The Reason For The Season

A few years ago a friend gave me a set of Christmas dishes - something I had wanted for a long time. I put them away in the basement and completely forgot about them so the first Christmas after I got them, I never used them. I remembered them on Boxing day - too late to pull them out. Since I really did want to enjoy and use the dishes the next Christmas, I put a reminder in my Outlook Calendar for December 1 - TAKE OUT CHRISTMAS DISHES - and it worked!

Today is December 1 and so this morning while my family was getting ready for work/school, I brought up the dishes from the basement, washed, dried them and put our eggs & english muffins on them for breakfast. I have friends who have laughed at me for needing to put a reminder to myself to take out my Christmas dishes but I'm okay with that. I get to use the dishes all month and enjoy the Christmas touch on the table every time we eat.

Something else I do each year on or around December 1 is remind myself that I need to make Christmas about JESUS. Does that sound odd to you? I am simply being honest. Even though I grew up in a Christian home and have attended church all my life, it takes a conscious choice to live out what I choose to believe - that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. I don't want to get to Boxing day and realize that I forgot to make Jesus the focus of my Christmas experience.

As we became parents Derrick and I decided that we would not do the Santa thing with our children. We don't have anything against Santa but we wanted our children to know that the gifts they got came from us, their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins or friends. We made a point of telling our children about the true meaning of Christmas and the significance of Jesus' birth. We also told them about Santa and even took them to have their pictures taken with him but Santa never came to our house. We got many a lecture from friends, acquaintances and even strangers about this - apparently we robbed our children of the joy of Christmas. Of course we disagree - but feel free to ask them if you ever get the chance.

We took great joy in planning what we would buy each of our children for Christmas, wrapped the gifts lovingly, excitedly put them under the tree and then watched with anticipation as they were opened on Christmas day. We have some wonderful memories of those precious moments. I don't think we robbed our children of anything. As I think about the joy we have experienced in giving gifts to our children, I cannot help but think about my Heavenly Father and the incredible gift He gave to me - to all of humanity - through His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this gift, I have eternal life with Him. What other reason should there be for the season than Jesus?

This morning as I put the Christmas dishes on the table my family began another Christmas tradition - teasing me about my favourite Christmas album, wondering when I will begin to play it. In the next few days I will pull out the bins of Christmas decorations and start listening to my CDs. While some of them are traditional Christmas music about Santa, sleigh bells, snow men and the like, many of them speak of the truth of Christmas, that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Another December 1 is drawing to a close and while my Outlook Calendar reminder about the dishes has been dismissed, the one in my heart and mind about Jesus being the Reason for the Season is set to re-occur daily for the next 25 days.

Of Mice and Life

It started with a scream from the basement followed by frantic stomping up the stairs. My daughter had found a mouse in the laundry room sink. Then there were the tell-tale droppings in the pantry cupboard and drawer of the stove. Reality set in…we have an infestation of mice in our house. I did what many 21^st century computer savvy women would do – I Googled “how to get rid of mice” and waited for the answer. Here are some of the things I found out.

1. Mice cannot abide the smell of peppermint. If you put a few drop of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in the areas the mouse are frequenting, they will not go back.
2. Mouse traps are still the number one method of getting rid of the pests.
3. There are many types of mouse traps – including ones you can make yourself.
4. Mice will stay as long as there is food available. Every website I visited stressed the importance of keeping floors and counters clean and not leaving any food exposed for mice to find.

I immediately began working on these things. I pulled out the stove and pantry. It was evident by the amount of droppings that the mice had been around for more than a day or two. I cleaned the floor and spread peppermint extract on the floor. (I didn’t have oil on hand so it was the best I could do at the time.) In the pantry, I cleaned the shelves, put drops of peppermint around the edges and put all the food that was in bags into plastic containers; all the while being thankful for my friends who recently culled their Tupperware collection and blessed me with their excess.

I then called a friend who came over with some mouse traps and explained how to set them – they’re a new-fangled type, not like the old-fashioned ones that frequently snap back on your finger when you’re trying to set them. My friend pointed out something that was mentioned on all the websites I visited and it was this:

5. No matter what methods you employ inside the house to deal with the mice that have gotten in, you must also figure out how they are getting in and deal with the problem on the outside of the house.

Accordingly, we walked around our house, examined each possible point of entry (we came up with two) and discussed how to deal with them.

As my friend left and I went about setting the mouse traps, it occurred to me that this situation parallels that of sin my life. I fall into sinful habits that don’t really seem all that bad and so I don’t pay attention to them till one day something happens that shocks me into action. I take the necessary steps to deal with the issue and feel pretty good about it because the symptoms have cleared up. Too often after a short time, the sinful habits begin to sneak back into my life. The traps – if you will – are no longer effective. The peppermint oil has lost its scent. The mice are definitely back.

As I continued to think about it I realized that the fifth point of how to get rid of mice is really the most vital – figure out how they’re getting in and deal with the point of entry. If I am struggling with sinful thoughts or habits, how are they getting into my heart/life?

Two things came to mind:

1. Song of Solomon 2:15

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom.

It is easy for us to ignore things because they seem little but as this verse warns, little things can ruin things of value. An entire blooming vineyard can be destroyed by little foxes. A life brimming with purpose and possibility, a life that could bring harvest to God’s Kingdom, can be ruined by ‘little sins’. What little foxes am I letting into the vineyard that is my life?

2. Philippians 4:8-9

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

If I am following the instruction in this passage, there is little chance that I will find the tell-tale droppings that speak of sin in my life. Rather, I will be able to walk uprightly, effectively living out my witness before God and man. If I am not, then I am effectively living out the phrase that the original computer geeks coined “Garbage in, garbage out”.

This week we will be doing what we can to deal with the possible points of entry for mice to our home. As for me, I’ll be taking stock of the possible points of entry of sin into my life – and doing my best to deal with them.

Maximizing My Thoughts

Lately I have spent a fair bit of time pondering the practical outworking of the Scripture that encourages us to...

...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

I've never thought of myself as a dreamer although from time to time I think about what I would do if I were to win the lottery. (Not likely to happen since I don't buy tickets, but it's fun to think about it every once in a while.) I have noticed, however, that my thoughts often wander when I'm not purposefully focused. When I'm cleaning, doing dishes, walking to/from the bus, driving, in the grocery store - what am I doing with my thoughts? Could they be described as being "obedient to Christ"? Too often, sadly, the answer to that question is - no. Makes me think of something I used to hear people saying when I was a child...."wool gathering" is how they'd describe what's going on inside my head at those times.

