Category: TGI Friday

In the Summertime.

Michelle Collins12 Comments

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Hello! It’s been a while… summer livin’ and all. I’m excited today to introduce a fresh new look to my blog (thank you lovely Bethany from our For the Love launch team) On the subject of For the Love by Jen Hatmaker – don’t forget to pre order here… review coming soon.

For the next week or so I am joining up with Blogging 101 on WordPress to give us writers a blogging boost. Assignments and changes on the blog everyday for a few weeks. Today is finding a new theme – I’m such a good student. Thanks WordPress!

For those new around here the reason I write my blog? I love stories and putting faith words to life. My favourite posts are those that give you a glimpse of life of this British family pastoring and adventuring in Kelowna, BC alongside offering words of encouragement to you on your journey, ‘bringing God colours into the mundane and miraculous.’

The blogging world is saturated with blogs of this same genre particularly in North America – and I don’t even offer recipes! So I could ask, is it worth it? But we don’t all read every blog. We read a blog we are interested in, and that we have connection with – and for me that’s enough, so I blog on! Oh and it helps because I am working on a Creative Writing degree.

The biggest comments I have are those of thank you for the encouragement and also apologies for not ‘actually’ commenting on the blog itself. Ah yes the whole commenting thing! I’m told I should leave the blog with a question to encourage you to comment. I’m learning…

Family news. You might remember I mentioned we were waiting to hear from Canadian government that Phil is ‘the man for the job’ we were pleased to hear a YES from them and now wait to be invited to apply for Permanent Residence soon!

We enjoyed a week on Kitsilano beach, catching beautiful sunsets, absorbing vitamin sea and enjoying the beauty of Vancouver. They tell me it rains there but I don’t believe them.

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Bella and I enjoyed a girly 24 hours and went to see Taylor Swift in concert. That girl can sing and dance for hours! Taylor is pretty special too.

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As I wrote on my last post – summer is busy with visitors and camps. Jess has been away for almost a month and returns this weekend. Emily and Bella are currently at the Ark, Emily cooking and Bella having the time of her life, although I’m sure the kitchen is fun too! That leaves Josiah to watch movies and play games with his lovely cousin Charlotte. We all head to family camp at Green Bay next week where Phil will be teaching for the week.

Nanny Sue and Dion are in town, making Kelowna their home for a month!

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So, there’s a little catch up.

I was challenged to publish something on my blog that I haven’t done before so here is a poem I wrote – rewritten from one of my favorite Psalms. My lecturer did challenge me on attempting to rewrite something famous that couldn’t be improved upon but I offer my reflection anyway!

The Invite.

Spoken and silent needs, you know them well,

Your voice settles my soul.

I roll in verdant meadows, in carefree rest.

Stagnant sea, parts to a grace oasis,

I drink in the life of silent streams.

In deep valleys, you whisper echoes,

on weathered trails and sunless paths.

I’m invited! Your guest to sit and feast.

To face my enemies, who watch and mock,

my head spins again under their scorn.

I’m invited! My saporous spread.

I’m invited! My paradise picnic.

Your healing oil cascades over my head,

fresh fragrance flows, I carry your balm.

My darling, ever-present Companion,

You have pursued me well, I will abide,

where the feast never ends. It never ends.

 

Time to hear from you…

Describe your summer so far in a few words…

and/or

What can I pray for you?

Thanks for reading!

Love, Michelle.

 

 

Summer Summary.

Michelle Collins5 Comments

A summer of…

Mommy did you see me. Watch me, watch me. Mommy…mommy!  Time me. Catch me.

Of Somersaults and splits. Cartwheels and headstands.
Of Wiggly teeth. Wobbly emotions.

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Of God chasing wonder. Anchored faith. Heart lake community capturing her heart. Junior leaders. Prayers answered. Life friendships forged.

Of too many sleepovers. I give in when those visiting mascara laden, cropped top wearing, fragile ones whisper ‘please Mama Collins’.

Of befriending King David. What did he teach me?
That the opposite of fear isn’t courage, it’s trust.
That friendship is built on a safe place. Envy and jealousy will eat you up and Worship is at the heart of who we should be.
That a heart after god is integrity, love and humility.
That none of us can afford to be complacent with our holiness. Listen to our summer series here.

