To my family and friends,
By now, many of us have heard and been moved in compassion by the news of Haiti’s 7.0 M earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this natural disaster, leaving many dead, wounded, homeless and lacking the very basics of necessities.
The need in Haiti has become urgent, as you well know. Many of the primary relief agencies are pulling out of Haiti due to their temporary nature. With many of the relief workers from around the world returning home, and medical professionals estimating that 50-60% of the people treated will die in the next few months and many more left deformed, Haiti is in need of long term help.
With great excitement, trembling and many different emotions in my heart, I write to tell you that I have the opportunity and pleasure of going to Haiti in March!
I will be going to Port-Au-Prince with One Heart Ministries (www.ohmhaiti.org) based out of Kansas City, leaving on March 8th or 9th and returning on March 18th. My team will be staying at the Quisqueya Christian School, which is also a base for US military personnel providing relief to Haiti. The mission work we will be doing off the base and in Port-Au-Prince, includes providing medical care through clinics in the tent cities, providing food, water, clothing and personal necessities, rebuilding homes, carrying for the orphans and elderly, offering individual group counseling and therapy, doing outreach, preaching the gospel and ministering in prayer.
It is my desire to take what the Lord has given me in my skills as a nurse and go and serve the people of Haiti in this way. In the first few weeks after the earthquake, whenever I saw the images of the people of Haiti on the news, my heart would long to go and help, yet it felt so impossible.
God has made a way, pointed me to the right people to go with and given me peace about taking the plunge!
A friend of mine who was in Haiti last week with One Heart Ministries reported seeing and treating 1800 patients in one week. She said they are working 12 hour days, hoping for two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch, but not guaranteed. This is exhausting, but rewarding work.
Shane and I are praying that God would move peoples’ hearts to partner with us financially and in prayer. We need $3000.00 for the trip, the flights and to pay the bills back home as I will be taking a 2 week unpaid LOA from work. This does not factor in the things I need to purchase to bring along, the prescriptions or any vaccinations I need updated. We are not able to issue tax receipts for any donations. My workplace has been fabulous about giving me the time off. That is a huge mountain that could have been difficult to cross, but it wasn’t! Praise God!
I am also asking for your prayers. Prayers during the next few weeks as things come together with flights, plans, finances and packing. Prayers during the time that I will be away for protection, safety, health, strength, the nearness of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit throughout out trip. Pray that my team bonds well and serves the people of Haiti well. Pray that healing flows from our hands and knowledge abounds, even with medical issues we are unfamiliar with.
In the first few days after my trip was confirmed, I was thinking about the verse in Isaiah, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10). Spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed means we give something that requires a cost. We actually spend something. The cost may be energy, sleep, strength, finances, comforts, time, or emotions. Whether you get the chance to go to Haiti, like I have right now, or not, we all have opportunities here or there to spend ourselves on their behalf.
I’m asking for you to give generously to my trip to Haiti and join me in spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry, oppressed and wounded of Haiti. If you are wanting to give, contact me directly by email, facebook, phone, in person or leave a comment. Thank-you and bless you!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Friday, February 05, 2010
Haiti!
In less than 5 weeks, I will be on the ground in Haiti serving alongside One Heart Ministries to the people of Haiti that have been effected by January 12th's massive earthquake.
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Throne room Revelations
In my writings and records of what the Lord speaks to me, I have started something new in the past week and a bit. They are called "Throne room Revelations".
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The North and South Winds - Song of Solomon 4:16
"Awake, O north winds and come, O south! Blow upon my garden that its spices may flow out" Song of Solomon 4:16
I have not yet come to the place in my Christian walk where I've had the maturity to pray "Awake O north winds". I do not desire the seasons of trial and testing. If it were up to my emotions, I'd live in the land of the forever south winds.
I've been amazed from time to time when I hear people that are able to pray this prayer. My thoughts are that they must be right in the midst of south wind comfort, they may be crazy or they may have no idea what they are actually praying! I greatly respect and admire those who are able to ask for whatever season would cause more growth in their hearts and I have come to reason that they must have a greater measure of spiritual maturity than me.
Lately, I've been thinking about these north winds more and more. As I look around, the outward appearances of many around me would lead me to think they are sitting under the apple tree, soaking in God's love and delight, in the middle of the south winds.
I, myself, feel like I'm living in an igloo in the middle of nowhere with no life in sight and the winds are blowing at blizzard speed.
Singing the words, "Awake, awake o north wind. Awake, awake o south winds and blow over me" from Misty's song Fling Wide at the mic on stage at Sanctuary the other week was so painful. As I looked around the room, the appearances of people on the outside would lead me to assume they were loving the south winds, while I am standing there enduring the winds of the north. All I could do was bawl, recognize a small amount of humor in the irony of it all and try not to let the wind blow me over.
It is actually much easier to pray for the north winds when you feel like you are in them. When times are easier, I dread the idea of testing and trials. When I'm in the midst of them, though it's painful, I'm already there.
I've been thinking about three things in the last few weeks through my travels in the north.
1. If I draw near, I win.
God promised to draw near to me as I draw near to Him (James 4:8). So, I pray for the grace to draw near.
2. If I lean, I win.
I want to be found leaning, just like the Shulamite is found at the end of the Song of Solomon. She goes through the journey of love, experiencing the north and south winds, the trials, the nearness and apparent absence of the Lord, yet by chapter 8, she is found leaning on her Beloved as she comes out of the wilderness (Song of Solomon 8:5). I want to be found leaning. So, I pray for the grace to lean, even when it feels like I'm going to lose my balance.
3. If I don't quit, I win.
If I keep praying, I win. If I face the tough questions instead of ignoring them, I win. If I put myself before the Lord no matter how I feel, I win. If I don't give up, I win. So, I pray for the grace to carry on.
I am not going to be in the north forever. It's not always going to be blowing snow with the risk of frostbite. Weeping only lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). It's going to be morning at some point and I'm looking forward to sunbathing in green meadows in the south.
Until them, I'm choosing to believe that He's working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). I'm choosing to believe He's got a greater goal in mind than my comfort and I'm going to be far more glorious if I let Him take the lead than if I chart the course myself.
I have not yet come to the place in my Christian walk where I've had the maturity to pray "Awake O north winds". I do not desire the seasons of trial and testing. If it were up to my emotions, I'd live in the land of the forever south winds.
I've been amazed from time to time when I hear people that are able to pray this prayer. My thoughts are that they must be right in the midst of south wind comfort, they may be crazy or they may have no idea what they are actually praying! I greatly respect and admire those who are able to ask for whatever season would cause more growth in their hearts and I have come to reason that they must have a greater measure of spiritual maturity than me.
Lately, I've been thinking about these north winds more and more. As I look around, the outward appearances of many around me would lead me to think they are sitting under the apple tree, soaking in God's love and delight, in the middle of the south winds.
I, myself, feel like I'm living in an igloo in the middle of nowhere with no life in sight and the winds are blowing at blizzard speed.
Singing the words, "Awake, awake o north wind. Awake, awake o south winds and blow over me" from Misty's song Fling Wide at the mic on stage at Sanctuary the other week was so painful. As I looked around the room, the appearances of people on the outside would lead me to assume they were loving the south winds, while I am standing there enduring the winds of the north. All I could do was bawl, recognize a small amount of humor in the irony of it all and try not to let the wind blow me over.
It is actually much easier to pray for the north winds when you feel like you are in them. When times are easier, I dread the idea of testing and trials. When I'm in the midst of them, though it's painful, I'm already there.
I've been thinking about three things in the last few weeks through my travels in the north.
1. If I draw near, I win.
God promised to draw near to me as I draw near to Him (James 4:8). So, I pray for the grace to draw near.
2. If I lean, I win.
I want to be found leaning, just like the Shulamite is found at the end of the Song of Solomon. She goes through the journey of love, experiencing the north and south winds, the trials, the nearness and apparent absence of the Lord, yet by chapter 8, she is found leaning on her Beloved as she comes out of the wilderness (Song of Solomon 8:5). I want to be found leaning. So, I pray for the grace to lean, even when it feels like I'm going to lose my balance.
3. If I don't quit, I win.
If I keep praying, I win. If I face the tough questions instead of ignoring them, I win. If I put myself before the Lord no matter how I feel, I win. If I don't give up, I win. So, I pray for the grace to carry on.
I am not going to be in the north forever. It's not always going to be blowing snow with the risk of frostbite. Weeping only lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). It's going to be morning at some point and I'm looking forward to sunbathing in green meadows in the south.
Until them, I'm choosing to believe that He's working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). I'm choosing to believe He's got a greater goal in mind than my comfort and I'm going to be far more glorious if I let Him take the lead than if I chart the course myself.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A suggestion I might take her up on...
As my previous post discussed, I am unsure of my future in the blogging world. But, the first step was to get away from the old layout. I knew with that layout, I couldn't keep blogging =) So, here's the first step...a new look. I needed something brighter and more enjoyable visually.
Back to my decision making. It warmed my heart when a friend of mine communicated to me a few weeks ago that she would be interested in hearing more about my thoughts, revelations and studies on a blog. The day to day stuff that happens, I want to talk about face-to-face with the people I love, which I don't want to be telling the whole world. But, what about an outlet for the things the Lord puts on my heart and I just want to write and post somewhere? I would be sad to have no outlet for that.
I have loose leaf pages in piles in my bedroom and office with writing about all kinds of things. I have a desire to write things down. But, what stops me from doing so, is my fight with a perfectionist spirit. I would want it to sounds perfect or else not post it. And, I know that I'm not perfect, so most of the time the thoughts stay just that. Thoughts. And they never make it on paper. Or part of it makes it into a journal and it never gets completed.
So, I'm still deciding and we'll see what happens. But it's a suggestion that I've been thinking about and I might take her up on...
Back to my decision making. It warmed my heart when a friend of mine communicated to me a few weeks ago that she would be interested in hearing more about my thoughts, revelations and studies on a blog. The day to day stuff that happens, I want to talk about face-to-face with the people I love, which I don't want to be telling the whole world. But, what about an outlet for the things the Lord puts on my heart and I just want to write and post somewhere? I would be sad to have no outlet for that.
I have loose leaf pages in piles in my bedroom and office with writing about all kinds of things. I have a desire to write things down. But, what stops me from doing so, is my fight with a perfectionist spirit. I would want it to sounds perfect or else not post it. And, I know that I'm not perfect, so most of the time the thoughts stay just that. Thoughts. And they never make it on paper. Or part of it makes it into a journal and it never gets completed.
So, I'm still deciding and we'll see what happens. But it's a suggestion that I've been thinking about and I might take her up on...
Monday, January 11, 2010
To stop or not to stop? That is the question.
It's been a while since I blogged and I'm honestly thinking of dropping the blogging world. I haven't blogged since October and I've been off facebook since November. Life just seems more simple and more peaceful that way. The amount of time I've spent on the computer is way reduced and I like that!
I feel like I can rest a little more and focus on relationships that I have in person. I just don't like spilling my thoughts and feelings with whoever may be out there and reading this. That is kinda creepy. I would rather sit and have a coffee with you or connect by email. It's just weird and not fulfilling my need for socializing and connecting when I post something on here and know there are some people reading, minimal comments and no dialogue. You know? I'd rather have a conversation.
That been said, I haven't totally decided whether or not to drop blogging and facebook altogether. I like the socializing aspect of facebook. That's the problem with it. It's empty. And I like deeper relationships than that.
But, what about those that I want to keep in contact with who I can't sit down and have a coffee with because they live somewhere else? That throws in a twist!
Also, as for blogging, sometimes I would love to have a place to just write our needs down as intercessory missionaries. We used to send out a support letter but got frustrated with writing them. It seemed we spent more on paper, ink and stamps than we got in support in response to sending them out. We know we probably should write one again but it can be a little discouraging and we greatly dislike support raising.
So, these are some of the reason for my absence. I'm taking a little vacation. I'm rearranging the unnecessary things in my life to fit in my priorities. I'm wanting to sow a little more into real relationships. I'm wanting to spend my time on other things than the internet.
We'll see if what I decide. Not sure yet. But I won't quit without telling you =)
And as for needs, our January and February needs (over and above our usual expenses) include dental work (finishing the root canal from last July with a crown) and van insurance.
Adios.
I feel like I can rest a little more and focus on relationships that I have in person. I just don't like spilling my thoughts and feelings with whoever may be out there and reading this. That is kinda creepy. I would rather sit and have a coffee with you or connect by email. It's just weird and not fulfilling my need for socializing and connecting when I post something on here and know there are some people reading, minimal comments and no dialogue. You know? I'd rather have a conversation.
That been said, I haven't totally decided whether or not to drop blogging and facebook altogether. I like the socializing aspect of facebook. That's the problem with it. It's empty. And I like deeper relationships than that.
But, what about those that I want to keep in contact with who I can't sit down and have a coffee with because they live somewhere else? That throws in a twist!
Also, as for blogging, sometimes I would love to have a place to just write our needs down as intercessory missionaries. We used to send out a support letter but got frustrated with writing them. It seemed we spent more on paper, ink and stamps than we got in support in response to sending them out. We know we probably should write one again but it can be a little discouraging and we greatly dislike support raising.