Thinking about 2 Corinthians 10:5 has impressed on me the need to make the most of my thoughts. The result is that I am being intentional about directing my thoughts rather than allowing them to wander. What does that look like? If I encounter people who seem to be out of sorts, unhappy or in a bad mood, I pray for them to be blessed, to be able to deal with the difficult situation they are in, to have their eyes open to God at work in their lives. When I see people being helpful, positive, encouraging or Christlike, I ask God to bless them for that. When someone comes to mind, I try to turn that thought into prayer on their behalf. I think about Scripture verses that have impacted me, sermons that challenge me, things that I believe God is speaking to me about dealing with. I am choosing to look for the positives and to focus on them.

I am finding that this approach makes a big difference in how I feel about life in general and my life specifically. I want to be the same person inside as I am outside; to live for Christ in ways that others can see but also in the part of my life that only God and I know about - my heart and my mind. Taking my thoughts captive is one of the ways I can make that happen. I am challenged by Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:8...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

I have a long way to go before I could honestly say that this is a habit that comes naturally, without thought and which is what I do more often than not; the truth is that it is a work in progress. However, I am excited about the opportunity I have to invite the power of God into the world around me. I have even been daydreaming about how my thoughts can bring positive changes into the lives of those around me; how my heart and mind can be revolutionized as I live this out; how God can communicate with me as I am intentional about communicating with Him more often and as a matter of course throughout my day.

I look forward to being able to share the outworking of this endeavour with you.

Surprised By Joy!

Recently I was sharing with a friend about a change I was not happy about in my work schedule. I’ll admit – I was whining. My friend very gently encouraged me to see the positive possibilities this schedule change meant for me and our family. I grudgingly agreed with her assessment of the situation and felt suitably chastised for my attitude.

I was reminded of a book I read years ago – “Just Enough Light For The Step I’m On” by Stormie Omartian. [Thanks Laurinda for recommending this - and lending me your copy to read.] One of the principles she outlines in the book is that of finding something positive in every situation you face. My friend’s encouragement prompted me to look at this concept again and apply it to my new work schedule. I went through all the things I could think of and, quite frankly, felt rather virtuous for having done so. I’m so glad God is patient with me!

This week I was totally surprised by a benefit of my schedule that I had not imagined. As I left home to walk to the bus stop so I could be on time for my 4:00 pm start time, I heard my high schoolers calling to me as they turned onto our street on their way home from school. I was thrilled by their enthusiastic greeting and their loving hugs as we met on the sidewalk. On a whim I suggested that they walk me to my bus stop – and they did!

It was a few short minutes, but that brief walk with my two youngest definitely made my day. We talked about what had happened in school, what I had done at home, what was prepared for supper (definitely on their list of benefits – Mum is home, supper is done!) and who was doing what that evening. As we got to the corner where I was to catch my bus, I was again the recipient of hugs and kisses. I could not help but stand and watch as they headed for home. My heart was bursting with love, pride and joy, definitely joy.

Thank you, Lord, for your surprise of joy.

Sleep In Peace

In the late 1990's the worship team at our church introduced a chorus that quickly became a favourite not only for me personally but for many in the congregation. It was written/recorded by Hiram Joseph and simply says...

Speak Lord to me

Here am I Your servant who is calling

Humbly I await I await the moving of a mighty King

So I will seek until You speak

Many times during frustrating and/or difficult situations I have hummed, sung or spoken that song as a reminder both of my need to wait and of God's promise to hear and answer my call. It has comforted and calmed me repeatedly. Recently I was singing it at home when one of my children interrupted me to say...

Mum, why didn't you tell me I've been singing the wrong words? I've always thought it was "So I will sleep until You speak".

I laughed along with my child about the silly mistake but as the day wore on, that idea kept coming to mind...instead of taking my problems to God and then stewing about them, maybe I should practice sleeping till He speaks. I got to thinking about how Jesus was asleep in the boat with His disciples when the storm arose, causing the men great fear. I thought of how amazing it was that Jesus could sleep while the storm was raging. I thought of the paintings/prints/pictures I have seen in Christian stores of a bird safe in its nest while a storm is raging and the text that accompanies it - along the lines of "This is true peace".

I also thought of how unlike my reality that is. I tend to be like the disciples. I can't count the number of times I have frantically tried to awaken God to point out to Him that we are facing imminent disaster if He doesn't do something quickly. Or the times I have reminded Him that I've been waiting for a long time for Him to answer my call. Or the times I have asked whether He is aware of or planning to deal with the situations we are in.

Years ago one of our children struggled with night terrors; not only was that child's sleep fitful ours was too. After asking for prayer for this situation, a lady in our church suggested that we recite two verses with our child each night before bed and so we did. We immediately implemented the suggestion, ending each day saying Psalm 4:8 and Psalm 127:2b together. It was not long before the night terrors abated and sleep came easily for us all.

For the past two or three weeks, I have been singing Hiram's chorus my child's way - "So I will sleep until You speak" and reciting, as we did so many years ago, Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." I have also been thinking about the fact that Jesus is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and of the power there is in simply speaking His name.

The result of my efforts? I must confess that I do still experience moments of sheer panic when I feel like I'm in a little boat being tossed about by one of the storms the weather forecasters are talking about so much now that we're into hurricane season again. HOWEVER, I am pleased to report that I am experiencing a great deal of peace that I know must come from God. I am determined to experience His peace as I wait for Him to move.

Sweet dreams!

Someone Is Watching...

He was a year older than most of his classmates due to having had to repeat grade 3. Now in grade 8, he was fighting what seemed to be certain failure. He listened as the school principal told his mother that he would never graduate from high school and that her best hope was to get him into a technical school where he could learn a trade. While most would have given up, a fire began to blaze in his heart. He was determined to prove his principal wrong and make his mother proud.

Several months later he waited with bated breath for the word - how had he done? Devastated would not have been too mild a word to describe him upon hearing that he had failed. For the next three days he battled embarrassment, disappointment and shame as he considered his options. And then a miracle - a call from the principal to say a mistake had been made and that he had passed!

The determination continued as over the next five years, he excelled in high school and then four years of post secondary education that netted an Honours Bachelor's degree. A year of work and the dream of a Master's Degree could not be ignored. One semester into the program, a child on the way, studies were put aside. Three years later, through correspondence, another semester was completed. It would be six years before the hope of continuing became reality and another eight before it came to an end. Fourteen years filled with a nightmare of medical complications, lost jobs, re-education, a new career, three more children and three changes of address but somehow he made time and put forth the effort to complete the courses required for his Master's Degree.

Last week Thursday the diploma arrived in the mail. It was picked up by his 20 year old daughter who is struggling to find her way back for her third year of university. To her, it was the inspiration she needed to believe that she could and would reach her goal.

