How About We Quit Fakin' It

I see you. 

The young teenager, struggling to feel loved or worth it. 

Why do I make all these stupid mistakes anyway? Everyone must think I'm a failure.

I see you.

The young father desperately trying to make ends meet and provide for his rapidly growing family. 

What kind of man can't provide for his own family? I'm such a loser. 

I see you. 

The one in charge of the food committee. Frantically organizing each event to a T and making sure every demand is met because...

What will people think and I can't let them see how disorganized I actually am?!

I see you. 

The one who is always happy and go-lucky and has a ready smile. But underneath, the pain is deeper than you would ever care to admit or look at. 

No one would love me if they knew. It's too embarrassing anyway.

I see you. 

The one who is terrified of stepping out and trying that new thing or leading the pack.

I'll make a mistake and look foolish. What will people say?

And so we hide inside our safe places, stuck by the question, "What will people think?"  We pretend all is fine and good, but inside we are crying and screaming to be understood, loved, and accepted. After all, everyone else has it all together so why wouldn't I?

Perhaps it is time to let down some of those walls and let a couple people close to us get a glimpse inside. After all, they have noticed the cracks for years and are more than ready to help. We all know those relaxed people who openly agree to their shortcomings but seem to be at peace being less than perfect. The question is, "Will you dare?"

Will you dare to be vulnerable and take the risk of looking foolish? Will you dare to be humble enough to need help? Will you be courageous enough to admit you don't have it all together. 

And Jesus will find You, at the end of Your rope, in the midst of Your pain, in face of your fear. But you must let Him and His people in. The risk is high but the reward is great. ❤️

What happens when people open their hearts? They get better. - Haruki Murakami

This I Believe...

Back in high-school, I had a phenomenal English teacher who always challenged her students to write better. She enjoyed literature immensely and saw to it that we were introduced to all types. In the course of that semester, she got us to write a piece called, "This I Believe," about something that was poignant and resonated with our core. 

As we go through life, we change, circumstances change, and difficult things arise, but at the core of it all, this I believe...

I believe in a God that is silent at times but ultimately working things out for good. As His child, I know that I can trust Him with the things that are confusing, rest in Him for my weakness, and love Him for who He is. 

I believe that He is the Ultimate Healer, the Ageless Wisdom, the Sovereign King, and the Never-ending Ruler. I know He is in control, regardless of circumstances, etc. I believe that a believer's faith has become seasoned when he/she can stand with arms uplifted in praise with tears running down his/her face. He/she knows a God who has been faithful in the past and will continue to be.

As stated by song writer Chris Tomlin, 

There is an endless song 
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the Rock I cling.
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your Name
I know I am loved by a King 
And it makes my heart want to sing

I believe that Christians have an Answer to share with the hurting world around them. Life does not get easier and the world does not get brighter, but Jesus lived among the broken and lost when He came to earth. We must go and do the same. 

Through our weak and feeble efforts, His beautiful grace and love will shine and grow in abundance. The people who walked in darkness will see great light and the glory of the Lord will come to rest upon them. They will see that He is good and deserves all praise and glory. 

Over the centuries, Christian after Christian has learned to praise God through difficulty. Jesus Himself was the perfect example. 

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:6-7 ESV

He Meets Us in the Ordinary

Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in... Luke 22:10

Just a faithful servant doing his duty for the day, carrying water. He had no idea that a world-changing King had just sent His disciples to follow him for direction. 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them... Luke 2:8

Just ordinary shepherds doing their job, tending their flock. Then the angel of the Lord appears and their peaceful night is catapulted from calm to breathless. A King had come. 

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, "Come after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." Matthew 1:16

Just ordinary fishermen, rough and calloused, doing their job. Then a King walked by and called them to follow Him. 

And there came an angel of the Lord and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him. The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Judges 6:11-12

Just an ordinary day, busy threshing wheat, and then an angelic messenger appeared. God had a job for him. 

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in the midst of a bush, and he looked, and behold the bush burned with fire. And the bush was not consumed... Exodus 3:1-2

Just an ordinary shepherd taking good care of his flock, then a holy experience shakes his perspective and alters his life plan forever.

So he departed thence and found Elisha the son of Shaphat who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him and cast his mantle upon him. 1 Kings 19:19

Just an ordinary young man, plowing in the field and than an extraordinary calling is placed upon him. God had come.

Our God comes in the ordinary, the mundane, the normal. He is the One who meets people where they are and calls them to places they never dreamt of or imagined on their own. He wants us to praise Him, love Him, and communicate with Him wherever we are. He will come. ❤️

The Man on the Way

Tired, I sat by the side of the road
Debating which way to take next.
Exhausted with running the race on my own
I wished for a human to help.

Then I saw a strong frame turn around the short bend,
Slowly making His way.
His form and His gait looked familiar to me.
I watched till He stood where I stayed.

He said He would help me if I'd like to go,
But the way we would take would be hard.
Something about the kind look in His eyes
Made me say yes from deep in my heart.

So He tucked my poor hand in His strong weathered arm
And lifted me onto my feet.
Together we moved down the long winding road
To the narrowest difficult street.

He carried me over the boulders and rocks
When the going got tricky and tough.
Sometimes He spoke words of courage and cheer,

His presence was always enough.

At last, at the end of a long winding bend
We saw a large palace of gold.
The sun lit its face like a bright cheery smile
As we hastened to enter its fold.

A proud beaming King stood tall at the gate
With arms open wide to receive.
I bowed down in wonder feeling totally small,

Thinking I probably should leave.

But He gave me a crown and said I was His
Though I wondered how that could have been.
Then I saw my Companion's nail-printed hands,
And I knew what He'd given to me.

I remembered the troubles we faced on the trail
As we traveled the long lonely way.
He said He would be there and know what to do.
I could trust Him to show me the way.

I remembered how robbers had run at my chest
And tried to pierce life out of me.
But He stood inbetween and the harsh, well-aimed blows
Pierced the skin on His hands and His feet.

I hated to watch and tried hard to fix,
The damage I knew to be done.
But He kindly smiled and said it was fine.
He'd do it for one of His own.

I felt very safe as we traveled the road
To the palace He said was His home.
And I'm glad He came with me and showed me the Way.
Or I'd still be wandering alone.

How Do You See God?

A couple weeks ago, I jotted a few unedited lines into the notepad on my phone:

I used to think I had to leap
Across each hill and gulley.
But I have learned He'd rather carry
Me through dangerous valleys.

