It's December! Can you believe it? Fear not, faithful blog readers, I haven't forgotten you! Life has been a zoo over the last few weeks. Here are some of the things I've been up too....
*Moving! I moved into my wonderful and exciting new townhouse on November 21. The actual moving day went pretty well with only a couple of mini-adventures in the day. Since then I've worked full time and unpacked a little. Oh and I started removing the crazy wallpaper!!
* Dream Auction '09. I attended a poverty awareness and fundraising luncheon last weekend raising thousands of dollars for poverty initiatives in the city. All the proceeds go towards associations that work with children. One of the items I purchased was a basket of locally grown herbs and locally made vinegars from the Terra Nova Sharing Farm. What an amazing find!
* The Season of Advent arrived with a great feast on Sunday night and a celebration of "Hope". This included a congregational dinner and evening program. Today I started my Fair Trade Advent Calendar.
Now its time to switch gears and get ready for a four-day convention on youth ministry. It starts on Thursday.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Goodbye Mowat!
I will move away from Mowat Street on Saturday. It's been an interesting three years in a 920 square foot, corner condo in the city of New Westminster. As I reflect back I consider mowat time to be my healing years mixed in with an apartment community consisting of loud, crazy neighbours, the constant smell of pot in the air, a crazy strata (management) company, and a toddler constantly running upstairs above my head. It's amazing how healing comes out of that.
I've never grown to like this city. There just isn't a sense of community even after my many efforts to connect.
But it's true. I was burning mad-at-life three years ago and now I feel like a new person full of life giving work, life giving friendships and so much energy for the future!
Saturday couldn't come sooner.
I've never grown to like this city. There just isn't a sense of community even after my many efforts to connect.
But it's true. I was burning mad-at-life three years ago and now I feel like a new person full of life giving work, life giving friendships and so much energy for the future!
Saturday couldn't come sooner.
Friday, November 13, 2009
EVOLVE
EVOLVE is a event happening this weekend over three full days for junior youth, senior youth, young adults and youth leaders from around BC. I've been on the planning team for the last year and a half and it is totally amazing to see all of our planning now in action. A brand new event for the church community.
200 people in attendance.
rEvolve band offering music
A group of incredible Elders
A guest speaker and author from Michigan.
A guest workshop presenter from Connecticut.
Opening day was today and it began with a worship based on the creation story, presented in one of the best ways I've ever heard the story before.
I am full of gratitude for being given the opportunity to be apart of this.
200 people in attendance.
rEvolve band offering music
A group of incredible Elders
A guest speaker and author from Michigan.
A guest workshop presenter from Connecticut.
Opening day was today and it began with a worship based on the creation story, presented in one of the best ways I've ever heard the story before.
I am full of gratitude for being given the opportunity to be apart of this.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Christmas Goals
I was driving home tonight and noticed a house full of Christmas lights and candy canes all lit up. I am constantly blown away at the Christmas keeners out there especially as the Season of Advent is still three weeks away. Yesterday I overheard a conversation between two people talking about their Christmas lists and what they want this year. The thought of creating a list doesn't work for me anymore. I am happy to say that I don't want anything!!! Earlier this year I declared 2009 to be a present-free year for birthdays and Christmas. (I'm still cheering as I type this). The thought of no gifts makes me smile. Do you think I'm crazy??
With my goal of going present-free I didn't include the children in my life because let's face it, all kids should receive joyful presents on special days in the year. Also, weddings are an exception.
I do have a list of goals however that I've had for a number of years that I keep in mind as I indulge in gift-buying.
1. Be aware of consumerism - buy only what I need.
2. Big Box Stores - Don't shop at them! You'll never see me shop at places like Walmart, Nike, Disney, Superstore, Adidas and any other known company that has been written up for labour exploitation in the world. The prices are cheap for a reason and I can't support that. Now, I'm not perfect but if I can take off a few stores from my list each year, then I am doing well.
