Jodi's Journey

The Call to Engage

2011-11-17T13:36:00.001-06:00

In my first attempt at writing a book, I find myself gravitating towards the analogy of the armed forces when it comes to our faith journey. Here is a glimpse of my writing from Chapter 3: "What? Me a Solider?"

Thump thump, thump thump, thumpthump… Do you hear His heart pounding?

God is calling us to rise up andrespond to the beat of His heart. When I listen closely, I hear Him say to me:

I love you! I have a purpose and a plan for your life. TrustMe. Don’t be afraid, I’ve created you for great and mighty things! I need youto engage dear one. The world is waiting for you to step into yourcall. Choose faith, not fear. Choose Me, not the world to define you. You bearMy image just as much as man does. I have created you to walk alongside men forthe spiritual protection of your home, church and community in which youlive! But daughter, you need to engage. Don’t think for one second that you arenot needed in My army. Daughter! I did not create you to sit on the sidelines orin a place of woundedness. Likewise, I did not choose you to reflect me on the earth tosimply sit on the fence. I’ve called you to be strong in Me no matter thecircumstances you find yourself in. Trust Me, follow Me…engage!

We aren’t forced against our will toengage—we are called. When I choseChrist, I came to realize He had already chosen me. I simply responded with my “yes” to His call. One where I’dhear the beat of His heart throughout my formative years, but failed to abandon myself to it until my mid twenties...

Writing has become a healing, cathartic and energizing discipline all in one full swoop. From what I am learning though, it's 80% editing! The rest of my 4500 word chapter (along with the other 17) is tucked away on my memory stick, Drop Box and my Mac's Time Capsule for safe keeping! As the book continues to take shape, I am challenged to look at my own life and reflect- "Am I living what I am writing?" I pray so.

In that chapter, I talk about 4 types of soldiers: Sideliner Soldiers, Wounded Soldiers, Fence Sitting Soldiers, and Fully Engaged Soldiers.

My prayer is that all women (and men), will rise up and engage in God's plans for restoration. Envisioning myself as a strong confident feminine soldier for Christ (on my good days!) frames my worldview for revival, restoration and likewise gender reconciliation. The world doesn't need spiritual woosies. There's a call for us to hear God's voice and respond to His call.

Regardless if He's calling you to serve, give, pray, lead, fight hard for justice or bask in the stillness... the most important thing is this: Do we hear His voice? Do we hear His heart pounding? It's possible with Jesus at our side drawing us close to the Father. As we depend on God, the world is depending on us. It's time to engage.

Mothers and Daughters of Influence

2011-10-25T00:09:00.000-06:00

   Nature walks, cake pops, and giggling girlies in pj pampering parties... This weekend I had the awesome privilege of speaking at a mother/daughter retreat. There is something very special when moms and their girls can pull away from hectic schedules and spend some unhurried time together! Busyness robs families from the special bonds we were created to have. You don't necessarily have to come to a retreat in order to reclaim your focus and relationships, but they sure do promote renewal and restoration! Moms have pretty unique needs and daughters have their fair share of challenges too. Bring them together for a focused time together and a beautiful thing unravels. Empathy, compassion, and respect for each other grows deep in such a short time...To laugh, eat, play, serve,worship and learn together is something we all need to do more as moms and daughters.
   My theme for the weekend was being a Woman of Influence. I spoke of the importance of "Living by Faith", "Walking in Love" and "Affirming the Call." Women (of all ages) can have an incredible influence in this world, but it begins first in the heart, then extends to the home which seeks to infiltrate the world. Question is, are we using our influence for good or evil?   I feel that the most important lesson in the weekend is that of seeing yourself first as a daughter of the "most high God" no matter what age you are. To be a positive influence in this world, we have to ask ourselves... "who is ultimately influencing us?" If the answer is Jesus, then look out... we've got some world changers about to be unleashed! He gave His life for us! As a result, we can have faith that moves mountains, experience limitless love and receive keys to step more fully into our call.

   One thing I continue to discover about myself is that I am wired to encourage and inspire others. I can't help it, I become more alive when I do! After one of my talks, I played the video "Pieces" as the moms and girls held onto a piece of ribbon. After the video, they walked up to the front and draped their ribbon onto an old wooden cross. The ribbon represented the pieces of their lives they need to simply trust Jesus with. Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly that it interferes with our relationship with God and with people. Be it controlling fears, painful memories, or even our dreams and hopes for the future, we gotta "let go and let God". When a mom trusts Jesus and lets go of her control, she is able to be the mom God created her to be. When her daughter is able to trust Jesus, she can finally stop striving and be at peace. Godly influence begins as we see ourselves as our Creator sees us. By knowing Jesus personally as Savior and Lord, we can say with confidence that God loves us and wants to pick up our pieces that lay scattered about. As His daughter, we were never meant to be whole without Him:)
Here's the video: Music by Krissy Nordhoff

Refusing To Be Hurried & Pressed

2011-10-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

“Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shallenjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay yoursoul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit, which is lifeand peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." - Amy Carmichael 1867-1951

In the stillness, we can either find boredom, anxiety or incredible peace with God. It all depends on where we get our strength from in times of solace. Life never ceases to teach us if we are open to its lessons. Sometimes forcibly but more often gently, it should remind us to depend on God more in our lives.

   Thrilled for my daughter Jaclyn to have the opportunity to venture off with YWAM for 6 months. She is growing leaps and bounds in her faith as a result of this focused time. Although her training is incredible while undergoing a DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Maui and then serving in Bangladesh for 3 months, she still needs to discipline herself to find stillness each day. As her momma, I feel it's the greatest lesson she can learn as she embarks on this next phase of her post high school/pre-college journey. I desperately need to guard it in my life as well!

   I've been reflecting on various history makers lately. Heeding the advice of missionaries like Amy Carmichael to "refuse to be hurried and pressed." Not that I'm being lazy, but I'm rediscovering that I'm most productive when surrounded by God's presence in the stillness. How?

Priorities are more clear as the spiritual fog lifts.
God's will becomes less confusing when peace prevails.
Being single-hearted removes self erected idols in our lives.

I think a great majority of people are bent to feel powerful when they are hurried and pressed. Like when you ask an acquaintance in passing how they are doing, and a common response is "Oh, I'm so busy!" as they huff and puff and wipe their brow in pride. In a warped sort of way, busyness has become a status symbol of our time. Why? How has busyness robbed millions of people from finding center. Perhaps it's because we are afraid to face the stillness. Maybe we are afraid to face our Creator? If so, maybe we are afraid to get in touch with our true self with Him. One that may struggle with faith and fear, sin and grace, and a desire for purpose, love, acceptance, security and significance. I believe that the enemy of our souls wants to keep us so incredible busy and "spiritually asleep" because he knows the powerful transformation that happens in that secret place. Amy Carmichael knew the importance of stillness. More than books, speakers, sermons or seminars, ... wisdom is imparted when we honor the presence of our Creator in our lives. Wisdom leads us into the deep stillness of the soul, for it is in that place we awaken and find life.

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act..."

Psalm 37:7

9-1-11...A Wake Up Call to Live by Faith!

2011-09-11T00:06:00.000-06:00

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001. Where was I on that day? I remember getting a phone call from my mom to turn on the news. As my preschool girls were playing in the other room, I stood in horror watching the unthinkable strategic evil transpiring before my eyes on the screen. That scene shocked me to the core. That was then, this is now...
This evening, I plan on watching the worldwide simulcast: "A Wake Up Call" with Anne Graham Lotz, Selah and Joel Rosenberg. I find it interesting how the "Wake Up" theme is a consistent cry among many ministries, leaders and Bible teachers today. One way that I've discovered this common thread throughout North America, is by coming across some events featured online this year including todays simulcast: A Wake Up Call for God's People, Previous events:Awakening- Jesus Culture Conference (Chicago), Awakening Conference (ongoing), Arise Conference, (LA) Awakening Love (Surrey BC) and upcoming events:Awaken* Women's Journey of Faith conference in Saskatoon SK Oct 28-29 2011; plus an interesting site that equips the Church online: Awakening- 21 days of prayer, fasting and devotion planned for January 2012...On top of all this, I've come across tons of worship nights, studies, books and seminars all across the nations that include the words: Awake, Awaken, Rise Up, Arise, Wake Up, and Awakening. Hmmm... Do you think God is trying to catch our attention? Have many fallen "spiritually asleep"? I believe so.

