Monday, February 05, 2007


A very scarey and emotional event happened in my life this past Saturday. My friend and I went shopping at walmart late at night and it smelled as though something in the store was on fire. We asked a store worker and he said that someone had started the cat and dog beds on fire, but they have put it out now. Well a little while later we heard some screaming and someone shout that a child is on fire...Melissa (my friend) and I started running and she turned to me and asked, "Are you ready to use your first aid?" Without hesitation I entered the scene...I can still remember it as if it was still happening. There were a few customers putting the fire out, and a store manager helping with other workers running around...the girls wasn't little (thank goodness) but nevertheless, her screams were terrorizing! I tried to take charge of the scene...I asked for a first aid kit to start bandaging her exposed arm and trying to keep her calm by asking for her name and age, etc. The sad part was that she was a 14-year old runaway, who purposefully set herself on fire in the washroom (she was the one who set the beds on fire earlier). Finally the paramedics and firemen arrived and I helped remove her clothes and assess that she probably had 18-20% of her body burned...very painful and aweful to see. Life is so vital...love, friendship, reaching out and grace is greatly needed when reaching out to others. Make a point to reach out to everyone, you never know who you may touch, encourage, bring joy or the sense that they are not invisible in this world, that might save their life! And most of all...pray for them! It is very rare that someone turns down an invitation to be prayed for when it is asked with sincerity, gentleness and warmth.

Monday, January 22, 2007



Today at work one of my co-workers was trying to pick out a dove to symbol gentleness...she found one similar to this but more straight-on, where this one is slightly on an angle. Anyway, I was captivated by the dove because a dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is gentle, peaceful, understanding, pure, full of Trust, and purposeful. When seeing this dove I couldn't help but picture our Lord with his arms stretched wide, embracing His children, providing protection and the ultimate love for each of us. I came across this dove on one of Dave's saved pictures, that he found on the "postcard secrets" website and had to download it. "I can't express how much you mean to me". What does this mean to you? What kindof emotions does this statement stir within your soul? Do you understand fully what this question is referring about? The wings of this dove is stretched out, he is coming down from up high....Christ came down to be born into a world of pain...He came to us. Christ stretched out his arms on the cross bearing the worst possible death for us...and then sent His Spirit to rest upon us to show us the way of Truth and to comfort us in all circumstances...THAT is how much you mean to HIM! May we all find the peace in our Lord's arms, accept His embrace and all that He has done for us, and receive His love as the ultimate blessing on our life to share with others.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
And
A Happy New Year


It always seems this time of year that everyone sends out Christmas letters and cards to keep in touch and allow everyone to know where life has taken them in the past year. So, here I am finding myself doing the same thing! It always seems to amaze me how quickly a year goes by, so it is a good idea to send these as a way of staying in touch (whoever first began Christmas family update letters…thanks for the great idea!).

JOSIAH
Josiah turned a year old in October…what an adventurous year we have had with him. He has definitely surprised us! When he was born, we were convinced there was something wrong because he didn’t seem to interact very much, he would just stand (even as early as 2 weeks) and NEVER sit, stare up at the ceiling and he almost never smiled or made eye contact. With a few visits to see the specialist, the Doctor concluded that he is just incredibly strong and very intelligent as he is taking in a lot of the environment around him. As time passed (he did eventually sit) we came to the conclusion that he had Dave’s personality…very laid back, gentle-spirited, and content. WELL…that didn’t last long. Quickly he started crawling, then pulling himself up on furniture, then walking, then climbing, feeding himself, communicating either through some simple sign language or gestures, saying a few words, and put simply he is a real “go-getter”. He is incredibly independent, wants to do everything like his big sisters…and did I mention “playful”? Yes, Josiah loves his little friends. Its quite amazing how social he is, how he tries to share, and how he knows to stand up for himself…he reminds us of a little HULK. Built up emotions…appears easy going, and then…WHAM!!! We love him dearly, and strongly believe he will live out the meaning of his name for the Lord’s work.

