Remember Me

On Cavendish Beach, PEI, we visited Green Gables and walked the Haunted Woods Trail and Lover's Lane that brought the setting of the Anne of Green Gables books to life. The Haunted Woods Trail was lined with lifeless, grey trees, and it had certainly a ghoulish effect.

Here are some pictures of the Haunted Trail:

The death of these trees reminded me of our mortality and I wondered how many people in the world accepted Jesus into their hearts only moments before they took their last breath.

When Jesus hung on the cross for the sins of mankind, there were two other crosses on either side, each bearing a thief. Near death, one of the thieves turned to Jesus and said:

"Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Luke 23:42-43

Jesus responded in His physical, emotional and spiritual agony:

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Luke 23:42-43

Even in His pain, grief, and mental anguish, Jesus was still able to love, show compassion, and save a man from the damnations of hell.

It is never too late! You may have lived your entire life for your own pleasure and satisfaction, or you may have once known and served God, but turned away; nevertheless, while there is still life in you, it is not too late to give your heart to Him.

Jesus, in His greatest suffering, despite His weakness and immense physical and emotional torment, saved a person. Today, right now, Jesus is willing to save you, no matter where you are, what you have done, or how old you are. Jesus is waiting with open arms. You just have to open up your heart to Him. It takes only a few seconds, but a sincere heart.

*     *     *

Can we, like Jesus, still reach out in love and compassion to the lost and needy when we are in our greatest suffering and pain? When we are going through a divorce? When we have lost a loved one? When we are stricken with a disease that is ravaging our body? Or when we are financially bankrupt and have no food to feed our family? Can we still love others? The answer is "yes" because of Christ in us.

Watch Therefore

Recently, Tim, Matthew, and I have been working on installing the ceiling in the half-basement of our house. It is the final step to finishing downstairs. Yes!

A few nights ago, however, Matthew was caught sleeping on the job. Tim asked for Matthew's help to hold a metal L in place while he nailed it in postion, but when he turned around, Matthew was asleep on the bed with his legs dangling to the floor. Tim quietly came upstairs, grabbed Chris' camera, and snapped a picture. I couldn't help but post it.

Matthew falling asleep on the job reminds me of the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Ten women, who are used to represent God's people, are sleeping when they are supposed to be ready and waiting for Christ's final return to earth. The parable ends with this verse:

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Matthew 25:13

A sleeping Christian is one who isn't abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ. They may attend Church regularly and call themselves Christians, but they love the world or themselves more than they love God. They are not communing with God in a real way. Their hearts are far from Him and have turned towards other things — things that have become more important than God. They have stopped watching for His return and consequently have missed being taken up with Jesus to His glorious Kingdom.

"Therefore keep watch

because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back —

whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

If He comes suddenly,

do not let Him find you sleeping.

What I say to you, I say to everyone:

'Watch!'"

Mark 13:35-37

Keep watching and be ready! Never stop loving God! Don't ever forget that one day Jesus will return as promised, for this day is near.

Depths Of The Ocean

On the last day Brain and I were on Prince Edward Island, there was a ominous storm caused by Hurricane Maria. With the wind blowing against my face and hair, the sky dark and unsettling, and the turbulent waves crashing against the shores, I thought about the verse in Micah.

"Once again You will have compassion on us.

You will trample our sins under Your feet and

throw them into the depths of the ocean."

Micah 7:19

God hates sin. It angers Him. As the fierce wind blows, the ocean waters rage, but if we repent of our sins, the tempestuous waves will calm. The storm will cease because God lovingly forgives. The Bible says that God is compassionate; so when we come to Him, acknowledge our sins, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from evil, God tramples our sins under His feet and throws them into the depths of the ocean. We are then made clean again. The clouds disperse, the winds die down, and the ocean again becomes a brilliant blue.

Forgiveness brings back the joy in our lives and the freedom to live life without guilt and shame.

And just as God has forgiven us, we are to forgive others, even when a person has hurt us so deeply that the pain can be unbearable. Otherwise, unforgiveness will lead to depression, sickness, or suicidal thoughts.

When we become Jesus' followers, the Spirit of God comes to reside in us, giving us the power to forgive those who have caused the deepest of hurts. Forgiveness doesn't usually come automatically for these deep-rooted hurts. It is usually a process that takes some time. However, with God in us, we can forgive those who have caused us such pain and heartache, because forgiveness is part of the character of God.

