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Preservation
Terry Fox was an amazing young man who did an incredible job raising awareness for cancer research. In our class this week, we talked a lot about Terry’s cancer journey and his drive to provide hope to those with cancer. As we prepared to do our Terry Fox walk, we talked about the original Marathon of Hope and how Terry wanted it to continue, even if he was unable to do so. Trying to define “hope” for my students was a challenge. For them, the word conjures up images of wishful thinking. Yet, for the Christian, it is so much more than that. Hope is having confidence in our faithful…
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Hope for the Seeker
A new school year. For the most part, my students are eager to be at school and hopeful they will succeed and enjoy their year. They look forward to all the adventures the school year brings. I also have many hopes and dreams for my students. I want to build a strong classroom community and I want them to grow and learn throughout the year. I hope that they will be caring and kind to one another. My aim is that they will become the best students possible. Do these hopes come to fruition if I sit and do nothing? Not at all. It takes many hours of hard work…
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Planting Things Right
I am an early morning person and I love going out to my garden in the cool of that time of day. I find each journey outside a new adventure. At times it seems as if things have sprouted overnight and I marvel at the wonders of God’s creation. As I move about, the sights and sounds inundate my senses – the massive bird chorus, the pink sky of the dawn, the squirrels chattering, the trees gently rustling in the breeze, and so on. I find my garden to place of peace and contemplation. While the work in my large garden is considerable, it is a place where I relax…
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Reaping a Harvest
The day was sunny and bright as we returned from a short camping trip. As we approached our deck, something was amiss. The lovely flowers that had graced my entry way now looked smashed. My first thought was about what creature might have been at my plants. But then it dawned on me – there had been severe weather when we were camping, perhaps it hit at home as well. With trepidation I went out to my large garden, fearing what storm evidence I would find. Sure enough, hail had wreaked havoc to most of my plants and fruit trees. I cried. And then I had moments of just wanting…
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Getting Things in Focus
The trees start their dance as the wind picks up speed. Soon the rain joins the chorus and the active weather is upon us. As we sit in our RV in a campground, my uncertain feelings escalate as I read the weather app on my phone – tornado warning! While praying, I look for something to distract me, but the puzzle book I grab does little to help. My thoughts are all still over the place. My mind teems with anxiety as I consider all the unpleasant possibilities. The “what ifs” take hold. I am akin to the tight rope walker who is told not to look…
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You Have a Choice
A year ago, this week, I faced a terrible diagnosis and an uncertain future. My world was filled with “why” questions that had no answers. My summer plans to enjoy some holidays and to prepare for my new job turned into days of medical appointments, surgery, and recovery. As I recall those difficult days, my heart hurts at all I had to endure. I remember my head being in turmoil. My thoughts were a muddle as I tried to make sense of my situation. All of a sudden, everything in my life was coloured by the impact of this disease. I was devastated and wondered how I was supposed to…
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Forget What is Behind
Often, I read and take to heart Paul’s words in Philippians “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV) I am a goal-oriented person and this verse appeals to me. I like the idea of working towards something. Of course, I know I cannot earn salvation – that is God’s free gift. I do like the encouragement this verse brings to keep on going in the walk of faith – knowing that God has the “prize” awaiting me as I look heavenward. What I often don’t consider is the verse that comes prior to this…
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Stepping Out on the Edge
They go about their daily business. Outsiders might call them unskilled labourers. But doing what they do requires knowledge of the weather, of the sea, and of specific techniques. In the societal hierarchy, they are on the lower side of the scale. Yet they do their work with faithfulness and patience in order to provide for their families. These fishermen are going about their daily tasks when Jesus walks up to them. Scripture doesn’t tell us if they had heard Jesus’ message prior to this day. It is highly likely that they already knew something about His work and ministry as Jesus had been preaching in the area. What may…
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Finding Patience
As I explore Scripture, some themes resonate with me at particular times. A recent read of James 5 brought up the subject of patience. My husband and I have a standing joke about my patience…or lack of it. He often reminds me that waiting for something is okay and that God has things under control. I try, but seem to succeed at it more often than not. For many years I considered myself a patient person. I bided my time, hoping that better things would come along. I invested my time, talents, and treasures, hoping that someday they would bear fruit. I worked hard to be tolerant and uncomplaining,…
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What Do I Say?
As I watch people in my life go through challenging circumstances, I want to reach out and offer comfort. Yet, what do I say? I don’t want to sound trite – “Everything’s going to be okay.” – when it really isn’t. When someone I love is in pain – whether physical or emotional – things are not necessarily going to resolve themselves in healing and freedom from the challenge. How do I encourage others in times like these? Often, when we don’t have the words, God does. The Scripture that comes to mind is from Isaiah 41:“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for…