3. Buy Local - It's pretty self explanatory. Buy local. Support local small business. Support artists, Ma/Pa restaurants, and shop at farms and farmer's markets. Oh and buying things "made in Canada" instead of China, Taiwan, India and Mexico.
4. Be environmentally aware - Have you ever thought about how much packaging and plastic goes into all those presents?? Last year I began wrapping my gifts in fabric and cloth bags and when I eat out I ask the take-home packaging to be really simple. Oh and then there is Halloween... tons and tons of individually plastic-wrapped candies. Too bad we can't give out homemade treats anymore. There has to be an alternative.
6. Creativity - There is sooooo much room to be creative with gift-giving. Make/Bake and Sew. Buy a goat and support a family. Hold a food drive. Collect socks and jackets for the homeless. Let your mind go cRaZy!
7. Time is precious and I would much rather share a meal with friends and let that be the gift.
How will you shop this Christmas season?? It is my hope that you will be aware of what you are buying, where it comes from and what the environmental effects are.
Happy Shopping!
With my goal of going present-free I didn't include the children in my life because let's face it, all kids should receive joyful presents on special days in the year. Also, weddings are an exception.
I do have a list of goals however that I've had for a number of years that I keep in mind as I indulge in gift-buying.
1. Be aware of consumerism - buy only what I need.
2. Big Box Stores - Don't shop at them! You'll never see me shop at places like Walmart, Nike, Disney, Superstore, Adidas and any other known company that has been written up for labour exploitation in the world. The prices are cheap for a reason and I can't support that. Now, I'm not perfect but if I can take off a few stores from my list each year, then I am doing well.
3. Buy Local - It's pretty self explanatory. Buy local. Support local small business. Support artists, Ma/Pa restaurants, and shop at farms and farmer's markets. Oh and buying things "made in Canada" instead of China, Taiwan, India and Mexico.
4. Be environmentally aware - Have you ever thought about how much packaging and plastic goes into all those presents?? Last year I began wrapping my gifts in fabric and cloth bags and when I eat out I ask the take-home packaging to be really simple. Oh and then there is Halloween... tons and tons of individually plastic-wrapped candies. Too bad we can't give out homemade treats anymore. There has to be an alternative.
6. Creativity - There is sooooo much room to be creative with gift-giving. Make/Bake and Sew. Buy a goat and support a family. Hold a food drive. Collect socks and jackets for the homeless. Let your mind go cRaZy!
7. Time is precious and I would much rather share a meal with friends and let that be the gift.
How will you shop this Christmas season?? It is my hope that you will be aware of what you are buying, where it comes from and what the environmental effects are.
Happy Shopping!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
That's right! Today is my birthday. Yipppeeeee! Mom texted me from Alberta and Dad called from Hawaii and so far 41 friends have posted messages on my Facebook. I am SO blessed!
I spent half the day helping a friend at a craft fair and then tonight the celebrations begin.
Tonight will be Greek food with my old youth group.
Tomorrow I am going to an Irish Pub with friends.
Monday out for a Canadian-White Spot dinner with my Mom.
Monday is dinner with friends at the American Grill (a fancy fine-dine hotel restaurant).
My Mom reminded me today that my birthday usually continues over a two week period. What a lucky girl!
Yea for turning 32!
I spent half the day helping a friend at a craft fair and then tonight the celebrations begin.
Tonight will be Greek food with my old youth group.
Tomorrow I am going to an Irish Pub with friends.
Monday out for a Canadian-White Spot dinner with my Mom.
Monday is dinner with friends at the American Grill (a fancy fine-dine hotel restaurant).
My Mom reminded me today that my birthday usually continues over a two week period. What a lucky girl!
Yea for turning 32!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Worship Bags
My project this week has been to revamp and update the worship bags (a.k.a quiet bags) for children who come to worship each Sunday. We have 19 hooks (there were 20 but one hook went missing) with bags for each hook filled with "quiet" things to keep younger children occupied during the worship service. Generally children are only in the service for the first fifteen minutes before they head to their Sunday School class but sometimes services don't include Sunday School.
