Deep and Wide

I have been feeling so blessed by the generosity of everyone around me. With their words of wisdom, food, kind thoughts, physical support, listening ears, drives home, and love. Thank you so much. I feel neck deep in the support and love of community around me.

While rest is still on the agenda and not in practice as much as I would like...I'm beginning to see where God might be taking me on my own journey- to benefit me not just now, but for the long run too. I have the words of the sunday school song "Deep and wide" running through my head.

God's rest as total immersion into the deep and wide love of God.

I'm noticing more my immediate compulsion to control: control my time, expecting it to go a certain way. Basically, to not go with the flow. Most of my "rest" ideas have been premeditated and probably written down on a piece of paper as a "to do" item. I tend to enjoy things more when I impulsively go for a walk on the beach or randomly pick up a paint brush. Even if it would have been on the to do list, if I just get up and, wash the dishes, for example, it feels like an act outside of my tight school schedule rather than something else I'm trying to squeeze in.

When I remember my time at the MARK Center; I think it true that it was so lovely because most of the important moments were unexpected and came to be serendipitously. God can do all the planning and executing and I'll just experience thank you!

On a more serious note I was reminded tonight of how important communion is to me, and to my ability to function with grace and strength and rest. I want to get into the practice of receiving it everyday.

When I'm not in a posture of rest, when there is no stillness of heart and spirit, I don't function well. I'm not able to receive or act in a grace- filled way. This excites me because it ultimately means coming closer and closer in relationship with God. Always the heart at the center of all my seeking and goals and labyrinths.

May God unconventionally move me into a place of peace and may He do the same for you!

Words of wisdom...please!

This lil' momma is getting so tired. I go to school 6 days a week, often from 8:00am to 9:00 pm plus homework. I don't sleep that well due to leg cramps and baby kicks and the need to go to the bathroom. After a walk up stairs I'm ready for a nap. I need more rest and restful activities everyday however, I'm not too sure how to make everything jive together!

Please give me some wisdom on ways you fit in restful activities during busy schedules!! (This could be prayer time or reading a book or going for a nice walk or taking time with Jesus etc. or a number of different things)

Thank you!!

And I hope that you are able to find rest for your spirits!

water loving

It is getting harder to stick this belly out and float!

Much like a sea turtle I'm finding that I am really enjoying being in water. Whether that be the tub or Mike's pool, I'm loving being wet. On land I struggle with putting socks on and tying my shoes, but in the water I'm so happy and mobile. Maybe Baby Gil' will be a swimmer?

It is just so surprising to me how much silly joy I get from this. I swam the breaststroke in circles for half an hour: just a happy little turtle mama.

...and I'm loving being pregnant. For the most part. Besides the way it hinders my classmates when they are partners with me :( and the exhaustion part, it is just great. School is so busy it really takes up a lot of the energy I would use for visiting with friends etc. But I find I am needing and enjoying my solo time, whether that be dry or wet!

Okay. I'm off to the tub.

Re-visiting Re-connecting and Re-membering

(Some of the Klassen family from my year in Abbotsford!)

I haven't written in a while and a lot has gone on. A couple weeks ago I was surprised and delighted to find an email from my buddy Jackson in my inbox. He wanted to see me before he left on his super awesome 5 month long trip. I was really really happy to hear from the Klassen's and hoped there was someway to get down there.

Fortunately Jackson volunteered to pick me up and when I got off the sky train station to meet him there was this totally grown up - genuinely cool guy who picked me right up off my feet in a hug!

One thing I love about the Klassen gang is their sweet and simple ability to just love you and bless you and care about your life. I've sure missed them! I spent an awesome "soup sunday" at their house and had some precious time with Evy on the drive home.

Being there and listening to Steve talk and others share really encouraged me to be even more intentional about listening to God again and being aware of where He is moving and what He is showing me every day. As my schedule picks up and my energy levels plummet, I'm aware that I could easily burn-out or fatigue. I just simply don't have time for that! I'm hoping to spend that ever necessary time with Jesus whenever I can and trust in his promises of peace and rest and quiet streams. I'm remembering that year in Abbotsford and how eye opening and amazing it was. I crave the life that was produced that year, and hope it can still be pulled out of me, even now.

...On a sillier note, I am understanding this turtle analogy even better. I almost waddle now, and I've slowed waay down (much to my annoyance)! Taking things slow and steady sure doesn't come natural to me. I need to remember the long slow walks we took, taking it in together. Jesus and me.