How Many Days Until Christmas?

What's that you say? Only 10 days until Christmas!! Where did December go? My newest quote is: "Tis the season to be busier than ever!!"

In the flurry of all the activity around you, remember the "Reason for the Season" and take time to enjoy your favourite Christmas traditions. With so many demands for your attention coming from every possible direction, be careful to guard YOUR Christmas. Plan special family times and make room for new holiday memories. Be creative and have fun. There will never be another "Christmas of 2008"!!

For some, this will be a sad Christmas - the first without that special someone. We cannot foresee the changes coming in 2009 - treasure ALL who will share this Christmas with you. Pray for those families who are mourning the loss of loved ones in 2008.

Jesus came to bring LIFE. The angels proclaimed, "Glad tidings of great joy!!" Don't allow yourself to get overloaded and stressed out. It's time to celebrate Jesus' birthday - get ready for the party!!

Selah Y

Stairway

Who can fathom the mysteries of Heaven? There is so much that God has planned for us that we are totally unaware of. He sees our circumstances from an entirely different point of view. We will never fully understand until we are with Him and He shows us the other side of them.

We see the black storm clouds, but God sees an opportunity to stretch and deepen our faith. Remember, we are never alone in the storm, because He has promised to be with us always – He will never forsake us. When we successfully persevere through our earthly trials, we are refining our character, developing inner strength, winning spiritual victories, and sometimes even gaining heavenly rewards.

Trust HIM in every circumstance – no matter what it is. Seek Him for direction and wisdom. He knows the path you should take. Stay above the waves and CELEBRATE His goodness in the midst of the storms. He is our God – He will see us through.

This is such an awesome photo. I see this little girl completely focused on her flowers. WE can SEE the waves, the black clouds, even the wind blowing against her. BUT behind her is the staircase - the access the heaven (and God). She is not focused on the storm. She knows she is safe. She is not isolated or forsaken, she can – at any moment - turn around and run into His arms. She is secure under HIS protection. (and so are we!!)

Selah Y

Wordless Wednesday

(Read the story & see more photos)

God NEVER Lets Go of YOU

No matter what kind of storm you are facing today, REMEMBER you are NOT alone. He is as close as the whisper of His Name. Call out to Him and He will answer. Seek Him and He promises to be found. He is Faithful and He will NEVER, NEVER forsake you.

YOU NEVER LET GO by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Bring the Rain

Are you ready for whatever comes your way? How will you respond?



Listen to the story behind the "Bring the Rain" song by Mercy Me.



God is still God no matter what our circumstances may be - they will change - our God will not. He is God and He LOVES us. Even so, we live in an imperfect and fallen world. Many times our lives will be touched by unpleasant events, maybe even horrific. What will our response be?

There will be hard times, as well as the good. In ALL circumstances, we turn TO God and not away from Him. We CAN (and must) praise Him through the storms of our lives. HE is the source of our strength. On our own, we will crumble. With HIM, we WILL stand AND overcome. He gives us VICTORY.

Where would we be without rain? We'd have a drought!! We NEED rain for GROWTH. Are you going through a dry season? Pray, "God, bring YOUR RAIN into my life!" Then wait and see what comes in your harvest season.

So do not fear, or avoid, or even deny, the difficult circumstances of life when they come. Stand and praise God through the "rainy days" as well as the sunshine.

Selah Y

Just For FUN!!

Where is your cell phone? in my purse.... it probably has a low battery
Your hair colour? a dyed combo
Your mother? a brave lady – she loves her family – I love you, Mom!! Y
Your father? a man of many talents – I’m proud to be his daughter – time together always too short Y
Your favorite thing? my family Y
Your dream last night? interesting
Your dream goal? currently – to teach online classes
The room you're in? family room
Your hobby (hobbies)? genealogy, reading, surfing the Net
Your fear? my worst fear would have be to be burned in a fire
Where do you want to be in 6 years? depends on a lot of things
Where were you last night? at home
What you're not? a Missionary!! I love living in Canada
One of your wish-list items? take a trip to Scotland and sleep in a castle. Really, I’m serious!!
Where you grew up? Halifax, Nova Scotia
The last thing you did? drank a glass of orange juice
What are you wearing? jeans and T-shirt
Your TV? it’s usually on – love having an LCD
Your pet? Angel – we found out she’s a “Chizer” (Chihauhau/Schnauzer)
Your computer? my laptop and a slow 7 year old PC
Your mood? relaxed
Missing someone? lots of people
Your car? 2000 Sunfire
Something you're not wearing? make-up
Favourite shop? Taste of Country
Your summer? always too short
Love someone? my husband, Wayne – 35th anniversary in December
Your favourite colour? blue, teal, purple
When is the last time you laughed? playing games at our Family Christmas Gathering last weekend – hilarious!!
When is the last time you cried? not really sure – unless you count the games when we laughed so hard we were crying!!

