invitation to journey

body slams and headbutts

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +0000

So I have discovered a new art in parenting--wrestling!

Kent has been away for the past few days at a conference, so Katerina and I have been enjoying some 'girl' time together. We've had a fun time, I thought we were doing pretty well on our own...until after supper the other night she attacked me - she wanted to wrestle!

Now I have 2 older brothers - one would think I would know how to wrestle - but apparently I don't. Katerina came at me with a pillow, bounced on me, gave me a headbutt, then looked at me strangely..."don't you know how to wrestle like daddy does?" she seemed to say.

So I tried my best to play rough, but I was really just hoping we could go back to reading stories, and singing and dancing together. I think she finally gave up on me and I decided I need to take some lessons in this fine art of wrestling. Who knew my sweet little girl liked to be body slammed on the couch?

Kent comes home tonight...I think he might be greeted by a headbutt from Katerina and a welcome home hug from me. Then maybe he can suggest some WWF moves that I can try on the little one :)

Shine His Light

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:17:00 +0000

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!" ~ Matthew 5:14-15 (The Message)

remember

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:47:00 +0000

There is a song called "Remember" that has been on our playlist in the car for awhile. I am sure as I have been driving around, I've heard it many times. But it recently caught my attention - as it calls us to remember what Jesus has done for us all. I want my heart to be 'moved to remember' - to never forget or take for granted the price Jesus paid - for me, for all...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the body that was torn for us
This is the blood that was spilt
Points to the pain you endured for us
Points to the shame, the blame, the guilt

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, come
Move our hearts to remember

This is the Lamb who was slain for us
So we the church may enter in
So bitter sweet when we think of You
The One who bore our curse, our sin

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, come
Move our hearts to remember, to remember

~Laura Story

A prayer for the mission of the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:10:00 +0000

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace. So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you, for the honour of your Name. Amen.
~ from the Book of Common Prayer

a little update

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:32:00 +0000

It's now September and I think I am finally ready for summer! :) Why am I always a few months behind? Anyways, it has been a fun and busy summer - we spent 2 weeks visiting my family in Manitoba and celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It was a real blessing to be with all the family, and a special gift to share in celebrating 50 years of love and committment.

In August we moved into our first home and we love it! We have lots of space, a yard, and a great family neighbourhood. We are still organizing and doing some projects, but it is starting to feel more and more like home. We are very blessed indeed!

Now we enjoying the beautiful days of September and settling back into a regular routine of life and work. I am grateful for this beautiful place in which we live and for my wonderful family and community to share the journey with!

my mom

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 07 May 2011 18:40:00 +0000

So it is mother's day tomorrow and in all the busyness of getting ready for church on Sunday and also thinking about how this is my first mother's day - I completely forgot to send my mom a card - so it will be late, once again:(. I had asked Katerina a few days ago what she was going to get me for mother's day and she stopped and looked at me, giggled, and then shook her head! I think that means I won't be getting much :) But maybe that's just the way it is for moms sometimes...

My mom is one of the most selfless people I know - I don't actually think I have ever known her to serve herself first. Whether it is around the dinner table, or out shopping, or making plans for the day - my mom always puts other people before herself, especially her kids and grand kids! When I was younger I used to think my mom was crazy for never wanting to buy anything for herself - not even new clothing or just something special as a treat.

Now that I am a mom I can understand my mom a bit more...and I can understand that her selflessness is one of the greatest ways she shows love to her family. And now that I am a mom, I really don't know how my mother ever did it - how did she raise 5 kids, help nurture more than a dozen grand kids and great-grand kids? How did she support her husband as a pastor and farmer, how did she provide such stability to our family when things were tight and challenges came?

Her commitment to loving our family can only be sustained by her commitment to Jesus. One of my favourite memories as a child was stealing a peak at my mom as she did her devotions every morning. As she sat in a quiet corner to read her Bible and pray, I knew that something special was going on. I knew not to disturb my mom, not because she would have gotten upset with me, but because even as a young child I knew that it was a sacred and holy time. I can see now that it was really what gave her the strength and love that she needed to face each day with a smile on her face and peace in her heart.

Now that I'm a mom and I struggle with juggling my work, caring for our daughter, keeping our house a home, supporting and nurturing our family - I think of my mom and realize that if I want to leave a legacy like she has - then I can never neglect that special time with Jesus each day. Even when there are 50 other things I could be doing, if I am not nurturing that loving relationship with Jesus I will have nothing left to give.

So my mom continues to teach me many things and gives me high goals to strive for, but she more importantly lives a life that testifies to the love and peace that is found only in Jesus. Thank you mom, I love you...

Curious girl

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:49:00 +0000

Just an update of our curious little George(ette) :) She loves buttons and electronics, so the camera is especially enticing. She is now 10 months old, not quite yet crawling but getting closer to greater mobility! She sure is lots of fun--amazing how games like peek-a-boo never really grow old...

