wisdom

Today as I was gearing up for this interview Brian gave me three words of advice.

1. put your little hand in God's big hand

2. smile

3. LOVE the people you meet

So I'm off to do that in about 5 minutes...

God is near

Today was a FABULOUS day! Steve Klassen, who runs the Mark Centre came and did a session with us this morning. He inspires me! Such a wise man, who embraces a lifestyle of listening to God and encouraging others to acknowledge the good things in our lives as blessings from the hand of God. He invites us to share stories and it is so good to be able to hear these testimonies from everyone. Whenever Steve talks with us, he invites us to slowly meditate on Scripture and to listen to the voice of God in community. I love the way he shares with such confidence that God is and will continue to speak to us. He has a love relationship with Jesus and spends time in His presence everyday, seeking His ways and approaching life with a receptive heart.

Here is the poem we read this morning.

 I'd encourage you to sit on it. meditate on it and contemplate it.

"Follow Jesus around the Scriptures- be an observer,
watch how he looks
watch how he touches
watch how he is present to people
watch how he prays and takes time out

Let him look at you
Let him touch you
Let him hold you
Let him heal you
Let him be present to you

Then become the look
Become the touch
Become the presence." - By Doreen Kostynuik

Actually, I'd encourage you to read it again for a second time.

After we read it, Steve asked us to tell a story of a time we knew God "looked at us" during these months. Then we were encouraged to share stories of when we became the look, the touch or the presence to others around us. This is giving God his glory.

I am reminded of the many many times I felt God's embrace while I was away. I am aware that we carry His presence to this world. "Each day we expose people to the Gospel with our lives" (David) all because Christ dwells in us (Romans 8:11 and 1 John 3:24) and his presence in us enables us to love. Abiding in Christ allows us to love others more fully.

Happy Father's Day



My dad

means the world to me

He would do anything for me.

I love him with all my heart.

Best thing is that I arrived home on Father's Day!

Awakening

a.w.a.k.e.n.i.n.g.

It was my prayer this morning as I finally took the worship flags I had made down to the seaside
and let the wind blow them. Songs of praise flooded from my heart and words of the declaration of the
reign of God soared over this land. Jesus awaken hearts in this nation to know you, as Father and Saviour.

My playlist: 10 000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)- Matt Redman, White Flag- Passion, Here for You- Chris Tomlin, Famous One- Chris Tomlin, Awakening- Chris Tomlin, Spirit Fall- Christ Tomlin.

"You are the Lord, the famous One, famous One,
Great is Your Name in all the Earth."

times

Times
Satisfied
Faith of the heart

 These last couple of days

have been emotional.

 I think about these people that I love so dearly and have shared my life with for the past 7 1/2 months and I am overcome with emotion. I think my biggest sentiment is that of gratitude. I am grateful that these families invited me to come and join in their lives for this time. They have had such extended arms towards me and have always looked out for me. I am part of the team and part of the family. I have never been alone. I am surrounded by 3 amazing women who love their husbands, their children, their neighbours and their Saviour. They have been such good examples to me. They were always there asking how I was doing and their kind words and gestures have meant so much to me. I could not have asked for more in this time. It has been precious! I look forward and am excited to be part of these children's lives as they grow up, little by little. I will always have these memories in my heart forever. This time was right. Jesus satisfies all my longings.

How do you choose?

Since coming here, I have been gaining more and more confidence in terms of learning to navigate and get around independently. Sure, I sometimes take "the long way around" when I'm going somewhere, but in the end I get where I'm going and feel a great sense of

accomplishment when I get where I had set out to go. Success!

 Especially in the last two months I've traveled to the European side more- to meet two friends at the airport, to go to one of the big malls and to make some shopping trips to slowly pick up some gifts to bring back for friends and family.

I have been a returning customer to one little shop that sells souvenirs. I really like how the salesman is not pushy and takes his time with me. He doesn't hassle me, but actually makes me feel very comfortable in his shop. I first went there pick up some things I liked (sorry I can't tell you what). Then I returned another time to get more, then on Sunday I brought Gerald there. And again today I found myself in the same little shop! He really does have the best prices around! Today I was served tea and given the best prices he could offer, since S, the salesman, knows me pretty well now!

 Pictured above are some traditional plates that are found here . I love them, especially the ones in the top row! hmm... some look like they're missing! Might one have my grandma's name on it? We'll just have to wait and see. Love you Grandma. I know you are reading this post!

Although this picture isn't super clear, it shows my absolute favourite plate.
Even though I would have snatched it up in an instant, I had to stop and
remind myself of all I have purchased here.
Maybe I can get this one on my next trip .

God leads

I was invited over to my friend Drake's house for a late dinner last night.

We were having the party to say goodbye to our friend Nadyn who is going back to Germany,

but actually a bunch of us are leaving in the next little while.

The remarkable thing is that there were 8 people there and 6 countries were represented.

How amazing that God has called each one here for a season.

I had an old song in my head today as I was walking about.

It's the song, "Shine, Jesus, Shine." The lyrics are:

Shine Jesus shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light.

May our lives point to the Kingdom of Heaven!

May people encounter Jesus!