2013 Year in Review

How'd we get here so fast? 

Similar to last year, I thought it'd be good/fun/reflective/nice to do a little year in review before sharing my #oneword2014. [See last year's here!]

I was patient this year. Or at least I tried to be. I've waited for words. I've waited for loved ones to see light. I've [tried to be] patient through goodbyes, health scares and forever figuring out how to be damaged. I've waited for things that didn't come, but most times I saw patience end in ridiculous amounts of beauty, time and time again. In the end, patience has reminded me that my God is always faithful even when it might feel like those 400 years (and really, it's usually not that drastic.), and that slowing down to listen for His best is always the better option.

[ps Loved these beautiful blog posts on patience this year: Hope is Slow {Minivans are Hot} (I'm forever coming back to this.) | When You're Missing Hope {A Holy Experience} (This: "And the only kingdom that will last for eternity still waits, this millennia-long, unwavering-hope for return of its King. Instead of chafing, we accept that waiting is a strand in the DNA of the Body of Christ.") | Pause {Shaun Groves} | Christmas in Africa {Seeing Joy}]

In January, I got back to blogging after a month-long break, trying to sort out peace and perfectionism. Y'know, everyday, light things like that. ;)

In February, I turned sweet 16 and got blown away by the beloved people around me who responded to my foolishness and gifted me with a ridiculous amount of world-change for my birthday. [This also became my most-read post ever.] Oh, and I also got a driver's license!

Blowing out 16 candles.

My first time behind the wheel... Let's start in the parking lot, shall we? ;)

In March, I was so humbled to be awarded with a provincial writing award for a piece I wrote on the courage of Malala Yousafzai (which I didn't get around to writing about until the summer). I also went to Wilmington again and God answered my "discomfort me for the things that discomfort You prayer", then turned my world upside down all over again.

With the published piece! :)

At UrbanPromise Wilmington - Camp Victory. Love and miss that place.

With the Wilmington team.

Basketball in Wilmington.

Visiting Camden, NJ - One of my favourite memories of 2013.

In April, worlds exploded - and this girl, born into a crazy broken world, just tried to make some sense of the pieces.

May and June brought some quiet time here on the blog, while I said goodbyes to a few beloved people and spent lots of time with friends (leaving and not leaving), just because I was so reminded of how fast people go.

The summer brought reflection, more broken-world, scary vision loss and a big 'ol famjam road trip (during which I get to show my family around Wilmington and be a tourist in that city I love so much!).

Showing my family around Wilmington - so thankful for this opportunity.

#famjam

September came around and that's Compassion blog month, which I suck at and love all at once. Find that here, here and here. Oh, and my brother also became a teenager and officially taller than me and last week someone may or may not have asked who's older. Yeah.

The rest of fall was a whirlwind of not a whole lot on the blog, but a whole lot did go on. I was awarded with a YMCA Peace Medallion, guest blogged about peace on my church's Transform blog, spoke at the same event as a federal MP and was on the front page of the local newspaper which was really no big deal, right? (AHHHHHHHHHH) In all of that I could only repeat one thing to myself: Only. by. His. grace.

Speaking at the Peace Medallion Ceremony

Fall also brought Compassion Canada's 50th anniversary, where I met Wess Stafford (!!!!!) and was through the roof inspired and in love with Compassion's work all over again.

Such an inspiring human being - one of my greatest role models.

However, what sits heaviest on Fall for me is this:

Typhoon Haiyan

The country of the Philippines, that I love so much, engulfed and devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Fall was filled with pleas for donations, Compassion events dedicated to Typhoon relief, and a lot of heart-wrenching CNN-watching. It's not on the news anymore and the government matching is done, but the Philippines still needs every prayer, donation and support.

December saw the blog-introduction of Freedom Creations, something I started in October to simply try and do something in the fight against slavery. I've been ridiculously blown away by the crazy response this has gotten. Again, only ever by His grace. Check it out here.

And these past few weeks have just been a time of returning to the manger. (Here on the blog, that was through creative words.)