"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14

*Last year at about this time I confirmed Lisa Bevere as the keynote speaker for Women's Journey of Faith's 12th annual conference. It was evident that our theme should be "Awaken", based on her new book "Lioness Arising- Wake up and Change Your World". A year later, I am praying for the team as they prepare for this awesome event. I am absolutely thrilled for Lisa to come back and share what God has placed on her heart for this generation. She is one of my all time favorite speakers as she embodies the vision of the Restoration of Women which is so near and dear to my heart. It wasn't until after she was booked, our theme chosen and verse confirmed that I took notice of other events with a similar focus for the need to Awaken. The last time Lisa spoke for WJOF was in 2006 as keynote speaker for the "Empowered" conference which was a life transformational year for me! I thought I was awake then, but more scales needed to fall from my eyes and continue to do so... Christ is the only answer to a world in darkness. The point is, we need to wake up and rise from "the dead". Not referring to physical death, but the spiritual deadness we can all fall prey to.
This wake up call to arise and be a part of changing this world is obviously a now word. I do believe God is saying to us "Wake Up!" Personally, I do not want to be asleep, but be fully awake spiritually. How about you?

Check out the WJOF blog for more on this!

Living by Faith! Back to the "Drawing Board"

2011-09-01T22:08:00.000-06:00

While cleaning out my desk this week, I came across a precious drawing my youngest daughter created for me years ago. It encouraged me back then, but it is absolutely impacting me today! I love her drawing of this big mountain of "faith steps" to climb. Each step giving instruction for me to live life by faith! All the steps she drew were what she felt would lead me up "to the top" where I would meet with God. The other side of the drawing was of a hill, a valley and a mountain. She knew I was in a valley, but had little stick people walking in the direction of the mountain top. All the while, keeping our eyes on the cross.
I am amazed that at such a young age, she had timeless wisdom to give her mommy in a time of great discouragement.

Jesus was so right on when he instructed His disciples of the amazing value He puts on children and those of childlike faith:
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:13-14 )

It's all about the Kingdom. Everything on earth pales in comparison to the Kingdom of God and all that it entails. Children seem to "get" kingdom principles much faster than adults. For that, I am grateful for the lessons in childlike faith they've imparted to me over the years. Even though they are all teenagers now, I pray that I never scold them (or other kids or adults for that matter!) for enthusiastically dreaming, praying and rushing into the arms of Jesus. As a believer in Jesus Christ, the minute we loose our childlike faith is when we loose sight of the Kingdom. No matter how old we are, we can all go "back to the drawing board" and seek to live by faith. "With God, all things are possible!" (Matthew 19:26)

Freedom Writers: My hopes for the next generation...

2011-06-30T16:41:00.004-06:00

This year marked some pretty special milestones for our family. Our youngest graduated from grade 8 with her ceremony on Monday, our oldest graduated from high school on Tuesday and our middle daughter passed her drivers license test on Wednesday...(including me becoming an official Canadian citizen a few weeks back.) Whew, what a month!

Because of all of these momentous occasions in the Kozan home, I have been reflecting on the freedoms we enjoy as women in this country. I am thankful for my roots of freedom and equality as a result of my citizenship in the USA and Canada which includes my faith journey... Content in what I have- but fighting against complacency as my heart longs for more. I have many hopes and dreams for our daughters and the 'next generation', but I believe it's important to educate ourselves on those who don't experience such freedoms... Although there are incredible strides towards equality and freedoms enjoyed throughout the ages, we have a looooonnnng way to go. I've been keeping in touch with some statistics on issues affecting women and children both in this country and across the nations.

For starters:

Of the world's nearly one billion illiterate adults, 2/3rds are women.
Of the 1.3 billion poor people, it is estimated that nearly 70 percent are women.
Between 75 and 80 percent of the world's 27 million refugees are women and children.

1 in 3 women and girls in developing countries live on less than $2 dollars a day.
More than 60% of the 110 million children out of school are girls.
More than 10,000 girls a day will get married before they turn 15.
Each year an estimated 2 million girls suffer the practice of female mutilation.
Worldwide, 20-50% of women experience some degree of domestic violence during marriage
The use of rape as a weapon of war has become more evident. In Rwanda from April 1994-April 1995, estimates of the number of women and girls raped range from 15,700-250,000
1 in 6 women (1 in 33 men) will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. (Reporting has increased by 1/3 since 1993).
A mark of our sick society today and the oppression against women is heartbreaking: Sex trafficking and prostitution is a $31 Billion a year industry.
42 Million abortions occur every year globally. Many stats prove that it has not advanced women's health but decreased it considerably with mental, spiritual and physical consequences to this right to 'choose'.
95% of eating disorders are female. 70% of women are always dieting.
In Canada, women between the ages of 15 and 25, 1-2% have anorexia and 3-5% have bulimia. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, with 10% to 20% eventually dying from complications.
Research indicates that 46 percent of children who are raped are victims of family members.
1.2 million children in the U.S. are involved in child prostitution
The RCMP estimates that 600-800 persons are trafficked into Canada annually, predominantly for sexual purposes, and that an additional 1,500-2,200 persons are trafficked through Canada into the United States.

And as if these statistics aren't enough to make you want to pray, cry out and work towards restoration of women worldwide, it seems just absolutely insidious that women in Saudi Arabia are fighting for the right to simply drive a car.

On October 18th 1929, it was only then that women were declared "persons" here in Canada. Look at this crazy quote: "Women are persons in matters of pains and penalties, but are not persons in matters of rights and privileges."— 1876 British court ruling (YIKES- what was that!!!!)

Thank goodness times are changing. When I look at my daughters, I see bright futures with much potential as they seek to use their gifts talents and abilities to bless the world. Sure they make mistakes and fall from time to time, but hope must prevail to keep on keeping on. The same should be said of every young girl born in every nation. Thank goodness for those voices in the past who have stood up for truth and freedom for all. God's word says men and women are created in His image.... Because of that truth, we must do all we can to advance freedom, justice and equality for all. I believe that with my whole being. My hopes for this next generation is that we would seek to fight the good fight and be a light in a dark world by serving, praying and declaring truth as we are blessed to be a blessing. My hope for my daughters (and all young people embarking on their future) is that they would be 'freedom writers' for restoration. Not being so saddened, complacent or discouraged by the stats, but keeping our eye on God's original intent and trusting Jesus to lead us out of the mess. We can't do it alone- we need strong men and women, vibrant churches, organizations built on integrity and godly ethical governments to do the right thing. Writing the truths of God's word upon their hearts to make a tangible difference in this world is a right and a privilege worth upholding!

"Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

*Some stats may not be current, please inform me if you have come across more accurate data as I continue to take an interest in these issues by keeping on eye on the status of women worldwide.

Happy Father's Day God!

2011-06-19T14:15:00.000-06:00

Today is Father's Day. Rather than planning the day out for Tim, I asked him how he'd like to spend his day. His wish was simply to go to church with the family, go hit a bucket of balls at the driving range and then relax with a good steak BBQ and watch a movie. In doing so, he's a happy man. He knows what he wants and as his family, we're accommodating his requests- Including keeping their rooms clean! Makes me think of my dad Richard in Fargo ND, and father in law Ted in Winnipeg MB today as well. If I were to ask them today on the phone or Skype what 'makes their day'- I am sure that deep down they would say that we would respect them, love them and that ultimately that we too are happy and fulfilling the call upon our lives as their kids and grand kids.

Great dads want their kids to thrive.

As much as I love the father to my girls, my papa who raised me as well as my 'pappa- in- law'... their love, protection and guidance is limited. We were created to put our Father-daughter, Father-son relationship first with God and then our earthly relationships second. While sitting in church this morning, I thought how God must feel this Father's Day who also wants to see every heart respond to Him, and then in doing so- they would all thrive too! A few verses came to mind:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." John 1:12

When I was awaiting the birth of our daughters, I was aching to hold them in my arms and so was Tim. Becoming a parent is an amazing gift and a beautiful miracle. My life has been transformed, challenged and extended as a result of this journey. How much more then does God (the only perfect parent) long to hold His children. How His arms must 'ache' to see all people come into a relationship with Him. Thankfully He doesn't force that relationship as true parenting love isn't forced. Sadly, many reject Him.
So what would God want this Father's Day? (Or any day of the year for that matter!) The Bible is full of God's desires for His kids. For starters, I think of these verses:

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too." 1 John 5:1
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (The Holy Spirit) who will never leave you." John 14:15

Just as we ask our earthly dads what they'd like this father's day, we should approach God with that same heart and then some. That's my personal challenge today:) I know just as it is a continued journey to respect and honor my husband and dads in my life, what is most important is that I respect and Honor God above all. He's asking us to love others and obey Him. When we do so, all else falls into place.

