a little summer Vlogging

You can find this audio book club series over in The Room to Read!

Climbing Walls...

One of my birthday gifts this year was to go and climb a wall.

I thought it was fitting that it was one of my children that gave this to me.

I have been wanting to do this for quite a long time now.

I invited my husband to come along and enjoy the thrill as well.

Here is the 'yin' to my 'yang'.

Thrilled he was not.

He was a trooper though.

And so we scaled the wall together.

Just as we have always done.

Some walls were harder than others.

Tiny footholds.

Large gaps of space.

But every small movement upwards,

carried with it the thrill of victory!

There will always be those moments in our lives,

when to heed the call to 'Come up Higher',

will require of us.

Body, Mind, Soul and Strength.

But the Joy of the climb outweighs it all!

Walk On...

I've been walking these dykes since I was 10 years old,

and every morning they greet me like a Faithful Friend.

This morning they were beckoning me to 'walk on'.

Even the puddles appeared as stepping stones to me, leading me into the New Day ahead.

I thought about how there is nothing quite like a Word of Encouragement from a Faithful Friend,

to continue on in your walk along The Path of Life.

 This little fellow and many of his brothers and sisters continually chirped and swooped around me, joining with me along The Path and reminding me of the simple joy of greeting with delight and thanksgiving another New Day.

It's just a given that along this Path of Life,

 there will be moments when our flesh will obscure portions of the Higher View...

yet the Promise Still Remains...

"His Word,

The Son of God,

 Jesus,

will be a Lamp to our feet,

and a Light unto our path."

                                      Psalm 119:105

Walk on! 

Dare to Get Real Conference

In the early months of 2012 I was asked if I would be available to join seven other speakers at a Women's Conference to be held in November 16-17, 2012.  I was asked to write a "bio" about myself.  As I was writing in my journal that night, I was reminded of all that God has done, not only in my life, but in the lives of all the women that I have been privileged to have been able to share this magnificent walk with.  My "bio" is God's story in, and reflected through, me ... and so I wrote in my journal that night, what was in my heart...

"So often we are encouraged to study our Bible, but have never really be shown how.  I have had the pure joy of watching women, of all ages, develop an intimacy with God that comes through the study and knowing of His Word.  Know His Word and you come to know Him.  A woman who knows her God will not fall for a lie, because she has risen with the Truth.  A woman who knows her God stands firm, no matter the circumstance or trial, she displays great strength and takes action.  Instead of looking outside ourselves for these kind of women, let's purpose in our hearts before God that we, ourselves, will go and be that woman amid this generation, knowing our God and living accordingly!  One by one, together, we will be a beautiful "planting of the LORD that He may be glorified."  (Isaiah 61:3)

It's not about me... it's all about Him.
The above "bio" was submitted.

The Women's Conference is on.  

I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

The Dare To Get Real Conference Website link... http://www.getrealconference2012.com/ 

Everything you need to know can be found there, 
Sessions, Speakers, Video, Facebook Page, Registration... 

Fabulous Friday!

It's another FABULOUS FRIDAY!

fab·u·lous

 [fab-yuh-luhs]

adjective

1. almost impossible to believe; 

Did you catch that?

 "...almost impossible..."

But certainly,
by no means,
 impossible!

ALL THINGS are POSSIBLE with God!
Matthew 19:26

May this FABULOUS FRIDAY,
leave you shaking your head at the wonder of it all.
The fabulous wonder of believing...

"...that Jesus is the Christ, 

the Son of God; 

and that believing
you may have LIFE
 in His Name."
John 20:31

FABULOUS! 

Thrilling Thursday!

It's another THRILLING THURSDAY!

THRILL

1. to affect with a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement

She... was crying. 

She... saw Him. 

She... heard Him. 

She... did not recognize Him. 

Grief can do that. 

Then, He called her by name....

Jesus said to her, "Mary!"

She turned and said to Him, "Teacher!" John 20:16

So, perhaps it wasn't a Thursday...

but if thrilling means a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement... 

then, 

right in the middle of her overwhelming grief, 

this girl TURNED ... 

her amazingly THRILLING DAY had begun!

