HAVING VISITORS - BEING VISITORS!

This past Sunday our church was blessed with several guests. Our family tends to be somewhat transient - sometimes it might even appear we have two different church groups because people come and go, people are busy. I find it fascinating when we have new people come. I'm always curious to where they came from, what brought them to our church - and where they are heading to.

One thing which is strange and wonderful is that quite often while meeting and greeting one can invariably draw some string of 'connection' between them and somebody in our congregation. Sometimes its a loose thread - but once in a while there is something immediate and powerful revealed.

And its always in my mind, the scripture:

Hebrews 13:1-2 says, "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

For we cannot know what we might have for a thirsty soul - and what they might have for us too. As a church family {body} we are one, so guests bring in variation, challenge, fresh thought - and they remind us that our mission is not simply to minister among ourselves, rather these people who we are blessed to have worship with us carry a part of us with them when they go out the doors after a service.

This past Sunday, among the several guests we had come were Steve and Eve DeSort, visiting from Bend, Oregon. They had wound up 'by chance' at our church - but they both blessed our congregation with an uplifting testimony and also gifted us with a small interview after the service. While Eve graciously spoke with me I began to realize that she was sharing some thoughts which are right in line with our dear sister Kaye. If you like, you might like to visit back to our March 5, 2009 blog post where I spoke about Kaye - she is a Prayer Warrior for CANADA. And here was Eve, who has never been to our church before, delivering a word about Canada. And I was led to capture Eve's thoughts in sound. And Kaye was NOT able to be with us last Sunday due to a bad back... but how today I was able to play Eve's words to Kaye. Ahhh - chance? I think NOT!

To hear the sound clip interview with Eve just click on the picture of our Canadian Flag. Click on the MP 3 file to play it - and you might consider turning your volume WAY up on the computer as I guess I recorded it on a quiet setting.

Thank you Eve and Steve and to your friends for blessing our congregation. We will lift your journey and ministry in prayer as you follow the bidding of the Holy Spirit on your journey to Alaska. We look forward to another visit on your way home if you are encouraged to visit upon your return. We are looking forward to finding out your adventures and testimony of what the Lord had you do along the route! Thank you for being obedient to the ministry the Lord has called you too. Osoyoos Christian Centre is praying a prayer of safety and protection upon you as you venture forth.

All this is a reminder to us that 'church' is not simply the building, rather it's the blessing of the Holy Spirit within each one of us, within each one of our guests... that we would leave a favourable impression with each visitor - that the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour would be glorified from the mouths and hearts of those who have spent time within our family.

Another way to look at this theme is to know that at some point each of US of the OCC will be a visitor to someone else's church - or even a church TO others {without the building} It comes to mind right away of two of our members - Dale and Florence Archibald.

Dale and Florence are long time members of our church and are very active in our church body. One ministry in particular is Florence's passionate pursuit of making and organizing the drive for the Operation Shoebox ministry. She often has dozens of beautifully decorated and thoughtfully and carefully assembled boxes ready in mid-summer!

But besides this ministry, Dale and Florence are RV'ers and travel out where they minister to others. We are so very proud of the calling they fulfill - so glad they call our church 'Home' when they return from the mission field. Here is some information which they provided me to share with you:

We have spent our tenth season out of the snow and cold of Canadian winters, feeling very blessed to have the opportunity to travel and thanking God for His guidance over our lives.

Dale and I are long time members of the Escapees RV Club, a huge American and Canadian organization. Though secular in nature, the club does have within its boundaries a Christian Fellowship segment that focuses on developing and nurturing strong Christ-centered bonds and relationships among its travelling members. One effective and popular method to do this has been to have regular rallies in Arizona and California. Last winter we were involved with the planning and leadership of four such rallies, the first being a “Put Christ Back Into Christmas” event. In a somewhat remote area in south Arizona we brought our trailers and motor homes together and celebrated the birth of Christ, enjoying the refreshment of Bible study, shared meals, and the uninterrupted fellowship of other believers, making it a true old fashioned Christmas. We plan to meet again this year for our fourth Season.

