Life Happens

He fills me with love so I can overflow!

2012-01-17T19:40:00.000-08:00

Love is a powerful word, that transcends languages, religions, workplaces and schools, there is not an environment that has not been touched by love. Love is bigger than we can imagine.

This year our lives are going to look a lot different. I am publishing my first children's story, called Carry Me to Kinshasa. It is the story of our adoption and the journey we have been on. It is also the year that we pray our children come home.

Lately we have been considering the love of God. We have been in a sermon series at our church that has had me thinking. The main message is how much God loves us. Ultimately I think as christians we all know that but do we really understand the depth of it? Are we really able to take that love and process it? If we do process it what does that look like? And if God really loves me as much as the bible says He does, then why I am not so full I am bursting and people are being touched by overflow?

So what if we took Matthew 9 and the verse about few workers and a full harvest. So often it is used as missions verse, but missions is about love and the harvest is showing, sharing, sowing and serving up God's love to others. What if we not only talked and walked the the walk but drew others to us, instead of preaching the gospel to the nations, sharing love daily?
Now I am all for going into all the nations so I don't not need to defend that here but honestly, this was an appeal from the Lord. An appeal that was seconded all over the bible, another in John 13: 34-35 says ....if you love one another, showing love to one another, not just to the easy to love, but to all.

I hope people can identify me by my walk and my talk, someone who encourages and loves their friends, someone who allows me into their dark places to let the light shine. I want to be known as a seeker of more of His love, as one who can be counted on to share His love.

I want to be known as one addicted to learning, teaching, sharing, so addicted I cannot live without it.
I know love is universal, I know love can melt even the hardest heart, can heal wounds from broken hearts, tame wild hearts, encourage timid hearts, calm anxious hearts, settle aggravated hearts, forgive guilty hearts, sweeten bitter hearts, because the bible says LOVE never fails. It never fails, when everyone else may have given up on someone, God still LOVES and continues to work in the hearts of His children.
What a magnificent, wondrous image that is. No matter how we are, what we have walked through, where we are going, He still loves us enough to shine through and allow us to glow with His love. Why?

It is because He wants us to love abundantly, love forever, put our time and energy into something that will always be a success, it will never fail.

So this week I am going to get comfortable with His love. I am going to tell myself often certainly out loud several times at day, in my car, or at home, and during the day to myself. Not that I want o hie His love, but I also do not want people to think I am nut bar either? Yelling "God Loves Me" through the tim Hortons drive through window, but it would be fun.

This week that is my challenge, next week I will harness the blessings, and start giving away what I have.

A great year to be a writer and final blog of 2011

2011-12-07T21:03:00.002-08:00

It has been another year of blog posts, 47 this year and over 5200 readers. That is cool. Some posts that came to me in the night and some that when I sat down to write, morphed into something completely different. I love to write and this year will symbolize the year that I became an author. I have signed my first book deal. It is a children's story and it too morphed from the original idea but I have dreamed of writing a children story for about 5 years; this from a kid who never passed English in high school. So where is the difference, where is the change, what was the shift? It all happened with life experience and the encouragement from my husband. For years when I was looking for a career change, he encouraged me to pursue writing, he encouraged me to spend time locked away, banging away at the computer keyboard with the relentless spell check for the part of me that didn't pass English 12.
The story is due to be out in the spring of 2012, and is called Carry me to Kinshasa. It is the story of our adoption journey and the love a mother can have for children living half way around the world, that she has never met. It is the story of her friends and family and what they were prepared to do to carry her to Kinshasa as she walked in her heart the 13808 kilometres from home to Africa. If you are at all interested in the trek or the journey you can check out www.carryme.ca From there you can read more and read the progress and you can also follow what we are up to. For Life Happens I will continue to write but life is going to change one day in 2012 and so I know time to write will be a gift, rare and treasured.
I am thankful for all the readers that have read this blog and if you are thinking I have fallen off the face of the planet, check out the other site and see if I am still up to something.

My favorite blog of the year would be a Super Size in January... a small tidbit.. This weekend our Pastor, Scott Gaglardi, preached about our burdens and not the daily grind that feels like a burden, but the burdens that God has given you, that you can't escape, the kind that you cannot possibly do on your steam, the burdens that require, planning, prayer, resources, and a big dose of humility, the ones that seem like mountains. WHY... because without these burdens we cannot see our faith in action, we cannot see His control over the physical, when we reach out to Him in the spiritual, and we can't share the story of His glory.
I totally get the entire concept, but today while talking to Kelsey, we were both relenting to the facts of why some days the practical side of going, money, time and commitment seem like it over takes the faith side. Are we willing to sit and do nothing and wait upon the Lord to move in our finances or our time frame, or are we willing to look at how we can make it happen. Which brings me to the second part of that, if we waiting looks like we are doing nothing, are we really stepping out? Is we waiting look like a person that says "yes" when this happens or that happens, then I will be able to ...fill in the blank. It could be go to Africa, it could be go to bible college, it could be serving at soup kitchen , it could be raising funds for programs that work in addiction counselling. Either way you cut it, we live in a world of me, instant gratification and self serving attitudes., not in a world of faith, we are a "sure thing" culture.
This is not about raising money, or asking people to commit to anything, it is about asking are you wondering where the "supersize" miracles are? I am. I pray that there will be a day when mission fields have waiting lists, where ministries that feed the poor, have to rotate volunteers to make room for everyone, and a day when we don't doubt in our heads and follow the faith of our hearts. A day when practical isn't our first response. What is God calling you to....

God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. Romans 11 v 29 The Message.

Yep I love this blog post....

So for this year I say Praise to God for He has shown us the full warranty, He has shown us that practical is his business and our business begins with faith.....

Blessings to you and your family for 2012. I can't wait to see all that He has planned for us in 2012...well the wait for the ride is long, it is going to be worth it....C

Carry Me to Kinshasa

2011-11-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

what does jesus walking on water, the drc and dr suess have in common check it out...

Checking out we are moving right along 669 kms into the open ocean this week....check it out Carry Me to Kinshasa

As the season of Christmas approaches...remember to share GRACE

2011-11-19T07:24:00.006-08:00

I have written about grace many times, and I assume I will write about grace many times more. I am nothing without grace. Our Pastors have been preaching on grace (click link)
Northgate Foursquare Church, and if you want to understand the beauty of grace, the walk of grace, the outcomes of grace, you need to listen online, click the Grace series and watch the sermon videos. This walk through Romans that has me looking at Romans in a whole different way.
Grace is more than sufficient, grace is my sustenance, part of who I am. I give and freely receive grace daily. I understand the joy that comes from grace. I understand the restoration and healing that comes from grace. I pray for grace to wash over me, my family, my friends, those that I meet, for without grace I am nothing. I pray that through grace God allows things to shape me, that it allows me to grow in Him.
I know that grace is an incredible gift that we will never understand the completeness or the ends of grace, grace is like eternity, there is no end to God's grace. No matter how often I mess up and need to ask for grace or how often I see areas of my life that I need Him to give me grace, the cup is bottomless.
Our devotions are also in Romans and grace. Suppose maybe I needed a double dose of grace this week. Here is what our devotions said. Grace to keep going

The Lord’s grace releases His supernatural power within us so we can endure life’s hardships with a godly attitude. In fact, we’ll even be able to rejoice in what He is doing in us through the adversity.
Grace builds our confidence in the sovereign Lord. Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems.
We discover the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as He walks with us every step of the way.
Because we’ve experienced His care for us, we are able to show empathy and love to others facing hard times.
During fiery trials, grace works to transform our character so that others can see Jesus reflected in us.

So as the Christmas season fast approaches and we have more opportunity to share about Jesus, keep in mind, that sharing about grace is a great lead in. Grace set the captives free, it heals the broken hearted and it always strengthens and holds us up.

Today I am thankful for many things, but number 3...HIS sustaining presence as He walks with us. I told you, the cup is bottomless, endless, infinite, into the wild blue yonder, till kingdom come, forever and a day, it is measureless!

Now share the Christmas story, share the story of grace, the story of how He meets you just where you are and show empathy to others. To those that Christmas is not so easy for, not by making them some cookies but by listening to their story and not impressing the "have to" celebrate Christmas (to get in the spirit) and that to be happy you must have the festivities in full swing. BUT...by sharing the story of Christmas and the HOPE that a baby brought. No trees, no decorations, no baking, no fancy parties, just the simple act of saying I hear you, followed by a kind word, someone is calling out to you...are you listening.

New International Version (©1984)
"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: Matthew 11 v 16

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16 v 24

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

Carry Me to Kinshasa

2011-11-14T07:33:00.002-08:00

Just wanted to share another blog I write weekly. It is a story I was not sure if I wanted to share out there but for many readers they may wonder what I am up to.
So check out
www.carryme.ca

Next week I will be back on the blog writing, and sharing about the grace that comes from humbleness.
Stay tuned!

life does happen...praying we can tear down the walls

2011-11-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

The last month has been a blur. I am saddened and broken and then restored and feel hope. My last blog post was of a young girl who took her own life and two weeks after another young girl dies the same way alone, lost without hope.
The agony of staff at both of our local schools was raw, but imagine the families, now that media coverage was paying close attention. Apparently the statistics are that 5 young people in 4 years have died by suicide. As our community rallies together to try and make sense of the staggering numbers, the losses and work with many organization to make sure it doesn't happen again. So both of the schools I work have suffered so that is my work life. I have started praying outside and inside the schools each week and God is revealing words, hope, peace, comfort and protection on the ground I walk on. I felt called to walk the paths, the parking lots, the routes, the outside streets leading to the school. I have been blessed with such an enormous surge of hope. I wish I could shout it to all that would listen. God has this valley in His hands. Check out the you tube below...I pray we can tear down these walls!

So that is work and home has also been a little rocky, with a case of salmonella poisoning from a chicken burger at the golden arches...if you get my hint. So I lost about 6 days, my husband taking two days off work to care for me, and doing a million things above and beyond his regular duties LOL. So after reclaiming my balance from pancreatic induced vertigo, chased by low, low blood pressure, freezing cold hands and feet, and not yet the ability to down my morning coffee, I am on the mend.

So if I have been slow on the posts, please forgive me. I am also writing a children's story and so now I must sign off while i try and work out some images to match the book, so the illustrator can get me some sketches. It is the fun part of my day.
Before I know it, it will be time to start sending my Finland Christmas cards...wow time flies!
Happy November, C

http://www.songlyrics.com/hillsong-united/tear-down-the-walls-lyrics/

Grief abounds

2011-10-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

After a very sad week at our school with a young girl taking her own life, a second young girl and her father were killed last night. The town is very small and with the two girls, 14 and 12, there are many young teens that have both as school mates if not friends. It has the entire community trying to grapple to try and understand the sadness and the far reaching grief that wraps itself around our young people. Please pray for the community of Comox and for the families of the girls, for the teachers, friends, coaches and neighbours., for the crisis management team. Pray a special blessing on the friends and fellow students of both girls. School tension is still reeling after a summer murder of a young man who had graduated from the same school. I am speechless to try and make sense of it all, but know I want to be there and be a listening ear, part of a solution to bring peace, restoration of broken hearts and healing from the inside of each young person in our valley. Nothing is too big for my God
\

Catch and Release

2011-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I asked some Facebook friends what they thought of when I said "catch and release". I got answers...some that made me laugh, (check out the last one below) and some that made me think. Then I thought about what is like for God when His children are set upon a path, as we all are. Does He catch and release us? Is the acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior the catching into the kingdom, although we are not captive, and is the process of our walk the release?
I got to thinking, am I walking through the life He had envisioned for me, prepared for me, breathed into me?
Or was I a feral cat, a wild animal, not willing to conform, most comfortable without rules, or a random fish fighting to get back to the place where I will die? Would I be willing to live in harmony with the plan and purpose for my life? Would I be willing to accept it unconditionally or would I wait for the big one"opportunties " or would it be too late?
Imagine what God thinks some days, because we know he sees our thoughts, knows our inner most desires. Some of which will obviously be against His will, some along the lines, but on our terms, and some that we can fangle to believe that they line up because we are a good person.

Oh Lord it is the cry of my heart to be the wife, mother, aunt, cousin, nana, friend, employee, Christian you called me to be.

Some people need to learn from their mistakes, one of our children who will remain nameless is a "need to learn for myself" learner. Even if it was a hard lesson eventually as parents we realized this and allowed it happen. What does God say when he knows that is our learning style. I know I am a "learn from other people and from experiences" not always having to be the person directly involved. Does God look at me and say Colleen it was happening all around you and you didn't see it. Imagine every person on this earth being His creation and every person that takes the long way around to learn something. Wow, HE is patient and loving and merciful and always there to scoop us up. I am so thankful for His release of me into all that He has predestined for me to experience, the happiness, the sorrow, the learning curve and the blessings. Best of all I am happy because I am a catch!

Today as Thanksgiving approaches I am going to pray for more to be caught and launched and released into HIS perfect plan, ups and downs and all.

Thanks to :

My Facebook Data Group
- Lori Wear before its to late
  19 September at 19:28 · · 1 person
- Callie Finley fishing
  19 September at 19:50 · · 1 person
- Marianne Harris spaying & neutering feral cats... :)
  19 September at 19:53 · · 1 person
- 19 September at 20:02 ·
- Lois Reimer endangered fish
  19 September at 20:23 · · 1 person
- Cody Pfl Eliason Waiting for the big one.
  19 September at 20:42 · · 1 person
- Gill Shoemaker raising kids
  19 September at 21:43 · · 1 person
- Amy Emery Wild animals (raccoons, possums)
  20 September at 09:37 ·
- Ernie Peters Wife?
  20 September at 22:04 ·

Wow it is fall again!