Of understanding myself like never before, accepting that it can often feel like a burden and envisioning a redeemed version.

Of blog posts that open eyes and offer understanding.
And…understanding that occasionally the posts I throw out fast are the ones heaven throws a flashlight on.

Of my new fave place in Vancouver. Kitsilano. Rock pool exploring and sushi on the beach. Mesmerizing sunsets and flexible people.

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Of training for the Kelowna Wine Country half. September 7th is.next.week. Why didn’t you tell me we’re nearly at the end of August?

2846420a0aab11e3aaa822000a1fb0dd_7Cheered on by these views during training

Of family visiting. Respite and insight, acceptance and grace. Mom and D loving Kelowna, establishing friendships, praying with locals on street corners, encouraging at the hope centre, worshipping with the young adults.

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Of Green Bay bible camp. We enjoyed our week there and met some great people, the campers loved Phil’s speaking.
It was here I saw daily miracles in her. I saw a new freedom – restoring the years. Swinging high, star gazing, losing fears.

Of our new car. Everyday I drive this car I thank God for his goodness. For the prayers of a six year old and for those who listened to the whisper.

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So, as we draw to a close and the Collins clan squeeze the last drops of summer in Seattle.
I am thankful.
I know that all good gifts come from my Father in heaven.

IMG_2527Seattle from the top of space needle. Photo creds. Emily Collins.

This is my summer highlight reel.
And we know not to compare our behind the scenes with others highlight reels don’t we friends?! I will take you behind the scenes soon enough, just need to spend some time there – on my own…

Now, let me know some of your summer highlights.

I can hear September revving up.
I am not ready… but I will be next week.
Embrace the remaining summer days.

Love, Michelle xoxo

Look at the Birds.

Michelle Collins1 Comment

Five minute Friday word prompt ‘View’ although I must confess it has become 30 minute Monday…

Phil, Emily and Jessica went to see Mumford and Sons in concert on Friday. The biggest headlining gig they’ve ever played with 25,000 gathered in Holland Park in Surrey, BC. Besides the one guy waving his lighter in the air, iPods and iPhones were held high, capturing the moments.

There’s nothing like playing back a concert on your Apple device is there? Reminding yourself how much fun you had recording the concert of that artist you love enough to pay money to see live. I speak from experience having recording a good amount of Coldplay last year. Have I watched back the footage? *cough*

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Bella enjoyed her first ballet show this weekend. Creators Arts Centre put on an awesome show ‘A Time to Dance’ leading us through a journey of time – from birth to death, from spring to winter, from morning to night.

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Bella has to win the smiliest dancer award.

My view. There are two cherry trees outside my bedroom window. Established, strong, currently producing tiny green cherries, soon enough we’ll be harvesting the red beauties. Hard to believe just a few months ago the tree was pruned to what I thought was its death.

Pruning has a way of making you believe that.

Our tree house sits in the cherry tree and few weeks ago a friendly robin decided it liked the look of it, so with a delusion of grandeur decided to set up home.

‘Look at the birds of the air’ Jesus said.

I had this lovely idea that I would capture the next few weeks of robin nesting. The first two weeks were great Spring-watch activity with Bella and Josiah creeping up to watch the progress.

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I think we’ll stop at 4. 

But now those babes are born.

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Proud parents. 

When I go anyway near, they swoop, they squawk and they dive bomb.

My yard is not a safe place to be right now.

Forget Mamma Bear…Mamma Bird is out there.

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I see provision. I see protection. I see care. I see God.

 And finally…

I asked my friend John, what do Jesus words ‘look at the birds of the air’ mean to you?

His view. John’s physical view is a parking lot. The view from his van where he lives might not be one that he’d choose, but as he acknowledged, it’s a roof over his head.

John grew up with 24 people in his home including 8 brothers and 11 foster kids.

John was a wealthy businessman, married, generous.

