I cannot believe that it is Advent already – actually it is the eve of the 2nd Sunday in Advent. I find this is my favorite time of year because of the waiting and heightened sense of God’s activity in the world. It is a mystical time and one I enjoy. As the Apostle Paul says: May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Happy Advent!

When I began internship I wondered in a blog post what God would bring to birth in the days and months ahead.  To be sure there were many things brought to birth during internship: new relationships, new ventures, and new understandings of what our life together means as “In Mission for Others”.  Over the course of the 9 months of internship there were birthings within myself; the birthing of my voice and God-given creativity that had laid quietly deep inside me, the birthing of my understanding of who I am in ministry – most specifically that I am a midwife, and the concrete affirmation that I do indeed have the gifts for ministry.

Well, on August 6th, 2010 I was officially my birthed into “pastorhood” through the laying on of hands by the other midwives – the bishop and my fellow coworkers.  Yes it was my ordination day and a spectacular day it was.  Surrounded by family, friends (old and new), and many coworkers I was brought into the ministry of pastor by the Holy Spirit.  No words can effectively convey the experience except to say… it was Awe-some.

The groanings and labour pains of seminary are now a distant memory replaced with the joy of beginning ministry with the people of Gloria Dei Lutheran.  Thanks be to God!

Well well well.  It seems I have been neglecting my blog for some time.  My apologies to you all who drop by once in while to read and catch up.  I cannot believe that my internship has ended and I am now into preparations for my final year.  Wow where has the time gone!!

I was looking at my dashboard for gracehappens and realized that during the past year I had tried several times to write and actually did have drafts of things.  Unfortunatley they didn’t get published for one reason or another.  One of the most significant events that happened this past year was my doctor diagnosing me with depression.  I cannot begin to tell you how clear everything became once we talked about what was going on and had been going on.  I have probably dealt with this for years, mind you, not very successfully.  But it is good to have a diagnosis and treatment.  I feel alive and able to concentrate.  I am very thankful for my doctor who listens to me and doesn’t give pat answers to things.

In June Alan and I left for a three week holiday in BC.  It was just what we needed to reconnect and be quiet with no distractions of the city to get in the way of our day.  We spent some time on the west coast in Victoria and then to see my god mum in Vancouver.  We then spent the remainder of our time in the interior.  We had to make some adjustments to our holiday because we needed more down time.  We were utterly exhausted from our work this past year and needed to be healthy and refreshed for the return.  We both felt like we could face the city and civilization again when we were leaving the interior.

Alan is now beginning his new job at 17 Wing and I am beginning to get prepared to go back to Saskatoon for my final year.  Thank you to all who have kept me in your prayers and drop by every now and then.  I ask for your continued prayers for Alan and me as we begin to face another year apart.  We trust that God will keep us safe and will direct our lives in ministry.

Till tomorrow – peace

Jenn