"There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds." -Gilbert K. Chesterton-
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Oh Christmas hoildays
I have been looking forward to Christmas break with more vehemence then usual. Perhaps it is because this semester has been rather stressful, particularly due to the vast amount of schoolwork that I have had. Oh the holidays!!
I have been thinking about the things I would like to accomplish during these glorious 3 weeks off that await me. I would like to: play in the snow
read
go skating
eat good food
have lots of baths (with bubbles!!)
watch cheesy movies with my mom
sleep
drink vast amounts of rooibos and black current tea
this list could go on for awhile......
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and I love it oh so much!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The last 3 of my classes have been about violence. Needless to say, I have been thinking a lot about violence. Why are people violent? How could anyone hurt another human being like that? I think I have been extremely blessed because I have never experienced any physical violence towards me. But I don't want to be ignorant of what is going on around me. There is a lot of violence occuring against women (not to understate the violence that is happening against men!), and I wish there was something I can do. It hurts my heart to see pictures like this.
I discovered that:
*"One in three women in the world has been beaten, raped, coerced into sex or has been physically abused."
*"130 million young girls have undergone Female Genital Mutilation, mostly in Africa. Another 2 million are at risk every year."(www.thp.org/women/nov25.htm)
I can't even comprehend what it must be like to be violated in such brutal ways. I think it would be very difficult to forgive those committing the violence. And yet, I think that I am violent towards people in other ways. I judge people in my heart. I hurt people with untactful words. I wish I could do something.
"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." Lamentations 3:32
Friday, November 03, 2006
Tea Time
Well, it is the third of November today, which means that this semester is more than half finished. Wow!! I am hoping to get all my classes registered today. I think I have decided that I am NOT going to take 7 classes, because I would like to survive the year mentally healthy. I am reading a very good book right now called, "The Search for Intimacy." Such a wonderful book!! I am on my way to finish a book, and write a paper! Oh, Lord sustain me through this paper-writing desert. I am feeling very unmotivated and just in need of a rest. Why does it seem as though everyone else has time to do everything but homework, whereas I feel as though I will never be finished?? I'm sure in reality there are many people who are even more overloaded with work than I will ever be, and in a way it is relieving to remember that I am not so bad off! All I want to do tonight, is to sit wrapped up in a quilt on my bed with a good book and a hot cup of tea, and music playing in the background. Ahhhhhhh...My ideal evening that doesn't ever seem to be happening these days. It is hard to find joy in these long paper writing evenings!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Happy Autumn!!!
Well, it is Friday again! I have plans to write 2 papers today, although I'm not sure whether I will be successful or not. I have procrastinated yet again, and now have gotten very behind. I am going shopping tomorrow in Winnipeg and I am hoping to buy some "comfort" food for care group on monday. We are having our first night of testimony sharing! I hope that it goes well. I really want people to be as real as possible, so we can become closer, and lean on each other. I shared my testimony 2 weeks ago, and I wanted to be as open as possible. I tried, but I feel as though I left stuff out. I am so blessed. I have the most wonderful dorm ever! They are all so sweet and kind and talented. I am looking forward to getting to know them better. I should start writing my paper, and stop procrastinating!!!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
I'm Here!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Jesus, tell me to come to you on the water
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Relax, God's in charge
Here are pictures of the most beautiful children in the world. I am so blessed to have been a part of their lives!
"Relax, God's in charge." I have a card someone gave me with those words on it sitting on my desk. How wonderful that I can relax, knowing that someone bigger and wiser is in charge of my life. Every once in awhile I panic and start worrying about things. Today was one of those days. I worked nearly 12 hours today straight (with a 15 min. break). It was such a yucky day, and I was so tired, and nearing tears that I forgot that I do NOT have to go through this life on my own.
"You were wearied by all your ways,
but you would not say, 'it is hopeless.'
You found renewal of your strength,
and so you did not faint."
Isaiah 57:10
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday,
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:11
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Things to Work on
"Your loving concern for others will increase your authority and influence their lives." David L. Hocking "Be a Leader People Follow"
-I want to have a genuine loving concern for people. Sometimes I catch myself being nice to people for the sole purpose of getting them to like me. But it isn't about me! Which leads me to my second thought........