The man in the story? My incredible husband, Derrick. The young woman? Our daughter, Erin. The picture? Evidence that it's worth persevering...someone is watching...someone who needs an example to follow, a success story to be motivated by, Someone to believe in.

Thank you, Derrick, for being an inspiration to us all; for giving our children the example of a man who does not give up and who gives his best effort even when it looks like the goal may not be achieved. I love you.

Crab Apple Jelly

For years I have thought that I would like to try my hand at canning & preserving. A few days ago a friend told me she had an abundance of crab apples decorating her back yard, offered me some. She had told me how easy it was to make crab apple jelly and since in our house we all enjoy jam & jelly I decided that I would try. Last night was the night...

I won't bore you or embarrass myself by giving you all the messy details of the process. Suffice to say that by the time I was finished every large pot and measuring jug I own as well as several bowls and implements decorated my kitchen counters . Even though it was after 11 - PM that is - I was so exhilarated and excited about having made my own jelly I washed everything I had used to make the jelly before heading up to bed.

I did have a niggling concern as I walked up the steps. I had done my best to follow the instructions on the Certo packet as well as the advice my friend had shared with me but the jelly had not set by the time my cleaning up was finished. Come to think of it, maybe it wasn't the excitement and exhilaration that propelled me to clean up but rather my desire to stay up longer to see if the jelly set. In any case, I tipped the jars and found that the contents were still quite liquid. Oh well, maybe I had just made a batch of crab apple syrup. French toast for breakfast on Saturday morning?

I came down to the kitchen to have breakfast with Derrick and to my great delight found that, overnight, the jelly had set - YIPPEEE! We were able to enjoy (this is for you Catherine) P.C. blue menu whole wheat English muffins with some of my own crab apple jelly on it. Delicious!

In the quiet of my kitchen after Derrick left for work (my teenagers are still asleep) I thought back on last night's experience and all that making jelly entailed...

1. The crab apples needed to be carefully washed so that the grass, dirt and grit were removed.
2. They then needed to be sorted and those that had begun to rot were removed.
3. Then they were ready to be cooked. This required me to check the pot several times, monitoring the temperature, stirring and eventually crushing the fruit to extract all the flavour.
4. The liquid had to be poured off and strained, removing all the pulp of the fruit.
5. At this point the pectin and sugar were added and there was more cooking.
6. Finally the prepared liquid was poured in sterilized jars which were sealed.
7. Overnight, a simple liquid became my prized crab apple jelly.

Once again God has spoken to me about my need to be patient with the process I am in the midst of. The one that will make me more like Him, that will cause me to be the most content and effective Nicola I can be. There are many steps involved, some of which may not be pleasant - like being boiled, stirred and crushed. Some are time consuming, frustrating and leave a big mess - like the straining process that removes the stuff that prevent the successful completion of the process. However some are indeed pleasurable - sort of like the adding of sugar to the fruit liquid. Eventually, though, there is the sealing process and the completion of the work that proves the process was successful.

I have often talked to God about wanting to back out of the process I am in. Did I mention that about half way through I began to think it was definitely not as simple as Cheryl made it out to be and that I wasn't sure I would finish it or try again? Well now that I have my finished product, I definitely want to try again so Cheryl - if you have any more crab apples, I'll take a bag or two. Similarly, once I get past my moments of despair, I confess to God that I really do want to see it through to the end, that I do want to experience the sealing and setting that will allow me to experience the joy and satisfaction of having made it...at least till the next process begins.

By the way - those are my jars of jelly in the picture at the top of the post. And if you're interested, I've posted a picture of my dresser in the post about Enhancing Value - better late than never?

Enhancing Value

Thirty years ago a friend gave me a beautiful antique dresser. From time to time I have entertained thoughts of refinishing it but never got around to it. When we moved 3 years ago a friend who knows antiques admired my dresser so I told her of my plan to refinish it. She reacted quickly telling me that I should not do that because it would reduce the value of the dresser as an antique. She pointed out that the scuff marks on the front of the dresser add character as do the scratches on the top. She advised me to clean the wood with a mixture of turpentine and mineral spirits as that would freshen it up without detracting from its value.

I have thought about that incident many times since then. I mistakenly assumed that I needed to remove the evidence of wear and tear on my dresser in order to increase its value only to find that it was the wear and tear that added value. I do the same thing in my life. I think that I need to remove the scuff marks of life in order to make myself acceptable or presentable. I'd like to avoid the process of scuffing all together if I could because it would be far less painful that way.

Even though I have a beautiful white runner on the top of my dresser to hide some of the ugliest of the scratches, I have a greater appreciation for the scuff marks and other blemishes on it. Now the challenge - look at my scuff marks in the same way. I am slowly learning that my scuff marks are of value in my life. Because of them I am wiser, more sensitive, more understanding, more resilient and more capable of dealing with the scuffing experiences I will face in the future.

And that reminds me of something my Mum used to tell us. We sometimes pray and often hope that we will become like Jesus but when God begins the process, we start complaining because it's not very much fun. I want to believe that my scuff marks are evidence of the process of becoming more like Christ. I think I'll look into some turpentine & mineral spirits for the soul - maybe a dose of Scripture and some time with the Holy Spirit - so I can be freshened up.

Looking For What You Need To Find

Last week I was looking for a lid for one of my Tupperware containers but was frustrated at every turn. It wasn't in the dishwasher, the dish rack, the cupboard where most of my lids are, the other cupboard where some of my lids are, the kitchen counter - nowhere...or so I thought. After I had checked all the aforementioned places I decided I would take a look in the fridge; not because I thought the lid might be there but because I have an identical container but two different coloured lids. I had been looking for the pink lid so expected to find the green lidded container in the fridge...wrong! The container in the fridge had the pink lid on it so I went back to the cupboard where I keep most of my Tupperware lids and right away spotted the green lid I needed.

As I went about putting the cheese I had on the counter into the container - and fitting the green lid tightly on it - I thought about how that experience with a Tupperware lid mirrors some of my life-experiences. So often I go looking for an answer or solution to a particular situation or problem and come away frustrated because I can't seem to find one only to discover later on that the answer/solution was right in front of me all along. I had missed it because it was not what I was looking for.

I find this especially true when it comes to God-things. You know what I mean don't you? I bring a situation to God and I ask Him to work it out, I ask for His provision, His intervention, His direction. Then I begin to search for the answer/solution that I am looking for. Even though I have asked Him to take control, I have essentially maintained the position of Director in the situation. Time and time again I am frustrated in my search simply because I am looking for the wrong thing!

Why? Essentially because, as Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us...

