Tag: #childrens books

Posted on

Step into the Wild – story Six – Paddling is Paddling-Right?

 

Chapter One

Following that one adventure out to the Lighthouse on Lake Superior, we felt pretty confident that we could tackle a trip on our own. We had purchased two single fourteen-foot kayaks and had practiced with them on the Spanish River, beside our house. Camping had been part of our adventures for years so we had all the necessary equipment to plan a short expedition. This year we were decided to go on a trip out to Wilson Island to check out the amazing Sea Arches, that our guide had mentioned the year before. We headed north, directly to Rossport, where we had booked an overnight stay at the Rossport Inn. This Inn provided cute little individual cabins, barely big enough for two, that overlooked the coastline of Rossport. They were located fairly close to the railway, which was still in active use, so we expected and received a cabin shaking experience of the train flying by, whistles blowing. But one absolutely wonderful discovery was the best food ever, offered at the quaint little Inn. We arrived on time for the evening meal and sadly ate so much of the fabulous food, that we left no room for the biggest, thickest blueberry pie we had ever seen. Bob asked them to save him a slice for breakfast, claiming that with that fuel he’d be able to out paddle me all day!

 

Chapter Two

The next morning, streams of sunshine, burst through the little cabin’s window. Packing our gear, we headed down to the water to begin the laborious job of packing the kayaks. Tedious would be a good description of the process of packing a kayak—so different from a canoe. On a canoe trip, you had big packs and possibly a food barrel that you would stuff all your gear and food into, then would simply toss the packs into the canoe, tie them down and in less than thirty minutes you’d be on the water. Not so with kayaks. All the gear and food had to be put in small dry sacks, including your clothes, tent, and sleeping bags, then all these little sacks had to be stuffed into the hatches of each kayak. It was an exercise of scientific planning to fit everything in.

We divided the sacks between the two kayaks, but found to our dismay that our hatches were simply not big enough to hold all of our gear. Our tent was too long, our sleeping bags too thick, the pots too fat and the cookstove too unbendable to squish into the small hatches. We tried several ways to make it work, but always had leftover gear, when the holds were full. An hour later we sat back on the sand, to take a breather.

“Okay, it doesn’t look like it’s all going to fit,” I said, tossing the tent to the ground.

“Nope, it doesn’t—clearly our canoe trip equipment isn’t suitable for these boats,” said Bob, still holding the pot he’d been trying to squeeze in.

All of our gear was spread on the ground around the kayaks. I got up and sorted the gear into a pile of ‘I can’t live without this, gear’ and ‘I might be able to live without that, gear.’ To my frustration, I noted that the stuff we absolutely needed, were by far the longest, fattest gear—the ones that just wouldn’t fit. I raised my hands to the air, “What are we going to do?” An answer I was not expecting, arrived in a flash.

 

Chapter Three

I watched in amazement, as the blue sky and sunshine that greeted us that morning, was suddenly replaced by a zagged flash of lightening. In a blink the entire horizon had turned a dark, purple colour, with streaks of bright white light dashing across it. We could literally see the storm rushing our way. That got us moving. Quickly we flipped the kayaks over, grabbed all our scattered gear and dashed for the Inn. Just arriving, as the first splash of rain hit the awning. I stood on the veranda watching in awe, when one of the owners joined me.

“Amazing how fast a storm develops around here,” he said, pushing his hat back.

“Yeh, it was sunny an hour and a half ago. Now, look at it. You can hardly see the lake.” I lifted my eyes in wonder, whispering, “You knew this was coming.”

“Well, when you’ve lived around here as long as I have, you get to know when storms are brewing,” he replied as he shuffled inside, door clapping shut behind him.

Bob, pushed out through the door, to stand beside me. Wonder filled my face. “What’s got you so lit up?” he asked, lifting his eyebrows.

“Oh, I just stand amazed at how well we are protected.”

He turned quizzical eyes towards me.

“If we’d had our way, we would have been halfway across that bay, in open, unprotected water, when this storm hit. Just look at those waves—they must be five-feet high.” I shook my head.

Bob nodded. “Yep, we were frustrated that things didn’t fit, but God was busy protecting us from the storm. Amazing grace.”

Linking arms with Bob, we headed back to our little cabin to play some cribbage while we waited for the flash storm to abate. “Perhaps, we can try a day paddle tomorrow?”

