Recently I was able to indulge my somewhat inflated delusions of grandeur when I attended a Private Party at a club downtown that prides itself on being "the spot". In that experience I saw one side of feeling exclusive. At the Utica Conference I saw another side of exclusivity that was very different.
At this particular conference, groups are able to register in advance and get "Reserved Seating". Doesn't that just have a decadent ring to it? It had the feel of Season's Ticket holders who know where they sit all the time and get comfortable with the view. I will say that going into an auditorium and knowing where you are going to sit has a certain appeal. But in light of the "private party" experience, the Lord showed me something about reserved seating that I had never experienced before.
Normally, when you go to a conference there is an anticipation, it is heightened by the desire to 'get a good seat'. I love arriving early at a venue and seeing it before it is full. (One of my fondest memories is experiencing "Sky Dome" in Toronto for the first time. There was a heady feeling of being in so huge a space. An awe of how big it is coupled with a very humbling feeling of how small I actually am in this universe) I love the order and the quiet of an empty venure. I love to choose a good seat and "stake my claim". I like to watch people as they arrive and experience that feel when they see the stage/set/ice for the first time. I like to see the dynamics as people mingle and try to determine where is a good seat.
With conferences, you get out as much as you put into it- and often the level of expectation can dictate the level of a touch from the Lord. With reserved seating, however, you don't need to be there early, there is no surprise, there is no time to experience the whole show. I experienced this weekend that with reserved seating we were in no hurry to be on time. Admittedly, it took away some of the stress, and it allowed us to focus on the relationships at the restaurants! But on the flip side, as a group, we arrived late and went straight to our seats. As a result I found that it took me longer to get 'into worship' and I was playing catch up for the rest of the service, I didn't take the time to look around and take in the sights, and I felt limited attachment to being at the event. I was 'in it but not of it" if you will. I got a lot out of the conference, but how much more might I have gotten had I been totally invested in the logistics??
I sometimes find this attitude sneaks into our relationships with God. We know that no matter what He is there saving a place for us. When this happens, I find myself less engaged in the process of our relationship-that I take it for granted.
I want to remember that feeling of awe and wonder when I walk into the presence of God each and every time. I not longer want to take His presence for granted, knowing that I can tap into it at any point. Rather I want to have a child-like faith in His vastness and beauty, I want His love to take my breath away!
Tomorrow..... Mark Schilling
Monday, July 30, 2007
A Traveller's Diary!
This past week I had the great opportunity to travel to Utica, NY to attend Generation Conference. It is an event I have heard about for a long time but never had an opportunity to attend. It was a really good investment of time and energy!
My plan is this: to post a little nugget that I got out of each session. I often plan on doing this but will forget or get side-tracked, but this time I am committed to getting to it all.... so committed in fact, I have planned out the posts' content-here are the Working Titles!
My plan is this: to post a little nugget that I got out of each session. I often plan on doing this but will forget or get side-tracked, but this time I am committed to getting to it all.... so committed in fact, I have planned out the posts' content-here are the Working Titles!
- Reserved Seating
- Mark Schilling
- Fight for your blessing
- Stephen Baldwin... yes THAT Stephen Baldwin!
- Know the heart, understand the actions
- Joyce Meyers
- Benny Perez
- "It doesn't matter"
- Ed Young
Are you impressed??? Do I have you looking forward to the next bunch of posts??
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What if....
The quality of the teaching at our church is amazing. Every week it is like living with a gourmet chef, everything is high quality. There is not a Sunday that goes by where I don't get something out of the sermon, every once in a while, though, someone pulls out all the stops and you get a meal that is remembered and talked about for years to come.
There was a sermon that was preached by Dan Courteau a LONG time ago. The essence of it was "What if your biggest dreams occupy the same place as your biggest fear?"
I remember that sermon as one that changed my life. I had never thought of things that way before, and I always wondered why I couldn't bring myself to take that last step to fulfilling my dreams. Something always held me back.
Since that sermon, I have often thought of that idea, and come across it in a number of books. Although the wording is different, the idea is the same.