Happy Father's Day God!

Dual Citizenship- Overcoming My 'Identity Crises'

2011-05-27T12:38:00.000-06:00

I went through an 'identity crises' for many years, but have been coming home to Center since 1996...

This Wednesday, I take my "Oath of Citizenship' in the ceremony of becoming a true Canadian citizen. Some friends have asked me why it's taken so long? I moved here 21 years ago after marrying my honey and then became the mother to four girls. The obvious question being "why the big delay?"

I grew up in Northern Minnesota and raised with deeply patriotic Girl Scout ideals. We saluted the flag at school, marched in parades and heaven forbid you'd ever let the flag touch the ground while folding it at camp! I took pride in being an American. So, when the time came that I met and married my Canadian husband ... I eventually felt like a stranger in a foreign land for years to come. Strange to think that seeing we are next door neighbors! But, each country has it's own distinct personality with it's fair share of strengths and weaknesses. We tend to identify ourselves quite closely to our roots.

Leaving my country, family, friends and life as I knew it in 1990 was at first an exciting adventure. It eventually turned into a lonely road of isolation and questions reverberating within asking 'who am I?" So awesome to know that God had a plan for me and knew that I needed to be stripped of those things that 'defined me' in order for me to seek Him out with my whole being. In 1996, I had a dramatic encounter with my Creator where Jesus became very real to me. From that point on, my identity was being reshaped and realigned to who I am in Christ. Not what I look like, whom I associate with, what degree I have, nationality I bare, successes, failures, religious affiliations, possessions acquired, or even which country I lived in. I was a child of God and I am His precious daughter: Period. My heart longed for a home beyond what this earth could offer and I began to realize as a believer in Jesus Christ, this earth is not my real home... Heaven is.

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior." Philippians 3:20

Sometimes visionaries or idealists like me can be known to be so 'heavenly minded, they are no earthly good!" I've tried to temper that label by seeking to be more present in the here and now. In that journey of being a wife, mom, ministry leader here in Saskatoon... I neglected to take that step of obedience to becoming a citizen. Even though I had a passion and a vision for Canada, I realized that I was missing something. It hit me about 5 years ago because of the simple fact that I can fit in among my Canadian friends as a 'landed immigrant' except I couldn't vote. The more I prayed about it, the more I grieved that I wasn't a full citizen. It was one more step I knew I needed to take to be fully aligned and submit to those in authority.

So dear friends, next week I take the big "Oath" with my hand on the Bible and alongside other amazing people from all across the world taking this step to become a Canadian... (except I was the pokey one!)

Hmmmm. What does it mean to me to be a Dual Citizen?

I know deeply within my heart, mind and soul that my true home is in heaven.
Until God calls me home, It is good to fully engage in the land where I'm planted.
I love my American roots and the friends and family I know and cherish there.
I love my new country of Canada and am proud to call it my temporary home.
The Bible defines who I am- not where I live... even if I become a 'snow bird' someday:)

Being a Dual Citizen to me means having one foot in heaven and the other where you live out your call.

How about you?

Spiritual Mothering Moments

2011-05-14T13:57:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day was a home run this year for me.

Sunday morning I was returning from an amazing women's retreat with Shannon Ethridge as our keynote speaker. En route to the Kozan abode, I called the family to say I was heading home. My oldest said- "NO, not yet! We are trying to clean the house- so stay away a little while longer!" Ohhh, music to my ears. With a stop to gather my favorite Starbucks drink (mmmm, venti skinny Caramel Machiatto), I ventured home witnessing 3 busy teen girls doing their best to clean, tidy and make it a special day for me. Welcomed by flowers, a gift and beautiful sentiments- my heart was warm by the love and genuine gratitude I felt that day:) We ended the occasion with a trip to the infamous Saskatoon Berry Barn for dinner. Good times... great memories!

The older I get, I realize the gift, the honor the privilege it is to be a mom. To bring forth life, mold, nurture, mentor...As I watch them grow- I realize I want more for their lives than what I've experienced. A mamma's heart expands. It hasn't always been this sweet....On the flip side, being a mom is also packed with nasty hard work and often is emotionally draining, especially during the teen years! I'm a mom to four amazing girls: Jaclyn, Jessica, Justine and Amanda (my step-daughter). Each one so special, each one so amazingly complex. I love them all so much! I've realized I can only mother them to a certain extent, as my love, wisdom and nurturing ways can only go so far. I am far from perfect and I cannot be everything to them. But God can!

Grateful for my mother Judy and my mother in law Julie. We've come a long way baby! Women who have taught me the most about life, love and laughter. Likewise, I am grateful for those women on my journey who have stepped into a 'mothering' role. Like Connie who listened to me cry, dream and wrestle in my early walk of faith. Or Judy S. who heard my heartbeat, my struggles and passion for the call and has encouraged me for years. Or Judy H. who mothered a different aspect of my leadership journey, helping me to think out of the box... Or there's other leaders like Darlene Zschech, Carol Kent, LaDonna Osborne, Lisa Bevere to name a few who have paved the way indirectly and directly as spiritual mothers responsibile for birthing an ache within for 'more'.

When I was going through a very dark season in my life, 3 unrelated people said to me within one week, "Jodi, have you ever related to God as your Father AND Mother?" I thought to myself, whoa, is that even Biblical? I've related to my Creator as having Fathering influence in my life, but was wrestling with that question wondering if it was 'blasphemous' to refer to Him as a Mom? One of the counselor/pastor's who said that to me quoted from Isaiah 66:13 which refers to a how God was in the midst of consoling Israel, it also speaks of a mothering relationship we can have with God: "As a mother comforts her child, so too will I comfort you."

It's taken me awhile, but I'm getting there. Allowing myself to receive God's love, care and protection into my life by seeing myself as a "Daughter." Relating to God as both mother and father has been totally healing. Why? For tons of reasons:

I let my earthly moms 'off the hook' that they can't be perfect and fulfill my every need for love, acceptance, security and significance. Only God can do that!
I let myself 'off the hook' by forgiving myself for my shortcomings as a mom and run to God to be that nurturing presence in my life. A woman of all ages is in need to related to God as their perfect parent- in both masculine and feminine forms.
I see the character of God more clearly through a healthy parenting relationship!

Men and women are created in God's image according to the passage in Genesis 1:27. So as I continue to relate to God as Father (which He is...) I'm thankful that God can love, care and nurture me in a motherly way too:)

A Writing Shift...

2011-05-01T09:44:00.000-06:00

I pause, reflect and anticipate... I am in a season of sifting and shifting.

   Up until now, my blog posts have been primarily re-posts or snippets taken from articles I've written in my local newspaper's "Journey of Faith" column. It's been quite the ride where I've been given 700 words each month for over 4 years. The editor and owner of the paper encouraged me to share my faith freely by tying it in with their theme. With a readership of over 40,000 homes and businesses, I soon began to realize the privilege of writing and the impact that it can have. Through that experience, I've discovered that I'm a lover of words! They can build up or tear down... inspire, challenge, motivate, counsel and bless others if we let them...

   Last summer, God spoke to my heart "One Year". I didn't know at the time what exactly that meant ie: one year to live, one year to write my book, one year to take a break from my role with Women's Journey of Faith, one year it will take for the WJOF ministry to get into greater alignment... thank goodness it wasn't the first option! After numerous tests on my back ending with the last series in November of last year, I was given a clear bill of health. I simply have a compressed fracture in my spine among other minor complications I've dealt with for years. The doctors were testing for much worse, so I am so incredibly grateful that it wasn't what they were thinking!!!


   After much prayer, advice from mentors and affirmation in my heart... This winter I embarked on a one year sabbatical from WJOF; (the organization that I have founded and led for over 11 years). The team is doing a great job in my absence and I am absolutely THRILLED to have this time. Already I have been blessed with physical rest, spiritual stillness, more time at home, awesome family time and am experiencing a deeper healing as a result. One of the 'bonuses' include the highly anticipated precious time to write my book that's been burning within for quite some time now. It's obvious I've been going through a desperately needed sifting time to come back to Centre.

   What kind of writer do I aspire to be? Authentic... Inspirational... Bold.... Real...

