Category: Life

Big Church to Small Church – What’s In My Bag?

Published on by Rowena Francis2 Comments

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that I earn an affiliate commission if you purchase through my links. There is no cost to you if you click the link and purchase items.

For 30 years, I lived my life in big church. My neighbour invited my sister and I out to a kids program at a church when I was 7. Since then, God & faith became my whole world. Big church is a whole dynamic – many people show up to do the work at a building that has a main purpose of doing church, with all the equipment already set up. Even if only 20% of the people were doing 80% of the work (like volunteer life once was), the work still gets done. For a season, I never batted an eye at the responsibilities we had as volunteers – there was always a team of people around.

Then one day, big church changed to small church for us. What was once show up and focus on your individual duties became all hands on deck. We no longer had our own building with everything set up – we have to show up and transform a banquet hall into a church within 2 hours, then tear it all down again after the service. I’m not going to talk about our process today (let me know if you’re interested though), but due to this process, there are things that I have to bring back and forth to church every week. If you know me, you know that I always want to find the most organized way to do something – even if it means weeding through many different ideas and products. So, what’s in my bag?

My first hurdle was actually finding a bag strong enough to handle the equipment I was lugging around, large enough to fit it all, easy enough to maneuver, and fashionable – cause there’s no need to be boring! I started with a rolling suitcase (and I actually still use it for our check-in/registration items), but last year I found a bag that I love! It fits everything (including my 40oz water cup), it is very durable, and the best part – it’s super cute! My bag is from a brand called Poppy & Peonies and I am absolutely sold on it! It fits everything I need on a weekly basis.

First things first, I have to bring my laptop, tablet, and phone with me. I use my tablet for chord charts when I’m playing keys, to see the order of service for announcements, and I also use it for my preaching notes and Bible. I also have my concordance on there, so if I need to check on something mid-preaching, I can. My phone is used for communications (like texting my MD mid-service to say ‘impromptu end of service song – be ready!’) and mixing my IEMs. The laptop is mostly there for anything that may come up on the fly. I’ve also been connecting it to our sound board so I have a copy of the mix that I can refer back to during the week.

IEMs. In ear monitors. These are the greatest thing since sliced bread. If you’re not on the worship team, these are the headphones we use to hear the music mix in our ears instead of having a wedge monitor on the floor of the stage. I won’t get into much on these, but they help keep the stage noise clean so our audio engineers can mix from a good starting point. I was using the KZ ZSN Pro X from Amazon for a bit, but in 2024 I went to Florida and found an incredible pair that I love (they have an ambient filter, so I can still hear the real world around me).

Obviously, when you’re toting around electronics, you need to have a pouch to keep all of your cords and memory cards/sticks organized. I have this one, but I will likely need to upgrade to a larger one like this. I pack this with a charging block, a few different types of charging cords, a backup charger, usb drive, and my watch charger (I feel pretty lost without my watch on Sunday mornings).

Water is a staple and in big church we had water fountains. In small church, we have to bring our own water, or fill up in the bathroom sink (no thanks). When you’re singing/talking for 4 hours straight, you need a lot of hydration! I have tried many water cups (except a Stanley), and this 40oz Simple Modern one keeps my ice and water perfectly. A little hack I use for hydration is adding Electrolytes powder to my water. It tastes like pink lemonade and is very refreshing when you’re exerting so much vocally – and 40oz will last me during the service.

Speaking of vocals, for a short time our singers were struggling with vocal fatigue, sore throats, etc. We eventually realized that it was an attack from the enemy (let me know if you ever want to talk on the attacks of witchcraft). We fought that spiritually, but in those practical moments we used some great products to help keep us powering through. I found this great throat spray and cough drops that are very soothing. They have a permanent spot in my bag, regardless of the state of my voice.

Another thing I need in my bag is admin items. With small church, the pastor wears many hats, and one of my hats is administration. So boring, I know. I’m constantly needing to bring documents for people, so I keep an accordion file organizer filled with envelopes and pens.