With that in mind, I set out today to finalize my application for an opportunity that I have been praying about and talking about for 6 months or so. I went over every word with my favourite "editor" and drafted the email, attached the required documents, and then I freaked out!!
When it came time to push the button, this strange fear gripped me. This was the end of the potential for this opportunity, I no longer would be able to talk about in the potential, someone would be passing judgement on my suitability for this, and I would have an answer.
I think in many ways the future's potential is safer, because it holds onto optimism and disappointment has no place. There is no heartache in opportunities untried, there can be regret but not heartache.
As I pressed the Send button, there was a moment when a litany of past disappointments and heartaches and seemingly unanswered prayers all paraded through my mind, tempting me to doubt myself- and God's blessings. How many times can I want something with all my heart only to be crushed?
There is this idea among Christians that if you want something too much, God might take it away from you. This doesn't follow with the character of God that I know... in all things, I will trust, I will hope and I will boast only in the Lord my God. I walk down the path I feel He is leading me, all the while, rolling my petitions into His capable hands, wanting nothing more than to do His work.
How many times can I hope for something amazing??? With God's help, at least once more!! So off it went, and as I waited for the heart palpitations to pass, I bowed my head and said "Not my will, but Yours"
There was a sermon that was preached by Dan Courteau a LONG time ago. The essence of it was "What if your biggest dreams occupy the same place as your biggest fear?"
I remember that sermon as one that changed my life. I had never thought of things that way before, and I always wondered why I couldn't bring myself to take that last step to fulfilling my dreams. Something always held me back.
Since that sermon, I have often thought of that idea, and come across it in a number of books. Although the wording is different, the idea is the same.
With that in mind, I set out today to finalize my application for an opportunity that I have been praying about and talking about for 6 months or so. I went over every word with my favourite "editor" and drafted the email, attached the required documents, and then I freaked out!!
When it came time to push the button, this strange fear gripped me. This was the end of the potential for this opportunity, I no longer would be able to talk about in the potential, someone would be passing judgement on my suitability for this, and I would have an answer.
I think in many ways the future's potential is safer, because it holds onto optimism and disappointment has no place. There is no heartache in opportunities untried, there can be regret but not heartache.
As I pressed the Send button, there was a moment when a litany of past disappointments and heartaches and seemingly unanswered prayers all paraded through my mind, tempting me to doubt myself- and God's blessings. How many times can I want something with all my heart only to be crushed?
There is this idea among Christians that if you want something too much, God might take it away from you. This doesn't follow with the character of God that I know... in all things, I will trust, I will hope and I will boast only in the Lord my God. I walk down the path I feel He is leading me, all the while, rolling my petitions into His capable hands, wanting nothing more than to do His work.
How many times can I hope for something amazing??? With God's help, at least once more!! So off it went, and as I waited for the heart palpitations to pass, I bowed my head and said "Not my will, but Yours"
Sunday, July 22, 2007
A brush with "Fame"
This is the strange but true story of an pseudo-famous birthday!
If you are a 'bar star' in Ottawa, and if you know who Dolce & Gabana are when they work together, chances are you know a friend of mine named Scott. Scott is an amazing person who knows a lot of people, it doesn't seem to matter what the situation is, wherever Scott is, a party erupts....
I met Scott through work-more specifically, at a charity event . Nice guy, we chatted and became friends.
Fast forward about a year and Scott is now dating a girl I used to work with. We have, over the year, had some good conversations and chatted about life. So this week when I got an invitation to attend a birthday bash for him at a bar downtown I thought it would be a fun thing to do. Now keep in mind that I am NOT in any way or shape... a 'bar star' - it is not my scene. I thought, I will just go and drop in, say 'hello' and honour him on his special day.
Was I in for an interesting experience!
Think of all the movies you have seen where there is a nightclub, a line up, a rope, and some very handsome but burly men choosing who best suits the 'look' of the club. Think as well of all the times when you have seen in the movies, a celeb walk past the lineup, give their name at the door and get ushered right in! How many times have you thought, that would be cool- admit it, you've thought it!. I think to some extent, we all have delusions of grandeur and wonder what it would be like to be part of that 'set', the glamourous ones who get in places! This event was one of those velvet rope "my name's on the list" type of events.
