Merry Christmas

The Christmas Song

Away In A Manger

H E L P

How can you turn away from the most important person/thing in your life?
How can you stand by and do nothing when you see your friends, your family, your co-workers are hurting themselves and those around them?
How can you remain silent when there is so much to say?
How can you sit there and do nothing when there is so much to be done?

What, are you scared?
You don't think one person can make a difference?
You don't think enough people know the truth?

If everyone who thinks their $1, $5, $10 isn't worth donating would get over themselves and actually donate to a cause they believe in, maybe they would see their little bit come together and make a huge difference.
Or if you honestly cannot afford to give any money, what about giving your time? Be a regular volunteer or go ask if they need help on any given day.

What cause(s) do you believe in?
What is holding you back?
What are you going to do? When?

Express Yourself

Although I subconciously knew this before, I came to realize over this past week that I do not express myself very often. So many times I will think things or feel things, but until someone else says what they are thinking or feeling, it rarely crosses my mind to do the same. For example, if someone does something different with their hair (cut or style or whatever), I will see it, think to myself that something is different, decide that it looks good (usually), but not say anything. This doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen most of the time. Or if I see someone doing something nice for someone, or hear them saying something nice to someone, I smile inwardly then continue with what I'm doing. I think it would be good to express myself more often in these types of situations.

That kind of goes with something else I was thinking about this morning. I am an observer. I find that I pay attention to the things that people do and say more than the average person, and I tend to remember the things that I observe, even though I don't often realize it. So when I think about people and don't think that I know what's going on in their lives, I find that when I am asked about those people, I actually know more than I realized. It is strange.

Anyways, that's enough rambling for this morning.

Faith and Prayer

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can." John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir" "O.K" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries." Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it." The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Fi nally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: "Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands." The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; "It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs." THE POWER OF PRAYER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune.

The Changing Leaves of Fall

I took this picture from our patio. I love the changing leaves of fall.

Questions (and answers?) on Exodus 10

??? EXODUS 10 ???

I was reading Exodus 10 yesterday and a few things stood out to me:

I had the usual question(s) concerning the phrase "God hardened Pharaoh's heart". Did God actually harden Pharaoh's heart or did he just allow Pharaoh to continue in his mindset of saying "no" to Moses and Aaron? Why would God harden Pharaoh's heart?

Exodus 10:1-2 says: Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD."

This gives us some answers, but opens up a new set of questions as well...

So whether God hardened Pharaoh's heart or at least allowed Pharaoh to continue saying "no" can still be up for debate after reading other chapters in Exodus, but we at least are given an answer to why either of these possibilities exist. When I read the why a new debate rises up in my mind: God is God and He has every right to do whatever He sees is right. But it seems that God is wanting to show off. But a humble God would not be like that. But how can God, in all that He is, help but to show off? I mean, look at the earth, the sky, the water, the animals, the vegetation, the sun, moon, and stars...look at each other! Okay, getting off topic. Sorry about that.

That passage said that God hardened Pharaoh's heart and the hearts of his officials. Pharaoh was being stubborn to the point of death and destruction. Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh 7 times before this, and 7 plagues had come against Egypt and the Egyptians: the plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, and flies; the plague on livestock; and the plagues of boils and hail. The next plague they tell Pharaoh is coming is the plague of locusts. At this point Pharaoh's officials ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, not because they want to let them go worship God, but because they do not want anymore disaster to come upon themselves and the rest of Egypt. Pharaoh could see their point, yet was still not willing to yield to God, so the locusts covered the ground and filled the houses. I can't even imagine how disgusting it would be to step on locusts everywhere you stepped, to have them all over everything, being in your face as you try not to breathe them in...

One more phrase that stood out to me was in verse 21: Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt - darkness that can be felt." Darkness that can be felt. I shiver almost every time I read that phrase. I remember one night in the last couple weeks when I was on my way to work and I looked up at the sky. There was a large dark cloud that seemed like it was just looming there. The sky wasn't nearly as dark as the darkness that would have been over Egypt, but I remember feeling fear and danger, feeling darkness, as I looked up at that cloud. It was very unnerving. I only saw that sky for a few minutes. The Egyptians were in complete darkness - "darkness that can be felt" - for 3 days.