Wordless Wednesday

Remembrance Day Song

Remember the Cost

James Robert Martin

(1894 – 1955)

My grandfather was a soldier in WWI. He joined the No. 10 Halifax Siege Battery and was shipped out to fight in France. He fought in the trenches and he endured being gassed. Thank God, he was not injured. He returned safely to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where he became a Halifax city policeman.

Many did not return. Many lost family members and close friends. The cost was great. WAR is not easy for any generation. Our veterans were willing to serve our country and to fight for the freedoms we now enjoy, but it came with a cost. It still does. War is not just something to remember on November 11th every year. That’s good, but we still have war.

Today’s wars may be more “advanced” and less brutal, but they still cost those involved – dearly!! It is so easy to turn on the news, see that latest report being broadcast, and turn the channel. Why bother watching it if you don’t have anyone over there? No personal connection to the reality facing many military families and their close friends.

Did you know that there are veterans today who are not from WWI or WWII or Korea?? The Gulf War is already more than 17 years ago (1991). The current conflicts in the Gulf and Afghanistan are ongoing. Soldiers are still dying today. Families are still watching every news cast, praying that their loved one will return home safely. They needs our prayers and our support.

Do you pray for our troops in the hotspots of today’s world?? Just because it has not been officially labeled as a “war” doesn’t mean that they are not in danger. Here’s my challenge: PRAY for those who serve in our military. PRAY daily for their families. REMEMBER them for their bravery and willingness to go. REMEMBER those who have fallen. PRAY for the families who have lost loved ones (recently or years ago). When you see a “Support Our Troops” sign – PRAY. It’s the best support we can give them.

Selah Y

Praise Report for Ranon

I have received a call from Willow this morning. Little Ranon is doing MUCH better!!

The radiologist has given him 100% clear on his tests (God has healed him!!) They have determined that the blood poisoning was a result of a kidney infection. His temperature is now normal and his colouring is much better. He is off the monitor, but he still has an IV. They are scheduled to be released to go home from hospital on Tuesday with one more week of treatments after that. He will need to have his immune system tested at 6 months to determine if there was any damage.

Continue to pray:

For his complete recovery (stronger every day)
That his immune system will develop properly
That there is NO long term effects on his health
Rest for the family through this ordeal

Thank you Lord for the peace You have already given them - that Ranon is completely in Your hands.

UPDATE: Ranon and Willow came home from hospital on Nov 11

Dads in the Spotlight

WOW! What a clear reminder of how influential our parental roles truly are. Children are IMPACTED by their parents, not only by what is taught or spoken to them, but by every part of our lives. Consider the awesome responsibility God has given to us for our children. We are making an impression on their lives every day that will last a lifetime. Let's determine to leave a godly heritage - a family legacy where they proudly say, "I learned that from my Dad!"

PRAY for Ranon

Please PRAY for Ranon (Glen & Willow's new baby boy). They are acouple who attend our church. Baby Ranon is just 1 month old and he is in hospital with bacterial infection in his blood (blood poisoning).

Pray for (1) his complete healing; (2) that this will have NO effects on his brain; and (3) pray specifically that the swelling in his left kidney will go down. Also keep the family in your prayers as well.

PRAYER works and we serve an awesome God!!

THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY

Whenever we go home to Nova Scotia, we ALWAYS have to eat lobsters! When we went to buy them from a local lobster fisherman, he had this one for sale. My husband HAD to have his picture taken with his all time FAVOURITE treat. This one weighed about 16 pounds.