Doing small church over the last 4.5 years has been an incredible learning curve, but it has been an amazing experience. Remembering to charge everything and pack it all up every Saturday evening is probably the biggest challenge. Bringing things, setting everything up, tearing everything down, keeping it all in order has been a hidden blessing. Week after week, we watch our team work together in unity, each one doing their part and more to serve in the house of God. Toting things back and forth to the church – it’s worth every moment.

Let The Music Play

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

When I was a kid, I felt like my days in school were never-ending. After I graduated high school, I constantly had dreams that I forgot to do my homework, wasn’t prepared for a test, or simply that I forgot to get dressed. I would wake up, relieved that I no longer had that pressure on me.

Little did I know…

Learning doesn’t stop once you graduate from the governmental structure of the educational system. Learning is something that will always be a part of our lives, no matter how old we grow. If you stop learning (or detest it), you will grow stagnant and complacent in your life. That’s a dark road to walk, and it will ultimately lead to one’s demise.

Over the course of the last 10 years, I have found myself needing to learn very detailed and specific things. At times, I have grown quite frustrated when that need has presented itself. I would often use the rhetoric that for once it would be nice if something just came easy or natural. Except that’s not the way life works. I’ve come to realize that even when it looks like something comes easy for someone, there is usually a whole lot happening behind the scenes that I am not privy to.

Psalm 33:3 says, ‘Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.’ This Scripture has been pivotal in my journey of learning over the last 3 years. I chuckle when I think about the first time I played keys on stage during worship. Very few people knew I liked to play the piano secretly in my own home. We, being the lead pastors, arrived at church one Sunday morning and the worship leader informed us that there was no one to play keys. Someone piped up and offered my services in front of the group. Of course, when you lead a small church, you have to have a willingness to do whatever is needed, even if it’s not your area of expertise. So, I decided to play.

Hold on, because I’m not sure you fully grasp the magnitude of that decision.

I was not a skilled musician. I’m not even sure I could call myself an actual musician. I was a girl who tinkered around on a piano at home. I didn’t know how to keep timing. I didn’t know there was such a thing as different keys. I didn’t know how to follow a click. I didn’t know how to function with IEM (in-ear monitors). I didn’t know how to play with anyone else. I had never played in front of anyone, let alone in front of 150 people. What I did know was how to play a few chords, and that when God asks you to do something, He equips you. I stepped out – and I would love to say that I played the most beautiful sound ever, but I didn’t. I messed up royally. That’s why I chuckle every time I think about it.

You know what? No one even bats an eye at my mistakes a few years later. What people remember is that the pastor just did what was needed in the moment it was needed. It sparked an inspiration (IYKYK) for multiple people to step out into unknown territory and try something they’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t want to feel silly or stupid in front of anyone.

A short time after I started playing keys, we found ourselves in need of a worship leader. We spread the word about it, but nothing came to fruition. So, our philosophy in leadership and life has been, if there’s a need and no one to fill it, as the leaders of this house, God’s grace will be there for me to fill that role.

I began diving into learning everything I could about music, playing on stage with a band, and creating an atmosphere of unity and worship. In my ‘spare’ time, I worked on my skills. I took a course on learning how to play the keys. I practiced hours and hours each day. I took courses in learning how to lead a band. I signed up for a singing course. I hired a music teacher. I took a few courses on sound engineering and mixing. I researched, learned, applied, failed, researched again, learned more, applied again, fixed some things, failed a bit more, etc, etc.

Fast forward a few years. Here we are in 2025. Am I a great musician? No. Am I a great leader? No. Am I perfect? Not even close. Am I more skilled than I was 3 years ago? Absolutely. Why? Not because it came easy or natural. Not because I was fearless and knew I could do it. It was because I have a firm belief that we are all called to be true worshippers. For me, learning these skills is helping me flow much easier in leading others into the presence of God. I know God’s purpose for me in this directive. It hasn’t been easy, I have cried, lost sleep, battled the mental fight, battled negative comments, battled the feeling of being an imposter, given up personal time and my days off, and subjected my family to odd and loud vocal workouts at 4am. Yet, I wouldn’t change a thing. Growth happens when we press on through the struggle. The thing that helps me weed out the worry of what others think of me is simply, I want to do this. I enjoy doing this. The only person’s opinion of me that truly matters – God. And since I know from His Word what He says about me, I find comfort and peace in who I am.

