briefly as possible. First, I realized that though I thought we were controlling <i>not </i>having a baby the first few years of our marriage, once we decided to "try" I anticipated that meant instant pregnancy. When that didn't happen I was forced to realize I was not in control even from the beginning. There is nothing in my power that I can to to make myself pregnant, NOTHING! That is a shocking reminder of the illusion of control I have over other area's of my life as well. Second, it is possible with out this time of purifying (we'll call it) I might have ended up looking to motherhood for fulfillment and contentment that only God can bring, as I have spent at least 75% of my life joyfully anticipating motherhood. Third, praying, praying, praying. Yet another profound season of constant, desperate prayer, with many more to come I'm sure. And forth, empathy. Looking forward there is a pretty good chance that we will be having to counsel other couples through either temporary or permanent infertility. This time has and will enable us to encourage, pray for and cry with those couples in a deeper way than if we had not experienced this difficult time. </div><div><br /></div><div>My heart is breaking but I am thankful for Romans 8:28</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."</i></span></span></div></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-67241758116330478612011-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:002011-03-19T09:53:47.591-07:00The Road less TraveledSo you probably didn't know this because I have not shared it, but my dearest wonderful husband was offered a position at Willingdon Church. They offered him the young adults pastor position! He has been blessed with unbelievable favor at Willingdon. I know he is amazing but it was recognized by many, many pastors and leaders there. Of course it is only by God's grace Matt found such favor. We have spent the past 2 months (feels like much longer) on a roller coaster of deciding between staying at Willingdon or Church Planting BC. We have never been in this position before. We look down each road as far as we could possibly conceive and can see so clearly how God could bless each one. Two doors wide open seemingly equal. Or as the Frost poem goes,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><h4><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,<br />And sorry I could not travel both<br />And be one traveller, long I stood<br />And looked down one as far as I could"</span></span></h4></span>My husband is such a deep thinker, when it comes to such big decisions he goes back and forth from one extreme to the other in sometimes a matter of days. It drives me crazy, but by God's grace I had patience and peace that God would direct us in the choice. Part of the problem was that I feel perfectly happy and at peace with either one. A highlight of each would be, staying at Willingdon means a possibility of having them help Matt get his Masters (or at least start it), a stable, secure place to start family and for Matt's health to stabilize. Church Planting BC, following the original felt call, Matt being able to use his gift more freely, more opportunity to reach the lost. Matt is an evangelist! I didn't have a clue when I married him, but praise the Lord, my heart soars far above the earth when I hear him preach the pure gospel, Christ crucified. <div>With just a glimpse I hope you can see that both roads seem very good, even godly. Both sides so excited to have us with them, recognizing Matt's gifts and call. </div><div>I have become even more of a prayer reliant wife. </div><div>Finally after a few months of prayer, conversations, more prayer and more conversations, God has guided my husband to make a decision. This past week he pulled the plug on the conversion with Willingdon in asking them to take him off the table for the position. It actually took two tries, the first time they asked him to wait, but the next day he sat down again with them again. Willingdon was really disappointed. There are certain people who were really praying we would stay, those conversions are the hardest. I am very relieved to have that over, for now. </div><div>So call me a Church Planters wife again, well at least in September.</div><div>I'm so thankful for God's grace and guidance in this decision, and for a godly husband.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"I shall be telling this with a sigh </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Somewhere ages and ages hence: </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I took the one less traveled by, </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And that has made all the difference"</span></span></span></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-45166173215127014112011-03-05T16:33:00.000-08:002011-03-05T17:12:08.525-08:00Breaking the SilenceWell, it has been a while. The longer it is the harder it becomes to blog. I never know where to start. So much and so little to say all at the same time. I felt like if I just start of with something to "break the silence" maybe it won't be so long till the next time I blog again.