So, these are some of the reason for my absence. I'm taking a little vacation. I'm rearranging the unnecessary things in my life to fit in my priorities. I'm wanting to sow a little more into real relationships. I'm wanting to spend my time on other things than the internet.
We'll see if what I decide. Not sure yet. But I won't quit without telling you =)
And as for needs, our January and February needs (over and above our usual expenses) include dental work (finishing the root canal from last July with a crown) and van insurance.
Adios.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Off we go!
We're just getting ready to head out for our trip to Kansas City for 2009! I'm getting excited!
We got to bed FAR too late (after 1am) and planned on getting up at 4am, which was far too little sleep. So, we planned to wake up at 5am. Good thing I happen to look at the clock at 5:09am and realize that I had set the alarm for 5 PM, not AM, after coming off nights yesterday morning! We both hardly slept, but we're up and getting ready to go! Pray for safety as we travel today =)
Again, it has been confirmed. I have the most awesome husband. The awesome guy was scrubbing the tub, cleaning the bathroom and sweeping the floors after midnight, so we can leave with a clean house! I was shocked and again blessed =) I am a lucky woman!
Off we go!
We got to bed FAR too late (after 1am) and planned on getting up at 4am, which was far too little sleep. So, we planned to wake up at 5am. Good thing I happen to look at the clock at 5:09am and realize that I had set the alarm for 5 PM, not AM, after coming off nights yesterday morning! We both hardly slept, but we're up and getting ready to go! Pray for safety as we travel today =)
Again, it has been confirmed. I have the most awesome husband. The awesome guy was scrubbing the tub, cleaning the bathroom and sweeping the floors after midnight, so we can leave with a clean house! I was shocked and again blessed =) I am a lucky woman!
Off we go!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
2 more shifts!
I'm getting more and more excited as our trip gets closer!
2 more nights shifts, which start in an hour or so and then it's time to go! I will wake up Friday evening, do the last minute packing and errands and try to get to sleep early enough to get up early and off we go!
I'm looking forward to getting our van all beautified for the trip. We took it in to the shop and did a few repairs this week. Now, we'll wash it and clean the inside, complete with a new air freshener =)
I've already started packing and did a bunch of cleaning in the house, include an overhaul of the office. What a relief to have that done, as it has looked like a tornado in there for months already! Papers everywhere!
Most of my number of lists have been finished and I just have a few more things waiting until Friday to be done.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with my honey and spending time with our buddies, the Coopers and the McAnnulla's! Kristi Cooper (www.somedaysremembered.blogspot.com) has the sweetest blog post about our coming =) I love it!
Off I go!
2 more nights shifts, which start in an hour or so and then it's time to go! I will wake up Friday evening, do the last minute packing and errands and try to get to sleep early enough to get up early and off we go!
I'm looking forward to getting our van all beautified for the trip. We took it in to the shop and did a few repairs this week. Now, we'll wash it and clean the inside, complete with a new air freshener =)
I've already started packing and did a bunch of cleaning in the house, include an overhaul of the office. What a relief to have that done, as it has looked like a tornado in there for months already! Papers everywhere!
Most of my number of lists have been finished and I just have a few more things waiting until Friday to be done.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with my honey and spending time with our buddies, the Coopers and the McAnnulla's! Kristi Cooper (www.somedaysremembered.blogspot.com) has the sweetest blog post about our coming =) I love it!
Off I go!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Whirlwind of October
Wow! This month has been a whirlwind!
I had a ton of birthday celebrations with friends and family which made me feel special! I got a whole bunch of cards with really nice things written on them, which is my perfect gift! I have one birthday celebration left (with my bro) that will have to wait until November, because October has been too full! Thanks everyone for making me feel special this month!
On the conference front, Pure Heart was amazing at the beginning of the month. Then came the AWHONN conference...a work conference. I actually really enjoyed it and took a number of points away as things I'd like to try to implement more in my own practice. I enjoyed being with a group of nurses, in a non-hospital setting and discussing relevant topics and learning about topics that are applicable to my job.
Last but not least, the Kingdom Come Conference was this last weekend. I worked nights all weekend but went to the prayer room that we put on in the basement for an hour before work each evening. It was a whirlwind. Sleep 9-5pm, prayer room 6-7pm, work 7:30pm-8am. That is super tiring!
The Lord totally blessed me by allowing me to have 4 hours of work off on Friday night. There was an LOA available, which doesn't usually happen...and especially on the weekend! I got to work, found out that I could come back in 4 hours and went back to the prayer room. It was good that I did, because the Lord totally met me there. I'm so grateful!
In all this month's excitement, I was waiting for the arrival of a certain little princess and hoping she would make her appearance when I wasn't at work. The Lord handpicked a special day and Rayah came forth on October 21st! I had the honor of being with Jacquie, Joe and Rayah during Rayah's birth!
2 more shifts to go this week, a bunch of preparing and we are due to set sail to our friends in the south for a time of holidays! I am looking forward to a time of relaxing, getting away from usual responsibilities and being with my husband and some of our friends. I'm looking forward to seeing my husband sit and enjoy a prayer room, without having to run it, which he does so well =) I just think it will be a nice holiday for him to sit and enjoy the ride instead of steer the ship =) And I'm looking forward to sitting beside him in a prayer room instead of across the room for a few days =)
So, in 5 sleeps we are off to Kansas City! Yippee!
I had a ton of birthday celebrations with friends and family which made me feel special! I got a whole bunch of cards with really nice things written on them, which is my perfect gift! I have one birthday celebration left (with my bro) that will have to wait until November, because October has been too full! Thanks everyone for making me feel special this month!
On the conference front, Pure Heart was amazing at the beginning of the month. Then came the AWHONN conference...a work conference. I actually really enjoyed it and took a number of points away as things I'd like to try to implement more in my own practice. I enjoyed being with a group of nurses, in a non-hospital setting and discussing relevant topics and learning about topics that are applicable to my job.
Last but not least, the Kingdom Come Conference was this last weekend. I worked nights all weekend but went to the prayer room that we put on in the basement for an hour before work each evening. It was a whirlwind. Sleep 9-5pm, prayer room 6-7pm, work 7:30pm-8am. That is super tiring!
The Lord totally blessed me by allowing me to have 4 hours of work off on Friday night. There was an LOA available, which doesn't usually happen...and especially on the weekend! I got to work, found out that I could come back in 4 hours and went back to the prayer room. It was good that I did, because the Lord totally met me there. I'm so grateful!
In all this month's excitement, I was waiting for the arrival of a certain little princess and hoping she would make her appearance when I wasn't at work. The Lord handpicked a special day and Rayah came forth on October 21st! I had the honor of being with Jacquie, Joe and Rayah during Rayah's birth!
2 more shifts to go this week, a bunch of preparing and we are due to set sail to our friends in the south for a time of holidays! I am looking forward to a time of relaxing, getting away from usual responsibilities and being with my husband and some of our friends. I'm looking forward to seeing my husband sit and enjoy a prayer room, without having to run it, which he does so well =) I just think it will be a nice holiday for him to sit and enjoy the ride instead of steer the ship =) And I'm looking forward to sitting beside him in a prayer room instead of across the room for a few days =)
So, in 5 sleeps we are off to Kansas City! Yippee!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Book Review: Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado with Max Lucado
This book is geared to young women and is about what God sees when God looks at us. The theme of this book is about knowing God as a perfect Father and the message is revealed through the theme of appearance.
When I started reading the first chapter, it was quite evident that I am not the age of the target audience. In my opinion, this book is very appropriate for 10-16 year olds. The theme of appearance wasn’t my favorite to start but as I got into chapter 2, the importance of the internal began to be discussed.
Jenna writes creatively and clearly about the need girls have for their heavenly Father. I could easily identify with other female readers about our universal longing for a love that only our perfect Father can provide.
I liked the use of scripture and the layout of the chapters that include Beauty Tips, Life Accessories and spaces for readers to answer personal questions. It is an interactive book!
Any woman at any age could get something out of this book, but I would recommend it more so to young women in junior high and high school.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Good-bye 26
Today is my last day as a 26 year-old. Tomorrow I enter the world of 27.
I'm good with that. I don't mind getting older. I already know what I want to do for my 30th and I'm looking forward to it =) Besides, I'm a fan of odd numbers and 27 sounds better than 26 to me. Yes, I'm a little quirky.
I'm hoping to make my usual list today, summing up the events of the last year. It brings one year to a close and lets me evaluate the past year and look ahead to the next year. I like going back to my last birthday list and seeing if the year was anything like what I had hoped it would be. I always write down my hopes for the next year and like to see if they come true.
I love answering questions like "what was the best part of the last year?" or "what do you hope for this next year?". I'm usually the one to ask the family to go around the circle and answer a question like this at the end or beginning of a year =)
Life hasn't had huge changes in the last few years like it did a number of years ago. Between 2000 and 2006 there was a ton of change from grad, moving to Wpg, starting to date, getting engaged, graduating from nursing, marrying Shane, starting to work as a nurse, starting SHOP, and much more. The last 4 years have been sweet as Shane and I have continued together, but the challenges have increased in the area of faith because of the choices of employment we've made and our many health issues that have arisen. We definitely have more mundane day-to-day stuff than the exciting drama of the first few years when monumental life stages are happening.
I'm ok with that too. Life doesn't always have to have a ton of drama =)
So, to get back to the question, I'm thinking the best part of the last year is the little ways my heart grew. The kisses my heart received from the Lord, the areas that I received revelation and the moments I felt an increase of the knowledge of God and His nearness are probably the highlights of my year. I'm also thankful for the ways He corrected me and guided me, helping me to adjust some of my negative attitudes and thought patterns. He has helped me to love more, care more and have more compassion. I'm growing at being less selfish, being a more loving friend and wife, and learning how to release the burdens I carry to Him.
I believe a little more about His affection for me. The truth of how He feels about me has sunk a little further over time. I've heard Him speak more and my heart loves that. He has encouraged me in times of prayer and through prophetic words.
Thank-you Lord for making my heart grow in love at 26. Adios 26 =)
I'm good with that. I don't mind getting older. I already know what I want to do for my 30th and I'm looking forward to it =) Besides, I'm a fan of odd numbers and 27 sounds better than 26 to me. Yes, I'm a little quirky.
I'm hoping to make my usual list today, summing up the events of the last year. It brings one year to a close and lets me evaluate the past year and look ahead to the next year. I like going back to my last birthday list and seeing if the year was anything like what I had hoped it would be. I always write down my hopes for the next year and like to see if they come true.
I love answering questions like "what was the best part of the last year?" or "what do you hope for this next year?". I'm usually the one to ask the family to go around the circle and answer a question like this at the end or beginning of a year =)
Life hasn't had huge changes in the last few years like it did a number of years ago. Between 2000 and 2006 there was a ton of change from grad, moving to Wpg, starting to date, getting engaged, graduating from nursing, marrying Shane, starting to work as a nurse, starting SHOP, and much more. The last 4 years have been sweet as Shane and I have continued together, but the challenges have increased in the area of faith because of the choices of employment we've made and our many health issues that have arisen. We definitely have more mundane day-to-day stuff than the exciting drama of the first few years when monumental life stages are happening.
I'm ok with that too. Life doesn't always have to have a ton of drama =)
So, to get back to the question, I'm thinking the best part of the last year is the little ways my heart grew. The kisses my heart received from the Lord, the areas that I received revelation and the moments I felt an increase of the knowledge of God and His nearness are probably the highlights of my year. I'm also thankful for the ways He corrected me and guided me, helping me to adjust some of my negative attitudes and thought patterns. He has helped me to love more, care more and have more compassion. I'm growing at being less selfish, being a more loving friend and wife, and learning how to release the burdens I carry to Him.
I believe a little more about His affection for me. The truth of how He feels about me has sunk a little further over time. I've heard Him speak more and my heart loves that. He has encouraged me in times of prayer and through prophetic words.
Thank-you Lord for making my heart grow in love at 26. Adios 26 =)
Friday, October 09, 2009
Snowstorm before October 12th?
Today started the birthday celebrations! My birthday is not until Monday the 12th, but because my birthday is on Thanksgiving this year, Shane and I celebrated today!
Today, we also got a huge snowfall! I don't know if there has been a snowfall before my birthday on any year that I can remember. It usually snows before the end of the month, but not before my birthday! I don't mind the snow but I don't like that it has come before my big day! I was born in fall....not winter =) It has thrown me off!
My hubbie planned a wonderful day for me! Everything from cards, 24 red roses, activities such as mini-golf and glow-bowling, a yummy lunch at Olive Garden, and a plan B for the evening because of the weather. He had planned to have a bonfire with some s'mores at the park, but we were in the midst of a snowstorm, so we enjoyed yummy drinks at the local Starbuck's instead =)
My husband is the greatest and I'm so blessed to have him! Thanks for making my 27th birthday celebration special, babe!
Today, we also got a huge snowfall! I don't know if there has been a snowfall before my birthday on any year that I can remember. It usually snows before the end of the month, but not before my birthday! I don't mind the snow but I don't like that it has come before my big day! I was born in fall....not winter =) It has thrown me off!
