Just two weeks into the new year and already its newness is wearing thin. We continue to deal with the same old things: the struggles, the sorrows, the difficulties of every day life in this broken world.
Don't get me wrong- I know there are good things, too. Some of us are in good relationships. We have good jobs, or lovely homes, or families that we love, who love us back. But, even if we have those things (and not everyone does), we are still faced with the truth that life is not easy in this world. Living in these difficult times can darken our thoughts, even if we believe, as I do, that God is in control and that, one day, all will be set right. Yet, we still have to live in the here and now, when things are not right. And that can be overwhelming and discouraging. But we have not been left without hope. God has given us tools to help us navigate the storms of this life. One of those tools is thankfulness.
In I Thessalonians 5:18, Paul tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (NIV). I don't think he means by this that we need to feel thankful all the time, or about all the things that happen to us. Rather, this is about our attitude. We can approach life with an attitude of thankfulness, whatever is going on around us, inside of us, or in the world at large. Choosing an attitude of thankfulness will not necessarily change our feelings, but it may change the way we live and act.
And so, as I dust off This Life is an Adventure, after a very long hiatus, I will be focusing on being thankful. There are always challenges to be faced, and I am sure that will be no different for most of us in 2018. A little more thankfulness can't hurt.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Friday, May 1, 2015
Alberta Election 2015
The Alberta Election 2015 is mere days away. In case you aren't familiar with it, here is Alberta's election history in a nutshell:
1971- present Progressive Conservatives
1935-1971 Social Credit
1921-1935 United Farmers of Alberta
1905-1921 Liberals
We are a province of political dynasties. We are also a province of majority governments. I think it is time to consider changing that. Let's shake up the status quo, try something new, stretch ourselves a bit, and vote in a minority government.
Too radical? Too disturbing a thought? Certainly something different for this province.
I think that a minority government could be a good thing for Alberta. For one thing, it might help the political parties to learn a new skill: cooperation. That is something that has been unnecessary in the past; majority governments feel, understandably, that they have been given a mandate to go ahead and do whatever they see fit. That can be useful but, as we have sometimes seen in Alberta, it can also get out of control. A minority government could, theoretically, help the political parties to learn to play nicely together: share their toys, take turns, listen to and hear each other out. I might be a bit on the optimistic side regarding this possibility, some might say naive. After all, they might all just as likely have tantrums, take their toys and go home. Discouraging thought. After all, cooperation and the ability to compromise are reasonable qualities to expect our politicians to cultivate. Aren't they?
A minority government, formed by any of the parties in Alberta, would also send a strong message to the most recent dynasty, a message that Albertans are tired of being treated like employees instead of shareholders. We govern, by proxy, through our elected representatives. It is time that we take hold of that right and responsibility, and it is time that our government becomes aware of that truth, in no uncertain terms.
So, on May 5th, let's consider making a change, and a mark in the political history of Alberta. Whatever your political views may be, get out there and let your opinion be heard at the ballot box. At the risk of sounding cliché, every vote really does count.
1971- present Progressive Conservatives
1935-1971 Social Credit
1921-1935 United Farmers of Alberta
1905-1921 Liberals
We are a province of political dynasties. We are also a province of majority governments. I think it is time to consider changing that. Let's shake up the status quo, try something new, stretch ourselves a bit, and vote in a minority government.
Too radical? Too disturbing a thought? Certainly something different for this province.
I think that a minority government could be a good thing for Alberta. For one thing, it might help the political parties to learn a new skill: cooperation. That is something that has been unnecessary in the past; majority governments feel, understandably, that they have been given a mandate to go ahead and do whatever they see fit. That can be useful but, as we have sometimes seen in Alberta, it can also get out of control. A minority government could, theoretically, help the political parties to learn to play nicely together: share their toys, take turns, listen to and hear each other out. I might be a bit on the optimistic side regarding this possibility, some might say naive. After all, they might all just as likely have tantrums, take their toys and go home. Discouraging thought. After all, cooperation and the ability to compromise are reasonable qualities to expect our politicians to cultivate. Aren't they?
A minority government, formed by any of the parties in Alberta, would also send a strong message to the most recent dynasty, a message that Albertans are tired of being treated like employees instead of shareholders. We govern, by proxy, through our elected representatives. It is time that we take hold of that right and responsibility, and it is time that our government becomes aware of that truth, in no uncertain terms.
So, on May 5th, let's consider making a change, and a mark in the political history of Alberta. Whatever your political views may be, get out there and let your opinion be heard at the ballot box. At the risk of sounding cliché, every vote really does count.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Violets
Violets are shy flowers. They hide beneath the detritus of last year's garden and can be completely overlooked. Some years, I have missed their bloom altogether. I am always disappointed when that happens for violets, beloved and simple flowers, speak to my heart. For me, they are the true heralds of spring.
