Prioritizing What's Important

I've been trying to wrap my head around the events of the last two weeks.  As with all of you, literally out of nowhere life as I knew it changed.  Even three months ago, I could not have imagined that the world would turn into the kind of scene that movies are made of.  A virus sweeping the world, taking everyone off guard, closing down entire cities, and forcing people to stay home.

Yet, in the midst of this, I can't help but think about what life will look like when this self-isolation and social-distancing is over.

There are only two choices to make in times like these:  1: Live paralyzed by fear.  2. Live intentionally with the purpose to grow in the midst of adversity.

I urge us to choose to live intentionally.

When the self-isolation and social-distancing is over, I want to be someone who is stronger because of it.  I want my relationship with God to be stronger because of it.  I want my relationships with others to be stronger because of it.  In a moment that is being used to cause distance between people and questions of God, can we turn it around instead to dive deeper into these relationships?

Can we use the moments of quiet that we normally would fill by going out and staying busy to instead just sit and seek the face of God?  Will we be willing and open to just embrace the stillness to really, truly come before the throne of God and just spend time with Him?

And secondly, will we choose to be intentional to reach out to the people in our lives and build deeper, more meaningful relationships with them?  Though physically distant, could it be possible that this season can be used to lay aside the surface aspects of life so that we can grow in deeper unity with those God has placed around us?

I find it so fascinating that over the last few days, people I haven't seen or talked to in years have reached out to say "Stay safe!"  We are all in this together.  There is no discrimination - we are ALL in this together.

Could it be that in this moment, the most important things are prioritized once again?  Love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself (Matt 22:37-39).  Let this be the desire of our hearts and our motivation to thrive in this historic moment.

Joy In the Shattering

Over the last few months I've been contemplating the possibility of starting my blog up again.  It's been some time since I've written, and even longer since I've been consistent.  I started this blog probably around 10 years ago or so, and over the last few months I have had a few instances where it has come up in conversation.  I suppose writing is therapeutic for me, and it just might be time to share my thoughts once again.

This past year has been quite a year, and part of me is more than ready to see this decade end.  Seeing 2020 feels surreal!  Another decade is ending, and a new one is about to begin - one full of so many possibilities!

Yet, as much as I'm ready for 2019 to end, my heart hurts thinking about it.  If I could sum up this year with one word I would choose "shattered."  I've been thinking about this a lot, and it somehow holds both sorrow and joy.

In life it is so true that life can change in an instant.  2019 started off in a relaxed, peace filled manner.  However, by mid January little did I know that so much of what I knew in life was going to take one hit...then another...then another...then another... Truthfully, one form of pain rolled into the next, and by September, tragedy shattered me beyond recognition.

When Jesus took my Grandpa home unexpectedly, every part of me went numb.  Throughout these past few months, I have been forced to learn what it means to have grace for myself and that grief is a process that doesn't have specific time frames.  This process has taught me so much about myself, about others, and about the reality that God really truly holds us together.

I don't want this to be a heavy post, but I want it to be real.  I chose to start writing again with this topic because I want to honour my Grandpa, and the incredible life he lived.

Throughout the last few months I've done a lot of thinking, observing, and analyzing.  I've always had questions about why I am the way I am, and it was at the funeral where I really began to understand.

It seems as though everyone we talked to told us how much Grandpa loved.  How he always remembered people, always made people feel welcome, and how highly they thought of him.  People came to the funeral who he hadn't seen in years, yet they valued the relationship they had with him.  Honestly, it broke me because I know Grandpa didn't even realize that some of the people who came thought that highly of him.

Why as a society do we wait until a funeral to express appreciation for someone's life?  Why is it so difficult to let the people we care about know that we do?  I think we live in a society that says busy is best, and our culture is so good at saying it's okay to put that first instead of people.

I'm guilty of using the 'busy' card. Work, errands, life.  "Things."  Sometimes they get in the way.  But, should they?

In these last few months, I've become increasingly thankful for the godly heritage I have and for the deep love that my Grandpa showed.  I'm so honoured to have had an incredible example to look up to and to shape my worldview of what it looks like to love deeply.  I am so thankful that my Grandpa loved Jesus, and that is why he could love as he did.  There is always room for growth, and I pray I can take what Grandpa lived, and express the love of Christ through my life.

I honour you, Grandpa.

So, this year has shattered me in sorrow to the point beyond recognition.  I am not who I was going into this year.  However, somehow God is reminding me that this shattering can contain joy.  Something that has been shattered will never look the same again.  If it is rebuilt, it takes on a new form and a new design.  There can be joy in the shattering, knowing that if I allow Him to, God will rebuild me into someone new.  Someone with new perspective.  God is faithful.  We don't always see it, and in the pain I haven't seen it in the dark moments.  Yet, He is still there.  Shaping, molding, growing me - us - into exactly who He designed me to be.  That's the joy in the shattering.  That He is making me more like Him.

The Pursuit

Within the last two weeks my church has introduced a new song in our worship set.  Every time I hear it, all I can think of is the word 'pursue.'  

There is a part in the song that says "There's no shadow you won't light up, mountain you won't climb up.  Coming after me.  There's no wall you won't kick down, lie you won't tear down.  Coming after me."

Just think about that for a minute.  Maybe it's the season of life I find myself in with friends around me having men around them pursuing them - but, that's what comes to mind.  In the natural, when a man is interested in a woman, he will pursue.  He will lay aside things in his life that aren't as important as getting to know that woman, so that she will become his.  He will do whatever it takes to pursue her, so that she knows how much he wants to know her - how much he values her - and ultimately, how much he loves her.  

Now, picture that with God.  There is nothing God will not do to show us how much He loves us.  He will pursue - even greater than any man on earth could pursue.  There's no lie, no mistake, no fear, no failure that could EVER stop Him from recklessly pursuing us.  There's no life choice that we could make that would stop Him from wanting us.  There's no shame that will build a wall so great that He can't come in and tear it down.  

All He wants is for us to recognize His pursuit and to allow Him to sweep us off our feet.  

There's absolutely nothing that would stop Him from wanting us.  His love IS beyond words.  It is more than we could ever imagine.  Even the examples we see in life with a man pursuing a woman pale in comparison to the pursuit God has for us.

He will leave everything behind because of YOU.  There's nothing you or I could ever do to deserve His love.  However, He still chose to give it all - He gave His very life.  For me.  For you.  His pursuit.  All because He so desires relationship with us.  How amazing is that love?!  It's mind blowing.

