Entering Into the Scrapbooking World

Today I did something brand new--again!!!

I entered into the world of 'Scrapbooking'. I know, I know, this world has been around for many years now and I am probably one of the last to enter through its doors. I have been busy doing other things in the last 20 years so only now did things fall into place for me to walk through the inviting door of taking photos which have deep sentimental value to the owner and learning creative ways of displaying them for others to behold.

It definitely is a different sort of world, for everyone there had their own 'scrapbooking tools and items'. People sat at tables and were lost in the world of photos, craft paper, glue and cutting devices. It was not really a time for socializing, although Sharon has a tremendous gift of being able to socialize anywhere she goes with just about anyone, which is a sight to watch just on its own. Yet other sights captured my attention too for there were people sitting at the different tables with volumes of uniquely designed papers spread out covering every inch of the surface allotted to each person.

There were aspects of this new world that I had not considered, which brought some challenges for me, which is okay because challenges are to be overcome, somehow--someway. The first challenge was the fact that some of the letters were so small which was hard to manage so I found other devices to assist me, like the lid of a pen to help get things lifted so I could grab them. Then there was the issue of cutting the craft paper. I have come to realize in my journey of life that having only one good eye has a few disadvantages--one being that no matter how hard I try to cut things straight it NEVER happens--not even with the cutting machine aiding me. In the end I decided to go with the slightly crooked pages as that is simply who I am--one who cuts on a slight angle--it is what it is :-)

There were other aspects of this new world that I had not considered either, like how much intense joy and satisfaction it brought to my heart, spirit, soul and mind to complete one page and then enter it into the album I got today. To watch this from the beginning to end, no one would ever guess how deeply the activity would affect the one doing it. Creativity was being expressed, respect and honour was being displayed to the objects and people in the photos, remembering was brought to the surface and the end result was intense joy and deep satisfaction. I suspect that these same emotions were being experienced by all the other people sitting around the tables which is why they have joined the scrapbooking world.

I think I am hooked on the value and benefit of scrapbooking--who would have ever thought!!!

Now, I realize that my pages may not look as professional or as expressive as others in the room or in the Scrapbooking world, but it is okay, for my creative juices are just beginning to flow and as I learn more each album will develop into improved masterpieces. But for me it is not so much about the quality of the end product, even though I desire a good end product--for me it is more about the process. The process involves choices, something I am learning more and more about in this season in my life, of healing and joy. The process also involves displaying something of ones self for others to see. Again a new thing that I am learning more about. The process also involves being content with the end product, not judging it, or being critical, it involves looking at the positive qualities of the page or the album, knowing that there is room for improvement while also acknowledging that even doing one page is a huge step to living life.

So, I must announce that I am glad I walked through the Scrapbooking door even if it was 20 years later than many others. Now was my time and it was a time of enjoyment and creativity. When will I re-enter through that door into that world? Good question, for at this time my Hebrew text and New Testament texts are screaming at me day and night, so I suspect it will be a while before I venture through that door again, but rest assured I will re-enter when the time is right for it was a very peaceful and joyful event for me.

Creative Juices Flowing

Some people are born very creative, whereas others have to work very hard at it. Those who are born creative easily design this or that, as well as painting things, sewing things, or even baking things. I am not one of those people. In years gone by I did a wee bit of sewing and some baking--but I never did either one with great ease for I am one of those who has to work very hard at being creative. Designing things and painting them--well I always thought that my oldest daughter got all of that for the family so hey I did not need any. My comfort zone is praying with people and reading theology books!!!

With that in mind come along with me on an adventure to Smak Dab, a pottery place in Brantford. I went last night with this fun writers group I have joined. There were six of us for most of the evening with one late comer showing up while we were labouring over our pottery. I had never done anything with clay before, nor had I ever been to a pottery place before. The building had a very unique smell to it, which I had not expected, nor would I want to experience it again in the near future. Thankfully the people who own the pottery place also owned a Pizza place right next door. So the delightful smell of dough cooking floated into the pottery room every once in a while to compensate for the clay smell in the room.

Seeing the potter working on the wheel with a ball of clay was fascinating until I learned that it takes 3 or more semesters of pottery classes to learn how to do some very basic things on the potter's wheel, like making a jar with straight sides on it. I was relieved to discover that we would not be put through the rigourous ordeal of attempting to use the potter's wheel. Yet, secretly I would have loved to experience the feel of the clay taking shape around my fingers. Maybe some day, when life has slowed down I will take private classes and have the tactile experience of forming something of beauty on a potter's wheel--some day!!