I used to think I should be strong
And carry all my burdens.
But Jesus showed me I am weak
And He would take the tough ones.

I've slowly learned, He isn't mad
When I'm lost in disaster.
Instead, He gently turns me round
To show me what is better.

I've even learned that if it hurts
He's teaching me a lesson.
The kind that brings me to a new
And stronger sense of heaven.

I do believe that I have found
That God up in His heaven
Is not a Master with a Whip
But a Father to His Children.

I don't know why, but somewhere in my childhood, I picked up the idea that I needed to be good in order to be loved and nice in order to be accepted. As I've grown older, God has been teaching more about who He actually is and what that means.

This week, I am entering a women's prison to share the love of Jesus Christ. As I talk with them and listen, I hear faulty beliefs about God such as He is alienated and far away or just laughs at us in our mess. As a friend of mine stated, "Everyone has a different concept or picture of what God is actually like." And from what I have observed, our view of God is directly impacted by the circumstances which we grew up in. An incarcerated man who saw his father shot to death in front of his eyes may believe that God is unjust and uncaring. A woman whose father divorced her mother when she was only nine may believe that God is distant and uncaring. A child whose father was critical or demanding may view God as malicious and holding a big stick. A teenager who grew up in a church or family with stringent rules may see God as a critical, easily-angered God in the sky unless pleased perfectly. And finally, a child who is raised in a family/community with grace and justice, love and truth, mercy and kindness, will view God as a loving and involved Father.

Unfortunately, life is not perfect. People and churches are far from perfect and until we find our perfection in Christ, we will remain far from it ourselves. 

So my thought is this. How many of us (yes, even in Conservative Christian circles) are living life with an incorrect view of God the Father? How many of us see Him as harsh, uncaring, untrustworthy, an unattainable Figure in the sky, or simply aloof and distant?

What if, He is different than You think? What if He is caring, loving, truthful, trustworthy, and very much involved in Your life. What if He orchestrated every minute of what happened to you? Carefully planned where you would be born, what family you would have, your church attendance, and what your life's work would be? What if He is waiting for you to really find and discover Him so that He can work in and through you as He really is? Perhaps your circumstances are not really a hindrance or frustration, but a platform where God can show His glory. Perhaps you are not a mistake but a masterpiece. Perhaps, you are not forgotten but remembered and loved. Perhaps your life is not at a dead end but at a new beginning. 

Many of the Pharisees and other Jewish people in the Bible completely missed Jesus Christ because He was too different and odd to fit their view point. Could it be, that we are guilty of shutting down God's work and the love of Jesus Christ because it shows up as "different", "odd", or "uncomfortable." Listen for His heart. He is there and waiting to be found. ❤️  

 

The Rat

A little rat
Jumped from a vat
And ran across our floor.
We squeaked in fear.
The critter dear
Had run behind the door!


We grabbed a broom
And with a zoom
We hit the poor rat hard!
He leaped and shrieked
Right at our feet
Then dashed out to our yard.

Sighs of relief
Came from our cheeks
When that rat disappeared.
The very thought
Of that gray blot
Had brought us nigh to tears.

So now our kitchen
Floor is fitted
With good old traps as needed,
And that old rat
From our poor vat
Will wish that he had heeded.

                                     C.H.

Married... But Lonely...

 In response to my post, Living Solo in a Double World that I posted awhile ago, a friend remarked that there are many lonely people in marriages as well. Through the course of conversation (aka texting) we reached the conclusion that she could write a guest post and I would simply edit it. So here it is. 

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Shari is a busy mother of four boys who enjoys homeschooling, getting to know her community and especially other cultures. She has been married to the love of her life, Randy, for thirteen years and makes her home in Ontario. Passionate about Jesus Christ, she wants everyone to know Him, especially her loved ones. 

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I'm blessed to be in a marriage where we pray and go to bed together almost every night. We try to communicate like adults without whining or raising our voices. We listen and then gently share our feelings, opinions, and disagreements in order to better ourselves and each other. 

I remember a time early on in our marriage where I wanted my husband to help me do the dishes and clean up the kitchen but he was on his phone playing games. I'm embarrassed to say, I was banging around in the kitchen hoping he would catch the hint and give me a hand. But he didn't! Later, when we talked about it, he told me to please not "beat around the bush" but simply ask him if I wished for something. I've learned he doesn't catch hints very well but isn't trying to ignore me either. Clear communication is so important in a good marriage. 

When I do feel lonely in my marriage, I do well to ask these questions:

#1) Do I depend on my husband to take the place in my heart that only God can fill?

There is a cavity in every human heart that only God can fill and sometimes I try stocking it with other things (including my husband). Psalm 63:5 says, "You satisfy me more than the richest feast." I will be disappointed over and over again if I expect him to be perfect, always available, constantly tuned in, and meeting all my needs. It is SO important not to expect our spouse to be perfect. I fail and need forgiveness, so I will also allow him to fail and extend my forgiveness.

#2) What tone do I set in my home? Is home my husband's favourite place to be? Is it a safe and comfortable place of restoration for him? Am I a safe and enjoyable place for my husband? 

1 Corinthians 11:9 says, "And the man was not made for the woman but woman for the man." It is easy for me to expect my husband to serve me. This often leaves me feeling disappointed. Also, I believe it is important to be an encouraging partner. No husband enjoys coming home to a nagging, discontent, and frazzled wife. 

#3) Am I comparing my marriage to another marriage and jealous of someone else's? What is my standard of comparison for my marriage? God's Word or others?

2 Corinthians 10:12 says, "But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement." Isn't it funny how two wives can be jealous of each other? One might be envious of another's financial stability while another is jealous that the other's husband is home more often. Of course we know that it is best to focus on what we have versus what we don't although it is hard to put this into practise sometimes. Rejoice in the unique beauty of your marriage and allow God to use you and your husband in the way that He sees best. 

#4) How is technology affecting our marriage? 

It is so easy to let our minds relax after a busy day by putting our feet up and letting our phone screens occupy our time until we decide it's time to crash into our bed. Maybe I am frustrated and lonely because my spouse is spending the majority or even all of his leisure time on a device and not open to deep conversations. I may need to clearly ask my partner to please put his phone down because I have something important that needs to be discussed. Of course it is best to discuss and put healthy boundaries in place for technology as a couple. 