Learning is fun. Keep growing, keep pressing on, know God’s purpose for your life – and don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise. Whatever He has asked you to do, do it as unto God and not unto men (see Colossians 3:23).

Live Thriving, or Die Trying

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

“You used to be fun.”

Ouch. Used to? I used to be fun? As in, I’m not anymore?

Gotta love conversations with teenagers. Except it didn’t come from our teenagers – it was an in-passing comment from my husband.

I pulled up my good ole instagram account and began looking through my old posts (including all my archived ones too). One by one, I started reminiscing about the things we used to do or say…like our nicknames for each other – pumpkin and squash. Original, I know. Yet, even now, it’s making me smile just thinking about it. I was cleaning out the file cabinet in my office and came across a folder containing sentimental items. I found the love notes I would hide in my hubby’s lunch bag – and his written responses.

Somewhere along the way, life became a bit more serious. Between 2016 and 2020, I was on a rollercoaster that I desperately needed to exit – but I couldn’t walk away because our whole life was entwined in that journey. Leaving that rollercoaster would mean that we would be walking away from everything we loved and lived for – and most importantly, the place God had planted us. Staying planted where God put us was a non-negotiable in our lives. We would live thriving, or die trying – but we weren’t moving without God’s directive.

In that time, I realized that everything I did was at the approval/disapproval of anyone else. I had forgotten how to have fun and enjoy the life I was living. So, I started a blog…and a YouTube channel. I loved it! It gave me a little creative outlet and helped me to view myself as a regular human being – not just a robot. Then it happened.

Judgement.

All of a sudden, people who had their own perception of me began using phrases like ‘you are an embarrassment (to me)’ or ‘do you really think God approves of you’ and so on and so on. For some reason, certain people have had viewpoints that pastors and leaders in Christian ministry can’t express themselves as regular people who love God and also like fashion, working out, makeup, etc. Comments and things like that made me question whether it was possible to be in ministry and still have fun in life. I started to set aside my creativity because I know God has planted me in full-time ministry. Live thriving, or die trying.

However!

Anyone who has been in full-time ministry understands that it is a life that has the utmost fulfillment, but also has times of great sorrow and exhaustion. I often chuckle at the Apostle Paul when he stated that he was hard-pressed between staying here and doing God’s will or departing to be with Christ (see Philippians 1:23-26). Ministry life is beautiful, but also challenging. Being with Christ is everything we live for. If you set aside the creativity that God instilled inside of you, it can make things much harder to deal with. Like Paul, I say, for your sake, I’m going to live thriving, or die trying.

Judgement from others will always be there. If you live by their praises, you’ll die by their criticism. It’s true. Be who God has created you to be – and know that you can enjoy that life.

22 years ago, I made specific vows to my husband – to be a God-fearing woman of integrity, virtue, uprightness of character and excellence of spirit, AND to make a comfortable home for him. Joy and happiness is all part of that. My focus in this next season is to incorporate more laughter into our everyday personal and ministerial lives – which means he’s probably going to hear a lot more about random things that make me smile. As if I already don’t talk enough.

Freedom

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

Hollywood has produced many films over the years of great stories of men and women fighting tyranny for their freedom. One of the best of these tales is that of the Scottish Wars of Independence captured in Braveheart at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Although the movie is not for the faint in heart, there is a scene often used in media to rally the troops.

The Scots have all gathered to fight when they realize they are outmatched and begin to flee before the battle. Just as this occurs, William Wallace arrives on the scene and has an exchange with his fellow Scots.

William: I AM William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What would you do without freedom? Will you fight?

Veteran soldier: Fight? Against that? No, we will run; and we will live.

Wallace: Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live — at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!!!

Everyone goes nuts, the army starts screaming, life returns to the men, you jump off your couch ready to go to war yourself. The Scots go on and win that battle and eventual the war.

So fast forward to 2021 and on every street corner there are people standing on soapboxes shouting at tyranny and seeking freedom from oppressors. From age to age our freedom has been under siege. For some it is from the government, for others it is a system, others still it’s a cultural battle. All of these very real and progressive situations.

