A Fresh Perspective

It's always good to gain a fresh perspective.  Sometimes that comes easier than at other times in life.  Serving lunch at Siloam Mission (a soup kitchen in downtown Winnipeg) was a good chance to put Christmas in perspective.  The line was quick and busy so I didn't have much of an opportunity to look up from the stuffing I was adding to each plate.  I was thankful for the gentleman at the end of the food line who, after adding a piece of dessert to each plate, wished each patron a good lunch.  He did what I could not and I was thankful that each person was acknowledged.  When I did have a second to glance up, most patrons had smiles on their faces and said many "thank you's" for the meal.  It's been cold in Manitoba lately and I complain as soon as I have to head outside, even for a few moments as I run from the house to the car.  After lunch, each of the patrons would be hitting the cold streets again, waiting until supper would be served and they can warm up.  In the midst of a season where it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gifts and gatherings, it was good to be reminded of what's really important and see life through another set of eyes.

Canadian Sex Tourists

Check out the following Winnipeg Free Press article about Canadian sex tourists:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/asian-girls-harmed-by-canadian-sex-tourists-find-refuge-but-abuses-continue-184966961.html

Peace

“If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace among nations.

If there is to be peace among nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.”

~Lao Tzu

'Tis the Season

Question:  What is better than walking up to the counter of your favorite coffee shop and finding out that someone else has covered your bill?

Answer:  Paying it forward by paying for the next person's!

'Tis the Season!

Ana

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQdkLosDisA

Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing,
Help us to praise!
Father all-glorious,
O'er all victorious,
Come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/love-wins-in-newtown-184528851.html

We Cry for Justice

At a time when songs and messages are filled with "peace on earth" and "joy to the world", I'm finding it difficult to really grasp the hope of Christmas in light of the current state of our world.  There is something entirely wrong when the most vulnerable and least in our society are preyed upon.  When small children in Connecticut are repeatedly shot at close range; when women delivering polio vaccinations in Pakistan are attacked and killed; when BC sex trade women literally vanish into thin air and are treated as though they did not exist; when a 23-year old woman is gang raped in India where violence against women is largely ignored. . .we cry for justice!

In Luke 18:7 & 8a, Jesus said, "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?  Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly."

IKEA Winnipeg

For anyone who knows me, I have been waiting for the chance to hit IKEA Winnipeg since the moment it was announced that they were coming and today was finally the day!  The store did not disappoint - I actually found more than what I was looking for (big surprise).  It was strange though to go through the store and not figure out exactly what I should buy because I'm used to thinking that it will be months or years until I get back to the store (I've even planned holiday trips around where IKEA stores are located) - no more of that!!

P.S. - Apparently I promised my friend Rob that I would mention him in this blog and he's a little cheesed that I didn't so here's his shout out. . .wouldn't have shared my very first visit to IKEA Winnipeg with anyone else!

Happy 12~12~12!!

And you thought it was just another day. . .check out some fun facts about this day in history (lots of math going on!):

rt.com/news/features/december-12-marriage-doomsday-844

CNN: Operation Hope - Full Version

Check out the full version of CNN's Operation Hope at:

 www.cnn.com/2012/12/06/world/freedom-project-operation-hope/index.html

Life After Escaping an Indian Brothel

Check out the following article by Natalie Kitroeff from The New York Times:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/10/life-after-escaping-an-indian-brothel/#more-11837

Shining ~ Sanctus Real

This is my new favorite Christmas song.  I heard it once and can't get it out of my head.  Love, love, love it!

The dawn of peace Christmas Eve, the final night the world would sleep,

Fearful of the dark, but there was a shining star leading

Wise men to a humble place, where they would find the Gift of Grace,

Laying before their eyes, hope had come to life.

The Light of the world was shining; the Light of the world was shining,

He came just like He promised; His love would not be silent.

Hearts would quake on Christmas Day, as they looked upon the Savior's face,

God became a man; they could reach and touch His hands.

The hands that made the blind to see, that carried the weight of suffering,

That washed away our sins, so we could be born again.

The Light of the world is shining; the Light of the world is shining,

He came just like He promised; His love will not be silent,

The Light of the world is shining, from heaven to earth He's shining,

He came just like He promised; His love will not be silent.

The world knows Christ is born, oh; the King of love has come,

And our hearts will be His throne, it is known, Christ is born.

Light of the world, leading us home, Shepherd of Hearts, come for His own,

The Light of the world is shining; the Light of the world is shining,

He came just like He promised; His love will not be silent,

The Light of the world is shining, from heaven to earth He's shining,

He came just like He promised; His love will not be silent, He's shining.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjGcGmmGM1A

Our Generation ~ Sean Quigley

From the guy who brought us the Little Drummer Boy last Christmas, comes:

www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_891156&feature=iv&hd=1&src_vid=IrNcD34KFhM&v=1KlHfZkVMbU

CNN: Operation Hope

 

 thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

edition.cnn.com/2012/12/06/world/freedom-project-operation-hope/index.html

Life of Pi

I'm not sure why I missed out reading the Life of Pi about a decade ago (I've already ordered it from Chapters and it's on its way!) but went to go see the 3D movie this past weekend.  And it was so good I'm planning to see it again!  The graphics were amazing and the storyline was even better!  There's a lot to think about and I definitely recommend the movie (and I'm guessing the book as well).

