I've been thinking a lot about moving forward, about growth and about perseverance. What does that mean for me? What does that mean for those that I journey with? What does that look like? There are times that I see visions of what the future could be so clearly and yet I feel so rooted, so trapped, in the imperfect presence. What is it that keeps us from moving forward? What are the barriers? Steve wrote a post a while back about limiting beliefs which I've pondered for quite a while. I know much of those plague me as I think of becoming more of the woman that God intends me to be.
I encourage you to check out his post and the article he links it to...and pray. Pray for those around you who need to overcome the lies. Pray for the Church: that we can move beyond the perceptions of the world and the tainted marks of our history and become (or continue to be) the unstoppable kingdom instrument that God intends us to be. And pray with thanksgiving. God has a plan for each one of us, plans for us to prosper and be a part of His good purposes. He chooses to use us and include us in His work of redeeming humanity and reclaiming them to himself. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by that but I'm thankful.
"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." That's the verse that scrolls across my screen when my screensaver is activated.
It's easy to believe the limiting beliefs but today I choose to believe in truth, to believe in Him.
I can...through Him.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
How Great Is This!!??
My friend Dayna found this on her latest cross boarder vacation. How sweet is this!? Just look at it. By name alone, I was destined to be surrounded by and addicted to good books. Now I just have to pray that my poor roommate and my bank account agree!
*If you can't tell, it's a bookstore named "Stacey's" and it's spelled my way! I'm getting a lot of mileage out of this one today, ok!?
Monday, April 09, 2007
Missing Much Music
Question: What are your favorite songs of the past 10 years?
Here's why I ask: I recently had my hard drive from my computer, well, reworked, redone, and basically salvaged from my old computer. Fortunately, we were able to save both the hard drive and most of the files. One file I was sad to lose, though, was my music file which I'd been building since 1998. If you know me and my music, you know that this is a big deal. Anyway, I don't remember everything that was in there so I thought I'd put a shout out for a little bit of teamwork. Even if your favorite song isn't my favorite song, odds are pretty good that it will start my brainstorming functions and still be helpful!
Perhaps I should just ask, what are your all time favorite songs?
Make the lists as long as you want! I'm ready to hear what you have to say!
Here's why I ask: I recently had my hard drive from my computer, well, reworked, redone, and basically salvaged from my old computer. Fortunately, we were able to save both the hard drive and most of the files. One file I was sad to lose, though, was my music file which I'd been building since 1998. If you know me and my music, you know that this is a big deal. Anyway, I don't remember everything that was in there so I thought I'd put a shout out for a little bit of teamwork. Even if your favorite song isn't my favorite song, odds are pretty good that it will start my brainstorming functions and still be helpful!
Perhaps I should just ask, what are your all time favorite songs?
Make the lists as long as you want! I'm ready to hear what you have to say!
And the Results Are In
The regular season is over and for some it means that it's time for the big time. For others, it means that it's time to warm up the golf clubs. Unfortunatly, my Oilers fall into the latter category...although they can't seem to catch a break if they tried. Get this, not only have they had a season to forget, by winning their last game, they brought themselves out of the bottom five in the league and will now miss out on the lottery for the first draft pick. I've heard the draft isn't all that much to look forward to but still... Anyway, here's the players in the first round:
Buffalo vs the Islanders (happy now, Smytty?)
New Jersey vs Tampa Bay
Atlanta vs the Rangers
Ottawa vs Pittsburg
Detroit vs Calgary
Anaheim vs Minnesota
Vancouver vs Dallas
Nashville vs San Jose
Let the games begin!
Past Reads
Normally I would be posting current reads but I've been neglectful in my blogging duties so here you have it!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
To Friends of John Wilson
This came through today - more specifics about the plan to spoil John Wilson as we celebrate his immesurable service to the college:
To make a long story short, we would like to raise $5000 in order to send John and Becky on a trip, including some spending money, and we would like to do it by April 15th if at all possible. For tax purposes this special fund-raising project needs to stay outside official A.B.C. accounting (as friends of John we can give him a gift, but if the College gives John a gift it is viewed by Revenue Canada as a taxable benefit and he would get stuck with a tax bill at the end of the year) which means that a charitable receipt cannot be issued for your donation. Donations should be sent to either myself at the college address or to Sandra Osborne, also at the college address. Please make sure you designate the money for John’s gift so that Sandra and I know it’s not for us to spend on whatever we want.
Thank you for considering being a part of this, any contribution you can make will be helpful and appreciated.
Gary Lepine
Just want to make sure that everyone has ample warning to participate!
To make a long story short, we would like to raise $5000 in order to send John and Becky on a trip, including some spending money, and we would like to do it by April 15th if at all possible. For tax purposes this special fund-raising project needs to stay outside official A.B.C. accounting (as friends of John we can give him a gift, but if the College gives John a gift it is viewed by Revenue Canada as a taxable benefit and he would get stuck with a tax bill at the end of the year) which means that a charitable receipt cannot be issued for your donation. Donations should be sent to either myself at the college address or to Sandra Osborne, also at the college address. Please make sure you designate the money for John’s gift so that Sandra and I know it’s not for us to spend on whatever we want.
Thank you for considering being a part of this, any contribution you can make will be helpful and appreciated.
Gary Lepine
Just want to make sure that everyone has ample warning to participate!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Two Guys from Edmonton
A fellow hockey fan sent this to me. I think they were trying to rile me up a little. Little did they know that right now I can completely see the humor of this. Has anyone checked the NHL stats lately!? Geesh.
Two guys from Edmonton
Two guys from Edmonton die and wake up in hell. The next day the devil stops in to check on them and sees them dressed in parkas,mittens, and toques warming themselves around the fire.The devil asks them, "What are you doing? Isn't it hot enough for you?"
The two guys reply, "Well, you know, we're from Canada, the land of snow and ice and cold. We're just happy for a chance to warm up a little bit, eh."The devil decides that these two aren't miserable enough and turns up the heat. The next morning he stops in again and there they are, still dressed in parkas, toques and mittens. The devil asks them again, "It's awfully hot down here, can't you guys feel it?"
Again the two guys reply, "Well, like we told ya yesterday, we're from Canada, the land of snow and ice and cold. We're just happy for a chance to warm up a little bit, eh."
This gets the devil a little steamed up and he decides to fix these two guys. He cranks the heat up as high as it will go. The people are wailing and screaming everywhere.
He stops by the room with the two guys from Canada and finds them in light jackets and bucket hats, grilling sausage and drinking beer.
The devil is astonished, "Everyone down here is in abject misery, and you two seem to be enjoying yourselves."
The two Canadians reply, "Well, ya know, we don't get too much warm weather up there in Edmonton so we've just got to have a cook-out when the weather's THIS nice."The devil is absolutely furious, he can hardly see straight. Finally he comes up with the answer. The two guys love the heat because they have been cold all their lives. The devil decides to turn all the heat off in hell.The next morning, the temperature is below zero, icicles are hanging everywhere; people are shivering so bad that they are unable to do anything but wail, moan, and gnash their teeth. The devil smiles and heads for theroom with the two Canadians. He gets there and finds them back in their parkas, toques, and mittens. NOW they are jumping up and down, cheering,yelling, and screaming like mad men!!!The devil is dumbfounded, "I don't understand, when I turn up the heat you're happy. Now it's freezing cold and you're still happy. What is wrong with you two???"
The Edmontonians look at the devil in surprise, "Well, don't you know?
If hell freezes over, it must mean the Oilers have won the Stanley Cup!!!"
Enough about that. I still love my boys but sure am sad about how this season's finishing! My theory is that when kevin Lowe said he had a "strategy" upon trading Ryan Smyth for, as my brother put it, pucks and hockey tape, what he really meant was that they were planning to throw the end of the season in hopes of some good draft picks. No one can have a slump this big by accident, can they? My sister went to a game a couple weeks back and said that there's lots of new talent. Hopefully that means good things for down the road. All I know is that there's only a couple of games to go before playoffs and I have nothing to boast about here in Calgary. Soon, all I'll be doing is cringing as news of the Red Mile shenanigans hits the news and my coworkers and students are feverishly following their teams.
Perhaps the sun will shine and I'll forget that there's actually hockey being played...hmmm...
Two guys from Edmonton
Two guys from Edmonton die and wake up in hell. The next day the devil stops in to check on them and sees them dressed in parkas,mittens, and toques warming themselves around the fire.The devil asks them, "What are you doing? Isn't it hot enough for you?"
The two guys reply, "Well, you know, we're from Canada, the land of snow and ice and cold. We're just happy for a chance to warm up a little bit, eh."The devil decides that these two aren't miserable enough and turns up the heat. The next morning he stops in again and there they are, still dressed in parkas, toques and mittens. The devil asks them again, "It's awfully hot down here, can't you guys feel it?"
Again the two guys reply, "Well, like we told ya yesterday, we're from Canada, the land of snow and ice and cold. We're just happy for a chance to warm up a little bit, eh."
This gets the devil a little steamed up and he decides to fix these two guys. He cranks the heat up as high as it will go. The people are wailing and screaming everywhere.
He stops by the room with the two guys from Canada and finds them in light jackets and bucket hats, grilling sausage and drinking beer.
The devil is astonished, "Everyone down here is in abject misery, and you two seem to be enjoying yourselves."
The two Canadians reply, "Well, ya know, we don't get too much warm weather up there in Edmonton so we've just got to have a cook-out when the weather's THIS nice."The devil is absolutely furious, he can hardly see straight. Finally he comes up with the answer. The two guys love the heat because they have been cold all their lives. The devil decides to turn all the heat off in hell.The next morning, the temperature is below zero, icicles are hanging everywhere; people are shivering so bad that they are unable to do anything but wail, moan, and gnash their teeth. The devil smiles and heads for theroom with the two Canadians. He gets there and finds them back in their parkas, toques, and mittens. NOW they are jumping up and down, cheering,yelling, and screaming like mad men!!!The devil is dumbfounded, "I don't understand, when I turn up the heat you're happy. Now it's freezing cold and you're still happy. What is wrong with you two???"
