Simple Surprises

I LOVE surprises.
I LOVE it when God surprises me. Actually, I shouldn't be surprised that God surprises me. After all, King David wrote song after song about God's wonderment during his seasons of despair and seasons of joy.

"God is magnificent; He can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to His greatness. Generation after generation stand in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.God always does what He says, and is gracious in everything He does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him-hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love Him, but it's all over for those who don't. My mouth is filled with God's praise. Let everything living bless Him, bless His holy name from now to eternity!" (Psalm 145 The Message. Thanks goes out to a new visitor to my blog, Courtney, who sent me this Psalm as an encouragement for me. Thanks Courtney!)

I LOVE it when God surprises me when I'm not looking! Simple surprises with compelling lessons leaving me changed in a significant way.

Today, I was once again flabbergasted by a question that flowed out of the braces-filled mouth of another 13 year old student of mine. Once again, I was in the school library with the same group of grade 8 students working on a math project.
Out of the blue, K. stared at me and inquired in a consoling tone,

" Miss W., can I ask you something? I don't mean to sound mean. Why aren't you married?"
Sighing, I said, " I don't know."
K. continued, " I don' t understand because you are nice and beautiful!"

Once again, isn't that just the sweetest thing ever! I love my job! Perfect timing I might add. My lady friends out there will understand my "time of the month" musings, " I feel sooo fat and feel sooo ugly. My boobs are sagging. What is gravity doing to me?!" (and the list could go on and on!) Just this morning I flippantly prayed- -well it was not really a prayer, it was just me talking to myself on my way to work-- that I just want a male companion to tell me I'm beautiful!!! I love that God sent this 13 year old boy to cheer me up!! What an encouragement today.
Simple surprises!

I also want to thank you my friends for your words of encouragement this week regarding my last post. Your kindness, love and empathy mean more to me than I can ever express. Thank you for letting me be me and expressing the deepest part of who I am. Thank you for not judging me. Thank you! I am doing much better. I am trying to embrace my hormonal changes!! hehehehe!
May I leave you with another Celtic prayer but this one is a Celtic evening prayer:

"I lay me down in the love of my Father.
I surrender my body to rest in the love of my Saviour.
I trust my life in sleep to the Spirit who fills me with life."

Full to the brim and running over

"... I (The Apostle Paul) ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." (Ephesians 3:17-21, The Message)

I am full to the brim and overflowing! I love how God allows me to experience these indescribable moments after the dark seasons along my life's journey have passed. I love how when I think I have no more to give, God fills me up, immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine. I am left speechless. His extravagant love never ceases to amaze me!

I recently had the privilege of spending time with two incredible women, one of which was my BFF!

I have shared before about these kindred spirits, soul sisters. Just being in their presence fills me up. In fact, it is interesting that one blogger made this comment about my "Free the Bird" post,

"'K,' OMG woman! You are just lit lit lit up like a Xmas tree when you are with those women. You should spend more time with them. I cannot get over how amazing your soul was shining in all those photos. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!"

During our visit we howled with laughter from the depths of our bellies until we were gasping for air. When we finally caught our breath, we started the whole process again. Our episode of laughter lasted for almost a full hour. To my knowledge, I don't think I have ever guffawed with such unrestrained freedom. It was incredible! And then, further along in our visit, our conversation led us to a place where we started to cry from within the deep abyss of our souls-- that private place where you are stripped bare and are usually all alone with God. Sharing this space with these women filled me up in ways I can barely articulate. All I know is God knew we needed to be with each other in this way at that exact moment in time. Priceless. Fully experiencing the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love!

When it was time for me to leave on that rainy morning, I let fear take over. It was actually more like a panic attack. You see I hate driving alone on the crazy 401 in the vision-impairing -torrential rains . Why did I have such a difficult time trusting that God would look after me on that highway, especially after such an empowering spiritual retreat!

I prayed, feebly I might add! My BFF prayed, confidently I might add. I LOVE that in spite of our weakness (well I should only speak for my weakness!), God is still sovereign. He DID hear my cries of fear and panic. He listened. He answered. He answered in such a specific way. A way that was far more than I could have ever possibly imagined!

