Light

Light...when we are faced with the absense of it we are often afraid. So, when it appears and touches us, and we feel the warmth of its presence, we are filled with a sense of comfort, safety and awe. Something about it strikes us with hope. When we catch it beaming down through clouds and trees in striking rays that seem to cut through the darkness, our eyes open to all that is beautiful. Waters reflecting its brilliance, and colours suddenly appearing all around us. We become aware of its power to expose all that we are, all that exists. Light brings to us what know is there, but sometimes refuse to believe. Light engages our senses, opens our eyes, provides us warmth and reveals the path before us. We are no longer hidden, we are free.

But the Greatest of These is Love...

Georgia Anne Green, “Nanny”
November 7, 1927 - September 10, 2007

From the beginning, her life was a miracle. On November 7th, 1927 Georgia Anne Parsons came into this world. She was born between 2 siblings who did not endure through their infancy, and became the 4th of 6 surviving children of Reverends George and Mary Parsons.

At the age of two and four she battled against two serious illnesses that nearly took her life, and lived to grow up as a gentle, loving daughter and sister who looked up to her older brother Jack, and sisters “Bene” and “Rhodie”, while lovingly nurturing her little brother “Gil” and baby sister “Gwennie”. She continued through her life to overcome and amaze those around her. She could always say, throughout her whole life, that she had never spent a day sick in a hospital.

Having been born in Victoria Carbonear, Newfoundland, she spent her childhood moving from parsonage to parsonage as my Great Grandparents pastored in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Nfld.

While she was still a teenager, she met her soul mate, Hubert "John" Green, whom everyone then called “Jack”. They were married on October 19th, 1949 and, from that day, were deeply devoted to each other. I remember he always called her “Dear” and after the birth of their three beautiful girls, Dianne, Kay and Sherri, she always called him “Dad”.

Nanny and Grampy, as we called them, sought every opportunity to be together, and so Nanny would often travel with him across Newfoundland as he went to work inspecting the weather equipment in various towns. My sister and I, when we were very young, would sometimes travel with them, and we loved to sit cuddled up beside her as she sang us hymns and loved on us.

She and Grampy, also shared a great love for, and devotion to, the Word of God. And, they felt a deep sense of purpose in sharing the message and love of Christ with whomever they were blessed to meet. Together they were active members of The Gideons International and always carried a supply of New Testaments with them on their journeys. Beyond their love for God, their greatest joy was their love of family and there are no words to fully describe the kind of love that we felt from them.

I am sure that Nanny experienced sadness, loneliness, and even disappointment in her life, after all she was human, and living in this world, but mostly, she told us she felt joy, peace, love and chose to live her life by being thankful and content.

She told me many times that she felt like she was the richest woman in the world. She spoke so often of knowing how blessed she was to have found the love of her life. And, although he was taken from her too soon, she held that love for him alone – and, I know, even into eternity, she is still his.

She also received the ultimate joy of being able to be a full-time mother, bringing up her three girls in the love and trust of the Lord. The girls remember all the times she was there for them, from just being there everyday to greet them when they came home from school, to making special treats, like homemade French Fries with gravy and her divine apple, blueberry and strawberry~rhubard pies. They remember cuddling into her bed with her on lazy mornings, and the way she had of making them feel safe and adored. Her love and belief in them was unconditional, and it always remained steadfast throughout her life. Through the way that she lived her life, she testified to them of the depth of God’s love. And, I know they thank her for believing in them and never giving up so that now their own salvation is secure.

Beyond her salvation, Nanny felt that the dearest gift she had been given on this earth was the gift of her children and grandchildren. She treasured that gift above all things, and she made the most of every moment, every embrace, every opportunity to express her love, to nurture us, protect us, and more than anything to always pray her heartfelt prayers for us.

Nanny loved her grandkids so deeply that she couldn’t ever get enough of us. She called us “her treasures” and I know that she would have liked to have had us around her all the time if she could’ve. She was the type of person who knew no age. And, even as we grew older she called us “her baby, her doll, and her pet” – and even at my age, I loved it. Yes, she spoiled us all with her love, and we are all eternally grateful.

Nanny was an extraordinary woman who loved unconditionally and with a greater devotion than we can express. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like knitting slippers and sweaters for her loved ones, and taking time to make her home a haven of peace for all those who came in. She enjoyed singing hymns especially with our dear friend Kay Pritchett, taking a nice little nap, and her quiet times in devotion and prayer. She cherished the visits and calls from her brothers and sisters, laughing with her family, and of course, having us all together as often as we could.

It is easy to see if you look closely, even now, what kind of a woman my grandmother was. You can see it in her daughters. In my Mother, Dianne, her strength of character, sense of purpose, her determination, and her care- giving nature. In her soft-spoken child, Kay, her tenderness, her compassion, and the purity of her unconditional love. In her youngest, her baby, Sherri, her devotion of faith, her perseverance, and her strength of spirit. And, in each of them, her sense humour, her dedication to family, and her love of the Lord.

She was the gentlest, yet most profound, teacher I have ever known. She taught us all to dream, to have faith, to believe in ourselves and in each other. To forgive, and to never lose hope even when things seem unsure. Above all, she taught us to love without question, because she knew that love is never jealous, proud, selfish or demanding. That it protects, is kind, rejoices in the truth, covers over our sins, and lasts into eternity.

For many people death seems to be the end, and can feel unkind, unnecessary and sometimes even cruel. But, for Nanny it was an anticipated time of passing on into the beginning of a joyous celebration and a truly abundant life everlasting - one without sorrow, without pain, and one where she can embrace her Saviour and see her precious love ones again.

Psalm 116:15 speaks of this and reminds us that for those who place their trust in Him as Nanny did, “Precious in sight of the Lord is the Death of one of His saints”. And, I think we can all agree, she was more than your average saint ~ perhaps even for us an Angel lent to us from above.

Her love for us never ceases, and as we feel it strongly even now, we thank her for always believing, always giving, for always being who she was to all of us. We will miss her on this earth, but she will always and forever be in the center of each of our hearts.

My Grandmother passed away on September 10th, 2007. Her passing was significant in its timing as she passed in the same hour as the love of her life, my grandfather, who, 18 years ago, died during the same hour of his prayers and devotion between 6 and 7 am everyday of his Christian life. When he died I was reminded by God in that hour just how precious the death of one of his saints is (Psalm 116:15). God took them both into His presence in the hour of their devotion to Him. And, the One that they sought to know in this life, they finally have met with face to face for eternity. While I lay beside the body of my grandmother after her spirit left, her mouth forming her last breath slowly closed into a smile, and her face shone with a glorious peace. The sense of loss I have is filled with a knowing that God has us all in the palm of His hand and we will soon be together again with Him.

Forget Me Not....

So, if you can imagine, I have not taken a picture with a camera that is my own for nearly 10 years now. That's 10 years of missed memories. Thankfully, I do have a good memory still at this age, but still. It's pathetic.

With the purchase of my new, and first, digital camera, I have been on somewhat of a mission to capture faces and moments in time. I have also been testing my ability to capture beauty, light and feeling. I am not a photographer, and have actually up until now, not really liked many of the photos I have taken. But, for some reason, I am taken with this new interest. And, perhaps it's the camera, but I must say, I am getting some really nice shots, even if they are only nice to me! The most meaningful ones, of course are of the ones I love. And, most of all my niece and nephew...who are twins and will be turning 10 at the end of this month. So, ironically, my return to taking photos, coinsides with the 10th anniversary of their birth! Again, pathetic!!!

So here they are... just gorgeous.

Mood Swing Batter

How ever changing, ever deliberately unconscious, ever uncomfortable our moods become, it seems that standing in the wake of the ups and downs, lefts and rights of our swings are… strangers… colleagues… friends… and, of course, loved ones… who are battered by the blows. The process reminds me of the popular Spanish party game, the Piñata... we swing blindly, letting our mood move with our senses which we have allowed to be controlled by external stressors and circumstances… then with sudden quick movements we crack down hard on any target that we touch hoping for a great release. The only difference is… instead of sweet candy, we just get a broken target. And, when the blindfold comes off, and our mood relaxes, we realize that the target was just a passer by, and innocent soul, who took the brunt of our frustration, and is left with the sting of it.

I am reminded today of all the people in my life over the years, that may have felt the sting of my blind mood swing batters… and I am compelled to say... I am sorry. I am sorry that I did not take the time to see you... that I did not take the time to hear you... that I did not stop myself from swinging in your direction, and save you the sting of my words. I am sorry that in my selfish need to feel a release from the pressure that I allowed to control my mood, I did not take the time to reach out and feel the support of your love and know that you were there.