He's calling your name today.

Hear Him, turn to Him... 

and know the JOY of the THRILL!

Wonderful Wednesday!

It's another WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

Perhaps today will just be another Wednesday you can tick off as 'done'.

Perhaps today will decide to tick you off and declare you, 'done'!

Either way,

what's so wonderful about Wednesday?

No matter what this day brings.

No matter what this day holds.

Remember,

There is One Who is intent on holding YOU!

His Name is Wonderful...

                                             (Isaiah 9:6)

Tremendous Tuesday!

It's another TREMENDOUS TUESDAY!

 If you are feeling a little fragmented today, 

frayed around the edges 

and seemingly ready to fall apart, 

remember that "IN HIM all things hold together" 

(Colossians 1: 17) 

It's a Good Word!

Magnificent Monday!

Today I posted this on Facebook...

It's another MAGNIFICENT MONDAY!

“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!” –Romans 13:11-14, The Message 

After more than a few conversations this past week with women, 
who are weary in well doing,
 it made me think of how we frame our days in thought.  
Monday's seem to be dreaded DAYS before they even arrive!  

This week, I'm eagerly anticipating each morning, 
being clothed in Christ and JOYFULLY RECEIVING...

 MAGNIFICANT Monday, 
TREMENDOUS Tuesday, 
WONDERFUL Wednesday, 
THRILLING Thursday and 
FABULOUS Friday!  

Each is a day the LORD has made... 
wouldn't I be a silly girl not to choose to REJOICE and be GLAD in it!

May this week be a blessing to you as you joyfully anticipate each new day,
clothing yourself IN HIM!

with love,

Heart Matters...

A young woman from church recently texted me this verse.

I loved it as soon as I saw it.

My text response back?

"Thank you!  

No wonder I pray for God to give me 
a pure heart and right spirit... 

nothing worse than a woman 
who speaks from her heart 

and others in the room have to duck 
just so as not to get smucked!"

God instructs us to "Above all else, guard our hearts...".
It's important what we let into our hearts.
What we allow to fill our hearts.
Because it's our hearts that ultimately move our tongues to speak!
This is what God calls, 
the fruit of our lips. 
The fruit of our lips is the harvest that is reaped 
from the seeds that we have allowed to be sown 
into our hearts and minds.

Here are a few seeds that are worth sowing into your heart and mind today.
Seeds that will bring forth a beautiful harvest.
The fruit of your lips...

"...whatever is true, 
whatever is honorable, 
whatever is right, 
whatever is pure, 
whatever is lovely,
whatever is of good repute, 
if there is any excellence 
and if anything worth of praise, 
dwell (ponder, think) on these things."
Philippians 4:8

Lost and ... Found!

Yesterday morning I awoke to the drumming of pouring rain.

I love the sound.

 I had planned on doing some gardening and I wasn't about to change my plans.

So, in the still early hours of morning I headed outside.

The Lavender needed trimming back.

So with cutters in hand I began to take away the spent blooms.

As the old was cut away to make way for the New I saw something sparkling.

As I bent even farther down to take a closer look I was delighted to see that hidden amid all the foliage were my long lost reading glasses.
I usually hang them off the front of my top.
They must have fallen off when I leaned over to smell the gorgeous fragrance of the blooms!

And so began my meditation for the day.

One of my favourite things to do is to take moments like this,

 and to see them with a Biblical perspective.

God's perspective,
 on the subject of lost and found.

Finding my reading glasses had me meditating upon Luke 15 most of the day.

In this passage Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep,
the lost coin,
 the lost son.

We know him as the prodigal.

Lost sheep need a shepherd.

Lost coins have value.

Lost sons are in need of fellowship with their Father.

You cannot read through these parables without noticing how many times the words "joy", "rejoice" and "celebrate" are mentioned.

And always by the One Who has found,

that which is lost.

v6. "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!"

v. "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!"

v.32 ..."we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found."

Finding my reading glasses amid the spent blooms,

put a song in my heart.

One of thanksgiving.

One of pure wonder.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me... 