Picture this scene with me. I am turning onto the on-ramp about to enter the highway when I spy incredibly dark storm clouds ahead. It had only been sprinkling at this point on my journey home. My heart began to race faster. My breathing became shorter. I could feel panic begin to set in. Immediately I started my deep breathing techniques -thank you yoga class! I didn't care what I looked like as the truckers whizzed by me. For all I knew, they probably thought I was picking my nose!!

Suddenly something in the distance caught my attention. I couldn't believe my eyes. As I rounded the corner at the top of the steep hill with K-Town disappearing behind me, I spotted an inconceivable sight.

Right smack dab in the middle of those nasty, black storm clouds lay a straight path of clear BRIGHT blue sky! I couldn't believe my eyes!

God parted the dark rain clouds for me....the ENTIRE way home. Intermittently, bursts of sunbeams would come out of nowhere and warm my face as I drove along . God shone his face on me to remind me He was with me every step of the way. To remind me He is still Sovereign and in control. To remind me to release it - all of it- over to Him. To remind me to “pronounce” and not doubt.

Do you know what?

The EXACT moment I pulled into my driveway, the heavens opened and it downpoured for several hours! Indescribable! Lavish! There is no doubt in my mind God did this for me! He filled me up - to the brim and overflowing - and then some!

My life if full.

P.S. Aphra, thank you for the short but sweet visit too. You were part of the "fullness" weekend!

just what I needed to hear at the perfect moment

***UPDATE for my "Healing Rains" post-Friday March 20, 2009***

Just before heading to bed last night, I decided to go on msn chat-which I haven't been on in ages. My best friend's 13-year old daughter was on. We were chatting away and I couldn't believe how spiritually sensitive this young woman was. She had no idea how I was feeling that day nor was she aware of the blog post I had just written. Her words of encouragement were timely. They came from God. I love how God does that! I thought I would post part of our msn conversation. It is a bit difficult to read but please do, especially the parts I highlighted in blue. The last lines of this conversation are the words that truly spoke to my heavy heart. Mady is medicine:) I said a prayer of thanksgiving to God for sending this gift to me last night via the internet!

` doseger! says:
I want you to listen to a song, I want to play it at church on Sunday.
karyne says:
okay..what song?..are you singing it at rustle?
karyne says:
send me the link
` doseger! says:
yeah, and piano.
` doseger! says:
uhm ,
karyne says:
AWESOME i haven't heard you sing in sooo long
` ` doseger! says:
You probably heard me when I was four years old , haha .
` doseger! says:
Well, I love to sing.
` doseger! says:
And, people say I have a beautiful voice .. they only say that because the angels take over
karyne says:
i like that..the angels take over..i always described it as a god thing but love how you describe...yes the angels do take over...i love this song!! powerful! you sing it girl!! hey i'm singing at my church for our easter concert..please pray as i'm nervous..singing with an orchestra...i want the angels to take over!!
` doseger! says:
I sure will. I got that saying from my sweet mama. I know .. i love this song too . it really makes me feel like God is there.
` doseger! says:
and I sure will let the angels take over.
karyne says:
whohoo!!!
` doseger! says:
haha, how have you been ?
karyne says:
pretty good
karyne says:
enjoying a break from school
- madysondoseger! ; says:
yeah but, its almost over.
karyne says:
had a few funerals had to go to the last few weeks so was sad
- madysondoseger! ; says:
yeah , but ..
- madysondoseger! ; says:
look at this.
karyne says:
happy they are in heaven but sad at losing this spiritual giants
- madysondoseger! ; says:
they are having a WAY better time.
madysondoseger! ; says:
listen to this song right now ..
your love is strong - jon foreman
- madysondoseger! ; says:
on youtube.
karyne says:
okay
karyne says:
i have never heard of him
- madysondoseger! ; says:
its beautiful.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
and neither did i , i jsut found him.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
it was amazing ..
- madysondoseger! ; says:
kind of like god .. you know,.
karyne says:
listeningnow..oh
karyne says:
i love his voice
-- madysondoseger! ; says:
.. me too .
- madysondoseger! ; says:
God knows what I need ** thats one of the verses.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
don't you love it so far
karyne says:
i do love it
- madysondoseger! ; says:
there was a day .
- madysondoseger! ; says:
when i just needed something from god.
karyne says:
exactly what i need to hear right now
- madysondoseger! ; says:
and he gave me this song.
karyne says:
why should i worry
- madysondoseger! ; says:
exactly.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
AMEN .
- madysondoseger! ; says:
ahah.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
you are strong.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
and he loves you
karyne says:
thanks sweetie...need that reminder today
***- madysondoseger! ; says:
I know .. God told me to tell you***
karyne says:
WOW!! do you know i haven't been on msn in ages and God knew I needed to be on and talk to you ! love you !!
- madysondoseger! ; says:
well.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
thats what God is all about.
- madysondoseger! ; says:
i love you too .

