celebration of life

As I somberly thought of what today represents, I was "awakened" to another perspective of death...as a "celebration of life".

And that is exactly what I reflected on in my quiet time this morning. Yes, the death of Christ is monumental.  It is through His dying, that we have life. It was the act of dying that He fulfilled the requirement, becoming the ultimate sacrifice so now we have salvation, grace, and mercy.

But before the death...there was the man.

I thought excitedly about how His life was exemplary. He came, giving up deity, taking on human flesh.  This meant He placed himself in a position to experience the hurts, pains, and even limitations of humanity.  But even more, He came and showed us how to live.

*I think of Cana - where water was turned into wine. A practical act, but yet supernatural (John 2:1-11).

*I think of Capernum - multiple healings of the sick and in particular the paralyzed man (Matt 8:16, Mark 1:32, Luke 4:40, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:18-26). It was also in Capernum, where one of the first healings of demon possession occurred (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:33-37).

*I think of Bethsaida or thereabouts - where more than 5000 people were fed with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Another very practical act, born out of genuine care and compassion for people...but still supernatural (Matthew 14:13-21).

*I think of somewhere in Judea or therabouts- where people brought their children to Jesus, and through His actions and words, He affirmed and validated the life of children (Matthew 19:13-15).

*I think of Jesus, on his many journeys, how He not only affirmed and validated, but empowered so many who were outcast, sick or devalued, for example, the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 13:10-13), Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10), selection of his disciples.

*and finally, I think of Gethsamene (Mount of Olives).  This place represented His prayer closet. So many times we see where Jesus went here for quiet time and communion with His Father.  But most difficult were the painful last moments where we really catch a glimpse into His humanity. Where He battled with the most difficult decision that was before Him. Whether or not, He would surrender to purpose and walk in God's will, which required that He not only die...but die a death of shame and gruesome pain. And then, even in these last moments, when He could have been so selfish and bitter and depressed...He still extended mercy and authority in the act of restoring the ear of one of the guards which was cut off by a zealous disciple (Luke 22:39-51).

This Good Friday is different. I will still humbly, solemnly remember...as I never want to forget what Jesus did on the Cross...but I also celebrate the life, the very full life that He lived.

The life that gives me an example of how to live:

compassionate, connected to the Father, practical in caring for the daily needs of others, merciful and nonjudgmental, respectful of everyone (child, orphan, widow, the marginalized) and finally, a life that is full of power and authority to walk in the supernatural, not just for show or for my personal gain, but for the sake of my brother and sister who need chains broken, who need to be healed, who needs a glimpse of Jesus.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

pay it forward!

Last week I spent some time in Canada. Sadly it will be my last visit for a lil while (about a year to be exact). I've gotten the green light to proceed with my dissertation (happy dance) and now, the rest is up to me... with the guidance, mentorship and assistance of an awesome committee with expertise who has made themselves available for assistance wherever possible.

Anyhoo, I digress. This post is about a small, yet cool incident that occurred on Sunday past. I was in the drive through line at Tim Hortons and felt this overwhelming need to "pay it forward".   You know,  leave something extra with the cashier for the person behind me.

I looked in my coin purse and found some extra coins (which of course in Canadian could be a lot of money since they've got $1 and $2 coins- not bills). I identified that I had an extra $2 and thought, "well that could cover up to one large coffee".   While ordering, I was asked if I wanted to upgrade for $.10 more  (mini size to small tea) and I was like..sure whatever.

Well, I left the extra $2 plus my change and indicated to the cashier that it was to go toward the next car's bill, he smiled at me almost knowingly (we were conspiring together).  I smiled at myself. Not in a prideful way, but in a feeling-very-fulfilled way. Yes, it was only $2 but I can't ever recall a time that I was not fulfilled doing something for someone else- especially if it was more "anonymous giving"!

I enjoyed my tea on my way to church and just as I was about to dispose of the remaining liquid and the cup, I remembered that Tim Hortons promotional Roll up the Rim was still going on and the reason I was offered to upgrade was to be eligible. Now I should note, I am one of those persons...you know, who never ever ever wins anything? Everything I've gotten has been either because of unmerited favor (not luck or chance) or because of my hard work. So I wasn't really feeling any particular pull to roll up the rim, but I did...to humor myself I guess. As I was about to toss the cup after rolling up the rim  without reading, just expecting the try again...

there it was "winner"!!!! whoaaaaa really???

It was a donut. I won a donut...valued at $.60 but a win nonetheless right? I immediately thought of my actions purchasing the tea and thought to myself "aint that something". Now I know that this win was all by chance...and my tea was given to me before I paid (or I think it was) so I won't go getting all super spiritual about it...but I definitely think this was a tangible reinforcement to make it  more likely that I do this again.  

I'm challenged to be more conscious about how regularly I "pay it forward". Now the thing is, to truly pay it forward, the recipient should be aware of the good act and their responsibility to pay it forward also so there is a chain of good deeds that starts to just double and triple...

But honestly even without the intentional act of creating the chain, I think we as humans have an inward wiring to want to do good, especially when we have been the recipients of a good act.

So...go forth and do something good, selfless, or an act of kindness today!

Grace peace and love,

Gia

provision

"But you might ask, ‘What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?’ Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years. When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating from the large crop of the sixth year. In fact, you will still be eating from that large crop when the new crop is harvested in the ninth year." (Leviticus 25:20-22 NLT)

Sometimes its difficult to be obedient. 

