To blog or not to blog...

How important is it to write out our thoughts and feelings? I'm so glad God decided to put His thoughts and feelings into the written word! I love to know that He thinks about us constantly and carries us in the palm of His hand. I'm thrilled to learn about His character and read about the experiences others have had in His presence. Words have power - and we have the privilege of preserving them in our journals every day.

When we take time to record our memories, journal our prayers, and write down our thoughts, we truly give ourselves a gift to be opened over and over again. We can recall times of laughter, be encouraged by God's faithfulness in difficult situations, and feel a sense of comfort by expressing and managing the emotions He's given to us. It feels good to revisit the joys and even the struggles in our lives, because God is working in us and building our trust through every circumstance. We never outgrow His gentle and wise instruction, we never graduate from the learning process.

I've been journaling for years now, and 'blogging' just presents another medium in which to do so. After reading several of my posts Krystle was inspired to create her own blog. What a joy it is to read her thoughts and feelings as she enjoys life at Heritage.

When Lorraine first suggested that I should I blog (I just celebrated my one year anniversary of blogging), I thought 'yeah sure and when would I have time for that?' Funny how you make time for what's important.

This is simply an opportunity to appreciate the gift of the written word, with no due dates, no grading scale - but a chance to allow God to encourage my heart and remind me of His unconditional love and continued faithfulness. My journal has become one of my favourite reads - and perhaps one of my greatest treasures.

Blessings

One Life to Live

Have you ever watched soap operas? I must admit I was once hooked, I would watch ALL afternoon, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. I would start with All My Children, then Another World, and finish off with One Life to Live. It's sad really when I think back to that time, and how much time was wasted.

I was reading Melanie's blog about how there is really nothing worth while on T.V. these days, and how neither her nor her husband dedicate any time to watching a specific show each week. I too am not hooked on any specific show, I agree with Melanie, I'd rather spend time with my family. However, Gerard was over one weekend and brought Season 1 of "LOST", and yes I am hooked. We borrowed Season 2 from friends and now have borrowed Season 3 from another friend, and we are lovin' it! It's kind of nice being able to watch an episode at my convenience and not to have to bother with commercials.

As I reading Sandra's blog she had posted this link, what a profound lecture. It really makes you think.

While we only have one life to live here on earth, those who have taken the
"Steps to Salvation"
1. We have all separated ourselves from God.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
2. But he still loves us...
For God so loved the world, that He have have His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. John 3:16
3. So He has made a way for us to know Him!
God commanded His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
4. All we have to do is believe -
If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
5. And receive His Gift!
All are justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24

will have eternal life.

Randy's lecture was good and he had some GREAT points, it made me think about my life and where I am and my responses to the many different situations that are on-going.

I am so thankful that this life is not the end for me.....

Blessings

BLAH!!!

Is it just me or has winter dragged on forever?

I don't know about you but I am more than ready for the spring weather, with warm winds & sunshine! The other day as I was out walking, I was sure that I could smell "Spring." Then with the warming of the sun I was sure spring was in the air, I even hung out laundry. Nothing beats the smell of clothes hung out in the spring air to dry. Now today I hear that we are expected to get more snow, gah!

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 is says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Sometimes it's hard, for me anyway, to enjoy each time and season of life. I've gotten better though, not always looking back to the past or waiting for the future, but trying to enjoy the present. Sometimes a gentle reminder is needed, that just like the weather ~ we need each season/situation in our life, to help us grow, learn and put our trust in God.

So I guess until spring does come, I'll take myself over to the Huron Ridge Acres greenhouses and enjoy the beautiful spring plants, warm weather & sunshine and start dreaming of warmer days.

Blessings

My feet were made for walking.....

.....and that's just what I'll do!

When Darcy started kindergarten, Kyle was in Grade 2 and Krystle was in Grade 3, I would have the whole day at home ahead of me, so I began to take walks. Each morning we would walk out the lane together and the kids would get on the bus for school, and I went for my walk. We have always had a dog at the farm and they became my walking partner.

This is Dolly our current dog and my faithful walking companion.

From the moment she hears me putting on my shoes she gets excited knowing that we are going out. She has kept me dedicated for 9 years to walking, because if I miss a day here or there throughout the week, she gives me that "look" asking me 'are we going now?'

My walking time is also a time for me to process my thoughts and ideas about the different aspects of my life. In fact if you've come upon me as I am walking, you'll probably see my hands gesturing and you'll likely hear me talking as I tend to process those thoughts outloud.

Last year I had decided to take up jogging. I had read in Melanie's blog how to slowly begin to build up your heart & muscles to this task. So I slowly started, I would jog between hydro poles then walk the next two, until I had gone the whole way. As the summer went on I was able to gain times between hydro poles, jogging two, walking one....jogging three, walking one.... and continued to build up more jogging and less walking until I was able to jog the length of the side road.

As winter approached I found myself not quite as excited to get out in that weather for walking. So I had gone into town, when we used to take Darcy to work, and I would walk in Bayfield. Now though, that the 'spring' weather is coming, I've started walking out here again. Once the roads are little less snowy, I plan to start jogging again.

So, if you see me out there walking, just keep in mind, that I am not crazy with all the talking and hand gesturing........just processing.

Blessings

Motley Crew

Meet the gentlemen that I work with.
Tim, Phil, Jamie & Tom (also pictured is Tim's dog 'Phil', I scooped this picture from Jamie's photos on facebook.)

I started working at the Zurich Mennonite Church in the office on December 18, 2007. Each of the guys have their own schedule so we are not all together everyday, except for Wednesdays, when we have a weekly staff meeting. This is a time where we catch up with each other on the different parts of the ministries that we are involved with and sometimes, most times, we get off topic and rabbit-trail with our thoughts and then the different & unique personalities come through. I don't think I laugh as much in a whole week than I do in this one day. These guys are funny, I mean funny. I SO enjoy our time together.

It's interesting how you can have a preconceived idea about the "Pastor". To be honest I was guilty of that myself, I tended to put these people on a pedestal, until I started working with them. I hope that doesn't come out wrong. I mean they are just people too, who have issues and concerns and they are just trying their best to live out their lives according to the purpose to which they are called.

My job is about as close to perfect (for me anyway) as I can get. I work Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm, in a great atmosphere, with people who value who I am, not what I do. I find that with this schedule I am able to balance home & work more easily. I am using the God-given giftings & talents and I am blessed to be working with this 'motley crew' for the advancement of the kingdom.

Blessings