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How are you enjoying your summer thus far?  Enjoying and relaxing by the beach?  Camping along a calming creek? Or stuck in afternoon traffic trying to get home and finding out you are two hours late? Life can be full of surprises; I’m finding out that most of the time it’s just mundane. Doing that same thing every day, except for an event revealed later. Sure, there are also lots of happy times, gathering together with family members, the BBQ we had a few weeks ago was fantastic, people talking, sharing, and eagerly helping with the clean up.  We saw how good our community is joining in, laughing, and willing to donate to the food expenses. God is good!

I’ve been thinking about Pastor Ken’s sermon a few weeks ago, where he challenged us to share our stories.  Stories are full of adventure, of sorrows and happiness, and the ups and downs.  Stories can be healing when shared with others going through hard times.  Sometimes I feel my stories are quite boring.  I’m introverted and am for the most part okay being on my own. But I’ve also had some amazing connections with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, with those who stop by and share a small part of their lives. 

I’m not the same person I was previously, I’m new and I hope a better person because of God’s hand on my life.  But I am also struggling with someone who is not well, a property in Point Roberts that needs a lot of maintenance, being an American, I struggle with what is going on between Canada and the US. And right now, I’m upset with myself colliding with a stack of 2 feet x 2 feet patio blocks that just happened to jump up and slam into my Mazda CX5. Well, not really.  I just forgot they were next to my car when I was turning right on to our driveway in Point Roberts. This happened the Saturday before the BBQ at the church.  I was embarrassed and parked so no one could see my passenger door that day. I have a rental right now and getting along okay.  My mother, as she aged, always said that getting old was the pits.  I certainly agree with her now!

It’s difficult to fully grasp how bad I felt, even though I know that it could be repaired, but at what cost?  Do I pay it myself or go through I.C.B.C?  Well, the quote made the decision easier, it was quite expensive. I had to stop worrying and give God praise that it was just the passenger door and no one was hurt. Somethings come along almost every day, a phone call that goes bad, a key that you lost and then find hanging on the hook where you put it.  I am thankful for my friends and family members.  I'm thankful that I can still help in the office, it gives me meaning.  I believe I’m where God wants me, as I feel his touch on my life.

God’s call on my life was an amazing experience.  I was at an evening service many years ago, that was full of people praying for each other.  I heard clearly in my mind these words: “Do not be like Moses who had Aaron speak for me. Speak my words yourself”.  I was stunned, what does that mean? Was it really God? And what words? Well, I didn’t follow up on it.  Then at another prayer time it came to me again – the same words. I was shaking and wondering why me?  Nope, not going to listen… Yes, you guessed it, once again a voice spoke the words again at a large prayer event in Calgary. There was no way I was going to get up and say those words… But then the speaker at the front said there is someone here who needs to share some words…  I didn’t see anyone else stand up… Okay, Judy, he means you.  So, shaking, I followed Jesus and got up and walked to the front and spoke those words: “Do not be like Moses who had Aaron speak for me.  Speak my words yourself”.  When I said those words out loud, in front of everyone, that day I changed forever. I’m so thankful I finally listened to God. Follow him! He will equip you! He will walk with you!  He loves you.