2011-09-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

How does it happen so fast, I mean summer being over. One day to the next and it seems like everything changes. I also work at a school so of course it is always a new beginning. This week we entered another year of educational fodder. This time to fill the brains of young people in high school of all that can and will await them if they can just get through. Oh wait, they are supposed to be having the time of their lives. So why is it, all they want to do is graduate and be done. Do they not realize what life as an adult is like? Oh please take me back to a time when my greatest decision was the color of the earrings to match a multi colored top, or whether I worked Friday night with a friend, so we could have more fun at work? When we didn't have to pay bills, buy our own clothes and make big decisions. Being a kid was great!
We as adults in todays world have a huge influence on the young people we come into contact with. I am so thankful to be put in positions where we can discuss issues of social justice! with the bright young minds of today. I also love the vibe of high school, although the sizes of students nowadays is a marvel. What are you parents feeding these children? It is not unusual in a school of grades 8 - 12 to find children roughly the size of ten year olds and then full grown men with beards. I can never quite get a handle on it.
But it is fall, and I love the seasons. I love the leaves and the way the light is refracted off the colors. I love the way the mornings are crisp and cold and the days warm up. I know the rain is coming but I am in denial. I love the way the lawn doesn't need to be mowed and the garden gets natural dew enough to sustain is for days at a time. I love that the hay is in the barn. I love that fall bring everyone back from holidays and church is a big party of chatter.
I love taking pictures of fall, I really do and this fall we are currently working on a fundraiser and I cant wait to start pictures of the progress. send me an email if you want to help it is going to be great!
hearts4africa@ymail.com
Happy fall, C

This photo of Lancaster County is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Being Reminded of Reality

2011-08-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

I love routine, I love organization and maybe I love the fine execution of a plan, but what happens when things take a sudden turn. Our lives seem to go in circles some times, where we left off once before we seem to come around to again. How does that happen? Is there such a thing as deja vu? Do you get that when something comes up and you know you have had this conversation before, been in this place, but it isn't realistic? It could not have happened.
So my thinking brain tries to make sense of the weird phenomena called deja vu. Is is real? It comes from the French word, already seen. Does that mean I have seen it? Does that mean that God planned for this time and place to happen again because I didn't get it right the first time? Questions, absolutely, answers not so much.
As we settle into routine here at home and praying for some major life changes for us, we are reminded that reality is what you make of it. It is what it is...we have said that many times. Right now as we get the hay in the barn, a few weeks later than usual, it is still routine. We miss the banter of many friends from the church that come out each year to help, but with the amount that needed to be done in a short time we hired a crew. I have done this before, every year for 15 years here and prior to that at my parents farm, same fields, same tractor, green square bales scattered throughout in random patterns. Yep this is normal.
I know God continues to teach, I know He provides us with routine, I know He gives us glimpses into His plans for us, but have I been there before, no, He has. He has set a path before us. I am so glad he can see the finish line, or the big picture, because now I need to believe in the impossible. Don't you hate a cliff hanger... email me: hearts4africa@ymail.com if you would like specific prayer direction on our behalf. C

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen

Ps Jerry missing you, thought you would like to hear and see...ps we miss you too T

Home again, home again, jiggidity jig...

2011-08-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well the vacation is over, the pictures are downloaded, the luggage unpacked, laundry done and now reality is setting in. We are busy with cutting hay and getting it in the barn this weekend thankful for the sun. I have bills to pay, banking to do, groceries and such. As I weed though the mail and the phone messages, I am reminded of how important communication is.
I am so thankful for the internet and my ability to post a few posts while on vacation. I will add a few pictures and thoughts post vacation because posting was not as easy as I thought it would be.
Next up, a new school year and wondering all that God us going to do through and with me. I am thankful that I am a vessel that He can fill and nothing else. Looking forward to routine. Wow never thought I would say that, but already the dog has resettled back in to his sleeping the day away and not ever watchful of where I might be. I am sure if he could talk he would ask where we went and explain why he hates it when the luggage comes out. I will be sure to put it all away today! Have a great day, more later, C

Bucket List Item #1

2011-08-13T23:37:00.002-07:00

Russia was everything I dreamed it would be and more. The history and the culture had me standing in awe so often I had to be prodded along because there was so much to see. Saint Peterberg history for me was shallow and my desire to see the square that had captured my heart as a child from the movie Dr. Zhivago the motivating factor to travel to Russia. I was not at all disappointed but the best part was Jussi was as captivated as I was and we both soaked in the culture, history and romance of an era gone by.
To say I was awestruck is a better word. After a three hour bullet train ride from Helsinki on the Allegro, traveling at 230 km/hr backwards (because it doesn't turn around from point to point) I was ready to see the sights. I was not prepared for the breathtaking beauty of the entrance hall of the famous Winter Palace The Hermitage, home to the most priceless art collection. Our tour guide Maria and driver Vitalli had met us at the train station in a black Mercedes with dark windows which added to the mystery and excitement of the adventure. We did not join another group it was just us and Maria and we were ushered to the front of an enormous line and right into the Hermitage.
As we stood in the entrance hall I was nothing short of speechless which as you know rarely happens. I teared up and tried to say how beautiful it was, what a dream come true this was but I fanned my eyes to stop the tears and just looked. Maria was then at ease, we were going to be in love with her country and culture as much as she was. After standing and visualizing the
many historical greats that had walked on the same staircase I regrouped from my lump in throat and grabbed for the camera and the bucket list dream became a reality.
I will write of the history and the beauty of the many palaces and buildings in the following post. This post I will recapture life on the street as two okeys from muskoeys travelled to SPB.
What I learned, noticed, found interesting, laughed at and felt deep in my heart to try and grasp the history of.
-the weeds in Russia were the same as home, fireweed, thistles, bull rushes, horsetail and dandelions
-there were barns with hubcaps on the wall, old farm equipment, beaver ponds and lilies, wild mountain ash and alder
-the train tracks were sometimes twelve wide
-the reminders of war times..watch towers, razor wire, military with German shepherds, big lights at the border...abandoned shelters
- a time of teary remembrance for Jussi's grandfather Jalmari Yrjana as he fought to protect the border of Finland, freezing his leg off in a fox hole during the winter, for a war that ended in a stalemate
-tiny farmhouses dotting the landscape, with a frames, wood windows, long ago deserted, reminders of economic struggles, war, famine, and saddness
-the pine trees like our Arbutus trees in that they shed bark and reveal a glossy beautiful red underneath
-29 rubbles to 1.00 cad. So...six bucks for a latte lol
-traffic is insane in SPB there are no legal left turns, so cars, pull uturns in busy streets, stopping traffic in four lanes, police watch for this but it is everywhere. Pedestrians do not really have the right of the way, although they are supposed too, the strongest and boldest get to the other side.
For example crossing most streets was four lanes, so the crosswalk is often by lights but often not, so you would start to cross when lane one is clear, then lanes 2,3,4 would still go like crazy, teas you walk across 2, lane 1,3,4 would be going etc...the cars only stopping if you were in the lane they were driving in, took some guts to step out..the cars drive really fast with motorcycles going like madmen. It was also often a mother with a stroller and small child in tow would be in the middle of the road and cars were dashing in front and behind, this I found difficult not to scream out be careful.
-historically the buildings are stunning
-less smokers than Helsinki but stronger cigarettes
-in the supermarkets everything is packaged
-the water was not safe to drink, unless bottled
-I ate pickled plums with yogurt, it was good
-McDonalds was not good, the meat tasted like game...no dipping sauce lol
-the city only sleeps about an hour each night, other than that the traffic goes back and forth, and the streets are washed every evening, making everything look so clean and tidy every morning
-fashion is very vogue...all tourists can be spotted because we have comfortable shoes on...all the ladies wear very high heels, and dress clothes
-men only wear pants, not shorts, and their shirts are always tucked in and have a collar, worn with a belt. flip flops and shorts, with a back pack, that was how we recognized tourists
-see through whites on men and women, not exactly modest
-acid washed jeans are making a comeback
-jeans so tight they look like jeggings...
-fifty channels on the TV
-we could only find pepsi and no coke
-there was a fried sunny side egg on Jussi's pizza
-the coffee is fantastic
-sushi is everywhere it is the in thing for the under forty set to go out for sushi
-we ate ate hot dogs in a blanket where the mustard, relish and ketchup was squeezed inside the tube, then the dog stuck out the top, excellent!
-pancakes were like crepes, served with caviar, because I didn't want vodka in the morning, as a chaser for the caviar, we politely declined staying with porridge, and croissants with meat and cheese and boiled eggs
-Avril Lavinge was coming to the city for a concert
-we took the subway or Metro, that was a treat, it was from he Soviet era, wooden detail on the cars, underground 100 meters, longest escalator we had been on.
-stores like us.. H and M, Hong Bank of Canada, Pizza Hut, Subway, Esprit, United Colors of Benetton, Zara, everything upscale, like Prada, Gucci, D and G, Tiffany's
-they have underpasses for pedestrians, which works fabulous, then traffic move quicker above ground
-the work day is 10-7 with a break for lunch no paid coffee times
-most people spend the weekend at the summer house because the city swells by three million tourists each summer
Russia and SPB will forever be etched in our hearts as a memory that will be priceless, we encourage visitors to consider SPB on their bucket lists. We pray it will not be the last time we visit but if it is, From Russia with love we travel back to Finland to search Yrjana history. Our memory of your beautiful city, your rich history, incomparable art...spasiba- dasvidanya
(thank you and goodbye)
This post was finally posted on free wifi from the parking lot of Ikea in Sweden lol. Pics to follow

Helsinki ...Tourist Days with Jussi's Dad

2011-08-05T12:20:00.012-07:00

http://s1126.photobucket.com/albums/l611/CYrjana/Helsinki%20Yrjana%20Tour/?albumview=slideshow
I have been trying a dozen ways to post pictures.
First the free wifi did not allow enough bandwith and then using the iPad limits me and I never bought my computer because I thought this was going to work. So if you copy and paste this link. It should take yo to the pictures .c or if you have high speed it may let you view all...I will have to visit an internet cafe I think...

Helsinki the city of cultural diversity. The thing that struck me most about Helsinki is that you could recognize languages being spoken everywhere so many different people, so many different colors, so many going somewhere. it is a city where people sit and visit for hours at a time. The coffee is big but so is the beer. Beer gardens are fancy sidewalk cafes and dot the sides of the road, filled with chatter all day long. In fact I am not sure what time of the day beer is being sold, seems to be early lol. The architecture is amazing and I walked around like a tourist snapping pictures of steeples, beautiful cherub's and guilded facias. The transportation system is top notch. People value getting somewhere so the systems are efficient, move lots of people and go often. There are so many things I want to tell you but I will tell you in short form or this post will capture my excitement but bore you to tears lol.
Things that are the same...as home!
Wild roses, birch trees, fireweed,
H&M,Ikea,Shell gas,Holiday Inns,DHL,McDonalds, Burger King,Pizza Hut
Road construction everywhere it is summer
Things that are different or things that I noticed.
Pedestrians don't have the right of way...smile
Lots of bicycles
Stamps cost .75 € about one dollar
The buildings are all...I mean almost all , yellow, beige or red brick
No stop signs out of the city just yields across four lanes...scary
The street lights sleep, so the city is all yields in the early morning
Gluten free and lactose free is everywhere
The yogurt with fresh wild berries has been my staple
I ate cherries imported from Turkey but they do not hold a candle to BC's!
The GPS speaks in Finnish and when you exceed the speed limit it beeps..yep it recognizes where you are and the posted speed limits.

It is windy in Helsinki
They serve beer on one of the trams...interesting commute
The gypsy people come from Romania to busier and beg on the streets and we loved the accordion music every street corner
Everything is very utilitarian and big, I got lost in some of the chairs, Naomi would have been like Lily Tomlin off of Laugh In..
The playgrounds for children are also plain abut functional. they have swings and slides and there is no posted signs anywhere in the city that's speaks of using at your own risk. No waivers on transit or while sightseeing. People use common sense and teach their children how to be safe.

The country of Finland is very trusting. WE arrived without customs and immigration, just walked right into the arrivals level of the airport, that was funny, nothing to declare, just come on in.
The hotel we are staying at at the end of the week, let us store our bags without us being there or checking in yet...trusting
Stock mans is a huge dept store boasted to be the biggest in the world. The deal is if cant find it at Stockmans you don't need it.
The taxis are very expensive but are Mercedes and BMWs, driver wear ties and speak many languages
People stay up all night on the street, maybe because the bars are open late and maybe because it never gets dark at this time of the year.
On first glance you will notice, many tall, blonde people, with straight hair. Never saw many curls or men with facial hair.
Men wear man capris, and colored jeans...Jussi not ready to grasp this fashion trend.
Everywhere you look there is stripes and plaid...I need to get me some.
I bought a purple and red scarf, it is a must have accessory, even in summer.
So far we have had a ton of fun, sightseeing old naval forts, the city, markets and shopping. The streets are all stones and very clean. The music is very 80's and the food great. My newest experience was beet lasagna. It was good, different but good.
I forgot a few important things, shampoo, conditioner and my shoes lol, but guess what...easily replaced in a shoppers paradise like Helsinki.
Right now we are on the Allegro train going to St. Peters berg , Russia, going backward upwards 230km per hour past farms and lakes and the scenery is breathtaking, the fellow in front of us is snoring rhythmically to the trains moves and I am smiling. Bucket list item number One...
I having issues posting from the iPad so I will try and get the pictures posted up ASAP...thanks c

First stop Amsterdam

2011-08-01T21:06:00.004-07:00

We had a long few days but we arrived in Helsinki via a day in Amsterdam. Amsterdam or what I remembered was a beautiful city full of flowers but in 20 years my thoughts have changed. Amsterdam needs Jesus. The first problem is sex, alcohol,cigarettes and legalized pot. It reeks everywhere you walk, people openly smoke pot on the street and even have pot coffee bars where we saw people laying on couches on coffee bars with water pipes, and pot smoke billowing out the windows. We also saw many sex related and immoral t shirts etc. We were saddened with the cigarette butts all over the place and unclean streets. Graffiti was everywhere and I mean everywhere. Train windows,walls,buildings, vehicles,streets, etc. It was everywhere. On a Positive note everyone spoke English so we had no problems with directions, and shopping. Everything was super great quality, the food was good, the trains easy to travel and well organized. Coffee mmmmm....
So the day ended with a late flight to Helsinki, broken luggage, an gregarious character to share a cab with, a smile and a bed to sleep in. Yahoo.

Crazy lazy and hazy days of summer

2011-07-27T14:46:00.002-07:00

Snuggles at the fire pit before bed
We have been completely at odds with the weather. One day it calls for rain and then the next it calls for sun or vice versa We still have hay to cut but our painting and cleaning is almost done. This summer because we were not getting summer hot haying weather I decided to paint the deck and the posts. Once we got started well then everything needed a tlc. Before we knew it we were or I was on a roll. Somedays Jussi would come home ready to rest and I had a huge honey do list. He has been a good sport and likes what we have accomplished. So as we take some vacation time we pray that the weather will continue to shine down upon us in August so that we can alas put our hay in the barn. Happy Summer will update as we can, still have tons to say but just can't stand being inside when the sun shines. Later...C

These pictures didn't load yesterday sorry..this is the summer reno

Built a new fire pit out the back, where we had fallen trees earlier this spring

Painted decks and posts for over a week...we have a lot of deck

A friend gave us the playhouse aka fort...and our granddaughter and a friend had their first sleepover last night

I love that deer do not eat foxgloves

Moved the pond and re installed my antique sink, love it

planted more ferns this spring and found a new home for the hammock

No reno here just a summer hair cut but we love our Tucker.

