be good.

Being a twenty-something, I realize there are still many things for me to learn. However, in these twenty-something years, I think that I've gained quite a bit of knowledge and experience from several situations and seasons I've found myself in. I'm more then willing to admit that I'm not an expert in many areas, and yet there are a few things that I'm fairly convinced I have a pretty good grasp on...

Being someone who works with people on a daily basis, and in particular with children one thing that I'm quite certain of is that people will be as good as you expect them to be, or as bad as you allow them to be.

This isn't an earth shattering realization, and probably the best example of this can be seen in my own life. When expectations are placed on me to do/act/be/create/achieve etc. I more often than not will come to the party. However, when there are no expectations I will be exactly what I'm allowed to be.

In the end there should be absolutely not surprises. When clear expectations are in place, they will be respected and met...it may take a couple of tries, but ultimately that's what we as humans do.

And so being the twenty-something that I am, I know that I need to expect something of myself. I need to expect that I will be kind, loving, gracious, forgiving, generous, welcoming, faithful, patient...my list can go on and on and on. Ultimately my expectations of myself are to be good and to do good.

What about you? What guidelines (or lack thereof) are in your life?

perhaps this is for Lethbridge???

Today I read Joel 2:23 -
Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

In Lethbridge we definitely had a wet spring, and this autumn is shaping out to the be the same, as a result upon reading this little clip from the prophet, I couldn't help but think of myself.

With the wet weather it's been easy to do anything BUT rejoice. Try complain, or whine and I'm right there, however Joel tell us that we're to rejoice, as if the autumn rains are a gift!?! And perhaps they are...

reason 1096743845

Yesterday evening I got a text from a guy who's in grade 7, and part of my "dream team" at DGKids. I've had the privilege of watching this student grow from a young boy in elementary, to now a fabulous young man with incredible leadership skills.

It's not out of the ordinary for him to text myself or husband, as we have quite the relationship with him although yesterday's text message was slightly different. Normally our texting will begin with either my husband and I sending a quick message asking how his day is going after feeling a bit of "nudge" to do so. But yesterday he was the one who initiated the texting. Why? Because he had exciting news to share!!!

Romans 12:15a states: "Rejoice with those who rejoice..." and I'm pretty sure that's why he sent me the message in the first place! Knowing that Matt & I would definitely without a doubt rejoice with him.

And that is just another reason why I love what I do!