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Too often, that's one of my least favourite Scripture passages because I want my thoughts to be God's thoughts and my ways to be His ways. You get the subtle difference there, don't you? I want Him to see things my way. I want my logic to make sense to Him - it makes sense to me after all! So when I take my concerns to Him and I begin to look for the answer/solution, I am looking for what I would do and for what makes sense to me. Time and time again, His answer is a green lid, not a pink one.

This faith journey that I'm on requires that I be open to different coloured lids. Let me tell you - it's definitely easier to type that than to live it. Some days it's exciting and I look forward to discovering what colour/shape/form God's response to my request will be. On other days, it feels terrifying not knowing what I'm looking for or how God will bring it about. Today...I'm open to fuchsia, magenta, chartreuse, jonquil, fandango, malachite or - of course - Caribbean green! As for tomorrow...I'll be checking the list of colour names on Google before I leave for work. I really want to the looking for the right coloured lid.

Friends

A quick thought before I head into the whirlwind that will be my day...

I glimpsed a headline at an online newspaper yesterday - something about how friendships are more important to women the older they get. Last night I had five friends over and I think we proved that headline 100%. We are a group of women ranging in age from late twenties to early fifties - very early fifties that is. We come from all walks of life and have unique life stories. We care about each other and it is amazing to watch that in action.

The group has been meeting regularly since last Fall. We took a break for the summer but decided we needed to gather at least once before September and last night was the appointed time. Our plan was to have tea and watch a video. An hour and forty five minutes after we arrived, the movie had not begun. During those 105 minutes we each shared what had been happening in our lives, laughed with each other, even shed a tear over some of the not so happy issues we were working through. We cheered each other's good news and victories and encouraged each other and gave advice for the processes we are determined to walk out.

We ended that portion of our evening with a time of prayer. Taking all of our good news and matters of concern to the One who ultimately drew us together - God. We acknowledged that it is His help we need and that with it, we would successfully navigate the waters ahead - rapids and all. Then we watched the movie we had ostensibly gathered to view.

As I said good night to each one at the door, even though it had been a long, hectic day, my heart was light and I felt good. I love my husband and children. I know I am truly blessed to have the marriage and family God has given to me. At the same time, I realize that I need other relationships and I am very thankful for my friends - the five ladies who shared last evening with me as well as the others who walk with me through the life journey God has me on.

Because of my desire to centre my life around God and His Word, I could not end this post without referring to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

And a final thought...friends don't magically appear; at least not usually. So I share with you some sage advice from times past - To have a friend, you need to be a friend.

Loud and Clear!

Lately God has been challenging me to TRUST . It seems I am frequently coming upon situations where I need to be still and quiet so that I can receive the comfort and reassurance He has for me on this faith journey. Yesterday on the way to work I encountered yet another of those situations...

In an effort to be economical, I decided to combine my drive to work with an errand - dropping some books off at the library. It was a beautiful morning and so I was driving with the windows down in a vehicle that my friend had graciously loaned me. I got out of the car at the library and by force of habit, pressed the lock button as I did so. When I got back to the vehicle I thought that I would just unlock the door by pulling up the button. BIG MISTAKE! The car's anti-theft system assumed that I was trying to steal the vehicle and began that loud blaring you hear so often from parked cars. I quickly got in and tried to start the vehicle but said anti-theft system would not allow me to do so.

By this point I was quite flustered and so jumped out of the vehicle. All kinds of options ran through my mind (including trying to open the hood and disconnect the horn!). As I stood there feeling rather panicked and a little embarrassed - I couldn't help but wonder what people going by were thinking of me - I took a deep breath and groaned..."God help me!". Instantly an idea came to mind - put the key in the lock and turn it. VOILA! The alarm went off allowing me to start the vehicle and drive away.

As I made my way to work thinking over what had happened, God spoke to me. In my initial state of panic, I was not able to think rationally about what I could do to rectify the situation, but when I literally stepped out of the situation by exiting the car and took the opportunity to ask for help, it was there. So often when I am in a difficult situation I feel the need to be doing something, to try to manipulate circumstances so that they move from difficult to not so difficult. Most times, it doesn't help. It's when I stop and give God the chance to move and/or to speak to me that I see change take place.

Why is it that I find it so hard to heed God's invitation to let Him do His thing? Once again I am challenged by an old chorus that simply repeats the the first half of Psalm 46:10...

"Be still, and know that I am God."

And by Moses' word to the children of Israel as they fled through the dessert...

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today." Exodus 14:13

The sincere desire of my heart is that the next time I begin to panic - for whatever reason - I will step back, take a breath and call on God. Stay tuned - I really want to have some amazing stories to share with you as He does what He does so well - is God in my life.

Lessons In Purolator Packages

At one of my two part-time jobs we receive courier deliveries every day bringing us orders which we have to process. Last week I was beginning to feel overwhelmed because one morning we received three deliveries which consisted of several large boxes. Since I already had some orders to deal with, I decided not to open the boxes till I had cleared the orders on the work bench. I found myself watching the order counter on my computer screen, looking at the bins to see whether I could see the bottoms, glancing at my watch to see how much time I had left to get all the orders dealt with and looking over at the boxes which seemed to get larger as the day progressed. By mid afternoon I was feeling a bit anxious - was I going to be able to get to the new orders and have them processed in a timely manner?

And then my boss brought in two more boxes. He's a real joker and as he walked out he made a passing comment like "You slacking off or something? Look at all the orders you need to process!" I laughed because I knew he was joking but the ball of anxiety in my tummy began to bounce around like an errant rubber ball on the school playground.

At that point I realized I had a number of options....

1. Continue to stress about the mounting pile of orders.

2. Stop looking at the boxes and concentrate on the bins.

3. Realize that I can only do what I can do so just keep going.

That worked for about 15 minutes before the sight of the boxes began to bug me again. So I decided to do something about. I got up, opened the boxes and unpacked the orders. To my surprise I found that quite a few of the boxes had very little in them. It seemed as though there were no small boxes to be found in the various stores that needed to ship orders and so they had used large boxes to send a small quantity of work to us. By the time all the boxes had been unpacked, the mound of work was not unmanageable. In fact, I was able to get it all cleared away before I left for the weekend.

As I was reflecting on my experience, I realized that I do the same thing in my life that I did at work. I am sometimes overwhelmed by all that I need to deal with and accomplish. I'm talking about things as simple as getting the floors swept and mopped to more complicated matters like supporting one of my children as he/she works through issues in his/her life. It would also include things like facing up to attitudes or behaviours that God is requiring me to deal with and working through disagreements with my husband. Sometimes I make a mental list of all the things I need to do, from the mundane to the serious, and I get overwhelmed. My stomach gets tied up in knots, I rhyme off all the reasons why I can't get do it, I remind myself of my inadequacies, of the improbabilities of successfully dealing with all the things I have to do and by the end of it, my stomach is so tied up in knots, it's not just one rubber ball bounding around, it's an entire box full!