This pottery place was very unique in that it had more animals in number than the people we had in our group and the instructor had more stories about the animals than we had time to listen to. Good thing the pizza joint was right next door because we soon got hungry. The pizza was very good. Some enjoyed the vegaterian one, but my favorite was the Pepperoni one. It arrived at our table so hot that I burned my lip and tongue when eating the first piece.

Due to the complexity of the potter's wheel the instructor had already shaped something for us to work on to create what ever we wanted it to be. Typically I am stumped at moments like this. That is when I would look around at one of my four children to either get an idea from them or to turn my attention on them so my attempts can fade into the background and no one notices that 'mom' does not do a piece of pottery because after all she has been too busy watching and helping the children.

Drats, the children are all grown and have left home and my grandson is only 4 months old and lives in Winnipeg now, so he was no help to me either, even though I had my newest most adorable printed photo of him with me. Still, I had to do something, I could not fade into the background and there were no children there to pump the prime to attempt, and probably fail, to get the creative juices flowing in 'mom'. For some reason though, this night my juices were already flowing. What gives with that I wondered.

Then I realized it was probably Dianne's fault because she coloured my hair in the afternoon which probably activated my creative juices!! My brain was coming up with ideas and images through out most of the evening which is absolutely unheard of for me. Maybe it is true--that blondes do have more fun!!! Here I was laughing with others and there was no fear that I could not do this pottery thing.

Remember I said I had not worked with clay before? Well I neglected to mention that I really do not like getting my hands dirty or wet, yet I found myself on several occasions covered with wet clay on my hands. Each person was required to touch the clay, to squeeze it and turn it and score it and put thin wet clay on the item that we were working on. Amazingly there was no freaking out going on outwardly or inwardly. A new me has been born!!!

I even put my hand inside of the object to apply the clay to brace the sides of the object I was making. Of course one must use equal and opposing force to both sides when one does such things with clay and I was able to remember and come on board with it. Definitely it was a new day for me, on this first day of the Jewish New Year, as well as the first day of the 20 days of 'Reconciliation with God' according to Arthur Burk's material on the four seasonal changes, and on top of everything I was now a blonde--hmm things are definitely looking up in the world.

Then the news came that we were to put something creative on our new creation and immediately I knew what I would make--Alef and Bet--the first two letters of the Hebrew Alphabet along with a heart cut out for my very first hand made 'candle holder'. For that is what my creation is going to be once it dries and is fired and glazed. I had come up with the perfect solution to my problem of what to put on my pottery, for I just started my Hebrew class at McMaster Divinity College the day before the pottery class. I am very excited to be taking Hebrew and I will definitely be burning the candles at both ends to pass this course. So, my personal hand made candle holder is a perfect idea for right now. Truly my creative juices were flowing all day on the first day of the Jewish New Year.

Bob Jones proclaimed that this is the year of the Lion, so again my Alef and Bet candle holder is very appropriate for the year. I think God knew what he was doing when he got my creative juices flowing. I can't wait to see what my candle holder looks like when it is all done--but more importantly I can't wait to see what God is going to release through me and others this year as our creative juices flow. I am sure it will be good, a wonder to behold for sure, but it will all be good for he is a good Papa pouring out these creative juices on us his children.

So, that was my adventure to Smak Dab in Brantford. Glad that you were able to come along with me here on my blog. To see photos of everyone's creation check out Dean Ellis' or Sharon Willson's photos.

The Back to School Itch

How many of you out there can relate to the 'Back to School Itch'? It creeps up on you when you feel the crisp air in the mornings, or when you notice that the leaves are beginning to change colour. Every store in town helps you with this itch by displaying rows and rows of 'Back to School supplies'. There are oddles and oddles of different coloured notebooks and binders along with packages of paper for huge discounts. Then one must not forget all the different pens that one has to choose from as well. But wait this thrill is not complete until new clothes have been purchased; new running shoes, socks, pants and shirts along with jackets and the trusted backpacks. Ah, I can feel the excitement now.

I simply love this time of year. The blood pumps through my veins beating to the happy rhythm of 'Fall is almost here--School is just around the corner, Fall is almost here-School is just around the corner.' Now many parents love this time of year for their bored little munch kins are driving them up the wall, but that is not the case for me. For me it is the the thrill of buying the 'Back to School supplies' for the family.

I ran into a dilemma back several years ago--my four children grew up and were out of school. One child kept me happy a few years longer by going back to school for his BA. Then my heart was very glad for the ritual of 'Back to School Shopping' took place once again in our home.