The Edmontonians look at the devil in surprise, "Well, don't you know?
If hell freezes over, it must mean the Oilers have won the Stanley Cup!!!"
Enough about that. I still love my boys but sure am sad about how this season's finishing! My theory is that when kevin Lowe said he had a "strategy" upon trading Ryan Smyth for, as my brother put it, pucks and hockey tape, what he really meant was that they were planning to throw the end of the season in hopes of some good draft picks. No one can have a slump this big by accident, can they? My sister went to a game a couple weeks back and said that there's lots of new talent. Hopefully that means good things for down the road. All I know is that there's only a couple of games to go before playoffs and I have nothing to boast about here in Calgary. Soon, all I'll be doing is cringing as news of the Red Mile shenanigans hits the news and my coworkers and students are feverishly following their teams.
Perhaps the sun will shine and I'll forget that there's actually hockey being played...hmmm...
Friday, March 30, 2007
A long obedience in the same direction
This has been "brewing" under the surface for some time but is now 'safe' for me to post:
Step by step, day by day, God calls us to obey. Sometimes that means faithfully leading forward; other times it means wisely stepping back. This winter John Wilson acknowledged that his health requires him to step back from full time ministry and take time to get healthy as well as create a new look for his obedience. Such a transition calls for a party—a celebration of 23 years of ministry while anticipating future possibilities. John’s love of games, his humor, and countless perfectly-timed comments provide great material for an evening of laughter and memories.
Join us on Saturday April 28 @ 7:00 p.m. in the College gym.
Do you have memories to share? Contact Sandra at slosborne@abc-ca.org or Gary at glepine@abc-ca.org.
With that in mind, I would like to add a couple of significant prayer requests.
1. Please pray for John's health, particularily his eyesight as that has been a real struggle for him and for continued management of the pain he has been feeling.
2. Pray for John's family and those close to him as they walk with him through this transition.
3. Pray for us at the college. His daily presence and influence will be missed and, in many ways, we are transitioning too.
4. Thank God for the strength and endurance He is already providing. John is a real trooper. I am continually blessed and amazed at the way he approaches each day. He is a man of grace, prayer and deep insight and I am thankful that God is developing in him those characteristics daily and blessing us through him.
World's Shortest Fairy Tale
My Aunt sent me this fairy tale. It's a new one. Not like the old days of the Grimm brothers. enjoy!
Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl, "Will you marry me?"
The girl said "No" and she lived happily ever after and went shopping,drank martinis with friends, always had a clean house, never had tocook, had a closet full of shoes and handbags, stayed skinny and was neverfarted on.
The End
Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl, "Will you marry me?"
The girl said "No" and she lived happily ever after and went shopping,drank martinis with friends, always had a clean house, never had tocook, had a closet full of shoes and handbags, stayed skinny and was neverfarted on.
The End
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
In light of today's weather...
I'm sorry if you find this to be slightly inappropriate but I'm ready for spring and so this is how I feel about winter already!!!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Who Do I Look Like?
Jessica Alba...not bad, huh!? Although I'm a little curious about the Asian comparisons...
It keeps coming back...
Does that ever happen to you? You read a passage of scripture and it just keeps popping up everywhere you turn? Well, almost everywhere. I figure that's when I probably should start paying attention. Here's the latest one:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Then said I: 'Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'
But the Lord said to me: 'Do not say, I am a youth,
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,' says the Lord."
Jeremiah 1:5- 8
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Then said I: 'Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'
But the Lord said to me: 'Do not say, I am a youth,
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,' says the Lord."
Jeremiah 1:5- 8
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Prayer
This prayer was emailed to me this week:
Lord, help me live my life intentionally. Give me laser-like focus so that I am not easily distracted by things that are not true priorities for me. Give me the endurance to embrace the process of becoming all you created me to be. I thank you for life and longevity, for your wisdom and the possibility of greater things to come. Amen.
Amen!
Lord, help me live my life intentionally. Give me laser-like focus so that I am not easily distracted by things that are not true priorities for me. Give me the endurance to embrace the process of becoming all you created me to be. I thank you for life and longevity, for your wisdom and the possibility of greater things to come. Amen.
Amen!
Either working with young adults (aka college students) is going to keep me young and up to date or it's going to make me crazy. I whined a while back about myspace and the cult that it was at the time. Now it's facebook. They've sucked me in. You can find my profile there. Everybody's doing it...
Either working with young adults (aka college students) is going to keep me young and up to date or it's going to make me crazy. I whined a while back about myspace and the cult that it was at the time. Now it's facebook. They've sucked me in. You can find my profile there. Everybody's doing it...
Bridging the Gap
C.S. Lewis...draws a distinction between communicating with a society that hears the Gospel for the first time and one that has embraced and then largely rejected it. 'A person must court a virgin differently than a divorcee,' said Lewis. 'One welcomes the charming words; the other needs a demonstration of love to overcome inbuilt skepticism.'
~Philip Yancey
It breaks my heart to look at those around me and think of how far from God some of them are. Somehow, though, I have more hope for those who would be meeting him for the first time then for seeing the return of those who have loved him and left him, so to speak. I'm not sure what to say to that or how to overcome the skepticism or cynicism they approach faith with. For some it's the church they're rejecting but I wonder, in rejecting God's people, if they're not rejecting Him as well. I don't think that's the intention but potentially the result. Oh, I know the church isn't perfect. People aren't perfect. People can be mislead or misguided no matter how good their intentions. That said, the Gospel is good news and, as Rob Bell says, unless the Gospel is good news for everyone than it is not good news for anyone.
It is good news.
He is alive.
He is love.
He is.
Whether for the first time or all over again, I pray that God will give me the words an opportunities to help communicate the good news well.
~Philip Yancey
It breaks my heart to look at those around me and think of how far from God some of them are. Somehow, though, I have more hope for those who would be meeting him for the first time then for seeing the return of those who have loved him and left him, so to speak. I'm not sure what to say to that or how to overcome the skepticism or cynicism they approach faith with. For some it's the church they're rejecting but I wonder, in rejecting God's people, if they're not rejecting Him as well. I don't think that's the intention but potentially the result. Oh, I know the church isn't perfect. People aren't perfect. People can be mislead or misguided no matter how good their intentions. That said, the Gospel is good news and, as Rob Bell says, unless the Gospel is good news for everyone than it is not good news for anyone.
It is good news.
He is alive.
He is love.
He is.
Whether for the first time or all over again, I pray that God will give me the words an opportunities to help communicate the good news well.
More Erwin
"Salvation is not re-entry into Paradis Lost; it is enlistment in the mission of God."
~Erwin McManus~
~Erwin McManus~
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Too Old, Too Young or Just Right
As I wrote the title for this post, I was thinking of Goldilocks and the three bears. I don't know why that's in my mind right now but it is...weird. This post wasn't supposed to be about bears at all. Bring it together, Stace. Stay on topic. Phew.
Okay, here goes. I'm back in the office again. It's been pretty tough to focus on work stuff but the conversations with students make it all worth while. I'm sure I've said it before but I love my students! They're amazing.
One recent conversation brought up a question that I don't have an answer for so I thought I would throw it out to any who might actually read my ramblings. Truthfully, as a single girl, it's probably good information for me too so here goes:
In dating/marriage relationships, what is an acceptable age difference between the partners? What is too much older? Too much younger?
I have no idea how to advise anyone in this area. What is "just right?"
Okay, here goes. I'm back in the office again. It's been pretty tough to focus on work stuff but the conversations with students make it all worth while. I'm sure I've said it before but I love my students! They're amazing.
One recent conversation brought up a question that I don't have an answer for so I thought I would throw it out to any who might actually read my ramblings. Truthfully, as a single girl, it's probably good information for me too so here goes:
In dating/marriage relationships, what is an acceptable age difference between the partners? What is too much older? Too much younger?
I have no idea how to advise anyone in this area. What is "just right?"
Sunday, March 18, 2007
A Conversation
I love msn. It keeps me connected with good friends and good conversation from the comfort of my cozy couch with my soft blanket, warm coffee and, honestly, my jammies. Now, normally, I wouldn't share said conversations but this one just happened recently and captures a lot of what I've been thinking about and praying about lately. My conversation partner shall be referred to as "friend" since I haven't asked this friend if I can actually post their side of the conversation but it just wouldn't be the same without it.
Perhaps this could get a gridblog or something going. I know there's a lot of questions in here but would love to have others join in the conversations...that's why I'm posting it...just in case explaination was required...anyway here goes:
stacey says:i think that's the thing...we journey together and learn from each other
stacey says:the point isn't how long you've been on the journey but where you are on the journey
friend says:Amen
stacey says:we look at people in ahead of us to learn from them
stacey says:we look to people behind to bring them along
stacey says:"knowing" isn't enough...that alone doesn't bring you any further in the journey
friend says:I am alright....I am just working through it....
stacey says:God gave us our stories and has left his fingerprints all over us b/c of them
friend says:Working through what it is He wants from me....
friend says:that is the truth
stacey says:so true
friend says:My passion is for the world....and how is Christ being reflected in my life...and in turn...
friend says:How can I bring His message to the darkness...to the hurting world....
stacey says:exactly
stacey says:you have a heart for the world in a different way than i do
friend says:It is only through these challenges that we grow....if we are willing to open ourselves and let God do His work
stacey says:b/c of my life in the church, i'm hurt by the damage we've done to the kingdom and passionate to help foster a new attitude in the church that is kingdom focused, not self focused, and yet i love the church enough to know that i can't give up on it
stacey says:my heart is for discipleship and really figuring out what this christian life is all about
friend says:that is amazing....living the life that plants teh seed of the kingdom...
stacey says:so true!
stacey says:it's funny how in many ways, both of us come to the same question
stacey says:just from different ways
friend says:we need those people who will twist the light bulbs and make them brighter...so then we can go out into the darkness
stacey says:i like the way you put that!
friend says:Totally....
