Saturday, October 23, 2010

God's Sabbath

I listened to a really great sermon today, by Arnold Hampton, called "The Sabbath".  It talked about *how* we're to keep the Sabbath, the responsibility that we have to God to keep it correctly, and how we're affected when we don't.  I won't talk about it a lot, because I don't think it's my place to preach, but I think it's a sermon very worth listening to, no matter which group you "belong" to.

I know that if I'm truthful and honest with myself, I have a lot to learn and fix about how I keep God's Sabbath.  And how can I expect God to hear my prayers and bless me when I can't even do the most basic of things that He commands for me, like keeping His Sabbath properly.

One line that really hit home for me was when Mr. Hampton was talking about how a friend of his visited Jerusalem, and a number of people that he met use Thursday to help them with Friday's duties, so that they have even *more* time on Friday to use as a preparation day for the Sabbath.  He said "We shouldn't be using the Sabbath as a preparation for the rest of the week ahead - we should be using the week ahead as a preparation for the Sabbath!".  We don't want to be SO exhausted on Friday night because we've had to do *everything* that day, since we haven't been preparing for the Sabbath all week.  It just makes sense to me....we should be looking forward to it, preparing for it all week, so that we're not too tired, not too exhausted, not still thinking about other things when God's Holy day comes around.

I recommend the sermon, for sure - the sound quality is lacking, but it is still very worthwhile.

"The Sabbath" ~ Arnold Hampton

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Thanksgiving....not just an annual turkey-fest!

I know I'm a little late in writing this, but I wanted to make sure to get it down, even if it was late!  Last Monday it was Thanksgiving up here in Canada.  We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by my Mom and Dad, with all the trimmings!  It was delicious :)  We even had both apple and pumpkin pie - more food than we knew what to do with!  That night I was thinking about all the things I'm so very thankful for, and I realized my list is very long!


I'm thankful for:


  • My wonderful husband.  Luke is an amazing man and I've been lucky enough to know him for many, many years.  We started off as best friends, and I really think that's the way to do it.  We knew so very much about one another from our hours and hours of talking, so it just made sense that we spend the rest of our lives being best friends together :)  He is such a hard working man, who just wants to provide for me and, hopefully someday, our future children.  He loves me so much and I am so thankful to have him in my life.  He puts up with me somehow, and I am so glad that he does :)  I yearn for the day when we can live together in the same country, not separated by 1,500 miles.  I miss him and love him so much.
  • My family, who is there for me constantly!  I have such a great relationship with my family, and I am so thankful for that.  Mom and Dad work so hard, constantly, and they seem to never get a break!  I'm so thankful that I'm able to be here with them while I'm waiting for this whole immigration thing....I don't know what I would do without them and their constant support!  

Mom, you're the hardest working woman I know!  I can't thank you enough for your support and the example you set for me everyday.  You're not afraid of anything, and I hope to have some of that attitude rub off on me someday ;)  Thank you for all you do for each of us everyday...it's a never ending job, I know.  We appreciate you so much!  
Dad, I'm so lucky to have you and all your knowledge so readily available to me.  You are such a fountain of information for me in all my biblical pursuits - I know if I need an answer, i can always come to you, and even if you've already explained it to me 20 times before, you'll do it again :) Thank you for working so hard all the time - I know you're tired.  And you make me tea every morning, and I love that ;)
Dave, you and I were the only kids for awhile, and we had a lot of fun together :)  Playmobile structures and towns everywhere, hours spent outside and under the stairs.... and then Ali came along and we were able to gang up on her as much as possible ;)  I know you're always there for me if ever I need you, and I am always thankful for that <3
Alina, big Al, you are a wonderful sister :)  Thanks for allowing me to take over half your room - you have no idea how much I appreciate it!!  I know I can always talk to you (especially since you're a stone's throw away!), and we can commiserate about all this immigration hoopla together (even though I hate you so much since yours is already progressing past mine ;).  I love you tons!
Jord.....we tight!  I love that we share a passion for all things photography....one day we'll work together, and make a perfect team :)  I'm extremely thankful that we share the same sense of humor and all it usually takes is one word and we're on the same page ;)  and we get to go see DANE!!!  and you give the best hugs.....hands down. <3


  • My amazing friends!  I am so lucky to have friends who are just as close to me as family.  I have known some amazing people in my life, and the fact that they call me a friend too is pretty spectacular.  I am so thankful for the kind of relationship where you can go for months and months without seeing one another, or maybe just get to talk on the phone every few weeks, but when you do get together it's like you last saw them yesterday.  I have so many amazing memories and stories :)  I've grown up with some of them, and some of them I've only met within the last few years....but I love all of them so, so much.
  • My faith.  I'm thankful that I've been blessed with the knowledge of God and the ability to read and study and apply what I learn to my life.  So many people in the world don't even have the knowledge of God....I'm lucky enough to live in a land where I can not only know Him and study Him, but peaceably practice His laws and meet with like-minded people.  
  • My job....I'm so blessed that I get to work with Mom and Ali.  Mom's been housecleaning for what seems like forever (15+ years), and she is awesome enough and busy enough that she can employ both me and Ali.  AND sees fit to let us take time off to see our guys whenever we can! :)  Who could ask for a better boss?!  We never have to worry about taking time off for Holy days and the Sabbath, or any of those hassles that come with every other job I've had.  I'm extremely lucky :)
  • The house that I love and miss in Colorado.  We were lucky enough to buy a beautiful little 1930's home in Colorado, and we've worked to make it our own.  I miss it SO much!!  I'm so thankful that we were able to find it and that it was something we could afford.  We are very lucky.  
  • My two sweet kitties, Bailey (McRubbin') and Zoey.  They are extremely sweet and lovable.  I miss them, and I know they miss me too ;)
  • Jakey and Oreo...our hilarious dogs.  They are so different and yet so alike.....but they love us all SO much!  They're so much fun.
  • This beautiful land that I call home. Oh, Canada :)  I'm so blessed and thankful to call this country home.  No matter where I live, it will always be home in my heart.  The culture, the people, the coasts, the beer, the history, the beauty of it all.....it's an amazing country :)  "We have more square feet of awesomeness per person than any other nation on earth!"


I'm so thankful for the fact that I live in a land where I have clean, running water anytime I want.  Food is so plentiful, and so readily available!  I don't have to be afraid walking out my door.  I live in a town where there is relative peace and harmony.  I breathe in clean, crisp, ocean air all day long.  I don't worry about things like smog and pollution.  I have access to the ocean 10 minutes from my front door!  I can practice my religious beliefs in peace and freedom.  I'm allowed (and encouraged) to have a job and own land and vote if my heart desires.  I have an education, and am welcome to have more whenever I want.  I have family and friends close by - people I can trust and depend on.  I make money every week....more than some people make in their lifetime.  I have so many freedoms.  So many little things that I take for granted everyday...so many things to be thankful for!