Being Anchored

  I never expected to find this three foot long anchor in the midst of a tree filled park. It was from a small, paddlewheel boat used in early logging operations in Algonquin. The boat would ferry huge log booms across the lakes. In those days, logging was done by clear cutting everything.
 The Logging Museum in the park was time well spent learning about this aspect of the conservation area. Logging still happens but with an environmental focus. Only selected trees are removed from an area allowing smaller ones to mature. It is now a sustainable industry, not a ravaging of the land, that is important to the well being of the forest.
  Fire is also used. Although with this terribly dry summer, I doubt there will be any controlled burning. Not if campfires are banned.
  Another conservation and camping area, Grundy Lake, had to be evacuated due to raging forest fires in the area. There are close to forty of them across Northern Ontario.
  Anchors and fire...what an odd combination. Yet both have touched my heart with understanding as I have journeyed with the Lord at my side through fire and storm.
  I give thanks for both because in the midst of trials, the profound simplicity of an anchor has reminded me that a storm will never cast me adrift alone.
  Never will the fires consume me but rather sear away the unwanted, the dead things that hamper new growth. Amen!
  " When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3

Canisbay Lake, Algonquin Park

  It is early. While away I got a message from Hydro for a planned, two hour power outage this morning. So, up, generator running and enough battery power to write while I wait for the lights to come back on. I missed my morning writing although we were in the cell phone accessible area along the highway running through the park.
  Ah, Algonquin Provincial Park...wild enough that a young black bear perused the campground searching for tidbits left out by careless campers yet civilized enough for hot showers. He was a new addition to my life list.
  A few highlights...It rained the day we arrived. I think the skies had held onto all of this terribly dry summer's moisture and let it fall in the course of one night. Conversation was impossible as the rain hammered the canopy and the tarps spread to protect our gear.

It eventually eased off. As I lay half awake, the wind would shake the tops of the towering maple trees. The leaves shook off their glistening drops in a crescendo of random beats.
  Forest fires were raging far north of us and despite the heavy rain, a fire ban was in place. My friend and I filled the evenings playing cards or perusing our nature books to identify some of the plants and wildflowers photographed on our hikes. Between her books and my old Reader's Digest North American Wildlife, we managed to identify quite a few. Whether or not I will remember the names remains to be seen.

  Canisbay Lake was the ideal spot for my kayak's maiden voyage. Shallow, no deeper than my waist for the most part, small enough to reach shore easily and plied by a multitude of other boaters. Even so, I stayed safe wearing a life jacket, having a whistle handy as well as packing the emergency boat kit every time I went out.     
  Kayaking added a whole other dimension to the outdoors. Sitting eye level with a loon, watching him preen and set his feathers straight...A Black duck and a Great Blue Heron shared his territory...The quiet rush of water past the bow...Sitting in the midst of a Water Lily garden as the leaves bounced in the wind driven ripples. I fell in love with the sport.
  Three voyages enabled me to grasp some of the basics like getting in and out. Out is trickier than getting in. I was pleased I didn't end up falling flat on my back with legs in the air. (Wouldn't that have got me laughing!) The first couple times getting out, there was a strong hand to assist. The last time, I figured out how to beach my bright red craft sideways so it was more stable. That, and I wasn't trying to rise against the gravity of an uphill slope. No hands were needed.
  I am a long way from attempting to kayak on anything more turbulent than small waves. That is more than okay. There is still much to learn. I will give thanks for the joy brought into my life through floating on the living waters.
  "Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem." John 4:21

A Doctor

  I am grateful for the Canadian health system, regardless that it is overburdened, under staffed, has long wait times and all the other woes. For decades I went to one family doctor. Initially, the trio at the practice was the only doctor's office in town. Praise God they are infrequent visits. A couple years ago, he retired. A new doc took over his practice.
  I've got a chest cold thingy going on. With going away, it seemed prudent to get it checked out. I called the old number to find out that the new doctor had left last November!
  This caused a momentary burst of panic. Getting a family doctor is difficult, with overworked practioners reluctant to take on new patients. Thankfully, he had only moved up the road so I was able to find him and make an appointment.
  So here's the thing: the old office had a case load of thousands of patients. Often it would be several days before a time was avaliable. Appointments were ten minutes if you were lucky. Waiting for an hour was nothing. The harried and overworked receptionists were abrupt to the point of rudeness all the time. If memory serves, they have always been that way. It always felt as though I was begging a favour to see my doctor.

