Find your inner woman 17: Forever young

The other day I walked into a bank to open an account and as I followed the petite, smiling banker to her desk she asked me if "we" were opening a teen account today...

Last week someone at youth group thought I was there as a student rather than one of the leaders...

At church on Sunday a kindly lady asked me what grade I was in...

Remarks like these used to really upset me but I think I really have come to terms with this young face of mine. I mean, what really is there to be upset about? Of course, everyone wants to look older when they are young and younger when they are old but isn't it all rather silly? What is the basis of this bizarre need to be viewed a certain age, even if it's just the age we actually are? It's not like we have anything to do with how old we are. It's not like I can take pride in my age or even ownership.

A person's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed - Job 14:5

My days are not my own. James says my life is only a vapour. Not exactly ample reason to stress about how many years I have had. Rather it's what I do WITH them that matters.

So I'll be "forever young" I guess, until that magical day when perhaps I will look older. I am who I am. Perhaps being "ageless" has it's perks. Perhaps it doesn't. What does it matter anyways? Perhaps we should just not judge people by their age or how they look, there's a thought...

After all God uses the weak against the strong and the foolish to shame the wise.

Where does that leave me? At the realization that I should see the person, not the stats written on their passport.

Besides sometimes I feel like a ten year old anyways... who's to judge?

a happy place

Summer Memories: August 8-11

The excitement began under sapphire blue skies and the brightest sunshine I've ever seen. How does one describe in mere words the magic of "the Happiest Place on Earth"? From the pavement beneath your dancing feet, to the flag topped spires of the castle, with all the music, rides and shows encompassed between, Disneyland embodies the childlike, limitless fascination of imagination. Every detail is perfectly designed to draw you into the world of make-believe; every song tugs at the heartstrings of your memory, stirring up clips from favourite childhood movies; even the smells are cheery: sugary churros, roasting turkey legs, fresh coffee...

I can remember walking in with my family that first day, all of us like giddy little children. We were ready to be amazed, looking for the magic, embracing the colours, the sounds, the laughter and smiles of everyone around us. Every corner led us to something brand new and exciting. Each ride brought a thrill of discovery and exploration. Each beloved character elicited squeals of joyous exclamation. 

Disneyland is oddly...perfect. I mean, until you put all us humans in it. It's so spic and span, seriously you could probably eat off of the ground. You could get lost in that world of imagination, the unrealistic fantasy of storyland...if not for the occasional baby screeching or the overpowering heat or the growing impatience that comes from waiting in too many lines. 

a patriotic place too...

Kind of puts things into perspective don't it? The supposed "Happiest Place on Earth" is a far cry from true happiness and joy. Without a doubt, it IS a happy place but I think it also highlights how inept we really are at creating our own joy. 

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11) 

Truly God blesses us with innumerable moments of joy here on earth. Imagine though, the "fullness of joy"; everlasting joy in His presence. One day we will be there forever, constantly praising and rejoicing in Him.

Disney magic all night long

the first

she's the first to hold you close
the first to love you heart and soul
she's the first to wipe your tears away
the first to teach you how to pray
she's the first to teach you wrong and right
the first to scold you for a fight
she's the first to buy your socks and shoes
the first to cheer even when you lose
she's the first to bake your favourite meal
the first to give you a disciplinary spiel
she's the first to praise your finger-paint art
the first to try to put back the pieces of your heart
she's the first to teach you how to sweep the floor
the first to worry when you leave to explore
she's the first to warn you "drive carefully"
the first to stay up waiting earnestly
she's the first to tuck you into bed
the first to forgive what you've heartlessly said
she's the first to encourage you to fly
the first cry as you wave goodbye
she's the first to pray for your future hopes and dreams
the first to calm all your emotional extremes
she's the first to notice something is wrong
the first to to lend her strength when you aren't strong
she's the first to offer her everything
making all the difference but not even realizing

Thanks Mom, for being there, always first.

Let the giving begin!

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. - Luke 6:38

I was so blessed yesterday to spend a couple of hours with the Bible School girls out in town shopping. But it wasn't just your average shopping trip! It was truly a special time.

We piled 12 of us into a couple vehicles and hit the dollar story, a regular girl-gang! There was much laughter and smiles as we grabbed baskets and headed through the aisles in search of special gifts; gifts not for ourselves, not for each other, but for little children around the world who have never received anything before. That's right, we were filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you have never heard of OCC, let me explain. Samaritan's Purse organizes the program every year in which you fill a shoe box with gifts, hygiene items, school supplies, etc and then they give them out to children in different countries around the world as Christmas gifts. Along with each box, they give the Gospel message. Lives are changed, whole villages are impacted and a child is given a special joy.

Moreover, it is such a joy to be the giver. One of my very favourite Christmas traditions, (and appropriately placed around thanksgiving time as well when we are all very aware of our own blessings) I enjoyed every minute of scouring the store for each special item. I packed the box with love and then my friend,who joined me in buying the gifts for this specific little girl, joined me in prayer for her and the whole program. I know that God can really use my little efforts and make a difference in this little girl's life and I'm excited to perhaps be a part of that blessing. I encourage all of you to get out there and fill a box. National collection week is November 14-21 so there's still time, no excuse people! Check out the website if you have questions: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/FAQ