Between you and me.... as I approached the club my heart was pounding, all the thoughts and insecurities about my geekiness came flooding back. My biggest fear was that one of those bouncers would take one look at me and send me on the walk of shame. I was nicely dressed-about as risque as I get, but I might as well have had a nun's habit on compared to those around me. I squared my shoulders and announced myself. It turned out that there was not only a line to get into the club itself, but also a line to get into the party I was attending... about 20-25 people who had been invited were waiting in line to get in!
If you know me at all.... you know I DON'T DO LINES.... I really don't like crowds, and there was no way that I was going to wait to get into this party! When I told them that I was just by myself, they let me right in, I got the bracelet I needed, and up to the VIP lounge. At the top of the stairs where the VIP lounge is, there was another burly bouncer checking for VIP bracelets, and was turning people away who were trying to get into the private party. I will admit that there was a tiny little thrill to be granted entree into this exclusive event.
I was literally there about 5 minutes, I said my "happy birthdays" delivered the card, and shook some hands and then I realized that I had no reason to stay! The environment was a very empty place, made up of people who thrive off that 'thrill' of being more important, people who crave the attention that comes from showing up at the right places.
As I left, I couldn't help but wonder how many of those people standing in line would help Scott out in a crisis. How many people would he be able to rely on when the chips are down? How many people are trading on his name because of who he is?? The real answer is probably not many, not because of Scott but because of the type of people THEY are. It made me sad. It made me sad to know that like Scott there are many who spend a lot of time looking the part. It made me even sadder to think that unlike Scott, most of those people don't have anything else going on!
There are some who will think that perhaps I shouldn't have gone. But you know what.... It was worth it to have Scott see that I would be willing to enter his world to reach past my comfort level and extend my friendship without dictating the terms-as Christians are wont to do.
I don't know what the dividend will be for having gone... time will tell, but it doesn't matter, he now knows that I am his friend no matter what!
Next time you see a movie where the celebutante strolls up to the velvet rope and gets let in, and you think how great their life must be, take a moment. Imagine that all the people in your life who add so much love and substance are gone. Imagine that you are left with only the latest Jimmy Choo shoes to ascribe you value and worth. Suddenly not being glamourous is a gift... take it from me!
If you are a 'bar star' in Ottawa, and if you know who Dolce & Gabana are when they work together, chances are you know a friend of mine named Scott. Scott is an amazing person who knows a lot of people, it doesn't seem to matter what the situation is, wherever Scott is, a party erupts....
I met Scott through work-more specifically, at a charity event . Nice guy, we chatted and became friends.
Fast forward about a year and Scott is now dating a girl I used to work with. We have, over the year, had some good conversations and chatted about life. So this week when I got an invitation to attend a birthday bash for him at a bar downtown I thought it would be a fun thing to do. Now keep in mind that I am NOT in any way or shape... a 'bar star' - it is not my scene. I thought, I will just go and drop in, say 'hello' and honour him on his special day.
Was I in for an interesting experience!
Think of all the movies you have seen where there is a nightclub, a line up, a rope, and some very handsome but burly men choosing who best suits the 'look' of the club. Think as well of all the times when you have seen in the movies, a celeb walk past the lineup, give their name at the door and get ushered right in! How many times have you thought, that would be cool- admit it, you've thought it!. I think to some extent, we all have delusions of grandeur and wonder what it would be like to be part of that 'set', the glamourous ones who get in places! This event was one of those velvet rope "my name's on the list" type of events.
Between you and me.... as I approached the club my heart was pounding, all the thoughts and insecurities about my geekiness came flooding back. My biggest fear was that one of those bouncers would take one look at me and send me on the walk of shame. I was nicely dressed-about as risque as I get, but I might as well have had a nun's habit on compared to those around me. I squared my shoulders and announced myself. It turned out that there was not only a line to get into the club itself, but also a line to get into the party I was attending... about 20-25 people who had been invited were waiting in line to get in!