The previous staff person created bags with mini signs saying they were for 2-5 year olds so I am going to continue that plan. The bags had a mix of cars, animals, blocks and stuffed animals to play with. Recently I noticed some of the bags were in bad shape (torn, stains etc.) and with the H1N1 scare I think its time to give all the bags and toys a good cleaning.
After doing a ton of research on the internet I've decided the new bags will include:
pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks and fun Christian stickers
blocks (somebody donated a brand new box of blocks)
crayons and a notebook
a storybook
and possibly some new little toys (cars, dolls)
And....for the 5-7 year olds Iwill be assembling mini flannel boards with cutouts of biblical stories. How cool is that?? I can't take the credit however because I didn't come up with the idea.
I can't wait to see the smiles that they bring.
The previous staff person created bags with mini signs saying they were for 2-5 year olds so I am going to continue that plan. The bags had a mix of cars, animals, blocks and stuffed animals to play with. Recently I noticed some of the bags were in bad shape (torn, stains etc.) and with the H1N1 scare I think its time to give all the bags and toys a good cleaning.
After doing a ton of research on the internet I've decided the new bags will include:
pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks and fun Christian stickers
blocks (somebody donated a brand new box of blocks)
crayons and a notebook
a storybook
and possibly some new little toys (cars, dolls)
And....for the 5-7 year olds Iwill be assembling mini flannel boards with cutouts of biblical stories. How cool is that?? I can't take the credit however because I didn't come up with the idea.
I can't wait to see the smiles that they bring.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Psalm 100
"Make a Joyful Noise" is the famous Psalm 100 scripture passage.
This week I went for a walk in a local park. It was a beautiful autumn day with the wind blowing and the sun shining. As I walked this scripture popped into my mind and I came home and wrote my own version. Here it is.
Walking through the forest, a joyful noise.
wind blowing, leaves crunching, children laughing in the distance.
Sun peeking through the trees.
I look up. Waaaay up....two squirrels, cracking nuts, shells dropping to the floor.
Thump.
Rose Garden with buds shining red, orange and yellow colours. Is it really nearly November?
Petting zoo empty. No sign of life. A place of story from weeks gone past. I wonder where the animals are? I listen for birds....none. I hear trees blowing in the wind.
A man appears from another path. All wrapped up in warm clothing and a toque.I wonder where he is going. What is his story? I look at him to offer a smile, he walks by, no eye contact, humming a song.
I think to myself, God is good. God is sooooo good!
Then... I look down.
Shining in the light....chestnuts!! Like a child, I begin a treasure hunt. Gathering, collecting, feeling their smooth skin. I imagine cooking them on a fire.
I stand up, bright sun on my face. I give thanks for silent moments. God's sheer beauty.
This week I went for a walk in a local park. It was a beautiful autumn day with the wind blowing and the sun shining. As I walked this scripture popped into my mind and I came home and wrote my own version. Here it is.
Walking through the forest, a joyful noise.
wind blowing, leaves crunching, children laughing in the distance.
Sun peeking through the trees.
I look up. Waaaay up....two squirrels, cracking nuts, shells dropping to the floor.
Thump.
Rose Garden with buds shining red, orange and yellow colours. Is it really nearly November?
Petting zoo empty. No sign of life. A place of story from weeks gone past. I wonder where the animals are? I listen for birds....none. I hear trees blowing in the wind.
A man appears from another path. All wrapped up in warm clothing and a toque.I wonder where he is going. What is his story? I look at him to offer a smile, he walks by, no eye contact, humming a song.
I think to myself, God is good. God is sooooo good!
Then... I look down.
Shining in the light....chestnuts!! Like a child, I begin a treasure hunt. Gathering, collecting, feeling their smooth skin. I imagine cooking them on a fire.
I stand up, bright sun on my face. I give thanks for silent moments. God's sheer beauty.
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