I once was lost, but now am found, 

was blind, but now I see!

                                                                     John Newton (1725-1807)

It's Knowing Where to Look...

At my age, excessive blinking can reek havoc on my equilibrium,

it also has the potential of causing my contacts to fall out.

And,  I'm thinking,

  excessive blinking might also be a little disconcerting 

to those who happen to be around me at the time!

This well meaning assurance on the elevator panel, just tickled my funny bone.

(And yes, I know it was referring to the little red light!)

But I like to look at things from different angles,

and so, to think of some unsuspecting stranded person, 

stuck on a malfunctioning elevator, 

just standing there,

taking the message to heart,

and blinking excessively, 

just made me giggle.

It also made me think about what we actually do with our eyes during times of trouble.

There is such a vast array of distractions that we have to choose from,

in which to turn our gaze upon...

doctors, money, people, places, things...

yet there is really only ONE thing that is needful,

and for a girl who loves simplicity,

nothing could be more simple than this...

I lift up my eyes to the mountains -

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

                                            Psalm 121:1-2

The LORD also has a place for His eyes.

This Psalm goes on to tell us that He watches over us,

that He never slumbers or sleeps.  

In other words, He never closes His eyes.

He watches over us,

and watches over our life;

in all things concerning us.

He watches over our coming and going,

both now...

and forevermore.

Yes, Help is on the way,

His eyes are upon us,

and we are to look up!

It's All in How you See it...

My husband loves my mind.

Don't know what that says about the rest of me,

but apparently, he thinks I have a fabulous mind.

Quick, smart, funny...

However,

some things just seem to go right over my head.

Some things.

For instance,

while on the Indiana Jones ride in California,

we were taken into a very damp, dark and creepy underground tunnel.

Looking up,

 I saw something scampering across the dripping, slimy roots that were dangling across the tunnel roof. 

"Oh! Look!", I exclaimed, "squirrels!"

Amanda's reply?  

"They're RATS, Cathie."

I also don't clue in to written messages on T-Shirts,

or on baseball hats either... just ask my kids.

Goes right over my head.

So, in keeping with this train of thought,

(or lack of it)

while out shopping the other day I saw an animal-print scarf that I liked.

It was just what I was looking for.

Plus,

the little chrysanthemums 

(or were they roses?) 

that were scattered throughout the pattern was a bonus.

Sale made.

That evening,

as I showed Amanda my purchase,

she became quiet, took a bit of a deeper breath and said,

"Cathie, you realize those are SKULLS, don't you?"

Busted.

I've thought long and hard about this.

Well, 

maybe not so-o long, 

and maybe not so-o hard.

However, I've decided that I am going to wear that scarf.

I mean, what's so bad about a skull anyway?

We've all got one,

and don't pretend you don't,

you do.

Skulls are usually associated with death.

Death makes most people uncomfortable.

I get it.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 tells us that it is "better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting" because death is the end of every man, 

and the living are to take it to heart.

Being confronted with death makes a person think.

Good Friday is almost upon us.

There are some that are wondering, "what's so good about it?"

There are some that would answer, "A day off work!"

Then there are those who know.

Those who are to be ready with The Answer.

Those who, through the cross of Christ, can face death and declare...

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 

1 Corinthians 15:55

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes Him Who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life.  

John 5:24


I was just thinking,
I wouldn't put it past me to be humming a chorus or two of "Dem Bones",
whenever I wear this scarf...

Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
"Oh, hear the Word of the Lord!"

Making Healthy Choices

I've been making my own Body Balm for years now and just finished making a new batch this morning.  As I placed it on my bathroom counter I thought about all the benefits that come with making healthy choices.

It's so important that we do everything that we can to decrease the toxic burden that is being placed daily upon our bodies.  I can be grateful now, (didn't think so at the time) that I was diagnosed with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) over 20 years ago.  It meant that in a very short period of time, our home was cleared of potential toxins, which of course benefited me, but also my husband and children as well.

It has been estimated that by the time most people have finished their morning ritual 600 toxins have been added to their bodies... and that's before we even open our mouths to eat our breakfast, put on our clothes (drier sheets are known carcinogens) or stepped outside for the onslaught that comes our way through air borne pollutants.