Lobster Facts: The largest lobster ever caught was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada in 1977. It measured a tasty 41 inches from nose to tail and weighed in at a mouth watering 20.14 kilograms or 44.4 pounds. (WOW)

Lobster Nutritional Information: Are lobsters good for you? You Bet! Lobsters aren't just good - they're good for you. East Coast Lobster has less cholesterol, calories, and saturated fats than both chicken and turkey. (I was surprised by these numbers!)

East Coast Lobster:

cholesterol = 72 mg; calories = 98; saturated fats = 0.1 g
Skinless Chicken:

cholesterol = 85 mg; calories = 173; saturated fats = 1.3 g
Skinless Turkey:

cholesterol = 86 mg; calories = 140; saturated fats = 0.4 g
Source: The National Institute of Health based on a 3.5 oz. Serving

When in Nova Scotia I found these hilarious Lobster Postcards.

I also discovered a huge controversy about the method of preparing lobsters. They must be purchased and boiled alive. NEVER cook a dead lobster. This is seen as cruel. (article)

Most amazing fact is that someone has invented a machine called "Crustastun" that will electrocute them instead. Unfortunately it cost £2,000!

For me, it’s how lobsters have always been prepared since I was a child – a very natural process. Maybe it seems strange because for most of us, especially in cities, we never see our “meals” before we purchase them in the grocery store. They are neatly packaged – ready for us to cook. It is never a traumatic experience. But the reality is that all meat comes from an animal that once was alive. We don’t often see the whole process involved in providing our food. We are a very “sanitized” society. We don’t have to go out and choose which hen will become our roast chicken dinner. It is done “quietly” for us. Even when fishing, you have to kill the fish to eat it. Perhaps this is where many vegetarians are converted.

We satisfied our lobster craving with a half a dozen 3 pound lobsters. We even introduced my 2 year old grandson to his first taste of this family tradition. He loved it!! And he wasn’t traumatized by the process. It is food. Enjoy it!! We did. :o)

Perspective is a wonderful and necessary thing. When things are out of their proper perspective, they quickly become distorted. The definition of distorted: not truly or completely representing the facts or reality; misrepresented; false. The definition of perspective was equally interesting: the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship; the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship; a mental view or prospect. How often do we get caught up in a current controversy without considering the whole picture? Way too easily. Enjoy all of God’s creation, but remember – He created it for us - to take care of and to use wisely. Sometimes, our “good ideas” are not very practical.

Selah Y

Happy Birthday Nanny!

We had a wonderful vacation in Nova Scotia. We celebrated an important family milestone - Nanny’s 80th birthday.

It was great for scattered family members to gather together. It’s always so hard to find a time when everyone can attend. In this case, the date was not negotiable. We celebrated on her birthday – June 7. In our hectic schedules, we must endeavor to take the time to recognize and honour special occasions. We love you Nanny!

Reality or Denial?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Facing the Dream Killers”

We Live in a Fantasy World

What if our lives turn out to be totally different from our dreams? Some people are so disappointed with the “now” that they live in a fantasy world.

Dreams are risky. What if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would? You did everything “right” but here you are – FAR from living your dreams. Rather than face the reality of their disappointments, they live a façade. “Everything’s great!! Couldn’t be better!! I’m FINE!!” Don a smile and go with the flow.

Others live vicariously through somebody else’s life or dreams.

Parents can be guilty of this one. Circumstances prevented the fulfillment of their own dreams, so they project their ambitions and expectations on their children – pressuring them into areas we prefer them to pursue. We must be careful to allow our children to fulfill God’s plan for their lives, not our dream for their futures. Pray for wisdom as you guide them to make decisions for the directions they take.

Still others say, “If this is my destiny, then God made a really big mistake.”

Have you ever thought God made a mistake? Well, everyone knows that God doesn’t make mistakes, but surely, THIS is not what He planned for me!!! Because we cannot see the end, we judge situations on what we see today. It is never the full picture. Based on our limited perceptions, we make decisions to change the direction our path is going. However, God had a reason for us to travel this particular part of our journey. Within each trail/situation, there is a lesson to be learned or a character quality to be developed or perfected. When you resist, you slow down the process. I don’t want to hear that!! Not going there!! “I’m not listening!!”

