The Blazed Trail

21/08/2024

Like glue, faith in Jesus Christ secures us to God's eternal nature. As believers, we are forever stuck to His love.

19/08/2024

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life? That’s a great place to start. If you’re not sure about faith, what if prayer really works? Why not give calling on Jesus a try?

For those who believe, but are feeling down, have you thought about turning to Jesus in your struggles? Even in tough times, hope and peace are still possible.

Have you considered how Jesus’ death and resurrection can make a difference in your life today?

Drop a comment or send a message if you want to talk more about this or need support/prayer!

19/08/2024

Waskasiu* Lake, night 1, did not disappoint ✨️

Cousins at sunset 💛

16/08/2024

Every morning, I start by journaling my thoughts and prayers before diving into my Bible. Today, I found myself thinking, “God, where are you? It feels like you’re on vacation and I could really use some help!”

Then, I flipped back a few months and saw a prayer I had written: “Lord, I want to be stretched and challenged beyond my limits.” Oh, the irony! I wanted growth then, but now I’m just hoping for an easy, hand-held journey.

In the Old Testament, God spoke through dramatic ways—fire, angels, visions etc. While those are incredible, today we might not experience them as often. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Sometimes, it feels like He’s silent, but that’s when we’re called to trust Him the most.

Think of it like a coach during the off-season— they're not always there to guide you, but you're given a training program and it's up to you to follow it. God’s Word is our guide and when you feel like He’s silent, remember that His Word is not! Unlike a training program - God's Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12)! He’s still with you, in the silence, training you to trust Him.

How do you stay encouraged when you feel like God is silent? Share your thoughts in the comments!

14/08/2024

"I believe; help my unbelief" is both a declaration of faith and a heartfelt acknowledgment of our imperfections. It reminds us that while we strive to trust in God, our faith is always a work in progress.

As I look back through my journals over the years... I find a theme that doesn't seem to end and that is: "I believe; help my unbelief"

It’s okay to feel this way—just keep praying for more faith. We’re not meant to walk this path alone. Jesus has already blazed the trail and walks with us by His Spirit, guiding us every step of the way. So, turn to His Word and trust what it says. Pray for more faith. Shift your focus from your worries to your worship.

Here's a song I've been recently playing a lot...
Peace Over Anxiety by Savannah Locke

Let peace wash over your anxiety
Let love sing hymns to calm your fears
Believe the path ahead is full of grace
And it won't be easy but God will be there

You're gonna be okay
Just ride the wave
I can't tell you life will turn out like you hoped
But I can promise you'll never be alone

11/08/2024

We all know worrying doesn’t solve anything, yet it’s so easy to get caught up in it. We fret about the unknown, the “what-ifs,” and potential outcomes that may never even happen. But recently, I’ve been reminded of something crucial: focus on my Words and my Work. 💬🛠️

Are my words uplifting and positive? Am I working diligently with purpose? To manage my worries, I turn to worship music and remind myself of how God has always provided. Instead of letting procrastination take over, I work hard to support my family and improve my well-being. 🙌

How do your words and work shape your day? Let’s strive to reflect Jesus in everything we do. ✨

08/08/2024

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

04/08/2024

At our Aspinall Family Reunion in Bow Island, Alberta. Getting our selfie moment in when the sky shines its bright colors ✨️

03/08/2024

Wash me clean, O God, from my sins and insecurities as a mother. Fill my cup, Lord, with your perfect peace and endless grace. May I love my children from the overflowing peace within my soul. You see me, care for me, and teach me to guide my children. Remove any comparisons I hold against other mothers, and help me joyfully uplift them instead of judging them.

I pray to be a mother who encourages and supports others with your compassion, grace, and humility. May I model loving others more than myself, as Jesus did.

Amen.

Praise God for His dwelling Spirit within God-fearing mamas, producing good fruit that is visible and tasted by their children!

Please feel free to share this prayer with a mom friend or hold it close to your own heart.