  A little scary not knowing who all your 'audience' is as you write from convictions held near and dear from a deeply rooted/gut/faith/heart level pouring out for others to read. Blogs can be like that too in some small ways. As with my book, I'd like to begin anew here in a more personal and authentic way. A shift in my blog writing from here on in... Sharing a bit of the journey towards restoration where I share more regularly of grace touches and truth encounters along the way.

Thank you for joining me in this. I appreciate your comments, prayers and questions too. Hey... I want to grow and be challenged too through this! You are valued because you are you. I am blessed if you share a bit of yourself through this blog as we get real together. My prayer is that I be obedient to God's call upon my life. Not 'rebelling or turning away,' but open to His wisdom for the sake of others. May I have even a drop of the wisdom and faith the prophet Isaiah pens in chapter 50 verses 4-5:

"The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away."

Loving the Sifting/Shifting Journey,

-Jodi

Hope's Promise

2011-04-23T16:01:00.000-06:00

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.- Martin Luther King, Jr.

*Photo by Lisa's Pics for her 2012 "Women of Praise" Calender

Each spring births new life all around with budding trees, birds chirping and tulips peeking out from the hardened soil. One thing I’ve come to appreciate about living in Saskatoon, is the fact that we get to experience some dramatic changing of the seasons! There is definitely beauty in each one, but if you’re like me, the greatest anticipation is awaiting spring! Off with the Sorel’s and on with the rubber boots! People of the great white north are "hardy" don’t you think? We’ve toughed out some dark days and hibernated like polar bears long enough, we come to appreciate the signs of spring more than others I am sure! It stirs up within us a sense of hope, new life, or perhaps a fresh perspective on the world in which we live.

Hope. Do you have it?

If I believed that this earth is all there is to it, and when one dies, that’s it… kaputz! There would be no purpose for a faith perspective or hopes beyond our temporal needs. Thankfully I don’t believe that stance, but I do know that many do and I respect others point of view. From my faith perspective though, nature gives us subtle yet profound messages of hope. God in His wisdom has given us eternal signs of hope through His Word, creation and through the presence of His Spirit. This is made possible through the saving message of the cross. One where believers in Jesus Christ gather to celebrate not only at Easter, but throughout the year. Jesus died on the cross for our sins but didn’t stop there! He rose from the dead and as a result, released the Holy Spirit to live among us, through us and for Him. Death has lost its sting. That’s what I call “Resurrection Power”!

Because of Jesus, those who believe in Him not only have the promise of eternal life but a chance to live empowered by His presence each and every day. This grace isn’t reserved for the so-called ‘religious ones’, but for all of mankind. As the Word says:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins“ Romans 3:23-24

Young and old, rich or poor, man or woman, introvert or extrovert, the scholars and the simple ones, and for every race, creed and nation… eternal hope is calling out to each and every one of us.

My hope is in Him. His promises of healing and restoration will come to pass. Some fulfilled on this side of heaven but all fulfilled on the other side according to His Word. Having that mindset, we can pray knowing that He answers prayers as a “yes, no or wait”. My hope lies in the promises of God, not whether I see answers to prayer on my watch. Hope calls us to wait expectantly knowing that there are answers…

When hope knocks at the door of your heart, what is it saying to you? Come on! If we are listening to our souls cry, we know that we hope for more than Oreo cheesecake and the Riders to win the Cup every year…. (although that would be awesome too…)

What do you hope for?

Broken marriages to find forgiveness and healing?
Children to walk in purity, integrity and respect?
Loved ones trapped in addictions to be released from that lair?
A calling fulfilled?
A dream restored?
A life lived well?

If you are in that place of spiritual ‘hibernation’, know that spring is just around the corner… Reflecting on new life budding all around, may you be encouraged to place your hope in God and for His promises to be fulfilled in your life.

“By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place….let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him…Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:20-23

- Scripture taken from the New Living translation of the Bible.

- Article excerpt taken from my article in the April 2011 Saskatoon Express newspaper
* http://photographybylisabraun.blogspot.com/2011/01/2012-sk-inspirational-women-of-praise.html

Pathway to Purpose: Fear vs. Faith

2011-03-17T17:46:00.000-06:00

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Each of us have been created and designed for excellence. You are not an accident. You were made with a purpose in mind: to reflect the Creator, using your talents, gifts and experiences to serve others. Most of us live our entire lives searching and seeking to live out our purpose. Sometimes we feel like we are on the right track and other times we question it big time. I’ve come to the conclusion that we were created to ask the big questions about life as there is One who holds the answers to our heart’s cry. Like a life coach, God advises us to live our best life through His Word, His people and through prayer.

The Bible talks about God’s desire for us: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

   The pathway to purpose is best lived when we align ourselves with God’s plans. It takes faith to do so and the results are incredibly rewarding. When we fail to act in faith how-  ever, fear paralyzes us and we’re held back from our purpose, if we let them. Have you been there? Fear of failure, fear of rejection, the lists of fears can go on and on..

Jesus was recorded as saying "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

   As a woman of faith, I am thankful that I am aware of the thief who steals joy, kills hope and destroys relationships. That voice laughs when we fail and fall. There is a voice of truth and love calling out to us to overcome these failures in life and to try, try again. His hand reaches out to us, modeled through God’s son Jesus Christ.

   One of the most exciting times a parent can have is watching their child do many ‘firsts.’ Watching the joy on our daughter’s face as she discovered the joy of rolling over, crawling, walking, running, riding a bike - it was fulfilling to see their progress. Was it sad to see them fall? Yes. Did they sometimes experience failure? Yes. Did they get up and learn from the experience? For sure! It helps when they received encouragement from their cheerleading parents! We believed in them and wanted them to succeed.

When contemplating your purpose, do you sense God cheering you on? Do you know His plans are not to harm you, but to give you a sense of purpose toward a hope- filled future? It’s tough for some people, as they don’t know the character of God to be that way. For whatever reason, their upbringing or life experience has held them in a vice of being unable to forgive. Some come to the conclusion that God is a stern taskmaster doling out rules. No wonder they fear failure or rejection, and stop bothering to try anymore! God cannot be compared to any human as the standard but we can turn to the One who sets the standard.

The God I know is loving, forgiving, strength giving and all powerful. He’s the perfect parent who accepts us, is ready to embrace us, and cheers us on toward the pathway He has designed us for. On your pathway to purpose, you have to ask yourself which guide or spiritual life coach you are listening to. The ‘thief’ or the Saviour of the World? Do we bow down to fear or do we bow down to the One who deserves our attention and devotion?

As we grow older, the choices or steps of faith we take are a lot harder than riding a bike without training wheels. We may have a desire to pursue education, a career, marriage, reconciling relationships or fulfilling a lifelong dream to have an impact on the world. Like a child learning how to walk, our children are helped to step out in faith knowing there was a loving parent ready to catch them at any time. The fear of failure was nonexistent as they were embraced in the arms of love.

"It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ...He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 (The Message)

*from my "Journey of Faith" column in the Saskatoon Express Feb 2011 Newspaper

Visit with Grandpa- Eternal Hope

2011-02-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

I just came back from a whirlwind road trip with my 3 teeny bopper daughters. In total, driving over 36 hours from Saskatoon to Minneapolis and back with some stops in between. Without any extended family living in our city, we truly cherish the times we have together. With the rise of technology, we have stayed in touch even more over the years. Who knew that we'd take strides towards the life of the "Jetsons" with the Internet, Skype and cells. Visiting my grandpa Gilmer in the care home in my hometown in northern Minnesota was certainly one of my highlights:)

Confined to a wheelchair with limited sight, his heart was filled with memories of grandma to share with us, prayers to convey and songs to sing. He was named the choir director and one of the prayer directors as he is one of few men who have a sharp mind and love for the Lord and music. The girls brought their guitar to sing and play for him and we asked if he'd sing for us! He named off a few and began to sing so clearly... my daughter snapped a video of our time together singing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart".

He's been dreaming of Grandma Frances a lot these days he said. He knows he will be seeing her really soon. I loved hearing his stories and feel I am really getting to know him by his honesty, humor, vulnerability and a tender heart in his old age. True... his body is crumbling, but his heart and faith grows stronger with each passing day. He has faith to believe, eternal hope and a love that knows no boundaries:) He's putting his faith in the restoration power of Jesus Christ, seeing changed lives on this side of eternity- and will experience it completely on the other side no doubt.

"For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace." Colossians 1:4-6 NLV

Restoration: "Dressed in White"

2011-01-22T18:24:00.000-06:00

For the second year in a row, I had our family dress up in white for our annual holiday picture.