Do you feel that way? It shows a crisis of trust in God! It means that you probably do not understand what you have been given, who you really are and how God sees you. If we grasped how much God genuinely loves us, if we could see ourselves through His eyes, our lives would be dramatically different. We would know who we are and what our purpose is. I can assure you that we would live very differently, love extravagantly and pray strategically.

WOW. Isn’t that the Truth!! We must fully grasp this and apply it to our lives. God LOVES us and has a plan for our good (Jeremiah 11:29). When you truly learn to live in this reality – fantasy land will look so ridiculous, you will wonder how it ever became an option.

What is around you? Who are the people with you? If things do not look the way you imagined they would be, then in your mind you have built a fantasy.

Denial of reality is not the answer. (DENIAL: Don’t Even kNow I Am Lying.) You are lying to yourself (and to others). At best, it delays facing the inevitable and at worst, it allows more sorrow and heartache than if you would have faced it up front.


It is a HUGE PIT with no hope for resolving the situation. Denial NEVER changes your situation. You can’t change reality with fantasy. Things do not change because you declare them to be something that they are not. Learn to live in reality and ask God for wisdom in all you are facing.

You are in process: What are you doing with the material God has given you to work with?

No one accomplishes everything at once. Dreams take time to fulfill. God’s plan for you will not be fully realized until you walk in ALL He has for you – accept ALL He has provided for you – embrace ALL He has laid before you. Reality is now. Don’t waste valuable time in fantasy land. Get out of the denial pit and start claiming your inheritance. Pursue your dreams and get ready to dance!!

Selah Y

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Facing the Dream Killers”

We Are Afraid to Have Fun

Let's face it: "Religion" isn't fun. Legalism shuts down the human heart and closes off intimacy with God.

Imagine a relationship in which there was no room for fun. How excited would you be to spend all of your time with this person? Imagine having a list of “rules” for what you can and cannot do or talk about each time you met together – no room for spontaneity – just pre-approved topics and predictable activities. Imagine conversations where you can only communicate by reading pre-written responses – as if following a script written by someone else. How would you get to know this person? How would they get to know you? Relationship would be SO LIMITED. (and BORING!!)

Isn’t that what “religion” has ended up doing? With good intentions, prayers were written out to be a guide for how to talk to God, but when it became the only way to pray, we have a problem. Intimacy is lost and we are just following the script laid out for us. True intimacy can only be developed by spending time together and sharing personally. Truly, our hearts will eventually shut down and stop seeking intimacy in this type of relationship after unmet expectations and unexpressed longings become unbearable. Why bother? With no intimacy, it will become an empty shell.

He is eager to interact with us. He came to establish deep relationships. Walking with Him is a journey of excitement, which involves having fun!

Jesus didn’t come to remain separated from us. It may sound like an old clique, but He really does want a personal relationship with us – connected to us and all we do. He wants us to share ALL of our hopes and dreams with Him. He wants us to express ourselves and have FUN!! We have been created to be unique and it pleases Him when we are truly expressing and being ourselves.

As children, we knew how to just have fun. Little ones are not limited by what must be or how something is supposed to look; they just express it from their hearts. “Fashion rules” are eventually learned (sometimes for good reason!!) as we learn what is acceptable, but look at what we miss when we don't step outside the box of the ordinary. In this photo, they are definitely having fun!! It brought a smile to my face. :o) BUT would you do this – just for fun?? Have you ever done something just for the sheer fun of it? Laughter is good for the soul. A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified Bible)

We are the ones who stop the game. "Time-out!" we yell. The "religious system" sometimes gives the message that rest and relaxation are unspiritual and unnecessary. We prefer not to play because it does not look spiritual.

Have you been allowed to express your creativity? Are you encouraged to pursue your dreams? Or does your every activity have to accomplish an ultimate purpose, or achieve some valid goal? What does R&R really mean to you? Did Jesus take time to “rest” and just enjoy the company of His friends? Did they have fun together? Laugh together?