Gazing on the Trinity Icon

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:31:00 +0000

During Lent our church is reading through a book called 'The Kingdom and The Cross' by James Bryan Smith. Each chapter has what the author calls a 'soul training' activity, in which we are challenged to go deeper in our understanding of who God is and what Christ's work on the cross has accomplished.

This week the soul training exercise is to look at the Trinity icon, which is a famous 13th century icon of the Trinity by Russian iconographer Rublev. The colours and imagery in the icon all have significance, which is interesting to reflect upon. In the Trinity there is unity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in submission and sacrifice to each other. All three members of the Trinity are huddled together, like three people working closely on a project. The project is the reconciliation of the world.

It is also interesting that everything is pointing to the centre of the table, where the chalice sits. The chalice represents the 'cup' that Jesus chose to endure - his suffering and self-sacrifice. It also represents the chalice used in the Eucharist. When we gather to take Communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus.

As complex as the idea of the Trinity might be, this icon helps me to see that the Trinity is a community of love, submission, and sacrifice. My own selfishness and pride so often get in the way of being loving, submissive, and sacrificial. This week my desire is to think and act upon the example of the Trinity--to be more loving, sacrificing, and to live and work in unity with those around me.

all things new

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:02:00 +0000

This prayer was an encouragement to me this morning, a reminder that Jesus is daily renewing us and transforming us...

Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kat in action

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:48:00 +0000

These videos are mostly for the enjoyment of family members who don't get to see Katerina too often...but hope you all enjoy them!

what do you love about Jesus?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:19:00 +0000

I recently read the book 'Organic God' by Margaret Feinberg and appreciated her thoughtful insights about who God is and how we relate to him. She looked at how we can get rid of the unhealthy pollutants and additives of the world and purify our relationship with God.

She shared a story about a friend of hers who once asked her the question, 'What do you love about Jesus?' She said, 'His words took my breath away. I had never heard somthing so simple but soul penetrating. Some say that love has no agenda, but...I have come to believe that love is the agenda.'

It is indeed a simple, yet thought provoking question...what do you love about Jesus? I love that Jesus is full of suprises. He doesn't do things like we expect him to. This week at our Wednesday morning communion service we were reading the Gospel of Matthew where in chapter 8 Jesus cleansed a leper and healed the centurion's servant. In both of these acts of Jesus' ministry, he didn't do what was expected. To even come near a leper was unthinkable, and yet Jesus reached out and touched him, and he was healed.

The centurion was a Gentile, not one of the 'in crowd' so to speak. Yet he had great faith and knew that by the authority of Jesus' word, his servant could be healed. And he was, at the very moment that Jesus spoke. Jesus 'should' have been keeping himself clean and ministering to the right people, but he didn't do what we expected him to do.

In our limited, human thinking we are always surprised by what Jesus does. And often we're not very happy about it, but Jesus simply says - 'I have come to do the Father's will.' That's what I love about Jesus...that in his great love for the world, he acts and ministers in the will of God, even when it doesn't make sense to us. His love goes beyond my understanding, yet I know that his love is what has forgiven me, saved me, and stays with me each day as I seek to follow him.

What do you love about Jesus?

for unto us a child is born

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 02:19:00 +0000

I suppose I knew that Christmas this year would be so different...now having a little one to share the joys, surprises, and wonders with. One of my precious delights was seeing Katerina reach out to the lights and ornaments on the tree, or for the pretty wrapping paper, or her new little dolly...with such a sweet sense of wonder and awe, just desiring to experience each moment and discover what new sensations were awaiting her.

I recently realized how Katerina helps me to slow down and appreciate the little things...whether it is while we are just sitting close in the quiet moments in the morning, or reading a book together, or playing on the floor as she discovers how to move her little body in new ways...each simple act is forcing me to slow down and enjoy the moment.

This has been a gift to me in the busyness of the Christmas season - the time in which we receive Jesus into our lives once again. It really amazes me that God chose a little baby to be the Saviour of the world. It's not what we would expect, but in the miracle of Christmas we are challenged to slow down and receive the gift of Immanuel, God with us.

"For unto us a child is born..." This passage from Isaiah 9 has been on my heart a lot over the last week, as I have reflected on the wonder of the Christ child. I thank God for the gift of Jesus and the fulfillment of his plan to bring light and life into our dark and broken world.

Trusting God from the bottom of my heart

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Proverbs 3 has been a favourite passage of mine and this morning I read it in The Message paraphrase. Certain phrases struck me in new ways as I read, and I was reminded to..."Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track."

My tendency is to try to figure things out on my own, instead of listening for God's voice. As a new mum and a pastor, I often find myself in situations where I need wisdom and guidance, but I don't always run to God first. During this season of Advent I am seeking to daily make more room in my heart and my life for God, remembering him in everything I do.