<div><br /></div><div>Recently I have been working on spending more time expressing myself through creative projects I enjoy. I think it feeds my soul. Sometimes I wonder why I get so much pleasure out of creating. I wonder if it is worth while for me to spend my time and energy making things. Then I remember God is the ultimate creator. I probably love it so much because I am His child, created in His likeness. When I look at it from that perspective it only makes since. It is simply a love I inherited from my heavenly father. That being said, I've been spending more time drawing, painting, knitting and crafting in general. It brings me so much joy. Oh, I wish I had a sewing machine. I sometimes day dream of all the things I would make. No sense in getting one now though, we don't even have a table to put it on, not even a desk for that matter. 517 square feet leaves only room for the necessities. No complaints though, all in due time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am also working on (or being worked on, rather) being content with what I have. In some area's this is easy, in other area's I feel my foolish heart will never learn. For example I am perfectly happy never owning my (our) own home. On the other had for some reason I always "need" a particular item of clothing. Black flats, a new sweater, pants for work, a new jacket. Little things, things I would not spend more than $20.00 on, but I think about them until I have them. If only I could channel my determination into something a bit more useful. Some how I get confused, I start thinking that thing I want will make me feel content. Wrong! Of course it is wrong, but my fleshly thoughts are so sneaky. I am very thankful to be married for many reasons, but because of my struggle in this area I am extra grateful to God for my dear husband. He is very gentle about it, but always lets me know when I am being lead by me fleshly desires and not my God given ones. Many times he is so right it makes me mad! How foolish I can be. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, I am reaping the fruit of submission to God's conviction and my husbands gentle leading. I have more joy! More peace and more freedom when I listen. When I put to death my fleshly desires. Of course there are more ways then just wanting new clothing that I notice my discontentment. Much more serious ways. It is absolutely necessary for me to realize, it is not about the clothes, it is about the idolatry in my heart. It is the fleshing out of me not truly believing in my heart that He is enough for me. His grace is enough for me! </div><div><br /></div><div>I never get sick of that song, even though I think we sing it every Sunday and then some. If that is what it takes to remind me, His grace is enough for me, then I'll sing it all day everyday.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Your grace is enough, your grace is enough, your grace is enough for me"!</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-65952929432194080112010-12-24T12:51:00.000-08:002010-12-24T13:36:38.630-08:00Christmas MemoriesThis is the first year I will not be home for Christmas! Due the nature of my husband's job we need to be here for Christmas eve as well as Boxing day because it is a Sunday and there are regular services. Leaving us with the option of driving to and from Kelowna on Christmas day... no thanks.<div><br /></div><div>So many people have been asking me if we will be in Kelowna for Christmas, it made me start to think of my favorite memories as a child.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day my Dad brought home the Christmas tree was always a big deal in the Burke family. So much so that starting December 1st whenever my Dad would come home from work we would all rush to the door, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" we would grab his hands and smell them to see if they smelled of pine. If they didn't we had to wait another day, if they did it meant there was a perfect tree sitting in the carport! When I started to think about it, many of my favorite memories were centered around the Christmas tree. A day or two after the tree came home it was time to decorate. All the boxes of ornaments would be dug out of the storage under the stairs and brought up to the living room. Mom and I would let the boys go at it first, but the special bows and the pearls were our job. Once they were finished we took over moving whichever ones we though were out of place. Then we would place the bows and pearls perfectly, it was always so beautiful. Next came many evenings of gathering around the tree after supper for long games I-spy as we listened to Amy Grants Tennessee Christmas or Nana Mouskouri's Christmas album. I also had my very own mini tree that I took great pride in decorating. Christmas morning our parents would let us open our stockings before waking them up, to get some extra much needed sleep. Every year we would decide whose room to open our stockings in based on how nicely they were decorated. I was the usual host of course! Until we got too big and didn't all fit into my tiny room anymore, so I would help my brothers decorate their rooms to meet my standards. Another memory is coming inside after a long day of playing out in the snow (back in the days Kelowna had snow for Christmas), to my mother having made real hot chocolate and popcorn. To this day I feel like the three all go together. Exhausted and chilled we would pull off all our snow covered things and find places for them to hang to be dry for the next day. Then we would all sit around our big table with a tingling fingers clinging to the mugs of hot chocolate. We would even dip our butter covered popcorn in the steamy hot chocolate, yummy!</div><div>I feel very blessed to have had such loving parents who helped to create so many wonderfully warm memories surrounding the Christmas season.</div><div>Thanks Mom & Dad!</div><div>Merry Christmas, I hope you can take time and reflect on the blessings of God in your life especially the one we have in Jesus Christ.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-68021355160698151132010-12-06T19:47:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:39:54.370-08:00It is time...... for an update!<div><br /></div><div>It has been a while. In away it seems a lot has happened since I blogged last and at the same time nothing at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few numbers for you:</div><div>4- the number of months it has been since we moved to Burnaby.</div><div>12- dollars, how much I spent on our new Christmas tree. </div><div>1- the number of times I've fainted in my life, happened last week! Side note: I'm fine it was a simple fainting spell.</div><div>19-days till Christmas!</div><div>0-Christmas cards I have made and mailed... and number of presents purchased.</div><div>5-wonderful Christian women who I have met and are mentoring me without knowing it.</div><div>2-beautiful stockings</div><div>11-months since Matt was in the hospital last.</div><div>71- My dear husbands hemoglobin level, only 10 points higher than when when he was in the hospital with TB, UC and phenomena in 2008, when they gave him an emergency blood transfusion! </div><div><br /></div><div>The last one is a bit of a shocker to us. We have been trying to find a GP since we arrived here but no one is accepting patients. Finally we found out that an elder at Willingdon is a Dr. Matt explained his situation and asked him for a referral. Dr. G graciously (and by God's grace to us) took both Matt and I on. After our first appointment Matt had some blood work and other tests done to see where he was starting from. Dr. G just called Matt tonight quite alarmed after getting Matt's results back. I don't know if you remember from before but the average man his age and size should be at 140, Matt's is at half that. No wonder he has been tired and had difficulty getting up in the morning. It is a miracle he can function at all. Thankfully he is having an emergency appointment with Dr. G tomorrow to figure out a game plan. I know this is very frustrating for Matt because this was the reason we had surgery in the first place, to stop him from constantly loosing blood. It has come like an unsuspected punch in the stomach. This is not where we are supposed to be with his health, it is supposed to be getting better after surgery not worse. We are so blessed to have a faithful, sovereign God. One who knew his hemoglobin level all along. This is not a surprise to Him! </div><div>Please pray for Matt, but also thank God with us too. He will be glorified in Matt, he has been sustaining Matt through 4 months of 50-60 hours of work a week. He has been doing great things though Matt at Willingdon. He has continued to provide what we need financially, he is so faithful. He has been teaching me and growing me so much in these 4 months, it has been very hard at points but His love is unwavering! We are so excited to be seeking His will for our lives where ever it takes us and how ever it looks. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-28243575999320024562010-09-17T22:01:00.000-07:002010-09-19T07:10:27.011-07:00There is a first for everything...."There is a first for everything" and expression we have all heard before, and probably have even used before. There are firsts for a great many things, but really in the way we use it, I think it is a but of an exaggeration... just a bit. There are many things I will never have a first for. I will never be hired as the COE of a large corporation, just not happening. I will never grow feet out of my hands and start walking around upside down. I will never walk on the sun, or even the moon for that matter. I will never be a famous chemist or a run way model. <div><br /></div><div>But, that being said there are many many things that have happened or will happen to me of the first time. I'm sure you can think of many yourself even in the last week. For the fun of it I will try to think of a few first since I moved to Burnaby.