Yes, I am one of THOSE moms who encourage the matchy poo photo opp. For those who may need a nudge to give it a try, I find the picture comes in handy when you need the reminder of unity and grace amidst sibling rivalry!

Some years we have posed in jeans holding teddy bears, or black and whites, (please bear with me!), but I am drawn to the message that white conveys. It speaks to me of a fresh start... a clean blank slate where you are free to create and thrive.

(First family vacation with all 7 of us- including my stepdaughter and her hubby)

A verse I often gravitate towards comes from the book of Isaiah which says “Although your sins are as scarlet, I will make you as white as snow”. Jesus Christ came to restore us all and make that white as snow journey possible because of who He is. It has nothing to do with what we’ve done, but what He’s done for us. Even though I prefer a picturesque beach scene hands down any day... envisioning a blanket of snow is a beautiful reminder and picture of God's fresh covering of grace available to us all. (Even if you are not blessed to live in the Canadian tundra like us. Minus 30 this month... brrrrr!) Seeing my family dressed in white symbolizes that eternal perspective. He is restoring us, renewing us, redeeming us. Seeing ourselves as God sees us: Forgiven. This gives me strength to forgive others as well as myself, starting each day ‘dressed in white’.

When a new year knocks at our door, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t come to the conclusion that you're in need of restoration in some way or another. Turning the page on a new year does that to us, doesn’t it? Hopefully we can look upon 2011 as another fresh start... excited to embark on our journey, asking God what path to take this year. Rather than temporal or self- serving resolutions, consider asking yourself in prayer and meditation: what would serve Him? Having that mindset, it is a win- win situation when we align our plans with His plans. A resolution towards restoration is in store.

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.” Psalm 23:3 (NASB)

*excerpt taken from my "Journey of Faith" column in the Jan 2011 edition of the Saskatoon Express Newspaper

2011.. a resolution to "Bring on the Joy":)

2011-01-04T09:48:00.000-06:00

This free digital greeting card generated with Smilebox

Happy New Year! (I think we can get away saying that for the whole month of January, right? I posted this Smilebox e-card to my facebook page recently!)

I'm looking forward to 2011 be a year of where I truly allow the JOY of the Lord to be my strength as it says in the old testament passage in Nehemaiah 8:10. Rather than making a whole whack of unrealistic resolutions this year (that I will eventually fail and fall into guilt because I can't keep them up on my own...) I simply want to allow more of the joy of God's presence in my life to strengthen everything about me:

my mind, body and emotions...
my marriage...
my parenting...
all relationships as daughter, sister, daughter in law, stepmother, mother -in-law, friend...
my work
Pretty much EVERY area that requires strength for my journey.

Yikes! All of these roles can rob us of joy if we try do it on our own. I'm not talking about fleeting happiness, I am referring to eternal Holy Spirit induced joy that infiltrates your DNA when we empty ourselves of us and are open to the filling and infilling of God's presence in our lives. The enemy of our souls dispises it when we 'go there'. No wonder the battle is fierce to keep us distracted and busy and going to other things to try and fill us and masquerade as strength builders. I tend to experience more blues in the winter months so I press in even more to the source of all Joy. Power, healing, peace, wisdom, discernment, are released when we are experiencing the Joy of the Lord as our strength. I say "Bring it on!"

One of the ways to usher in Joy for me is through music. I used to lead worship at my local church and grew in my understanding of what worshipping God is all about. It's not about music preferences or whether you can sing or not... but it's a great tool to focus our heart's attention toward our Creator, our Redeemer, our Healer (among the other attributes of Yewah) Although the music styles have changed over the years- the focus should be the same. He is faithful and "His love endures forever". I wrote about that in a WJOF devotional a few years back.

Sure- I want pretty much everything that most new year's resolution hopefuls want including health, & happiness (and losing those unwanted 15 pounds!) But- I will start with focusing on The JOY Factor and trust the rest will take care of itself:)

Childlike Faith: Reclaiming the Wonder

2010-12-21T13:13:00.000-06:00

It was December 1, 1975, when I nervously waited in line to meet the one and only Santa Claus himself. Heart pounding and eyes wide with giddy anticipation, in a few short steps it would be my turn... to sit on Santa’s lap.

Through the preschool years, I eventually turned from fear of the bearded stranger to trusting the Jolly Ole St. Nick in the big red suit. I arrived at the place of really "believing in Santa." With each passing year, as with most children, I would build up more curiosity where I’d confidently approach him and eventually write letters to him at the North Pole.

Recalling the feelings like it was yesterday: I was excited to share with him my desires and hopes for Christmas, yet scared to have him ask me the infamous question, “Were you a good little girl this year?” Hmm… good? Well let’s see... compared to who? Of course I would say, “Yes!” so we could get to the important question, “What would you like for Christmas?” Unsure whether I should ask him for a Hippoty Hop, a Barbie Winnabego, or a Chatty Cathy doll… I’d say all three, just in case....

Santa memories were sweet and innocent, with the preparation of milk and cookies for his visit in the middle of the night, along with tugging on my brother and sister’s jammies by their bedside Christmas morning, waking them with my voice: “Ho ho was here!” Scampering down the stairs to open gifts by the fireplace, it was the moment we were waiting for.

Jaclyn painted this picture on gift wrap!

As years went by I noticed the numerous Santa’s on TV, and at schools and parties, which fueled confusion in my tender imagination. As much as adults said they were Santa’s ‘helpers’, my childhood faith in Papa Noel was waning.

Oh for us to recapture the wonder of innocence, when one becomes jaded over the years by commercialism, peer pressure, or distractions of many kinds. To avoid Grinch-like behavior, Christmas celebrations become more vibrant when a child is present. We are reminded of simple joys, and early memories filled with the wonder of Christmas.

Childlike faith. There is nothing like it. In the New Testament Gospel accounts, Jesus speaks of this kind of faith:

“...Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (Amplified Version)

Simply put, we can learn from a child how we are to approach God with childlike faith, modeling humility and trust. In this passage, Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders who were so full of themselves that they had no room in their hearts for Him. Unlike the Santa approach, it is not about whether or not we are “good or bad”, what we’ve done or have not done, but what Jesus did for us.

"We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." Romans 3:22-24 (New Living Translation)

His gift......Our response

Childlike Faith:

Reclaim the wonder with eyes wide open in giddy anticipation, fueling our spiritual curiosity through worship and prayer.
Recapture the innocence of your original intent by studying God’s Word, filled with promises and gifts to receive.

Jesus restores our relationship with God and makes it possible for us to “sit on our Heavenly Father’s lap”, experiencing Love's embrace through Arms of Grace.

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (NLV)

Comfort and Joy: Putting Christ into Christmas

2010-12-20T21:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas. A time of year that undoubtedly brings people of varying faiths to a place of common ground aspiring to peace and good will. For many though, it’s merely a time to bring in the "holiday cheer"; a season to self medicate with all the bells and whistles our hearts desire. Passerby’s in the mall may hear the old traditional Christmas hymn God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman referring to “good tidings of comfort and joy”, and stop to wonder what that truly means! Without an anchor to help define what true comfort and joy is, we will continue to grasp for the temporal to fill that void.

This Christmas, we are bombarded on every side to find comfort in food, drink, and purchases galore. Excess in any worldly gift will bring disaster on all sides. I must confess that I have many a times turned to shopping as a way to self- comfort but in reality, those things are short lived and empty in and of themselves. Not to say that I don’t value comforting words of a friend, the comforts of home, a book by the fire or my favorite coffee fetish. No matter what the crutch, there is a much deeper level of longing in our souls to be comforted.
An old testament verse in the Bible shares God’s desire for His people: “I will comfort you …as a mother comforts her child. When you see these things, your heart will rejoice.” Isaiah 66:12-14

Merriam’s dictionary defines comfort as: “to give strength and hope to, or to ease the grief or trouble of.”

As a woman of faith, I now know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the reason for the season. His presence gives me the ultimate comfort. Christmas is a wonderful season to reflect on the birth of God’s Son, His gift to all mankind. These “tidings of comfort and joy” declared in that Christmas carol are not found in earthly things, but in a living relationship with God Himself. He gives strength where we are weak, He offers hope for all eternity, and eases our grief from the painful reality of our fallen world.

