The well runs deep

I went to a deep place this past week. A place I hadn't visited since I left it long ago during the innocence of my youth. It amazes me how a seemingly insignificant situation can trigger the painful memories, rather than the delightful memories, of navigating adolescence. Perhaps my sub-conscious is revisiting this place because of the context of my job at the minute.

I am fully immersed in the life and troubling times of the young teenagers in my charge at the school where I work. The drama of their life is overshadowing their educational needs. It makes me sad to see so many young teenagers ( age 12 and 13) with deep wounds already in their life. We have an amazing staff who care and are trying to steer them in the right direction. But, it takes its toll. So many damaged souls. Is it the mandate of educational institutions to care for the emotional needs of these children? It seems to be a "catch-22." Before many of these students are capable of moving forward in their academic pursuits, their damaged souls need to be mended. It is a tall order.

Hindsight tells me it is vital to walk wisely in these formative years. It is vital to form positive friendships. It is vital to be grounded in moral and academic pursuits. Yet, part of the rite of passage through adolescence is experiencing life all on our own.

I am proud of the way I manoeuvred my way through " this coming of age" juncture. It has shaped me into the strong, intelligent, amusing, beautiful woman I am today! The journey into the dark, deep well of painful adolescent experience only makes me more thankful for the life God has allowed me to live and empowers me to effectively help the teenage charges in my care!

Go Canada Go!

With the much anticipated Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics almost over, I thought I would post a few pics honouring our Canadian spirit during these games! I am so proud of our athletes who competed well and wore Canadian pride on their faces every step of the way.

My favourite Olympic winter sport is hockey. Both our women and men's teams are exceptional. Proudly I report our women's team won the GOLD medal against the USA with a final score of 2-0. There is great rivalry between Canada and our border neighbours USA! It makes the competition exciting. Last night our men's team beat Slovakia in a "nail- biter" with a final score of 3-2. This win guaranteed our team a shot at a GOLD medal against, you guessed it, the US on Sunday night. I had the unique privilege of watching last night's game at a local restaurant with a group of about 100 customers. It was thrilling to be part of the "hoopla!" Community spirit is exhilarating and makes me aware our nation is a great one! Go Canada Go!

The famous "Hudson's Bay Company" wool blanket, a symbol of Canada's fur trading history and a logo on our Olympic athlete's clothing. Check out the history here and here.

I took this pic while on the train leaving Montreal a couple weekends ago. It is a pic of an outdoor, homemade ice-hockey rink with a couple of young lads playing hockey. To me, this represents winter in Canada and makes me smile. Ice hockey is such a huge part of Canadian life for many families. As I said earlier, it is one of my favourite Olympic winter sports to watch.

Here I am last winter trying my hand at ice-hockey!

Watching last night's hockey game at Jack Astor's on the big screen with my friends San and Mare...

Go Canada Go! Wearing my Canadian attire in support of our Olympic athletes!(This photo was taken July 1, 2008 in N. Ireland!)

Just Love One Another

Today I had church in the woods. Alone. Completely enveloped by nature. Protected. Protected on all sides from urban sprawl who is slowly choking , annihilating the biodiversity of nature, destroying God's awe-inspiring handiwork. It was a rare moment in these parts. I reveled in every moment of this glorious winter day.

Listening to my ipod, I danced in the snow, breathing in the beauty of the moment. The snow- covered path glistened in the sunshine. The majestic cedars, aged with wisdom, rose high into the crystal- clear blue sky. I love these moments. No distractions as I communed with God.

His words filled my mind:

"But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another."
(1Thessalonians 4:9)

"My daughter, out of your depths you called upon Me, and I answered you. I have brought you through the dark valley and into this place and time of light. Know of a surety that it is I and not another who has done this. I want you to be so grounded in My faithfulness that you can share it with others. The inner knowledge you have gained through your recent trials gives added strength to your words to others who are facing dark times in their lives."
( Echoes of Eternity, Listening to the Father, Vol 2, Hal M. Helms)

Simple truths to live by. Just be grounded in God's faithfulness. Just be be grounded in God and just love one another.

I know a couple who have truly encapsulated this mandate. In fact, I am "house-sitting" for them at the minute. They have been close friends of our family for as long as I can remember. It struck me today how truly amazing this couple is. I have taken for granted the fact that my life is blessed because they are a part of my world. They have never wavered in their faith. They are incredible prayer warriors, praying every day for family, friends and missionaries. They love unconditionally. They have never turned their back on our family, even when they have had reason to do so. They forgive. They let go. They forget. They move on.

I am hemmed in on all sides by their love and faith in God. I am so glad they have faithfully shared God's truth with others. I am a contented beneficiary!

May my life be one that is authentically rooted in God's faithfulness and authentically just loves one another.

Bonjours mes amies!

Here I am standing on one of the many cobblestone streets of "Vieux" - Old - Montreal, Quebec, last weekend!

Ready for a mid-winter break, I chose a colder climate rather than the warmth and sun of a more southern destination that most of my fellow Ontarians choose this time of year. It may have been a crazy decision but well worth the adventure. I chose a destination with a rich history here in Canada. In fact, it is where it all began for our country over 300 years ago. French explorers, Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain left their home country and landed in "New France" in the late 1500's, early 1600's.

Montreal is one of the first cities established in Canada. Of course the aborginal peoples were already here but these french explorers didn't know that and were thrilled they discovered this great country enroute to Asia! They had no idea there was a continent in between Europe and Asia! Montreal is a beautiful city and I had the privilege of visiting friends last weekend. I recorded my trip over here at my web album site.

I am house sitting for a month so am without internet ( ugh)! Right now I am sitting with my laptop at our public library trying to frantically download pics and write this blog post before closing time! I have made comments to go along with the pics so enjoy the adventure! It truly was wonderful and felt like I was in a different country! (French is the first language of Quebec and the official second language of Canada).

Joie de vivre mes amies!

Oh I should link another one of my winter "adventures" here. Check it out!

Bosom Buddies

("After the storm passed by," Bangor Country Club, Northern Ireland, July 2008)

Anne tipped the vase of apple blossoms near enough to bestow a soft kiss on a pink-cupped bud, and then studied diligently for some moments longer.

"Marilla," she demanded presently, "do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend in Avonlea?'

"A--what kind of friend?"

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will too. Do you think it's possible?"

(Anne of Green Gables)

It comes from out of no where. When we least expect it. Life is strange that way. However, ironically life prepares us for this moment. The moment when we have to briefly step out of our self-absorbed world taking the focus off our life and its craziness and step into the world of our close circle, our bosom friends, supporting, encouraging, protecting them through their adversities. It is not the time to abandon their plight. It is the time we muster the courage to see them through to the other side.

Several beautiful souls in my circle are in the "winter of their discontent." Their angst resonates in my spirit. But, now is the time for me to support them in the ways they need supporting. It is the time for me to give them the freedom to be. No pressures. It is the time for me to pray. It is the time for me to remind them I love them and will never abandon their side.

They are resilient. They are invincible. They WILL make it to the other side of this brokenness.
Mended, strengthened, renewed. Ready for the adventure that awaits! This is the moment life prepared me to live.