Each of the four rallies had a different emphasis and was held in different localities, so we move about from place to place, enjoying some of our favorite places in the south. The March Rally was unique in that some of our single Christian Fellowship members brought along a number of their single friends, all being at different levels of belief and un-belief. It was wonderful to see how they were drawn into the circle of love and caring and ministered to by their fellow campers.

The last event we were involved with this winter was held at a very vibrant community church in a tiny town just north of the California/Mexico border. The pastor, a dear friend of ours, who left the travelling lifestyle to become their pastor, invited us to use their parking lot and Church facilities. What a super time we both had with the RV’ers , who were there from all over the USA, and the church congregation who opened their arms to us. We hope to join them again next April.

Between rallies we have time to relax and take in the rugged and sometimes stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert. It really grows on you. A particularly nice time was three weeks spent at Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge near the Mexican border in Arizona. I was able to identify 95 bird species which pleased me well.

Our lengthly stays in Arizona increasingly attract family and friends. In fact, we are getting to see more of my numerous cousins in the south than we do in Canada. It was also nice to have two sisters and one brother-in-law share our dry-camping desert experience for a while. Neither of our two children made it south this winter, but Joy and family have been down 3 times and Rick four times, planning to come again this Christmas.

God bless you all,

Florence Archibald

*****

PRAISE REPORT:

For Peter - who went for an interview this past week and has been hired at a

Luxury Resort in Salmon Arm, BC.  As he told us he'd made a list of three

essential requirements he'd prayed for, a job at the resort, a place to live

and a church where he would feel at home in.  Every one of his wishes were

fulfilled.  You've been a positive and encouragement to our church and we will

miss you here.  We will pray for you that you shine the LIGHT in your new home! 

A few of us gathered at Kaye's home to pray for Kaye a week ago when she

was unable to attend due to severe back pain.  I spoke to Kaye on Monday and

she was feeling much better!  Please continue to pray for a bond of protection

and healing upon her. 

An anonymous donation was received in our church post office box and it

contained funds enough to cover the needed cost to go ahead with our parking lot

curb project.  Thank you to whomever was led to help.  May God Bless you! 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Cecil: health issues

Nathan: for a back injury which has required him to be off work.

Keremeos church: as they search for a new pastor

Tony Essex, Princeton: healing

Paula: cancer
RCMP - ambulance - firemen

*****

It's close to one week away from our concert with Penny Buhr Johnson.  This is a

free-will concert and we will provide the desserts and beverages.  It will be held

at our Church - Osoyoos Christian Centre {beside McDonald's} 42 Finch Crescent

at 7:00 pm. 

If you are able help setting up, tearing down tables etc.  Please let us know if

you can help.  You can reach our church by calling 250-495-2550.

*****

As always, if you like to chat you are welcome to join our OCC Women's

chat-night on MSN messenger to join us for an hour of fellowship, sharing and

prayer time.  We begin at 7:00 sharp!   Just send me a request - my username

is lalalime.

WORSHIP MUSIC, POETRY and AWARDS

There is so much GOOD NEWS this week its hard to know which to post first, so how about I start slowwwwwly with a lovely poem written and shared with us by one of our own - Marie Primeau. This poem spoke to me of the lovely summery mornings we've had of late - especially after the long winter we just came through. Thank you for sharing, Marie.

The Sun and I

I rise up daily, just at dawn

And gaze out to the east;

The mountains loom like shadowy humps

of prehistoric beast.

And I and nature, all alone

Wait, absolutely still

To watch the sun majestically

Rise o're the eastern hill.

The lights go on, house by house

And another day is here.

The cars go by, the children shout

As time for school draws near.

And I must leave my vigil now,

Tho' how I long to stay!

But I have seen the sunrise

To brighten up my day!

Yet, He who guides the sun by day,

Guides all my moments too;

And if, like the sun, I stay on course

I know we'll make it through!

The clouds at times cast shadows

That made it hard to see;

But we both knew that He was there

To lead, the sun and me!