Airpark walk with T dog

Swimming at the river with the kids

If the walls could talk...tales of the kitchen

2011-07-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

After 14 years in our house, it is past time to paint the kitchen. Every other room has been re done, or at least touched up, so the summer of rain is prompting us to home repairs. Do you know what a history our kitchen has? In our kitchen we built a family, we welcomed children and young women for a season, we laughed, we cried, our son in law asked us permission to marry our daughter, we held birthday parties for many, drank coffee while discussing life in Haiti and prepared a home that is inviting and comfortable. The greatest gift for us is our relationships and in our family. Many a time we invited youth for events and our house not only was filled with mud caked smiling teens, but helpful clean up the dishes teens. We had times when tears and memories were shared and dozens of pictures were brought out and spread around with echoes of "Do you remember this ...Those were my favourite pants...What a geek...and look how cute I was a baby, which usually met with rounds of ...I was cuter.
The kids growth have left us with memories too precious to put a price on, they have baked their first meals, studied for drivers tests, colored maps for school and sang snippets of songs they had in their heart. Their dad well his famous claim to fame in the kitchen was never cooking but once he made pancakes in boxers, t shirt and a hard hat...yep, got each of the kids off guard, but they loved Finnish pancakes so much they put up with corny get up. Me well I have rolled it, sealed it, and marked it with a b, with two generations, and with my best friends. From pies and cookies, to won ton and perogy making parties, to crazy cakes with plaid stripes for a theme party our kitchen has been the hub of our home. Not always clean and shiny, but a happy place to pop your elbows down and help yourself to the fridge. So as I come to the painting portion of the kitchen, I realize I will need to copy and repaint the Wall of Fame. Over the years so many have left their name and height and when I started to write it all down, it brought back so many memories. It truly was a blessing to see the physical growth of the kids, but to know the spiritual and maturity that had come from within these young people to now, was nothing short of a gift. Thank you Lord for allowing us to have a house that was a meeting place, a gathering place, a safe place, and a full home of love and laughter. I will paint but I will transfer the Wall of Fame, so that when the second generation of kids look up they can see how tall their mom or dad was when they were their age. That part I am looking forward too.....if knew how to make a smile I would put one here!

Statistics:
Adam, Jim C, Mark, Jake, Kato, Maverick,(tallest) Randy, Kristina, Meghan, Alison, Tor, Michelle, Kelsea, Kelsi, and Adele, from 2002 to 2006, forever etched on our walls.
Avalon, Astrid, Auntie Kat, Jason, Grandpa, Daniel, Alaina, Alexandra, Anika, Husdon, (PS Naomi I have lots of numbers for H if you need any) Mercedes and Emmerson, you too have a forever place on the Wall of Fame..
Josiah, just cause you are the smallest, and oh so cute...you too will grow and be measured on Nana and Papa Jussi's wall.
Rachel and Ryland Nana and Papa have celebrated so many birthdays, fun times, and are amazed at how fast you grow. What does your Mom feed you?
Rachel 2001 40 inches to 2011 58 inches.....Junior High oh ee vay
Ryland 2007 31 inches to 2011 46 inches...Kindergarten this year yahoo
Carly you have grown into a beautiful young woman from 2002 59 inches to 67 inches in 2011
Kelsey and for Nick when we moved into our new home, Kelsey you were ten years old, and Nick was thirteen. Crazy how time flies. You have shared our home with Carly, Victoria, Kelsea, Michelle, and little Corey, thank you for allowing us to share our home with so many others.
Kels you started out at 54 inches ad when you left home you were 66 inches. You grew an entire foot in 8 years. Do you remember you wanted your birthday party in the new house, so we moved in with only plywood floors, a microwave, a bathroom, toaster and some mattresses on the floor. We all lived up stairs and finished the house as we went along. We so miss the crazy girl sleepovers, and the laughter that echoed late into the night from your room. When the house was full of dresses and wedding stuff, it all seemed surreal, but you got married and we are thankful for Jason, but we really do miss having you at home. Your smile lights us our lives.
Nick you were always tall, you started out a little over five feet at 13 years old, 63 inches. Then by the time you left home, the last time, you were over six feet. I remember thinking are your feet every going to stop growing, but you eventually caught up and have always been tall. Surpassing Jussi in 2002 at eighteen. You left home for college and university after only five years in the house, but the ceilings have been graced with the amazing sound of your voice singing from the loft. We really do miss you and your sense of humor and we miss the singing from the rooftops!
Special little people Emily and Brynn who measured themselves for the six months as they rented our house, while we were in Haiti.
We are so thankful for all that has transpired around the kitchen table, and the fridge (in our family) and look forward to the future and filling it with more love and more laughter.

God is My Umpire

2011-07-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all you faithful blog readers for my writers cramp the last few weeks. I had some medical testing and I had the end of the school year and everything went well but it took the wind out of my sails for a wee bit. We have been waiting on the weather to get the hay started and it seems like trickery. Each time we seem to get four days in a row...then the chance of showers hits the fourth day. So if you are the praying people can you lift up a little prayer and ask for some hot, windy hay days. We need nine days to get it all in the barn, preferably in two different runs. We have until the end of the month, then we are off an adventure to Finland, home to my husbands family, for the honeymoon, fifteen years later but worth the wait! More about the adventure in the blogs to come.

Today and in the last few weeks I have been challenged. In these challenging moments I have not been all that strong, I have cried, felt defeated and moped around feeling lost and without direction. I guess I always wanted to be a tougher nut but it is something that still works for the good and for the bad...I am a wear my heart on my sleeve person. If you had to ask me how I was, I may just have burst into tears, so I stayed away from people. (okay not the best strategy...but it worked) Now as I weave my way to health, and contentment I get the picture of a ball game and Laurel and Hardy's who is on first...I was running the bases of daily life but I was running in circles. I allowed worry to take over and no matter how many times I ran for the finish line, I kept getting lost. Sound familiar? I think this happens often to us, I know even a shopping trip can have me all over the place looking for something and then giving up before I found the item I was looking for.
I didn't want to give up so I persevered and with my solid rock husband and a few friends I am able to say, crisis averted. My tests were all positive results and my million other things that all hit at a time when I was vulnerable, each in its time has been walked through, dealt with, shelved or conquered. Am I feeling emotionally powerful? Not yet, but that brings me to the umpire part of my blog.
When you have a type A personality like me and a people person, you tend to look to others for reassurance, props, perks, whatever you want to call it. At the same time you feel many things are personal when often they are not, so add the "take it personally" plus "looking for affirmation" and that equals when the going gets tough the weak go no where LOL. So feeling judged for your weakness creates a whole new set of equations. See my demise LOL.
Anyway I can write about it because I am able to see it was not about being judged it was about how I perceived I was being judged. God is my umpire he makes the calls in my life, and he has not called me out of the game yet, so I am still standing on the base, looking for direction. Run, stay, or take a chance. I married a take a chance kind of guy, and I am stay safe and wait. Funny how that happens. So what is the job of the umpire?

The umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling the disciplinary actions.

I love that God is my UMPIRE! Can you imagine anything better? He controls the beginning and the end, He allows fair play and for errors, He guides and protects, and allows us to learn life's challenges by living and taking chances, and by calling us safe. He lets us play the game and watches our moves, being careful to keep us within the bases and not running amok. (running in a frenzy) I may have hit some home runs in my life...my kids, and Jussi, serving in Haiti, working with kids with special needs but I am not done at the bat! I am ready to see where this next year will take me and I know there will tough plays, there will be highlights, there will be replays, and most likely some foul balls, so "put me coach I am ready to play! "

My pity party is over Praise the Lord. I am so thankful for the craziness of life, the unpredictability I can see after the fact. Lord teach me to trust in you and look for your signal. Batter up!

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

2011-06-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been wondering what it would look like in todays times to wander in the desert for forty years.

That's more than 14,000 days. How far did they travel? If you walked at the rate of 1 mile per day, five days a week, you could travel from Canada to Uganda and back in 40 years, and still have time for the occasional vacation. If you do the math in the 40-year time frame, the Israelites were camped most of the time. Either that or they were going around in circles. Or looking for something that they couldn't find, or searching for the perfect spot to cross.....into the promised land?

The easy answer is they were being punished for their lack of faith. Well that is the easy answer for this blog posting. (Side note: I do not feel like I am being punished I just think this is a great example for thinking you are doing what is right and in hindsight realizing it wasn't)

What did my wandering look like? Was I honestly going in circles, camped out or was I moving in one direction, forward and not back? Was I playing a game with God and in a competitive spirit looking for the perfect location. The game that comes to mind is Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Instead of just embracing the whole donkey was I looking for the rump and the perfect spot to place the tail?

The answers to my own questions made me think of the times when I felt like I was wandering aimlessly waiting for God to open a door....and then it hit me. HE was waiting for me to stop wandering aimlessly. He was waiting for me to stop playing the game and humble myself enough to be lead and to let down the competitive edge and let go of winning. Argh I like to win, we all like to win, I am married to a winner and he really likes to win, way more than me. So were we...the winner and the I like to win too, focused so much on the strategy and the "plays" we planned to make, that we forgot what or who we were playing for?

That was the door we were waiting to see open, the door of humbleness, the door of it is ok to wait on the defensive and not be involved in the attack and the door of rest in Me and I will show you when the time is right. So much for all the learning and reading and research and the prayer, it was not about being knowledgable at the game it was about having the faith to sit on the play and wait.

So today starts the second or third day of our embracing the donkey. We will stop trying to pin the tail in the exact spot, we will stop trying different directions to see if they are right ones, and we will stop looking each day for the open door. There is a plan for our lives and lately things have been shaken up in some great ways and our anticipation of things to come will be amazing. So my wandering is going to look more like camping, and although it did not work for the Isrealites it is going to be the right thing for us.

Stop asking why He chose me.....

2011-06-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

I know we are live humbly within the world, and we are blessed with a wonderful home, but should I live humbly within myself? Am I thankful for all things about me that God has orchestrated? For example, I can make someone smile with my sense of humor, I can encourage people with a call, with a quick hello. I can do many things in the area of organization, in teaching, in my daily job, but do I humbly live inside my own skin? Am I aware of all that I can and will do?
Do I capture my gifts with the spirit of passion that God gave them to me in? Do I use my gifts with the enthusiasm that God knew I could if I put my mind to? Do I second guess myself and my worth instead of embracing my uniqueness? (okay even I let out a little snicker here...uniqueness is a good word for me LOL)
I am RE - learning that God has made us in His image, He has given us our physical appearance with a little help from our parents, and He has created in us a desire to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. For many years and most likely other blog posts I have written on self image, being fearfully and wonderfully made, and yet many days I struggle with being happy with who I am.

I had a special teacher when I was a child that is retiring this week. She was instrumental in my becoming a educational aide and with my desire to see change in the area of human rights and specifically in the area of racial discrimination. As a eleven year old kid, I was charged up to change the world, I was given opportunity to help a small boy to learn English, and I was given the opportunity to learn more about apartheid and the rights of people in other parts of the world. It was exciting, fascinating and confusing to a kid my age. Nevertheless the wheels started turning.
I could attribute my desire and passion to help the hurting and the oppressed as something she planted, but it was God who planted the seed and my teacher who watered. Many of my family in Christ watered, tended, weeded out things that hindered its growth, allowed the sun to shine on it in just the right way to maximize growth in that season and gave me food to bloom for Jesus.
It is hard not to get excited if you are the sower watching the growth in a person, watching passions grow, boldness, commitment, and humbleness to be used for His purpose. Today as I thought about the school year coming to an end for a dear sweet lady that fuelled my fire over thirty-five years ago, I said a prayer of blessing on her. I said a prayer of thanks to God for putting someone in my life as a young girl feeding me knowledge and planting the seed of "yes you can". Today I will reiterate the good that God has done in me over the years, pray for growth in many areas but the biggest thing I will do is celebrate who I am. I will remind myself in the coming days to not question why HE is using me for certain things, or why HE doesn't use someone more qualified, or more gifted. I will celebrate that HE chose me to make a difference in people's lives and smile at my opportunity.
Happy Retirement Miss M....may your retirement be filled with great books, travel and family.

Unleashing the power of UNITY

2011-06-07T07:48:00.001-07:00

I wrote a post about strife and how strife is an unnecessary evil but one that exists and that gives the enemy fuel for his fires. The bigger picture that came to mind as I was writing was unity. I have written about unity before and the topic itself is so broad I will not try and attempt all the faucets of destruction to a church that can happen with disunity nor cover all the benefits of unity within the church, families, workplaces in one blog post. So I am going to ramble on about what I am thinking about today about unity.

Unity conjures up pictures of people holding hands, a marriage, a handshake over a merger, a group in a church with hands raised praising Jesus together, and the ever popular its a small world image of children all around the world holding hands in a circle. Unity is a noun from the latin word meaning one, but often we visualize two becoming one. What about unity as a verb, an action of being together?

I love the fact in a country where hockey is not our national sport, but should be LOL, we come together in full force to cheer for our home team. On Saturday in Vancouver, the streets were awash in the green, blue and whites of Canuck fever. The streets were jammed with people, random strangers at the beginning at the game, and buddies who were high fiving each other at the end, and talking like friends. How is it that we can have such an amazing show of unity over a hockey game? People from all over the world are cheering for the Canucks, our home team. Why because it brings us together, we bond for a common purpose, in hopes of the Stanley Cup coming home to BC for the first time ever, after forty years of hockey I think it must be our turn.

So does it seem reasonable that the strength in numbers, over 80,000 people in downtown streets alone last saturday evening, if banded together for a different purpose could we have the same effect? I think of children's rights, poverty, families, and the rights of the marginalized people of the world, and was saddened to think what would happen if we announced that the game will not be shown, instead we will have a large screen presentation of children in Africa and what we can do to fight poverty or young girls kidnapped for the sex trade or visions of the downtown eastside, blocks from where they stood and how we needed to help. The numbers would have changed dramatically, now I do not for a minute think hockey fans do not help, pray and think of ways to help in these areas, but it was the paradigm shift in my thinking. How could "I " harness that kind of power in numbers, what was it? Unity in a common purpose!

Imagine what could be done in the world if there was more unity in the church, if churches could fill the streets for an event? If the people in each church were as excited about Jesus and brought and invited five friends to come to church and shout and sing, and jump up and down every time Jesus answered a prayer, someone was healed, someone got saved! It happens every day in churches around the world, we hear of it, but wouldn't it be cool if the growth rate of churches in this decade grew to the proportion of numbers in downtown Vancouver on a regular saturday eve to last saturday. I will leave all you math people to do the percent, I cant seem to wrap my head around it.

Unity exists in every marriage, family, church, workplace, government, and nation, and so does disunity. It is the one thing the enemy uses as his bullets, his fire power, his little wrench. I am thankful we live in a country with a democratic government, in a country where we have freedom to worship and pray in public, where families exist with little fear of the government making decisions in regards to numbers of children they can have, medical systems, education for all children, we are blessed in so many ways. Some countries in the world, do not have unity in the government and that breeds hostilities, rebel groups, militia, and all of that disunity in government tumbles like a domino in the areas of local governments, church, families, and workplaces. We need to pray for the countries that have widespread leadership issues, we need to pray that Jesus will gain dominion in those nations. I need to understand where I can help, what I can pray for, and what God is calling me to do in the area of unity in my family, marriage, church and workplace? The issues are so huge it is mind boggling.