As a church we are reading through the book 'The Uncluttered Heart' during Advent and Christmas. These words today were an encouragement to me to always look to God: 'When I look for God in each person I meet, in each situation I encounter, I am more open to God's Spirit working in me, shaping me into a vessel of God's peace.'

Creator God, help me keep my eyes on you, that following you, I may be remade into your likeness, a vessel of your love, peace, and compassion. Amen.

view from the nursery window

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:24:00 +0000

Not long ago I was reading theology books and studying commentaries, now I am reading parenting books and mommy magazines - how to prevent diaper rash and get a flatter tummy...Yes, I am now a mum!

Katerina Joy was born on May 18th at 9:25pm, weighing 5 lb 15 oz. and 19.5 inches in length. She is a wonderful blessing! Her name means 'pure' and the short form of her name is Katya. It's a name I fell in love with while I was in Ukraine a number of years ago. Joy is after my mom's name.

5 weeks have already passed since her birth and we are enjoying this new journey together as a family. It is truly amazing how such a little person can change your life and touch your heart more deeply than you can imagine. And all she does is eat, sleep, and well...you know the rest :)

We had a 'Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child' service for Katerina a few weeks ago and our dear friend Barclay lead the service for us. He asked us to pray for a verse for Katerina, one that would be with her throughout her life. We chose Zephaniah 3:17: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,he will rejoice over you with singing." We pray that she will indeed bring delight to the Lord and be a 'pure joy' for his glory!

While I am on maternity leave I have the privilege of being a regular part of the congregation at church. The view from the nursery window is certainly a change from the view from the front! I am thankful for this time and blessed to be seeing things through new eyes. God has been teaching me what it means to nurture and love my daughter, leading her even now to love and worship Him. It is my prayer that Kent and I will be wise and faithful parents for the wonderful gift God has blessed us with in Katerina.

marvelously made

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Well, the countdown is on...less than one month now till baby arrives! Lots of people are telling me that life is never going to be the same again. And I think, 'Ok, I hope I'm ready for this!' Not sure what else to say really. There are lots of life changes that I have felt somewhat prepared for in the past, but this one is a bit harder to anticipate in some ways. One would think that after 9 months of carrying a baby, reading books, going to classes, doctor appointments, etc. you should really be ready for what lies ahead. But I'm not so sure at this point. Maybe it's just the anticipation of becoming a parent and the great responsibilities (and joys) that come with that. At times I feel like I'm back in school, preparing myself for the big exam at the end of the term, hoping I've studied the right material :)

Needless-to-say, Kent and I are thrilled and excited to meet our baby! As much as I know there is a little person inside of me, I think it won't really hit me until I actually see him/her. I am so thankful and amazed at how God works to prepare you for what lies ahead. 6 months ago I couldn't actually think about 'delivery' and now it's like my body and mind know that the time will soon be here. I am also thankful that this is all a part of God's wonderful plan for life to grow. It's amazing to think that there is really nothing that I have 'done' to make this child grow and develop. Yes, I try to eat well, get rest and exercise...but I don't wake up and say 'Today I think we need to work on growing some fingernails on this little one'. The creativity of our Father is truly incredible!

The words of Psalm 139 have often been on my mind and heart lately. Here are a few verses from that Psalm, in the Message paraphrase:

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

Likely the next time I write I can post some photos of mini-Morgan, but till then here's a 'before' photo. Thanks for your love and prayers for us during this time!

Thoughts on Lent...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:16:00 +0000

Here we are in the season of Lent already...as much as I find myself just now catching up to this time of repentance and confession, it is good to be here. It seems that many things can be obstacles to taking time to truly reflect and confess. One thing that has been a help to me is the study our church is going through during Lent. It is called '40 Days of Community' and is focused on growing community in our church and outside of our church. Our home group meets every week to discuss how we can grow and reach out together and it's been great to learn and practice these things together.

I have realized that what can often keep me from growing in community is when I am not really available...either I'm too busy or don't leave enough time to just respond to 'interruptions' in my day. It is often those things that I may call interruptions which are the very things I should be about. So during this season of Lent I am asking God to help me truly be available - to Him and to those around me.

I was reminded today of this prayer for Lent, which is a humbling prayer of confession and forgiveness:

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowleding our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

May we seek God's amazing love and mercy in these days of Lent, as we reflect and confess our sins before him.

A Christmas Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Almighty God, you have given your only begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that I, who have been born again and made your child by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through my Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honour and glory, now and forever. Amen.

life changes

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:51:00 +0000

In this past year or two there have been a lot of "life changes" for me...moving to a new place, new job, ordination, engaged, married...and now another change is taking place - we're expecting a baby! Our mini Morgan is about 13 weeks along, and we're excited to meet him/her in the middle of May next year. This life change came along a little sooner than we planned, but my mom says it's perfect timing, and we surely trust God's plans as well! :)

I have been getting used to the idea of what my body is up to these days and have actually been feeling quite well, thankfully. The midday naps are always a welcomed addition to my day whenever possible! This past week we heard the baby's heart beat for the first time which was quite exciting.