It's been a whirlwind, crazy, overall wonderful year of patience, growth, community, family, love and hope. Always hope. :) It's cliche - but when looking back, I can only ever marvel at God's amazing grace. <3 nbsp="">

And to my beloved bloggy friends: Thank you for journeying with me this year. Much love. :)

[Stay tuned for #oneword2014... can't wait to hear all of yours, too!]

Day Seven: Unexpected

they didn’t expect her.

or him,

or that little town,

or that barn,

or those animals,

or that manger.

they didn’t really expect a baby,

and they certainly didn’t expect to miss it.

but in all their preparations, all their fanfare, they missed it all,

and the lowly, unprepared shepherds receive the birth announcement,

and the outcasted crazies are the only ones that follow the star.

yeah, it was unexpected and strange and upside down -

the perfect beginning to this unexpected, strange, upside down life

that sparks this unexpected, strange, upside down revolution.


may we never let our fanfare cause us to miss Him and the unexpected, strange, upside down life He calls us to. Merry, Merry Christmas to you & yours!

Part of a Christmas series here on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words. 'Twas a whirlwind but we made it here. Hope these words have blessed you even a little in these past few days. In case you missed it:


Day One: Back to the Manger
Day Two: Fresh & New
Day Three: Worlds Collide
Day Four: Christmas Light
Day Five: The Courage That Saves the World

Day Six: That Bright Star

Day Six: That Bright Star

She burst outside and stared up into the night sky, sick and tired of her father’s endless preachings.

It’d been a long 400 years.

Rachel was already fed up with all this “waiting for God” - and she’d only been alive for the last 15.

Like really - you’d think after the first century of God-silence, these people would just give up.

Her father was a priest, and of course he was a sold-out believer that God was still coming, that He would speak.

That somehow, after 400 long, long years of silence, God would randomly decide to show up.

Of course, news of Zachariah’s big moment with God had gotten around, and that was what her father was raving about now - how it was coming, for real. Finally, God was back.

In Rachel’s opinion, any desperate old guy could make a bunch of stuff up.

Now, if God really cared, if He was that great, He’d prove it without making His people wait for forever.

Are you real?

She asked the air, the God who wasn’t listening - not listening whether you prayed “the right way” in the temple, or just flat-out spoke it or thought it into the wide open world that He’d apparently created.

She shifted her gaze out towards Bethlehem, and saw a bright star shining in the sky.

And she suddenly something shifted and she felt it, overwhelming and simply, profoundly real -

God, right here. On earth.

She stilled to try and hear if He would speak, but He didn’t.

And that was okay.

For now, a presence was more than enough.

And she wondered if that bright star was the start of something new.

Something where God didn’t live in temples for only Zachariah and her father to meet -

But in the hearts of young, humble girls too, just like her.



If you're somewhere in those 400 years, take heart, and may you find the strength this Christmas to hold out for that bright star. Merry Christmas Eve.

Part of a Christmas series here on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words.

Day One: Back to the Manger

Day Two: Fresh & New

Day Three: Worlds Collide

Day Four: Christmas Light

Day Five: The Courage That Saves the World

ps power back here at home now - so very thankful. still thinking of those who may be left waiting until after Christmas.

Day Five: The Courage That Saves the World

M ost would've said no.

A  girl such as this, however,

R ight then and there says for it to be done just as His will desires. 

Y eah, that's the courage, that's the faith that saves the world. 

A late day five in a Christmas series on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words. 

Day One: Back to the Manger

Day Two: Fresh & New

Day Three: Worlds Collide

Day Four: Christmas Light

a short and late one today in the wake of the aftermath of a huge ice storm up here in the great white north - coming up on hour #42 without electricity. thankful for family with power who have taken us in. especially appreciating all we have and all we take for granted during these past couple days without heat/light/internet/the works. fitting for the christmas season. appreciate grace in the wait for tomorrow's post, too - internet and power is spotty and the time to sit and quietly write is also rare. praying for things to return to normal soon - and forever thinking of those who live without each and everyday. talk soon, and stay warm to all you readers in a similar situation to me tonight.

Day Four: Christmas Light

so, so many years before it all culminated,

separated by many years,

various men sat penning the crazy story.

in glowing candlelight, they almost had to listen twice to make sure they were hearing it all right -

a virgin and her betrothed.

she’s pregnant.

the two souls are walking towards bethlehem, his hometown.

yet they courageously and fervently walk into the everything unknown and risky, too.

because listen close to this part -

the baby within her is God.
hundreds and hundreds of years later, it all happens just as those prophets penned it.

under a bright star shining into the darkest, lowliest place on earth,

God Himself is a baby, born to a virgin.

prophesied in candlelight, fulfilled in starlight.

and so, so many years after, this story of hope is read by lamplight, screen light, sunlight...

shining light into a million billion lowly dark places.

Part of a Christmas series here on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words.

Day One: Back to the Manger

Day Two: Fresh & New

Day Three: Worlds Collide

Day Three: Worlds Collide

You notice her. She’s got one of those faces that makes you look twice. She’s maybe only a few years older than you. You wonder what it’d be like, to stand out in vibrant colour like that, instead of always being the faded black and white in the background. She catches your eye and for a moment you think she’s noticed you. Then she opens the door and slips into the warm world of red, snowflake-covered cups of low-fat, double pump, extra whip. You shut your eyes and lean your head against the wall, bitterly trying to tune out a Christmas carol coming from who-knows-where. His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Yeah, right.

A few minutes later, you feel the fleeting heat on your cheek for a moment as the door opens again but you don’t bother to open your eyes or reach for your cardboard sign, because you know the answer will be no, as usual. You understand but you don’t all at once. They have places to go and family to see and you just don’t belong in that world of vibrant colour. You’ll always be faded background noise, the part of the 7 billion that enables the other part to drink from their red, snowflake-covered cups. 

"Excuse me?" Your eyes flutter open as you realize the voice is close enough to possibly be talking to you. It’s her, and she’s holding out a red, snowflake-covered cup, and a pretty paper bag. “I bought you some hot chocolate. And a muffin.” You stare at her. “I mean, you don’t have to - Actually I was just - I mean, it’s for you.” She fumbles slightly and holds it out and you can’t believe this face that lives in colour and makes you look twice is even capable of stumbling over her words. You reach out and grab today’s grace. Today’s healing. And you decide that it’s enough for you to believe that His gospel is peace again, at least for today.

-

You notice her. She’s got one of those faces that makes you look twice. She’s maybe only a few years younger than you. You wonder what it’d be like, to fade into a quiet black and white background, instead of always living in fast-paced, vibrant colour. She catches your eye and for a moment you think she’s noticed you. You panic, and quickly open the door and slip into the warm world of red, snowflake-covered cups of low-fat, double pump, extra whip. You shut your eyes and think about what that girl must think of all these people running past her for five dollar coffees and you hear a carol in the background and you wonder if she even believes it. His law is love and His gospel is peace. Yeah, right.

You step up to the counter and order a peppermint hot chocolate. Then you surprise yourself and order a second, along with an apple-cinnamon muffin. You push open the door, and you’re not sure why your heart’s beating out of your chest. You’ve nailed every big presentation you’ve ever made and somehow you’re nervous about offering this girl some breakfast. She’s still there, eyes closed, head leaned back and you understand and you don’t all at once. You just don’t know that black and white world. You’ve always lived in this intoxicating vibrant colour and you just hate that these two worlds even exist and you know you have nothing and everything to do with their existence. 

“Excuse me?” Her eyes flutter open and your heart beats faster. You hold out the red, snowflake-covered cup, and the paper bag. “I bought you some hot chocolate. And a muffin.” She stares at you. “I mean, you don’t have to - Actually I was just - I mean, it’s for you.” You fumble slightly and hold it out and you wonder if this face that lives in black and white and makes you look twice ever feels nervous holding out her cardboard sign. She reaches out and grabs the meager offering and this is today's grace. Today’s healing. And you decide that it’s enough for you to believe that His gospel is peace again, at least for today.

Part of a Christmas series here on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words. 

Day One: Back to the Manger

Day Two: Fresh & New

Day Two: Fresh & New

“It’s been a hard year.”

It’s a simple but terribly weighty phrase that she speaks too casually.

Her eyes meet mine and I see more than a hard year in there.

I can tell Christmas won’t be pretty.

It’ll just be a reminder of all the holes in her life - in her family, in her friends, in her smile and in her hope.

I pull her close and whisper a desperate prayer on her behalf.

Sometimes wrapping arms around a girl and lifting your arms in surrender is all you can do.

I’m holding broken and I’m holding hurt and I’m wondering why God would make it so hard for her to believe He’s real.

And I realize He doesn’t.

We do.

We’ve built a world that screens God from her and He hurts for her more than I hurt for her and more importantly, He hurts for her more than she hurts for herself.

Patience is just so darn hard sometimes.

When worship’s over we head for the exit together.

And she whispers it almost scared to believe it - “There was just this presence - did you feel it too?

It was just... God.”

I smile quietly because it’s enough for today.

She knows He’s there, and that’s enough to get through for the time being.

We step out the doors and snow is falling all around, covering black slush and stepped-on snow angels -

and blanketing the world fresh and new.

Part of a Christmas series here on the blog: Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words.

Day One

Back to the Manger

It's exactly 7 days 'til Christmas - and I'm about to do something crazy.

Seven straight days of Christmas Creative Writing - a 7-day journey to the manger through creative words. 

Seven pieces to lead us straight to Christmas. Maybe you'll join me and read along here. :)

Merry Christmas!

-

Day One: Back to the Manger

In a shepherds’ field near Bethlehem; 10 years after the birth of Christ.

“Do you remember it, Pascal?”

This shepherd’s eyes dance as he nudges his friend, careful to keep at least one sparkling eye on his flock.

“The sky just ripped open. The angels. The symphony of it all. I was terrified. And you,” A spurt of laughter consumes the jovial shepherd, “You looked as if you’d seen a ghost!” His laughter continues.

“Glory to God in the heavens! And peace on earth!

Do you remember?”

“No.”

Pascal’s face is stone. He shifts his staff from one hand to the other and turns bored eyes to his merry companion. “Keep your eyes on the sheep, Martin. We can’t afford to lose another one.”

“Ohhhh.” Martin’s jovial mood doesn’t falter as he waves last week’s incident off. “I found the little lamb, didn’t I?” He tosses a grin at Pascal, but it’s not returned.

Silence.

“Ok, Pascal, what is it? What’s the matter with you, you don’t remember?”

Eventually, Pascal heaves a heavy sigh. “Ten years, Martin. Ten years. So what if I don’t remember?”

His look drills deep into his friend’s eyes. “Sometimes I think it was all a dream. Crazy shepherds we were, who made something up to brighten the long, dreary days.

‘A Saviour! A Messiah!’ - really, Martin? Really? It’s been ten years; have we heard of any saving feats of this so-called King?”

Martin looks back in stunned silence.

“I didn’t think so.”

After a slight pause, Martin grasps the shoulder of his friend. “Pascal! I know just what you need.”

The energetic one of the two jumps to his feet and pulls the other with him.

“Martin -”

“Oh - calm down. The sheep will be fine for a few hours. I’ll tell Jeffery to keep an eye out when we walk by.”

“Jeffery’s over half a field away!” Pascal protests. 

But there’s no stopping Martin now. The solemn shepherd reluctantly follows his enthusiastic counterpart.

Over a few hills and towards town, and Pascal knows where his friend is taking him.

And suddenly they’re right there - in front of the stable.

Life has resumed as normal - much has changed, and ten years’ time has taken it’s toll.