I'm talking about those times when you know for certain that you should do something or go somewhere  and for whatever reason- we don't.  It even almost seems like we can't.

Can you relate? Well I can't say that I'm necessarily in this particular predicament now, or have been in the past 2 weeks or so BUT I read the above scripture this morning and could not help but think about how I've questioned myself doing something, especially giving (whether monetary or in-kind) because I've felt or asked..."what about.....?".

In the passage above, God gave instructions to the Israelites...He asked that no planting or real "work" be done in certain years (the 7th). That must have sounded ludicrus to a nation of farmers and shephards and such...and so I guess before they could even ask, complain, scrunge their face in disbelief- He says...

"look, don't worry about your food and provisions in the 7th year if you follow my instructions as I will ensure that there is abundance from previous years. And to even reward your obedience, this abundance will follow you into the next year, and even into the year after that."

Can you say awesomeness? I was just smiling as I thought about God's provision in general but even more so, in our obedience. This was definitely a great reminder for me and I hope for you too! I'll leave you with this thought to chew on:

 Obedience sometimes require sacrifice but it will never lead to lack.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

that word again....?

This past weekend, I had the honour of facilitating an all-day workshop.  When I first received the invitation, I will admit, I was overwhelmed. I kept thinking I NEEDED another speaker/professional to split the day or assist because it was unfathomable that I could keep a group of individuals interested for an entire 8 hours. And then, not only interested but facilitate learning too! :gasp:

Anyhoo, I eventually got over myself, prepared and executed the workshop.  However, after the successful workshop, my body just crashed. I felt like some big machine rolled over me. I was confused and honestly a bit freaked out. Yes, I am 4 months pregnant (snuck that in there), but how many pregnant women are on their feet all day for at least 5 days a week without this intensity of almost nubbing pain. Its not like we were running about. There was no activity outside of me walking the room as I engaged the 15 or so attendees throughout the day.

So why did I feel like I ran a marathon or at the very least walked a marathon?

I talked to Doc about it on Monday and she confirmed that some of that is expected, but also due to some pre-existing conditions that this pain may be exacerbated with certain activities. This meant one thing- my body dictates the rules of how/when and how much of an activity I can take. To minimize the chance I create a problem, hydration and breaks are now not just suggested but required. :insert deep sigh here:  Yes, I know these things but my goodness, is it really that serious? a resounding yes it is!

As I shared my struggle with these new found limitations with a friend, I realized that this is a part of life. We change positions. We change conditions. With these changes come adaptations. And as much as I'd like to think- I am not superwoman. Yes, I can continue to push but with the awareness that I am still human and subject to some limitations...As I was talking and reflecting, it then hit me again...that word - REST.

my response: But I've had this lesson before Lord! For those of you who regularly follow this blog, you would have shared my journey in being called to REST in a number of different situations. I don't recall any being related to my physical health, but then again, I didn't have a growing human being inside of me either (not that this is the only time we should have healthy times of rest and rejuvenation).

Well, all is well that ends well.  With that said, my goal is to ensure that I do everything I should to ensure that this story ends with a bouncing, chubby and healthy baby. Even if it means I (gasp) slow down a teensy bit!

side note: This post is delayed because its been super crazy and since something needed to give, this ended up being the one to delay...

Mrs. Fix-it-all?

I've been getting life lessons from everything recently. I'm not sure if this is greater sensitivity or my season of learning but I'm enjoying making the connections and walking away each day with something to chew on.

Most recent was during my TV viewing. For those of you who are CSI followers, you would know Sarah Sidle (2nd from left in picture). She has been a part of the Las Vegas team since the show's inception. Well in the past couple weeks, one of the episodes was focused on her. Now, for those who don't know, in the perfect world of CSI techs of Las Vegas, the evidence has always worked. It's always found the guilty even for the sharper of the criminals. And I mean, they have had some really smart ones pass through the various seasons.

So with this background, you would think that when she is the person looking guilty, the person of interest in a new investigation, that she would ultimately trust her own science. She has proven it over and over and over. In the world of this drama series, she has been a CSI FOR more than 10 years.

Well, now that her back is against the wall. She doesn't trust the science. Nor does it seem that she trust her colleagues who she has worked with for years; these skilled and sharp individuals who are always on the quest for truth. To make matters worse, in her trying to salvage herself, her reputation - she then decides to isolate herself from these people, who care...the sames ones who could [would] help her.

As I watched, the realization hit and I gasped audibly...wow. How much like me sometimes!

Many times has this been me. God has shown up over and over and over and yet when things get tough-I rush to try and fix things on my own. Only to learn that I can't.

I've done less and less of this over the years as I've grown and matured but don't believe for a second that it is easy to fully trust God to work things out.  After all, I'm the woman who always have the plan..well more accurately, I try to always have plans (plural)...that is, plan A, B & sometimes C.

I've got some more introspecting to do..to see if there are any situations currently that I have intercepted, rather than waiting and trusting God. A favorite scripture of mine, Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God.

or as the amplified admonishes: "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God."

One blogger commented: It is God's past that provides calm for our future. Essentially, that's what "being still" is about. It's not [always] a literal lack of physical movement..but a surrender of the heart. A recognition of our finite ability and God's infinite knowledge and ability. The fact that He is in control and working things out for our good.

Be encouraged...and in the moments of overwhelmedness..be still and remind yourself that God is still GOD.

Grace peace and love,
Gia