Take some time to just listen to this song.  Sit back, close your eyes, and just allow God to meet you wherever you are at - in your joy and your sorrow - and just allow His love to sweep you off your feet.  Embrace His pursuit.

Who Are You Listening To?

For a number of months, I've been thinking a lot about the importance of what we listen to, who we listen to, and how that affects how we live and the way we interact with others.

I've found myself in a season where I feel, in a way, that I've been looking at life from an outsiders perspective.  Through this season, I've come to realize some things regarding the power of words, and I've developed a passion to see a culture shift to see words build up instead of tear down.

Women are known for the way they interact through words.  Sadly, I've seen a lot of those words become gossip, including unintentional gossip.  I've wrestled with the question of how do I, or we, relate to others without gossiping.  It's not easy, nor is it a decision made with 100% immediate results.  It's a life choice that comes down to who, and what, we are listening to.

I've been in situations where I've had friends, who were mutual friends with other friends of mine, and in the course of a conversation, the name of another friend gets brought up.  I've had conversations come out of the blue to tell me a concern that one friend is having, but it relates to another friend.  I've struggled in the past with knowing how to relate in these types of situations because I want to show I care about the friend I'm talking to, but I also want to honour the other friend not in the conversation.  This has happened numerous times in my life, and guaranteed I'll face conversations like this again.  However, when God started opening my eyes to the culture I was creating in my life by participating in conversations like these, my heart broke.  Though my heart was to honour both friends, I in fact was dishonouring the friends who weren't present, by the fact that I was engaging in conversations that I had no right being part of.  It took a lot of determination and strength to recognize when conversations were about to take a swing into gossip territory and guide them into honourable conversations where I wasn't involved where I shouldn't be.

Sadly, I've been on both sides of the 'gossip train.'  I've contributed to it, and I've been hurt by it.  It's been in the hurt where I've come to see the error of the times I've contributed to the culture of gossip around me.  And it's also due to the hurt that I've made a resolve to be careful who I am listening to.

It's easy to listen to what others say about someone, and sadly what they say has influence to taint what we believe about someone.  Once I had a friend tell me how someone was telling them all these things about me and she said "I started siding with her and I started believing those things about you. But now, spending time with you, I see that you aren't like that at all."  See, hurt taints our view of others.  If someone has been hurt, the words they speak can easily come out tainted.  When someone else is exposed to those words, if their heart isn't guarded, what they pick up is the tainted view expressed.  When someone begins to speak about another person, take a moment to step out of the conversation.  What is their motive for bringing up the situation?  Is it out of love and compassion, or hurt?  Is it to honour or dishonour?  Is being part of that conversation something that you need to be part of?  More often than not, I've found that I don't need to be part of the conversation, so I've begun to guide the person back into relationship with who they are talking about.  This came out of an experience I encountered where offence was taken based off of what someone had said - something that was a perceived feeling and wasn't mutual.  Because of what someone had perceived to be real, they involved someone else, and bypassed the individual whom the perception was about.  I'll just say that it became a messy situation, that took months, if not years, to sort out.

So, who are you listening to?  What conversations are you having with the people in your life?  Are they conversations that are God honouring and that honour others who God has placed around you?  If, after honestly examining your heart, the answer is no, I'd suggest stepping back for a period of time, just you and the Lord, to bring clarity and an action plan to stop the enemy's divisive tactics in its tracks.

See, the Bible talks about how the tongue has the power of life and death (Prov 18:21).  It also talks about how the tongue is like the rudder on a boat (James 3).  A rudder steers a ship, and likewise the tongue steers our life.  James 3:10 says "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be."

Earlier in the year I was reading through many of Paul's letters in the New Testament.  It seemed like every chapter I read, and every page I turned, everything pointed to God's heart for unity, peace, and to do away with division.  Proverbs 16:28 says "a gossip separates close friends."  Sadly, I've seen how true this is.  The enemy would love to see the body of Christ divided as a result of gossip - because once gossip is sown, it is difficult to stop.  (Think Veggie Tales and Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYZDvY0Y4a4)

Can we make a choice to honour as God honours?  To love as God loves?  To view every conversation as an opportunity to encourage and build up?  I took a moment to look up Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed, and the end of the video is so powerful (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvmsYEdEqR0).  Will we make a choice to believe the best of people, and if we happen to hear something about them that we haven't heard from them directly, will we go to them and ask them about it?  Can we create a culture of truth instead of a culture of gossip?  See, we have the power of life and death in the words we speak.  Allow the words you sow to reap life.  Allow your life to be one that builds others up.  Someone's gotta stop this 'gossip train' in it's tracks - so let's allow God in us to spur us towards actively doing something to stop it.

NEVER Worth It, Yet ALWAYS Worth It

I had a thought come to me today that hit me hard and was too 'good' to not share.  Relationships are almost never worth it.  But, somehow they are always worth it.

I'm thankful for the voice God has given me on what I'm about to share, because I know that God takes ashes and makes them beautiful.  I know that someday my story of what God has brought me through will be a testimony that will see others walk through their own versions of what I've experienced and get to a place of victory and healing.

So, relationships are almost never worth it.  But, somehow they are always worth it.

What a contradiction.

Relationships are never worth the pain they bring.  They are never worth the agony that sometimes is felt.  They are never worth the tears that are shed when betrayal hits hard.  They aren't worth it when someone you value says they're done and don't want you in their life anymore.  They aren't worth the effort it takes to see healing that never seems to come.

As I've never been in a dating type relationship, or never been married, I only have friendship experiences.  But, I'm pretty certain those feelings can be felt in a dating relationship when one party hurts the other party, or in a marriage when a husband or wife acts in a manner that brings grief or sorrow to the other spouse.  And, believe me, if you haven't felt these things, you aren't human.  Every single person to ever live has walked through moments like those I mentioned.  And sadly, many even face things much worse in relationships that truly make them "not worth it."

So, if I just said relationships aren't worth it, how can I then say they ARE worth it?

Are they worth the pain they bring?  Are they worth the agony and tears that are shed?  Are they worth walking in the face of potential betrayal?  Are they worth it when in an instant it can end when someone says they could care less about you?  Are they worth the effort it takes to work through mistakes and failures and misunderstandings?  Are they worth the effort of working through things that you don't want to work through, but you know if you do healing will come?  Are they worth it at all?

Yes.

Yes, they are worth all that.  They are worth the risk.  Even if at the end of the day one party says goodbye, that relationship was STILL worth it.