Marriage can sometimes have unexpected turns and the dynamics change where we need to choose love even though those natural feelings may not be there. You or your spouse may be hit with a spiritual or physical struggle that requires the other to step up and be strong for him/her. Maybe one or the other has broken marriage vows and need to get back on track.

It always blesses me to remember God's heartbeat for His children. A bit ago, I read through the book of Jeremiah and saw Israel being compared to an unfaithful wife in its first chapters. It is interesting to compare marriage with God's relationship to Israel. He chose Israel over and over again and stayed committed even when she strayed. Her forgave her time and time again. God does this for me too. Because He continually forgives me, I can extend this forgiveness to others. It is also beautiful to compare our present marriage to the marriage of Christ and the Church. This is definitely the most beautiful and fulfilling marriage in its purest form. 

For some closing thoughts, I like to read 1 Corinthians 7 every now and then to be reminded of the powerful influence we have on our spouse in marriage. 

1 Peter 3:1&2 speaks directly to us as wives. "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives." 

Am I willing to step out and the first to break the cycle of 50/50 and be willing to give more than I feel I am getting? Marriage is to be the ultimate picture of Christ's sacrifice for His Bride. 

Blessings to all!
Shari Horst

A Simple Thanksgiving

It's free. 

Sometimes we get caught up on all the theoretical questions about life and faith. 

We get caught up on arguing for or against all sorts of issues pertaining to the Christian walk. 

But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. So simple that a young child can grasp it. Years of university studies and scientific scrutinizing will never bring a lost soul into the kingdom. 

It is only the one who feels the heavy weight of sin in his heart, sees the absolute hopelessness of attaining his own salvation, and throws himself into the waiting arms of his Saviour, who will truly understand and know it.

No well-worded theory will ever be able to plumb the depths of being born again. No thesis statement will ever capture the great miracle that occurs when a sinner is saved by absolute grace. 

It is free and it is simple. Thank God for His miracle.

Community: Cruel and Crucial

a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/autumn">Autumn Stock photos by Vecteezy</a

I wonder sometimes why humans can be so audaciously cruel and why we have so little mercy for our fellow men. We dislike their personality and look down on them because they're simply weird, or we have a different idea of how things ought to be. Then, we throw mud on them.

Recently, I came across a short clip by Erwin McManus in which he stated, "I think the hardest thing to do in this world is to create authentic human community. I think it's the hardest thing to do and the most important thing to do. Because there's nothing we need more than each other and nothing we hate more than each other." He went on to explain that people speak to him about "church hurt" and being wounded by others in a congregation. In turn, he explains to them that it's not church hurt. It's human hurt. The only difference is that the people were in a church. 

I have observed much of this statement to be true. The smaller and tighter a community is, the more potential there is for relationship difficulty. We no longer know only names and faces, we know habits and preferences and faults. In our human tendencies, it seems conducive to throw a couple stones and sling some mud at the offenders.

This problem is not a new one. We see it in Jesus' day as well. As the woman caught in adultery huddled there shivering on the ground, there was a multitude of "righteous" people ready to hurl their rocks of condemnation. 

Yet, we see Jesus introducing a new way. A way that is anti-human. A way that requires humility and grace. A way that brings life and healing. 

The greatest antidote to hurt and the division that wreaks havoc on our communities is to read and follow the Greatest Master's example. If, as Erwin McManus stated, our need for community is so great, we would do well to build it and maintain it well. I believe it is time we set down our rocks and squish the mud under our feet as we embrace our fellow brothers and sisters with grace instead of criticism, love instead of anger, and mercy instead of condemnation. 

If the church is to be a safe haven of healing for hurting and lost souls, we must get rid of our prejudices, selfish vices, and haughty self-righteous attitudes. Jesus went to the broken, discouraged, and angry. He loved and loved some more. His disciples failed and made mistakes but always He forgave and pushed them forward with grace. 

Once we become more concerned with our brother's welfare than our right to be correct, we will begin to love and serve in a brand new way. And when we truly remember the grace our Lord showed us, we will begin washing others' feet with the grace given to us. 

"Therefore my brethren be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work fo the Lord. Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Blessings!

*To clarify: I quoted Erwin McManus, but do not support all of his beliefs or personal stances. Some of his teachings align with truth, but not all. Let us be wise seekers in our opinion-laden age. 

Also, I am not writing this out of hurt. Simply out of observation. My church family treats me well. 🥰

To the People Who Don't Have it All Together

none of us have it all figured out really    we right without correct puncation and speling and hope peope get what we meen. 

we love the things we shouldnt and hide hour selfish things. Pretend we're happy wen we're reelly upset inside.  

    Ok really, I've been trying to figure out why so many of us limp through life tucking our injured limbs under our jackets. We travel through life pretending we're fine when in reality we're at the breaking point. 

    The awful trouble is that untended wounds don't heal well. Unspoken battles get larger and become overwhelming. The awful amount of trust it takes to trust someone else with your struggles, battle scars, deepest questions, etc. is intense to say the least. It is biblical to bear one another's burdens in order to fulfil the law of Christ (love.) However, I have yet to figure out how to carry a load that doesn't exist. By hiding our "burdens" we rob each other of the chance to carry them. 

    Many, or maybe most of us, walk around with the misguided concept that no one will understand me. There is no one else like me. They will definitely not like me if they know who I actually am. 

    I have talked to more than one person who feels like that and I have felt like that myself.  

    You know, this dilemma does not pick favorites. It targets pastor's wives, teachers, mothers, fathers, young adults, teenagers, everyone. Everyone struggles, everyone has been hurt and needs to forgive, and everyone needs an understanding friend. If you don't have one of those, go find one. Someone brave enough to listen, kind enough to be silent, gracious enough not to condemn, and loving enough to forgive. 

    I believe it's time we stop rowing our poor little dinghies on the rocky sea of life and get into the life boat together. Rowing with others really does make a difference. 

media.newyorker.com

      Blessings and love to all!

Beauty in Pain

A seed pops up from its damp dark bed to burst into a fanning flower. 

A child breaks a working arm only to learn the fruit of patience. 

A cancer patient wastes through chemo and learns the frailty of life. 

She seizes each free moment and savours the juice out of it. 

An orphan mourns his father then feels the arms of the Father above.

A snake writhes out of its tight skin into a brand new mantle.

An adolescent endures a creaking voice only to gain a stronger one.

A construction zone frustrates for months and then reveals solid pavement. 

We were born through pain, we live with pain, and often we die with pain. 