friend says:Kingdom living and what does it mean to do church.....
stacey says:exactly
friend says:..am I willing to remain in my safe place or go out and take a risk for God
stacey says:what does it mean to be a christian today?
stacey says:what does that look like?
friend says:That is the key question....
stacey says:exactly
stacey says:steve mcmillan talks about how our christian faith isn't about going up to heaven but bringing heaven here
stacey says:i love that
stacey says:real kingdom living
friend says:If we are created in the image of God....do I develp authentic relationships because we are all cherished....
friend says:Do i roll my eyes in an air of superiority....how do my actions reflect what is at the core of me....
stacey says:b/c heaven is true and a reality but what difference does that make for today?stacey says:how does the gospel change things now?
friend says:Exactly...i am reading Leslie Newbigin....Gospel in a pluralistic world...or whatever
stacey says:oh ya
friend says:It is great that you believe Jesus is the Son of God....But so what....
friend says:What does that look like as we do life....as we walk out our faith....
stacey says:that's the question
friend says:It was convicting and gripping and transforming....as God will do if you are willing....
friend says:Yeah...I think that it goes so far beyond...this is what I believe.....
friend says:I am more interested in what does that look like
stacey says:exactly
friend says:It is fun....which is why I have so many deep conversations with [another friend left anonymous]....we are the epistle of Peter crowd....
friend says:He feels those books were written for people like us....who identify with the lost world....who know the darkness and have a passion to bring life and hope and joy and passion....
stacey says:there's actually a pretty strong movement going on in christian circles that are calling people thinking this way "revolutionaries"
stacey says:that's such a great way to put it!
friend says:I love it....Wycliffe's tag line is abandoned devotion to serving Jesus
stacey says:oohhh i like it
friend says:Abandoned devotion...revolutionary....looks like a theme running through here
stacey says:so true!
friend says:I love it....what are you willing to give up for the sake of....
stacey says:for the sake of the kingdom
friend says:amen....
Perhaps this could get a gridblog or something going. I know there's a lot of questions in here but would love to have others join in the conversations...that's why I'm posting it...just in case explaination was required...anyway here goes:
stacey says:i think that's the thing...we journey together and learn from each other
stacey says:the point isn't how long you've been on the journey but where you are on the journey
friend says:Amen
stacey says:we look at people in ahead of us to learn from them
stacey says:we look to people behind to bring them along
stacey says:"knowing" isn't enough...that alone doesn't bring you any further in the journey
friend says:I am alright....I am just working through it....
stacey says:God gave us our stories and has left his fingerprints all over us b/c of them
friend says:Working through what it is He wants from me....
friend says:that is the truth
stacey says:so true
friend says:My passion is for the world....and how is Christ being reflected in my life...and in turn...
friend says:How can I bring His message to the darkness...to the hurting world....
stacey says:exactly
stacey says:you have a heart for the world in a different way than i do
friend says:It is only through these challenges that we grow....if we are willing to open ourselves and let God do His work
stacey says:b/c of my life in the church, i'm hurt by the damage we've done to the kingdom and passionate to help foster a new attitude in the church that is kingdom focused, not self focused, and yet i love the church enough to know that i can't give up on it
stacey says:my heart is for discipleship and really figuring out what this christian life is all about
friend says:that is amazing....living the life that plants teh seed of the kingdom...
stacey says:so true!
stacey says:it's funny how in many ways, both of us come to the same question
stacey says:just from different ways
friend says:we need those people who will twist the light bulbs and make them brighter...so then we can go out into the darkness
stacey says:i like the way you put that!
friend says:Totally....
friend says:Kingdom living and what does it mean to do church.....
stacey says:exactly
friend says:..am I willing to remain in my safe place or go out and take a risk for God
stacey says:what does it mean to be a christian today?
stacey says:what does that look like?
friend says:That is the key question....
stacey says:exactly
stacey says:steve mcmillan talks about how our christian faith isn't about going up to heaven but bringing heaven here
stacey says:i love that
stacey says:real kingdom living
friend says:If we are created in the image of God....do I develp authentic relationships because we are all cherished....
friend says:Do i roll my eyes in an air of superiority....how do my actions reflect what is at the core of me....
stacey says:b/c heaven is true and a reality but what difference does that make for today?stacey says:how does the gospel change things now?
friend says:Exactly...i am reading Leslie Newbigin....Gospel in a pluralistic world...or whatever
stacey says:oh ya
friend says:It is great that you believe Jesus is the Son of God....But so what....
friend says:What does that look like as we do life....as we walk out our faith....
stacey says:that's the question
friend says:It was convicting and gripping and transforming....as God will do if you are willing....
friend says:Yeah...I think that it goes so far beyond...this is what I believe.....
friend says:I am more interested in what does that look like
stacey says:exactly
friend says:It is fun....which is why I have so many deep conversations with [another friend left anonymous]....we are the epistle of Peter crowd....
friend says:He feels those books were written for people like us....who identify with the lost world....who know the darkness and have a passion to bring life and hope and joy and passion....
stacey says:there's actually a pretty strong movement going on in christian circles that are calling people thinking this way "revolutionaries"
stacey says:that's such a great way to put it!
friend says:I love it....Wycliffe's tag line is abandoned devotion to serving Jesus
stacey says:oohhh i like it
friend says:Abandoned devotion...revolutionary....looks like a theme running through here
stacey says:so true!
friend says:I love it....what are you willing to give up for the sake of....
stacey says:for the sake of the kingdom
friend says:amen....
Friday, March 16, 2007
Upcoming Release: Tortilla Heaven
From Relevant Magazine...
Here's the trailer for the new movie Tortilla Heaven, which is getting a lot of buzz for its take on some biblical and cultural themes. The movie is about the madness that breaks out in a small town after the face of Jesus appears on a tortilla. Though the plot sounds irreverent, there looks to be plenty of over-the-top, but still relatable.
Now I'm not saying that I recommend it since I haven't seen it yet but I am curious. I'm especially intrigued to see how Hollywood handles this and aware, again, of the spiritual curiosity of the world we live in.
How do we, as the church, respond well?
Here's the trailer for the new movie Tortilla Heaven, which is getting a lot of buzz for its take on some biblical and cultural themes. The movie is about the madness that breaks out in a small town after the face of Jesus appears on a tortilla. Though the plot sounds irreverent, there looks to be plenty of over-the-top, but still relatable.
Now I'm not saying that I recommend it since I haven't seen it yet but I am curious. I'm especially intrigued to see how Hollywood handles this and aware, again, of the spiritual curiosity of the world we live in.
How do we, as the church, respond well?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Quote
“The church is not here to meet our needs. We are the church here to meet the needs of the world.”- Erwin McManus
Thanks, Erwin. That's what I've been realizing too.
Thanks, Erwin. That's what I've been realizing too.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Affirmations of a Revolutionary
I've been reading Revolution by George Barna. It's a study of what's happening in Kingdom-culture in North America as a growing group of Christians, who Barna calls Revolutionaries, move beyond traditional North American Christianity, in many cases, beyond the traditional church, as they pursue God, faith and obedience.
I love this summary of the revolutionary affirmations as, in many ways, this resonates with who I am, or at least who I want to be, and the current struggle I find myself in.
I am a Revolutionary in the service of God Almighty. My life is not my own; I exist as a free person but have voluntarily become a slave to God. My role on earth is to live as a Revolutionary, comitted to love, holiness, and advancing God's Kingdom. My life is not about me and my natural desires; it is all about knowing, loving, and serving God with all my heart, mind, strength, and soul. Therefore, I acknowledge the following:
>I am a sinner; broken by my disobedience but restored by Jesus Christ in order to participate in good works that please God. I am not perfect; but Jesus Christ makes me righteous in God's eyes, and the Holy Spirit leads me toward greater holiness.
>God created me for His puposes. My desire as a Revolutionary is to fulfill those ends, and those ends alone. When I get out of bed each day, I do so for one purpose: to love, obey, and serve God and His people.
>Every breath I take is a declaration of war against Satan and a commitment to opposing him.
>God does not need me to fight His fight, but He invites me to allow Him to fight through me. It is my privilege to serve Him in that manner. I anticipate and will gladly endure various hardships as I serve God; for this is the price of participation in winning the spiritual war.
>I do not need to save the world; Jesus Christ has already done that. I cannot transform the world, but I can allow God to use me to transform some part of it.
>My commitment to the Revolution of faith is sealed by my complete surrener to God's ways and His will. I will gratefully do what He asks of me simply because He loves me enough to ask. I gain my security, success, and significance through my surrender to Him.
>I am not called to attend or join a church. I am called to be the Church.
>Worship is not an event I attend or a process I observe; it is the lifestyle I lead.
>I do not give away 10 percent of my resources. I surrender 100 percent.
>God has given me natural abilities and supernatural abilities, all intended to advance His Kingdom. I will deploy those abilities for that purpose.
>There is strength in relationships; I am bound at a heart and soul level to other Revolutionaries, adn I will bless believers whenever I have the chance.
>To achieve vicotry in the spiritual war in which we are immersed, there is nothing I must accomplish; I must simply follow Christ with everything I have.
>There is no greater calling than to know and serve God.
>The world is desperately seeking meaning and purpose. I will respond to that need with the Good News and meaningful servidce.
>Absolute moral and spiritual truth exists, is knowable, and is intended for my life; it is accessible through the Bible.
>I want nothing more than to hear God say to me, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Thank You, Lord God, for loving me, for saving me, for refining me, for blessing me, and for including me in the work of Your Kingdom. My life is Yours to use as You please. I love You.
George Barna, Revolution, pg 128-130.
I love this summary of the revolutionary affirmations as, in many ways, this resonates with who I am, or at least who I want to be, and the current struggle I find myself in.
