Summer came and went, as did autumn; and now we are in
the middle of winter. How did this time seem to pass so quickly?
I have had a few questions as to why I have not posted
on my blog for so long. Have I been busy, some wondered? Yes. Have I been
unwell? Flu season certainly hit my family hard for two months. Am I still
joyful? Absolutely! Inner joy is not based on circumstances.
The thing about writing (for me, at least), is that I
like to feel compelled to write something meaningful; something thought
provoking; inspiring. And when it's Spirit led (which it often is)…even better!
I’ve also been writing a book/memoir of sorts, about a
traumatic event that happened to me nine years ago, at the hands of a trusted professional
in a position of power, and how those that were in the position to help, did
not. My prayer is that God will use my experience, or “story” as we may call
it, to bring hope to others; for it is only by the grace of God, and His
merciful love, that I am alive and able to share it; shining His light where
there may be darkness.
Like many people, my seasons have been full
of ups and downs; each of which has had an impact on my writing, as well. I’ve
had many blog postings drafted, but later decided against posting them, feeling
as though the timing was not right.
I lost a very close and dear friend to cancer this
summer. A friend who was more of a sister than a friend, as we had been close
since birth, and spent many summers and holidays together under the same roof.
We laughed together and cried together; and shared secrets like only sisters
do. If I feel such loss, I can only imagine the depth of loss her biological
siblings feel. May we all find hope, peace and comfort in knowing that she is
now with God, and suffers no more.
On the positive side, my husband and I took a trip to
Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains this summer. This was a celebration of our
landmark wedding anniversary, a celebration of Canada’s 150th
birthday, and a celebration of improved health following surgery (due to the
traumatic event previously mentioned), that I had never expected to be so
blessed with. It was an amazing week of sharing our love of nature, each other,
and experiencing God’s love and replenishing. The unimaginable splendor and
majesty, power and glory of God, just made me want to praise Him more.
While in Alberta, we had the absolute joy and pleasure
to visit with many family members at a get-together hosted by my cousin. We
shared a delicious meal and had great conversations. I got to visit cousins I
hadn’t seen for over 40 years, and many second and third cousins that I had
never met! It is so great how God orchestrated all of this!
God said it was time for the matriarch of this family
to leave this world in November. She was the last of my father’s siblings, and
much loved by all. She left her legacy with her children; who like her, show
love and acceptance to all, and live life to the fullest. I am blessed by God, to
have been given her as my aunt: A beautiful woman, with a beautiful heart.
On Canada’s east coast, we had the joy of experiencing
some of the beautiful coastline of Nova Scotia’s south shore, while in Halifax
celebrating the Tall Ships Regatta in the summer. There are few words that
adequately describe our visit to Peggy’s Cove. Let’s just say, God was very
much there. He was there along the large rocks which held the famous
lighthouse. He was there in the depths of the ocean water. He was there in the
crashing waves, in the wind, and in the smell of salt water and seaweed. He was
so present with us.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Psalm 95:1-5 (NIV)
I have included a few photos I took of this great
country of mine. Experiencing so much of it, from east to west, and from the ocean to the mountain tops, caused me to love and praise the Creator like never before. May you look at them in awe, marvelling at God’s majesty. May
you get a sense of His awesome presence wherever you are. May you know that the
Creator of the heavens and earth sees you, hears you, and loves you deeply.
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| View of Banff, Alberta, from high above on Sulphur Mountain |
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| Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada |
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| Waterfowl Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada |
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| Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada |
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| Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada |
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| Lighthouse at a distance at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada |
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| Lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada |
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| Coastline at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada |
God Bless!
Joyful Hope
(Matthew 5:16)
Joyful Hope
(Matthew 5:16)
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JOYFUL HOPE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED