Posts by Laura Puiras (Page 2)

Have you ever noticed that God is a God of the Eleventh Hour? Often, just when it seems like things are not going to work out or like it’s too late? Boom! Breakthrough. “The Eleventh Hour” is not only the name of a Doctor Who episode, it’s a phrase that means “the latest possible time before it’s too late”. It’s no wonder that books, shows and movies have been created with this same title because the tension and suspense can…

Earlier this week I had a strange dream… well, most nights I have pretty bizarro dreams. But there was something different about this one that caught my attention. I hadn’t remembered it at all until later into the next day when I heard a random phrase that brought this particular scene rushing back to the forefront of my mind. Although I can’t remember much of what happened before or after this portion of my dream, I feel like I’ve been…

So, I realize that I’m a little biased… but Abby’s sermon was brilliant!! If you haven’t had a chance to take it in yet, I highly recommend it. (Apologies to literally all of our KidzHarbour leaders who have already heard me pass along this exact same recommendation, haha) As Abby gave an overview of the Israelites’ Exodus out of Egypt and much of their time in the wilderness, she dropped countless gems along the way. I’ve been ruminating on many…

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? Drifting through the wind…  wanting to start again? Yes, yes those are Katy Perry lyrics… and before you think you’ve opened the wrong email or that you somehow clicked the wrong link I want you to seriously consider this idea.  Do you ever feel like you’re just kind of floating around? Like you’ve lost your footing and rather than falling you somehow managed to drift away? That’s how I was feeling on…

I’d like to propose that Patient Endurance is not something we just need to think about for the year of 2024… it’s not a thing we’ll do every now and then. Although we’ve sensed the Lord highlighting it to us for this year, it’s not merely a theme or a trending phrase at Lifespring. Patient Endurance is a way of life. We talk a LOT about how Jesus endured the cross, right? Even here, the author of Hebrews is reminding…

I realize that we’ve already passed the halfway mark of this month, so maybe it feels silly to consider the new year when it’s more… new-ish now. But this specific reflection seems to keep surfacing for me and I’m wondering if it might also resonate with some of you as well!  As I had some conversations with my closest friends, we chatted a bit about our theme words for the year. I dunno about you, but in the past I’ll…

In a time where loads of people are making resolutions for themselves for the new year, I’ve been finding that it’s really life-giving to… not. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made plenty of resolutions in the past and have even managed to accomplish some of those goals over the years. I also have absolutely nothing wrong with people using the calendar new year to boost their journey of growth and self-improvement!! But this year, especially, I’m sensing a different focus…

I’ve been thinking so much about the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Because they’re really easy to say, of course. But not always so easy to cling to or tobelieve. And I worry that, at our worst, we kind of see these words in scripture in a similar way.We hear them said: ‘don’t be afraid’ as a strict command, rather than a gentlereassurance. Perhaps an even better way to hear this ‘You don’t need…

As I was commuting around town earlier today, I was gently reminded about the importance and the value of waiting… I have this horrible tendency to switch travel routes mid-journey because one bus is taking too long or maybe another one will be there quicker. Sometimes having alternate routes and an app that gives you each arrival time for the buses near you can be a gift… sometimes, for someone particularly impatient, it can feel like more of a curse.…

Trying to figure out “The Will of God” is one of the most challenging things for believers to attempt.  There is not always an exact formula or schedule that we have to follow… except sometimes we do have both of those things? It can come across as one of the most individual and specific things there is about our journey with God… and yet we do have very clear expectations given to the people of God through Scripture!  Last Sunday…

Getting to hear Pastor Anita preach to us again last Sunday was such a treat! Her sermons are always packed full of information and are overflowing with life.  One of the biggest takeaways for me was the reminder that none of the big transformations we long for, or the breakthroughs we pray for, happen instantly. They take time. That doesn’t mean they will never happen quickly or that changes can’t take place miraculously. Of course that is possible! Especially when…

A common piece you might find in a Finnish home is a “räsymatto”, or “rag rug”. They take on a striped pattern as they are, essentially, handwoven assorted fabrics. There are modern versions of these rugs and they can be as neutrally coloured or bright and colourful as you’d like. But, originally, these räsymattos were created from old clothing or linens that were no longer able to be used in the home. Rather than throwing them away or having an…