Photo by Nick Meyer

Side note and random thought....Haiti is a country that has captivated my soul, it has unity as a symbol on their flag, they have a new democratic government, they have a larger per capita rate of christianity than Canada, and often we look at the problems that they have, but if they knew what our percentage of christians ours was compared to theirs, oh how they would be praying for us. Raising our children we wanted nothing more than healthy, happy children that would grow up to be spiritually equipped and globally minded. It struck me while writing this, that our son after a trip to Haiti was impacted by the unity among the people and not whether or not they had anything. The flag carries the words L'Union Fait La Force the translation is Unity Makes Strength. He had a tattoo designed on his foot after a trip a few years ago. He told me it was important in the culture to stick together and that families cared for families in unity but it was also in a way of remembering to be thankful for all that we have.
"To to me it was a feeling of knowing ...no matter how bad my day is and how low I am hanging my head when I look down and think life sucks, remember that you have it pretty darn good here in Canada. I remember the experiences and the people of Haiti and I am thankful for all that I have here. " Nick Meyer

I never planned to talk about the Canucks or compare christianity rates but unity is a strong, powerful place to be in. I want to be in unity in all of my relationships, my circumstances, I want others to experience unity in their marriages, families, churches and workplaces. The desire of my heart is to seek Him, to discover new refreshing areas of unity, to look for areas where I can improve in unity, to pray specifically for my church for unity among us believers, and last but not least unleash the evangelist in me and draw near to those that He desires to put in my path, so that I can in turn offer them hope in Him, and unity in a unique and wonderful family, a family in Him.

PS Go Canucks Go

Stop before you start...

2011-05-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Strife is a word I understand in the bible to mean everything from angry, bitter disappointment to all out war. The bible tells us all about strife. Strife robs us of our blessings, it takes away the anointing, it hinders, robs, destroys relationships and allows the enemy footholds in our lives. I guess I never really thought of strife as a silent killer, a killer of relationships within families, marriages, workplaces, and the churches. It comes in many forms... friction, discord, disagreement, dissension, dispute,argument, quarreling, wrangling, bickering, controversy; ill/bad feeling, falling-out, bad blood, hostility, animosity, and conflict.
A weapon of mass destruction...strife. I have been reading about relationships and how to avoid the enemy pitfalls when tensions get high and people get frustrated. It is very difficult for many, including me to see that giving in, is stopping the strife. If only I had realized this before. If you don't allow yourself to get sucked in to the "I am right" or "I have to win" or " I know what is best" then strife will never have a secure hold. Strife is never positive, and it is most often fuelled by our pride. Yep it is out, I said the "p" word. Pride is the cause of so many small disagreements that end up becoming these huge mountains that have resulted in divorce, children hating their parents, grown siblings never talking to each other, and families robbed of many years together. Like the famous Hadfields and McCoys song, so many years went by everyone had forgotten why the families had started fighting and quit talking to each other in the first place.
It sounds crazy like when you put it into words, but just think, I bet each of us can think of an instance when we allowed pride to make a decision in our lives in regards to a relationship.

Proverbs 17:14

New International Version (NIV) Listen to this passage ¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

I love this, breaching a dam, brings visions of Niagara Falls, or the levy going out in Louisiana, and all I can think of is the force of the water. The same force is the strength of how words can hurt.

To all those that I may have quarrelled with and never went back to right those situations to those that have been hurt by my words I am extremely sorry. I pray that God will hear my humble prayer, so that anything old that I can't remember will not rob my blessing, interfere with my anointing to go into all the world. What an incredible teacher the bible is, overtime I read things and each time different passages stick to me.

Today I am learning about strife, trying to understand the power of strife. There is no one at this time that I feel I have wronged, nor am I involved in any dispute. I love my family and even my kids like me, so please don't read between the lines. I am thankful that I like to be proactive and work on solutions before I am up against tough decisions. If I need counsel, I have time to pray and I have a great support team of friends and elders. I have been so blessed to be able to write and share what I learn with you. Hope you take time to ponder the thoughts and pray for your families, church and workplaces. Don't let the enemy destroy the unity that God anoints into our families, marriages and churches.!

Hmmm.....A blog on protecting unity maybe next.

Considering our worth....

2011-05-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

What am I worth? What in life is worth living for? What in life is worth dying for? Would I consider the costs of stepping out if I thought there was no gain? Would God really call someone with a heart for the people but few skills? Would I ever really know the worth I was to people?

Recently I attended a fundraiser for a friend who has cancer and has added medical expenses. It may be difficult to ask for help, but honestly their funeral may be the only time people gather to celebrate. What about celebrating life while still here on earth.

What about knowing who came to your funeral, who values your friendship, who made the time to celebrate a life lived to the fullest with giving the only thing we can not take back...time.
I suppose you can say my love language is time spent. I believe that if someone wants to spend money on a gift it is very nice, but I am much happier with spending time with them. All this talk of life and dying has had me thinking.
Missions is my passion, I wish some days it would go away but God has placed such a burden that it is un mistakable, hard to ignore, impossible to forget and like the little guy that sits on my shoulder as my conscience, it is always with me.
I have a good job, an amazing husband, family, kids, house, so much more than many others in the world, but my richness comes in experience and living life. I know God is not finished with using a simple servant like me, and for that I am thankful.
I do not need to know who is going to be at my funeral, i just need to know HE is meeting me and I have the promise of everlasting life in heaven. WOW, that is priceless!

I do want to live a life worth of my heavenly father here on earth, I do want to live a life of love and mercy, respect and honour, grace and forgiveness. I can because I am, what HE is, in me. HE has given me the gift of hospitality and some would say the gift of writing (LOL) but through my writing I can reach those that I cannot invite into my home. So can I make a difference in this world? Absolutely, some of my heroes have spurred me on to be priceless, to be worthy, to make change, to think outside the box, to be remembered for something.

I am worth nothing in monetary value (that is the truth) but I am worth so much more in kingdom finance. So here's to God's economy, praying that you and I will embrace the passions He puts before us and that we are able to live a life worthy of HIS plan for us.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

"Stop determining your worth and value by what other people say. Be determined by what the Word of God (scriptures)says." "Courage is fear that has said its prayers and decided to go forward anyway."
— Joyce Meyer (I Dare You: Embrace Life with Passion)

Don't you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are. ~Jo Blackwell-Preston

It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to. ~W.C. Fields

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh

Amen...ready to paint the next scene in your life?

The Power of the Holy Spirit

2011-05-20T07:09:00.001-07:00

We have all heard amazing stories of the holy spirit's power here on earth, in miracle healings, restoration, mercy, grace and forgiveness, but his love for us is so much bigger that we can imagine and I really believe we do not always believe he can still love us some days. Have you ever felt like you are not worthy of His power, that you are not worthy of a miracle. Well STOP right now, you are! I am! and all those that call upon His name are. The only words I can think of now, come from my work with teenagers, cool, sweet, awesome, oh yeah, and Thomas the tank engine..yes I can, yes I can, and even Nemo, just keep swimming... He can and will work miracles through me. Ask, believe and receive!
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face..then I will hear from heaven...Now that is a promise I am hanging on to.

This last week I have been in prayer for a cousin who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is in his lung, brain and throat and the medical prognosis is sketchy, but we serve a big God, a good of miracles so I am calling on His name for a miracle. Right here and right now.
In Thessalonians, Paul and Silas and TImothy are praying a prayer of thanks to the Thessalonian church for their faith. They speak of the power...not only in words...1 Thessalonians 1 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

I want to pray with conviction. I want to pray in humble belief of His miracles and I want to pray that above else God is honoured in my prayers. Please pray that God will show up in a mighty and unexpected way for my cousin. He is 45 years old and has so much living to do yet. Lord I want to feel the touch of your powerful spirit. I want to see you touch my community and heal the sick. Lord, move in my life and in the lives of those around me. Lord show me how to pray, who to pray for, and teach me to listen to when to pray.
My prayer for each of you....that you will grab a hold of the power of prayer, the power of HIM in you. In the words of an old Francsican Benediction...and may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
ps thanks Rich for the new blog banner

Safe in my daddy's arms...

2011-05-16T07:12:00.001-07:00

When I envision the first time I held Kelsey or Nick, I remember being completely overwhelmed. Did that perfect little person come from me? How could that pain, kicking in the ribs, bloated massive belly, produce this amazing little person. I remember thinking if there is nothing else I ever do, having children is the greatest gift I have been given. For the record I still think it is amazing. Many times through their years I wondered why we were walking through the things we were, I wondered why God would allow us to hurt or to ache, to give and to take, to laugh and to celebrate all in the short time span of one day. Then it hit me, because we celebrate His creation and His spirit in us. He allows for us to grow, to learn and to seek Him, to build our faith, to see us problem solve through adversity. I wondered if it hurt Him like it hurts me when my kids go through hurt, adversity and disappointment. Yes, I figured it did.

He wants for us, what we want for our kids. Picture Him cradling us in His arms, like the proud daddy in the maternity ward. He had a tear, He had dreams, He was speechless at the incredible prefect in His sight that was before Him. I was that person, I am His and I need to remember He is cradling me in His arms all knowing that through many things He is building my faith, my confidence, my problem solving and my strength.

Say a special prayer for your kids today, send them a text and remind them how special they are and that above else you will always be their mom or dad and that you would not have it any other way.

For extra reading Psalm 139 and John 10 V 27 - 31

In my Father’s arms I am safe

In my Father’s arms there is strength

Nothing could ever come

Come between us now

I’ve heard the Father calling my name. (www.kelita.com)

Top Things I Love About Being a Mom

2011-05-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Every year around Mother's day I scramble to find a poem I used to have on my bulletin board and every year I cannot find it LOL. The truth of the matter is, I could write about my great mom, or I could write about the gift Mother's are to the family. I could write about birth mothers and adoptive mothers and those friends that are not mothers, new mothers, first time mothers, good mother's, mothers to more kids than most of us, but ultimately Jussi summed it up at breakfast. "Mother's day and remembering your mom, should be more than just one day."
So today because Hallmark and the throes of nurseries (do they crank up their prices this weekend...I think it is a conspiracy) go all out, there are flowers and bushes of every kind, the jewellery stores and chocolates stores, are full of wares for sale. Every turn in the retail sector is splashes of "Mothers Day" this and that. I will write a blog on Mothers Day thoughts..
I love my mom, and I am thankful I can visit often, was very close to my grandmothers, and was blessed to have a mother in law. One day in heaven we will all rejoice being together again, sharing and caring, and talking about all the things I never asked or said when they were here. So to all those that have lost a mother I will say a little prayer for you. Five years ago this month Jussi's mom passed away and we talk of her often, wish we could share success and failures, ask her for prayer and get advice, but never forget what a blessing she was.
So in honour of being a mom...here are the top reasons I love being a mom...
(in no particular order, just random thoughts)
1. pregnancy was a chance to eat like a horse and eat weird things
2. when you are sad there is always a face and a story that bring a smile to your face
3. love being able to pawn off crappy jobs (luv it hey Nick)
4. luv nagging them to clean their rooms just like my mom did and knew they were stashing and didn't call them on it
5. at the beach or camping seeing the delight of shells, tidal pools and rare finds, as small children, and then seeing the respect for the beauty of our beaches as adults
6. Canada Day parades, lunch at Georges and Lewis Park....you guys made it all worthwhile
7. watching my children sing O Canada with reverence
8. knowing they believe in the power of prayer and will ask for prayer when they need it
9. being able to say "yes" instead of "no"
10. tears, chicken pox and flu bugs, broken bones, stitches (that was mostly Kelsey)
11. acceptance of all the others that came to live in our home, and the absolute pride as a momma to hear they were never resentful, and how they view people as people first...that is #1
12. being able to not see my point of view but loving me anyway
13. eating nachos every Friday night and calling it dinner
14. humoring me when I wanted to have help garden...in hindsight it was always painful wasn't it LOL
15. knowing when the car was leaving you were in it, ready or not...that was flexibility
16. being able to see the strengths and the gifts and wonder where they came from...
17. letting me go, when Haiti was calling and letting me miss concerts, special events and babies
18. sharing me with the many people in church who needed help, the many that came to stay for a short time, and those that just needed to talk in the middle of our evening
19. for understanding that I wanted to raise great kids and allowing me to make mistakes along the way
20. for not eating mushrooms cause Danielle said they were nasty, for not eating vegetarian cause Jussi said meat and potatoes was the only way to go, and at the same time eating a lot of chicken and stir fry as we made a happy medium in the house...See I told you once you moved out you could eat anything you wanted, sleep in when you wanted and stay up as late as you wanted...
But...I miss you all so much, I wish I could see my kids every weekend, I need kids, yesterday while making mashed potatoes, I gave the dog the beater to lick...yep I am getting desperate for a little kid time. Hopefully once school is done, there will be more time. Have a great day Danielle, Nick and Kelsey, because I love you and I couldn't have had better kids, I am so proud of you. All those times I screamed and ranted, all for naught I hardly remember them LOL, and I cant wait to see your adult lives unfold. It is exciting to be on this side of parenting. I can have my cake and eat it too...no more socks and wrappers in my couch but still can talk to you everyday. I love being a mom!
PS Thanks, to ...Tabitha, Corey, Carly, Tor, Michelle, and Kelsea....miss all of you for the laughs and love you brought to our home.....

More to follow, computer is acting funny.....needs more coffee?

To walk where Jesus walked, where he lay, and rose again in victory

2011-04-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

I am once again reminded of the desire I have to visit Isreal. I know that many times I have read books, watched DVD's and wondered what it would be like to actually be there. I know of friends that have gone and they have told me what a wonderful experience it was. So today I imagined walking, I read the scriptures of the days between Palm Sunday and the crucification and the day they rolled away the stone to reveal a risen saviour. If you are having a tough day, read these biblical accounts and you can be instantly transformed into a humble, thankful heap of tears of gladness. He is risen, He is alive, He lives in me. WOW how cool is that!

So here is my morning, I watched Hillsongs, Stronger, more than once I admit, I looked through pictures and I read and prayed my prayers of thanks for a gift so immense there is not a word in our language to describe it.

More pictures and a short video can be found at the website http://www.gardentomb.org/

Take a walk through and go in your mind, if you close your eyes after and mediate on the meaning of the week that we are in, pray a prayer of thanks, you can be whisked away in your heart to a place long ago. Travelling to see myself would be great but I am thankful for the internet and those pictures and informative sites that teach me about what it was like on that day. "Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father’s right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2)." CStanley

Do you go to DEAD church?

2011-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am deep in the throes of a great book, I Dare You by Joyce Meyer. http://www.joycemeyer.org
Every page rivets me to the promises in the word, the encouragement to "git er done", but nothing lately has stopped me in my tracks more than reading about dead churches. I guess because I am so blessed to be part of GREAT church, a living church, a thriving church I didn't realize that there was such a thing as a dead church.
So here are some of the ways to notice if you are in a dead church, in true Jeff Foxworthy fashion!

If you feel worse rather than better after church? You might be in a dead church!
If the same people who sang twenty years ago are still the only ones singing from the platform.You might be in a dead church!
Does your church have reserved seating and guests are only welcome if they don't sit in your seat?You might be in a dead church!
IS the most exciting conversation on a sunday morning the color choices for sanctuary renovation? You might be in a dead church!
Does your church attendance and participation never get into the sermon, but other churches does? You might be in a dead church!
Do you go to church to hear all the "what you can't do" and nothing about what Jesus has done? You might be in a dead church!
If there is any movement or does everything stay the same, week after week, month after month, year after year? You might be in a dead church!