“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

Christmas Treasures

2010-12-13T11:18:00.000-06:00

“The more you give, the more comes back to you, because God is the greatest giver in the universe, and He won't let you out give Him. Go ahead and try. See what happens.” Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle

“What do you want for Christmas?” my persistent and overtly enthusiastic daughter asks of me. She is so pumped with a pink pen in hand to make a list of what to get me, so I have to resist the urge to say, “nothing honey, just keep a clean room and be nice to your sisters!” She wants to bless me with a gift, something that I’d appreciate and be excited about opening. In this instance, I learn once again that it’s really “not about me.” As a parent, I don’t know what’s more fun, watching my daughter open a present or watching the giver’s reaction. The older I get, I treasure the lesson that it truly is better to give than it is to receive.

I recently shared at a conference the call to help others in need. It’s a tough message to impart because it makes some people very uncomfortable. We have our own list of needs and wants so it’s a major jolt to our system to think of others, especially when it comes to our finances. Our response should be compassion to either pray, give or serve to alleviate the suffering. Often times though, our initial response is disgust, apathy, or hopelessness.

Many of us must belong in an opera as we often sing ‘me, me me. me….. me, me me!’ When I rise above that plague and walk in a spirit of thankfulness, I live in the belief that we are blessed to be a blessing. Even with the pressures we face today, our struggles are miniscule compared to what the majority of the world faces: Hunger… abuse… illiteracy… human trafficking… child brides… poverty… disease… and the list of suffering goes on and on.

Do you ever question why a loving God would allow such suffering? We simply need to turn to the One who can make sense of the senseless. Jesus Christ who was sent to us as a gift, paved the way for true life. He is the treasure we are all seeking. Again, it’s “not about me but all about Thee.”

To break our self-centered mentality, we have to ask ourselves what is on their Christmas list? “Their” meaning: our own families, our communities and those in need across the nations.

Jesus said: “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:20-21

What do we treasure? What does it mean to ‘store up your treasures in heaven’? If we worship money and possessions, we will be consumed with them. When we worship God and treasure what He treasures, our hearts desires will be in the right place.

Unlike sitting on Santa Claus’ lap at a mall once a year, we can come to God in prayer 24/7, 365 days a year. In doing so, we can sense an answer of “yes, no or wait”. Often times we hear (if we are really listening): “What are you doing about it? What gift have I given you to share with others?” For reasons we will not know until the other side of heaven, He chose to work through His people in answer to prayers.

God gives good gifts to His children, He is ecstatic to see us open our presents. (life, love, forgiveness, grace, healing, joy, peace, etc) He is also very pumped to see us give presents to others. Gifts that ultimately become ‘treasures’ which are both practical and profound solutions to problems in a world in desperate need. We cannot be everything to all people, but we can seek to listen and respond to the needs He is leading us to respond to.. Living generously with our time, talents, and finances.

Regardless of where you are at on your journey of faith, we can all seek to hoard less earthly treasures and seek to build up treasures in heaven. How? Having Jesus Christ as priority number one and by valuing people above possessions. It’s a choice.

“ Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Choose faith, choose love, & choose to live generously for the sake of others this holiday season and into the New Year!

Written by Jodi Kozan (Article written for the Saskatoon Express December Issue)

1+1=One

2010-11-17T12:42:00.000-06:00

Amidst the prevailing countdown to Christmas, there’s a thread of mystical romance in the excitement of it all. For many, it’s the ‘most wonderful time of the year’!

The holidays can be a painful time though for many with such high emphasis on family and togetherness. The giddy ones often lose sensitivity for those who are struggling to sing “joy to the world”. Maybe you are thinking of somebody in your life who is at that place?… maybe that somebody is you.

With numerous losses affecting families today, it is tough to proclaim joy when you’re hurting. When it comes to relationships, many are disillusioned by love as the hurt is so deep, it’s tough to trust and love again. Believe me, I know! I’ve had numerous family members and friends go through the sting of divorce. While some are content in their singleness or experiencing a second chance at love, sadly, others are stuck in their painful past. Why all the heartache? Within every soul is a cry for love it cannot be filled by human love (which is fickle and fleeting).

For all those who took a leap of faith towards marriage, you know what I mean! It’s an undeniable fact that in order to find any measure of success in marriage, you have to work at it and seek out a love that is beyond yourself. There is no other relationship on the face of this earth that is as challenging and yet rewarding at the same time.

Marriage is sacred as it is a reflection of the image of God. I find it so fascinating that the Bible begins and ends with a wedding. First in the Genesis account of creating man and woman in His image, the call of marriage to be “one” and the call of the Church to be “one”:

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. ….. In the image of God he created them; male and female….” Genesis 1:26-27

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:24

On our wedding day, I was enticed by the notion of becoming “one”, but it took years to understand, appreciate and apply it’s meaning! Being raised as an independent woman, I’ve grown to depend on God alongside my hubby. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this past year and one night our family finally sat down and watched the infamous wedding video for the first time. It was incredible watching that with our teenaged daughters, bringing spontaneous laughter and tears to us all. Even though we giggled at the outdated fashion and hairstyles, what impacted us the most was our idealism and commitment to love. They’ve witnessed us at our best and they’ve seen us at our worst. Through it all, it’s been a family effort to choose faith and to cherish, forgive and commit to one another no matter what. Having that mindset, God’s love is able to permeate a family and cradle it in His care. We become “one” when me becomes “we”.

Our 17 year old drew a picture of our wedding hands for her art class that symbolized unity, love and of our commitment to each another. A picture of what God is asking of us all.

It is a hard concept to fully comprehend in our finite minds, but God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are “one.” It’s easy for them though as they are perfect and completely unified. Unlike us, there is no independent streak in them whatsoever as Their love is holy and without sin. Married, single, divorced, or widowed- God’s plan for us to be “one” with Him enables us to be unified with one another. This is possible through a vibrant, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ who IS the reason for the season.

Jesus prayed to God: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.” John 17:20-21

Journey through Psalm 139

2010-10-16T17:22:00.000-06:00

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, friend. He's crazy about you..” - Max Lucado

I was reminded once again while at a leadership retreat that we are all uniquely created with a destiny in mind. An eternal confidence rises up when you know that you know that you know that the Maker of heaven and earth is speaking to you. One evening, a member of my team felt led to read Psalm 139 to the group (with an invitation to visualize it’s meaning.) A passage both simple yet profound as it continues to bring a sense of wonderment to my journey of faith:

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand...” verses 1-6

When meditating on the truth that God knows everything about us, it can be either frightening or freeing. I totally understand! When I didn’t have a relationship with God, (running, rebelling, ignoring)… I have to admit, it was a bit scary! To try to comprehend that He is an All Knowing, Omnipresent Being -yikes! I obviously had a faulty picture of God’s character and intent as I was fearful of Him knowing the ‘real me’!

That’s where God’s Son Jesus Christ comes in. Because of His love for mankind, He sacrificed His life in exchange for ours. Receiving Him into our lives as Savior and Lord seals the deal. Having that relationship restored, we are accepted, secure, significant and affirmed in God’s love. His hand of blessing is upon us, not because of what we do or not do; it’s what Jesus did for us.

The Psalm goes on to say: “…You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day has passed.” verses 13-16

He saw me before I was born? Incredible. I’m a wonderful workmanship? I ‘m speechless… When I’ve found myself comparing with friends, celebrities or my ‘younger self’, the words of Psalm 139 floods my DNA with peace.

That evening of the leadership retreat, reciting it once again affected me deeper still. As a symbolic picture, I was enticed to go down to the Spa and float in the pool. I recalled the encouraging words to envision what it was like to be back in that space before I was born. Ie: Imagining floating in “the womb”- knowing God knew me in that place. With water noodles cradling me, I floated weightless. After a difficult season struggling through decisions that lay ahead, I rested in the promises that God is in control. All that is required is for me to rest, abide and trust in His plans.

“… How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” verses 17-18

How about you? As you journey through Psalm 139, do you see God’s hand reaching out to you? Do you recognize His voice calling you to trust, believe and know that He has uniquely created you for a purpose? It takes faith to accept that His thoughts about you “outnumber the grains of sand”. Face it friend, He’s crazy about you..

*Article written and submitted to the "Saskatoon Express" October newspaper (page 18)

Thirsty?

2010-09-20T17:40:00.000-06:00

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. “ Psalm 63:1*

*(written by King David around 1000 B.C while wandering in the desert)

My parents moved to Arizona a few years back as a blessing in their retirement years. It took me awhile to appreciate their new terrain, as it was difficult to understand why they would choose to live there! Give me the wide open prairies, serene beaches or a mountainous view any day…but the desert? Perhaps it was those childhood memories of Looney Tunes cartoon characters lost in a desert that helped to paint that negative picture for me. They were fooled by mirages that beckoned their thirst and cried “water- water” without hope. With sand filling up their pores and the sun scorching down, those mirages suffocated their hope. Eventually after much struggling, they’d stumble across the real thing. It took a leap of faith on their part, as not to give up. Out of necessity to live, they found their motivation to crawl, run or dive head first into the watering hole.

