Busy, Blessed, and Grateful by Joylene M Bailey

 

image from Pixabay

A few nights ago, I woke up at 3 a.m. and began thinking about this blog post.

How was my pandemic?

My brain percolated with all the ways God had blessed us through two years of worldwide upheaval. The thoughts came so fast and furiously that I finally got up, crossed the hall to my study, and in the light of a single lamp casting a warm glow into the room, I jotted three pages of blessings.

Three pages! When I counted the bullet points, they added up to 45 blessings.

Don't worry, I won't list them all here. But I will highlight three significant and transformative ones.

Creating Community in Isolation   

As lockdowns were put in place and everybody was isolating, I felt urged to encourage those who may be feeling afraid, lonely, or hopeless. My creativity kicked into gear and before I knew it, I was writing two blog posts a week. I called them my Tea-Time posts, where I welcomed people for virtual tea, treats, and a visit. Not many commented, but according to my stats, I had visits from around the world. If you're interested, here is one of those posts.  

Creativity kicked into gear some more when it became clear that our children and grandchildren, from one and two provinces away, wouldn't be able to come for Christmas 2020 as planned. In my disappointment, my eyes rested on a long-legged snowman that The Cowboy had given me. Suddenly he had a name - Jubal - and a pet reindeer named Reggie. Jubal and Reggie got into many predicaments, and every day for more than a month there was a new Jubal story sent to the grandkids. I had so much fun I almost forgot that our home would be quiet over Christmas. (click here to hear about some of Jubal's predicaments)

God used my creativity to keep me busy and joyful when I could have been down in the dumps. He is so good!

Building a Dream   

Just before Covid hit, plans for the home we'd been dreaming and designing for so long were finally done. The builder was ready to go into the ground. And then ... suddenly people were in isolation, tradesmen opted to take government assistance rather than go to work, supplies became hard to find, and prices for those supplies soared. Our dream seemed dead. 

Until, God directed us to a new builder. His business hadn't slowed down at all, and even better, he understood our vision for the place. It wasn't just a new house for us. It was to be a place of sanctuary for others. "Built for us, with others in mind" is what we always said. Because of skyrocketing prices, we had to give up on our original design and pare down. It was either that or wait until the pandemic was over, but we felt such an urgency to move forward that we were willing to modify the dream. If we hadn't, we'd still be waiting. Instead, possession of our new home is seven weeks away. Our present home goes on the market today.

It's been hard. It's been very busy. But, every step of the way, God guided us through. He has been so good!

A Wedding Window  

We were one of many families trying to plan a wedding during a pandemic. With restrictions fluctuating and businesses trying to cope, a plan made one day would have to be completely changed the next. Nothing was guaranteed. And how do you invite your guests? Do you say you're invited but leave room to be uninvited in case restrictions change ... again. It was all so chaotic, and we felt like we were in limbo most of the time. Then, summer 2021 opened up in Alberta. We jumped on it, planning and executing a wedding in six weeks.

Babe and her fiancée got the date they wanted. An outdoor venue they loved was available and offered a covid flex plan, just in case. The photographer had one day free, and it was their day! A friend volunteered to make the wedding cake and seven dozen cupcakes, unaware that the original wedding cake-maker had fallen through just the day before. The entire six weeks was blessing after blessing.

It was a gorgeous day, enjoyed by friends and family, and blessed with good health for everyone, even weeks later. The very next month, restrictions closed in again. It was almost as though God had made sure restrictions were lifted just for our wedding.  

How good God is!

~~~~~

Yes, there have been hard times over these last two years, both personally and globally. But I choose to count my blessings - 45 so far, and those are just the ones I jotted down in the middle of the night.

God is so good, and I am grateful.

~~~~~

Joy and The Cowboy will live in Edmonton for seven more weeks before moving to their new home in the country, which they've named The Cleft.

Find more of her joy-infused writing at Scraps of Joy.

God is Present in Every Circumstance by Lynn Dove

I was going to Aquacise three times a week in preparation for swimsuit weather in the summer.  This was going to be the year I was finally going to take charge of my increasing waistline, get in better shape and become much more active.  That’s not to say I wasn’t active before, but I thought starting my 6^th decade, it was time to think about the retirement years coming up and I was in such serious denial about it, I wanted to push the hands of time backward a bit!  I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I felt duly motivated to get a membership in January to our local sports centre and faithfully began swimming three times a week.  I was winning the bulge battle and I was feeling great…until the first week of April.

I didn’t understand why I wasn’t dropping weight.  In fact, I was actually starting to feel uncomfortably rotund in the tummy region.  The ballooning bulge became more and more burdensome; I wondered if there was some kind of obstruction, and within two weeks of experiencing pain and discomfort I reluctantly called my family doctor.  Within days of that meeting with the doctor, I had an ultra-sound, a CT scan, and was booked to visit a surgical oncologist at the Tom Baker Cancer centre in Calgary. 

