Well I've gone from one coast to another as I find myself now in Historic Halifax, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the down to earth folks here in Eastern Canada. Interesting enough, the same privilege still exists for me, no matter where I am: spending time with God and sharing His truth to young and old, males and females. Despite the four hour difference, the same sun remains. What a reminder of how no matter where He has us put on this world, together we have one God and one LORD we worship and serve together. Can you imagine the day we all get together and party with Him? When all those who by faith have believed, unite together in one central place, on one time zone, around one Son. Can you even begin to imagine that party?! I THINK NOT... human comprehension doesn't stand a chance on that one. We can just try to dream.
It was sheer joy for me to speak to this dynamic group of faithful young people last night. The Rock church here reminds me a lot of our church in Kelowna in that it really has strong and pure roots within the city. They will soon celebrate their 40th anniversary to which the founding pastor was there until just last year, 38 years. Their youth pastor was there for well over 20 and Pastor Mike now taking over the Youth Ministry has been with the church since we was 12. The faithfulness and loyalty of all ages here, really speaks volumes to its godly heritage. I believe this honors God.
A GREAT pleasure of mine is to communicate so intimately and frequently with our Lord that when HE calls me to speak at these times, rather than pulling out a nice "speech" or a favorite one, I can simply ask for more of His heart's thoughts at this very moment that I could speak a timely and effective word that is His. This takes more time, obviously, but brings me greater joy and fullness knowing the words are fresh. Who wants to watch the 6:00pm news from 10 days ago, when you could have today's info?
What a blessing it was to my heart late that evening to sit in a restaurant in one LONG table with Pastor Mike and over 20 of his young adult leaders! I was in awe to see this strong team of leaders so devoted and knit together so well. How I'd love to bring them all down to Kelowna to have them connect with our great team of leaders!
It was interesting to just share with Mike who's 34 and me being 33, as we considered and reflected to what we've grown up with and known, and now how vastly different it is for this younger generation we're working with.
But no matter how you look at it, we were both encouraged that despite the times in which we are in, we both witness in each other and our teams, that there is indeed a ferverant remnant that is declaring boldly their faith. Sure they may be few in numbers... but whenever did Jesus have the masses as His army? In a few He accomplishes much... gotta LOVE His counter opposite ways of this world. Remember we're a by product of Jesus working with 12 Hooligans. :)
"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Our Family Forte
The "Family" unit is brutally being attacked, especially in North America. I don't need published stats to tell me this. I witness it first hand even with the families or "partial" families I come in contact with everyday. It's more of the norm for our children to have divorced parents/single parents or parents that don't spend a lot of time together.
The enemy has moved rather rapidly to cause havoc and severely disconnect the family unit I would say in even less than 2 generations. I see it unravelling so very fast.
Now having a new family unit, both Roger and I realize the severity of this fight to keep the unit together, especially when society and the culture around us all is so polluted to strain for the opposite.
Roger is truly a God fearing man. His love of God is his most attractive quality to me. It brings me JOY, to honor, respect and love him as a result. The love of God flows through Him and teaches Him how to love me too, and it is a beautiful reciprocal selfless love that overflows and passes through us.
I say this because it is so pivotal to the well being of our children when marriages are strong. Foundations for our children become carefree when their parents' relationships are rock solid.
For Easter our home was overflowing from the Thurs night to the Easter Monday. I mean overflowing, 24X7 with out of town guests, entire families, even dear friends, etc. Even our family members who know us and the children well, can't believe how well they have adjusted to each other and truly love and respect on another. They are shocked at how quickly this transition has happened and how rock solid it seems to be, despite the hard ages of 12, 13 and a 14 year old.
We simply know and proclaim it is God's leading and prompting that holds us together and leads us in all things to provide an environment that flourishes. It's "THE COUNSELOR" (John 16:7)
We have instituted "Family Meetings", in the evenings with dessert in which everyone talks of their personal highs and lows of the day. They so look forward to these!
Roger tries to make breakfast almost every morning and I do my best to have a sit down candle lit, homemade, dinner at least 4 or 5 nights a week. YES... I know the time allocated to such a venture is insane.... BUT we have agreed that we will not conform to the pattern of the world that declares convenience is better, and there is no time. That way leaves us isolated, cheaply nourished and disconnected.
The fellowship we have during these meals, without the TV on, but rather listening and genuinely sharing in the lives of each other to EACH of us has become priceless to each of us. We laugh and we cry, we respect and we love, we vent and we regroup...but we remain united and what a blessing this is.
