Writing from my heart- a journey of faith

Click here to view my "Journey of Faith" articles posted on the WJOF website.

I write for a monthly column in my newspaper "the Neighborhood Express" that allows me 700 words each month to share of my faith journey. Love the opportunity to express hope, joy, grace, truth to an audience I will not see face to face, but through the written word- can impact a heart.

Trying to develop my own writing style realizing that I have to live my life to an audience of One. If others don't like it- well, so be it. I want to be truthful and upfront with my convictions of faith and share it in a culturally relevant way. I have had enough in my journey to try and people please and it just doesn't work! I am seeking to be authentic and if that involves being bold, risky, vulnerable.... so be it. I feel like principles taught in my creative writing class in high school is starting to sink in. The teacher encouraged us all to write freely and at that time I did, but in many ways was stunted for years trying to conform. Now, that freedom to be-speak and write and be is coming forth. Ahhhhh.  It's all good.

"Women, God's Secret Weapon"- Ed Silvoso Book

I am currently reading the book "Women, God's Secret Weapon" by Ed Silvoso. It is grabbing my heart this year as it is articulating what I had seen in a prophetic picture in the fall of 2006 of a spiritual army that God is seeking to raise up with BOTH genders. Men and women walking side by side in perfect unity, living out our original intent according to Genesis 1:27 with the truth that we are both created in His image. We are both called to be stewards of this land. We are both called to express and receive truth, grace and love on earth as it is in heaven. Men need to be restored in order for that to happen. Women need to be restored in order for that to happen. Although great strides have been done in the name of equality and unity, according to the Word of God and His promises, we have a long way to go. Looking inward and looking at the world at large- we know that we are not living to our potential as Christ Jesus came to seek and save all that was lost in the fall of mankind. He is in the business of restoration. I encourage others to read this book as Ed Silvoso gives such a thorough look at why the gender wars, why the oppression of women, and why the importance of both genders to seek restoration together.  Perhaps the most intriguing is how he casts a vision (according to scripture) of what a future redemptive plan perhaps looks like for both women and men in the final days.

 

You can order a copy of Ed's book on the website for Harvest Evangelism or directly through your local Christian bookstore. There is a study guide available as well.

The Domino Effect

The Domino Effect - By Jodi Kozan  

 

Have you ever built a city of dominoes? Lining them up one by one, spending hours on end creating a masterpiece on the kitchen floor? With one flick of a finger, the cause and effect principle is witnessed right before your eyes. A classic childhood game reiterating the message that our lives are much like The Domino Effect: our convictions, words, and our actions not only affect our own lives, but also the lives of countless others we encounter on the journey. 

 

An example of this in my own life was when I drove to Calgary a few summers ago with 4 adventurous women from the Journey of Faith team. The goal was to inspire them that weekend both personally and organizationally. Off we went to the Saddledome with over 7000 women from across western Canada, and the various speakers, musicians and comedians. We laughed until we cried, and we cried because it hurt. All in all, it was a ‘good day at the office’ in terms of women’s conferences! 

 

Rather than hopping in my van Sunday morning to rush back to Saskatoon, I encouraged the group to take a stroll with me to a nearby park. Imagine with me if you will: hundreds of hanging flower baskets and a beautiful water display creating a serene environment to centre oneself. As we walked about the park, our plan to journal was brilliantly interrupted as we came across an artistic display of history that will be forever encased in my mind. Encompassed in a circle were 5 bronze statues of women towering above us. Their presence was breathtaking. As I walked among the statues of women I noticed some were holding teacups, appearing to be celebrating. One that stood out above the rest was the woman who held up a scroll with great confidence. This note of victory declared that women were “persons” on October 18, 1929. These statues represented The Famous Five who were instrumental in the Persons Case on April 24, 1928. Persons? It ran through my body like a jolt of lightening. Had I somehow forgotten the historical fact that suffrage was just a blink in time away? To not be considered a person? 