On Our Knees

The advent season started yesterday and we began a little differently in my church. . .on our knees.  It was a humbling way to bring in this season - one I thoroughly enjoyed, even in the discomfort of it.  It brings back a lot of memories for me as a child.  On the rare occasion that I attended my grandmother's church, I was always taken off guard when, literally, the entire congregation dropped to the floor of the church for prayer.  We didn't do this in my home church and so it always surprised me when it happened.  As I grew older, it was something I looked forward to when I went to visit her.  As an adult, it was something that I thanked the congregation for.  It was in part because of those faithful prayers - and then people standing up and being the hands and feet to those prayers - that my grandmother, one widow of many in the church, was taken care of.

The Magnificat

I really enjoyed the Steve Bell trio that played some old favorites and some new Christmas songs last night.  But what I really appreciate about Steve Bell is that he can play with 2 other guitar players or the symphony orchestra, and he is the same person.  He has a great stage presence and his banter (sometimes serious, many times not) between songs is as much a part of the evening as the songs are.

Last night he referred to the passage from Luke 1:46 - 55 (The Magnificat by Mary).  He said that Mary is not the only person who God asked to dwell in.  At some point in all of our lives, He asks that of each of us:  will we allow the one who created us to dwell within us, and establish a relationship that we were designed for?

And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."

Finding Me

I've been seeing my counselor for just over a year now.  There has been a lot of growth in that time - both through positive changes and through many struggles.  I've looked at the way I act and, just as importantly, how I react.  One of the first things my counselor told me was that the hardest thing is to know yourself and she is right.

It's frustrating to know things in your head, but not have them transfer into your heart, into your being.  One of the hardest things for me is not to live under other people's expectations.  My head knows that, but at the end of the day, my heart has not grasped that concept yet.  To look at myself in the mirror and try to figure out what it is that I want in my life and who I want to be, ignoring what everyone else says, is a challenge.  To be the person God designed me to be, not the one that others think I should be.  In short, I'm just trying to find me.

Bangladesh Garment Factory Fire

Check out the following article about a fire in a Bangladesh garment factory and please consider where your purchases are coming from, especially this holiday season:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/at-least-8-killed-scores-hurt-after-fire-races-through-garment-factory-in-bangladesh-180695091.html

Your Whole Life

The other day I posted a link about a Sojourners article that featured a presentation that Bono made at Georgetown University.  If you scrolled down to the very bottom, it included the YouTube video of the presentation.  I had some time (or made the time!) to watch it over the weekend and would recommend that you do the same.  He talks for about an hour (if you skip over the introduction speeches) and it's moving.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PUZFgBqcYt8#!

"And I'm here to tell you that your heart is not the most important thing - it helps - but your heart is not going to solve these problems.  If your heart hasn't found a rhyme with your head, we're not going to get anywhere.  It's not charity that fires us at the ONE campaign or at RED - it's justice.  That's what inflames us.  And justice is a higher, tougher standard. . .In truth, if you want to turn the world right-side up, it's not going to take a minute or an hour or a day - it's going to take your whole life."  ~Bono

Oh Our Lord ~ Paul Baloche

Normally, if I really like a song, I find the lyrics and post them here.  We've only sung this song for 2 weeks in church (and I'm hoping today again!), but I just can't get it out of my system.  And I don't think you'll get the whole effect without the music, so check out the video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCQ60V1xwX8

God in a Brothel

I just finished reading the book God in a Brothel.  An incredibly hard read as it takes you into the fight against human trafficking from an undercover perspective.  It was very candid and certainly should make anyone reading it, sit up and take notice.  I really appreciated Daniel Walker's style of writing - he went back and forth from his missions to his own personal journey, including pages of pertinent facts about issues surrounding trafficking (for example, corruption, the internet, pedophiles, aftercare, etc).  He wrote from his Christian background, which is not as perfect as some may believe before they start reading - I commend him for his honesty, which I'm sure was difficult, reliving about 4 years of his life as he wrote the book.  Here are a few quotes from the book:

"I noticed that many of the older girls, twelve and thirteen years old, had lost all life in their eyes.  They appeared to be in a trance or under some kind of dark magician's spell.  They moved with a slow resignation; no amount of smiling, warmth or kindness on my part could draw them out.  The systematic and prolonged sexual abuse of children and young people is perhaps the very worst crime against humanity because, as I saw day after day, it strips them of their heart and soul.  It murders the person but leaves their bodies alive."  (p. 89)

"With a mission to fearlessly expose evil and rescue those oppressed and enslaved, the church has been called to be the perfect abolitionist."  (p. 130)

"Our [the church's] message has little credibility while we remain afraid, indifferent and inactive in the face of human slavery occurring in our own backyard.