I am a Revolutionary in the service of God Almighty. My life is not my own; I exist as a free person but have voluntarily become a slave to God. My role on earth is to live as a Revolutionary, comitted to love, holiness, and advancing God's Kingdom. My life is not about me and my natural desires; it is all about knowing, loving, and serving God with all my heart, mind, strength, and soul. Therefore, I acknowledge the following:
>I am a sinner; broken by my disobedience but restored by Jesus Christ in order to participate in good works that please God. I am not perfect; but Jesus Christ makes me righteous in God's eyes, and the Holy Spirit leads me toward greater holiness.
>God created me for His puposes. My desire as a Revolutionary is to fulfill those ends, and those ends alone. When I get out of bed each day, I do so for one purpose: to love, obey, and serve God and His people.
>Every breath I take is a declaration of war against Satan and a commitment to opposing him.
>God does not need me to fight His fight, but He invites me to allow Him to fight through me. It is my privilege to serve Him in that manner. I anticipate and will gladly endure various hardships as I serve God; for this is the price of participation in winning the spiritual war.
>I do not need to save the world; Jesus Christ has already done that. I cannot transform the world, but I can allow God to use me to transform some part of it.
>My commitment to the Revolution of faith is sealed by my complete surrener to God's ways and His will. I will gratefully do what He asks of me simply because He loves me enough to ask. I gain my security, success, and significance through my surrender to Him.
>I am not called to attend or join a church. I am called to be the Church.
>Worship is not an event I attend or a process I observe; it is the lifestyle I lead.
>I do not give away 10 percent of my resources. I surrender 100 percent.
>God has given me natural abilities and supernatural abilities, all intended to advance His Kingdom. I will deploy those abilities for that purpose.
>There is strength in relationships; I am bound at a heart and soul level to other Revolutionaries, adn I will bless believers whenever I have the chance.
>To achieve vicotry in the spiritual war in which we are immersed, there is nothing I must accomplish; I must simply follow Christ with everything I have.
>There is no greater calling than to know and serve God.
>The world is desperately seeking meaning and purpose. I will respond to that need with the Good News and meaningful servidce.
>Absolute moral and spiritual truth exists, is knowable, and is intended for my life; it is accessible through the Bible.
>I want nothing more than to hear God say to me, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Thank You, Lord God, for loving me, for saving me, for refining me, for blessing me, and for including me in the work of Your Kingdom. My life is Yours to use as You please. I love You.
George Barna, Revolution, pg 128-130.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Fun Finds at the Farmers' market
Every time I go to the Farmer's Market, I come home having found some new treasure or tasty treat - not that I buy them, necessarily, but I feel like I have uncovered some new mystery!
Today's treat is a new fruit - Kiwi Berries. They're about the size of a steroid enhanced grapes and grow on vines like grapes. Inside they look and have the texture of a kiwi. The thing is, and maybe it's just because they're a novelty today, is that they taste like both but better! They're so good! You just pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy. Don't worry, they're not fuzzy like a kiwi.
Apparently they only have a two week season so you have to move fast if you want to taste them.
And if you're wondering, yes, this is what I do with time off...and I love it!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Through the speakers
..and on my ipod!
It's sooooo good! I loved it watching the movie and I love it listening to it now!
Tracks include:
1. Razor -Foo Fighters
2. My Drug Buddy- The Lemonheads
3. A Nest For Two- Blinker The Star
4. Mornings Eleven - The Magic Numbers
5. Pills - Gary Jules
6. Electrified And Ripe -Steve Durand
7. The Winding Staircase -New Radiant Storm King
8. Sky Signal -Audible
9. Leaving The Ground- Peter Maclaggan
10. What If You -Joshua Radin
11. These 3 Sins- Gomez
12. Resistance- Alaska!
13. Let The Bad Times Roll- Paul Westerberg
14. Turning Blue - The Swallows
15. What I Done- Andrew Rodriguez
16. Soul Meets Body -Death Cab For Cutie
17. There Goes The Fear- The Doves
2. My Drug Buddy- The Lemonheads
3. A Nest For Two- Blinker The Star
4. Mornings Eleven - The Magic Numbers
5. Pills - Gary Jules
6. Electrified And Ripe -Steve Durand
7. The Winding Staircase -New Radiant Storm King
8. Sky Signal -Audible
9. Leaving The Ground- Peter Maclaggan
10. What If You -Joshua Radin
11. These 3 Sins- Gomez
12. Resistance- Alaska!
13. Let The Bad Times Roll- Paul Westerberg
14. Turning Blue - The Swallows
15. What I Done- Andrew Rodriguez
16. Soul Meets Body -Death Cab For Cutie
17. There Goes The Fear- The Doves
Thursday, March 08, 2007
John Mayer
It was announced this past Monday that John Mayer is going to come to Calgary on this tour. The Edmonton stop was announced weeks ago and I was willing to make the trip for it but this is even better. Calgary. Saddledome. Sunday, April 29. 7pm.
Anyone want to go?
And I'm serious about this...none of this, "sure I live in Manitoba but would love to go"...I appreciate the thought but I'm actually looking for people that WILL go with me :)
Anyone want to go?
And I'm serious about this...none of this, "sure I live in Manitoba but would love to go"...I appreciate the thought but I'm actually looking for people that WILL go with me :)
Emerging from Emerge
I've decided that there are 5 days that are the highlights of my year at work; 5 days in which I'm truly in my element. The first two are registration days in September and January. They're days that are full, a mixture of event planning/coordination and advising as students arrive and allow me a chance to see the fruits of my work. They're days where I truly feel like I have a purpose at the college.
The other 3 days form the weekend of Emerge, our open house weekend at ABC. I don't even know what it is but I feel like I'm in my element. Truthfully, the first year that I did it I was stressed to the max but now that I've figured things out a bit, I love the weekend. Even the week leading up to it, as full as it is, is great! Days go by fast - there's definitely no looking for things to do! I'm able to spend time with the students as we work together to host the weekend. Have I mentioned recently that I love my students?! Man, they're amazing!!! I get to meet and greet new friends and old as they come from all across Western Canada to join us. There's the planning and hosting of the event that I love. I guess I'm all about being in the middle of the action! Have I mentioned that I get to spend concentrated time with the students? Seriously, I love that part. I come out of the weekend completely exhausted and ready for a week of naps but somehow refreshed at the same time. There's something to be said for working out of a place of your strengths.
I was chatting with one of my students Sunday afternoon and he affirmed what I was feeling saying that he could tell that I was completely in my element for the weekend. He 'politely suggested' that I should find a job where I can be in that sort of position more than once a year. He went on to say that it's too bad that my role at the college is not more mentoring focused as he sees that as my place of strength and ability. He's right too - that's the part of my job, more than anything, that I love.
Now, back to the weekend. We had over 100 visitors, both youth leaders and students. We fed well over 150 people. Friday Night Live, our very own Saturday Night Live-esque event, was fabulous. Hunter continued to scare the bejeebers out of me all weekend. Keith Shields and Storm Moore presented fabulous messages and the music team did a fabulous job in leading us to worship through song. The amazing race was a hit although a lot of wet kids and a lingering order of smelly feet filled the building immediately following. Seriously, I don't think I've ever smelt anything so bad! The flour power game was a blast - who knew that you could have so much fun with a bag of flour and some panty hose!? Speech contest participants did a fabulous job. Honestly, it was one of those years where I wish we could have given more than one scholarship. No fire trucks visited which, surprisingly enough, was a step up from last year. Even clean up was fun and went well. Who could ask for anything more?
All in all it was a great weekend and I'm thankful!
The other 3 days form the weekend of Emerge, our open house weekend at ABC. I don't even know what it is but I feel like I'm in my element. Truthfully, the first year that I did it I was stressed to the max but now that I've figured things out a bit, I love the weekend. Even the week leading up to it, as full as it is, is great! Days go by fast - there's definitely no looking for things to do! I'm able to spend time with the students as we work together to host the weekend. Have I mentioned recently that I love my students?! Man, they're amazing!!! I get to meet and greet new friends and old as they come from all across Western Canada to join us. There's the planning and hosting of the event that I love. I guess I'm all about being in the middle of the action! Have I mentioned that I get to spend concentrated time with the students? Seriously, I love that part. I come out of the weekend completely exhausted and ready for a week of naps but somehow refreshed at the same time. There's something to be said for working out of a place of your strengths.
I was chatting with one of my students Sunday afternoon and he affirmed what I was feeling saying that he could tell that I was completely in my element for the weekend. He 'politely suggested' that I should find a job where I can be in that sort of position more than once a year. He went on to say that it's too bad that my role at the college is not more mentoring focused as he sees that as my place of strength and ability. He's right too - that's the part of my job, more than anything, that I love.
Now, back to the weekend. We had over 100 visitors, both youth leaders and students. We fed well over 150 people. Friday Night Live, our very own Saturday Night Live-esque event, was fabulous. Hunter continued to scare the bejeebers out of me all weekend. Keith Shields and Storm Moore presented fabulous messages and the music team did a fabulous job in leading us to worship through song. The amazing race was a hit although a lot of wet kids and a lingering order of smelly feet filled the building immediately following. Seriously, I don't think I've ever smelt anything so bad! The flour power game was a blast - who knew that you could have so much fun with a bag of flour and some panty hose!? Speech contest participants did a fabulous job. Honestly, it was one of those years where I wish we could have given more than one scholarship. No fire trucks visited which, surprisingly enough, was a step up from last year. Even clean up was fun and went well. Who could ask for anything more?
All in all it was a great weekend and I'm thankful!
To see pictures, they're posted at www.spareparts.shutterfly.com. Hopefully I'll be able to add some of the ones some of my students took soon.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Current Read
I guess I'm just feeling like reading kids' books but I don't feel bad 'cause this series is pretty good. 9-12 year old readers. Bah!
It's kind of funny. When I was 12 I was reading at a university reading level - at least that's what "they" said.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Parting is such sweet sorrow
I have to confess, this parting has nothing to do with sweet but everything to do with sorrow. While rumoured, I don't think anyone in the NHL world thought this could possibly happen. Smytty, my dear Ryan Smyth, proud wearer of the blue and gold for 12 years, fan favorite and team leader, was traded today to the New York Islanders. Traded. To the Islanders.Following today’s trade, Oilers General Manager, Kevin Lowe said, and I quote from an email straight from the team, “I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial. The CBA we operate with in the NHL today means you need to have a sound hockey strategy and stick to it. Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan. Our decision is about the direction we want to take and the opportunities we have today and tomorrow with the brilliant young players we have acquired and those we have in the organization. I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future.I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community.”
Oilers President and Chief Executive Officer, Patrick LaForge added “While on the one hand some Oilers fans might be distressed that this trade was made today, I want those same fans to be assured that the Oilers will use these excellent young players and our own deep pool of young talent in a new plan for this team. We can afford to spend the money necessary to have the kind of elite players expected. This was about the Oilers staying true to a plan. I know our hockey strategy is sound.”
Can I point out that that's a fancy way of covering up the fact that they couldn't come to a deal and, remembering the fan outcry in situations like, say, Gretzky, Messier, and, more recently, Pronger, had to come up with some official way to hopefully smooth the ice (no pun intended) and make it sound like this was intentional move that will one day (somewhere in the far, far future) actually benefit the team?! Of course. Say it's "strategy."
If you haven't read that yet, I'm not happy about this. I'm sad to see Smytty go. What can I say!? Do I think that it was a move that shows that they've given up on this season? Likely. Do I think there's hope for the years to come? Maybe. I sure hope so. As they say, they're a young team with potential. To be fair, Smytty came to us as a young guy too.
All I know is that Kevin Lowe et al better be sleeping with one eye open for the next little while. I'm expecting fans in Edmonton to get a little nasty over the whole thing.
And, 9 points back from 8th spot, we better see some of those young guys step up quick. Hemsky? Pisani? Come on boys!!!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wisdom from a Starbucks Cup
There are many times when dancing is the most unsupportable, ridiculous, unexpected and necessary action. Life should be spent finding those moments and tap dancing through them.
-- Christopher Hermelin
I believe that peace lies within the small and the magnificent. Born in blades of grass, living in golden sunlight, filtering through dusty shadows that whisper of tinkling piano keys. Growing in the quiet that can be found in a world that is never silent, and dying in the abandon that comes after the rain, only to be born again. Search and you will find beauty.
-- Sonya Kitchell
That's all. Might need another stop at St.Arbucks to find some more. Oh the sacrifices I make...
-- Christopher Hermelin
I believe that peace lies within the small and the magnificent. Born in blades of grass, living in golden sunlight, filtering through dusty shadows that whisper of tinkling piano keys. Growing in the quiet that can be found in a world that is never silent, and dying in the abandon that comes after the rain, only to be born again. Search and you will find beauty.
-- Sonya Kitchell
That's all. Might need another stop at St.Arbucks to find some more. Oh the sacrifices I make...
A Prayer
A coworker sent this to me this morning:
I pray for Thy Spirit to enter me and fill me completely.
I pray for Thy Kingdom to come in earth as it is in Heaven.
I pray for my will to become completely and utterly Thy will.
I pray for my actual needs to be met by the right supply, in the right way and at the right time.
I pray for the right persons to come into my life, at the right time and in the right way.
I pray for the right ideas to come to me in perfect sequence and in perfect order in the right time and in the right way.
I pray for my deepest soul’s sincere desire to be fulfilled in the right time and in the right way.
I pray for Thy Spirit to enter me and fill me completely.
I pray for Thy Kingdom to come in earth as it is in Heaven.
I pray for my will to become completely and utterly Thy will.
I pray for my actual needs to be met by the right supply, in the right way and at the right time.
I pray for the right persons to come into my life, at the right time and in the right way.
I pray for the right ideas to come to me in perfect sequence and in perfect order in the right time and in the right way.
I pray for my deepest soul’s sincere desire to be fulfilled in the right time and in the right way.
Marva Dawn, The Sense of the Call
“In a nutshell, the sense of our call is that God’s Kingdom reclaims us, revitalizes us, and renews us and thus reigns through us before others, on behalf of others, sometimes in spite of others, and always with others.”
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Finally!
A decisive win for the boys. 4-0. A shut out for Rolli. Granted it was against Columbus but, at this point in the season, I'll take it!
Here's hoping that it's the start of something good and not just an anomaly!
It's coming....
Emerge, that is. It's ABC's open house. It's my baby, really. I've got a team of students I work with to put the thing together. The last two years have been fabulous (if I do say so myself) but I still find myself struggling with something near panic in the week prior...which is where I'm at. Inevitably, some ball has been bobbled a little. Not dropped, just bobbled. I'm pretty good at problem solving and working on the fly but I also feel the weight of outside expectations...and my own. I realize that I will never make everyone happy but sometimes it would be nice if those who aren't happy would just shut up. Really. That said, I am looking forward to it. Like I said, the last two years have been great both for connecting with students from outside and for community building here. It's just fun. It's not that far away.
This World is Not Enough
A quote from the great Huston Smith...my confession is that I stole it from John and Angie's blog because I loved it that much!
"There is within us - even in the blithest, most lighthearted among us - a fundamental dis-ease. This desire lies in the marrow of our bones and deep in the regions of our soul. All great literature, poetry, art, philosophy, psychology and religion tries to name and analyze this longing. We are seldom in direct touch with it, and indeed the modern world seems set on preventing us from getting in touch with it by covering it with entertainments, obsessions and distractions of every sort. But the longing is there, built into us like a jack-in-the-box that presses for release. Whether we realize it or not, simply to be human is to long for release from mundane existence with its confining walls o finitude and mortality. The Good news. . .is that longing can be fulfilled!
"There is within us - even in the blithest, most lighthearted among us - a fundamental dis-ease. This desire lies in the marrow of our bones and deep in the regions of our soul. All great literature, poetry, art, philosophy, psychology and religion tries to name and analyze this longing. We are seldom in direct touch with it, and indeed the modern world seems set on preventing us from getting in touch with it by covering it with entertainments, obsessions and distractions of every sort. But the longing is there, built into us like a jack-in-the-box that presses for release. Whether we realize it or not, simply to be human is to long for release from mundane existence with its confining walls o finitude and mortality. The Good news. . .is that longing can be fulfilled!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
I think...
I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and virtue, yet it leads you on, out of all that, into something beyond. One has a glimpse of a country where they do not talk of those things, except perhaps as a joke. Every one there is filled full with what we should call goodness as a mirror is filled with light. But they do not call it goodness. They do not call it anything. They are not thinking of it. They are too busy looking at the source from which it comes.
C.S.Lewis
C.S.Lewis
Yancey on Faith
"Doubt is the skeleton in the closet of faith, and I know no better way to treat a skeleton than to bring it into the open and expose it for what it is: not something to hide or fear, but a hard structure on which living tissue may grow..."I don't know how the kind of faith required of a Christian living in the 20th century can be at all if it is not grounded on the experience of unbelief," wrote novelist Flannery O'Connor to a friend."Peter said, 'Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.' It is the most natural and most human and most agonizing prayer in the gospels, and I think it is the foundation prayer of faith" (pg. 41).*
"Truth that does not set free is not truth" (pg 45).
"Churches that leave room for mystery, that do not pretend to spell out what God himself has not spelled out, create an environment most conducive to worship...we lean on God out of need, not out of surplus" (pg. 47).
"Faith means striking out, with no clear end in sight and perhaps even no clear view of the next step...faith is reason gone courageous" (pg. 47).
"In magic, people try to get the gods to perform their will, while in religion people try to conform to the will of the gods. Christian faith means conforming to the will of God whatever it may mean" (pg 52).
"Faith offers the option of continuing to trust God even while accepting the limits of our humanity, which means accepting that we cannot answer the "Why?" questions" (pg 56).
"A faithful person sees life from the perspective of trust, not fear" (pg 65).
"Jean-Pierre de Caussade..."A living faith is nothing else than a steadfast pursuit of God through all that disguises, disfigures, demolishes and seeks, so to speak, to abolish him." De Caussade sought to accept each moment as a revelation of God believing that regardless of how things appear at a given time, all of history will ultimately serve to accomplish God's purpose on earth. He advised, "Love and accept the present moment as the best, with perfect trust in God's universal goodness...Everything without exception is an instrument and means of sanctification...God's purpose for us is always what will contribute most to our good."...perhaps that's what faith is: trusting God's goodness despite any apparent evidence against it" (pg. 69).
"Faith, I have found, is not something I can settle into, a skill I learn to master. It comes as a gift from God, and I need to pray for it every day, as I pray for daily bread" (pg. 81).
"Living faith involves me pleasing God, far more than God pleasing me" (pg 82).
...and there's more. For that, you'll have to read it!
*Reaching for the Invisible God, Philip Yancey
"Truth that does not set free is not truth" (pg 45).
"Churches that leave room for mystery, that do not pretend to spell out what God himself has not spelled out, create an environment most conducive to worship...we lean on God out of need, not out of surplus" (pg. 47).
"Faith means striking out, with no clear end in sight and perhaps even no clear view of the next step...faith is reason gone courageous" (pg. 47).
"In magic, people try to get the gods to perform their will, while in religion people try to conform to the will of the gods. Christian faith means conforming to the will of God whatever it may mean" (pg 52).
"Faith offers the option of continuing to trust God even while accepting the limits of our humanity, which means accepting that we cannot answer the "Why?" questions" (pg 56).
"A faithful person sees life from the perspective of trust, not fear" (pg 65).
"Jean-Pierre de Caussade..."A living faith is nothing else than a steadfast pursuit of God through all that disguises, disfigures, demolishes and seeks, so to speak, to abolish him." De Caussade sought to accept each moment as a revelation of God believing that regardless of how things appear at a given time, all of history will ultimately serve to accomplish God's purpose on earth. He advised, "Love and accept the present moment as the best, with perfect trust in God's universal goodness...Everything without exception is an instrument and means of sanctification...God's purpose for us is always what will contribute most to our good."...perhaps that's what faith is: trusting God's goodness despite any apparent evidence against it" (pg. 69).