The Maker of Life loves beauty. He created leafy trees with delicate veins and petioles, pores to breathe carbon dioxide and the ability to emit life for us in the form of oxygen. He took flowers and arrayed them in a rainbow of colour. He created birds with delicate feathers, a variety of beaks, and a unique skeletal system. He makes humans, (Have you ever thought how much fun that must be?) with curved noses, an intricate respiratory system, strangely angled legs and arms, necks that come in a variety of sizes on the circumference scale, and eyes that cover a web of beautiful violets, chocolate browns, aqua blues, emerald greens, and slate grays. Truly, our Creator does have an artistic touch and taste. 

But He allows pain and we suffer and scream. Silently... and sometimes out loud. We cry because we want to be better and pout because we don't receive the best. Life becomes a spot of misery and heartache instead of the beautiful journey we wished it to be. We cry for answers and hear echoes in a silent sky.

And yet, our Maker does not delight in hurting us. In fact, it is not His fault that we're dealing with the consequences of sin and living wretched lives. But He loves to heal and save and make the wounded whole. He loves to take the broken and make it new. 

And sometimes that looks different than we think it should. Instead of taking the pain away, He brings the gift of patience and reliance on Him. Instead of removing the frustration, He turns our gaze upward to His enablement. He uses the trials destined to kill us to bring us life. The very things that hurt and ache bring beauty in their completion. And as we sing with tears running down our faces, lift up hands when our heads are hanging low, question God when nothing makes sense, and try in vain to figure out a purpose in a complicated situation, we come to a deeper essence of God than we ever have before.

The Weaver 

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colours

He weaves so steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God roll back the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful 

In the Weaver's skillful hands

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

                                  -B.M. Franklin

Weeping endures for a season but joy comes in the morning.

Take time to smell the roses. They grew among the thorns. 🩷

Tombs, Shells, or the Real Deal?

Sometimes I sigh at the lack of passion for Christ I see these days, and other times I stumble upon people or events that bless and remind me that the cause of Christ is still very much alive. 

A thought entered my mind recently that has continued to haunt the recesses of my soul for the past few days. I was reading a solid biography of a Christian hero from time past along with a chapter or two from Nehemiah and Ezra and was struck by their authenticity and absolute abandonment to doing God's will. Then I looked at us, namely the church of today, and for a split second (actually call that a minute) I was afraid that we're all shell and no substance. A bit like Pharisees with whitewashed tombs and decaying bones on the inside. 

It is hard to find men today who pray and repent as passionately as Ezra did in Ezra 9:1-10:1. I read his story a couple weeks ago and I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to our world today if we had men who loved truth as strongly as he did, were humble enough to repent like him, and courageous enough to call for that kind of restitution. I mean, he was absolutely radical. 

When he found out that some Jewish men had taken wives from heathen nations, he was so sorry he made confession for their nation, wept, and cast himself down before the house of God. (Ezra 10:1) Interestingly, the latter part of the verse says that a very great assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. (ESV) Obviously, his attitude affected those following him. In the end, Ezra spares nothing and commands all the men to put away their heathen wives and the children from those unions. Quite radical indeed. Many people today, get rid of only as much sin as needed to look Christian on the outside and put their troubled conscience to temporary rest. 

Later on, I read the story of Mother Theresa, a Catholic nun from the early 1900s. She was willing to leave her comfortable life of teaching in a convent and enter the slums of India to reach the dying, impoverished, and hopeless. I had to wonder how many of us as Christian women today hold our lives so lightly that we would be willing to leave comfort, family, and home to live in dangerous, impoverished places at the call of God. 

What are we made of is my question. What really at the bottom of our hearts? What do we love the most? What would be willing to die for? Willing to live for? Willing to suffer for? Willing to look stupid for? 

It is my prayer that more and more of us will begin abandoning all to follow a living Christ. To risk everything for the promise of eternity. The world may call us foolish but the cross of Christ is foolishness to them that don't believe. 

Our world, our churches, our families, are begging for the real deal. The kind of Christianity that flames and burns and endures with the grit of true courage, love, loyalty. Only when we get on our knees and beg our Father to instill in us His heart, His truth, and His passion will the world begin to truly see Jesus.

Way of the Cross

Alyssa Horst

The world may forsake and friends may turn against me.

I may not be rich or own the world's best home. 

But in my heart there is happiness, that never once was there. 

'Cause Jesus now is living in my life every day. 

I'll give up all to follow Christ

No back roads gonna lead me home.

There's no short cuts that I have found

Only one way will pull me through.

It's the way of the cross.

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When You Don't Measure Up...

If you feel too odd or different perhaps you should think about toads in their weird bumpy bodies or snakes with their odd hissing voices. Yet, I have never heard anyone trying to coax a toad to become smoother or redder or more like an ox.

At our youth campout this past summer, I was reminded that many of us struggle with feeling "less than" at times. 

We are too shy, or too loud, not good enough at volleyball, or simply different and out of place. Some of us go home and tear our hair out worrying about our actions and if they were correct or good enough. 

This morning I invented a new colour. I don't know how it looks yet but I know it's name. ACROMENA. Interestingly, when I went to look it up online, I realized it is actually a female name. It is rare, since I only came across two entries, but one of them titled a twitter account owned by a woman from Libya. I smiled when I read her caption. "My beauty makes me special." Now I realize this may have been focused solely on outward beauty, however, I do believe we would do well to rejoice in and rest in who God made us to be. If He made you with brown hair, He willed it so. If He gave you a quiet personality, He needed it. If He left you with poor volleyball skills in exchange for a gift with words, He had that in mind.

And so, let me introduce to you:

ACROMENA

When everyone else is blue or green and you are acromena,

Tip back your head and talk to God who made you something special.

If you are certain that He's wrong and surely pink is right,

Remember that He knows you best and made you simply right.

He needs a couple, faithful few, who stand and make a difference. 

If you were simply gray or black, you'd blend in with the others.

Perhaps God really got it wrong when He made your odd colour.

You think that yellow, orange, and tan are how folks ought to travel. 

Not odd and weird and strange and less, like you in acromena. 

Surely there's a different way than this bizarre arena. 

So if you still believe that you, are simply so peculiar, 

That you are doomed for pessimistic tendencies forever,

I beg you go and ask the One who made you slightly different 

And you will find He picked your colour specially, acromena. 

😅 A strange ditty to make a point. You are special and designed just so. Never let Satan, anyone else, or yourself tell you differently. 

