Hope's How-To Archives - Page 2 of 5

Wednesday

22

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: The Best Way To Get Things Done is To Get Started

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

Call it wisdom, or call it a life hack: The best way to get things done is to get started.

We’ve all been there. The most important task we should be doing is the last thing we feel like getting started. Whether it be house work, cleaning, or final exams, sometimes getting started is so hard.

But that’s the key.

Get started.

Getting started on something is often the hardest part, but when you make the decision to dive in and begin, you’ll find you’re able to get more done.

Increase your productivity by helping yourself out along the way. Don’t leave things until the morning of; take steps the night before to make your life easier. Set up the coffee, plan your outfit, take notes. Do as much prep work in advance of your task as possible, that way, when it comes time to actually beginning the work at hand, you’re better prepared, ready to work, and more apt to remain focused.

Sometimes, you just have to simply begin.

Friday

17

June 2016

Hope’s How-To: Build a Robin’s Nest – Part 4 – Robin Fledglings

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Gardening, Hope's How-To

This happened several weeks ago, however lately our lives have been in a constant state of motion, so I’ve not had time to post a robin update until now. The baby robins flew the coup (quite literally)! All four of our baby robin fledglings have left the nest and set out on their journey through… our yard.

Wes and I came home from church a few weeks ago, and I wanted to check on the baby robin fledglings in the nest. As the robins had been living right on our patio by our living area, it was easy to sit out and observe their growth, feedings, and daily habits. Wes had encouraged me since the robin eggs hatched to keep my distance, and of course this particular Sunday in May I just had to get out there to see them.

Obviously the little guys were developed to the point that they were actually crowding the nest, however when I came out to see them, without being too close, they all fledged from the nest.

At first, I panicked. Wes ran around the yard and rounded them up to put back in the nest (see photo above), however it was clear; the baby robin fledglings were ready to embark on their adventure away from the nest.

Over the past few weeks, a common sight in our yard has been Mama Robin bouncing and flying around the yard, with her young not far behind. While the robin fledglings have grown so much since the time of these photos almost a month ago, what remains of the family still calls our yard and trees home.

Unfortunately, we did lose one of the three robin fledglings — we aren’t sure if a cat got the robin, or the cold — however, three of the young survived (to our knowledge).

While many of our friends and family still have robin fledglings in the nest, our robins have flown the coup! Before they were developed, it was so funny to watch them try to take flight with small wings and no tail. Clearly they’ve grown in the last few weeks, and we’ll try to capture more photos as we go.

Watching the baby robin fledglings in our yard has certainly been an education; when they’re young, robins are defenceless. They’re yet to learn how to fly (we were blessed enough to watch them practice in our yard), they’re dependant on their parents (Dad brings the young to the robin roost at night, while Mama Robin feeds the fledglings by day), and they’re testing their vocal chords (hearing robin fledglings start to exercise their vocal chords is one of the most adorable sounds).

Hint to those who’ve built a robin’s nesting shelf: When your first “family” leaves the nest, be sure to dispose of the robin’s nest, clean and spray off the area. Once abandoned for their real world adventure, robins don’t return to the nest where they were birthed. The old nest can attract lice and mites, so it’s best practice to dispose of it once the robins leave the nest for good.

Tuesday

31

May 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Patience

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Hope's How-To, Published Work

When I told Wes that I was writing this week on the subject of patience he lovingly replied, “Did you say impatience?” I think he meant it jokingly, but the fact that he kept chuckling about it after he said it makes me wonder….

This column about patience was partially inspired by our weekly drive to church on Sunday mornings. Without fail, Wes and I always witness drivers, – evidently in a rush, – headed somewhere, speeding like bats of you-know-where, passing every vehicle in their path. Now, I’d be lying if I said I never speed or never pass, but the irony is when we witness this on a Sunday (especially if the driver speeding and passing is headed to church) or if we end up right behind said driver at the next set of lights. Today on the road was no different; there was someone out there speeding, but today, the driver passing got pulled over. Which begs the question, why the rush?

Well, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the everyday. Who can blame people? Information is available instantly through the Internet, large purchases can be put on credit, and there’s a drive through for just about anything you can think of. In a world like we live in today, who needs patience?

Patience is definitely an under-rated virtue in today’s fast-paced world, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Leo Tolstoy once said, “The most powerful warriors are patience and time,” and he was right. While it’s often easier to take the quick road out, planting a seed and watching it grow – whether you’re buying a new home, pursuing a career, or even looking for love – requires both patience and time.