Over my life, I’ve experienced many evils through the hands of others. Control, abuse, gaslighting, lies and slander. Situations where I felt locked up and put in a box with my freedoms taken away. In the dark moments and the ongoing trauma that came afterwards, my heart lead me to the words of David “I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:4).

It was in this in the absolute truth of God’s Word that revelation was illuminated to me concerning the freedom I so desperately sought. There were 3 main things that Christ revealed to me, the first was “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). There is freedom in truth. It’s not complicated, it’s not “My Truth” or “Your Truth”, its’ simply “The Truth”. God’s Word and Himself (John 14:6), is “The Truth” is not up for debate and as I understood the source of truth being God alone…freedom came.

The second thing that I was drawn to was “For you were called to freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) and “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King” (1 Peter 2:16). These both speak forth that our freedom is not to be used for our selfish ambitions but for serving and loving one another in the Fear of God with honour. Our freedom is not routed in earthly things but in the Kingdom of God. Which brings me to the last truth.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). This is the key to the whole thing, where God is present, freedom exists. The absence of Him, brings bondage. This is why Christ who had the Spirit of the Lord upon spoke “I have come proclaim the captives free, and to recovery the sight of the blind; to set at liberty the oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)

There is freedom where God’s Spirit is. God’s spirit lives in me. This tells me that my freedom, no matter what another has imposed upon me can never take my freedom because God almighty lives in ME…and where He dwells is freedom.

Today I celebrate my freedom and the Spirit of the Lord that is with me. May 21st is “Freedom Day” and I celebrate the gifts of life that come with it.

The Thing With Agendas

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

As we endure through 2020, each day brings new challenges. With the arrival of Covid-19, the world went into places we haven’t really seen in a hundred years since the Spanish Flu or the Bubonic Plague of the 14th century. World leaders have essentially shutdown the way people did life. Changes to every element of society, every major pillar of culture has been affected. Yes, every one, Business, Government, Entertainment, Media, Education, Family and Religion. These decisions that are being made are designed to reshape culture at a foundational level. Regardless of your opinion of Covid-19, one can not deny these impacts on our lives.

Conspiracy theories abound and time will tell if there is any validity to them. Odds are many of them will prove to be true that there was and is an agenda that is pushing this reshaping of our culture. I’m not here today to debate the many agendas that are simultaneously occurring, I might tackle those on another occasion. However, I would like to discuss something that is at the core of all these changes and that is social distancing. No matter what you think of it, there is an agenda behind it and that would be hard to deny.

Everywhere you turn we hear about it. It is the consistent theme across all metrics. It is clear that Covid-19 is virus that brings destruction on many levels. Jesus states in John 10:10 “the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The thief He is speaking of is none other than the Devil. It is very easy to associate the virus with powers of evil, but often we fail to recognize that the Devil is a purposeful creature. He has an agenda, it is to steal, kill and destroy. It isn’t just about the death that Covid-19 brings, it’s beyond that, it bigger that. You can probably take a moment and start thinking about what is Satan’s agenda. The impartation of fear and moving closer to his ultimate end time plans to wipe the followers of God off this planet are some to start.

This brings me back to social distancing If the enemy is wanting to implement this throughout the earth, it certainly can’t be a good thing. John 8:44 says “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” So this statement is one that often comes up in my mind these days. It reminds me that Satan is always at conflict with God, if he has an agenda, we must conclude that it is not the same as God’s. That being said, the almighty can work all things together for our good. 

Browsing the news feeds, it is easy to determine that addictions since the inception of social distancing are on the rise. There are line ups at liquor stores, cannabis use is up, opioid use is up and pornography is booming. The decreased availability of the mild forms of addictions like sports and entertainment has led to the harder uses for people to manage their mental health. Anxiety, stress, loneliness and fear are just a few. Social distancing is creating a pandemic of it’s own, and society is about to lose an entire generation that is losing control.