  Yes, Lord, we are blessed in this country.  I know that. This is about more than our health care system.

  When I called the new office, the receptionist was pleasant and friendly. Oh, what a pleasure to speak to her! Thankfully, she got me in the next afternoon.
  I went early because they were treating me like a new patient even though I had seen the doc once while he was still at the old office. It meant there was some paperwork. Letting her know how nice it had been dealing with her on the phone brought a smile to her face. A few words of blessing.
  I left his office feeling like a person, not a hunk of meat. I left his office feeling as though my small health issue was the most important case he had ever taken on. Armed with a bunch of blood work, mammogram and x-ray requisitions, I left knowing that this new doctor placed a great deal of importance on pro-active care.
  Now, he had already done this for me at the old office but they were never followed up on. That was just before having to be there for my uncle during his last days on earth, dealing with his house, and funeral. Time got away from me.
  I also really struggle with the intimate invasion that is part of a full physical. I shared this with him. He told me there is a lady, nurse practitioner at the hospital who could do that part of the vetting. Something to think about.

  Simple kindness goes a long way. It doesn't take any more time. It doesn't cost anything. Simple kindness is placing inestimable worth on another living, breathing, feeling human being. Simple kindness is Jesus living through us. Amen!
  "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." Mathew 5:9

The way things are

  We had some rain earlier this week. Only the second time in all of June and July that amounted to anything. The weeds are about all that's left of green in the lawn. The grass is crispy, tinder dry straw. There are fire bans throughout Ontario which means no camp fires or bonfires. It means the pile of brush waiting in my own burn pile will have to sit until the ban is lifted.
  I feel for the farmers who don't have irrigation systems. It will have a dire impact on the local potato harvest and everything else. Low wheat, corn and canola yields mean prices will go up at the grocery store. That doesn't need any more help. The much needed increase in the minimum wage, and all this nonsense with the U.S. and their trade sanctions, tariffs and taxes isn't helping either. Some products haven't gone up in price but the package size has been drastically reduced to compensate. (My rant for the day.)
  The drought has made me more conscientious about selectively watering the gardens, especially the plants and flowers bees like. The grass can die. Without water, these flowering plants won't produce nectar. Without that, the already at risk bee population will suffer.
  There are four milkweed plants in the front garden. A present from God. They are the foundation of the Monarch butterfly life cycle. The eggs laid in Canada are the Super Monarchs who migrate to Mexico. It takes three generations to migrate back. These black and orange beauties are another species at risk. Due to the drought, and despite watering, most of the milkweed flowers up and withered but thankfully two have produced seed pods. It had been in the plan to plant more next year. Hopefully these seeds will be viable.
  Lord, forgive us for how we abuse this beautiful world You created. Forgive us for our lack of care, of ignoring the global butterfly effect. Forgive us for not living as a global family. In Jesus's name I pray.
  "Here is another illustration Jesus used: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches."" Mathew 13:31

No Rush

  I have decided to sit back and wait for a clearer direction for the blog. There are several options in the background. Continue using it as a forum to share of my life with Jesus. Tackle the Bible study list even though an entire Scripture verse is a lot to explore in this limited space and time. After having done one, there is a great deal of reluctance to do more. The thoughts, impressions and ideas stirred up became muddled and overwhelming.
   I've thought about doing a word study as an alternative path of discovery. That is done by looking up every verse containing a particular word. I could write about each one. It is something I did as a new believer because it was an easier way to learn.
  There is the apron, too. It's unfinished, with butterfly words waiting to be inspired and written on it.
  In the mean time, I will plod along. Next week I am taking a sabbatical, a rest from writing. My hope is by taking some time to pray about the choices, there will be answers.
  This is part of life with Jesus, this practice of waiting, this exercise of patience. Most of the time I rush headlong into things, taking the briefest of looks before jumping. But, when I end up over my head, I have a Saviour who reaches down to pull me out.
  "So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus." Mathew 14:29