"I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

As a side note, I have thought about this a little and wondered why we expect everyone to fit a certain "code", act a certain way, or live up to a certain status. I believe most places and cultures have this expectation to some degree. There is an understood method of behavior or way of doing life that must be adhered to in order to fit in or for everyone to move along smoothly. 

I believe this can be well and good until those who are different are socially exiled. They act awkwardly, say things at the wrong times and do the opposite of what we think is proper. What do we do with this?

I believe there are a few ways we can respond to these intrusions. One, we can look down our long noses in disgust and chatter ferociously about the person to others. Or, we can ignore them completely and give them a solid cold shoulder so that they realize what an awkward and unruly soul they are. Another option would be to talk with them and try desperately to make them like the norm. Or, the last one could be to actually accept them. Yes, just accept them. Exactly like they are, exactly with their oddities, exactly with the things that make us uncomfortable. 

Let their odd colours add to your rainbow. (It might be missing a colour.) Let their different habits compliment or sometimes even adjust yours. 

Every person on planet earth can teach us something if we are only willing to look beyond ourselves and see "different" as beautiful.

Perhaps we ought to go back to our places and live in the colour God made us. 

Fare well ACROMENA. 

Celebrating Teenagers

The school year has officially begun and in honour of that I will finally publish this post that I wrote a little while ago. 🙂

Once upon a time I was a teenager and shortly thereafter I advanced into my twenties. However, I still spend a lot of time with my teenage acquaintenances and enjoy it immensely. They are some of the loveliest people I know and brimming with potential if it is tapped into. 

We have had many different discussions about life's perplexities and hard truths. 

In school we talk about things like, "Why did God give Adam and Eve the choice to sin?" and "Have you ever wondered if Christianity is simply a hoax?" Well, in reality, I had actually. I wrestled with it myself a time ago, and so we dive into discussion and answers. 

Other times we talk about changes in life, the difficulties of relating to authority correctly, handling our emotions, figuring out what to do in life, and big dreams for the future.  

I really find the brains of teenagers quite fascinating. They shift on any given day, sometimes even by the hour, and come up with all kinds of difficult emotions and dilemmas like, Why did God give me such horrendous looking freckles? What are my friends thinking of me? or, How am I ever going to do that speech in front of the class without looking like a fool? 

Indeed, I have learned buckets of things from my delightful life with teenagers. 

One: Growth takes time. If adolescents were to grow up quickly over night, they wouldn't be half the strong, capable, mature adults they become. A few turbulent years of questioning, failure, and slow progress are needed to create hardy men and women of character.  

Two: Have a sense of wonder. It is my true wish that every adult on the planet would continue to retain at least a part of their innocent sense of wonder, imagining and creativity. Somehow, teenagers (especially young teens) come up with the ideas and creativity that many adults have stuffed in the box with their baby clothes. 

Three: Do things. Young people have energy and like to be active. This means they will accomplish much if set to the right task. God wants us to be busy with good and there is no better time than youth to tackle opportunities with boundless energy. 

Four: Stay young. This is a shout-out to all adults, but in order to stay young it is a good practice to spend a few hours every week doing things with a teenager that you used to do back when you were fifteen. Indeed, heart muscles will be strengthened, bones you never new existed will creak back into working order, and your sense for adventure will grow to new heights. 

Five: Add spice to life. Whether that's clocking the speed of your atv as it takes off, trying a new ice cream flavour, going shopping at the mall simply to spend time with a friend, or skydiving for the bravehearted, spending time with teenagers will teach you to pack each moment with memories. 

Six: Love God and learn from His word. Many of the teenagers in my class come with a healthy desire to know. They want to know the answer to all of life's unanswered questions. They want to know about God and how He applies to their life. In this process many choose to ask people older than them while others search on their own. Of course, God has all the answers and while He uses faithful men, they are fallible. Listening to advice from the older generation while keeping an open Bible in our hands and the Spirit in our hearts is a wise approach to learning truth. 

Seven: I have learned about the heart of Jesus. I have found it expedient to look beyond the current circumstances as I live among teenagers. It is important that we as adults see the potential in them and look beyond the difficulties now. They will grow up, they will succeed, they will develope character. Jesus' love goes far beyond our sins and failures and He sees potential in us that we don't even know exists. All teenagers deserve someone who believes in them and loves them no matter what. 

And so, that is a quick glance into why I think teenagers are wonderful people. They really are our future and a big part of who we are now. Let us champion them and encourage them to be all that God created them to be. ❤️

Reconciling Conservatism With Evangelism

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately which seems to be a habit of mine. 😃 

Much of that train of thought has found it's way back to a question I asked myself quite a number of years ago. I have a heart for missions and sharing the Gospel, but I reached a time in my life where I felt like "the only one." Let me explain. 

As I surveyed the bulk of the people around me, it seemed that they were concerned with a variety of things other than evangelism. Doctrinal issues were highly debated, differences in dress deeply ingrained, family traditions strongly maintained, business performance well charted, church services conducted appropriately, etc. In fact, I would say they were busy with good things. However, I felt called to speak. To share the Gospel out loud with a world that was dying silently. 

So I began to ask the question. "Is it possible for me, as a Mennonite woman, to be a bold declarer of the Gospel?" If you read my previous post, "Mennonites: The Silent in the Land", you may understand why this question was a difficult one for me. I remember vividly, the day I wrote three different options for my life on a piece of paper and circled the one mentioned above. I reached the conclusion that boldness was possible, but I would need to be ok with being odd and different and out of the norm at times just like many Christians over the centuries have been.  

Throughout the years, I have continued to wrestle with questions and issues as they arise and have come to see that many of us are in one ditch or the other. In fact, whole churches are veering far left or far right. Some focus highly on evangelism and offer faulty doctrine and poor discipleship. Others fear change and concentrate so carefully on  guarding doctrine and disciplining their current members, that they forget to go out and win more souls for the Master. 

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/tug-of-war">Tug Of War Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

The question I have is, can these two lines of thought, which are both part of Scripture, go together in a balanced and healthy way? 

As I observe the Apostle Paul's life, I see a beautiful picture of balance. He was constantly preaching to Gentiles who had never heard the Gospel. At the same time, he warned, guided, and admonished the churches he was taking care of. Doctrine and evangelism to him were two necessities that fit together hand in hand in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

This summer, I visited a lovely church in Southern Ontario. I used to teach in that community to a time. But as I sat in their midst once more, I was amazed. I was impressed by the number of people involved in ministry to some degree or another, but what blessed me even more, was the way the entire church was behind them and working with them. This specific church has a garden that they maintain in order to provide food for the needy. Some of the older women are involved in community ministries and a few of their youth have ventured off to far off lands. 

