Balance or Rhythm by Lorilee Guenter

"By The Book" photo by Bruce Guenter

Balance is a myth created to keep me from embracing the rhythms of life . Ecclesiastes 3:1 opens with "there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." The list of opposites brings to mind the old playground teeter-totter. If the opposing individuals were similar weight, it was possible to get the teeter-totter to balance as a straight beam. More often the partners couldn't hold the balance due to weight differences. One partner would be pushed up while the other dropped down. The goal of a teeter-totter is to keep it in motion. The achievement of balance halted motion.

Instead of chasing balance, I'm working to create movement, and rhythm. Sometimes the movement is rapid, other times it is a languid motion that takes attention to recognize, like the slow movement through winter. We mark time through seasons, through months, weeks, and days. In some places it may seem like the entire range of weather happens at once. We hear the saying: All four seasons in one week, or one day," yet even during these times we're not experiencing January and July simultaneously. It is either January or it is July.

There's a time and a season for every activity. We are tearing down or we are building up (v.3); we are silent or we are speaking (v.7). If we talk strictly about balance, it lends itself to an absurd reference to ratios. If we speak 50% of the time we should be silent 50% of the time, just like January and July each have 31 days. They hold equal weight within the year. What happens when God calls us to speak up, or write, and we've already used up our 50% of speech for the week? What if a friend, neighbour, or acquaintance needs us to just listen instead of us interjecting our own thoughts. I recognize I've taken these on these to an extreme. No one expects us to count the minutes we speak versus those we are silent. No one tries to live January and July in alternating days. Instead I am learning to lean into a rhythm of seasons. With a rhythm I progress through alternating activity, emotion, responsibility, hopes, and dreams, each in their own time. I learn to give them the space they need. Sometimes I walk through them in a straight line. Sometimes, like with the weather, it seems like they all happen in a day. There is no prescribed timeline. There's movement. If the season of grief is heavy, like the larger teeter-totter partner, it may take extra time to get to the dancing (v.4). The encouragement in these verses is that the dancing will come. Seasons change, in life as with the weather.

As I walk through this life I have been given, I'm learning to recognize my rhythms. They may not be the same rhythm as what God has given you, but he is walking with both of us. Ecclesiastes 3:11a "he has made everything beautiful in its time." Everything is known by God. Everything has a season, even when I can't see it. In the middle of the tears I want laughter because I don't like to cry. I can take courage from the fact the tears won't last. They have their season. I'm thankful that God knows what we need each season, each activity, and each day.

My writing seasons, my organizing seasons, my gardening seasons, and my life seasons all have a rhythm. Sometimes I notice them and sometimes I don't. My life season is in transition. The girls are adults and now need a different type of energy and presence from me than they did while growing up. My writing, my hobbies, and my studies no longer need to occupy the margins of life. Whether in the margins or not, my writing has times of reflection and times of action. Sometimes I want to linger in reflection even when God is calling me to the action of putting words on the page. Sometimes I want to rush ahead. I continue to learn that whether I'm laughing or crying, reflecting or writing, God is in the season with me. He is leading me from shadow to light. No matter the season, I can be confident of His presence and His leading.

Lorilee Guenter enjoys gardening, reading and more. During the summer, her and her husband Bruce often hit the nearby trails. He carries a camera. She carries a sketchbook.

My Inconsistent Journal by Lorilee Guenter

 

It started with a simple notebook and a pen. The earliest I remember consistently writing in a journal was summer of 1986. I had the opportunity to travel with my grandparents, youngest aunt, and sister to Expo 86 in Vancouver. That journal holds observations and reflections of the trip. Over the years I have been an inconsistent journaller. I am most consistent at recording my observations and reflections while travelling.

Over the years, my journals have evolved, and some might say devolved. Lately when I pick up my journal it is a time of reflection. It is a time of asking questions and listening. I have said, "God meets me on the page." This is especially true when I don't follow a rigid journal structure. I write without agenda or time frame. I pause knowing God will show me what I need, when I need it. I pour out my heart, my questions, my concerns, my fears and my excitement in a raw unfiltered manner. Those journals are for my eyes only.