It is worth it because it presents you with an opportunity to love deeply.  It is worth it because God created us with a desire...with a craving...to be in relationship, and by being in relationship we walk in the purpose God intended for our lives.  It is worth it because without it we would never experience the joy God intends to bring into our lives through that person.  It is worth it because even when pain comes, we grow and mature.  It is worth it because every single soul is WORTH IT.

When God created Adam, He didn't intend for Adam to walk in a world of sin.  Sin is what brings all the 'not worth its' above.  Sin is what causes the hurt, betrayal, mistakes, and division.  All those things we feel in those moments are not worth what we feel because if you look at relationships as an investment, all those things take withdrawals from the relationship.  The sheer amount of all those things we face during the course of a relationship can outweigh the joys.  Does that mean we regret the relationship or refuse to enter into relationship?!  NO WAY!

As I sat back today, thinking about all these things, looking at situations around me that 'withdraw' from my desire to enter into relationships, all I hear is God saying "Yes, it's ALWAYS worth it."  Though the things of this world take away from the life-bringing relationships God intends us to have, the amazing thing is that God is a relationship-building God.  When we yield our lives to Him, He brings unity.  He brings healing to those broken situations.  He brings joy in the morning.  He brings peace.  He brings hope.  He brings life.  He brings testimonies that could only be birthed in a place of pain.  He makes all the 'not worth its" worth it.  Because He died for each and every one of us.  So, if we are striving to live in the love that He demonstrated, then we too will see that every life is worth loving as Jesus loves.  That's the cry of my heart.  That despite the 'not worth its' that I've encountered, that I would still choose to say "It's worth it because God is doing something bigger than I can see.  It's worth it because without encountering the friends, future husband, and others that I'll be in relationship with, my life would be different because they bring something into the story of my life that is unique to them...it's something amazing and valuable.  It's worth it because I have the honour of loving deeply, and despite the earthly pain that risk takes, in heaven, that'll be worth it when we relate side by side in the unhindered presence of Jesus...where all sin and schemes of the enemy are destroyed and there is only unity in Christ.  That's worth it."

Cycle of Insecurity

If we're honest, we all struggle with insecurities of one kind or another.  I know I do.

I just started reading a book called "Messy Beautiful Friendship" by Christine Hoover and in the 10 chapters I've read so far, I've learned SO much about the impact insecurity has on friendships, that I felt I wanted to share it with anyone who may stumble across this blog.  Friendship has never come easily for me, and God has been tugging on my heart to open up, be vulnerable, and to allow the things I've learned and walked through to be stepping stones for others to catapult off of; to bring beauty from the ashes of the experiences I've gone through.

So, back to insecurity.  

Think about an insecurity you may have that is evident in how you think of, or relate to, others.  Maybe it's that you think others think you're too quiet, or maybe on the opposite end and too talkative.  Maybe you question if others want to include you or not.  Maybe you're afraid that if you allow someone to get too close that you will be rejected, or maybe past hurts have made you fearful of experiencing that pain again.  Or maybe, they are external insecurities, where you compare yourself to someone else, and think that they have it all together, so you're insecure about where you are at in your life.  There are a million different things that your insecurity could be.  Even as I write these, and see some of my own insecurities in this list, they look so small and trivial, and I wonder why I feel the way I do, but the reality is that these insecurities are VERY real, and they hinder the way we interact with others.

As I've been reading, I've been seeing how insecurity is the thread that contributes to the demise of friendships.  

Take that insecurity you've identified.  Think about how it causes you to interact with others.  It might cause you to pull away, or it might cause you to intensify in your reaction to something.  That's just the start of the cycle.

To use a condensed version of the example of this found in chapter 6 of Christine's book, I'm going to explain how this cycle causes distance, damage, and hurt in the relationships we care deeply about.  

In chapter 6, Christine, and her friend, describe what they went through that led to their friendship dissolving, but they also describe how they both came to a place of recognizing what was happening, and allowed God and His grace to restore their friendship.

Basically, both Christine (C) and her friend (A) had different insecurities, that shaped how they saw themselves, and how they saw each other.  C pulled away as a result of her insecurity, and A was left in confusion, so she responded by pursuing the friendship to gain understanding of what was going on.  That caused C to pull away further, which created more hurt for A, which began to create new insecurities for her and intensify insecurities that may have already existed.  This then caused C to become wounded and hurt by the response of A.

You can see how the initial insecurity led to a cycle where more insecurities began to take root, creating more division, and more hurt.  As Christine says:

"We both saw our differences so clearly rather than building our friendship on our commonalities.  If we were to sift our relationship in order to account for the threatening thoughts that poured water on the fire of our friendship, they would be comparison, envy, discontentment, worry, and insecurity.  The way I thought about her came out in my actions towards her, and none of it was good.

Ashes of our own making.

Even though it's difficult and embarrassing for both of us, it's important to tell our story, because ours is a snippet of what happens all too often among Christian women.  We allow broken friendships to drift us apart rather than doing the work of restorative sanctification.  Thoughts are allowed to run wild rather than taken captive.  Differences are seen as insurmountable obstacles.  Wounds are nursed rather than forgiven.  And in all of it, we don't want to acknowledge how we're playing a part in hurting our friendships.  We desire the ideal, not the real.  We don't like complicated; we like easy. We like it when people like us, are like us, and don't rub up against us like sandpaper, smoothing our rough edges." (Page 63)

 God created us for relationship.  When we are part of a community, we are going to come face to face with our differences, and our insecurities.  When our insecurities are not addressed, they become thoughts that run rampant.  We find ourselves questioning everything.  If left unchecked, those insecurities can, and will, cause us to become uncomfortable even talking to, or being around, the very people we've called our friends.  They will end a friendship.

BUT, how amazing is it to think of how God's grace and mercy is greater than insecurity and broken relationships?!  As Christine describes in her book, when we relate to others according to the truth of God's word, we begin to see differently.  We no longer see the differences, but we instead see the commonalities.  We begin to see how we can bless, serve, and learn from one another.  We no longer see the friendship for what we can get, but rather for what we can give.

When I read about Christine and her friend, I was filled with hope.  Hope because I could tangibly see the way God restored their friendship as a result of choosing to see differently.  Hope because I know the same God who did that for them is alive and desires for all His daughters (and sons), to walk in unity.  Hope, because when God puts a community in front of us, if we are willing to unravel the cycle of insecurity and live in openness and vulnerability, there is freedom.