And now as evening time draws near,

and the sun sinks in the west,

We both know, the sun and I,

That in him we have our rest!

*****

Pastor Jim was away this past week attending a course in Salinas, California and we pray he's brought new wisdom to share with us. While he was absent we were blessed with the worship team from Park Drive Pentecostal Assembly from Oliver. Led by Pastor Bart, the AWAY TEAM of 7 (I'm pretty sure it was 6 or 7 anyhow... it sounded like even more!) uplifted the Lord in music. We have recorded some of the songs to share with those of you who could not be with us - or those of you who would simply enjoy some good praise! Our deepest thanks to each one of you for taking the time to come down and fellowship with us. We look forward to more times together in the future

To listen to the worship songs, just click on the photo of the AWAY TEAM above! It will take you to a site where you can listen to the songs by simply clicking on them, or you can download them to listen to at your leisure.

*****

And for more good news - Penny Buhr Johnson shares this with us:

Hello from Penny!

Just got back from the
Country Gospel Music Association Convention in High River, Alberta. By God's grace and favour of my fellow Canadian Artists, I was presented with these awards!

CGMA 2009 Bilingual, Silver Heart Award
CGMA 2009 Instrumental, Silver Heart Award
CGMA 2009 Female Full-time Vocalist, Silver Heart Award
CGMA 2009 Songwriter Full-time, Silver Heart Award

I am so honoured and so blessed and so excited to share this news with you!

All the best to YOU!

~ Penny

Penny will be performing at our Osoyoos Christian Centre on Wednesday, June 24th at 7:00. Come join us for an evening of music and fellowship. Beverages and dessert provided. Free - with a love offering. You can hear song clips for Penny at her blog - next paragraph.

If you need more information you can visit Penny's website - at www.PennyBuhrJohnson.com or you are welcome to email me at lalalime@hotmail.com or you can phone OCC at 250-495-2550

*****

Events:

Missions BBQ at Pastor Jim and Elaine's on June 13th @ 6:30. Special speaker is Fred Ilyin - Missionary to Russia.

*****

Prayer:

Kaye for back pain

Cecil for health issues

Pastor Tony Essex - Princeton - for healing

Paula - who has cancer

for marriages and families who are under attack by the devil causing seperation, discord, anger and unforgiveness.

the safety of our RCMP members, border security personell, ambulance paramedics and fire department members who keep our community safe.

our District POAC Leadership Team

YOUR prayer needs could be here - why not email us or leave a comment and we would love join together to lift your needs.

*****

Each Wednesday evening the women of OCC join together on MSN messenger for a 'virtual' meeting and prayer time. We would love for you to join us if you are able. All you need to do is have MSN Messenger installed and send an invitation to me. My username is lalalime We meet at 7:00 for one hour.

Thanks for stopping in at our blog. We WELCOME feedback and content. Why not share a poem, song, thought, scripture or local events?

POSTERS and RUNNING THE GOOD RACE

Heaven's Hero's

They're cheering us on

Proudly gone

Before to sit

And ponder it

Why Christ should die

Seeds sown 'lie'

About His cause

But

Heaven's applause

Will bring us through

And pardon too

One final race

To see His face

by Elaine Caruso

When we are faced with an urgent situation our first instinct is to run. Think about it. If you saw someone trip and fall flat on their face, you'd run to assist them without giving a second thought! We run when we are pressed for time, when there's a deadline to meet or an urgency. We run when we greet one another, if its a joyous reunion. We run away. We run to keep fit. One thing for sure, running is not passive in its nature. Running is a lot of work.

We live in a world today where we don't really have to chose to run much, other than in cases like I've listed. Living in this country we mostly have vehicles to take us about, so we get used to driving most of the time.

But we KNOW running is good for us. To choose to run does not just save us money, it gives our bodies a workout and builds stamina and muscle. The added value is the more we do it the more benefit there is for us. We live longer, healthier lives - we can even play with our children easier and live longer, healthier lives. We are given free choice to run - or not.

