Wall of Faith: GiniDo you like surprises? I sure do - especially this kind. Earlier this month I had a visit from my sister-in-law and brother. They surprised me by bringing something that belonged to me that I had not seen in 48 years. It was a Bible that had been given to me in 1964. My name was engraved on the cover. Our family had lived in Alaska from 1962 to 1967. My parents were missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. When I left Alaska, I must have left the Bible behind. While we lived in Fairbanks, we made friends with a woman named Dixie Myers. She was a secretary at the University of Alaska. Later, much to the delight of my parents, Dixie decided to become a member of Wycliffe as well - using her secretarial skills to aid in Bible translation. Little did we know that just a few years later, my Dad would pass away very suddenly. Mom needed to find a new role with Wycliffe and took some secretarial classes. She and Dixie were roommates in Fairbanks for several years and served Wycliffe together. Fast forward 40 some years. Dixie's daughter found herself with the chore of going through her mother's papers and books after her death. It was during this search that she found my Bible. Since my maiden name is rather unusual (Canonge), she had no trouble tracking down my brother. After it was confirmed that "Gini Canonge" was indeed his sister, the Bible was shipped to them. What a joy to look through what was my very first Bible. I had written down the references of verses I had learned and circled things in pictures that I deemed important - like baby Jesus in the manger and the gifts from the magi. Why was this so special? Our family has a combined 100 years of service with Wycliffe Bible Translators. 53 years after being given that Bible, I am still memorizing His word. It is a treasure to be able to read God's word to me in my primary language. Thank you Wycliffe for having the goal to translate the Bible into every heart language on the earth. Mindy here - Anyone else plan on looking these verses up? I must know what this dear woman thought was important to memorize first. Do you have any treasures you've received from your past?
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Last week I spent time helping host a team of friends in from Rwanda. I called in lots of favors to secure housing, lunches, coverage for my regular responsibilities and generally caused a ruckus in the lives of people I love. It was great fun. This morning, I'm taking a few moments to write some thank you notes. The power of a good note is often overlooked. Today's giveaway is your own pack of note cards. Do you have someone you should thank? Remind you love? Encourage? Have you ever gotten a note which spoke love into your life? I'll draw a winner from the comments on the website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The women in my family are loud, passionate, tough and tenacious. People sometimes joke it must take a special sort of man to keep up. The truth is the women in my family are strong because the men in my family are giants. We are safe to take a stand because we know they've got our backs covered. My dad is a hard working, generous and kind soul. He's quiet and thoughtful. He speaks words only when he's measured them out. His life philosophy is all about choosing to love, to be positive, to hold hope, to follow through. I have never once asked him for help and had him say no. Not once. My husband is steadfast, giving, talented and gentle. He watches people and projects and quietly makes adjustments to protect, to honor, to support. He knows how to celebrate. I have never doubted his commitment to me, my girls or his faith. Not once. I am grateful beyond measure. You matter greatly. Thank you.
What everyday ordinary things give you joy? For me it's raspberries and clean water. A hug. A big huge smile from a friend. A cup of coffee. A dandelion. I'll draw a winner to give this sign away to from the comments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the website.
CS Lewis wrote The Great Divorce in response to William Blake's book The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. Blake's contention was evil and good are related and partners and necessary. Lewis' belief was heaven and God and love have nothing to do with hate and sin and destruction. He shows heaven in joyful fun glory and hell looks remarkably dull and sad and recognizable. This is an easy to read, change your perspective allegory of life. I buy this book and give it away at least once a year. This time I'm giving it to a Quirk E-mail subscriber.
What in the world. Today's giveaway is proof that any idea can make it to market. Any idea. The fact that my husband wants to win these is proof you can overcome any differences in your marriage. Beet chips? Seriously? But Yea I bought beet chips and I'm giving them out as a Quirky Faith birthday gift because sometimes you get odd gifts in life and have to respond with grace. Happy day!
It's Tuesday. We've got a week left of school, a list a million miles long, guests in town from Rwanda. I'm taking notes everywhere I go. I've got a cute journal again to give out today. I'll draw a winner from the Quirk E-Mail list. If you aren't subscribed yet do it!
These cutie peanut butter dog treat cookies make me grin. Locally made and sold at the best local pet store. To win tell me what you've learned about faith from your dog. I'll draw a winner from the comments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the website.
Check out www.woodinyoupamperedpaws.com or Pampered Paws Facebook page for great deals and amazing service. Seriously. |
About MeI love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too. Past Posts
August 2020
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