Stories To Share

Life is all about facing ups and downs and all-arounds with determination to find the lesson, to stand in Christ’s strength, to keep the faith, to evolve more and more into His likeness, and to never stop persevering.

1. Read The Word. 2. Apply The Word of God to your everyday life. 3. Practice faithful church attendance. 4. Practice the presence of Jesus. And 5. Establish practices that will enrich, enhance and excite you in an active faith walk.

Stepping out of our comfort zones can be a scary thing. But we’re able to take these steps of faith because we know that God is with us and will continue to be with us as we walk out each day.

It's easy to get lost in a sea of life discouragement because we lose sight of the fact that God is creating something bigger out of our lives than what we can see. But our lives are not a random journey of unrelated events, they are a collection of purpose.

If He’s calling you into a new season of growth and change, rest assured He will strengthen you for the new season. When you feel like throwing in the towel, He shows up!

A man told Samer about Jesus. That same man handed Samer a Bible. Samer took the Bible for no other reason than to understand what motivated his enemies – Christians. But then everything about Samer's life changed.

When life is sweet say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter say thank you and grow. What are YOU grateful for today?

This impeccably detailed, captivatingly artistic, breathtakingly creative and stunningly beautiful God, created you and me. Think about that.

Don't wait for big curtain moments to be reminded of who Jesus is. See Him through the eyes of your surrendered and grateful heart.

Year one. Year two. Year three. Year four. And then year five, when something wonderful happens. Why? Because incredible things happen when we choose to endure.

We want to be driven by a purpose that has been tailored just right for our own individual lives, when we should be seeing the purpose of all life, including our own, wrapped up in the great mission of God for the whole of creation.

If we’re hungry to hear and learn and listen and pay attention and observe and notice and show an eager readiness, He uses anything and everything to reveal His presence.

Talk about God. And talk about His goodness. Always. Because talking about your solution means you’re talking less about your problems.

At the right moment, God will find you. At the right time, God will place you in the light. With the right circumstances, God will allow you to bloom again.

We all want to feel needed and useful and purposeful. We all want our time here on earth to count for something and to feel like we’ve made some sort of difference in someone’s life. But my fear is that we’re chasing the wrong kind of need. What about a need to be used for God’s glory rather than our own?

When it all goes wrong, rather than fighting to have my way heard, or my feelings felt, or my perspective acknowledged, I was offered an opportunity to respond the way Jesus always did. With grace. Mercy. Forgiveness. Kindness. And love.

If you have something you want to teach others, make sure you yourself are living it. Let the gratitude of your actions speak louder than the warning of your words.

Every person craves meaning and purpose, and we indulge various forms of light as a way to fill the void, take the edge off, and feel like we have some sense of control.  But are we willing to fight for the right kind of light?

Is grace your first response when someone offends you? Is grace your automatic reaction when your back goes up? Is grace your default reply when choice words are exchanged? Perhaps what this world really needs is a piece of your heart rather than a piece of your mind.

If what we value most is to live and love like Christ, then it doesn’t matter what other people think of us. Are we perfectly okay to live knowing only His validation is what matters most?

The great and firm foundation of the spiritual life is the offering of ourselves to God and being subject to His will in all things. We find all our joy in fulfilling God’s pleasure – His happiness, His glory and the fact that He is our great and only delight.

Allowing God to invade your life has more to do with inviting Him into the craziness rather than asking Him to take the craziness away. Look for opportunities to make Him part of the conversation and watch as He starts to invade.

Truth is, it's easy to judge the Pharisees, or anyone else for that matter, until we allow the Holy Spirit to hold a mirror up to our own hearts as we ask for His truth to be revealed.

One simple insight can lodge in your mind to influence an entirely different direction for your day. But it's up to you to pray and ask that He'll help you notice the miracles.

A few weeks ago my family and I set out on a wilderness adventure. We headed to the mountains for a winter hike and bonfire so we could spend quality...

Last weekend I was doing laundry at the same time my boys and I were watching a show together on Netflix. In the middle of the episode the dryer beeped...

My son had a show n’ share project at his school last week where His teacher wanted him to bring in something that means a lot to him. She would...

One of my favorite questions to ask is: what is God teaching you? It’s a question that excites me because it often strikes up the most fascinating conversations. Take for...

I remember this story like it was yesterday. Chris and I were 24. We had just gotten married. We were shopping for our first home in a hidden gem of...

I’ll be honest, 2015 and 2016 were tough years for me. I struggled through a lot of physical stuff, a lot of emotional stuff, and as a result, a lot...

I live in a neighborhood covered by thick forest – hence why deer roam the streets on a weekly basis. 15 years ago a freak forest fire ripped through this...

December 22 is not typically a date associated with kindness. Am I right? I mean, have you stood in a grocery store lineup? Have you tried to brave a parking...

