Be One

We don't feel ready, we don't feel steady

Question what we really have to give

Stay where it's safer, claim faith but waiver

Is this how we're really meant to live?

We pray, but never move

We say, but never do

It's time to get our hands dirty

Be love, there's a whole lot of hurting

Calling all hearts, calling all hands

Calling all feet to take a stand

The Call: Clean Water for all

Scott Harrison was living "the good life" as a night club promoter in New York City for ten years until one day when he got enough of the party lifestyle. He had come to a point in his life where he felt completely emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. He had finally created the life he thought he always wanted, he had the BMW, the Rolex watches and the famous girlfriend but he wasn't content. He knew that he had to change his lifestyle completely and he started asking himself some tough life questions.

Scott started reading a Christian book that his Dad had sent him which helped him rediscover his faith that he had abandoned as a rebellious teenager. Scott's faith was no longer only something he was raised in, it was becoming his own. He became more and more aware of the big lifestyle change he needed to make. He no longer wanted to be the "party boy" who would have fun by taking cocaine.

Scott started asking himself what it would look like to live a life where he would serve others rather than serve himself. Scott went on a spiritual journey from that point on and today he is the founder of the organization Charity:Water. The organization builds wells and works to provide clean water in areas of the world where people have to walk for many hours to find water.

The Call: Caring for the poor, Adoption

This video features three different married couples who have been called to three very different lifestyles. The first couple are newlyweds and they have decided to move into a high needs neighborhood in order to be able to love and serve the poor in their city. They decided that one way that they could get to know their new neighbors was to invite them all to their wedding.

The second couple felt God calling them into adoption and have spent their lives inviting many children with different special needs to become a part of their family. The call on their lives means that they have had to sacrifice being able to go on nice vacations to the Caribbean, but instead they get to be apart of something that will make a lasting impact on the world.

The third couple is an older couple who are busier than ever during their retirement because they have started a non-profit. The organization is currently building a Children's clinic in Africa and serving the poor in the US. Their passion for missions is something they have in common as husband and wife, and it's what keeps them together and in love.

A Day Trip to Cobourg

On Sunday we took a day trip to Cobourg, ON. I love visiting this cozy small town in Southern Ontario.

Cobourg has a nice sandy beach, the perfect place to enjoy an evening swim on a hot day.

Cobourg also has many nice little restaurants and cafes like this colorful place where you can enjoy some ice cream.

The town is built on the shores of Lake Ontario and has a big marina.

Summer is the perfect time to take little trips to different small towns, many towns that are asleep during winter come to life in the summer.

Your Dream is Your Destiny

Pastor Brian Houston from Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia gives an inspiring sermon about dreams in this video. Brian Houston talks about the importance of dreaming dreams and always having a vision for your future. I like what Brian says: "Anyone who loses their vision for the future, will always return to their past, and that's why you should never stop dreaming."

Brain Houston also talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with other dreamers who will encourage you. If you surround yourself with people who will laugh at your dream you will end up discouraged and stop believing that your dream can come true. Brian Houston points out that there are three things we will all need to see our dreams come true:

1.) The will to live.
2.) The will to succeed.
3.) The will to serve.

Your Love Awakens Me

It's a very exciting season of growth in our community church right now, our church is on fire! :) During the last couple of weeks 207 new people have signed up to serve in anything between parking cars in the parking lot to volunteering at the shelter for the homeless in the community. It's so exciting to be a part of a community of people who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and sacrifice a few things to be able to help others. Seeing people embrace the call on their lives and abandoning their selfishness to live to love God and other people always gets me excited and filled with joy. God is truly on the move in the hearts of these people.

Hello Summer!

Monday June, 20th was the first official day of summer in Canada so on Friday we spent the evening down by the marina enjoying the first weekend of summer.

My husband wants to start taking sailing lessons soon he says.

I love taking a walk on the pier at sunset.

Ah, the beautiful summer sunsets, so peaceful.

On Friday we enjoyed a baby strawberry shortcake for dessert.

On Saturday it was time to celebrate my birthday with some summer drinks at Milestones.

I got a nice romantic card from my wonderful husband.

I decided I wanted to spend the afternoon and evening at Wasaga Beach, what better way is there to celebrate your birthday in June? :)

Wasaga Beach, I've missed you all winter long!

Not bad for the first weekend of summer. Next up, Canada Day weekend! The stores are already filled with everything from clothing to flowers in the colors red and white. :)