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Leaving a Legacy
Yesterday was a joyous day as we celebrated a family birthday. As I watched my children and grandchildren playing, I chuckled at their antics. It warmed my heart to see their interactions and enjoyment of each other. As I look at the next two generations, I wonder what kind of legacy I am leaving them. What is it that I need to pass on to them as the best inheritance? How can I lead my life that will be an example to them and encourage them in their own life journeys? How can I be God’s light in their lives and show them the hope I have in Christ? One…
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Jesus is Always on Time
The mother sobs as her son is carried away to be prepared for burial. She is despondent, not only at the loss of her loved one, but at the dim prospects life now holds for her. Her culture has little means for women to support themselves and she has lost the final male in her household to care for her. It is a sombre group that carries the young man toward the tomb. As is part of the Jewish tradition, many mourners join the mother on the sad trek outside the city walls. It seems a hopeless situation but that changes in an instant with the approach of Jesus. He…
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What to do with Anxiety
As I reflect on my teaching experiences, an overarching theme comes up. I am seeing more and more children with some form of anxiety. It astounds me how children so young can be filled with so much trepidation and uncertainty about life. I can understand anxiety in students who are experiencing issues at home but it frequently shows up in children who seem to have a together home life and things going well. I have observed children being almost paralyzed with fear over new situations or new relationships. Their whole viewpoint is skewed with a focus on all the what ifs rather than what is true and right. Anxiety affects…
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Life in Abundance
As we began life on our acreage nine years ago, we had great plans for a flourishing garden to provide food for our household. It has been a tumultuous process with flooding, hail, and a variety of other circumstances trying to destroy our hard work. It has been many years of waiting for what was planted to come to fruition. Definitely, it has been a time to develop patience. We planted our little fruit trees in faith, trusting that God would help them grow and produce fruit. This year we are finally seeing some of that come into play. As I walk through the garden and see the abundance of…
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Be Strong and Take Heart
Just when I think things are going well, something happens to upset my equilibrium. It would be nice if things could just go okay for a while. Why do these bumps in the road keep happening? It would be really nice to just have a peaceful life for a time at least. The fact is, in our sinful world, there is no perfect ride. There are twists and turns in the road and many unforeseen pitfalls and hazards. Sometimes our road is a familiar one, but still there are hidden challenges along the way. Sometimes God takes us on a road less travelled or one in places we never thought…
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Growing in Grace
It is so therapeutic for me to spend time outdoors and work in my garden again. This time of year, is a time for hope as seeds are planted with the potential of growth and trees begin to bud with the promise of fruit to come. My days alternate between tending the seedlings in my greenhouse and cleaning up my flower gardens so that they are ready for perennials to emerge and seeds and seedlings to be planted. This myriad of tasks all has the purpose of preparing and nurturing. Without this time spent, I would not have as an effective of a garden. It would be much more difficult…
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Climb Every Mountain
As I sit in the darkened theatre, anticipation wells up inside me. In the hush just prior to the orchestra’s first grand notes, I am drawn back to many years ago when I first experienced this musical as part of the performance’s chorus. The music, memorized as a child, is a part of me and I am easily drawn into this production of my favourite show – The Sound of Music. It is the first time seeing this production live and I sit enthralled as familiar scenes pass before my eyes. Knowing the storyline well doesn’t take away from my enjoyment. This heartwarming story of a woman’s journey to find…
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Can Good Come Out of Bad?
As he looks all around him the setting is grim. The walls are filthy and dark and the floor smells dank and dour. Very little light seeps into the cavity that is now his residence. Chains bind his hands and feet. Meals are meagre bits of gruel and bread. His future on earth is uncertain. Yet, in amidst it all he is full of thanksgiving! My Scripture reading time this week has taken me into Philippians. I love how Paul starts off this book with words of thanksgiving. Paul is full of joy over the Philippians’ positive response to the Gospel. His love for God’s people is evident throughout this…
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Tired of Being Tired
It is another full day of managing my little people. Their vibrance inspires me and drives me to work harder to meet their needs and give them the best education possible. The needs of these students are vast and many days I feel overwhelmed about even being able to even make a dent in all that needs to be done. I come home tired – a good tired, mind you, after a busy day at school. But then I look around my home and see all the things left undone. I go from a massive to do list at work to another one in my own household. I feel perplexed…
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The Most Important Thing
This week we will celebrate what would have been my niece’s 41st birthday. This year, her birthday lands on Good Friday. What an appropriate remembrance time. Elizabeth believed fully in the power of the Cross. She knew, without a doubt, that the grief of Good Friday is only a stepping stone to the utmost joy we experience with Easter Sunday. God’s Word is very clear. We all deserve death for the sins we commit. Whether the sin is big or small, our trespasses lead to eternal condemnation. But wait. God has a way out for us with a clear salvation plan. He sent His only Son as a Sacrificial Lamb…
