Love IS Moving

Hi! Are you here to share thoughts, ideas or questions about my article in Love is Moving? If so, post away! If you don't know what that is... you gotta check it out! It's a monthly magazine with Evangelical Fellowship of Canada that shares stories on contemporary issues, pressing topics and keeps it real with others just like you who are going through the same things or wondering about the tough stuff. Are you curious about God? Do you know you can have a personal relationship with the Creator? Do you wonder how to shine for him in such a crazy culture? Is there something in your heart stirring as you read this? Are you wondering what's the deal with these people? Whatever the reason you are here, it's not a coincidence. I fully believe our amazing God brought you here (trust me, he's done funnier things). He loves you & cares for all the details of your life. Lets start the conversation. 
"You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart"
 Jeremiah 29:13

Wonderful Interruptions

Growing by grace would be my theme, I think that is the theme for every one. God interrupted the daily routine of life to give the most amazing gift in His Son Jesus (John 3:16); he embraces our lives with grace. Will you embrace this grace in your life? Will you lay hold of this wonderful interruption?

Ever been simply going along with your day when it's interrupted?

This summer I've experienced life in the big city of Vancouver. 

My first experience with bus routes.

At first I was brightly wide-eyed with amazement of how the transit system with buses and sky trains all worked together, 

so much so that my husband's arm was squished by sky train doors! 

[For those of you who are writhing in agony at the thought, 

I will just clarify that sky train doors are much like elevator doors in the fact that they prop right open if someone has an arm or leg between the doors.

But yes, that was my reaction too.]

The country girl in me who loves to take things slow and enjoy the scenery just stood there as I viewed my first sky train pull into the station while my husband ran full speed ahead to catch the upcoming train.

It was an adventure to me but a commonality for my husband who dutifully tried to guide me away from any job which was more than one bus away,

But when a job at Toys R Us came up, the kid in me just had to take it and so the 60 minute + ride to my job & back began.

In the beginning, I LOVED the drive there. It was surrounded by trees, mountains & city lights at night,

 but it quickly became tedious & I would dread the bus ride back after a long day, my love for being one person among a vast space exchanged to a sardine packed in among others on a less than spacious bus.

However; God began to interrupt my utmost dread of this long ride. He laced my whines with wins; beautiful interruptions of his beauty and grace. I began to find that although I still wasn't fond of the long bus ride, I met some of the kindest people along my waits and built the sweetest friendships with these strangers. 

I got to to talk with acquaintances at the bus stop about my interests like Final Fantasy (my husband's teaching me). 

I had opportunity to rejoice with my co-workers as we closed the shop after a long day, placing product back on the shelf to make it look nice for the next day. 

And at the station where I waited for the Bay 12 bus to bring me home, I met a girl from Poland who taught me about her Easter traditions (so cool!)

And at that station, I often wondered if I would meet up again with my friend who worked the night shift in Vancouver. With ear phones in on the bus, I could hear his music & was a fan of the tune so one day I decided to strike up a conversation. It was the start of a beautiful friendship where seeing his presence at my station made me feel more at home. On my last day of work, I thought of him & packed a box of smarties in my pouch. I was so happy he was there; we even watched anime together on my way home, it was so much fun! 

"Have fun in your old stomping grounds," he said to me as I shared about my upcoming return to my hometown. 

It was so special. You see, sometimes the sweetest things are the least expected.

It's those little things where, in the mundane, Love says "Hey hunny, I'm still here. Why don't we make this into something fun?" And on those tough days, He says "How about this?" 

From the overflow of His Fatherly heart, God chooses to give

and not only to give once or twice or when you're attitude is right.

"No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly" Psalm 84:11 

All it takes is an open heart to the glory & goodness of God.

Through the embrace of His grace for you on that cross, 

you were made right in His eyes if you will simply receive his cleansing flow.

John 3:16

The grace of Christ makes you right in God's eyes. 

Because through His embrace of grace, 

by thanking him for his shed blood on the cross,

He calls you his child (See John 1:12-13).

That's it, that's all.

That's grace.

He lavishes you.

He loves giving you good gifts.

From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, 

every thought he rejoices in.

It's okay how you feel

He is there

He is listening

He is loving 

YOU