</div><div><br /></div><div>First time...</div><div>living in a condo (all 517 sq ft)</div><div>having no bedroom closet</div><div>having the washer and drier in a closet in my bathroom</div><div>seeing a transvestite and being aware of it</div><div>attending a Church of 5000</div><div>seeing an unwrapped condom right in the middle of the sidewalk.(sorry... it's Van!)</div><div>taking the skytrain as a resident of Vancouver</div><div>owning a bike a newer, one that wasn't made in the 80's or early 90's</div><div>having 4 house plants at the same time (love it)</div><div>being a minority </div><div>walking in the mall and feeling tall (yup!)</div><div>being fired.... </div><div>having the car towed (that was my husband by the way) ... and being fired on the same day, at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So ya, there are more but I can't think of them right now. The reason I was thinking about firsts for everything was I got fired today!! Crazy right. Me, fired. Never thought that would happen, but it did. When it was happening I almost interrupted the guy with "you joking right?" I thought he was! I'm a great employee, hard working, smart, great people skills, organized, ethical, punctual, cheerful. Anyway, even now I'm still in shock. His reasons were that he thought I just could not handle how busy it was! Strange that the girl who was crying when it was busy didn't get fired but I who remained calm and upbeat the whole time did... something is not right here. It is actually a bit funny to me, I know the reasons he told me are not the real ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than pure shock, the feeling I have is relief. I really didn't like the job anyway. He never gave me what he promised for hours, the girls were super catty and rude. The schedule was all over the place and I really didn't like working till 9:30 pm. Yesterday I actually spent the afternoon handing out resumes and walking around trying to get idea's of where else to work, checking on craigslist and email out my resume as well. So it is not as if I actually wanted to keep the job, but I was hoping to find a new one before I left the last one. Also ruined my perfect record. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well God knows what he is doing, I'll just keep praying and trusting Him. He is so good and faithful. His way is perfect. I just really want to find a job where we can save enough money for me to go to school, but His will be done.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-20344627257612488192010-08-14T21:37:00.001-07:002010-08-16T07:31:09.281-07:00My Crib<div style="text-align: center;">okay so it has been a long time coming... well actually only 2 weeks and 2 days to be exacted, but here are a few snapshots of out humble abode in Burnaby.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>the kitchen with a DISHWASHER, praise the Lord!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbFd70Ox4TeHLHPn36HFnGAcFfm_aooMsGNQtCmTA1mijBuJLVBybvI4Qddh1JPcLQQyoxaky8hGdNeVWHghHm57I1hJVa5MsOQWA3pphAMY5Wtmj-i9RRxNKzAH0ZYAx8wGGaDNGqcBw/s320/IMG_0705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505864756603009426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>half the living room ... the other half was occupied by someone who wished to no have their photo taken, but same old love seat, lamp and end table.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3r5upa2bcLu6-pFQZAHJwj1b59WFNzdCEB_o-ZpiZvoZCQcE8H7WfX2_cbZfYx8trVXw4oL6gOpGRdOUbGvEOPEB9PO5oMRoHCegwbwezD6CDTJR0a8qR4cK02minG3rEE6eheH4dnj0/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505864329299462834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>our bed room and yes I actually do keep the bed made this time around... mostly because the bedroom doesn't have a real door.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXshGWE5kfO__S-kYT-0qeS13cj8qO8Bvc43kzXSjVy35baPIu5SMiPOgMnHA1Y7AqfzrlGTXkmlKx981f4QIvp4zfXnE7jlKSw8PzG_MV8WERs4A5g9WKOx8c6LU1ulINMdlOewmBkZz/s320/IMG_0703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505865071947378274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>the bathroom... with a nice deep soaker tub!!! Which I still have not used.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ7EIGciRATkIZmWRFphplHsyOAB9l9BpAufnnmdqrwBJJ-UxTpL_H5hzX9e7JCMtsfXRkyy8L_93IQlXLQUL4O-kOQbWls0dTxmhjG7VaQyfsVqfEC66Uxi5aLKYbHV-MJh9cD2GpiqJ/s320/IMG_0709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505865533444027154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>the view from out patio door, the edge of the patio and beyond.