Last night I attended a local Christian writers' group meeting and our topic was "new beginnings". It had been a couple of years since I had last attended, so this was an appropriate night for me to return. The following is my reflection on the topic of "new beginnings":
A new beginning can encompass a completely new endeavor or a fresh start at one which was previously attempted or enjoyed. I thought about the farmers who plant again every year. It is a sign of perseverance and faith that they will reap a harvest. A child learning to ride a bike needs to begin anew each time he or she gets on the bicycle until he or she can ride successfully without falling. I have desired to write more frequently so coming again to this writers' group is my act of faith and perseverance.
A new beginning can also be a new way of doing a previous skill or ministry. A neighbour and I are going to start praying together for our neighbours next week. She told me that twenty years ago she used to have such a time of prayer for the neighbours.
A new beginning is not the end or conclusion of a matter, but rather the first steps on a journey, in a process; or as a foundation for other new beginnings to be built upon. On Sunday, an elder at my church preached about a vision for a new outreach to the young families that are moving to Bradford. As he spoke, my heart was stirred to pray for this new planning committee and their plans and procedures. I have a passion to mentor and come alongside younger moms and this outreach will target those very families. By praying for this committee, and later for the actual outreach, I am laying a foundation. It is not the end goal just to have more young families, but for them to come to faith in Jesus and grow in their walk with God. Other future beginnings will be the various ministries to meet those very needs.
I can attempt new beginnings with the confidence that the outcomes are in God's hands. Should a first attempt not work out, I can always begin again in a new or different way.
Wednesday, 11 January, 2012
Tuesday, 20 September, 2011
Spiritual Insight
"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore." (1Kings 4:29 NIV)
- God is the one who gives insight.
- Insight is gained through careful study and thought of God's Word. It is not through scholarly study, but rather contemplating what the scripture says and means, and what my response should be.
"My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge." Proverbs 5:1,2 NIV)
- Wisdom and insight go hand in hand. They result in discretion and knowledge when they are not only considered, but heeded and put into practice.
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30 NIV)
- Wisdom and insight are to function in accordance with God's Word and His will.
- Knowledge and insight are the guardians or parameters of love and how we can discern what is best. There are often many options of good, but only one is best. The true test or characteristic of the best is if it leads us to be pure and blameless and filled with the fruit of righteousness. We will be more fruitful and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit when we apply knowledge and insight, and choose the best over the many good options. This will bring praise and glory to God. It is only through Jesus that we can do this. It is not in our own strength or ability, but rather relying on and surrendering to Jesus.
"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." 2Timothy 2:7 NIV)
- God does give us insight.
Wednesday, 14 September, 2011
I AM ...You are
"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9,10 (NIV)
I went to great lengths for you. It took great effort. I did this because of My burning passion and unquenchable desire for you. I have decreed and proclaimed that you are Mine. I give you life, meaning and purpose. It is in relation to Me that you have your true self - for I AM and you are. You are My servant - responsible and accountable to Me. You are to serve others by putting them first, their needs ahead of yours.
I took you, called you and chose you for Myself. I did not reject you. I did not leave you behind or overlook you. I have kept you in mind; you are not out of My thoughts. I have not forgotten you. Do not allow anxiety or fear or worry to prevent you from fulfilling My plan and purpose for you. Don't be discouraged, don't give up!
Remember who I AM. I AM your God. All that I AM is available to be experienced on your behalf. I AM all-powerful. My power is available to work on your behalf, strengthening you. I will empower you and enable you to do those things I have called you to do. I will come alongside you. All that I do is right, just and good. My favour will be upon you as you rely on my strength and power.
Thursday, 23 September, 2010
A Blue Sportjacket
"So, I tell you, don't worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don't worry about having food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." Matthew 6: 25-33 (NLT)
My husband Dan wanted to purchase a sportjacket for quite some time to wear as an alternative to a two-piece suit. Over the years he has looked in many of the men's stores and he did not find one that was suitable for him.
The annual business meeting for Dan's work was last evening and again Dan expressed his desire for a sportjacket. I mentioned to him that I had seen several sportjackets when I was recently in Global Village, our local second-hand store. I suggested that he check there. Dan later told me, that on his way to Global Village he asked God for a blue sportjacket.
Dan saw a blue sportjacket and tried it on; it was a perfect fit. It was as if that jacket had been made specially for Dan, with the right length of sleeves and body. An interesting fact about the jacket is that it was made in Ukraine and Dan is of Ukrainian descent! When Dan went to pay for his blue sportjacket he was informed that it was half-price day so his sportjacket cost less than $5.00! God already knew Dan's need and I believe He orchestrated the donation of this blue sportjacket and Dan purchasing it.
