This Is The Day

Today is Daniel's birthday. That's right. He was born on Halloween.

The day before Daniel was born, I remember anxiously going to an appointment for a pregnancy check-up. My due date was the next day, October 31st, and I had been praying to God for weeks that I wouldn't go into labour on that day. My doctor eased my worries by informing me that I showed no signs of going into labour any time soon. I was relieved. Who wants their child born on Halloween? I was concerned that my child would grow up being called "witch", or "warlock", or other evil names connected with Halloween.

However, my doctor's predications were wrong. The evening of the 30th, I went into labour.  It was right after supper, so I felt I still had time to pray and I did! I prayed earnestly all the way to the hospital that my child would be born before midnight.

Unfortunately my labour was long and complicated. Daniel was face up instead of face down. He wouldn't turn and all my labour pains were in my back. Eventually a specialist was called in and Daniel was delivered by forceps the next morning — October 31st.

When I held Daniel for the first time, the first thing I noticed was his red hair. I was thrilled! But then I became worried that he would be called "pumpkin head". Name calling can be so cruel and can scar children for life.

Miraculously my fear did not come to pass. There was never a time my son Daniel was called any names or bullied in school. He always had friends and was highly respected for his intelligence and talents. God answered my prayers, but not in the way I expected.

I learned from that experience that every day is God's day and we should rejoice in it! October 31st is a special day as it was the day my first child was born and God taught me a valuable lesson.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

Recently, my son's prayer has also been answered. It has been a year since he has obtained his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and for a year he has been working at a temporary job. However, just recently, Daniel was hired by the company he has been eagerly hoping and praying to work for. He starts in a week. This is his birthday present from God!

God has a plan for each of us and His timing is perfect!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'

declares the Lord,

'plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Jeremiah 29:11

Here is a picture of Daniel in our dining room, getting ready to play a board game with me and his brothers. Daniel loves board games and he is hard to beat! And I hate to lose!

No Partiality

Recently my son, Matthew, and I went shopping together to look for Christmas gifts. Yes, I know it's a little early, but we like to shop way before the rush. Anyways, when it was noon, we began to feel hunger pains, so I suggested we go out to eat and then shop some more afterwards.

As we were standing in a parking lot, trying to decide which restaurant we should eat at, Matthew looked around and noticed right in front of us a huge, and I mean huge, Chinese restaurant. "Let's go there!" Matthew said.

I eagerly agreed because the two kinds of foods I love the most are Japanese and Chinese. Matthew, well, he likes martial arts, so he thought it would be cool to try out an authentic Chinese restaurant for the first time.

When we went inside, we were absolutely shocked! There were almost two hundred Chinese people inside, and just about every table was occupied. And this was lunch time during a week day! As you can image, it was extremely busy. Chinese waiters and waitresses were everywhere wheeling around carts full of different kinds of food that we were unable to recognize. These waiters and waitresses moved fast too! We later found out that the foods on the little plates in the carts were called "dim sum", but I still don't know what that means.

As soon as the shock wore off, we became slightly embarrassed and felt uncomfortable because we were, well, not Chinese. We definitely felt out of place, but we decided we weren't going to walk out and offend anyone.

When we sat down, we got even more nervous because there were no menus. We had no idea what to do. Then the Chinese waiters and waitresses started to come by showing us their food, speaking the Chinese names for the food items on the cart and looking at us for a response. I shook my head and said, "No, thank you." I figured if they didn't know English, they would understand my head shaking.

Looking dumbfounded at Matthew, I asked, "What are we going to do?"

Matthew responded, "Just pick anything, whatever looks good."

Then an older Chinese waiter noticed our predicament. (I think we stood out.) This waiter came up to us and recommended a meal. He was so nice! He came back with some forks for us too, when everyone else was using black plastic chopsticks. That was all that was on the table. I guess they have forks set aside for inexperienced people like us. I still don't know how chopsticks can pick up tiny grains of rice.

When the food arrived, we weren't always sure what it was, but it was awesome! We had five different dishes. We were stuffed afterwards.

Matthew and I really enjoyed ourselves. It was like we had flown off the continent of Canada and landed in China. Even though we looked different and spoke a different language, all the Chinese waiters and waitresses treated us with kindness and respect. When we left, we no longer felt different or uncomfortable.

Matthew and I would like to go there again sometime soon and try out their shark fin soup.

After our experience at the Chinese restaurant, I couldn't help but think how newcomers must feel coming into a church for the first time. Do we even notice them? And if we do notice them, do we go out of our way to make them feel comfortable and accepted?

The Bible says that with God there is no partiality.

"For there is no partiality with God."

Romans 2:11

As Christians, we need to show God's love to all strangers, but first we need to look around and be aware of them. Then we need to do all we can to make them feel welcome.

Don't stick with your cliques or you will turn precious souls away.

Raise An Eyebrow

The Bible says that, because the Gospel of Christ brings salvation to anyone who believes, we, as Christians, are not to be ashamed or embarrassed to speak up about what we know to be the truth in God's Word. Jesus died for everyone and it is His will that no one should perish. Therefore, when God gives us opportunities to speak on His behalf, we need to be bold and not afraid of rebuff. We will know when the time is right to speak because the Holy Spirit inside of us will stir us to action.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel,

because it is the power of God

that brings salvation

to everyone who believes."

Romans 1:16

The Bible also says that if we are ashamed of God and His Word, then Jesus, when He comes back to earth to take us with Him to Paradise, will be ashamed of us.

"If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words

in this adulterous and sinful generation,

the Son of Man will be ashamed of him

when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels."