01/08/2024

🙌 Sharing your testimony brings a joyful noise unto the Lord!

✨ It increases your faith as you recall and remember His goodness!

💪 It encourages other believers to continue in their journey of faith!

🔥 It makes known the person of Jesus Christ and carries the power of the Holy Spirit!

📖 Psalm 66:5 says, "Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!"

Let's glorify Him by sharing our stories of His faithfulness and grace! 🌟

29/07/2024

🌟 Reflecting on Acts 9:1-9 where Apostle Paul's encounter with Jesus transformed his life—from persecutor to leader of the Christian church.

Paul's Conversion can shape our own story:

1️⃣ **Before Christ:** How did YOU live before encountering Jesus?

2️⃣ **Encounter with Christ:** How did YOU first meet Him?

3️⃣ **After Christ:** How are YOU living differently now that you've encountered Him?

I've been a believer in Christ since I can remember, but there were moments when I chose to forge my own path.

Here's one of those moments:

1️⃣ After university, I moved to Australia to live for myself, guided by my own desires and emotions. But it left me feeling empty.

2️⃣ Jesus confronted me with a conviction I couldn't ignore—a call to surrender back to Him. I repented of living for myself and started to desire Him above all else.

3️⃣ Six months later, God blessed me with a husband whose faith strengthens my own, even after 8 years together!

Praise God! Psalm 30:11-12 resonates: "You turned my mourning into dancing... I will give thanks to you forever!"

Share YOUR story! How has meeting Jesus transformed YOUR life? 🙌✨

26/07/2024

I've held onto this post for a while, feeling vulnerable about sharing it. As I witness other mothers navigating their own losses and pains, I hope these words offer encouragement and hope. May you find a sense of "not alone" in your journey and discover that Jesus is present in your pain too.

In my own experience, I've struggled with anger towards God, yet His love never left me. His faithfulness anchored me through it all, even when my heart was in turmoil. I've praised God for His unwavering goodness, even amidst my deepest hurts.

May you also find comfort in your season of loss and sorrow, holding onto hope in Christ. Your story matters deeply, held closely and heard with care by your Heavenly Father.

The flowers in this photo were given to me during a time of profound grief by my family. As I washed out the vase after they wilted, I wrote a poem that helped me understand and process my pain. Though painful, God was there, offering words of comfort through that poem.

I'm thankful that my baby and others rest peacefully in His arms, perfectly made and cherished by their Heavenly Father.

In 2020, I gave flowers to a friend who had lost a baby and kept a few for myself. She taught me the importance of grieving together in sorrow, not trying to fix things. True comfort comes from listening and caring, and God enables us to comfort others in the same way through His Spirit.

I've been blessed by friends who prayed when I couldn't find the words and who shared their own pain to bring me comfort. I'm grateful for those who checked on me months later, understanding that grief knows no timeline. Thank you to those who held me when I couldn't hold myself and who pointed me to Jesus through their own stories.

To all these friends, thank you. Your faith in Jesus strengthened mine.

My prayer is that I can pass along this comfort to others by sharing my story.

You are not alone in your pain. God sees and holds you — even if not by people yet, certainly by God. Hold onto hope a little longer and witness the goodness God can bring into your life. I pray for you.

23/07/2024

🙏 Reflecting on these biblical names who fought battles God won for them, and realizing I'm listed among them—a living testimony of God's provision. And you're probably there too. Where has God unexpectedly provided for you? 🤔

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

From suffering to confusion, they trusted God and found favor. God was with them through it all, already securing their victory. Through Jesus Christ, the battle against death is won, and we have all we need.

As we wait "in the meantime," enduring life's challenges, remember there's testimony in the waiting. Testimonies of facing lions and emerging unharmed. Testimonies of betrayal turned to blessing. Let's not lean on our own understanding or emotions, but stand firm on God's promises.