In our fallen world, we will always struggle with insecurities that rise up, but I'm learning that we have a choice in how we view them.  They can either tear us apart, or draw us together.  My heart is that we would choose to allow them to draw us together, so that as sisters and as friends, we can freely live out the purpose God planned out when He crossed our paths with the friends in our lives.  So that we can live, love, laugh, and encourage one another in the Lord as we live out the lives God set before each one of us.

Break the Cycle - In Memory of a Friend

Warning:  This post will not be an easy post to read, but I believe it must be written, read, and shared.

About a year and a half ago now, one of my sister's closest childhood friends committed suicide.

Even writing those words...word's I've tried not to think or speak...bring tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart.

A young, twenty-something girl gone in an instant.  Her entire life ahead of her.  Gone.  Because of hopelessness.

So many times since that day I wondered if there was anything I could've done to change the outcome of her life.  Obviously I know everyone has their own choices to make.  I don't have the ability to 'play God,' and nobody is responsible for another's actions.  BUT, could I have lived my life differently in the way I interacted with her?  Could I have somehow spoken something, done something, to plant a seed of God's hope and truth within her?  Something that in her desperate hour she would've remembered and turned to God instead of ending her life?

When someone's been in your life, and spent hours upon hours at your house, it's hard not to ask those questions.

Unfortunately, for my sister's friend, there isn't a second chance.  There isn't a way for me to intentionally speak life into her heart.  BUT, for many, many others, I still have that opportunity.

One thing I've been recognizing on a greater scale is our generation's tendency to take people for granted.  I had a conversation a couple weeks ago regarding the talent of a mutual friend...how we didn't realize how talented this other friend was until we stepped back and listened to someone else perform.

That short 2 minute conversation totally changed my perspective on the people in my life.

How often do I take the people in my life for granted?  How often do I expect them to just be there when I need them?  How many times do I notice the familiar things about them and deliberately call them out...speak life into their talents, abilities, and dreams?  How often do I tell them how valued they are to me?

More often, I find myself going day in and day out just 'expecting'.  Having an expectation because I know them so well.  How often do things go unsaid because I expect to talk to them later.  I expect to see them again.

How often do I spend my time focused on my life and the busyness of trying to accomplish everything this society 'expects' me to do?  How often do I focus on my issues, problems, hurts, and fears instead of taking time to recognize the world does not revolve around me?

How often do I stop in the midst of everything around me just to love?  Just to care?  Just to speak life, hope, and the truth of God into the hearts of those around me?

Truthfully, not enough.

See, sometimes I think about the "what ifs."  What if I never had a chance to talk to that family member or friend again?  What if something happened to them?  Would I have taken the time out of my day to show how valuable they are to me?  What if something happened and I got sick and could no longer live my life like I always have?  Or, what if something happened and I died tomorrow?  Would those I love wish they would've taken the time to do the same to me, and show me they value me?

We aren't promised tomorrow.  We aren't even promised the next second or the next breath.  ALL we have is now.

So, why are we holding out?  Why are we letting the things of this life hinder us from truly valuing, loving, and caring for those in our lives?  Why do we get so caught up in the 'expectations'?  Of expecting that we'll have another opportunity.

I didn't have another opportunity with my sister's friend.  I let life and years get in the way.  I'm guilty of everything I just wrote.

But, thanks to God's grace, we can start now.  Now, with this only moment we have for sure.  We can begin to change the way our generation views the people in their lives.  We can begin to be intentional about living a lifestyle where we choose to show the people in our lives that they matter, instead of expecting them to somehow know it.  We can be the ones who begin to call out the gold and beauty in the lives around us.  We can be the ones to shine the love of Jesus everywhere we go.

In memory of my sister's friend, let's choose to break the mould of this generation and stop taking the people in our life for granted.  Because they may not be there tomorrow.

One Last Stand

Over the past few weeks the phrase "one last stand" has been going through my mind over and over again.

I'm not sure why I feel led to write a post on this, but maybe it's for someone who will stumble across my blog, maybe it's a step of faith for the situations in my life, or maybe it's both.

A few years ago I heard a message about the enemy's one last stand.  It was from Mark 9, about when Jesus healed a demon possessed boy.

For those who don't know the story, a man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus' disciples to drive the demon out.  The demons would throw the boy to the ground, cause him to foam at the mouth, and gnash his teeth.  It would be a horrific sight and experience.

Jesus stepped into the chaos of the situation, and when the demon saw Jesus it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion, rolling on the ground and foaming at the mouth.

Read Mark 9:14-29 for the entire story.

What has been rolling around in my head over the past few weeks is the fact that when the demon saw Jesus, it knew exactly who Jesus is and that Jesus has the power and authority to drive it out.  So, to cause one last distraction, one last scene, one last bit of chaos, it threw the boy into a convulsion.

If you read on in the story, Jesus commanded the the demon to come out of the boy, and with the final bout of convulsions, it came out.

Sometimes I've wondered why after praying, and praying, and praying some more.  And after tears, and more praying, why do some situations appear to be worse than before?

Why, when praying for friends and family members who are far from God, does it seem like my prayers only make the situation worse?

Could it be that as I/we pray the enemy is getting scared because he knows exactly who Jesus is and knows that when Jesus enters the situation he must leave?  I believe this is true.

The more we pray and intercede, the harder satan is going to try to pull those we are praying for away.  BUT, that does not mean that we stop praying.  Instead, it means we just have to continue praying and interceding.  Because Jesus already has the victory, as we intercede on behalf of those we love, He is working.  And, the craziest thing I've been realizing lately is the reality that even in the midst of when satan is trying his hardest to keep people living in sin, his plan ultimately will backfire in his face.  Though he is working overtime, the truth of Jesus and the light of His word will expose the darkness.  And, when breakthrough comes, the very areas satan tried to destroy someone in becomes an increased testimony to people they would have never been able to reach in the same way before.

I hope that makes sense.

So, when discouragement comes and you feel like things are just getting worse, have hope.  Jesus IS working.  The enemy is terrified out of his mind.  He knows who Jesus is.  He knows EXACTLY who Jesus is.  Jesus already beat sin, death, and hell.

I'm going to keep on praying.  Keep on believing that what I see right now is one last stand.  I'm trusting God for breakthrough.  And I can't wait to hear the testimony of God's faithfulness and goodness!  And I know one day I'll hear the words from their lips "It (every prayer) was worth it."  Amen.

Embrace Today

The past couple weeks have left me in a somber mood as I realize that due to the quick passing of time, April is here once again and I'm reminded of the tragic events that occurred last year in the lives  of too many people I know.

I'm reminded once again of how short life is, and how important it is to embrace today.

