A Fellow Traveller

I am a Canadian A free Canadian Free to speak without fear Free to worship in my own way Free to stand for what I believe right Free to oppose what I believe wrong Free to choose those who shall govern my country This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold For myself and all people. This past week, my students found a voice to stand for what they believe is right and they got excited.  It was such a small thing, but to feel like you have been heard is so important. We were hosting "buddy time" with our Grade 8 friends and I thought things were going as well as could be expected.  I dealt with the disrespect during instruction time by asking some to move and repeatedly stopping to wait for the student to student conversation to end.  My own students kept watching, knowing when the boundaries were being tested, seeing the "attitude" of the older ones as unacceptable. After they left, I asked, "What went well today?" I had been p...

Blessed are those who mourn For they shall be comforted. What does that comfort look like?  Yesterday, it came through hugs from fellow staff as I walked back into work.  It was the cards and even a small gift that said people were thinking of me.  I didn't realize how fragile my emotions were until I found tears flowing at the drop of a hat. But my tears were accepted and that was comforting. Comfort came from being with others, hanging around and talking to people after the funeral. So many had  memories and stories to share. Reconnecting with friends from years past felt so good. Seeing the children walking around with school friends and cousins brought comfort to me, especially since those children are my point of contact. The most surprising thing for me was how the worship music in the service filled me.  I had a picture book to read called Heaven is For Real, with pictures ready to project on the screen behind me. This was requested so all ...

When I can't sleep, songs often come to mind.  Tonight (or should I say this morning), the song is about My Shepherd. It's a re-posting, with the tune to the kids song, "I am a Pizza".  I have rewritten the middle verse these past days.  I'm realizing that when I need to be carried, Jesus is more than ready to pick me up and carry me on his shoulders. 1.     God is my Shep herd I am his little lamb He feeds and looks after me I have every thing I need In side my heart is quiet Like lying still in soft grass In a meadow, by a stream my Shep herd cares for me . 2.     Even when I walk through The dar k and lonely plac es I don’t have to be afraid Be cause my shepherd knows I’m here He walks right be side me I trust him and I feel safe He picks me up and car ries me. With Him I’m strong and brave . 3.     My Shep herd is pre par ing Won derful things for me ...

The river is deep and the waves crash over Christian's head as he tries to cross the river.  He knows this is the only way to get to the Celestial City, the final destination of this journey he has been on.  Although the bottom is felt beneath his feet, the turmoil and fear is great.  The water swells around and threatens to smother. This is a new experience and a new path for him to travel. It is his friend Hopeful who encourages with words that remind of truth and give hope.  Hopeful reminds Christian that he will not be abandoned in the river.  God is still with him, even in this part of the journey.  Christian is reminded of the promise, "When you walk through the waters, you will not drown..."  But these are only words at this point. Suddenly Christian exclaims, "Oh, I see him again!"  Although he was in darkness and had lost hope, Jesus had not abandoned him.  In that final moment, Christian recognizes the Presence that has been acc...