After reading this poem written by Elaine, I did a bible study on "running" and "race" and I found the bible peppered with reference to these words. I was encouraged to look at our lives as a 'race' - to know that our lifetimes are considered a timeframe in which to do our best with the days we've been given. I considered that some people are unable to ever physically run, so put thought to what 'running' would mean to them. Then I realized to 'run' means to 'live' and we must do it with a passion, a purpose knowing our reward is not here on this earth. The 'race' here means to live for Christ - to win souls for Christ, and our reward is when we join Him in heaven.

When we 'run' the GOOD race, know that your God will be cheering you on. He'll be beside you every step of the way. He will sustain you and give you the stamina - if you'll just call on Him.

Here are some of the scriptures I found which might encourage you:

1 Corinthians 9:24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside our every weight, and the sin doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

The following video of Hillsong "Run to You" is sure to inspire and remind us that HE is awaiting us at the finish line! Click on the arrow {middle of video window} to play.

*****

Our church is undergoing a 'facelift' and we have added some new posters to a feature wall in our building. With some track-lighting in the plans for the near future, these three posters should surely light up our foyer!

I designed these using a photograph I took of a mountain in Washington State last summer, while the two bottom posters use a montage of pictures licensed under creative commons. We have a fund started to purchase frames.

Thank you to brainthrill.ca Design for printing these posters out!

*****

Penny Buhr Johnson

Penny is coming to our church on Wednesday, June 25th to perform. This concert will be by freewill offering and promises to be a wonderful time of music and fellowship. Be sure to invite your friends to join us. Please email me at lalalime@hotmail.com for more information if needed. Posters will be produced this week, available for distribution. Please let us know if you can post any!

We will be serving cupcakes and providing beverages. We welcome donations of cake mixes.

We will be online on MSN messenger on Wednesday night at 7. We would love to have you join us. If you cannot make it but would like us to pray for your requests just let us know via email or a comment here.

WHO'S DRIVING?

click to view larger

This is a photo I took yesterday as my husband and I were driving to town. He noticed it appears that nobody is driving the car! I carry my camera with me in my purse wherever it goes - and its not a small compact, either.

This caused me to think of driving and how the very human side of me does not always want to be the passenger - no, somehow I always wind up somehow sliding over into the drivers seat. And when I get there I complain about how long the trip is, the cost of the gas,how much trouble it is to get from point A to point B, about having to pay attention and missing out on the scenery. About the other drivers. Complain, complain, complain. And then, when I stop and think about it a bit I realize that many of these times I did not even need to be driving. Somehow, I pushed my own chauffeur over to the passenger seat and WILLINGLY put myself in the drivers seat. Yes, I'm talking about spiritually.

God as the driver, me as passenger. I start off as a passenger, relaxed and eager to simply trust and enjoy. He already has the car serviced, gassed up and ready to go. He's mapped out where our journey will take us and He's promised to travel with me so I'm never alone. He will provide EVERYTHING for our trip. But somewhere along the way I decide I want to be in control, even though He's an expert. I push Him out of the driver's seat and into the passenger seat - sometimes right into the BACK seat - and then I complain as if I HAD to drive.

And then, only later after I get tired, or lost or break down do I ask Him to take control. Why does it always take a roadblock of some sort for us to give up control? I've got to constantly remind myself that God has a plan for my life. He's waiting to travel along with me and keep me company for the entire journey and to see to all my needs along the way. If I allow Him to drive I can get to know Him better and even enjoy the scenery along the way.

There is a guide that never falters,
And when He leads I cannot stray,
For step by step He goes before me,
And marks my path, He knows the way.

Oft times the path grows dim and dreary,
The darkness hides the cheering ray,
Still I will trust, tho worn and weary,
My Saviour leads, He knows the way.

He knows the evils that surround me,
The turnings that could lead astray,
No foes of night can ere confound me,
For Jesus leads, He knows the way.

~ unknown

I'm sorry this is a short post today - I am behind after being away last weekend and busy this week with some work projects. I will be online for our MSN chat tonight from 7 -8 pm. I would love to spend some time with you if you can make it!