So if the agenda of the enemy is to steal, kill and destroy through social distancing than God must have a different agenda. God’s desire for his creation is that of love, and intimacy that is forged through a relationship with him and others. Intimacy in relationships that comes from physical touch, social environments and just simply being in the presence of another is being destroyed before our eyes. Government officials are even recommending masks between individuals in romantic endeavors. God is a relational God. He is an intimate God and desires for intimacy with people and likewise for them with others. Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” God’s design is for us to be together, to grow in unity, to grow intimately with one another. Technology is great, but it can’t reproduce the physical touch and presence of another human being in the way that we were created.

One thing I loved about God is that he always gave us tools to help in our journey. The greatest tool he gave us was prayer. Praying together builds intimacy in our relationships. I find it amazing the statistics on how few people pray on a regular basis individually, even less pray with their families and even less pray with other believers. What is God’s agenda to cultivate intimacy in this day and age, pray. If you don’t know how, don’t worry he tells us how and we can help guide you through that. Stay connected because we will be sharing more on this in the ongoing future.

This article today is not about joining in a revolution of anti-social distancing, it is about understanding that the Devil has an agenda that he is implementing in the earth and that agenda is a lie with a plan for our destruction. God also has a plan that we grow in our relationships and intimacy with one another. What plan are you going to be a partaker in? What plan will you fulfill in your relationships with your family, friends and community?

Got questions on prayer? Need someone to pray with? Somewhere to pray? Someone to teach you how? Send us a message. Matthew 21:13 “My house shall be called the house of prayer”. Let’s help each other make his house one of prayer as we combat our distancing with intimacy.

The Day My Life Changed

Published on by Rowena Francis4 Comments

It’s Valentine’s Day, but I probably didn’t need to tell you that. We usually don’t view Valentine’s Day as anything overly special in our house, besides the opportunity for deals on chocolate the next day. That’s something to celebrate.

However, I thought it would be fun to share our love story in the world of bloggers.

Before I start, I want to give a shout out to my friend Sarah Quinlan. She is one of my favourite people and definitely one of my favourite artists, so when I saw that she was branching out and marketing some of her artistic talents, I wanted in. She did a Valentine’s promo where she offered a cartoon sketch for couples – so I immediately messaged her and ordered one of Brian and me. It turned out so perfect, right down to some of the little details that describe us to a T! Check out her Etsy store for some of her latest artwork for sale.

Valentines_1

Ok, now for our story. (check out this post to catch a glimpse of our crazy life together)

It was Sunday, a beautiful August morning a long time ago…1998 to be exact. I thought it was going to be like any other Sunday – get up, get dressed, go to church, then home to nap. Instead, it was the day that changed my entire life.

After church, I tried to sneak out quickly without anyone noticing. As I exited the Sanctuary and turned down the hall, I felt like I could hear my name being called. I turned around to see Brian facing me. There was no way he was calling me, I thought. I had been going to the church for 10 years and he never indicated he even knew my name. I had only ever seen him from afar, so the idea of him stealing my heart never presented itself – until now.

Brian’s strong jaw and stunning eyes captivated my attention for what seemed like an eternity! All of a sudden, I realized that I wasn’t paying attention to his words, but only to the hook that he knowingly threw my way.

He asked me who I hung out with. His suave was uncanny. Me, on the other hand, knew nothing about how to be suave. I awkwardly told him I was a lonely homebody with no friends. Real smooth. He asked me if we could hang out sometime, to which I said yes. Somehow, he responded, he misplaced my number. Funny, I had never given him my number before. Sly, Brian. Real sly.

We exchanged numbers. My heart fluttered more than I had ever felt before. I was captivated, weak in the knees and so nervous. Thoughts of what was happening were rushing through my head at the speed of light. How could this be? How could this happen? Brian was interested in me? Hmmm…

I raced home and literally sat by the phone, willing it to ring. Sure enough, it did and Brian was on the line, asking me if I knew how to rollerblade and if I would like to go down to the Ganatchio Trail the next evening after he was finished work.

For the record, this would officially be our first date. Not to be confused with Brian’s idea of our first date which came 2.5 years later.

Valentines_2

I barely slept on Sunday night, but just like clockwork, Monday morning rolled around without giving any sympathy to my sleepless night. On the bright side, the lack of sleep wasn’t unsolicited. Thoughts of change had crept into my mind and I spent almost the entirety of the night on my knees petitioning God to show me who would be my knight in shining armour.