"Faith, I have found, is not something I can settle into, a skill I learn to master. It comes as a gift from God, and I need to pray for it every day, as I pray for daily bread" (pg. 81).
"Living faith involves me pleasing God, far more than God pleasing me" (pg 82).
...and there's more. For that, you'll have to read it!
*Reaching for the Invisible God, Philip Yancey
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The birth of a new blog
Okay, so I know there are not many new blogs that I've made a big deal of. They sort of slide into my list of links with little fan fare. I apologize. Truth be told, I'm excited with each new one that I find.
This one gets special attention, though, because it is the blog of a dear friend who has been "lurking" for a long time. Reading many of our blogs, calling our game if we haven't posted for a while.
After much hinting, poking and prodding (okay, not really that much!), I'm pleased to introduce:
The Next Best Thing.
Check it out...good things are sure to follow!
This one gets special attention, though, because it is the blog of a dear friend who has been "lurking" for a long time. Reading many of our blogs, calling our game if we haven't posted for a while.
After much hinting, poking and prodding (okay, not really that much!), I'm pleased to introduce:
The Next Best Thing.
Check it out...good things are sure to follow!
A quote...
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again,because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
Teddy R Roosevelt
...so I have this sneaking suspicion that this is going to be something important for me to keep in mind for some reason...I'm just not sure what the reason is yet.
Teddy R Roosevelt
...so I have this sneaking suspicion that this is going to be something important for me to keep in mind for some reason...I'm just not sure what the reason is yet.
Today
So far, my life at ABC has been, well, interesting to say the least. I know that I probably won't see just how valuable my time there has been until I'm looking back on it, whenever that should be. That said, I was reminded today of two very valuable things, two incredible blessings that have come to me through my time there.
1. My students. I'm continually amazed at how much I can love them and believe in them. They mean the world to me!
2. My recruiter friends. Some of my closest friends in the world are those people that I travel with, do events with, share work stress with and yet, in many people's perspective, work in "competition" with. I'm at the Alberta Christians Schools International Teachers' Convention to finish off this week. It's not a very high intensity event and so I've had some time to catch up with some of them...and it feels like home. A bunch of us went for supper tonight and honestly it's the most relaxed and most at home I've felt with a group of people in a long time. I can be open and honest with them and I'm pleased that they can do the same. We joke and laugh. We pray together. We talk deep "God" stuff. We live life. Some of us email in between but even if we don't, it's fine. You know that kind of friend? They're good to have. I'm thankful for my recruiter friends and look forward to spending tomorrow with them too!
Thanks guys!!!! Love y'all...even the ones who aren't here...it's true!
1. My students. I'm continually amazed at how much I can love them and believe in them. They mean the world to me!
2. My recruiter friends. Some of my closest friends in the world are those people that I travel with, do events with, share work stress with and yet, in many people's perspective, work in "competition" with. I'm at the Alberta Christians Schools International Teachers' Convention to finish off this week. It's not a very high intensity event and so I've had some time to catch up with some of them...and it feels like home. A bunch of us went for supper tonight and honestly it's the most relaxed and most at home I've felt with a group of people in a long time. I can be open and honest with them and I'm pleased that they can do the same. We joke and laugh. We pray together. We talk deep "God" stuff. We live life. Some of us email in between but even if we don't, it's fine. You know that kind of friend? They're good to have. I'm thankful for my recruiter friends and look forward to spending tomorrow with them too!
Thanks guys!!!! Love y'all...even the ones who aren't here...it's true!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
And the weather man says...
-24 over night, +9 by Thursday.
Gotta love a good chinook. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the winter wonderland, digging out my car and crawling along the deerfoot with all the other folks on the road.
Oh the joys of living in Calgary.
Gotta love a good chinook. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the winter wonderland, digging out my car and crawling along the deerfoot with all the other folks on the road.
Oh the joys of living in Calgary.
Finding truth on the hardcourt
Either I've become keenly aware of the teachable moments in the everyday or have simply become overly introspective. Either way, I'm finding God has much to say when we're willing to listen.
I play volleyball on Tuesday nights on a competitive community league team. We're a pretty good team in fact tonight we walked into the gym holding first onto first place in the league.
We play two teams every week. Our first game tonight was pretty good. We played together. We picked up some junk. It was a pretty good match all the way around and, with a win, we snagged two more points.
It was the second game that brought my little lesson for the day. We were up against a team that we just can't seem to beat. Honestly, we've been playing them for years and everytime we play them, we lose. The thing is, I don't think that they're that much better than we are or that difficult to beat. We can see their weak points and, because of that, we should, in theory, know how to beat them. We can do what we need to to get it done. The thing is, we don't.
Tonight I paid a little bit more attention. That's what I do. I analyze things. I could tell that everyone knew that they were one of the teams we were up against. Some of our team came in differently, like they were beaten already. When our first game was over and we switched courts, I watched as the whole demeanor of our team changed. The talk was on the bench right away, "not these guys" and "I hate playing this team."
We let them get up on us right off the start. We didn't block. We tipped balls. We missed serves and passes. All the things we should do, we didn't. Some of our players started to grumble and get angry. Others tried to encourage and motivate in more positive ways but it didn't help. It seemed like we assumed other players were going to make mistakes before it even happened and we definitly didn't work together.
And we lost.
"I hate playing this team" was the comment on the bench following the game, as if that explained everything. My response, which I kept to myself, was "I hate the way we play against this team."
Call it self fulfilling prophecy. Call it negative self talk. Call it living under the influence of a lie. Whatever it is, it does not help. We were defeated before we even stepped on the court.
I'm realizing how much this is something I struggle with in my day to day life. All too often I stagger under the weight of the lies put on me.
And I lose.
It's funny, it's like I'm living in a cartoon with the angel on one shoulder and the little red devil "me" on the other. The good one is reminding me that I'm confident and competent and is frustrated by feeling limited by the context I've got myself into. That's the side the reminds me that I'm here to change the world. That I'm passionate and have a purpose. That pointed in the right direction, I can accomplish more than I've ever thought possible. That I'm faithful. That I can dream big and that, perhaps, God has put those dreams there. That I’m thankful for the freedom I'm finding each day when I believe the truth about myself as a beloved daughter of the King.
The other me is whispering all sorts of evil lies. I'm too young. I'm female. I'm single. I'm not educated enough. I'm just plain inadequate. I'm tired. I'm too emotional. I'm not trusted or respected. I just can't. It points out all my failures and shows me all the ways that I'm letting people down. I'm just a college recruiter. I only have a Bible college degree. I'm just a farm girl. I'm not articulate enough. I'm not smart enough. I'm not in good enough shape. I'm not as talented as (fill in the blank with someone else's name). In my head I know these statements are false and yet far too often I let them get the best of me.
Its like my achillies heal. It's the struggle between those two "me's" that's slowing me down. It hinders me and keeps me from reaching my full potential. It keeps me from bringing the best of me to my community. Each day I choose to believe the lies is another day that I spin my wheels and am kept from moving forward.
And I lose.
Tonight I was able to see so many parallels between the way my volleyball team played against a team we feel we can't win and the way I live when I believe the lies.
In either case, no one wins.
Like a Child
Having friends with kids has been great in many ways. First, I can love them and play with them but give them back when they are up at night - an added bonus seeing as how I love to sleep but don't do very well with it myself - but more importantly, they teach me. I have two little two year old friends in my life who consistently teach me and remind me of valuable lessons. They consistently manage to make my day and warm my heart.
It was time for another lesson this past Sunday. Our music team was at church bright and early to warm up, set up and practice for the morning's service which means that I had my place at the front behind my keyboard. It's a fun place to be in the morning as I get to see the work that goes on by the community as we set up - the joy of portable church - and get to watch people arrive all morning. My friends Fred and Tasha arrived with their little ones. I s
aw them come in but then sort of "lost track" of them as they went about their morning stuff. Samantha, their two year old, and Fred came into the gym where we were shortly after. Samantha looked a little lost but still intent on finding someone. Apparently she was on a search for her friend Madalyn. Anyway, here's where the beauty part for me came in...still makes me smile...Samantha caught sight of me from across they gym, pointed at me, called out my name and came running all the way around until we met for a great big hug. Seriously, how great is that!?
aw them come in but then sort of "lost track" of them as they went about their morning stuff. Samantha, their two year old, and Fred came into the gym where we were shortly after. Samantha looked a little lost but still intent on finding someone. Apparently she was on a search for her friend Madalyn. Anyway, here's where the beauty part for me came in...still makes me smile...Samantha caught sight of me from across they gym, pointed at me, called out my name and came running all the way around until we met for a great big hug. Seriously, how great is that!?Later that afternoon, as I was thinking about my little friend and how loved she made me feel, one thought struck me: "come unto me like a little child." I thought about how excited and trusting Samantha was, how she stopped what she was doing to come to me. I remembered how loved I felt and how I, too, had stopped what I was doing to scoop her up in my arms and love her too. I thought about my relationship with Jesus. He wants me to come to him like Samantha came to me and I can rest assured that he'll respond to me with more love and more care. I think about the times that I do come to him like that. Does he relish those moments the same way that I delighted in that Samantha hug? Is He thrilled when I call out His name?
We're walking through the Bible in this series we're doing at Journey. Sunday started a week of looking at Genesis. As promised, the Word of God is living and active and, though I've read it before, something struck me again, or perhaps for the first time. After Adam and Eve have eaten the fruit, realized they were naked and hid, God calls out to them, "Where are you?" You can't tell me that He didn't know where they were. Of course He knew. It's all part of God's great pursuit of man and the unfortunate thing about choice. They have the choice of coming back to Him, of answering His call, of coming out of hiding. They can choose to drop what they're doing, and approach them even though they know they are guilty and shameful.
They can choose to cry out His name and run towards Him with abandon.
So what am I waiting for?
What is it that gets in the way of me dropping what I'm doing and running into His waiting arms like Samantha did to me?
What 'hiding' is God calling me out of?
What part of my life needs to be surrendered in new ways?