Well that is paraphrased (Sorry Joyce, you got me all fired up, but people have got to read this book) People go to church looking for God, help and comfort, peace, liberty and freedom, they are not there to get loaded down with guilt, rules and condemnation. At this time I will suggest that if you answered yes to more than three of these then message me and lets get you into a church that has passion and enthusiasm, to a place that ministers life. Jesus is the truth, the light and the way, He gives fullness of life, joy, and strength. Going to church is supposed to give us energy, excitement and anticipation. Going to my church does!

I love her parting words in the chapter on keeping yourself stirred up.
"Do you go to church just to get your blessing for the week, or do you go to give to and help other people? Are you a channel or a reservoir? A channel has something flowing in and something flowing out, but a reservoir just sits there and collects whatever is offered. There is no movement" ...therefore there is great potential to become stuck, or dead, or stagnant. Like the yucky pond in the summer, swarming with mosquitos, yeah, the one you walk away from. That is a vision of stagnant, that green pond that sits still, with only the occasional passerby in the shape of a water skeeter. (Colleen speak for one of those bugs with long legs that skids along the water)

I know I want to be the channel, I am excited to be a channel, I live for being a channel, Lord make me a channel!

Each of us have been planted in a church and given the opportunity to grow. Reach for the stars friends...and allow Him to nuture your gifts and purpose.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2 v7
New Living Translation

Running on empty..waiting for the rush!

2011-04-10T19:30:00.001-07:00

Lately we have been discussing the humdrum life of winter, how much we miss the sun and what makes us tick. What refreshes us, what spurs us on and motivates us to get up each morning, seeking His face and all that He has for you that day. I will be honest, lately it has been a lot harder, just to get out of bed, okay, and waking up joyful.

Years ago our son sang "Eye of the Sparrow" and often I visualize that day, it was his grandma's celebration of life, she loved to hear him sing, she loved her grandchildren so much, and listening from heaven, I can't imagine anything but a smile and her hands clapping, declaring that is my grandson.
The song goes..

I sing because I'm happy

I sing because I'm free,

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

What an incredible promise we have in being watched over by our amazingly good God.
So waking up joyful maybe difficult but choosing to be positive in whatever circumstance comes my way is how I can turn my joy "on". Yep, I am preaching to me here. What do I live for?
Some people live for the weekend. Okay most of us do. Some people live for sports, or hunting and fishing, Some people live for things, new clothes, new cars, new houses, bigger bank accounts. Some people are only motivated by addictions. Some for the prestige or status at work. Some play and don't work, living life on the edge of never knowing the what next.

So, what keeps you going, drives you, motivates you to get out of the bed in the morning? What do you look forward to? What gives you comfort or satisfaction, what gives you that feel-good-feeling inside? Where is the joy in the Lord in order of importance to you each day? l

Some days the emptiness inside creates a longing for something that will fill us and so we find that we are always searching for something. That one thing that makes us happy, that makes our heart sing, that propels us forward in anticipation. I am not talking the thrill seekers that jump out of planes for the rush...but how do I get my rush?

My prayer this week will to be happy where I am, and pray for the rush of infectious joy. I want to sing and dance, I want to scream and shout. To smile and be infectious to all I meet. To shed all the winter blahs and look forward to the spring, embrace the wind and rain in my face, stand in awe at the glacier, the oceans brimming with seals, the call of the eagles in the morning, so loud they wake me, each piece of this beautiful land I call home, created by Him. I am so thankful.

See the notes below....just because. C

Matthew 6

^27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." The Message

Matthew 10

²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. NIV

The inspiration behind the song...

Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience.
—Civilla Martin

Happy Birthday ....I Love U

2011-04-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

In Finland 2years old

Last night while watching TV, I heard Jussi say, I am officially 46."Not until tomorrow, " I said and he said "I was born at 9:15am in Finland that means with the ten hour difference, I am now 46." At that point I wished I could say I was 46, but I am 39, someday I catch him. Many years ago my dear husband in his bid to be romantic, (uncharacteristic for a Finn) decided to write me a poem. It was and still is a classic. He loves it and says it is still his best work. I have encouraged him to expand in his poetry skills as a willing recipient but he says nothing can top this one. So that all of you can grasp the intensity and absolute depth of my husband you have to know him, he is wise, loving, funny, adventuresome, an amazing problem solver, creative, can fix anything with wit and ease, loves the Lord, desires to live in Haiti or wherever God calls us, is passionate for change and the rights of children everywhere, his dream life to grow old surrounded by children he can teach the treasures in his mind, experiencing life through their eyes. His values, morals and judgements remain steadfast and unwavering and I am so blessed to be his wife!
Happy Birthday "H" I love you!

The poem reproduced without permission from the author.
A Poem for my wife

Your eyes are like two brown circles
with dots in them. Your most beautiful
feature is your hair, the same colour as
wood. Your skin is softer than the
cats hair.

Yep, you can't go wrong with man with a sense of humour. Every year we remember the poem and so this year I dug it out of the treasure box, unfortunately I never dated it, but it was in our first few years of marriage. We have sure had some fun, a few more grey hairs, today we celebrate Jussi's mom Kaarina (she did all the work that day) and his dad Leo and remember the day they held a sweet baby boy in their arms and the wonderful man he has become that I get to hold!
Hyvää syntymäpäivää minä rakastan sinua!

Sorry Kelsey never noticed the fanny pack, nice touch, but my hair back when it was the color of wood

Loving his hockey player hair

Thanks Monkey for the Mangoes

Ti Mac and Papa

Yep that is him way up there....

Looking forward to another day like this one!

Things that make me think....of summer

2011-04-03T15:20:00.002-07:00

You know how some days you get to thinking about things and one thing leads to another, then another and before you know it, you are smiling and wondering and daydreaming. Well hopefully you are not driving at the time but I rarely listen to anything on my commute to work, most days gearing up for the busy day ahead of me. I work in a program for students with special needs and it is busy...twenty plus of them and 8 or so of us...yep we are outnumbered, add that to the 1200 plus teenagers in the halls and the fun and excitement of high school is never boring.
The other day on my way to work, I was counting down the days until summer vacation. (Yeah I know that looks bad after just having a week off for spring break) It seems that the winter takes forever to be over LOL. Here in BC it rains a lot and this year was no exception. So for all you statistic people and those that wonder why we pine for the warmth and sun of Haiti, here it is one winter in a nutshell. (I should say that quietly because I want to believe that winter is behind us)
October 2010 it rained 17 days in 31
November 2010 it rained 24 days in 30 (yep only 6 days it didn't rain?
December 2010 rained 25 days in 31 (totalling 315 mm....in one month) grab an ark we were floating
Jan 2011 it rained 22 days in 31
Feb 2011 it rained 13 in 28
and March yeah well it rained 26 days in 31! Now I even was shocked that last month is rained 84% of the days. Maybe by then I getting used to it. Oh how I long for summer!

It is no wonder we start to think of summer, of wearing flip flops, warm breezes, camping, hiking, bbqs, haying season, and time off from school. I am thankful for the job that I have and I will never take it for granted but Lord just allow me the little times, when I escape in the warmth of summer, the sights, the sounds, and pray for the days to wing quickly by.

A Mother's Hope

2011-03-24T09:51:00.002-07:00

I have been reminded lately of the fragility of life, of a mother's love, and of the hope we have in Him. I have been brought to my knees for a woman I never met, cried tears of anguish for her broken heart and sat motionless resting in Him with thanks for all I have.
Today is my birthday and so I was thinking of all the things I am thankful for. Each day we lift up our children in prayer, we pray for their safety as they go out to work and on the roads, and their families and we pray for children around the world. During prayer this morning, I thought about the mothers of children like Lovely and Erikson. Two treasures in heaven, that only had a short time on earth, and their mother's pain as they buried their sweet infant child. We often question God's healing when He calls the littlest of them home. We question if there was anything more that could have been done. I understood the need to pray for the mothers of these wee babes, because above all else I don't know what else to do.
I have been blessed to be part of the incredible staff at GLA, God's Littlest Angels in Haiti. www.glahaiti.org The missionary staff, the national staff, all going above and beyond to care for critical babies in the south of Haiti. What a gift that they give to these mothers when they arrive pleading for help. With humble hearts, and quick medical intervention these tiny babies are cared for medically, the mothers are prayed with and hearts all over the world are interceding on behalf of the fragile lives. Recently God showed me a side of this process that I had not understood as one of the intercessors. I seldom prayed for the mothers. As a mother I should have seen it. As a mother that went into labour at 25 weeks and spent two months praying for the life I was carrying, I should of understood what it meant to these women in Haiti that delivered babies early. Kelsey was born at 34 weeks and we were so thankful of the extra time she had to develop, but this doesn't happen in Haiti, the majority of women in Haiti deliver their precious babies early. Praise the Lord they have somewhere to go with the facilities and medical knowledge to give their babies a fighting chance. "But" here is the but, they not only bring their babes to a medical environment they bring their babies to a loving environment. Each fragile little person has a mother, waiting, scared and wondering. A mother that would do anything to have her baby healthy, thriving. A mother that needed to come to GLA because there someone cared. They fed her, allowed her to stay and bond with her baby, and to be prayed for. In Lovely and Erikson's stories the ending is not happily ever after with mom here on earth but happily ever after with a loving Daddy in heaven, free from struggling for breath, free from pokes and machines. Now as you read it, you imagine my heart break for the mother's that walk away knowing they did everything they could, and still God called their baby home, for the staff that shares a word, a prayer. A mother that against all odds made her way to GLA, and a mother that with tears and a broken heart knows the dignity and compassion that was showered upon her as she walked away. Erikson's mom had lost three other babies, this was her fourth, because she was born in Haiti and I was born in Canada? Another blog but why I was born here and not there...could I trade places and carry her burden for a day, for a instant. I ache her for loss, I will not forget the mothers. I will continue to pray for those at GLA that each day face difficult decisions, impossible odds and continue some days with weary hearts to walk out God's plan and purpose I will hug Kelsey for these moms today, and try not to tear up, for His mercy has shown me something new. In Romans 15 v 13, we are told about a God of hope, today I pray for the mothers all over the world that have lost their babies. I pray this verse over you.

Romans 15:13 (New International Version, 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ròm 15:13 (Haitian Creole Version) 13¶ Mwen mande Bondye ki bay espwa a pou l' fè kè nou kontan nèt, pou l' fè kè nou poze ak konfyans nou gen nan li a. Se konsa espwa nou va toujou ap grandi ak pouvwa Sentespri a.

Romans 15:13 (Maori Bible)13 Na, ma te Atua, nana nei te tumanako, e whakaki koutou ki te hari katoa, ki te rangimarie, i runga i te whakapono, kia hua ai to koutou tumanako, i runga i te kaha o te Wairua Tapu.

Bréf Páls til Rómverja 15:13 (Icelandic Bible)13Guð vonarinnar fylli yður öllum fögnuði og friði í trúnni, svo að þér séuð auðugir að voninni í krafti heilags anda.

Warumi 15:13 (Swahili New Testament)13Mungu wa tumaini awajaze ninyi furaha na amani katika kumwamini, ili kwa nguvu ya Roho Mtakatifu, mpate kuwa na tumaini tele.

羅馬書 15:13 (Chinese Union Version (Traditional))13 但願使人有盼望的神，因信將諸般的喜樂、平安充滿你們的心，使你們藉著聖靈的能力大有盼望。

Римляни 15:13 (Ukrainian Bible)13 Бог же надії нехай вас наповнить усякою радістю й миром у вірі, щоб ви збагатились надією, силою Духа Святого!

Romanos 15:13 (João Ferreira de Almeida Atualizada)13Ora, o Deus de esperança vos encha de todo o gozo e paz na vossa fé, para que abundeis na esperança pelo poder do Espírito Santo.

15:13 (Arabic Life Application Bible)

13 فَلْيَمْلَأْكُمْ إِلهُ الرَّجَاءِ كُلَّ فَرَحٍ وَسَلاَمٍ فِي إِيمَانِكُمْ حَتَّى تَزْدَادُوا رَجَاءً بِقُوَّةِ الرُّوحِ القُدُ

We Are United Under One Heaven

2011-03-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Stories beach...my childhood playground
wishing life was simpler...

My head is full of random thoughts. In fact I was feeling so powerless I was going to post a funny video to make light of how I was feeling, but then realized I need to praise Him in the valleys, not just on the mountain tops. The news of what is happening in Japan, the ante being upped in Libya today by the US, then Haitian elections I feel so powerless. Thankful at least the elections are over and seemingly democratic. I am also thankful for a God that knows all and knows the inner most corruption in countries all over the world, and that He appoints leaders.

The wave, the earthquake, the leader that brought the people to the ground, in the bible there are similar accounts of roaring seas, leaders that had no conscience when it came to their people, and the shaking and trembling of the land. We need to continue to understand the power of prayer..If my people who are called by my name...2nd Chronicles 7 v 14.

Please continue to pray for nations around the world that daily fight and struggle for the necessities of life, like water, food, clothing and shelter.
Allow yourself this week time to think of all that we have, and thank Him for each and every blessing. Praise Him for allowing each of us to be hearts that are connected to others, to be intercessors.

Recently in our news, we had a 4.4 earthquake http://www.globaltvbc.com/world/Small+earthquake+rattles+Vancouver+Island/4473872/story.html

and as testing is done in the air to protect our coasts from radiation fall out from the Japans crisis, close monitoring and intentional watching our shorelines; it seems it could take years to discover exactly what the effects will be. We too need to live each day not fretting about the what ifs, but looking for opportunities to do.

I know when I feel powerless to understand the complexities of situations, (some days I have to look at maps, just so I am not so ignorant as to the whereabouts of these world events) I need to listen to my well informed husband and ask questions why, for how long, when did this start, what does it mean for the people. I think it may be high time for me to start being more informed, although the sadness of world news, usually changes my mind. I desire to learn more, so that I can pray more effectively. We are all under one heaven, one sky, one moon. Thanks to a friend for her beautiful shot of "our moon" bold, beautiful and not to be seen like this again for decades.

Photo by M Harris Courtenay BC

Dear Lord, I pray for your children, united under one heaven with me, not even a small speck on this planet, gazing out at a moon, and asking for you to burden me with the needs near and far. Amen
Nehemiah 9 v 6
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

The Least Among You

2011-03-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well interestingly enough I think we over use this phrase. Scripturally I understand that Jesus tells us as we remember the least of these, feed them, give them a drink, He makes the parallel that we are to see Him. Would we walk past Jesus sitting on the side of the road asking for spare change? Would we take care of children in our prayers but never commit to a life overseas being His hands and feet?
I have studied every book I can on faith, on missions, on hope, and on expectancy. Each author takes a stab at a different part of the process and I love to learn, but my desire is to do? We started our day with a link to a video we were sent, that had us in tears. Someone else was telling the world exactly what we were thinking. That was cool. (see below)

Tonight we watched the movie "The Least Among You" starring one of my favourite male actors, Lou Gossett Jr. and once again I was a not disappointed. His role of mentor to the young Richard Kelly (Rev. Charles Marks) was brilliant. The film based on the true story of Marks post the Watts riots of 1965 and the first African American student at an all white seminary. Small review: The Least Among You isn’t the standard “oppressed person makes good” story. It addresses prejudice on many different levels, demonstrating how stereotyping and prejudice negatively affect humans from many different arenas including race, religion, economic status, and geographic location.

Gossett Jr. says "I just want my life to count for something, I just want one person to be inspired like footprints in the garden. At which point the young man says "to me you are the garden." It was a wee bit of tear jerker, as we all know people God has put in our lives to spur us on. I have gardeners in my circle of friends and family too numerous to mention.

The final challenge like a gauntlet thrown down in front of his all white classmates...to honour change and accept integration of all students regardless of race.

"Act on your faith not on your fear, what we believe over what we know"

I am all filled up, content and blissfully aware of His presence in my times of fear, His presence in my times of uncertainty, His commitment to never leave me.
Does it get any better than this? I think not!
As I promised from above...Depraved Indifference...the same message twice in one day..thanks God!
Watch this link but grab the Kleenex first, Blessings on you and your families, C

In Jesus's Name...

2011-03-12T09:43:00.002-08:00

I am so thankful for blind faith mixed with obedience. Jesus taught all of us to not only take His word to the ends of the earth, but to cast out demons and heal the sick. God's word in the heart of a friend and disciple Belony, the first time I met Belony, his smile lit up my classroom as he worked with me the first month of my English class. From that time he was a young man of integrity, and so on fire for the Lord it was infectious. Last year we had the opportunity to sit in the new kitchen of the seminary and hear all about what had been happening in his ministry post earthquake. I was so thankful for this young man, and all that he believed he could do for his people. I prayed silently that God would give me the same passion for reaching the people of Haiti. This blog is a repost from friends we served with in Haiti. It is lengthy because I have posted Stacey's post in its entirety. She is a gifted writer that allows me to feel like I too was there. Recently at church we have been talking about signs and wonders, healing the sick, raising the dead. It can happen...are you ready to boldly pray for what looks to be an impossible situation?

You gotta read this.
Morning, family! Didn't plan on blogging today but just heard great news I'm anxious to share. Yesterday afternoon, Lily and I were across the street, playing/talking with a household of women and small children.

While we were there, Belony, Junior and Lynton approached, and I knew they were heading for Konpech. It was late in the day, but they wanted to share the next Bible story and show the Jesus film as it was getting dark if Konpech was interested. However, when they arrived, the community was in a bit of an uproar.

A woman in the community was terribly sick, and had been for several weeks. No one was very interested in the guys because everyone was concerned about this woman who was quite seemingly breathing her last.

For over a month now she had been unable to get up, had been unable to urinate for 3 or 4 days now, and was quite lethargic.

Belony (dear Belo...please keep lifting up this apostle) immediately asked if he could pray for the woman, and the men of the village quickly and harshly told him "NO."

However, in just a few moments, someone from the woman's household came to them and asked if they would please come and pray.

The guys headed into the house, where everyone was very divided. Half the household yelled that they couldn't pray for her, the other half, that it was her only hope.

"Stop," said Belony. "Let me tell you a story first. I want to tell you about a guy named Pehpay."

But immediately, Belo was interrupted. "We already know about Pehpay!" the people said.

"GOOD," said Belo. "Then you know that he should have already been dead a long time now, but that instead he and I were hanging out at the Seminary earlier this afternoon, because of God's great power in his life."

"Yes," everyone said. "We heard that some man of God came to him and that God healed him and that he is alive and well today."

Just then, the master of the house silenced everyone and asked the guys to please pray for her, as that it seemed to be the last hope.

Belony said everyone stood to the side with their arms crossed, just staring, while Belony, Lynton and Junior prayed for the woman. After a few moments, Belony said he felt very moved to grab the woman's arm.

"Because of Jesus, Get UP" he commanded her.
And she did.

Once again, I find myself with complete lack of language to describe something so miraculous.

She did. She got up, and immediately ran from the house, saying, "I've got to pee!" (you're allowed to smile...I know He is :)

When she was finished, everyone crowded around her to help her stand, and Belony said, "Back off! Let her stand."

And she did. She was completely with them now, standing strong, and immediately, Belo said, raised her arms to praise Jesus. By now, the entire village had come out, and the crowd parted as the head of Konpech, the lead witchdoctor, came to see for himself.

He stared at the woman and her household, arms raised in praise of a God they have barely been introduced to.

Finally, he spoke begrudgingly and shuffled back out of the circle : "When I offer the sacrifice for our demons, now, I will no longer offer them for your house."

Everyone was deathly silent.

"Don't" said the healed woman.

With a community completely amazed, baffled and astounded behind them, the guys headed home.

"I didn't ask anyone to become a Christian," Belony said. "They were just reeling. They needed some time for it to soak in."

But suddenly he broke out this morning in his signature God-grin. "But I will today!"

After lunch today the student body will make the hike together and do what the Body of Christ is supposed to do....join together and life-on-life Konpech, preaching and sharing and praying the whole gospel according to their gifting.

Sound a little crazy? Jesus is. Spend five minutes in any part of your Bible and tell me that this can't be. SO excited that Christ's power through Belony got a little crazy in our dirt corner of the world yesterday.

Go share this blog with someone, and I'll keep you posted after this afternoon. Stacey

Stacey's blog is on my favourites, just click on the link to stay updated on all that God is doing in Haiti with the students of Emmaus Biblical Seminary.

You can also read more of the exciting way God is using Belony at:

http://ebshaiti.blogspot.com/2011/02/missions-trip-of-month-and-hope-belony.html

As God Speaks

2011-03-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder if God is speaking to you, do you wonder if the thoughts that go through your head are from Him or if it is wishful thinking or not for you? I know sometimes I struggle with the "Is it you God its me Colleen". I know that is different when I am in prayer, begging God to take me back to the mission field, that if I heard a remote 'yes" I would be convinced and pack and go LOL.
But ultimately how do we differentiate between God speaking to us and what I usually refer to as my conscious or the little person my shoulder. I know I talk to Him through prayer. Prayer being the easiest way that I can think of to commune with God, to run things past Him, to talk honestly and openly. I am not an eloquent prayer person, once at the table I said goodbye, instead of amen. I think I was simply talking to God. Back to my first question though, how do I know when he answers or speak to me?

On Thursday night I was at a prayer meeting at church and instead of praying in song and walking and pacing and interceding as I normally do, I found myself in a quiet corner with my journal. When I opened my journal and bible I expected God would show me where He wanted me to read and pray.

I started writing because I had thoughts running though my head and I wondered at first if it was a verse I was remembering, if I was supposed to concentrate on a specific topic but I chose to write down as I understood the thoughts that filled my head. After twenty minutes of writing like crazy trying to keep up and put them on paper. This is what I had wrote down. (without capitals when necessary and any punctuation) Exactly as I heard it.

As God speaks...
Favor is for you and thine alone
I will give you peace strength and hope
As you wander through your days, look to me
Open your eyes and see
No longer must you worry and fret
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory
The heavens will cry out at the sound of my name, but my desire is to hear you sing and praise
Laughing and calling our the joy that you have in your hearts
When times are still and you hear my sweet whisper
That is the testimony of my love for you
No one will ever love you life I do
As you humble yourself in prayer I hear your cries
Your spirit is burdened for heaviness in your heart
But as you commit to a life of faith
The rocks will cry out with sounds of triumph and rejoicing
The burdens that consume you will stay but I will never leave you
As we walk through life's journeys together
I see in you, the glow of mine eyes
The way you see out the lost broken and hurting
Know the tears you cry are healing another's soul
As grace rains down and mercy flows like a waterfall
I commit to bathe you in my protection
For the witness I have called you to be
Salvation lies in you.

God spoke to me while I was not expecting it, but open to receiving it. I am so blessed to be loved by my Abba Father. I am so thankful that He speaks to me and that I can speak to Him.
If you have anything troubling you, talk to Him, there is a reason we call him Wonderful Counsellor, no couch or notepad but peace that surpasses all understanding.
I feel God wanted me to share this word, so I am not sure who or when it will encourage someone but know as I do that we stand in the shadow if a God that is unchanging!

Ransomed by the King

2011-02-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been trying to figure out the meaning of ransom. I am learning to play the guitar so I play this verse over and over, as I learn to switch between chords and I sing repeatedly the words...My chains are gone, I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace. The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures

http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/chris-tomlin-lyrics/amazing-grace-(My-chains-are-gone)-lyrics.html }

Wondering and believing that I have been ransomed, was I worth the price?
In God's eyes we are all worth the price, but was I showing Him that I understood the sacrifice? Was I serving Him in a way that was humble, righteous, loving, was I sharing about Him and how He wrote my name in the Book of Life.
Ransom: 1a. The release of property or a person in return for payment of a demanded price. b. The price or payment demanded or paid for such release. 2. A redemption from sin and its consequences.

Yes, that was it, redemption, God never required nor demanded anything from me, He set me free so that I could live a life of eternity. Now all legalism aside, yes I understand the need to read and pray, and serve and live a life according to the gospel, but if I did nothing, after accepting Him as my Lord and Saviour I was worth the price. In His eyes, I was, but in my heart I heard a resounding no! I am so overwhelmed at the mercy, grace, forgiveness, protection, provision, love, and daily strength that HE gives me, I am speechless. He without wanting nothing for ransom, rescued me, and opened the floodgates of heaven to rain down on me. I remembered a line from a not so famous pastor but a good one that spoke on Sunday and he challenged us, "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
Am I listening to the still, small voice of the Lord and in obedience seeing what amazing things He can do through me, Lord I hear your whisper to my spirit and today as I go about my day I pray that I am put in a place to share about You, encourage a sister or brother in Christ to seek more of you and stand firm in the power you have given me through your spirit to be a witness to the ends of the earth!

It is going to be a great day, Happy Monday!

Grab the Kleenex, this is one of the most powerful songs and watch and remember He died for you!

Over the Moon....God why I am always amazed...

2011-02-21T20:36:00.001-08:00

We have been so blessed after the most amazing night of sharing by our church family and their heart for missions. Missions today is not only those that go to the far corners of the earth but those that serve here, there and everywhere.
Last night we had the awesome opportunity to share and host a missions night., The theme was to ..see what God was stirring in the hearts of our family..

Knowing that God had orchestrated the amazing group He had set before me, I still was nervous, and wanted everything to be just right. I prayed Lord please give me twenty people, and then sunday morning I was reminded to go bigger and I said I would be over the moon, if 40 people came. Well as you have probably guessed, God desires to blow our minds. At one point I looked out and started to count and after I got to forty and still had part of the centre of the church and the entire group on the right hand side, I could only smile, stop counting, say a prayer of thanks and allow the blessings to make my heart expand in gladness.

I hate it when I limit God, and then HE reminds me, the moon should be the limit. That when I put a ceiling on things, God shows me that I set my sights too low. The sermon on Sunday was so cool, I can't possibly capture it all, but the main theme, was Jesus set the bar and ever since, we have been resetting it and settling for what comes.

Jesus said in John 14 "Ask me for anything in my name," and He said this after setting the bar, with miraculous healings, loaves of bread that fed thousands and signs and wonders of God incredible power within Him. We all have that same power, the Holy Spirit lives in us, and as we walk out our daily lives we can use it. Just because the standard that we see isn't happening in accordance to our prayers, the opportunity is there, it is for everyone, to see miracles and be the hands that raise the dead, heal in Jesus name.

Listening to the fellow speakers last night I was so blessed and humbled, and touched at the sheer beauty of God's light shining through them. The light in their eyes, the ache their voices shared, and the tremor in their voice as they shared about the sheer size of the issues facing marginalized people, and especially children around the world . It was so powerful.

Thanks for opening the eyes and the hearts to those that came last night. To Pastors Ken and Eunice for supporting and praying for all that wanted prayer for their future, for wisdom, discernment and knowledge to follow God's lead and His place for them in the Great Commission.

Christine for sharing about her love of Africa and the incredible power of one...Lisa for sharing about life as child on the mission field and that of a MK leaving Africa to the harsh Canadian winter, and her desire to pray for missionaries...Gene for sharing about local missions and the ability to find your place here, no matter what your age is..Steve for sharing about India and Nepal and how God has called him into ministry and Supply Line..Brenda for sharing about the Dalit women in India and one of the world's most vulnerable people groups...Ruth for sharing about being senders...those incredible solid rocks that hold those of us that go up daily in prayer, in letters and care packages...Randy for sharing about the travesty that is facing our young women today in Canada and in North American, the tragedy of child trafficking, incompressible when compared to the young women we all know and love...For Jussi for sharing about the injustice of children being actively engaged in combat in over 30 countries, accounting for 250,000 children that have been kidnapped from the safety of their families.
Yes It was a night to remember, and I am humbled at the future that God has entrusted into the hearts of those I am blessed to call my friends.

Join me in keeping all of these stories on the radar...

Child Soldiers - Check out ZeroForce

Pray for the Dalit families in India

Allow your hands to be part of what God is doing around the world

A letter when you are away from home is a like a long distance hug

He is the potter and I am the clay...

Isaiah 64.8
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Valentines day reminds me...

2011-02-12T08:33:00.002-08:00

Valentines Day reminds me about love, chocolate, roses, funny cards and the take your wife out for a nice dinner evening thing. That kind of Valentines Day was in our youth and early dating years. Now we celebrate with purchases of storage solutions! WAHOO! Yep you guessed it, two Rubbermaid cupboards for the deck to store things and two tall pantry cupboards and a laundry drawer for our laundry room. Nothing says love quite like storage solutions.Okay so I am a sentimental gal, and I can be wined and dined with roses etc. But get me organization and my heart sings. Now Jussi always gets leery around celebrations where there may quite possibly be an expectation. He never plans in advance, well Kelsey used to help with that, but normally he arrives home on Valentines Day and says we weren't doing anything for today were we? Ha Ha he makes me lol, too late if we were, the surprise you got me something doesn't have the same value when he comes home and then jumps back in the vehicle to run to town to buy something simply for the sake of buying something. So why try and beat that, decide before "the day" what I would really like. This year it was a toss up between storage solutions and a vacuum. Now I can hear a few people guffaw out loud, yes I would like a vacuum too, but not because I use it, because he does. We need a new one but I am consumer shopper and have not found the deal I am waiting for.

So as we head into Valentines Day I am so thankful for all that we have, thankful that my husband doesn't think roses and fancy dinners are worth it, (I like my own cooking ) and that he understands my need for order. Now all my new cabinets cost way more than roses or dinner so it is not about being cheap it is about knowing me. To know me is to love me...so celebrate Valentines Day with family, friends, your kids, coworkers or neighbours. Let someone in your world know you appreciate them just the way they are. Just because this is his favourite picture....I love you!

This is the Day the Lord has made....