When his wife left, his business continued to prosper for a while. Then his life hit a dark time and for 18 years he became drug and alcohol dependant. He almost lost his life 7 times, and as he lay in a hospital bed yet again. A friend walked in and said some simple words ‘this is your last chance.’

John heard these words and they hit him. His spiritual ears heard them, but more than that he realised the love of his heavenly Father.

John had watched his Mom get up at 5am everyday to pray in the daily bread, he would often see people arrive with 15 chickens or sacks of potatoes. This lifestyle is now one that he lives, he believes that God is teaching him continually about faith.

He describes looking at a $80k car, knowing that once upon a time he could afford it.

And at that moment he looked down and in the snow was $5, just what he needed right then. He tells many stories of daily bread.

‘Look at the birds of the air’ Jesus said. I’m sure when John looks at the birds from his van.

Those words fly.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life.

Matthew 6:25

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What a freeing truth this heart attitude is, as the message puts it let’s become ‘careless in the cares of God’.

Seems like a good week for bird watching!

Love, Michelle xoxo

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A bird ballet | Music Video from Neels CASTILLON on Vimeo.

Songbird.

Michelle Collins9 Comments

Our week in Kelowna. The Collins Clan drove down to Omak, Washington and drove back over the Canadian border within 24 hours. With one purpose – to renew our visa.

A couple of hours, lots of questions and obstacles overcome.

We were granted 3 more years. Our adventure continues!

A friend of our Hope Centre is having twins and before she heads off to Vancouver to deliver her babes – we threw her a baby shower. Love to bless!

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We held a day of service on Thursday with Heritage Christian School Grade 8’s who served the church with great hearts and attitude. It wasn’t all hard work though, when our youth and children’s department get involved so do water guns, cotton candy machines and slurpees. Thank you again Heritage.

We hit the skate park with Josiah and Bella. Heart in mouth – need knee pads.

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The fair came to town. Oh yes it’s ‘Maydays’ which brings excitement to our home. As the twins were doing there own fair thing. We took the little people and to Josiah’s delight he was allowed on the ‘scary’ rides which he took on without fear.

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Bella and Josiah on the ‘stomach left somewhere in the sky ride.’

With my Friday Faves done, you don’t mind if I squeeze in a five minute Friday do you? Ah good.

The word for this week is ‘Song’. There are so many paths I’d like to travel down with this word. But I have 5 minutes and I’m heading down a muddy path to find a song.

START.

They call it a dawn chorus. It’s more like a rock opera outside my window every morning, and it begins at 4am. Our lives are surrounded by songs. This week I reminisced as I listened to songs from my teens. Then I cried as I listened to one particular song as I thought of my Dad’s funeral service, then remembered it was actually from Mom’s wedding. Tears soon turned to laughter.  I’m sure there’s a song attached to every month of my life. I love music.

Then…

I meet you with no song. Friends who’ve lost their song.

Who cry out as David did in Psalm 40. I waited…I’m waiting patiently, expectantly for the Lord.

How long Lord?

You cry out in your waiting and veiled silence.

How long?

Patience, while positive, isn’t pretty.

Singing from pits echoes your own voice as you strive to hear another.

Steve Bell wrote this piece last weekend. An image of freedom, and the often painful road we need to take to reach it.

‘Today I freed a songbird who was trapped in our garage

And flapped against the pane that rendered freedom a mirage

I had to further terrorise the frantic feathered beast

Who could not know that capture was the terms of her release.’

Psalm 40 continues…

‘At last he looked; finally he listened.

He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.

He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip.

He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God.

More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.’

Whether you are in the pits, or on the rock – here’s a truth to absorb.

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

The Hebrew word used here to describe how Father sings is ‘rinnah’. It means to express a ringing cry, a loud shout, a proclamation of extreme joy and an expression of gladness.

Wow!

Praying you a hear His song over you this weekend,

Love, Michelle xoxo

STOP

Five Minute Friday

On Dr. Martens and Friendship.