As I listened, the pastor got up and began to preach a sermon about one-anothering. Later that day, another one spoke on a few points of doctrine. I couldn't help but notice how well-rounded they were. Based on truth, but reaching out. 

Jesus spoke truth at every turn, and yet He had such compassion in His heart that He reached out to those around Him.

I realize that there are many gifts in our churches. Some are called to preach, some teach, some to evangelize. I believe a lot of good can happen in a church as members work together. When the evangelist appreciates the one who expounds on solid doctrine and the preacher in the home pulpit gladly supports the one walking outside the walls, churches become solid powerhouses for the kingdom of God. 

As my Dad always says, muscles and bones are mandatory in every church and in every organization. 

"Alignment comes from the bones; movement comes from the muscles."(bodymindcentering.com)

Living Solo in a Double World

Upon some urging by one of my sisters, I have decided to construct a blog post containing some advice for singles living in a world where many of their friends, relatives, and fellow church members are married. To set the record straight, I am very grateful for the life God has given me and believe He gives the gift of singleness and marriage to different people according to His will. Which leads me to... 

#1) Find God's purpose for You. 

If at this point you are unmarried, obviously that is God's plan for you at this point. Choose to be grateful and to serve the people around you. Ask God, what He would have you do, and you can be sure He will bring you many opportunities. Bless others and the Lord by serving faithfully where He calls you. Go on missions trips. Give money to the church. Take baking to neighbours. Wash someone's vehicle. Hold a young mother's child in church. Get involved at a soup kitchen. Etc. Etc. The opportunities are endless if you look beyond yourself. 

#2) Find your tribe. 

There is a bible verse that states that it is not good for man to be alone. I have observed that all people, regardless of their spot in life, need others. We do not do well alone and single people are no exception. Find a family to belong to if you don't have your own close by. Help other young families with their children if they will let you. Spend time with good friends. 

#3) Eat with others. 

If you are a single person who finds it hard to provide your own meals, drop broad hints like, "I haven't had a good casserole in awhile!" Then, if someone does finally invite you for lunch, make sure you praise the hostess' work in voluminous tones! Perhaps they will have you back. 😉

#4) Navigate weddings well. 

If you are on your own, you may end up sitting in a row with six other couples to listen to a sermon about something that doesn't apply to you. But wait, it does. Remember first of all, that you can sit up straight because your Partner is in the row with you. I have never known Jesus to forsake me. Second, because of Him the marriage sermon most assuredly will apply to you. Bring it into perspective and apply it to your relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, I have gleaned many helpful bits of advice for relationships with other people from marriage sermons. Love, forbearance, understanding, communication, and commitment are needed across the board.

#5) Use your time well. 

As single people, we are not tied down to a family or partner. As my father has stated, "You are as free as a bird." This can be both good and bad. I have seen singles who waste their time and resources on completely selfish pursuits. On the opposite side, I have observed singles pouring their hearts and entire lives out for people around them and actually leveraging the advantages of singlehood to make an eternal impact. Choose to use your freedom for His glory. 

#6) Take your loneliness to the Right Source. 

Single people will be lonely and left out at times. It is part of the package. Nobody else can be at fault for the fact that they have children and you don't or that they have someone to talk to every night and you don't. Find your satisfaction in Jesus Christ. He will be there for every lonely time and every time you are misunderstood. 

#7) Allow other people to speak into your life. 

I have had married people tell me that they feel sorry for me that I don't have the benefit of a partner to sharpen me and help me grow. So I have come up with a solution. I allow people to speak into my life. Even ask for it sometimes. Choosing to learn from others, seeking their advice, and allowing them to speak into my life have become very important to me. 

#8) Have healthy relationships with the opposite gender. 

This is a bit of a dicey topic, but it is essential. I have found it extremely important in my single existence, to have male voices speak into my life. These come in the form of my father, brothers, friends, pastors, co-teachers, etc. God created both genders with strengths and weaknesses and I believe we do well to have healthy, God-honouring relationships where we aspire to build each other up in the Kingdom of Heaven. And of course, from a woman's perspective, I appreciate the advice on buying a vehicle, the man who fixes my tire when the rim is bent, and the brother who tells me to stop worrying too much, etc. 

In conclusion, I would like to state that being single is a blessing and a gift in serving the Lord in His kingdom. May we all choose to be content and joyful where God has placed us for His service.  

Mennonites: The Silent in the Land

pikist.com

Through centuries of observing nonresistant practices, accepting frugal life styles, and refusing to enter government roles, the Mennonites by enlarge have become known as a quiet people. We are not found on the front lines of the battle field, few among us choose jobs that require a large amount of education, and we are definitely not in the halls of Parliament adding our ten cents to the discussion.

We are quite literally a "quiet people". As long as we are allowed to live our life in the way that we believe Christ has called us to, we are happy to remain silent and content in our corners. 

Yet, that brings me to the question, "Is there such a thing as being too quiet? Could it be that in our quest to be a quiet, nonresistant, and submissive people, we have become passive as well?  

As I study the lives of the early apostles and martyrs, I sense a boldness and passion that I find hard to spot today. They stood up in front of crowds, spoke to kings, and preached direct messages of conviction to guilty parties. They were unafraid of confrontation, conflict, and persecution if needed to further God's Kingdom. Their view was much much bigger than their comfort or personal advancement. 

I believe some of us have slipped into the trap of thinking that the world can see Jesus if they look at us so why speak about Him. We live law-abiding, obedient, helpful lives, so our neighbours should understand the Gospel by watching. Right? I would like to insert here, that few of my students have learned how to do math simply by watching me do the problems over and over. Learning goes much faster and makes way more sense if I explain problems in detail alongside my demonstration.

As in the example of the math problem, demonstration is important. The way we dress, how we relate to neighbours, and how we do family life should speak freely of the grace that has changed our lives. However, if the world never receives an explanation for the reason behind our choices, then we have not shown them the true life-changing core of Christianity. 