2011-02-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

It seems to me that it is easy for many of us to wake up and rejoice in another day that we are alive. I know for myself I think some days I would rather stay in bed. Some days I have a pity party before I even get up and wonder why I can't be somewhere else, living my life on the mission field. Today was one of those days. I spend hours and hours reading books, watching documentaries and researching opportunities to go. Funny thing is, maybe every time I get the urge to look up opportunities and that is often, I should draw into HIM. I should read the word instead of hearing the daily plights of life in Uganda for child soldiers, life in Sudan for women with hiv/aids, life for babies and children in Haiti. I am not ignorant to the needs. Oh my soul, I wish I could sing it is well, then I remember the circumstances of when it was written and I need to snap out of it and praise and rejoice and be thankful. I live in a land of abundance, a land of beauty and a land where safety nets are available, where law is kept and we have freedoms and a democratic government. So I need you to be my accountability partners and check in with me and make sure I am spending as much time researching opportunities to serve as I am in the word and in prayer. God give me the strength I need to filter my thoughts and energies for Your will. As a side note if you know of books, videos or websites I may be interested in, please pop them into the comments, I always want to learn more.
Rejoice today, throw on some worship music, pray that spring is around the corner and that GOD will use in 2011 in a way that you did not see, imagine or ever hope for. I am....

Psalm 118:24 KJV This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

See the accent on the "is". Stay in the moment...don't look too far ahead...I am preaching to me now!

Prayer

2011-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Still struggling with the power of prayer. I know, without a doubt that God can and will move mountains to protect the children of the worlds. What I struggle with is why He has not yet? Every child that lives in poverty or abuse or in hunger is completely innocent, and born into the culture of their birth will all the ancestral baggage. Now don't get me wrong I believe these children are also born into the riches of HIS glory, and as sons and daughters of the KING. I just wish the barometric pressure of fair was fair. I believe in many things, God is not always fair but He is always just. There are some that believe He allows things to happen and others that believe that HE lets things happen. I am not here to argue questions of who is to blame, I wish I was here to fix the world's atrocities being committed to children but I am not. I am here because it says in his word to care for the orphans and children, the sick and the poor, the oppressed and the captives. That I can do. IT is my desire to see signs and miracles move in the area of legislation and politics in countries where children are not protected. To see a difference in one life, to have faith like Davids'. I want to slay lions in His name in prayer and intercession, in politics and world affairs. I want to be a person of prayer. I want to call in my inheritance and believe in the things I cannot see.....

Pleas join in me in praying for all the children of the world!

Missionsfest 2011

2011-01-31T22:13:00.000-08:00

Just returned from Missions Fest 2011. It was in the beautiful Canada Place Convention Centre in Vancouver. The weather was horrible but we spent most of the time inside, in the film festival, attending general sessions and workshops on many different topics. I was surprised at the numbers of Christian colleges, I was surprised at the number of Christian camps, and surprised at the lack of agencies or organizations that were giving our material on short term missions trips. I suppose with financial considerations on printing, many of them chose to print small leaflets and do their majority of advertising so to speak via the web. The down side of this, is I was hard pressed to find brochures to bring back about short term missions. It was great to see so many different booths, but over all the thing that struck me the most was the thought that kept coming up in my mind.
That was...the last time I was in the convention centre is was for the Sex Show. I had been blessed to be part of a team that would work with xxxchurch and hand out bibles, stickers, share with many people about Jesus and HIS desire to meet people where they are. The sex show was all three halls, the lobby, and every spare inch of space. Missions Fest was ONE of the convention halls, the hallway and just admin related stuff in the lobby. I pray that next year that Missions Fest can attract enough people, exhibitors etc to fill the place. For those in my home church, we will be doing a missions evening and sharing everything we learned and brought back, stay tuned, C

Prayer requests certainly that God used this last weekend to touch the hearts of many, but they will be spurred on to serve at home and around the world even after the weekend is over.

What would you do...if it happened to you...

2011-01-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been reading a book, called The troubled Heart of Africa. It is a historical book about life in the Congo. My burden for child soldiers and the atrocities of war never seems to leave me. I cannot stop learning, reading, praying and trying to figure out ways to make change. I recently read the story of Emmanuel Jal, and Another Man's War by Sam Childers. The fact is I cannot stop reading, I cannot stop trying to understand why things like this go on. I spoke with co -workers yesterday about it, and they seemed sad but not broken. I said this is not history this is happening today, now in 2011, still they remained silent, my fuel and passion was spilling out of me, my voice my adamant. Then I said what would you do, if that was your child, your neighbourhood that was being raped and pillaged, the children kidnapped to be used as pawns and child soldiers in another mans war. What if they took your child or grandchild. Then I got the looks that I understood, the look of helplessness, yes people it is happening. What can we do, what would I do? What can't you fix Lord, you can do anything!
I know that by trying to learn and understand I am at least doing what I can for today. For tomorrow we may be called to the mission field and be directly involved, we may be called to positions of fund raising, awareness and politics.It may happen today, tomorrow, next week, next month or next year but I am called to 'do" today, Lord to hear my cries, something needs to be done!
What is my part, where do I fit, how can I help, direct me, guide me, give me your peace as I seek your will in this. This is an excerpt from a Canadian paper, this one I liked as the same question was posed.

"What lengths would you go to in order to protect your child? How about a child that was not yours? You may not know this young individual personally, you may never have the chance to meet them and you may never know what becomes of them, but would you be willing to stand up for their rights if you knew that there are hundreds of thousands of children fighting in over 14 armed conflicts around the world today?

Childhood is a time of innocence and growth, yet these children are trained and tossed into bloody battles where many are forced to kill and suffer unimaginable emotional and physical trauma, some do not make it out alive at all. A hand full may successfully escape or get freed, but reintegration programs are still lacking in funds, resources and proper techniques in order to have these former child soldiers not feel isolated, be shunned by their community or be enticed to rejoin because of the same deplorable conditions that first compelled them to join as a means of survival. "

entire article...

http://www.themanitoban.com/articles/40797

ENLIST TODAY and put your ten bucks in and join "Zero Force"

http://www.zeroforce.org

Join Lt-Gen Romeo Dallaire and Zero Force — the global force of everyday people united by a common goal — to ensure that no child is ever again used as a weapon of war

Please get informed and work with your politicians and your circle of influence and help make change in Africa and around the world, where child soldiers are the indispensable choice of corrupt leaders for armed combat.

WE SHOULD PRAY BELIEVING THAT WE WILL RECEIVE. PRAY WITH FAITH.
Matthew 21:22 (The Message)

21-22But Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God."

Done....

2011-01-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

Rarely do I feel like an enormous weight is pushed off my shoulders but today life just seems lighter. I have for many years worked with the visually impaired. It has been a great job and I love reading and writing braille. But over my head was the lack of the elusive piece of paper. This last year I decided to upgrade and finish for good as the braille code had changes in 2007 and I had finished in 2005. Little did I know when I was thinking all this through the commitment it would take. So since September of last year I went back to the school of braille LOL.
I devoted most weeks, 6 days a week to braille, or should I say six nights. I worked at school by day and in the mornings before work and after work, and almost every weekend, I sat at the computer and the desk brailling and editing. Today I have NO braille to do....I am done!
It seems somewhat surreal as I can't remember what I used to do in the evenings. Complain about Jussi watching the TV too loud? I know there is a stack of books I am waiting on, my music, my spanish lessons and then it will be spring.
I am so thankful for all my friends and family that were praying for me especially these last few weeks as I worked on the final piece of the puzzle. I needed a 96% to pass and that had me so testy and emotional. With a husband that did all the post dinner clean up and extras I was able to concentrate on braille and pulled off a 99%. I keep repeating done, done, done, and I still pinching myself...tonight after dinner I have plans and tomorrow and this weekend so really next week it will set in and I can hardly wait, that is if I can wipe the smile off my face!

THIS IS BASIC BUT YOU CAN WRITE YOUR NAME IN GRADE 1 BRAILLE

Praying for Sonia...we won't cease and we won't rest...

2011-01-24T19:39:00.001-08:00

Normally I would not reprint an entire blog but by permission from a dear friend who daily and nightly I may add tends to this little sick baby and many others at GLA. Please join me and praying for Sonia and for the details to get her to the states for medical care. Please tell your prayer chain, and let others know...thanks Colleen

October's Child

My three month old baby, Sonia, is sick, critically sick. Today, she was sicker than she has ever been. She was unstable, even on CPAP, and I feared for her life.

She is a sweet, alert, contented baby when she is well. When she is not, she fights and flails and roars angrily, until her puffy eyes bulge. Today, the battle for breath sent Sonia into combat mode. 'Sonia, enough!' I pleaded, from across the room, as a nurse tried to adjust the prongs in her nose. Hearing the command, Sonia stopped fighting, and turned, fixing her gaze on mine. What does that tone mean, Miss Susan, she seemed to ask? I think I better pay attention to you......

Pay attention she did, following me through a 120 degree angle, as I crossed the NICU floor. Oh my! 'Ladies,' I declared to the nurses and nannies, 'my girl is really bright!'

'She is not October's child!' Madame Bernard replied. 'October's children are not intelligent.'

'Pardon? What do you mean by that? October's child? Do Haitian's call all people born in October, dim?'

Monday's Child is fair of face,

Tuesday's Child is full of grace,

Wednesdays child is full of woe.....

My heckles were up. Sonia probably has Down syndrome. I am determined that she will not be cast under any sterotype.

'No, Susan,' the nurse replied, patiently. 'I meant that babies born in October of last year aren't really doing anything intelligent, yet.'

'Sonia wants to hold her bottle,' Someone said. I nodded, beaming with pride. That's usually the work of a 5 month old, not a 3 month old!

As we talked, I was changing Sonia. Her arms were inside her sleep suit, so that she would not mess with her nasal prongs while I did that. Suddenly, thorough the arms holes, out pop both of Sonia's arms! At what age do babies learn that? We all laughed! Sonia does this consistently. She can also remove mittens that are taped on to her!

'She is October's child' I told the nannies. 'With lots of spirt!' someone added. At the end of this rough day, I am hearing Sonia's monitor alarming, even though it is not, and I know I will be hearing it in my sleep.

I love this little lady, who needs a passport and US medical visa, as a matter of absolute urgency so that she can receive life-saving surgery and medical care that cannot be provided in Haiti.

In my heart, I feel confident that this will happen 'in time' for Sonia. I have an assurance, as inexplicable as it is absolute, that God has a plan for Sonia, that includes, life, hope and a future. I believe that her 'spirit' is God-breathed and that it will sustain her.

Update: Dixie posted an update on her page about how Sonia is doing health wise. You can read it at Update on Sonia. I thought I’d take a few minutes and update you on the “hunt for a hospital.” Actually, it’s a hunt for 3 docs and a hospital because we need all three doctors in the same area, a medical facility and a host family.

So what’s the latest? Well, here’s a couple of things that have transpired since Friday in a search for a medical solution for Sonia……

A number of the medical facilities that were looking at Sonia’s case are continuing to look into it further. Only one hospital, to the best of my knowledge, so far has actually said, “No, we don’t have it in our budget.”
There were at least four more major children’s hospitals that agreed to take a look at Sonia’s records and see if it was a case that they could take today. In addition, another major medical center who we had been talking to last week opened up some significant “doors” toward a review of Sonia’s case.
In addition to that, a couple of more opportunities in terms of a private plane presented themselves.

To make it completely clear, we are still working on it, we do not have solid commitments from anyone at this point. We have a lot of interest and I firmly believe that it’s enough interest that God will open the appropriate door at the appropriate time.

So, what do we need you to do?

Pray – pray for Sonia’s health, pray for Susan and Dixie and the Haitian nursing staff as they work to keep her healthy enough to travel.
Pray for the administrators and doctors at the various hospitals (well over 10 of them are seriously considering the case) that they would be moved to take her case.
Pray that the door will open for a private plane to transport Sonia to the states.
Pray that all passport and visa issues would be resolved speedily.

If you think that you have personal contacts at a children’s hospital that might be able to help, please get in touch with me at (616) 884-8901 or tom@glahaiti.org before you contact them. In order to increase our chances of getting a hospital to agree to take Sonia, we need to make sure they are not getting “pestered” (and I use that term in a positive sense) from many different angles.

Reprinted with permission

Super Size Miracles

2011-01-16T22:02:00.002-08:00

Why is it time and time again we are reminded of "If God gives you the vision he will provide the vision" and yet we struggle with the reality of ... do we really believe that? Anyone that has been to the mission field can and will have testimony to His provisions of "super size" miracles.

We have seen and have been so blessed every step of the way in our lives. We have been blessed to spend time in the mission field that God had called us to, Haiti. In many cases we have met missionaries that have been well funded, enjoying the perks of having money to ship items in, money to go out to North America for special family affairs and then those that struggle with far less and stay most of the time in country.
We have met under-funded missions, we have met under-funded missionaries and we have met those that have all that they need and more. But so many times we see the vision and provision scenario in relation to serving abroad. What about those that run our local soup kitchens, those that hand out bibles to workers in the sex trade, those that without a doubt feel called to bible college, and those that God has given a burden of addictions and recovery. Why is is that these "mission fields" are always looking for servants and funding? Why is there always a call for those to help with local missions and that the call to serve is so great? When for many people they would say they are not called to international missions, so they feel comfortable not signing up for missions trips, but what about the trip to the church on Saturday or Wednesday for soup kitchen?
One of my favourite spoofs...Lord, please don't send me to Africa. If you have never seen it, You Tube it. Basically it tells of the story of a guy that would rather give, pray, be an usher, even as a last resort, teach Sunday school, than go to Africa. Honestly, for me I am singing Lord please send me to Africa, but that is a different blog post.
I can't seem to understand what is the reason why funding for different projects or mission fields can be so vast. If we consider local missions, many of them are in need of your time, energy and resources.
This weekend our Pastor, Scott Gaglardi, preached about our burdens and not the daily grind that feels like a burden, but the burdens that God has given you, that you can't escape, the kind that you cannot possibly do on your steam, the burdens that require, planning, prayer, resources, and a big dose of humility, the ones that seem like mountains. WHY... because without these burdens we cannot see our faith in action, we cannot see His control over the physical, when we reach out to Him in the spiritual, and we can't share the story of His glory.

I totally get the entire concept, but today while talking to Kelsey, we were both relenting to the facts of why some days the practical side of going, money, time and commitment seem like it over takes the faith side. Are we willing to sit and do nothing and wait upon the Lord to move in our finances or our time frame, or are we willing to look at how we can make it happen. Which brings me to the second part of that, if we waiting looks like we are doing nothing, are we really stepping out? Is we waiting look like a person that says "yes" when this happens or that happens, then I will be able to ...fill in the blank. It could be go to Africa, it could be go to bible college, it could be serving at soup kitchen , it could be raising funds for programs that work in addiction counselling. Either way you cut it, we live in a world of me, instant gratification and self serving attitudes., not in a world of faith, we are a "sure thing" culture.
This is not about raising money, or asking people to commit to anything, it is about asking are you wondering where the "supersize" miracles are? I am. I pray that there will be a day when mission fields have waiting lists, where ministries that feed the poor, have to rotate volunteers to make room for everyone, and a day when we don't doubt in our heads and follow the faith of our hearts. A day when practical isn't our first response. What is God calling you to....