"We are to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill Christ's law. He bore all our griefs, infirmities, and sorrows. But we are also told to bear our own burdens. This must mean to shoulder them bravely, to think twice before laying them onto the shoulders of others who may be more heavily laden than we are...Above all it means learning Calvary love - forgetfulness of self in order to be strong to serve." Elizabeth Elliot "Passion and Purity"
-I need to stop focusing on my own needs and advantages when I serve others, and focus on others and the cross instead. Then I will be strong.
"When we do not have security in our relationship with God, we will be restlessly running from activity to activity, subconsciously hoping that our activity will fill the void in our lives. We are afraid to stop and be silent before God lest it cause us to face up honestly to what is happening in our lives." Ajith Fernando "Jesus Driven Ministry"
-I do this all the time. I don't want to see where I am going wrong, so I avoid it altogether.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Worth it All
Worth it All
Rita Springer
I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways
Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say to You
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
Thursday, August 03, 2006
The Shire
I am sleepy tonight...I just finished playing the Lord of the Rings video game with my brother for almost 2 hours. I kept dying, but it was fun. I think sometimes the simple things in life are best. It is time to start thinking about going back to school. Oh how time flies. There were several things that I wanted to accomplish this summer, and I got about half way through my list. Some of the things on my list were:
Read some good books
Eat healthy food
Drink water
Exercise
Think of some exciting care groups
Share God's love with someone
Pray continuously
As with most goals that I make, I started out strong, and then things kinda fizzled. I'm doing pretty good with the healthy eating and water, but I definitely have my weak moments. The exercise is pretty sporadic. And I hope that I have shared God's love with others. I have a ways to go before I am praying continuously, but I am trying! The reading is not a problem, thank goodness.
Only 2 more weeks of work to go! I will miss this job, as I really have come to enjoy it. There has been a nice balance of challenging work, as well as the mindless jobs such as watering the flowers! I have appreciated the people most of all. Thank you Lord for your blessings.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Trust
I love the truth in this song.
Dearly Loved
Jimmy Needham
(Matthew 11:28)
Please lay down your arrows
For they’re sure to pierce the skin
And water from a broken well
Will make you thirst again
When all things you’ve acquired
Are tested by the flames
And you can see them melting
Then will you call his name
It’s worth it brothers
It’s worth it friends
To know your maker
To lose your sin
Did you know that you are dearly loved
To the slaughters you are being led
Being told that it’s a party
That this God is in your head
And every single lie
Sounds just like the greatest truth
But the one truth you’re not hearing
Is that he died for you
No greater joy
No greater peace
No greater love than this
It’s worth it brothers
It’s worth it friends
To know your maker
To lose your sin
Did you know that you are dearly loved
Thank you Jesus for loving me.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
I Bought a Car!
Here is a picture of my very first car! It is a 1988 Mazda Station Wagon, and if you can't tell, it is a very light blue colour. Isn't it cute? It is also a standard, so Mr. Car and I have been having some battles lately. At this moment I would have to say that the car is winning, but I am hoping to change that in the very near future. It was unfortunately way out of my budget, but my parents say it is a good car, and will serve me well! Notice the beautiful garden in the background. You can't really see any of the flowers, but picture foxglove, marigolds, pink petunias and more blooming profusely! How wonderful. Unfortunately a hungry deer ate most of the vegetables we had planted. My brother has strick orders to have his sling shot ready in case the deer comes back (my mom was just a little upset by the ordeal!).
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
God's Fireworks
I really want to practice having a humble attitude. I was thinking today about how much Jesus had to humble himself in order to save the world. What a sacrifice he made, not only physically, but he also had to abondon all self-consideration. He gave all that was in him to give. I want to express that attitude in everything that I do, but it is sooo difficult sometimes. Please give me perseverance, Lord!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Pergamum
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Golf:The Greatest Game Ever Played...NOT!