Eventually though all the children grow up and no matter how hard you try there is no reason to stock up on back to school supplies. I was heart broken and wondered what I could do for this itch of mine, to buy binders, notebooks, pens and paper.

Two things happened though that have rescued me from walking up and down the isles drooling over the stunning colours of books and binders. My second daughter decided to go back to school to get her BA--causing spontaneous eruptions of joy to escape from my mouth---but then I remembered that she is out west so my shopping spree was not feasible.

I was downcast for a time until I remembered that I can solve the problem by going back to school myself!! I can be the student and the one buying the Back to School supplies.

So my joy has been fulfilled. I no longer have to go window shopping to satisfy this itch of mine. For now I am a bona fide student!! I went back to school to get my Masters Degree. So watch out Back to School isles I will be strolling up and down searching each item to see if it will assist me in my school adventures.

Walking with the Gentle Giant Clark Pinnock

The theologian Clark Pinnock is known for many things in the Religious Community, but I wonder how many know of his gentleness. Clark was a very tall lean man, well over 6 feet in stature. He is best known for his concept of 'Open Theism', which talks about things like God not knowing everything--meaning that we as human beings have a part to play in the interchange with God. If this were not so then why should one pray at all. Another concept of Open Theism is that God's mind can be changed--and Clark had many scriptures to back this theory up with.

These concepts and others connected to Open Theism, I am still not really clear about in my mind even though I studied in 5 classes that Clark taught during the last 3 years at McMaster Divinity College. What I am absolutely clear about though is that Clark Pinnock deeply loved God. He was moved by the tenderness of the Holy Spirit, and was not ashamed to show this in the class. During his class on 'The Theology of the Holy Spirit' equal time was given to experience the Holy Spirit as well as studying the theology of the Holy Spirit. On occasions Clark would lay prostrate before the Lord during the first hour of class, uncaring of what the students thought of him, for he wanted to receive from God.

He was passionate about what he believed and expressed this passion in the classroom, but he was also gentle in his response to the students. There was a tenderness there, almost fatherly towards the students, which was truly genuine. I recall with fondness at the end of one class many of us students were getting our pictures taken with Clark, and when it came my turn after the picture was taken Clark gave me a hug and kissed me on the top of my head, which was so fatherly.

He truly was a giant, in stature and in the theology world. Yet, he was gentle and compassionate towards everyone he came in contact with. As I stated earlier I am not sure where I stand in regards to 'Open Theism' but I do know that his concepts have stirred me to go back to my bible and to wrestle with what do I believe and why. Any theologian who can do that is worth his weight in gold in my estimation for each one of us should know why we believe what we believe. Far too many of us accept what others tell us simply because they tell us it is this way, proving that we truly are sheep. As followers of Christ we need to search the scriptures and dig into the original meaning of the text.

After having walked with this gentle giant Clark Pinnock for the last 3 years at McMaster Divinity College I feel that my spiritual life has been enriched for I have been given some concepts that challenge me to go below the surface in my faith. For that I will be forever thankful to Clark Pinnock--a gentle giant, who now is walking with his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

Listening to That Little Voice

Today I had an unplanned adventure all because I did not listen to that little voice. You know the voice, that small quiet voice that says 'I should do this' or 'I should not do that'.

Well, I was planning to go to a Gospel Crusade meeting this morning. I got early so I could do all the morning preparations to be on the road in good time. As I was getting ready to walk out the door these two thoughts came to me; 'I should take my GPS with me' to which I replied 'I do not need my GPS today for I know exactly how to get to Karl's church--I have been there several times now. For those of you who do not know me very well, I have a tendency to get lost easily and I drive by landmarks not road signs as I am unable to read the signs until I am right on top of them.

Then as I was backing out of my driveway I had the thought 'I should not take the 403 because the exit for Hwy 52 might be closed due to construction.' I told myself 'no, it was open the other day. After I had been on the 403 for about 5 min I saw the road go down to one lane and it remained that way until just before the exit for Hwy 52. Now for the average driver getting over to another lane quickly is an easy exercise in driving--but for me who is blind in my left eye which means no depth perception--lane changes are something I don't do so well. Needless to say I could not get over in time as the cars behind me quickly shifted over to the right hand lane which was exactly where I needed to exit!!!

