Everyday Gratitude

This past weekend was "Thanksgiving" here in Canada.  January 31, 1957 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed; "A day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed-to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."  I've always liked Thanksgiving weekend.  I think it's encouraging that in a nation that is quickly running in opposition to Christian values, this holiday is still recognized, still logged in history as a day set aside to thank GOD.  Time with family, a yummy feast of fall classics, the trees naturally trimmed in bright seasonal colour, and most of all intentional thoughts, and expressions of gratefulness to God.

We enjoyed all the traditions of Thanksgiving this past weekend, and it was wonderful!

But is that it now? Wednesday is here, and we've all gone back to our own homes, and routines.  The turkey carcass has been picked clean, and even boiled for soup stock.  The housework, and our day-to day schedules welcome us back to "reality" as we normally know it.  Our thanks have been sung through songs at church, shared in a family circle, and prayed to God.  So, we've given thanks.... check.

Do we want God to think of and provide for us one day a year?  Everyday, in so many ways God gives, provides, blesses, forgives, and loves beyond what we deserve. 

"...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18  

Does my heart overflow with gratitude?  Honestly, often times, no.   Am I thankful for all things?  Do I stop to realize every little thing; the clean water that I drink, that comes flowing at the twist of a tap, the health care that I receive, the freedoms I enjoy, the opportunity to breathe in clean air, to see, to taste, to touch.  Even the struggles, losses, and hard stuff in my life.....  Can I be thankful for them?  I ought to be, His Word says it's His will for me, and He always uses all things for His good purposes (Romans 8:28,29).  Do I truly cherish who God is, how He gave His life for mine that I may know His grace, forgiveness, to be free from the punishment my sin deserves, and to have eternal life instead of an eternal hell when my life on earth is over?  What love, what sacrifice.  Words, songs, prayers will never be able to express properly the thanksgiving God deserves.  

I sincerely want to be more thankful.  I don't think any one of us would say we are grateful enough.  So, I pray that God would give me a heart of honest thanksgiving.  I will memorize and review Bible passages that point my heart to praise Him, to worship my Creator, Provider, Gracious God and Father.  When I am feeling like grumbling I will mentally list blessings, I will sing a song that honors God when I wish I had a different life, or more of this or that.  He has given me more than enough, His grace alone is more than I deserve.

Thank You God, from the bottom of my heart, I thank You; for Jesus who has saved me, for Your Spirit who guides me, for the daily provisions You give of food, health, shelter, clothing, for my best friend and husband to enjoy life with, to learn from and beside, for my parents, brothers and extended family-for all they've taught me, for the memories, and love we share for one another.  Lord, for your daily grace in my life.  I thank You.  Lord I want to express more appreciation this year, for You, for the blessings You give day in and day out, there is sooo much to be grateful for.  I thank You!      

        

Homemade with Love

    Is it just me or is something more special when it's homemade?  Pies for example.... a homemade one versus one bought from the store?  No question, homemade hands down.  I feel the same about greeting cards, homemade salsa and garden produce versus the grocery store.

    Maybe that comes from my upbringing?  I grew up with a garden in our back yard, a coop full of chickens, and with a crafty Mama who taught me how to make gifts, homemade preserves, hem my own jeans, sew on buttons and more.  Now I find pleasure in sending a homemade greeting card, and enjoy the sweetness of opening a can of my Mama's peaches over a can of store bought ones any day.  I find in the Fall I really cherish the homespun life for some reason.  Perhaps it's the harvest season, or Thanksgiving coming up that get's me in the mood, or the cooler weather... I like to create, to share, and give away homemade things; here are a few things around our home that have been homemade lately.

    Any and all human creativity pales in comparison to the creative handiwork of God who created the world by speaking all that we see into existence (Genesis 1).  It's humbling and incredible to realize we are each individually designed by the Creator God, made specifically by Him with a plan in mind.  We read in Ephesians 2:10; "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Wow!  This verse is so inspiring, to know that God has made us to accomplish a certain purpose of His own making is so incredible.  He can use me?  With all my flaws and sinful struggles?  Yes, yes He can.  He gave me my mind, my background, my experiences and skill set to do certain tasks He has lined up for me.  So cool!  I pray that I will be obedient, willing and daily walking in His truth so that I will be able to accomplish those good works He has in store for me through Him and for Him.
   Today that looks like sharing our home, rolling meatballs and making a homemade meal to share with students, to be a blessing, to serve the Lord.  As I type this song came on the radio in the background....  And it truly fits into where this post is going....

You and I have been "Homemade with Love" by a God who gave His Son to give redeem our lives, to give us purpose, peace and meaning so that we can go about doing "Homemade with Love" acts of good to show His love; to show Him through our lives.      

      

     

Birds of a Feather...