I am still amazed that no matter how many times I read a passage of Scripture something different can stand out. And no matter how many things stand out to me, even more things stand out to others! Here are a couple sites to check out for some different perspectives: This one is a comic book version and this one is from the perspective of a Rabbi.

And now I return to the next chapters of Exodus. Good day all.

A Place of Refuge?

A co-worker was reading the paper. She read about the $660 million settlement for child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Knowing I'm a Christian, she turned to me and asked, "Is this true? How can this be?" I tried to explain sin and depravity (without using those terms). She said, "But this is supposed to be a holy place." All I could say was "Ya...".

While I know that "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it" and therefore all places are to be considered sacred, I do believe that there are some places (such as a church) where people ought to feel safe and be safe. It is the house of God!

Crucifixion

A guy from work took this picture on his road trip to the States last month. Words escape me...

One of my favorite TV shows...SO funny!

Here's a sample:

http://www.justforlaughs.ca/videos/show/418-cornemuse-au-t-l-phone-bagpipe-on-the-phone

As A Friend

I falter in my relationship with Christ.

I do not speak with Him as I do with a friend.

I tell Him things, sharing pieces of my heart with Him,

but I do not speak with Him as I would a friend.

I do not listen to Him as I do a friend.

I hear a few things in passing, but I do not listen to His advice, His wisdom, His heart as I would a friend.

I do not take time for Him as I do a friend.

I do not talk about Him as I do a friend.

I do not know Him as I do a friend.

At the beginning of the sermon today, the pastor mentioned Exodus 33:11, which says, "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." I started thinking about the talks with my friends that I love so much and realized that is something missing in my relationship with God. That is something I need to get back.

Reality Check

He loves us. He pursues us. He gave and continues to give His all for us. He takes time to listen to us. He provides for us. He understands us. He knows us. He gives us dreams. He shares His heart with us. He never gives up on us. He desires a relationship with us. He talks to us.

He is mysterious. He is just. He is merciful. He is strong. He is gentle. He is courageous. He is bold. He is humble. He is adventurous. He is awesome. He is fierce. He is compassionate.

God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails.

Why, when God is like this, do I find it hard to love Him, others, and myself? Why, when there is Someone who has given His all for me, do I keep from giving my all for Him? Why, when I have seen the beauty of vulnerability, am I so afraid of being hurt? And why, when I believe in and serve a selfless God, do I find myself so self-centered?

Father God, open my eyes to see the world as You see it. Open my ears to hear both the cries for help and the praises of Your Name. Soften my heart to have compassion on those whom You have compassion. Broaden my understanding of the goings on in this world. Make me more aware of the spiritual realm and give me discernment. You have called me to pray. Help me to do so.

Post # 500

The Indy 500.

Zu Chongzhi (429-500 AD) was a prominent Chinese mathematician and astronomer during the Liu Song and Southern Qi Dynasties.

$500 to spend, save, or give away.

500 years

50 x 10 = 500

facebook group: After 500 people join i rohit sirohia will quit smoking....

Festival 500

500 Card Game

500 Miles - The Proclaimers

Depression, Hope, and Life

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”- Ecclesiastes 11:5

This verse stirs up two emotions in me: depression and hope. Depression because I "cannot understand". Hope because God is bigger than my understanding, bigger than what I see. This reminds me of another verse, which has come up a few times as of late:

"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Christianity is not necessarily about doing things differently in life, but it is about having a different mindset in all areas of life.

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. - James 2:18b

beauty within beauty

I have been spending time staring up at the stars the last 3 nights. It was a bit cloudy on Tuesday night, but the clouds were moving by so quickly that it didn't bother me. In fact, I saw beauty in the clouds and I became intrigued with them: why some are wispy, some are white and fluffy, some are dark, some are big, some are small. And the trees, they looked kind of fake against the night sky. Whenever I stare up at these big trees, I am reminded of how small I am in this world. I remember walking from Kentwood to the college, and as I stared up at that beautiful prairie sky, I was in awe of the vastness of God. Now I am back in Abbotsford, staring up at these stars, and I think not only of how God spoke the stars into being, but that He displayed them as pictures for us...beauty within beauty. I love to enjoy this artwork created by God.

Mother's Day Humor (and a tribute to Jack and the Pinters)

A real life story!!(Obviously, not mine!)

