Wonder and Joy

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the 87th London Conference Annual Meeting! This is a weekend where we discuss the workings of our church, where we unravel the questions that linger, where discussions are made and wisdom is shared. This is the meeting where we reconnect with friends, build newer friendships, and take time to be in community with one another.

Jordan, Rachel and I headed on our road trip to Sault Ste. Marie early Thursday morning. It was wonderful to reconnect with the two of them, to share stories of the happenings in our life, and build excitement for the weekend to come. The trip was a good 7 hour ride, however with the music, conversation and friendship it didn't seem that long at all.

 

And yes the road was flat and boring, but when you least expected it, there would be beauty!

 

When we arrived we were greeted by great friends and instantly there was community. As a YAT (Young Adult in Transition) its often hard to feel connected when life for all is crazy. With school, work, family and other commitments our group doesn't get together as often as we would like. YATS at conference is the one time a year where we meet. Its wonderful to be together with those on similar journeys, sharing similar emotions, and all wanting to be together. 

 

It's also a time where we reflect back on our time at Youth at Conference and our times at Youth Forum. We all agree that during our years as youth our roots were formed which allows us to come back as young adults and continue to grow and blossom. It's funny how as a community we can separate for a year, and come back together as if we saw each other yesterday. We are a family. We have grown together. We have learned together. We are one together. 

 

And it's also pretty awesome to watch the Youth create that same community...just a generation below. 

 

As the weekend continued to unfold the power of the Holy Spirit continued to stir. As a Conference we celebrated ministry and those that embark on their journey of ordained ministry.  Mel Kirk, a young adult just a couple years older than myself celebrated her ordination. It was such a joy to be part of the celebration and as I watched her confirm her faith, and receive the blessings from the conference, I couldn't help but get teary knowing her dream came true. Congratulations Melanie!!

 

The London Conference president, Rev. Maya Landell chose this years theme to be 'Wonder and Joy'. She asked us to wonder about who we are as people of God? who we are as a church? what our roles are in our church? where we find joy in our work? She invited us to wonder where we are going, yet still taking time to celebrate the joys of our ministry.

During our table time Maya invited us to reflect and share on the question "Who am I?". We began this time in silence, were then asked the question, and then invited to discuss in our table groups. Let's say my heart was full. It's not often that I feel overwhelmed at a question, nor someones response- but  I was speechless. God had be moved in mysterious, empowering ways. I was soaring to new heights.

  

When reflecting on ourselves and who we are, my table group members often gave examples like 'im a mom, a daughter, sister, husband, father, minister, student, farmer', we defined ourselves by our roles we play. Some defined themselves by presenting metaphors such as an onion that has many different layers, or a rock with smooth and rough surfaces. Others described themselves by phrases such as 'broken and beautiful'. The question of 'Who am I?' can often have us asking whether or not we really know who we are, or is it that our roles define us?

 

By the time the talking stone came to myself I was in awe and not sure what to say. Who am I? Yes I am a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, grand-daughter, student, friend, child care provider, believer, and seeker, but I question what that really means? What do all theses roles entail?  Do those roles define who I am?

 

Although I didn't choose some of those roles as they were given to me through birth, many of my roles I did choose. Through my energy, compassion and understanding; I am a friend. As I nurture, care, and teach my young ones; I am a child care provider. By engaging in my studies, offering opinions, thoughts and ideas and attending lectures; I am a student. As I seek, question, worship and explore; I am a believer.

Through engaging and crowing title of theses individual roles, I am telling the world who I am. I am sharing with others that I have theses qualities, gifts and skills. I engage in certain activities, am passionate about certain beliefs, and rather then having the roles define who I am, I am defining the roles.

 

I leave you with the four words of conference:  listen...speak...wonder...pray. I invite you to keep those words in the back of your mind as you go about living your every day life. Maybe you will find more joy in the things around you, and as my blog entails you too will celebrate the beauty of life

Happy First Birthday Blog!

Today, exactly one year ago I sat down and began. I began my journey of blogging. Of joining a world of opening and sharing, writing and exploring. It was a beautiful May morning, the sun was shining, my bags were packed as I embarked for a weekend of annual conference and my heart was full. My heart was gushing open and I needed to let it all out. I needed to put my feelings into words, share in my celebrations and document my life I was living. 


