mercredi 31 décembre 2003
Last of the year
I wanted to end the year with an insightful, challenging, inspiring, humourous, and intellectually witty post but I'll have to settle with this hastily, put-together year-in-review :) 2003 has been interesting. I never know what to say about a year. It's always a mix of random (and some not-so-random) events.
winter semester. friendship evangelism. the crusades. kingdom of heaven. new testament. operation world. yearbook madness. mr. dressup. spiritual retreat. midnight talks. life groups. camp counsellor. another charling. God-honouring mind. starfield concert. coming to faith. snowstorms. basics of sound. volunteering. spring class. freedom. more worship. grass stains. vibe awards. twisted ankle. high priestly prayer. internships. blogging. tape deck. camp numbers. morning prayer. cowboy wedding. health information. randomness. church responsibilities. retainer hassle. car accidents. soccer balls. technical directing. t-shirts. chiropractor appointments. summer camp. card games. cabin 8. lakefront. shakespeare. fiction adventures. fire exit. missions expectations. downtown expeditions. leadership. rocky mountains. fall semester. preaching. unforgiveness. youth workers. tongue of fire. membership class. book spree. english frustration. roller rink. school disgust. theological musings. lunch meetings. thirst for excitement. program application. anticipation. history fallback. field trips. cancer diagnosis. meal get-togethers. prayers. extensions. weak finish. word of God. net fellowship. engagements. car conversations. pirates. quiet hope. utter abandonment. resource files. waiting rooms. sprayed snow. tuesday trips. classical literature. unquenchable songs and endless praise. CHRIST.
Another marriage announcement
I am so happy right now! My two really good friends just got engaged yesterday! I've been bugging them for over a year as to when they would get engaged, so much so that a group of us even tried to get a pool going. Needless to say, I would have almost won if it did get going. I just love these two to bits so I'm thrilled that they're getting married :) What great news for this holiday season!
Random surfing
In the spirit of linking... here's some more:
- Michelle poses an eternal question (at least in my mind): What is up with Ryan Malcolm providing the closed captioning on practically everything on CTV? I hope you find the answer for us all!
- We made it to the big time! Well, at least on a comic strip, but someone from this grand city invoked some sort of a response.
- Apparently, "moving film production to Canada [is] 'obscene'".
- Be nice to smart people. And if you make them valedictorian of your class, be prepared for what may be said. (Source: DYL)
- You know all about the "Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter" but have you seen the "Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Son"?
- Got this from one of my youth. It may possibly be offensive, but it's a great site to check out if you want to see some of the stickers, posters, graffiti, stencils, and anti-war street art seen around the streets of New York.
- "Is Your Child Spoiled Rotten?" Unfortunately, I fall into this category :(
Libellés : Canada
mardi 30 décembre 2003
BlogMatrix
So I officially have an RSS feed now. It's a cool idea, but not a lot of people use this. I have sort of a little blogroll of my own at BlogMatrix but my list of "Blogs without current entries" is always ten times longer than the ones with current entires. I'm not entirely sure how it works, to be honest, because some of the links on my blogroll there don't make any sense. For example, Patty Reyher... is on there. I've never heard of this blog before nor have I ever linked to her. At first, the title made it sound a little questionable for me (yeah, I can see some Christian eyebrows raising) but I cautiously checked it out and it's a Christian blog. But still, no clue why she and Puzzlepieces, another blog I've never seen before, are on my list. BlogMatrix doesn't seem to notice my new posts either because my last entry is slated for November 21st. Does anyone know how this whole thing works? I'd love an explanation!
Libellés : blogging
My Redeemer, my Sustainer
Father, please forgive me for not taking joy in the little things in life that You have given to me. I have forsaken all of the gifts that You have blessed me with by seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in the things of the world. I have neglected to thank You for all that You have done in my life. I take it for granted that I can wake up everyday, forgetting to thank You for this life that You have created. With every passing breath that I take, I ignore the very source. I give little thought to the One who gives me sustenance. I've treated You as a gumball machine, expecting things to go my way and whining when it doesn't, all the while asking You for things that are harmful to me. My prayers have become nothing more than wishlists, bombarding You with material wants and greeds. I ask not for Your will to be done, but mine. And for that Lord, I am sorry. Please forgive me and teach me to look outside of my own self. May my eyes be fixed on You. Thank You for this life, for my health, for my family, for the shelter, food and warmth You have provided me with, for my reconciliation with You, for fellowship, for joy and for peace. Thank YOU, Father.
lundi 29 décembre 2003
Bible college quotes
Since school starts in a week, I thought this would help me get ready for it. Perhaps going to Bible college can have some mixed results? Here are actual quotes from what Bible students have said or written:
"Stephen was stoned to death right at the end of his life." - Acts notes
"There are numerous angels from which one can approach this assignment."
"Eternal life is promised to those who persist in doing good, seeking glory, honour and immorality."
"The Church, the "Israel of God", is the chosen nation today and has a big job to do in fulfilling the Great Commotion."
"Paul harboured a deep desire to visit the place of his birth as he had never been there."
"Adam and Eve were the progenerators of the human race."
"His disciples then stayed in Jerusalem...if it had not been for the percussion that broke out against the believers, it would have been quite some time before they got around to proclaiming the Gospel outside Jerusalem."
"The World Missions Centre are very much involved in immobilising the local church."
"There are two theories of man, one is that he is called dichotomy and the other tracheotomy."
"There are many, many Catholic sisters in covens throughout the world ministering God's love."
"Jesus forfeited no less than 33 Old Testament prophecies."
"Jonah eventually obeyed the Lord and went to Nivea."
