Embracing the Process

My days are filled. Filled with laughing, laundry, cooking, children, crafts, coffee dates and more. Each morning when I wake, I curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea & my bible. I seek the Lord for guidance, peace and direction for the day. I ask Him to show me things throughout the day. Somedays, what He shows me is more clear than other days. For my Father in Laws 60th, I was desiring to get a unique picture of the children taken and blown up for him. So, one afternoon as the warm sun beat into the living room, it drew me to the window. The rays were bouncing off the a freshly laid sheet of snow, I thought..this is it! I called to the children and said "It's go time! Brush your hair & teeth and put something clean on". We whipped out the door and drove to the destination I'd previously envisioned. We drove down a long icy path only to see a HUGE gate across the property, with a 'CLOSED' sign on the gate. The park was closed for the winter. I sighed as we turned the big ol' van around and said, 'Keep your eyes open for anything, anything that looks like it would be a great back drop for the picture." The sun was going down, so my mind was racing on where to go next. Then it came to me, there's a gorgeous old barn by my parents place that I've so desired to use in a shoot. As the non-stop on-coming traffic was coming, we could see the barn, it was perfect! I pulled the van into the lot and we were stopped by a rickety old wire fence. It was marked 'NO TRESPASSING'. This barn was abandoned! Surely it was no biggie! The pictures of what could be, was racing through my head. Then... I saw an opening in the gate, someone had gone before us and cut us a way. Thank you Lord, provision, surely He had cut the path?! I said, "Do you think we can fit through that opening?" to the children. As the words left my mouth, I felt convicted. No trespassing meant no trespassing, and my two oldest children confirmed that with a 'Mom, we can't do that, it's not right.' Instantly frustrated and annoyed we got back on the road. Two for two! We were now stuck in traffic and were headed to an out of town park. It has an incredible little bridge, it would be perfect, we could make it work! The sun was going down, but there was still more than enough light for a great shot. The children filed out of the van in suit. Although, by now it was close to dinner time and they were hungry! I had a mission and their hunger and fatigue was not going to cramp my style. I'd promised donuts to all those who were compliant... but to no avail. They didn't see the vision I had seen, they hadn't pictured what I had pictured. I didn't get one frame. Not one photo. Our two oldest and youngest smiled throughout all of the shots, but our other two couldnt' be encouraged, couldn't bare it. They cried. They had the big ol' crocodile tears just a flowing! After trying to snap through the tears, we left the park. I was now hungry, upset and wanted to cry. NO DONUTS was declared, as I buckled my belt. As we were driving home, my oldest daughter knew I was frustrated. We now had no present for Grandpa and no chocolate covered donuts. We continued driving and I saw something blue out of the corner of my eye... it was a big rusty old blue garbage bin. It was dirty, it had garbage billowing out of the top and graffiti all over the side of it. I said, 'Doo....do you think we could use that?' Without much time for response I cranked the wheel and headed left towards it. We had one more chance! We pulled over on the side of the busy road, and again we filed out of the van. The Tim Hortons across the road kept their eyes on the prize this time! 'Smiling = Donuts', repeat 'Smiling = Donuts'! The only thing that kept us from the bin was a small stream. Obviously frozen as we live in Canada, I put our youngest in my arms, camera around my neck and walked across, and instantly the ice broke and I was ankle deep in what I would describe as a thick brown grossness! The other children were standing on the bank, thinking I'd obviously can the whole thing... but I couldn't we'd come to far, we'd gone through to much! A picture is what we were after and a picture we would retrieve! So, before they even thought about doing a 180, I said, I'm already here, make a run for it! With the enthusiasm in my voice, they knew there was no choice. Trench foot for everyone! So, one by one they ventured across. With dancing donuts racing through their heads, they smiled, they complied ...only for a few moments, but for enough to put handles on the vision I had originally seen. It may have looked different, but the idea, the concept... a picture of dear grandchildren was captured!
I was reminded by the Lord that sometimes what we envision isn't always as attainable as we think. There's a process, not one many are willing to take. There are road blocks. There are situations we come to where we could do the easy thing, but it doesn't mean it's the right thing. We share the vision and some of the ones that surround us seem on board until there's inconvenience. Some may growl over their glasses, cry and complain.