 

“And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” John 8:32 

 

Although the US, my country of origin, has a similar story with Susan B Anthony’s famous speech in 1873, “We are Persons” , I would like to honor the 5 women who committed their lives for the advancement of freedom and equality right here in Canada: 

 

Judge Emily Murphy 1868-1933  

Henrietta Muir Edwards 1849-1931 

Louise McKinney, MLA 1868-1931 

Hon. Irene Parlby, MLA 1868-1965 

Nellie McClung, MLA 1873-1951 

 

In learning about this historic movement, what struck me about these women is that they worked together much like a set of dominoes. There was strategy in their alignment for the final outcome. They were uniquely gifted, unified in their purpose, diligent in their mission, and submitted to authority by obeying the law at hand.  

 

The definition of “personhood” was challenged by Emily Murphy as she sought to run for senate. She was turned down because of the fact that she wasn’t a legal person, but she could petition the Government of Canada if there were 5 in agreement to lobby with her. Thus, these five women gathered for tea parties upon Emily’s invite and the rest is history.  

 

In the book of Genesis, chapter 1 verse 27  it says: “So God created man in His own 

image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created 

them.” 

Equality was at the core of our existence from the beginning of time. Why had it taken so long to walk in this truth? Yet sadly, there are millions who are not free as they continue to be viewed as subjects or property to control.  The domino effect in their situation is based on lies and the aftermath is destructive to say the least. 

 

In the Luke account in the New Testament of the Bible, in chapter 19 verse 10, it reads: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”   Not only was our relationship with God broken when sin entered the world, thus making all mankind “lost”, but our original intent became skewed. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. Our original intent is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Trusting in Him who is the truth, we can receive and impart our original intent reversing historical damage based on lies and 

replacing it with the truth. 

 

The Famous Five acted on the truth that all are created equal, giving women the same opportunities presented to their male counterparts. It is one thing to learn the truth, another to accept the truth, but most importantly we need to appropriate it in our lives. The Famous Five and the decision of the Privy Council in the Persons Case improved the lives of millions of women throughout the British Empire.  

 

Reflecting on the Domino Effect…and The Famous Five, whose lives are you affecting by your actions, your words, and your convictions? What are they based on? With truth as our guide, our domino effect can alter history for the better. The possibilities are endless.   

 

 

“Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the 

Father except by (through) Me.” John 14:6 

 

 

Scripture taken from the Amplified Bible 

 

Other sources: 

The Famous Five Foundation http://www.famous5.ca/ 

Journey of Faith devotional "The Domino Affect"

WJOF website

 

This article was taken from the "Journey of Faith" column in the local newspaper I write for. I may be interested in pursuing other papers to submit to, so if you have a contact- let me know! jodi@wjof.com 

Growing in love- for the "least of these"

My daughter Jaclyn returned from her short term missions trip to Veracruz Nicaragua with Youth for Christ. An amazing experience for her in more ways than one, but from a Christian momma's perspective- it helped break her heart for what breaks the heart of God. Many people didn't understand why I would allow my 16 year old to travel across the miles with such young leaders in unknown territory who speak a different language altogether! Well, it takes faith to send your baby off in this way, and I can honestly say it was so worth it. Today I wrote on the blog for Women's Journey of Faith on the passage of 

Mathew 25:40  . When Jesus said that "whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me... It is such a humbling experience to let go of our preconceived notions of 'who deserves love' and just let God move through you no strings attached. On my journey of faith, I am so thankful for others who have helped to provide service opportunities to reach out to those in need including my home church, the bridge ministry, Youth for Christ, and World Vision among others. It is so true what World Vision says in their motto:"Change a life, change your own". We get in our own little bubbles and tend to forget about the needs all around. I pray that I continue to grow in love and push away the selfishness and greed that prevails in our culture. I know I can't "save the world"- (that's Jesus' job!) But- I can do my part to share His love with others.  It starts first by:

1. Loving God
2. Loving myself
3. Loving my neighbor as myself (including...)
4. Loving my family (ministering to their needs first and not "checking out to assist strangers before my own hubby and girls!)
5. Praying, serving, giving, donating, loving, those Jesus calls "the least of these" as I am led

Life is a journey. A Journey of Love.

