I will not be afraid!

We all have all experienced tremendous changes in our lives, particularly over the past 2 years.  I still give my head a shake when I put on my mask to go into the grocery store.  Even after this long, I feel like I am living in a Sci-Fi movie. But the changes we have experienced are not just pandemic related. We have lost loved ones, and there have been additions to our family; there have been job losses and job promotions; there have been good times and not so good times.

From day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. On the days we are shouting, "Praise God!" to the days we are crying out, "I need a miracle!" Whatever the day brings, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.

Though the changes in our lives are endless it’s comforting for me to know that God does not change. In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not." 

God does not change and neither does God’s promise to each of us. God has said,  in Hebrews 13:5-6,

“Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

So as the changes come, we will not walk in fear, but in faith! We can trust God with all the changes, and know that God promises to help us.

Remarkable and Unmistakable Change.

Our little Cockapoo pup, Luna, has been with us for a little over 2 weeks and the changes in her have been remarkable and unmistakable.

She was so tiny and timid when she first came home. Today she seems to have doubled in size and now, so comfortable and courageous in her new home. She is learning so much, like how to sit, stay, leave it, lie down, and today we learned to fetch! It has been amazing to witness the changes in her development.

Spiritual changes happen in much the same way. Jesus accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to let us stay that way. Over time, the Lord changes us from the inside out.

Colossians 3:9-10 reminds us that we have "taken off the old self" and "put on the new self." As we listen and submit to the Word of God, our desires change. We begin to think and act and love as Jesus did. And in time we look less like the rest of the world, and more like our Saviour and King. Once we know Jesus, we can’t go back to the people we were before. Soon everyone can see that we are not who we used to be, the change is remarkable and unmistakable.

Just as a puppies fullest potential is not to stay a puppy, our fullest potential is not to stay the way we are!

Join us this week as we conclude our series, entitled Keep the Change!

LUNA

Covid affects everyone differently.  For me this relentless pandemic brought with it regular bouts of darkness (and sadness) shrouded with loneliness. The house has been unusually empty as our last little bird left the nest. That coupled with restricted social gatherings has made us, ‘new empty-nesters’, feel all the more empty.  Ironically, I know I am not alone in my loneliness.  I have spoken to so many of you who have shared your positive and negative COVID experiences (and I am not referring to PCR tests).

So, after months of talking about it, and praying about it, and talking some more, what we did to bring a little light into our lives will not be for everyone, so please don’t judge… We got a puppy!

Yes, she is a lot of work.

Yes, I have not slept as soundly (or as long).

Yes, she has piddled on my carpet.

And yes, it is worth it.  This little life has brought more joy, and entertainment into our lives than we could every have imagined…  actually, I have been imaging this for years!

We are dog people and our decision feels right.

Luna came home last Tuesday and our life has been turned right side up and I am so grateful.  She has brought some levity and play into our lives. If you are a dog person, you get it.  

Last week, after conducting a difficult funeral for the son of a wonderful Amberlea couple, I went home to be greeted with all the love and adoring enthusiasm a 4 lb puppy can muster. Let me tell you, it is paradigm shifting!  She really is a joyful bright light.

Luna is the Latin word for moon. 

The bible refers to the moon as “a faithful witness in the skies” (Psalm 89:37).

And I love Psalm 136:7-9:  To Him who made the great lights, For His lovingkindness endures forever; The sun to rule over the day, For His lovingkindness endures forever; The moon and stars to rule by night, For His lovingkindness endures forever; (Amplified Bible)

Where do you find joy and light these days?