Sadly, as I reflected on this, I realized that the fear that I carried into the very first brothel I visited was a fear I learned in the church.  It is there we learn to fear our sinful nature.  We learn to be suspicious of the world, and we fear those who may threaten or harm us or our families.  We tend to either fear evil or trivialize it.  And perhaps most daunting for the Western church, we fear failure.  In a culture governed by management ideals and pragmatic strategies for success, a willingness to live faithfully before God no matter what the circumstances, costs or outcomes is especially challenging."  (p. 131 - 132)

"The worship lyrics of most modern churches are often inserted into a PowerPoint image depicting the beauty of nature or the majesty of the universe.  How would our worship change if we used images of imprisoned slaves instead?  What would happen if we stopped asking to see God in heaven and instead asked to see him in the eyes of prostituted children?  What would happen if in the face of the very worst forms of depravity and evil in the world Christians walked in the knowledge that they are the dangerous ones and the ones to be feared?"  (p. 135)

www.nvader.org

"There is no them. Only us." ~Bono

My friend Teresa forwarded me the following link. . .I hope that you'll find it as inspirational as I did:

sojo.net/blogs/2012/11/13/bono-preaches-gospel-social-justice-georgetown

There are Moments. . .

There are moments when we wish it would slow down, and others when it couldn't speed up fast enough.  It's certainly something we have no control over:  time.  When we want time to stand still so we can enjoy this moment just a little more.  Or when it ticks so slowly that we're certain the hands of time have forgotten that they're not allowed to ever stop.  Perhaps wishing we could go back in time to relive a past memory or wanting to jump ahead to the future.  But we can't - all we have is this very second in time.  When life is good and we want to savor each minute, or maybe we're hoping that time really will heal the wounds.  Love it or hate it, time just keeps ticking away.  So on this, the eve of my 34th birthday, I'm taking some time. . .

"We need time to dream,

time to remember &

time to reach the infinite.

Time to be."

~Gladys Taber

A Poppy

I really appreciated the following article from The Winnipeg Free Press.  For me, as a Mennonite and a pacifist, there's always been a struggle around Remembrance Day.  Certainly, not something addressed in church from the pulpit (at least not in my lifetime).  That was different this year because the church that I'm currently attending (which, by the way, is still Mennonite) and also Rob, a friend of mine.  Somewhere over the course of this past year we talked about Remembrance Day and the line that he said that stayed with me was this:  "No one who has ever gone to fight in a war, wants war to happen again - that's part of the reason they go."  Pacifist or not, the final goal for all of us is peace.  And that gives me a lot of peace regarding Remembrance Day and it is the reason that I wear a poppy.  For all of those who gave their lives for my freedom, today I stop and remember. . .

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/yes-im-a-pacifist----and-yes-i-wear-a-poppy-178326201.html

Hunkering Down

I've been waiting for this moment all day long.  It was the reason I slept in longer than usual and when I did wake up, I stayed nice and cozy, reading a book in bed for a while.  It was the reason I've not been very ambitious in all the things I still need to do this weekend - marking, prepping, cleaning, laundry.  It was the reason I was still in pajamas after lunch and why my bed was still not made.  Yes, the moment finally arrived - the streets were already icy with freezing rain and as the winds started to pick up, the snow began to fly.  A snowstorm was promised and now the moment has finally arrived!  All my laziness today is now excusable - it's a storm day!  No going out, no make-up on, sweats are the only appropriate attire, cue the Christmas music. . .hunkering down for the first snowstorm of the year!

Risk

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken

because the greatest hazard

in life is to risk nothing.

The person who

risks nothing,

does nothing,

has nothing,

is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and

sorrow, but they cannot

learn,

feel,

change,

grow,

love,

live.

Chained by their certitudes,

they are as a slave,

they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

~Anonymous

What Does It Mean to Be Human? ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Finding the time to read has been a struggle as of late, but I started reading "What Does It Mean to Be Human?" which is the perfect read because it is complied of short responses by a variety of people, giving their own answer to that question.  Here is part of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's answer (p. 269 - 272):

"God created you because God loves you.  If each of us could grasp this truth and let it take root in us, there would be no place in the world for violence, for inhumanity, for ethnic animosities and genocide, for war and destruction.

For the believers there is no option when faced with injustice, oppression, and racism but to oppose them with every fiber of our being.  It is a religious, not a political, duty.  Not to do so would be to disobey God.  To treat children of God as if they were less than this is not just evil, as undoubtedly it is.  It is not just painful, as it must be often for the victim of the injustices of racism and oppression.  It is veritably blasphemous, for it is as if we had spit in the face of God.

As God's representatives we are meant to bear rule over the rest of God's creation, not to exploit it harshly and irresponsibly but to bear rule as God would, caringly and compassionately, not being wantonly wasteful of irreplaceable natural resources, not callously polluting the atmosphere and the rivers, but as those who are God's stewards, knowing we will have to give an account of our stewardship.