Mark 8:38

Don't be afraid to raise an eyebrow when speaking on God's behalf. Stand up for what is fair, just, and righteous in this sexually immoral and sinful world. However, as you stand up for God through your words and actions, be sure to do it with love, gentleness, kindness, patience, and self-control.

It is also important to pray beforehand and ask God to give you the right words to say. God promises to guide your tongue and to give you wisdom that will stump your opponents — so much so that they will not be able to reply or refute you.

"I will give you the right words and such wisdom

that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!"

Luke 21:15

Don't be timid. Pray, stand up, open your mouth, and raise an eyebrow. God will be with you if your heart is filled with love for Him and those around you.

Are They Sheep Or Wolves?

Sheep are gentle, docile, and harmless animals. I love sheep! I think they are sweet and lovely to watch.

Wolves, on the other hand, are usually ravenous and vicious. They prey on other animals, ripping them apart and devouring them.

The Bible compares false prophets or false teachers to both sheep and wolves. False teachers, deceptively claiming divine inspiration, are those who purposely teach incorrect doctrine or use manipulative prophecy for their own gain.

"Watch out for false prophets.

They come to you in sheep's clothing,

but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Matthew 7:15

The Bible first states that false teachers will outwardly look like sheep. In other words, false teachers will appear holy on the outside.

The most common colour for the wool of a sheep is white. The colour white often symbolizes purity and holiness. I find this comparison noteworthy and enlightening because there are many famous questionable preachers today who wear only white suits in front of their mega congregations or the tv camera lens. I can't help but wonder why they feel they have to wear all white, when the Bible says that it is not their outward clothing, but the fruits of God's spirit in their lives that will reveal the true contents of their heart.

"By their fruit you will recognize them.

Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes,

or figs from thistles?

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit,

but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,

and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Matthew 7:16-20

The Bible next states that false teachers will inwardly be like ferocious wolves. These false teachers will prey on other people for their money, feeding off them. The primary motive of a false teacher is not to serve God in ministry, but to use ministry and God's name as an opportunity to earn their living. When these false teachers see people, they don't feel for their hurts and ache for their lost empty souls. Instead they see dollar signs. They desire wealth. They lust for people's money and they will use God and His Word to get it.

God warns us to be very careful. Always promote God, but never advocate a person and give money to their ministry, unless you have been able to get to know him/her personally and have studied his/her teachings in depth.  False teachers may look and sound good, but they will deceive by mixing the truth with lies.

It saddens me to think of how many people, when they put their trust in a false teacher of God, turn their backs against God, and have their hearts and souls brutally crushed.

People beware of wolves in sheep clothing. They are increasing in number.

Always In My Heart

Have you ever wondered why a broken-hearted mother or father will visit and bring gifts to a son or daughter who is in prison for first degree murder? Or why a distressed brother or sister will spend hours on the streets looking for a drug-addicted sibling who has caused so much pain in the family? Or why a man or woman will care and pray for an ex-wife or -husband who has divorced him/her for another? Or why a person will love a childhood best friend, or someone to whom he/she was once close, even though he/she hasn't seen or talked to that friend in several decades? Or why a person will love, no matter how difficult, his/her aging, mentally-ill mother or father? Or why a man or woman will visit his/her wife or husband in a nursing home even though she/he is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer and does not remember him/her?

The answer is that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

"So God created man in His own image,

in the image of God He created him;

male and female He created them."

Genesis 1:27

And the Bible says that God's love is everlasting and His kindness is unfailing.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."

Jeremiah 31:3

You see God created us with this ability to love. It is powerful, miraculous, and it exceeds our understanding.

The only difference is that God's love is constant, never wavering, sinless, and perfect.

Our love isn't perfect, but it is still supernatural and astounding!

When you truly love someone, they are always in your heart despite disease, sin, death, rejection, hurt, age, or time. This is how God defines love, and God has given each of us that ability — the ability to love.

Light Of The World

Two nights ago, for the first time, I saw the northern lights. It was spectacular!

Tim took some pictures of them with Chris' camera. Chris wasn't home. He was tutoring a high school student in physics.

Here are some of the pictures:

The northern lights were so beautiful and amazing, they were featured on Fox News because they could also be seen all across northern United States. Many people reported that the display was the best they have seen in years.

As Christians, the Bible says we are to be a light in our dark world. How are we to let our light shine? By going out of our way, even sacrificing, to do good to others. In that way God's glory — a beautiful display of colourful, luminous lights across a dark, starlit sky — will be revealed, noticed, and amazed by others, drawing them to their Creator and Heavenly Father.

"You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

When you are waiting in line at a grocery store and the person in front does not have enough money to pay for all his/her groceries, pay it for him/her. If you have just bought a new house in a new neighbourhood and have to put up a fence, don't charge your neighbours to pay for their half of it. If your neighbours tell you they are going away, offer to water their flowers and mow their lawn at no charge. If a single parent needs a babysitter, offer to babysit for free. If you are baking something delicious, bake extra and share it with your neighbours. If a neighbour needs a tool, and he doesn't have one, let him borrow yours, and don't fret that he will break it. If someone in your neighbourhood is sick, recuperating from surgery, grieving, or just had a baby, then bring them your most delicious meal. If an elderly person needs his/her driveway shovelled in winter, shovel yours and his/her driveway too. In these ways your light will shine in your neighbourhood like a glorious display of the northern lights across the black backdrop of the night sky.

We see Christians often doing these kinds of things for people in their Church family and this is wonderful! But let's now do these things for our neighbours who do not know Christ and really let our light shine!

Be God's Witnesses

My fourth son, Matthew, is the Children's Ministry Administration Assistant at his church. He was asked to dress up for a live-action variant of the board game Clue.