Most times those who have unbelievably hurt us will never apologize, but we can still forgive and go on. And if the opportunity arises, let the person who has terribly hurt you know that you forgive. If you can, do so  by your actions more so than your words.

The time I remember being the most hurt by someone was when I was an older teenager.  I had ended the distressing relationship with this person a fews weeks prior, only to be hurt again, but far worse than ever before. Within just minutes of time, my self-worth and trust was ravaged. I was immediately thrown into a pit and it took some time to for me to climb back out. I had to forgive.

The one thing I have regretted was not having the spiritual maturity to let the person who hurt me so deeply know that I forgave. A few years after the incident, I saw that person twice and each time the person turned away and couldn't  look at me. I should have set the person free by offering my forgiveness, but I didn't.

Just as God has trampled yours sins of repentance under His feet and has thrown them into the depths of the ocean, do the same with the sins of others.

Separate Yourselves

While Brian and I were walking along one of the many trails on PEI, we came across a lone, healthy corn stalk in a large field of potato plants. This stalk had produced two large cobs of corn. (I confess, I was tempted to pick them, but resisted.)

This corn stalk sure stood out amongst the other plants in the field. Then I thought about a verse in the Bible.

"Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.

Don't touch their filthy things,

and I will welcome you."

2 Corinthians 6:17

God commands us to separate ourselves from the world and to stand out as being different in our words and actions. We shouldn't have to tell unbelievers that we are Christians — they should automatically know. Just like I knew instantly that this corn plant was different from the potato plants in the farm field, the world should see the obvious difference in us as well.

One way we stand out as being different is by not touching the world's filthy things like idolatry (excessive adoration of a person), drugs, alcohol, pornography, movies and TV shows that promote sexual promiscuity, and clothes that seduce and foster lust.

If we think that we can live life the same as the world and still be welcomed by God, we are gravely and sadly mistaken.

Just like this corn stalk, we need to stand out as being different if we are to be a testimony for God and bring the lost, precious, and loved souls to God and His glorious Kingdom.

Love Is Patient

I am not a very patient person. It is a weakness in my character with which I struggle.

For instance, my husband, Brian, needs to drink one or two cups of coffee every morning before he can even function. I, on the other hand, hate the taste of coffee. I am rearing to go first thing in the morning. While we were in Prince Edward Island, I made myself sit in a chair every morning, instead of pacing the floor, waiting patiently, or shall I say impatiently, for Brian to drink his cup or two of coffee. It almost drove me crazy. I would say to myself, without Brian hearing my ungodly thoughts: "Let's go!" "Can't you drink that any faster?" Why do you have to drink that stuff anyways?"

Brain took a picture of me because he knew what I was thinking. I don't have to say anything. He knows me all too well. I think he was enjoying making me wait and seeing me squirm.

There are many Scripture verses that talk about patience being a virtue of God. Here are a few:

"Love is patient"

1 Corinthians 13:4

"Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

(There's that word again!)

Colossians 3:12

God wants His children to be patient — patient for answers to prayer, patient for our spiritual growth, patient for the spiritual maturity of others, patient for revival in our land, patient for the second coming of Christ, and patient for your mate to drink his cup of coffee in the morning. It isn't always easy, especially if you are like me, but it is the will of God. God is patient. He must be when He sees me being impatient and doesn't throw in the towel.

My husband finds it funny and smiles. He was patient when I wanted to run out the door to do, see, and experience. It took all my will-power just to sit in that chair each morning. My husband knew it, so he got out the camera and took a picture.

I'm learning! I really am! I am even smiled for the the picture, but it sure is hard!

In All Things

Three weeks ago, my youngest son, Matthew, and I sat in the car waiting for his job interview at a local church. He had applied for the job as the Children's Ministry Administrative Assistant. We both bowed our heads and prayed, "If it is your will God, we pray that Matthew will get the job, but if it isn't your will, we pray that he doesn't."

One week later, Matthew received a call that he was chosen out of all the other applicants and scored very high on the computer competency exam. However, after attending all his courses in the first week of university, he decided that he didn't have the time to do well in his studies and work the 20 hours/week required for the job. Matthew disappointedly declined the offer.