We are created 'like God' to be creative in our relationships, in our work, in music, in the arts, in drama, in literature, even as gardeners.  We can be creative in bringing beauty out of ugliness, peace out of war, harmony out of disharmony, order out of disorder, health out of disease.  And we should not look to do what is spectacular and headline-grabbing.  The mundane and unobtrusive can be equally wonderful opportunities for exercising our creativity."

Tory & Family

invisiblepeople.tv/blog

Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide

I know some of you have been shopping for Christmas for months now and others of you are saying "Christmas shopping?  It's still 2 months away!"  Whenever you do shop for Christmas, I encourage you to be a conscious consumer and buy ethically this year.  Yes, it does require a little more work, but consider the long term effects that your purchase could have.  Buying fair trade means that artisans are getting paid properly and can put food on their table and send their kids to school.  Buying products that are not made by slaves means that people are free to work and dream.  Food, school, work and dream - all things we expect in our own lives and I believe that everyone around the world should be able to expect of their lives.  Check out the 2012 Ethical Holiday Shopping Guide (especially Jolica's ad!) and see where you can start to make a difference this holiday season:

www.ethicalholidayshoppingguide.com

The Help

I started reading The Help over the summer and had to put it away for about a month when school started.  I picked it up again over Thanksgiving and have been plugging away to finish it up.  I definitely recommend the movie, as I saw that first, but if you are a reader at all, then I'm sure you'll agree that the book is even better.  If you haven't read it yet, find yourself a copy and before you even start it, know that you're in for a good read!

CNN: Debt Bondage in Construction Industry

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: Debt Bondage in Shrimp & Tea Industry

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: Debt Bondage in Carpet Industry

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

my name is Amanda Todd

My time and use of the Internet is very limited, especially compared to the teenagers out there, including the ones I teach every day.  This blog is probably my biggest leap 'out there' as I'm not on Facebook or other social media sites.  And I'm ok with that - I've got my email and I check news online, etc - but I understand that for the students I'm teaching, the Internet has many other meanings and uses.  The theme of voices, specifically women's and girls' voices, has really come out for me this week.  So today, without her knowledge because she passed away this past Wednesday, Amanda Todd's voice (or at least her words) will be heard.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOHXGNx-E7E&safe=active

The Very 1st International Day of the Girl Child

I hope you will find some way to commemorate today with me - it is the very first international day of the girl child, as declared by the UN.  Perhaps you will go out and celebrate with the girls in your life; or maybe it will be a time of reflection, thinking about girls around the world who don't have opportunities, simply because they are a girl.  Either way, I urge you to get involved in some way.  More information at Plan Canada's Because I am a Girl website:

becauseiamagirl.ca/page.aspx?pid=4430

and check out CNN article India's Sex Slaves Face Lifelong Cycle of Abuse:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/10/indias-sex-slaves-face-lifelong-cycle-of-abuse

World Sight Day

Tomorrow (10-11-12 for us number people out there!!) is World Sight Day and TOMS has a great piece on their website about it:

WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY THE WORLD SEES.

Head to www.toms.ca/world-sight-day and be sure to scroll through all their slides (look for the 7 dots at the top of the screen) for some great information.

So That Her Voice Will Be Heard

I have a long list of things to be thankful for in my life, especially as I reflected this past Thanksgiving weekend.  My cousin sent me this article and it once again reminded me that freedom of speech is something that I should not take for granted,  especially as a woman.  So I post today on behalf of 14-year old Malala Yousafzai and use my voice so that her voice will be heard.

world.time.com/2012/10/09/malala-yousafzai-the-latest-victim-in-pakistans-war-on-children

Gratitude ~ Louie Schwartzberg

I know that I just posted this a little while ago, but I thought it was appropriate to post it again as Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day today.  Even if it's not Thanksgiving where you live, may it be a day to give thanks for your many blessings!

"And so I wish that you would

open your heart to all these blessings

and let them flow through you

that everyone whom you will meet

on this day will be blessed by you.

Just by your eyes;

by your smile;

by your touch;

just by your presence.

Let the gratefulness overflow

into blessing all around you.

And then it will really be a good day."

movingart.tv

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) ~ Matt Redman

Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

Colors of Autumn

I know that some of my friends around the world are heading into spring right now, but in my part of the world we are in the middle of autumn - my favorite season of the year.  Something stirs within me when I see the trees start to turn color.  As I drive down my street, it is like nature itself decided to decorate and it's more beautiful than anything I could ever hope to create myself as I see yellow and orange leaves crowning the trees.  And the best treat is to find the red leaves, which seem to be more rare and the most beautiful of them all!  It certainly helps that we have had a few gorgeous days in regard to temperature and it's about making the most of it, because colder days are just around the corner.  So here's to celebrating the amazing colors of autumn!

Tony

invisiblepeople.tv/blog

Tony's interview certainly puts my health issues into perspective and it certainly makes me thankful to live in Canada and have the health care that we do.

CNN: A Stand in the Sinai

Check out CNN's 3 part series called A Stand in the Sinai at:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/26/stand-in-the-sinai-now-online

Please note the viewer discretion is advised.