I have at times kept a gratitude journal. When I open those pages, I am remembering and counting my blessings. It is a time of slowing and noticing. It is a time of reflecting and watching my perspective change from grumbling to thanksgiving.

I have had seasons where I journal my prayers. I tried morning pages. I have a book of random quotes. No one style of journaling has been a consistent routine in my day. Even with gaps, I find I always return to my journal, whether it is fancy or plain, to record, reflect and ponder. I expect I always will. The style I use is what I need at the time.

Lorilee Guenter is an inconsistent journal keeper who enjoys learning. She can be found in the garden, with a book, or hiking and exploring nature with her husband. She is facing her fears by taking her stories beyond the journal page and releasing them from captivity.

R is for Reflect by Lorilee Guenter

 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

This spring the northern lights were so bright they could be seen in the southern United States. At the same time, the southern lights lit up most of the southern hemisphere. The lights danced in various colours from green to red and purple. People all over the world looked to the sky in wonder. As mesmerising as this was, it is only a hint of God’s glory. A reflection can’t catch the whole, but it can make us look up.

On a still night the various ponds and lakes in our area reflect the sky. Sunsets appear to cross the horizon, illuminating the water with various shades of orange, pink, and red. The water joins the sky in declaring the glory of God. A breeze sends ripples across the reflection breaking the colour but not obliterating it.

Wind and rain mar the reflection. However, the source, the sky, remains. Even when storms obscure the light, the source remains. With a word, the wind is stilled, the clouds part and the reflection shows what was always there. The stars shine no matter how many clouds fill the space between us and them. The heavens continue their chorus. They reflect the glory of their Creator, of our Creator.

As I write, I wrestle with questions big and small. My words and the characters I create reflect the questions I have. Through my reflection, I have the opportunity to encourage thought, and to encourage conversation. Through my writing in whatever genre I use that day, I hope to reflect God’s glory. The surface of my life is marred and broken just as the wind and waves break the surface of the water. However, God never changes. He is calming the storms swirling around and inside me. He is refining my life allowing me to reflect more and more of His glory.

The heavens declare the glory of God. As creation reflects the Creator, we are invited to join in the chorus.

Dealing with Distraction by Lorilee Guenter

 

Games. Travel. Media. Reading. Even housework. 

My days are filled with distraction. Sometimes, the distractions distract me from one another, leaving a trail of unfinished projects and tasks. 

During some seasons, I deal with them well. My focus may wander but my routines, the rhythms of my  days, help me minimize them. In other seasons, the routines crumble and the rhythms change. It is these days and these times when it becomes difficult and even feels impossible to determine which things are important.

Some of the distractions are important and even necessary. These are opportunities for rest and refreshment. They are opportunities to connect with and to help people around me. The days offer experiences that add to the image well and become part of future creative projects from art to poetry and even essay or fiction. The days add character and build relationship.

It took years of frustration to embrace the change of opportunity and focus for each season. Even now I still struggle. I recognize quicker that the distractions are part of a season of rest and renewal. However, I can be a slow learner and, when I expect my routine will remain the same winter, spring, summer, and fall, I set myself up for frustration -- a frustration caused by stubbornness and pride. God gave us seasons as an example in nature. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us there is a season to plant and a season to harvest. There is a season for everything, including rest. I can not plant a garden in January nor can I harvest in March. Why then should I be surprised that in January the images and ideas bubble up and bloom while in July the images and ideas are planted as I hike, garden and explore the abundance of creation alive around me? Just as my houseplants may bloom in January, some writing happens in July. The balance between the two is reflected in the season.

Summer is one of my seasons of distraction - necessary and renewing distraction. This year spring was also a season of distraction, but not the same time of refreshment. It was a time of frustration and excuse. It began with mandated rest and recovery that opened the way for mental spinning as I tried to catch up on everything at once and did nothing at all. Except, as I look back, it wasn't nothing. Mixed in amongst the time wasters were lessons for now and in the future. As I reflect, I notice once again how God uses every circumstance for His glory, even the ones that come from us giving in to the easy way instead of following His nudges and promptings. He redeems our mistakes, our failures, and our lost time. We miss out on the best He had originally planned for us since we gave that up, however temporarily, for our own way.