...flock together.  Today, driving into town I saw a few flocks of birds along our country road.  One all perched in a line along a telephone wire (perhaps the "gossip flock"? :)), another enjoying lunch in a big cherry tree, and on the way home, a whole bunch of birds were playing chicken, waiting in the middle of the road for their steel, wheeled competition to get as close as possible before they lifted off.  So of course I sped up, and they all took to the skies, flapping in unison. 

Birds are like that, they stick with their own kind, and travel together.  I'm sure there's many benefits; companionship, learning to sing your tune from the elders of the flock, the downdraft when flying behind others, and more eyes to look out for a berry bush, or backyard bird-feeder....  Ha, ha...

As people, we are made for community too.  There are so many benefits of sharing life with others.  As Christians, God calls us to flock/commune/share life.  This is His plan, through the fellowship of church.  The sense of community, Biblical teaching, public worship, and like-minded, faith based friendships are so important.

 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

These verses happen within the church.  We are so very blessed to be members at South End Fellowship Baptist Church. There, our pastors are genuine; we are challenged and encouraged by solid Biblical preaching each week by men of God that are sincere in their faith, and humble.  We gather together, singing songs of worship to God, contributing financially to see God's message of hope through Christ be taught in our community, and around the world through missions, and interacting with other believers-sharing our lives, our struggles, and rejoicing in good times together.  Serving others by getting involved, and using the gifts and talents God gives to glorify Him.  Christians belong in the church like birds belong in a flock.  We don't have to be a lone goose on the big lonely lake of day to day life.

 I have fond memories of church picnics, Sunday School, Christmas plays, and lots of potlucks, bridal and baby showers, lots of fun, fellowship, and lots of grounding in my faith at church throughout my life.  My Oma affectionately taught me a song when I was a kid, in her thick dutch accent, and using our hands to do actions we'd sing;

The church is not a building,
The church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place,
The church is the people.

I am the church,
You are the church,
We are the church together.
All around Jesus,
All around the world,
We are the church together.

If you know Jesus personally you are a part of the church.  Like a physical body part, you have a part to play in the Body of Christ, and to not participate is like leaving a finger or toe in bed at home....  It's just not complete.  Here in North America we are blessed to have the freedom to worship publicly.  I hope you are enjoying the family atmosphere and the spiritual enrichment of a local church near you this Sunday, worshiping, enjoying fellowship, glorifying God who designed the church in His wisdom, a gift to enjoy.   

 

Our Home Sweet Home

We have the unique blessing of living right on the property of a very special place, Word of Life Fellowship Canada-Summer and Winter Camp, Bible Institute, and Headquarters Office.  As I type I can hear Jr. high cheering in enthusiasm as directions for a group game are being given by a Program guy, and techno music is pumping up the campers.  So fun!  I grew up coming here for Snow Camp, and one summer was a camper, and now.... We absolutely love living and serving here.

On any given day here throughout the summer we get to see; kids enjoying a cool ice cream cone from the Snack Shack, another zooming down the zip-line with a shreek of excitement, a counselor facing off with their camper in a game of carpet ball, others swimming in the pool, or an intense game of basketball between staff and campers.  Lots of exciting activity, new friendships made, and great memories of their time at camp.

More importantly though, this place is uniquely founded on and passionately purposeful in sharing the truths of Scripture.  Daily Bible sessions, cabin Quiet Time are part of the schedule, and opportunities to make personal spiritual decisions of faith, or commitment; that's what it's really all about.  That's what lasts for eternity.

This week, it was such a joy to our hearts to sit in the evening meeting Monday night as a previous camper who accepted Jesus personally here at camp, then summer staffer, BI student, and now the Camp Director and friend shared clearly our need as people for a Saviour.  He used the Bible to explain our sinful condition, (Romans 3:23) the incredible love and grace of God as Christ left heaven to be our payment for sin, and how we can be forgiven, and begin a relationship with the holy God of the universe by faith in Christ. (John 3:16)  Five campers indicated they chose to make this decision of faith, and were counseled one-on-one about their new found faith in Jesus.

These Jr. High teens came to camp without the hope and security that only a relationship with God can bring, and will be leaving completely changed.... from the inside out-knowing with certainty their sins are forgiven, and heaven will be their eternal home, equipped in His truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit to live differently-for God's glory rather than self.  It will not mean they will be faultless, or won't struggle, but they have the foundation they need, and a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) enabling them to live differently.

Just wanted to share with you the blessing we enjoy of seeing God at work in lives right here, in our "front yard".  May His truth continue to transform lives here, and around the world, as this and many camps present the Gospel message of Christ this summer.  Here's a camp video summing up one week of camp from this summer.  Awesome!!!

In Loving Memory

Grandma Gwen Haviland 

1923-2013

Although Gwen's body was failing, her hope was still whole.
Although her eyes were slowly dimming her focus was sure.
 Although loved ones can't hold her she's being held by her Lord.
-by Mike Woods

The Opportunities of Infertility

That seems like an oxymoron... I mean infertility is a lack of opportunity, isn't it?  It all depends how you look at it.  My husband and I fit into the category of "infertile" because I have endometriosis, a hormone, immune disease which effects fertility.  I'm not gonna lie, it's a difficult physical situation, causes pain, there isn't a sure cure, and the list of negatives could run on, and on in terms of not having kids.....  Or, you know what, it's also an opportunity, if I choose to see and treat it that way.