Generosity: the virtue of giving without expecting anything in return… involving time, money, talents, availability and a plain ol’ willingness. Story #1: I asked if I could have her and...

Community: fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals; a group of people having a particular characteristic in common. My husband posted a quote to...

Faith: confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; assurance about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). I spent the afternoon yesterday with friends who just had their fourth...

At the beginning of November I called a Senior Citizens facility here in my city to see if it was possible to host my students’ Christmas piano recital in their...

To serve: the action of doing something generous for someone else that shows favour, kindness and assistance; a willingness to lend a helping hand. I recently read a book that...

Good cheer: a shout of encouragement, praise, or joy; a cheerfulness, optimism and confidence that exudes happiness and good spirits. We’ve all met or know a Scrooge. They’re the people...

Recently my little guy broke his leg (which you would never know from the big smile across his face). He was simply monkeying around like little boys do… he accidentally...

I recently took a mental health and wellness workshop at the local health clinic where I live. They were offering it for free (score!) for those interested in understanding what...

Today is “International Day For Tolerance.” Who knew such a day existed? While scrolling through my calendar last week, up popped a special list of international days to note –...

Last week I learned a new worship song called, “Miracles” by Jesus Culture. I had never heard the song before, so in at attempt to be uber prepared for worship...

I play a game every day with my boys to get them to communicate with me. Call it bribery, manipulation or sugar hypnosis, but I call it mom magic because...

My question was simple, or so I thought. I asked what God was teaching her right now and was totally floored by her honesty and frankness. “He is showing me...

Every time I see this quote floating around social media it reminds me of what’s truly important in life: Make time for those who matter. Practice gratitude. Be present. Be...

In today’s busy culture a lot of things require scheduling, don’t they? Workout routines. Coffee dates. BBQ hangs. Prayer meetings. Work projects. Volunteer commitments. Extracurricular activities. Dentists’ appointments. Doctor visits....

Last week I was doing plank exercises as part of my workout routine. Ever done planks? They suck. Note: Anyways, the girl on the video was effortlessly holding her 2-minute...

Yesterday I asked a friend how she was doing. She was quite honest in admitting, “Oh you know, when it rains it pours. Life feels like really bad timing right...

I have a friend going through a tough time. I will refrain from telling you about her personal stuff, since it’s not my news to share, but you can imagine...

Ever sat in your neighbours yard only to see your own yard (and life) from a whole new angle? That’s exactly what happened to me last week. Steve and Loretta...

I still remember the day we moved in. Boxes were everywhere. The backyard needed a good lawn-mowin’. Weeds had piled up. Shrubs had died and needed to be pulled. The...

A couple of weeks ago my mother-in-law sent a group text to myself, my husband, as well as all the siblings & spouses in the family. It’s not abnormal for...

You’ll never believe it. The coolest thing happened. A couple of weeks ago my son and I were hanging out in our living room when this beautiful deer darted across...

Have you ever driven through a storm? Have you ever found yourself smack dab in the middle of some crazy swirly blizzard where you were clutching the steering wheel so...

There’s a homeless guy who sits outside the grocery store I frequently visit. Every time I go I say hi and ask him if there’s anything he needs. Lots of...

Have you ever taken a flight and packed too much stuff? You know that look you get from the airline rep as she glances from the weigh scale to your...

I had coffee with a lady a few weeks ago that asked me to name the top three people who have had the most profound influence on my life. “Who...

I went to an event earlier this month to listen to an internationally acclaimed spiritual leader share her thoughts on life. I had never heard of this girl before and...

Kids are smart. They say the wisest things that flush adult “wisdom” right down the drain. Take for example last week. My boys had totally demolished their toy room. It...

I was working in Starbucks last week and (once again) found myself captivated by a conversation unfolding right next to me. I promise I don’t eavesdrop on every conversation at...

Ever find yourself reading a passage of scripture for the umpteenth time and then suddenly it means something? It’s exactly what happened to me last week regarding 2 Corinthians 5:7....

A few weeks ago my Aunt sent me a touching email that her friend had forwarded to her. Her email read: “Thought you might enjoy this one.” And she was...

I found myself in an interesting conversation last week that found me pondering the word “but.” Two friends were debating (rather passionately) about what Salvation and the grace of God...

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be grateful. I think of my little boys and how hard I work to ensure they are kind, thoughtful and...

Rehearse is a word I know well. I grew up studying the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum for 18 years. If you’ve ever been “blessed” to take one of these...

Last week I took my boys to an ice cream shop where the shop boasted 50 different flavors of deliciousness. Ice cream is my fave, so aside from the MIA...

I am always reading. If it isn’t a book about deepening my faith, then it’s a book about leadership, marriage, parenting, and life. I recently read a book that greatly...

The more I study the life of Jesus, the more I discover how much I’m not like Him. This whole ‘turn the other cheek’ thing can really grate on my...

