"social"

Nitsa and I are the social committee at school. We're not on the committee, we are the committee. I tried to get it renamed the antisocial (or even the selectively social) committee but apparently that was antithetical to what a social committee is supposed to be....who knew, lol?!

Anyway, it's great because Nitsa and I are both type A perfectionists. You might think that that creates problems, but it actually totally works in our favour. We like to plan events, we like to have things organized, we like things to look nice and we work really well together. We also teach next door to one another so she is constantly popping into my room to make sure the invite she's sending out is perfect, or I'm popping in to show her the sample of the decorations we're going to make.

This year has had a lot of extra social events so there has been a lot of planning and ordering of food and decorating. That's ok. But only because I've done it with Nitsa.

Thinking

I mentioned in a previous post that I had finished some Bible courses at my church. Our church is very blessed to have professors from Regent who attend and sometimes help teach. One such (retired) professor was teaching two courses, one on Old Testament and one on Church History. If you know me, you wouldn't be surprised that I could not resist taking both courses. I have often thought about going to Regent or taking some theology courses, so I feel like these courses were handed to me on a silver (much cheaper) platter. What a gift.

To sum up what I learned would be impossible because there was just so much over the course of eight weeks. Besides, a lot of what I learned was much bigger than just facts. Ian talked about world views and the lenses we use and shifts in culture. Maybe I'll blog about those some day. But what I have been pondering this week is what he taught in the OT course regarding wisdom literature. He pointed out that Christianity is meant to be a thinking religion. It is not about blindly following a bunch of rules. That's what the Pharisees were all about and Jesus condemned them because they didn't love people and in fact added to their burdens. Yes, there are rules for right living, no question about that, but at the heart of it is (or should be) love for your fellow man. You need to go beyond the rules to ask yourself what is the most loving response in this situation. Ian pointed out that in Proverbs 26, for example, verse 4 says "don't answer the foolish arguments of fools", but the very next verse says "be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools". So which is it? Although different reasons are given for answering or not answering, the point is that you need to be discerning about what to do. There is no blanket rule for how to respond because situations vary. In fact, Jesus often answered questions with questions. 

In light of this, I've also been thinking about the rich young ruler story in Matthew 19. He claimed to have followed all the commandments. But Jesus said to him, "if you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor". I've always thought that he went away sad because he was so attached to his wealth, and I think that's part of it. But for him to think that he had kept all the commandments while hoarding his wealth and not helping the poor.....to claim that he has loved his neighbour....well that's all talk. It's like the priest and the Levite in the good samaritan story who would have proclaimed loving your neighbour with their doctrines and lips, but with their actions, not only walked past but made a point of going past on the other side.

So, back to thinking and discernment. Every situation requires thinking about what is the most loving thing to do. And then doing it. That is true Christianity.

May

It has been a crazy month and it's not even over. I already wrote about my choir concerts. It was also Mother's day in there as well as my best friend's birthday. My coworker and I hosted two baby showers at work, which turned out great! I also finished two Bible courses at my church and I am resuming a women's Bible study with some friends. But the highlight for sure was having Matias, Sarah and Marina, my granddaughter, stay with us over May long weekend. They flew into town for a family celebration that I hosted for Joonas and my nephew Noah, who are both graduating this year. I ordered the food and the cake so that I was able to enjoy the party along with everyone else. Everything turned out great and I think everyone had a good time, even though the rainy weather meant we were all stuck inside. We have a lot less family gatherings these days, so they are that much more special when they do happen. My mom was still in town and able to meet her great granddaughter.

The rest of the weekend, we relaxed with our immediate family. We went to the aquarium. I got in lots of baby snuggles. We had a lovely time even if it was way too short.

Now the four of us are in Hope and it's quiet and lovely. The weather is warm and sunny and we have nothing on our schedule. How perfect.

Yesterday were the final two concerts under the direction of Gail, our beloved musical director. It's hard to put into words how much she means to the choir members, both past and present. Her direction and demands for excellence have pushed us, challenged us, inspired us and ultimately made us proud of our hard work after concert days. But her guidance is about more than just the music. The community and sense of belonging that she has been able to create and inspire are second to none. 

There are so, so many good choir memories from rehearsals, concerts, and retreats. The retreats in Whistler every fall were so much fun: the talent show, the (super competitive) silent auction, walks, games, the hot tubs and of course the singing. At rehearsals: the beauty of harmonies coming together, the laughter, running to beat the washroom line, reconnecting that first Monday night in September, and debriefing after an event. On concert weekends: the excitement in the stairwell right before a concert, playing cards in the green room, stepping onto the risers, the audience, the band, Gail's piano playing and her voice, the high after a concert. The happy times are why the choir is so full of joy and love and friendship.