While my third son, Chris, and I were shopping at a local used store for his costume, I was frustrated because we couldn't find a men's jacket of the right colour for Matthew to wear. We were looking for either a green or yellow one. If we found a green one, then Matthew would be Mr. Green. If we found a yellow one, then Matthew would be Col. Mustard. The problem was: what man in his right mind would have either one of these coloured jackets? If a man did have one, he would probably have given it to his dog to sleep on.

Anyways, my son, Chris, was getting impatient, so I prayed and asked God to help me find something in the store that would work for a costume for Matthew. I really didn't want to drive all around the city looking for one. I know with certainty that Chris didn't want to either.

Finally, I gave up, and, with disappointment, we started to leave. As we were about to go out the door, I felt God stop me and say, "Turn around and look again." I gave Chris my keys and told him to wait for me in the car. I went down the women's aisle — yes, the women's aisle — and soon discovered this bright yellow jacket. I knew I would have to modify it some, but it would work. I was thrilled!

As I was happily standing in line to pay for the jacket, (very pleased that God had answered my prayer), a older woman came and stood behind me. She looked at the yellow jacket I had in my hands and said, "That sure is a pretty jacket." I looked back at her and thought, "Yes! Opportunity time!"

I responded by saying, "It's part of a costume for my son who works in children's ministries at a local church."

She asked me how old he was, so I told her. Since the lineup was long, the conversation continued. I was able to express my joy and my son's pleasure in working with children for God. She seemed touched and encouraged. Before I left, she told me, "It sure is nice to hear about a young man who has a heart for children too."

The Bible says we are to be His witnesses everywhere we go. This means in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, shopping malls, grocery stores, and, yes, used stores.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,

 and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

Use every opportunity God gives you to share your love and joy in knowing Him. Don't preach, condemn, or force. Just share.

Here is a picture of Matthew in his costume.

Matthew, with his sense of humour, wanted me to make three Canadian medal of honours to pin to his jacket. I also replaced the original buttons with silver metal ones. Then I bought a red scarf to go around his neck and a black gun belt to go around his shoulder.

Here is a closer picture of his medals that I guess men dream about receiving. No man in history has received more than two medals of honour in the United States. That is why Matthew wanted three. Also, Canada doesn't give medals of honour to soldiers, so I bought white ribbon with Canadian red maple leaves on it instead of American red, white, and blue stripes.

I wonder if the children will notice his medals. The medals actual have the word "honour" on them. They were medals my son was awarded for obtaining high grades in high school. Now they are "medals of honour".

Oh ya, the empty bullets were found by my husband in the woods when he used to be a logging truck driver. He gave them to Matthew when he was a young boy to play with. Matthew is now glad he kept them. He wish he had more though to fill up his gun belt. I guess he can tell the children he used the ones he had to win the medals of honour.

What I Feared

On Saturday, Matthew came shopping with me with a purpose in mind. He had to buy a mouth guard and a cup. (No, not a mug, a cup, for, you know. . . .) They become mandatory in Taekwondo as you progress to the higher levels. As Matthew sheepishly went into the athletics store, he went to look for his items as I pretended to shop.

Within moments, an attractive young lady came up to him and asked if he needed help. I looked at Matthew as he froze in horror. I am proud to say my motherly instinct immediately kicked in, and I came to his rescue. Embarrassing him some more, I spoke up and said, "No it's OK. He has to buy something that's, um, . . . kind of embarrassing." She seemed to understand and walked quietly away.

However, when it came time for Matthew to pay at the till, there was both a young man and the young woman at the counter. I quickly grabbed the cheapest item I could find and went to the young woman to purchase it. Matthew was then free to go to the young man to buy his necessary manly items. This was a grave mistake because the young man wasn't very mature. He started to smirk and you could see he was having a hard time trying not to laugh. I couldn't believe my eyes! Matthew was trying to stay cool, calm, and collect, but this cashier was doing the opposite. Not only that, the cashier wasn't able to regain his composure. I thought, "Is this guy for real?"

Then I became sheepish when Matthew turned to look at me. I realized my previous words of wisdom to him were dead wrong; only moments before, I had said, "Oh, come on, Matthew! You are making a big deal out of nothing. Nobody will care if you have to buy a cup or not."

I am glad to say my more mature son did manage to keep his composure throughout the incident and left the store with his mission completed.

When we got out of the store, he asked me, "Why is that my worst fears always come to pass?" I didn't respond right away, but I am responding now.

Many places in Scripture, God tells us not to fear, but to trust in Him.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God."

John 14:1

The Bible says fear causes negative results.

"What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me."

Job 3:25

And faith produces positive results.

"'Have faith in God', Jesus answered.

'Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain,

"Go, throw yourself into the sea,"

and does not doubt in their heart

but believes that what they say with happen, it will be done for them.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,

believe that you have received it,

and it will be yours.'"

Mark 11:22-24

Fear grips your heart and strangles your faith in God. Without faith, you cannot please God. With faith, God is free to move and answer your prayers.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God

because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists

and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Hebrews 11:6

Don't be afraid. Stand firm in your faith that God will answer even your seemingly insignificant prayers, like being able to buy protective gear without any ado.

Search Me, O God

Prayer: Why is it so important?

The Bible says that when a follower of Christ prays with sincerity and fervour, his/her prayer is powerful, producing miraculous results, In other words the sick will be healed, loved ones will be saved, marriages will be restored, addicts will be delivered, and the unemployed will find jobs. Earnest prayer is mightily effective!