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sld7U_QZ932BpWO5T7CnvP6ZUJ1keIPaJjuF95S2LFMFXfxeqmsQ0qQldxAjkIkXwfcrJk3JPiGzu0OX4AHQMo608UP4gG3VHxDXea7_NzKSvOx-DNL0fNXXkaHj9RXXF08ZsYjswv-t/s320/IMG_0715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505866318776687074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>My new ... well new to me bike. She is name less, any suggestions are welcomed! All she is missing is her basket and bell.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy3kyoY11inep2mlINYvZbNF6NVVfU_mVGap5w7jQurfn-aCKbnTESQlZWufvs_E3bpKaPeITFFnwewUCJPjTCcWl5AOkZrGNhEU-NE_CvElQp9W5DqEorTjCyR7K8z4efVoaB2k2Jv5j/s320/IMG_0711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505866675940452226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for visiting my home, please come again soon.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-33300219225276039652010-08-07T09:24:00.000-07:002010-08-07T16:55:39.378-07:00On A StageI felt a bit embarrassed yesterday. My husband has been recruited to play drums 3 Sundays in a row and the church plant we are spending the month of August at. This means that 3 Sundays in a row I will be at the church bright and early for their practice due to our single vehicle situation. In seeing him, I mentioned to the pastor that if they happened to need a female vocalist one of those Sundays I would be happy to sing. He jokingly asked my husband if I can sing. Then ask if I has experience. I told him about my past church as well as my time at bible school on worship teams. Then he proceeded to explain to me why he does not want me to, basically he has been having difficulty getting the young women in his church to step up and lead on a regular basis, seeing as how I will only be with them for a month he would rather I didn't. I totally understand, which I expressed, but he proceeded to say something about not just being able to sing but having a heart of worship is the important thing. I know what he meant, he is a great guy, we really like him. In fact I totally agree with him, it is not just about sounding good. But it stung. I was not about to go into a spin about it, I just let it go. He didn't mean it in a hurtful way after all. But it still stung me. So much so that today I am still thinking about it.<div><br /></div><div>I know God has called me and blessed me with a heart of worship, thought music, art, dance and creativity. I want my heart to always remain towards Him. I asked Him to remind me the beauty of worshiping Him with my whole heart.</div><div>I asked Him to teach me no matter where I am or what I am doing, whether on a stage or off, with a mic or without, to keep my heart content to worship Him alone with abandon.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do believe He has blessed me with the ability to lead people into heartfelt worship of Him. I never, ever, ever want it to be about me. How I look or sound, or how I am perceived. Truly it is only by the Spirit that anything I do, say or think can be a fragrant praise offering to Him. What I really need is for Him to keep me from distractions and to give me a true heart of worship. To purify my heart and cleanse away my selfishness. For Him to teach me how to worship him and how to lead worship on and off a stage. I want my whole life to be worship not just when I am singing. I want (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to live my life in such away that I am leading people to worship God all the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I go into my new job in a secular environment based completely on physical appearance, it will be a battle to keep my focus completely on God. I need His Holy Spirit to help me to live in a way that is worshipful to Him. In a way that leads others around me to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a different sort of stage and much more challenging than just a 5-6 song set with a microphone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lord, by your grace teach me to worship you and lead others to worship you with my whole life. Amen.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-87720458080505630142010-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:002010-08-04T20:20:43.478-07:00Melissa HDSo for those of you who don't know yet, the "HD" does not stand for High Definition (trust me you don't want that!) or High Density (and I don't want that!), it is my witty little way of say Hairdresser. <div><br /></div><div>For the past few months now my husband and I have been looking into the idea of sending me off to hair school. There are many reasons. First is it something I have always been interested in, just ask my Mother. Up until now it has not been an option due to finances. I really would love to get some training that will give me a useful skill anywhere I go. One that is a necessity for most North Americans ( unless you are follicley challenged, like my dear husband). I want a skill that capitalizes on my strengths, my creative abilities and my outgoing personality. I want a skill that can be used in the workforce as well as from home for when I have children. So I can make some money with out leaving home. And finally and most recently, God has given me some pretty exciting idea's as to how He can use it for His glory to ministry to the less fortunate in a very practical way.