Sharing Life

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 sum up my weekend. I really feel like every moment was ordained by God, and watching him work and act in such good ways that were more than I could have imagined really blessed me.

Mikey’s been away since Wednesday getting his skipper’s license in BC, having a blast, studying, and sailing with 4 other hearty sea dogs (really – check out HOW hearty in this quick video he uploaded over the weekend!). I continued on with clients for work, but since I had some who were sick and my in-laws were also gone, I was anticipating being alone in a quiet house for many hours this week and weekend. I tried to make plans with a few people and they didn’t pan out, so I finally prayed that God would really put people in my path over the weekend to connect with, knowing that he can orchestrate the best plans!

Friday after training in the morning, I met up with a new friend (hi, Emily!) who just moved to Calgary from Tennessee with her husband. We lunched at the Farmer’s Market, chatting for about 2 hours about life and hearing each other’s life stories. It was so life-giving to me! We wandered around, enjoying the sites and sounds on a cold day, before heading our separate ways, full and content from good food and conversation. I did a few errands before finding myself getting ready to leave for some evening clients and had a blast training 3 friends who pushed.hard on a tough workout (nice work, ladies!). From there I headed to our church for a rockin’ worship night that I was looking forward to all week. Another neat encounter took place in the back of the room.

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I walked in and quickly realized I didn’t know anyone. We go to a pretty big huge church and this was more of a young adult night; with three services it’s hard to know even all the people in your demographic! I spied some empty seats and as I was choosing a row noticed a familiar frame: a mutual friend, Edith! We’d only hung out about twice and never talked too much, but I was thrilled to see her and when I gave her shoulder a squeeze her face lit up as she recognized me with, “Oh! Bonnie!” It really was meant to be for us to connect; we worshipped side by side, both with tears flowing at different times, praising God together. We may not have known each other well but having Christ in common unified us immediately. After the incredible hour and a half we walked out into the coffee area and sat, talking and connecting and crying together for 2 hours as we shared our stories. I was so humbled by how God had granted me this opportunity to connect with a new friend and by how he had answered my specific prayer about meeting someone he wanted me to be with that night. Wow.

I drove home joyful and fulfilled, so thankful for God’s provision of Edith to me that night. I slept great and woke up to train two clients Saturday morning before finally getting myself out the door for a run thanks to our rising temps! I made it for 10 morning miles but I literally had to force myself to run (want to know more about it? Check out this short post-run video – sometimes you just gotta get yourself out the door and #makeitcount!).

I felt great when it was done but the truth is, sometimes that motivation is lacking. Regardless of what it may appear like on my blog, that lack of motivation happens to the best of us.  

Saturday afternoon was filled with fun: a dreadlock appointment! I got my dreads cleaned up, tightened and snipped into shape. I should be keeping up with maintenance on my own, but I only go in once or twice a year to Konnie, and she does an amazing job every time. She really showed me how to backcomb the loose hairs around my dreads and use a crochet hook to weave them back into the already-formed dreads. She was happier with my upkeep this time, which made me feel great.

My solo Saturday fun: dreads done, sunset from the car, Max Veg juice to go.

On the way home, I stopped by our friend Heather and Roger’s house to give a birthday hug to beautiful little Shawna who turned 7 on Saturday. It was so cute to see her playing with her cousin, hear about her bowling birthday party, and get the chance to connect with Heather and Rog. Again, a moment planned by God that left me beaming all night.

And today? Well, I woke up early, made a delicious little yogurt bowl, grabbed my pack and headed out the door for a snowshoe hike with Edith! Below is a short video with pics of our day together. Let’s just say this: constant conversation, laughter, genuine care for one another, and a beautiful, sunny day out at Chester Lake. Thanks for the invite, Edith! You completed blessed me with your presence today! Love you.

And that’s my weekend in a nutshell wordy post. Like I said, my weekend was truly more than I could ask or imagine…I couldn’t skimp on words because I wanted to give glory to God for his goodness and faithfulness to me all weekend long! Aren’t people awesome? We’re all living stories and sharing those stories with others is truly how wisdom is passed along. It connects us, gives us life, and shows us that we’re not alone.

You are a story. Keep living it to the fullest and remember that even in your times of pain, God is continuing to write your story. You are loved, here for a purpose, and have so much to live for.

Please, share with me some stories from your weekend!

Were you encouraged by someone? Checked out a market? Got yo’ hair did?!  I’d love to hear about it. Until then, live well & be well, friends!

-Bonnie