We smiled at each other. We’d go back home tomorrow and return in a year, better prepared.

 

Posted on

Step into the Wild – Story Five New Lake – New Boat

 

 

New Lake—New Boat

Chapter One

In the winter of 2006, our son Bill decided to go to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. He’s an outdoor enthusiast like us and wanted to attend a university that gave him access to the great outdoors. We did a little happy dance, because for years we had been wanting to paddle on Lake Superior— the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and this would be our opportunity as we took Bill to and from school. Lake Superior is a natural wonder filled with a fascinating history of shipwrecks, plus absolutely the most unique, sometimes terrifying, wind and water conditions.  It stretches across the U.S. and Canada with famously cold, clear waters and stunning coastal landscapes, making it one of the most intriguing lakes in the world. But this lake had to be approached very carefully. Lake Superior’s weather conditions are famously unpredictable, contributing significantly to its hazardous nature. The lake’s vast surface area allows for sudden and severe weather changes, posing a constant threat to those navigating its waters.

I shivered at I researched the lake. Apparently during severe storms waves have reached a height of up to 20 feet or more. But it’s not only the waves that make it dangerous, it also has longshore currents that move parallel to the shore, driven by waves hitting the shore at an angle and rip currents, which are strong, narrow currents, that drive the unwary out to the deep. All in all, it sounded like a pretty challenging prospect. We couldn’t wait to test our paddling skills in this exciting lake. But our investigation did bring one thing to mind— this adventure would require a different type of boat—something able to withstand sudden, gigantic waves at moments notice.

 

Chapter Two

It was time to switch to kayaks. Kayaks are long, low-profile boats, that can slice through any water conditions, and are close enough to the water to minimize wind affects. In addition, the cockpits can be covered with a skirt, that prevents water from filling the boat. They were the perfect solution for Lake Superior. The only problem was that we didn’t own kayaks and didn’t know how to paddle them—but how hard could it be? Afterall, paddling is paddling—or so I thought. To our delight, that winter the Espanola complex was offering beginner’s kayaking classes. The perfect solution—we signed up right away.

So, there I stood, after work one evening, on the pool deck, paddle in hand, looking at four kayaks bobbing in the pool. The instruction began with teaching us how to get in. I scoffed. “Surely, they can bypass this part—we’re all paddlers,” I mumbled to Bob.

He lifted his eyebrows, shrugging. “Shush, it must be important.”

Crossing my eyes, I turned to watch as the instructor smoothly put her hands on the combing, on each side of the kayak and neatly slid into her seat. Easy Peasy—right? Wrong!

I mimicked her technique, exactly—I thought, but somehow ended up in the water. My kayak remained upright. “Hmmm, how did that happen?” I mumbled, as a red flush surged up my face.

Bob was sitting in his kayak, grinning. “It’s really easy, Lynn.” He whistled a little tune.

I pulled myself out of the water and tried again. A similar result, except this time, I overturned the kayak. Swimming with the kayak to the shallow end, the instructor and I turned it over to mostly empty it. Perhaps paddling isn’t paddling? I never had trouble getting into a canoe.

“Perhaps you can work on your entry, later?” whispered the instructor, as she helped me to get in.

“Ya, I’ll practice.” The snickering stopped, as she moved on with her lesson. “Sure, hope this isn’t a sign, that kayaking is not for me?” I whispered.

 

Chapter Three

Once I was in the kayak, it wasn’t hard to paddle. With every paddle stroke, I gained confidence. The paddle was two sided, but the strokes were very similar. Before long we were all zooming around the pool, sometimes playing bumper-cars while trying to navigate the small area. I took to it pretty well, I thought, but as time ticked by, I seemed to get slower, and was unable to make the turns that I thought that I had mastered, earlier. I stopped at the edge of the pool for a breather, but pushed off when I saw the instructor coming my way. More attention, I didn’t need. Valiantly, I tried to pick up the speed, but slowly realized a strange phenomenon—I was sinking. Well, okay, I wasn’t exactly sinking, but my kayak and I were definitely lower in the water. In addition, I noticed that there was a distinct sloshing sound when I’d lean into a turn. I took a glance behind me and gasped. “Did you give me a kayak or a submarine?” My stern was totally submerged. It was suspended about six inches below the surface of the pool.