God, however, heard our prayer and began to work things out. The Pastor who had interviewed Matthew phoned him back a few days later and said that while he was having a shower, a thought came to his mind: "Why don't I hire two university students and divide up the hours?" Matthew excitedly took the job.

Matthew has now worked two weeks in his new job and is thoroughly enjoying it — that is when he can figure things out.

I think maybe he's got it now.

The Bible says that in all things, let me repeat that, in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,

who have been called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

Matthew has recently learned the truth of this important verse. God is good!

Do Not Forget

The sidewalks in Prince Edward Island are boardwalks. They are made of planks instead of concrete. The lamp posts in the towns and cities are not the modern ones we generally see today, but the old-fashioned ones that people now buy from Costco or Home Depot to decorate their front driveways and lawns. Most of the houses we saw on the island were heritage homes that were lovingly restored.

Here is a picture of one of the boardwalks that maintain the past heritage of PEI.

At certain spots on the boardwalk, there are view points and benches for a person or a couple to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

I loved walking the streets of Cavendish at night when the lamp posts are all lit up. There is no comparison of the beauty and nostalgia of these lamp posts to the modern ones of today.

I also loved the ivy that cascaded down from the hanging flower baskets. It reminded me of my English background.

Now here are some pictures of beautiful heritage homes we saw:

Prince Edward Island tries to preserve its past heritage so that the people of the land will not forget.

The Bible does the same. It is a reminder of past truths, of our heritage, and of our God. Near the beginning of the Bible, God warned the people to not, as time went on, forget Him and disobey His laws and commandments.

"But that is the time to be careful!

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God

and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today."

Deuteronomy 8:11

Many people today have forgotten the true character of God and ignored His commandments. What God considers wrong is now being considered right, and what God considers right is now being considered wrong. Even many Christians today do not have a strong sense of what is right and wrong. We have forgotten God's commandments. We do not study the Word of God in its entirety — only take the portions of it that please us. We even take Scripture out of context and use it to justify our sins. God warned us to be careful, but many have not taken heed.

Our Godly heritage needs to be preserved, studied, and taught, so that the future generation will not forget the God of creation and His decrees.

I think this is one of the reasons why I liked Prince Edward Island so much. The people there are very proud of their past heritage and do their best to preserve it.

Made From Red Clay

The magnificent red rocks outlining the coast of Prince Edward Island make it distinct from the western coast of Canada. For five years, Brian, our sons, and I lived in Campbell River on the coast of Vancouver Island. My youngest son, Matthew, was born there. I loved living by the ocean and I miss it very much. However, compared to Vancouver Island, Prince Edward Island is far more beautiful because of the red rocks and sands that brightly contrast the blue of the ocean and skies above, and the lush green vegetation of the land. It is absolutely spectacular!

Here are some pictures I took:

It is interesting to note that the first man God created was made from red clay. The name "Adam" is derived from the Hebrew word for "man", pronounced, "aw-dawn". This word is also related to the Hebrew word "Aw-dawn-ah, which means red earth or red clay, indicating the natural earth elements that composed Adam's body.

"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground.

He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils,

and the man became a living person."

Genesis 2:7

Also, the Bible uses the colour red to represent sin, and God, who is all-knowing, knew Adam would eventually sin against Him. Later the colour red was symbolic of the blood of Christ that was shed to pay for the sin of Adam and all mankind.

Until I visited Prince Edward Island, I never in my life saw red clay, rocks, or sand, so in Bible College, I couldn't really comprehend "red clay". Now I can, and the creation story became that much more real to me.

His Eyes Roam The Earth

My flight to Prince Edward Island was the second trip I have made by plane. The first trip was at night with overcast skies, so I didn't see much of anything, except clouds.  I was disappointed and bored.

Hence I made sure to schedule my second plane trip during the day, and God blessed me with clear skies all the way, except for one small cloudy patch near our destination.

Here is a picture I took out of my plane's window as it took off. This is the province of Alberta. The different coloured farm lands could be distinguished from the air. It looked very much like a patchwork quilt.

In the picture below, we are flying over Saskatchewan. It is a little hazy, but it's very similar to it's two neighbouring prairie provinces.

The picture below is of the third prairie province in Canada: Manitoba. Again it is hard to tell the difference between the three provinces.