So what does the Bible say regarding the topic of patience? Here are 3 requirements of patience that God’s Word teaches us:

Patience requires us to rest. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” (Psalm 37:7) It’s ironic, isn’t it, that when we’re waiting for something, we often feel anxious or restless, but then the Bible instructs us to do the exact opposite, so there must be a reason, right? To put in context, David wrote Psalm 37 later in life, and if you know about David’s life, you know he had plenty of occasions to learn how to properly practice the virtue of patience. David knew what he was talking about when he instructed readers to “rest in the LORD.”
Patience requires us to establish our hearts. “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8) In verse 7, James instructs readers to be patient like the farmer who waits for the fruits of the earth. Farmers have some of the most stressful careers out there, which we all depend on! By definition, the word establish means to “set up on a firm or a permanent basis.” We all need a firm foundation, and the most important place is in our heart. If you don’t know Who you believe in, or what you stand for, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Patience requires us to examine our hearts, and further establish our Faith.
Patience requires us to be humble. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Exercising patience, true patience, means that some of the following characteristics are going to be brought out in us: Humbleness, gentleness, meekness, forgiveness. You can’t be patient without exercising the aforementioned characteristics. True patience helps us become more like Christ.

It may not always be easy – in fact, sometimes exercising patience will be the hardest thing, — but practicing patience is worth the wait (quite literally). If you’re feeling discouraged or like you can’t go on, take heart! As missionary Elisabeth Elliot famously said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” Patience can be accomplished, one day at a time.

Originally published “3 Facts About Patience.” Minto Express. May 18, 2016: 5. Print.

Tuesday

17

May 2016

3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Galatians 5:9 says, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” and I was reminded over the weekend just how true this is. Last Fall, Wes and I did a lot of winter prep work in our garden and around the yard; we weeded, seeded, raked, and trimmed. Preparation is supposed to benefit the lawn, trees, and any perennials in the garden during the next season.

This past weekend, it seems as though every neighbour was out in his or her yard, just soaking up the warm weather. Wes and I were no exception. We took the opportunity Saturday to churn up the gardens, do some edging, and lay mulch for this year. While we were churning the earth around our trees, both of us noticed how this one weed spread and laid roots during the winter! We’re pretty sure it’s some sort of common knotweed, and it sure grows aggressively. Even after all our work to pull up the roots last Fall, it somehow managed to breed and grow throughout the Winter.

I say all this because, as we were pulling up any leftover (or new) weeds over the weekend, I thought to my self how important it is when you’re pulling weeds to make sure you pull the whole root – you can’t leave any of the root behind, or it will just start growing again. How similar that is to our own behaviours and habits – when we’re trying to make positive life changes, we have to get rid of all the negative, and make sure any bad habits are completely uprooted.

Bad habits pull you down. Sure, those vices may not seem all that destructive at first, but like sin, vices are progressive. They start out small, and you think they’re no big deal, and sometimes we can’t even see bad habits until we’re so far involved in practicing them, and by that time, they can seem almost impossible to break. So how can we pull away from destructive behaviours and bad habits?

Three areas I can think of that can help us conquer bad habits:

Be accountable. Perhaps you have a spouse, a best friend, a parent, or even someone within your church family who can encourage you by helping you stay accountable. In the first part of the verse, James 5:16 instructs us to “Confess your faults one to another”.
Pray specifically. The second part of James 5:16 instructs us to “pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” When you have a specific habit you need help overcoming, or a behavior that needs correction, ask for prayer specifically for that concern.
Believe you can overcome bad habits and behaviours. The last part of James 5:16 tells us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Effectual is another word for successful, and fervent is another word for believing something so truly that you are actual passionate about the topic.

Bad habits and behaviours can be overcome. One of the keys is to nip it in the bud. Like the annoying (and fast-growing) knotweed, bad habits and behaviours have a way of spreading. As Dr. Bob Gilbert said, “First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits, or they’ll eventually conquer you.”

Originally published as “3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits.” Minto Express. April 20, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

27

April 2016

Hope’s How-To: Build A Robin’s Nest – Part 2 – The Robin’s Eggs

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Gardening, Hope's How-To

Robin’s nest update for you all: The robin has laid two — count it, TWO — eggs! Yes, that’s right! Robin’s eggs! Yesterday afternoon, I noted whilst driving away from the house that the mama robin was in the nest. Sure enough, last night when we checked, you can imagine my delight upon the discovery of two beautiful robin’s egg blue robin’s eggs.