The day couldn’t pass fast enough! However, though as slow as it may have been, I made it to the end of my work day. Sure enough, my phone rang shortly after five o’clock. There was no question in my mind as to who I would hear on the other end of the line.

After the call, I let out the biggest scream of excitement I had ever let escape my lips. Brian Ciaramitaro was taking me out on a date!

Valentines_3

I wish I could end it here and say that the rest was history – and it was, but just not the fairytale kind. That would come 2.5 years later.

When Brian picked me up, my eyes met his and my heart took a leap inside my chest. The way the sun was hitting his striking eyes was enough to make me weak in the knees.

The next few hours flew by. The sun was starting to set and the picturesque view from the trail was simply breathtaking. As we skated back to his car, I couldn’t help but think about how idyllic my life would be with this amazing man.

We got in the car and I assumed this was the end of the date. When he turned the opposite way out of the parking lot, I couldn’t help but wonder where he was taking me.

“Want to split a strawberry sundae?” the words came off his lips like a sweet melody. Once again, I was completely mesmerized.

My awkward reply? “Uh, yeah. I mean, if that’s what you want.”

He pulled the car into a spot at Dairy Queen. I slid into a booth while Brian ordered a sundae. I watched him intently with a twinkle in my eye. This very well was the start of an amazing adventure.

The next year and a half was a rocky ‘on-again-off-again’ ‘interested-not interested’ ‘are we dating or not’ ‘Sheri’s madly in love with Brian, but Brian could take her or leave her’ kind of adventure. We parted ways for a full year, during which time it appeared that Brain was moving on. I didn’t think I could ever move on – he was all I wanted. Little did I know that he spent that time doing some praying and soul-searching, which brought him right back to me.

Cue Brian’s version of our first date.

No games, no nonsense. If we were going to date, it was going to be with the intent to marry each other. He gave me his knight in shining armour ring.

Valentines_4

We were married 1 year and 3 weeks later.

The rest, my friends, is a dream come true.

Valentines_5

I’m Back

Published on by Rowena Francis6 Comments

It’s Sunday evening.

Nine months have passed since I’ve last posted.

I’m writing this post as I sit and enjoy a honey crueller donut from Tim Horton’s.

I drove to the store in my pyjamas with disheveled hair specifically to buy 6 donuts. I have no plans to share them with anyone. It almost sounds like a spontaneous, impulsive decision.

It wasn’t.

I thought it out. Planned it out. I weighed out the pros and cons and decided.

You see, 2019 was a difficult year for me. As a matter of fact, I’d say it was probably the hardest year I have ever endured. Strangely enough, it’s not due to any major event. It was the hardest simply because the pressures never let up. Ok, it doesn’t sound like the two thoughts are connected, but they are.

Let me back up here for a moment.

I’ve been refined sugar free since May 15, 2011. Most of that time was spent attempting to gain some self-control in my life. What I didn’t realize was that, although it was a decision that propelled me into a physically healthy place, it was also an extreme decision. When I reflect on my life, I realize that a vast majority of my decisions are extremes. I’ve always felt some sort of comfort in those extremes. Yet, over the last year, I have come to a place where I’m attempting to live my everyday life in balance – for the sake of my mental health.

Ok, back to 2019 where many people are talking about anxiety and mental health. Rightfully so, and it’s something that’s been weighing heavy on my heart.

As a pastor and leader within the church, people often think that you’re exempt from feeling the effects of the stresses of this world. That’s simply not true. The enemy knows our weakest points. He will work at nothing to knock you – and me out of the race. If he can’t get you with one thing, he’ll try the next – and so on, and so on. Philippians 3:14 says it plainly.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Even though the pressures in my life have only increased, I press on to reach the end of the race. I know God’s grace is sufficient. Lately, I’ve found that grace with the simple act of implementing balance. That means sometimes I have to say ‘no’ to preaching because it’s not healthy to leave my kids to their own devices for four days straight. Sometimes that means I miss training at the gym so I can work on my business before my family gets home. Other times that means going to the mall in sweats and no makeup because my daughter wants to spend time with me. It also means filling my spiritual tank before I attempt to pour into someone else’s life.