On Thurs night Roger came home and this is what he walked into: Our house was beautifully manicured outside to be matched by a clean home inside. The aroma was that of a homemade roast. Daniel was on the couch reading his newly purchased book on the History of Rome. Alyssa and Brea were together working on baking Nanimo bars. All homework was done. The table was radiantly set, with candles, worship music was playing in the background softly and I was around the corner, still dressed in my business suit but folding clothes in the laundry room. Right before this we'd had some logistical hiccups with pick ups and drop offs from Dance, School, work, etc..etc... but we worked through it together to get everyone in our home together. I can hear my husband's steps quicken as he walks to find me and embraces me with all he has, mouth included, to declare in a loud voice to the whole family, "Now as if this isn't every man's dream to come home to?!?!" And he was actually the one that went through each of these observations that I hadn't even thought of, but I must say how much it blessed all of us to see the joy it brought Dad/Roger in honoring and loving the head of our home even unknowingly.
After we literally laughed for 5 minutes, hard (in the picture that we were like the Cleavers in that moment, lol!) we both later thankfully testified to how God has lead us with our family to find joy and blessing in these times. When a woman feels so loved, it truly is her joy to give and honor her husband in everything.
It reminded me of Ps 128 in which the promises to a God fearing man.
Psalm 128
1 Blessed(Happy) are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
This Psalm has become a reality to us now. I know many of you don't see the extreme devotion Roger has to our Lord, but I testify to it. What great joy it brings my heart to lie in bed with my husband on our weekend and study scripture together, and pray together with no time frame. Our desire is to KNOW Him to grow in Him.
What honor it brings me and our Lord, when we enter a PG movie this Friday night, but when a scene with women dressed scantily in a bar, Roger's head drops to not look and Brea turns away. Then he looks to me and says, "Do you want to leave?" So here we are in the middle of the theatre and as a family, despite not getting money back, CHOSE to protect OUR pure minds and hearts and our childrens' by being filled with unnecessary images and quietly excuse ourselves. What a statement we make quietly to our own children, to the rest of the theatre and most importantly to our Lord in desiring the most fulfilled and protected marriage and family life.
It was Roger, the head of our home, that lead in this devotion to which I am smitten. :) When we honor God we honor one another, for His ways desire what is best for each other. It's the enemy that lies to us on this, but God's ways are RIGHT and JUST and desire to give us the best in all things. He has overly blessed our intimacy but it is with protective ways that we chose to guard it from the enemy.
We will continue to learn and make mistakes, but I must say HIS Spirit within us is our greatest treasure. It overflows to all areas of our lives, when we listen and obey.
I share a few of many moments, vulnerably with you in that you too would be encouraged to listen to His Spirit to rise up and out of conformity of polluted relationships to fight for what is good and right. Yes it may mean giving up some extra time and making some sacrifices but without showing that how will the other know they are valued and loved? By what you say??? Come on... actions shall always speak louder than words.
So with I'll refrain from TELLING my family "I love them" as I know they'll be checking up on my writing here... LOL!! but rather I'll SHOW them.
Together we shall stand for FAMILY.
Mother to 3, Wife to 1.
Daughter of God.
Carrie
The enemy has moved rather rapidly to cause havoc and severely disconnect the family unit I would say in even less than 2 generations. I see it unravelling so very fast.
Now having a new family unit, both Roger and I realize the severity of this fight to keep the unit together, especially when society and the culture around us all is so polluted to strain for the opposite.
Roger is truly a God fearing man. His love of God is his most attractive quality to me. It brings me JOY, to honor, respect and love him as a result. The love of God flows through Him and teaches Him how to love me too, and it is a beautiful reciprocal selfless love that overflows and passes through us.
I say this because it is so pivotal to the well being of our children when marriages are strong. Foundations for our children become carefree when their parents' relationships are rock solid.
For Easter our home was overflowing from the Thurs night to the Easter Monday. I mean overflowing, 24X7 with out of town guests, entire families, even dear friends, etc. Even our family members who know us and the children well, can't believe how well they have adjusted to each other and truly love and respect on another. They are shocked at how quickly this transition has happened and how rock solid it seems to be, despite the hard ages of 12, 13 and a 14 year old.
We simply know and proclaim it is God's leading and prompting that holds us together and leads us in all things to provide an environment that flourishes. It's "THE COUNSELOR" (John 16:7)
We have instituted "Family Meetings", in the evenings with dessert in which everyone talks of their personal highs and lows of the day. They so look forward to these!