If you know me at all.... you know I DON'T DO LINES.... I really don't like crowds, and there was no way that I was going to wait to get into this party! When I told them that I was just by myself, they let me right in, I got the bracelet I needed, and up to the VIP lounge. At the top of the stairs where the VIP lounge is, there was another burly bouncer checking for VIP bracelets, and was turning people away who were trying to get into the private party. I will admit that there was a tiny little thrill to be granted entree into this exclusive event.
I was literally there about 5 minutes, I said my "happy birthdays" delivered the card, and shook some hands and then I realized that I had no reason to stay! The environment was a very empty place, made up of people who thrive off that 'thrill' of being more important, people who crave the attention that comes from showing up at the right places.
As I left, I couldn't help but wonder how many of those people standing in line would help Scott out in a crisis. How many people would he be able to rely on when the chips are down? How many people are trading on his name because of who he is?? The real answer is probably not many, not because of Scott but because of the type of people THEY are. It made me sad. It made me sad to know that like Scott there are many who spend a lot of time looking the part. It made me even sadder to think that unlike Scott, most of those people don't have anything else going on!
There are some who will think that perhaps I shouldn't have gone. But you know what.... It was worth it to have Scott see that I would be willing to enter his world to reach past my comfort level and extend my friendship without dictating the terms-as Christians are wont to do.
I don't know what the dividend will be for having gone... time will tell, but it doesn't matter, he now knows that I am his friend no matter what!
Next time you see a movie where the celebutante strolls up to the velvet rope and gets let in, and you think how great their life must be, take a moment. Imagine that all the people in your life who add so much love and substance are gone. Imagine that you are left with only the latest Jimmy Choo shoes to ascribe you value and worth. Suddenly not being glamourous is a gift... take it from me!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Insufficient One
How is this for 'messy'? I have discovered that god is NOT enough......
Before you jump away and pray for my salvation just hear me out. Notice that I didn't write "God is not enough"? There is a big difference.
What happens when you discover that the god of your understanding is not enough? That the god you think that you know and the god that you relied on, is not who you thought? You begin to doubt and question. Mostly though, you begin to FORGET. Like a far away friend or a long dead relative, the echos of Who God is begin to fade and they can become harder and harder to hear.
There is a song that goes "I have made You too small in my eyes, Oh Lord, forgive me". I have discovered that who I know god to be, and who GOD actually is, must be 2 different people. They MUST be different because I am having a problem trusting, waiting, and knowing. I am fighting the need to take matters into my own hands. "he" (this god of my understanding) is not the all consuming firey lover of my soul that scripture talks about. If I truly knew GOD then how could I ever doubt, question, or jump ahead of His pure, loving and awe-inspiring love and faithfulness?
Clearly, (because God is perfect, and I am not) the problem lies within me; within my limited ability to understand the Unknowable.
How did this happen? Last week, last month and last year, I would have told you that I KNEW HIM, today though, my perpective has changed The more I discover about God, and the more I grow in God, the more humbled I am in the presence of the ALMIGHTY, and the more I realize how limited my understanding is.
I have attempted to have complete faith in this god of my own construction. No wonder that in my brokenness, total faith feels like a risk. I have seen God through the eyes of my past, my pain, my unanswered prayers and my dreams that have not come to be, and in that "he" has become too small to be sufficient.
I think that there are situations in our lives, that blur our focus. We have blind spots when it comes to God. Areas of our lives where we find it difficult to truly see God in His fullness. In what area of your life do you unintentionally make God too small?
Before you jump away and pray for my salvation just hear me out. Notice that I didn't write "God is not enough"? There is a big difference.
What happens when you discover that the god of your understanding is not enough? That the god you think that you know and the god that you relied on, is not who you thought? You begin to doubt and question. Mostly though, you begin to FORGET. Like a far away friend or a long dead relative, the echos of Who God is begin to fade and they can become harder and harder to hear.