There's no battle too big for God. Will you still have faith? To see what God can do with you and through you? To bring glory to His name and share His peace with others? Life may not be perfect, but there's beauty in God's redemption. Amen. 🌟

23/07/2024

🌿 Every time I read wisdom-related Bible verses, I'm instantly humbled. I start off thinking, "I'm doing pretty good over here!" and end with, "Oh Lord, I need help!"

Nobody walks in wisdom 24/7. We all stumble and rely on our own devices and flesh.

Glory to God for His forgiveness and grace to try again!

One thing that stands out to me is the importance of seeking counsel and good advice. This hits home as I navigate many dreams and ideas. I'm grateful I can turn to my husband for wisdom, especially in prioritizing amidst the busyness of mothering young kids. Discipling them is my top focus, so wise choices mean saying "no" to good things that might overwhelm me.

As seasons change and my kids grow, I can take on more. What does living wisely look like for YOU this season? Share which verse resonates with you!

God bless,
Emily

20/07/2024

Fearful of the future? Sing this psalm of praise:

Psalm 33:20-22,

"We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."

and then... DO this:
Psalm 92:2, "proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,"

"Practice praising Him in the morning and reviewing His faithfulness in the evening. This develops gratitude and prevents the heart from straying."
- The One Year Chronological Study Bible (NTL)

18/07/2024

Many times in my life, it's been through the prayers of others that have lifted me out of despair, hurt, or grief. In motherhood, it's the encouragement of my church's mom's group, my husband, and family/friends that keep me hopeful for the future. I'm blessed by the hearts of fellow believers that push me closer to Jesus. My prayer for you is that God would bring people around you who don't keep you in a rut of despair, but lift you out, acting like Jesus they follow.

Committing to follow the blazed trail of Jesus Christ is an adventure and a worthy one to take. Remember, the trail was never meant to be walked alone, but alongside brothers and sisters in Christ. The journey isn’t always smooth ground or easy terrain. But, as we keep our eyes on Jesus and encourage one another to keep moving along, we can cover much ground, experience new heights, and enjoy the journey along the way… together.

14/07/2024

Titus 3:5 ESV
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

13/07/2024

Embracing humility in parenting means admitting our mistakes to our children, modeling repentance and the importance of forgiveness when we fall short.

Admitting my failures is the most challenging aspect of parenting for me. It's difficult to acknowledge my mistakes, especially in front of my child. Have you ever had your child say, "Now, mom, tell God you're sorry!"? It's a moment that can be frustrating, yet it reminds me of the humility and vulnerability required in my relationship with God. When I sin against them, I choose to apologize because I know forgiveness is crucial for my own well-being. Holding onto shame for my mistakes can ruin my entire day, so I want to show my children the importance of turning to Jesus in both joy and sorrow.

Every day, I am a living example to my kids, a responsibility I cannot manage without the grace of Jesus. I want them to understand that perfection is unattainable, but grace is always available. Therefore, I demonstrate that I need Jesus to be the best mom I can be, choosing love over pride.

📖Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..."

🙏Remember:
- We battle between flesh and spirit.
- Repentance opens doors for grace.
- Let's walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).

Galatians 5:16-18 urges us to walk by the Spirit, not giving in to our fleshly desires. And Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to lay aside our burdens and run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus who perfects our faith.

When we repent, we turn to Jesus, the only one who can cleanse us from sin. His love for us is unwavering, even when we are flawed.🙂✌

10/07/2024

As parents disciplining our children doesn't always feel good. But, its necessary to teach them right from wrong. As followers of Jesus we look to His Word to understand the importance of discipline.

📖Hebrews 12:5-6,“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives ”

📖Job 5:17, “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.

I recognize that discipline is an act of love regardless if I feel like doing it or not. It's biblical to do. It's for the benefit of the child just like it's my benefit to be disciplined by the Lord.

How does God discipline us?🧐

God's discipline for us primarily involves the conviction of the Holy Spirit, correcting our sinful behaviour to a holy one, and allowing trials in our lives to occur. Discipline creates healthy boundaries for us to live in.