This past Sunday, my neighbour Debbie and I went looking for our violets, and we found them. Thanks to an amiable wind, I suppose, they had spread from my flowerbed to hers, and as we pushed aside some dead grasses, we found these delicate purple flowers hidden beneath.
We have violets in God's garden, too. They spread God's love, in their own quiet way, in their neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, barely noticed, sometimes completely overlooked, even by those who benefit from their gifts of service. But when our eyes are opened before God's throne, we may be surprised at some of those who receive the heartfelt "Well done, good and faithful servant." Then, their once undetected brilliance will shine for all to see in the light of the Father's Presence.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Easter Sunday
Previously posted March 22, 2013
Easter Sunday
Darkness turned to light
A touch of hope
And then
Unadulterated JOY.
The unthinkable has been
Thought
The undoable has been
done
The unreasonable is now
Reality.
Darkness turned to light
By truth
We are not imprisoned
Any longer
In cells of our own making.
The light has broken through
Releasing those
held by Darkness.
A new world begins.
Hope, once scattered
Is Now Firm
Truth, once uncertain
Is Now Confirmed
The Future, once Darkened
Is now Filled with
Light
Light that will guide us
Into a new reality-
Through the darkness
Into what was always
Meant to be.
No more holding back
For we know what lies ahead.
No more fear of death
For that blight has been conquered.
Our hope
Our truth
Our future
Joy-filled with Light.
Katherine Kavanagh Hoffman
Friday, April 3, 2015
Good Friday Reflections
First posted March 27, 2013
Crucifixion
The bread and cup
were passed
Thus, the ordeal began.
A furtive meeting
A quiet garden
Filled with prayer and anguish
Sleeping men.
And, then
The sounds of rushing men
intent on duty.
A kiss
The strike of a sword
And healing.
Fearful men.
Trial
Denial
Mockery
A night filled with uncertainty
for many
Though not for
One.
He is sure of the outcome.
And the purpose
Purple robes
Crown of thorns
Cross to bear.
Through the streets
Jeering crowds
A contrast to those
crowds victorious,
worshipful,
mere days ago.
And, then,
Desolation.
The pain of
flesh and spirit torn
The torment of sin,
though not His own
The agony of this labour.
Death brings completion.
"It is finished."
Katherine Kavanagh Hoffman
The bread and cup
were passed
Thus, the ordeal began.
A furtive meeting
A quiet garden
Filled with prayer and anguish
Sleeping men.
And, then
The sounds of rushing men
intent on duty.
A kiss
The strike of a sword
And healing.
Fearful men.
Trial
Denial
Mockery
A night filled with uncertainty
for many
Though not for
One.
He is sure of the outcome.
And the purpose
Purple robes
Crown of thorns
Cross to bear.
Through the streets
Jeering crowds
A contrast to those
crowds victorious,
worshipful,
mere days ago.
And, then,
Desolation.
The pain of
flesh and spirit torn
The torment of sin,
though not His own
The agony of this labour.
Death brings completion.
"It is finished."
Katherine Kavanagh Hoffman
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Wintertime Musings
I am not a big fan of winter these days. For a woman who has spent the last 28 years in Edmonton, Alberta, that is saying a lot. However, I can look at the bright side. It is February, a nice short winter month. We are on the other side of the winter solstice, so it is getting lighter. Longer days, shorter month- that can only mean one thing- spring really will come, and sooner than later.
In Edmonton, that usually means sometime in April. We cannot really count on March- it never seems to be able to decide what kind of month it wants to be. And, to be honest, even April can be quite finicky. So, while others are finishing with spring, we are usually basking in it in May. Or June.
I can hardly wait!
I wish I could embrace winter as some people I know do. Maybe I am just a coward. The winter cold here bites at my skin, all the more so because I have rosacea. I do honestly suffer after any time spent in the cold- not just because my skin gets red, but because it also gets so sore. This does not make me want to head out for a brisk morning walk, or a cross country ski venture in the River Valley.
For me, winter means staying in. Period. Trying to stay physically active within the confines of my home. And failing quite miserably.
There are things that I do embrace about winter in Edmonton. Cozying up in my comfy armchair, a vanilla chai close at hand, and a good book in my lap. Taking a snow day, watching movies on Netflix, cuddled in a warm throw on the couch in the den. And this year, I have found the long dark cold winter days much more tolerable thanks to this laptop and a desk in my office, where I am beginning to spend more and more time writing.