I know that some who read this will perhaps think that I am over reacting… well, doesn’t everybody swing from time to time… I mean it is only human. Yes, it’s true, we are, I am. But, it doesn’t really excuse me from the need to see it, to change it, to seek forgiveness for it. Sometimes the object of my swings has been myself…and those have often been the hardest blows. And so tonight, I am in a very grateful mood… thankful to God that He allows us to age, to grow… while it is often painful, the process of change can yield the wonder of wisdom and the beauty of insight, which together seem to create a powerfully positive impression on our life and the lives of those around us.

the World, according to Renee

The world is a beautiful place – I wish I could say that I have seen it all but, well…not yet!!! Perhaps I will be blessed with a life long enough to experience at least most of it! And who knows, one can always dream. Those who know me know that traveling, engaging with the local people and culture and experiencing the sites, sounds, smells, tastes and the feeling of new places is one of my favorite things. I have been privileged in my life to travel to 5 out of the 7 continents of the world – not thinking Antarctica will be on my immediate list, but Africa is definitely on my get there soon list!

What is it about the world that intrigues me? That’s a question that I have tried to articulate over the past several years to myself. Why am I drawn to go, why is it easy for me to leave behind my friends and family and get a plane, sometimes even alone, and go to a foreign place? What makes it all so beautiful to me?

All of it. I am drawn in so many ways. I am drawn by the culture, the differences between them, the uniqueness of the views, perspectives, interpretation of life, values, what is held most dear. I am drawn by the landscapes, the heights and depths, the outstretched skies, and cozy corners of the earth. I am drawn by the warmth and the coolness of the air. I am drawn by the stunning architecture, the quaint little homes, the villages shattered across a mountainside creating a new landscape of white stone and a thousand windows. I am drawn to the bridges, tiny stone ones, vast works of art spanning across a city skyline, bridges of rope taking you across the rivers of the jungles. I am draw by the art, paintings, sculptures, crafts, the creative genius that comes from ordinary men and women. I am drawn by the people, the depth of insight they share, the joy of expression, hearts full of passion, the eyes of a child. I am drawn by the power of creation.

I was asked once if I thought that one person could change the world. I didn’t seem to hesitate at all. Of course. Do I think that I can change the world? Yes. Sounds a little arrogant, doesn’t it. It’s not meant to be. I think every person has the power to change the world…now I will get a little sappy… so, if you get nausea from sappiness…don’t read on! The power we have to change the world exists in every moment, of every day of our lives, through the choices we make…the butterfly effect, if you will. If we choose today to be happy and we are…to spite the circumstances of our day, to spite the stress of our lives, then we set in motion a series of changes that make a difference to every person’s world that day. Smile at a stranger and they inevitably smile back. Show kindness to a person and they cannot help but be thankful. Our lives are so fragile, yet so strong. We have such powerful weaknesses, yet when our strengths, talents and gifts are invested into the lives of others, our weaknesses seem to fade, and our life finds meaning that we cannot deny.

The power of creation. That’s how I see it. We are beautifully and wonderfully made. We have been given all that we have, and have the choice to give or take from this world that is ours. In the giving, we receive so much more.

Bloggling the Mind...

It's truly fascinating...you put something out there, and you have no idea how fast it gets to people. A little spooky, I must admit. The path of links that exists in cyber-space is really mind-boggling, or bloggling, as I now call it. During my 3 years at INJOY in Atlanta, I was introduced to a lot of marketing trend research and information...and they did say (the so called experts) that blogging was going to be the greatest/or worst marketing asset for companies...a vehicle of communication that would make or break a company - traditional consumer reports would be a thing of the past, and people would buy based on what others were saying on the their blogs!! Companies would have little to no control over the "real marketing campaign" - the new cyber-space "grassroot movement", or "cyber-roots movement" I guess....

And, so the same can now be said about how information will travel about our personal lives as well...as I click through a friend's blog to links of old friends reaquainting myself with their lives in almost 'real time' I am truly fascinated...no more having to worry about remembering call, or sending mass emails setting up countless "group" emails etc...no more having to share the story of your life over the past 3 years to every past aquaintance that you come in contact with....just blog and your whole life will travel from one link to the next and everyone will say, when you see them after 3 years of no direct communication,....Wow, so great to see you...so how is that new puppy that you just got? Still having trouble with the potty training? It was so nice to hear that you and Jack, and the kids had a great time in Hawaii last week!!

It's both liberating and a little sad...we are connecting with people that we would otherwise not, due to distance, and time...but there is the rub...time...somehow, it seems that society is danger of losing the treasure of it...and, I fear the loss of value that will come to the power of human connection - I was talking to a youth leader in Australia a few years ago and she was saying that they are now having to offer classes in personal connection for teenagers - some of them, not even knowing how to introduce themselves, shake hands, and interact with new people - they are "texting" instead - it's the new form of "passing a note" but it is going well beyond junior high - young adults who don't have a clue how to talk to each other except in cyber-space.