Pascal realizes that business has gone on as planned here in this stable, unrelenting and unaware of the holy event that took place between these walls.

“Oh.” Pascal’s face softens to quiet reverence.

The manger is still the same one. Same place.

Somehow, it’s stood the test of time, perhaps the only nod to acknowledgment of the holy birth.

O Holy Night.

And he can see it all - the faithful girl and her courageous husabnd. The animals, the hay, the bright star.

And the baby.

The Saviour.

And he knows they didn’t just make it up.

In fact, perhaps he can even believe it again -

Believe Him again.

He whispers it to Martin, himself and that baby -

“I remember.”


In this week coming up on Christmas, may you find your way back to the manger - no matter how long it’s been - to remember how Love came down for you.

Giveaway Winner! :)

Earlier this week, I introduced Freedom Creations on my blog... and celebrated with a giveaway.

Someone is gonna win that handmade headband picture above! :)

Ok, ok, enough stalling. I'll let you know who won. [You do have to endure a little video to find out though. ;) Special thanks to guest-star dad for helping me out! :)]

Drum. Roll. Please.



[If you can't see this video, check it out here.]










Congrats Darcie! :) I'll message you and we can figure out how to get the headband to you!

Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you again for all the support of Freedom Creations! Check out the Facebook page and share it with your friends! :)

Made for Freedom {A Giveaway!}

So... remember that time where I only blogged once in October, felt bad about it, vowed to blog a lot more in November, then only blogged 3 times?

Yeah.

So Hey December! :D

I'm super excited for the Christmas season.

However, the purpose of this blog post isn't exactly about Christmas.

The purpose of this blog post is to introduce something that's two months old, super fun & exciting, and somehow hasn't made it onto the blog yet [probably cuz I was too busy knitting]. 

You see, back in October, I launched Freedom Creations.

If you're connected to me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you already know about this, but somehow it pretty much dodged the blog for a good two months.

And I figured, what better time than The Most Wonderful Time of the Year to make this thing "blog-official" [Is that a thing?] and celebrate with a giveaway? :)

So here it goes...

Introducing Freedom Creations!
A social enterprise that sells handmade accessories with 100% of the profit going to International Justice Mission.

Freedom Creations was birthed from a passion for social justice, a want to do something to help end modern-day slavery and a love for knitting and creating.

I so believe that each and every one of us was created with a purpose and made for freedom. 

International Justice Mission shares that belief, and their staff works tirelessly to bring rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression in response to the Bible's call to "seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17)

You can check out the Freedom Creations Facebook page to get connected, learn more, browse and buy products, or make a custom order, and follow us on Twitter [@Created4Freedom] for more updates. :)

I have honestly been overwhelmed by all the support and response this has been getting. Really - Only by His grace.

There are a bunch of hats [made by my auntie Jayne!] and a couple of ear warmer headbands up on the store right now, which would make great Christmas presents! :)

Now for the Giveaway!
Here's what's up for grabs:

Stay stylish, wear your hair up, and keep your ears warm at the same time. #win [Great with your hair down too.]
coral orange | 100% acrylic | machine wash/dry
handmade in a smoke-free/pet-free environment
size: 20-22" around x 3" wide

Here's how to get entries in to win this headband:
- simply leave a comment on this post [1 entry]
- share this giveaway & a quick sentence or two about Freedom Creations on any form of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, your blog, etc.), then leave a comment on this post telling me where you've shared it. [2 entries for every form of social media you share this post on]

Make sure your name is somewhere in your comment so I know who you are for the draw!

The giveaway will close this Saturday (Dec. 14) at 12n (EST), and I'll do a random draw & post who won that evening! :)

OK, ready? Go!



ps Oh, wait - one last thing! If you'd like to help get the word out on your personal blog or website, would you consider gabbing this button to post? Thank you so much.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.freedomcreations.ca" title="Freedom Creations"><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1383634_742850759074857_1140179089_n.jpg" alt="Freedom Creations" style="border:none;" /></a></div>