My hubbie planned a wonderful day for me! Everything from cards, 24 red roses, activities such as mini-golf and glow-bowling, a yummy lunch at Olive Garden, and a plan B for the evening because of the weather. He had planned to have a bonfire with some s'mores at the park, but we were in the midst of a snowstorm, so we enjoyed yummy drinks at the local Starbuck's instead =)
My husband is the greatest and I'm so blessed to have him! Thanks for making my 27th birthday celebration special, babe!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
October
The month of October is full of fun...very full!
Between taking 2 holiday days, Thanksgiving, my birthday and all its celebrations, awaiting the birth of the baby of a friend of mine, a few conferences and everything normal in my routine, the calendar is full!
I've had to cut out a few things to make the other things more enjoyable =)
Last weekend, a bunch of IHOPers came to Winnipeg to do the Pure Heart Conference. We were very blessed, as a bunch of SHOP came out to soak up the healing. I was blessed again by the faithfulness of God and how He kindly and gently reveals all kinds of things that He wants to touch on when you let Him. It was an awesome weekend full of lots of tears, good touches from the Lord and great ministry times.
A big highlight for me was the very end of the conference. The IHOPers met with the SHOPers in the back room and they prayed and prophesied over us! It was SOOOOOO encouraging and very accurate for my life right now. I just giggled and giggled and left feeling very excited and encouraged!
By Sunday, I still felt like a child on a truckload of sugar. I really enjoyed my time at SHOP on Sunday, again being reminded of how thankful I am that I have a house of prayer to go to and be a part of! Some of the IHOPers joined us at SHOP, which always encourages our HOP! It was a crazy evening of ministry time =)
I guess I should wrap this up, as I'm heading in to work today. Today is my one work shift in a stretch of 20 days off! I'm also in a stretch where I'm only working 8 shifts in 48 days! Woo! Hoo!! I've really needed a break and I'm hoping that by mid-November when the holiday dust settles, I'll be refreshed and ready to work again.
Until then, I'm planning on enjoying the time off!
Between taking 2 holiday days, Thanksgiving, my birthday and all its celebrations, awaiting the birth of the baby of a friend of mine, a few conferences and everything normal in my routine, the calendar is full!
I've had to cut out a few things to make the other things more enjoyable =)
Last weekend, a bunch of IHOPers came to Winnipeg to do the Pure Heart Conference. We were very blessed, as a bunch of SHOP came out to soak up the healing. I was blessed again by the faithfulness of God and how He kindly and gently reveals all kinds of things that He wants to touch on when you let Him. It was an awesome weekend full of lots of tears, good touches from the Lord and great ministry times.
A big highlight for me was the very end of the conference. The IHOPers met with the SHOPers in the back room and they prayed and prophesied over us! It was SOOOOOO encouraging and very accurate for my life right now. I just giggled and giggled and left feeling very excited and encouraged!
By Sunday, I still felt like a child on a truckload of sugar. I really enjoyed my time at SHOP on Sunday, again being reminded of how thankful I am that I have a house of prayer to go to and be a part of! Some of the IHOPers joined us at SHOP, which always encourages our HOP! It was a crazy evening of ministry time =)
I guess I should wrap this up, as I'm heading in to work today. Today is my one work shift in a stretch of 20 days off! I'm also in a stretch where I'm only working 8 shifts in 48 days! Woo! Hoo!! I've really needed a break and I'm hoping that by mid-November when the holiday dust settles, I'll be refreshed and ready to work again.
Until then, I'm planning on enjoying the time off!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Genetics!
I was looking through some pictures from 2009. This one caught my attention.
Isn't genetics amazing?
Isn't genetics amazing?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The day of small things
Last night, I watched a little bit of IHOP's 10 year Anniversary Celebrations. It's so neat that they can celebrate 10 years of hard work, graced and enabled by God, of 24/7 prayer and worship. That is a huge accomplishment and one worth celebrating!
As one who is a part of a HOP another place on the globe, I celebrate with them because it feels like giving your big brother or big sister a high five on a job well done! When I first went to IHOP I longed to relocate because nothing like it was happening in my own city. I am so thankful that over the last few years, I don't get that feeling when I enter or leave Kansas City anymore. To me, Kansas City is a well of refreshment. I can take a break from pioneering our smaller HOP and just sit back and soak in the midst of like-minded people doing the same thing in another area of the world. I feel like IHOP is a big brother, different in many ways but with the same genetics.
Today, I am thankful for our little HOP. I am thankful that we are small and nobody knows us. I am so thankful we're not on tv, webstreamed or famous. I'm thankful that anybody and everybody can participate. Today, I'm thankful for hiddeness because I know it won't be this way forever and I don't know how long this smaller season will last. Back in the trailer days, IHOP had small beginnings too and that sure didn't last forever!
I know that life won't look like it does now, forever. Our HOP won't always be in a small building in the middle of the city, housed on a 1 day a week by a generous pastor. We won't always have prayer meetings in homes on a regular basis. Shane won't always work from home, therefore, we won't always have both the blessings and struggles that working from home brings. We won't always know most faces in our midst on a more personal basis. We won't always get to attend most meetings.
Shane and I won't always be in our 20s. We won't always have the time, space and freedom we do now in the same way. We won't always be without children and we probably won't always be in an apartment.
Life as we know it is going to change over the years in a personal and corporate way. Things won't always be the same for our little HOP. I generally comfort myself in the hard times with this truth, but it is also a little sad. So often I want to leave the small beginnings behind and yet how special they have been.
Zechariah 4:10 "For who has despised the day of small things?".
I want to cherish our small beginnings instead of despise the annoyances and frustrations that accompany them. There are so many very painful and frustrating parts to "building a ship while at sea", but there are so many treasures (even when I can't think of them). They may not be obvious but they are probably internal and eternal in nature.
I want to be thankful for the present. Thankful for the small things. I want to appropriately desire the things to come and yet love the present with a thankful heart.
September 20, 2009 will never take place again, along with any other day. I want to live it out well, without regrets, not wanting to stay in today forever but not always longing to get out of it as quickly as possible either.
Thank-you Lord for hot Sundays with no air-conditioning. We'll love retelling the story in 10 years. Thank-you Lord for the sound system. We'll have MANY stories in 5 years. Thank-you Lord for limiting our time and resources according to what you know we can handle. Thank-you Lord for leading and guiding us so well. Thank-you Lord for giving us all we need step by step. Thank-you for Your perfect leadership and your great wisdom in building this HOP. Thank-you for filling us time and time again with your presence.
Cheers to the days of small beginnings!
As one who is a part of a HOP another place on the globe, I celebrate with them because it feels like giving your big brother or big sister a high five on a job well done! When I first went to IHOP I longed to relocate because nothing like it was happening in my own city. I am so thankful that over the last few years, I don't get that feeling when I enter or leave Kansas City anymore. To me, Kansas City is a well of refreshment. I can take a break from pioneering our smaller HOP and just sit back and soak in the midst of like-minded people doing the same thing in another area of the world. I feel like IHOP is a big brother, different in many ways but with the same genetics.
Today, I am thankful for our little HOP. I am thankful that we are small and nobody knows us. I am so thankful we're not on tv, webstreamed or famous. I'm thankful that anybody and everybody can participate. Today, I'm thankful for hiddeness because I know it won't be this way forever and I don't know how long this smaller season will last. Back in the trailer days, IHOP had small beginnings too and that sure didn't last forever!
I know that life won't look like it does now, forever. Our HOP won't always be in a small building in the middle of the city, housed on a 1 day a week by a generous pastor. We won't always have prayer meetings in homes on a regular basis. Shane won't always work from home, therefore, we won't always have both the blessings and struggles that working from home brings. We won't always know most faces in our midst on a more personal basis. We won't always get to attend most meetings.
Shane and I won't always be in our 20s. We won't always have the time, space and freedom we do now in the same way. We won't always be without children and we probably won't always be in an apartment.
Life as we know it is going to change over the years in a personal and corporate way. Things won't always be the same for our little HOP. I generally comfort myself in the hard times with this truth, but it is also a little sad. So often I want to leave the small beginnings behind and yet how special they have been.
Zechariah 4:10 "For who has despised the day of small things?".
I want to cherish our small beginnings instead of despise the annoyances and frustrations that accompany them. There are so many very painful and frustrating parts to "building a ship while at sea", but there are so many treasures (even when I can't think of them). They may not be obvious but they are probably internal and eternal in nature.
I want to be thankful for the present. Thankful for the small things. I want to appropriately desire the things to come and yet love the present with a thankful heart.
September 20, 2009 will never take place again, along with any other day. I want to live it out well, without regrets, not wanting to stay in today forever but not always longing to get out of it as quickly as possible either.
Thank-you Lord for hot Sundays with no air-conditioning. We'll love retelling the story in 10 years. Thank-you Lord for the sound system. We'll have MANY stories in 5 years. Thank-you Lord for limiting our time and resources according to what you know we can handle. Thank-you Lord for leading and guiding us so well. Thank-you Lord for giving us all we need step by step. Thank-you for Your perfect leadership and your great wisdom in building this HOP. Thank-you for filling us time and time again with your presence.
Cheers to the days of small beginnings!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Praise the Lord!
Great news! My MRI is normal and I don't have anything wrong in my brain!! Woo!!! Hoo!!!
I'm so relieved to have a great report after today's neurologist appointment. They were staying the scary word "MS" over the past 2 months and I'm greatly relieved to find out that I don't have it!
Thank-you to all who covered me in prayer, directly and indirectly, with laying on of hands or from your home! Praise the Lord for being my Healer and Protector!
I'm so relieved to have a great report after today's neurologist appointment. They were staying the scary word "MS" over the past 2 months and I'm greatly relieved to find out that I don't have it!
Thank-you to all who covered me in prayer, directly and indirectly, with laying on of hands or from your home! Praise the Lord for being my Healer and Protector!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
A Kiss Upon My Heart
I love those times when you are praying for something and God goes beyond what you prayed for, just to give you a kiss of love upon your heart!
I had one of those moments that spoke directly to my heart a few weeks ago. It may not sound like a big deal, but it definitely touched my heart and affirmed that He hears, cares and acts.
I was put on the long waiting list for an MRI around mid-August. I got my letter in the mail sent out August 12 with my appointment date on it. I was scheduled for a 5 month wait, which was discouraging. I would only have the test on January 12th.
I decided to pray to get that date moved! I stuck the appointment paper in a devotional book that I read each morning at the breakfast table so I had a good reminder to pray! I also gathered a few close friends to pray with me for this appointment to be moved! And then I did something active as well and got myself put on the cancellation list.
I prayed that God would expedite my MRI for September instead of January. I thought it was a stretch but I knew God can/could do it!
Well, 2 weeks ago today, I was sleeping after a night shift. Shane wakes me up, which he wouldn't do unless there is something very urgent happening! The MRI Department called and had an opening come up for 1 hour and 45 minutes later!
I was exhausted but absolutely thrilled and said a definite yes!
I am so pleased to have gotten my MRI so quickly! And what tickled my heart so? I got it done on August 30th. God surpassed my request for September and reinforced that He cares by making a point that it was even earlier...in August! I only actually waited 2 and a half weeks instead of 5 months!
Thank-you Lord for kisses on my heart!
I had one of those moments that spoke directly to my heart a few weeks ago. It may not sound like a big deal, but it definitely touched my heart and affirmed that He hears, cares and acts.
I was put on the long waiting list for an MRI around mid-August. I got my letter in the mail sent out August 12 with my appointment date on it. I was scheduled for a 5 month wait, which was discouraging. I would only have the test on January 12th.
I decided to pray to get that date moved! I stuck the appointment paper in a devotional book that I read each morning at the breakfast table so I had a good reminder to pray! I also gathered a few close friends to pray with me for this appointment to be moved! And then I did something active as well and got myself put on the cancellation list.
I prayed that God would expedite my MRI for September instead of January. I thought it was a stretch but I knew God can/could do it!
Well, 2 weeks ago today, I was sleeping after a night shift. Shane wakes me up, which he wouldn't do unless there is something very urgent happening! The MRI Department called and had an opening come up for 1 hour and 45 minutes later!
I was exhausted but absolutely thrilled and said a definite yes!
I am so pleased to have gotten my MRI so quickly! And what tickled my heart so? I got it done on August 30th. God surpassed my request for September and reinforced that He cares by making a point that it was even earlier...in August! I only actually waited 2 and a half weeks instead of 5 months!
Thank-you Lord for kisses on my heart!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Happy 9 Years Shane!
It's pretty neat.....Shane and I have been a couple in dating, engaged and married forms for 9 years today!
We officially started dating 9 years ago....September 8, 2000! That is a long time ago for only being 26 =)
We spent about 3 years and almost a month dating before getting engaged on October 3, 2003. We spent another 8 months engaged and enjoying the roles of fiance and financee =) Oh how I loved that season of time preparing for a wedding and being the bride! Then we tied the knot on June 12, 2004 and have thoroughly enjoyed 5 years and almost 3 months of marriage!
That's a pretty neat time line when I look at it that way!
