A Heavenly Moment

Sometimes we get to experience what I call "heaven on earth".
You know; those moments that are tender, precious and overwhelming. They come with and a rush of unexpected emotion.

Today, I went with my daughter to look at wedding dresses. I have dreamed of this day, ever since she was born. All the years of waiting and anticipation were upon me. Both of us went, not really expecting to find "the dress" but really looking forward to trying on loads of beautiful gowns and all the fun it would bring.
My daughter looked spectacular in each one and I knew she was enjoying every moment in every dress. She loves being a woman, and that makes me happy. She is a strong, delicate, complicated, intricate, passionate young woman who brings me more joy than my words will ever be able to express.

After two bridal shops, countless dresses and 5 hours of fun, something happened. We saw "the one"
When I saw it, I gasped and spontaneously breathed her name. It had everything she and I both loved.
After trying on other dresses, it was time for this breathless one.

Out she came, and her eyes went from "I'm having so much fun" to "I have found the one"

What a joy to see the spontaneous smile that couldn't be wiped off her face even if you tried. Her chatter went from normal into over drive. She couldn't stop talking about it. She couldn't stop saying, "I like this one, I like it alot"
Then, her eyes became moist with tears of joy and I spontaneously responded only a second behind her.

All of a sudden, the room started getting too crowded for me (as there were other brides and people there) The chatter of a room full of happy women became louder than I could handle.
Something was happening to me. "This room was too small for us all" I thought. I needed help.

I pushed past my fear of what others would think and spoke up:
"Can I have some time alone with Alyssa?" I said.
Immediately a hush hit everyone and they softly said "Sure. Yes, sure!"

This was my moment, our moment, a heavenly moment.
I knew that this was a treaure that I would never forget and never again be able to repeat. I needed to enjoy every second, every word, every look, every moment. This was our moment.

I had her swish and swirl. I had her pose this way and that. Then, I asked her to sit right down on the carpet and I arranged the dress around her precious body. Here, sat my priceless treasure, that was as pretty as a princess.
We smiled, we cried, we imagined the day and we dreamed of how the groom would respond to her beauty.

All of a sudden, my eyes saw my toddler daughter. I saw the innocence of her childhood and I had flashbacks of her looking at me when she was but a babe. I saw the eyes that used to look at me with trust and love. This was a heavenly moment, and one that I will never, ever forget.

Dreams do come true, if you only believe. Today, I experienced heaven here on earth. I am the richest person on earth. It was worth the wait.

Inspiring Hope

I've been a bit busy the past number of months and so my blog has been neglected. That's Ok because its all been for good reason. I've been busy travelling and encouraging leaders across Canada.
Even more importantly, in my free time, I have been busy dreaming of Africa and helping to plan for an African Choir that is coming to Kelowna in December.
One of the things that my husband and I will be doing is holding a business leaders luncheon to raise significant funds for drought relief for these wonderful children.
The orphanage I visited a year ago, is for the first time ever going on tour across North America to raise funds and awareness for the efforts at Mully Childrens Family.
I could talk for ever about this tremendous opportunity and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that Charles Mulli has, but I'll let you click the links provided in this post and let you discover the story of hope yourself.
You won't be disappointed, and you may even be inspired to : Against all hope..... believe.

A New Song

Its been 4 or 5 years since I've written a song.

This week as I sat at my keyboard preparing for rehearsal the following night, I started worshiping and singing. Mostly I love to sing sounds, not necessarily words. I find comfort in the fact that God reads our hearts, so when I pour out sounds to Him, I know He hears and understands. This type of worship takes me to a secret place with Him.
In my worship wandering, the words of this song poured out:

My soul finds rest in God alone (repeat.... a lot)

Why so downcast O my soul
Put your hope in God alone
He's a redeemer
He is a healer
He has the answer to all of my questions (repeat)

He is in control
He is God alone
God of the heavens
God of the earth
Sovereign, majestic and awesome in wonders (repeat) is He (ending only)

The Lord is good and His love endures
The Lord is good and His love endures
The Lord is good and His love endures
The Lord is good and His love endures everyday

There is such power in the word of God. These are not my words, they came from His word.
They came to me, after a season of testing and trial. They came and washed my heart, infused hope and reminded me that the test always produces a great reward.