So, we had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died.

Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom.

Well, we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli.

Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So, finally, one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done.

Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and trying to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up.

Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.

We finally have the older one and and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli.

He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . . Rear
end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said "chapped."

Now, if you have a cat,you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty
chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind.

The only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's' behind or the hundredth.


And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.

We miss you Matthew Nickle

One day is like a thousand years...

God, do you realize that both last time and this time my time in Eston is less than a week? Why is it that You are taking me through these crazy emotional and spiritual rollercoasters that are usually spread out over a whole semester or a whole year, and yet are compacting them into these few days? The reuniting of old friends, meeting new people, laughing, crying, being ridiculously bored, having fun, finding a variety of ways to spend time with You...it's hard. But it's good. It reminds me of how intricately involved You are in my life, and I in Yours. Thank You for Your constant faithfulness, and thank You for Your love.

I want to soak it in

As I was watching American Idol tonight, they showed the 8 remaining contestants sitting at the feet of Jennifer Lopez who was their mentor for the week. Seeing that stirred in my heart the desire to sit at the feet of Jesus, or at least one of His disciples (from ages past or present), and just glean all I can from the words, character, and heart of the one who is teaching.

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from so many people while I was in Eston and I would not trade that experience. But it wasn't the same. There is something about literally sitting at someone's feet...

Eleison (Mercy)

In my recent study on the gift of mercy, I came across a couple quotes from that I would like to share with you because they have spoken much to me.

If ours were a society in which everyone showed other people kindness, then to say, "Blessed are the kind" would seem like too big a blessing for too small a virtue. But in a society like ours, where self-interest, rudeness and insensitivity increasingly govern relationships, simple kindness can seem an awful lot like mercy - grand, rare, even blessed.

To wipe all tears from off all faces is a task too hard for mortals; but to alleviate misfortunes is often within the most limited power: yet the opportunities which every day affords of relieving the most wretched of human beings are overlooked and neglected with equal disregard of policy and goodness.

Perhaps these can move from being good thoughts to being acts of mercy to those we encounter.

JESUS!!!

As I have been driving to and from work or wherever, I have had the same cd playing. Actually, between home and work I end up listening to the same 2 songs ("Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble" and "Salvation"). I had been listening to the cd for a while, but one night I was caught off guard and these 2 songs became songs of intercession for this city and this world.

The lyrics for "Salvation" are

Salvation, spring up from the ground
Lord, rend the heavens and come down
Seek the lost and heal the lame
Jesus, bring glory to Your name
Let all the prodigals run home
All of creation waits and groans
Lord, we're heard of Your great fame
Father, cause all to shout Your name

Stir up our hearts, Oh God
Open our spirits to awe who You are
Put a cry in us so deep inside
That we cannot find the words we need
We just weep and cry out to You

I have found myself crying out the name of Jesus. I am overwhelmed by my desperation for Him. I urge you to cry out loud the name of Jesus, for whether you realize it or not, you are desperate for Him.

Darrell Scott's Testimony (who's daughter was shot at Columbine)

I got this as a forward in an email:

Touching...& true

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?

On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and t h e other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer w a s brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν

Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς·
ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου·
ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου·
γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς·
τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον·
καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν,
ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν·
καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν,
ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ του πονηροῦ.

Κύριε ἐλέησον, Χριστὲ ἐλέησον, Κύριε ἐλέησον.

Come To Me

Looking back...

I was reading some posts from around this time last year, and I see that God is still urging me in the same direction: seeking Him and doing Street Ministry.

...sometimes looking back might not be so good...that's enough for now...

LET ME OUT!!!!!!!

I've got to get out of this house! I'm going nuts! I'm sure God's trying to teach me something while I'm here, but what that is I do not know. I need out, but how and with who?

God, please help me to hear you!

Broken heart

I have been brought to tears twice today because I want to have my own home to bring people in off the streets, but I can't afford to do so. I am aching inside...

Light in the Darkness

One of the last things mentioned on the news tonight was that some companies put together $400,000 so the fireworks in Vancouver - "Celebration of Light" - can be put on again this year.