I don't normally expound on this topic too much, unless I am asked, because frankly, most people really don't want to think about it!  So, I promise I won't go into detail here, however, it is important to acknowledge that the world has changed immensely since our grandparents day and that the toxic burden being placed upon our bodies has enormous and far reaching, negative effects upon our state of health and well-being.  Have you been reading the labels on your packaged foods lately?

Whichever way toxins creep into our bodies, whether they come in through the skin or lungs or stomach, at some point in time they all have to pass through the liver before they are sent on their way to our kidneys and colon to be eliminated.  The problem is... our bodies are so overloaded that this natural process is now being strained to the point where toxins are now becoming stored in our fat cells, getting locked in our livers and other organs, tissues and muscles!

I understand that it may seem overwhelming to begin making changes, but the secret is in being mindful and to make small changes wherever you can.  Begin with your personal body care and then extend out into your home.  Propylene Glycol for instance is widely used in shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants, body lotions and cosmetics to keep the products moist and the consistency smooth.  This product is primarily used in manufacturing as anti-freeze, brake fluid, coolant, de-icer and solvent and is a known toxin which has been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, arrhythmia, and hypotension.  Some will adhere to the "Low Dose" theory that a little won't do you any harm, however,  I tend to lean towards the "No Dose" theory in which I recognize that if I can avoid these elements... I will!

Now you understand why I enjoy my Homemade Body Balm so much!  It does my body good!

love,

A Heart That is Full...

I've never really been big on the whole Valentine's Day thing.

When I was a young girl at school, we would make Valentine's for our classmates,

those that we had a special affection for.  

I liked the creative part of selecting the coloured paper and stretchy tissue, 

of cutting and pasting and thinking of who it would be going to.  

I also remember that we were to make a construction paper envelope, 

in the shape of a heart, 

and attach a string for a handle,

this would then be tacked to the wooden chalkboard rail,  

with our name emblazoned on the front.  

This was so that, through the week, others could fill these envelopes with their Valentines for you.

We all seemed to hold our collective breath as each day passed,
glancing at our hearts.

I don't remember ever not having a Valentines placed in mine, 

but inevitably there were those envelope hearts that were just bulging with Valentine's, 

and those that were conspicuously left vacant...

aside from the one that came from our teacher. 

Quantity always seemed to be the big prize that was valued,

as we emptied our hearts out upon our desks on the 14th of February.

As I grew older though,
I found that it was the boy that gave me one solitary red rose,

 quietly, with no other eyes watching, 

that won my heart, not the boy that produced the two dozen, 

brought to the table by the maitre de!

The boy that won my heart and I have grown up together through the years,

 our lives having beautifully intertwined into one. 

 He just has to look at me and I know I'm loved.

I just have to think of him... and I know that I am loved!

I don't need some lavish display, vacation or expensive gift,

when he takes my hand in his... 

well, my heart is full.

And there you have it, at this time in my life, through the hard and easy times,

I know the ones that truly love me... 

they show it in a thousand different ways, every day of the year. 

I don't have to hang out a construction paper heart and hope that it will be filled,

I already have a heart that is filled to the brim with the love that is given to me. 

And at this time in my life, I also know The One Who loves me... 

He shows it in a thousand different ways, every day of the year.

"... I have loved you with an everlasting love...:
Jeremiah 31:3

Yes, I am a woman who is well and truly loved...

a woman who knows that her cup, her heart, indeed "runneth over".

By the way,
Happy Valentine's Day!

A Cord of Three Strands...

As one, we take our first steps into this New Year.

As always, together, side by side...

   Two strands, 

brought together and interwoven in strength, 

by a Third.

"...and the two shall become one..."

                                   Mark 10:8

"A cord of three strands 

is not quickly torn apart."

                                             Ecclesiastes 3:12

It's Just the Queerest Thing...

Huge double take on my part...

Gives a whole new meaning to the term "sheep dog"!

I always seem to come across these kinds of things in my day. 

