Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Recruitment Chapel...this is a memorial - a time and place of remembrance of God's work in my life.

Also, yes, I have changed my page once again. And, just so you are aware, I do not plan to post again until on or after April 16th.

Monday, February 27, 2006

Yes, it was time for a change. And there will be more to come...some time.
WHAT A MORNING!

I woke up a couple times this morning, unsure of what time it was, and each time I turned over and went back to sleep. The third time this happened it seemed just as dark as the first two times and I felt just as tired, yet this time, in the midst of turning over, my alarm went off.

My roommate got up for a shower, so I layed in bed a bit longer thinking about how different it is not being the first one up. Then I started thinking about some of my close friendships that have been formed at this college. I am so thankful. I turned my attention and thankfulness to my God who is the One who brought these friendships into being.

I made breakfast, got ready, then went to Co-op to get some water and saran wrap. Went back home, started getting my things together, told my roommate the car was running and warm if she wanted to go there while I finished getting ready. She did. A minute later I grabbed my books, locked the door and was on my way, when suddenly I realized that I had no shoes on! I went to grab my keys but found that they were not there. I put my books down, opened the main door of the apartment, stood there trying to get my roommate's attention (I'm not going out in the snow with just my socks on!). Finally got her attention. I told her what happened, she came back in, laughing at me. I went in, went to get my keys out of my jeans, but they weren't there either! I finally remembered I had left them in the car yesterday, so I put my shoes on, and away we went - arriving at the school safe and sound and on time.

The End.

Monday, February 20, 2006

A Quote A Friend Found

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It's our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God, your playing small doesn't serve the world, there's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you, we are all meant to shine, as children do, we were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just some of us; it's in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same."

What do you think?

I've read this or heard this before, but I'm not sure where.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

It was good to see some of my AB and BC friends again.

I was reminded of something again on Saturday: I should not be near a vehicle when I have to meet people at a certain time at a place I'm not overly familiar with. I was so stressed out driving in Calgary this weekend! I don't like the person I was portraying.

On the drive back to Eston, I was looking out over the prairie lands and realized that I will not be living in the prairies anymore after grad. I know a lot of people would think this a joyous occasion, but not me. I fell in love with the prairies the first moment I saw them. In fact, when I was growing up there was always a part of me that longed to be in the wide open spaces of the prairies. Being able to spend the last (almost) 4 years at college in Eston and living in Calgary this past summer has been amazing! I love the fields, the sky (sunrises and sunsets, stars, Northern Lights - of which I still have yet to see the really spectacular ones - etc.), the slower pace of life (outside of FGBC), the family bonds that I have seen, etc. There is so much to love about these beautiful Canadian prairies! But still, I have come to appreciate the mountains since I have been here. To gaze upon these masterpieces while driving from AB to BC...I am in awe. And of course...the ocean. Oh how I miss it so! I suppose that was my way of looking upon the wide open spaces. But I have always loved the water. I could swim for hours on end. And to walk along the pier in White Rock, hearing the waves crash against the rocks, reaching the end in anticipation of the sun setting over the ocean. Leaning against the railing, talking with friends till all hours of the night, with the various sounds in the background. I am torn in my love for the beauty of this country, yet it is the same country, and wherever I go, I know that I will see the beauty of God in the creation around me.
I can easily identify with Brian Doerksen's lyrics in the song Creation Calls, which was one of my favorite songs before I even came to SK.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Off to Calgary for the weekend! Have a good one!

GO RAMBLERS GO!
IN MEMORY

Wilhelm Johan Stobbe (1916-2006)

STOBBE _ Wilhelm Johan (Bill) passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday February 13 at the Ebenezer Home, Abbotsford, BC at the age of 89. Bill was born in Langham, SK on August 31, 1916. He married Katie Ratzlaff on July 7, 1940 in Abbotsford, BC. They lived in the lower mainland until 1947 when they moved to Alberta. They resided around Lacombe until 1958, Canmore until 1972 and Vancouver Island until his retirement to Abbotsford in 1988. Bill was a loving husband, father and friend to many. He led a Godly life of service to others as a pastor and missionary, especially towards anyone in need. He also loved ministering to the First Nations people. For 4 years, Katie and Bill operated the Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni which provided food and ministry to the needy. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Katie and 8 children: Victor (Margaret), Stanley (Olive), Esther (Derek) Swanson, Daniel (Cathy), Harry (Mary), Miriam Peters, Jim and Margaret (Stan) Rukin; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Viewing will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Rd. on Thursday February 16 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday February 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Bakerview MB Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd. Abbotsford, BC. Interment to follow at South Poplar Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Ebenezer Home for their kindness to Dad over the last 2 months. We will always remember his humor, servant heart and love. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crossroads (100 Huntley St.) or Canadian Bible Society.

I miss you Mr. Stobbe. You were like a grandpa to me.
***A special blessing on you Mrs. Stobbe. I wish I could be there. I love you.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

"There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like You."

Captivated by the near bursting of my heart, by the smile of a passerby, by the ever-changing open sky, by the flowing waters seen on a weekend drive, by the laughter of a small child, by the majesty and intimacy of my God, by fellowship with friends, by the sound of joyful surprise, by love both given and received.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (TNIV).

Have a blessed day!

Thursday, February 09, 2006

I want to write, but anything I think of just doesn't express what I want it to right now. All I can say is it is well with my soul. In fact, I suppose that IS what will do for now:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

There's not really much flow to this post. Sorry. I just needed to write these things down and I just happened to be trying to think of something to post, so here it is.

CHANGE

Change into who they want me to be?
Change into who I want to be?
Change into who He wants me to be.

Who? What? When? Where? How?

Follow Me.

Easier said than done.
Help me.
Show me.

I know the Truth, but it is so much easier to live by feelings, yet one can only handle being on an emotional rollercoaster for so long.

The feelings that we have do not necessarily reflect what we, personally, are going through. Sometimes they reflect the feelings of those around us, or the atmosphere we are so vaguely aware of, if at all.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Why is it so hard to do the right thing? God, give me strength.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

WHY DO PEOPLE BLOG?

As the blogging community continues to grow, this question arises more and more. The answers I can think of:

1. Let friends and family (who you rarely get to talk to) know what's happening in your life.
2. A written form of preaching.
3. An encouragement to others.
4. A place to vent and possibly have someone finally listen.
5. A way to share ideas with more people.
6. To inform people of things happening in the world.
7. To have open discussions on various issues.
8. To promote a business, school, event, etc.

That's all I can think of for now. If you have a different reason for blogging or you know someone else who does, leave the reason in the comments. Or leave a comment saying what you think about these reasons.