As I write this, I am sitting surrounded by plants and soft music. It is the perfect space to reflect. Or is it? Outside this terrace the sounds of the city continue. The glass walls that surround this oasis do not block out the horns, the rumbles of large vehicle, or the general hum of distraction. I did not expect to be here. I have a choice to use this as a gift God provided in an unexpected way or to embrace the distraction provided by the bustle of so many people living and working in close proximity. Even that distraction is one of God's gifts. Tomorrow, I will venture out and embrace the images, people, and opportunities God has orchestrated. My writing and my life are improved when I remember to look for God's hand at work. It is only then that I can discern which distractions are time wasters, and which are gifts from God that He is waiting for me to recognize. 

Lorilee Guenter is a Saskatoon based writer and artist who is learning to embrace those descriptors. She has learned that if you keep your eyes open you will find nuggets of inspiration everywhere. They are God's gift to fuel her creativity.

Season of Wrestling by Lorilee Guenter

 

I have picked up my pen many times to attempt to capture my thoughts. The pen feels heavy in my hand, unfamiliar from lack of use. Excuses rise. I have nothing to say. Except I do have thoughts I have been wrestling with. I read and I write because words matter.

Every story, every life has conflict. Our decisions change us and the world around us. It is my hope and prayer that mine reflect the faith I profess. But I fail. Internal conflict keeps my brain active as I contemplate and wrestle with the issues of today. Can I be sensitive on the hot button topics without compromising my beliefs?

Sarah was introduced as Abraham's sister, a half truth. Daniel continued to pray without fear and ended up sleeping with lions. The disciples struggled to understand what Jesus was teaching them. They all kept going. They all met God in the middle of their circumstances. I know He meets me as well so I attempt to keep going.

My pen still feels heavy and unfamiliar since I have had a season of reading and wrestling instead of writing. However, I still pick it up to sort out the lessons I have learned. I start to write my reflections. Will they lead to stories where the characters wrestle through living their faith or poems and essays? I do not know. The reflections are one more step as I process what God is teaching. In His timing, the pen will once again feel familiar in my hand. The words will come not because of me, but because of Him.

Choosing My Focus by Lorilee Guenter

 March 14, 2020 I joined others from around the province at our church for an evening of praise and worship. March 15, our morning service was cancelled due to the rapidly changing public health orders. Twelve hours meant the difference between gathering and not. Twelve hours left us as a church no time to pivot to an online service, but one week did. One week later, what would become normal began with an online gathering.

Two years later, no one knows what normal is. The news touts numbers and statistics. Friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues discuss, debate, or avoid the latest theories and predictions. I find myself in each of those categories. I avoid because I do not want to dwell on what might have been and what could be. I discuss because I want to know enough to choose well without fear and panic. I debate on occasion because sometimes I enjoy a good debate if it helps us understand each other.

Mostly, I try to ignore the siren song of fear. There will always be something to fear. We live in a broken world. War, disease, and disaster happen. I do not have the power to change that.

I can choose my response. I can choose to believe that God is still present, and is not caught by surprise, so I trust. I can choose to trust that God has the power to change circumstances. So I pray. I have the choice to choose faith or fear. I wish I could say I always choose faith. Unfortunately, there are times when the crush of voices and the unknown ever changing data cause fear, discouragement, and overwhelm to start rising.

I struggled to begin writing about the last two years because I have worked to change my focus. We are encouraged to think about what is true, honourable, just, pure, and commendable (Phil 4:8). A focus on what is excellent and worthy of praise is much healthier than division and fear. The only way I can focus on the blessings in the midst of all circumstances is by focusing on the One who is true, honourable, just, pure, and praise-worthy. With that focus, fear disappears and compassion has a place to grow.