I still had lots of time to get to the meeting, or so I thought, so there was no need to panic yet. I would simply take the next exit and backtrack to Hwy 52. Little did I know that there is no other exit until Brantford. As the kilometres flew by my peace flew out the window with them. Several times I wanted to turn around in those places on the side of the road that have the signs saying 'Authorized Vehicles Only'. Could I justify it by telling myself that the ultimate RULER of the world had authorized me to use this handy U-turn. No, my conscience would not allow me to break that specific law of the land, even though I have been known on numerous occasions to break the speeding restrictions of the land!!!

So, I ended up in Brantford near the Lynden Park Mall--which made me VERY lost and VERY far away from my Gospel Crusade meeting!!! I saw a Tim's and decided that it would save the day. A coffee and something to munch on would help to calm my jangled nerves for sure. HOw quickly we humans turn to the natural comforts of food and drink!

First I had to investigate the women's washroom to rate it, for that has become my calling at this stage of life; to rate as many women's washrooms as possible on a trip. After using this washroom, I would have to rate it as being adequate but lacking in an adequate hand drying device as there are newer ones in some of the Tim's now. Not all was lost in the women's washroom though for there I found a kind soul who could tell me the most direct route to Hwy 5. This route was miles out of the way for me--but it was the ONLY road I knew the name of

to get to Karl's church. Now I understood why that little voice, which I choose to ignore, told me to bring along my GPS-augh!!! It was straight forward though--stay on the road I was on till I came to King George Rd, then turn right and follow it until I came to Hwy 5. I knew my way once I got to King George Rd.

Once I got to familiar landmarks, I began to calm down more and started to focus on God--which is always a good thing to do in such circumstances. I realized that I had a choice here, to either be frustrated and angry at myself and the circumstances or to turn it into a God adventure to see what the Father wanted to show me. Without any hesitation I opted for the latter. Now my eyes were looking for what treasures the Father had for me BEFORE the Gospel Crusade meeting.

The treasures were not hard to spot as I drove along Hwy 5. God the Father had some stunning nature sights for my spirit to receive from on that long road between Brantford and Copetown. The first was a beautiful green meadow over to the right as I drove. The land comprised of a slight hill and a huge valley area, covered with rich dark green grass flowing down to a small forest of trees and a small brown patch of dirt. The contrast of colours and texture caught me by surprise and my spirit burst into praises to God before I could even think about it.

The second treasure was a few kilometres down the road on the left. A small hill hid it at first but as I drove along my gaze captured this amazing field of lush green going on for as far as my eyes could see. I wanted to stop my car and enjoy the view but the meeting was calling me, so instead I savoured the vibrancy of the colours in the field and found myself taking deep breaths almost as if I was breathing in the life of that field even with my windows up.

My car continued on flying down the empty road in search of Karl's church, while my spirit rejoiced and thanked the Father for these magnificent gifts he had brought my way. I arrived at Gospel Crusade just minutes before the meeting was to begin. All I had missed was the coffee time. The meeting went very well and I received amazing spiritual food while I was there, in fellowship with others, and communion with the Father through a great time of worship.

Now as I reflect back on the day I realize that if I had listened to that little voice and not taken the 403 as well as bringing my GPS along, my trip would have been much shorter, resulting in less gas consumption and less stress on my part. I would have arrived at Gospel Crusade 30-45 min earlier and been able to visit with many of my friends and even meet a few new people, which would have been fun. But I can't help thinking about what I gained from this unplanned adventure.

Mind you I had to choose to alter my attitude and look at things through the eyes of gratitude instead of through the eyes of frustration and anger. The two hand picked gifts the Father gave me were exactly what would minister to my spirit. For some people I know, they get really excited about the birds they see flying in the sky or the wildlife running at the edge of a forest, but for me these sights are often missed as my eyes can not see them quick enough as the car is moving. That is what I love about God the Father, he knows exactly what will minister to each one of us; spirit, soul and body. For me it is the colour green and it is nature. The meadow and the field were right there on my drive but if I had not done an attitude adjustment I would not have been open to receive from them. Instead I would have been receiving from the frustration and anger.

How many times have we as human beings allowed our attitude, our emotions, or our frustrations to rob us of the treasures God the Father has placed right around us to feed our spirit?

I am afraid to think of all the times I have been robbed of such gifts from my heavenly Father.

I can't undo the past--but I can be aware for the future. I want to receive everything God the Father has for me. Don't you!!

Beginnings

I neglected to explain why I have chosen the title 'Ponderings with Gentle Janet' for my blog.

Several years ago I took a three week course on Play Therapy and every person had to come up with an adjective to go with their name--the only stipulation was that you had to use the same first letter from your first name. I thought about it for a long time and finally the only word that I felt described me accurately was 'gentle'. It did not fit the rules of the game BUT it did fit me totally. So it stuck at least in my mind--'Gentle Janet'.