I'm sure some people think that I am trying to pull the wool over their eyes (pun intended) but honestly, I just happen to stumble over the queerest things!

Anyway, this sheep sighting was thought provoking to me.

Some of my initial thoughts were...

I wonder if 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' is their favourite nursery rhyme?

How many sweaters can you get out of a sheep anyway?

When they piled into the car that morning did they say, "Ewe first"?

Anyway, the thought that stayed with me the longest was the thought of how queer it looked to see a sheep being driven... which led to the deeper thought of...

The Good Shepherd never drives His sheep,

He always leads them.

"...He leads me beside quiet waters..."

Psalm 23

In Genesis we see God leading Adam and Eve in the garden by His Presence and His Word, it was only when they stepped out from under the protection of His Word and hid from His Presence that they found themselves being driven from the garden.  Sin will cause us to be a driven people.

Yet, we do not always have to be driven.  In Exodus 13:21 we see the people being led of God.  He went before them, leading them on their way in a pillar of fire by night and in a pillar of cloud by day.  Of course, in order to be led, you must be willing to follow.  Let God go before you, set Him continually before you, let Him lead you by His Presence and His Word, knowing that as He is at your right hand you will not be shaken!  Or driven! 

Throughout Scripture we see that those that are driven, are those that have not fully entered into the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd... those that are driven are never at rest. 

Being led of God is such a peaceable thing.

As He leads us, the Voice of the Good Shepherd is calming and reassuring,

the sheep know His Voice and trust in His leading.

By His leading we are not in want,

by His leading we find rest and restoration.

In His leading there is no fear,

in His leading there is comfort and goodness and lovingkindness.

And His leading always leads us ... Home.

I still think it is the queerest thing,
to see a sheep being driven...

love,

Ever The Same...

Writing, in some form or other, has always been a part of my life.  I enjoy the unfolding of thoughts and the gentle rhythm of my hand as it guides my pencil across the paper.  My journal is full of drawings, especially in the summer as most of my journaling is done outside.  I've drawn flowers and birds, leaves, ladybugs and bees, wooden chairs and scenery.  

My journal is also full of little things that have meaning to me... little flowers that my granddaughter gave me while we were spending time together in the garden... a bracelet that I made for her from the twigs that fell from the Honey Locust Tree, with a flower tucked into it's strands.

Many of the simple things of Life that bring me pleasure have also found their way, through words, onto the pages of my journal, pain and heartache have also found their expression many times through words written on its pages. Recently, something was said to me that was particularly hurtful, it doesn't really matter what it was, what is important is that I had a choice as to whether I was going to allow the words to find a place to settle within me or not.  After spending time in God's Word... I chose not. 

In Psalm 51:6 God tells us that he desires TRUTH in the innermost being and that in those hidden places within us he will make us know wisdom.  What had been bitterly spoken to me had been a lie and it was to find no resting place within me... and God gave me the wisdom to see it.  Afterwards I wrote...

"I know who I am, but much more importantly I know Who God is.   

God never changes.  This is a glorious truth and an aspect of Who He is.  He is always the same.  The circumstances of our lives and the ebb and flow of the ages change Him not; yet daily, I am in constant need of remembering who I am, and more importantly, who I am in Christ.  My moods change, my circumstances change - those that I have been placed in the midst of... their moods change, their circumstances change, which have the potential of changing my mood and circumstances too... and it seems to increase in frequency as I get older!  Who I am cannot be accurately determined when I am alone and unencumbered.  Who I am is better understood in the midst of the complexities in all that it means to live out daily life here on planet earth... not isolated from, but right smack dab in the community of humanity... in the midst of the pressures and pleasures, restrictions and freedoms, sorrows and joys, doubts and insecurities, fears and comforts of living this thing out.

By knowing my God I realize my Anchor... The One Who holds me fast in the up and down waves of life.  He never changes, He is always the same... my Healer, my Protector, Comforter, Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.  He is my Light and my Salvation, He is my Daily Bread and Living Water; He is unchanging, yet continues to change me... Lord, I am a grateful child."

I know who I am, but much more importantly I know Who God is.

with love,