Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Vancouver, BC

This past weekend Tom and I had the opportunity to go to Vancouver, BC for a very short visit. It was a six hour drive and we had a great time being alone together. Life gets so busy and it was wonderful to talk and enjoy one another.

Streams Canada is based in Vancouver. They have a great intern program. Tom and I just love these young people. It was wonderful to see them again and catch up.

We went to a conference that John Paul Jackson was the speaker. He talked about the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was excellent. John Paul is the founder of Streams and Association of Bridge Churches (ABC) which our church is part of. He rode back with us because he was going to speak at our sister church in town. His message on our purpose in God was exceptional.

Sunday morning we went to a church in Vancouver that meets in a movie theater. At one point during worship, I notice this child about one or two. He’s waving hello to someone on the stage with the biggest smile on his face. I lean over to my friend Joanie and pointed him out. She told me the little boy was waving to his father, the worship leader. He stayed there in the third row just waving and smiling until the set ended. The father walked over and his young son came running to him. The father bent over and scooped him up in his arms. The son held on to his dad, placed his head on his shoulder and looked so content.

This got me to thinking. Isn’t that the way we should approach our heavenly Father? We see Him at a distance and the excitement builds. When He approaches we leap into His arms and hold on with contentment on our faces and in our hearts. That’s the way I want to approach prayer, filled with excitement that I’m going to spend time with my Father.

© Nadine Z. 2008

35 comments:

Arika said...

I know! Isn't the foot thing just ridiculous! I love Vancouver. I went there a couple years ago on a road trip with my mom for a couple weeks. I hope I can go back soon.

Cherrye said...

I could just picture that little boy waving and smiling at his daddy. Great imagine. I'd LOVE to go to Vancouver one day. Have you been often?

Anonymous said...

It has been so long since I have been to Vancouver! Truly a beautiful city.

Nothing amazes me more than the love between a father and his child ... including the Father!

palmtreefanatic said...

What a beautiful post!
Vancouver looks like a nice place!

Deb said...

That is the most beautiful anoligy(sp)! I can even imagine myself doing just that, thanks for painting that image for us.

SaraLynn said...

Vancouver sounds so fun!

Thanks for the lovely post. I needed that this morning!

Anonymous said...

Vancouver looks beautiful. I have never been and it has been a long time since I have been in a city with a building larger than 4 stories.

Thank you for the inspiration this morning. Wasn't feeling too chiper, but you made me rethink :). Have a wonderful day.

Knit-Wit said...

I love the picture of the father and son. It reminds of also of when my daughter (age 4) was on stage scared stiff of singing before "all those people" and when she was finished she happily came to the comfort of my arms... the heavenly father is also watching over us and giving us comfort when we have to 'step out on our own'.

Art said...

Amen! That a great analogy, Nadine. Thanks.

eph2810 said...

Oh Nadine, that is such a beautiful word-picture you have painted. Yes - I too want to approach our Heavenly Father the same way. Thank you for sharing this story.

~Niki~ said...

Hi Nadine :)
thanks for visiting my blog. I posted a comment post for you on my blog, so you can see my dolls :) i'm bookmarking your pg. Awesome! can't wait to read some of your book! exciting. NIKI

Scarlet said...

That father and son story is sweet. We all need to be scooped up by the Father like that. ;)

I've never been to Vancouver, but hear it's beautiful.

Shionge said...

Vancouver is such a long way from home for me Nadine, glad you had a great time :D

EM said...

Wanting to and longing to be in the arms of the ONE we adore, priceless!

Shadraq said...

Now that is a good thought

j said...

I am going to show my ignorance a bit here, because I don't know chapter and verse by heart BUT.... You know the scripture that describes the disciple reclining, laying his head against Christ's chest? GOT TO LOOK IT UP......OK got it, John 13:23 "There Was reclining on Jesus' breast one of His disciples whom Jesus loved."
Nadine, I just love that. #1, it is so foreign in my experience that men act that way with one another (macho southern men and all), and #2 He was that human, that approachable, that loving. I just love it.

Be blessed.

Jen

And thanks for Hubby's Birthday well wishes!

Keshi said...

how nice Nadine!

Keshi.

Tammy said...

Beautiful!

Jen(n) said...

I love that... thanks for sharing about the little boy!

Anonymous said...

great post Nadine!
for some reason I thought you were in the usa, or maybe you're just close to vancouver?
anyhow, lovely place!!

Happy Easter!

PinksandBluesGirls said...

Beautiful post... beautiful analogy... poignant thought for this most Holy Week. Thanks for your wonder and peace...
Sharon - Pinks & Blues

Emancipation of the Freed said...

What a great trip, I'm so glad we could do it together.

I love you...
om

Shellie said...

That's a good thought. I think I'd like to run and jump in His arms, but when I pray at night sometimes I just fall asleep in His lap instead. :)

Damselfly said...

What a nice thought. Thanks for sharing!

a woman who is said...

What a lovely word picture. I am still pondering Monday night! It was excellent.

Ann(ie) said...

Vancouver is SO gorgeous!!! Happy Easter my friend.

elizabeth embracing life said...

It's been many years since I have been to Vancouver. Jealous!! Every night my boys run into Papa's arms...I just wonder how God is going to handle all these kids of his when those pearly gates swing open.

Sandy said...

So true! You are so talented in making analogies, Nadine! Have a blessed Easter!

Debbie said...

I really loved your analogy of the boy and his father. So, true. Thanks for sharing.

Dawn said...

I love this!

The Creative Nut said...

Beautiful.

Scarlet said...

Have a wonderful Easter, Nadine!!

Celebrate and eat a few chocolate bunnies! :)

Kristen Andrews said...

I have always wanted to go to Vancouver sounds like you had a great trip!

Strider said...

Good analogy.

Rhonda said...

Yes!! I agree.

Great post. I've never been to Vancouer. I hope to visit some day.

Just visiting your blog for the first time. I am Cheryl Molenaar's cousin. I'm guessing you've met her since you are familiar with Streams Canada.