I wrote on this subject on the WJOF blog to read more, go to Mathew 25:40 

His Love Endures Forever!

   “His Love Endures Forever”-

I’m a music lover- always have been, always will be. Throughout my life I’ve had experiences singing in choirs, musicals, an 80’s rock band, and took voice lessons spanning various styles from Country, Jazz to Italian Operettas even. At this stage of my journey, my passion lies mainly with contemporary Christian music and worship songs (but crank the oldies but goodies station from time to time too!) This picture was taken at the Women's Journey of Faith's conference "Love Without Limits. It does a heart good to worship God with hundreds of other women spanning all ages, race, and denominational backgrounds. Love it- love it-love it!

Now it’s confession time. I’m also one of “those people” who sing full throttle in the van when I think no one is watching until you pull up besides someone raising their eyebrows in displeasure… I sing and ‘jam’ with my daughters in the kitchen or while toting them to and fro with their activities. Bottom line, I simply love the reality and ambiance music creates (whether I’m singing or not) which fills my surroundings with peace, joy and contemplative thought.

On the flip side -I love the musical art of solitude and silence. When there’s a deeper love that comes from within, there’s music that stirs up without the use of an IPod, boom box or instruments for that matter. This discovery in essence is having an “attitude of gratitude” which is truly music to the soul. Music that leads one to reflect on what’s important in life and who is worthy of our attention. As a woman of faith, this place of thankfulness leads to a focused call to worship God.

An example of this attitude is displayed in an Old Testament scriptural account of the life of King Jehosephat around the time of 870 B.C. It was a time of great unrest for the people as a war was about to break out. As the king called a fast amidst the people to seek direction, the Spirit of the Lord came upon a young man named Jahaziel. He was given a message from God to share with Jehosephat to consider another “action plan” to fight their enemies. Rather than relying solely on brute strength and worldly weapons, He was to put the choir before the army and worship God. At first glance, that just sounds absolutely ridiculous and crazy to our finite minds! The verse explains this well:

“ After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chronicles 21

Remaining focused by not flinching at their fearful foes, they worshipped God with devoted hearts. Genuine worship which focuses on His love and giving thanks for all He has done. By this act of obedience to worship Him when they didn’t feel like it or when it didn’t make sense, brought them into a place of great spiritual strength. The chapter goes on to explain that the three enemy camps turned against each other and were all taken down by their own demise. The story goes on to say: “ When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles 20:29-30

There is something powerful in praising God with our whole being. Not just singing a pretty song or getting the notes right, but worshipping God with full abandon because He deserves our worship. We may not be up against warring armies such as the Moabites, the Ammonites and the Meunites as King Jehosephat did, but we do face our share of ‘enemies’ along the journey. Enemies such as despair, loneliness, confusion, hopelessness, anxiety……. any number of things to rob us of pure joy.

We ‘become what we worship’. For that matter, I have no desire to ‘worship’ any 80’s band icons, current celebrities or anything of this world for that matter. Their temporal appeal entices us to worship them, but we all know it’s short lived. To worship a holy God whose love endures forever, is a concept we may never fully comprehend. When we take a step of faith to have that kind of music in our heart though, we too will find “rest on every side”. Why not break into song giving thanks this very day; declaring “His love endures forever!” Not just in church pews, but In the shower, in the van, in the kitchen…. Taking enduring love wherever you go!

-Jodi Kozan (February 2009)

*All scripture is taken from the New Living Bible unless otherwise noted

(Jodi is married to Tim and the mom to four girls. She is the founder of Women’s Journey of Faith in Saskatoon. Their upcoming sharing the Journey seminar: “Growing in Love” is Saturday March 14th at TCU place with Keynote speaker Connie Cavanaugh. Attendees can choose three break out sessions led by various speakers in Saskatoon. To register and for more information go to our site.