Below is a picture of Toronto, Ontario. The capital city is massive and the province is very different-looking from the other three provinces. Ontario is covered in hundreds of bodies of water, and the Great Lakes are enormous. Our plane stopped at the Toronto airport and there we got on another plane to PEI.

Here is the most beautiful province of all: Prince Edward Island.  I was excited that I could see from the air the red shores that surround the coast of PEI.

Our plane is about to land in Charlottetown. The view of Charlottetown was so lovely and captivating, I found it hard to hold back the tears.

As I looked from on high the diversity and beauty of the earth that God created for us, I couldn't help but ask myself the question: Of all the people on this planet, how many of them have given their hearts completely to God.

The Bible says that the eyes of the Lord roam back and forth over all the earth, looking for hearts that belong to Him. When God finds people that truly love Him, He gives them strength, encouragement, and support.

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth 

that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."

2 Chronicles 16:9

I pray that in the last days, more and more people will come to know God and give their hearts to Him.

No Place To Call Home

Foxes roam freely on Prince Edward Island. I thought they were so cute! They reminded me of my red Sheltie back at home. Here are some pictures that were taken of some of the foxes we saw during our stay there. I am sure that when these foxes saw the camera in my hand, they stopped to pose for a picture. They always looked directly at the camera. When the picture was taken, they turned and walked away.  I guess they were use to tourists in the summer time.

When Jesus went into the ministry, He had no place to call His home — no place where He could sleep in the comfort of His own bed each night. He said foxes have dens to live in and birds have nests, but He, the Son of God, had no home. Jesus sacrificed so much for us. We all know He gave His life at the end, but during the time He walked the earth, ministering to people, He also gave up the security and comfort of having a place to call home and a bed each night to lay his head down. Jesus, the King of all mankind, deserved a palace, a king-sized bed, a down quilt, and three memory foam pillows, but instead he got nothing. He didn't carry with him a sleeping bag or a backpack, nor did He push a shopping cart around containing His personal belongings. Jesus had nothing and became homeless on our behalf.

"But Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests,

 but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head.'"

Matthew 8:20

We have so much, and Jesus had so little. Let's give our hearts to Him completely. Jesus gave up everything to serve us. May we give back to Him our all!

The Path Of Life

A lady at the beach approached us and asked if she could take a picture of the two of us. We never had to ask: God did it for us.

Every day Brian and I were in Prince Edward Island, we hiked for hours the enchanting trails of the various national and provincial parks on the island. The thrill, pleasure, and joy I felt were indescribable! I will forever relish the memories of walking sublimely the following trails.

The trails were made known to us by maps, signs, pathways, and bridges, so we couldn't get lost and not find our way.

The Bible says God has made known to us the path of life through His Word, the Bible. As we travel the road of life, it is not God's purpose for us to wander aimlessly, not knowing where to go or what to do. When we decide to walk with God on the path He has designed for each of our lives, He fills us with His joy and give us eternal pleasures.

"You have made known to me the path of life;

You will fill me with joy in Your presence,

with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

Psalm 16:11

The Grains Of Sand

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They cannot be numbered!
I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!

Psalms 139:17

Do you know that God constantly thinks about each one of us? The Bible says His thoughts about us are precious and the amount of times He thinks about us are too numerous to count. They even outnumber the grains of sand! Can you imagine that?

As I walked the beautiful beaches of Prince Edward Island and saw the many shores full of minuscule grains of fine, red sand, I am flabbergasted that God thinks about us that much!

Then I cannot help but ask myself the question: How much do I think of God each day? Does He ever leave my thoughts? Are there days when I don't think of Him at all? I know we must hurt God when we forget about Him because He loves us so much. His thoughts about us are innumerable. May our thoughts about Him be equally numerous.

The Favour Of The Lord

Brian and I arrived in Edmonton last night at 11:05 PM, but it was 2:05 AM Prince Edward Island time. After the Westjet plane took off from Charlottetown at 6:45 PM, tears ran freely down my cheeks as I looked down upon that beautiful province covered in clear skies. Prince Edward Island superseded all my expectations. If there ever is a place here on earth close to heaven, it is PEI. It is such a natural, mostly untouched island with extraordinary artistry that reveal the majestic hand of God in creation. The richness of the red rocks and sands that border the deep blue ocean waters and the lush green vegetation is a heart-stopping wonder to behold.