My initial exclamation was something about how exciting this promise of new life is; Wes’s initial exclamation was about the future of the robin species. The robin deciding to lay her eggs is a beautiful example of a delicate, fragile new beginning, right on our porch. Whatever way you choose to look at it, we are absolutely thrilled with the prospect of two baby robins starting their lives and learning the ropes from the comfort of our porch.

We are being careful not to be disruptive while the mama robin incubates and raises her young [although I have to say in hindsight I wish we’d set up a time lapse camera to capture all the action; note to self for next year].

Here are some fascinating facts about robins and their eggs:

The incubation period for a robin’s egg is 12 to 14 days.
The female robin typically does the incubating, rarely leaving her eggs for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
After birth, baby robins spend an average of 9 to 16 days in the nest.

Stay tuned for more action as we keep an eye on the mama robin and her young. Anyone else have robins planting roots in their yard this year?

Wednesday

6

April 2016

Hope’s How-To: Build a Robin’s Nesting Shelf

Written by H, Posted in Hope's How-To

Spring is always an exciting time of year: The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and there are signs of new life everywhere. All this to say, we’ve had a less than stable Spring so far, what with fluctuating temperatures and seemingly endless snow. That’s got the returning robins scrambling, looking for a secure place to nest, and also foraging for food.

You’ve likely noticed the beautiful birds by the roadside or out on your lawn, looking for worms, berries, or other items to eat. They’re also deep into scouting season — looking for the best place to settle down, lay their eggs, and raise their young (for a full 13 days).

Being the compassionate person that I am, — save all the animals! — Wes agreed to build me a robin’s nesting shelf (or two!) to see if we could welcome a couple of new feathered friends to our home.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact building a robin’s nesting shelf can be quite simple. You don’t have to use the best wood, and measurements don’t need to be exact. Just remember to include the fundamentals of a sturdy shelf made from non-pressure treated wood, a shelf approximately 8 inches squared (or something in that range), a height of at least 7 feet off the ground.

Here’s how Wes built ours:

For building my robin’s nesting shelves, Wes used 4-inch Spruce straps, non-pressure treated. You could use any other kind of wood, permitting it’s not pressure treated. Wes just used Spruce straps since we had them on hand.

The platform should be approximately 8 inches squared, and depending on where you plan to install the nesting shelf, it may or may not need a roof (cover). Wes made one for me without a cover for under our covered porch, and one with a cover that’s on a more exposed side of the house.
Another key is that you don’t want to have any kind of barrier on the front of the nesting shelf.

You’ll also want to be mindful that the nesting shelf is secured in a location where there is no way for cats or squirrels to climb up into the nest.
A good rule of thumb for where you’ll locate the nesting shelf, is to find a place close to your home that is between 7 feet tall and tree top height. It should be in a location that gets some sun, but also stays cool and dry.
- Many people choose to secure a robin’s nesting shelf onto their home (rather than in a tree or on a fence) because predators like cats, squirrels, and even other birds (like Starlings or Crows) are less likely to get too close to your house. (You may have noticed in the past, that sometimes robins will choose to nest above a porch light or on top of a downspout, and this is why.)

If your house is made with brick or stone, secure the nesting shelf with a tap-con or a concrete nail. Be sure to pre-drill to the appropriate size for that fastener. If your house is made with siding, before drilling, make sure you’re not compromising the house material or drilling into electrical/plumbing/etc.

When the season is over, make sure to dispose of their old nest and clean the nesting shelf. Old nests have the potential to breed lice or mites. Besides this, next year, returning robins will build a fresh nest.
If you’re looking to make your nest shelf even more attractive, you could set out some berries or meal worms for the robins.

Robins appearing are a sure sign of Spring. I hope you are able to take some time to get outdoors and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation during this season!

“The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young…” {Psalm 84:3}

Thursday

31

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Ways to Be Encouraged

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

This column was originally published in early February 2016, in the midst of winter.

So far this winter, – knock on wood, – has been relatively mild, bright, and manageable. We’re just over halfway through the season, and there haven’t been too many days filled with dark skies and endless grey clouds. And for that, I’m thankful (seasonal affective disorder sufferers, rejoice!). That being said, it’s most common that when we reach just beyond the halfway point – whether in seasons, personal or professional goals, or schoolwork, – that we can begin to feel restless or ready to give up. If you’ve ever fought feelings of discouragement, you know what I mean. For those times when you’re feeling down, fatigued, or even restless, a little encouragement can go a long way.

