Emmanuel's Seniors Journal

  As I write, I am taking a few vacation days to rest.   I have lots to write about but have decided to honour these days of going slower with no expectations. The staff have so graciously stepped forward to help with the blog to encourage those who read the senior's blog.    Today we have devotional from Brendon: This is the view from my home-office, where I have spent most of my time over the past four months.  Those trees and that view have been there all along, ever since we've lived in this house, but I've became much more acquainted with them during this season of COVID-19. When I started working from home back in March, the trees were without leaves.  But as I've sat here daily at my desk, for prayer and for work, for reflection and conversation, I've watched the leaves emerge and unfold in all their glorious green splendour.  I have noticed many birds and butterflies and bees and bugs. They come and go unbidden, all passing through and pausing,...

I had a memory today, of an early morning on the first day of summer twenty years ago. Murray and I are sitting in our old fishing boat, each with a mug of hot coffee.   Murray is fishing, and I am listening to tunes. The sun was shining, the breeze warm, and God’s presence seemed near. Beside me was a bag of books, a journal, several pens, cases of CDs, and my Walkman. My summer worship song for that year was Beautiful God by Vineyard UK, click here to listen. I still enjoy how this song makes me feel, definitely a summer song of praise to God. Today, as I write, it is summer 2020, and I find myself sitting in a newer fishing boat, with Murray and Alex, on the same lake with our mugs of coffee. No longer do I take with me a Walkman or books or a journal, only my smartphone. I enjoy the simplicity of not carrying a pile of books and CDs everywhere I go. Life has changed in twenty years, it continues to be unpredictable, and I appreciate my smartphone! One thing, however, is...

I have appreciated being with my grandchildren over the last few weeks as restrictions are lifting. They are part of my “pod bubble.”   I am holding Avery, who turns one on August 1 and with Alex now 8, and Teela, who is now 12.   I am learning to appreciate the small things in life, like a good cup of coffee with Murray first thing in the morning, warm days of summer (when it is not windy), and time with my family.   Memories of being with my grandchildren are treasures to cherish and to be grateful for always. I will continue in this post, sharing a few nuggets that inspired me this week.   Nugget One: I came across this article today from Crossway, on how to pray for your children (grandchildren) this summer.   There are a few thoughts I never thought of praying, click here to read. Nugget Two: At the beginning of the pandemic, The New York Times offered free email updates from their news feeds.   I have enjoyed reading the daily briefs th...

Over the last four weeks, on Monday’s we have heard from a few of the staff at Emmanuel.   This week, Rachel Bueckert, our Director for Youth Ministries, has said "yes" to sharing a few thoughts from her corner.