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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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At Every Opportunity
I am not sure how we got on the topic the other day in my classroom, but somehow my students started talking about the first people on earth. Many voiced that Adam and Eve were the first and some even added in about God forming the man from dust. It was awesome to see these young ones share the good news of God lovingly creating us – albeit very innocently. It was a tremendous opportunity for them to witness to their peers. Many places in our world are seemingly unreachable and even hostile to the Gospel message. In some locations or job positions it is challenging to share our faith…
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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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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…
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The Key to Success
As I watch the eager faces of my students, I am amazed at how much they can absorb at their young age. They are drinking in so many things. As I plan lessons for them, I realize that there is so much for them to learn. How do I possibly teach it all? In reality, I don’t teach it all. School can’t possibly instruct students in all they need to know about the world. So, what is my purpose as their teacher? The biggest thing I can do for my students is give them tools to inquire, to think through situations, to problem solve, to explore, and to seek out…
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Assurance and Restoration
We pick up an item from the store with excitement to have something new. As we open the package there is anticipation about how the item will fit into our lives and the uses it will have. Then we use the item once or twice. It tears, it shrinks, it breaks. Has this happened to you? I find it happening more and more these days as good quality is hard to come by. When I buy a product, I like to have the assurance that it is going to do what it says it will or have the quality it is supposed to have. It is very frustrating to purchase…
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Focusing on What Isn’t
It’s just so easy to do. Think about it – you get together with a group of friends and it turns into a gripe session. You get up in the morning thinking of all you have to do and you are focused on the whole ‘too much to do too little time’ thoughts. You start to think about what God would have you do with your life and you focus on all the negative aspects of particular choices. You experience grief or loss and all you can think about is what is missing in your life. At one time in my life my career was not where I wanted it.…
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My Time is in Your Hands
In a recent Bible reading I was drawn to these particular verses: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in Your hands’; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.” (Psalm 31:14-16 NIV) There is so much to unpack in these words. But first, why is this topic on my mind so much at this time? My niece spoke of time passing fast in her last days. She knew her cancer was progressing; but it amazed her how quickly the changes seemed to come. One…
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Working Through Hurt
As I hold the sweet little baby in my arms I am amazed at her tiny, intricate form. I love examining her little hands and toes and feeling the softness of her fine baby hair. At 19, it is a new experience for me as I haven’t been around babies much in my life. I am most certainly in love with this dear sweet niece. As a toddler, she and I are blessed to spend time together. We have our adventures when I take her out for the day to give her mom a break. The thrill of that little hand in mine brings immeasurable joy. Her smiles and laughter…