There is a song that goes "I have made You too small in my eyes, Oh Lord, forgive me". I have discovered that who I know god to be, and who GOD actually is, must be 2 different people. They MUST be different because I am having a problem trusting, waiting, and knowing. I am fighting the need to take matters into my own hands. "he" (this god of my understanding) is not the all consuming firey lover of my soul that scripture talks about. If I truly knew GOD then how could I ever doubt, question, or jump ahead of His pure, loving and awe-inspiring love and faithfulness?
Clearly, (because God is perfect, and I am not) the problem lies within me; within my limited ability to understand the Unknowable.
How did this happen? Last week, last month and last year, I would have told you that I KNEW HIM, today though, my perpective has changed The more I discover about God, and the more I grow in God, the more humbled I am in the presence of the ALMIGHTY, and the more I realize how limited my understanding is.
I have attempted to have complete faith in this god of my own construction. No wonder that in my brokenness, total faith feels like a risk. I have seen God through the eyes of my past, my pain, my unanswered prayers and my dreams that have not come to be, and in that "he" has become too small to be sufficient.
I think that there are situations in our lives, that blur our focus. We have blind spots when it comes to God. Areas of our lives where we find it difficult to truly see God in His fullness. In what area of your life do you unintentionally make God too small?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
So young, yet so wise
Tonight, as I was hanging out with my nephew. By hanging out, I truly mean hanging out. We were swinging in the park. We were chatting and suddenly he said:"Auntie Wahwa, I don't understand goils!" (For those who don't speak 4 year-old) that was "I don't understand girls".
I paused and thought for a moment and all I could think to say was "I know buddy!"
It was a bittersweet moment knowing that he is growing up so fast!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Glowing
It is amazing to see someone you respect and love step into something bigger than they have ever done before! As I write this, Lori is preaching for the first time! What a privilege to be here as she steps into the next level of her ability to reach into the hearts of those around her.
It is not at all surprising that what she is speaking is profound, challenging, and touches the deepest part of our identity in Christ. With her special style, humour and passion she is imparting to us that "I am the light of the World". You go Girl! I knew you had it in you!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
In honour
It was my mother's birthday on Sunday, and we had a good time, we had food and friends and fellowship.
I prepared a little blessing for my mom and read it to her in front of her friends. I wanted to share it with you so that the whole world will know how amazing my mom is.
The over-riding characteristic of my mom’s life is her commitment to excellence.
MOM: In everything that you put your hand to, you desire excellence. It is this desire that can sometimes makes you feel like you aren’t doing enough or it can stop you from seeing what we all see- so we will tell you…
When I look at you, everything about you speaks of excellence, from the way that you dress, to the home you live in, to the words you choose and the activities you involve yourself in. I see in you an amazing capacity to leverage the skills and talents that you have into an opportunity to serve others. I love that you are so concerned about your clients that you get upset when something doesn’t go right, or when the great advice you give them falls on deaf ears.
I have never seen you not belong. “Adherent” has never been a word that describes you. You are not someone who just sits in a service or in an office and chooses not to offer anything else besides your presence. You have modeled for me the truth that anything worth spending your time on is worth investing your energy, emotion and life. This is especially true of your faith and your walk with God.
Your tenacity in the midst of hard-ship has forged a bond between you and God, which few rarely get to see. I know that there have been times of questions and times of anger and times of fear, but I have never seen you waiver in your assurance of God’s love for you and His faithfulness to provide your needs. There is a plaque that I recall was always in the room that you ironed and sewed in-perhaps because those were the tasks that most clearly defined the stage of life you were in. It said “God don’t let nothing get a hold of me that you and me can’t lick”. The grammar was horrific, but the truth has remained, and God has seen you through some tough stuff-this just proves how strong you are and how deep your faith in God is. I have seen you walk through circumstances that would cripple anyone else, but you stand, shake it off and move ahead knowing that God has something for you in it. It has been such a privilege to see as God has repaired and restored all that was stolen over the years. Family, success, security, joy, friendships.