🌿John 15:2, Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

07/07/2024

Ever had a marshmallow the size of your whole palm? No? You should. It's amazing. Or 🤔 messy haha!

05/07/2024

Sharing the adventure of following Jesus, the original trailblazer...
"Adventure," which by definition means an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

"Typically hazardous!" Yikes. Ever been lost on a trail, taking over three hours longer than expected, after already hiking for six hours? That was our experience on our first overnight mountain journey at BC's Golden Ears Provincial Park. It was more exhausting than hazardous, but it took inner strength to push through and to stay kind to each other, haha! In the end, it was all worth it!

The point is: adventures are full of surprises—some great and some awful—but nothing close to perfection. That's who we follow—Jesus, the man who knew no sin. We follow Him to lead us closer to perfection through perseverance in our current circumstances and struggles.

My husband and I frequently discuss with our 5-year-old daughter the ups and downs of adventures—the knowns and unknowns. Sometimes, what we plan for isn't what happens, and expectations don't match reality. Life often throws unfortunate circumstances our way, some of which we're prepared for and others we're not. Life isn't perfect, even for followers of Jesus.

So what then? Do we stop and give up? Or try another path that seems to "work"? Let me share from personal experience about forging your own path—you often get lost. I've learned not to travel alone anymore without someone with good directional sense—because, honestly, I lack good instincts there, unless it's in a mall... I know my shops ;)!

Anyway, we choose to continue on the path that Jesus blazed first. There, we can persevere through any circumstance that comes our way, because He's already gone before us.

Romans 5:3-5, We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

05/07/2024

This is so cool! Imma definitely have a listen! I'd love to be at one of their conferences live!
Check it out, you can watch all the messages..

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: 𝟓𝟎+ 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐆𝐂𝐖𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Last month, The Gospel Coalition hosted its largest ever gathering. Nearly 9,000 women assembled in Indianapolis for TGC’s 2024 Women’s Conference, themed Behold and Believe: Encountering Jesus as the Great I AM.

Attendees came from 49 states and 27 countries, with over 65 percent being first-time attendees at a TGC Women’s Conference.

These attendees heard keynote messages unpacking the seven I AM statements in John’s Gospel, from speakers including Jen Wilkin, Ruth Chou Simons, and David Platt. Through more than 40 topical breakout sessions and workshops, the conference also provided attendees with practical, biblical help for various aspects of life and ministry.

Now, we’re excited to announce the release of all the audio and video sessions from TGCW24, available for you to stream at your convenience and share with others. To access the seven keynote talks and more than 40 breakout sessions, simply head to our TGCW24 On-Demand page and dive into the enriching content:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcw24/on-demand/

04/07/2024

Parenting is a journey of patience and faith. Like Paul in Romans 7:18, I often wrestle with my shortcomings: "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."

God's Word is my anchor, offering daily hope and guidance. His grace allows me to navigate the challenges, learn from mistakes, and embrace growth. In moments of loneliness, His love comforts me. Just as crops need rain and sun for a fruitful harvest, we need our Creator and the Holy Spirit's power to bear good fruit in our lives!

Romans 7:24-25 reminds us of our need for rescue: "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Count it all joy when you lean on Jesus in your inadequacies. His power transforms us daily to reflect Him more.

Where have YOU seen God stretch and grow you as a parent? 🙌 Let's glorify Him together for His work in our lives!

30/06/2024

I find acronyms helpful to keep me focused during prayer. I tend to go off on the train of "Emily's million requests" and forget to praise the Lord for simply who He is. I forget to repent and take time to accept His gift of grace. Sometimes I spend so much thought in my shame that it leads me farther from repentance and even farther from accepting the Lord's forgiveness. My own flesh hinders my prayer life. Hence why I like prayer prompts, like this one! I love Jesus and His new mercies for me every morning - which are available for you too! My prayer is that these posts encourage you to look at your day to find quiet moments in your spirit to pray. To Praise, Repent, Accept and Yearn more of HIM in your day.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God bless,
Emily

29/06/2024

This prayer poem I wrote on January 9th, 2024, in my journal.