When I look back and read the postings I can't help but smile and celebrate that I started this little blog. I can't help but smile and celebrate I started this little blog. yes... I--started--a--blog. A blog of writing. Something I have struggled with all my life. I freely, openly and willing began to write, and little did I know what it would turn into. 

In this year I have been challenged, but more-so I have been able to paint my canvas of life. Through blogging I have challenged myself to look at the glass half-full, rather then half-empty. I have encouraged myself and others to celebrate the life we are blessed with, not mourn the life we wish for. 


This blog has given me an outlet to express my thoughts, share my pictures and open my heart. I may not have many readers, many followers or any sponsors, but what I do have is equally valuable than any of that. I have created a space that's open. Where I can express, paint, write, share, dream, challenge, dance, scream and live my life. A place that I can document all life has to offer. It's my treasured and very much loved little notebook of all the celebrations. all the small things I am blessed with. all the joy. happiness. love. that when pieced together create this celebration we call life. 


Little blog, thank you. for all that you have unknowably brought me. for all the growth. for all the joy. for allowing me to express what's on my mind and in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to capture every moment, to see our lives in new ways and for providing me a canvas to paint my masterpiece. 
To all my readers; thank you for joining with me on my celebration. I love hearing from you so please leave a comment or send me an e-mail at macdonald.hillary@gmail.com Let me know what you enjoy about celebrating the beauty of life.

Happy Birthday little blog!! Let's celebrate!


In the spirit of celebrating I would also like to celebrate two friends where tonight they will be celebrated and welcomed into the ministry as they are ordained within The United Church. Melanie Kirk and Sarah Chapman- wishing you two beautiful ladies many amazing years of ministry. Many blessings and love. xo

The joys of bus transit

Today as I was sitting at the bus stop waiting for the bus to come, I watched as the cars drove by, envious that I had to take the bus and these people were comfy in the luxury of their own car. I am very fortunate that my parents have two vehicles in which they allow us to use, take away on vacations, or use to pick us up and drop us off, but there is the odd time I'm stuck taking the bus. Yes, I am stuck taking the bus. I dislike taking the bus. I just flat out don't like the bus.

The vehicle is the one thing I take for granted! I have this inner part of me that feels entitled to the car. That no matter what my plans are, or anyone else's plans for that matter, I should have the car. The car allows me to have freedom, to make plans at the drop of the hat, and frankly I am 100% spoiled when it comes to the access of a vehicle. I know that- and trying so hard to change.

As a child taking a bus was the biggest highlight of the year. I walked or was given a ride to school so didn't have to take the school bus on a daily basis. When I did have the opportunity to ride a bus for school field trips, golly, it was like Christmas morning! I was thrilled we didn't have to wear seat belts, we could sit and talk to friends, and we could be far away from the driver. I also remember the joy of looking down at the people in their cars and feeling super high up. Yes, buses were a highlight.

However ever since I went to University, the notion of bus riding has gone down the drain and I have realized the joys of buses are anything but. The bus is a means of getting from point A to point B. They are a mode of public transportation. They are great for the environment, for those that can't afford a car and great way to save money with the increase of gas prices. But oh those are just the positives. Bus's are a pain for last minute planning, for rainy or snowy days. They suck when it comes to grocery shopping, or trying to get home late at night. They smell of dirty people, are a moving pile of germs and don't get me started on the seats- gross! They can be crowded, you aren't always comfortable, and sometimes you witness some interesting situations.

I've also realized there is different bus etiquette depending on which city you are travelling. Okay well there is different bus etiquette from St. Catharines Transit and London Transit. After travelling St. Catharines buses for a solid 8 months, 2-4 times a day you get in the groove. When you switch to London buses...lets just say 'culture shock!' I dont even know where to begin. Everything from when you hop on the bus and the way you are greeted from the driver, to how many people can squeeze on the bus without someone being knocked over. I couldnt believe it. This afternoon I didn't know what to do. London people move on the bus. They are always pushing, trying to make it to the doors even when the bus is still in motion. In St. Catharines we wait till we reach the stop before we manoeuvre our way to the door. In St. Catharines we also let the elderly and pregnant have a seat, today I had to ask some student on their cellphone if an elderly man could have his seat. Shouldn't people just offer rather then having to be asked? London squeeze everyone on, St. Catharines passengers have to be past the yellow line. St. Catharines drivers ask everyone to move back, London has a fancy loud speaker saying "please make your way to the back to allow room for other passengers". I always thought a bus was a bus. A mode of transportation. Who knew I'd have to learn more bus etiquette too. 