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am very excited about the idea. One great thing about moving to Vancouver is there are way more options for schools then there ever was in Kelowna. There are also a few based out of well established high end salons down town Vancouver. Their programs are shorter in length, only part time, more effective, teach more modern techniques and cost much less! We are about 90% sure about registering me for a course that starts in January 2011! Very exciting. The best part is God totally provides. We have been very prayerful about this decision and will continue to be, but we have also received a lot of encouragement in pursuing this from many godly people we respect and trust.</div><div><br /></div><div>God has us on this amazing journey, and I really want to share all that he is teaching us, how he provides and the steps he sets before us, for your encouragement and mine, but most importantly for God's glory!</div><div><br /></div><div>For those for those of you waiting for pictures of our new place... they are coming soon. Everything is done except there is a pile of tiny little boxes and electrical wires in the corner were the TV is. It is still waiting to be set but, unfortunately I am not the one who can do that... I might be waiting for a while because <i>someone</i> is not in much of a rush to set up the TV (which is not a bad thing, it is just a bit messy to leave the stuff out)</div><div><br /></div><div>VOTD (verse of the day):</div><div>"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."</div><div>Hebrews 12:11</div><div><br /></div><div>Till next time,</div><div>In Christ & for the Glory of God!</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-33738329646946006642010-07-25T08:41:00.000-07:002010-07-25T08:54:23.167-07:006 days...okay so it has been a while. this past friday was my last day at the job I worked at for 2.5 years. they made it really nice for me. we had a 4 day long celebration. sushi & cake tuesday, cake for breakfast and OPI nail polish on wednesday, Starbucks and Starbucks card on thursday and amazing cheese plater and ice wine on friday! i thought i would cry, but i didn't. i guess it was anticipated for a month and a half so i was mentally prepared. i thank God for that job, he used it to provide for us for a long time while Matt was unable to work. i spend many days at work then after work driving directly to the hospital. it was such a blessing to have a boss who is praying for you!<div><br /></div><div>so now the packing starts! i thought it would be easier to get motivated once i was finished work... nope! i still don't feel like packing at all. i would like to blame the weather. it had be 35 plus, and what do you expect i live at the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div>anyway i am having a myriad of emotions. to be expected i guess. leaving the city i grew up in, indefinitely. leaving family. but on the other hand there is the excitement of change, an nice new place with a dish washer and bath tub. having our very own place. the adventure of discovering a new city. and of course what trumps it all, following where we feel Gods call! </div><div><br /></div><div>well that is it for now, i hope to get better at blogging on a bit more regular basis once we move to keep everyone up to date.</div><div><br /></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-87847511464182216952010-05-21T13:50:00.000-07:002010-05-24T08:52:45.675-07:00Some exciting news.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">... sorry for the delay.<br /><br />We have some thing exciting to share, we had to wait till key people were informed, but if you see my boss please don't mention it yet, she will find out on Tuesday, when she gets back from her 2 week long motorcycle tour in Ontario.<br />As of September 1st 2010 my dearest husband will be starting a pastoral internship at Willingdon Church, Burnaby BC (</span></span><a href="http://www.willingdon.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">www.willingdon.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, if you are interested) Meaning that we will be moving to Burnaby August 1st 2010. We will still be on board with Church Planting BC, but Matt will be spending a year in rigours study as well as learning the ropes of running a church hands on. We are so excited, we have been praying about this for a while, it is an amazing opportunity on top of it he will get paid a small salary to learn! Most people have to pay to learn this stuff. We have seen God open the doors all along our path and in the right moment He makes the way clear to us. There was no hesitation accepting the position. All though it means leaving our home, family and my job behind, we are confident that God will provide for all of our needs, as he always has. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We are now trying to plan ahead as much as possible, all though is is pretty hard at this point, we are mostly praying a lot! We will need a place in Burnaby because we would love to both be able to walk to work. There is the issue of me finding a new job down there. It will have to be full time and hopefully I will make at least what I do now. We are extremely bless to be getting paid by Willingdon, but Vancouver is a very expensive place to live. I am praying that God will provide a job for me that I enjoy, not just one I do because I need to make money. I would really love to be able to spend my days doing something that comes naturally to me and not something thing I have to constantly fight to do well at. It is much easy to enjoy your job when you feel like you can do a really good job at it, without going crazy or having your brain burnout due to over use (round peg square hole kind of thing).</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It is an adventure. I have never been too worried about change, in fact I usually like it. The thought of moving to a new city, getting a new place and meeting new people really excites me. Leaving family, and not knowing where I will work makes me nervous. It also makes me question how soon children will be on the agenda? Thhey will probably be postponed a little longer.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />I really want to praise God for this opportunity! They made it pretty clear that they had never hired any intern with as little experience and schooling as Matt. Most interns they bring on have already completed seminary. Matt is an exception (again) he is also the first church planter they have brought on. Most of the other interns have just fed into the pastoral staff of their ever growing church. It is clearly and act of God that they offered him the position at all. We are very grateful to God.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />I know the road ahead will not be easy, my prayer is that I will be able to fix my eyes on Him, His face, His purposes, His glory, above everything else in the whole world. Once again I have to lay down my desires at his feet and say "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, in my life, and on this earth as it is in heaven." That is hard to say sometimes! But I know that when I delight myself in Him He will give me the desires of my heart.<br />I would love your prayers as we make this transition.</span></span></div></div></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-71345600270525893182010-05-05T21:29:00.001-07:002010-05-05T21:33:08.660-07:00Coming Soon...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">I have a very exciting announcement to make soon, but I can't post in on the internet just yet. Please stay tuned for the breaking news, hopefully in the next week or so I will be able let you know all the details.</span></span></span><div><br /></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-27983814281182037082010-04-17T11:08:00.000-07:002010-05-05T21:35:41.509-07:00The New Doo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW7_5CHt3MaFQUuJfTs7fa3AVLt0bKvK1ACF-xCdZ8uAdQpCJe2Kl0y-6SNfT5eLwBo3WnuBwCwTCZ6k4B8OszZLSdnAzC36SszyNPRZaru-hlf114H1nGG18ieQNe0bNKGJ1m3vBomAW/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW7_5CHt3MaFQUuJfTs7fa3AVLt0bKvK1ACF-xCdZ8uAdQpCJe2Kl0y-6SNfT5eLwBo3WnuBwCwTCZ6k4B8OszZLSdnAzC36SszyNPRZaru-hlf114H1nGG18ieQNe0bNKGJ1m3vBomAW/s320/IMG_0618.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461181390920367282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtZDPaXjpypucoRLllBXueSZHvlRj3bHoWpVZa0Py4NO454lgS6XB1Wo7yY2f__kGxYa1_vNwq8roEJYkv0VXMPk6wL7fK4gCRtLg2TB4_fYyjyrC5GSM3UVQnRYp0d4T-7HYhAtg346S/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MDLjNjbnI2VbER1psZ6_rKNGhA1am4RCF_YH8boLIuUe2MoZSYne8-WKkDq6OjZz7Uygh7UXBNISDytE01WM6vKSEBgKso8L0lZI7IU7APNepQXeELElydYCZ7-c2JMUNaOp01B3c0Wx/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MDLjNjbnI2VbER1psZ6_rKNGhA1am4RCF_YH8boLIuUe2MoZSYne8-WKkDq6OjZz7Uygh7UXBNISDytE01WM6vKSEBgKso8L0lZI7IU7APNepQXeELElydYCZ7-c2JMUNaOp01B3c0Wx/s320/IMG_0609.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461180675209365650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44b-YlwaspXh0GdiSF-LJyv2ni0qSrDX9473YLrvTcK2GJmDCRWqG-d2d9aflbzLkMYzm9ufWZXH9CQSZ7B5M3Fuk7HAOXfThjXr_Ye1NeK5btmzuaOB4IJsB5Xu8wKXYBwV2inBuwZd7/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fsberhHhRqvokXlFoTYUmwOQHOBzvllkYpDNWA5M2hJUrYjqQQROLYXsV2FgIqSX4PtU2_64CAeNw3sB3N3FPG4cbgnFlFeSPy8aPMl-LIP_RgkwVJqkUbb-imtYGZd2bbQ9wTd5R95E/s1600/IMG_0610.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogyeb6TdmNKLKP45SIRo78GMlSSnSpCgHPBOFlkV5Oe4BakUDpQMxFtMlWBJ5BpjbiuR4DBOrINIfJbbzldsOX1al-kIcZjv-2yVe7v2QWz3FM02PagbCJucs99X79C7c42akIz6YAed8/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtZDPaXjpypucoRLllBXueSZHvlRj3bHoWpVZa0Py4NO454lgS6XB1Wo7yY2f__kGxYa1_vNwq8roEJYkv0VXMPk6wL7fK4gCRtLg2TB4_fYyjyrC5GSM3UVQnRYp0d4T-7HYhAtg346S/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtZDPaXjpypucoRLllBXueSZHvlRj3bHoWpVZa0Py4NO454lgS6XB1Wo7yY2f__kGxYa1_vNwq8roEJYkv0VXMPk6wL7fK4gCRtLg2TB4_fYyjyrC5GSM3UVQnRYp0d4T-7HYhAtg346S/s320/IMG_0621.