NOTE: We are accetping donations of cake mixes to make cupcakes to serve at the concert being held at our Church on June 24th when Penny Johnson will be performing for us. Please bring your cake mixes with you to Church on Sunday!

CONCERING POVERTY AND GIVING

Click triangle on video to play

When I decided on the theme of poverty for this blog post I thought it would be very easy to write about. I thought I would have something down in a very short time, but once I started to think about it, I found my thoughts like an onion – each time I got through one layer there was another. Poverty is a very deep and complex subject. It occurred to me there are two sorts of poverty – physical poverty and spiritual poverty. After ruminating long and hard I also discovered the two are connected in many ways. In some ways, if you 'get' the spiritual end of tihngs it takes precedence over the physical. Some scriptures immediately come to mind:

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Proverbs 22:9

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Mark 10:25

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Now I would not class my husband and myself as being rich. We live in a rented house, we have one vehicle. We live on one income. We own one old tv which works with old, broken rabbit ears and receive three channels, and these not well. I buy over 90% of my clothing and household items from either yard sales, thrift stores or at liquidation stores. We only have one credit card and that's used only for emergencies mostly. So, according to the world's view we are definitely not rich.

this?

or this? and why, why you, why me?

But I FEEL rich. I can't tell you one thing I 'have to have' at this moment. I feel like even if I never bought another piece of clothing or most things – I'd not have done without. I'm very content. And I'm pondering what this means when I know that there are so many needs which I have the power to fulfill. What a tremendous responsibility! One thing I DO know, God has not blessed us with all we have to simply hoard it.

this? (without the fancy dish or table setting...)

or this? (half this gets TOSSED out anyways!)

I'm so grateful that God is working in my heart to cause me to think about how to be a good steward of what He's blessed us with in our finances. I find myself questioning even the simple act of having an extravagant coffee or dessert. I wonder whether I need another shirt/skirt/lipstick. I'm not saying I simply stop buying these things, but I do try to translate what each of these items could mean if I put this money instead toward a charity or good cause. I have questions like:

yes, even your PENNIES!

What if everyone present at church one Sunday would reach into their pockets, turn their purses upside down and give every single CENT. Even if it were not MUCH, it would still be something. Multiply it times 52 (weeks in a year) and I think we would be stunned to find out how much this translates. This is pocket change – 'spare' change. Some people live on what we carry around not doing anything more than making a pleasant jingling sound. I've even known people who consider anything less than a quarter not worth stooping over to pick up off the ground.


What would be better – to give everything we own away and go live amongst the poor and help them – or – to stay right here and, using our talents, finances and wisdom to seek the will of God in how to use what we have to bless others? I think its a hasty decision to simply choose the first option. In some ways this would be the easiest thing to do. Its so straightforward and 'pat'. Don't get me wrong, I'm entirely grateful and in admiration for someone who might choose to do this, but on the other hand I totally see how using what we have right now can impact others just as effectively if done wisely.


I think a danger of simply choosing the first option might be ineffective if we simply wind up being one of the poor ourselves and become another 'need' to someone else. We must be careful to think the process through. If your talent lies in teaching people how to become self-sufficient, you speak another language, you like to travel and you have a heart for other cultures, then the first option might be a perfect fit – but if you are the second type of person, perhaps we're better off staying home and financially assisting the person who chooses to go out into the mission field. I have complete admiration for my brothers and sisters who are led to do missions. Another option is to help fill the needs in your very own community with both your financial assistance and volunteering your time. Or even to support a reputable charity organization to realize this help in a bigger way in other areas of the world.


I guess this point of choosing carefully whether to 'go do' or 'stay do' could be illustrated by the picture of a rescue. There is a local river which, as it flows into the lake, has several places which have dams to regulate the flow. The river is not a particularly fast flowing one but wherever the barriers are it creates a powerful undertow and turbulence. For some strange and tragic reason it occasionally attracts teens to come and swim anyways - and there have been fatalities. There are numerous signs posted warning of the danger.


