pender harbour paddling

So my friend Sarah came last week and we had a great visit...even got out to do some kayaking around the area. One of the bonuses of moving to Pender Harbour has been getting out on the water and exploring the area by kayak. Even getting out for just a few hours is always so fun and refreshing. Here are a few photos from our adventure...


It is so wonderful to enjoy the summer here, but I am looking forward to the fall as well. I love the change of seasons and also the change of pace. Reminds me of the excitement of going back to school...the joy of new school supplies, the smell of new books...almost makes me want to go back! :)

the gift of hospitality: creating space for the guest

I love having friends come to visit...for one thing, it helps me clean up the house :), but it is also fun and refreshing to share life together for a few days. Last week we had our good friend Monica from Vancouver come and spend a couple days with us. It was great to see her, share what has been going on in our lives, drink coffee together, and do a little kayaking around Pender Harbour.

This week I'm looking forward to my friend Sarah's visit...we used to be neighbours in Buena Vista, Colorado and it's been a long time since we've seen each other. It was a joy when she got in touch recently and said she'd love to come for a visit for a few days!

This morning I was reading from a book called 'Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen.' It's a great little devotional book that is based on various writings from Nouwen. The reading today was called 'The Gift of Hospitality: Creating Space for the Guest' and it really spoke to me about the opportunity to share life together through hospitality. Here are some of the thoughts:

One of the most significant ways to serve others is to be present with them. Present not in a smothering or controlling way, but in providing a place of freedom. Such a place can be provided through the ministry of hospitality.

Nouwen points out that hospitality means "the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend." Hospitality is thus a gift we can give to the other person.

Hospitality does not necessarily mean doing something special for the guest or friend. It means being ourselves and allowing another into the rhythm of our family or community life. It means sharing a meal, providing a room. But more importantly, it means being willing both to share something of ourselves and of our life journey and being open to participate in those things that the guest or friend may share.

But hospitality is not only about sharing. It is also providing a free space, providing room where the guest can be still and at peace. Hospitality is not entertainment. It is not crowding the guest. It is a rhythm that allows for freedom and participation in which the guest can be enriched. In exercising such a ministry, we ourselves will also be enriched.

Today as I prepare for a guest to come, these are good words that make me think about more than just making sure the house is clean and tidy. How am I creating a space where guests and friends can be enriched and refreshed, where we can share our lives and our journeys together? I am thankful for the opportunites I have to share through hospitality, whether that is in our home, at work, or even in talking with strangers, neighbours, and friends on the street.

in the morning

This morning I read and prayed the following prayer that was penned by John Calvin. What a great way to begin a new day!

My God, Father and Preserver, who in your goodness has watched over me in this past night and brought me to this day, grant that I may spend the day wholly in your service. Let me not think or say or do a single thing that is not in obedience to your will; but rather let all my actions be directed to your glory and the salvation of my brethren. Let me attempt nothing that is not pleasing to you; but rather let me seek happiness only in your grace and goodness. Grant also, that as I labour for the goods and clothing necessary for this life, I may constantly raise my mind upwards to the heavenly life which you promise to all your children. Amen.

John Calvin inspired the Protestant reformation in Geneva, governing both the religious and the political efforts of the city according to biblical principles. His daily prayers, which he composed for the ordinary people of Geneva, reflect his conviction that spiritual faith is worthless without practical application.

Trust...Dwell...Delight...

Well, it has definitely been a long time since I've written and much has gone on these past months. I am now joyfully married to Kent Morgan and we are enjoying settling into life together in Pender Harbour. Our wedding was a special time of celebration with all of our friends and family. We felt such love and support from those who came or sent greetings. It was a beautiful way to start out on our journey together!


We were blessed to share a wonderful visit in Australia after our wedding. It was great to meet Kent's family and friends, as well as see the beauty and uniqueness of Australia.

Now we are keeping busy with life and ministry here on the Sunshine Coast. I recently transitioned into the role of senior pastor at Christ the Redeemer Church. It is a privilege to serve in this way and we are excited about the opportunities that are ahead for us in the church and community of Pender Harbour.

During this summer season we are "soaking in the Psalms" in our preaching series at church. This week I am preaching on Psalm 37, which speaks about trusting God especially when it seems that the evil around us abounds. The following verses have spoken loudly to me this week: ³ Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. ⁴ Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Trust...Dwell...Delight... This is what God calls us to do in our journey with him, no matter where he takes us, no matter what challenges we face. I am so grateful for the promises of God that never fail!