Michelle Collins11 Comments

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I chatted to my friend this week in the UK.
She said she keeps up with my blog and I said I’d give her a mention.
Who knew that five minute Friday would be the word ‘Friend’ so I have 5 minutes to write – no editing no backtracking *cough*.
Remember:
When we were in school together…and you spelt your name with a ‘y’. So cool.
We topped and tailed in my little single bed. A lot.
When my side the friendship talked the other into taking a day off school. Hmmm.
When I required big scrunched hair, you were my scruncher – diffuser and all.
When you saw my home as yours. My family as yours. That was good.
When we decided to say yes to the Jesus who invaded our lives with love and freedom.
Our mature years (late teens) – of even bigger hair and such sensible clothes, Benny Hinn and dwelling in four dwellings.
And then the wandering and wondering and meeting up again.
And all those babies.
And now…
Your eldest sits his leaving exams and my littlest sits his weekly spellings.
Your eldest says ‘Mom, I want physics and psychology and art.’
And my littlest goes to bed asking ‘Is it OK if I just tell God  He’s cool because of His superpowers.’ We’re doing a great job!

You’re more than my mate Kayt, your my sis.

Nearly 3 years ago, I stepped off a plane and had to start friend making again. And that’s been hard. It takes time doesn’t it?
Time. Energy. Effort. Courage…there’s that word again.
We are all meant to be friends with someone. We cannot do this life alone.

Jesus loves friendship.

I spent my Thursday at the Hope Centre.
I chatted with my biker tattooed bro with his UK imported Dr. Martens. I let him know his boots were having a major fashion moment in the UK. That kids, teens and Moms alike were wearing them with pride. The boot, designed after a ski injury back in the 60’s has made its air cushioned sole through decades of punks and skinheads to style mags and catwalks.
(I was the 9 year old skinhead down the Lye with waist long hair and docs) Seriously.

My Hope Centre friend. He told me he wasn’t sure if he fit in there because he was so different. ‘I mean, just look at me’ he said.
I told him everyone in the Hope Centre was different so he would fit in just fine.
As he was leaving he came up to me and said
‘Hey, English. I had a great morning.’

I could say its because of the Patti’s sandwiches or my excellent coffee or Esther’s hospitable skills. But I think it’s more than that.
You see there’s something that connects us all.
Whether homeless, happy, frantic, fed. We are made for connection.
For friendship. For community.
Whether living life together day by day, a weekly visit to the Hope Centre or friendship across the pond.

Friendship, is gift to be treasured and not taken for granted.

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(not the boots HC bro was wearing, the boots I would wear;)

My prayer is that you will find courage to allow yourself to find and to be a friend.

Yes courage.

‘The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage literally had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has actually changed, and today, courage is synonymous with being heroic or performing brave deeds.
Heroics and bravery are important, but I think we’ve lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we and about our experiences (good and bad) is the ultimate act of courage. Heroics is often about putting your life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting your vulnerability on the line. In today’s world, that’s pretty extraordinary’ Thoughts of Brene Brown.

And finally…
Back to my mate kayt. She wears docs.

Have a great weekend friends!
Love,  Michelle. xoxo

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” CS Lewis.

Five Minute Friday

Friday Faves: My Cloud

Michelle Collins1 Comment

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Yes, it’s Friday Faves my weekly mashup. (Click on the highlighted words to link!)

Interesting articles:

Why Marcus Mumford’s take on the “Christian” label doesn’t hold up. In Relevant magazine here. 

The not-so-perfect pastors family, thoughts by a couple of PK’s in Christianity today.

Six reasons young Christians leave the church. Do you agree with this?

Fave podcast:

Brene Brown on Oprah. I love Brene and her message. Feel free to make yourself a cuppa click here and watch the interview. Very liberating.

Here is a free book I’ve downloaded but not read yet by Hugh Halter.

I’m reading a dialogue feast for my course: On Beauty by Zadie Smith, various screenplays inc.Waiting for Godot, Ernest Hemingway’s Short Story Collection and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.

I’ve had my head (and camera) in the clouds this week.

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“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way…”

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“If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth…” Ecclesiastes 3:11      Wesley says ‘Learn the practice of liberality from the clouds; which when they are filled with water, do not hoard it up, but plentifully pour it forth for the refreshment both of the fruitful field and the barren wilderness’.

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Receive refreshing. Be refreshing.

