Becky Thomas: Blog

It's already the middle of February and I'm just now posting this blog!   Guess I'm a bit behind!   But I'm looking forward to what 2011 holds - already it has been a busy year for us in Saskatoon!  
Both our girls are doing well and though we miss them being away at school, Lar and I are enjoying extra time together.  One of our pet projects has been getting "Illuminations" started, a musical jam and storytelling night we invite our friends and church too.  It's been so fun to see and hear all the different talents of old and new friends - we are constantly "illumined" by the gifts and treasure that are in the people who surround us.   
Taking on the role of a pastor again is 2011's new challenge for me.  As I stand looking at the world around me, never before have I had such an urgency to pray, to see my aboriginal family restored to a place of dignity and honor, to sing Creator's songs and to share His heart for people everywhere.   Saskatoon [...]

As I reflect on the journey that Jesus took down the Via Dolorosa, I can't help think about the Journey of Freedom that is underway in Canada.   A journey embarked upon by Canada's first female Grand Chief, Lynda Prince, Chief Kenny Blacksmith, Barry Maracle and many others.   It is a call first for the First Peoples of Canada to say "yes" as a response to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's request for forgiveness for the abuse suffered in the residential schools, given in June 2009.   What makes this journey so incredible is that the wounds suffered are so great.   Just this week I listened to a man speak for an hour about how European kids were also subject to boarding schools - in other words, "we went to schools and we suffered too, so get over it".
If that has ever been a thought in your mind, I encourage you to visit the website, www.i4give.ca.   Listen to the stories and be amazed by the depth of healing, humility and forgiveness from our First Nation leaders. [...]

Tonight my heart is heavy.  Only 1 1/2 blocks from my house two people were stabbed two nights ago, and one was left dead.   I only heard of it today and felt as if I'd been sucker punched in the stomach.   This isn't the first murder this year.   I am grieved and angry at the needless suffering, the gross injustice and the terror of the night for the folks in my neighbourhood.  If you think of me, pray for me and for the people in this neighbourhood.  Pray that our family will hear God's voice and make a difference for the dear friends and children who share this concrete jungle with us.  It's time for change..........

After almost a week I am finally feeling back to "normal" after a wonderful week in Gimli, Manitoba with the Aboriginal Music Program. A bit like American Idol minus the cameras, humiliation, competition and threat of being "sent home", it was a full five days of classes with the late evenings often spent in the lounge listening and participating in spontaneous "jam sessions". Hats off to the organizers (especially Alan Greyeyes and Geri Trimble), funders and mentors for a week that was jam packed full of useful information on everything from how to run a music business to how to improve your song writing and performance skills. In all, it was a gloriously accepting atmosphere, yet driven by a spirit of excellence with the desire to see emerging aboriginal artists succeed. I will always be grateful for the privilege of attending this "camp", both for the sake of building relationships as well as education. And oh, did I mention how great the food was? I think the feeling back to "normal" [...]

Hey Everyone:
Just in the way of information, I wanted to share with you some of the resources I have been taking advantage of in building a home business.    If you ever get a chance, pick up Donna Partow's book, "Building A Business From Home".   She wrote a similar one 20 years ago, but as we know, times have definitely changed, and this new book is up to date with the new technologies that are around, such as websites, tweets, pings, etc.   lol    
And to think that I didn't take a computer class my last years of high school, thinking it was just another trend that would fade into the background!  lol   It takes awhile to learn to love learning!   Technology is something that I never "want to learn", it seems like such a big interruption in my daily life.   But, oh, like riding a bike, how sweet it is once you have mastered it! It definitely gets you where you need to be a lot faster!  So, I am learning to at least appreciate it [...]