I'm thankful that when I do get to that point, I eventually go through a process that is similar to unpacking courier boxes. I take time to talk to God about it all. I identify all the things I am stressing about, I acknowledge that I need His help and I try really hard to give it all over to Him. I sing a couple of choruses that really help me to calm down. It's at times like this that I am thankful for my parents' dilligence in taking us to church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and summer camp. I am also thankful for the hours I spent watching Christian television programs and listening to Christian tapes/CDs with my four children because it's songs from those experiences that come to my mind. Things like...

My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness

Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey

I cast all my cares upon You, I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet and any time I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You

I find my way to the book of Psalms and I soak up the encouragement I find there. As I read through, I write down my thoughts, feelings and questions. If you pick up my Bible and flip the pages, you will know where I was reading when I needed to go through one of my "unpacking boxes" processes - LOTS OF COMMENTS/NOTES!

What I find is that the 'boxes of troubles' I was allowing to overwhelm me are rarely full. They look worse than they are. Are there still issues that are difficult to deal with - yes, but they don't need to derail me emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically. With God's grace, strength, comfort and courage - often provided through the fabulous people He's placed in my life - I can deal with what I have to face.

I am greatly encouraged by the following passage from 2 Corinthians 8:-11 as translated in The Message:

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

That's my prayer...that God will work in me so that I can not only deal with what comes my way, but so that I can bring praise to Him as I do so.

Who knew Purolator could be so helpful?!

Maybe I Don't Need To Know...Lessons from a Video Game

Several weeks ago as I sat in the van waiting for one of our children I discovered a video game on my cell phone. Galaxy Balls is reminiscent of Tetris and since I had played it eons ago I thought I would try it. In the beginning it was frustrating but the longer I played it, the better I got. It took me a few games to realize that the little screen to the right was showing me what the next configuration of balls would be. It took me a few more games to be able to efficiently use that foreknowledge and it definitely helped me to get better scores but it was not as helpful as I thought it would be.

I sometimes found that it was confusing to have to manage both my present and future moves. For one thing, I got so focused on what was to come, that I missed placing the current configuration in the most advantageous way. Other times I placed the current configuration in the spot that I should have placed the next set of balls. A few times, out of frustration, I simply took my fingers off the control buttons and let the shapes fall wherever they landed and, to my surprise, I earned quite a few points that way.

Many times I have thought that if I knew what was going to happen, if I had 'inside information' about upcoming events, I would be better prepared to deal with them. Playing Galaxy Balls led me to a bit of an epiphany - it does not always work that way. If I knew what was to come, I might be distracted from dealing with the present. Life can be complicated enough today that I don't need to worry about what is going to happen next week or next month.

Similar to the dilemma that faces characters in time travel movies or books, if I knew what was to come I might change things today in hopes that I would be in a better position to deal with tomorrow's challenges. And that brings to mind a verse of Scripture...

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 Message

Galaxy Balls is not the real world but playing it has helped me to accept the fact that I don't really need to know what is to come...as long as I'm focused on where God is leading me.

Glorious and Free!

As an immigrant who has chosen Canadian citizenship, I sometimes feel that Canada Day is more special to me than to someone who was born here. I did not come from a war-torn country where we feared for our lives, had no safe place to live or little food to eat. To be sure there were issues that concerned my parents and which contributed to their decision to uproot their entire family and move to Canada, but it was not a life or death situation. Rather, it was a choice my parents made, after much prayer, to give their family the chance to have every opportunity for a fabulous life.

It was just over 33 years ago that we arrived at Toronto International Airport on an uncharacteristically chilly June night. I can still picture us - Mum, Dad, five children and 33 pieces of luggage - standing outside the terminal waiting for our rides (definitely needed more than one vehicle to get us all to where we were going!). My first glimpse of Toronto was in the dark so I don't really remember much of it but by far the most enduring memory of the drive to our friend's home is a fragrant one as we passed the Dad's Cookie outlet in Scarborough. For years when I drove by that spot on the 401 I would roll down the window to catch a whiff of that welcoming aroma.

As a teenager trying to adjust to a new country, I experienced some frustrations and difficulties but it didn't take me too long to find my place here in Canada and to feel good about my new home. It was eleven years before I officially became a citizen. It had not been an issue to me before I became pregnant with my first child and I can't really explain why it became so important to me to be a citizen when she was born - but it was.

I took the process very seriously. I got the booklets and pamphlets and I actually studied them because I was told that I would have to go through an interview process during which I would be asked questions about Canada's history and political system. I can still remember poring over the pages and quizzing myself. I remember the tiny room where I sat with the judge to be questioned and the little court room in Barrie where we went for the ceremony. I remember trying to hold back tears as I sang the national anthem as a brand new citizen. I remember the celebratory lunch at Red Lobster and I definitely remember the pride I felt as I held my citizenship certificate and card as we drove home.

It is hard to adequately explain how I feel about the country of my birth and the country I chose but I am thankful for them both. I am thankful to my parents for sacrificing so much in order for their children to have the wonderful lives we currently have. I am thankful for the Canadian immigration system that accepted us. I am thankful for all the freedoms, privileges and benefits I enjoy as a Canadian citizen. I am thankful for all the opportunities I and my family have had, do have and will have because we are Canadian.

I am thankful to God for His blessings on Canada. I am grateful for those who proclaimed loudly and clearly back in 1867 that their intention was for God to be recognized as the foundation for our great country. I appreciate the freedom I have to give God praise for His many blessings to me and to our country and I am very grateful for those who have fought for us to have the privilege of continuing to acknowledge God's blessing on Canada every time we sing our national anthem...

God keep our land, glorious and free!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!

Under Construction

On Friday evening I was sitting in the front garden of a home in a prestigious mid-Toronto neighbourhood. It was a beautiful night and I was enjoying the company of people I love. We heard a low hum in the distance. The increasing volume of the hum indicated that whatever it was was getting closer. I realized something was up when our host leapt from his chair yelling "Street sweeper" and ran for the hose while his wife hurried us inside. We watched from the front window as our host and his neighbour desperately tried to soak the street in front of their homes before the street sweeper could go by.

Why, you ask? Directly across the street from where we were sitting there are 60 townhouses being built. There is an incredible amount of dust as a result of the construction and every night the street sweeper goes by to clean up the street but because of the amount of the dust, all it does is move it from the street to the cars, sidewalks, front porches, windows, screens and even the interior surfaces of the homes around. Our host's mad rush for the hose was an attempt to reduce the amount of mess that would be spewed onto his property.

