Archive for Life Lessons

    God Bless The Lutherans

    Friday, July 23rd, 2010

    I have a confession to make.  I have been a VBS-hopper this summer.  Two churches near our new house hosted free camps for kids and I took them both up on their offer to send my kids for two weeks of fun and frivolity.  This week – we spent time with the Lutherans.

    As a sales rep for Gospel Light’s VBS programs and having worked as either a VBS director or VBS classroom leader for 7 years running, I am well aware of the enormous amount of energy preparing for church camp requires.  Not only that, but the actual camp week itself will render even those of us with Energizer Bunny stamina pooped out by the time Friday rolls around.

    The reason I point this out is because I was blown away this week by the commitment of the small church that cared for not only mine – but nearly 50 kids this week.  Why was it amazing?  Because every single one of the volunteers at this camp was near retirement age or older.  As us “young” moms dropped off our kids last Monday morning, I couldn’t help but notice that each kindly woman and man reminded me of my grandparents.  And they were decked out in sequined hats and colorful bandanas.  They hugged, clapped, sang, told stories, played games, led crafts and taught Biblical truth to the little ones who came.  Here is a picture of Cooper’s group acting out the story of Peter’s miraculous rescue from prison:

    Picture 1

    They are living out their belief that sharing the good news of Jesus’ love is a call on our entire lives.  There is no retirement from discipleship.  I learned today that they have a mere 6 children who attend their little church.  Just 6.  And yet…  for the third year in a row, this church of mature believers spent a chunk of their summer loving anyone who came.

    They even took it one step further…  they not only offered a week long camp; they closed off camp week with a celebration tonight.  A swimming party and barbeque at a local retreat center, complete with games and even a pinata!

    Picture 2

    The lesson I have learned is that you are never too old to speak into the life of another.  I pray that when I am double the age I am right now, I will take my example from Ruby, Beth, Fred and the other great people I met this week and will remember this lesson well.  Thank you Westbank Redeemer Lutheran Church!

    Peace.

    Comments (2)

    The Human League

    Thursday, July 15th, 2010

    101_2080

    “Am I even human?”  My four year old asked yesterday, with one hand on her hip and the other out in front of her, palm up, as if she really expected an answer.

    “If you weren’t human, what would you be?”

    She thought for a moment and then answered, “A bunny rabbit.  Or maybe a blanket.”  And she stomped off.   I wonder sometimes if children have a heightened awareness that we really weren’t created to be permanent fixtures in this world.  However, there are some really funny things that we humans do and think.  My friend Clint posted a list titled, “Truths For All Humans”  Many of these made me laugh out loud ~ so I am sharing an edited version of the top 21 that made me laugh. Thanks Clint!

    1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

    2. Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

    3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

    4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

    5.  Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

    6. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

    7. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.

    8. Bad decisions make good stories.

    9. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

    10. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.

    11. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

    12. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.

    13. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?

    14. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

    15. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

    16. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

    17. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

    18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

    19. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

    20. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

    21. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey- but I’d bet my savings that everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

    Peace!

    Categories : Life Lessons
    Comments (3)

    Do What You Love – Love What You Do

    Monday, July 12th, 2010

    Picture 4

    A few posts back I introduced my new favorite term:  Muchness.  I want to take a moment to introduce you to two friends who have embraced the muchness inside of themselves and have turned something they love to do into a way to bless others through photography.

    Greg Gaspari ~ Greg is a businessman here in Kelowna who recently took his hobby of photography and put his pictures out there for the world to see.  He has an eclectic mix of images – from motorcycles, to gorgeous nature scenes, to interesting people, to guitars, to every day stuff.  You can purchase his images and he will frame them for your home.  What I love about it is that Greg is a dad, a musician, a business owner, a sports dude, a hunter, etc, etc.  He has a lot going on!  Yet he still finds time to nurture the creative side that can only be expressed through the lens of his camera.  Check out his site: http://www.ggasparifoto.com

    Amy Hobbs ~ My friend Amy lives in Texas.  I have known Amy for 28 years.   Ever since we were little, she has loved watching and photographing people.  I remember one day we took my mom’s camera and used a whole roll of film taking pictures of ourselves strategically placed around the neighborhood.  (Film was more expensive in the 80’s and we got into big trouble!)  She can’t stop herself from capturing the individuality of people through her camera.  I love it that she is developing this passion into a business with beautiful results.  Her portraits have incredible personality.  Find Amy at: http://www.amyhobbsphotography.com

    I have a baseball cap embroidered with the words, “Do What You Love – Love What You Do.”  In truth, we aren’t going to always love some of the things we have to do.  But we can be intentional about doing things that bring us joy because they come from a place inside of us that is in touch with our Creator.  God gives us dreams and passions.  It is up to us to use them to bring Him glory.  Amy and Greg each use the creative eye that God has given them to bless others.  Love your work, guys!

    Peace.

    Picture 7

    (Motorcycle image by Greg Gaspari and Girl on Horse by Amy Hobbs.  All rights reserved and copyright owned by photographers)

    Comments (2)

    Kim’s Book

    Radical Love...Forever Changed is a new book that Kimberly co-authored with Donna Lowe. It will be released in paperback in summer 2010 by Revival Nation Publishing. You can pre-order your signed copy at www.RadicalLoveBook.com. Pre-order cost is only $15.

    Post Archives