In memory...

We lost a saint today. (Saturday December 13, 2008) Yet this faithful servant of Jesus gained her reward today: meeting her Saviour face to face.

( taken at Helene's 90'th birthday party, Calvary Baptist Church, Oshawa, ON, December 8, 2008)

Helene Connaty. (Always Mrs. Connaty to me!) December 6, 1918 - December 14, 2008. "Prayer Warrior" extraordinaire.

I have been blessed to be raised in a church community where the older generation were (and still are) committed, faithful prayer warriors. I am indebted to them for their support over the years.

My first memory of Mrs. Connaty praying for us was in her kindergarten Sunday School class. We would sit cross -legged on the floor, eagerly anticipating the flannelgraph Bible story about to be told!

Over the years, I knew Mrs. Connaty and the others were faithfully praying for us young people. I didn't fully appreciate the ramifications until I was a missionary with Youth For Christ in Edmonton, Alberta - a LONG way from home!


Mrs. Connaty headed up the "Ladies Mission Circle" at the church. This little group of dedicated ladies would meet weekly to make practical gifts for all the missionaries our church supported. In addition, they would write letters to the missionaries and most importantly, would take the time to pray for us. Those letters and prayers were cherished more than they probably realized. These prayer warriors played a key role in the ongoing relationship I still continue to have with some of those high school students I worked with at Youth For Christ back in the '90's. TOGETHER we made a difference!

One thing Mrs. Connaty is known for is her quilt making. She had the "Ladies Mission Circle" make a quilt for every missionary. I was the proud recipient of one of these beautiful quilts. You can see it in the picture below. (Unfortunately, it is the only picture I have of the quilt as it is tucked away in my cedar chest!) Every stitch was crafted with love, tears, age-old wisdom, strength, sacrifice, laughter and prayer. It is a poignant reminder to me of their faithful devotion to Jesus. Shamefully, I am not as consistent in my prayers and encouragement for the younger generation at my church. A New Year's resolution? Definitely! I do hope the younger generation sees Jesus reflected in my life.

(circa, 1997, Edmonton, AB. One of my YFC students and I sitting on Mrs. Connaty and the Ladies Mission Circle's quilt)

What will happen when these prayer warriors are gone? Who will take their place?

I had the privilege of attending Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday celebration, six days before she died. Surrounded by these prayer warriors, I decided I better capture the moment on film.

Here are some of the remarkable men and women who helped shape me into the woman I am today...

Mrs. Nanckievill, a precious gem, singing and playing her accordion at Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday - another favourite childhood memory of mine - it was a treat! Mr. and Mrs. Nanckievill hosted many a youth event at their home. They were always so gracious!


Mrs. Connaty enjoying every moment of her celebration!

She always had to have the last word!! Here she is cutting her cake.

Mrs. Connaty's daughter Joanne. My former babysitter:)

Mrs. Lambshed, one of our Pastor's wives, befriended me. Pastor Wally Mills. Pastor Wally was one of the chaplains at our local hospital, so one summer I was his "assistant." What an incredible learning experience!

Mabel Matheson. She was our church secretary for YEARS!

Mrs. Santos, another one of my Sunday School teachers.

Mrs. Grant was one of my Pioneer Girls Club leaders.

Mrs. Bykiv was one of my Vacation Bible School teachers.