To say I was shocked by this turn of events was a vast understatement.  I had been cancer-free for just about nineteen years, after breast cancer in 2001.  Now I was facing another cancer diagnosis, with the discovery of a large fast-growing mass on my right ovary.  With my past health history, everything seemed to be fast tracked for me to get in to see doctors, finally ending with extensive surgery to remove the mass on May 13^th. 

Where was God in this?

He was EVERYWHERE!

I had no way of knowing what these last few weeks (and the months ahead) would hold in store for me but God did.  Being prone to blood clotting issues, I needed to be in good shape to endure the rigours of surgery and to be able to heal quickly afterwards.  God used a friend to nudge me into going with her to an Aquacise class in early January.  It was so much fun and kick-started my fitness goals that helped strengthen my body and made me stay the course right up until April.  Doctors said it was “remarkable” how quickly I have bounced back from surgery.  I credit some of that to the months of exercise leading up to surgery.  Who knew?  God did!

When my discomfort began, I was ready to just chalk it up to normal aches and pains associated with working out harder than I had before, but when the pain persisted, I prayed for direction and felt prompted to call my doctor.  As much as I thought the wait was a long and excruciating one to get in to see doctors and finally undergo surgery, it was just over six weeks in total.  That’s pretty quick in the health-care scheme of things!  Through that waiting time, the Lord spoke to me through His Word daily.  He gave me peace in the midst of uncertainty and laid on the hearts of so many people to pray for me.  The prayers continue!

One of my biggest disappointments was having to cancel our 40^th Anniversary cruise.  I actually wrote about my excitement leading up to that cruise on the InScribe blog in March.  “We've had our share of many peaceful cruises on life's ocean, intermingled with some unexpected tidal surges and rough waves over these past forty years.  Still, we keep walking hand in hand, looking forward, full speed ahead, our eyes focused on the horizon and praying for calm waters in the years ahead.” I had no way of knowing when I wrote that post that another storm surge was coming up for us so soon, but God did!  My husband had been pro-active in getting trip insurance and all the costs were covered so we could recoup all monies spent.  I was still upset about not going on this “trip of a lifetime” but then we started to think about the “what ifs?”

What if I had gotten sick overseas?  What if I had to be admitted to hospital in Rome?  The more we added up the “what ifs?” the more we praised God for His impeccable timing.  Here at home, I got the medical help exactly when I needed it!  Had I elected to set sail and ignore the nagging symptoms rather than seek help when I did, well, that’s a “what if?” I don’t like to ponder upon right now. 

Of course, I have experienced my share of “down” days during the waiting period leading up to surgery.  I will no doubt experience more lows in the weeks and months ahead as I come to terms with a new cancer diagnosis.  There were times before my surgery when I felt disheartened and too weak and vulnerable to move, let alone to write.  I specifically asked friends to pray, and I felt those prayers envelope me like a warm hug.  On one such day, I asked God to encourage me and within hours I learned I was up for two Word Awards that celebrates Christian writing in Canada.  It was such a timely encouragement for me that it instantly propelled me out of my emotional doldrums, and has revitalized me in ways I never imagined.  (I have gotten clearance by my doctor to fly so I am able to attend the Gala in Hamilton.  I am beyond excited to be there!")

God has surrounded me with caring individuals who have fed us and even cleaned my home!  I am so thankful for those practical ministrations that allow me to rest and recover.  I am thankful for an army of prayer warriors who lift me before the Lord daily.  I will have challenging times in the weeks or months ahead, but I know God is with me.  He never leaves me or forsakes me, and I can trust Him in every circumstance!

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com  

Why I Love to Write by Tandy Balson

To paraphrase Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love writing? Let me count the ways.”

There are many reasons for my love of writing but the primary one is the connection I feel with God. I clearly remember receiving the call to start writing.

After days of getting inspiration in unexpected places, I thanked God for what he’d been teaching me. Then, I prayerfully asked if there was something I should be doing with these lessons. Immediately I received three words, “write them down.” After doing so, I prayed again, thanking the Lord for prompting me to preserve the words he’d given me so they wouldn’t be forgotten.

That’s when I learned he wanted more from me. Three new words were given, “Now, share them.” Writing and sharing my words were nothing I’d considered before. Initially, I resisted. When I finally obeyed, he gave me more thoughts to share.  Although unsure what to write about, he provided the inspiration.

When I sit down to write, I’m not always sure what will be going on paper. The element of surprise is another reason I love to write. Often the words take on a life of their own and flow in directions I hadn’t planned. It’s always exciting to see where they may lead.

When troubling times appear, my love of writing has been a form of therapy for me. After pouring my thoughts and feelings onto the page, I feel much better. This is something I had never done before the call to write. It’s an intimate form of prayer.