Christmas Joy by Lorilee Guenter

 Since the very first Christmas morning music has been part of the season. The shepherds witnessed an angel chorus proclaiming the Good News. They responded immediately and went to check what the angels had told them. Our songs capture this story as they encapsulate the same Good News that the angels proclaimed, "The Lord is come!"

Likewise, music has been part of my Christmas season for as long as I can remember. Everywhere you go, Christmas music is heard. Stores play it in an attempt to elevate the mood of shoppers. Old favorites are pulled out for our church services and on the radio. These are joined by newer songs that encourage us to pause and reflect on the older familiar words.

This year, as I reflect, I find myself wondering why we save favorites like "Joy to the World" only for the Advent and Christmas season. The Good News we echo from the angels should permeate all of our life, not only one or two months each year. Every day, we need to prepare Him room or, in the words of another song, ask, "Is there room in your heart for Him?" It is a question I have been reflecting on as part of this season. What have I been making room for?

I mourn the loss of family gatherings, of sharing food and laughter, of hugs and the hum of conversations. I miss the Christmas parties with friends. There are many things this year that we have lost. But amidst the losses, I have found more time to reflect and consider the words of my favorite songs of the season. Songs that are full of story and wonder. Songs that echo the words of the angels: "I bring you good news of great joy that shall be for all the people." Luke 2:10.

As we move from 2020 into the unknown of 2021, I hope I don't lose these lessons I am learning. Maybe I'll even continue to sing, off key and with great joy, my favorite songs that proclaim, "The Saviour reigns!"

A Blessed Gift by Glynis M Belec

Christmas is a time for laughter and for love. 

To thank the Lord, our God, for His Gift sent from above.

We celebrate with presents and trees adorned with lights

               We know that Jesus Christ was born on that star-lit night. 

Everyone is happy. There is caring all around

"Peace on Earth. Goodwill to men," is an ever-present sound. 

Yet sometimes, though we don't intend, we lose sight of the reason

The focus shifts away from Christ, at times, throughout the season. 

We rush to stores to buy the best for each one on our list.

With endless toys and precious gifts. There's no one we have missed. 

Let's not be blinded by the lights and tinsel on our trees.

Let's rejoice at Christmas time and fall down on our knees. 

The shepherds kneeled before the Lord and bowed their heads in prayer.

Our Saviour, Christ, was born that night - the news spread everywhere. 

So as we gather 'round the tree with friends and family

Do it in His blessed Name for all the world to see. 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable Gift! 

2 Corinthians 9:15

Defeating Paralysis by Karma Pratt

We have a pretty decent understanding of physical paralysis. An injury occurs, which effectively shuts the body down in a given location.

What happens when our paralysis is of the less tangible variety? A paralysis of the soul? Not necessarily having physical repercussions, soul paralysis can be harder to diagnosis, and even more difficult to treat.

This is how writer's block can feel. This type of paralysis can cause damage in any walk, at any time. Soul paralysis can manifest as an inability to move forward, or simply even start. Whether it be in our writing, or in some other aspect of our life, soul paralysis can be debilitating if left untreated. Taking that next step, making that difficult decision, writing the next chapter, the next sentence, the next word. All can perish if we don't make the effort to work through the paralysis.

One simple (perhaps overly simple) solution to this inability to move forward: A prayer, a nap, an abrupt awakening and time for reflection. In that order.

The prayer: Redeem me, Lord. Refresh my soul. Help me to heal. Help me break the chains that are keeping me stuck in this moment, unable to move forward. Help me understand what I need to do.

The nap: 20 minute power nap, enforceable with an alarm. (Note: don't keep the alarm too close, or you may be tempted to shut it off and continue drowsing).

The abrupt awakening: Facilitated by the alarm, it's always good to get in the habit of not wanting to be "caught napping". 20 minutes to refresh, recharge and refocus in the middle of your writing time, then back at it immediately!

The reflection: This is the most important component to defeating paralysis. Immediately upon awakening, go directly to your computer or notebook, and start writing everything that comes to mind. Every word, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, has the power to break the chains and transform paralysis into momentum.