After my first visit with mom and dad in their new found abode, I began to appreciate the rugged prickly beauty of it all. As we meandered about, there were hidden waterways and unexpected flowering cactus plants that graced our path.

Water is the necessity of life. Without it, we become sick or die. Interesting how both the earth’s surface and our physical bodies are made up of over 70% water. To keep everything functioning properly, we need water to sustain us!

Are you thirsty?

Spiritually, many are walking around “thirsty” as we all face a desert type experience on our journey of faith. One where our spirit is dehydrated crying out for ‘water...water’! As a nomad lost in the dessert, we may see the water, but often lack motivation to move towards the water. Perhaps it’s the fear that it may end up being simply another ‘mirage’.

In the book of Isaiah chapter 43 verses 18-19, (penned in 8^th century B.C) God declared to the nation of Israel the promise of restoration:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

This prophetic declaration increased their faith amidst their dire circumstances to keep on keeping on. When reading the Word of God, we too can receive those same promises of restoration. Jesus Christ was sent to us to be that ‘living water’ for all to run to without reservation. The One to turn to, embrace, follow, believe in and receive. Fast-forwarding to 30 A.D Jesus’ public ministry began. He challenged the status quo and clearly preached how turning to things of the world to quench our thirst would be a continual mirage for mankind. Like the story in the Bible where a woman drawing water at the well… She was known in the community for her many failed relationships going from one man to another hoping they would fulfill her every need. At the well, she began to fill her bucket. She was thirsty, both physically and spiritually. With love and compassion, He spoke to her with incredible insight and wisdom. “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. ” John 4:13-14. Astonished at the things he knew about her, she dropped her bucket and ran to share with others of her new found faith. She was filled with great joy as her sins were forgiven; contentment restored and had hope for the future.

It’s a leap of faith to trust God. Life hurts sometimes like a prickly cactus as people let us down, religion fails us, and hey we let ourselves down! But God is saying to us “Forget the past! Don’t dwell on it… I am doing a new thing in your life. Trust me …” He’s asking us to have the faith to believe that He is who He says He is and to trust that Jesus truly is the one who will quench our thirst… As the woman at the well dropped her bucket in exchange for her new found joy, what bucket are you lugging around that you need to drop?

“…I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. Revelations 21:6

( Article taken from my "Journey of Faith" column in the Saskatoon Express Newspaper)

Sharing across the nations....It's a small world after all

2010-07-31T12:07:00.000-06:00

The world is shrinking as technology increases....

When I first began sharing my faith story, I cried a ton and shook like a washing machine because I was so nervous! Over time- little by little, the fear of man decreases (meaning living to please people and being afraid of their opinions or acceptance of you...) and God confidence increases each time we step out and testify to Him. I have a passion to share my story, anywhere, anyplace to anyone who has ears to hear (or willing to at least!) Twelve years later after speaking, sharing, writing-it's cool to reflect on where I was then and where I am now. Not that I have "arrived" in any way, as I have so much to learn and a whole lot more life to experience! When fears creep in though (and believe me they do), I know the freedom I am called to walk in so I press forward and replace those nasty fear buds with faith blossoms. Like when I began sharing my story in print and online about 8 years ago, It hit me. Whoa.. I don't have "control" over my audience as to who hears me or reads my story. I was so used to seeing people face to face!
When I googled my story and seen it translated into other languages I began to understood the scripture where the prophet Jeremiah prays:

"...I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."
Jeremiah 10:23

When a missionary friend at my home church asked if I would be willing to share my story on video being translated on their new station CNA (Channel North Africa)- my spirit immediately said "YES" and my words and steps naturally had to follow after a short bout of wrestling within. As a Christian, that is a part of the higher call we have. To ignore those promptings is like slamming the door on the face of Jesus. I can't do that. He has done so much for me so I am willing to lay down my life for the hope that my story can touch another. It's a journey of faith really. One where you say to God: "take my life, my ups, downs, the valleys and the mountain top experiences and use it for Your purposes." He is in control, it's my job to simply roll with it. :)

Here is a preview of what's to come....(my clip is towards the end)

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." 1 Peter 3:15

Life is a Highway

2010-07-22T17:41:00.000-06:00

After driving a momma-van for years, it was a hoot to rent a convertible with my husband and go cruising. The sights, sounds and the feeling of wind on your face…nothing beats that sense of freedom while out exploring the open road. Sure we had a plan, a map and a purpose- but the most exhilarating parts to the journey were those unexpected surprises along the way. Those we didn’t plan.

Encountering road signs that lead us to hidden pathways, our well laid out agenda became a memorable adventure. Our eyes and ears were in tune to expecting the unexpected. So it is with our relationship with God. As Proverbs 19:21 states: “ Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” 

And in Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

It’s good to plan. My parent’s have grilled it into me for years that it’s wonderful and necessary to be organized, (especially when heading out on a road trip.!) The danger comes when we are so rigid with our personal plans and life goals that we become control freaks wanting to map out our entire lives. We can forget that we were created by design and there is one incredible owners manual to assist mankind. The key is aligning our well laid out plans with God’s plans. If they line up with His will and His Word, our ‘eternal GPS’ will lead us to our destination.

“ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

Life is filled with detours, pit stops and challenging roads along the way. Through the highways, alleys and gravel road experiences- we come to a fork in the path realizing there are many paths out there- but one that beckons our response. Spiritually speaking, it has become increasingly evident to me how God speaks to us through the ‘natural world’. Without going to church, turning a page in the Bible, or being immersed in the many wonderful spiritual disciplines out there for wholeness and healing- life is a wide open highway and it can become our spiritual classroom. If we have ‘ears to hear and eyes to see’, we can be in tune to God who is seeking and searching our hearts and longing to impart His truths to his creation. “...that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me!” Psalm 117 17-19

Once we give God the ‘keys to our convertible’ (by committing our lives to Him), we can then be more aware of the spiritual road signs along the way. Be it a warning, a timely teaching or to give counsel and healing to a wounded heart- He longs to reveal His best laid out plans for our lives.

Are you listening? Are you seeing?

Stop- What may God be asking you to stop doing?
Yield- Are you yielding to God according to His Word?
Curve – Are you spiritually awake enough to stay on the road?
Dead End- What may be a dead end situation in your life?
Detour- You may not be able to take the easy way and God may be asking you to take a detour in life to avoid the potholes on the journey?
Red, Amber- Green! What are you to say Yes to, reflect on, start doing and to go full speed ahead with?
Speed Limit- Do you know your boundaries to protect you from burnout?
One Way- Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

“My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world.” -Billy Graham

'Oh Canada'… Celebrating Our Rights and Freedoms

2010-07-01T11:51:00.000-06:00

Do you look at your Canadian journey as a cup half full or a cup half empty?

Reflect on this familiar saying to help count your blessings:

“If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world
If you have any money in the bank, your wallet, and some spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the agony of imprisonment or torture, or the horrible pangs of starvation, you are luckier than 500 million people alive going through this suffering.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you can read this message you are more fortunate than the 3 billion people in the world who cannot read at all.”- (Anonymous)

It’s easy to take it for granted the rights and freedoms we have here in Canada. I recently had the joy of touring the world -renowned Haggai Institutee in Maui and sat in on a few of their classes. Honored to be the only woman present that day among pastors and marketplace professionals from across the globe. Most come away from this experience renewed and learn ways to share God’s love, truth and grace in their homeland more effectively. A difficult but not an impossible task, the challenges they endure compared to what we encounter is simply humbling. After conversing with this eclectic group of world changers, it didn’t take me long to recognize what a privilege it truly is to live in this country.

Do you realize that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms (formally adopted in 1982) is a sought after declaration in which numerous countries are taking note? Rights that invariably recognizes the value of each person who resides within its reach. As a little history refresher, this document provides guidelines to protect a person’s rights in the following key areas:

o Fundamental Freedoms*
o Democratic Rights
o Legal Rights
o Equality Rights
o Official Languages
o Minority Language Educational Rights

*Regarding our fundamental freedoms, the charter states, “Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:

(a) freedom of conscience and religion;(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association.”