Roger tries to make breakfast almost every morning and I do my best to have a sit down candle lit, homemade, dinner at least 4 or 5 nights a week. YES... I know the time allocated to such a venture is insane.... BUT we have agreed that we will not conform to the pattern of the world that declares convenience is better, and there is no time. That way leaves us isolated, cheaply nourished and disconnected.
The fellowship we have during these meals, without the TV on, but rather listening and genuinely sharing in the lives of each other to EACH of us has become priceless to each of us. We laugh and we cry, we respect and we love, we vent and we regroup...but we remain united and what a blessing this is.
On Thurs night Roger came home and this is what he walked into: Our house was beautifully manicured outside to be matched by a clean home inside. The aroma was that of a homemade roast. Daniel was on the couch reading his newly purchased book on the History of Rome. Alyssa and Brea were together working on baking Nanimo bars. All homework was done. The table was radiantly set, with candles, worship music was playing in the background softly and I was around the corner, still dressed in my business suit but folding clothes in the laundry room. Right before this we'd had some logistical hiccups with pick ups and drop offs from Dance, School, work, etc..etc... but we worked through it together to get everyone in our home together. I can hear my husband's steps quicken as he walks to find me and embraces me with all he has, mouth included, to declare in a loud voice to the whole family, "Now as if this isn't every man's dream to come home to?!?!" And he was actually the one that went through each of these observations that I hadn't even thought of, but I must say how much it blessed all of us to see the joy it brought Dad/Roger in honoring and loving the head of our home even unknowingly.
After we literally laughed for 5 minutes, hard (in the picture that we were like the Cleavers in that moment, lol!) we both later thankfully testified to how God has lead us with our family to find joy and blessing in these times. When a woman feels so loved, it truly is her joy to give and honor her husband in everything.
It reminded me of Ps 128 in which the promises to a God fearing man.
Psalm 128
1 Blessed(Happy) are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
This Psalm has become a reality to us now. I know many of you don't see the extreme devotion Roger has to our Lord, but I testify to it. What great joy it brings my heart to lie in bed with my husband on our weekend and study scripture together, and pray together with no time frame. Our desire is to KNOW Him to grow in Him.
What honor it brings me and our Lord, when we enter a PG movie this Friday night, but when a scene with women dressed scantily in a bar, Roger's head drops to not look and Brea turns away. Then he looks to me and says, "Do you want to leave?" So here we are in the middle of the theatre and as a family, despite not getting money back, CHOSE to protect OUR pure minds and hearts and our childrens' by being filled with unnecessary images and quietly excuse ourselves. What a statement we make quietly to our own children, to the rest of the theatre and most importantly to our Lord in desiring the most fulfilled and protected marriage and family life.
It was Roger, the head of our home, that lead in this devotion to which I am smitten. :) When we honor God we honor one another, for His ways desire what is best for each other. It's the enemy that lies to us on this, but God's ways are RIGHT and JUST and desire to give us the best in all things. He has overly blessed our intimacy but it is with protective ways that we chose to guard it from the enemy.
We will continue to learn and make mistakes, but I must say HIS Spirit within us is our greatest treasure. It overflows to all areas of our lives, when we listen and obey.
I share a few of many moments, vulnerably with you in that you too would be encouraged to listen to His Spirit to rise up and out of conformity of polluted relationships to fight for what is good and right. Yes it may mean giving up some extra time and making some sacrifices but without showing that how will the other know they are valued and loved? By what you say??? Come on... actions shall always speak louder than words.
So with I'll refrain from TELLING my family "I love them" as I know they'll be checking up on my writing here... LOL!! but rather I'll SHOW them.
Together we shall stand for FAMILY.
Mother to 3, Wife to 1.
Daughter of God.
Carrie
Friday, April 2, 2010
Debt Owed = My Life
Good Friday. GOOD... I used to wonder how can we declare such a brutal death "Good"?
But now, this day has become precious to me.
Why is our human nature so forgetful? Why with time, do things seem to fade so easily in our hearts and minds? For some things, we are thankful for the fading. For others that we long to remember, we can find it frustrating how quickly it leaves us.
Our Creator sure knew we'd struggle to remember and that's why He took us one step further to proactively help us with this. He left the emblems. A sign of communion; the bread and the wine. To some it seems a rather cold traditional practise, but to me it is a simple in taking of something that through touch, taste, smell and sight I force my body to REMEMBER the death my King has undergone for me. His sacrifice for me to not only live, but enjoy being part of His Royal family.
