Author: Barbara (Doll) Creelman

loving life; keeping it simple!

When life gives you lemons…

Exchange them for chocolate! Well, perhaps not. Maybe something more healthy? Although, lemonade sounds great to me too.

This week has had some ups and downs. Finding peace has been more difficult than what I’m used to. All the tools in my box seemed too heavy to lift and work with. Have you ever felt that way? Times when you know what you can do and what would be most beneficial seems to be out of reach. In my case it feels like my tools are still in boxes waiting to be unpacked.

Music was not helpful, writing wouldn’t come, fresh air was not happening (way too hot outside). However sitting in the hospital room with Nick I felt grateful that his bed was beside a window that faced a beautiful garden and city-scape. We enjoyed the view as we shared stories.

Gratitude flowed easily then. A change happened in attitude. A change happened in both our hearts.

This song came to my mind and is playing over and over in my heart.

**Nick will be in hospital for a few more days. There has been some progress towards healing. We are so thankful for your ongoing prayers and support.

A return, a change, and a blessing

After a few days of holidays I am back at my desk crafting a message to share and reflecting on the month that has past.

July came and went with some struggles but with many blessings. Nick’s heart problems continue. However, the swelling in his feet and legs is coming down. We’re working together to keep our spirits up.

Time with family is always precious. This summer, more so. With children and grandchildren visiting and some time by the lake and in a pool there has been a refreshing of our minds, bodies, and souls.

In worship this week we hear from the Book of Acts, about a conversion. This had me wondering what different kinds of conversions happen in our lives over the years or perhaps even moment by moment.

Have a listen:

Copy of Word Art

Sabbath time…We are equipped

Ephesians 4:11-16

11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

Blessed to be a blessing….Pastor Barbara