Sometimes we, or others around us are easily distracted. The process at times seems almost unbearable. At times, no matter what the prize we can loose focus. We loose focus of the 'what could have been' or 'what is to be', because of our selfishness. Us wanting to do our own thing, not willing to be compliant or be obedient.

But I'm encouraging you, to embrace the process! Don't give up on yourself! Don't give up just because those around you may not be seeing what you see! Press on, persevere and don't lose focus! If He's given you the vision, He will walk through the process with you, seeing it to completion! Amen!
Galations 6:9 says 'So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.'

Often times He takes the Gross situations and turns them into pictures of perfection! The garbage heap, the grossness... it's all used for His glory, He'll find the beauty in it!

So, if you want to hear more from the Lord, ask Him to speak to you through your situations, you'll be amazed at what He shows you!

Calm before the....

I wanted to capture some pictures of where we've spent our last week! It's truly incredible that all this has been set up in 4 days! Our children have thrown their coats and boots on each day as we've gone over to set up. They love being a part of what's going on. They love coming alongside and helping with whatever might need to be done. Whether it be sorting, arranging, dressing STELLA (the mannequin), or using the carpet sweeper (do I ever love that they love that job!)they are eager to serve. I've loved hearing their voices and laughter through the isles of clothing as they played tag, or hide-and-seek with the other children.
Praying for incredible opportunities tomorrow

Our Welcome Area, getting to meet the faces of those in our community!

Our middle daughter and her best friend both 4 yrs old, organized all the children's shoes, they had such a fab time modeling them. Never to young to fall in love with shoes :)

Accessory Central! Lots of great scarves, earrings, bracelets and TONS of handbags!

The Goods...

Stella, the mannequin! Outfit put together by: Ry&Kara Design... our two little assistants!

New to YOU Clothesline!

Here we are in yet another cold Canadian winter! The snow this year has been incredible! There's been no need for making snow forts as it seems they just appear on your front lawn. Feet and feet of snow! Each year for the past few years, we've hit the streets in London and run a coat drive. We've gathered coats, boots, hats, mitts etc. and those who have a heart for the homeless, and the addicts. We've had an incredible team each year whose desire isn't to brag on what they've done, but those who have the heart of the Father filled with compassion desiring nothing more than to share a hot breakfast, coffee and the message of Christ with those they'd come in contact with that day.

This year, we felt to do something different. For the past month we've been gathering clothing from friends, family, neighbours, co-workers etc, and are running a 'Free Used Clothing Store' in our building. We had a pile of bags donated. Last night while we were sorting, I'm not kidding when I say the clothing is multiplying. The bags that came in, compared to the clothing that's hung is NOT comparable. The room is literally filled with all kinds of goodness! Incredible finds and name brands, some clothing with tags still attached. The people who gave, didn't give their rags! Truly the spirit of giving and unity is in the house. Those donating from other churches and local businesses. Volunteers coming from near and far to help bless the community He's entrusted us with. Here's a preview of the 'Clothesline' in it's beginning stages! Pray that lives will be touched and forever changed as they come through our doors of The Sanctuary. We're praying for MUCH opportunity to share the life changing gospel Jesus Christ with who come through our doors this Saturday!

Our helpers came big and small. This is just the start of the children's shoes, I think we have close to 100 pairs.

Back at it!

