Every Bible Verse has an “Ali Paraphrase”

Thoughts on meditating on the scriptures, finding your voice in the Word of God, and personally building up your spirit: When I read my Bible, my journal is not far away. I like to read passages of scripture and then meditate on the words I've read, and see what the Holy Spirit speaks to my…

The Unsolved Life: Fumbling and Failing on a Sabbatical

Over the course of my sabbatical, I have found it hard to write "a full thought" on paper (or shall I say, on screen). For all of those amazing people who write books when they're on sabbatical, I am not one of them! Here I am, a writer (amateur and unpublished, but I'd still consider…

My Christmas Update

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope this Christmas letter finds you well and full of hope. Think of this letter as a virtual Christmas hug. This is the season when we take time to reflect on the King of Heaven, Immanuel (God-with-us), becoming a man and wrapping His arms around the human race in the biggest GOD-HUG…

Behind Every Cloud is Hope

My "friend", Henri Nouwen, wrote this in his book 'Here and Now' about a good friend of his. I liked what he had to say. It really challenged me: "My friend's joy is contagious. The more I am with him, the more I catch glimpses of the sun shining through the clouds. Yes, I know there…

What You Were Made For (The Secret to Life)

Do you think I’m going to torture you and have you wait until the end of this to tell you what you were made for? Don’t worry, I’m not going to do that. Who likes to be left hanging? No one does. So I’ll just say it, right up front. You were made for total…

Sabbatical Reflections: A New Frontier and a New Family

It’s funny how life can change so drastically in a year… To say that God is surprising is an understatement... One year ago I was in New Zealand, packing my bags to head off on a month-long ministry/scouting trip to the Middle East with a couple friends of mine. It was a great trip, reuniting…

Peace vs. Excessive Planning

My Aunt gave me this little daily devotional, Jesus Calling, recently and I can't tell you how much it has already blessed me. You see, the whole set up is that it was written by a young female missionary, Sarah Young, who decided to just write down the things she felt God was speaking to…

Autumn Glory (Photo Blog)

Well, this is a rare occasion! A photo blog! I haven't really photo blogged the past year or so.... to simplify my life...  BUT this is just TOO beautiful to pass up. I thought I'd show you some of the beautiful Autumn colours I have experienced the past couple weeks here in Muskoka and area…

I’m Thankful For…

Well, today is Thanksgiving in Canada. I love this day. Not only do you get yummy food, but you get to openly thank God and others for all the good gifts we have in our lives that have been given to us by God, who is the best Dad in the world. I haven't been…

Transition: Pain and Peace

"In his heart a man plans his course,but the LORD determines his steps." — Proverbs 16:9 I’ve been back in Canada for two months now, and what a rollercoaster ride it has been... I have enjoyed the lovely summer weather here in Ontario, and all the wonderful things that come with living in Muskoka (AKA…