I’m thankful to be surrounded by several people who inspire courage, and I’m also aware that sometimes the people who freely give support or encourage others are the very people who need encouragement the most!

If you’re reading this today and you find yourself fatigued, or restless, or in need of a little pick-me-up, here are three ways to find encouragement today:

Write a gratitude list. David said in Psalm 103:2 (KJV), “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits”. If you need some encouragement, count your blessings and create a gratitude list. It’s easier said than done, but often I take for granted the very things that people in other parts of the world long for – a peaceful neighbourhood, a pillow for my head, and a place to call home. That doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of God’s blessings.
Go for a walk or pick up some flowers. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV), Solomon wrote that, “He [God] hath made every thing beautiful in his time”. Even though I don’t have a green thumb, I always find it encouraging to be surrounded by flowers and other examples of God’s creativity and handiwork. It’s amazing how a walk outdoors and some fresh air can help you feel encouraged.
Get into God’s Word. Not familiar with the Bible? The Psalms are a great place to start, and within those pages you’ll find some of the most encouraging truths. These timeless poems and songs contain some of the most poignant phrases, which are uplifting to read and to recall to mind.

There are more than three ways you can encourage yourself, but these three provide an effective starting point. It is true what they say, that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. It’s an incredible gift to serve others, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. It’s easier to encourage another when you’re at a place of positivity!

Originally published as “3 Ways to Be Encouraged.” Minto Express. February 10, 2016: 5. Print.

Tuesday

8

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Leaving a Legacy

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” Dr. Seuss

Last week during the Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day memorials, we were all reminded of the incredible sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in years past, and who continue to serve and protect today. Additionally, this past week brought the tragic news that one of my former schoolmates – 12 weeks pregnant with her second child – was murdered during a random home invasion. You might wonder how any of this relates, however for me, these two events have served as great reminders of the importance of living a life of purpose and being mindful of our influence. There is a legacy of bravery that follows our servicemen and women. Similarly, there is a legacy of joy and purpose that follows my former schoolmate, Amanda.

At least in our twenties and thirties, we don’t often give a whole lot of thought to the legacy that we will one day leave when we depart from Earth. But this past week has got me thinking about how quickly our lives pass, and the importance of what we leave behind. Quite often, our initial thoughts may be what we will leave behind for family and loved ones from a financial or material perspective, however there are several other – and I’d argue more important – ways that we should concentrate on leaving a lasting legacy.

The legacy of love. They say there is nothing like a mother’s love, and this is true. Nothing compares to the love we receive from our mother, and this is something I know I’ll try to carry on someday when Wes and I have children. John 13:34-35 (KJV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” People notice when you act out of love and demonstrate a genuine care for others. True love can’t be faked, and it shows through our actions.
The legacy of commitment. Ever worked with someone who’s incredibly motivated, and who has an unmatched work ethic? I have. Equal parts challenging and inspiring, someone who works with commitment has a unique influence on his or her peers. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”.
The legacy of joy. You know those people who exude something more than happiness? When you make the choice every day to have joy, that has lasting impact. Psalm 16:11 (KJV) says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy…”. Craig Lounsbrough once said that inheritance is what we leave with people, and legacy is what you leave in people – that’s how it is with joy. It spreads in the soul, especially when we’re taking time each day to deepen our relationship with the Lord and His word.

With everything going on in the world today, sometimes it’s difficult to remember the importance of building our legacy. It’s s easy to get caught up in circumstances or what’s happening around us, however it’s so important to remember our influence and the importance of living a life of purpose. As entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck says, “Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day.”

Originally published as “Leaving a Legacy”. Minto Express. November 18, 2015: 5. Print.

Monday

7

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Benefits of Being Prepared

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

The start of a new week or a new month brings with it a certain freshness, or a renewed hope that even if the last week or month was a complete fail, you’ve got a new chance to redeem yourself and make things better. Part of this is being prepared. Ever notice how when Sunday rolls around and you take the time to get things ready for the week ahead – whether that’s meal planning and prep, laundry, cleaning the house, reviewing your schedule – when Monday morning appears, things run so much more smooth.

