Me & Haiti

I sit here in the peaceful silence; just a few clocks ticking and a few vehicles driving by on the streets below. It is strange sitting here like this, knowing the disaster that has fallen upon Haiti. Thousands are dead, and thousands injured. I have seen coverage of it on the news, and it has moved me, but I did not really grasp the intensity of it until I thought of how the same tragedy would look here. It has been said that the death toll (50,000 as of 12 hours ago) could reach 200,000. That is more than the population of Abbotsford. I cannot imagine that this place where I have spent the majority of my life could cease to exist in a matter of 30 seconds. I cannot imagine the cries of pain coming out from underneath piles of debris. I cannot imagine being caught under that debris, crying out, not knowing if anyone will be able to get me out. I cannot imagine losing my family and friends just like that. I cannot imagine the cries of agony and terror of parents who have lost their children. I see bits and pieces of people's reactions on tv, but there would be nothing like living through it myself. My heart aches for the people of Haiti, and for people who had/have loved ones in Haiti. I cannot bring myself to turn on the tv, to see the devastation. It would be too overwhelming right now. Instead, I sit here, wondering what I can do to be involved in a hands-on environment. There must be something...

Be silent, be still

I came here and started writing a dialogue, except that one side of the conversation was not written, only implied. It was very strange to have that come to me the way it did. I have saved it, in case one day I know what to do with it, but for now...well, here I am, finally writing something after 3.5 months of absence.

I noticed last week, in the midst of my own excitement, that many others also seemed excited (or at least their facebook statuses made it seem that way!). I began to wonder if there really was a new excitement bursting through the pain, anger, and sorrow that is often running rampant. Finally, a new shift in life? But now I am beginning to wonder if it was just due to the weather. Now that fall is here and winter is trying to make an early start, the excitement seems to have been shot down. There is still a little here and there, but it is being overcome by busyness.
Let us take time to slow down in the midst of it all. Walk among the trees, sit by the water, enjoy a warm beverage, and be still. Let us not be overcome by the rush of life, but instead let us close our eyes for a moment and just be.

The Word

While watching the movie "Facing the Giants" a few days ago, I was once again inspired to really dig into the Bible. I want to be so familiar with God's Word that I am able to discuss and work through everyday life with biblical stories and ideas constantly coming to mind as I do so. I have started to get into 1 Kings, and am excited to read more and more.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

As I was driving down South Fraser Way, honking the horn, with a Canucks flag waving out my window...celebrating this wonderful 3-0 lead in the series...I was also listening to Praise 106.5 FM. Being in a long line of traffic, celebrating the Canucks with the rest of the city, and worshiping God, I began thinking about Palm Sunday and about the Second Coming. I have had Philippians 2:10-11 on my mind for a while, and even moreso now: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." I am so excited!!!!

A little at a time

I was going to write about my re-discovered love for the library, but I'm not sure where to go with it. So I will leave it at the fact that the 2 most recent books I have borrowed from the library are "Patrick" by Stephen Lawhead and "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

Instead, I will write briefly about charities and my limited finances. I am continually surprised by how many phone calls and letters I receive from various charities asking for "only $25" or whatever. One time when somebody asked for that, I told them that my finances were not good at the time, and that I actually only had $25 a month left over for food for myself. Thankfully I have gotten my full hours back at work, so my finances are back on track, but I am still cannot give to everyone who phones and writes. I'm still not too sure how to choose between them all, but sometimes there are a couple that just "feel right" at the time. This actually got me thinking about God. I mean, how many people ask Him for things every second of every day? Yet His supply is endless!

No words

For the last month I have had stuff to write about, but haven't felt like writing. Now that I want to write, I can't think of what to write about. Maybe I'll try again later...

God, help us...

Think carefully about what you will be reading...

Mary had a little Lamb,
It's fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

It followed her to school each day,
It was against the rules.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray!