IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE!
     Since I began this blog - how many years ago - I've had the same maroon background.  This morning when I sat down to write, I thought, "It's time to change things up!"  I found this southern Saskatchewan prairie grass scene, complete with dandelion fluff, and it seems perfect!
     Sometimes we just need a little change to add variety and newness to our lives.  Not all change is a bad thing!  Nothing in this life should stay exactly the same.
     Our ministry, for instance.  Over the years, we have made changes in our lives, in our strategies and focus to keep things moving.  One of our supporters commented that he noticed we made key transitions in our ministry career, which he felt kept us fresh and cutting edge.  We took that as an affirmation that we were on the right track!
     Our most recent change in ministry has been one of the most life-altering for us personally...but then again, starting Healing Hearts Ministry was also up to that point, the most life-altering decision in our lives!  Anyways, with being responsible to lead two mission organizations and travel as we have, we have certainly had to rely on God in new and profound ways than we ever had before.  New roles, new challenges and broader impact geographically, as well as spiritually, have kept us on our toes.  In this case, it was healthy for us (Walter, especially as a visionary with the need for new vision to cast) to accept this ministry adventure.  And we trust, it has been healthy and beneficial for both HHM and NCEM for the changes our leadership style has brought.
     In every major change, I have had a tougher time adjusting and flowing with the new and letting go of the old.  I like routine, predictability and order.  Probably my life motto is "Let's smooth out the wrinkles and make life flow..." or something like that.  When I walk in a room, I like order and design.  If things are too chaotic, I compulsively want to tidy!  Probably not a wise move in someone else's space!  But maybe pairing me with Walter, who loves new challenges and isn't content to leave things the same, needs me to help keep things orderly for our family and for those we minister to.
     Speaking of being content, that's another aspect I've been contemplating as I think of change.  Many times in the past three years, I have been exhausted beyond my capacity!  I have been away from home and routine, just wishing I was in the comfort of my own space.  Then we would be home for a stretch of time, and I would grow restless, ready for our next adventure on the road!
     Last week, as Walter and I were exploring the rocky shore along the North Saskatchewan River, after eating take-out Chinese food to celebrate our anniversary, I had this fleeting thought: I'm glad I am here!  I wasn't wishing to be at a fancy restaurant or nice hotel for our anniversary.  I wasn't even pining for home.  The realization came that I wanted to be exactly where I was and with my husband, wherever that would be!
     I think that is the definition of being content.  The verses in Philippians that Paul shared about financial contentment applied to me.  "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."  (Philippians 4:11 & 12)  That secret for me was to realize I didn't want to be somewhere else or with someone else at that moment.  I was content. 
     I am so thankful that my Lord is so patient in teaching me these lessons.  We serve an awesome God!  His changes in us are always the best!

What is Mother's Day like during the pandemic?
Actually, it was pretty nice.  First call in the morning was my son, Mark and his wife, Amy.  Of course it was already 10 am in Manitoba so not that early!  It always warms my heart as my eldest honours me so well.  An Amazon gift card arrived shortly after through text message.  Very slick!
Caylea texted me just before we began watching our worship service at 11 am.  She's not an early bird when it comes to mornings!  But she send many lovely flowers via emoji and it was so nice to hear from her.  (She is on a break from the city and working with an intern on social media material - and she is doing well in a more team environment.)
Last but not last...Daniel came over yesterday afternoon and brought me flowers!  So he wins the first to wish me Happy Mother's Day!  He also came over today after church services online.  We drove by Grandma Dinah's to give a gift and card and have a social distance visit.  Then we took a nice drive out in the country to Deer Valley and points beyond.  In other words, we wandered backroads and eventually found Deer Valley.  By the time we got home, we were all quite ready to order some take-out for supper!
I called my mom, as well.  Brief visit as she and Clarence were about to have lunch with her mother and my aunt and uncle.  A small gathering. 
So all in all, it seemed fairly normal.
On the Healing Hearts front, church service happened with a worship team and preacher on site.  Then from 1:30-3:00 pm they served an ice cream treat and gave a rose to Mom's that drove up to the church parking lot.  A special touch!
On the NCEM side, I have a praise report.  One of the young missionaries was feeling the pressures of the COVID restrictions, with the added responsibility of a four-year-old son with autism.  Worry over the virus, frustration with the lack of supplies in their small community store, she began to pray in desperation.  One thing she needed, and a small thing she admitted, was body wash.  But, at the moment, it felt so big along with everything else she was feeling!  The next day or so after she had been praying, some friends delivered an Easter care package, just because.  As they opened the basket and unpacked the items, guess what was among the items?  Body wash.  Two bottles. 
Isn't that like our God?  He sees our need, hears our prayers and give more than we asked.
I hope this testimony and my blog can increase your hope and build your faith!
(The quote below is an attempt at humour about social distancing- please forgive me!  Sometimes being alone so much means I find the strangest things funny!!!)