LEIGHA
What can we say about our little “fire cracker”? Still full of spunk and energy…yet in other ways has really changed. Lately she has been really shy, extra cuddly, and attached to Mommy and Daddy (which is nice in some ways because when she was younger she would have nothing to do with us in terms of cuddles or even being held). Since having a younger brother, she has had to learn what it means to share everything, and wait her turn! This is really hard for a 2-and-a-half year old! Her vocabulary constantly astounds us…she is a little lady, and definitely is a prayer warrior! Every time we hear a siren, she says, “Lets pray Mommy”. So we fold our hands, bow our heads and pray! Lately, she prays for everything…and makes sure everyone in the room participates (she will get very “verbal” if you don’t)! When she is scared, she will say, “I’m not scared…God loves me, He takes care of me! Let’s pray, Mommy!” She always loves to go for walks, point out and discuss everything we see along the way and thank God for it all! She loves everyone in her family, and is very loyal to her friends.

MERCI
Can you believe it…she is already 12-years-old! This past summer Merci really turned a corner and became a real young lady who we are very proud of! In September she started her second year at M.E.I. Middle School. She has made some really good friends, enjoys all her teachers and classes, and in these ways has even surprised herself! This year Dave and I decided we wouldn’t help Merci with all her homework and supervise as much as we have…to allow her to own her school work and efforts. Well, this past report card, she received High Honors!! Way to go Merci! With 5 A’s, 3 B+’s and 1 B, Merci is well on her way learning how to be a good student and develop good self confidence in her abilities at working hard. In September Merci took her babysitting course and since then has been doing numerous babysitting jobs, saving money for things she would like for herself and for others…she has a real heart for others and one of compassion…it’s beautiful to see how the Lord is working through Merci in reaching her friends. In terms of her spiritual growth, you always hope your child will not be the typical, stereotyped “Pastor’s kid”. We know she knows God’s Truth…but it’s easy to wonder how much she really “gets it”. Well, during one service Pastor Warren asked us to ponder a quote and respond if we think it is correct or not. The question was, “What is better, to be kind or right?” Nettie Neufeld, who usually sits behind us, took the time to lean over and have Merci participate with her and she later shared with us Merci’s response. At first Merci said the answer is to be kind, so Nettie took it a step further and asked what if that person was suggesting that Jesus isn’t the true God…Merci’s response was, “Then I would kindly tell them that He is!”

MELISSA
Well, besides having 3 children to care for and taking care of our home and marriage, I have also been incredibly busy with other things! When my maternity leave was nearly over, I began pursuing job options and the Lord blessed me with a job back at MCC Supportive Care Services, but this time as the Independent Livings Options Manager, part-time. I manage a day program which includes a full staff, I also manage 6 client’s who live in family-care and liaison with the government (particularly CLBC) for funding and file management. It keeps me quite busy and stimulated. I really feel that I am using my spiritual gifts and education well here, a definite fit for me! Last January I started a Mom’s Time Out Group here at Grace Church. By the end of June we had a consistent number of ladies coming, both from within our church and outside…everyone seemed to enjoy it so much that I had a lot of emails over the summer break requesting its’ return in September. With answered prayers for more nursery helpers I was able to start it again. Now we have up to 14 ladies who attend, around 17 children who are in the nursery and 7 ladies (all from Grace Church) who help watch them for us as we meet. The majority of those who attend are from outside our church and the way that these ladies have connected are amazing and it’s excited to meet every Friday morning. Lastly, I have started helping out at youth on Wednesday’s again. It has been great to see the youth on a regular basis and to be more involved in their lives, as well as more connected with Dave’s vision and heart for ministry!

DAVID
Ah, David! The Lord has definitely blessed me with an amazing husband! In this past year he has been incredibly busy so, last summer we decided to relax a bit more than we normally do. The Youth ministry has definitely grown and so the need for more adult sponsors also grew! We spent a lot of time praying that the Lord would bless us with helpers, as many of those from last year were not able to help in September. And again, the Lord proved his faithfulness. Working with Youth and their families is never dull…it is full of highlights and hardships. We celebrate with the youth who make stronger commitments to their faith and their callings, and cry with those who appear to be distracted and dragged away. Dave is highly committed to the Lord and serving Him by serving the young people in the community of Abbotsford. It is always encouraging to see and hear how much they recognize and appreciate Dave’s involvement in their lives and the impact that the Lord has on them. One encouraging card Dave received read, “Just thought I would write to thank you for everything you have done in our youth ministry, especially for me…I honestly couldn’t imagine our youth group without you. You have truly been standing strong through the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly! Thank you for all your hard work and energy, you have made a huge difference in all our lives…Thanks for always sticking by my side, pushing me, encouraging me, inspiring me, kicking me in the butt (spiritually, hehe…when I was going off track), and just always being there as my big brother, role model, youth pastor, mentor, supporter and friend”. In terms of family life, Dave has been working hard at having better boundaries so he can spend more time with his family. The children adore him and look forward in their “wrestle” times on the floor.