I'm reminded to not live paralyzed with fear, or to be hesitant in situations that you want resolved.  Rather, I've become passionate about living in the freedom of Christ, and in desiring that for those around me.  I've become convinced that we truly should not put off something we could do today for another day.

See, life is too short, too fragile to take for granted.  The relationships in our lives are too important to sit back and watch them crumble around us.  People are too valuable to not show them appreciation and love.  Because, one day you just may turn around and they'll be gone.

So, embrace today.  Tell those you love how valued they are.  Do something special for someone you've unintentionally taken advantage of.  Go out of your way to impart hope to someone discouraged.  Hug your family and friends a little tighter.  But don't just do it today.  Make it your lifestyle.  Because the only guarantee we have is the moment we are living in.  So, make it count!  Don't let this moment pass you by!

Revealing Truth, Exposing Lies

Every year as the new year approaches, I ask the Lord for a word or theme to bring into the next year.  The theme God has given me for 2016 is different than prior years in that He took what He was teaching me through a difficult season of life and shaped it into five words for me to believe for this year:  Revealing truth and exposing lies.

I'm beginning to see that this isn't a word that is solely for me, but rather it is His heart for His people.

The end of 2015 left me with an identity crisis.  I knew who God created me to be, but I lost all ability to function in who I am.  I second guessed absolutely everything I did in how I related to others.  I shut down, I quit communicating, I avoided situations I once felt comfortable in.  I felt like being who God designed me to be wasn't 'good enough'.  I felt like an annoyance and a burden to those around me.  I was trapped because I knew what God has called me to do and who He wants me to be, but I couldn't shake the thoughts plaguing me that told me that it just wasn't enough.  Lies.

This struggle isn't unique to me.  God has opened my eyes recently to see that this struggle is plaguing so many.  It's a tactic of the enemy to undermine our ability to walk freely in the plan of Christ for our lives.  The approach he uses may be different, but the method is the same...attack their identity...attack their thoughts...so that they no longer have the confidence to rise high as the Sons and Daughters of God Almighty that they are.  This is a massive problem that must be addressed, and it's why I feel that God is calling us, His body, to be intentional about seeking the Lord to reveal truth and expose lies.

As I've walked through this journey over the past while, God has been so faithful to teach me more about who He is.  I've learned how important it is to continually keep my eyes on Jesus and when waves of thoughts begin to take me in a downward spiral of negativity, there is incredible power in choosing to worship Him instead.  He's been faithful to constantly remind me to choose love and forgiveness, despite not knowing what or who the source of the pain was.  He's encouraged me in the moments where I have felt so frustrated in how long the healing process of this journey is, and He's reminded me that in the baby steps, He is building a solid foundation that can't be shaken the same when the enemy tries the same tactic in my life again.

Just as the Lord has been faithful to reveal to me the uniqueness of who I am and how He designed and created me exactly the way He wanted me to be...perfectly because He can only create perfectly, He is faithful to us all.  Not one is forgotten.

The enemy would try to take us off course by seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he does so by lying to us.  However, Jesus came to give us abundantly full life and that directly combats the enemy as He speaks and reveals His truth to us.  The truth about how He loves us and created us.  The truth about how we are created in His image.  The truth that we are His sons and daughters.  And ultimately, the truth that He has already won the victory and all glory belongs to Him!

And, here's a secret God has shared with me in the process (one that puts a massive smile on my face and quenches my desire for revenge): By attacking us with lies, the enemy thinks he's winning, HOWEVER, as we counter his tactics with the truth of Christ, his plan actually backfires on him because as we walk in Truth testimony is written.  And testimony touches even more lives for the Kingdom of God than if we hadn't gone through the fire!  How awesome is that!!!  So, the next time the enemy tries to throw a lie at you, laugh in his face as you fix your eyes upon Jesus and know that by choosing truth, God is writing a testimony upon your life that will impact others around you for the rest of your life!  

Finally, to close, I'll leave you with a scene description from The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2 as it is a clear picture of what I just shared: *Spoiler alert for those who have not watched it

Background: Peeta had been tortured in the Capital and as a result his mind had been programmed to believe things about Katniss that were not true.  Fast forward to when he arrives to be part of Katniss's army unit.

So, Peeta shows up and all he wants to do is kill Katniss, because that's what's been programmed into his mind as he believes she is responsible for so many terrible things that have happened.  But, as Katniss chooses to take night watch, Peeta begins to open up.  He tells her how there are so many things in his mind that aren't clear and he doesn't know what is real or not.  He begins to ask her a series of questions and after each one he asks "True or not true?"  To which Katniss responds.  As Peeta begins to have a clearer understanding of what is true of Katniss, and also of him, the bitterness, anger, and hatred he has for her dissolves with each truth that is exposed.  Ultimately the barrier is completely broken down and there is a mutual trust that bonds them once again.

As I thought about this when I woke up this morning, I thought how that is such an incredible picture of the power of truth.  See, when we are living in a haze of lies, it's hard in our own strength to distinguish between what is real and what isn't.  We need to be like Peeta and be willing to admit we are in a haze and ask God to reveal to us who we are, who He is, and who the people around us are.  We need to be vulnerable.  As we are, and as God shows us the truth piece by piece, the barriers holding us back from being fully alive in Christ begin to break down and we will be free to boldly live out the life He purposed for us.  There will also be freedom in relationships with others because we will see them for who God created them to be...no more lies.  Just truth.  And that terrifies the enemy because we are an army for Christ.  So, stand firm and keep your eyes upon Jesus!

  

Joy > Loss

"To enjoy life is to find the joy in the midst of the curveballs thrown at you while being grateful for the lessons they taught you. They are unpredictable and try to slow you down, but God in His grace and mercy will always be there to sustain you."

These words came to me as I looked back at a picture from the summer...a picture that paints a two sided story: Both joy and sorrow combined.

As I looked at it and remembered the exact moment it was taken, I couldn't help but thinking about my year.  I couldn't help but think about the curveballs thrown my way.  I couldn't help but think about the way I've grown and the lessons I've learned.  And most of all, I couldn't help but think about how God's been taking me on a journey of learning how to be thankful and joyful in the midst of the storm.  Like the well known saying says "Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."  That's been my year.

2015 has been the exact opposite of what I envisioned it to be.  Honestly, if I could sum it up in one word, it's been a year of loss.  

It's been a year of experiencing more death, cancer, sickness, and pain than I could've ever imagined 365 days could possibly hold.  But, that was my year.  I felt like Job may have felt as he watched the life he knew crumble before his eyes.  Yet, where the enemy tried so hard to steal, kill, and destroy, God has breathed in life.