Sahel Emergency Food Appeal

From the Canadian Foodgrains Bank website:

"A year ago, the world watched as a food crisis unfolded in East Africa. What seemed like non-stop media coverage prompted millions of Canadians to respond to help people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia caught by drought, conflict and famine. Generous giving to the Foodgrains Bank enabled us to provide over $18 million of food assistance to 587,000 people in that region. We thank all who gave for making this possible! Today, another food crisis is unfolding, this time in the Sahel region in West Africa. So far, there has been almost no media attention, despite the fact that over 18 million people face food shortages due to drought and late and erratic rains that have crippled harvests. The Foodgrains Bank is responding to this crisis through its member agencies and their partners. We have already committed $10 million to projects in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These projects will reach over 278,000 people in need."

You can make a donation through the Foodgrains Bank (or another reputable charity) until the end of September and your donation with be matched by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through its Sahel Crisis Matching Fund.  I ask that you consider getting involved and donating during this last week of September.  Your $5 is really $10 and your $100 is really $200.  For more information go to:

www.foodgrainsbank.ca

Walk for the Shelters

Walk for the Shelters starts tomorrow, September 24 in Winkler and ends at the Manitoba Legislative Building on September 29.  For more information about the Walk, how you can join in, how to donate, or more about Steve Braun, go to:

www.walkfortheshelters.com

The Shoes Off His Feet

It's so nice to be able to share a feel-good story!  This story has taken off and most of you will already know it, but I still wanted to share it.  Way to go Kris!!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/bus-driver-walks-the-charity-walk-170464686.html

CNN: Nun Offers Oasis of Hope for Refugees

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: Bedouin Leader Stands Up to Traffickers

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Grace's Story

ijm.ca

Getting Better

“Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any misery, any depression, since after all you don't know what work these conditions are doing inside you? Why do you want to persecute yourself with the question of where all this is coming from and where it is going? Since you know, after all, that you are in the midst of transitions and you wished for nothing so much as to change. If there is anything unhealthy in your reactions, just bear in mind that sickness is the means by which an organism frees itself from what is alien; so one must simply help it to be sick, to have its whole sickness and to break out with it, since that is the way it gets better."

 ~ Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Gratitude ~ LouieSchwartzberg

"And so I wish that you would

open your heart to all these blessings

and let them flow through you

that everyone whom you will meet

on this day will be blessed by you.

Just by your eyes;

by your smile;

by your touch;

just by your presence.

Let the gratefulness overflow

into blessing all around you.

And then it will really be a good day."

movingart.tv

Finding Balance

Obviously last week was very busy for me - I wasn't able to blog at all!  The start of the school year is filled with meetings and meeting students; using our heads again and headaches; getting back into a schedule and scheduling time to eat and sleep.  There is a lot of learning going on, not only for my students, but for me.  I am learning how to present a course online and getting used to the fact that I have students AND computers in my class, which adds a unique dimension to my lessons.

More than anything, I am trying my best to find better balance in my life during this time.  Working hard and having fun; getting enough sleep and eating better; spending time with others and finding time for myself.  Even though my work day only starts around 10:30, I get up at 6, ready for a sub call.  And in order to get up at 6 and get my 8 hours of sleep, the hardest part is getting to bed by 10, but I'm working hard at making it habit as I get used to a new routine.  So in the midst of computers and students, meetings and prep, my overall goal is to find balance in all of that.

Living by Faith

When I arrived home from my YWAM travels at the end of 2009, I was restless, but it was a good restless.  I was eager to use what I had learned and experienced to impact others back home.  I had no idea if I would find myself back in the classroom or not, but whatever and wherever I ended up, I knew that I was a different person than I was before I left.  And so I waited.  I waited for God to tell me where He wanted me and what He wanted me to do.  And don't get me wrong, waiting on God is a good thing - the problem came in that my beliefs didn't line up with action in my life - my heart was in the right spot but my butt was still in the chair.

I am learning more and more that as I go out and live life by doing things (not simply for the sake of doing them but doing them as an offering back to God as I am compelled by His love for me), God will let me know if it's not the right thing.  It's not about sitting on my hands, waiting for a divine revelation (though God can speak that way if He chooses to).  It's about very literally being the hands and feet of Christ.  So I pray for God's direction to guide me and then I get up and live the life that He's graciously given me to live, by faith.  I can't tell you why I was born in North America and why I've had the privilege of education and travel and so many other good things in my life, but I do know that there will come a day when I will have to give an account for my life - not simply for the prayers I have prayed (which are all good), but for my actions and my words, and whether Jesus was made real through my life, through my hands, through my feet and through my heart.  I believe that living by faith is not only taking the time to pray and read the Bible, but it's also a matter of where I find myself each day and the people I encounter along the way.  Oswald Chambers said it like this:  "We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do."