I love that there are such highlights for every season. I loved those initial tinglings in my tummy when I was in some severe denial that I liked Shane, yet I enjoyed his friendship so much and was so sad to think of it ever not continuing so closely =) Then the dating years where you talk about everything under the sun, laugh and cry and hash through all kinds of topics that are relevant for the future. I LOVED the engaged part of the journey. I thought I'd want to take up wedding planning as a side job when I was finished planning my own. I loved being the bride and enjoying that special time in our lives that is over so quickly so you gotta love it while you can!
And there is so much to say about the honor of spending regular life, day in and day out, with the one you love. I am more certain I made the right choice today than I was when I married Shane. It's fun to talk late at night, to wake up for my morning hug, to make supper and do the dishes together, to have someone waiting for my phone call on my breaks at work, and to worship and pray together, being able to watch my husband in action in his work on a Sunday or Tuesday from across the room.
Happy 9 years together babe! I love you!
We officially started dating 9 years ago....September 8, 2000! That is a long time ago for only being 26 =)
We spent about 3 years and almost a month dating before getting engaged on October 3, 2003. We spent another 8 months engaged and enjoying the roles of fiance and financee =) Oh how I loved that season of time preparing for a wedding and being the bride! Then we tied the knot on June 12, 2004 and have thoroughly enjoyed 5 years and almost 3 months of marriage!
That's a pretty neat time line when I look at it that way!
I love that there are such highlights for every season. I loved those initial tinglings in my tummy when I was in some severe denial that I liked Shane, yet I enjoyed his friendship so much and was so sad to think of it ever not continuing so closely =) Then the dating years where you talk about everything under the sun, laugh and cry and hash through all kinds of topics that are relevant for the future. I LOVED the engaged part of the journey. I thought I'd want to take up wedding planning as a side job when I was finished planning my own. I loved being the bride and enjoying that special time in our lives that is over so quickly so you gotta love it while you can!
And there is so much to say about the honor of spending regular life, day in and day out, with the one you love. I am more certain I made the right choice today than I was when I married Shane. It's fun to talk late at night, to wake up for my morning hug, to make supper and do the dishes together, to have someone waiting for my phone call on my breaks at work, and to worship and pray together, being able to watch my husband in action in his work on a Sunday or Tuesday from across the room.
Happy 9 years together babe! I love you!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Shane!
Yesterday, my husband turned 29!
We had fun celebrating together! Mini golfing in a tornado watch, bowling up a storm while watching Shane break out the dance moves, trying out a new to us and yummy Thai restaurant and relaxing at home made for a wonderful day in my books!
Our relationship began 10 birthdays ago! We weren't yet dating and I was in some serious denial I suppose, when I planned a surprise evening to celebrate Shane's 20th birthday. We had a picnic in the park, went mini golfing and had dessert at the St. Boniface Cathedral. Doesn't that sound romantic for a non-date??!!!
I have had the total pleasure of celebrating with my husband through every year in his twenties! How special is that?!
It's pretty crazy that we're entering a whole other decade in a year! I'm sure the thirties will look totally different in our lives than the twenties did! But, we still have a year to enjoy them =)
I am so blessed with my husband, that I can't really put it into words. I love him far more now than when we started dating almost 9 years ago. I am far more attracted to him now than back in the year 2000 when our relationship began. I am more thankful for him now. I have had the pleasure of seeing the qualities I love in him grow and flourish.
I am SOOOOOOO blessed to have been the one the Lord picked for Shane and that the Lord picked him for me!
Happy 29th birthday to my fabulous hubbie!
We had fun celebrating together! Mini golfing in a tornado watch, bowling up a storm while watching Shane break out the dance moves, trying out a new to us and yummy Thai restaurant and relaxing at home made for a wonderful day in my books!
Our relationship began 10 birthdays ago! We weren't yet dating and I was in some serious denial I suppose, when I planned a surprise evening to celebrate Shane's 20th birthday. We had a picnic in the park, went mini golfing and had dessert at the St. Boniface Cathedral. Doesn't that sound romantic for a non-date??!!!
I have had the total pleasure of celebrating with my husband through every year in his twenties! How special is that?!
It's pretty crazy that we're entering a whole other decade in a year! I'm sure the thirties will look totally different in our lives than the twenties did! But, we still have a year to enjoy them =)
I am so blessed with my husband, that I can't really put it into words. I love him far more now than when we started dating almost 9 years ago. I am far more attracted to him now than back in the year 2000 when our relationship began. I am more thankful for him now. I have had the pleasure of seeing the qualities I love in him grow and flourish.
I am SOOOOOOO blessed to have been the one the Lord picked for Shane and that the Lord picked him for me!
Happy 29th birthday to my fabulous hubbie!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Summer Fun and Such
This summer has been pretty busy! No time for blogging here!
Shane and I just returned home yesterday from house sitting for just shy of 3 weeks. It was so nice to have a house for a time and enjoy the benefits like a BBQ, a deck, no neighbors below us, the Wii and such. We BBQ'd every day! We loved it!
Now that we're home, the weekend is full. Today my dad is getting married! We spent yesterday figuring out our outfits and making a last trip to the mall, after I woke up from working nights. I painted my toes and finished accessorizing my outfit, after returning my dress yesterday night and going with a different one. And....I did some practicing in my new heels. I don't wear heels, because I'm tall as it is and don't know how to walk in them! But, today I'm going to try! I hope I don't fall or look intoxicated as I may not be able to walk in a straight line =)
Then bright and early tomorrow morning, my siblings, husband and I are off to join my mom at Rock Lake for our family weekend. We usually go for 2 nights, but are only going for 1 this year. I'm praying the rain away, but really looking forward to getting out there! And I'm pumped that Mark and Bonnie will be there!
There has been bright moments and not-so-bright moments in the last month. Today is not the time to talk about the stressors, though! It's time to look pretty and party =)
This summer has been pretty busy! No time for blogging here!
Shane and I just returned home yesterday from house sitting for just shy of 3 weeks. It was so nice to have a house for a time and enjoy the benefits like a BBQ, a deck, no neighbors below us, the Wii and such. We BBQ'd every day! We loved it!
Now that we're home, the weekend is full. Today my dad is getting married! We spent yesterday figuring out our outfits and making a last trip to the mall, after I woke up from working nights. I painted my toes and finished accessorizing my outfit, after returning my dress yesterday night and going with a different one. And....I did some practicing in my new heels. I don't wear heels, because I'm tall as it is and don't know how to walk in them! But, today I'm going to try! I hope I don't fall or look intoxicated as I may not be able to walk in a straight line =)
Then bright and early tomorrow morning, my siblings, husband and I are off to join my mom at Rock Lake for our family weekend. We usually go for 2 nights, but are only going for 1 this year. I'm praying the rain away, but really looking forward to getting out there! And I'm pumped that Mark and Bonnie will be there!
There has been bright moments and not-so-bright moments in the last month. Today is not the time to talk about the stressors, though! It's time to look pretty and party =)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Human Trafficking
Over the last 1-2 years this issue has gripped my heart more and more. My understanding of it and heart for it is still developing but I find myself feeling strongly about this topic these days. I said to Shane yesterday, it makes my heart sad that I can't gather each of these girls in my arms and hug them.
This last week and a bit has been pretty intense. I'm preparing to speak at Sanctuary this evening on this topic, as a information-type talk about why we as a house of prayer should pray. We gotta be informed on the things we are praying for, right?!
That being said, I've spent at least 6 hours in front of the computer over 3 days working on my notes and 16+ hours at a conference over 2 days solely discussing the topic of human trafficking. It's been an intense week.
Amazingly, I've only dreamt about it once, the night after day 1 of the conference. This is a terrible topic to dream about and I pray that the Lord would wash me after big chunks of time are committed to researching, learning or praying about the issue. My sleep has been slightly affected this week, but not too bad.
The last few days my focus hasn't been on this topic, which is probably a good thing after a week of intensity. I had to work 2 night shifts and then spent the evening with my family yesterday.
When diving into the issue of human trafficking, I think you need to be so careful to balance it correctly. Sometimes the things I hear make me want to go out on a mission and save the world! Other times, they make me feel a little more helpless that nothing I do is going to change things.
I HAVE to keep giving the burdens of this world back to Jesus. Yes, I feel compelled to do something. The best thing I can do is pray about it. Releasing it back to the One who can move mountains is the best move I can make. Carrying it WITH Him and taking on ONLY what He gives me is a very smart move. I need to balance the study of this topic with time soaking in His presence and meditating on who He is and His love for me.
Last week, after a full day with 2 different meetings on this issue, I had an evening planned with the girls. When I said this to one of the people I met with to talk about human trafficking, she stressed the need to remember to take care of myself while learning more about this topic. She said a girls night after a full day thinking about human trafficking was a great idea!
So, if you think of me tonight, could you say a little prayer? I hope the speaking goes smoothly and that I say the things that are on the Lord's heart. I could talk for hours with the information I've received in the last few weeks but I need to know the key points to hit tonight. Pray that our hearts are gripped with the things that grip the heart of God!
This last week and a bit has been pretty intense. I'm preparing to speak at Sanctuary this evening on this topic, as a information-type talk about why we as a house of prayer should pray. We gotta be informed on the things we are praying for, right?!
That being said, I've spent at least 6 hours in front of the computer over 3 days working on my notes and 16+ hours at a conference over 2 days solely discussing the topic of human trafficking. It's been an intense week.
Amazingly, I've only dreamt about it once, the night after day 1 of the conference. This is a terrible topic to dream about and I pray that the Lord would wash me after big chunks of time are committed to researching, learning or praying about the issue. My sleep has been slightly affected this week, but not too bad.
The last few days my focus hasn't been on this topic, which is probably a good thing after a week of intensity. I had to work 2 night shifts and then spent the evening with my family yesterday.
When diving into the issue of human trafficking, I think you need to be so careful to balance it correctly. Sometimes the things I hear make me want to go out on a mission and save the world! Other times, they make me feel a little more helpless that nothing I do is going to change things.
I HAVE to keep giving the burdens of this world back to Jesus. Yes, I feel compelled to do something. The best thing I can do is pray about it. Releasing it back to the One who can move mountains is the best move I can make. Carrying it WITH Him and taking on ONLY what He gives me is a very smart move. I need to balance the study of this topic with time soaking in His presence and meditating on who He is and His love for me.
Last week, after a full day with 2 different meetings on this issue, I had an evening planned with the girls. When I said this to one of the people I met with to talk about human trafficking, she stressed the need to remember to take care of myself while learning more about this topic. She said a girls night after a full day thinking about human trafficking was a great idea!
So, if you think of me tonight, could you say a little prayer? I hope the speaking goes smoothly and that I say the things that are on the Lord's heart. I could talk for hours with the information I've received in the last few weeks but I need to know the key points to hit tonight. Pray that our hearts are gripped with the things that grip the heart of God!
Friday, June 26, 2009
How Long, Oh Lord?
Tonight, I'm feeling the ache a little more than usual for a corporate house of prayer that would be found before the Lord day and night in the city of Winnipeg.
Tonight was supposed to be Nightwatch, but it got canceled this morning. I am very disappointed. Strangely, more disappointed than I expected.
How long will it be until there is a place where I can go to sit before the Lord anytime of day or night, to steal away from regular life and encounter Him in the midst of unceasing prayer and worship? How long will it be before there is a place established that allows this in Winnipeg?
Generally, I haven't been aching for it anymore. Sometimes the desire and dream of it seems so far away that I forget about it as a big picture. I don't want hope deferred because it makes my heart sick.
The Nightwatch has been refreshing to my spirit. I enjoy it. It brings me joy. I look forward to it and get happy at the thought of encountering the Lord in the middle of the night. I was excited to gather with the few people that come out and do it together. I was excited to sing. I was excited to focus on the Lord for a good few solid hours. I was excited to have the chance to lead a set.
Nightwatch being canceled tonight is not a big deal, but today it represents a bigger deal to me. Tonight I am disappointed because it just reminded me that there isn't a place where I can go whenever I want to and join others in my city, praying and worshiping before the Lord. Today it could make me cry because I am aware of what I want and what we don't have presently.
Oh Lord, how long?
Tonight was supposed to be Nightwatch, but it got canceled this morning. I am very disappointed. Strangely, more disappointed than I expected.
How long will it be until there is a place where I can go to sit before the Lord anytime of day or night, to steal away from regular life and encounter Him in the midst of unceasing prayer and worship? How long will it be before there is a place established that allows this in Winnipeg?
Generally, I haven't been aching for it anymore. Sometimes the desire and dream of it seems so far away that I forget about it as a big picture. I don't want hope deferred because it makes my heart sick.
The Nightwatch has been refreshing to my spirit. I enjoy it. It brings me joy. I look forward to it and get happy at the thought of encountering the Lord in the middle of the night. I was excited to gather with the few people that come out and do it together. I was excited to sing. I was excited to focus on the Lord for a good few solid hours. I was excited to have the chance to lead a set.
Nightwatch being canceled tonight is not a big deal, but today it represents a bigger deal to me. Tonight I am disappointed because it just reminded me that there isn't a place where I can go whenever I want to and join others in my city, praying and worshiping before the Lord. Today it could make me cry because I am aware of what I want and what we don't have presently.
Oh Lord, how long?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Back to the Grind
Well, tomorrow I'm back to regular scheduled life. I'm working 12 hour days all weekend long. It's ok but I've had such a nice 11 days off that I really would enjoy another week!