We are grateful for God's guidance and blessing in our lives and trust that we will be good caretakers of all he's entrusted to us. May we also continually be changed and transformed to be more like Him!

fun theory

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:05:00 +0000

A friend recently sent me the following video, which was quite enjoyable and also thought provoking.

Take a look and see what you think...

a prayer of thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all you have done for us. We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank for you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

~from the Book of Common Prayer

waves of port renfrew

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0000

This past week I had a chance to go to Port Renfrew with a good friend. It is a little town on Vancouver Island, just north of Sooke. We camped on the beach, listened to and watched the waves for hours. It was great fun! The West Coast Trail starts in Port Renfrew, as well as the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. We hiked on the latter one for awhile, so beautiful to be on the coast!

knit my heart to you...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:39:00 +0000

One of my favourite verses from the Bible is from Psalm 86. This morning I read it in a different translation which I really loved: Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name. - Psalm 86.11

The picture of having the Lord knit my heart to him is such a beautiful image of what it means to walk in his truth and to be taught his ways.

Thank you, Lord for knitting my heart to you. Teach me, so that I will only walk in the ways that lead me closer to you. Amen.

pender harbour paddling

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:35:00 +0000

So my friend Sarah came last week and we had a great visit...even got out to do some kayaking around the area. One of the bonuses of moving to Pender Harbour has been getting out on the water and exploring the area by kayak. Even getting out for just a few hours is always so fun and refreshing. Here are a few photos from our adventure...

It is so wonderful to enjoy the summer here, but I am looking forward to the fall as well. I love the change of seasons and also the change of pace. Reminds me of the excitement of going back to school...the joy of new school supplies, the smell of new books...almost makes me want to go back! :)

the gift of hospitality: creating space for the guest

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:25:00 +0000

I love having friends come to visit...for one thing, it helps me clean up the house :), but it is also fun and refreshing to share life together for a few days. Last week we had our good friend Monica from Vancouver come and spend a couple days with us. It was great to see her, share what has been going on in our lives, drink coffee together, and do a little kayaking around Pender Harbour.

This week I'm looking forward to my friend Sarah's visit...we used to be neighbours in Buena Vista, Colorado and it's been a long time since we've seen each other. It was a joy when she got in touch recently and said she'd love to come for a visit for a few days!

This morning I was reading from a book called 'Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen.' It's a great little devotional book that is based on various writings from Nouwen. The reading today was called 'The Gift of Hospitality: Creating Space for the Guest' and it really spoke to me about the opportunity to share life together through hospitality. Here are some of the thoughts:

One of the most significant ways to serve others is to be present with them. Present not in a smothering or controlling way, but in providing a place of freedom. Such a place can be provided through the ministry of hospitality.

Nouwen points out that hospitality means "the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend." Hospitality is thus a gift we can give to the other person.

Hospitality does not necessarily mean doing something special for the guest or friend. It means being ourselves and allowing another into the rhythm of our family or community life. It means sharing a meal, providing a room. But more importantly, it means being willing both to share something of ourselves and of our life journey and being open to participate in those things that the guest or friend may share.

But hospitality is not only about sharing. It is also providing a free space, providing room where the guest can be still and at peace. Hospitality is not entertainment. It is not crowding the guest. It is a rhythm that allows for freedom and participation in which the guest can be enriched. In exercising such a ministry, we ourselves will also be enriched.

Today as I prepare for a guest to come, these are good words that make me think about more than just making sure the house is clean and tidy. How am I creating a space where guests and friends can be enriched and refreshed, where we can share our lives and our journeys together? I am thankful for the opportunites I have to share through hospitality, whether that is in our home, at work, or even in talking with strangers, neighbours, and friends on the street.

in the morning

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:59:00 +0000

This morning I read and prayed the following prayer that was penned by John Calvin. What a great way to begin a new day!

My God, Father and Preserver, who in your goodness has watched over me in this past night and brought me to this day, grant that I may spend the day wholly in your service. Let me not think or say or do a single thing that is not in obedience to your will; but rather let all my actions be directed to your glory and the salvation of my brethren. Let me attempt nothing that is not pleasing to you; but rather let me seek happiness only in your grace and goodness. Grant also, that as I labour for the goods and clothing necessary for this life, I may constantly raise my mind upwards to the heavenly life which you promise to all your children. Amen.

John Calvin inspired the Protestant reformation in Geneva, governing both the religious and the political efforts of the city according to biblical principles. His daily prayers, which he composed for the ordinary people of Geneva, reflect his conviction that spiritual faith is worthless without practical application.