The Winds of Change

It's hard to believe that the summer is winding down and fall is right around the corner.  The laid back pace of holidays is exchanged for routine and schedule.  A time of transition when life "gets back to normal".  I felt the anxiety last week already - there's comfort in routine but there's also stress in how fast life seems to pick up.  I am so incredibly thankful for another term position of teaching until the end of January.  Once again I am teaching outside of my teachables, so I know that there is a lot of work to do, but I also know that God is not giving me more than I can handle.  What a year of change is has been when I look back to this time last year:  I was applying to substitute teach as I  finished up working nights at the woman's shelter, not knowing that there were 2 teaching terms ahead of me.  I couldn't even venture a guess as to where I will be a year from now.  The winds of change are definitely blowing.  And as hard as it is to let go of the summer, the fall is coming, and it's best to embrace it. . .a new season is starting.

Beach Yoga

I started practicing yoga last November and I quickly went from one class a week to two.  I know many people imagine that it's time spent just meditating, and that's part of it, but it has been a good physical workout for me where I've noticed changes in my body (especially in regard to strength and toning).  It has also been a great compliment to the counseling I'm doing, as I am working to find better balance in my life and so for that hour class, I am able to focus on myself and not worry about the rest of life.  It's amazing that even when my knees are shaking and my muscles are quivering, that I find great peace there.

I decided to take a bit of a break from yoga over the summer (because of financial reasons more than anything) and so I have enjoyed the sun and pool participating in aqua size.  But as the summer winds down this week, in combination with some anxiety over the new school year starting (it's my first start to the year since 2008!), I made the decision to go to aqua size and yoga classes every day this week.  Waking up at 6:15 in the morning on summer holidays is not really my idea of fun, but today it was well worth it as I tried beach yoga for the first time.

As calming as yoga normally is, this morning was unbelievable.  The class was held at Colert Beach in Morden, with the sun slowly rising above us.  Fish were jumping and splashing in the water, while a chipmunk kept us company from the trees.  It was truly amazing to be out in God's creation, exercising a body and mind that He has entrusted me to care for while on this earth.  A beautiful blue sky, green leaves on the trees and a crystal clear reflection off the water - all made for me to enjoy this morning!

Mere Christianity

I have never done a book study before but decided to do one this summer with my friend Rob.  We picked Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis which has been a really good read.  We have finished the first 3 books so far, with 1 book remaining.  There have been many interesting discussions:  things we agree about, things we disagree about, things we agree with Lewis about, things we disagree with Lewis about.  Sometimes we stay on topic, talking about the chapter, but more often than not, we end up on a completely different tangent.

Today we read the chapters on Charity and Hope, which are among my favorites so far.  Lewis ends the chapter on Charity saying:

"But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His [God's] love for us does not.  It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him." (page 133)

Website Update

Just a note that Jolica has updated our personal websites and there's a lot of great new information so check it out and see what you think:

www.jolica.com/ladawn.siemens

Deloresart

One of my favorite Manitoba companies is Deloresart out of Brandon.  She is so creative and is able to combine beautiful art with amazing quotes.  This must be a new one because I haven't seen it yet and I thought I would share it with you.  Check out her website at www.deloresart.ca

Fear less, hope more;

Sigh less, breathe more;

Talk less, say more;

Hate less, love more... and all good things are yours.
The greatest oak was once a nut that held its ground.

we'll change the world. . .

"My friends, love is better than anger.

Hope is better than fear.

Optimism is better than despair.

So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.

And we'll change the world."

 

~Jack Layton

The Dance of. . .

I made the decision to see my counselor for fewer sessions over the summer, partly to break up routine and partly to give myself a little break.  She did suggest some books to read and I thought that was a great idea since there would be less counseling and I should have the time to read over the summer break.  I had to get over the idea that the books were about 25 years old, but nonetheless, have been great reads and have amazing and useful ideas for myself.  I read "The Dance of Intimacy" first and I just started "The Dance of Anger" (her original bestseller).  The basic premise is that we are in a patterned dance in regards to the relationships we have in our lives - we make a move and that affects the other person's next move and so on.  The books are written for women but I'm sure they provide a lot of insight for men as well.  Harriet Lerner is the author and I highly recommend that you check them out.

Blood Phones & Conflict Minerals

My cousin forwarded me this CNN article (thanks Jos!) and I think that it's a great read so please check it out.  There are also some videos to check out there.  Once you finish reading and watching the CNN article, head to the Enough Project website to find out more and how you can get involved.

www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/tech/gaming-gadgets/congo-blood-phones-report/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

enoughproject.org

Even If ~ Kutless

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lord we know your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

You're still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You're working all things for our good
We'll sing your praise

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn't come
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lifting up Community through Handmade Paper

www.jolica.com/ladawn.siemens

CNN: Trafficking Class for Men Using Prostitutes

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

My name is LaDawn and I am an addict. . .

Thankfully, the 2012 London Olympics will be closing the games today!  I do not consider myself an athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but the Olympic Games always capture my attention.  For 2 weeks, my TV has been 'running' non-stop (it's off otherwise) and I know that I will be getting a lot more accomplished once the closing ceremony ends.  I love the spirit of the games and how they celebrate the best in humanity.  And though I don't understand many of the rules that govern the events and even wonder how some of them are actual events, but that doesn't stop me from being captivated for 2 solid weeks of the summer (only to do it again in 2 years for the winter games!).  My name is LaDawn and I am an Olympics addict. . .