The snickers began, again. “Having trouble?” said Bob, with a sassy grin.

I tried to splash him, but fell out, instead. The sinking stern filled with water, made the kayak very tippy.

“Everyone, gather around,” said the instructor. “This is a good lesson.” She got into the pool with me, to help pull the really, really heavy kayak onto the deck, then reached down and pulled open my stern hatch. “Look, everyone, the hatch is full of water—which is why you sank. This hatch has no inner seal, so when you tipped over earlier it must have started to fill with water, gradually filling up as you paddled.” She grinned at me. “Always check your hatches, before you paddle.”

“Sure, hope this isn’t an omen—I don’t want to be the next Edmund Fitzgerald, on Lake Superior.” Everyone laughed, including me.

 

Chapter Four

Training was over and we were ready to tackle our first trip on Lake Superior. We had purchased kayaks of our own, but we opted to start with a guided trip. We signed up for a one-day paddle, with an adventure company from Rossport, a small town, nestled into a cove about two hours east of Thunder Bay. After dropping our son off at school, we headed back to Rossport. Our guide lived and worked in the area and was an expert on the quirks of this Great Lake. The plan was to kayak out to the lighthouse on Battle Island, a 9.3 km paddle from the Rossport Marina. This lighthouse was built in 1871, to guide boats through the dangerous rocks and currents of the area. It stood alone, unprotected against the full power of Lake Superior, with it’s unpredictable and relentless storms.

Early in the morning, we arrived at the Marina, where we were fitted with kayaks. Long, sleek seventeen-foot sea kayaks. “Hmm, these are longer than the kayaks that we bought,” I murmured. “I wonder why?” I shrugged, as my eyes roved over the sparkling water, little wavelets dancing on its surface. The lake looked like it went on forever, outlined by a jagged, rocky coastline, a few islands sprinkled randomly, here and there. It was a relatively calm morning, when we headed out, although, I was told that even on a tranquil day, you could feel the constant underswell. As we shoved off from shore, I experienced that deep, underlying swell—it left me with the uneasy feeling that things could change in the blink of an eye.

 

Chapter Five

We pushed off from shore and quickly fell into a steady paddling rhythm alongside our guide, who pointed out places of interest as we paddled. The kayaks ate up the kilometers as we smoothly glided into the dock at our destination, on time for lunch. We gathered our packs and started out along the winding path that led to the lighthouse. The path was like no other—moss covered the ground and the trees. Every branch had long beards of moss, dangling from it. It felt like we were walking through some fairy tale—so surreal. Along the way we passed an old truck, hidden beneath the undergrowth, like it was being reclaimed by nature. We trekked along this trail until we reached the gigantic rock outcrop, where the lighthouse towered over us.

You had to look way up to see the great light, that was blinking, despite the daylight. We were told by our guide that the night that the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk, the waves were high enough to smash the light in the lighthouse. I looked up in awe—it was fifty feet from water level to the top. Then my eyes scanned the calm water. I shivered—what if?

We sat by the shore for a while, enjoying a view that could take your breath away, but calm waters on Lake Superior are not to be wasted, so our guide directed us back to the kayaks. It was late afternoon—I was surprised that the lake was much more active than before. Small waves had started to form and the underswell had grown noticeably. Time to head back to Rossport, before wind and waves made it impossible. We headed back. Chased by ever growing waves, we made it back to shore, safely. Our first trip—a success. We left there the next day, wondering what adventures lay ahead.

 

 

 

Posted on

Step into the Wild- Story Four – Not all who wander – South Carolina

 

 

Not all who wander—in South Carolina

 

Chapter One

In the last adventure that I shared, I quoted J.R.R. Tolkiens who said, “Not all who wander are lost.” Despite the difficulties of finding my way on my own farm, I still held fast to this mantra. I do, however have to admit, that occasionally my wandering ways get me into some uncomfortable situations, one of which, I’m going to share with you, now. (Sadly—there have been many lost adventures to choose from).

It has long been my habit to arise early in the morning, generally before first light and venture out for a hike, snow shoe or walk, depending on the time of the year. This is my thinking / praying time and I rarely miss it, no matter where I am.