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In this time of need look up and know ‘every good and perfect gift is from above’.

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Emily and Phil climbed Black Mountain on the first day of spring.

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Passed his Masters in Applied Theology!

Brilliant news, so proud of my man. 

Keep looking up,

Love, Michelle xoxo

Friday Faves: New things.

Michelle Collins2 Comments

It’s new…It’s Friday Faves!

A mash up of my faves of the week. Photos, snippets, books, quotes etc – you get the idea. Hopefully, there will be something for everyone. Particularly for those friends and family who, for the most part haven’t a clue what I am writing about.

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I started my new module. Focusing on dialogue, script and screenplay. Loving the subject and having the actors staying with us this week – bonus!

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Josiah learned to ski!

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I tried snowshoeing  (accompanied by the famous DR)

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Phil – When in Canada!

Loved Searchlight’s show ‘Chariot’. Their idea of using church based actors worked brilliantly – particularly with our talented bunch at Willow Park.

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Love this pic from the show. Check out more of Chad’s work at ChadPerryPhotography

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And…as the Big White cloud cleared.

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A new cloud appeared. 

Praying. 

Isaiah 43:19

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Enjoy your weekend!

Love, Michelle xoxo

 

A Quacking Mess.

Michelle Collins8 Comments

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I like my ducks in row – lined up and looking lovely. So when I go down the road of vulnerability (new word alert…) of Encounter God retreats and counselling – those ducks start fighting, crapping and generally going haywire.

Thankfully, I continue to live my calling amongst the quacking mess.

In my last post I talked about vulnerability, some were concerned that a little too much dirty laundry might not be useful for someone in ‘my position.’

The Encounter God weekend was good. It led me to feeling bare, wide open.

It left me feeling…vulnerable.

But isn’t that exactly what you were shouting from the rooftops last week?!

Yes, I still am. But this week from a different posture – on my face.

Where silent hurts are finally given a voice, taking new form in words.

Only this time they are clothed in love, grace and redemption.

Encounter God retreat. The word retreat was used to draw us. It wasn’t a retreat that you might be imagining. There were no spas or treatments!

The weekend consisted of 8 sessions.

  1. Spiritual warfare
  2. Darkness to light (There is no neutral ground in the universe, every square inch, every spilt second is claimed by God and counterclaims by Satan. C.S. Lewis)
  3. From impure to pure.
  4. The Cross
  5. Destructive Attitudes and Actions
  6. Inner Healing
  7. Generational Healing
  8. Holy Spirit.

No retreat..lots of surrender.

Each session was taught then we would spilt into our ‘triads’ (a term I’ve only ever associated with Jackie Pullinger…)

In our triad, following each session, we would work through a list of areas of possible struggle, sin, behaviour. Confessing to one another and praying a praying a prayer forgiveness.

My group were relieved to not to have to say after a short while  ‘so, there’s no judgement here, right?’

We were reminded of the truth of the cross as we meditated on scenes from the Passion of the Christ, kneeling at the cross and taking communion.

Tears flowed as we were reminded of the sacrifice made. Reminded that we do not have to walk around with our collection of hurts. God has given us a way to get healed and clear the junk from our lives. We have grace through the Blood of Jesus. His mercy endures forever, and His victory is sure. We can exchange our hurts and even the consequences of things over which we had no control at the Cross.

Inner healing came. In this session we were asked to wait and listen. To see what the Lord highlighted and the area of soul sickness He wanted to heal. Many in the room were reminded of distant pains – wounds, abuse, hurts. Words and events that had defined and shaped us since childhood. When reminded of these, we were encouraged to invite Christ into those scenes.

We know the past hasn’t changed. The past has passed.

For some, there was an instant redemption of that dark place, others, the beginning of a transforming, healing process.

Jesus my redeemer. Name above all names.

So, we journeyed on into our worlds, some in cars, me on a Greyhound. My first greyhound journey – it was here I was reminded that this is not just a quick fix weekend, it is a daily choice to apply these truths.

I like what this does for a church community who take this journey together, beyond Sunday morning niceties to real raw living.

My kind of church.