This is the portrait I carry of my Lord. Not a picture in my wallet but rather a crimson colored taste of His precious life giving blood, poured out completely, till it no longer pumped from His heart. And a taste of a gentle, soft, pure but broken piece of torn bread that reminds me of His body brutally ripped apart from nails in all limbs, a long sharp spear plunged deep up His side, to thorns pounded into His skull all of this as hard slivered wood stung His shredded skin hanging back open and wounded from endless lashes... ahhhh...(deep sigh) how my heart even now sinks so deeply into my chest and tears sting my own eyes... (I love you my Lord..)
How can it be??? The hardest part in it all for me is that HE WAS AND IS GOD... He is the most beautiful, powerful being of all time and in an instant could've done away with us all, especially the losers that scorned Him and mocked Him....oh how they have NO idea what their eyes shall behold when we ALL ONE DAY BOW and CONFESS before our GREAT KING... "WORTHY are you!!!" But then it shall be too late. What a day that will be... Truly I can't wait. With all I am if I leave this world this afternoon, I have entered eternity and then my heart shall be completely at peace united face to face with MY one and only.
But for now I will simply declare what Paul has spoken. 2 Corinthians 4:10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
I will chose to carry around His death. Even today... for it is GOOD. It reminds me; shocks my whole being to the motivation that do die is gain, and at all costs I shall live my life as an offering to Him. "Philippians 1:21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
I can truly say this now that I've gotten to "KNOW" Christ. Through years of speaking with Him and listening to Him through His word, I am smitten to that loving hand that remains pierced because of love for me.
So shall I not live my life full out, with no reserve for a Kingdom that will last forever? I shall! So today I will undergo a remembrance of a "GOOD" death. Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I give to the one who has given me all things. Be glorified in my little life Lord, for you are WORTHY beyond my comprehension. This I believe. May my life be my testimony to this confession.
Indebted, joyfully
C
But now, this day has become precious to me.
Why is our human nature so forgetful? Why with time, do things seem to fade so easily in our hearts and minds? For some things, we are thankful for the fading. For others that we long to remember, we can find it frustrating how quickly it leaves us.
Our Creator sure knew we'd struggle to remember and that's why He took us one step further to proactively help us with this. He left the emblems. A sign of communion; the bread and the wine. To some it seems a rather cold traditional practise, but to me it is a simple in taking of something that through touch, taste, smell and sight I force my body to REMEMBER the death my King has undergone for me. His sacrifice for me to not only live, but enjoy being part of His Royal family.
This is the portrait I carry of my Lord. Not a picture in my wallet but rather a crimson colored taste of His precious life giving blood, poured out completely, till it no longer pumped from His heart. And a taste of a gentle, soft, pure but broken piece of torn bread that reminds me of His body brutally ripped apart from nails in all limbs, a long sharp spear plunged deep up His side, to thorns pounded into His skull all of this as hard slivered wood stung His shredded skin hanging back open and wounded from endless lashes... ahhhh...(deep sigh) how my heart even now sinks so deeply into my chest and tears sting my own eyes... (I love you my Lord..)
How can it be??? The hardest part in it all for me is that HE WAS AND IS GOD... He is the most beautiful, powerful being of all time and in an instant could've done away with us all, especially the losers that scorned Him and mocked Him....oh how they have NO idea what their eyes shall behold when we ALL ONE DAY BOW and CONFESS before our GREAT KING... "WORTHY are you!!!" But then it shall be too late. What a day that will be... Truly I can't wait. With all I am if I leave this world this afternoon, I have entered eternity and then my heart shall be completely at peace united face to face with MY one and only.
But for now I will simply declare what Paul has spoken. 2 Corinthians 4:10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
I will chose to carry around His death. Even today... for it is GOOD. It reminds me; shocks my whole being to the motivation that do die is gain, and at all costs I shall live my life as an offering to Him. "Philippians 1:21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
I can truly say this now that I've gotten to "KNOW" Christ. Through years of speaking with Him and listening to Him through His word, I am smitten to that loving hand that remains pierced because of love for me.
So shall I not live my life full out, with no reserve for a Kingdom that will last forever? I shall! So today I will undergo a remembrance of a "GOOD" death. Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I give to the one who has given me all things. Be glorified in my little life Lord, for you are WORTHY beyond my comprehension. This I believe. May my life be my testimony to this confession.
Indebted, joyfully
C
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