As Dave and I look back on not only this past year, but on all our years, we are constantly reminded and shown how loving our God is! He has been so good to us and blessed us with our family, friends, church, jobs, and so much more! Thank you for all your support, prayer, encouragement, gifts and love that you have shown our family and your support towards the youth ministry.
Our constant prayer is that we will live a life that reflects Christ’s love, power and grace. Our Christmas prayer this year is that we all will experience more of God, that He will expand our boxes that we have put our understanding of Him in, in ways that cause us to share with shouts of praise…where nothing will cause us to hold back. We pray that our passion will spill forth on all those around us. May this next year be full of such things, where you are passionate in your faith and willing to share that passion with everyone around you!

With much love!
Dave, Melissa, Merci, Leigha and Josiah McVety

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Thank you, Lord for snow!!

As the snow falls I am reminded of God's faithful forgiveness. "As white as snow, our sins have been forgiven"! How amazing is that?! Over the many years in my journey as a Christian, I have definitly learned many life lessons (ones that I am not so proud of and others that I cherish deeply). I understand that there are many lessons yet to come:) One thing that I am confident in is that "nothing can separate me from the love of God" and that "God uses ALL things for his honor and glory". AMEN!! Satan can never steal yours or my soul (that is if you have found Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, and have confessed your sinful state to him and have asked Him to come live in your life and give you a new life in him). The only thing Satan can do is put holes in your testimony. He can drag you down by tripping you up, enticing you, with areas of your life that are habitual and problematic, he can made you believe you cannot ever change and that your "sins" are unforgiveable, and he can make your passion for your faith be dimmed through discouragement, fear and shame so that you will not share it with others. Isn't that sad how much we allow him to still manipulate our lives? Well let me encourage you by saying that no matter where you have been, what you are doing or where you are going...God is always there and he has chosen to love you, to forgive you and provide so much for you as long as you just ask him. He is the perfect gentlemen, because he will never push himself on you or just take over...he waits for your invitation. He's never disappointed in you, he never looks down on you, or feels like your a hopeless cause. To him you are an amazing child of his, that he delights over as you continue to pick yourself up, try again, and share in his joy as you trust in him. May the Lord bless you this week as he is in mine!

Monday, November 20, 2006

WORST MOM DAYS

Have you ever had just one of those days you wish you could "do over"? You know, one of those, worst mom ever days. I frequently have these...its so embarrassing, humiliating, and shameful at times. For instance, today was one of those days. Between a couple of phone calls that were quite stressful, managing 4 children ages 1-3 (two are mine, and two I watch) who were getting into everything or fighting over every thing, stresses and concerns about up and coming things...lets just say I had "a moment". For the "umpteenth" time, my toddler cried and wanted her baby wrapped up tighter in her blanket (she is very particular about this, it has to be PERFECT, and once she collects her, it loosens a bit, so I have to redo this...URG). So imagine my stress load at this moment!!! I took the baby doll and in my frustration walked into the kitchen and "attempted" to wrap her. I got so flustered I took it out on the doll (lets just say, not in a very cool and collective way...I know, horrible!!). When I turned around, there my daughter is, looking up at me with tears in her eyes and her face as though she was a deer in headlights.

I felt horrible, I was disgusted with myself. She began to cry and tell me (well, scold me) that hitting isn't nice! I got down on my knees, looked her in the eyes, appologized and asked for her forgiveness. Then I proceeded to kiss the baby and appologize to it as well.