My husband Dan wanted to purchase a sportjacket for quite some time to wear as an alternative to a two-piece suit. Over the years he has looked in many of the men's stores and he did not find one that was suitable for him.
The annual business meeting for Dan's work was last evening and again Dan expressed his desire for a sportjacket. I mentioned to him that I had seen several sportjackets when I was recently in Global Village, our local second-hand store. I suggested that he check there. Dan later told me, that on his way to Global Village he asked God for a blue sportjacket.
Dan saw a blue sportjacket and tried it on; it was a perfect fit. It was as if that jacket had been made specially for Dan, with the right length of sleeves and body. An interesting fact about the jacket is that it was made in Ukraine and Dan is of Ukrainian descent! When Dan went to pay for his blue sportjacket he was informed that it was half-price day so his sportjacket cost less than $5.00! God already knew Dan's need and I believe He orchestrated the donation of this blue sportjacket and Dan purchasing it.
Thursday, 15 July, 2010
My Final Six Month Check Up
Yesterday I had my regular six month check up with the oncologist, in the new Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket. This was quite a change from the informal temporary offices of the oncologists. The foyer of the new centre reminded me of Sunnybrook Health Sevices Centre in Toronto. I had a flood of memories when I first entered the building until even after I had left.
At the reception desk I stated my name and presented my health card. The receptionist confirmed my information and then took a photo of me with a small digital camera for my medical records. She gave me a form to fill out rating the severity of various symptoms and told me to go upstairs to the waiting area where a nurse would then call me.
After several minutes a nurse approached me introducing herself, took my completed form and weighed me. She then led me to an examination room where I sat in a chair while she took my blood pressure and pulse with a machine. I am very familiar with these machines as they were often used when I was a patient in the hospital; and when I was having my chemotherapy sessions in the cancer clinic. The nurse noted the results, asked me further questions and then entered my responses into the computer. This was very "high tech" compared to the handwritten notes that the oncologist had done in the past.
After the nurse left I waited a few minutes and then the oncologist, who was filling in, came to see me. He examined me and checked my chart on the computer. He asked me a few questions including whether my oncologist had ever ordered a CT scan for me. As he did not see one having occurred, he said that he would order one to have as a baseline reference. I told him, that at my previous appointment, my oncologist had said that providing my levels remained good I could then be on a yearly call-back. He agreed saying that he would order a CT scan to be done next year when I return for a follow-up appointment. I was to wait in the waiting area for the necessary paperwork.
Again I had to wait several minutes until I finally asked the nurse about the paperwork as she was walking by me. She led me to an area that was adjacent to the waiting area. There was a nurse there who I recognized as one who had cared for me a couple of times while I had my chemotherapy sessions. I also recognized one of the nurses at the desk as she had once worked in the cancer clinic. I mentioned that to her and said that she probably would not recognize me since I did not look the same. She agreed on the changes in patients once they are now healthy. She gave me a copy of the CT requisition as well as the blood work requisition form. The CT scan will be booked for June 2011 and then I will have my follow-up appointment in July 2011.
At the reception desk I stated my name and presented my health card. The receptionist confirmed my information and then took a photo of me with a small digital camera for my medical records. She gave me a form to fill out rating the severity of various symptoms and told me to go upstairs to the waiting area where a nurse would then call me.
After several minutes a nurse approached me introducing herself, took my completed form and weighed me. She then led me to an examination room where I sat in a chair while she took my blood pressure and pulse with a machine. I am very familiar with these machines as they were often used when I was a patient in the hospital; and when I was having my chemotherapy sessions in the cancer clinic. The nurse noted the results, asked me further questions and then entered my responses into the computer. This was very "high tech" compared to the handwritten notes that the oncologist had done in the past.
After the nurse left I waited a few minutes and then the oncologist, who was filling in, came to see me. He examined me and checked my chart on the computer. He asked me a few questions including whether my oncologist had ever ordered a CT scan for me. As he did not see one having occurred, he said that he would order one to have as a baseline reference. I told him, that at my previous appointment, my oncologist had said that providing my levels remained good I could then be on a yearly call-back. He agreed saying that he would order a CT scan to be done next year when I return for a follow-up appointment. I was to wait in the waiting area for the necessary paperwork.