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

James 5:16

However, before we pray, it is vital that we first cleanse our hearts by asking God to search all its chambers and point out anything that goes against His character. If we have anger and resentment, we need to forgive. If we have hurt someone, we need to apologize. If we are greedy and uncharitable, we need to give. If we have hidden sin in our lives, we need to repent. If we have hate and prejudice, we need to love. If we have lust, we need to turn away. If we are selfish and self-centered, we need to care and show compassion.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

Psalm 139:23-24

Before you begin to ask God for anything, pray this prayer above with sincerity. Make right anything that offends God, Then with a cleansed heart, pray with God's power and might, and watch God work with spectacular and amazing results!

A Mustard Seed

Three years ago, I saw my optometrist for a yearly check-up. During the appointment, my optometrist discovered that I had cataracts that should be surgically removed.The pressures in my eyes were higher than normal too, but the optometrist felt that once the cataracts were removed, the pressures would go back down to normal. I was shocked! How did cataracts form so quickly in my eyes and be mature enough to require an operation? I thought only people in their seventies and eighties have cataracts.

My optometrist tried to make me feel better by saying that I should look on the bright side: I won't have to wear corrective lenses anymore. "OK," I thought, "maybe this isn't so bad." My optometrist referred me to an eye specialist and an appointment was made.

I didn't have to wait long. The eye specialist ordered more tests to be done on my eyes. With the results in his hands, he came back into the room I was in, looking very concerned. He was debating whether he should operate or wait. I asked why. He answered by saying that the surgery might cause retinal detachment, since I was born with thin corneas. "OK," I thought, "now this isn't so good." I knew about my thin corneas, but it never really concerned me until then. I now became worried and fearful, even though the eye specialist chose to wait.  During the drive back home, I felt God speak to me and tell me not to worry. He was giving me time to pray. I then felt at peace with my eye specialist's decision.

A few months later, just before I moved here, I asked a lady who spoke at a women's retreat I attended to pray for my eyes. She did and I suddenly felt God's presence surround me. After I moved, my eye specialist gave me a letter of referral and told me to make an appointment to see an eye specialist here to get a second opinion. When I did, I went through another series of tests. These tests scratched my corneas. Talk about pain afterwards! I wasn't too impressed.

When I was escorted to a room to discuss the results of the tests with the eye specialist, he was perplexed. He told me I have no cataracts and that my eyes were healthy. I couldn't believe it! I sat there with my mouth open. I have seen God do miracles many times in my life, but it still always surprises me.

I saw my optometrist again yesterday and, two years later, I still have no signs of any cataracts. Isn't God good? He thrills me!

Why do we pray, ask God for things, and be surprised when he answers? The Bible says that if you have even the tiniest amount of faith, you will be able to move mountains. There will be nothing impossible that God cannot do for you.

"Because you have so little faith.

Truly I tell you,

 if you have faith as small as a mustard see,

you can say to this mountain,

'Move from here to there,'

and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20

I would like more faith, so that when God does do miracles, I won't be so surprised.

My heart's desire is for God to give us a greater amount of faith to pray for miracles, healings, deliverances and restorations. Then the unsaved will be drawn to Christ and many more will be brought into His Kingdom.

Grieve For The Lost

As I go for my daily walks now, I see many yards decorated for Halloween.

I can't help but wonder: do people realize what they are doing? They are celebrating death in hell, murder, violence, bloodshed, sexual immorality, and every other kind of evil. The majority of costumes are no longer cute and innocent. Most of them represent Satan and all his evil that leads to hell and destruction. People think it is all for fun, but it isn't. The truth is that they are celebrating a horrible reality.

Many people are going to go to hell, and many are there now. It is a place of everlasting torment. The Bible describes hell as "a fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth," "an eternal punishment," a place "where the fire never goes out," where people are "kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains," and "a fiery lake of burning sulfur . . . where they will be tormented day and night, forever and ever."

"But the cowardly,

the unbelieving,

the vile,

the murderers,

the sexually immoral,

those who practice magic arts,

the idolaters,

and all liars —

their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur."

Revelations 21:8

Today, more and more precious children are being murdered by selfish parents, or abducted by sexual predators. Husbands are killing wives and wives are killing husbands. Babies and toddlers are being raped. Eleven-year-old boys and girls are having sex. Women are using abortions as a form of birth control. Sexually transmitted diseases are at epidemic levels. Very few in our society stay monogamous even in our churches. Married couples divorce mainly because they loose interest in each other, so they come up with these narcissistic popular excuses: "we just grew apart," "the relationship has grown its course," "I love him/her, but I am just not in love with him/her anymore," or "irreconcilable differences" (paraphrased, I don't want to work it out anymore).

Evilness in our world is increasing daily by leaps and bounds. That is why Halloween is becoming increasingly evil and more celebrated. As Christians we should not rejoice with the world on Halloween and think it is just fun and games. Instead we should grieve because we know the terrible, mournful truth. Unless people come to Jesus, they will experience the horrors of hell. When you look around your neighbourhood in the next few weeks and see your neighbours' displays of Halloween decorations, pray earnestly for their souls. And when the children come to your door, smile lovingly, give them candies, and pray that they will each come to know Jesus as their Heavenly Father. If you don't pray for the salvation of your neighbours and their children, who will? God has placed you strategically there for this very purpose. Pray and use Halloween to minister your God-given power.

Always In God's Heart

Imagine a woman waiting excitedly for her boyfriend to come pick her up to take her out for a special dinner. When she first sees him, her eyes light up and a smile comes to her lips as his familiar eyes meet hers; but as suddenly as the woman's spirits are lifted, her spirits are crushed. The man's eyes leave his girlfriend's face to fix upon another pretty girl's face standing next to her. He is so transfixed by the new beauty that he abruptly stops his gait to stare at her. When he realizes what he has done, he looks back at his forgotten girlfriend, but her eyes are now lowered to the ground, no longer looking at his. How does that woman feel? Humiliated? Hurt? Betrayed? Angry? I am sure she feels all of those emotions, and without realizing it, doubts begin to form in her mind and heart about the genuineness of God's love and faithfulness to her.