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461180919555119570" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fsberhHhRqvokXlFoTYUmwOQHOBzvllkYpDNWA5M2hJUrYjqQQROLYXsV2FgIqSX4PtU2_64CAeNw3sB3N3FPG4cbgnFlFeSPy8aPMl-LIP_RgkwVJqkUbb-imtYGZd2bbQ9wTd5R95E/s1600/IMG_0610.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As per Dom's request. Sorry for the multiple shots.</div><div>Because my hair is all one color it is hard to see the shaggy layers in the photos, it is better in real life! Anyway I like it and think I'll keep it for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693156299193811599.post-65476023925323495952010-04-06T08:19:00.000-07:002010-04-06T21:19:34.622-07:0010 in 2010<div>So here are 10 things that I have either just discovered or re-discovered in 2010, that I really like or love. These are not in any specific order either.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">Maybelline mineral foundation</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">.</span> Makes my skin look naturally flawless and radiant! So easy to use and lets my skin breathe during the day. I think using it has actually given me a better complexion with out make up as well!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Aveeno products.</span></b></span> I have used the lavender hand lotion for a long time, I keep it by my bed so I can use it at night, very relaxing! But now I use their moisturizer, facial scrub and conditioner. I love it all so much that I plan on gradually switching all my body products over to Aveeno ones. Plus if you buy them at Wal-mart they are affordable too.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>3. I really, really like my new 70's glam rock <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;">hair cut</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;">! </span></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>4. The new TV show on NBC<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"> Marriage Ref. </span></span></b></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>5.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Knitting.</span></span></b> All though technically I started at Christmas 2009, I think that I have grown to enjoy it more and more in 2010, and have mastered more than just the basic stitch in 2010. I have always had at least 2 projects on the go until now because I just finished my first dress (which is sweet!) and we are leaving for Vancouver tomorrow so I haven't started anything new. But it will probably be something for a baby because everyone I know is pregnant. (Total exaggeration I know.)</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>6.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Actually using my day timer</span></span></b> for my personal life. I've had them before and use them usually for no longer than 2 weeks to a month and then stop. But to stay organized at work my boss got me one to keep on my desk which I have learned to use for my own survival. So I thought maybe now I would be able to use one for my personal life as well. I have set a new record for how long I have actually used one for.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>7. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The sharpie pen</span></b>. I use it in my day timer and for everything else (but not at work). It is so nice. If you are like me and you like a nice pen try one.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>8. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;">Metro</span></span></b></span>, I have always loved Metro, so this would be a re-discover. We used to go every once and a while. But now that my husband is a intern there, and preaches there sometimes, so we go every other week. I love it, I even crave it. It just feels so right. I think that is how church should be. If you have never been and you live in Kelowna go! </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>9.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Seeing John Piper preach in real life</span></span></span></b>. Okay so this had not actually happened yet, but later in the week it will and I know that it will be great. So I am adding this to my list in anticipation. John Piper is an inspiring preacher and a great writer, I respect him very much, probably more than any other well known preacher.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>10. I love <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">my new niece</span></span></span></b> born March 30 @ 12:24, 7 lbs 3 oz. She is gorgeous and I look forward to cuddling her all the time and seeing her grow.</div>philippians4:4http://www.blogger.com/profile/04831937998592280364noreply@blogger.com2