I am going to Ainsworth Hot Springs tomorrow night. I like going there, but I have been so busy this week, I would really prefer to be mellow at home. Work was a little crazy today. It was staff meeting day today, which is always very exciting. It happens every 2 weeks, and everyone who works for the society comes and hashes out the problems with child care, and non-functional families. I, unfortunately, do not get to attend these wonderful gatherings as I am much to busy answering phones and getting angry at the photocopyer (the silly thing had me down on my knees today, which was a little uncomfortable as I was wearing a skirt). Work is going well, and I really enjoy the people who work there. There is such diversity that, I'm sure, would only be so evident in Nelson.
I feel as though the summer (thus far) has been a somewhat restful time for me. I think at am at a place in my faith where I'm not on the mountain, or in the valley. I just AM. I thought that maybe because of this, that I wasn't growing or maturing spiritually, but a friend pointed out that God is still teaching me, just in a different way than I am used to. I need to continue trusting God, and pursuing him whole heartedly. Perhaps this is the time when it is most diffcult, when things are just normal, as one may feel that they are doing pretty good on their own, and forget to turn to the Lord for wisdom.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
I Love...
I love:
rooibos tea
good conversation
books
dark chocolate
music
sunshine
sharing a joke with my brother
candles
socks
avocado
black currant tea
listening to someone play the piano
my Bible
ice cream
a child's laughter
hugs
watching my sister dance
tulips
kind words
community
learning
my Jesus
chai tea
fresh raspberries with cream
happy memories
second hand stores
sharing
encouragement
talking to my mom
gingerbread
family
granola
African people
my dad's hugs when he scratches me with his cheek
friendship
homemade veggie burgers
"The knowledge that God has loved me beyond limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. Neither natural love nor God's divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured." Oswald Chambers
Friday, June 16, 2006
These Ordinary Days
Jars of Clay
Not much for conversation, I still find need to pray.
Sometimes I get tired of walking through these ordinary days.
If nothing else I get to see you even if we never speak.
The harm of words is sometimes we don'tquite know what they really mean.
I don't know where, I don't know how.
I don't know why, but your love can make these things better.
Let me lay down in this field and stare up at the sky.
I hope the days and clouds turn into something as they pass us by.
And maybe you could settle for a skyline faded blue.
I hope that you might settle for this love I have for you.
I don't know where, I don't know how.
I don't know why, but your love can make these things better.
I don't know where, I don't know how.
I don't know why, but your love can make these things better.
I don't know where, I don't know how.
I don't know why, but your love can make these things better.
Your love can make these things better.
Your love can make these things better. Your love can make these things better.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A Heart that bleeds
"We are prepared to serve the Lord only by sacrifice. We are fit for the work of God only when we have wept over it, prayed about it, and then we are enabled by Him to tackle the job that needs to be done. May God give to us hearts that bleed, eyes that are wide open to see, minds that are clear to interpret God's purposes, wills that are obedient, and a determination that is utterly unflinching as we set about the tasks He would have us do."
I want my heart to bleed for people. I want to be completely committed to serving others with all that I am. I don't want to second guess myself by thinking that I have nothing to offer. There is nothing I want more than to wholeheartedly serve God, and people. Sometimes I feel so passionate for somebody, and then the feeling disappears, and I forget that I wanted to pray for them, or help them in some way. I want to be more focused on preparing for the tasks that the Lord has set out for me.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Pictures
Here are a few pictures that I thought I should post. There is one of my brother William, and I showing our undying love for each other (Actually it is a little one sided, but I think he will come around!);
There is a picture of myself, Miny and Larisa on my last day of Prov; and last but not least, my kitty, Simon Miller. He really liked the camera.
William's Words of Wisdom
Sunday, June 04, 2006
God's Love
A.W.Tozer said, "Let any man turn to God in earnest, let him begin to exercise himself unto godliness, let him seek to develop his powers of spiritual receptivity by trust and obediance and humility, and the results will exceed anything he may have hoped in his leaner and weaker days."
I think I struggle with showing people God's love. Perhaps it is because I haven't fully accepted it for myself. I know in my head that God loves me. I read it in the Bible, I hear it in church, I feel in shown in the lives of people around me. But think I have yet to believe, and fully understand the depth of God's love for me. In Ephesians it says to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."(Ephesians 5:1-2).