My first thought was, "Oh sure, they keep talking about the homeless in Vancouver, but now they're spending $400,000 on fireworks instead of helping the homeless." But immediately my thoughts changed - perhaps because they showed a brief video clip of people watching the fireworks last year. I thought of how wonderful it is to have so many people get together to enjoy something so beautiful. And it is free to watch, so the homeless, the middle class, and the rich can see this thing of beauty that is so rare. It is an escape and a glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness in this world.

God, what are you doing???

I am excited; I am terrified; I am anxious; I am waiting, watching, praying...

God, what are you doing???

Unity in the Spirit

I love how the Spirit teaches the same lessons to so many people, in so many different places, in such a variety of ways! These days He is teaching us that we need to take time (separate ourselves) and listen to His voice. There are times to go, there are times to fight, and there are times to be still and listen. Who will answer His call? Who will take the time to focus on Him? Who will seek His face? Who will act on the desire to know the heart of God?

Humility

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

So...

I don't talk very much. This is one of the things that people point out to me time and time again. Why don't I talk very much? Part of it is because I can't think of anything to say (I think I try too hard sometimes...haha). Part of it is because I am scared of sounding stupid. Part of it is because I like to listen to other people (I like to get to know people and I like to learn). Part of it is because when I do talk for a long time (it does happen once in a while!), my throat hurts (maybe there are muscles in there that need to be used more). Part of it is because there are some people who just can't seem to stop talking and I want to treasure the silence if any comes about. There are probably other parts too, but that's all I can think of right now.

I'm sorry

I have a hard time saying sorry. Saying sorry means I have done something wrong and that I actually have to admit it to someone. I think saying sorry is an aspect of vulnerability as well. This morning I apologized to my mom for my bad attitude yesterday. Well, for getting mad for no apparent reason anyways. The rest of my bad attitude is something that doesn't really affect my family because I do not share it with them. But when I apologized to my mom, the problem was dealt with. Normally I would just not say anything and we would all just "sweep it under the rug". There's a lot of dirt under that rug, but I think that as I start apologizing right away, some of the old dirt will be swept clean as well.

Goodbye

Saying goodbye to those we love is one of the hardest things in the world. So hard that we find ourselves asking, "Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?" But we know that it is true, and we wait anxiously to be able to see our loved ones again.

I am off to Vancouver for a couple days. I'm glad the weather cleared up, though I won't mind if it rains again...I love the sound and smell of the rain.

Wedding

I was thinking about two of my friends today who allowed me the honor of attending their wedding on August 6, 2005. As often happens when I think of the weddings I have attended, I began to pray for the couple.

When we attend a (Chrisitan) wedding, we witness a couple's commitment to God and to one another, and as witnesses we accept the responsibility of keeping the couple in our prayers, supporting them, and encouraging them.

It is my hope and prayer that people will be reminded of the weddings they have attended, and in turn will pray for those couples and any others who come to mind.

Learning to rest...

"You have made us for yourself, oh Lord, and our hearts will not rest until they rest in you." - Augustine

Cool November Morning in Abbotsford

Life is Change

I believe my dear old roomie had that as her msn name once. It's the most fitting phrase that came to mind when I heard the news: my sister-in-law is pregnant again! Niece number two or nephew number one will arrive around October. So many more thoughts, but not to be posted on here.

Sr. High Encounter Weekend

Green painter's tape, paint, and ladders...this is how I have spent much of my time the past four Februarys, so why stop now? My dad repainted one of the walls in our living room and is adding a wooden valance to it this week. I was very quickly and easily reminded of my time in Eston. Four Februarys of Sr. High prep - hard work that made some wonderful memories of late-night painting and cleaning with a few other workaholics. So much work for only a few days of display hardly seemed worth it a lot of the time. But when all was done, it was great to look at this display (mistakes and all) and see how we could all work together to bring a vision into being. And it was amazing to see hundreds of people come into the college and enjoy all that we had put together. To be able to put together decorations, games, activities, prayers, classes, and messages to prepare so many people for an encounter with God is well worth the time and effort put in for preparations. Sr. High Weekend 2002 is when I filled out my application form for FGBI (now FGBC). That same weekend God let a dear friend of mine know He wanted her there the following September. God has used Sr. High Encounter Weekend to impact my life and the lives of so many others. I am so thankful that He has allowed it to continue. The themes since I have known about it have been: Brand Knew, One to Rule Them All, Hidden Treasure, Passion for the Christ, and Face Down. This year's theme: Walk On.