Well, I find it hard to believe it's been over two years since I last blogged! I so desire to share with you what 'Spire Jewels' is all about. Please, let me set the stage. Last May I had the privledge of meeting a group of people that for 2 years I had heard so many incredible stories about. My husband Jamie had been going to Rwanda, and ministering to the people there for over two years. I had heard testimonies, miracles, healings... I had heard about wrestling matches, games, weddings, and so much more. I couldn't help but feel their laughter and tears through every photo I encountered. The Lord blessed us with three babies back to back, so I hadn't had the desire, nor felt released to physically go to Rwanda until this past May. What an honour! After being in Rwanda for two weeks, the Lord started birthing things inside of me. Desires and plans for the women and children there. We are set to go back again in the spring, this time our oldest daughter is going with us. For months we have been speaking 'creative ideas and inventions' to come across our congregations paths. One day while checking my email, I came across a link, I clicked it ... and instantly...and I mean instantly something inside of me awoke. I clicked through a few pictures, then went through them again. I knew this was something I was to do. I was Inspired by this jewelry. Hence 'SPIRE JEWELS'. I wasn't looking for a hobbie or another thing to throw on my plate, but there was an excitement inside of me. Almost instantly I called for my oldest son..... we are two peas in a pod, always up for excitement and an adventure! I said 'get on your coat', (now he's homeschooled, so when he realizes he's being released from his work... yeeow the smile and excitment that lights up in this boy is electrifying.) He said 'Where are we going?" I said "Antique shopping.... well the excitement drained from his face... but not from mine, I ran out the door with him in tow! As I was barging out the door, I realized I'd never been antique shopping or even knew where an shop was....but thanks to the good old blackberry we found our way! As soon as we graced the doors of the shop, I felt as though I was in my grandmothers house, the beauty the furniture was incredible. We peered through booths and shelves until we found what we had come for..... BUTTONS! I know the crazy homeschooling button collector... call me what you will, but I believe this idea fell in my lap, not by accident, but was a God ordained opportunity for me to raise and help fund our mission to Rwanda. I do not know the lady whose pictures I came across on the net, I still am not sure how the link or pictures crossed my path. She lives in another country. But one thing I do know is that our God is a God who aligns things. I know there are times in our lives we feel as if we aren't making a difference. We wonder if we are inspiring anyone to go on and be all that God's ordained and called them to be... but let me tell you I believe the Lord spoke prophetically to me through this. We have no idea, who we are influencing, who we are inspiring. Some people we'll meet and some we won't. But know that your live counts, that you are making a difference. That you have the potential to influence many...whether you see them or not, people are watching. So live your life.. make it count!

Crowns....here or there?

Well here I am, as I sit here waiting for our littlest one to surrender for the night, I am pondering and thinking on all that God has really laid on my heart the last few weeks.

God has really been doing some "REAL DEAL" things in my life. Finding out who and what is the real deal. Searching hearts and motives, in my own life as well as in others. Finding out whose really in it for HIM, and whose really in it for themselves. Not really looking at others but really searching deep within myself to make sure all I am, all I do, and all I live for is the One I am living for. 

As I was bathing the babe tonight, I was overwhelmed with the thought of "How many people are receiving their crowns now?" "The Glory, the Honour and Fame"  How many are receiving their treasures now? Although the Lord has been speaking to me about things that kind of align with this, this saying got me to stop and think. How many ministries or lives are drawing more attention to themselves than to God. It caused me to stop and really seek Him. "God I don't want to receive my crowns here. I want to receive them in your presence, I want to throw them at your feet when I come face to face with you.  I want my work and live here to bring Glory, Honour and Fame to You and You alone. I want and deeply desire for you to be exalted and followed...not man"  

We watched an awesome movie last night "SECOND CHANCE" that really captures my hearts desire. To really do His work, no matter where it is. Whether it in the ghetto, to the homeless, to the rejected...I will work wherever and with whomever He's called me to. 

I challenge you too, to not get caught up with the titles, positions, don't go looking for praise among man. Serve Him with all your heart with all you have. Then when the time comes you'll be thankful He was taking notice of you the whole time!  You'll have much to show for it, in His presence as you cast your many crowns at His feet. 

Home....homeless...

Praise Jesus! Today was the "Heart of Jesus" coat drive. This is the second year we had felt to take a team to the streets of downtown london and literally clothe the homeless with the Love of Christ. This year we had a TON of coats, mitts, hats, boots and more, donated by many many people. Praise Jesus we had MORE than enough! The team was out on the streets first thing this morning, I arrived after the team was well on their way. It touched my heart to see men, woman and families  blessing and serving those in our city. My heart was and is still stirred to think of the lives that were invested into this morning not only physically but spiritually.

 As we were dressing the kids and ourselves to go out this morning, we were pulling out our warmest coats, mitts, hats and boots because it was a COLD winter day and we knew we'd be on the streets for a few hours.  As  I was there handing items out an overwhelming gratefulness and thankfulness filled me. The Lord has always been faithful to provide ALL of our needs. Sometimes we wish we had a bigger home, but today I thought Praise Jesus I have a home! 