In the midst of loss, it's okay to hurt and grieve.  It's okay to question the reasons why.  However, since God is Lord and Sovereign, He knows exactly where we are at, and He is faithful to sustain us.  To our human, finite, mind, it's hard to comprehend how it is possible to have joy in the midst of pain.  Yet, God is so faithful.  If there is one thing I've learned this year it's that no matter what we face in life, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.  

I've learned that instead of focusing on the negative and worrying about what's to come, I should instead praise Him for what He has already done.  I've learned to thank Him for the moments I've spent with those in my life who the loss affects.  I've learned to thank Him for the ability to remember specific memories.  I've learned to thank Him for the lessons I've learned in the midst of the pain.  I've learned to thank Him for how I've seen greater depths of His character.  

Does being thankful change the situation?  No way.  But, it does take our perspective off of where we are at and put it back on Jesus.  By choosing to fix our eyes upon Jesus instead of whatever we may be facing, it is possible to experience true joy no matter what.  

As we enter into Christmas next year and soon after close out 2015, I pray that we will remember that our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth to redeem us, is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is exactly who He says He is.  He is faithful.  And, if we fix our eyes upon Jesus, we will be reminded that no matter what storms we face in life that He is greater.  He has already won the battle over death, cancer, and sickness.  Though we live in a broken world where we will experience storms and trials that look hopeless and devastating, when we fix our eyes upon Jesus and see His nature and character we will be reminded that there is so much more than we can comprehend.  So, I encourage you that no matter what your year has held, that you make a conscious decision to fix your eyes on Jesus and to thank Him for the things He has done.  He will sustain you.

Wake Up, O Sleeper

As the election results roll in, and solidify what appears to be a Liberal majority, there are a few thoughts to be shared.

My heart breaks when I think about these results.  My heart breaks for my nation...the beautiful nation of Canada.  It breaks because these results show just how far we as a nation have fallen from valuing what is righteous and Godly.

Throughout the campaign period, there were two things very clear.  This was not just an average election of voting for who would guide the country from a political standpoint.  Instead, this was an election about holding onto our ability to have a free country where freedom to serve Jesus publicly and live according to our conscience was preserved.  It was an election about what would set the stage for the very direction our country would head in spiritually.

However, despite the disappointing results, one thing is clear.  God is not done with Canada.  And, despite the fact that the results are not what I expected or what I wanted, God is stirring up anticipation in me.

Could it be that this is what God designed and planned all along?  After all, thousands of people around Canada and the world have been praying specifically for this election.  Prophetic words were spoken and were very specifically about today.  So, could it be that this is the start to the wave of restoration and revival that we have been crying out for?  The circumstances seem grim, but I know that my God is FAITHFUL.

The moment I heard the words "Liberal majority" my heart sunk, yet my spirit rose in urgency within me.  The Church must rise up.  We must awake from our slumber.  Obviously we have been sleeping for far too long if the country has "voted for change", which in turn is for a party who supports everything contrary to the Word of God.

Will we take this new government, knowing the potential for persecution and demoralization, and begin to seek the very face of God asking Him to change hearts?  Will we look beyond what is staring us in the face in terms of election 'promises' and ask God to raise up a Godly government?

See, God is powerful.  He is mighty.  He hears the cry of our hearts.  And His word says that if we will humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven, forgive us our sins, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  Will we take the lesson learned from these election results and humble ourselves before the Lord, asking Him to forgive us from the sins we have committed against him, both as a nation and personally?  Will we rise up and become the men and women God designed us as the Body of Christ to be?  Full of His power?  Will we awaken to the things that are truly important instead of being caught up in what does not have eternal value?

My heart breaks because I see.  I see people all throughout our nation who are lost.  Who are deceived.  Who are searching so hard for something different...for change.  Are we going to rise up as the Body of Christ and show them that the only change they need is found in no longer living for themselves, but rather in living for Jesus Christ?  Are we going to take a stand and live out our faith instead of keeping it hidden?  Are we going to wake up to the reality that millions of people in our backyard are dying and going to hell if we don't live as light in the darkness?  Are we?

Maybe, just maybe, that's what this election is about.  Maybe we prayed for something specific, but God, as He always does, knows better than we do.

I'm so thankful that we had a godly Prime Minister who stood for morality and supported Israel.  I'm thankful for everything he did while in office.  Was he perfect, no.  Did every decision that was made resonate with every aspect of our country, no.  But, we need to look beyond that and realize that just like you and I, he is human.  He can't please everyone.  He couldn't even lead without the Lord by his side...because honestly, if you put yourself in his shoes, would you have been perfect as he was expected to be?  No.  So, no matter your political stance, be thankful for the years we had a government in place who sought the Lord and who supported Israel.  Just be thankful.

However, now as the government changes, we also have to honour this government, because the Bible tells us to honour rulers and government.  Obviously God has a plan for this new season Canada is now in.  And, like I said, just maybe, this is God's wake up call to the Church.  A call to rise up.  A call to awaken.  A call to stand for truth and righteousness.  A call to dig deeper in His word, in prayer, and to be unified as a Body.  If we can do that, I believe this nation will shift.  If we can begin to humble ourselves and commit to praying on behalf of our government, our leaders, and our fellow Canadians, God is going to show up in a powerful way and hundreds, thousands, and millions will be saved.

I've been challenged and convicted.  Will you join me?  Will you choose to arise and be a vessel for God to work in and through you to see this nation transformed?  Canada needs it...and God is calling His people to rise.

Equipped to Invest: Embracing Our Role In Kingdom Expansion

Have you ever stopped to think about the story in Luke 21 about the woman who gave all she had to the Lord?  The woman, who only gave two small coins, yet was esteemed above those who gave several out of their wealth?

If all she had was two small coins, why would she give them both to the Lord?  What would she have to live from if that truly was all she had?  She could’ve just said “Lord, next time I have extra, I’ll give double.” The Lord knew her heart, and I’m sure He would’ve understood that she was willing, but in order to survive she had to withhold her offering for the time being.  However, she didn’t.  She was obedient to do as He asked of her.

How often do we withhold from the Lord what He has asked of us?  How many times have we been tight financially, and as the offering bucket passes by at church we inwardly tell God “next time”?  Though the intent of our heart may be pure, it is so easy for “next time” to turn into another “next time” as bills are unending, coffee and lunch dates unplanned, and one significant purchase turns into the next.  How many times do we hear stories of missionaries doing God’s work both in our own cities and around the world, and our hearts burn with a desire to do something?  Yet, when the pledge cards are handed out, again we tell the Lord “next time,” waiting until a more ‘opportune’ time in our life when we are financially in a better place.

