Tag Archives: faith

Trapped or Ministry

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Trapped or Ministry

Last Sunday Pastor Mike began a new series called Trapped. It was enlightening and definitely merited more introspection. So naturally Steve and I got into a discussion about the traps in our lives, and if they really were traps. We concluded that what often appears to be a trap can instead result in the opportunity to become a ministry.

I’m a firm believer that people come into our lives for a reason. And I also feel that I have ventured down a path that was predestined for me, although I do find myself occasionally straying off to the side. I always have been a bit of a rebel. It’s a lot to ponder. Why do I live where I live? Why do I do what I do? Is it a trap that has turned into a ministry? Can it fluctuate between the two? Dare I stray further?”

I often wonder what keeps drawing me back to Washington instead of snowbirding back to Canada. There can only be one answer to that. If you’re a believer you’ll get it. And if you are not a believer there’s no way you’ll understand it. The same holds true for why I have chosen to return to Aguascalientes during the winter months.

While it’s still a nomadic lifestyle it now has a twist. I’ve been coming to Washington since 2016 and to Aguascalientes since 2019. Before that, at the three or four year mark I’d move on. But now I’ve more or less settled in two places….Washington state and Aguascalientes.

The wanderlust has waned. I don’t get quite as excited about traveling and exploring new places. But on the same token I’m not prepared to call only one place “home” just yet. It’s actually kind of fun having more than one home although it can be a challenge when dealing with Immigration in three countries.

But what makes a home a home are the people. And I’ve been blessed with many amazing people in my life whom I consider to be much more than just friends. They’re my family. And I tell them they’re stuck with me now. Apparently they don’t mind and feel the same way. I can’t tell you how great it is to have family in three countries…my native country and the two countries I now live in. It really resonated when I found myself seeking asylum in two foreign countries during Covid. And although things have calmed down considerably, my appreciation for my extended family grows more every single day.

When life throws a curve ball my way, my attitude determines the perspective. Is it a truly a trap? Or is it an opportunity for a ministry?

Time to lighten things up. We’re headed out to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Voodoo Lounge And Pozole

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Voodoo Lounge And Pozole

As I write this I’m eating a bowl of pozole and listening to Voodoo Lounge. They don’t go together? In my world they do. I know I’m in Mexico because it’s pozole. And I’ve been a fan of The Rolling Stones  for decades.

But as I listen to The Rolling Stones I’m magically beamed back to a hot August night in 1994 mildly buzzed as the smell of pot wafts through the stands of the old Winnipeg stadium. Down below Mick Jagger is strutting his stuff across the stage just as he did back in the 60s when I was a teenager.

Amazing how music can make you travel back in time like it was just yesterday.

So how is your 2022 going? I actually am beginning to wonder why we were all so eager to slam the door on 2021.

With the advent of Omni, I find myself no closer to going back to Canada than I did last year. I have way too many friends now struggling with family crises. I’ve had a few small blips on the radar screen myself this month.

But, ever the optimist, I’m looking forward to the future. February will be a bittersweet month as it’s countdown time until I head up north. It kind of feels like 2020 again when I didn’t know where I was going or how I was getting there.

My playlist for meditation time today will include Matt Redman and Josh Groban in addition to the usual Pachelbel. Lots to contemplate. Lots of people in my life who need prayer.

It’s all about FAITH.

Faith and Forgiveness

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Faith and Forgiveness

If you have read my past blog posts, you will notice that I don’t usually write about religion or spirituality. However, the pastor’s message in church on Sunday planted the seed. Later on that day I participated in an online service from my church back in Winnipeg. And the inspiration followed that has encouraged me to write a serious post about faith and forgiveness.

We often wish our friends good luck when they are facing a difficult situation. But is it really “luck” that has anything to do with it? Maybe it is our faith that beckons to us and tests our ability to believe and hence strive to succeed. Perhaps we should instead keep others in our prayers rather than merely wishing them luck. After all, prayer is powerful. 

My ex would often remark, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.”  Reluctant to assume responsibility for his own actions, he chose to blame others for his misfortune. A few months ago I saw him for the first time in more than six years, and I was saddened to see the anger and bitterness he still harbors towards others when given the opportunity to talk about some of our friends and experiences from our past.

I reflect upon my own life and am so very thankful that I have embraced the art of forgiveness and consequently have found peace in my heart. God always forgives us our sins, so why should we not forgive others in return?

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I truly believe that everything, good or bad, happens for a reason. I believe that God has provided us with resources and circumstances that enable us to learn and grow. God has a plan for each of us. And while we all too often lament over lost opportunities, these should be viewed as stepping stones to something even better that is to come. That is God’s intent.

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My determination to live in the moment frequently demonstrates a lifestyle that is far from resembling the norm and/or meeting others’ expectations. Ever the non-conformist, a conservative and stable existence has no appeal for me. My son has labelled me a nomad and others are amazed by the number of places where I’ve lived and the number of jobs I’ve had. And that’s okay. We all have our own ideas of living life to the fullest.  What is important is that we accept others for who they are without judging or condemning their actions, which in turn means forgiving people who have hurt us.

I have faith that the insurmountable obstacles in my path have been placed there for a reason. God in His infinite wisdom has plans for me and watches over me. I am constantly tested and encouraged to venture forth and draw upon my talents and I eagerly anticipate the open doors that God will provide for my future.

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