Thank you God for your word that brings promise and hope and power that cannot be found from any other source.

Gifted To Lead

I'm just a wee bit excited of late. My job at The Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada, has been a dream come true, and one that I would have never expected.
Daily, I am amazed at the wealth of information and opportunity that comes my way, just by working for such a great ministry.


A few months ago, our staff decided to host a is a unique event especially for women with spiritual gifts and abilities in leadership.
In preparation, I have been reading Nancy Beach's book, called Gifted To Lead. As I read it, I could identify with many of the situations and circumstances that Nancy wrote about in regards to women in leadership.

I always say that leadership is influence, its not about the number of people you lead, it's about how you lead and inspire others that truly matters

Now, I get to help bring this message of inspiration and hope to women across Canada.
How amazing is that?

This morning in staff devotions we were asked, "What are the things you have on your bucket list?" As I pondered, I realized that God already had, or was in the process of fulfilling many secret dreams for me. God always remembers our secret dreams and desires and He keeps them in his memory and releases them at His will and perfect timing. I like waiting for His plan to be unfolded, its always perfect!

³ Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
⁴ Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

⁵ Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
⁶ He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

⁷ Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37

Start Singing!

This morning I awoke to an amazing gift. Not only did I get to sleep in, but the melodious sound of one solitary bird, caused my ears to perk up, and caused an immediate reaction in my heart.

I went from sleepy, to hopeful, and happy in an instant.

This meant that spring will soon be coming!

After a long winter of silence. One solitary bird, singing a melody, awoke me from my slumber.

In that moment I was reminded that February is known as the "darkest month" It is a month where many struggle with depression and the symptoms of it are exacerbated and cause many to fall prey to its damaging pressure. Some even consider suicide.

Each of us have an ability to "sing" songs of hope. Not only with a tune, but in a myriad of ways.
I believe that our lives are a reflection of worship. This is why I have this blog. Its to remind you - of your great purpose.

True worship is outward expression of an inward reality.

I want to remind you today, even in this moment, to SING!
Sing, to help draw others out of darkness and into light. Sing to remind others of the hope and promise of spring.

Now, I don't mean you literally have to sing (although personally I love it) For some of us, people around us may not appreciate our vocal talents, but they sure would love to be reminded that the winter season doesn't last forever!

Sometimes, when the days are dark, we need just one simple little "bird" to remind us of the promises that are available to us, and freely given by a loving God.

You are destined to live a lifestyle of worship, and the greatest thing you can do is share the joy and remind others of who God is.

You get to display His character, promises and kindness to others whenever you choose to.

It can come in the most amazing "unique-to-you" packages! Like, writing a note of encouragement, or opening a door with a smile for a frustrated young mom with screaming babies. Or, it could be shoveling a driveway, or sharing a word of encouragement, or being kind even when you don't want to be.
The possibilities are endless!!

If you ask God, don't worry, He'll show you how to "sing", and it will not only bring you a sense of purpose, but it will bring life and light to someone who is desperately trying to push back the darkness.

So, my friends... START SINGING!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter.

Spring Is In The Air

We all love the promise of Spring. I haven't met anyone yet, who, at around the month of March, doesn't start longing for the signs of Spring.

It causes all sorts of activities for various individuals.

Some people putz in their gardens, others clean out the garage. All month long, our city streets have been getting cleaned.
Many, do the "annual Spring cleaning purge" Funny how that is, an urge to clean, and bring order to get ready for new things.

I, myself, love the sun and warmth that spring brings. I love to sit on my deck and listen to the sounds of nature, and feel the warmth of the sun.

Hope seems more tangible or as though it can be breathed in somehow.