I think if we are all honest with ourselves, we’ve all been there.  I’ve been there.  More times than I’d like to admit.

I get that we can’t support everyone and every cause, however we each have a part to play in expanding the Kingdom of God on this earth.

My heart is for missions.  For as long as I can remember I’ve had a desire to do something that would allow me to tell people about Jesus for a living.  From wanting to be a Children’s Pastor, to a ‘famous’ singer, to leading short-term mission trips, my heart was always the same.  I want everyone to know about how much Jesus loves them.  I want them to experience the joy of a personal relationship with Him.  I want to see captives free, blind eyes open, lame walk, deaf ears hear, hearts transformed, and in turn, I want to see those very people begin to take the Love of Christ everywhere they go, so that their circle of influence would be touched for Jesus.

However, currently, God has me in a different path in life.  One that at times I’ve struggled with as I’ve yearned to be doing ‘more’ for His purposes.  I sit in an office every weekday, doing something I enjoy, but I’m not on the frontlines of ministry like I imagined over the years.  Yet, God’s been showing me that my place is vital to expanding His work around the world. 

You see, I may not be on the frontlines, but God has strategically handed me resources that are necessary to equip the frontline workers to be effective in the purposes God has for them.

As Christians, we have the resource of prayer.  Prayer is an essential resource for the spiritual battle we all face.  It is necessary for us to lift ministries and ministers of the Gospel up in prayer because the enemy will try to bring discouragement and attacks in various forms as he does not want to see the Gospel spread as lives are transformed for Jesus.

Another resource we have is finances.  It may be one dollar.  It may be one hundred.  Each one has been given something, so what are we going to do with that resource?  Years ago God began to show me the importance of giving now, instead of waiting for a better time in my life. 

Throughout my teenage years, I had always desired to have a sponsor child, but between being in high school or university, without a steady income and tuition and bills to pay, I didn’t ever feel like I was in a place where I had the confidence that I would be able to sponsor a child long term.  So, year after year, I would tell God that when I was done school and had a permanent job I would.  However, one day God spoke to me so clearly and I realized that there never will be an opportune financial time in my life because once tuition was paid, there would be a mortgage, a wedding, children, new vehicles…one major expense after the next.  I would never be without something to put my money towards.  If I would ever invest into another life for Kingdom purposes, now was the best time to start…because a life I can support today means one more life changed forever.  If I held off, my little sponsor child may have had another sponsor, but two things would’ve occurred in the process.  The first is that only one life would be touched instead of two.  The second is that I would’ve missed out on God’s blessing that comes in walking in obedience.

1 Corinthians 8:3-4 talks about the giving of the Macedonian church and Paul says "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."  Wow.  The Macedonian church got it.  When we give of what we have to a ministry or a missionary, we are partnering with them as they expand the Kingdom of God.  They need us, but we also need them.  Later on in 1 Corinthians 8:14, it says "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need..." We all need one another to effectively spread the good news about the saving power and grace of Jesus Christ.  We can't do it alone.  

I've been challenged recently to be intentional about the resources God has provided to me, so that I can invest it into the work He is doing around the world.  I may sit in an office five days a week, but as I invest in the missions work, and missionaries that I know, my time sitting in an office chair is not wasted.  Work is being done.  The love of Jesus is being spread.  Lives are being transformed.  Captives are being freed, blind eyes are seeing, the lame are walking, deaf ears are being opened, hearts are being transformed, and lives will never be the same.  

Just as I've been challenged, I challenge you.  Ask God what your part is in expanding His Kingdom.  Maybe it's being on the frontline.  Maybe it's spending time in prayer for a specific ministry or person you know.  Maybe it's giving of your finances so that someone you know can operate in the full time ministry God has called them too.  Whatever it is, God has a part for you to play.  We can't do this alone.  None of us can.  We need one another as we each do our part in the Body of Christ.   

From Hopeless to Hope-filled

Have you ever faced a situation that has seemed completely hopeless?  A situation that seems so dead that it makes your heart ache when you try to dream of what you wish or pray could be, but it just seems so useless?

If you have lived for any length of time, I'm sure you've experienced this feeling at least once so far in your lifetime.

I have experienced many situations like this...where my heart aches as I cry out to God with tears streaming down my face, my heart pounding in desperation, pleading with Him to help me understand why my hundreds of prayers are not being answered.  In those moments, all I feel is complete helplessness, as naturally I know there is absolutely nothing that I can do to turn the situation around, and all my mind is begging of me is to let go and move on.

Maybe you can relate.

However, in those moments, I can't let go and move on, because despite the hopelessness that engulfs me, there is something in me that knows I have to press through and keep on trusting and believing in the One who is faithful in everything.  I just have to keep on reminding myself...NEVER give up...keep trusting Jesus, because He knows the situation better than I do, and He knows EXACTLY what He is doing.  I may not bee able to see what He is doing, but I have to have faith that He is doing something.

It's just like this picture...

In the early spring, I accidentally forgot this orchid plant outside overnight and it experienced major frost damage.  One by one the leaves and roots shrivelled up and died.  Well, all except 2 roots and half of one leaf.  I couldn't bear to throw it out unless I knew that it was completely dead...but I had no way of knowing if it would eventually come back or not.  I just had to keep on watering it, putting it in the sunshine, and persevering, despite the outward appearance of it being dead, damaged, and too far gone.

Yesterday, I noticed this new little shoot growing at the base of the damaged orchid plant.  New growth.  New life.

In that moment, God showed me how this plant is so much like life.  Just as I didn't see the growth occurring under the soil of my plant, we can't see what He is doing in the depths of someone's heart.  It gave me so much hope and encouragement as I stood there revelling in His goodness.

The situations I face in life that seem hopeless and dead have hope after all...hope because God cares and has everything in His hands.

A smile filled my face, and tears welled up in my eyes as I began to think of the day I will see a shoot of new life spring forth in the situations I am pleading with God for.  I was so excited to see this shoot on my orchid plant, and I know that what I felt is nothing compared to the joy that will fill my heart when I see the answers to the many prayers I've been praying.  I know that when I see the answers to my prayers, every tear and every moment where my heart ached will be worth it because that is the day a prodigal will have run home to Jesus.  I can't see it right now, but I have hope because God is faithful.

