Mothering matters.

Parenting matters. Babies in the womb matters. Carrying for unwanted or unplanned babies and their parents matters. Carrying for, having compassion on and somehow bringing comfort to those who don’t believe the same as you also matters. I can only write and speak from my own convictions. Today, now more than ever, I am praying for the God of all comfort to meet us where we are at when it comes to our worldview and moral compass.If cultural debates are a mirror to the health of humanity, we are a sick and depraved nation, or I should say nations. (I can speak of the USA and Canada experience as a dual citizen, but my heart grows weary at times of all the polarizing arguments across the globe when it comes to ethics, human rights, morality and the meaning of life.). Yet, I give my weariness to God….Mothers Day this year has been hijacked in many ways…

There is something about the ocean. I can’t tell you how often the imagery of the waves crashing in speaks to me of my spiritual journey and all my soul craves. The mystery of the ocean- it’s wind, riptides- and all its beautiful surroundings often reminds me that I have an anchor for my soul. His name is Jesus.

Tim and I have been vacationing on the beautiful island of Kauai with our family in the state of Hawaii for years. One of the faith communities we have connected with the most over the years is with Kauai Christian Fellowship just minutes from where we stay. It’s our home away from home when we get the chance to pull away from the Canadian tundra we are blessed with here in Saskatchewan. I do love the changing seasons in Canada, but the relatively unchanging beauty found year round on the shores of Kauai is near and dear to my heart.

I’ve been watching the progress of a new venture they have been working on for years and in the fall it becomes a reality: Anchor House- School of the Bible! A one year immersive experience that launches in the fall of 2022. I have the honour of being one of their guest lecturers amidst a full line up of local staff, pastors, leaders and guest presenters from across the ocean. This might be an opportunity for you or for someone you love that is looking for an opportunity to pull away and be immersed in God’s creation to learn more about God’s love, purpose and plan for us.

One of the greatest spiritual weapons of warfare I have found in my life is to worship God, NO MATTER WHAT. Yes, there is a time for lament, expressing grief- anger- frustrations of unanswered prayers and angst with all that is wrong in the world, that too is worship as we focus our attention on God and His promises through the darkness(Click here to read past blogs of mine like “Mourn With Those Who Mourn”, or “Learning to Lament” ) , but worshipping God freely in Spirit and in Truth is a gift.

How are you doing? (Or as a good friend would pointedly ask me "How are you REALLY doing?)

How am I doing? I’m experiencing a wrestling match in my spirit AND in my gut as I feel things deeply. Often too deeply at times which can take me out if left unchecked. We've all got our own issues in life to deal with; let alone global events which can be real heavy, heh? You wouldn't be human if it didn't affect you in some way. I do believe it is important to be informed at a level that is appropriate for us at any given time. If you're like me, you want to learn more about the atrocities that face humanity- BUT can be just overwhelming at times... There's got to be a balance to our learning journey that is healthy for our souls.Yet…I hear the Spirit of the Lord whisper to my soul amidst the chaos: “Be Still”

Publishing a book is no small task. I am excited for my friend as she recently published “Isha: She Will Be Called” along with many contributors sharing story, poetry and art. I was honoured to write the forward for this gem. 🙋‍♀️FYI: Eve's second name, אִשָּׁה (isha) (Gen. 2:23), means "woman" in Hebrew.)…So far, this precious table talk version of the book is available through Amazon.ca, Amazon.com , @mcnallyrobinsonsk and will be at an event I’m hosting in Saskatoon which is true joy for me to parter with Becky for a women’s retreat “Because You Matter: A Celebration of Women’s Voices” February 4-6 in Saskatoon, SK. When visiting my parents in Fargo, ND earlier this month, I arranged for a zoom interview with Becky while I hid myself in my mom’s office to have a chat with Becky about her book and the upcoming retreat.

Christmas is celebrated uniquely all over the world. I’ve connected with Christ followers in many nations in our travels as well as online, and am fascinated by learning about traditions held by many throughout. Some are simply cultural or family traditions, and others are deeply held spiritual practices. Our culture plays into “how” we celebrate (or not), my faith determines the “why” I celebrate. I won’t get into all the controversies out there to celebrate or not celebrate Christmas. I’ve heard a ton.

I used to write the annual Christmas letter when Tim and I were beginning our family as a way to touch base with family and friends. I’d fold it up neatly with the Christmas card and mail away to loved ones in the US and Canada. Once Social Media arose on the scene, that practice seemed to be waining, heh? As family updates were shared throughout the year, I didn’t make the letter writing a priority. It seemed kinda strange to do so when most of my information was kinda ‘out there’, ya know? At the same time, there lacked a convergence of who I truly am- my heart, my family and calling. An “at a glance recap” is good practice. So here I go with an update on where 2021 found me and our family, along with some fun photos from a photo shoot on our acreage with a friend of our family Claire Friesen of Doxa Photography:

Daughters day sparks thoughts towards my own journey as a woman, a daughter, a mom to 4 girls, and what it means to be a child of God. For most of us, we don’t need a certain day though to highlight the importance of daughters. This year I do so, not just because of these fabulous ladies, I do so because of the status of women around the globe. Being a daughter, having a daughter points to the larger narrative of being a daughter of God.

“Life in the Mess: Theology of Forgiveness and Reconciliation”. (Course x2 Yes!)

I’ve been wanting to retake or audit this class ever since I took it the first time way back when I began my seminary journey(2008?) as a part time student. I consider it God’s perfect timing in retaking this now.
Topics include:
“Cheapening of forgiveness”, “Contemporary Models of forgiveness”…

Compassion literally means “to suffer together”. This month, this year- there is just so much suffering. It can be overwhelming at times heh? I don’t have all the answers- but I believe in my Creator who does. There is a verse that says to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and to “mourn with those who mourn”). Some translations say “weep with those who weep”).