On this occasion Bob and I were down in South Carolina visiting some friends. It was Sunday morning and we planned to get up early and go to one of the local churches for a time of southern fellowship. As usual, I awoke early and not wanting to disturb anyone, I decided to sneak out for a little walk. So, I quickly got dressed in some old grubby clothes, tossed on my tennis shoes and tip toed out the door. I was only going around the block so I didn’t prepare as I might have done for a proper outing. I didn’t wash my face and comb my curly mop into respectable order or brush my teeth. I didn’t take my phone, I didn’t leave a note, I didn’t dress for company, I didn’t wear a watch, I didn’t take along any ID or money and lastly, I didn’t really check the address of the house we were staying at. But what did it matter—this was just a short, casual prayer walk—no big adventure. Gosh, the sun was barely up—I wasn’t going to meet any people?

 

Chapter Two

Off I went. I am very aware of my propensity for getting lost, so I was determined that it would not happen on this trek. As I stepped out of the door, I looked very closely at the house to the right and noted that there was no house—just a field on the left. Across the street was a plain two-story house, with brown shutters. Peering down the road, it seemed that the best way to go was right, so I headed that way. This cul-de-sac had fairly upscale houses, on decent sized lots with cultivated flower beds and paved driveways. Before very long, I reached a dead-end and had to turn around. Within fifteen minutes I was back at my starting place.

“Harumph,” that walk was much too short—I usually walked for an hour. Looking to the left, I decided that it would be equally safe to go that way, so I headed off. This time, the view was different. Gone were the prissy houses on nice lots—instead there were fields, barns, trailers and flags, everywhere. Every fallen down porch had a flag and at least one goat on it.

“What a strange place this is,” I thought. “On one side of the side road, you had mansions and riches and on the other, homesteads and goats—plus flags.”

It wasn’t long before this road also dead-ended, so I turned around, again. The sun still hadn’t shown its shining face—lots of time left. There was another side road up ahead and I figured that I would head down this country road, then take the first cutoff to the right, then venture along that road to the first cutoff to the right, and lastly venture along that road to the first cutoff to the right and I would be back where I started because that was a square! The theory was very sound, but unfortunately the execution was a bit flawed.

 

Chapter Three

I walked for a long time. I knew this, despite not having a watch with me, because the sun was up now and shining brightly, announcing a bold new day. I lifted my eyebrows. My square theory just wasn’t coming to an end, as I expected. Weariness alerted me that I’d travelled farther than planned. I carried on, since I just knew that the house would be in sight just around the next bend. I had an uneasy feeling that I was running out of time, so I decided to run for awhile.  I have no idea of how long I ran, but I was coated in sweat and there was still no house in sight when I finally gave up—exhausted. Concern flickered across my mind—was I lost? I took inventory of my present situation—hmmm, grubby, unkempt, sweaty appearance, no ID, no money, no idea of where I was, and no real idea of the address or phone number of my friends. Did that spell trouble—was I LOST?

 

Chapter Four

What were my options? Pray—well I’d been doing that for the last hour, but clearly this was one of those times in my life, when the Lord was teaching me something, since He didn’t teleport me back to bed—presuming this was just a bad dream.

“Okay, you’re an adult. Don’t panic—think,” I mumbled. Clearly, I needed to pop into a corner store and ask directions or ask to use the phone. Simple, except, there were no stores in sight, and looking down, I remembered my dishevelled appearance. Grubby sweat pants and my hair was a frizzy mess, like a Phyllis Diller hairdo. Certainly not fit for company. I further observed that the houses within sight were either large mansions with closed gates or old tar paper, shanty houses flying Confederate flags with goats on their porches. I was too grubby to go to the nice houses and too afraid to go to the other, so I kept walking, keeping my eyes open for a health club or golf course or some sort of community building, where I could ask for directions without too much of an explanation or loss of life!

After quite a while I spotted what I thought was a health club straight up ahead. I jogged up the long, winding driveway. When I arrived at the front entrance the sign told me that I had been mistaken, that this place was in fact a home for the elderly. I shrugged—beggars can’t be choosers and I was prepared to beg. Feeling somewhat confident since it was an institution, I creaked open the door.

 

Chapter Five

I went inside and casually walked down the hall, smiling and nodding greetings to the residents, who were all lined up along the walls like a reception line at a wedding. When I arrived at the front desk the receptionist scanned my appearance, in silence.