The North American world at large is preaching an "everybody matters - everybody is accepted" message. As Christians, it is extremely easy to buy into the pressure of this thought pattern and to begin ignoring sin and its consequences. We treat people with soft, easy "love" that walks them straight into hell. Jesus never downplayed or ignored sin. He preached repentance. True forthright repentance. He cared so desperately for the sinners around Him that He was willing to speak up and suffer the consequences. 

Jesus told His disciples to proclaim on the rooftops what they heard whispered in their ears and to speak what they heard at night in the day-time. The Christian Gospel cannot and must not be retained. If we believe that speaking the Gospel was only for the disciples centuries ago or for certain "called" people in our churches, how is the Kingdom of God supposed to expand and grow? Who will tell your neighbour if you don't? 

I believe in our time period it is crucial that men and women stand boldly and unashamedly on the Truth, heralding it clearly in a confused and lost world. We live in the midst of a rising generation of Bible-illiterate individuals.  If we have the Light, we ought to shine it into dark places. God has given us His Spirit of power to proclaim His message to the nations. If we are silent, we are disobeying His mandate.

As a Christian people, we need to be filled and overflowing with the love that transforms lives and hearts. We need to be filled with the Spirit that moves and changes the hardest of situations. We need to be concerned and praying diligently for the lost around us. Then, we will begin to see revival and change all around us. 

The Gospel was so expensive and is so life-changing that we owe its words to the Saviour who died for us and its life-giving power to the lost beside us. 💗 

To the Men (and those becoming men),

    I write this post fully aware that I come at it from the standpoint of a single woman. However, as a teacher, daughter, sister, and friend, to various men and boys in my life, I have become quite passionate about your role and what you bring to the kingdom of God. 

    One short survey of North American society reveals a major breakdown in the godly roles God has entrusted to both men and women. Many women are no longer in their feminine roles and as a result men are no longer heralded for their God-given abilities. 

    As stated by Derek Mack, "The most critical need of the church at this moment is men. Bold, free men. The church must seek in prayer and humility the coming again of men made of the stuff of which prophets and martyrs are made." Specifically as a teacher, I have a vision for the boys under my care to become strong, godly men, with the kind of burning heart and passion for the kingdom of God that the early disciples had.

    And so, I write this to tell you how much you matter and how much you are needed. In a world that is losing morals, family structures, and truth, your God-given strength is needed. In her book titled The Mark of a Man, Elisabeth Elliot articulated the female heart well. "Stand true to your calling to be a man. Real women will always be relieved and grateful when men are willing to be men.” We want to be protected, we want to be led, we want you to be strong. 

    Women were created with beauty and a need for protection, a melodious complement to man's brazen courage and rugged strength. So, we thank you.

    Thank-you to those of you who show up behind the pulpit every Sunday and spend time in the prayer closet each week. Thank-you to those of you who lead your families well and protect the weak in society. Thank-you for standing on truth and having a vision for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Thank-you for working hard at your jobs every day and for being men of integrity. Thank-you for all the things you do behind the scenes that nobody ever notices. Thank-you to those of you who are still becoming men and are seeking God for what He has for you. Thank-you for leading so others can follow.           

A Soldier of Purpose

He stands and peers across wasteland.     

The breathing country he used to inhabit 

Has become desert with ne'er an oasis in sight.        

His breath stills and his eyes follow the valley,      

Etched with lost battles and arguments against creation and all the realities it expresses.     

He sighs as he readies his horse to ride,

Then charts his gaze                        

To a Place that calls his attention.       

He mounts, then rides.     

Rides with heaven in view.                       

Rides through storm and hail.                   

Rides through blazing sun, driving rain, and blinding snow.           

He knows where he is going.

His mind is made up.

He rides with eternity in view.

The good of his people in view.

The Name of his Creator in view.

He rides with his heart on the line and a beat in his chest. 

He is willing to die should heaven require it.

Ready to offer each ounce of his strength. 

Ready to suffer if duty demands it.

Ready to bow for the sake of His King.

And so he rides.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  Ephesians 6:10-18

    "The world cries for men who are strong; strong in conviction, strong to lead, to stand, to suffer." (Elizabeth Elliot - The Mark of a Man)  

    For the sake of the Gospel that is entrusted to you, the homes you've been asked to lead, the churches before you, the weak beside you, and the innocent around you, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong."  1 Corinthians 16:13

Rafting Adventures

The clouds hide the sun slightly, as the brown water rolls across the tidal flats. We have donned shoes, life jackets, and all the right gear for a trip down the muddy Shubenacadie River.

Walking gingerly, we mince down a muddy, rock-infested slope and then across the flats to our little red water chariots. (aka boats) Climbing aboard, we listened to our seasoned guide spew a list of instructions and facts about the tide and its habits, before heading down the river at a couple knots per hour. (Forgive me, but I'm not a sea captain; it may have been forty or ten.)

Arriving safely, we remove life jackets and shoes and wade swiftly to shore. The mud banks are awaiting us! Slithering and sliding, we slowly make our way to the top where the most adventurous people are already coating their bellies in brown. One by one, we smack down into the goopy, gluey, brown mud and fly down the slope. Some head first, some sitting down, and some at every other odd angle. After what seems like a short time, our guides call us back to the boats and we slither our way back to the shallow salty water to splash and rinse and wash the mud from our ears, skirts, shorts, and toes. 

In a few minutes, we are all back in our boats with things securely fastened. Our guide directs the boat down the still shallow river and we head for the mouth where the tide will begin rolling in. 

Landing at a decently large flat at the edge of the river, we are set lose to wander around and explore or swim until the tide arrives. 

Some young men begin sinking themselves into the wet sand, feet first, in order to perform some ab-demanding stretches. Others, wander along the shore looking at the beautiful scenery, while the remaining folks chat quietly with their group members. 

Shortly, the command comes to remove our feet from the mud in order to be ready when the tide comes in. Much to the guides' amusement, we misunderstand and all head back to our boats immediately! Since we are ahead of time, we wait in the shallows and watch for the edge of the water to curl. 

Suddenly, we see a small white ridge rushing across the river. Our guides call us to board and into the boats we jump. Gunning the motor, we sail across the waves and enter the true rafting zone. For the next few hours, we fly through wave after salty wave and revel in the sheer excitement of water walls, speed, and the challenge of hanging on. Our guide spots the largest waves and heads straight into them. Of course, our boat has some female members aboard and so the ride gets much more exciting with some pitchy vocal additions added to it. 