While there are several benefits to being prepared, these are a few of the benefits that have impacted my life in the most positive way:

Being prepared instills confidence. Legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” You wouldn’t go in to write a major test without first studying, would you? (OK it’s possible that in high school the answer to that question would have been yes….) Being prepared helps build confidence because preparedness grows our knowledge, helps us use our time more efficiently, and infuses a sense of satisfaction – all key elements of self-confidence.
Being prepared saves time. We don’t even have children, and already my husband Wes and I find our weekly schedules can be incredibly demanding. It’s beneficial for both of us to be prepared. You know the adage “you’ve got to spend time to save time”? To adequately prepare for the week ahead – whether that means making lunches and dinners in advance, or organizing work tools, or even getting to bed at a good (read: Early) hour – you’ve got to spend time doing these things in order to save time in the long-term. When you start preparing in advance, you’ll be surprised at how much more efficient a person you become.
Being prepared builds wisdom. Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV) says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Being prepared helps us build wisdom. We learn when we prepare, and we become more aware of our surroundings. When we’re prepared, we’re more apt to listen to others, to be more alert, and to be more focused.

It’s not always easy – especially to those who are prone to procrastination – however being prepared has a myriad of benefits. And preparedness is so much better than the alternative! I’ll close with this quote from Benjamin Franklin, renowned inventor and one of America’s Founding Fathers: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Take note, get inspired, and remember the benefits of being prepared!

**Originally published as “3 Benefits of Being Prepared”. Minto Express. November 4, 2015: 5. Print.**

Wednesday

2

March 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Attitude

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

It was Captain Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp) in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise that said, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?” Many a true word is said in jest, and Captain Sparrow sure shared some dingers.

It’s true, though; a lot of how we walk through life has to do with our attitude and our outlook on circumstances. I’ll be the first to admit that my attitude isn’t always the greatest; like many people, I go through waves of positivity, only to get down in the dumps at the first sign of something discouraging. That’s life. Much like choosing joy, we’ve got to make the choice to have the right attitude. Our attitude can make or break us.

There’s a ripple effect when we make the choice to have the right attitude, and here are three ways the right attitude can help each one of us:

The right attitude helps us maintain a focus on edifying and uplifting things. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) lists six virtues that we should focus on – “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…”. This can be really hard, especially if we’re in the midst of conflict or have received discouraging news – no one ever said having the right attitude was easy, but our attitude can help us keep things in perspective and keep our focus on the positive.
The right attitude helps us become more selfless. In our world, there’s an ever-growing movement that focuses on self and instant gratification. That’s a dangerous path to walk along, as the more we focus internally, the more likely we are to become discouraged, down, or even depressed. The right attitude helps us put our focus where it should be: Less on me, me, me, and more on how we can best serve God and others. In Galatians 5:13 (KJV), we’re encouraged to put the needs of others before our own: “…by love serve one another.”
The right attitude brings peace. There’s no comfort like recognizing that even in the midst of threshing and discouraging circumstances, God has a plan for each one of us. Having the right attitude while we’re walking through life’s valleys gives us power over our circumstances and peace that passes all understanding. In chapter 4 verse 7 of his letter to the Philippians (KJV), Paul wrote, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I’ve written before about purposefully choosing joy, that happiness isn’t just something that happens to us, and the same principle applies to our daily attitude in life. Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” A positive attitude doesn’t always come naturally – quite often the right attitude is something we need to choose. Every. Single. Day.

Originally published as “The Importance of Attitude”. Minto Express. September 23, 2015: 5. Print.

Newer Entries →

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Hope’s How-To Archive

22

Wednesday Wisdom: The Best Way To Get Things Done is To Get Started

17

Hope’s How-To: Build a Robin’s Nest – Part 4 – Robin Fledglings

31

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Patience

Originally published “3 Facts About Patience.” Minto Express. May 18, 2016: 5. Print.

17

3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits

Originally published as “3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits.” Minto Express. April 20, 2016: 5. Print.

27

Hope’s How-To: Build A Robin’s Nest – Part 2 – The Robin’s Eggs

6

Hope’s How-To: Build a Robin’s Nesting Shelf

31

Hope Reflected: 3 Ways to Be Encouraged

Originally published as “3 Ways to Be Encouraged.” Minto Express. February 10, 2016: 5. Print.

8

Hope Reflected: Leaving a Legacy

Originally published as “Leaving a Legacy”. Minto Express. November 18, 2015: 5. Print.

7

Hope Reflected: 3 Benefits of Being Prepared

**Originally published as “3 Benefits of Being Prepared”. Minto Express. November 4, 2015: 5. Print.**

2

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Attitude

Originally published as “The Importance of Attitude”. Minto Express. September 23, 2015: 5. Print.

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