“Harrumph,” I cleared my throat, then pasted a sunny smile on my face. “Would you kindly give me directions to Wildwood Point Road?” A glassy stare greeted my request. “It’s in Seneca—it can’t be that far—I just got a bit off course on my walk, this morning.” This time, she glowered, ducking her head to continue work. I was stunned. Didn’t she speak English? I stood at the desk, nervously shifting from foot to foot. After a minute, I tapped politely on the desk. “Pardon me, I’m terribly sorry to disturb you, but I need help.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed. “It ain’t around here—never heard of it.” Again, she went back to her work. Admittedly, I did look a mess, but surely, I didn’t deserve the treatment, I was receiving? All the residents were staring at me, too. With my grey hair standing in a frizzy mess, I wondered if they thought that I belonged amongst the group along the wall? Good grief, did I look that bad? With a grim look and firm voice, I asked, “May I at least borrow a phone, so I may call my friends?”

She rose and grimly assessed me, then turned and walked away. As she left, she said, “I’ll have to get a nurse.”

“Oh my, the phone must be a forbidden request,” I thought. Would she be returning with orderlies to restrain a lost Canadian? Perhaps I should leave? I half turned to go, when a large, imposing matron arrived.

 

Chapter Six

The nurse finally arrived and to the same question she replied “No, never heard of it.”

“Really? But it must be close, I walked from there this morning.”

“What county is it in,” she asked.

Good grief—did I walk right out of the county they lived in? I knew I felt tired. “The address is in Seneca—is that in this county? I’m visiting friends, but am from Canada, so I can’t give you any more details.” Shrugging, I pleaded with my eyes for a little understanding.

She assessed me for a moment, then said, “I’m not from around here, either. Sorry, I don’t know where that is.” Turning, she started to walk away.

I leaned forward, calling out, “Perhaps, I could borrow a telephone book, so I can look them up?”

Slowly, she turned back to me, hand fingering her chin. “Oh, bother, I’ll get the supervisor—you wait right here.” Her steely eyes glared at me, before she left the room.

Why did this require a supervisor?  I didn’t ask for a meal, or money and I hadn’t even asked to use the phone yet. I pasted my smile back in place and waited while this new person was fetched. When she arrived, she sternly told me that they don’t give out phone books! “I’m sorry, you must have misunderstood me, I just wanted to borrow the phone book to look up telephone number to call my friends.”

“Oh, we can’t do that,” she replied.

Surprised, I told my circumstances again. Surely this explanation would get me some help? Finally, after what seemed like a long time, she made the tough decision to make the phone call for me. I gave her the name of my friends. She scanned the phone book for their number and dialed. She wouldn’t let me have the phone—afraid, I guess that a desperate character like myself would run off with it, cord and all.

 

Chapter Seven

I could hear the phone ringing and a wave of relief fluttered over me.

After a moment she said, “it’s busy,” then hung up the phone and walked away.

“Can you try just one more time, please?” I called after her.

With a dramatic sigh, she agreed to try one last time. It rang this time—hurray. A smile lit my face as I anticipated the conversation.

The phone kept on ringing. Shrugging, she said, “Not home,” and began to hang up.

“Please leave a message—say, your friend Lynn is here and give your address?”

Raising her eyebrows, she spoke the words. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

Thanking her, I walked quickly out of the facility—afraid that they really were going to keep me there. As I pushed open the door, I shuddered, then flopped into a rocking chair on the verandah. “Good grief, what an ordeal that was.” I slowly rocked, back and forth, trying to calm down—hoping that my friend Beth, got the message. Half an hour later, as I was just nodding off, my husband, Bob and our friend, John arrived. They exited the SUV and both stood, hands on hips, staring at me. I got up with a quizzical look on my face and walked over.

“We’ve been searching for you over an hour,” said Bob.

“But we never thought that you were out looking for a new residence,” quipped John, with a grin.

My face started to flush. “It was the only place I could find a phone.” I shuffled my feet.

“Why did you come so far away?” added Bob, nudging John.

“Okay, what’s the big deal. I simply went for a walk, it can’t really be that far from your home, John?”

“Well, I suppose if you were a gazelle—this place is ten miles from my house. In the next county.” replied John, eyebrows raised.