I dropped off my kids to camp thinking I would have three full hours to myself to get work done. I was eagerly anticipating one of those comfy couches in...

It was a rough day. I had a million things to do in two short hours and THAT was the day my boys chose to go absolutely wild. At one...

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a confident person. In today’s culture confidence is defined by a lot of things: confidence in your looks,...

I saw a series of pictures floating around Facebook last month that put “failure” into perspective. The series of images featured six highly successful celebrities and their notable accomplishments. Ironically,...

I recently had some friends over for a pool party: 4 families, 8 adults, 11 kids – all boys. It was loud! While observing all the little boys play, I...

I recently read a quote by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs that hit me right upside the head: “Tough circumstances don’t cause me to be the way that I am, they reveal...

Recently my husband and I spent an afternoon with seemingly perfect people. No joke. Never have I thought Barbie and Ken to be real, until now. In terms of how...

Call me a geek, but I love me some Costco. Sometimes I go with my boys as a treat date just to eat ice cream. Sometimes we go as a...

Sometimes you just wake up bummed, am I right? There may be no rhyme or reason for its cause; you simply get out of bed and… blah. I had one...

Sometimes it won’t make sense. Sometimes it won’t seem logical. Sometimes it will come across radical in appearance and reckless in execution. Sometimes people will ask you questions you can’t...

While piecing together a 500-piece puzzle the other day with my son, I was hit with profound insight that helped shed a little light on my own current season of...

Here in the Okanagan (where I live) the weather has been beautiful for almost a month. Summer is a long season (not complaining), and my family and I have spent...

Everyday there is something to think about. Our daily lives are jam packed with activities and responsibilities. These daily tasks fill our lives in such a way that we live...

One of my favorite things to do in the city I live, is hike. I live in a valley that is surrounded by mountainous terrain. At any given time of...

I recently spent a beach day with a friend who was telling me all about her garden. Her backyard had looked like a bomb went off and in order to...

I was roaming through Chapters the other day (one of my favorite places to be), when my boys bee-lined for the breakables. I’m not usually in the habit of bringing...

I had a conversation this week with a lady who has lived through a difficult, yet amazing life: three miscarriages, cancer, bankruptcy, the death of one of her children, and...

My in-laws came to visit last month and it was so great to spend time with them. This one cloudy afternoon found us hiking as we set out on an...

While reading the gospel of Luke the other day, I stumbled upon a popular story that flashed me back to my childhood days. I’m sure we all know about the...

While working in a coffee shop last week I accidentally overheard a Christian conversation unfolding at the table next to me between five girls. I must have heard the word...

While doing some devotions the other morning I was struck with the incredible awareness that living for God takes courage – an immense and insurmountable degree of courage. We read...

I was out for a stroll this week with my youngest – a little boy who is curious about everything and fearful of nothing – and he meanders to the...

The other night I was reading my boys a story from their “Jesus Storybook Bible” and we stumbled upon the story of Joshua leading the people of Israel around Jericho....

We all have dreams. We have big ones, small ones, long-term and short-term ones. The ability to dream is an intrinsic gift that God placed inside each of us so...

I’m a big list maker. There’s just something productive about making a big ol’ list that helps this brain of mine be so much more organized and focused on the...

In any crowded room I know which kid is mine. I could identify those cries, those laughs, those screams and – good grief – those tantrums, from a mile away....

Where I live the grass is already green. The sun is shining bright. The sand at the beach has warmed. People are wearing shorts and sailboats are beautifully decorating the...

I had a piano teacher once who was the sweetest little old lady one could ever meet. She loved me and I loved her… until one day I showed up...

You would have never guessed cancer was eating through her body. She had this amazing way of hiding her tumors with beautiful scarves, polished nails, cute headpieces and funky hoodies....

I was reading Psalm 51 this week and this sentence struck me in a really cool way: “God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the...

I found myself in a parenting conversation this past weekend when the term “helicopter parent” was brought up. A friend was worried that her other friend was becoming “one of...

It was just a quick stop to the grocery store. Or so I thought. Carrots – check. Chicken – check. Milk – check. Free cookie for the persistent son –...

I’m normally not in habit of eavesdropping on other people’s conversations, but I overheard the most interesting thing the other day at Starbucks. Right when I pulled out my headphones...

There’s this song I know like the back of my hand: Wide As The Sky, by Matt Redman. I’ve heard it so many times I can sing it without realizing...

Everyday there are traffic light moments. Moments to stop. Moments to slow down. Moments to go. Our culture doesn’t create poster campaigns for the stop moments, now does it? If...

Note: Today’s post is by my husband, Chris. We were both recently challenged by something very thought-provoking and Chris wrote about it. The way he captures it is far more...

Last weekend I spoke at a ladies retreat in beautiful Nordegg, Alberta. Aside from a few stressful stretches of wintery driving conditions, my drive was really breath taking. The enormity...