The Sights & Sounds of Christmas

An evening (for ladies) focused on preparing our hearts for Christmas amid all the hustle & bustle. Come join us at StoneRidge Fellowship church, for food demos, Christmas carols, and emphasis on the Christ in Christmas. Friday, November 26, 7:00pm. Cost: FREE!

HOME...

This country, that many of us call HOME... this Canada of ours... really is an amazing, amazing place.

Maybe it is anticipating Remembrance Day. Or maybe it is because I flew over the Praries yesterday and began thinking about the years I lived in Saskatchewan.

I don't know.

But, I'm feeling nostalgic.

I took a Gondola Ride up a mountain today. And of course I could not help but consider the vast geographical differences from one coast of Canada to the other as I skimmed the tops of 40 foot trees.

These mountains... these amazing Rocky Mountains!

Maybe, just maybe, what I am feeling is... worshipful.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 3 May 1915.

Blessings in Disguise...

I'm taking a personal, finance management class. Two weeks in on a 13 week course.

The first "baby step" all participants have been encouraged to carry out is to establish a $1000 EMERGENCY fund.

Last week my car was in the garage. And let's just say that the bill came pretty close to eating up my EMERGENCY fund in a manner that is quicker than a child eating up their Halloween treats. Or should I say, in a manner quicker than a... parent eating up their child's Halloween treats?

But...
the blessing is that there is even a car to fix - right?
the blessing is that there was an EMERGENCY fund - right?

This morning I was on my way to an appointment.
As I was driving along I thought, "My goodness, I must have the car in neutral... but if so - how did I get this far?"

Nope, not in neutral.

"Oh my, the car is going to... it's... just... going... to... stop... Whaaaaaaaaaaat?"

Chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chug, chugX4000.

Miss the appointment and head to the garage.
"Sure, Lisa - you can leave it with us however, we don't have an opening for another week."

But...
the blessing is that I head out of town on Monday - right?
the blessing is that there was no car accident - right?
the blessing is having a sister who rescues me all the time. Fact.
the blessing is that I fully, 1000%, understand the wisdom in having an EMERGENCY fund - right?

Life.

And, EMERGENCY funds!

The Power of a Woman's Words

Our study this fall is The Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes. Our words have power and sustainability. Our words linger in the hearts and minds of those who hear them longer then the seconds it took to speak them. I have always struggled with saying things to make a joke or a quick come back and seldome think of the consequences of those words. The past two years a friend and I have both agreed that our tongues need to be tamed. In a recent sermon series in James, I learned that I can only learn to tame my tongue with help from the Holy Spirit and by practice.

One area I feel that I can use my words for good is to encourage others.
Encouragement is free but it is priceless to the one who needs it most. I don't mean fluffy encouragement. I mean true genuine encouragement to everyone in your sphere of influence. Starting with family and friends and spreading it to neighbors, teachers, strangers, leaders...the list can go on and on. God's word is the greatest gift of encouragement. Take some time this week and encourage someone!