Everywhere we went God's favour was upon us. It is such a blessing and honour to serve a God that is so good to His children.

"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the Lord."

Proverbs 8:35

Each day the weather was warm and sunny with a slight breeze. The islanders told us it was their best week of summer. On the last day, we had a mild storm caused by Hurricane Maria. There was only a mist-like rain in the early morning, but moderately strong winds. I was in my glory walking the beaches with the waves crashing against the shores. God knows I love the wind and blessed me with a storm on the last day.

Not only that, but being conservative with money, I made reservations for the economy room at an inn near Cavendish beach. When we arrived, we were given the keys to the executive room at the gatehouse, as they needed our room at the inn for a group of people traveling on a tour bus. We were only charged the much lower rate, but enjoyed the extravagance of this beautiful room.

Here are some pictures of the gatehouse where we stayed.

The flower gardens on the property were numerous and beautiful, and each window had its own window box filled with brightly coloured flowers.

This is the foyer of the gatehouse. Everything was decorated in the Victorian style.

The gatehouse had an upstairs, but our room was downstairs.

I loved the shutters on the four windows of our large room. In the picture the upper shutters are open.

I had a glorious week enjoying God's favour and blessings! He is so good!

Running To Follow

Every morning Tim and I get up at 5:20 and run 6 km. It's so dark that we run by starlight. It is not a good time to take a picture, so here is one of me running during the day:

"If You will help me, I will run to follow Your commands.

Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of Your principles."

Psalm 119:32-33.

Every morning we need to get up and run to follow God's commands!

Little Mandy

Last Christmas, Tim and I acted in the nativity scene. We were shepherds. We were each assigned a sheep to lead onto the stage. Tim's sheep we named Jessie. My sheep was Jessie's daughter, and we named her Mandy.

The sheep were nervous at first, and Mandy even stepped on my toes, but eventually they followed us like . . .  well, like sheep. Mandy even left a little gift next to the frankincense and myrrh.

After the play, Mom bought us smaller counterparts to remember Mandy and Jessie.

Here is a picture of me and Little Mandy:

The Bible says we need to be like sheep, listening to the voice of Jesus and following where He leads.

"My sheep recognize my voice;

I know them, and they follow me."

John 10:27

Little Mandy follows me everywhere. We need to follow God the same way.

Finding Treasure

I was digging holes in my backyard, you know, because . . . whatever. Anyways, I found some treasure:

Hello early retirement!

Actually, see that little treasure box filled with coins? I planted it there in the ground on purpose.

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure

that a man discovered hidden in a field.

In his excitement, he hid it again and sold

everything he owned to get enough money

to buy the field — and to get the treasure, too!"

Matthew 12:44

The Kingdom of God is a treasure that is greater than anything we can ever own. That's why I put my Bible in a bigger treasure box:

It wouldn't even fit in the little one.

The Acquisition of Wisdom

Here is me acquiring wisdom:

Yes, I am cleaning up after my dog. But the Bible says:

"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 11:2

It also says:

"You children must always obey your parents,

for this is what pleases the Lord."

Colossians 3:20

Children, when your parents give you a somewhat distasteful chore, work at it with all your heart, knowing that you are pleasing the Lord and acquiring wisdom!

"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life."

Proverbs 9:11

In Your Strength

Here I am defending myself as Tim tries to shoot me (photographically speaking):

God will equip us to do anything He calls us to do.

"In Your strength I can crush an army;

with my God I can scale any wall . . . .

He prepares me for battle;

He strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze."

Psalms 18:29, 34

Spiritual Exercise

Do you have spiritual flab? Can you barely lift a prayer off the ground?

Then discipline, discipline, discipline! Daily exercise can tone those spiritual muscles. Get results in weeks! For starters, try some preacher curls, prayer ups, soul presses, and devotional dips. To avoid injury, or death (if applicable), be sure to consult your Bible before performing any of these exercises. Press on towards the goal of Godly perfection today!

"Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise

is much more important, for it promises a reward

in both this life and the next."

1 Timothy 4:8

Joy In His Commands

I had no homework this weekend:

So I went searching through my Bible for a verse to put on this blog. Here is what I found:

"As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands."

Psalm 119:143

If you're feeling stressed and burdened, read the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit will give you joy!