Even though the house we were visiting had been built five years ago, the neighbourhood is not complete. The townhouses that are currently under construction are part of the fourth phase of a subdivision that began over seven years ago. Hundreds of people in that neighbourhood have been living in their fully completed homes for years, but there is still work to be done in order to complete what was started.

When all the phases are completed, the finished development will be fabulous. Attractive homes, lovely green spaces, uniquely designed walkways and some exquisitely landscaped gardens. Everyone is looking forward to that day - no more construction vehicles, no more hammering, sawing or drilling and NO MORE DUST! But until the work is finished, they have to do their best to deal with the side effects of the completion of the project.

It makes me think of Philippians 1:6...

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Too many times I am caught off guard by the approach of God's spiritual construction crew and street sweeper. I get so caught up in enjoying the completed phases of my spiritual life that I forget or ignore the fact that there's more to be done. I have often done the 'mad dash for the hose routine', doing my best to minimize the effects of the aftermath of a street sweeper in my spiritual life.

When God begins to disturb the firmly packed earth around my current foundations bringing on the circumstances required to remove the soil and expose what is underneath so that He can strengthen and/or expand my foundation - it can be painful. I don't always greet that process with joy and alacrity. In fact, it is more likely that I do so with moans, groans and laments such as found in Psalm 55:1-2

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

How quickly I forget the reality of following Christ. That it is a journey, a process of becoming more like Him, a construction project that essentially does not end till my life on this earth is over. Since I chose to be part of God's Kingdom - His subdivision, if you will, I either need to move or deal with the construction process. Ironically, I have probably instigated the arrival of spiritual construction crews and street sweepers by my own words as I have asked God to make me more like Him or have agreed with Psalm 51...

Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt,
soak out my sins in Your laundry.
I know how bad I've been;
my sins are staring me down.

You're the One I've violated, and You've seen
it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
You have all the facts before You;
whatever You decide about me is fair.
I've been out of step with You for a long time,
in the wrong since before I was born.
What You're after is truth from the inside out.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

When I am honest with myself about why I am going through a messy, uncomfortable construction process, God is able to do His word unhindered - almost. I need to be honest...I am not always 100% on board even when I give Him permission to go ahead and do what needs to be done. I am like one of those annoying home owners who calls the contractor every other day to change her mind about how she wants things done. When will I ever learn!

In spite of my frustrating interfering and foot dragging, I really do want to experience the construction process that is going to make me more like Christ and cause me to be pleasing to Him. I am thankful for the encouragement of the Psalms through this kind of process, especially from Psalm 139. Take a moment to read and pray it for yourself today. Follow along with David as he highlights the cry of his heart that God would purify him, as he acknowledges how intimately God knows him and the fact that he cannot hide the true state of his heart from Him, as he accepts the incredible job God did in creating him, as he attempts to grasp how much God loves him and as he reiterates his desire to be cleansed from anything that is not righteous.

Years ago there was a popular bumper sticker that said "God is not finished with me yet". Be encouraged. God is making you into who He intends for you to be - and that's a good thing.

Celebrating Milestones

Tonight the youngest of my four children graduated from grade 8. As part of the celebration one of the teachers created a slide presentation that had pictures of the graduates as babies or toddlers and then showed the graduate today. Seeing the picture that Jordan chose to use brought back many good memories; I'm really proud of the fact that I did not cry!

This was the third time I had sat in that gym listening to speeches, hearing families whistle and cheer for their graduate and witnessing promising young people be rewarded for their hard work and contributions to the world around them. If you've ever been to a graduation ceremony you know that we heard about tonight being the end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one. We also heard about how all the hard work this year was worth it and that it would stand graduates in good stead as they entered grade 9. I don't think any graduation ceremony would be complete without comments about the opportunities that lie ahead and the need to make the most of them. Cliches? Sure, but all of them true.

The whole experience made me think of what it will be like when we get called upon to attend our heavenly graduation. What milestones will we be celebrating? What rewards will we be receiving? Just like each of tonight's graduates, all of us who have chosen Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour will receive the certificate of Eternal Life. For some of us, that may be the only award we receive but just like those who received special recognition for specific achievements, our endeavours for the Kingdom of God will gain us recognition in heaven.

I found it thought provoking to consider the fact that there were many special awards so that students who excel in their areas of giftedness would be honoured for using those gifts. The Bible clearly tells us that we have been given gifts and that we are to use them. Doing so provides us the opportunity to be rewarded in heaven.

Can you picture it...a huge auditorium...if there are streets of gold, what will the chairs look like? Millions of people - and a sound system that's so amazing everyone can hear every word spoken! An emcee who has all the lines memorized, who calls each person up in the right order and has all the awards correctly assigned. Surely that would be the epitome of 'thunderous applause'? If I could experience pride over the achievements of my son's grade 8 graduation, what will it be like for my Heavenly Father when I receive my Heavenly awards.

One more 'cliche' type comment - alluding to the next graduation ceremony that will come in 4 years, the admonition to make the most of those 4 years and be prepared for the next milestone. Similarly we are encouraged to press on for the prize that awaits us...

I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don't feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. Philippians 3:12-14

One reason I am typing this blog so late is that we chose to 'reward' Jordan with the gift of a party with some of his friends. As I write, there are nine 14 year old boys in our basement, eating snacks, drinking pop (Sorry, Catherine!), talking, laughing and reminiscing about the past year. They are, in effect, celebrating the milestones that matter to them. I think I will take some time when I am finished to reminisce about some of the milestones in my life; the ones that will last for eternity. I will also look forward to being able to celebrate them with my Heavenly Father when the time comes.

It's Who He Is

It's always been about Who he is...my Dad. Anyone who knows him will tell you that. And because of Who he is, he has impacted more lives than we can count.

All over the world today there are people who remember how my Dad...

• Danced with and sang to their child - just because he loved to.
• Laughed with them.
• Cried with them.
• Prayed with them - wherever they were when a need was mentioned. And I do mean wherever - the subway, the mall, the parking lot, the grocery store. Wherever.
• Shared encouraging words.
• Comforted them.
• Invited them over for meals or gave them a place to stay when there was a need.
• Taught Sunday School, New Believers classes and youth groups.
• Sang so beautifully.
• Conducted himself with integrity.
• Choose to serve God rather than seek his own way.
• Did what needed to be done, especially the things that no one else would do.
• Went above and beyond.
• Loved his wife and children fiercely, protectively and loyally.
• Honoured God with his whole life.

