This is your life...

Have you ever had a 24 hour period of your life that helped you to put things into perspective?

I had a great couple over for dinner on Saturday night and they were telling me about a story about two young men that intersected their lives recently.  Two young men that were choosing to start over in a humble way and take full responsibility for their lives.  We then had a discussion about a home business idea and how its success could impact their lives.

I went to bed with a smile on my face knowing that these two people had found each other and were sharing a journey that was filled with God's purpose.

I am a member of Grace Fellowship - Don Mills and so Sunday I awoke and prepared to hear what God was going to share with this church family.  Our Pastor spoke about how we read and apply the Bible.  What struck me was walking out our belief and being able to ask God about His promises.  I have a huge promise in my heart that I had prayed about that morning. and here was God via Julian saying go ahead and ask, but don't just ask believe My answer and live accordingly.

Next I met with a couple I hadn't seen in over 10 years and they were as gracious and kind as I had remembered.  They extended a warm welcome and said where would you like to go?  They would like to work with me to achieve my goals and dreams.  They reminded me that motivation is comprised of motive to take action.  What is my motive and what do I want to achieve?  Great questions.

I had a hour drive to my next appointment and pondered their questions.  The next couple I met are the wonderful parents of a very close friend that we recently lost to cancer.  We laughed at some of the memories and cried as we shared how much we miss him.  This beautiful couple that are in their senior years spoke of how much they'd like to build relationships with their grandchildren still.

I came home and enjoyed a glorious sunset on my balcony and then spent an hour watching various fireworks going off throughout the city.  All the while pondering how each day God gives us is a reason for celebration, whether it be tears of joy or sadness life is made richer by the people we share the experiences with.

I will continue to invest my life into the people God brings across my path and store my treasures in heaven. 

The Bible and why it's the best selling book ever!

Do You Love God's Word?

One of the first books to come off the printing press when it was invented was the Bible. And it’s still the world’s best-selling book. An anonymous author has written: ‘It contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the fate of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It is a light to direct you, food to nourish you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s road map, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s weapon, and the player’s game plan. It’s a mine of incredible wealth, and a river of genuine joy. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Christ is its grand subject, your good its design, and the glory of God its end. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be spiritually healthy. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. Let it fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered for ever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and judge those who trifle with its sacred contents.’ The Bible is ‘The word of our God which shall stand forever…’ (1Peter 1:25). Most of us respect the Bible; the trouble is we don’t read it daily and put it into practice. After hearing a discussion on various translations of the Bible, one man said: ‘I prefer my mother’s translation, because she translated it into everyday life.’ Are you doing that?

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.' Matthew 24:35 NIV

This is my favourite online devotional.  The author is Bob Gass

Living, Loving and Letting go

Walking along side a friend through an illness teaches you much about that person, yourself and everyone affected.  I recently lost one of my best friends.  When he became aware of his brain tumor almost two years ago he took it in stride and remained hopeful to the very end of his life here on earth.  He would say "I have peace either way Kathy, whichever God prefers".  His sense of humour and testimony of faith were beautiful to witness.

During one of my hospital visits Bob asked me to bring in my laptop and let him update his facebook status.  We took a picture and posted it.  He had over 140 responses within 24 hrs.  This man touched lives!  His gift was to serve and he genuinely put others first.

The friends and family I got to meet through this journey just confirmed how humble and loving this man was.   He served so many people in his lifetime that it was an honour to be able to serve him near the end.  His parents are amazing people, no wonder Bob was so thoughtful. 

Each visit I was reminded that it may be my last...is that not how we are supposed to live each day?  Bob blessed me with unconditional love and acceptance, he was my biggest fan.  I think of you often my friend and am living each day to the fullest.

To know that he is now dancing before his Lord and Saviour makes me smile.  His visitation and memorial service were packed with people from every area of his life.  He made a friend wherever he went and if anyone chose not to accept his offer of a relationship it was their loss.

Here is the tribute video his son-in-law and daughter prepared for him:

Until we meet again Bob, thank you from the bottom of my heart for our years as sojourners.