In a society where success is valued so highly, is there room for fun? Is it possible to have fun with God??? Is this an unrealistic expectation - just out of our reach?

Every journey has ups and downs. There will be times of difficulty and suffering as well as times of joy and celebra­tion. We expect seasons of pain in the Christian walk, but we need to expect times of pleasure and passion, as well. It is not an either/or situation. We embrace the journey and celebrate life.

LIFE must have all of these elements. Real Life – living in reality. Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10b (Amplified Bible) We are supposed to experience AND express all aspects of life – to the full – that includes having FUN!!

Selah Y

Happy Mother's Day

100th Post

It's my Blog anniversary! This is my 100th post. I have really enjoyed having my blog and it has given me the opportunity to share my writing with others. Selah's Space has been a place to take the time out of my very busy schedule to stop and think about what is happening around me and write down my thoughts. Too often we sail through and don't make note of these. In our busyness, we still need to find time to encourage others and share our faith.

I started on March 2, 2007 with a goal to write something every day. Well, a year later (and more than 100 days) I am not writing every day, but I am pleased with how it has turned out. I have met many bloggers and have thoroughly enjoyed surfing the Blog World.

To all the new bloggers - keep blogging!

To my blog readers - I hope it has been worth your time and I look forward to reading more of your comments.

Do you like my "100"? Check out this link to Cool Text.

Selah Y

Pay It Forward

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. It is symbolized by the empty tomb. This IS the Good News – He who was dead is ALIVE again!! Jesus has risen – He is no longer in the tomb where they laid him. The stone that sealed the entrance was rolled away – releasing Jesus from the grip of death. His victory becomes ours as we believe in Him. It is a key part of our faith as Christians.

Good Friday is represented by the Cross. Often this is the picture of Easter we remember most because of the visual impact it has on us. How could we not be affected by it? Crucifixion was a long and torturous execution – meant to be cruel and humiliating. Some depictions have been “sanitized” as not to offend the viewers, but recent versions have tried to be more accurate (like the movie: The Passion). How do you portray a public execution without the horror of it?

Jesus willingly endured the cross in order to purchase our salvation. It COST Him dearly. Yes, salvation is offered to us as a free gift, but only because the price was already paid – with blood (the sacrifice of a perfect Lamb). Do we really realize what He endured to bring that freedom to us? Do we realize what our inheritance really is? I think if many did understand it more fully, they would not treat it so lightly. It is a so valuable – a precious gift beyond our ability to ever receive it on our own merit.

I watched a movie tonight called "Pay It Forward" (click for web site), in which an 11-year-old boy was given an assignment at school: THINK OF AN IDEA FOR WORLD CHANGE, AND PUT IT INTO ACTION. How can we change the world? A big assignment!! On our own, we can’t – it’s too big. But here is his idea: Do something real good for three people. And then when they ask how they can pay it back, tell them they have to Pay It Forward to three more people. It has to be something where you don’t get rewarded – you pay the reward forward and watch it snowball.

I had a similar experience when I ran out of gas and a man came along and put gas in my car from his lawnmower gas jug – it was enough to get me to the gas station. When I offered to pay for the gas, he said, “Just bless someone else when the opportunity presents itself.” Wow – doing good for someone else with no expectation of personal reward – THAT would truly change the world!!

One thing that was emphasized in the movie was that it had to cost you something in order to have a big impact. It couldn’t just be something small or easy. It had to be big – something the person couldn’t do for themselves and couldn’t pay you back for it. Isn’t this what God did for us? It cost Jesus His life – His whole life. We couldn’t do it for ourselves (impossible) and we cannot pay Him back – there is nothing we can do in exchange for His gift of salvation. Then all He asks is that we tell others the “Good News” so they can believe and be blessed too.

The tomb may be empty this Easter, but the Gospel is full and Jesus is alive. The tomb was a place of death, but God brought life where there was no hope or future. He set in motion events that would forever change the world and He wants to change our world too. Accept His gift of salvation and then Pay It Forward to those who do not know. There will be a cost to spread the Gospel and we will not reap the reward for ourselves, but it WILL change the world. That’s the Promise of Easter!!

Selah Y