Imagine a man sitting beside his cherished girlfriend, chatting joyously with her and enjoying what he perceives to be her sweet presence. When he asks with genuine interest to see a picture of her family, she proudly and absentmindedly opens up her purse to retrieve her wallet's photo album. As she flips through the clear plastic pages, he notices another picture, one of a handsome young man that is not of him, nor her brother, but an unforgotten boyfriend that she is still in love with. How does that man feel? Crushed? Heart-broken? Foolish? Dejected? I am sure he feels all those emotions, and without realizing it, doubts begin to form in his mind and heart about the genuineness of God's love and faithfulness to him.

Many times our hurtful and negative relational experiences here on earth affect our understanding of God's love. We need to realize that God's love is nothing like any love that a person will experience here on earth. God's eyes are always transfixed on each of us and His face breaks out in a smile every time you acknowledge Him. God's heart always belongs to you. His arms are readily outstretched to comfort and hold you close. His love is so rich, so wide, and so deep that He died to save you, so that you may live. The Bible says that there is no greater love than one who is willing to lay down his life for another.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 15;13

You can be rest assured that God always has you in His heart and that your picture is in His wallet!

Don't allow earthly past relationships to distort your view of your relationship with God. God's love for you is true and unwavering. His love is always and forever.

Nerd For Christ

Today I compared the secular definitions of "nerd" to the Biblical definitions of "Christian". The results bore uncanny similarities.

Dictionary.com states that a nerd is "an intelligent, but single-minded person".

The Bible says that a Christian is person who has put their faith in God alone, and does not doubt what He says in His Word. (Otherwise, the person is double-minded and unstable in all that he/she does.) In other words, a Christian is a wise, stable and single-minded person.

"But when you ask,

you must believe

and not doubt,

because they one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind.

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Such a person is double-minded

and unstable in all they do."

James 1:6-8

Another definition in Urban Dictionary states that a nerd is "'an individual', i.e. a person who does not conform to society's beliefs that all people should follow trends and do what their peers do. Often highly intelligent, but socially rejected because of their obsession with a given subject."

The Bible says that a Christian is one who does not conform to the pattern of this world, because he/she is transformed by the Holy Spirit of God that renews their mind. As a result, the world rejects Christians because they do not belong to the world for they belong to God.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Romans 12:2

"If you belonged to the world,

it would love you as its own.

As it is, you do not belong to the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world.

That is why the world hates you."

John 15:19

Then I found this definition in Wikipedia: a nerd is "a person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream."

A Christian is a person who devotes him/herself completely to God. The subject they are obsessed with is God, so they study diligently His Word, while the majority of the world is obsessed with themselves and worldly things. Christians are undeniably outside the mainstream.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your strength

and with all your mind."

Luke 10:27

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart

that I might not sin against You."

Psalm 119:11

Let's not try to be cool, trendy, provocative, or popular. Be a "nerd" for the Lord Jesus Christ, because that is the Biblical definition of a true Christian. We are not to be like the world. We are to be different. Our main focus is to please God, not ourselves or those around us. We are to be intelligent  by studying God's Word, giving God our heart, and putting our trust in Him.

It Fell With A Great Crash

I recently bought a garden shed for half-price and my son, Tim, built a foundation for me to put it on. First, we bought four large concrete blocks, levelled the ground, and then Tim made a platform out of treated 2x6's.

Here is a picture of Tim screwing the boards onto the frame:

With the help of two of my other sons, we were able to carry the shed and place it on its foundation:

Now I have a place to store my barbecue and patio furniture for the winter.

I wished I could have just plopped the garden shed onto the grass in the corner of our yard and be done, but my son, Tim, informed me otherwise. He said that we had to build a foundation first or else the garden shed would be lopsided and useless. I am glad my son, Tim, loves to construct. Ever since he was a young boy, he has enjoyed building things out of wood.

The Bible says that a person who hears the words of God, takes them to heart, and obeys God's commands is like Tim, who built the garden shed on a firm foundation of stone and treated wood. When the snow falls heavily, and the winds blow forcefully in winter, the shed will remain strong and firm, protecting all the items stored within.

However, a person who hears the words of God but does not take heed and honour God's wisdom and truth is like me, who foolishly wanted to just place the garden shed on the soft, unlevelled grass. When the harsh winter storms come and the snow is miles deep — OK, maybe a couple hundred feet deep — the garden shed built without a firm foundation would collapse and lay in ruins.

When we don't take seriously the Word of God and believe all that God has written, our lives will begin to fall apart. We will start to crumble and fall to the ground, until nothing more is left except a chaotic mess of debris and devastation.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Matthew 7:24-27

May we all cherish God's words and love greatly God's Book, for it is the most valuable possession a person can own. Place your Bible in a place where it is visible daily, as a reminder to read and study God's precious words of truth, direction, love and hope.

Strong At Any Age

My mother-in-law, Elsie, hasn't ridden a bike for over 20 years; that is, until yesterday afternoon when I encouraged both my in-laws to go for a bike ride with me. I was surprised and very pleased when they  said yes. However, as I helped Elsie struggle with great difficulty to get on her bike, I became gravely concerned that she was going to severely injure herself, and that I would be blamed for killing my mother in-law. I mean, with all the modern negative connotations to the word "mother-in-law", who would ever believe me that it wasn't intentional?