Even though Alzheimers has stripped him of his ability to speak, he continues to communicate clearly simply by being Who he is. He is joyful, smiling often and even laughing at times. He is loving, hugging and kissing us when we get close to him. He is demonstrative, holding hands and stroking arms as we sit beside him.

It's Who he is. My Dad. I am blessed to be his daughter and to have had his example to follow.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. From your heartstring.

Beyond The Thought

It's just a thought. Sometimes fleeting. Often ignored. You know the kind of thought I mean..."Maybe I should give my friend a call or send an email..." You have those kinds of thoughts sometimes don't you? What do you do with them? Do you ever go beyond the thought? If so, what kinds of responses have you had?

Sometimes when I get those kinds of thoughts, I make excuses not to act on them. I feel foolish for even thinking them. Why, I ask myself, would I do that? On the occasions when I want to investigate that response rather than make the question hypothetical, I come up with some pretty good responses...

1. Because if I'm having that thought, there's probably a reason.

2. That reason might be God-inspired and directed.

3. It's the kind of thing I do; it's part of who I am.

4. It wouldn't hurt to do it.

Most times when I follow through on those thoughts, I get a positive response. The truth is that people appreciate being thought of. Not only that, it's amazing how often the thought comes at a time the person on your heart/mind really needs the encouragement that comes from your action whether it's a call, card, email or kind gesture.

You know that Bible verse that talks about doing to others what you would like to have done to you? (Luke 6:31 if you'd like to look it up.) When you are having a rough day, need some help making a difficult decision or are wondering how to proceed in a sticky situation - would you appreciate getting a phone call, email or note from a caring friend? Would you like to have someone deliver a meal or a goodie when things are simply crazy in your life? Have someone remind you how special you are to them? I've been on both sides of this situation; I've really appreciated the contact and I've been blessed by the response I've had from others when I've been the one doing the contacting.

Those of you who know me know that my pontifications often come out of personal experience and this is no exception. Last night I picked up my friend at Pearson International Airport as she came back to Canada after 10 months teaching overseas. As she was leaving this morning my friend told me how much she appreciated my ongoing contact; having a connection with someone back home was a huge boost for her. To me, it did not feel like I had done much and I know I could have done more but to my friend, it meant a lot. You know what's interesting? What I did was quite simple, not terribly time consuming and certainly not very expensive.

As Esther drove away I decided - yet again - to be better at paying attention to and acting on the thoughts I have about doing something that would encourage and/or uplift someone else. This blog post is one step in that direction. I hope that you will pay close attention next time you feel the prompting to do something for someone else.

Do me a favour - let me know how it goes? Thanks!

The Recipe..

Some of you have asked me for the Curried Chick Pea Salad recipe so here it is...

Dressing

4 tsp. apple cider vinegar

4 TSP. lime or lemon juice

1/2 c. olive or vegetable oil

4 tsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. salt

4 tsp. curry powder

Salad ingredients

1 cup raisins

2 cans chick peas (drained and rinsed)

1 red or green pepper, diced

1 c. chopped onion

1 c. chopped parsley or cilantro

4 tsp. toasted cumin

Optional: Grated carrots, diced celery

Mix dressing ingredients; combine all vegetables, put cumin seeds aside. Pour dressing over vegetables and marinate in fridge for 2 hours. Sprinkle cumin over salad before serving.

Can be served as is or over a bed of greens.

ENJOY!

Better AND Worse

Last Saturday I attended a shower for my niece. Due to the pouring rain, our "Tea Party Shower" was moved indoors where we enjoyed yummy goodies, played the requisite games and oohed/aahed at the lovely gifts. At one point our hostess gave each of us the opportunity to share words of encouragement and advice for Lisa. Some of the comments were humourous, causing us all to laugh uproariously while others were deep and meaningful, even drawing a tear or two. In the midst of the tremendous joy and anticipation of wedded bliss, we all wanted to share positive, encouraging advice - and we did. But in just a few days, Lisa and Andrew will be pledging to love one another "in sickness and in health, for better or worse". How do you go about sharing that without bursting the bubble? On the 90 minute drive home I took to reminiscing...

It's been just over 24 years since Derrick and I got married. Over that time, we have experienced the 'better' AND the 'worse'; I don't think any of us can escape that reality. The intricacies of our 'worse' are well recorded in the corners of my heart and mind; I've found it's best for me not to go there if I can help it. The glorious details of all our 'better's are emblazoned in the forefront - and I know that's the best place for them.

Recently as I was having tea with a friend she said something that underscored today's thought. After years of debilitating pain and surgeries in the double digits, her husband is finally in a good place. The years of disability were horrible and the toll they took was heavy. Now that the proverbial sun is shining brightly on them, life is definitely better. She told me she can look her husband in the eye and say, "You were worth sticking it out for." WOW!

Another friend has walked with her husband through a back injury that prevented him from working for many months and which led them to the brink of insolvency. Today, he is a business owner and things are definitely better. She told me that she loves her husband dearly, is glad she stood with him.

On any given day, most parents could relate their experiences of 'better' and 'worse' with their children. Employees/employers could do the same in regards to their experiences at work. Students would probably focus more on the 'worse' aspects of school even though they might grudgingly acknowledge the 'better'.

My Mum often quoted the following verse from Matthew 5:45...

...for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Sort of sounds like 'better AND worse" to me.

The truth is that after the rain there's sun; once we get to the bottom of a hill, we begin the ascent to the peak of the next one and after weeping comes joy.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)

By the time I got home from the shower, my reminiscing and ruminating had culminated thus: I don't think it's possible to choose 'better' all the time nor is it likely that our lives will be 'worse' all the time. No, I think the reality is that life is an ongoing cycle of 'better AND worse'. And if I may offer some advice...throw yourself into the 'better' so that your heart and mind are filled with hope, joy and energy aplenty to sustain you through the 'worse'.

Simple Pleasures

Today I maximized the pleasures of my day...

• I enjoyed the sunshine as I washed our patio table & chairs and swept the patio stones in preparation for having friends over to lunch.


• I enjoyed the anticipation of spending time with friends.


• I enjoyed preparing and sharing a new favourite salad - Curried Chick Pea Salad (I'll share the recipe if you'd like it).


• I enjoyed walking around the house without shoes because I love the feel of a clean floor on my bare feet. (See yesterday's post for explanation.)


• I enjoyed the joyful greetings of my friends and the excited chatter of the first few minutes we were together.


• I enjoyed the opportunity to share about what's going on in our lives.


• I enjoyed the lovely breeze that rustled the willow leaves above us.


• I enjoyed watching the customers in the u-pick farm behind our back fence.