Bob nudged John and they grinned. “Also, we couldn’t help by notice how well you fit in—here at this home for the elderly. That rocking chair fits you, perfectly.”

“And if you stay in it, then you can’t get lost,” added John. Belly laughs filled the air.

With a crimson face, I got into the vehicle. Glad to be saved—if not quite so happy about the teasing. I knew, I was going to be mocked forever for my wandering ways. I shook my head—never again. Then grinned—well, maybe.

Posted on

The Wednesday Word – 5 Never alone

Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8

A psalm of David when he was fleeing from Saul.

Hi Everyone;

Have you ever gone over a falls? I have. It was not a joyful event, although I suppose that you could call it- memorable! Bob and I were on our very first canoe trip, together. We had decided to paddle the Spanish River. The river has numerous challenging rapids and a small set of falls called the Graveyard Rapids. We went over those…not on purpose, not because of good judgement or planning…just because we didn’t evaluate the situation very well. When I think back, I shiver, because that one event could have changed our lives…in a blink one or both of us could have died or been seriously injured.

Life is littered with moments like that…moments that change your lives, that challenge your courage, that leave you hovering in the depth of despair. Well, todays Word is a reminder that you are never alone. The Lord, our Maker is always there for you and He asks us to trust Him. He, alone knows the future and He provides the refuge, when moments seem too tough to handle. He doesn’t always remove the issue, but He never leaves you to handle them by yourself.

Until the next time

Lynn

Posted on

The Wednesday Word – 4 Strength in Weakness

The power of wind and wave – Victoria 2025

Hi Everyone;

Here I am today on the road to becoming an author. Yikes! This is scary-very unfamiliar territory and the enemy is assailing me with doubt. Afterall, who am I to consider myself an author…someone like Max Lucado? By education, licensing and experience I am a Pharmacist. I’ve been that for nearly forty-eight years…piece of cake! No doubts at all.

But this is relatively new ground and suddenly fears and doubt surround me. I ponder- why? Ah…I wonder if that’s because my reason for writing books and blogs is to glorify my Lord. To announce to the world that God (and Jesus) are alive and active in my life and yours? I do this through all my storytelling, so Satan is on the attack.

Hallelujah! That must mean that I’m actually on the right track. So Satan, I am an author…so there! Get out of my way…flee, because the Lord is my strength.

Philippians 13:4 – I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Posted on

Wednesday Word-3 Rise up on wings like eagles

 

Hi Everyone

In today’s Wednesday word, my mind was directed to my main source of strength when times get tough…God.

Isaiah 40: 31 says;

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The Lord is my ever present help in trouble. Is He yours? Unlike human friends, He is everywhere, in every place, at every time. So He is the perfect help in trouble, because calling 911 is not always an answer. He made me, so He understands me. He loves me, no matter what I do and forgives me is I ask. What better friend could I ask for?

But some might say…”God is just a thought, a figment of your imagination.” But I say, “not true.” For I have seen the work of the Lord in my life. I have seen Him literally cause my canoe come off of the rocks – three times in different times and places. I have seen this with my own eyes and bear witness to the fact that God is alive and active in present day lives.

So, when trouble finds me…I look up, to my source of help in all situations. Do it and it will change your perspective on life.

See you next time

Lynn

 

Posted on

The Wednesday Word – #2

 

 

Scruffy Finds His Way by

Life is about changes

Hi Everyone;

Last week I shared the story of how I became an author…how God nudged me- hard, so that I couldn’t resist His request. If you recall, it took a major illness for me to pay attention and dedicate the time to do the task assigned to me. God can seem tough sometimes.

So…how about you? What is God asking you to do? Are you listening for and being obedient to that persistent urging in your heart and head? Are you listening to “Little Voice”, as I call the Spirit in my book: Disaster! Around the Bend.

When I think back on my life, I realize that there were many moments when a Little Voice would enter my head about doing something. Sometimes something so simple as calling a friend, or saying sorry for a mistake or for me to forgive my husband for not picking up his socks. And sometimes it was something life changing…like making a move. A move to a new place, a move to a new job, a move to a new church, a move to a new school…A move. I don’t think that many of us like change. Familiar is comfortable. Familiar seems safe, while change is scary…it often means action, uncomfortable action that can upset you and your family and possibly countless other people. But it appears that God is okay with change – even likes it, because it’s always an opportunity to learn something new…to grow. And it has been my experience that when God wants me to make a change, He persistently shows me through the events happening in my life and the lives of those around me. He subtly plants an idea in my head, then sometimes not-so-subtly allows events into my life that support that idea.

