Sunday, October 9, 2011

Giving thanks

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul."


This weekend is Thanksgiving in the Great White North of Canada - and I can't help but find myself incredibly thankful for the bounty of blessings in my life. I've been hindered by thoughts of confusion, loneliness and self-worth this past week and have refused to REJOICE in each new day and the mercies that come with it. I was caught up in the whirlwind of "everyday life".

Today I drove with a girlfriend to do a grocery-shop for our annual Thanksgiving dinner on Monday. We vented. A lot. About work, finances, friendships and hardships. However, in each topic we came to the same conclusion: The Lord provides and He is good. Simple, honest and raw Truth. We put Life into our conversations about life.

I am thankful for this day. I am thankful for that friend and my family. Most of all - I am thankful that I serve a merciful God who abundantly provides what I truly need - always. Even if I tend to forget that every once in awhile.

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
-Isaiah 58:11

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Summer "Vacation"

It's been 10 months since I publicly posted on this blog. I've still been writing and reading, but for my eyes only.

I was recently on holidays at one of my favourite places: Tofino. The ocean, the air and the whole lifestyle of the West Coast always rejuvenates me - but this year was different. I came back with the knowledge that I have been ducking and avoiding situations that would force me continue in a relationship I felt I needed a break from. I let certain people and certain situations dictate my faith this past year, and it had drained me.

I almost felt I needed a "summer vacation" from God and the physical church. I still set apart time to journal and read, but never actively pursued Christ and felt relieved that I wasn't obligated to anyone for 3 months.

Reality check! I am still obligated to to HIM. Hello? Who am I kidding here? It took a rainy, blustery and freezing cold morning run in Tofino to make me realize that a certain Someone was literally throwing a bucket of cold water on my face to wake me up! Follow ME in all situations and seek MY name - stop letting stressful situations control how I feel about my Jesus!

I recently finished reading Rumors of God (HIGHLY recommend it) and it's confirmed in me that now is the time to really wake up. To strongly pursue Him and call others to do the same. It also caused me to throw the book at the wall a few times because it's seriously challenging.

Summer reading - and summer vacation is over.