Freedom. Do we utilize our rights and freedoms as Canadians? It’s one thing to state our rights and freedoms, it is quite another to embrace it and enjoy it’s benefits. I appreciate that these charter or rights begins with this statement: “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law..” Because ultimately -it’s God’s moral law that has the final say.

One doesn’t have to travel to the Haggai Institute to be exposed to discussions on injustice. Even though we have incredible rights and freedoms here in our own backyard, it isn’t fully realized or perfectly enforced. The law can only do so much. That’s where we come in.The Bible says in Proverbs 31: 8-9“ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” God’s son Jesus Christ spoke this truth of himself… “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:17-19

Who are the poor and helpless among us? Who are the captives needing release? Who are the blind among us? Who are the oppressed that crave freedom? It is all of us.

If you don’t know that freedom- seek it out for yourself. The time of the Lord has come.
If you know this freedom, speak up for those who have not found yet found their voice.

Oh Canada……celebrate your rights and freedoms!

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galations 4:13

*Article taken from the Saskatoon Express paper from the July 2010 edition- written by Jodi Kozan

The Adventure of a Lifetime-

2010-04-30T13:01:00.000-06:00

From as long as I could remember, I was a dreamer. My adventurous nature led me to “distant lands” in my childhood playtimes and my curiosity about life was incredibly strong from the get go. My mind would dream and my heart, soul and body would follow. Often those creative adventures would lead me out into nature where the beauty and danger of creation would speak to me. Whether I played the princess, the damsel in distress or the hero that saves the day, I loved the freedom and fun creating, inventing, and role playing with my childhood friends. I believe it is in these times that one’s spiritual journey is truly awakened. From early on in my life, I had a keen sense of a higher power so great and beyond myself that I longed to find out what or who that was. I realize now that God was always there, holding out His hand and allowing me to make choices along the way... That’s love, heh? Giving us all the gift of freewill by not forcing a relationship upon us, which ultimately is an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime.

“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” 1 John 11-13 (New Living Translation)

The choice is ours to accept this invitation or to reject it. For years I thought I was a on the right path by the religious things I did (going to church, doing good things, attending youth group) which were all great things with seeds of faith planted into my life as a result. It wasn’t though until my mid twenties where I truly understood it is not what I do, but what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross. The gift was always there- my part was to receive this grace fully into my life. That’s where the great adventure begins.

Do you view yourself as adventurous?

Adventurous is described in Webster’s dictionary as: “disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown b : innovative  2 : characterized by unknown dangers and risks ”

When desiring to live the life God created for you, we have a choice to overcome our fears and to trust God. We will live life more freely when we aren’t hindered by that nasty four letter word- fear. He knows the dangers and risks out there and desires to protect us. He knows what’s best for us, really He does! He has a purpose and a plan for our lives. God created us to live the ultimate adventure with Him. Not apart from Him. Seeing your-self as a child of God dreaming, creating, and exploring this world awakens the adventurous spirit within. Are you there? If not- we’ll come to realize those ventures of self- gratifying paths end up empty and lack eternal focus. Been there? You are not alone.

We have a choice on the road to true adventure:

to fear people’s opinions or trust God’s view of us
to fear failure or to trust in the One who will direct our path.
to live a life fearing the unknown, or to trust in Jesus who holds the keys to heaven and imparts eternal truths in the here and now.

The Message version of the Bible describes this adventure of a lifetime: "…Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for Jesus to arrive on the scene for the finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that"

1 Corinthians 1:7

VIDEO LINKS: *(To hear my interview of how I came to know Jesus personally, here are 2 interview links for the Miracle Channel's Bridge program and another time last fall on 100 Huntely Street)

ADVENTURE QUOTES (just for fun):

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." Amelia Earhart

"The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back." Norman Rockwell

Transcending Faith

2010-03-20T00:13:00.000-06:00

A mother experiencing joy after …...
A father’s enduring faith survives while ….
A teen girl’s hope strengthened amidst …..
A child’s sense of worth increased when…
An doctor’s patience grows where…..
A marriage restored after ….
A teacher laughs giddily when….
An elderly man lives peaceably with….

We all can fill in the blanks I am sure. Our journey represents a myriad of relationships affected by life’s beautiful moments as well as the storms of life. The stories that seem to grab our attention are those where perseverance is required and character is inevitably tested. Our attitude will either shine bright or grow dim when faced with that particular storm.

“Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.”- John Maxwell

Do you agree with this?

Years ago when sifting through a difficult time in my life, a friend passed on an email with profound words of encouragement. Using the analogy of how an eagle reacts to a storm, I have looked at life’s challenging time’s differently as a result:

“Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us-and all of us will experience them-we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.” Author unknown

In the book of Isaiah chapter 40 verses 31-32 reads: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint those who hope in the Lord."

Stuff happens. It’s a result of living in a fallen world. Unfortunately, many take the victim mentality and blame others for their lives, attitudes and actions. Their ‘stinkin thinkin’ affects not only their journey but countless others as bitterness plants deep roots. Rather than transcending the circumstance, many choose to stay in the storm and drag others into their pit. Been there? I’d like to say that I haven’t but I have. Good news is we don’t have to stay there! By trusting in God’s son Jesus Christ, we have everything we need. His Holy Spirit will guide us safely through. By putting our faith and hope in the Lord, our strength is renewed as our spirit takes flight.

The apostle Paul explains this best describing a picture of what we are to strip off and put on in the book of Ephesians chapter 4 verses 22-24:

“Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude] And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” (Amplified Version)

Soaring through life by rising above our circumstances is a faith journey awaiting us all. Having a transcending faith alters our attitude and outlook on life as we can have a ‘birds eye’ view of our circumstances and react rightly. It takes discipline. The choice is ours.

-Jodi K "Journey of Faith: Transcending Faith" March 2010

True Romance

2010-02-13T11:14:00.000-06:00

“You You will never know true happiness until you have truly loved “-unknown.

Being a daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend and ministry leader, nothing has been more apparent to me than a woman’s need and desire to be loved.

Love is often confused with romance though, as when we don’t receive what Hollywood dishes out as the status quo in that department- we feel absolutely jilted. I understand as I too am a hopeless (or shall I say hopeful) romantic myself. What keeps me grounded without flying off to valentine la la land is my understanding of the 2 kinds of love as described in the Bible. The new testament of the Holy Scriptures was originally penned in Greek. Although love in the Greek language has four words to describe it: agápe, éros, philía, and storgē, the type of love mentioned more than 700 times in the Bible refers more so to agape love and phileo love.

· Agape love is a selfless sacrificial kind as demonstrated by God himself who sent His Son Jesus to us as described in the book of John chapter 3 verse 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” A familiar scripture verse read at many weddings (including ours back in 1990) qualified what pure love is: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Agape love involves our mind and our behavior towards others.

· Phileo love is focused more so on our feelings towards others ie: "Let us love one another, because love comes from God" (1 John 4:7). 

· Romance then is described as a deep love affair with emotional attachments. History is filled with songs, poetry, and folklore of romance’s sting and mystique. When it comes to raising my hopeless romantic girls, it is important that they know what true love is. Romance is fleeting if we rely simply on emotional pursuits.

As we discern our personal call, some are content in their singleness, whereby others such as myself are called into marriage. Although my husband swept me off my feet in our courtship followed by a wedding and honeymoon reminiscent of true storybook romanticism…romantic love wasn’t enough to hold us together. We needed to learn about Agape love, the unconditional love Jesus gave us in order to find wholeness as a person and bring that love in the centre of our relationship. God is love. He created romance, but it was not meant to stop and end with our emotional pursuit. It’s a deeply rooted romance as described in the book of Song of Solomon that involves our entire being, mind- body and spirit.

18^th century theologion and commentator Matthew Henry wrote: “The woman was made out of Adam’s side. She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.”

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul encourages husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands. (5:33) Albeit a controversial scripture for some, it’s a time tested formula for true romance to continue when those principles are intact. Sure women require respect and men need love, but most experts agree these are our predominant trigger points and core needs on the journey as husband and wife.

19 years later, Tim and I wouldn’t have made it had it not been our mutual submission and love for one another. . Learning to humble ourselves in turn loving and honoring each other- wow, true romance is established. Not perfect, not Hollywood airbrushed fantasies, but a relationship born out of truth and grace.

"The word "romance," according to the dictionary, means excitement, adventure, and something extremely real. Romance should last a lifetime." Billy Graham

-Happy Valentines Day!

Writing from my heart- a journey of faith

2009-10-01T18:57:00.001-06:00

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

2009-08-21T09:44:00.000-06:00

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.