During a recent personal paralysis situation, the words "will not fail you" were reverberating in my head and heart upon awakening. I went to my computer and typed "will not fail you" into www.biblegateway.com. The result? Encouragement, strength and an answer to my pre-nap prayer:

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 

1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

Here I was, awakened with a new vision, a refreshed soul and an opportunity to regain my footing on the writer's path. In order to reverse soul paralysis, live fully and write well, I needed to: 

Be strong

Be courageous

Do the work

Do not be afraid

Do not be discouraged

It also occurred that, the more I spend time in the Word, the easier it is to write my own words.

What a great reminder! Buckling down to tap away at a keyboard then becomes more of a lifeline, and less a sinking feeling. It becomes a connection with the One who made me, the One who knows my heart better than anyone. And with those simple, but powerful steps, paralysis was defeated, passion restored, and I set foot down the path once again.

God has a way of helping us break through our paralysis. We only need to ask for help, and be open to receiving it when it comes. 

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Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. She loves words, art, creativity, God, and people, although not necessarily in that order. A recovering food addict and binge eater, she writes in an attempt to express how her life has changed as a result of the profound healing of Jesus. She gives thanks for daily doses of grace that fill her to overflowing. You can find her online at redraincoatcreations.com 

Let's Connect! Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Fresh Inspiration by Tandy Balson

Like new growth appearing in the spring I await new inspiration for writing.  Will my words burst forth like the budding leaves on the tree in my front yard?  

In nature the new growth is preceded by a period of dormancy.  I don’t normally take the time needed to rest, reflect and nourish my creativity.  Last week I did just that.

My daughter and I went on a Caribbean Cruise to celebrate her birthday.  Internet was far too costly on the ship, so no email was checked.  Other than journaling the events of each day I did no writing.  Many hours were spent sitting in the sun reading a good book.

I came home refreshed and full of ideas.  Will I write about the two little monkeys I held and how it felt when one decided to climb onto the top of my head?

How about being terrified to try snorkeling and my daughter holding my hand in the water until I was comfortable?  And oh, those tropical fish!

The deep turquoise of the sea was calming and nourished my soul.  A trek through a tropical rain forest to stand behind a waterfall was incredible.  I held a fresh cinnamon leaf and learned how our popular spice is made.

These and so many more thoughts are now taking shape, anxiously waiting to flow through my fingertips and become stories to share.  

I can see the lessons learned from the flight delays and luggage that was damaged.  The laughter and the heart to heart talks all enriched me.

A break from writing while experiencing new adventures was just what I needed to infuse me with fresh inspiration.   I can’t wait to get started!

https://www.timewithtandy.com

Reflections of An Adult Orphan by Alan Anderson

The term “adult orphan” may not be a familiar one to many people.  Some know what it feels like, know what it means and realize it is a term that redefines one’s place in the world and in your family.  It may be looked at as a rite of passage just like the birth of one’s first child or such things as graduating from school and entering the work force.  An adult orphan is a label we may use for ourselves after both our parents have died.

In my case my dad died in 2002 and mom died seven years ago this week.  I miss them both everyday. In many cases adult orphans take on a role their parents once held, that of a senior member of one’s clan or family.  The people you may have turned to for their opinion or insight or support are now gone.  The younger members of your family turn to you now for such things.

As I reflect on life as an adult orphan I do so with a sense of poignancy, longing and much joy.  When my father died it was a surreal time in my life and was new emotional territory for me.  When my mother died so did a gentleness and security I had experienced throughout my life that I would never experience again this side of heaven.

When I became an adult orphan something perhaps I took for granted when I was younger came to light.  I didn’t always have a deep love for my father as I did my mother.  As time went on and I gained a level of maturity I came to accept that I would love my dad for who he was.  My mother was always easy to love.

As my parents older years caught up with them I also appreciated them more as dearly loved people.  The commandment to “Honour your father and mother…”

(Ex. 21:12) took on a poignancy I never considered before.  As their health declined and death came I also felt the reality of the fact if we love deeply we will also grieve deeply.

