A Wedding, Funeral, Birthdays and Babes

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Lynn

Catchy title, eh? It’s not meant to be a made into a Hollywood movie or anything, but it encapsulates what’s been happening in my life, and explains why I haven’t blogged for so long.

In June, we attended the wedding of my daughter’s best friend, Lizzy. A beautiful celebration for a wonderful couple! I still remember vividly my daughter, Carmen and Lizzy giggling and playing dress up, having sleepovers, and swimming in our pool as children. I’ve got pictures of them dressed like super heroes one Halloween. Two girls who didn’t take themselves too seriously and have stayed best friends through these many years. Lizzy was a bridesmaid at Carmen’s wedding in 2020, and Carmen returned the favour at Lizzy’s wedding. I can’t help but think of them still as giggly teenagers. *sigh*

Theses scriptures came to mind as I watched the two of them together, dressed in bridal finery: “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:29

“And I am sure confident that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

My husband and I attended his stepmother’s memorial service a few weeks ago. Etta was the only grandmother two of my children ever knew, and our blended families came together to celebrate her life and the eternal legacy she left behind. There were tears shed of course, because we miss her so, but also much laughter while sharing precious stories honouring such a wonderful, Godly lady.

The verse that came to mind at the graveside: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I had the opportunity to spend a laughter-filled weekend with four of my friends from high school. Two of them I’ve known since Grade Five!! We call ourselves the Babes of ‘58 and since the year we all turned 50, we have gathered every five years to celebrate our friendship and our birthdays together. Our 50th Birthday was spent at a resort in Osoyoos, B.C.; our 55th was in Fairmont, B,C.; our 60th in Sooke, B.C., where we all went to high school together, and this year we rented an AirBnb in Campbell River. We are all officially “seniors” this year, although when we are together we still giggle and behave like teenagers! We always enjoy our time together, reminiscing, going for long walks, and sharing what’s going on in our lives now. This year we realized that navigating online food services that deliver is beyond our technological skills 🤦‍♀️ – long story – 😉 Let’s just say it’s easier for five “senior” ladies to go in person to a restaurant and do our own take out! I am blessed to have such wonderful friends, my “Babes”, true sisters of my heart!

The verse I thought of when I was immersed in close conversation with my friends that weekend: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9

1976 – High School Grad
2023 – Babes

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Team Work

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Lynn

For the last six months I have been privileged to serve with a group of dedicated, hard-working individuals to plan our church’s 35th Anniversary. Last night, we shared a meal together to celebrate and to praise God for how wonderfully the weekend festivities all came together! June 9-11, 2023 is now filled with a lifetime of memories for each of us.

God hand-picked this Team 35, as we called ourselves, raising up exactly the right people for the task. Fifteen people who prayed, dreamed big, and made things happen! Each in turn led their own teams of volunteers from our church body. A sweet spirit of unity, camaraderie, and purpose pervaded that celebration weekend.

Did we have challenges? Of course! We all faced some sleepless nights, discouragement, and weariness, but we countered that with focused prayer. God was (is) always faithful to hear and respond to our heartfelt petitions.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. So I will share a few thousand – word photos to celebrate God’s Goodness to my church family over these last 35 years, and to excitedly look forward to what He will do in the years to come!

Thank-you Team 35! You were the BEST TEAM EVER!

Team 35
June 9th, 2023. “Light Up the Heavens” Worship Concert
June 10th, 2023 – Pancake Breakfast
Lots of kid activities!
Dunk tank!
June 11th, 2023 – Sunday morning Worship
BBQ Banquet followed after our Worship Service.
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A Little Bit of This and That

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Lynn

You will have noticed it’s been nearly a month since I last blogged. We are in the middle of a renovation project and the house is in a bit of an upheaval. My sweet husband is doing some of the reno himself and he always amazes me by how handy he really is when it comes to DIY projects. I will help with some of the painting, but I’m completely useless when it comes to anything else. I can’t hit a nail in straight for the life of me, and I can’t use a measuring tape with any kind of real accuracy. My contribution will be small, but my gratitude will be huge when the renos are all done!

I’m coming up to the four year anniversary of my being cancer free. I still have some lingering side effects after my battle with endometrial (uterine) cancer four years ago, but for the most part, I am doing well and grateful to God for every day of life! My daughter had challenged me to look for opportunities to “thrive” after this go-round with cancer, just like I did after breast cancer in 2001. Back then I started a new job, wrote my first book, and went to seminary to get my Master of Religious Education degree. This time, it’s been a bit more challenging to “thrive” while fighting long Covid this past year, but I renewed by teaching certificate and have taught a few writing classes to some wonderful students in Grades 5-9. I’m volunteering with my church and looking for more opportunities to serve. I don’t have the energy I had 22 years ago, but hopefully I can keep up the pace, even when at times I feel it’s a bit of a snail’s pace.

I didn’t stay up to see the Coronation of King Charles “live”, but caught the repeat broadcast later in the day on Saturday. Such pomp and ceremony, it was fascinating to watch! It’s impossible to not get caught up in all the pageantry. I am not a Royalist per se, but Canada’s history is linked for better or worse with Britain’s monarchy, and I would be saddened if Canada ever loosed its ties to England’s throne. That said, I was quite impressed by the service itself, and the fact that it was definitely geared towards bringing honour and glory to the Lord God,… at least that was the intent. I particularly took note of the fact that King Charles swore allegiance to Jesus first, and that King Charles was anointed with oil, in a part of the service that the public could not view. He also took communion. I just pray that, like his mother before him, he will be bold in declaring his faith to the world. I would be very disappointed if all the oaths he swore before God and man on May 6th were just empty and meaningless.

Time will tell.

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