Now, halfway through the year, I've seen my prayer life grow. I've seen how God has continued to push me to pray. He led me to start a monthly prayer meeting with women from my church. He's prompted me to stay disciplined in starting each morning ✍️ writing my prayers... thinking of my own requests and highlighting others to pray for, too.

As I mature and get older... I understand more and more what "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) means. It means that prayer is a way of life because a relationship with Jesus is a way of life.

Thank you, God, for the opportunity and gift of prayer - the ability to talk to you anytime and all-the-time. I've seen you open and close doors. I've seen you bust through with answers before the question left my lips to ask. I've seen you be silent and felt challenged in my faith to continue on (learning prayer persistence - Ephesians 6:18).
Regardless of the situation of life/timing of answers... your peace remains in me, and for that reason, i can't help but pray. 😌🙏 Amen.

If you're struggling in a consistent prayer life, try this prompting acronym:
P R A Y

P - Praise God 👏
R - Repent of sin (actions that aren't God honoring) 😢
A - Accept - the grace and forgiveness of Jesus and accept the promises of God ✝️
Y - YOUR - your church ⛪️, your community 🫂 your country 🇨🇦... endless possibilities in YOUR circle of influence to pray for.

Comment if you've seen growth 📈 in your prayer life recently or desire to grow in your own prayer life! 🙏

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Cast your cares on the LORD, and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken (Psalm 55:22)

God bless,
Emily

>>>>>>

24/06/2024

"Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!" Psalm 72:19

-- as the rain falls, May God's glory fall too.. on the people hurting, searching, crying, or running, May the goodness of God fall upon them like rain.

Amen.

21/06/2024

This girl is done kindergarten today, which means camping season is about to kick off! So proud of her and the friends she's made and the joy she's developed for school. I may have grown more wrinkles this year.. but hey, part of growing up on all fronts 😄

08/06/2024

Nautical vibes.

Two little fishies havin' a good time 🐠🐟

16/05/2024

David prayed with an open heart toward the Lord. He never hid from his own heart in prayer. We can learn a lot from the prayers of David in the book of Psalms.

In the same prayer, he says in Psalm 13: 

V2 "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul with sorrow in my heart every day?

V5 "but I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

V6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me."

In prayer, it's okay to be in anguish while acknowledging the goodness of God at the same time.

Sometimes, it's a battle to do both.  But a necessity to give your heart a voice.

- let the words of your heart speak to God. Without a filter and without an assumption, he doesn't care.

- the terrorizing feeling will gradually cease as you continually pray.

Gradually, peace will overcome despair... gradually, hope will begin to resurface.

- I've had times in my life where prayer became a battle cry to regain hope. I've had times where the prayers of others became my own.

- Sometimes the pain is louder than your praise... don't let that keep you from praying, which can also be mediating on God without words. He knows your heart..  if words can't come out.. That's okay, too.

Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

God knows your heart. It's okay to give it to him with full honesty and full vulnerability.

12/05/2024

Dear God,

Please help us be better in living out the truth and fulfilling our calling as mothers. Help us teach our children how great you are! Help us teach them...

🌸The powerful lesson of repentance and the beautiful gift of grace.

🌼The powerful presence of praise and how it destroys strongholds of darkness.

🌻The unlimited possibilities of God’s power.

🌺The endless amount of God’s goodness and mercy.

🪷To be worship warriors against flesh and evil in song, speech, in-action/deeds, forgiveness, prayer, obedience, and joy. So they can be a witness to the world around them.

⚘️May we raise up the next generation in remembrance of God’s great faithfulness and keeper of His promises. For you, LORD... never fail, never forsake, never lie, and is always with us.

🪻May our children witness your great faithfulness in how we live our lives as mothers.

Amen.

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