Despite my misgivings, I admired her determination, so I didn't stop her. Instead I told her she was doing fine, even though she rode her bike up the street screeching with fear. I became even more alarmed when she asked me where the brakes were. As Elsie yelled out, "I can't stop!", my father-in-law, Ken, and I quickly got on our bikes and followed. I then rode ahead of her to lead and watch for traffic crossing. We all rode our bikes for quite a ways with me in front, Elsie in the middle, and Ken at the rear. I started to feel at ease with the outing when all of a sudden I heard a scream. I looked back and saw Elsie laying on a grassy hill with the bike sandwiched between her legs. She had panicked at seeing two young boys walking across her path that she lost control of the bike. The wide-eyed young boys had concerned looks on their faces, and were probably wondering if they should call 911. However, when Elsie started to laugh, we all knew she was OK and we were greatly relieved.

I was so impressed with Elsie's spunk and ability to laugh at herself. After all she is 74 years old. I hope she will forgive me for telling her age. When I helped her back on the bike, we rode off again in the same formation. I am glad to say we finished the bike ride without any more mishaps.

Here is a picture of my father-in-law, Ken:

And a picture of my mother-in-law, Elsie:

It was fun! It really was! I also now have even greater admiration for my in-laws. Despite their age, they are still strong, with an amazing attitude towards life. Even when Elsie lacked confidence, she faced her fear and kept on going. When she fell, she got right back on the bike and finished the course. At the end, she was rewarded with confidence, exhilaration, and, of course, a fun memory!

In living the Christian life, I hope you will have the same attitude as Elsie. Be strong. Don't give up. Your work will be richly rewarded one day when you are in paradise with the Lord Jesus Christ.

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up,

for your work will be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15:7

The Very Hairs

God knows the exact number of stars in the universe and can name each one of them. He is aware of everything, whether significant or trivial, that is going on in our lives at all times

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name."

Psalm 147:4

At any given time, God knows the precise number of hairs on every person's head. This same God orchestrates miracles (even small ones) in our every day lives. In other words, nothing ever happens by coincidence. It is God!

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Luke 12:7

Two nights ago, I bought a fire pit kit for my backyard. It was on sale for half-price because the summer season is over and winter is approaching. I have been wanting one for my backyard all summer, since I love to sit by a fire in the evening and allow the soothing effects of flames flickering in the darkness of the night to calm my soul and bring quiescence to my mind.

After Brian, Tim, and I levelled a spot on the ground and figured out how to arrange the layers of bricks (there was no instruction manual), I stood back and looked at the newly-constructed fire pit and thought, "It would be nice now to have some wooden benches or chairs."

My in-laws are currently visiting. When I invited them to come with me on my morning walk, my father-in-law noticed two newly built hand-made wooden lawn chairs sitting in a neighbour's front yard with a large sign in front of them that read: "Free". My father-in-law excitedly turned to me and said, "Hey, look at that! Why don't we take them. We can each carry one to your house and set them up in your back yard."

I immediately responded with guilt, "No, let's finish our walk first and if they are still there when we get back, then we'll take them." I felt it would be selfish of me to take them, since there might be someone else who wanted them too. So I prayed and told God that if the chairs were still there when we got back, then I'll know that it is His will for me to have them. An hour later, at eleven o'clock, the chairs were still there. I will be honest and say I was thrilled! God arranged a small miracle and blessed me greatly with His unbelievable care for the little things in my life.

Here a picture of these beautiful lawn chairs:

It wasn't  as easy to transport the lawn chairs as my father-in-law first suggested. They were very heavy and awkward to carry. It would have helped though if we didn't laugh so much while carrying them. My neighbours probably think I am crazy. Oh I forgot, they know that already!

Now every time when I look at these chairs I will have a cherished memory of my Heavenly Father's love and care, and my visit with my in-laws.

Miracles happen daily! Sometimes you just need to be aware and acknowledge them.

Wait For The Lord

Many places in Scripture tell us as God's children to wait for the Lord. Throughout our lives, we will be tested to wait: wait for the answer to that long awaited prayer, wait for our loved ones to be saved, wait for God to bring us the right mate, wait for the job that will utilize our gifts and talents, wait for the doors to open for ministry, wait for healing to come to our bodies, and wait for the second coming of Christ. A person whose faith is strong and secure in God will wait with hope and expectancy, but a person whose faith is not yet strong will go ahead of God, take a different route, and possibly make a wrong decision. I know they will learn, just as I have had to learn, to wait for the Lord.

"Wait for the Lord;

be strong

and let your heart take courage.

Yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

Hope In The Lord

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:31

It is alarming how worry and fear take anyway our vim and vitality; but when we begin to trust in the Lord, our strength and energy are renewed. When we hope in the Lord, we rise above the earthly problems and trials we are facing, and become entrenched and invigorated in God's love and promises. We are able to live each day of our lives with high spirits and not grow weary. We can face obstacles and hardships, and still have the strength and faith to continue our walk with God and not faint.

Don't allow worry and fear take away the preciousness and joy in life. Enjoy every moment as a child of God, under His watchful eye and in His loving arms. Choose this day to trust in God!

That We May Understand

When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us to help us understand the teachings of God. Through the enlightening of the Holy Spirit, we learn the truth set forth in God's Word. Every day when I read verses from the Bible, the Holy Spirit opens my eyes to see things I normally would not see, and gives me deep insight to things I normally would not think.

"What we have received is not the spirit of the world,

but the Spirit who is from God,

so that we may understand what God has freely given us."

1 Corinthians 2:12

There are many people today who manipulate the Scriptures to support sin and greed for material wealth. There are also those who use Scripture to try to earn their way to Heaven; they do not acknowledge Jesus as God nor rely on His sacrificial death on the Cross. These people are looking at Scripture through they eyes of this world and their human nature, and not through the eyes of God, the Holy Spirit.