That's it, though isn't it?! When we mess things up, and you know you will, it is only natural...the key is to appologize, restore and move forward. In these moments we become "real" to our kids. We can turn these moments into life lessons and spiritual focus. It will never fully remove the feeling of "lousy mother", or prevent it ever from happening again (though I wish), but it sure is good to remember God's grace, love and acceptance of us, when we are so undeserving, and how we can model that "realness" to our children.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006



I guess you could say I am "under construction". I find the Lord is always teaching me something new about myself. I figure some people may say that God is insensitive, or critical, or someone who is changing you into something you are not...well, I guess for those who don't understand the mysteries of God, who are still blinded from the corruption of this world, would see it as that way. On the other hand, I don't. I see being shown these areas of my life as a way of refining myself, smoothing the rough edges out, creating the masterpiece to its full potential. Life has a way of disrupting that masterpiece from becoming the art it is designed to be. Through hardships, making wrong decisions, allowing different artists to shape me...in essence has distorted the model. Since God is the ultimate creator, I am learning each day to give him full access again in creating something beautiful from what was interupted. I have always been considered to be a certain person with particular gifts, talents, traits, etc...its just that some of the things I either didn't have a choice to be exposed to, or I did choose myself to be exposed to (which I refer to as the "different artists") tainted these things about me. As I learn and surrender more of myself to God, in allowing him to expose these things, I am giving Him permission to Chissel off the bad, add more to the gaps, and smooth away the rough so that I can be all that He created me to be! There is something that I have been struggling with for such a long time. I know where my false beliefs about myself and this situation comes from...I see the past clear as crystal, I understand the damage things have caused me and is responsible for distorting this area of my life. I desire change and healing, yet I am fearful of what that would really look like and if I am actually capable... Something amazing I learned at the "Women of Faith" conference I went to the Nov. 3/4th weekend was what it means to act in faith. Faith is when you move forward with something when you don't feel you can, when you don't feel you have all the "right words", when you don't feel you're courageous enough, when you don't feel you are capable in anyway. It is in these moments when you move that the Lord provides for you all these things, and then some! That is what faith is really all about...moving forward and trusting God to take care of the rest. We are not supposed to know everything, we are not supposed to understand everything...we are just supposed to MOVE!

Monday, November 13, 2006

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS...

Have you had "just one of those days" where you are so tired, unenergetic, low in patience tolerance, feel like the harder you try the painful it feels? Yeah that is one of those days I was having today. It definitly had its ups and downs. Moments that were amazing, especially with little Leigha. We had fun making tunnels with the couch cushions, enjoyed making peanut butter, chocolat chip cookies, and just giggling whenever we could. But then she would frusterate me beyond anything by refusing to go potty and peeing her pants (even though she has been successful trained for nearly a year...well in 3 months), whinning when she wants something, pushing Josiah over and hurting him, not eating her meals yet saying she is hungry... "I wanna snack"! urgh! Little Josiah is always a pleasure, but like days today, he is picky with his meals, wants to get into EVERYTHING, and creates havoc! I love him to death, and when he smiles and laughs, my heart swells up in a way I could never really describe. Merci...well, your typical 12 year old girl. Wants things, doesn't seem to appreciate it, but then there are these moments where she delights me because its like, yeah...there you go, now you are getting it. She can be so helpful on one hand, but then on the other create a lot of stress. Dave isn't feeling very well, and that is always hard on me because I know he cannot give it his all...and I want to give him extra rest, but then it is just one of those days. I found myself sleeping in this morning, letting him get up with the kids. I took my time getting ready, hardly got much done around the house, had a nice hour nap (when Dave got home), and then been kindof lazying around...just one of those days.

Much needed prayer!!!

Currently we have a very dear family to us that is experiencing a very difficult situation. They have been blessed with 2 baby girls (twins), though they came into this world in a hurry! Only 25 weeks along they decided to greet this world in quite a traumatic way. In any case, these beautiful babies (Faith and Makaila) for the most part have been doing extremely well considering how premature they are. Recently they have both had a blood transfusion (something that is quite common) and have gone back and forth needing assistance with their breathing. Yesterday Karyn and Graham (our dear friends) had the amazing opportunity to hold their girls for over an hour...a very exciting moment. Since then the girls haven't been doing so well...they are needing even more assistance with their breathing and now there is a concern that Makaila may be sick with Chronic Lung disease. Please pray for these girls, and for Karyn and Graham as this must be incredibly scarey and emotional for them. They have a son, Isaiah, who is 1 1/2 and experiencing a lot of changes and emotions himself. They really need everyone praying, so please take the time to daily lift this family up to the Lord.