peace, a decision and a little humour

At the beginning of November I was asked by the youth pastor at my church if I would be the female leader for the Spring Break Youth Missions trip to Thailand. It was a total suprise to be asked primarily because I have not been involved with youth at the church and also I did not foresee any oversees trips this year. I told Jon I would think about it. And think and pray is what I did. Everyday it was on my mind, yet I did not have peace about a decison for a month. It was a long time of wondering if I would ever have peace about making a decision. To add to the mix I accepted a full time teaching position at Abby Christian beginning in mid- January. I'll be teaching grade 5! With the new position I wondered if I would need a break or if the trip would be a life-giving way to spend my Spring Break. I wondered so many things. I know it will be a different pace of life once January hits because having your own classroom involves a lot more prep work and time. Currently with Teaching on Call I usually leave school at 3:30 and I have no further planning to do in the evenings. It's been easy! Getting back to the story. Finally two Wednesdays ago,  I woke up with this peace about saying no to it.  At the end of the day, the Spirit of God wasn't leading me to do it. That's an interesting thought. It says a couple of times in Galatians to let the Spirit guide our lives and that has been why I've "had to go" in the past and yet this time it's the same but different. Three big things I was wrestling with were:

a. what others may expect of me,
b. what I expect of myself,
c. the thought that my "Missions DNA" would be stripped of me if I said no.

But the amazing part is that once we give Him those things and he exchanges them for himself, His peace comes and those things fall to the side. It was definitely an honour to be asked to lead in this way. I was thrilled at the opportunity to bring my own experiences and love for people and the world to the team (if I were to go). I'm so supportive of the trip, but this wasn't what He was leading me into at this time. One of the big things I learned is that the Spirit of God holds the trump card. I made my pros and cons list using my human rationale; however, it when the Spirit of God prompts you either to do/ or not do soemthing His voice is what ought to hold the most weight. I remember when I went to China and my parents wanted a reason for "WHY" I had to go and the reason I gave is that the Spirit of God is leading me to go. At the end, that answer satisfied. That answer outweighed any other.

Now back up to point "C" above. I have to laugh because although I have been on the on-call list at the Dasmesh Punjabi School here in Abbotsford, I hadn't received a phone call until Thursday morning (the day after saying no to Thailand). To me this correlates because it was the Father giving me that little reminder that he knows my heart and that he knows my love for the nations. It was a reminder that he does not take that away from me because I said no to Thailand. I ended up teaching there four days these past 2 weeks. On Friday it was Guru Nanak's bday, so the whole day was a religious ceremony all in Punjabi. I had to take off my shoes and wear a head covering. I jus stood there beside my class and prayed to Jesus the whole time. What an honour to get to stand in that place. I've had the privilege of being invited into that school. I've had the privilege of standing as an embassador of the High King, Jesus, and praying that individuals at that school would encounter His grace, love and peace.


So perhaps the "Big 3" I take from this experience is:
1. God does give us peace when we seek Him.
2. The Spirit of God sometimes leads us to go and other times leads us otherwise. The Spirit of God holds the trump card.
3. God knows our hearts. He made us who were are and he does not forget how he has made us.



~ One of my favourites! ~

Significant Someone

Small guy? Significant Someone.

 

I started the day with a morning walk. Always a good choice to begin the day. I was just by myself this morning and had a lot of things on my mind so I spent the walk praying. I spent the walk sharing my thoughts with my Father. I spent the walk observing the things around me. The little things have been in focus to me lately, like those furry little caterpillars that are out and about crawling the pathways and trails. I ended up sharing the trail with this little snail. The little thing was so small, probably easily breakable, yet focused on his/ her task. Snail was crossing the road. That appeared to be a big task for such a little creature. I passed it as I was walking the one direction and then on the way back, I took note of how it's journey was coming along. Snail had made great progress. It had probably traveled half the metre it had to go, so it was still on its way toward the other side.

 

 My initial thought was this is a pretty small guy.

 Do you ever feel like a small guy? In a great big world, do you feel like a little snail?