As a child of God, I am called to live a life of love. It sounds so simple. I don't understand exactly why I struggle with the fact that God loved me so much that he gave his life, that I may live. I place so much value on the gifts and talents that God has given to other people, and I can't see them, or appreciate them in my own life. Perhaps it is because I see all the ugly stuff in my own life that I can't see in other people's lives. Why should God love me? I have rejected him, disowned him, devalued him, underappreciated him, misunderstood him, and ignored him. Tozer also said, "Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been awakened by the touch of God within them." I want to truly accept the fact that God loves me. I feel his touch on my life, and I feel myself thirsting after Him, even though I don't always recognize it as God speaking to me. I have tried to fill these longings with other things, and it merely dull's them momentarily. It think it becomes harder to respond to God when one has pushed him aside as frquently as I have. I feel broken and empty. What better time than now to accept God's love unending love for me.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Doing Nothing
I got home half an hour ago from what seemed like an endless day of work. I did childminding this evening for a few hours. The good news? I earned some money! I went to a second hand store today on my lunch hour and purchased a skirt and 3 interesting shirts. I am trying to expand my taste in clothes (I think it is working Linds...I'm sure you would have liked what I bought!) Other exciting news...my laptop arrived, and I will hopefully get to pick it up by Saturday. Only one more day and then it is the weekend! What a nice thing weekends are. Ho hum, its off to bed!
"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."
by A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Acts of Kindness
Sunday, May 28, 2006
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Dentist
I went to the dentist yesterday, and I felt very humbled. Yes, I think that is the right word. I felt poked and probed and chastined to the point when I wanted to jump up and yell, "What do you want from me?!" Of course I know that it is not the poor dentist's fault that I have weak molars and a receding gum line, but must it be mine? Anyway, I got a new toothbrush and it is purple, so I felt somewhat mollified in the end. I have a new dentist, as my other one finally decided to retire (Praise the Lord!). The new dentist has these really intense blue eyes, and as I was sitting in the chair staring into his eyes, I could just feel him looking right through me which, I must admit, was a rather uncomfortable experience. The things you experience at the dentist!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Work
Here is a picture of the place that I am now officially working at! Thank you Lord for your mercies are new every morning! I enjoy my work for the most part, although I am tired and sometimes cranky by the end of the day. I went out for lunch with my coworkers today to a place called "Max and Irma's" and had a chicken strawberry avocado wrap. It was good! I am going digging in the garden with my mom this evening, and perhaps my dad. It is very therapeutic putting your hands in dirt and pulling up weeds, and making things look nice. I had a gift certificate to a greenhouse, and on Sunday my mom and I got a brilliant red peony. I am listening to Jason Upton and realising how much God wants to be close to me. I want to be close to him too, but I allow other things to distract me. Sometimes I feel so frustrated with myself because I allow shallow, meaningless things take precedence in my life over what I know is truly important. I'm so glad that God isn't distracted from showing his love to me.
You're here and I'm never alone
And though I can not see you
and I can't explain why
Such a deep deep reasurance,
you've placed in my life
We cannot separate
because you're part of me
and though you're invisible
I'll trust the unseen
I cry out with no reply
And I can't feel you by my side,
So I hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
Never Alone by Jason Upton
Monday, May 08, 2006
"For a moment, Anne's heart fluttered queerly and for the first time her eyes faltered under Gilbert's gaze and a rosy flush stained the paleness of her face. It was as if a veil that had hung before her inner consciousness had been lifted, giving to her view a revelation of unsuspected feelings and realities.
Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one's life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one's side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart it's pages betrayed the rhythn and the music; perhaps... perhaps... love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath. Then the veil dropped again; but the Anne who walked up the dark lane was not quite the same Anne who had driven gaily down it the evening before. The page of girlhood had been turned, as by an unseen finger, and the page of womanhood was before her with all its charm and mystery, its pain and gladness."
-Anne of Avonlea, by L.M. Montgomery
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:16-18
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Confidence in God!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Cloud of Unknowing
The Cloud of Unknowing~Author unknown