• I enjoyed the laughter.


• I enjoyed the privilege of being able to pray together...in the sunshine, with the breeze rustling in the willow leaves.


• I enjoyed the image of my husband coming through our front door with two beautiful cushions for our couch - he did a great job picking them out.


• I enjoyed the image of my husband smiling.


• I enjoyed the image of my husband in a 'new to him' shirt.

• I enjoyed the thrill of my husband coming home to me.


• I enjoyed listening to my daughter enthusiastically speak about the summer job she started this week - a job which is a huge answer to prayer. Thank you God!


• I enjoyed hearing my son tell me he has had an awesome day.


• I enjoyed watching my husband indulge in his passion - gardening.


• I am enjoying the knowledge that when I go grocery shopping in a few minutes, I will be able to find what I want and I will be able to afford to pay for it.


• I am looking forward to being able to put on my p.j.'s, recline comfortably on a couch or in bed and read a few pages of the book that has currently captured my attention.

Choosing to maximize my pleasures today was a good decision. I think I'll do it again tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing my Simple Pleasures with me today. I hope you will be able to identify and enjoy the Simple Pleasures of your day.

Taking Care Of Stuff

I have made a conscious choice to do the things that I really don't like to but need to do. You know what I mean...the closet you haven't cleaned, the mail you haven't gone through, the mending/dry cleaning you haven't taken care of. There's an odd satisfaction that comes from doing this. It feels good to deal with things that I've been putting off for days or weeks or maybe even months.

For years I've talked about the fact that I often hear God talking to me when I am doing the dishes - I can't explain it, but it really happens. A few months ago when I was speaking at church I joked about the fact that I wished God would speak to me when I was cleaning my floors because then they'd get swept/mopped more often. I'm happy to report that I have been mopping/sweeping my floors quite frequently lately and God has been meeting me during those clean ups. Which is a good thing because I've had lots to work through. I can't explain it but it seems as though dealing with those mundane, simple things is helping me to feel more productive and, in an odd way, frees me up to do more. Not only that, but it has given me the courage and determination to tackle issues of greater importance than cupboards, floors and mending.

Tonight was the final gathering of a group of ladies I've been meeting with for the past 7 weeks. Together we completed a video Bible study on the story of the exodus of the children of Israel. Working through the lessons forced me to confront some personal issues that I have been ignoring because I really did not want to have to deal with them. I had lots of excuses but none of them was really valid. Through the lessons and our weekly discussions, I came to realize that it was time to get take care of those things. As with the mundane tasks I have put off, once I began to honestly deal with the issues I knew I needed to work through, it was not as awful as I envisioned.

To be perfectly honest, it was not a very comfortable process, particularly when I felt I needed to share it with the ladies in the group. Even so, I did it and it feels GREAT. I am thankful for the support, acceptance and encouragement of the group memebers. It was a good example of the Biblical principle found in Hebrews 10:23-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I don't know if you've been putting off anything simple that you could probably get done rather quickly and/or easily. Today's a great time to decide to get it done. While you're at it, take the opportunity to talk to God about stuff He's got for you to deal with too. If it seems a bit daunting, utilize your 'life line' option and call a friend for support. I think it'll feel good to cross some stuff off your to-do-list; both the one on your fridge and the one you have in your head because you don't want anyone else to see it.

Now the challenge will be to ensure that I keep this habit going so that my lists don't grow long again. I'll let you know how that goes.

Mathematical Gratitude

Recently I have found myself humming, sometimes singing, an old chorus that goes like this:

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your blessings see what God has done

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

At the oddest moments these words pop into my mind. It's okay when I'm at home or with my Christian friends but not advisable when I'm working at the library! I got to wondering why this chorus was on my heart and mind so much and I came up with some ideas...

• I HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR! I am blessed with a husband who loves God, me and our children, four beautiful children who are doing well in life, a great extended family, fabulous friends, good work situations and so much more!

Years ago we attended a service at an African Episcopal Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. One of the things I remember vividly was how they took time to thank God at the start of the service. Several people began their 'thank-fession' with the statement "I thank God He woke me up this morning". A simple but powerful fact. Each day I am alive I have the opportunity to positively impact the world around me - do I?

Recently I heard Carol Burnett speaking about her daughter, Carrie, who died of cancer some years ago. She said that due to the nature of her illness, Carrie spent the last number of weeks of her life in the hospital. One day a nurse stopped Carol and told her that she could not get over how positive, upbeat and cheerful Carrie was even though she knew she was dying. It puzzled her so much that she asked Carrie how she managed to be that way. Carrie's response? "Every morning when I wake up I determine that I'm going to love my life today." That has really impacted me. If I take time to focus on the positive and love my life today, I will make a difference in my world.

I also read an article about a man in Toronto who, when going through a hard time, began a website on which he posts positive thoughts every day. This gentleman now has a huge following and his site gets thousands of hits. He has had feedback from people who have been encouraged by his focus on the things he has to be thankful for or which are good in life.

When I was a teenager if I made the mistake of complaining to my mother about something that I did not have but thought I needed, she would always remind me that I was better off than many other people. I always put that in the same category as the comment about eating up my supper because there were starving children in Africa. What did that have to do with me? As an adult, I understand what Mum was trying to help me see. There may be many people who have bigger, better, brighter stuff than me but there are many more who have less, much less than me. Even so, I have a LOT to be thankful for.

I have often been challenged by the Bible verse in Philippians 4:11 which says:

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

I have learned that taking the time to be thankful for what I have goes a long way to making it possible to be content with what I have.

• When I don't take time to count my blessings, be thankful for all that is going right in my life, focus on the positive, I get discouraged, dissatisfied and delusional.

Delusional? Yes, delusional. When I ignore the blessings of my life, it's easy to fall into self pity and envy. Ever read the Berenstain Bears books? Remember the one where the kids got the "Gimme's"? (I love the green faced grimaces on the kids!) Sometimes I get to believing the ads that bombard me with the message that I deserve to have the luxuries they are promoting; it's my right to have the products they're hawking; if I don't get it now, I'm missing out. We live in a twisted world when fast food becomes a right, something I have to have and if I don't have it, then I have been ripped off.

Most days I can silence the pesky thoughts of being deprived of that which I deserve. It's really easy on the days when I have gone to the effort of counting my blessings but somewhat more difficult on the days when I have not.

When I simply cannot find my way out of my dissatisfaction and discouragement, I tend to consult my Bible because I know it is a source of Truth that will help to get me centred. I hang on to this Truth to help me fight my delusion.

God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. 2 Corinthians 9:8

That's a mathematical equation that excites me! Here's to every blessing I need and the ability to do good things for others.