By the end of the morning we still had lots of jackets left but had given out all of the bigger mens jackets. This one man came along and didn't care if the jacket did up,  he was just happy to have anything that was warmer than what he was wearing.  The people were so thankful, whether it was for a pair of gloves a hat or a coat, it didn't matter the colour, they were thankful. We learn so much! That would make Christmas shopping a lot easier knowing the people would be thankful no matter what was in the box.

I love that on "coat drive" day everyone is so eager to talk to the street person, the bag lady, the drug addict. We are happy when we can bless them with a Tim Hortons card, an old coat or sweater. But as I sit here I'm wondering; Why is it that on any other day we would cross the street, we'd turn our heads and not acknowledge a need that is clearly there?  There are people all around us all the time that are in need. We need to get in the lifestyle of seeing those needs day in and day. 

The Highlight for me was when we were leaving and bagging all the items that were left over and getting them ready to take to the Women & childrens shelter, and the mens shelter. I started going through some of the coats and bags to divide them up so we could distribute what had been donated to the right place, and I was seeing brand name kids coats and snow pants. Many hats, mitts and scarves still had the tags on them. Thank you Jesus that we are starting to see YOUR heart! We didn't just have old clothing there this year, it was like we saw the value in these people that He sees in them.  Society sees value in name brands, when we see a name brand we know the garment that's being warn is worth more than the average garment. That's what I felt today, it was almost like a prophetic act. As we were sowing physical value into them, the Lord would release and allow them to see the value He has invested into them. As we sowed the "GAP" coat we were meeting the physical need by believing God will fill the "Gap" in their lives and bring them to restoration. How awesome will it be when the shelter opens the bags of extra clothing that had been donated and dropped off  and to see that these coats and mitts are new and in great condition! He sees the real needs in their lives, He sees the value within them that often times we overlook... Praise God He sees value in each and everyone of us!

We appreciate all of you who helped with donations, and gave of your time! ~Blessings~

Go & Make Disciples

The last few days the Lord has really been stirring up inside of me the importance of discipleship. I've always had a burden to train and invest into others, but I don't think I've instilled into those I've invested into,  the importance of turning around and investing and discipling others. 

Often times the church looks at the Pastor the associates or other key leaders and we have the expectation that they should be reaching and teaching everyone in their congregation or group.  Although that is partially what they do, we the believers are called to disciple those around us.

The importance of spreading the gospel is HUGE, but the importance of finding those who have surrendered their lives and really discipling them is greater. It's great to see someone accept Christ, but even greater to see them get the full understanding of who He is and to see them start walking out the plans and purposes of God in their lives.  

I've challenged my "Ladies'' group to really seek after who it is that God has put in their path to disciple and to start walking that out. Often times when we think of discipling or mentoring we get intimidated by it. It's become a phrase that we think only certain people with titles can do, but as followers of Christ we are called to GO and MAKE disciples.  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19, 20"

We often see people come to know Christ and fall to the wayside and assume someone else didn't do the job of training them.  But we as individuals need to take on discipling others as OUR responsibility. We need to be discipling those God puts in our paths. Like it says in Matthew...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Christ has given us a lot of amazing promises, but unless we know them or impart them into those who don't know, we won't we walk or ever understand the fullness we can have in Him.  When you look across your congregation, or in your circle of friends and family and you see someone who needs some help along the way, don't wait for someone else to come along to help them because no one ever may, maybe that person is waiting for you. 

When I sit back and think of the people, mentors and teachers I've had in my life, I am totally thankful many of them over the years have taken me under their wing. Through their testimonies, truths and lives I have been radically challenged and at many times spurred on. I've been encouraged in those low times, I've been steered in those over zealous times, and I've been accountable to someone who has cared. 

So I challenge you if you aren't already discipling someone pray and seek the Lord on who it is He'd like you to invest into.  Often times they are the ones right in front of us. 

If you are new to this walk with Christ and need some discipling don't hesitate to ask or approach someone to teach you, train you and keep you accountable. If you sit at someone's feet now and learn His teachings it won't be long before you'll be investing into others the very thing that's been invested into you.

It's an exciting thing to invest into lives and to see them changed for His glory!