For the past few days, God had been reminding me of a song that I had no idea who wrote, or all the words... but part of the chorus had been ringing through my heart and mind, and finding its lyrics upon my tongue.

He will come to us....like rain... spring rain
If we ask, He will come

God often speaks to people in music and lyrics. Whether they be secular or Christian songs.
This is one way that God speaks to me... probably because He knows how much I love music, and because He knows I will sing lyrics over and over and over, until I feel like I "GOT" the message.

In time, I remembered that Kevin Prosch wrote this song. I haven't sang it in years, but I am now!

Come let us return unto the Lord

For He has torn us
But He will heal us
For He has wounded us
But He will bandage us
And he will come

He will come to us like rain, spring rain
He will come to us like rain, spring rain

If we ask, He will come
Send His rain on everyone

For every child(soul) needs rain, spring rain

He was obviously inspired by the book of Hosea.
Hosea 6 says:

We're ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge.
As sure as dawn breaks,so sure is his daily arrival.
He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground."

I've been pondering these words all week, especially the part that says:

He comes... or He will come to us.

God is always pursuing us, even when we don't notice it. Often, we think we're the ones running after Him, but truthfully, I think He starts it.

He starts the longing.

The longing for new things in Him. The longing to "clean up" our hearts, the longing to invite Him to bring order, the longing for fresh air, and sunshine....... and even the longing to be willing to be pruned, so that even more new growth can happen.

I get to choose to respond, and the intensity at which I respond.

God is cool, and the kindest most patient relationship I have ever experienced.

Thanks God, for coming to me... like rain, spring rain. I need it.

Living A Dream

Today, I am living a dream.
Years ago, I heard God say to myself and other worshippers, that someday....................... our voice of worship would be heard in the nations.
Now when I heard God say this to me, I thought, like Mary, "How can this be?"
In my natural minds eye, it seemed almost outrageous! And yet, deep inside my heart, I knew that voice that I heard was from God.
So, in faith, I proclaimed it to the worship community that I had the priviledge of giving leadership to. I remember saying, "I don't know how He is going to do this, or when, but I know that some day it will happen"
Well, today, I am living that promise. I had forgotten it, until last week, when He reminded me of this promise.
It made me stop and take a deep breath and remember. At that moment, I was humbled and in awe of His handiwork.
Its good to remember and muse on the promises that God has made to you.

You see, He never forgets. We forget, but He never forgets. He is a kind God, he is a kind father that always keeps His promises.

I am speechless at how He can turn a simple word into exhistence, but He can.

In the past 2 years I have come to understand in a greater way that He loves to hear our dreams and requests. He loves it when we ask for something so outrageous, that.................... only He could do it!
Today, I am in Holland. I am driving on the streets of Europe, immersed in it's beautiful culture.
I spent the whole day rehearsing for the opening of the IMAGINE tour. A worship tour, of hope and proclamation to the body of Christ in Europe.
Since I arrived, I have hardly slept because my spirit is filled with anticipation. I am living a dream......................................... that He first planted in my heart.
A dream that only He could fulfill....

The Time Has Come

Have you ever felt that a change was coming long before it actually arrived?? I sure have.

For the past 9 months I have been sensing that a change was coming for me. Gosh! Now that I write it, I see that it has been 9 months! The time of gestation for a baby. When I dream, there is often a baby in my hands (or more than one!) or I am nursing a baby. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE babies, and I LOVE to nurture and mentor others. It is a passion of mine and I am always on a quest with God to learn how to be a stronger and more Christ-like mentor.

For the past 9 months God has had me learning things, reading books, and meditating on truths that I believe have been setting me up for a new thing. I have been asking God some hard questions, allowing Him to re-arrange my life dramatically and asking Him to show me what He wants for me.


Pregnancy is never full bliss, at least not for most women. I have a few dear friends that have endured vomiting and exhaustion right up until delivery day. My heart is filled with deep admiration for these women, because they are willing to endure temporary discomfort in order to see life come forth. They are willing to stretch and give of themselves unto a greater purpose.