It was nice to spend vacation time here in Manitoba this time around. We try to take a chunk of holidays once a year in the fall and visit our lovely American friends in Kansas City. It is wonderful to enjoy friends, the city of Kansas City and the prayer room! I'm already counting down the months until our Kansas City Family Vacation that Shane and I love!
This 11 day stretch was full of fun stuff and yet relaxing at the same time. We celebrated our anniversary with all kinds of things, got a manicure and haircut, went away for 2 nights, Shaun and I celebrated "Kristi Day", I had my second voice recital, we started Beach Mondays, and much, much more! It was full of fun and exciting events!
Yet, in the midst of all these things, there was a number of spontaneous events, which was fun! Shane and I have a full schedule between our work schedules, which include my nursing schedule and Shane's Sanctuary schedule. There isn't a lot of room for spontaneity and we don't mind that as we prefer to schedule anyways. Occasionally, it is a little fun to throw in spontaneity though! As for the last minute planning, I enjoyed an evening with my sister talking at the park and her place, attending the Sanctuary staff meeting, having a lunch date with my husband, seeing my sister's new office for the first time, going to the gym whenever we wanted, a very last minute BBQ at the in-laws, and more.
In the midst of the last 11 days, I have felt myself relax on the inside. I struggle with worry and anxiety at times. I can get stressed out about life, work and time.
I felt a considerable difference in myself this week. I feel relaxed on the inside. I feel more peaceful, even though I went out more than usual. I feel like I'm just getting the hang of vacation mode, but unfortunately I have to go back to work in the morning. I pray that the peace and simple pleasures that I'm feeling on the inside will transfer over to regular life. I hope that I go through the next 3 work days with a peace and calmness in my spirit that I often don't feel at my workplace due to the nature of the job.
I'm so thankful for the vacation time I get. I'm thankful for my work schedule that allows me 3 or 6 day stretches off during my regular rotation. I'm thankful that for this season my husband works from home most of the week, even though I'm greatly desiring that the Lord would change that and instead give Sanctuary a building. I'm thankful for the peace that He gives. I'm thankful that, with His help, joy can be found in the little things in life.
It was nice to spend vacation time here in Manitoba this time around. We try to take a chunk of holidays once a year in the fall and visit our lovely American friends in Kansas City. It is wonderful to enjoy friends, the city of Kansas City and the prayer room! I'm already counting down the months until our Kansas City Family Vacation that Shane and I love!
This 11 day stretch was full of fun stuff and yet relaxing at the same time. We celebrated our anniversary with all kinds of things, got a manicure and haircut, went away for 2 nights, Shaun and I celebrated "Kristi Day", I had my second voice recital, we started Beach Mondays, and much, much more! It was full of fun and exciting events!
Yet, in the midst of all these things, there was a number of spontaneous events, which was fun! Shane and I have a full schedule between our work schedules, which include my nursing schedule and Shane's Sanctuary schedule. There isn't a lot of room for spontaneity and we don't mind that as we prefer to schedule anyways. Occasionally, it is a little fun to throw in spontaneity though! As for the last minute planning, I enjoyed an evening with my sister talking at the park and her place, attending the Sanctuary staff meeting, having a lunch date with my husband, seeing my sister's new office for the first time, going to the gym whenever we wanted, a very last minute BBQ at the in-laws, and more.
In the midst of the last 11 days, I have felt myself relax on the inside. I struggle with worry and anxiety at times. I can get stressed out about life, work and time.
I felt a considerable difference in myself this week. I feel relaxed on the inside. I feel more peaceful, even though I went out more than usual. I feel like I'm just getting the hang of vacation mode, but unfortunately I have to go back to work in the morning. I pray that the peace and simple pleasures that I'm feeling on the inside will transfer over to regular life. I hope that I go through the next 3 work days with a peace and calmness in my spirit that I often don't feel at my workplace due to the nature of the job.
I'm so thankful for the vacation time I get. I'm thankful for my work schedule that allows me 3 or 6 day stretches off during my regular rotation. I'm thankful that for this season my husband works from home most of the week, even though I'm greatly desiring that the Lord would change that and instead give Sanctuary a building. I'm thankful for the peace that He gives. I'm thankful that, with His help, joy can be found in the little things in life.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Kristi Day!
My sweet younger brother surprised me with a phone call a week or two ago, asking me on date! The plans were a surprise...not even Shane knew what we were doing!
All I knew was that I needed to be dressed in semi-formal wear and ready at 4:15pm yesterday. I was excited and very curious all week long!
Shaun arrived with flowers and my favorite Starbuck's drink (with all the right touches like solo and decaf and grande to boot!)! Then we headed out in his car. He took some side streets and such to throw me off =) We went for a walk at The Forks and then back into the car.
Shaun took me to Olive Garden (seeing as I love chains that have all the refills you'd like) and it was great! We had a 40-45 minute wait, but that was just part of the experience. The weather was awesome outside and we sat and talked the whole time we were waiting.
Then the food and company was superb as well! We ate until we were stuffed and had great conversation. It was so nice to spend some quality time alone with my brother!
After Olive Garden, Shaun took me to 7-11 for a slurpee and a few candies. I was stuffed!
We went back to my house and went I opened the door, I just had to laugh! It was so special! Shaun had gotten Shane to set up a game of Sequence on the living room floor, ready for us to sit and play a game together! Most of my family members do NOT like games, though I do. So, I knew it was a special effort and a personal touch for Shaun to play a board game with me! I was delighted!
We played Sequence and gave back rubs (which Shaun and I always swap) which was a great way to end "Kristi Day" (that's what Shaun called it). Shane and Steph joined us and the four of us enjoyed each other's company for a while before it was just getting too late to stay up longer.
I had a wonderful Kristi Day! I felt so loved! I really enjoyed the company of my little bro and think he's an awesome brother. It was so nice to talk and talk and talk with each other for 6 solid hours!
Thanks Shaun!
All I knew was that I needed to be dressed in semi-formal wear and ready at 4:15pm yesterday. I was excited and very curious all week long!
Shaun arrived with flowers and my favorite Starbuck's drink (with all the right touches like solo and decaf and grande to boot!)! Then we headed out in his car. He took some side streets and such to throw me off =) We went for a walk at The Forks and then back into the car.
Shaun took me to Olive Garden (seeing as I love chains that have all the refills you'd like) and it was great! We had a 40-45 minute wait, but that was just part of the experience. The weather was awesome outside and we sat and talked the whole time we were waiting.
Then the food and company was superb as well! We ate until we were stuffed and had great conversation. It was so nice to spend some quality time alone with my brother!
After Olive Garden, Shaun took me to 7-11 for a slurpee and a few candies. I was stuffed!
We went back to my house and went I opened the door, I just had to laugh! It was so special! Shaun had gotten Shane to set up a game of Sequence on the living room floor, ready for us to sit and play a game together! Most of my family members do NOT like games, though I do. So, I knew it was a special effort and a personal touch for Shaun to play a board game with me! I was delighted!
We played Sequence and gave back rubs (which Shaun and I always swap) which was a great way to end "Kristi Day" (that's what Shaun called it). Shane and Steph joined us and the four of us enjoyed each other's company for a while before it was just getting too late to stay up longer.
I had a wonderful Kristi Day! I felt so loved! I really enjoyed the company of my little bro and think he's an awesome brother. It was so nice to talk and talk and talk with each other for 6 solid hours!
Thanks Shaun!
Friday, June 12, 2009
HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY!
Today is officially our 5th wedding anniversary! We spent the last 2 nights away celebrating and I'll be sure to get pictures up another day. We had a nice time away and love celebrating the gift of marriage that the Lord has given us.
Today we woke up at the resort, had a nice brunch and packed up to leave, since check out was at noon. We were home by 12:30ish, because it is such a quick trip back to the city. A surprise gift awaited us from our dear sister! She's so sweet! Then, we unpacked and enjoyed all the happy anniversary messages =)
We exchanged cards this morning at breakfast and gifts later this afternoon. Shane got a playstation 3 game that he wanted and I got earrings!
This afternoon, Shane played his new game and I took a nice, long nap! Ahhhh....holiday life can be grand!
Because we are adults, we bypassed supper and went to BDI for ice cream instead! We went big this time and got the Goog and the Sleeping Beauty to finish off the anniversary week celebrations. The rain stayed away so we could have a nice walk over the bridge with our yummy supper =)
We're home now and relaxing. We looked at the wedding pictures to reminisce about June 12, 2004. It was the start of a very fun life together as a married couple!
Happy Anniversary my love!
Today we woke up at the resort, had a nice brunch and packed up to leave, since check out was at noon. We were home by 12:30ish, because it is such a quick trip back to the city. A surprise gift awaited us from our dear sister! She's so sweet! Then, we unpacked and enjoyed all the happy anniversary messages =)
We exchanged cards this morning at breakfast and gifts later this afternoon. Shane got a playstation 3 game that he wanted and I got earrings!
This afternoon, Shane played his new game and I took a nice, long nap! Ahhhh....holiday life can be grand!
Because we are adults, we bypassed supper and went to BDI for ice cream instead! We went big this time and got the Goog and the Sleeping Beauty to finish off the anniversary week celebrations. The rain stayed away so we could have a nice walk over the bridge with our yummy supper =)
We're home now and relaxing. We looked at the wedding pictures to reminisce about June 12, 2004. It was the start of a very fun life together as a married couple!
Happy Anniversary my love!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Celebration Day #2
Celebration Day #2 began with the final voice lesson of the season. It was fun and we had our last practice before our little recital next Monday. Should be fun!
Then Shane and I drove out to Steinbach to get haircuts! I got some highlights to get into the summer mood. Shane and I left a lot of hair on that floor between the two of us =)
Here's the before shot..
And the after...thought I'm thinking it will look a little different when I do it myself tomorrow morning!
Then off to my mom's for some supper and laundry. It was a nice evening and we even took a walk to visit my grandma in the hospital and got in a game of Phase 10 with my mom!
I'm supposed to be packing but haven't started yet!
Then Shane and I drove out to Steinbach to get haircuts! I got some highlights to get into the summer mood. Shane and I left a lot of hair on that floor between the two of us =)
Here's the before shot..
And the after...thought I'm thinking it will look a little different when I do it myself tomorrow morning!
Then off to my mom's for some supper and laundry. It was a nice evening and we even took a walk to visit my grandma in the hospital and got in a game of Phase 10 with my mom!
I'm supposed to be packing but haven't started yet!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Celebration Day #1!
Today was Celebration Day #1 of the Anniversary Week!
After getting to bed late (2am), I accidentally slept in! Then I woke up and got ready to head out to Giselle's School for a french manicure! Just a plug for Giselle's School here. It was great and at a reduced price! Gotta love that!
I was at the manicure for an hour and a half and realized that I want to do that more often! My hands and wrists have been through the mill in the last 3 years and they take a lot day to day. My hands really are the slaves of my body =) They do a lot for me and I don't always treat them kindly! So, perhaps I will treat them to a bit of pampering a couple of times a year...especially if it's at a reduced rate =)
Then Shane and I headed over to Polo Park to try and find some glasses. Sadly, Shane has to get glasses for reading, computer time, etc. It's going to be different seeing him in glasses. All of our dating, engaged or married relationship, he's been glasses free, except for sunglasses (which he wears all the time). Now at the age of 28, he's getting some =(
The shopping went great! We were finished in 10-15 minutes with a pair that will look very classy on my hubbie! Thank-you income tax refund for supporting the glasses event and anniversary week!
To start off the week, we had a romantic supper at a restaurant we hadn't gone to before, Prairie Ink. It was really great! We enjoyed our meals, one another's company, and yummy gelati milkshakes to splurge!
It's been a great start to a week of romance =)
After getting to bed late (2am), I accidentally slept in! Then I woke up and got ready to head out to Giselle's School for a french manicure! Just a plug for Giselle's School here. It was great and at a reduced price! Gotta love that!
I was at the manicure for an hour and a half and realized that I want to do that more often! My hands and wrists have been through the mill in the last 3 years and they take a lot day to day. My hands really are the slaves of my body =) They do a lot for me and I don't always treat them kindly! So, perhaps I will treat them to a bit of pampering a couple of times a year...especially if it's at a reduced rate =)
Then Shane and I headed over to Polo Park to try and find some glasses. Sadly, Shane has to get glasses for reading, computer time, etc. It's going to be different seeing him in glasses. All of our dating, engaged or married relationship, he's been glasses free, except for sunglasses (which he wears all the time). Now at the age of 28, he's getting some =(
The shopping went great! We were finished in 10-15 minutes with a pair that will look very classy on my hubbie! Thank-you income tax refund for supporting the glasses event and anniversary week!
To start off the week, we had a romantic supper at a restaurant we hadn't gone to before, Prairie Ink. It was really great! We enjoyed our meals, one another's company, and yummy gelati milkshakes to splurge!
It's been a great start to a week of romance =)
Holiday Time!
I just finished my weekend of nights Sunday morning and am happy to be starting 11 days of holidays! I slept during the day, then went to Sanctuary and now am not so much in the mood to sleep. So, at 12:15am, I thought I'd get up and do a few things!