Measuring

  Life went and got busy. It's a good busy. Vacation planning, church, and this half day was spent taking interior and exterior measurements for the designer to draw up blueprints for my addition. It has gotten rather complicated.
  There is a conservation authority for the area I have to get permission from to build. That is the first step. Without their approval, it will be a no go.
  When (when, not if ) the approval happens, there is an HVAC report. That is an assessment of the heating and cooling requirements for the entire house. Windows, doors, room sizes are all factored in as well as the requirements for the new space.  Both are needed before the town will even consider issuing a building permit.
  It took me 5 hours to measure everything inside and out and to draw up rough sketches. Tape measures are tricky rascals for one person.
  Whenever I draw a floor plan I am reminded of my dad. Designing houses was the only hobby he had. Not that they were ever built, he just enjoyed doing them. That's where I learned how. Using the templates with outline of tiny toilets, sinks and stoves was always fun. I have no idea where they went.
  But I have learned something. The house is bigger than 600 square feet. The footprint is a whopping 768 square feet based on exterior measurements. Mind you, some of that area is swallowed by exterior and interior walls. It makes sense now I think about it. Building sizes are usually divisible by 4 feet or 8 feet, the standard length of a 2x4.  Funny, that, how the metric system never reached building materials.
  Lord, thank You for providing yet another skill that has come in so handy over the years. I pray that there will be no objections to the addition and that permissions, permits and contractors arrive exactly when they need to. Amen!

  " Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven and blessed them." Mathew 14:18 JCB

July 13 Deuteronomy 5

  It had been my thought to copy the day's Bible passage but the study is entire chapters. Perhaps a brief summary will serve instead. Deuteronomy 5 contains one of the most important events in human history. God gave His chosen people the Ten Commandments to live by.
  Something I learned recently is (v23-25) God had spoken to everyone, not just Moses. The people were so terrified, they appointed Moses to be the only one to speak with God on their behalf.
  The question for today...what does this reveal about Jesus? About God?
  The significance of God eagerly trying to connect with everyone on a personal level is mind blowing to me....

...folks, this isn't working. Trying to explore an entire Bible chapter is rather overwhelming. Repeating lessons that have been taught by others misses the personal connection with the Lord I hunger for every time I blog.
  Maybe that's the lesson for the day. I don't need to rely on modern day "Moseses" to hear God's voice because the Lord loves us enough to have provided a piece of Himself to guide, teach and encourage: the Holy Spirit.
  The Ten Commandments were written in stone and on papyrus for the Hebrew people to memorize and live by. In Christ, through His love, inanimate, lifeless words become a living, breathing promise.

  It would appear I was inspired after all. Thank You Lord for reminding me the best things happen the moment I surrender my personal agenda.
 

New Paths

  It is always good to change things up a bit although it feels odd to start the writing for the day without a Bible passage.
  I have spent the last year and a half exploring personal affirmations. In the course of that exploration, God revealed Himself to me on many levels. Through this journey, I have learned and grown as a person and came to realize faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of all that I am and do.
  But, it's a bit vague. I fully believe Jesus came to earth, was crucified, died and rose again. I have gained a deeper appreciation of the Love that motivated this sacrifice. But that isn't enough, I want to know more about Him...intimately more.
  The Anabaptists view the entire Bible, both New and Old Testament, as a guidebook pointing to Jesus. So, by keeping that fundamental idea at the forefront of this next adventure, I am being led to delve into a realm of amazing discoveries.
  There is a daily Bible study guide in the Jesus Centred Bible, a New Living Translation. There is one scripture verse for each day that is begging to be explored. It also has highlighted Jesus focused references in the Old Testament in blue to help with this focused study. I will continue to use the New King James Bible as well because I have found using both creates a broader understanding.
  Lord, thank You for providing such clear direction. Thank You for providing the means to be able to follow Your lead. Thank You for filling my heart and mind with an excited curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. Grant me wisdom, discernment, and revelation as I grow to know Your Son even more. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
  "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
 

300...Mathew 11:29

  I am yoked with Jesus.
  "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." NKJV
  "Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." JCB

  What an appropriate verse to close out this journey; a journey that began almost a year and a half ago.
  Has it been successful? Has it been worthwhile taking the time to explore the life giving words? Absolutely! In countless ways.
  There's the practical, like having a better grasp on where each book is in the Bible. While I couldn't recite them, at least I can find them without relying on the index any more. A greater appreciation for God's Word and the richness within each page has also grown expeditiously.
  My copy of the New King James Bible has 1095 pages. Within them are answers to every question, comfort for every trial, and sound practices for a joyful life. I've come to realize the Bible is the written heart of God. Thinking about the miracles that took place over the millenium and how it ended up on my kitchen table, in a language I understand, is mind blowing.