I don't know what you may be facing today, or if you are in the midst of one of these dry, seemingly dead, hopeless situations; however I do know that God knows and that He is working beyond what you can see in this present moment.  Be encouraged, and keep on pressing on and trusting that what He began, He will finish.  He is good.  Always.

Testimony of God's Goodness

A few days ago I was at a testimony sharing night and as I sat there listening, I began to wonder what my testimony consisted of.

I grew up in a Christian home, gave my life to Jesus on my 5th birthday, and have never looked back.  Far too often I have felt like I don't have a testimony because the main components of a testimony are so simple for me.  However, as I sat there listening to others share, and as I asked God how the pieces of my life fit into a 'testimony' format, I realized that my testimony over the past few years is relational.  It doesn't fit the 'stereotype testimony' of my life before Jesus, but rather, what is He doing in my life now to mould and shape me.  

Relationships are extremely important to me.  However, they are something that I've struggled with a lot.  Growing up with my dad as a pastor, we moved around a few times...maybe not as much as some have, but for me it was a lot and was extremely difficult.  It meant starting over.  Trying to make new friends.  Trying to fit in, despite my quietness and timidity.  It wasn't easy, and every time I felt like I had just begun to settle in and feel at home, we would move again, or life would change as people would walk out of my life for various reasons...changing churches, new seasons of life, moving... For someone who is so relational, it meant a lot of hurt and heartache.  It meant starting over again.  

I could write so much about that season of my life, but to condense it and not lose the ultimate purpose of my life story, I will cut it short.

Ever since grade 7 I had prayed on and off for a good, solid, Jesus loving friend who would be someone who I could be real with and who would be like a sister to me...a dear best friend.  I've had so many friends over the years, but through all the hurt that I went through, my heart longed for that friend...a sisterchick (from the Robin Jones Gunn books I read growing up).  

In 2012 I gave up on that prayer.  I figured, after 10ish years of praying, that God just didn't have in mind for me to have that friend.  The crazy thing is that when we let go of our burdens, God comes in and does far more than we could ever dream.

I write all this today because today is the Sunday that my life changed 2 years ago.  It was actually May 19, 2013, but would've been on this Sunday.  

I've wondered how what happened that day could be part of my testimony, but looking back it truly is...because God used that day to change my life forever.  I don't recognize who I was 2 years ago, and I'm thankful for that.  

That day I went to a Holy Spirit night at my church, after debating whether to go or not.  I went, but was so isolated and hurt that I did not want to associate with the young adult group at my church.  God's funny though, because my parents ended up praying for a girl I had never seen before, my mom did something she's never done before and introduced me to her, we got talking and this 'new girl' invited me to hang out with the young adults afterwards...the very thing I was trying to avoid that night...I went, and when I went to bed that night I had no clue that God had just answered my decade long prayer.

I don't like to single out people or give names, but I feel that today, to give God the glory for what He did, and to honour my friend, I just want to say that I am so blessed, and so overwhelmed that God brought my best friend K into my life.  Without a shadow of a doubt I know that I would not be who I am today if I hadn't met her that night 2 years ago.  She truly is my sister, my best friend, and someone who has encouraged me so much to go deeper in my walk with Jesus.  She has been so gracious to me in the moments when I have failed tremendously and have had to figure out what friendship means.  She has been someone who I have been free to be real with in the good times and the most difficult moments of my life.  She is a treasure.  

So, Kristen, from the bottom of my heart, I just want to honour you for letting God work through you in my life.  God uses different avenues to work in people's lives, and for me, He chose to use you in my story.  I've told you many times that you are a gift to me, and today I just want to publicly acknowledge that because of how much God has used you to bless and encourage me.  I love you so much my dear friend and sister!!  I'm beyond thankful for you and I look so forward to continuing to see God's mighty plans for your life!!  

So, my story might not look like an 'average testimony' consisting of a crazy salvation story.  My testimony is a story of God's goodness, God's grace, God's faithfulness, and His desire to do immeasurably more in our lives than anything we could ever ask or imagine.  That's my story and I pray that as I grow in Jesus more and more each day, with each moment God gives me on this earth, that others will see Him at work and that they will experience the overflow of who He is and the mighty plans that He has for each and every one of us!  

If My People...

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." ~2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer is important.  It is vital.  It is communication with Almighty God, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Giver of Life.  Without prayer, we are trying to do things in our own strength, thinking that we have what it takes to do life on our own.  

Prayer changes things.  It moves mountains.  It moves God's heart.

I tend to be a political person when things of great importance come up.  Such is the case when I heard today that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled for prayer to no longer be allowed in city council meetings in a Quebec town, prompting Regina city council to suspend prayer as well. (see Global News article).  This is a very sad day for Canada.

I've seen in my own life how powerful prayer is.  From huge life changing moments like witnessing visible miracles, changed hearts, cancer battles won, and major heart attacks leaving no evidence behind; to smaller everyday things like healed headaches, peace when writing exams, being guarded from car accidents, the list goes on.  I've seen too many answers to prayers to believe otherwise...prayer is essential because it is communication with God the Father.

It breaks me to hear that just as prayer was taken out of schools years ago, that the Supreme Court is now trying to rule to take it out of city councils...the very place where decisions are made for each city and town in the country.  This is serious.

However, God is not limited to only hearing the prayers of those in leadership.  God desires to hear our prayers.  Every single one of us.  In 2 Chronicles it says "If my people, who are called by my name..."  That's you.  That's me.  We are called to pray.  We are called to lift up leadership, especially in moments like this.  God listens to our prayers...and when WE pray, He HEARS, and He HEALS, and He RESTORES, and He will do the IMPOSSIBLE.  When we pray.

I had a conversation a couple weeks ago with some friends surrounding federal politics.  A sentence popped out of my mouth, and it hit me hard.  I told them we need to pray for those leading our country (and province, and municipality) more than we do.  They need us to lift them before God.  They need us to pray that they will make right and godly decisions.  

I encourage each one of us to take up the challenge.  I encourage us to rally around our politicians and around the judges in our country.  I encourage us to pray for them.  We may not have the power to stand up as a Supreme Court judge to vote to keep prayer in our city councils, but we can pray that they have the courage to do so.  And believe me, when we pray and take initiative, incredible things happen!!  We saw that in January and again in March when Regina city council voted against a strip club, which then led to the province reversing a law so that alcohol is no longer legal to serve in strip clubs in the province.  God is good!!!!  

So, please commit to praying with me for those with significant leadership in our country.  Prayer can move mountains, so let's see God move some mountains in Canada!!!