I'm incredibly pumped over my June holidays. I've taken holidays in June for all the years that I've gotten vacation as a nurse, which is only since 2006. The reason for the holidays......is to celebrate our anniversary each year!
I was talking to Shane about celebrations last week and realized again how much I love celebrating good things, especially our anniversary. I love celebrating birthdays, yet getting another year older isn't a huge accomplishment since my length of time on the earth is out of my control. I love celebrating seasons and holidays though they are for everyone to celebrate and can be pretty generic.
My anniversary is special to me. And I've come to the conclusion that is it probably the occasion of the year that I want to celebrate the most. What an accomplishment! Each and every year that we are married is another great success.
It isn't just like gaining another year of life as with birthdays. It isn't another Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving passing me by.
It is another 365 days of laughing, loving, forgiving, repenting, choosing, hugging, serving, receiving and growing. It means I've hopefully laughed more often, loved a little better, forgave a little easier, repented a little quicker, chose the better, hugged most or all of those 365 days, served with more love and patience, received more graciously and grown from the place I was 365 days earlier.
So, this week is a celebration in many ways! Today, after I get to sleep, I'm starting the celebration with a manicure! I've only had 1 since our wedding 5 years ago!
Cheers to holidays and another year of marriage!
I'm incredibly pumped over my June holidays. I've taken holidays in June for all the years that I've gotten vacation as a nurse, which is only since 2006. The reason for the holidays......is to celebrate our anniversary each year!
I was talking to Shane about celebrations last week and realized again how much I love celebrating good things, especially our anniversary. I love celebrating birthdays, yet getting another year older isn't a huge accomplishment since my length of time on the earth is out of my control. I love celebrating seasons and holidays though they are for everyone to celebrate and can be pretty generic.
My anniversary is special to me. And I've come to the conclusion that is it probably the occasion of the year that I want to celebrate the most. What an accomplishment! Each and every year that we are married is another great success.
It isn't just like gaining another year of life as with birthdays. It isn't another Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving passing me by.
It is another 365 days of laughing, loving, forgiving, repenting, choosing, hugging, serving, receiving and growing. It means I've hopefully laughed more often, loved a little better, forgave a little easier, repented a little quicker, chose the better, hugged most or all of those 365 days, served with more love and patience, received more graciously and grown from the place I was 365 days earlier.
So, this week is a celebration in many ways! Today, after I get to sleep, I'm starting the celebration with a manicure! I've only had 1 since our wedding 5 years ago!
Cheers to holidays and another year of marriage!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Some Humor for You
I have a little story to share with you that caused me to laugh last weekend at 3:45am.
I worked the day shift all of last weekend, which means early rising at 5:30am. So, to prepare and not be totally exhausted, I go to bed early (9:30pm) and put in some ear plugs so that Shane can do whatever he wants to around the apartment without worrying about making too much noise.
On top of the ear plugs, I have my night guard in, because I tend to clench and grind my teeth at night. Such a pain in the butt!
About 3:45am, I started to stir. Apparently I had been dreaming of bubble gum or something and ended up with my left ear plug in my hand. I awoke when something just didn't feel right.
My ear plug was in my mouth and I was trying to chew my ear plug like I would bubble gum! Because of the texture and the feeling of the night guard, it just wasn't feeling right which was making me wake up!
How disgusting! I spit it out and thought about how gross that was. Then I realized how funny it was and had to have a little laugh before heading back to bed!
Oh the silly things that happen when you sleep!
As my co-workers said, at least it was my own ear plug!
I worked the day shift all of last weekend, which means early rising at 5:30am. So, to prepare and not be totally exhausted, I go to bed early (9:30pm) and put in some ear plugs so that Shane can do whatever he wants to around the apartment without worrying about making too much noise.
On top of the ear plugs, I have my night guard in, because I tend to clench and grind my teeth at night. Such a pain in the butt!
About 3:45am, I started to stir. Apparently I had been dreaming of bubble gum or something and ended up with my left ear plug in my hand. I awoke when something just didn't feel right.
My ear plug was in my mouth and I was trying to chew my ear plug like I would bubble gum! Because of the texture and the feeling of the night guard, it just wasn't feeling right which was making me wake up!
How disgusting! I spit it out and thought about how gross that was. Then I realized how funny it was and had to have a little laugh before heading back to bed!
Oh the silly things that happen when you sleep!
As my co-workers said, at least it was my own ear plug!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Next Few Days...
I'm looking forward to the next few days. Every 2 weeks I get a stretch of 6 days off in my work schedule. My favorite of the two stretches a month is when I'm coming off nights on a Friday morning and don't have to go back until days on the following Friday. I love that stretch!
And that is what I entered into on Friday morning! I woke up Friday evening, had a wonderful coffee with a good friend and then jumped into the Nightwatch, which was a blast!
I actually got to sleep in the night hours from Saturday to Sunday, but my sleep was terrible. I hadn't slept during the night since Tuesday night so I guess my body was pretty awake in the night time. But, I'm thankful to report this morning that I had an awesome sleep last night and feel happy and refreshed waking up this morning!
This week has a bunch of fun things planned! Today I have a shopping date with my little sis! I get to help her spend her money on clothes that she needs =) Then we're heading to the in-law's for a BBQ! Mmmm....I LOVE BBQs!
The rest of the week holds fun things like voice lessons, a prayer meeting, pedicures with my mom and sister, a massage, supper at a friend's, and date night! Those fun things along with some time at home with my husband and the Lord, make this stretch of 6 off very inviting!
And that is what I entered into on Friday morning! I woke up Friday evening, had a wonderful coffee with a good friend and then jumped into the Nightwatch, which was a blast!
I actually got to sleep in the night hours from Saturday to Sunday, but my sleep was terrible. I hadn't slept during the night since Tuesday night so I guess my body was pretty awake in the night time. But, I'm thankful to report this morning that I had an awesome sleep last night and feel happy and refreshed waking up this morning!
This week has a bunch of fun things planned! Today I have a shopping date with my little sis! I get to help her spend her money on clothes that she needs =) Then we're heading to the in-law's for a BBQ! Mmmm....I LOVE BBQs!
The rest of the week holds fun things like voice lessons, a prayer meeting, pedicures with my mom and sister, a massage, supper at a friend's, and date night! Those fun things along with some time at home with my husband and the Lord, make this stretch of 6 off very inviting!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Another Nightwatch!
Yes, I know I've been a slacker on the blogging lately. It seems there's not usually much that is new in my life to write about and the perfectionist in me sometimes has ideas about what to write about and then cans them if the thoughts aren't forming smoothly.
Yesterday in the wee hours of the morning, we had our third Nightwatch. It was fun! I'm lucky that the past 3 Nightwatches, I've already been on night mode due to work.
On the first one, there was lots of joy and a buzz in the place, being #1 and all. The second one had less of a buzz but I felt drawn to intimacy with Jesus as a theme. This third one combined both for me. I really had a lot of fun! I really enjoy praying, connecting and worshiping in the middle of the night together with a bunch of people! I also felt like there was grace for me to feel His presence and come close. It was awesome to hear Him a little more clearly..
There were a lot of smiles....that usually went hand and hand with a lot of clapping =) Pacing and clapping keeps you awake and engaged at 4 in the morning!
Again, I'm proud of our little band of Gideon's army. We had a new singer on the line and a new piano player. The time to learn and step out seems to be in the night. I also got to lead a devo, with an awesome team around me, and it was so fun! I don't lead on Sundays but the night time is when I get a chance, and it was fun!
These hours when the rest of the City sleeps really matter. We are sowing seeds into eternity as we engage with God solely because He's worth our hearts, love and attention, even at 3am. It really matters in the Spirit when we pray for the ending of human trafficking in the very hours where there is probably a lot of business happening on our very streets. It matters that we lift up our voices and pray for the ending of abortion across our nation at 4:30am. It matters that we align our hearts and pray for the Church across our city and ask for the Holy Spirit to pour out on all flesh at 2am.
Each hour and each minute that we agree with God, His Word and His plan, really matters, whether in the day or in the night. The nights have been really fun for me and have an excitement and buzz at this point in our history that I'm really enjoying!
Yesterday was the night, and today we're on in the day! Should be a good one!
Yes, I know I've been a slacker on the blogging lately. It seems there's not usually much that is new in my life to write about and the perfectionist in me sometimes has ideas about what to write about and then cans them if the thoughts aren't forming smoothly.
Yesterday in the wee hours of the morning, we had our third Nightwatch. It was fun! I'm lucky that the past 3 Nightwatches, I've already been on night mode due to work.
On the first one, there was lots of joy and a buzz in the place, being #1 and all. The second one had less of a buzz but I felt drawn to intimacy with Jesus as a theme. This third one combined both for me. I really had a lot of fun! I really enjoy praying, connecting and worshiping in the middle of the night together with a bunch of people! I also felt like there was grace for me to feel His presence and come close. It was awesome to hear Him a little more clearly..
There were a lot of smiles....that usually went hand and hand with a lot of clapping =) Pacing and clapping keeps you awake and engaged at 4 in the morning!
Again, I'm proud of our little band of Gideon's army. We had a new singer on the line and a new piano player. The time to learn and step out seems to be in the night. I also got to lead a devo, with an awesome team around me, and it was so fun! I don't lead on Sundays but the night time is when I get a chance, and it was fun!
These hours when the rest of the City sleeps really matter. We are sowing seeds into eternity as we engage with God solely because He's worth our hearts, love and attention, even at 3am. It really matters in the Spirit when we pray for the ending of human trafficking in the very hours where there is probably a lot of business happening on our very streets. It matters that we lift up our voices and pray for the ending of abortion across our nation at 4:30am. It matters that we align our hearts and pray for the Church across our city and ask for the Holy Spirit to pour out on all flesh at 2am.
Each hour and each minute that we agree with God, His Word and His plan, really matters, whether in the day or in the night. The nights have been really fun for me and have an excitement and buzz at this point in our history that I'm really enjoying!
Yesterday was the night, and today we're on in the day! Should be a good one!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
My Wonderful Husband
I have a very special husband. I am so very thankful who the Lord picked for me to marry. What a wonderful choice!
My sweet husband blessed me yesterday. I was sitting on the couch, reading when he arrived home from an appointment. Much to my delight, he entered the apartment with a bouquet of flowers and a smile!!!!
I squealed with delight! I was in the mood lately for flowers and really was hoping for some =) I would have been more than satisfied by one lone flower. He's a "go big or go home" kind of guy, and so I got 17 in total! A dozen red roses and 5 tulips (my fav) to match! I have made many stops over the last two days to smell the roses, literally!
Then I had a massage, which I have waited for for a long time! Our benefits at work have been crappy over the last few years. They changed this month and I am so pumped to get massages again!
Then when I arrived home and prettied myself, Shane took me out for a surprise date! We went to Olive Garden for supper, which I had a desire for over the weekend that I mentioned just once, and my awesome husband heard that small request and made it happen! He rocks!
We enjoyed very yummy food and great conversation. I love the face to face connecting time!
Then we got some yummy, warm Starbuck's drinks with some gift certificates and headed to the park with some old bread for Shane's friends, the geese.
We love St.Vital Park in the spring, summer and fall! It is such a wonderful source of free entertainment! We walked, talked, fed the geese and looked at the flooding.
Look at the high river! Feet away in front of us was the river!
Thank-you Shane for a lovely date! I love you like crazy!
My sweet husband blessed me yesterday. I was sitting on the couch, reading when he arrived home from an appointment. Much to my delight, he entered the apartment with a bouquet of flowers and a smile!!!!
I squealed with delight! I was in the mood lately for flowers and really was hoping for some =) I would have been more than satisfied by one lone flower. He's a "go big or go home" kind of guy, and so I got 17 in total! A dozen red roses and 5 tulips (my fav) to match! I have made many stops over the last two days to smell the roses, literally!
Then I had a massage, which I have waited for for a long time! Our benefits at work have been crappy over the last few years. They changed this month and I am so pumped to get massages again!
Then when I arrived home and prettied myself, Shane took me out for a surprise date! We went to Olive Garden for supper, which I had a desire for over the weekend that I mentioned just once, and my awesome husband heard that small request and made it happen! He rocks!
We enjoyed very yummy food and great conversation. I love the face to face connecting time!
Then we got some yummy, warm Starbuck's drinks with some gift certificates and headed to the park with some old bread for Shane's friends, the geese.
We love St.Vital Park in the spring, summer and fall! It is such a wonderful source of free entertainment! We walked, talked, fed the geese and looked at the flooding.
Look at the high river! Feet away in front of us was the river!
Thank-you Shane for a lovely date! I love you like crazy!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Could it be true?
"The more we fear to suffer, the more we need to do so" (Francois Fenelon)?
I've been realizing lately that I am fairly pleasure-seeking, which leads me to be fairly self-seeking. If life is tough, do whatever it takes to make it feel better. If things are uncomfortable, get away from the discomfort to a place that is more comfortable.
I was reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas this morning as my lovely sister was having her turn at voice lessons and really found myself identifying with the next chapter in the book. I don't feel these things specific to marriage but specific to the way I function in general in life.