Soul Surfer

I finally had the chance to check out the movie "Soul Surfer" and if you haven't had a chance to check it out for yourself yet, I would definitely recommend it.  It's a powerful story and affirms my belief that God can use whatever in our lives to draw us closer to Himself.  I went to the website (www.soulsurfer.com) and love this quote from Bethany:

"The way I see it, putting our faith in God is something that each person has to come to on his or her own. It's your own personal relationship with Him; a bond that's as unique as a fingerprint."

Mission 865: North Embera

My friend Tulio sent me this video link.  It was a quick trip down memory lane from my time in Panama.  Tulio is the voice for Peter and is shown a number of times in the video.  The church in Gamboa, across from the Panama Canal, was home sweet home for most of the summer of 2009.

mission865.org

War Refugee

partnersworld.ca

The Story of Change

Check out the latest video in The Story of Stuff series - The Story of Change:

www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-change

Jesus, Friend of Sinners ~ Casting Crowns

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

"Every woman has a story. . ."

Last week on CHVN, I heard about a woman named Jessica.  She has a story.  She was inspired by Village Artisan (www.villageartisan.com), an eco-friendly fair trade company handcrafting jewelry, sari scarves, paper, soaps and oils by artisans from North India.  Jessica was so inspired that she created a t-shirt with the message "Knowledge is Power".  All proceeds from the sale of the shirts (available directly from Jessica at sales@tradefairimports.ca or at McNally Robinson in the Grant Park Mall) go to sending a Village Artisan's child in India to school for one year.  Certainly knowledge is power for these kids, but it's also power for us when we understand and support fair trade ventures.  The t-shirt campaign will continue until August - adult shirts are $25 (taxes included) and children’s are $15.

I was so excited to support this cause that I headed into Winnipeg to check things out for myself.  I ended up buying 2 t-shirts, a sari scarf and a necklace, which had this written on its tag:

". . .Every woman has a story. . .
Uniquely yours, the VA jewelry collection has been carefully designed and handcrafted to create an expression of you and your story.

By wearing this piece (as only you can!) you are also telling the story of the artisan women in North India whose hearts and dreams are carried within this piece.  Their story is one of HOPE, DIGNITY and EMPOWERMENT that comes from the opportunity to be trained at a skill and to work at a fair wage in a caring community.

Hand in hand with you for change,

The Village Artisan Family"

"Every woman has a story. . ."

The Proof of Your Love ~ For King & Country

If I sing but don't have love

I waste my breathe with every song

I bring, an empty voice

A hollow noise

If I speak with a silver tongue

Convince a crowd but don't have love

I leave a bitter taste

With every word I say

So let my life be the proof

The proof of Your love

Let my love look like You

And what You're made of

How you lived, how You died

Love is sacrifice

So let my life be the proof

The proof of Your love

If I give to a needy soul

But don't have love then who is poor

It seems all the poverty

Is found in me

When it's all said and done

When we sing our final song

Only love remains

Only love remains

If I speak with human eloquence

and angelic ecstasy but don't love,

I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

If I speak God's Word with power,

revealing all his mysteries and

making everything plain as day,

and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump,"

and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.

If I give everything I own to the poor

and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr,

but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere.

So, no matter what I say,

what I believe,

and what I do,

I'm bankrupt without love.

(1 Corinthians 13:1-7, The Message)

"Our Children will not be Bought or Sold"

Check out the following article from the Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Smith-condemns-recruiting-teens-for-porn-strip-clubs-as-slave-trade-164036666.html

A Creed For Those Who Have Suffered

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. . .

I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. . .

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise. . .

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. . .

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. . .

I got nothing I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed!

~Unknown Confederate Soldier

Raspberry Jam ~ A Photo-Essay

I have been pet sitting for friends this month and was told to help myself to their raspberries.  So last week, I picked them and made raspberry jam for the first time!

The raspberries were huge,

and the morning sun was beautiful!

The picking was easy -

4 cups of berries in 1/2 hour.

Mashed berries, ready to cook, just

add sugar & lemon juice -

a cauldron of bubbly sweetness!

Now Certo & skim off the top -

into jars & wait for the pop!

My first batch of thick raspberry jam!

She Has A Name

I previewed one of the plays featured at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in an earlier blog (called She Has A Name).  I went last night and, after having seen it, I would especially recommend it.  It is a powerful play with strong acting and a moving message for our time.  It has 5 more showings:  tonight at 11 p.m., July 23 at 8:30 p.m., July 24 at 12 p.m., July 25 at 5:15 p.m. and July 26 at 3:30 p.m., plus it will continue playing in other Canadian cities until October.  The show is playing at MTYP at the Forks and tickets are $10 at the door.  For more information, check out:  shehasaname.net

CNN: Teen Escapes from Brothel Nightmare

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Creation & Humanity

"The world is not as it should be."