Don't misunderstand, I am the worst offender when it comes to the commitment of staying in touch with my friends and even family at times....it is simply unacceptable. And, I think this blogging experience is actually teaching me to value it more, to strive for it, to make it a priority...because nothing can replace it, and if the opportunity of time with a loved one passes me by, I will regret that I did not make the most of it. This opportunity to BLOG my life and let it flow through the channels of space and time, is truly a gift for me - one that will continue to treasure, because I know that a connection is being made with so many friends that I could not in "real time" connect with so personally. To those, I want to say, Hello... I miss you...I am sorry it has taken me so long.

Time...

Well, it's time. I am finally doing it. I am writing my first blog entry. For those of you that don't know...Mitch actually wrote my first entry for me...yes, I am truly pathetic! So, here are my blog rules...I am a desperately fanatical editor or whatever I write (and a terrible speller to boot!)...those of you who have received long emails from me will be interested to know that it sometimes takes me hours to write, read, re-read, edit, etc, etc...just so that what I am saying sounds just right....blah, blah, blah....so, my first rule...no judging the lack of editing...this three dot thing...yes, it's going to happen over and over...and over. Rule 2...this one is for me...I am going to try to do this without editing (well, too much). I have actually realized that this 'editing' obsession has carry over into my life, and I need to be free of it. Free...Free...Free......free.

Okay, so let's get started...I am sure that those of you who have ventured onto my spot are all asking the obvious question....are you really a Blonde? All this time with the dark brown hair...why the mystery? It's a long story, one that Mitch thought particularly fitting when he encouraged me to blog. A dear college friend, and mutual friend to Mitch and I, used to tease me that I "must be a blonde" because of some of the comments I would make and my quirky nature...yeah, yeah...I know. One day, he actually checked my head to see if I was dying my hair and really had Blonde roots! The image of a skunk comes to mind, I know. But, no, I am naturally a very, very dark brunette, almost black really...with a little grey, I do admit, coming in now that I am practically middle-aged!

Practically middle-aged, and for those that are just now catching up on my flightful life...no, I am not married...or nearly married...or dating anyone...or have any prospects...and interestingly enough...not worried! Life is good. I have the best friends...all over the place...literally. And, I am happy...really...I know some of you are concerned, but please know that I am blessed beyond what I could ever deserve, and I am content to live, love and let life happen to me as it will. I am seeking nothing but to be who God intended me to be.

Enough preachababel.

I am back in my family's now hometown of about 15 years - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada - some of you may have seen my singing debut "Oh Canada" online, thanks to my lovely friend.....oh, yes, MITCH again!! It's disturbing to say the least.

Last stop on my traveling career was Atlanta, GA - working for John Maxwell's leadership company...good times, GREAT friends, and lots of new experiences. Before that Portland, OR - hometown of my best friend, Rachel Gallagher (nee, White) - working for Luis Palau Association - short time, great views. That brings be back Texas and to my time at Teen Mania - love them, love the friends, love the memories, did not care for Texas. Then, of course, ORU in Tulsa, OK...the beginning of a great journey that continues to this day.

Enough history.

Me,...now. I am working for a non-profit organization in Canada called Operation Springboard - I am coordinating a new project that they are initiating that involves interactive e-learning tools for youth and young adults who are at risk of, or are involved in, the criminal justice system. So politically correct, eh? And, there it is....the "eh" you have all been waiting for. Sarcasm is back in full force now that I am back in Canada - it's part of my heritage.

I do love want I am doing right now - a good opportunity to put my experience and talents to work in a very meaningful project. But, I am going to admit openly and put it out there in cyber-space - I am still searching. I know some of you are already thinking...she seems to have been searching for a while....moving from place to place, job to job...it's true...but I have discovered something profound along my way, and that is that I am not meant to settle...in many more ways than one.

I chatted with a friend online today and she, along with Mitch, and some of my other very close friends have said things lately that confirm for me that there is still a very real 'untapped' potential in me that is not being fully realised. Fear. That's all that is plugging up the flow of it. So, I am now, more than ever, resolved to venture on the quest to discover and activate it....

...to be continued.

I'm A Blogger

Because of my friend Mitch, I am now an official blogger. I just hope I can figure this site out. Perhaps you can give me some pointers to help me. See, I may have black hair but just like Rose Nyland my roots are blonde. Well, at least that's what I've been told by others.