Not all of the deaths were a result of one kid (even though he should not be swimming here at all!) getting too close to the barriers and the suction proving to be too much. But then of the deaths have occurred when a second teen jumped in to save their friend without a thought to their own safety. VERY noble – but obviously not so smart. In this case it would have been wiser for the surviving teens to have called for help. It would not have saved the first person but it would have prevented the death of a second person. Would I do the same? Its really hard to say – in an immediate situation we often don't have time to think. With our finances we do. And sometimes our finances can mean life or death to someone who lives in extreme poverty.

someone's Grandpa, father - BROTHER TO ALL OF US...


YOUR grandma, sister, friend?

So why not think about what we have – and how it can best be used? Lets thank God for giving us a heart that questions our 'wealth' (no matter how much or little this might be) – and ask Him to guide us to be wise stewards of what we have – right now!

For me personally – digging around in my purse for change (besides being a tad noisy and embarrassing) is a physical way to remind myself to GIVE. Its also a reminder to me that even when I feel like I'm 'broke' – I'm not, really.

I also have a ton of other questions swirling in my mind – things like “what if God gave all the money to people who had pure hearts?” (that's a complex and tricky one, for just because we might have a pure heart we might not have the WISDOM to use it wisely – we'd probably give it to EVERY need, legitimate or not)

Do YOU have questions or thoughts you can share about our topic? You can post comments here on our blog by looking for the COMMENTS at the bottom of this blog post and clicking on it. No need to register or anything. You can also email me at occwomenonline@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you.

So today, I've covered mostly about financial poverty – but I'd also like to explore the subject of spiritual poverty. Perhaps I'll post next week on this topic. I found this poem online which I think is a good preparation for this topic.

The Legacy

She could not give her children gold,
So she gave them faith to have and hold.

She could not give them royal birth...
A name renowned throughout the earth.
But she gave them seeds and garden spot
And shade trees when the sun was hot.

She could not give a silver spoon
Or servants waiting night and noon.
She gave them love and a listening ear
And told them God was always near.

She could not give them ocean trips
Aboard majestic sailing ships.
But she gave them books and quiet time,
Adventures found in prose and rhyme.

She could not give them worldly things
But what she gave was fit for kings.
For with her faith and books and sod,
She made each child aware of God.

attributed to Alice Leedy Mason

I'm going to also inviting each of you to listen to an episode of Midday Connection – a radio show from Moody Bible Institute. Its a talk show hosted by Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt. You can listen to the show by clicking HERE and then, from the archives, choosing the May 14th show, called Poverty. Just click your mouse on the word LISTEN to the right and your computer should open up Windows Media Player and play the audio show for you. Alternately, if you own an ipod you can download the program as an audio podcast directly. I'm hoping if as many of us can listen (sometime in the next one to two weeks) to the show we can use it to enrich our bible study and we can discuss it on our Wednesday night msn meeting.

When you look at poverty with your ♥ HEART♥ instead of your wallet, God transforms something of reluctance and sacrifice into something of a privilege and a joy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONCERTS:

Saturday, June 6, 2009 - Southern Country Gospel Trio: “One Heart” at the Osoyoos Baptist Church @ 7:00 on. Admission is free.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Osoyoos Christian Centre – Penny Buhr Johnson. Formerly from Oliver, now moved to Saskatchewan. Penny taught 'Music for Young Children' for many years in the valley and was chosen 2004 Teacher of the Year for the South Okanagan and District. Penny has pursued her dream and fulfilled her desire to record her music and now has two CD's to her credit. She was also awarded CGMA 2008 Female New Artist of the Year and GMA 2008 Instrumental Semi-Finalist. Penny's has composed all her own music and features a unique mix of jazz, blues and ballad type songs. Why not visit her website to listen to some audio clips, read her biography and purchase her music online! Just click HERE.

Ahem! Since we will be providing desserts for the night of Penny's concert we welcome donations of packaged cake mixes. We hope to make a ton of cupcakes. This may lead to a later 'baking' date at the church, we will keep you posted.