Since the two people at the front get the chance to white-knuckle it through the waves, we switch places off and on so that everyone gets a turn to experience the worst (or I should say best). Unfortunately, nobody flies off the boat (Wouldn't that have been hilarious?), thankfully nobody drowns, and we all happily survive tidal bore rafting. 

Of course we are a little chilly at the end with some odd purple lips, goose-bumpy arms and shaking bodies. 

As we dock, we thank our great drivers and head up the bank for a warm, reviving shower and some hot chocolate. 

So the question comes, Should you go sometime? Well, let me lay out the options for you. 

#1) You like adventure and fun and you have some great friends to do it with you. Go and have a splendid time.

#2) You kind of like fun and adventure but you're terrified to go by your lonesome. I would advise you to find a strong, level-headed friend who can sit beside you on the boat and speak soothing words of comfort into your ear while hauling you back up onto your seat when the waves rise over your head.

#3) You hate mud and slime and water is freaky. Plus as one individual put it, there are not enough soothing words in the English language to keep you calm in such a state. Maybe you should just stay home and knit in your rocking chair. Or maybe skydiving would be a better option. 

Either way, we are all in this boat of life with different ways of living and moving and breathing. 

In the end, pick the option that floats your boat. 🙂

Jesus' Church

I watch the world and my heart breaks,

At all the things I see.

And I believe that Jesus Christ

Is equally displeased. 

He sees the people in the church

Who care for earthly things. 

The ones who live for selfish gains,

Ignoring heavenly things. 

They break His Name's amazing fame

And crush it into dust.

The world looks closely and reacts

In violent disgust

If that is Jesus, what's the point

Of giving up their lives,

To something that shows selfishness

And lies and sullen pride?

And Jesus weeps because His Church

Is torn, scratched, and marred.

Buckled into worldly things,

Poor and blindly scarred.

And then He looks at broken folks

Scattered o'er the globe.

Begging for someone to care

And help their anguished souls. 

He turns around to view His church

And feels a slight dismay,

For only some have turned their gaze

To fight in heaven's fray. 

If only more would hear the call

And march ahead with Him.

To see the people that still cry, 

"Christians bring us in!"

The Shepherd stands with arms outstretched,

Waiting for His Bride.

He gave his life to win us all.

We owe Him all our lives. 💗

Only Fifteen...

I believe he was. A young hooded man with white headphones covering his ears, crossing the street in front of me. He was oblivious to my presence until I bluntly asked him a question, "Have you ever thought about what will happen after you die?" 

Looking back, I am still amazed at my boldness! But what I really remember, is his answer, or lack thereof, to that question. 

He turned to face me out of his music reverie with an utterly blank look on his face. A few more questions led to the knowledge that he really had never truly considered this question before. I guess the thought of life after death was foreign territory to him. 

As I left that conversation behind me, a certain horror was edged into my heart that has never left. I realized the utter depravity of many youth in our world. Many in our culture are practically Bible illiterate. The last Bible verses have floated away with their grandparents, leaving them to movies, social media of all kinds, and sports to take the place of truth. Little time is left to think about eternity or why we are here on earth in the first place. Life becomes a rat race for fun instead of pursuing a relationship with God the Creator. 

I have never left my love or concern for teenagers behind. As I teach them in school, talk to them at youth, meet them on the streets, and see them at their jobs, I care about them more deeply than ever. I believe that each youth has a deep calling on their life. To know Jesus Christ and to walk out a life of love and devotion to Him. Of course, each one also has a special calling in accordance with the gifts the Spirit gives. As churches, we do well to bless and disciple our youth as they reach out in discovery of God's plan for their lives. 

When I see young people neglected or going down the wrong path, I can't help but feel torn. A couple years ago, my family sang in a prison in South Carolina. That evening the house was packed out with an unusually young crowd. The inmates in that prison were aged 17 and up, with some of them reaching into their 30s and 40s. They were enthusiastic and clapped well, but I remember leaving that service with a single question. Why?

I spoke with God on that one for a bit. Why did I get to have the upbringing I had? Why did I get to attend church every Sunday, have two loving parents, and receive godly discipline and guidance while many of these young men came from homes with substance abuse, divorce and absent parents, poverty, half siblings and step-parents, gang violence, homelessness, etc. etc. Seriously! Why? Life seemed completely unfair! But as I persisted in my questioning, God clearly communicated. "Corrine, I gave it so you could share it. You are supposed to go to those who don't have what you do. Show them my love. Show them that I want to know them."

And there was the call, as clear as that. Ever since, Jesus and I have walked together to fulfill that in a variety of ways. The world is calling for us, desperate for what we have.

They are hungry for our Bread and thirsting for our Water. We must go. ❤️

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/account">Account Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

Will You be That Place?

According to John Elfleim on Statista, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world. They cause around 1,000,000 deaths per year by bringing viruses such as malaria, the West Nile Virus, and dengue viruses. Snakes are the second deadliest animal, causing around 100,000 deaths per year while dogs come in at 300,000 and lions at 250.

I quote these statistics to bring out a point. In my short (getting longer) existence among the human population I have observed a syndrome I will call "back-biting". I do believe it is one of the deadliest killers among mankind. It wrecks churches, stifles marriages, wreaks havoc on friendships, and brings catastrophe in work places. 

I was doing a bit of reading in 1 Corinthians 13 and came across verse 5 which states, "thinketh no evil." Now there is a place to simply face the facts and call out sin, but if your brother's financial sense just isn't want it ought to be, or your sister's dress is an inch to short, perhaps it would be wisest to retreat into your prayer closer and do a bit of digging and praying. 

Dig into your heart (or I should say allow God to) deep enough to release any poisonous pride and jealousy. Then bend low enough to allow that brother or sister to be more important than you. ( Philippians 2:3) Consider their feelings, their spiritual well-being and their hearts. Bring them to the Father and let Him do the work. He can do far more than any tongue-wagging has ever accomplished. 

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The second thing we need to consider is the issue of safety. I believe that silence is a quiet killer in many places. Because there is the potential of back-biting, many victims of abuse, people who are simply struggling in life, and people who have a vision for change remain silent. Silent for fear they will be judged, shot down, and ostracized. Silent for fear all the neighbours and fellow church members will be clued into the very deepest and vulnerable parts of their heart.

I believe that as Christians it is our duty and our calling to be a safe place for people. A place for people to be heard and understood. A place where they can truly speak their innnermost thoughts and feelings without fear or condemnation. It requires setting ourselves aside and letting the heart of Jesus be foremost. 

The question is...Will you be that place?