 

 But then I got to thinking (hope I'm not too loonie), "that little snail is amazing! That little snail is determined. That little snail is capable of big things." It's easy to think, "Oh that insignificant little snail- but no that snail was crossing the street, as it was meant to do. And that is significant. We are not a small guy. Rather, we are people with great purpose and significance. We are meant to live here and now and no thing we encounter is overlooked by the Father. No thing we do it outside the knowledge of our Creator. No circumstance is a suprise. To me that is reassuraing.

To me that means I'm known and cherished.

 

Tonight we had a celebration for Miss Elgersma. She has been the music teacher at Abbotsford Christian Elementary School for over 20 years! WOW! I'm amazed. This was a celebration of who she is and a recognition that we support her through this cancer. It was amazing to see New Life Church full of people- former students, current students who attend ACS, past and present colleagues and staff, parents, family and friends. We shared music and stories together. There's something so beautiful about being together as a body. I had the privilege of teaching for Sandra 3 years ago (2009- 2010). Tonight we each had the opportunity to write Sandra a "note" and mine said something along the lines of, "Thank you for believing in me. May you sing the new song God puts in your heart each day." Truly, truly, I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately, especially on three years ago. I think about how Sandra gave me the prvilege of being in her classroom for the year. I was 22 years old and she entrusted 180 students to me 3 days/ week to teach music to. What a privilege to be "believed in" by someone like that. Thank you Sandra for believing in so many. Inclusivity is something I learned from you. Each person is no "small snail" to you; each one is a "significant someone." I want to express to you how much it means to me that you believed in me. Thank you.

 

Lyrics from The Lorica

Be above me, as high as the noonday sun

Be below me, the rock I set my feet upon

Be beside me, the wind on my left and right

Be behind me, oh circle me with Your truth and light

"Big Feast"

My friend Tamara first introduced me to a unique little restaurant in the heart of Maple Ridge called "Big Feast Bistro."

 

According to the website, Big Feast is, "a small town bistro with a trendy, urban feel.  Located in the heart of Maple Ridge, BC, we feel that feasting is something we do whenever we get together with friends and family, and food should be celebrated whether you're just having breakfast, or enjoying a special event! 

 

We built the bistro with family and community in mind. Our community table is the heart of our dining room, and is there to encourage guests to connect, interact, and get acquainted. Family is an integral part of who we are, and as such, we have created a space and a menu that welcomes and encourages families to enjoy each other's company, allows parents to enjoy a great meal, and allows kids to be just who they are - kids! 

 

We strongly stand behind shopping local, re-using and recycling. Almost all the items in our bistro have been previously loved. Our display came from a Montessori in Langley, our community table from a wonderful couple in Maple Ridge, our 100 year old bench from a farm in Northern Saskatchewan, and our chairs from a quaint bistro in Boundary Bay. We have created the menu with local merchants in mind, and select locally made (within 100 mile), organic ingredients whenever we can. Because of this, our menu changes regularly, just like the seasons. We are proud to serve fair trade, and organic sustainably grown Salt Spring Coffee. We look forward to seeing you!"

 

 

I just love this Bistro! My cousin and I visited Big Feast a couple weeks ago and I was reminded again of how much I love the atmomsphere there, as well as the whole idea behind the place. Everything from the community table, to supporting local businesses and using second hand furniture items appeals to me. According to their website, "feast" is defined as,

 

Feast n. - 1. a. A meal that is well prepared and abundantly enjoyed.             b. Something giving great pleasure or satisfaction.

 

In order to have a feast, you have to have people! I've been pondering the things that are life giving for me. I've been contemplating those things that I'm meant to do. One thing I've discovered is that I am meant to bring people together. I enjoy seeing different groups of people come together and I enjoy creating spaces where people are welcomed. I love partnerships and I recently had the great joy of creating a partnership between a local business and one of my dearly loved Christian friends.

 

I think of Ruth from the Bible. She is a woman I esteem to be like. She was someone who earned the trust of others, worked diligently at all she did, was loyal, compassionate, and united people.