Here’s a story that shows this process.

Years ago, my family lived on a farm in Manitowaning. A lovely farm, with a large century barn, cute little house, forest and fields…just perfect! As the years went by and the family grew, it seemed to take more money to keep this farm going then my husband and I were able to make.  I am a pharmacist and at that time in history, there were only part time jobs available on Manitoulin. Each week I would work a day in Little Current, a day in Gore Bay and often a day in Espanola, but nothing regular or fulltime.  God planted the thought that I would have to look for off-island work. Yuk! I had a young family with 3 children under 12 and an active farm to run. How could I find the time to travel for work? My husband nudged. Reluctantly and grumpily I looked for work in Espanola which was only an hour away- there was none. What were we to do? We were broke. Suddenly a job was posted in Elliot Lake. It was a perfect job for the family – Monday to Friday, no nights, nor weekends. But it was a long, long, long way from Manitowaning. I said, “No.” God said, “Yes”. My husband encouraged me to go for an interview. I sighed and headed out. In Little Current I stopped to fill up the tank, but my debit card said, “insufficient funds”. Now what? I had $20 in my wallet- not enough. So, I swallowed my pride and went over to the store that I worked in and asked for an advance on my next pay cheque.  I shuffled my feet, face beet red…he gave me the cheque. I ran off to the banking machine and put the cheque in and asked for a modest $40. Smiling I put out my hand to get the money…the machine blew me a raspberry and said, “insufficient funds.”

“What!” I kicked it. “I just fed you over $300 and you can’t spare me $40?” I hung my head and cried. “Why God?” That Little Voice whispered in my ear that He had this situation. I was assured that $20 would get me to Elliot Lake and back home again. I knew for sure, now, why I had to get this new job. I meekly went to the interview. I got the job and life changed.

I have learned over the years to listen for the voice of God…Little Voice. I don’t always obey…but I’m getting better as I age. Listen to Little Voice this week and see what God has in mind for you.

See you next week.

Lynn

Posted on

The Wednesday Word – #1 Why did I decide to become an Author

The Wednesday Word

Living My Life with God in View

 

Hi Everyone;

Today, I’m going to start a weekly series of blogs called,

“The Wednesday Word”

In this blog, I will give you a peak inside my mind…a chance to get to know me. Gee, I hope you want to do that…if not, it’s okay.

Let’s start with the first big question, ‘Why did I decide to write?’ Why did I, a pharmacist start along this pathway? I certainly didn’t major in the arts, but in science, so I wasn’t exactly prepared for writing, in terms of education. But that didn’t seem to matter. I liked to read, but up until that point in my life, I never wrote anything, because that would require me to sit and sitting was something that I rarely did. In fact, the only reason that I started writing was because God nudged me to do so. I know that sounds weird, but I believe that God plays an active role in all our lives and part of that role is to nudge us to do things that He wants us to do. That nudge comes via “Little Voice” (aka Holy Spirit), His Word (the Bible) and Christian friends.

Somewhere along the path of my life, I learned to listen to Little Voice and to obey (just do it). Hence, my first book, Stuck on the Rocks, again evolved from that initial nudge. Oh, I didn’t enter this project willingly, no…I argued and fought with God about writing a book. Afterall, I was busy. I had a full time job as pharmacist, I was a young mother of 3 children and we lived on an active farm, with horses, sheep and goats. Oh, I had all the excuses necessary to say, “no” to God. But God is patient and He waited for me to make the right decision (which is ‘yes’). He waited, then allowed me to have a medical event, that put me off of work, unable to do any of my normal activities in the home or on the farm. Suddenly, I had time! Hmmmm, God opened up the time for me to do the task that He had assigned me. Rats! Excuses gone, I reluctantly sat down to write and found…much to my surprise, that I could do it and I even enjoyed it. God sent the words, brought back the memories and I wrote them down. That was my beginning as an author.

Writing stores is a precious gift that God has given me…to use for His glory, not just to amuse friends. Hence, all of my stories are reflections of my life-both fiction and non-fiction and all include the presence of God at work.

