Exactly 23 years ago, we explored, dreamed, and discovered our way into Canada. I recently had the opportunity to write an article for the premier issue of iola magazine (just released, woot-woot!) and was asked to share about my home city in British Columbia. I started listing its marvels and singing its praises until I felt compelled to reign it in a little. Ahem, we don’t want the whole world and his uncle moving in. (Joking. Sort of.) But honestly, it was a beautiful lesson in counting my blessings— and a reminder that it’s never too late to explore, dream, discover…
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward
Isn’t that the truth? Taking time (and that usually means s-l-o-w-i-n-g down) to notice our surroundings, to appreciate the village or town or city we call home, to love where we live, this fills our hearts and can truly transform the everyday ordinary blahs into something precious.
“There’s no place like home.”
I agree, Dorothy. And emigrating is not for the faint-hearted. Uprooting from everything comfortable and safe to start a life in a brand-new country is equal parts exciting and terrifying. Of course, I chose to lean into the exciting part (that was the twenty-something Laura!) We truly believe that God led us right to the city of Kelowna, where we raised our now-adult kids and made oh-so-many memories. No regrets. Much gratitude.
EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER:
Whether you live in an itsy-bitsy village or a sprawling inner city, be it at the coast or in the country, may I challenge you a little to EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER in your area? I feel like I go around with blinkers on half the time when there is so much to see! God places us in communities where He wants us to live. It’s our job to find out why and what He would have us do there…
“From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Acts 17:26
This new magazine, iola, is such a beauty, friends! It’s a smorgasbord of hope, humour, honest talking, and home. It’s more like a coffee table book than a mag, with gorgeous photos and encouraging words. Best of all, the name “iola” is Welsh (as is my husband!) and it means “valued by the Lord”. That’s you, lovely.
If you are in the US, Canada, or the UK, and would like to peruse the pages penned by my writing friends and I and read about living life well— my Amazon link is HERE. (This affiliate link means I get a very tiny commission while you pay the regular price. Full disclosure here.)
And…
For my subscribers, I am going to be giving away THREE copies of iola at the end of this month! THREE! If you’re not a subscriber yet (what?!) you can simply go HERE and put that right. Also, you’ll receive my FREE ebook, Diamond Devos, just for signing up! 🙂
God has placed us where we need to be right now. Let’s not be afraid to EXPLORE, DREAM, and DISCOVER what He has in store for us!
Until next time,
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
I really like the quote you shared here, I don’t think I had ever read that one. This is beautiful, Laura!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Meg! It amazes me how quotes can stir us so deeply… I’m grateful for all the smart people I can refer back to! 😉 Blessings to you!
I will have to check out this magazine that is “valved by the Lord”, glad I stopped by.
Thanks so much, Betty! Hope you enjoy it… I’m glad you stopped by, too 🙂 Blessings to you!
Yes, Celebrate right where you are because the Lord has placed you here!
iola looks gorgeous! I love the meaning of the name. I grew up in central Florida and just down the road was Lake Iola. I didn’t know what the name meant!
Hi Jerralea— that’s amazing! What a sweet name for a lake 🙂 Glad you like the look of the magazine, it’s beautiful inside and out!! Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings!
The magazine sounds lovely!! Love the quote too!! 💜
Thanks so much, Christine— it really is lovely! And I always appreciate a good quote 😉 Have a wonderful weekend— blessings to you!
How wonderful to be able to write about a place you love so much in such a magazine! People often know less about their hometowns than the tourists! Your words are a great encouragement to all to get out and explore. Blessings on your week, Laura!
Thanks so much, June— it really was wonderful to have the opportunity to tell readers about my beautiful city! Having family and friends come to stay certainly helps us to explore the place more… although just last year we stumbled across some brand new gems to show off 😉 It’s a good reminder for me to be present and keep my eyes wide open! Blessings to you!
Looks like a beautiful publication–LOVE the cover! So happy for you that you get to contribute. I’ll check it out! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Sarah! It’s such a joy to be a part of something like this… and yes, that cover is gorgeous 🙂 Blessings to you!
Just at the right time…this message . I had been contemplating looking for new pastures…but ‘God has placed us where we need to be. Do not be afraid…. spoke to me…yes to Explore ,Dream, Discover..’reaches out to me.
I had started out with the Dream…which was beginning to dim out of fear and other hindrances…now I want to begin afresh…thank you Laura.
Hi there Zeena— thanks so much for stopping by. I’m thrilled this post spoke to you in such an encouraging way! Every blessing to you as you begin afresh and listen for God’s voice. I so appreciate you sharing this 🙂