~ www.bigfeast.ca/ 11920 227 Street Maple Ridge. ~

~ Invite a friend. Enjoy a feast! ~

~ Share ~ Give ~ Serve ~

Sometimes I find myself here

On my prayer mountain.

 

Sometimes to overlook and pray for the city.

Sometimes to find a few moments of silence and peace.

Often times to surrender and come be before the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

 

I sprained my ankle on Monday night and I found myself atop my prayer moutain this morning. Hopping over to sit at the rock, I knew God's peace and I knew his constancy. This morning I was reminded of the words in Psalm 148- read the whole thing, it's about everything praising him by simply being themselves. These words stood out this morning,

 "Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones" (v 13, 14).



Lifestyle of Generosity!

One of the biggest things I've taken with me from the time I spent with the Oommen's, the Berg's and Braun's is how generous they are. I recall being at the Oommen's one day to teach the kids and Bindu invited me to stay for dinner. My response to her invitation was, "You don't have to. I can cook at home." She looked at me and said, "Of course we don't have to. We want to." Those words have stuck with me. I think back on when I was leaving and Matt and Ruth came to say goodbye. I returned to them the many things they had lent me. As we left my house, I thought it rather amusing that their hands were full of stuff- a fan (to save me from the heat that was just coming out for the summer), a toaster (so I could enjoy BP and Banana toast for breakfast), and Capris (thanks to Ruth I had some comfy JOE capris to wear that came all the way from Canada), just to name a few. When I didn't have something, they were quick to say I could use one of theirs. I think about how I had to get a residency permit and Dave gave of his time to help me through this process. He had to cancel his language lessons and accompany me over to the office all the way on the European side where that stuff is dealt with. Again, a demonstration of generosity in action. With these models, I have come to want to exhibit this *generous* lifestyle. I've been so impacted by it that as a result I choose to embrace a lifestyle of generosity. Yes, I've had several moments of practicing this over the past little while, and what a joy it is to give! This week, I was also the recipient of two special acts of generosity. My socks were blessed off that's for sure! Firstly, I got to meet with grandpa for lunch. He is 75 now, and during our lunch hour I reminded myself of the fact that he's lived 3 of my life times. Wow, he must be so rich in experience and memories. After lunch he wanted to give me some money. Like before, he didn't have to, but he wanted to. In that moment, I think it best to receive and be blessed. Then, this past week I had posted on facebook that I wanted a bike and was wondering if anyone had any leads for me. My parents often bike when the weather is nice and Curtis has been encouraging me to take up biking, so I was on the lookout for a used bike. Well yesterday my Uncle came with a special delivery for me- exactly what I had wanted- A bike, complete with a helmet and lock to accompany it. WOW! As it turns out, my aunt had bought the bike from Costco and only been able to ride it a few times before realizing that she couldn't continue riding because of injury. Such generosity. I was able to then take the gift that my grandpa had given to me and say thanks to my Aunt and Uncle for the bike. The act of generosity has such vast ripples.



~ My Saturday Surprise! ~



~ Thank You ~

Generosity: I think on the principal of acting out of a recognition that 1. All that we have is God's. 2. We seek the Lord and respond as he leads 3. We know that God is lavish and generous 4. We know we are sons and daughters of the living God 5. We know his character and trust him in all things.

 

Let your requests be made known.

 

Are we a people who embrace a lifestyle of generosity?  

Unreserved

Unreserved

It's been my word of the week.

 

What does it mean?

not restricted; without reservation; full; entire.

frank; open; complete; sincere.

 

I love this.

 

I've been thinking about how important it is to "say what you need to say."

When we could shy away from what we want to say, or when we could be too scared to compliment someone or give someone a word of encouragement, say thanks or tell someone how much he/ she means to us, it's better to be unreserved and just do it.

 

 

A little word goes a long way.

 

Just say it.

 

My friend, Tamara, who inspires me and many others wrote this poem and the theme goes along these lines. I hope she doesn't mind that I share her poem.

 

People are good.

People are beautiful!