 But there were some sad times too and it's those times that show how Gail made us all family. There was the death of Nichole, a long-time choir member who actually brought me into the choir. There were other deaths and serious illnesses, personal challenges, surgeries, COVID, the Lapu Lapu tragedy and hard times of many kinds....During difficult times, we came together. We talked, we cried, we hugged, we prayed, and we sang. It was healing and beautiful. In fact, when my father passed away and I had to take a leave from choir, I went to our Christmas concert. Sitting in the audience singing along and seeing my choir family was the best medicine for my grieving soul because, thanks to Gail, it really is a family. I'll never forget how my choir friends comforted me after the concert and Gail's big hug and comforting words. I will sorely miss being in choir under Gail's direction.

students

These two are not my students. But since my class and their class do a lot together, they are often in my classroom. In fact, for some odd reason when the two classrooms are open, mine will have 30 students and the other will have 10....But these two, they also come to find me at random times of day. They run to hug me so hard that I am nearly knocked off my feet every time. They're sassy and funny and on this particular day pictured, posed with my sunglasses on. They bring me so much joy.

Election day

On this rainy election day, I am immersing myself in a sweet book about kindness, generosity, friendship and wonder.

Excited!

I am excited about new courses starting at my church, my mom and her husband coming for a visit, a weekend away, waffles with whipped cream, school restarting, sunshine in the forecast, choir practise tomorrow, my new patio umbrella, my new striped sweatshirt, daffodils, a new playlist on Spotify, my choir concerts, seeing my students, finally decluttering upstairs, donating two bags of clothes, my best grandma ever mug, and spring. 

Prayer

Having friends who wish you well, have your best interests at heart, and who love you, are wonderful. They can support you and share your burdens. Do you know what they can't do though? They can't fix your anxiety. All the positive thoughts in the world aren't going to calm your anxious heart. Friends who promise to pray for you, on the other hand, are another matter entirely. They can go to the sovereign ruler of the universe on your behalf. Through prayer, they can move mountains.

Recently I had really bad anxiety for several reasons. I mean based on the frightening, chaotic state of the world, who doesn't have anxiety?? But I had personal reasons too. I told my best friend. She prayed for me. I shared with my community group and they prayed. I went to church and I asked for prayer from the prayer team. A friend saw my teary face afterward and put her arm around me and promised to pray for me. The thing is, people often say "thoughts and prayers", but they really only mean good thoughts. I'm glad to have people thinking good thoughts, but that doesn't actually change anything. What I am very blessed to have is friends and a church community who says that they will pray for me and then do so. Really. It reminds me of a song that we sing in choir: "long as I live, and troubles rise, I'll hasten to His throne". What a privilege that I can hasten to His throne, but how amazing that there are people who are willing to go there on my behalf as well.

So, anyway, back to the anxiety. After all those prayers my anxiety was replaced by inexplicable peace. Not a single thing in my circumstances changed. But my worries and anxieties were brought before God, the one for whom nothing is impossible. He answered the prayers for peace and a calm heart. I am well aware that He does not always magically remove all anxiety. But in this case, because of all my praying friends, I had peace. And as a result I had the most wonderful time with the thing I had been most anxious about.

Granny Annie

In January, I became a grandmother and a few weeks later, we were able to fly out to Alberta to see our new granddaughter, Marina. She is perfect and beautiful and cuddly and I could go on and on. I love babies, I always have. But to hold my own granddaughter was something quite unique and wonderful. Looks like I will be making vacation trips to Alberta....

Resolutions

I did not make any resolutions this year. At least not in the usual sweeping way that I normally do. Instead, I am going with moderation, more of some things and less of others. I am doing (way) less shopping, less (no) wine, less junk food, less sharing of my opinions, less social media. And I am doing more exercise, more water, more reading, more prayer, more trying new things. This seems to be more manageable and is working so far. Today I went to the gym for the first time in five years!! No, I did not enjoy it before, during or after. But I went. Last night I went for sauna and swimming. Perhaps there's a chance I can actually keep this going. Well, except the not sharing my opinions part, we all know that's a lost cause, lol.

2024

2024 had some bitter disappointments, death, unexpected drama and conflicts. But, it also had answered prayers, new friendships, new family and travel. Overall, I am grateful. The hard stuff hopefully changed me for the better and besides, I can trust that it came from the sovereign hand of God.

Some of the highlights from my travels with family and different friends are in the collage. Naturally, we went to Hope multiple times. But, I was also able to go to Powell River, Washington, Orlando, Victoria, Whistler, Rock Ridge Canyon, San Francisco and Lumby. Washington was full of museums and walking. Powell River was chilling by the ocean. Lumby, which we visited twice as a family, was relaxing with extended family. Rock Ridge was spiritually enriching connecting with ladies from church. Victoria was educational and fun and turned into a weekend of food and shopping. Orlando was a spiritual retreat among the palm trees. Whistler was a perfect weekend away. San Francisco was pure fun and adventure. Every single one of these trips was a highlight of the year in a slightly different way. But now on to 2025! And before I can even think of travelling, I need to declutter my house...