What's keeping me from just dropping into his arms and being surrounded by His love?
Do I really trust Him with everything, enough to approach Him as I am and trust that He will meet me?
Samantha trusted me and I know myself. If she can trust me, is it not more likely that I can trust Him?
These are a few of my favorite things
Favorite book? This one is tricky. There's so many good books out there! I finished 'Shogun' not that long ago and it was great. 'Memoirs of a Geisha' gets right up there but my momma didn't like it and that almost never happens. 'The Allure of Hope' is one that has stuck with me for a long long time. Highly recommended. Oh, and anything John Elderidge or Eugene Peterson. Add Mark Buchanan to the list. Okay, so I like to read...I guess when it comes down to it, the Bible is the only book I read everyday and try to apply so does that make it the automatic favorite?
Favourite CD? Always changing. Right now, Continuum (John Mayer), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Soundtrack, How To Save a Life (The Fray), Back to Bedlam (James Blunt)
Favorite website? http://www.tsn.ca/ or does itunes count? I LOVE itunes!!!
Favourite hot drink? COFFEE (Starbucks cinnamon dolce latte, low fat, half sweet, extra hot to be exact) but I'm resigned to forever being a tea granny too. Love tea.
Favorite cold drink? high quality h2o...with a side of lime juice
Favorite supper food (main dish)? something bbq'd
Favorite vegetable? mushrooms? I don't know...can we talk about fruit instead? (coincidentally, Dayna, I have a theory on how chocolate IS a vegetable...cocoa BEANS...hello!)
Favourite lunch food? pizza...I could live on pizza!
Favorite breakfast food? leftover pizza from lunch (seriously) or eggs. I love eggs...done just about any way. That's my Saturday morning, I'm not in a hurry treat!
Favourite snack food (sweet)? we probably don't even have to ask...starts with "c" and ends with "hocolate." I'm a big fan of anything that brings chocolate and nuts together. Like dipping a spoon into peanut butter and adding chocolate chips...simple taste really...
Favorite snack food (salty)? popcorn or nachos and salsa (momma's homemade salsa is best)
Favorite ethnic food? It's a toss up between East Indian or Vietnamese...probably East Indian
Favourite sport (to play)? Volleyball
Favorite sport (to watch)? Hockey
Favourite season? Summer...oh those summer days...
Favorite toy as a child? hot wheels, the toy tractor my dad bought me and, if you talk to my momma, boxes or anything else I could turn into something useful! Like I said, simple taste...
Favourite vacation spot? Right now I'm thinking warm with beaches and blue water. Perhaps some palm trees and drinks with little umbrellas in them. Sun. Did I say warm? And enough time to read a couple of good books. Haven't been there yet but I sure plan to soon...
Favorite ice cream flavor? Rocky Road...or just something chocolate and nutty...has anyone else visited the Marble Slab? Sooo good!
Favorite smell? fresh cut grass/hay, dirt or, wait, the "just after the rain" smell outside...all those good fresh farm smells (I said "good" smells)
Favourite car? mine!
Favorite flower? Hibiscus
Favorite perfume? uh oh...no idea...
Favorite item of clothing? my ABC sweatpants and adidas running shoes!
Favourite "board" game? Settlers of Catan
Favorite quote? Perseverance builds character, character hope and hope does not disappoint...that's from that smarty pants Paul (Romans 5!)
Favourite CD? Always changing. Right now, Continuum (John Mayer), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Soundtrack, How To Save a Life (The Fray), Back to Bedlam (James Blunt)
Favorite website? http://www.tsn.ca/ or does itunes count? I LOVE itunes!!!
Favourite hot drink? COFFEE (Starbucks cinnamon dolce latte, low fat, half sweet, extra hot to be exact) but I'm resigned to forever being a tea granny too. Love tea.
Favorite cold drink? high quality h2o...with a side of lime juice
Favorite supper food (main dish)? something bbq'd
Favorite vegetable? mushrooms? I don't know...can we talk about fruit instead? (coincidentally, Dayna, I have a theory on how chocolate IS a vegetable...cocoa BEANS...hello!)
Favourite lunch food? pizza...I could live on pizza!
Favorite breakfast food? leftover pizza from lunch (seriously) or eggs. I love eggs...done just about any way. That's my Saturday morning, I'm not in a hurry treat!
Favourite snack food (sweet)? we probably don't even have to ask...starts with "c" and ends with "hocolate." I'm a big fan of anything that brings chocolate and nuts together. Like dipping a spoon into peanut butter and adding chocolate chips...simple taste really...
Favorite snack food (salty)? popcorn or nachos and salsa (momma's homemade salsa is best)
Favorite ethnic food? It's a toss up between East Indian or Vietnamese...probably East Indian
Favourite sport (to play)? Volleyball
Favorite sport (to watch)? Hockey
Favourite season? Summer...oh those summer days...
Favorite toy as a child? hot wheels, the toy tractor my dad bought me and, if you talk to my momma, boxes or anything else I could turn into something useful! Like I said, simple taste...
Favourite vacation spot? Right now I'm thinking warm with beaches and blue water. Perhaps some palm trees and drinks with little umbrellas in them. Sun. Did I say warm? And enough time to read a couple of good books. Haven't been there yet but I sure plan to soon...
Favorite ice cream flavor? Rocky Road...or just something chocolate and nutty...has anyone else visited the Marble Slab? Sooo good!
Favorite smell? fresh cut grass/hay, dirt or, wait, the "just after the rain" smell outside...all those good fresh farm smells (I said "good" smells)
Favourite car? mine!
Favorite flower? Hibiscus
Favorite perfume? uh oh...no idea...
Favorite item of clothing? my ABC sweatpants and adidas running shoes!
Favourite "board" game? Settlers of Catan
Favorite quote? Perseverance builds character, character hope and hope does not disappoint...that's from that smarty pants Paul (Romans 5!)
Friday, February 09, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
What a Save!!!
Today felt like an "I have to post about hockey" sort of day. Last night, however, left me in a near state of mourning over my boys loss to the nucks. Not much worth writing home about there, that's for sure. I'm still expecting a playoff run but last night left a lot to be desired! Anyway, Raycroft did have an incredible save and, since it's worth the look, I've decided that I'll remember that when I think of last night's hockey...and nothing else.
Today felt like an "I have to post about hockey" sort of day. Last night, however, left me in a near state of mourning over my boys loss to the nucks. Not much worth writing home about there, that's for sure. I'm still expecting a playoff run but last night left a lot to be desired! Anyway, Raycroft did have an incredible save and, since it's worth the look, I've decided that I'll remember that when I think of last night's hockey...and nothing else.
Songs of the Day
Remember in the fall when I was doing the question of the day with my travelling buddies? Well, today I'm answering the song of the day question we did back then...if you had to pick a song to describe you (or your day/week/whatever). It seems they've all come together this week to give "voice" to different aspects of me. Here's my songs:
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer (hasn't changed since the road, folks!)
Learning to Need you - Justin McRoberts (such a good song!)
Numb - Linkin Park (yes, I listen to Linkin Park)
Breathing the Breath - Matt Redman
It's a pretty random assortment and I know it's more than one but I'm okay with that. My blog, my rules! Enjoy!
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer (hasn't changed since the road, folks!)
Learning to Need you - Justin McRoberts (such a good song!)
Numb - Linkin Park (yes, I listen to Linkin Park)
Breathing the Breath - Matt Redman
It's a pretty random assortment and I know it's more than one but I'm okay with that. My blog, my rules! Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
24
"Jack, you deserve a better family then this." That's what his dad said last night. Understatement of the century! Describes the whole episode right there. Yikes. And that last scene? Are you kidding me? Oh dear, oh dear. How did Jack get all "save the country at all costs" with a family like that? And (spoiler alert) how's he going to react when he finds out his brother is dead? Okay, and Morris is the engineer? Somebody I was talking to recently said they wanted to see more Chloe action...well now she's personally involved, times 2: Jack and Morris. Oh the drama! Gah!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Generosity a la Gridblog
Hmmm...generosity. What to say about generosity?
So I've been thinking about this a lot actually but just can't seem to get started. Let's see what our trusty friend, Wikipedia, has to say about it. Hmmm....the habit of giving. Now there's a place to start! I like that: the habit of giving. I want to live that way...in the habit of giving.
I love giving little gifts, thoughtful gifts, that let the recipient know that I'm thinking of them. I enjoy sharing food and meals with people in need. I love the (rare) opportunity to share of my finances. I wish I could do more in that area. See, I used to think that generosity was about money and things but I'm realizing it's about a lot more than that. I used to, in the mindset that it's about material giving, feel like I didn't have anything to give.
But I do!
It's the habit of giving, not the stuff that I'm giving. It's about the mindset, the attitude, and the lifestyle that invades giving.
Time.
Assistance.
Service.
Hope.
Joy.
Encouragement.
A listening ear.
My experience.
Thankfulness.
My home...hospitality.
Kind words.
Grace.
Love.
There is so much more than "stuff" that I can give and I will to give. I'm blessed to have some great people around me that inspire me with their generosity. They give in a multitude of ways. They bless me by their goodness and by their generosity. They encourage me to live a life that is infused with the habit of giving. They help point me to our Savior, the giver of all good gifts, who lives the habit of giving.
So I've been thinking about this a lot actually but just can't seem to get started. Let's see what our trusty friend, Wikipedia, has to say about it. Hmmm....the habit of giving. Now there's a place to start! I like that: the habit of giving. I want to live that way...in the habit of giving.
I love giving little gifts, thoughtful gifts, that let the recipient know that I'm thinking of them. I enjoy sharing food and meals with people in need. I love the (rare) opportunity to share of my finances. I wish I could do more in that area. See, I used to think that generosity was about money and things but I'm realizing it's about a lot more than that. I used to, in the mindset that it's about material giving, feel like I didn't have anything to give.
But I do!
It's the habit of giving, not the stuff that I'm giving. It's about the mindset, the attitude, and the lifestyle that invades giving.
Time.
Assistance.