Your friendships are deep and long-lasting, look around you at this table. We have known the Chivers for over 15 years! Mrs. Code has been your friend for over 30 years, and then there is Fred, mom’s high school boyfriend who has been back in touch after many many many years! People are drawn to you mom because of the spirit you carry with you. Your zest for life.
Thank you for all that you are to me: Mother, friend, mentor, guide, advisor, and sometimes sand-paper! Thank you that what is important to me is important to you. Your high expectations of yourself and those around you cause us all to sit a little straighter, to dig a little deeper, and laugh at the whole thing! Happy Birthday Mom!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Jehovah Jireh- My provider
God is so amazing. He is never late.
As you know, I am single, and currently unemployed. For a homeowner, that is a scary situation to be in. In the middle of this season, I have heard God's voice over and over saying.... "Do you trust me?" . The answer in my heart is "Yes, LORD!", but the answer in my head has ranged from "yes, Lord!" to "I think so" to "I am scared to, help me" and finally "God helps those who help themselves!"
This range of emotion and spectrum of faith is completely normal. I am a doer, I like to plan, and I have the ability to make things happen. I could go out tomorrow and replace the lost income, and maybe make a little more money even. The problem though, is that in doing so, I would be doing what I did before, so I would get what I had before!! This whole process is not about getting back to the same level, but to grow. Because of my ability to get things going and network and find a job, I have never truly HAD to rely on God when the chips were down and the ribber hit the road.. there was always a contingency plan.
Let me say this, I know that God calls us to be good stewards of our time and talents and treasure. I also know that there are times when God calls us to do what doesn't make sense from the world's perspective. I totally get that there are people who would be shocked to hear that I hadn't even really applied for any jobs even though it has been a month since I worked.
BUT God... this is what it comes down to. EVERYTIME I step out to make something happen, I feel a restraining, partnered with amazing peace, and the whispered voice saying "Let ME"!
For some people, they have felt very pursued and loved by God and others, and it is easy to trust in God. I am realizing that because of my personality, I have never sat back long enough to be pursued by ANYONE, not a guy, not God, no one. But now is the time.
I feel like this is my chance to learn that not only is God ABLE to provide ALL my needs.... more importantly He is WILLING. It is a risk that we all take as Christians, not just to believe IN God and His word... but to BELIEVE God.
So often, we truly believe that God is able, but we don't wait to show His Willingness until there is nothing left of ourselves. We see it around the world, faith levels are higher, because there is NOTHING that they can do to find a way to get food without a miracle, they have no choice but to wait on God. I want to be in a position to get to the end of myself, because in my weakness, He is strong...... and good, and kind, and generous, and loving.
God's mesage to me and through my life is His faithfulness. He is faithful to me in everything that I need and many things that I have 'wanted'. My biggest financial need is for the mortgage on my home. If the mortgage is covered, almost everything else can expand or contract to meet the available funds. I have 2 rooms that I rent out and between the 2 rooms the mortgage and taxes are fully covered. I have had these rooms for rent for 1.5 years, in all that time, there have only been 4 months where both are occupied... I have been reminding the Lord, that He could provide a roommate at some point. Here is the cool part... for September, God has provided a 2nd roommate who will sign a lease for the school year!. This GUARANTEES the mortgage will get paid! How cool is that???
Then today in the mail, I got a cheque for GST rebate... I have not recieved a rebate in about 2.5 years! You cannot tell me that this is a coincidence that it came today!
In these things, little clues are being left to remind me that God is truly able but more importantly WILLING to provide for me. It is a stretch, and my faith is growing, but we are getting there! Praise the Lord!
As you know, I am single, and currently unemployed. For a homeowner, that is a scary situation to be in. In the middle of this season, I have heard God's voice over and over saying.... "Do you trust me?" . The answer in my heart is "Yes, LORD!", but the answer in my head has ranged from "yes, Lord!" to "I think so" to "I am scared to, help me" and finally "God helps those who help themselves!"