Embrace the people in your life,

Reach out

Speak up. Speak out.

Say what you are thinking

Share what you have always thought

Express what is in your heart

Be bold. Be brave.

Sometimes words are not enough, but sometimes, words,

when used, intertwined with love

Have the ability to transform lives,

to shed light, hope and inspiration.

Let people know how you feel...

how wonderful you think they are

Say "thank you"

You just never know, the impact you might have,

Risk. Open up.

Dare to be a difference

Take a chance to impact a life

Do it now.

People need you.

The abiity we, as humans have, to help those around us,

to care for those around us, to love those around us

gives life meaning, gives life purpose

for without eachother

family, friend, or stranger,

we are lost.

We all have the ability

to impact one another...

To connect,

and for that,

Life

is

Beautiful!

 

* shout out today to Lydia, a special roommate. My first and best roommate.

Shouts to Luella, a wise woman whose presence is so refreshing.

Shouts to Curtis, encouraging me and and challenging me to choose the gateway to Life.

Shouts to Judy for being like an older sister to talk with.

Shouts to Louis, a constant friend.

Props to those who have recently decided to do something "RISKY" or "Unreserved"-

Alanna and Kevin, Breanne, Mike W., Denise, Tamara.

I'm proud of you.

 



Giving Responsibility

I learned a life lesson last week. It was one of those light bulb moments, where I had to take a step back and think "hmm... so that's how it works!" I was teaching Japanese students. Our program was different from the typical programs we do with short term exchange students. This one was more academic in its nature. With that the students were assigned different topics to focus on studying while they were here. I was assigned the topic "Environment." I'm not an environment expert, but I really enjoyed learning more about different aspects of the environment (like an ecological footprint, what we can recycle, life cycle of salmon, natural resources in Canada, just to name a few). All this preface to say that each group had to do a 5-10 minute presentation. In all honesty that was sort of sprung on me because I thought we were presenting on Friday, but on Wednesday morning I was informed that we were presenting that afternoon. But remember the last post, "Keep calm and carry on," - that's what I had to do. So I decided to totally put it in the students' hands. I gave them a couple of ideas, but really it was their presentation, so I wanted them to run with it. I was there for support and to assist as they needed me, but I really wanted them to take ownership of this presentation. Guess what! They did such a fantastic job! I was so impressed with their presentation. I suppose the "Aha" moment that came out of this for me is that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone else is give them responsibility. If you take charge and limit the responsibility they have, you don't let them take full ownership. When you give responsibility, the students can choose to rise to the occasion, work together and see their task achieved. I loved their creativity! As it turns out each group's presentation was judged by all of the teachers. I got so many compliments on my group's presentation. I was so proud of them! My remark back to the teachers was that the students are smart, capable and creative and did it on their own! Funny thing is that Amy and I were a little worried about these presentations (weren't clear of what our final product would look like, had very little direction), so after we had talked about it we prayed that our groups' presentations would come together well and that both of them would stand out in a positive way. Our prayer was answered and we were both placed in the top 5 (of 21 presentations). My group ranked first place! I am reminded to give others responsibility, as a sign to show them that I trust them and am confident in their abilities!

 

~ Masuhiro, Mariah, Yuki, Misa, Mami ~

~ My awesome group! ~

This makes me think of  the similarities with parenting (not that I know from experience). Again, I see the correlation between giving responsibility and seeing children rise to the occasion when you give it to them. I think we say, "I trust you. You can do it!" when we give children responsibility. I'm so appreciative of how my parents have raised me, giving me opportunities to be responsible and develop responsibility. Of course, they were there helping me deliver newspapers and driving me to my first job, but they equipped me to gain more responsibility. They turned it over to me and said they believed I could take on the responsibility. For that I am grateful! Giving responsibility doesn't means things will always go smoothly. It doesn't mean people are guaranteed to make the best decisions, but it means we believe in them. It means we trust they will learn from it and will grow. It means we are giving up control and giving them new and exciting opportunities. And actually in giving up "our rights" we grow too!

Responsibility- a gift worth giving!