Lent

I believe you would say that Lent is a time to ponder the reason that Jesus came to earth. The pain and suffering Jesus went through so that we can be saved. To reflect on the great sacrifice and remember that the reason that was necessary was that we are all poor miserable sinners. This lent I am attempting to read my Bible instead of other books as I normally would. I've decided to focus on the early Christians we learn about in Paul's letters.

It is a big deal to think that those believers were hearing this for the first time. Without much to prove it right, or written documents to back it up. Jesus resurrection and existence was the news of the day. To some of those of the day the Christian's news probably sounded like the new fad that wouldn't last, or the some crazy religion.

Maybe it's not much different today but I think at least in the Western countries most people have at least heard of Jesus and we have the Bible, written word about Jesus, that is from hundreds of years ago. This is not just the news, or the new fad, but the real truth. Jesus did die and rise again to save us from our sin. And if we believe that Jesus will take us to heaven to live with him forever when we leave this earth!! :)

Believe it and live!

Light

Today on this beautiful sunny day I read in my bible about Jesus being the light to the world. What a beautiful picture, light that shines in every corner of our lives. I've also heard it said that we are children of the light. Isn't that so true. I don't know about you but I am happiest, have more energy and are more willing to get outside and do things when the sun is shining. It's like a great big element of our world that we could not do without in the least. In the same way Jesus is a light we can not live without. Things usually tend to fall into place better when we trust God to lead the way. Without Jesus we have little purpose in life. But with Jesus we know that we should spread God's Word, and be there for our neighbours in any way we can. Of course we all fail at this daily because we are sinners and can not help that. But through God all things are possible and he will work in us to do good. So for now we can imagine the light of Christ in this world and know that he is here with us always. We can see the sunlight and be reminded of Christ. And we can look forward to the brilliance that we will see in heaven. For the bible says that the heavens are filled with the light of God.

Life since Christmas

So, Christmas was really great. got to spend time with some of our family. Those that are closest geographically.

I've been working 20-25 hrs a week and filling the rest of my time with various activities like household chores and hobbies. I still play piano for church services twice a month and teach Sunday school 1-2 times a month. Sunday school teaching certainly doesn't come easy to me but somehow God uses me to teach the children about him.

I've been singing in a community choir which rehearses one evening a week. That's been a lot of fun and I even have a friend to go with now. That makes it so much more enjoyable. :)

My husband is doing very well at his work, learning lots and we are half way through our time here. Now the topic of moving in August often comes to mind and all the changes and plans that have to be made for the move to work well. Seems stressful to think about having to find an apt and a job for me while hubby is in school again.

Only a year and a half to go until hubby is done school and we'll be able to settle somewhere for more than one year. At least that's my hope and prayer.

In a couple weeks my sister-in-law is coming to visit! That should be fun although the weekend is filling up fast. Hopefully we'll get to show her the sights and make her time here enjoyable.

And so life goes on. One day at a time, with the Joy of the Lord with us always.

Disappointment and Hope

Perhaps the novelty has worn off. Perhaps this town, this experience is only exciting for a certain length of time. Maybe that time is up and so now I am only aware of the less than ideal circumstances.

Perhaps our schedule is really getting me down. If we continue on the way we've been I believe our schedule with very little time for each other will make me to feel very lonely. We've already made a little adjustment toward the better and I hope that we will continue to be aware that time together is very valuable.

I have little motivation to do housework. I want to be busy but something in my mind is holding me back. I'm frustrated that every evening is scheduled with something for one of us and every day one or both of us is working.

I'm frustrated still that yesterday, the first day off we've had together in a while, I was called in to work. And you might say that I could have said no, and while that is true it would have really put a strain on the workplace that I didn't want to create. You see there is almost nobody to fill in when someone is sick.

I didn't envision our time to work out this way. And while I try to make the best of each day and each situation I'm finding that harder to do this week.

I pray for God to give me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to know how to be the best help to my husband. I pray for God to forgive me as I am less than appreciative of what I have at this moment. I pray for God to show me the joy in each day. Amen.

My thoughts are there even if I can't be.

Do you ever feel like you'd love to be in two or three places at once? I don't just mean like at home and work at the same time. I mean like here and at somewhere 4 provinces over too. There's a friend I'm concerned about and I'd really like to be there to be a good friend to her. I know that God is with her but it's always good to have a good friend close by. For now phone calls will have to do. :)

Christmas cards

I'm busy making Christmas cards and thankful that my gift buying is almost completed! :)Thinking ahead to decorating the house a little and baking some too. I love this time of year. Lots of joy, laughter, love and giving. Family, friends and Christmas church services. All brings joy to my life.

Joy is something I strive to find in every day and can only find through the gift of Jesus my Saviour. Rejoice for our Living God is among us even now and will come back to take us to heaven to live with him forever!!

Best news ever!

AVG

This is a warning for those using AVG antivirus software. It can be corrupted by viruses apparently and then disable your computer to the point of needing to reinstall windows and start from scratch again.

This unfortunate situation happened to me a couple weeks ago and I have now reinstalled windows and as you might have guessed I am not using AVG again.

Thankfully my computer was not a write off like I thought it was. :) And I have it back up and running now. :)