Again I had to wait several minutes until I finally asked the nurse about the paperwork as she was walking by me. She led me to an area that was adjacent to the waiting area. There was a nurse there who I recognized as one who had cared for me a couple of times while I had my chemotherapy sessions. I also recognized one of the nurses at the desk as she had once worked in the cancer clinic. I mentioned that to her and said that she probably would not recognize me since I did not look the same. She agreed on the changes in patients once they are now healthy. She gave me a copy of the CT requisition as well as the blood work requisition form. The CT scan will be booked for June 2011 and then I will have my follow-up appointment in July 2011.
Wednesday, 24 March, 2010
The Lord's Wonderful Deeds
I have been in a time of rest and refreshment, like being at a spiritual spa. God massaged out the knots of worry, anxiety and turmoil, and massaged in the oil of the Holy Spirit. His peace, contentment and trust have been worked into my spiritual muscles. As I have read through my journals of the past few years I really do see a big difference in me. I am more confident; I am more peaceful; I am definitely more mature in my responses and reactions.
I have been rejuvenated. I have taken ventures that I would not have taken before and they were not insurmountable. Once I ventured into a new area it seemed as if I had always done that activity; I did not feel strange or awkward. It is much like fluid that fills up the space that opens to it.
I know that this has been a time of deep healing; old wounds have been healed and God has restored the primary relationships in my life. Instead of setting them off course, the transformation I have undergone has drawn others to me. I am comfortable in being me. I have no unfulfilled longings. I have such a deep sense of peace. I am content in who I am. I am content in my life.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this-those he redeemed from the hand of the foe...Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things...He sent forth His word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. " Psalm 107:1,2,8,9,20 (NIV)
I have been rejuvenated. I have taken ventures that I would not have taken before and they were not insurmountable. Once I ventured into a new area it seemed as if I had always done that activity; I did not feel strange or awkward. It is much like fluid that fills up the space that opens to it.
I know that this has been a time of deep healing; old wounds have been healed and God has restored the primary relationships in my life. Instead of setting them off course, the transformation I have undergone has drawn others to me. I am comfortable in being me. I have no unfulfilled longings. I have such a deep sense of peace. I am content in who I am. I am content in my life.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this-those he redeemed from the hand of the foe...Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things...He sent forth His word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. " Psalm 107:1,2,8,9,20 (NIV)
Sunday, 21 March, 2010
Giving Up R.U.B.
We are in the ecclesiastical season leading up to Good Friday, which is referred to as Lent. Often people talk about what they are giving up for Lent. I was thinking about this and I believe that God calls us to an ongoing giving up of things in our journey of becoming more like Jesus.
As I have read through my journals from the past few years I can trace my journey of giving up r.u.b., also known as resentment, unforgiveness and bitterness.The Lord had convicted me of my need to get rid of r.u.b., along with any desire for revenge. Psalm 55 taught the proper response of casting all one's cares onto the Lord, including those related to being betrayed and hurt by close friends. I needed to release those feelings of r.u.b. to the Lord and not supress them. I also desired that God would have control of my anger. I had an impression that others' sins against me were like chains on my ankles; when I forgave them, the chains fell off my ankles.
I had another impression that I had a heavy object on my lap which represented my r.u.b. toward another. I needed to give this to God and then, with outstretched arms, I was able to receive all that God had for me. Others could not repay me for the hurt they had caused me; God was able to repay over and above. When I worshipped the Lord for who He is, it took the focus off myself; my pain; my situation. It freed me from r.u.b., as well as any anger.
"My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55: 20-22 (NIV)
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31,32 (NIV)
"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5: 6,7 (NLT)
As I have read through my journals from the past few years I can trace my journey of giving up r.u.b., also known as resentment, unforgiveness and bitterness.The Lord had convicted me of my need to get rid of r.u.b., along with any desire for revenge. Psalm 55 taught the proper response of casting all one's cares onto the Lord, including those related to being betrayed and hurt by close friends. I needed to release those feelings of r.u.b. to the Lord and not supress them. I also desired that God would have control of my anger. I had an impression that others' sins against me were like chains on my ankles; when I forgave them, the chains fell off my ankles.
I had another impression that I had a heavy object on my lap which represented my r.u.b. toward another. I needed to give this to God and then, with outstretched arms, I was able to receive all that God had for me. Others could not repay me for the hurt they had caused me; God was able to repay over and above. When I worshipped the Lord for who He is, it took the focus off myself; my pain; my situation. It freed me from r.u.b., as well as any anger.
"My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55: 20-22 (NIV)
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31,32 (NIV)
"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5: 6,7 (NLT)
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