  By taking this particular yoke upon me and taking the time to explore and examine my heart has led to tremendous, personal growth. It isn't anything tangible, just a feeling of contentment and confidence that pervades every aspect of my life, even the flaws!  Having this achievement bathed in humility, and by acknowledging the Author of all successes leaves room to grow. There is lots of room left!
  Dear readers, join me in celebration this morning. Join me in honouring the God who makes all things possible. Join me in praises of the One who clears away any obstacle in the pursuit of truth. Join me in patting myself on the back because I did it, I finished the list!
  To God be the glory, the One who sustained me, who encouraged me, who filled my soul with an insatiable hunger to learn. May it never fade. Amen!
 

2 Corinthians 5:15

  I am yielded to God.
  "And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." NKJV
  "He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them." JCB

  In the midst of taking steps towards adding an entry way at the side door of the house, I learned something that set me laughing. Every area in Canada is designated with areas for conservation, agriculture, industry, commerce and where homes can be built. Turns out my little bungalow is zoned as Estate Residential. Ooooo, la-di-dah! Now, South of me there are palatial ranch homes on acre lots. Yup. I'd call them estates but the small bungalows around me? That's why I laughed. To think of a 750 square foot home as an Estate kind of stretches the truth. (Big grin.)
  Yet, this morning's affirmation has me thinking about kingdom living; about God's zoning practices. He has only one: belonging.
  By belonging to Him, surrendering to Him, the world becomes an opportunity to enjoy estate living regardless of earthly circumstances.
  And it's free!
  I've often heard people say they are reluctant to become believers in Jesus because they have to give up too much...Lord, forgive us for institutionalizing faith. Forgive us for allowing religious fervour to build walls and rules...for draining the joy, the dance and the music out of belonging.
  God's estate is kingdom life. A kingdom of hope, possibilities and second chances.
  Lord, thank You that my heart was opened; that I took the chance in allowing Your Son to be part of my life, a huge part! Thank You, by learning to surrender, space was made for Your truth to infuse my heart with the light and life of being.
 
  If Jesus isn't part of your life, dear reader, I ask you to think about letting Him become your partner.
 

I am worthy. Revelation 3:4

  "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." NKJV
  "Yet there are some in the church of Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. " JCB

  I am being rather human this morning. This the third last affirmation on the list. The end of the road keeps drawing my attention away from the matter at hand.
  Oh....okay...Thank You, Lord, for bringing an important lesson to my attention.

  I just realized by regarding my humanity, my human characteristics, with contempt is an act of ingratitude to the nth degree. It isn't my humanity that is the issue, it is sin.
  Because every aspect of my wonderful, delightful, quirky humanity has been made in God's image. He forethought every aspect of this unique identity before the dawn of life. Before the cosmos exploded. Before the earth was nothing more than a ball of swirling gases and rock.
  Every aspect is a gift: femininity, sensitivity, creativity. Intelligence, determination, gratitude.

  I can feel some tears picking at my eyes because today is the final answer to my very first prayer.
  "Who am I?" A plea from a terrible place of brokenness and heartbreak has finally come into fruition; into a place of joy.
  Because now I know. Better yet, I am finally able to like who I am.
  And a huge grin replaces the tears.
  Yes, I can like my imperfect self because even though sin still has the ability to influence my thoughts, behaviours and choices, I am and always have been God's child.
  That is the foundation of worth. Not deeds. Not behaviours. Not feelings.

  Our worth as mortal beings with eternal life was displayed for all to see in the Blood of Jesus.

I am His worshipper. Psalm 95:6

  "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." NKJV

  The heat wave broke last night with a rumbling, flashing, growly thunderstorm. Standing by the window, watching and feeling the freshening breeze I could almost hear the parched earth sigh as the raindrops gathered into a steady downpour. I could almost hear it saying thank you to God for sending the rain.
  I joined the earth with my own offering of gratitude.

  Worship is akin to mindfulness. Worship happens when we focus on God's presence...
  Worship is a moment of inexplicable joy that erupts the moment we acknowledge God's presence; when we offer praises, gratitude, and silence to honour Him, to take time to pour our love out to Him.

  That's it, isn't it? Time. Time that needn't be delegated to Sunday's service. Worship is an everyday attitude because to know the Lord is the greatest gift of all.

  Lord, I am very good at laying my sorrows, wants and needs before You. Let me find ways to incorporate more moments of sharing the inexpressible joy having You in my life brings, too! Amen!
 