PROJECTS:

We are hoping to raise enough funds to install a new parking curb and drain. This is a 'have to do' project for safety reasons. (if you've ever visited our church and parked above the highway with nothing between you and a steady flow of traffic 100 ft. Below you KNOW what I'm talking about) The curb will cost $1365.00 and we require 20 parking blocks as well @ $40.32 each = $806.40, making a total of $2171.40. We have raised $1920.96 so far. If you feel the need to exercise the theory of loosing those small coins from the bottom of your purse this might be a great way to start :)

PRAYER REQUESTS:

This spot could be yours – leave a comment or email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com and we will add your prayer request to our blog, ensuring our readers will join in to lift your needs. Thank you for allowing us to do this for you.

THANK YOU'S

Thank you to all the women who turned out to help our Sister Isabelle by packing and moving her belongings to the new residence. Its a beautiful apartment she's going into and it should be nice for her.

REMINDER:

The women of Osoyoos Christian Centre meet online on MSN Messenger each Wednesday night at 7:00. We would love for you to join in our conversation. If you need help getting set up just email me at occwomenonline@gmail.com and I'll walk you through getting set up. Alternately, if you already are familiar with MSN messenger you can just 'be here' on Wednesday night and add me as a user. My username is lalalime.

Thank you for visiting our blog!

All photos used in this blog post are under Creative Commons.

OCC MOTHERS, POEM, PICS AND ... A CONCERT!

A few of our OCC Moms!

Mother's Day brought a sweet surprise to some of us Mom's from Osoyoos Christian Centre. Besides a wonderful word from (Pastor) Jim we all shared some of our stories of Motherhood. Not all of it was sunshine and roses (yes, roses seems to be the theme of this post!) - rather we heard many different views of what Motherhood means.

We heard of Moms who took on extra children. We learned about Moms who went 'the extra mile'. We learned about the mentoring which forms us as responsible adults. We heard of Godparent Moms stepping in as a Mom in one instance. We learned about Moms who were not truly appreciated till they were no longer with us. Each individual story opened our hearts to want to appreciate the Moms we have - while we have them. We learned that being Mom is as much a privelege and opportunity, as much as it a responsibility.

Of course, the ultimate example, had to be the picture of Mary as she watched the crucifixion of her Son, at the cross on that day, so very long ago.

And obviously, the Moms of these men of our church had a good Mom-example because they provided (NOT CARNATIONS - which is typical) but roses for our Moms... and here they are trying to create an assembly line to deliver them in a way they could be transported home. I don't know about you - but the 'Mom' in me was most impressed they'd forethought to provide the ziplock bags, paper towel and elastics!

photo credit: flavolka@sxc

And so, I think its fitting I post this wonderful poem I found with a rose theme for your enjoyment.

UNFOLDING THE ROSE

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.


~ © Bryan T. Burgess ~

And of course, along with our rose themed blog post I would be amiss not to include the powerful worship song "Above All" by Michael W. Smith as a reminder for us as we go about our busy week. I pray you will think on Jesus and his sacrifice and keep it near to your heart to bruise it - keep you open to the needs around you. In case you have not watched a youtube video before, to hear the song you need to click your cursor on the triangle in the middle of the picture below to get your computer to make the video start - make sure your sound is turned up!

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A few prayer requests - can we please lift up Angie as she does her practical this week - shadowing etc at work so she can get used to what being a care aide is like in a day to day setting.

Please pray for Rose's son - lets stand by our sister to pray into the needs of her children.

Can you pray for my friend Valinda (she's one of our blog visitors) - the Lord is leading her and her ENTIRE family to a missions He's been laying on their hearts for several years and they are now seeing it come into action. What a blessing!

Another (blog) friend of mine needs prayer for some family members and their health issues. Thank goodness, like the internet can reach across the world, so our Lord too does not have 'borders' between prayers!

We are helping to pack and move Isabelle on Wednesday. If you can be of help - via your hands/and or with a vehicle it would be much appreciated!