Service.
Hope.
Joy.
Encouragement.
A listening ear.
My experience.
Thankfulness.
My home...hospitality.
Kind words.
Grace.
Love.
There is so much more than "stuff" that I can give and I will to give. I'm blessed to have some great people around me that inspire me with their generosity. They give in a multitude of ways. They bless me by their goodness and by their generosity. They encourage me to live a life that is infused with the habit of giving. They help point me to our Savior, the giver of all good gifts, who lives the habit of giving.
Monday, January 29, 2007
24: In the wake of episode 6, season 6
So I missed last week and apparently I missed some major links to this puzzle. Seriously, how much can happen in one hour?
What's with Jack's family anyway? I seem to remember hearing something about the sin's of the father catching up with the generations to follow but this is something a little crazy...spoiler alert if you haven't been following...his dad and brother behind last season!? What's their role in this now? Graem...grrrr...If I had to choose sides between the two brothers, I know who's side I'm on. And what's with that weasel that President Palmer II has for an assistant? I don't trust him...he's up to something. I just don't know what!
Why do I have to wait a whole week to see more!?
On another note, for some Bauer-esque motivation, check out these motivational posters.
What's with Jack's family anyway? I seem to remember hearing something about the sin's of the father catching up with the generations to follow but this is something a little crazy...spoiler alert if you haven't been following...his dad and brother behind last season!? What's their role in this now? Graem...grrrr...If I had to choose sides between the two brothers, I know who's side I'm on. And what's with that weasel that President Palmer II has for an assistant? I don't trust him...he's up to something. I just don't know what!
Why do I have to wait a whole week to see more!?
On another note, for some Bauer-esque motivation, check out these motivational posters.
Breakforth 2007
This past weekend I went to Breakforth Canada in Edmonton to represent the ABC. It was a full weekend - the biggest conference ever hosted in the Shaw Center! Here are a few highlights:
- spending time with some great friends: Tim, Robert, Sheryl, Jon, and several other college recruiters. Talking with my mom this weekend, I pointed out that these are some of my closest friends. We spend so much intense time together when travelling on the Christian College and University Fairs that we get to know each other pretty well...and spending time with good friends like that is always fun! And I loved the WokBox!
- Casting Crowns. Not only are they good musicians, but Mark Hall, the lead singer and a youth pastor, shared some great words. It was more than a concert. It was a worship time/teaching time/refreshing time.
- Tony time...at least that's what we dubbed the session with Tony Campolo. Not only did those of us recruiters that went have a good time of fellowship and worship, the words that Tony shared couldn't have been more well timed. He spoke, essentially, about the greatness of the children of God when they are filled in the Spirit. "There is therefore no condemnation." He looked at the things that we can do as children of God, the things we should do, in the world around us. The statement that stuck with me the most is this: "How can you claim to love the God you cannot see if you cannot love the needy around you that you do see." Hmmmm....
- Robin Mark. Not only is he a passionate worship leader and musician, he's got a great accent!
- Losing my voice. Not necessarily a highlight, but worth mentioning. First of all, I sound funny! Second of all, talk about humbling. My job is to talk and here I was not able to. I guess that's when you have to get creative. At time of worship through song, I could not sing and yet I was able to find a voice to worship with.
- Last but not least, staying with my family. I love opportunities to see them, even if it is only briefly...and even if they do make fun of me when I sound funny 'cause I've lost my voice. Love my family!
See...a full weekend. Now to go get some rest and see if I can get my voice back!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
2007: In the Boxoffice
'Shrek,' 'Spidey,' 'Pirates' and 'Potter' lead cast of Hollywood's big summer. It's going to be a big year at the movies...so much to see!!! I might just have to get out a little more than I did in 2006!
Got My Baby Back
...and I'm happy about it. Me and my little Sunfire have been reunited. Living without it has been a humbling experience and I've realized just how dependent - and thankful - I am for it!
When the Wheels Fall Off
On Monday morning, Duncan and I were talking about ABC, the students, our mission and the task of equipping students for ministry in light of what God calls us to be. He said, "What Jesus is really concerned with is how you react when the wheels fall off."
After my little car accident on the weekend, that was a particularity apt statement and I began to assess how I really did react (when the wheels nearly fell off) and how deeply Sundays service at Journey had, in fact, affected my outlook on my situation. There is no denying that on Saturday, even Sunday morning, I was frustrated and angry, not just about the inconvenience or even the cost of the accident but at the whole pattern of crappy events that I seem to be living in the midst of. Why can't something go right? Why am I here? Why me? I was frustrated and discouraged.
Going to church on Sunday, though, helped me put it all into perspective. Three main truths stuck out to me:
1. God is big, I am small.
2. He is worthy of praise no matter what my 'issues'
3. Life in community is better than life alone...and there are people at Journey who care for me.
Those things were important for me to hear. My car seems like a small thing when I think of all God sees. Even my finances, which seem like a big deal to me, really aren't that big a deal to him. In spite of all the stuff, he is still worthy of my praise and adoration. He is big and though I am small, I am not out of His eye.
So, when the wheels fall off, sometimes literally, I can respond in light of that, with that awareness. I can move with much more grace, peace and, yes, even joy, than I had initially started out with. I can find strength I didn't know I had - perhaps didn't have - and can move forward. When the wheels fall off, I can still move forward with Jesus because that's the way I proceed when the wheels are on! By setting habits like that when life is moving along smoothly, I can move forward the same way when the road is rough.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
24:Season 6
So here's something to be happy about! The season premiere of 24. What are they going to do with Jack this season!?
Yes, now you know where to find me on Monday nights...that's right, hanging out with Kiefer!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
One of those days...
Ever have one of those days where you feel like you just shouldn't have gotten out of bed? Today was one of those days...following a few of those days. You know how it is. Piles of little things just keep, well, piling until you're just frustrated. Discouraged. Angry. That's me. Things have to turn around somewhere, right?
Let me give you an example. Today, I'm on my way from spending my Saturday morning at work, moving slowly since it's one of those snowy, messy sort of days, turning a corner when I hit a patch of ice...and slide...right into (and over) a curb. My poor little Sunfire just isn't a fan of things like that...most cars aren't. Of course, it couldn't just be a little bump or something, right? Nope, this is bend the rim, bust the hubcap, potentially bend the control arm and tire rods kind of bump...and I wasn't going that fast. I'm frustrated. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I think it is. And here's my question, why aren't tire shops open on Saturdays?!
BUT...it could have been worse. The tow truck driver was very helpful. My dear roommate came and saved me. I'm not hurt. There were no other cars involved...and it's not as bad as the next guy that was victim to the patch of ice. He hit it so hard he blew his tire, bounced back to the other side and hit that curb, doing damage to both sides of the car. Still...I'm frustrated. Maybe next week will be better...
...and to make matters worse, Edmonton lost to Calgary tonight...of all teams, it had to be the Flames...
Okay, that enough whining for me. Now to work on being a little more...mmm...sunshiny.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Catching the baby bug
Well, I'm a little delayed in this post but that doesn't mean I'm any less excited. Two dear friends of mine have recently let me in on some fabulous news...they're going to be mommies!!! My friends, Kelly and Al, from Abbotsford are going to be parents this summer. Shortly after, Karl and Dayna Chu are going to join them on the adventure. I have to confess, I did a little happy dance after I got off the phone with Dayna. I'm so excited for both couples and can't wait to meet the little bundles! Congratulations guys!
Need a challenge?
Check out mental floss, touted as the site where "mental junkies get their fix." Some, um, interesting stuff!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
The God-man Equilibrium...is there such a thing?
As I counsel students in making life decisions and personally go through the process, I often come up against questions about God's involvement.How much does he have planned? How much of what we do (vs. who we are) is he really concerned with? Does he have one plan for me? How much is he going to show me? How much do I have to find out on my own or decide on my own? What is my role in the thing? I don't think it's a matter of balance. It is definitely a dynamic relationship and yes, we do have a role to play. I can't sit back and expect God to run the show or expect God to live by the Nike slogan, "just do it." Neither can I just jump in and move ahead on my own. There's something about trust and seeking His guidance. Oh the dilemma.
In reality, the question is probably something like "at what point does God give up His sovereignty so that we can have free will?"
Recently, I read this:
Go over this Jordan...to the land which I am giving...Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you.
Joshua 1:2-3
The promise is pregnant with divine possibility, yet integrated with human responsibility. Clearly the Lord was saying to Joshua (1) He had already gone before with a plan and by His power, but (2) the "possessing" was Joshua's part: "Reach out, and take it." God knew what Joshua's tomorrow would hold, but He made Joshua responsible to stride out - to possess the tomorrows of divine promise. (Taking Hold of Tomorrow)
Where in all of this, then, is the God-man equilibrium? Where is the place that we meet? How do we know?
Next question:"How does God speak and how do we expect the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives?"
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Last week's hockey highlights
I haven't had time to post this yet but really have to. I don't think I've ever been so shocked and then laughed so hard watching a hockey game. Yes, the good guys lost in the shootout but it never should have got to that point. Still this is defintely a play for my highlight reel!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Superhero Week
Thanks to Tim, this week has apparently become superhero week.
Your results:
You are Superman
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Apocalypse
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
Your results:
You are Superman
| You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.  |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Apocalypse
| You believe in survival of the fittest and you believe that you are the fittest. |
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
My holiday in pictures...in no particular order...
On boxing day a whole bunch of the Sparshu family got together - always a good party with lots of food. Here I got to share dessert with my cousin's little guy, Owen. We even packed a doggy bag!
Little Hope, a family friend, all smiles.
Dutch blitz with good friends.
Just the three of us, under the Christmas tree...yes, after all these years, brother and sisters can get along.
A rousing game of dominos at Mom's parents' house...fun for the whole family.
You'd have to know my family to realize just how fun this was...we got trifle for breakfast on Christmas morning. My dad was pleased!
Christmas Eve candelight service at Journey.
Sitting on Santa's knee in Cranston. Thanks Santa...you came through again this year.
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