 
 
 

I am not of this world. John 17:14

  "I (Jesus) have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." NKJV
  "I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world." JCB

  What would it look like to truly live not of this world? It would mean living by the truth of the last 295 affirmations, the gift of the Word, the Bible record and the love of Jesus.
  It would mean letting go of whatever in the world prevents us from living in the every day presence of God.
  So why is this so hard to do? Is it because we are at war? Is it because the enemy of our joy is determined to strip it from us in any way he can? Is it because it is far easier to believe negative things are more true? Especially when the culture surrounding us is so adept at crushing the human spirit?
 
  How does one live in the mortal world with an eternal life? Without getting drawn into the toxic negativity surrounding us all the time?
  That is the biggest challenge for me. It would be easier to surround myself with people of like minds. Those who live passionately for Jesus. Except...
  The stark reality is there is such pain and suffering all around. To turn away from offering hope, offering comfort, offering help wherever we are able to isn't The Way. To turn a blind eye to the discomfort and sorrows of our fellow man isn't what we are called to do.

  It needs to start in our own back yard.
  There is a hidden population of the homeless. They remain unseen unless we open our eyes to their presence.
  There are people trapped in a community with no way out, no ride, no transportation to shelter, a bigger job market and affordable housing.
  The shelter opened for the winter has closed its doors for the summer yet the need remains. The handful of volunteers involved with it couldn't keep going.  God bless them for all they have done.
  There are people struggling to rise above their addictions yet face prejudice and condemnation from "the good people". Addictions have no financial boundaries, status doesn't mean a thing.
  NIMBY (not in my back yard) is God's enemy striking deep. Ignorance is his delight. Indifference is his laughter.
  Lord, unlock Your love in me so I may serve with a heart not of this world. Amen.
 

I am His workmanship. Ephesians 2:10

  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." NKJV
  "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." JCB

  This is a verse that has been blogged about before. Years ago, this was spoken over me at a retreat where I learned the Greek word for workmanship is poema. We are God's poetry!
  Out of curiosity, I googled how many different types of poetry there are. In the English language alone, it's 29 although slam poetry wasn't on the list.

  Yesterday I spent a couple of wonderful hours at the beach with my friend. Down from us was a family. Mom, dad, and a couple of kids were enjoying the sand and warm water as much as we were. Or maybe more...
  The mom was overweight according to medical standards. Her thighs were dimpled. Her stretch marked belly sagged. Yet, there she was, bikini clad, the story of child bearing visible for all to see. Her skin was a beautiful honey colour where the sun had caressed her. She was so beautiful, so womanly soft in a way that surpassed mere sexuality.
  I was jealous. I was jealous of her freedom because my own, conservative one piece suit had a skirt sufficiently long enough to hide my own dimpled, lily-white, never revealed, thighs. It is long enough to cover my shame about weight and my own baby battle scars.
  But here's the thing. By putting it on, it only enforces the shame. It only enforces my belief that my body, just as it is, is an ugly, unacceptable thing.

  On the way home, I stopped at Wal-Mart to buy a new bathing suit. It's still a one-piece because the two pieces they had left still incorporated a skirt. I will have to wear it and get some sun on my upper legs before camping or they will fry up quick as bacon.
  Lord, let me be free of society's definition of beautiful because this body is a gift. This body can glorify You. This body can be a testimony to Your grace. This body can do Your works by serving You. Dimples and all.

I am His witness. Acts 1:8

  "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." NKJV
  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." JCB

  You know what amazes me the most? How nothing is too small for the Lord.
  Most of Saturday there was no power but by early evening, it had been restored. There seemed to be a problem down the highway a bit. Initially, I thought it might have been a brown out caused by the air conditioning demands of the heat wave. Temperatures, factoring in humidity, have been hovering in the low to mid forties.
  Yesterday, after church, I asked a couple people about going out for lunch. Spending some time in air conditioned comfort was appealing! One of them invited me back to their place. So, here's the God part...
  Initially I thought it was a personal reluctance, shyness, but an insistent urge was telling me to Go Home!
  The power had gone out again. My arrival was in plenty of time to fire up the generator to run the sump pump. Ergo, no flooded basement.
  The added bonus is my cell phone has been set up to get text messages from Ontario Hydro should the power go out at home. I had been wracking my brains about how to rig some sort of alarm to do just that. Another answered prayer.
  Lord, You are so good to take care of the worries in life, even if I haven't actually prayed about them!

   I love being able to share these small examples of how God provides. This morning I find myself feeling challenged to trust the Lord even more.
  Because a witness doesn't just talk about their faith, a witness lives it.
  Lord, I lift the areas in my life where independence and fear prevent me from fully trusting You. Teach me to let go and live free.