remembering moments

Although I haven't been blogging much lately, I usually have a million thoughts whizzing through my head, it seems. It's remembering them for later, deciding whether to share them, and then taking the time to actually share them that's the issue!

I came across an interesting quote recently as I was checking out the site www.matthewdicks.com, on how to remember the interesting stories we live, so that we can write about them later. The question to ask yourself everyday is:

If I had to tell a story from today, no matter how benign or ordinary it may seem, what would that most storyworthy moment be?

Matthew Dick suggests writing this memory down in two or three sentences at the most, with just enough details to remember it later. That's it. He dubs this "homework for life".

That seems to me a great way to generate content for a blog. I'm beginning to write these experiences in my bullet journal. We'll see where it takes me. At least I will have them down somewhere. Perhaps it'll inspire me to continue blogging more regularly.

~Influence~ (Five Minute Friday)

Influence

My parents’ love and care for animals when I was growing up, has influenced me to value them and see them as an important part of creation. My dad was a gentle man who was always kind to animals. He never kicked a dog or was rough with any animals (or people). My mom has the softest spot for animals. I’m sure she gives them human qualities without even thinking about it!

This past week my husband and I were away for a week, visiting my elderly mother and other family and friends in Alberta, about an 8 hour drive from where we live. I had asked a good friend in my semi-rural neighbourhood if she would watch our little chihuahua Enzo. She happily agreed. She is a kind and caring person, so I had no qualms. In fact, this isn't the first time she’s helped me out in this way. As everyone in my family knows, Enzo is a big part of our family. He was a rescue dog at one point. It’s a long story, but let’s just say, we love him to bits and he’s a little coddled, haha!

Midweek, my girlfriend called me on my cell.  I knew something was up. “Enzo is lost!”, she said, obviously quite upset. Enzo is not an outdoor dog by any stretch. He wouldn’t survive long in our Canadian winter. “He bolted when my son let him outside, after I left to go to yoga”. She had scoured the neighbourhood.

Now, Enzo has never bolted before. He was obviously distressed at my friend leaving without him, I surmised.  I gave her the name of our vet clinic (which was on the dog tag), and asked her to call them.

My mom was with me when I heard the news. “Oh no!” she gasped. I felt sick.  My first response was to quietly pray and then text other family members as well, via WhatsApp (they all know Enzo). Her first response was to pray audibly, right then.

Happy Ending! Within minutes, my friend texted me back and said that she had called my vet. A kind soul in our neighbourhood had found Enzo and taken him to the clinic, where he was waiting to be picked up.

My mom and I hugged (and I may have shed a few tears).

My mom’s influence in my formative years has given me a firm foundation that God is interested in all that goes on in our lives, including the ‘little things’ like little lost pets, lost keys, or an available parking spot.

a loved dog

a tiny dog! 

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday community.   (I'm a day late, I know!) You are welcome to join in, too!

Book Review: Farewell Four Waters

Kidnapping was Marie's worst fear. She didn't know treachery was more deadly.

Book recommendation coming up. Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord (a protective pseudonym), is full of intrigue and emotion. Although security prohibits the telling of her exact story, this novel is drawn from events gathered across Afghanistan over several years.

Marie is an aid worker living in a small town in Afghanistan. Her mission is to set up literacy classes for women.  This riveting story begins with Day 14 and then counts down the days leading to this brave woman's necessary escape from Afghanistan, a place she deeply loved and considered home.

This story is full of many details and excellent descriptions of life in this country  - for both Christian aid workers in NGOs and for the Afghan people. I felt as if I were there every step of the way. Marie, a believer in the "Honorable Jesus Messiah", has a passion for bettering the lives of women in Afghanistan, and with deep respect for their customs and beliefs, she befriends them through loving deeds and conversations.

I especially appreciated her honest struggles related to the events and circumstances she experienced. She incorporated conversation with God through journaling and prayers, not hiding her frustrations and how hard it was to make sense of things at times. Where was Jesus in the middle of all of it?  I also loved learning about this land and culture and what life is like for foreign aid workers.

This book drew me in and it never let up until I finished the last page. It is well worth the read!

I'm really looking forward to reading Kate McCord's first book In the Land of the Blue Burquas. Another book to request at the library!

Thanks to Moody Publishers who sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

When Two Conversations Collide

It's all about the timing when it comes to text messaging!

Since son was coming to this side of town to play ball hockey last night, I had invited him and his wife for sup, so I sent a message to let hubby know. Here's the conversation thread, and what was going through my head:

me:  P&N are coming for sup

(I also remembered another request I had for him-- he works at a radio station, so often can score some free tickets for concerts)

me:  any chance of getting some Johnny Reid tickets? 

him: probably not unless there is a late draw

him: guess you don't want to invite another guest (I'm assuming he means a guest for the concert, since he isn't interested in going)

me: yes, I could (I'm already thinking of girlfriends who may possibly want to attend with me)

him: what time would you need us home (Wha..???? WHO is 'us'???!)

him: Scott accepted our offer (oh no! Scott is an out of town businessman who Dave was working with this week)

me: I thought you were talking about tickets!!!!! (he wasn't. He was talking about a dinner guest!)

(at this point I called him on the phone and we both nervously laughed about what had just happened)

him: I'll try to get home by 6

me:  ..... (silence)

So, as you can see, a simple text message can have unexpected outcomes if one isn't careful!

Why this could have gone very badly: 

I was trying out a NEW recipe.

I wasn't 'prepared mentally' for company I had never met.

Having unexpected company is not in my 'comfort zone'.

Why this went well:

I had just finished cleaning my house (!)

With more people at the dinner table, the conversation went well. My daughter in law is a great conversationalist! :)

The maple chicken dish turned out better than I anticipated. It's definitely not going to be a favorite of mine, though. My fear was that it was bland and overcooked.(Overcooked chicken = yuk)

We had some meaningful, honest, unanticipated conversation over coffee.

Scott was a gracious guest and kept thanking us for the invitation, the dinner, and the conversation.

I just felt this whole evening was a 'God thing'. And I felt encouraged that God works in small ways, and it's exciting and faith building!

 “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”

St. Therese of Lisieux

A little bit true