 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world ” Matthew 5:8 MSG.

And finally.

Did you know swans belong to the duck family? They are protected by royalty…

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Have a great week,

Throw me some bread in the comments,

Love, Michelle xo

Thank you

Michelle Collins4 Comments

Following a word prompt. Because right now, that’s how I roll.

 Thank you.

We embarked on a 40 day Daniel fast last week. We fasted this time last year too. Read about it here. The Nativity Fast happens this time of year, otherwise known as St. Philip’s fast, so we join others in our pursuit of less of me.

On the Daniel Fast we eat anything that grows from the ground and drink only water.

Vegan gone large. Simple really…

Phil and I enjoyed lunch, a bowl of spinach, nuts and fruit.

We left the Chopped Leaf feeling all healthy and vegetarian and walked along the path, Phil stopped and began to salivate, his carb and sugar starved body drawn to brightly colored bakes.

‘Mmmmm. Christmas cookies.’ he said.

I encourage Phil to be strong and step away from the window, offering him more raisins.

Then we look up….

And laugh and then laugh some more.

As we realise we are looking in through the pet food store window.

Isn’t laughter great?

And while this Friday word prompt is over ‘Thanksgiving week’.

It could be any Friday, whatever the colour.

Or any day.

Or even better – everyday.

Thank you. It’s an everyday word.

Life is dark, an occasional spark. Shout thanks.

Heart is dull, words null. Mouth thanks.

Commotion crashes, peace merely flashes. Cry thanks.

In this and every other place, this sacred space. Live thanks.

by MC

Thanksgiving is an attitude. ‘The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.’

It is not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them. Living thankfully, showing, not telling, is a true measure of our thanksgiving.

Drop by next week, I’m going to share stories from the Hope Centre. One of my fave places on.the.planet. Seriously.

As ever thankful for you, your love, and your stories.

Stay in touch.

Love, Michelle xoxo

On your feet now—applaud God!

    Bring a gift of laughter,

    sing yourselves into his presence.

Know this: God is God, and God, God.

    He made us; we didn’t make him.

    We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

Enter with the password: “Thank you!”

    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

    Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,

    all-generous in love,

    loyal always and ever.

Psalm 100 MSG

Five Minute Friday

Roots

Michelle Collins7 Comments

I write from the hair salon. Yes it’s that time – roots.

‘Whaaaaat I hear you cry, you’re not a natural blonde?’

Yes I am! Or should I say was, when I was 5. And now I just enjoy a little assistance to maintain that natural color.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks with birthdays for the Collins men. A high energy party for Josiah and his friends, a Canadian style meal and a legotastic time!

Love celebrating with my fam.

Phil flew to Vancouver this week where he spoke at a pastor’s conference.  Encouraging them to dream big and firing them up to continue in their God given calling.

Then there was Halloween…

Bella the funky ballerina and Josiah the cowboy hit our busy neighborhood and went trick or treating.

Stop right there Michelle. Aren’t the roots of Halloween dark?

Yes.

But I am not, because my God is not. I believe in opening my door and letting the light out, redeeming the day and introducing a different Spirit.

As Christians we are called to be light right? Then arise shine!

And now a thought to end this writing prompt.

A while ago I went to a friend for counselling and prayer. A line of thought she shared with me has stayed close. It is this.

As one woven by our Creator, we are all designed with specific roots of character which define us. What can happen is that the enemy, choices…. life’s events can take this God given root and twist it.

Here are some examples of twisted roots.

You protect those around you with your silence over challenging behavior. Could this be your God given root of integrity is gnarled.

You are bolshy, even arrogant. Has your root of boldness been twisted?

You fear confrontation, you allow compromise. Has your root of being a peacemaker wandered.

You are a bully. But God’s plan for you was inner strength.

We often think we need to to rip up the roots that define us. Instead maybe those God given roots need to be straightened, healed and freed.

I hope that resonates with some of you.

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 

Have a great weekend,

Love, Michelle  xoxo

It’s 5 minute Friday – I’ve been following a word prompt – Roots. Click here to find some encouragement with a group of great bloggers.

Five Minute Friday