I guess if I'll be riding the bus system this Summer I need to look deep and find the excitement and remind myself of the positive aspects of public transit. I need to celebrate that we have a bus transit, we have the freedom of riding the bus together as a diverse group of people, and that as a woman I can sit at the front of the bus. 

With that said, I also will be celebrating the fact my family has a car and I'll only be riding the bus once and awhile! 

*To those individuals that choose to ride the bus everyday- Thank you for being green!

*To those individuals that drive the bus everyday- Thank you for your safe driving!

*To those individuals that work behind the scenes of bus transits- Thank you for your management!

*To all the individuals that think I'm some un-environmentally friendly spoiled girl- Challenge me!

Until then, drive safe! 

Friday Nuggets

Lots has been going on in my mind. If I were to sit down and fully write a post about everything that's been happening it would a) take me an entire day b) you would probably be bored by the end c) turn into fluff. So instead I'll give you some nuggets of what's been going on.

:: I am throughly enjoying hanging out with theses little people. There is something uniquely special about these little people that have me sucked in. Maybe its just who I am, and my caring nature, but part of 'being home' is seeing theses people. School is fun, don't get me wrong, we know how to have a good time; but there is a very different kind of fun when your hanging around young ones. The energy, enthusiasm, questioning and attitude brings a positive light and help change how I live my everyday life.

  

  

    

:: Birthday's are fabulous and the one day of the year that I celebrate all that I am, all that I have, and all that I do. Its the one day where I put myself before others, and wear the birthday crown! It's also one of my favourite holidays to celebrate with others. We all need to feel special some day and I believe we have every right to have 1 day a year that's all about me. Shannon had her special day this past week and she wore that birthday crown with pride. It was lots of fun to join in on her birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Shannon!

:: Being an Aunt is so much fun and after this past Sunday with my nephews Joe and Jack, that was reinforced. The two of them are at such a fun age, with lots of spunk and character, personality and energy. It was great to spend the day with my sister-in-law Patti, brother Rob and the boys Joe and Jack.

 

This past Sunday I was also reminded that although my Mom is fabulous, she is better to be in front of the camera then behind it. Good try Mom!

  

:: You know you live in Canada when....

Snow and flip flops baby! JD and I were at the park and Mr. Zamboni man dumped his pile of snow outside. It was so refreshing to dig my bare feet in a pile of snow on a hot May evening.

:: Since when did Snakes and Ladders turn into Chutes and Ladders? With Princesses? Seriously here people. A child doesn't even know what a chute means, and princess's, please don't even get me started. I question what our society is turning into. What we are training our little girls and boys to think, how to act, what to wear. Look at those princesses- dressed up, full on make-up, soft warm colours, hair done. This is what we are teaching our little girls. Who knew a simple game of snakes and ladders would get my so fired up. I had a wonderful time playing with the little girl, yet at the same time I was in complete disgust at what we have come to. 

  

 *side note: to the parents that purchase theses games, its not your fault and I'm not judging you. Im judging and quite upset at what our society is allowing to happen and of theses companies for manufacturing such things. 

:: Spring has arrived and so have the animals. Everywhere I turn there are new creatures coming out from their homes and welcoming the warmer weather. It's wonderful lying in bed with the windows open and hearing Mother Nature at work. Welcome back little guys!

  

  

:: The peace of evening dusk. Children crawling into beds. Families enjoying the quiet of home. Lunches packed for the next day at school or work. Parks empty. Road's bare. Sun setting. I find such comfort in the completion of the end of the day. 

:: It's Friday and all I can think of is: This Song!

It's also the long weekend and I am enjoying it up at my haven in The Town of Blue Mountains. The place where my family gathers, where I feel at peace, relaxed and where I belong. I hope each and everyone of you have a very relaxed and enjoyable long weekend. Cheers!

Day off? What's that?

I've officially been home 3 weeks. I've been out of school, not writing essays, reading textbooks, pulling crap out of my @$$ for 3 solid weeks. You know. I've been home. This place we call home sweet home. I've been living under the same roof as my Mom, Dad and brother, trying to coordinate rides, cars, laundry and meals. Trying to visit with friends, hang out with loved ones, or spend time earning some money. I've been busy helping out family friends as they organize and pack their home, run errands for the family, and volunteering for the Heart and Stroke. There have been many nights curled up on the couch watching the hockey games, or rocking my babies to sleep. I can say I've made my brothers lunch 3 days in a row, and folded a couple loads of laundry. Lets just say, I've been busy...and the 3 weeks have slipped right by.


Yet I haven't even thought of putting a dent in my list of 'things I must accomplish before I leave the province'. I have a doctors appointment on Friday--so hey that's one thing that can be crossed off. Tomorrow I plan on going tanning--so there's another. But the list is super long and I really haven't started...nor do I know when I'm going to.


As Dad and I were in the car 'volunteering' for Mom, he asked me 'would you ever want to know when you're going to die?' Immediately I said yes. YES I would love to know. Maybe not necessary so I could plan my own funeral, although Im sure if you gave me the opportunity to I would, but more-so, so that I could make sure I have everything I want to accomplish finished before that day. My list of 'must do's' would be finished and I would be able to die knowing I did it all.


Yes, I did it all. I want to do it all. Mom and Connie (these two beautiful ladies) are ALWAYS telling me to slow down, take some time for myself, relax, have a day off--all the things I dont do and truthfully dont know how to. The whole picture of spa, relaxation, eyes closed, music playing in the background, cucumber over the eyes, mud facial doesn't appeal to me. Well yes, I'm not stupid, it all sounds lovely, but I don't know what to do with myself in this setting. I went for a massage for my sisters 40th birthday, and although it was lovely, the whole hour I was being massaged my body never really relaxed. I wanted to jump up and do something. I wanted to take the hot massage therapist, and go swimming in the pools, or go out for dinner. I wanted to talk not lay in silence. I wanted to know his name, where he lived, and wanted to get to know him. I was bored out of my mind.  


I may be overworked. tired. busy. go go go. but that's how I like it. I don't like the feeling of wasting a day, lazing around doing nothing. I like to know I cherished and valued each and everyday. That I did something productive and worthwhile for myself and for others because really we never know when it may be our last.


So where am I going with this all?


I guess just to say, if I die of a heart attack, I'll be happy :)

I am...We are...BEAUTIFUL!

It's hard to wake up each morning, get ready and leave the house thinking...I am beautiful

Through the media of television shows, magazines, commercials, celebrities, internet and every where I look there is a certain type of image. There is a certain way, certain height, certain weight, I am told to look in order to fit within society. I am rejected for the clothes I wear or the brand names I don't have. For the length of my hair, or colour of my skin. Everything about me is judged and it's difficult to believe...I am beautiful

  

 

I long for the day where each and every individual looks in the mirror and can proudly proclaim...I am beautiful

 

Being a woman is more than the colour of your hair or the shape of your body. Its more than the size of your bra, or the width of your hips. Being a woman is about strength, passion, understanding, and determination. Being a woman is about confidence, spirit, joy, love. Its about being proud of who you are and where you are going.

 

 

We need to remind ourselves of who we are as women in today's society. We need to celebrate who we are in our communities, schools, within the workplaces and at home. We need to cherish all our gifts, be proud of our accomplishments, and be confident in ourselves. As women we need to stand up and proudly proclaim...we are beautiful
 
...We are treasured

...We are loved

 

...We are wonderfully, perfectly, fearfully made

...We are beuatiful in our own way 

Each one of these women are beautiful. We are unique.  We are special. We are gifts. Each one of these women share their hearts, theirs minds and souls with those they love.

 

My hope and prayer is that every human being, young and old can feel beautiful. Can wake up each morning and look in the mirror proudly proclaiming...I am beautiful

  

I invite each women; mother, sister, daughter, grand-daughter, aunt, cousin, friend to proudly proclaim that you matter. That you have skills and magic to offer to this world. That you are beautiful!