Due to moving Isabelle I'm not entirely sure if we will be on MSN chat on Wednesday night - but I'm going to open it up anyways and be there (at 7 p.m. PST) - so if you need prayer or would just like to talk to me about what God has been doing in your life, why not send me an invite on MSN and I'll add you in. My username is lalaime

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Penny Burh Johnson

One of my dear friends, Penny has been following our blog (I do send out updates when I post, let me know if you would like to be notified by email - or not) Penny has responded... with an offer to do a CONCERT at our church! This is hugely exciting, and we are already planning and thinking on combining it with a Dessert Night! (so get ready for a baking night, ladies!) If all goes as planned, Penny's performance will take place on Wednesday, June 24th.

Penny was selected as the CGMA 2008 Female New Artist of the Year and has produced two CD's. You can find out more about Penny and listen to some song samples by visiting her website. Just click HERE!

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Thank you all for stopping by to visit our blog today. We would love to pray for YOU - just leave a comment and we will lift up your needs. We welcome your comments as well as your contributions in the form of poems, scriptures, photos and dialogue!

POEM BY GUEST VALINDA & FLYING IN THE SPIRIT AND CONGRATULATIONS!

One of my dear blog friends who's a fellow Believer has blessed us with a poem she wrote some years ago. We were discussing this week's topic - obedience and this is what she provided for us along the theme. Valinda is a fellow scrapbooker too, and this is the layout she made to go along with the poem.

If you knew my Father

And the love he has for you,

You would not question him

Or the things that he might do.

He has only good intentions

so that you are truly blessed,

He wants to have you with him

where there is peace and rest.

The things that happen here,

you may not understand.

There are struggles left and right,

But he has the upper hand.

He's always there to help you,

even though you may not call.

His guiding hand will lead you

so that you will never fall.

With your faith and trust in him,

it can be a wonderful thing.

Who knows all the mighty works,

that trust in him might bring?

He said that he is with you,

and he will carry you through.

He is our loving Father,

and he really cares for you.

By Valinda Johnson

Valinda hails from Georgia, USA and she's visited and commented on our blog. Valinda has had the Lord's hand upon her life and some exciting things are happening for her and her family. Thanks for contributing, Valinda and we welcome you to share anytime! You can visit Valinda's blog by clicking HERE.

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Unfortunately I had a VERY busy week and did not get time to phone around for prayer requests. But, Kaye did phone me to share the following thought!

Kaye wanted to share that she recently experienced that she was "flying in the Spirit" - something I am unfamiliar with, but basically she 'saw' a sweeping flyover in her mind of a flight over the vast forests and land. What her interpretation of this vision was the Lord's hand over our country. Kaye has been in serious prayer for Canada and believes the trees represent the Great Army our Lord is raising up in our Land - HIS army of righteousness.

Lets all pray alongside Kaye for this beautiful country we are blessed to live in, that God would keep us free - and we would use our freedom to help others who do not have this choice.

I'd like to share a photo I took on the way home from camping last Friday - how can we not see God in the sheer beauty of a scene like this? Also, please pray for my father in law as he's recovering from surgery for his knee. Thank you!

Please send your thoughts, prayers, photos, poems, scripture or - well anything to me at lalalime(at)hotmail{dot}com and I will gladly post it to our blog. This is a great place to say "hello" or "happy birthday" or "congratulations" or "sorry you're not feeling well" or "I encourage you" to someone in our Church Family!

In fact, congratulations are in order to Danielle and Brad as their business - Kick Start Printing has moved to a new location on mainstreet. We wish you success in your new business home - its now located at 8131A Main Street - between Unity and Macdonald Realty, in the building which used to be Jackson's. Why not pop in and check out their new diggs and get something printed?

REMINDER - If you're free tonight, or any Wednesday night please join us on MSN Messenger for our OCC Women's Online Meeting. If you've not joined us before, please send me an email with your MSN username and I can invite you to our online meeting. We start at 7:00 PM - looking forward to connecting with you!