I just don't like the hard stuff. I don't like those hard emotional days when I feel down. I don't like struggles. I don't like awkward moments (though I'm exceptional at being a part of them). I don't like working hard through things. I just want them to be easy. I want things to be comfortable. I want things to feel good.
Is that too much to ask?
Well, apparently, my desires are in the wrong place.
"Jesus promised us that everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. The desire for ease, comfort and stress-free living is an indirect desire to remain an "unseasoned," immature Christian. Struggle makes us stronger; it builds us up and deepens our faith".
I sure don't want my desire to be to remain immature and sinful. I don't want to settle for and make my home in weakness and insecurity just because I hate the hard stuff. I don't want to give up where I could go, just for the sake of comfort.
But man, do I find it hard to stay still in the midst of the struggle. Everything within me wants to make it feel better. I just want to find a solution to ease the discomfort, even if it's not the best one...but the easiest and the fastest way to make things better.
"We have it so easy that we can begin to be lulled to sleep, thinking that life should be easy or that it will always be easy. Once it gets a little difficult, we tend to become consumed with trying to make our lives comfortable again. But by doing so we miss a great spiritual opportunity."
Sound familiar to you? It sure does to me, sadly!
I want to be steady in the Lord to be able to be still and know He is God in the midst of struggle, hard circumstances and conflict. I don't want to run away from whatever doesn't feel lovely. I want to grow in maturity. I want to embrace what God gives to me.
Yikes. Life isn't always easy!
I've been realizing lately that I am fairly pleasure-seeking, which leads me to be fairly self-seeking. If life is tough, do whatever it takes to make it feel better. If things are uncomfortable, get away from the discomfort to a place that is more comfortable.
I was reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas this morning as my lovely sister was having her turn at voice lessons and really found myself identifying with the next chapter in the book. I don't feel these things specific to marriage but specific to the way I function in general in life.
I just don't like the hard stuff. I don't like those hard emotional days when I feel down. I don't like struggles. I don't like awkward moments (though I'm exceptional at being a part of them). I don't like working hard through things. I just want them to be easy. I want things to be comfortable. I want things to feel good.
Is that too much to ask?
Well, apparently, my desires are in the wrong place.
"Jesus promised us that everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. The desire for ease, comfort and stress-free living is an indirect desire to remain an "unseasoned," immature Christian. Struggle makes us stronger; it builds us up and deepens our faith".
I sure don't want my desire to be to remain immature and sinful. I don't want to settle for and make my home in weakness and insecurity just because I hate the hard stuff. I don't want to give up where I could go, just for the sake of comfort.
But man, do I find it hard to stay still in the midst of the struggle. Everything within me wants to make it feel better. I just want to find a solution to ease the discomfort, even if it's not the best one...but the easiest and the fastest way to make things better.
"We have it so easy that we can begin to be lulled to sleep, thinking that life should be easy or that it will always be easy. Once it gets a little difficult, we tend to become consumed with trying to make our lives comfortable again. But by doing so we miss a great spiritual opportunity."
Sound familiar to you? It sure does to me, sadly!
I want to be steady in the Lord to be able to be still and know He is God in the midst of struggle, hard circumstances and conflict. I don't want to run away from whatever doesn't feel lovely. I want to grow in maturity. I want to embrace what God gives to me.
Yikes. Life isn't always easy!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Nightwatch #2!
I am just waking up from sleeping after our second Nightwatch earlier this morning. Apparently, my body only wants 5 hours of sleep following these nights, instead of the normal 8! Oh well!
So, again, we gathered at midnight and did our tear down by 5:30am. It was a fun night!
I did feel a little more tired this time around, but I was on nights the two nights before and strangely was far more tired than usually that last night at work. Not sure why. I got some candy and a slurpee to try and counteract my sleepiness for the Nightwatch =)
There does seem to be a bit of a different flavor to each of the nights that we've done in the last 2 weeks. The first Nightwatch had a theme of excitement and joy in the House. It was very refreshing! The excitement was high being our first one and all!
For me, this last night had a theme of intimacy. I felt the grace to come closer in intimacy with Jesus. I felt a drawing of my spirit and a moving of my heart. I still experienced some joy, but not the full throttle excitement like 2 weeks ago. I felt more of a deeper drawing of my heart. It was nice =)
Again, I am proud of all these young people who are willing to come and worship and pray in the middle of the night. I even has to work today! Yet they come and give themselves in this way throughout the night hours. I am pleased to report that their boldness is heightened in the night and I love hearing the ones that have more recently started to sing with Sanctuary, step out boldly and sing more confidently! I like hearing their voices and I'm sure the Father likes it even more!
There is something exciting about intercession sets in the middle of the night! And more people wanted to pray than usual! Woo! Hoo!!!! We stood and asked for God to send revival to our City and pour out His Spirit on the churches in Winnipeg! How fun is that?!
My prayer is that the Lord would move my heart forward in love, whether in the night or in the day. I want to love this One with my all.
I am just waking up from sleeping after our second Nightwatch earlier this morning. Apparently, my body only wants 5 hours of sleep following these nights, instead of the normal 8! Oh well!
So, again, we gathered at midnight and did our tear down by 5:30am. It was a fun night!
I did feel a little more tired this time around, but I was on nights the two nights before and strangely was far more tired than usually that last night at work. Not sure why. I got some candy and a slurpee to try and counteract my sleepiness for the Nightwatch =)
There does seem to be a bit of a different flavor to each of the nights that we've done in the last 2 weeks. The first Nightwatch had a theme of excitement and joy in the House. It was very refreshing! The excitement was high being our first one and all!
For me, this last night had a theme of intimacy. I felt the grace to come closer in intimacy with Jesus. I felt a drawing of my spirit and a moving of my heart. I still experienced some joy, but not the full throttle excitement like 2 weeks ago. I felt more of a deeper drawing of my heart. It was nice =)
Again, I am proud of all these young people who are willing to come and worship and pray in the middle of the night. I even has to work today! Yet they come and give themselves in this way throughout the night hours. I am pleased to report that their boldness is heightened in the night and I love hearing the ones that have more recently started to sing with Sanctuary, step out boldly and sing more confidently! I like hearing their voices and I'm sure the Father likes it even more!
There is something exciting about intercession sets in the middle of the night! And more people wanted to pray than usual! Woo! Hoo!!!! We stood and asked for God to send revival to our City and pour out His Spirit on the churches in Winnipeg! How fun is that?!
My prayer is that the Lord would move my heart forward in love, whether in the night or in the day. I want to love this One with my all.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Nasty Flu Bug
I got hit with some kind of nasty flu bug which started letting its presence be known Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, I was feeling really nasty and spent the day on the couch, sleeping and running to my best friend, the bathroom =) All plans for that day were canceled.
Thursday I still couldn't eat really but I am such a committed employee and wanted to make it in for the stat that I dragged my butt to work Thursday to Friday night. I felt awful! But by morning, I thought things were getting a little better.
Then I woke up Friday afternoon with a sore stomach, a little nauseous, an extra sore wrist and had a little meltdown to my hubbie. I'm so thankful to have someone who cares for me and helps me make decisions when I need some assistance =) He passed me the phone and told me to call work and say I was sick.
I spent the evening on the couch and my poor wrist in the "claw".
Saturday morning I woke up undecided if I would be able to work that night. I stayed home and by 2pm was exhausted and went back to bed. I woke up at 4:15pm and felt more nauseous than the day before. After a very hard decision of whether or not to call in sick, I called in sick. Boy am I glad I did! The evening was even worse that the previous!
I was SUPER nauseous and back visiting my best friend =) I took 100mg of gravol in 4 hours which didn't work. I thought I'd try to sleep by 11:30pm.
The night was awful! I think I am really dehydrated, and that combined with a sore stomach and nausea, made me extremely agitated. I thrashed in bed, waking often and visiting my friend regularly, until 5:30am. I really wanted an IV bolus to hydrate me all night long! Too bad I didn't have the supplies to it myself at home =)
I did get a little rest between 5:30am and 11:00am which was good. My tummy still isn't happy but I've eaten 2 pieces of bread this morning! I need to force hydrate myself today.
Other than that 12 hour night shift I stupidly went to, I haven't left the house since Tuesday evening and it's Easter Sunday now! That is an eternity for an extrovert =) Thankfully I haven't been climbing the walls because I've felt too crummy.
Not a nice way to spend Easter! Healing to my body in the Name of Jesus!
I got hit with some kind of nasty flu bug which started letting its presence be known Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, I was feeling really nasty and spent the day on the couch, sleeping and running to my best friend, the bathroom =) All plans for that day were canceled.
Thursday I still couldn't eat really but I am such a committed employee and wanted to make it in for the stat that I dragged my butt to work Thursday to Friday night. I felt awful! But by morning, I thought things were getting a little better.
Then I woke up Friday afternoon with a sore stomach, a little nauseous, an extra sore wrist and had a little meltdown to my hubbie. I'm so thankful to have someone who cares for me and helps me make decisions when I need some assistance =) He passed me the phone and told me to call work and say I was sick.
I spent the evening on the couch and my poor wrist in the "claw".
Saturday morning I woke up undecided if I would be able to work that night. I stayed home and by 2pm was exhausted and went back to bed. I woke up at 4:15pm and felt more nauseous than the day before. After a very hard decision of whether or not to call in sick, I called in sick. Boy am I glad I did! The evening was even worse that the previous!
I was SUPER nauseous and back visiting my best friend =) I took 100mg of gravol in 4 hours which didn't work. I thought I'd try to sleep by 11:30pm.
The night was awful! I think I am really dehydrated, and that combined with a sore stomach and nausea, made me extremely agitated. I thrashed in bed, waking often and visiting my friend regularly, until 5:30am. I really wanted an IV bolus to hydrate me all night long! Too bad I didn't have the supplies to it myself at home =)
I did get a little rest between 5:30am and 11:00am which was good. My tummy still isn't happy but I've eaten 2 pieces of bread this morning! I need to force hydrate myself today.
Other than that 12 hour night shift I stupidly went to, I haven't left the house since Tuesday evening and it's Easter Sunday now! That is an eternity for an extrovert =) Thankfully I haven't been climbing the walls because I've felt too crummy.
Not a nice way to spend Easter! Healing to my body in the Name of Jesus!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
I AM PUMPED!
We had our first Nightwatch as Sanctuary House of Prayer today in the wee hours of the morning. After preparing for an all-nighter with different means, such as naps, caffeine, sugar and prayer, the crew met at midnight to start our day in the prayer room.
It was an awesome bunch that came out to participate! There was 18 of us in total and from the moment I walked in the door to the time we were leaving, I was super excited!
We had different sets every hour or half hour with a mixture of Worship With the Word, Intercession and Devotional sets. I am so proud of everyone that participated! I am so proud of our "new-er" singers who got out there and gave it their all! They sounded awesome and really took ownership of the night =)
I feel so honored to have had the pleasure of being a part of the first Nightwatch. I pray that this breaks open the next stage in our history as a house of prayer. I know that if I was at another stage in my own life, I probably wouldn't get the opportunity of going out all night. So, I am incredibly thankful for where I'm at in life today. Totally blessed to have the freedom to spend 12am - 6am before the Lord and praying for my city, along side my friends, family and husband.
I just had to wake up even though I only had 5 hours of sleep....and I'M STILL FLYING HIGH! I feel refreshed after a night of prayer. I feel encouraged and reminded why I have chosen to live a lifestyle of prayer and worship and why I love it so. I feel a tad bit like Hammy from Over the Hedge...still =)
I will attribute it to joy. I felt joy in the house last night. I haven't felt joy like that at Sanctuary in many, many months. It was incredibly good for my soul =)
If there is joy and grace for the Nightwatch like that, sign me up anytime! I'd totally do that again!
We had our first Nightwatch as Sanctuary House of Prayer today in the wee hours of the morning. After preparing for an all-nighter with different means, such as naps, caffeine, sugar and prayer, the crew met at midnight to start our day in the prayer room.
It was an awesome bunch that came out to participate! There was 18 of us in total and from the moment I walked in the door to the time we were leaving, I was super excited!
We had different sets every hour or half hour with a mixture of Worship With the Word, Intercession and Devotional sets. I am so proud of everyone that participated! I am so proud of our "new-er" singers who got out there and gave it their all! They sounded awesome and really took ownership of the night =)
I feel so honored to have had the pleasure of being a part of the first Nightwatch. I pray that this breaks open the next stage in our history as a house of prayer. I know that if I was at another stage in my own life, I probably wouldn't get the opportunity of going out all night. So, I am incredibly thankful for where I'm at in life today. Totally blessed to have the freedom to spend 12am - 6am before the Lord and praying for my city, along side my friends, family and husband.
I just had to wake up even though I only had 5 hours of sleep....and I'M STILL FLYING HIGH! I feel refreshed after a night of prayer. I feel encouraged and reminded why I have chosen to live a lifestyle of prayer and worship and why I love it so. I feel a tad bit like Hammy from Over the Hedge...still =)
I will attribute it to joy. I felt joy in the house last night. I haven't felt joy like that at Sanctuary in many, many months. It was incredibly good for my soul =)
If there is joy and grace for the Nightwatch like that, sign me up anytime! I'd totally do that again!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Welcome to April!
Yeah! Another new month is here! That makes me happy!