That was one of the opening lines from yesterday's sermon at church.  This summer we are going through a series called "Confessions:  Echoes of the Divine Truth".  Each week we are looking at topics of faith, as broad as those universal to Christians around the world and as specific as those to our conference and church.  In the past 2 weeks we looked at God and the Revelation of God.  Yesterday's topic was the Creation and Humanity.  When you boiled it down, what we really talked about was stewardship.  Stewardship is not only how I use my money or take care of the things own, it's about caring for all of God's creation.  I blogged recently about going organic/local/fair trade this summer and so the sermon really resonated with me.  The pastor used the example of knowing how the animals were treated before they hit my plate.  And that God, creator of all things and giver of all good gifts, should be worshiped as we take a bite of food or as we bask in the warmth of the sun or smell the fresh rain or hold a child in our arms.

"Ultimately my lack of care for God's creation is about the sinfulness in my heart,

about my own self-centeredness."

I believe that God has created each of us with unique passions and gifts - it is our job to discover them and use them for His glory.  I also believe that my small acts of caring for what God has entrusted to me, whether by writing a cheque or giving of my time or picking up trash that's not mine, will add up to make a big impact on the world and will worship my Creator at the same time.

The Hurt and the Healer ~ MercyMe

Why?

The question that is never far away

The healing doesn’t come from the explained

Jesus please don’t let this go in vain

You’re all I have

All that remains

So here I am

What’s left of me

Where glory meets my suffering

I’m alive

Even though a part of me has died

You take my heart and breathe it back to life

I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide

When the hurt and the healer collide

Breathe

Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do

Pain so deep that I can hardly move

Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You

Lord take hold and pull me through

It’s the moment when humanity

Is overcome by majesty

When grace is ushered in for good

And all our scars are understood

When mercy takes its rightful place

And all these questions fade away

When out of the weakness we must bow

And hear You say “It’s over now”

Jesus come and break my fear

Awake my heart and take my tears

Find Your glory even here

When the hurt and the healer collide

Global Girlfriends

It was just over a year ago that I stumbled over the Global Girlfriend website (www.globalgirlfriend.com) and I was waiting for the Global Girlfriends book to come out in softcover.  It finally did a few months ago and it's taken me a while to finish it between sub days and moving, etc.  I highly recommend the book for those of you who have an interest in fair trade, especially as it pertains to women.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I learned a lot from it.  I will be using some of Stacey's information when I make Jolica presentations in the future, for example:

"And women are the backbone of the global economy.  According to the United Nations Development Fund for Women, women do 66 percent of the world's work but earn only 10 percent of the income and own only 1 percent of the property."  (p. 3)

"Indeed, all too often people in developing countries and even in poor urban and rural America are limited not by their own capacity but by their opportunities. . .If you believe, as I do, that all people are created equal - with equal capacity to learn, earn, and live - then why are there vast divides on this small planet in people's income, health, and education?  Opportunities."  (p. 38)

"I often ask women [in America] what they would do if their income doubled tomorrow." [and then she continues to talk about what that means for women in developing countries]  (p. 50)

"And since in the United States 85 percent of all brand purchases are made by women [and I'm guessing that the number is not much different for Canada], she who holds the purse strings really can change the world.  I saw Global Girlfriend as a step toward a new 'she-conomy.'"  (p. 51)

"If we have no peace,

it is because we have forgotten

that we belong to each other."

~Mother Teresa

Travelling Back in Time

It's amazing how certain tastes and smells can take you back in time.  My love of Life (the cereal), marmalade and tapioca pudding came from my Grandma Siemens.  As a kid, I started many days at her place and she heaped the sugar on my bowl of Life (which I don't do anymore) - you can always find Life in my cabinets to this day.  I remember her making marmalade in the summers and thinking that it was so strange that the peel was included in jam, but it became one of my favorites.  And tapioca pudding (better known as "fish eggs" or "fish eyes") was something I had not enjoyed since I was a child and for some reason, I was craving it.  It took a bit of searching to find the pearl tapioca (not the minute) and I'm sure that my pudding didn't turn out the same as hers, but today it transports me back in time.

Going Organic

One of my goals this summer is to try and go more organic, which also extends to going more local and fair trade, where possible.  It's taken a bit of searching, but I have found organic milk, which comes from a dairy not that far from Winkler.  Organic bread was a difficult find, but there is bakery in Morden that uses organic flour in their breads.  For me, it's partly about putting my money where my mouth is.  I want to pick healthier options, not only for myself, but also for the planet - for people around the world and the environment that we all share.  It is more expensive, but I think that the long term effects of choosing otherwise is actually more costly.  And the message is no different than the one I share when I talk about injustice - we have to believe that little changes can add up to make a big impact.

She Has A Name

This will be my first year going to the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. And the real reason that I'm going is that the Fringe is providing a great opportunity for me to see the drama "She Has A Name", which gives human trafficking a face. It is written by Andrew Kooman (from Red Deer, Alberta) who was one of our speakers in Hawaii for YWAM. For any of you who have the "30 Days of Prayer for the Voiceless" booklet, he is one of the writers there as well. shehasaname.net

Fermin

www.jolica.com/ladawn.siemens