I can't think of a title...

A nice dinner, good conversation, an enjoyable movie, and possibly an evening walk / star gazing with someone I love and trust sounds good right about now.

I want to write about other stuff too, but I'm too tired and I want to watch the game.

Lomenda and Scholer

Okay, I don't know why I love these last names so much. One reason I can think of is that where both of these families are concerned I have met a lot of them (grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren) in the last 4 or 5 years and every one of them is amazing! Some I have interacted with on only one occasion, others on a fairly regualr basis, and still others who have reached into the depths of my heart. I love these families. They are real. They are hospitable. They are kind. They are generous. They love the Lord with all their heart. They shine! I can say these things confidently about each one that I have met.

Or maybe I love these last names because they are unique. Yes, even after meeting so many of them I still find them to be unique!

Regardless of the reasons, I am so thankful that I have been able to meet so many wonderful people, both in these families and in life in general.

Jesus, we need You, I need You

The sinner who feels within himself a total deprivation of all that is holy, pure, and solemn because of sin, the sinner who in his own eyes is in utter darkness, severed from the hope of salvation, from the light of life, and from the communion of saints, is himself the friend whom Jesus invited to dinner, the one who was asked to come out from behind the hedges, the one asked to be a partner in His wedding and an heir to God… Whoever is poor, hungry, sinful, fallen or ignorant is the guest of Christ.–-Matthew the Poor

Click here if you want to read what Mark Mallett has to say regarding this.

Yikes! I hope this isn't ALL true!

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

"The dog ate my homework."

To all present and future teachers:

Do not so quickly shrug off this excuse as a lie, for while my dog did not eat my homework (oh right! we didn't have a dog while I was in school), she has managed to (among other things) chew the strap off sandals, chew through my slippers, hold captive many a carebear between her jaws, destroy a pen, demolish a pencil, and...eat my journal! Thankfully it was only the back cover of my journal and not the many memories that fill those pages. Unfortunately the cover itself of this journal holds much meaning, for it is a reflection of my 4th year at FGBC. I was very angry with the dog, however now I am just very tired (haven't slept yet since working all night). But hopefully my car will be ready soon, so then I can go get it and come back home and go to sleep.


On an entirely different note, I was trying to decide if I should take a second week off work later in the year. I have decided that I will, but now I must decide when, and then where. I am leaning towards the middle of October again, as it seemed to work well this past year. But the "where" options are many and varied: Calgary, Edmonton, Eston, Regina, Italy, Korea, Prince George, LA...oh where to go???

One day at a time

It is a beautiful sunny day! While I love the rain, it is so nice to see the sun shining so brightly! And to be able to drive with the sunroof open and the windows down, with the wind blowing on my face and throughout the car...absolutely wonderful!

I am finally learning to live one day at a time, which I'm finding is allowing me to do the things I want to do. Before this I kept thinking about everything I wanted to do and didn't know where to start, so I would get so overwhelmed with it all and would end up doing nothing. I know I need to keep the future in mind on some things, but there are so many little things that can be accomplished and enjoyed by living one day at time.

Stupid Law!

Why on earth would they make such a ridiculous law?!?!

(My other site has finally been updated again).

Time For A Change

I have been wanting to post for a while. I have even come to stare at this blank white box on numerous occasions, but have gone no further. I'm still not entirely sure what to write right now either.

On a few occasions I have written about my heart for doing street ministry. I am not capable of doing the kind of street ministry I am thinking of. This is good though because it makes me aware of my need for God and because it gives me hope that He has further plans for me.

I had started volunteering at Cyrus Centre on Jan. 4th, but my work schedule has changed once again, so I cannot stick with my schedule at Cyrus Centre. I love my job, but I am realizing more and more that my schedule (or lack thereof) does not allow for me to have a set schedule for other areas of ministry. It's time for a change...however that ends up looking.

Is it worse?

My grandma (and others) are often saying that the Lord must be returning soon because of the way things are going on in the world. But I really wonder if things are worse now than they were before. I mean, when your read the Bible there are so many terrible things that happen. I think it might seem worse as time goes on because we are able to see and hear about what is happening in more parts of the world than ever before and because these are the things that the media tends to focus on.