I started blogging so that I could have something that was mine simply because I enjoyed it. It gave me time to recharge with a hobby instead of filling all of my free time with obligations. My first post was 2 years ago today. Since then I have dabbled with digital art, painting, writing a novel and singing. This season of balance is helping me realize that it’s ok if I enjoy makeup or working out, crushing virtual candies or potentially trying to eat 6 donuts. *update – I couldn’t do it.* These hobbies won’t keep me from fulfilling God’s purposes – unless I’m extreme with them.

Our fight is not with mere humans, but the evil forces that are at work under the surface. The enemy has been out to steal my purpose and I’m not ok with it. I mean, the enemy went straight for the jugular in the life of my purpose. One by one, I had my heart’s passions and desires shredded to pieces. I’ve had to revisit where I’m going in life, what gifts and talents I have, what I’m meant for. For now, I’m still in that process. However, I will not judge my value based on what others have projected on me – good or bad. I know my value comes from the Lord. Even amidst all the chaos, one thing I know for sure – I only ever want to be in the centre of God’s Will.

I am so beyond grateful for every encouraging word anyone has ever spoken to me over the course of the last year. In a season where many words and actions have cut me deeply, those sweet encouragements have been a treasure I’ve held on to.

If there’s one thing I can leave you with that has helped me in some dark moments, it’s an old hymn sung by Lauren Daigle, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Fasting For Lent // 40 Days of Fasting & Praying

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

*Disclaimer* I am not a doctor, please check with your doctor before you attempt to fast.

So, Lent is coming.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never paid much attention to it before (except when we used to sell chocolate covered almonds for a fundraiser every March/April – every person I tried selling them to responded with ‘I gave up sweets for Lent’).

Normally what we do is join in a fast for the month of January. However, this year, we decided to fasting during Lent.

But this brings me to my first question…

Do you ever feel like fasting is a little far-fetched for the average person to achieve?

Today I’m going to show you some practical things that you can do to make your fasting experience a little easier, so you can focus on praying and not on how you are dying of starvation.

#1 Prepare

I used to get so mad at myself for not being able to complete a fast.

…until I gave up sugar.

That’s when it hit me! Sugar makes it so much harder to fast!

2 weeks before a fast, I like to give up sugar, caffeine and any other food item I feel drawn towards – like breads.

#2 Have A Plan

One of things I’ve been learning over the years is that planning and preparation is key to so many areas in life (if not all of them!).

Things you want to plan for are:

  • Type of fasting
  • Length
  • Expectations
  • Spiritual focus

I put together this handy fasting guide to help get through this fast with focus and purpose. There are no dates on it so that you can use it at your own convenience.

#3 Bring Power To Your Prayer

Go into your fast with great expectations. Know what you want to seek God for. Seek His face with everything you have!

If you want to join me in this fast, leave me a comment and download the fasting guide.

Also, if you want to join in with the Bible plans on the Bible app, add me as a friend (search Sheri Ciaramitaro or VinGoshen).

Happy Fasting!!

Knee Injection with Durolane

Published on by Rowena FrancisLeave a comment

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted a blog – I want to say it’s because I’ve been busy.

Yes, we will say it was a combo of the holidays, vacation, and busyness of trying to serve in ministry, film & edit videos, all while entering into the production phase of our new board game (check out SoapBox Games).

…but I’m back….

Today, it’s a video on my latest gel shot experience.

12 years ago I tore my meniscus (working out on the elliptical of all places). I ignored it until a few years later when we went on a cruise. Simply walking around NYC for a full day, I tore it even further.

I’ll spare you the details, but the back of my knee turned into a blue baseball.

Surgery was the answer. It was supposed to make it all better.

Except…

…it made it all worse.

I had a scuff on my knee cap and the doc decided to take all the shredded cartilage out of my knee.

Bone on bone. That’s what I was left with.

My options were slim, but I opted for gel injections. (Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried them before). I have a love-hate relationship with them, but they provide me with much-needed relief.

I don’t want this post to be too long, so I won’t go into the details…but until something new and innovative comes along (like a bio-knee or something), I’ll be injecting this beauty of synovial-fluid-like gel into my knee for the next 30 years.