robin's journey

Yesterday (June 29) at 9:21 p.m. I became a grandmother to a little chap (6lbs-12oz) who's name is Damian Edward. Life is such a wonderful and amazing gift. Mom and baby had a hard time through delivery, and now my son is recovering from stress, and mom and baby are fine. My assignment from God as grandma to Damian, is found in Psalm 78:4. "Telling to the generation to come the praises of Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works He has done." Two weeks ago, I started a prayer journal for Damian. Through this process what I have learned is: Interceding on the behalf another lines up my heart with an unconditional love that comes only from Jesus. I found two interesting thoughts for today that moved my heart completely, which I would like to share. The first one made me sob from the depths of my soul (I believe because I am a grandma.) The second one I am in total agreement with, and just finished writing a paper on a similar topic. Get out the Kleenex before you w...

Over the last week my heart has been extremely heavy for all the seniors in my church who are ill, going through change, and who are battling cancer. Also my heart is heavy for my four children and their mates who are not following Christ, and the papers I am still finishing. The burdens were way to heavy yesterday, so I decided to drive out to my favorite hiding place. About 11km outside of my city there is a prayer wall, prayer path, and prayer labyrinth. I usually go out to walk the prayer labyrinth, but yesterday I did not get past the prayer wall. I just sat and reflected on the heaviness within my heart for all who are dear to me. I was there for about three hours. Communication with God when the heaviness is too much to carry is like a body message for the soul. Jesus to you I pray Your beams of love fall around Even when I can not see Hold each burden Hear each prayer Help my soul to release Knowing deep within you hear my prayers. I am a person who loves symbols. The rock...

I really do not have time to write on my blog today, but writing is important and so is the blogging community in which I belong. Over the last few month’s I have been slowly going through Henri Nouwen’s book, Home Tonight , this book is a guide to finding our spiritual home in Christ. In the third chapter, a quote from Oriah’s book, The Invitation , inspired me to write. Her genre or label is under spiritual teachings, which could mean anything that goes (new age), but from a Christian view point her poem touched my heart and has lead me into deep reflection of what I ache for in my life. It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. Oriah I have the same convictions in my daily life when I am around people. I long to hear what they are passionate about, what they long for in their life, and what core ache goes unmet. When I am visiting my friends who are retired the topic of what they ...

"At times the strength of spiritual community lies in the love of people who refrain from getting caught in the trap of trying to fix everything for us, who pray for us and allow us the pain of our wilderness, our wants, so that we may be more deeply grounded in God." Quote by Rosemary Dougherty With having three young adults and two young children living in my home it takes great strength and discipline not to fix all of their problems but to hold back, pray, and give suggestions as they stumble along. I pray each one of my young adults will one day find their way closer to our Fathers heart. I really could try to fix all of their problems but they would not learn the great life lessons along the way that they need to live well. I pray I will have the strength and discipline I need, to stand and pray without getting in the way of spiritual growth.

Last night when I arrived home from Regina at around 8:30 p.m. my husband was kind and thoughtful, he made a light supper for us. A friend in Regina had made me a snack, but in my hast to catch the bus I forgot the treat. Ugh! After our relaxing meal I went to turn on my computer, it simply would not turn on or connect. I believe, a Trojan virus must have entered unawares to me. With the arise of this new dilemma it has had me thinking that is a good time to slow down and take time off the computer for the next few days. Working on my husbands laptop is just not the same as my good and faithful PC. My class was full of information that I need to still process and work into my life. One thing the professor said as we were leaving the class that had me in agreement was: "At this age, I will not be perfect!" I am trying understand this and slowly I am realizing there simply is no way to be perfect...or at least in this world. The goal is to rest in the fact that I am w...

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord test the heart." Proverbs 17:3 In adversity God will examine our heart bringing transformation if we are open to recieve the gift.

Reading through my notes written/taken as I work through "Preaching" by Calvin Miller, I found a statement that is absolutely true. "Resources are an automatic part of who they are ( who I am ), having been gained in the sweat of personal study." Over the last month, the personal sweat from study has been the price paid for all I gleaned through the reading. Charles Colson's book, "Loving God" brought clarity to several questions I had, and transformation to my soul. Colson's book has been part of my library for over ten years, I had missed out on the treasure all these years. Maybe I will look at this another way: I was not ready to read his book until now. Another point from Calvin Miller: Two keys to analyzing sermon makers: One, they must be in love with God, and two, they must love ALL those who God loves. Interesting. Sounds like a scripture verse I know. Later, Robin

The title of the sermon today (January 25, 2009) “Grace Without Compromise.” Lou Leventhal the morning lead pastor had reflections on how to react when we see sinful behavior in others. You can listen to the sermon online from Emmanuel Baptist Church Saskatoon website. The text today was from John 8:1-11. These reflections are from my notes and will have a touch of paraphrasing added. When we see sinful behavior in others, 10 suggestions: 1. Ask God to examine your own heart sins. 2. Confess and repent of any sin the Holy Spirit reveals to you. 3. Thank God for His forgiveness, for His cleansing, and for His grace in your life. 4. Ask yourself if it is really sin. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring conviction to this brother or sister. 5. Ask God how He wants to use you. He may ask you to pray. 6. Pray for humility, kindness, love, grace, and right heart motives, with the desire to bring restoration and wholeness. 7. Ask your friend when would there be a good time to chat. 8. When ...