Mary Bond (left) was one of my Day Camp Directors when I was a camper and a staff member. Mrs. Hooper (right) was my Sunday School teacher and Pioneer Girl's Club leader.

Thank You

(Words and Music by Ray Boltz)

I dreamed I went to heaven

And you were there with me

We walked upon the streets of gold

Beside the crystal sea

We heard the angels singing

Then someone called your name

You turned and saw this young man

And he was smiling as he came

And he said, Friend

You may not know me now

And then he said, But wait

You used to teach my Sunday School

When I was only eight

And every week you would say a prayer

Before the class would start

And one day when you said that prayer

I asked Jesus in my heart

CHORUS:

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you

And said remember the time

A missionary came to your church

And his pictures made you cry

You didn't have much money

But you gave it anyway

Jesus took the gift you gave

And that's why I am here today

CHORUS

One by one they came

Far as the eye could see

Each life somehow touched

By your generosity

Little things that you had done

Sacrifices made

Unnoticed on the earth

In heaven now proclaimed

And I know up in heaven

You're not supposed to cry

But I am almost sure

There were tears in your eyes

As Jesus took your hand

And you stood before the Lord

He said, My child look around you

Great is your reward

CHORUS

I am so glad you gave

Thank You my faithful prayer warriors!

Two encouraging letters and a bit of nature in Panamerica?

I first met Andrea on a Missions Trip I helped organize and lead to this area of Tijuana, Mexico back in March 1992. I was working for a youth organization in Edmonton, AB called Youth For Christ and 14-year old Andrea was in our program. Immediately, I knew Andrea was full of leadership potential- we just had to empower her self confidence!

For many of the high school students and leaders, this trip was life changing in a myriad of ways. The home you see in this photo was a typical family dwelling in poverty stricken Panamerica, otherwise known as the garbage dump. Nature was trying to break through, but unfortunately the dry, dusty and bleak prevailed. ( okay, I may be stretching it for the final day of this week's nature theme over at Carmi's blog!!) Our team came to help hand out groceries to the families here, then feed, bathe, de-lice, (or de-louse?) clothe and then play an assortment of games with the freshly clean, fresh smelling, beaming children! Amidst the bleakness, there was an outpouring of contagious joy!


Our team bonded during this experience. So, over the next few years I lived in Edmonton, Andrea and I, along with another team member, Janet, continued building our friendship. I was also fortunate to have been able to connect with Andrea's family who cared for me while I was so far away from home!


In the years I worked with high school students, I would occasionally wonder if I was making a difference in their lives. Yesterday, I received a touching email from Andrea, who is now 32-years old, which put my wonder to rest and caused me to say a prayer of thankfulness to God,


"Hi Karyne, It is so great to see you[ on facebook]!! I will be married on October 17, 2008. And I thought of you as I have been planning my wedding. And want you to know that you were a very instrumental part of who I am today. I am forever greatful for you. Since we've been out of touch you've just come to mind unfortunately. It would be so cool if you could join us...but I know I am thinking of you too late. Anyhow sending you lots of love."


On the same day, I received a letter from the little girl I sponsor through Compassion Canada who lives in Honduras. I have been a sponsor since 1992 and have seen 4 girls move through this incredible program. I recently have been matched up with Paola. She is only 6-years old (1st grade) so her mom writes the letters. I was humbled by the following translated correspondence,

"Dear sponsor Karyne...We her parents are very thankful with the project for all this, also for the short meals and the children receive good attention and give the children what they like best. They are well because they are concerned of the children health and they have a doctor and a dentist who always checked them. We don't know how to thank all the project's sponsors and we just have to pray the Lord for the life of each one of you. May the Lord keep you always in His path wherever you go. Keep on with Jesus Christ always, he is our rick [I think she means rock!], our helper because without Him our life is nothing. I want to ask you to answer this letter to my daughter because she is anxious to have a photo and letter from her sponsor. Well, bye may the Lord bless you. Paola"

It made me realize I need to be more diligent in communicating with this precious one. It is easy to forget in the busyness of life. But, I know these children eagerly anticipate letters from their sponsors. They treasure the gifts we send. One day I hope to be able to visit my child but for now I will dig out that photo of me and write Paola a letter! I know it will make a difference!