This range of emotion and spectrum of faith is completely normal. I am a doer, I like to plan, and I have the ability to make things happen. I could go out tomorrow and replace the lost income, and maybe make a little more money even. The problem though, is that in doing so, I would be doing what I did before, so I would get what I had before!! This whole process is not about getting back to the same level, but to grow. Because of my ability to get things going and network and find a job, I have never truly HAD to rely on God when the chips were down and the ribber hit the road.. there was always a contingency plan.
Let me say this, I know that God calls us to be good stewards of our time and talents and treasure. I also know that there are times when God calls us to do what doesn't make sense from the world's perspective. I totally get that there are people who would be shocked to hear that I hadn't even really applied for any jobs even though it has been a month since I worked.
BUT God... this is what it comes down to. EVERYTIME I step out to make something happen, I feel a restraining, partnered with amazing peace, and the whispered voice saying "Let ME"!
For some people, they have felt very pursued and loved by God and others, and it is easy to trust in God. I am realizing that because of my personality, I have never sat back long enough to be pursued by ANYONE, not a guy, not God, no one. But now is the time.
I feel like this is my chance to learn that not only is God ABLE to provide ALL my needs.... more importantly He is WILLING. It is a risk that we all take as Christians, not just to believe IN God and His word... but to BELIEVE God.
So often, we truly believe that God is able, but we don't wait to show His Willingness until there is nothing left of ourselves. We see it around the world, faith levels are higher, because there is NOTHING that they can do to find a way to get food without a miracle, they have no choice but to wait on God. I want to be in a position to get to the end of myself, because in my weakness, He is strong...... and good, and kind, and generous, and loving.
God's mesage to me and through my life is His faithfulness. He is faithful to me in everything that I need and many things that I have 'wanted'. My biggest financial need is for the mortgage on my home. If the mortgage is covered, almost everything else can expand or contract to meet the available funds. I have 2 rooms that I rent out and between the 2 rooms the mortgage and taxes are fully covered. I have had these rooms for rent for 1.5 years, in all that time, there have only been 4 months where both are occupied... I have been reminding the Lord, that He could provide a roommate at some point. Here is the cool part... for September, God has provided a 2nd roommate who will sign a lease for the school year!. This GUARANTEES the mortgage will get paid! How cool is that???
Then today in the mail, I got a cheque for GST rebate... I have not recieved a rebate in about 2.5 years! You cannot tell me that this is a coincidence that it came today!
In these things, little clues are being left to remind me that God is truly able but more importantly WILLING to provide for me. It is a stretch, and my faith is growing, but we are getting there! Praise the Lord!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Building Bridges
It is amazing how quickly someone can move from "someone you know" to "friend" to maybe even "family". My brother has been dating a great lady for about 4 years. He have had family dinners with her and marked special occasions with her, but up until now she was "the girl my brother is dating". My brother lives a life that is so different from my own, his interests, his circle of friends, the area of the city and his work, none of them interconnect with mine. In fact, if we weren't related by blood there is a possibility that we might NEVER have met. It is strange that 2 related people can share a common heritage but be so different. In light of this fact, naturally there has not been a lot of opportunity to get to know his girlfriend outside of the Christmas and Easter... these occasions do not a family make!
Recently, though we have had a few opportunities to hang out together... She came with me to Canada Day at my parents' without my brother and we had a great time. Yesterday, we had a baby shower for her-I am going to be an Auntie! Then today, we are celebrating my mother's birthday, she is going to join us.
It has always been my prayer to have a good relationship with her, and now, this baby has really brought us together.
In a few short weeks she has moved - in my mind- from the woman my brother is dating, to my SISTER-IN-LAW!!! God is so good that he is using this baby to give us a bridge to reach out to one another and become truly a family.
Recently, though we have had a few opportunities to hang out together... She came with me to Canada Day at my parents' without my brother and we had a great time. Yesterday, we had a baby shower for her-I am going to be an Auntie! Then today, we are celebrating my mother's birthday, she is going to join us.
It has always been my prayer to have a good relationship with her, and now, this baby has really brought us together.
In a few short weeks she has moved - in my mind- from the woman my brother is dating, to my SISTER-IN-LAW!!! God is so good that he is using this baby to give us a bridge to reach out to one another and become truly a family.
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