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.