New Year's Prayer: Out of Control and Loving It!

2009... Where has the time gone? My girls are growing up, and inching up on me in height (but able to wear my shoes and beg, borrow and steal my jewelry and makeup!) Girls.girls.girls....

    Tim and I have been married 18 years now and with each passing year we learn more about ourselves as we live with the constant reminders of our strengths and weaknesses. Marriage has to be the most challenging yet rewarding relationships- really. With each passing year, we learn more  and more of the dimensions of love. This was our picture we used for our 2008 Christmas card... I love the "laid back" feeling it evokes. Comparing it to the stiff necked posed pics we used to take, I have to smile at how much more free I am the older I get and the more we grow as a family. My  New Year's Prayer is that I will continue to let "God be God" in my life and accept myself and others as is. Giving the control over to God each and eery day is a challenge, but necessary to truly be free of perfectionism. To read about my devotional on being "Out of Control and Loving It", here is a link to that PDF.  Journey of Faith:New Year's Prayer...

My New Year's Resolutions..

Do you have a new year's resolution? Are they reachable? Are they sustainable? Are they reasonable? Only God knows! It's hard to know whether or not we are biting off more than we can chew, so without having a goal in mind- why would anybody have any desire to get off the couch and be inspired to higher heights! I think we often set unrealistic goals because they aren't balanced with a reasonable plan to stick to achieve them, or they are goals to try and attempt to make you into something you are not. I am guilty of that, we all are at some point! 

  I find myself at this place in time in January where I do know that I am not living up to my full potential, so where's the fine balance with acceptance and seeking full restoration for one's mind, body and spirit?  I know that God loves me just as I am, but loves me so much not to leave me as I am! This winter, I am going through two studies with speaker/author friend Donna Partow to assist me on the path to becoming the person I long to be and what I am created to be too! Here are Donna's Books:

1. Becoming the Woman I Want to Be: A 90 Day journey to Renewing Spirit, Soul and Body 
2. Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: Living the Proverbs 31 Life (90 day journey)           

    I know there's a book within me to write someday, but I know that I have lots to learn from others as well on the journey. It's so important to realize we are made up of intricate parts of our being and we need to address each area in order to find healing holistically. As long as it isn't contrary to Biblical teaching, I am all over it. Her latest book addresses a chapter in the bible that is sometimes controversial as the Proverbs 31 woman seems to be some kind of "superwoman" of some sort. She too is a character study worth taking note of as our culture has stripped us of what a strong Godly woman looks like. She is a great example to learn from, yet be kind and patient with ourselves when we don't measure up! Here are my (lifelong goals)- some I will attain in 2009, and others are a work in progress:

• Personal- Not apologizing for taking time for myself as my health is key to all my goals and relationships. (WIth that: personal quite time each day with God is a must along with eating better, vitamins (consistency), work out at the gym, walk the dog more,(* I can't say I will give up anything really- just less coffee and less chocolate!)
• Marriage- Go out for more dates with Tim (smile) have fun, take a class together, reminisce and pray more
• Family-Spend quality & Quantity time with the girls, speak their "love language"  more often
• Finance- earn more, save more, spend less, give more
• Ministry- Expand WJOF and personal speaking and writing to others through SK an Canada
• Extended family and friends: Try to keep in touch as I am led but not to be guilty that we aren't seeing each other as much as I like. For this stage of my journey, the above have got to come first as my home is my first priority..... yet, when we do connect on skype-facebook- over coffee and visits, we should laugh and hug and love like there's no tomorrow!
• (There are tons more, but this is a good start)

If you are a woman and would like to join a group online with that Proverbs 31 woman 90 day journey, we are starting this week on facebook called 90 day Jumpstart to a New You 

Dear God, I give you my life once again in 2009! I "resolve" to see your will for my life rather than my own selfish ways. I long to be the woman you created me to be- thank you for your patience!-AMEN