So, I salute those of you who are able to embrace the winter cold with determination and even pleasure! I really wish I could! Perhaps I do need to consider another nest for the winter, far away from all this cold. In the meantime, I will cocoon in the best way I know how. And while my body may not appreciate the long hibernation, I can at least use it as a time to get my brain into shape.
In Edmonton, that usually means sometime in April. We cannot really count on March- it never seems to be able to decide what kind of month it wants to be. And, to be honest, even April can be quite finicky. So, while others are finishing with spring, we are usually basking in it in May. Or June.
I can hardly wait!
I wish I could embrace winter as some people I know do. Maybe I am just a coward. The winter cold here bites at my skin, all the more so because I have rosacea. I do honestly suffer after any time spent in the cold- not just because my skin gets red, but because it also gets so sore. This does not make me want to head out for a brisk morning walk, or a cross country ski venture in the River Valley.
For me, winter means staying in. Period. Trying to stay physically active within the confines of my home. And failing quite miserably.
There are things that I do embrace about winter in Edmonton. Cozying up in my comfy armchair, a vanilla chai close at hand, and a good book in my lap. Taking a snow day, watching movies on Netflix, cuddled in a warm throw on the couch in the den. And this year, I have found the long dark cold winter days much more tolerable thanks to this laptop and a desk in my office, where I am beginning to spend more and more time writing.
So, I salute those of you who are able to embrace the winter cold with determination and even pleasure! I really wish I could! Perhaps I do need to consider another nest for the winter, far away from all this cold. In the meantime, I will cocoon in the best way I know how. And while my body may not appreciate the long hibernation, I can at least use it as a time to get my brain into shape.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
New Year In Focus
So, how is 2015 working out for you so far?
Are your resolutions still holding? Are you satisfied with the way things are going?
We are now at the end of January. Perhaps 2015 does not look quite as shiny as it did just a couple of weeks ago. Maybe your resolutions have already bitten the dust. It all seemed so easy on January 1st, but now we are back to the same old thing, and the same old dissatisfaction is rearing its head.
Could it be that we are looking in the wrong direction? So often our resolutions are focussed on things we think will make our lives happier. But maybe that isn't what it is all about. Or maybe happiness does not come from looking within, but from looking outward.
This world is filled with the need for hope. What if we resolved to fill that need, even in some small way? In our own backyards, there are people who could use some encouragement- those who are living with illness or loss, those who are homeless, in prison or imprisoned in dead end jobs. And beyond our own neighbourhoods, we see even greater needs. Around the world people are starving, dying in epidemics, living under the constraints of dictatorial regimes, political unrest, terrorism and war.
What can we do to make a difference? We may not be able to solve the world's problems, or even our neighbourhood's, but we can have a positive influence on the world around us by giving away a little bit of ourselves. Something as simple as lending an ear to someone we know, or praying for those in crisis, writing a letter concerning an injustice, or writing a cheque for a good cause, can make more of a difference than we realize.
So, this year I am making a new resolution, even if it is the end of January. I am going to ask God to help me see the world through His eyes, whether I am looking down the street, or across the globe. And as I look around me, I am going to ask the question- what can I do? I have no doubt that He will answer in a very concrete way.
Are your resolutions still holding? Are you satisfied with the way things are going?
We are now at the end of January. Perhaps 2015 does not look quite as shiny as it did just a couple of weeks ago. Maybe your resolutions have already bitten the dust. It all seemed so easy on January 1st, but now we are back to the same old thing, and the same old dissatisfaction is rearing its head.
Could it be that we are looking in the wrong direction? So often our resolutions are focussed on things we think will make our lives happier. But maybe that isn't what it is all about. Or maybe happiness does not come from looking within, but from looking outward.
This world is filled with the need for hope. What if we resolved to fill that need, even in some small way? In our own backyards, there are people who could use some encouragement- those who are living with illness or loss, those who are homeless, in prison or imprisoned in dead end jobs. And beyond our own neighbourhoods, we see even greater needs. Around the world people are starving, dying in epidemics, living under the constraints of dictatorial regimes, political unrest, terrorism and war.
What can we do to make a difference? We may not be able to solve the world's problems, or even our neighbourhood's, but we can have a positive influence on the world around us by giving away a little bit of ourselves. Something as simple as lending an ear to someone we know, or praying for those in crisis, writing a letter concerning an injustice, or writing a cheque for a good cause, can make more of a difference than we realize.
So, this year I am making a new resolution, even if it is the end of January. I am going to ask God to help me see the world through His eyes, whether I am looking down the street, or across the globe. And as I look around me, I am going to ask the question- what can I do? I have no doubt that He will answer in a very concrete way.
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