It is very dangerous to try to understand God and His Word through the spirit of this world. It is not by the world's wisdom and knowledge that we will understand and interpret correctly the Word of God.

Leaf Does Not Wither

Everywhere I go outside now, I see blankets of yellow and brown fallen leaves that cover the once green grass. These leaves are crunchy to walk on because they are withering and drying out. There is no more life flowing to them. They will soon crumble to dust, invisible and forgotten.

The Bible compares a person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day and night to a constantly watered tree that yields fruit with its leaves never falling to the ground, decaying, or perishing. This means a person who lives a life pleasing to God will always prosper in whatever he/she does.

This doesn't mean that the person will never disappoint God. This means that the person will have a strong desire to follow the commandments of God. They will neither ignore or forget God's laws. If the person fails, they will feel sorrow, go to God in repentance, receive His forgiveness, and seek His strength of presence again in their lives. In other words, the person will not allow a prolonged lapse of time between sinning and repentance where their Christian life and faith in God begins to fade and wither away. They will be like a tree that is planted near streams of water because they will be constantly relying on God's conviction, forgiveness, and power. They won't allow themselves to be disconnected from God. They will be like a tree that yields fruit and a tree whose leaf does not wither.

"But they delight in the law of the Lord

meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do."

Psalm 1:2-3

Run With Endurance

Foxes roam Prince Edward Island, but jack rabbits roam the prairies. My son, Chris, took this picture of one when he and I went for a walk the other day.

When I first moved here over two years ago and saw my first jack rabbit, I thought to myself, "What animal is that?" It was too big for a rabbit, had the colouring of a coyote, and moved like a kangaroo. Well, it was a rabbit — a jack rabbit. They are certainly not anything like the bunnies you see at a pet store.

I remember my dad telling me that when he was a teenager he would drive his father's pick-up truck in the farm fields, chasing jack rabbits while someone on the running board shot them. Yes, I am ashamed to say my father did this, because his daughter absolutely loves animals. He thought it was great fun! Whatever.

Jack rabbits are amazingly fast! My sons try to outrun them in the mornings when they go for their run.

The Bible says we are to run the race God has set before us with endurance. We are not to carry excess weight that slows us down — the weight of unforgiveness, anger, jealousy, pride, worry, and affections of this world. Throw off these things that weigh heavily on our hearts, and run with freedom and ease toward the prize set before us. Avoid the sin that so easily trips us up, causes us to fall, and injures us by it's consequences. Run and keep running. Don't slow down, stop, falter, or fall! If you do, get right back up and start running the race again. Don't ever give up!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,

let us strip off every weight that slows us down,

especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

Hebrews 12:1

A Perpetual Spring

John tells the story in his gospel about how Jesus sits down by a well, too weary to draw water from it, even though he greatly desires a drink. At noon, a Samaritan woman comes to the well. Jesus asks her for water to quench his dry thirst. The woman is very surprised because she is a Samaritan, and Jews in those days despise Samaritans, much like the European Americans despised the African Americans in the past. Even though Jesus is exhausted and dehydrated, His loving and unprejudiced heart reaches out to her and He tells her about how she can obtain eternal life and joy everlasting.

John does not say whether Jesus' physical need for water was ever met at the well. The Samaritan's spiritual need was greater than His own.

"Eventually He came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, 'Please give me a drink.' He was alone at the time because His disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

"The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, 'You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?'

"Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.'

"'But sir, You don't have a rope or a bucket.' she said, 'and this is a very deep well. Where would You get this living water? And besides, are You greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed?'

"Jesus replied, 'People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.''

"'Please, sir,' the woman said, 'give me some of that water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here to haul water.'"

John 4:5-15

The things of this world — money, cars, clothes, houses, fame, popularity, beauty, fulfilment of lustful desires, and prestigious careers — will never last or satisfy completely. But God's love and goodness will last for eternity. We will always be thirsty again when we seek satisfaction from worldly things. However, when we seek after the things of God, our joy is eternal. Our thirst is quenched forevermore!

Only Ask

Yesterday Tim, Matthew and I went to a hardware store to buy an circuit breaker for downstairs to connect an electric fireplace we are installing in Matthew's room. On the way home, I stopped off at a grocery store to buy a few groceries. Instead of staying in the car, Tim and Matthew came into the store with me. As I was filling the cart with frozen fruit juices, I turned around to see why my sons weren't helping, and there they were, staring longingly in a trance-like state at ice cream — Breyers Reese's ice cream.

My youngest son, his eyes still fixed on the desired food, sensed my presence and asked, "What do you think, Mom?" I hesitated to answer his question, since I was trying to figure out what he thought I was supposed to think. He perceived my silence as reluctance and tried another approach: "It's on sale." I couldn't help but smirk at their patheticalness and told them to put the ice cream in the cart. The only stipulation I made was that they had to eat it all before their father got home on Monday. He's on a diet. "No problem!" they said.

When asking for ice cream, my sons were ambiguous and sheepish. They had a desire for the peanut-butter flavoured dessert, but one wouldn't say anything and the other chose to beat around the bush and ask, "What do you think, Mom?", following his vague question with the ultra-persuasive "It's-on-sale!" approach.

As I was thinking about my sons' hesitancy to ask, my thoughts turned toward my relationship with God. Do I do the same with God, my Heavenly Father, when I ask him for things? Do I try to convince God to answer my prayers when it's His natural desire to give good gifts to His children? The Bible says all you have to do is:

"Ask and it will be given unto you."

Matthew 7:7

God is our Heavenly Father, and just like it pleases a parent to give good gifts to his/her children, it pleases God even more, who is all-loving, to give good gifts to us. Of course, God won't give us everything we want, just like a parent shouldn't give a child everything he/she wants. As parents, and as children of God, we need to use wisdom and discernment in giving and asking. However, we don't need to be afraid to approach God. We can be straightforward with Him and ask. We don't need to be indirect, or to try to convince God.  We just need to ask and leave the answer in His hands. He loves us and enjoys blessing us with good gifts.