Another reason I love to write is the new eyes and ears I’ve gained. Snippets of conversation now present deeper meaning. Sights and sounds of nature provide abundant lessons to write about. I’m never sure if these lessons are for me alone or if they will speak into other hearts. I only know I am passionate about capturing and sharing them.

When I write, I imagine myself as a pen in the hand of God. I feel incredible blessed to be called to serve the Lord in this way. What better reason could there be to keep me engaged in this noble pursuit?

 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” 1 Chronicles 28:19 NIV

Serenity Prayer - full version by Terrie Lynne

Ever since I read the suggested theme topic, Taboo or Controversial Topics, for the month of March my mind has gone several different directions, but this morning I felt at peace that this is the article I want to post.

The Serenity Prayer is probably one of the most widely known prayers ever written. I have seen the short modified version on fridge magnets, mugs, and posters and it is commonly used in Alcoholic's Anonymous and 12 step programs. But, I wander how many people know the full version. I know I didn't until just a few weeks ago as I stumbled upon it quite by accident or perhaps a God incident maybe more accurate!

My hope is that, with all of the controversial topics that have been posted and the feelings and emotions that may come to the surface, this little prayer will bring some peace and serenity!

  SERENITY PRAYER

 By Reinhold Niebuhr - full version

God give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

 Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that you will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen

I have to admit I enjoy the second part of this prayer as much as the first and hope to delve a little deeper into it, perhaps as a devotional topic at a later date. I think we can find peace and serenity if we do try to live each day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time, whether it is during good times or in bad, happy times or sad. I do believe the scriptures encourage us to cast our cares on God for He cares for us. For me that is something I need to constantly remind myself to do!

Reinhold Niebuhr himself quoted yet another slightly different version of the first part of the prayer and it goes like this: 

O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;

courage to change that which can be changed,

and wisdom to know the one from the other,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Here is the version we are most familiar with:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

I hope you have been encouraged and blessed!

References: If you would like to learn more about the author, Reinhold Niebuhr, or the Serenity Prayer, you will find some good information on Wikipedia.

Follow the Leader

[Photo: Amanda ~ Chip off the old block~]

A funny thing happened on my way to adulthood. I was followed. My children were apparently eyeing me all the way. That delightful old adage - do as I say, not as I do - got tossed out the window. And no matter what I said, my children become more of what I did.

I spent most of the day yesterday helping my daughter pack for her impending move. With a 6 month old baby and a busy little two and a half year old, Amanda has to work double time to get her kit and kaboodle packed and ready for relocation. So I was happy to help. She's a bit stubborn like her momma' so I had to convince her to let me help and that she didn't need to do this all by herself.

I get a big kick out of how alike we are. She is very independent but she has a lot of my traits. Some not so good. Yesterday it was confirmed that I have created a junior packrat. She is just like 'yours truly' for stashing and saving. I totally sympathized with some of the 'but I might need this later' comments from my darling daughter. Our similarities are obvious in many areas.

There were moments, yesterday, when I knew she wanted me to tell her to toss out something but then we would both think of good reasons for keeping said object. Take the wine bottles from the many weddings that she had collected. Afterall, they had the nice label and the photo of the happy couple. I remember the same dilemma when I moved. I was so glad when I ended up purging my own collection of photograph-adorned wine bottles. So I shared this with her.

Finally we made a decision. She would only toss the empty photograph-adorned bottles. The full ones she would keep. We felt bad tossing the happy couples into the recycling box. But we moved on. And so the day continued. Decision after decision. Packing is not an easy task for packrats.

On the whole, we actually did well sorting and discerning between need and want. However, I must say that our packing session likely took a little longer than perhaps might be considered the norm. There were so many decisions to make.

Later, I again thought about how important a job motherhood is. As I watch my big little girl interact with her own little ones, I see me. She speaks with my grandchildren in the same manner I spoke to her. She disciplines the same way I disciplined her. We have the same sense of humour.

I left her house with a smile on my face and three bags of 'stuff' I might use (no wine bottles). Then I thought of a poem I wrote a while back for Amanda's birthday card.

Sometimes I watch you.

I watch the way you look at your children, my grandchildren.

I watch and wonder where the years have gone and how it is that you are now a mother.
Then I see the dependent, adoring way your children look at you.

I remember when you used to look at me like that.

But time marches on
You, my once desperately, dependent daughter have become a fiercely independent woman.

Did I teach you that?
We had our moments of conflict.

We faced joys and challenges together.

We overcame grief and sadness.We triumphed.
I love spending time with you.

I appreciate when you ask me for advice.

It makes me feel valued and worthy.

Our relationship is special.

We are more than mother and daughter.

We have become friends.

(God has blessed me beyond measure!)