God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. Romans 11 v 29 The Message.

Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth

Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We are ALL called...pray for the Lord to give you the burden that makes your heart heavy and knees weak! It will start a journey that will bless you more than you can know!

Forever in my heart ...Haiti

2011-01-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking of the millions of tiny fibers in my body that had been sticking into me since Jan 1^st of this year. It just seemed the calendar turned over from December to January and it was all of a sudden, with a heavy heart I retraced my memories of last January.

For many of our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ there was death, amputations, disease, hunger, no home, no clean water, not a single ray of hope seemed to shine in Haiti. It seemed the world was going to do so much and 2010 proved that things are not always as they seem.

I have felt the terror of aftershocks, felt the electricity in the air when a large truck went by, because it shook or made a rumble. Saw the looks on the faces on the those that endured the night of January 12^th. Those intense reactions will take years to subside. On Jan 12, 2010, time stood still and as one that can only imagine that day in the streets and the markets, I was one of many on the other end of a grieving, searching, feeling completely useless and unable to control my flow of emotions. I am sure everyone that has been close to Haiti, through having family there, or lived there at any time, can remember exactly what they were doing at the time they heard the news. I am sure everyone can remember the newscasters and special bulletins, the cries for help, the images and the fear that encompassed their soul when they could not reach their family or friends. It was playing out on large screens all over the world, but for many it was personal.

I was able to speak to a friend at GLA, God’s Littlest Angels almost within hours, and by then the website updated that everyone was okay. I remember staying up all night, in front of the computer praying for news, not eating, not sleeping, and posting on every web forum I could think of. I was trying to hear news of Karly and Carline and our grandson T Mac. It was if my heart was breaking but I couldn’t stop, the pieces from shattering. From my safe warm house in North America, I grappled and prayed for hope. As I saw text messages from every corner of the city, “help me I am trapped, Delmas 32” “anyone their send help, trapped with five others, near Caribbean Market. Some texts in Creole, but some in French and English, I also remember one in Spanish. Some of the trapped people tried every language to find someone that was listening, before their batteries died. It was surreal I wanted to help them, I put out postings on dozens of other sites, I forwarded their texts to radio stations in Haiti, begging for someone to help these people, but the response was overwhelmingly hampered by the sheer devastation. My own grief of not being able to know if my family was all right had me paralyzed with fear and I honestly felt empty.
I remember going to work the next day because I did not know what else to do. Within a minute of walking into my school, someone asked, “Is everyone you know OK?” The tears flowed, the babbling of all the things I have tried, the sobs, that shook my world, were the only testimony to my anguish and my feeling of helplessness.

I am thankful for the supportive staff at my school and as I stayed the whole day, monies were gathered and websites, checked, telephones constantly on redial to Karly, everyone doing what they could. It was around 8:00 that night when a God moment brought me to a Facebook friend Kate Michel. She had a phone number of someone I can’t remember who, at the mission where our daughter in law worked and she said from her point in the US she would try that number, to see if they had made it back to the neighborhood of the mission and Carline’s family. Twenty-seven hours after the announcement of the earthquake a message popped up on my Facebook saying they were all safe at the mission! I cried, I yelled and got on the phone to Dan and Gill, our kids, friends, from church and I rejoiced in HIS protection. Then I realized the sheer enormity of the situation and sat and cried some more.

By that time, although the news channels were covering everything, I had many friends in Haiti and was being updated from their eyes. Unbelief, sadness, weeping, over whelmed, chaotic, unable to grasp the bigger picture of all that we were seeing on TV, each of them walking through questions, and answers, helping and spending every available resource helping others. These friends are heroes and I was so humbled, to know them, but all I could do is gather funds.

On Thursday of that same week we flew to the Dominican and on Sunday as were we in Santo Domingo another earthquake hit Jacmel. The aftershocks, over 54 altogether continued well into the months that followed even when we were back in Haiti in March. It was if the earth was shaking with violent sobs of what had been done. I have seen the hurt, heard the stories, walked through the rubble, handed out supplies and will never forget the opportunity we were given!

God can and will bring healing to the people of Haiti, with all that has happened in the last year, I am humbled at what He has done. The job is not complete though, Haiti still needs you. If you cannot help by going on a short-term trip, then send funds to the smaller organizations that are on the ground in Haiti. God’s Littlest Angels, working on rebuilding homes for the Haitian people and needing medical equipment to help save precious babies. http://glahaiti.org/ Life Water working on installing pumps and bringing clean water to communities. http://www.lifewater.ca/

sponsor missionaries, from any organization you chose, give to Emmaus Biblical Seminary as they work to raise up leaders, willing to be the change in their home communities. http://ebshaiti.blogspot.com/

Whatever your passion I can find someone that is working on rebuilding Haiti. Pray for the Lord’s leading…this is not a quick fix, when the eyes of the world turn away, pray and seek.

Things I am thankful for looking back…

- Resilience of the people, they had so little and they did what they could to help each other and they helped missionaries in their communities

- Commitment of the missionaries and aid workers to do what needed to be done

- The beauty of the call to prayer, that spread through the nation, for the International Day of Prayer

- INTERNET – without it we would have remained so cut off from everyone

- Our ongoing connections with those on blogs, that serve in Haiti that keep us up to date…

- The desire to see change in Haiti and the aid distribution becoming a world issue

- That today a moment of silence, and a gathering for prayer is the way the Haitian people are choosing to remember.

Please join each of us, with a burden to see Haiti, healing, healthy, and stable, today in prayer and in silence and let them know, the WORLD has not forgotten!

Carline, TMac and Karly

Love Thy Neighbour

2011-01-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

It came to me today as I was trying to study for a final exam, that my I needed to love my neighbours. By the time I was contemplating loving them was about the same time I was contemplating running up the road and screaming. Our neighbours do not live right next door, they actually live about 50 acres away, but some days it is too close.

During the summer the parties are so loud we need to close our windows

They regularly crash vehicles outside our driveway and then walk home, leaving us to call the police to help look for the driver.

They toss beer tins out the window of the vehicle in the dozens per month. (Probably the reason they can't drive down our straight road without hitting a stump? extra income)

Once one of the young men was hitch hiking because he needed a ride to work, he reeked of something more than cigarettes and I needed to air out my vehicle, before allowing my students to get in, but it makes me smile.

Each time I have encountered our neighbours affectionally known as the trailer park boys. (They live in travel trailers in a spare lot on a acreage with other RV's.) They ask how I am doing, and I see them at the bus stop in the morning, at the mailbox and I missed something, the mission field is in our neighbourhood.

I know I need to pray for them but sometimes they are tough to love. When I say it out loud I realize that God is smiling and saying "Yes Colleen, it would be easy to love people who are kind and gentle and giving, but I am asking you to love those that are difficult to love.

Today as I tried to finish the final touches on a exam, I was interrupted with target practice shooting. Now we do live on acreage but please my Sunday afternoon was far from quiet. BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG

I am so thankful that there is grace because today I failed. I seriously wanted to drive up there and tell them to go and find a gravel pit in the middle of no where but instead I felt convicted. Said husband also reminded me of what Jesus said in Matthew.

Matthew 5 v 46

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Great so now I was being compared to the tax collectors. When we are wronged our first reaction is often anger or experience the "get even"mindset. Instead Jesus asked us to do good to those that have wronged us, our desire should not be to keep score, but to love and forgive. Ouch! Only God can give me the strength to love as He does. Today as the loud bangs rang over and over, I know frustration was the starting point but the ending point was completely different. Lord teach me to love like you!

I will keep you posted and if you have a spare moment would appreciate your prayers that I will learn to love my neighbours and reach out in a new way. It is not going to be easy!

Be the Change

2011-01-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Zero Force be the change enlist your friends now to help eradicate the use of children as soldiers.
Zero force

At any given time there are a quarter of a million child soldiers globally experiencing a suffering that most of us cannot even imagine. These children are routinely abducted violently from their families at a tender age, and are subjected to forcible confinement, torture, threats, rape, brainwashing, slavery, starvation, intoxication through drugs and sleep deprivation. They are forced to carry heavy loads, including human bodies, not just weaponry. They are often paired up and killed if their partner escapes.

The use of child soldiers is horrifically true and is taking place now. The status quo is unacceptable and international proposed solutions are failing. For this global tragedy to see an end, it is going to take a global movement. A global force led by youth that is strong, organized and committed to sustained change.

I have been leading this fight for over five years, without a force behind me. I’ve come to realize that this is not something anyone can accomplish alone. It is only some we can but an end to together

We can realize a world without child soldiers and
it begins with you.

reprinted from the Zero Force website!

Show us your way...and allow our humanness to sort it all out.

2011-01-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Looking back at 2010 I am saddened, humbled, excited, hopeful and counting my blessings. From holidays with family, the earthquake and sadness that encompasses Haiti, dreams for the future, this last year has had its ups and downs. Although it was over days ago, I for one have not had the thoughts of any memories until now. On the 26th of December I came down with a nasty cold. It flooded my senses with thoughts of me, it flooded my emotions with woe is me, it flooded my body with cold medication. You see I don't think I really took an inventory of what "me" had in my memory back for 2010 until today. I remember last week being holed up on the couch while Jussi channel surfed the best and worst news stories, the best music, movies and songs, but I was not really there. New Years eve I was in bed by 830 and unless you count the fact that I knew it was New years somewhere and they had celebrated I felt a-ok to go to bed. The last few days I have worked on trying to feel better but the cold has me in its grip. Appreciate any prayers for healing so I can get back to work, but that is not what this post is about.
It is about seeing beyond me and following God's plan for me (or us) for 2011.

Could I sit before the Lord today and say I had used every opportunity He had put before me. Sadly the answer is no.

This week at our church is the week of prayer and fasting and I am feeling so bad about missing all the corporate opportunities for prayer. But after arguing with said husband about staying home and resting and not being around others I relented and even took Buckleys. (But that is another blog post..on my goodness it is awful)

What is God calling me to do? Why do I feel that I am doing Him lip service to say I will go, I would do anything. Would I sell my house? Would I quit my job and go again? YES, I would, but why does it feel like I am only saying that? Where is practical in the bible? Where is the feasible, efficient pragmatic studies? I am a planner. Was their faith so big, they just set out? (I suppose if Jesus knocked on my door today I would not be going to work tomorrow, I would not let him out of my sight.) Where is the piece of paper we have so often had in front of us, with pros and cons labelled and a hasty drawn line down the middle? Why did we ever leave Haiti? Our hearts never have been so fulfilled in personal ways this last year in Haiti. Why can't we stay, why can't we commit? The reason was clear, we did live in two countries. We had a house and a mortgage and jobs, and if we really wanted to make that commitment we needed to be ready to have nothing. Wow, could I do just that, would that be smart? When Jesus called to Peter and the others to follow Him, He didn't say go home, get your affairs in order, plan to be away about a year, get medical insurance, find renters for your homes, pack copious amounts of supplies and bundle everything in prayer. No, In John 21 verse 17 - 19,

Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” ... “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ....then he said to him, “Follow me!” NIV

The part that gets me is there is no discussion, no bartering, no deal. Just if you love me, then feed my sheep, be a shepherd of people, and follow me.
I do love you Lord, I do, but why does it seem that the practical parts of life on the mission field all seem too big. The other night we watched a documentary on Darfur. Africa has always been close to our hearts and specifically the plight of child soldiers. If it was our call to be in Africa, then why were we planning 2011 with work and farm decisions. Why, was our biggest burden that others did not get it. There are children all over the world and people living in poverty. Did poverty have a face to others? Did others know that children were being used in war, because they were cheap to feed, easily brain washed and expendable? Because of the sheer numbers of orphaned children, armies are using child soldiers as their weapon of choice. So many why's and so many unanswered questions. Please get educated about the issues surrounding children in our world.

In 2010 we had the privilege of being in Haiti working with God's Littlest Angels. We knew God had called us, we knew although many things happened prior to us going that we should have stopped our plans, ultimately we knew that He was calling us to serve with GLA. With heavy hearts at times, we said God use us, and may we be humble obedient servants, dependent on you. Show us your plan. He did as he always does. In that time God showed us grace, love, patience, mercy, forgiveness, and most importantly the abundance of His blessings being showered on us daily.

So as we prayed for God to bring us back to Haiti, take us to Africa, but 2010 ended with us sound asleep in our home in Canada. It brings me to one thought: Does one's commitment to Jesus need to be renewed as we learn more of His call? What does that look like? As 2011 starts out I pray that we (Jussi and I) learn more of what He has for us and less of what we have for us.
From Albert Einstein
"I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details."

Thanks GLA and our Haitian family and friends, "M'ap sonje ou"

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

The miracle of a baby born in a manager, the blessings of family and friends, This year is no exception to HIS goodness towards us and His provision and His grace. We are so thankful for all that He has done and we are overwhelmed at the sheer anticipation of all that He will do in our lives in 2011. As we sit at His feet and listen to His words, I am captivated by the soul of compassion, of mercy, grace, love, acceptance and unending faithfulness that His spirits grows in me. I pray that we can be a light in the darkness, a beacon for the hurting, a manager for those that need a place to stay, that without needing to know "why" that we will do unto those that He puts in our paths!
Blessings to you and your families this Christmas. will post up our family Christmas pics tomorrow, as we welcome all our kids, grandkids, parents and family for Christmas on the 26th!

Life Happens

He fills me with love so I can overflow!

A great year to be a writer and final blog of 2011

Carry Me to Kinshasa

As the season of Christmas approaches...remember to share GRACE

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Carry Me to Kinshasa

life does happen...praying we can tear down the walls

Grief abounds

Catch and Release

Wow it is fall again!

Being Reminded of Reality

Home again, home again, jiggidity jig...

Bucket List Item #1

Helsinki ...Tourist Days with Jussi's Dad

First stop Amsterdam

Crazy lazy and hazy days of summer

If the walls could talk...tales of the kitchen

God is My Umpire

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Stop asking why He chose me.....

Unleashing the power of UNITY

Stop before you start...

Considering our worth....

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Safe in my daddy's arms...

Top Things I Love About Being a Mom

To walk where Jesus walked, where he lay, and rose again in victory

Do you go to DEAD church?

Running on empty..waiting for the rush!

Happy Birthday ....I Love U

Things that make me think....of summer

A Mother's Hope

We Are United Under One Heaven

The Least Among You

In Jesus's Name...

As God Speaks

Ransomed by the King

Over the Moon....God why I am always amazed...

Valentines day reminds me...

This is the Day the Lord has made....

Psalm 118:24 KJV This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Prayer

Missionsfest 2011

What would you do...if it happened to you...

Done....

Praying for Sonia...we won't cease and we won't rest...

Super Size Miracles

Forever in my heart ...Haiti

Love Thy Neighbour

Be the Change

Show us your way...and allow our humanness to sort it all out.

Merry Christmas