Thanks to you!

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Toronto this past weekend for our Women Alive Toronto Conference. What a day it was!

A strong theme of redemption and hope in the midst of challenging life circumstances was woven through many of our speakers' presentations, as they shared their own stories of God's faithfulness in their lives.

Joanne Goodwin asked whether we are in Babylon longing for 'the better days' of Jerusalem. Do we feel as though we are in exile and don't deserve the harsh realities we are facing? She reminded us that there are certain things in life we can't change: our parents, the loss of a loved one, etc. but we can trust that God is still in control and knows what He is doing in our lives.

What is your 'Babylon'? Don't forget, our 'Babylon' experiences are often the ones that God will use the most to help us comfort and encourage others going through similar experiences.

Look forward to seeing you again, on this side or the next!
Michelle

What are your hobbies?

Isn’t it interesting to look back and see how our hobbies can change over the years? I can remember a variety of hobbies, and some make me laugh just thinking about them. Here’s a quick walk down memory lane – maybe some of you will join me. There were the days of collecting things: key chains (I had hundreds), Precious Moments, teddy bears (I’m not referring to a childhood collection here – a grown woman with a house full of teddy bears), and stickers (scratch & sniff were my personal favourite). The collecting phase moved into the craft phase: macramé (does anyone still do this?), rug hooking, crocheting, hand-painted clothing (which turned into a business venture) and the still popular scrap booking to name a few.

As I take the time to reflect back, I am entertained by the positive associations I have with each of them. They bring back some really fond memories of various seasons in my life…I’m actually sitting here smiling. And I’m realizing the important role that hobbies can play in our lives: they can serve as a creative outlet; they are often social activities (or can be); they are a way to relax and let go of the everyday stresses of life. But aren’t they often one of the first things to get “bumped” when life gets busy? Not any more. I am committing to setting aside more time for hobbies – for crafts, for creativity, for time with friends and family.

What about you? What are your hobbies? What role do they play in your life?

I’d love to hear from you!
Wendy

What you wish you had known...

In one week, I will turn 26; just seven days left of being 25. It's been an interesting year to say the least and I'm definitely looking forward to what God has in store for my 26th year!

I love to journal to keep track of my prayers and how God is at work in my life. I can't help but wonder what things I will look back on and see how I could have done them differently. Will the things that seem 'major' now be inconsequential a year from now? Five years from now? And will the 'minor' details prove to bear fruit in more significant ways as time goes on?

If you could go back to your 25-year-old self, what would you say? What do you wish you had known at this age? Or if you're still in your early twenties, what kind of advice would you find helpful?

I'd love to hear from you!
Michelle