Are we ready to do the same?!

Whatever point you are at on your journey with God and His destiny for you............... remember that good things come to those who wait, and preparation for your divine destiny will take the stamina of a woman who is pregnant.
God has impregnated you with a purpose and it is up to you to nurture and carry that seed. Don't grow weary yet, keep believing for life to come and a divine destiny to be revealed.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The Hills Are Alive

The hills are alive......... with the sound of music...
I know some of you might have a strong dislike for The Sound Of Music . But I can't help myself. I've always enjoyed that movie. The theme song has been going through my head for the past few days.
I have the privilege of living in mountains. Spring is here and the grass is now green. Every morning that I awaken in spring, the hills, and mountains become more alive.


Birds are chirping, and in another month the hills will be filled with wild flowers. Often there are deer on the hill above my home.

The hills are alive with the sound of all creation, in their own way, praising Him. How cool is that?!

I also feel like those little birds who start early and chirp for hours when spring arrives. I feel like I am about to burst with songs of praise and thoughts of praise.

Today I had the privilege of leading worship. This is one of my favorite things to do, and I always thank God for being able to lead and feel like - "This is my destiny... this is what I was created for."
New songs burst out from various people in the congregation, and I had them come and sing it out with all their might. It was so fun to watch the uniqueness, and see His presence on each face.
One of the greatest perks about being a worship leader, is to be able to watch people get lost in worship and to see His glory on each face, in distinct and unique ways.

Thanks God for allowing us to burst with sounds of music and praise to You. Help us to always let it out!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm About To Burst

"Then God said, "Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant. And let there be trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. The seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came." And so it was." Genesis 1:11

A few weeks ago I wrote about planting seeds. Almost all of Canada is awaiting the entrance of spring. Master gardners and novices alike are itching to touch some dark soil and see the promise of life bursting from the ground.

Its a myth that you can't be a gardener. You see, God has wired all of us to instinctively know and understand the basic principles of gardneing. It is such a simple concept that Jesus chose to speak of it in the form of parables to speak of His kingdom in Matthew Chapter 13. I plan to meditate on this chapter at great length.

Thanks to Jesus, and daily walking in repentance, I can always have fertile soil in my heart. You and I have endless possibilities of the type of "plants and trees" that He wants to see come into the fullness of maturity.

God takes delight in planting new seeds of hope and destiny into our hearts. It is up to us to choose to nuture and care for the seeds, and provide the perfect environment for success. The law of sowing and reaping is a law that belongs to God and began from the beginning of creation.

Make no mistake, the enemy also understands and must submit to the law of sowing and reaping. He will use all of his powers to get us to recieve "Bad Seeds" They are nasty little seeds!

There are thousands of bad seeds like, doubt, unbelief, justification, offense, judgement, partial truths (that means part lies)......... and the list goes on. I have found that whenever I have chosen to recieve any one of these bad seeds, NOTHING good has come of it.

There have been times when I have been ingnorant and not even noticed the "bad seed", or I may have been naive enough to think that one little bad seed can't harm me. But the law of sowing and reaping overrides all misconceptions. I could have really good soil, and plant a really bad seed and end up with, a sick plant, nothing at all, or even worse, contaminate all the soil around the seed.

This very idea has made me stop and realize that as each new "seed" comes my way, I need to stop and ask Jesus, if this is good seed or not. What I choose to allow into my soil will determine what will be produced.

Over the past month I have chosen to focus even more on the truth of His word His goodness. I have decided that I am going to reject all those free little "bad seeds" that come my way. Since this decision, the level of creativity and hope has increased. Spring is the hope and promise of new life.

My heart and mind has been exploding with thoughts from Him, so great, that I feel unable to contain it, and as though I am about to burst!

"Let my lips burst forth with praise, for You have taught me Your principles." Psalms 119:171