Next edition, I will share background stories of God’s intervention in my life-my journey and will connect the dots to the various books that I have written.

Join me on this journey…make comments…share your journey with me…I can’t wait to hear.

Until then…Lynn

Don’t forget…my latest book is now available. Disaster! Around the Bend and download your free copy of Donkey love, which is a prequel to Disaster! Around the Bend. I promise…the two books are connected, just read and see…haha.

Posted on

Is believing God, just Donkey Love?

Hi Everyone;

I’m sure that the title of my blog, today has raised a few eyebrows. Who would ask this question and why?

Well, I have found that many people in this world  believe only in things that they can see and hold. They believe that their jobs will get them the money and acclaim that make life worthwhile, or that having a beautiful home will showcase their success or having a fancy cottage or a new car…all ‘things’ that they can grasp. It seems to be human nature to ‘trust’ that it is ‘things’ that will satisfy us. But it’s not. Obtaining things only makes you want more things…it’s an endless journey that leads to nowhere. And the things that we obtain, blow away like chaff in the wind.

Take Jan for example…she is the star in my new book, ‘Disaster! Around the Bend.’ Jan is a pretty typical, quirky twelve-year-old who is trying to figure out just who she is. She is a bit insecure, despite having a terrific family around her. In her mind, something is missing in her life. She things the thing that’s missing is a friend. A friend that is absolutely trustworthy, steadfast and sure. Someone who will guide her in making the important decisions in life. Who does Jan turn to? A donkey, named, “Gaston.” Ridiculous you say? Well you would be right, I mean who would pick a donkey as a friend? Well, a kid might, because a donkey can’t tell tales, so he is safe to tell all her secrets to. A donkey is accessible… he lives in your barn and a donkey always agrees with you, because he has no idea of what you’re saying (in real life, not in imagination).

But what can a donkey really do for Jan? Nothing! And that’s the point. What can ‘things’ really do for us? Nothing! And that’s the point.

In my story, Jan finds out that trusting in Gaston, is like that chaff in the wind – here today, gone tomorrow. She moves and can no longer sit for hours speaking to Gaston. Through this ordeal, Jan grows to understand that the only person that can do something tangible for her, who is utterly reliable, who is always present, who always gives wise counsel…is God.  Believing in God is way better, than Donkey Love!

Find out how Jan discovers this truth, in ‘Disaster! Around the Bend.’ Coming very soon.

In the meantime…if you want surety in life? Find God…find Jesus!

Until the next time

Lynn

Posted on

Be Intentional about God

Be INTENTIONAL about God.

Hi Everyone;

I was studying Philippians 4:6,7 this morning in my devotionals and I was struck with the thought of how often I let my worries take over…to dominate my thoughts. They interfere…because I let them.  I realized that I need to give my head a shake, because I know that God has a plan for my life, I know that I am His, I know that I can trust Him. So…I half-heartedly give my woes to Jesus, and He doesn’t instantly take them away. Why not? He is able…the Bible says so. For that matter, why do I have troubles anyway. I am saved, I am assured of eternity…then why am I still burdened?

Because God knows that I need them to grow!

So life goes on…full of troubles, worries and concerns. If allowed, these things can take over our lives. They can dominate our thinking and leave us weak and weary, unable to function. They can swallow up our joy, destroy our relationships and poison our attitudes towards home, work and people.

They can carry us along on a river of despair.

Well, it’s time to jump out of that river…swim for shore, my friends.

But this is Not the life that we are designed for.

This is NOT what our God has planned for these momentary trials.

YES…God is involved in our troubles…He is aware of our problems…

He is not absent when DISASTER strikes.

He says in Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

We do not control our own destiny, God does.

When worries threaten to sweep us away…

Be INTENTIONAL…give them to God…

And the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (Phil 4:6,7)

By guard, I think that God means protect…shield from the fiery arrows of Satan, who will blow our problems all out of proportion, so that they dominate our lives. By giving them to God, we take this weapon away from the evil one.

Romans 8:31,32

“…If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Think about it…I certainly will. I am going to be Intentional about trusting God with my problems.

See you next time. Lynn

plynnhallidaybooks.ca

Follow me & join the adventure. Sign up today to download your free copy of

DONKEY LOVE



    introducing you to Jantastic—the quirky hero of Disaster! Around the Bend

    Read more