March wasn't the greatest month for me. It was busy, busy with work and regular life. I did a couple of educational things (a conference on drug use in pregnancy and a first aid course) on my days off which made the month seem even more full. I am relieved to have March behind me and a new month to great me!
We are entering April in the midst of a winter wonderland. I don't mind it though! I think it's pretty and it makes me want to put up the tree and buy my husband a present =)
I'm looking forward to April for a number of reasons:
- we are having our first Sanctuary Nightwatch in the week hours of the night and morning. It is just a test run, but it is a first in our history! Yeah!
- we are celebrating my in-law's 25th wedding anniversary with is a great milestone!
- Easter is around the corner and that means a few family gatherings which I'm looking forward to
- I have a few coffees and lunches with friends and family that should be fun
- I have a meeting with my boss to chose my holidays for the year and am thinking about fall/early winter possibilities for some time away
- And I have a few more days then last month where nothing is scheduled. That is awesome! I have felt far too busy!
So, bring on a new month! I hope it is a great one!
Yeah! Another new month is here! That makes me happy!
March wasn't the greatest month for me. It was busy, busy with work and regular life. I did a couple of educational things (a conference on drug use in pregnancy and a first aid course) on my days off which made the month seem even more full. I am relieved to have March behind me and a new month to great me!
We are entering April in the midst of a winter wonderland. I don't mind it though! I think it's pretty and it makes me want to put up the tree and buy my husband a present =)
I'm looking forward to April for a number of reasons:
- we are having our first Sanctuary Nightwatch in the week hours of the night and morning. It is just a test run, but it is a first in our history! Yeah!
- we are celebrating my in-law's 25th wedding anniversary with is a great milestone!
- Easter is around the corner and that means a few family gatherings which I'm looking forward to
- I have a few coffees and lunches with friends and family that should be fun
- I have a meeting with my boss to chose my holidays for the year and am thinking about fall/early winter possibilities for some time away
- And I have a few more days then last month where nothing is scheduled. That is awesome! I have felt far too busy!
So, bring on a new month! I hope it is a great one!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hotel Family Weekend
This past weekend my siblings, husband, mom and myself went to a hotel for the weekend. We go each year as a belated Christmas present from my mom. It has been a really fun tradition that we hope to continue for many more years! I think it will be so fun when we all have spouses and children and get away together for the weekend!
We spent our weekend relaxing, resting, hot tubbing, water sliding, eating yummy food, watching Steph, Shaun and Shane "fight", playing cards, watching some tv which we don't do at home, and just spending time together. It was nice!
Here are some fun pictures of our weekend to enjoy!
The first ones to arrive!
Can you feel the love?!
I think our smiles make us look like siblings...
Down for a morning swim!
Steph and I displaying our pedicured feet, as Shaun attempts to eat them!
My handsome husband and myself
The ladies of the evening
The gentlemen of the night
The fam celebrating belated birthdays at Joeys!
One last meal together to end the hotel family weekend!
Until next year!
We spent our weekend relaxing, resting, hot tubbing, water sliding, eating yummy food, watching Steph, Shaun and Shane "fight", playing cards, watching some tv which we don't do at home, and just spending time together. It was nice!
Here are some fun pictures of our weekend to enjoy!
The first ones to arrive!
Can you feel the love?!
I think our smiles make us look like siblings...
Down for a morning swim!
Steph and I displaying our pedicured feet, as Shaun attempts to eat them!
My handsome husband and myself
The ladies of the evening
The gentlemen of the night
The fam celebrating belated birthdays at Joeys!
One last meal together to end the hotel family weekend!
Until next year!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wounded me with love?
Some of you may be familiar with the concept of God wounding us with love. I've heard it in some worship songs over the years and must admit, I haven't understood the concept very clearly.
To me, it is similar to the story of the Shullamite in Song of Solomon, when the Lord's manifest presence is withdrawn from her experience for a time, which only leads her to long for more of Him and causes her to arise and run after Him.
Or how about the verse in Hosea 6:1, "Come, let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us, He has stricken, but He will bind us up". Who is this God who tears? Who strickens? Who wounds me but promises to heal me?
I have had some understanding on this topic over the last few days.
Things haven't been easy for me in the last few months.
Back in August, I experienced the Lord in a profound way, from what I can remember, while meditating on Him on my bed one morning or afternoon. It is now stuck in my heart memory as the place that I want to abide in all the time.
For whatever reason, soon after, it felt as though He took a step backward. That suddenly, I couldn't find Him quite so near, yet all the time knowing He wasn't too far away. I know that He'll never leave me, but I know He sometimes withdraws His tangible presence to cause me to recognize my longing and hunger and give up the lesser things to pursue Him for more!
I feel like He's wounded me. With love. Sounds strange, but it's exactly how I feel. He allowed me to experience Him in a deeper way and now I'm left wanting when I'm not living that encounter out regularly.
I pray for dreams, encounters and visitations regularly. I want to see the Lord. I want to experience the things of the Spirit while on this earth. But sometimes I think to myself, if I had a throne room experience, would I be truly ruined forever?
I suppose I would ache to return to that place. I assume I would long with a depth that I haven't experienced quite that deep to have the reality of God with man forever, and now please =)
So, I'm getting some clarity. It hasn't been easy, but I know it's to draw me deeper and closer to Him in love. It's recognizing the depth of communion that I want to abide in all the time. It's not about striving for it, but about running abandon after it. Wanting all things that create roadblocks to be set aside. To purse the One thing that I know is the only thing I really need.
To me, it is similar to the story of the Shullamite in Song of Solomon, when the Lord's manifest presence is withdrawn from her experience for a time, which only leads her to long for more of Him and causes her to arise and run after Him.
Or how about the verse in Hosea 6:1, "Come, let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us, He has stricken, but He will bind us up". Who is this God who tears? Who strickens? Who wounds me but promises to heal me?
I have had some understanding on this topic over the last few days.
Things haven't been easy for me in the last few months.
Back in August, I experienced the Lord in a profound way, from what I can remember, while meditating on Him on my bed one morning or afternoon. It is now stuck in my heart memory as the place that I want to abide in all the time.
For whatever reason, soon after, it felt as though He took a step backward. That suddenly, I couldn't find Him quite so near, yet all the time knowing He wasn't too far away. I know that He'll never leave me, but I know He sometimes withdraws His tangible presence to cause me to recognize my longing and hunger and give up the lesser things to pursue Him for more!
I feel like He's wounded me. With love. Sounds strange, but it's exactly how I feel. He allowed me to experience Him in a deeper way and now I'm left wanting when I'm not living that encounter out regularly.
I pray for dreams, encounters and visitations regularly. I want to see the Lord. I want to experience the things of the Spirit while on this earth. But sometimes I think to myself, if I had a throne room experience, would I be truly ruined forever?
I suppose I would ache to return to that place. I assume I would long with a depth that I haven't experienced quite that deep to have the reality of God with man forever, and now please =)
So, I'm getting some clarity. It hasn't been easy, but I know it's to draw me deeper and closer to Him in love. It's recognizing the depth of communion that I want to abide in all the time. It's not about striving for it, but about running abandon after it. Wanting all things that create roadblocks to be set aside. To purse the One thing that I know is the only thing I really need.
Friday, February 06, 2009
In the Working World
A few more hours until......HOLIDAY TIME!
I'm getting ready for my last shift before holidays =) After today's shift, I'm off for 12 days technically. I say technically, because I actually go back the evening of my eleventh day off, but because it's a 12 hour night they consider it the 12th day. Whatever!
So, depending how you look at it, I'm off for the next 12 days or I'm off for the next 18 out of 20 days or I'm only working 4 more shifts in February! All good ways to look at the month ahead!
Yesterday was a little stressful for me at work. We just started doing part of our patient chart in an electronic way. So, we are all trying to learn how to look at orders, see what meds are due and how to sign for them, without using paper!
Yesterday was my first day working since we went "live" with the program. I sure was hoping NOT to be on the unit that I am the least familiar with, 3B.
It started off ok, as I was assigned to L & D for the first 8 hours of my shift. The last 3 of those hours were quite stressful and sometimes I wish I could magically take the pain away for women =) Then, what did I hope for? Not going to 3B on my first computer day?
Off to 3B for the last 4 hours of my shift. But, I guess God rearranged it so that going to 3B didn't sound so scary because it was actually a break from the situation I was trying to manage back on L & D. It was nice to know that I may be busy on 3B, but the emergent nature of L & D wouldn't be following me for the last 4 hours =) It was busy and a little frightening to learn the computer stuff, but I totally survived and it was fine! Another day on 3B under my belt will only help me feel more comfortable there!
Now if only one of these days I'd actually be able to work with my friend Christina already! That was the motivation to float to 3B =)
Off to work I go! And then it's time to relax and party!
I'm getting ready for my last shift before holidays =) After today's shift, I'm off for 12 days technically. I say technically, because I actually go back the evening of my eleventh day off, but because it's a 12 hour night they consider it the 12th day. Whatever!
So, depending how you look at it, I'm off for the next 12 days or I'm off for the next 18 out of 20 days or I'm only working 4 more shifts in February! All good ways to look at the month ahead!
Yesterday was a little stressful for me at work. We just started doing part of our patient chart in an electronic way. So, we are all trying to learn how to look at orders, see what meds are due and how to sign for them, without using paper!
Yesterday was my first day working since we went "live" with the program. I sure was hoping NOT to be on the unit that I am the least familiar with, 3B.
It started off ok, as I was assigned to L & D for the first 8 hours of my shift. The last 3 of those hours were quite stressful and sometimes I wish I could magically take the pain away for women =) Then, what did I hope for? Not going to 3B on my first computer day?
Off to 3B for the last 4 hours of my shift. But, I guess God rearranged it so that going to 3B didn't sound so scary because it was actually a break from the situation I was trying to manage back on L & D. It was nice to know that I may be busy on 3B, but the emergent nature of L & D wouldn't be following me for the last 4 hours =) It was busy and a little frightening to learn the computer stuff, but I totally survived and it was fine! Another day on 3B under my belt will only help me feel more comfortable there!
Now if only one of these days I'd actually be able to work with my friend Christina already! That was the motivation to float to 3B =)
Off to work I go! And then it's time to relax and party!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Loving a new month!
It's funny. I don't mind the month of January. It was a fine month. But, I was ready to throw a party when the end came. I'm not sure why but I was so happy to move on to a new month!
February is here and there are a bunch of things I'm enjoying and looking forward to!
Sanctuary is presently in the midst of a 7-day corporate fast. I must say, after regularly fasting for the past almost 4 years, I still don't like it much to be honest. I ask the Lord that He would cause me to love fasting =) But, it is fun to take an extended time as a corporate bunch and do it together! I'm excited to see what the Lord will do in us, through us and what He will speak to us!
At 7:55pm on Friday I begin my holidays! I had to finish up my holidays before the end of March, so I decided to pick the weekend that has the most fun stuff (Feb 13-15). I'm off for 12 days! We're not going anywhere but it's getting packed full already of stuff around Winnipeg and Steinbach.
On Saturday, I'm so pumped to be going on a double date with a good friend of mine! Shane and I don't do a lot of couple-things, as many of our friends around Sanctuary are still single. I'm pumped to hang out with this couple and meet my friend's man =)
Then it's time to party! Next week, I'm going to a baby shower, celebrating my sister's birthday two different days, having a sleepover with my dear mother to celebrate her birthday, having 2 friend dates and celebrating Valentine's day with my hubbie! It's going to be fun!
I'm also pumped about our family tradition. We are off to a hotel for a weekend with my mom and siblings later on in the month! I've been in the mood for a hotel weekend for a few months already!
These are some of the special things happening in February, amongst some other more regular things, that I'm exciting about! I think all these fun things all squished into one month makes for a pricey, but very fun-filled month to come!
February is here and there are a bunch of things I'm enjoying and looking forward to!
Sanctuary is presently in the midst of a 7-day corporate fast. I must say, after regularly fasting for the past almost 4 years, I still don't like it much to be honest. I ask the Lord that He would cause me to love fasting =) But, it is fun to take an extended time as a corporate bunch and do it together! I'm excited to see what the Lord will do in us, through us and what He will speak to us!
At 7:55pm on Friday I begin my holidays! I had to finish up my holidays before the end of March, so I decided to pick the weekend that has the most fun stuff (Feb 13-15). I'm off for 12 days! We're not going anywhere but it's getting packed full already of stuff around Winnipeg and Steinbach.
On Saturday, I'm so pumped to be going on a double date with a good friend of mine! Shane and I don't do a lot of couple-things, as many of our friends around Sanctuary are still single. I'm pumped to hang out with this couple and meet my friend's man =)
Then it's time to party! Next week, I'm going to a baby shower, celebrating my sister's birthday two different days, having a sleepover with my dear mother to celebrate her birthday, having 2 friend dates and celebrating Valentine's day with my hubbie! It's going to be fun!
I'm also pumped about our family tradition. We are off to a hotel for a weekend with my mom and siblings later on in the month! I've been in the mood for a hotel weekend for a few months already!
These are some of the special things happening in February, amongst some other more regular things, that I'm exciting about! I think all these fun things all squished into one month makes for a pricey, but very fun-filled month to come!
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