My parents weren’t perfect and neither did they ever claim to be.  As I reflect on what they taught me about life I have come to appreciate that not being perfect is okay, in fact, it is typical of us all.  We are however to take our responsibilities, such as being parents, very seriously and with loving devotion to our children.

Today as an experienced adult orphan I live with great thanks to God for giving me my parents.  I recognize I have similarities to both of them in me.  I am aware I can be opinionated like my dad but without his intensity.  I also recognize I have some of my mom’s characteristics that soften my personality and allow me to have an empathy for other people.

Many times when I am writing I sense closeness to my parents.  This prompts a longing in me to see them again.  As an adult orphan who is attempting to be a writer I try to honour my parents through a sense of vulnerability, transparency and stark truth.  This evokes a deep joy within me for I know my parents would be proud of each word I write.

My dear writer friends, I pray God’s direction and blessing on you.  I’m sure your parents are proud of you.  I know I am!

Alan' personal Blog: scarredjoy.wordpress.com

He Walks With Me – by Tandy Balson

I read somewhere that writer’s block is when your imaginary friends stop talking to you!  That may be true for those who write fiction but as a non-fiction writer that's not an excuse I can use.

The worst thing I can do when I am stuck for words is to sit alone at the keyboard and try to force the words to flow through my fingertips.   A change of scenery can be the very thing needed to inspire my creativity.

Most often that means spending time in nature.  God has surrounded me with beauty and wants me to take the time to enjoy it.  When I walk and let my mind roam free I allow him to speak to me. 

 I have just come back from a vacation where I was blessed to be able to go for long walks along the beach most mornings.  As I walked I often had the strains of the song In The Garden going through my mind. Although I was at a beach and not a garden, the words were still appropriate: “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known..”

The joy I receive as I choose to walk with him is an experience that is able to refresh and energize at the same time.

Last summer I found inspiration at a lake I frequented.  Sometimes it was a walk through the trees that lined the shore.  Other times a bench beside the lake became my quiet spot for reflection.  Watching the sun set with no buildings to impede the view would make my heart sing.  There is something about the beauty and peacefulness of nature that restores my soul.  

I had never thought of these times as artist’s dates but that is exactly what they were.  The greatest artist of all, the one who paints the sky with muted shades at sunset and the trees and flowers with a vast array of vivid colours wants to spend time with me.  When I stop my striving and bask in the beauty he has surrounded me with, I can’t help but be inspired.

Christmas Reflections - Janis Cox

Christmas Refections - Jan Cox

I love the way we count the days until Christmas especially the Advent Sundays. This past week has been God our Hope. Isn’t that wonderful. We can hope because God gives us that HOPE in Jesus.

As we put up our manger scene this year I thought about the babe in the manger. As I gently placed him on His bed – I thought how awesome God that You placed Yourself in such a vulnerable position; how this shows us HOPE – because we are so vulnerable as well. I can know hope because of what You have done for us. Hallelujah!

In the second Sunday we see God as God our LOVE. We know how much You love us as we acknowledge that You sent Your Son to us. Your love abounds. We see it in the faces of people we love; in the music that is played; in the Scriptures that we read. Hallelujah!

Next comes God our JOY. Yes, anticipation of a family gathering – watching the grandchildren interact. The kisses and the hugs. Laughter and chatting. Being with each other. But I also see joy in the faces of the clerks in the stores when I say, “Merry Christmas”. I see joy as I thank God for each little gift during the day. What blessings. Hallelujah!

And finally God our PEACE. This babe that is born in a stable becomes the Light of the world. He becomes our peace. He is the King of Kings. I know Him and I can feel that peace at all times. Praise God for sending Jesus to us. Hallelujuah!

As we celebrate Jesus’ birth let us remember what really is Christmas – God giving us His Son. Let us not forget this – for this is what is important and a reason to celebrate.

Merry Christmas.

Jan Cox



Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing for Christ in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan is working on children's books in which she is also the watercolour illustrator.