Make a Difference

We live in a world that is not as it should be. 

With hatred, pain, suffering, carelessness and so much more. 

We like to be comfortable, doing what we know works. 

Is this how we are meant to live? 

I believe the answer is no. 

We have a moral obligation to make things better in our lives and in the lives of others around us. 

To take risks and to do the unimaginable. 

This is huge and often overwhelming. 

But it is possible. 

So speak up, do what is right, do for others who are not able to give back in return. 

We all have passions, skills and desires. 

Use them!

Ephesians 4:1-3, 7

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.... However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.

Adventures of the body, mind, and spirit

Each of our lives are meant to be lived! Adventures of the body. I love seeing the world from a new perspective and learning from everything around me. Exploring. It is challenging, fun and can be risky, but it always worth it! 

An afternoon of sunshine at Fletcher Moss Gardens with me, myself, and I

Rest. Relaxation. Reading. This is not something I am good at. An adventure of the mind. I would way rather be doing something "productive". In the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to stretch and learn to do nothing. It sounds easy...try it. I dare you!

Taking time to recharge and quiet yourself in the midst of life chaotic schedules and to do list's is not only important, it is vital. Its actually commanded: "Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work". This is not a hint to be lazy, but to know your limits and realize that you benefit from this rest.

Supermoon, 28 August 2015 

A day of rest, a Sabbath, is not a day that is solely for spiritual or religious purposes, however in many cultures it was and still is. Our lives are entirely designed to be spiritual, as we are spiritual beings created by a relational God who wants to know us and us to know Him. A part of this is to exercise our spirit, similar to physical or mental exercise. A Sabbath. Daily reflections. Prayers. Reading. Worship. An adventure of the spirit. 

I have learned this many times over, yet am no ways near perfect. There is always room for improvement. All that we do is a reflection of what we believe and choose to act upon. Choose to act with passion and hope. 

What a Wonderful World

I see trees of green

Red roses too

Squirrel!!!! 

opps...

I see them bloom 

For me and you 

I think to myself "what a wonderful world"

*listening to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong while editing these photos

Going Where? To Do What?

This has been what seems like a long time coming, and was only possible with patience, hope, dedication and persistence. "If we hope for something we already see, it’s not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

When I am asked what I am doing I am often confronted with this. You are going where? To do what? 

I am excited to say that I am moving to the UK! L'Arche will soon be my new home and I will have the opportunity to go through life with some amazing people and I hope to encourage them and engage in two-way learning, all while having fun. A perfect combination of things I am passionate about: life-long learning, community development, spirituality, and environmental awareness. 









More about L'Arche 
L’Arche supports the personal growth and development of each member so that they can fully develop their potential. Communities provide work, therapeutic and leisure activities that are a source of dignity and fulfillment for their members.

L’Arche communities give each person the confidence and skills to grow, to achieve their life goals and to make a contribution to society regardless of their intellectual and physical limitations. This is done through the development of long-term mutual relationships, providing a stable home environment, on-going training of those who provide assistance to community members with disabilities, and partnerships with professional care providers and government authorities.

There are currently 146 communities in 35 countries. Each community is comprised of homes and day programs, which operate according to a not-for-profit model. Our model of care is unique: people with intellectual disabilities are at the heart of L’Arche – not as clients, patients, or recipients of services but as friends, teachers and companions.

Founded in 1964 in France by Jean Vanier, L’Arche is an international federation dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs and support networks for people who have intellectual disabilities and people without intellectual disabilities live mutual relationships and share daily life, building community together.

Can you see the forest through the trees?

When you look at the natural world what do you see? Beauty. Design. Complexity. Wonder. Strength. Or maybe it is just a bunch of trees and open sky?

Are you able to see all that is before your eyes? Or are you limited by the noise of the world? Every day we have the opportunity to see the natural world as a reflection of something greater, if we choose to do so. 

Take a moment today to stop your busy life and find joy in the natural world around you. You will find greater appreciation for the world we have been placed on and call home. There is so much to learn about the natural world, if only we knew where to look. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,

   
And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

~Robert Frost 

The Year Ahead

With the start of another year and a change in plans I am determined to make the most of every day, seeking peace and spreading joy. 

The team of Canadians and Australians are together and preparing for the year of ministry ahead. As a result of timing challenges I am not joining in on this adventure. I am thrilled to still be able to pray for this ministry as they seek to develop young Christian leaders and stand up for faith in an environment that is hostile to the thought of a God who is supreme. 

After searching for what I was to do I found that it's not about the place or the actions alone, but bringing glory to the one true God. He will never change. He is always the same, now and forever. God loves us for who we are and not what we have done or will do. His desire is to see us love him, not holding anything back. 

With that being said, I have redirected my path and will let you know more at a later date as God reveals more of His glorious plan to me!

For now, here are a few photos for you to enjoy!