I have a gentle voice and gentle way of working with those who have been severally abused either as a child or as an adult. Every person's heart deserves to be treated gently by others, by self and by the Creator, God. Now gentleness is not to be mistaken by weakness, for the human spirit is intended to be strong and gentle, just as God is strong and gentle.

I chose the word 'Ponderings' as part of my title because I ponder a lot of things in life.

I love to ponder the Bible, God, the Holy Spirit and theology. Being in a Master's of Theology program I have had the honour of learning about many theologians who have gone before us. One of my favourite it Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

I also love to ponder life. I have been married for almost 36 years, raised four wonderful children (two girls and two boys) and had several cats and dogs over the years. I have seen a lot, read a lot and experienced a lot--and I ponder much of these things--and I think others ponder them too.

So, in my blog I want to ponder out loud for others to see and give opportunity to hear what others are saying about the same topic. So, I welcome all who want to ponder with me on a variety of topics.

Summer Adventures

The summer of 2010 has been a very eventful time for me. I have been busy at McMaster Divinity College working on my Master's of Theology until the beginning of April, 2010--that is when the excitement began. I left the day after school was out, which turned out to be not such a wise plan as I had one more essay to write to complete my last class. I spent two weeks in Texas with friends from Texas and Kentucky meeting with three ladies from England. We spent time learning how each of us uses the gifts that God has given us for his kingdom. I then left to go to North Carolina to visit a counselling centre there, Restoring the Foundations. It was a delightful place to visit, and the staff were so welcoming to us.

Then all 6 of us went on to a Rauch Retreat where we learned more about developing the human spirit so it can lead our soul and our body. By then I was pretty exhausted but it was good to see how such a retreat could be done, which gave me ideas for sometime down the road planning a similar type of retreat here in Ontario, Canada.

Then I came home for a few weeks awaiting the arrival of our first grandson, Riel Thomas Gregory Masuda. He was born on May 10, just 4 days after his mom's 31st birthday. When he was two weeks old we flew out to Winnipeg to hold this precious gem in our arms. Being a grandmother is truly delightful--yet sad because he is so far away.

When Riel was 6 weeks old his mom and dad, Jennie and Jeff came to Ontario for two weeks. One of those weeks was spent in my home--hurray for Air Conditioning!!!! I got lots of time with this little man, his mom and dad and their dog Jovi--which was greatly appreciated.

Shortly after they returned to Winnipeg I flew to Oklahoma City to attend a business meeting regarding 'Social Entreprenuer' put on by Plumbline Ministries. I knew the meeting was going to be good but had no idea how much it would impact my spirit, and to be honest with you I am not sure if I can put into words what the meeting gave me. This much I do know--that I was impacted and changed and moved forward in a very real way.

I returned home from Oklahoma City just long enough to do laundry and repack my suitcase to fly to Grande Prairie, Alberta to teach and minister for a week and a half. It was delightful to meet the people of Grande Prairie and to watch God touch their hearts day after day.

I returned home to attend my very first Brantford Christian Writers Guild meeting--even though I am not from Brantford they allowed me to attend :-) Each week I have been learned great tips on writing. Now I am beginning to put those tips to use.

I was home for three weeks then drove on my own (first time EVER) to Grand Rapids, Michigan. A very dear friend of mine lost her son to liver cancer the week Riel was born. So, I told her I would come in the summer to be with them. It was a bitter sweet time there with my friend, her husband and their extended family.

While there I fell on the pier and hurt my right leg and foot pretty badly. Thankfully no broken bones and no stitches but now four weeks later it is still hurting me and I am unable to bend my right leg to go down the stairs.

Then this past Sunday I flew to Virginia with a friend to visit another friend and to learn more about God's grace. It was a tiring three days there and the flight home was long, but now I am home with three and a half weeks left before school starts back up for me.

This year is my last year at McMaster Divinity College for my Masters of Theology. I will be taking New Testament, with a prof who is very demanding, and I will be taking Hebrew which apparently is also very demanding with hours of homework each evening.

I have chosen to take Hebrew even though I do not need it to get my degree--but I want to learn it.

So there are my summer adventures for all to read.

I have three more weeks left and I am not expecting any more wild adventures--but when you follow God and his Holy Spirit it is hard to know where exactly he will lead you and what he will ask of you. I am his daughter and he is my Heavenly Papa and because of this I know that what ever happens in the future I will be able to bear for he is with me.