Today Tuesday June 22 2010 is...

My Mother's Birthday!

I often say,

explaining why I am so easily Canadian,

"I was born of a Canadian Mother"

but really there is something much greater to be said than this!

"I was born of a Christian Mother"

and I am so blessed.

My Mother still loves me today

and we talk on a very regular basis on the phone.

She still reminds me often of God

and of God's faithfulness,

challenging me to trust God

to not worry

to do things in God's strength,

not my own.

To seek God first...

My Mother is a beautiful flower in the garden that God

has created and founded me in.

*

My Mother's example of seeking God;

of patience

(she had me you know!)

and constant steadfastness in her love for all of her kids

of my Dad,

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

is something I hope to grow towards

and be worthy of.

So Many Years to My Mom!

Monday, the day before my Mother's birthday

This is the week of the next interview.

I have begun preparing.

I feel a bit nervous to say the least

and have so much I need to review

and prepare answer for.

My French classes are winding down.

Even though they were not perfect,

I will miss them.

It seems that in a lot of ways I am still where I was

a year ago;

tomorrow is my Mother's birthday...

*

I struggle with the unknown

with transitions

with being patient

with having faith.

**

Lord help me!

***

Yet life goes on.

Saw the husband of the neighbour who has cancer.

She is doing okay

but he said he thought he almost lost her

a while back,

when she was so sick from chemo.

Lord help us all,

there is so much to bear at times,

so much.

***

Today was a beautiful sun-filled day.

The green on the trees is so comforting

as I walk underneath their canopies

even here in the city.

Strawberries are in season

and

on sale.

I told my Mom today on the phone

that today is the first day I remember

buying strawberries

for myself to eat.

What took me so long?!

*

In ways it rather breaks my heart to be preparing

for a job interview

that I can not yet pass the French test for.

**

I took a practice French test this weekend.

It was hard.

I didn't even finish it.

10 questions on the subjunctif

which I have not learned yet

at all.

***

But now I know how it is

and what I need to learn

and all is not lost

and I must not give up

or give in

to weariness.

***

I must cry out to God

save me

I looked at the waves

I am drowning

like Peter

Save me, O Lord,

in Your great mercy and compassion,

Reach down and pull me out of the waters,

out of the fiery pit.

Bring me into Paradise

with trees of green, with Peacocks

and a riot of vibrant coulors,

with birds praising in the dawn.