I have opportunities;

• to show compassionate understanding for others who suffer with infertility, chronic pain, or other struggles
• the freedom of our schedules and days to minister-sharing our home, being available in a different way, to encourage, to pray, to write, to invest in relationships at church, in our community, and where we work/live/do ministry
• to learn about myself, contentment, and in my faith walk with Christ what it means to really find life, joy and peace in Him alone in a different context than others
• we can live on less financially because there's two; mouths to feed, bodies to clothe...

Yes, I find it challenging not to be able to have a family, but you know what... it's okay with me.  This is God's will for us, we will accept it, love the kids he's surrounded us with, and rejoice.... because though I'm not a Mommy, I am His child, and sooo very blessed.

Jesus gave His life for mine, providing salvation for all who will believe in Him.  He suffered by leaving heaven, taking on the burden of all the sins of the world, enduring the Father turning His face from Him, and a cruel death of torture on the cross.  "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God..." 1 Peter 3:18  He willingly endured losses like no other.  Knowing His sacrifice to offer us forgiveness and rescue us from eternal death, any challenge we face is still grace compared to the wrath, judgement and separation from God that we rightly deserve.
 
The Apostle Paul in  Philippians 4 wrote that he "...learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."  Paul went through a lot of difficulty his lifetime, persecution, prison, division with his friends, ship wreck, more time in prison, and quiet possible was martyred for his faith... yet he had learned contentment.  He also wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." in the same chapter.  He understood life was through Christ, and that suffering was a privilege for the cause of the gospel.  Because knowing Christ is an eternal hope, that can't be effected by our circumstances.   

In light of the examples of Christ, and Paul, and so much more God has to say in His Word about how we ought to view life and struggles, I can say that my life is complete because of Jesus.

God could still work in my body, and allow pregnancy, or we could adopt....perhaps. Who knows what the future holds?  Today, though... I'm going to love God, trust Him, run to His truth when I am overwhelmed with feelings of insufficiency as a woman who can't bear children.  I will review in my mind who Christ says I am, rejoice in the blessings He has given, and serve in whatever capacity He's given me for this day.  It changes day to day for me, as pain is part of my daily life, but it doesn't mean I can't pray, worship God, and keep on seeking to glorify Him, and share with others His goodness, and grace.

Whatever your challenge, your deficit, that dream you can't attain.... If you have Christ, you have life.  We show if we really believe that He is enough, and what we really value/worship in how we deal with loss, struggles, and pain.  

Links to check out related to this topic:  
Where Life is to be Found Paul Tripp Video 
5 Things Infertile Couples Want Friends, Families, and Churches to Know-Blog Post by Brian Nicholson

Daddio

Wishing my father a Happy Father's Day!  When I think of my Dad there's lots of stories that flood my memory; watching Dukes of Hazard, Jays games, and Dad dozing off... cutting wood, washing cars, eating watermelon, and droppies (dutch black licorice, salty or sweet), snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, and family adventures for vacations from Canada's East to West Coasts, all in tent trailers, to the walk we shared down the aisle on our wedding day....  My Dad's not a big talker,  but he's a worker, an "I will find a way" kinda man.  Weather it was building a barn so we could have a hobby farm as kids, coming up with a cost effective way to heat our swimming pool, or pouring a cement foundation for a garage; he'd make a plan, and then make it happen.

Our home wasn't perfect, and we have our issues.  There is no perfect upbringing, but always much to be grateful for.  The three things I am most thankful about my father are what he taught (perhaps it's the teacher in him) about; faith, work, and independence.

Dad instructed me, and all of the family in truths of Scripture, and importance of a having and maintaining a personal faith relationship with Christ.  We moved a lot as a family growing up; no matter where Dad's work landed us, a top priority was finding a good church.  

I am also thankful that he taught me to work hard, to not give up, and to always do my best.  He showed this in his own work ethic, and expected it in us as kids; weather it was chores, school work, or employment.  Half-hear-ted wasn't an option.

As Nugteren children sometimes it felt a little like the school of hard-knocks, but looking back it was lessons in independence.  Weather it was saving up to buy something all on our own, or solving a problem, Dad gave us lots of opportunities to figure it out, make mistakes, and learn.  It meant we needed to; become resourceful, humble, realistic, and learn the value of money, hard-work, and determination.  I am thankful now, as an adult that things weren't easily handed our way, it really did teach me much.

Dad.... Daddio, I love you.  I thank you for your involvement in my life, and for what you have taught me.  I pray for us all as a family, as my brothers, your boys are fathering, and as you father grown kids, and grandfather little ones.  May God be glorified in the legacy that is yours.  

 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,  and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21