Fall In Good Soil

In the Avonlea village that Brian and I visited in PEI, I had to take a picture of this scarecrow that we saw in a garden.

Every year, since my sons were very young, I have always made a scarecrow in the fall using ragged clothes that one of my sons had outgrown. It became a family tradition! I love scarecrows, especially homemade ones! Fall isn't fall until there is a scarecrow in my yard.

Here is a picture of a scarecrow I made with my four sons. Can you tell which one is the scarecrow?

Historically, scarecrows were placed in gardens to frighten away birds, especially crows, because the birds could do a lot of harm to gardens by eating the seeds, fruit, vegetables, and grains that farmers planted.

Today scarecrows serve no practical purpose. It just gives a garden a whimsical and fun look.

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 13:3-9 about birds eating up seeds planted by a farmer.

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop — a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear."

When planting seeds, a farmer needs good soil so that the seeds will have nutrients for healthy growth. Plants get the necessary food and water through their roots. Just as there are various environmental conditions that affect the growth of seeds, there are various ways of hearing and responding to God's Word, each way producing a different result.

First, there is a person who hears the Word of God, but his/her mind is closed and his/her heart is hardened from hearing the truth. He/she is deaf to what he/she does not want to hear.

Then there is a person who hears to the Word of God and responds emotionally, but not mentally. They are excited at first, but when problems come, their excitement wears off. They lack a depth of faith and a firm commitment to continue their walk with God.

There are also others who hear the Word of God and start to grow in the Lord, but the things of the world became more important and choke out their faith.

Lastly, there is a person who hears the Word of God and nurtures their faith by prayer, Bible study, and Church attendance. Their commitment is strong and unwavering, and their love is forever. Their life exhibits the goodness and characteristics of Christ.

May our response to hearing God's Word be as the seed that falls on good soil, where it grows and produces much fruit for our Lord Jesus Christ.

To Tend And To Watch Over

When Brian and I were in PEI, we regularly went to a public park that was so stunning it reminded me of what the Garden of Eden must have been like. The park even had a few sheep roaming about! Here are some pictures I took:

The garden was so splendid that the love and time spent caring for it was clearly visible. The sheep grazing on a patch of grass made the park even more divine.

When God made man, He immediately placed him in the Garden of Eden to care for it. God created us to love gardening!

"The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden

to tend and watch over it."

Genesis 2:15

It really doesn't surprise me to see retired people spend so much time in their flower and vegetable gardens. It is an inherited desire from God, for we are made in His image.

"So God created man in His own image,

in the image of God He created him,

male and female He created them."

Genesis 1:27

Many people say that gardening is therapeutic. Even though they may not realize it, this is because whenever they see seeds grow into productive plants, whenever they mow a lush, green lawn, whenever they pick delicious, fresh fruit from a tree, and whenever they view the glory of flowers in bloom, they are really sensing God's love and existence.

God Goes With You

This is a picture of PEI's oldest log cabin. It was inhabited by an Acadian family who were part of the 17th-century French colonists that migrated to the Maritime provinces when Britain conquered France.

The British colonial officers were never able to deport this family during the Great Expulsion because every time the family saw an unfamiliar ship, they would run and hide in the woods. Unfortunately their first house was burnt down by the British, but the family rebuilt again. This log cabin was their second home.

It was a three-room house with a loft. The house overlooked the bay, so the family could spot ships coming into the harbour.

The kitchen and the living room make up one room.

This was the parent's bedroom with a baby's crib to the side. There was also a smaller room with a young child's bed.

Although life was simple in those days, the Acadians lived in fear for their lives. I am sure they had to rely steadily on this verse in the Old Testament. (They were Roman Catholics.)

"Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

Later, in 1838, the Saint Augustine Church was built as a place for the Acadians to worship and preserve their faith in God.

This is the inside of the church. Even though it is very old, the church is still in use today. I was in awe of the beautiful architecture.

Our modern Protestant churches don't reveal much artistry or creativeness like this. When I first entered the church I felt so much of the love and respect that the people must have had for God in the magnificence of their detailed work. Their theology may not be entirely correct, but it was obvious they loved and honoured God. I think today many of us have lost our creativeness in the arts because we are just too busy or lack interest in developing this gift and using it for God's glory. This saddens me, especially when I view such a display of artistic talent of people from days gone by.

What God Requires

Where there is ocean and sea life, there is usually a multitude of seagulls. I saw them everywhere on the beaches of Prince Edward Island. To view them, they are lovely and divine, but to hear them, they are loud and vocal. Their squawking and harsh wailing isn't exactly musical to one's ear, but there is still something serene and comforting in hearing their noises.

Usually seagulls gather in large groups, but occasionally there is one all by itself.

When I saw this lone seagull, I couldn't help but recollect how many times I had to be alone and separate from my friends (both professing Christians and non-Christians) because I couldn't go against my faith and do what they were doing. I couldn't go with them to the theatre to view a movie with profanity or sexual immorality. I couldn't accept a beer or a glass of wine in case I might encourage an alcoholic brother/sister to drink. I couldn't have relations before I was married because I wouldn't be able to close my eyes, and see the sorrowful hurt in the eyes of my God. I couldn't laugh at a crude or vulgar joke or make lustful comments about the opposite gender.

Many times I have had to be like this seagull, and separate myself from others. However, I was never alone. God was always there. Feeling His blessing upon me and His closeness made it all worth it. God's presence is priceless.

"The Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what He requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8