"These children learn how to manage conflict in a healthy and contraceptive manner."
"Paul tells the collisions that they will be saved in the last day."
"Making friends is fatal especially for single missionaries."
"Sometimes I have my quiet time before I wake up in the morning."
"Freedom of Religion has allowed Buddhists... to influenza the society."
"When I was growing up I was exposed to all sorts of evil...things like girls..."
"The call on me to save God was so intense such that I could not just help it."
"God allows His people to go through tuft times to test their faith."
"The greatest single cause of atheism today is those who acknowledge Jesus with their but..."
"I got an extension due to a power failure from the lecturer."
"We are not to put the yolk of tradition upon their heads."
Source: Steve Parker at The Sermon Fodder
Libellés : college
When did we shrink and move east?
Uh, FYI, Alberta is not a city in Saskatchewan. You would think that after blaming Canada, you would have your facts straight.
A picture is worth a thousand words so I will be updating this post once I get a picture of the map that CBS News showed of Alberta.
*update: Shoot, the news didn't air the story again. I should have grabbed a picture this morning when I had the chance. Anyways, it was a map that CBS News created where Alberta was identified as a dot in lower Saskatchewan. Oh it would have been a classic picture :(
Libellés : Canada
The best things come in books
Monday Memory thingy:
Remember "Reading Rainbow"? Yeah, best TV show ever. I used to watch it everyday when I was little. I don't think I ever missed a day either. I would always bring out paper to write on during the show, to take notes on the books they read and to make a list of books I needed to get out from the public library. And then every Saturday, I would spend the entire morning picking out books from my little list. The librarians knew me by face, and when I ended up working there later on, they teased me about being there each week. I still have scraps of paper everywhere with book titles and authors scribbled on them. I must have read at least half of all the books in the children's section of that library by the time I was done. I was the happiest kid when I was signing out books and reading a stack of them in my "reading chair". That's how I feel now, getting to read all these incredible books for school, except that I get credit for it as well :)
Libellés : books
dimanche 28 décembre 2003
Decomposition
Lately, it's become increasingly difficult for me to craft words together. I'm not sure what it is, but I would like to be able to write (considering school starts in eight days). I remember coming back to school after Christmas break in elementary school - having to go through the process of writing. It felt as though I had to retrain my hand to write. The letters that my hand was creating seemed foreign to me, and took a few days to reach a place of familiarity within my fingers. That's how I feel now, except that it's my brain instead of my hand. Seeing as how it's going to be a new year, I should do something about my mind. Cleanse it, give it a thorough wash and set it out to dry. I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. It's clogged and jammed full of useless information that is hindering me from making sound decisions. Maybe when my gutterhead is washed fresh, I'll be able to compose once again.
Libellés : language
This mystery I know
Just as the stars illuminate the sky,
The heart of God has expressed the beauty of love
Before the beginning of time.
How can I resist such tender love
Deeper than the deep blue sea
Love as constant as the morning tide
Let Your love wash over me
Let Your love wash over
How can I resist such gentle love
Whispered on the evening breeze
Love as soothing as the moonlight
Let Your love shine down on me
Let Your love shine down
Heaven's hope was written in the stars
Before the mark of time
Your heart and mine were destined to entwine
You're calling, calling, calling to me
And I'm falling into love
Sweet love, so heavenly
I feel Your presence all around me
With me everywhere I go
Through the road I take may wander
Love will always lead me home
Love will always lead
It's a deep and wondrous thing
This mystery I know
I feel heaven reaching out inside my soul
- Michelle Tumes "Heaven's Heart"
samedi 27 décembre 2003
Starfield Tour - largest Canadian tour yet!
The 2004 winter tour dates were getting too long on the sidebar so here it is as a post:
*all dates are subject to change, please check the official site in cases of discrepancies
(For some reason, tables won't work in posts, so you get an extra long post today!)
January 30 - Campbell River, BC
January 31 - Victoria, BC
February 3 - Abbotsford, BC
February 4 - Langley, BC
February 6-7 - Kelowna, BC
February 10 - Prince George, BC
February 11 - Fort St. John, BC
February 12 - Grand Prairie, AB
February 13 - Edmonton, AB
February 14 - Calgary, AB
February 15 - Red Deer, AB
February 16 - Lethbridge, AB
February 17 - Medicine Hat, AB
February 18 - Regina, SK
February 19 - Saskatoon, SK
February 20 - Steinbach, MB
February 21 - Winnipeg, MB
February 22 - Winkler/Morden, MB
February 24 - Thunder Bay, ON
February 26 - Timmons, ON
February 27 - Sudbury, ON
February 28 - Ottawa, ON
February 29 - Montréal, PQ
March 2 - Charlottetown, PEI
March 3 - Halifax, NS
March 5 - Grand Falls/Windsor, NFLD
March 6 - St. John's, NFLD
March 8 - Cornerbrook, NFLD
March 10 - Quispamsis, NB
March 12 - Burlington, ON
March 12 - Kitchener, ON
March 13 - Chatham, ON
March 14 - London, ON
Libellés : media
vendredi 26 décembre 2003
Essence of living
"The more you understand sin, the more you understand grace. The more you understand grace, the more you understand true living."
- Neil Blaicher, "My Heart is Uncomfortable"
Happy Boxing Day!
Wow! I just want to say thank you to Michelle for sending me a handmade scarf! It looks beautiful and it was such a great Christmas surprise! I love it and I'll be sure to wear it when it's snowing around here. I used to end up getting lots of tiny trinkets as gifts in high school. But it's so much nicer now because I get gifts I can actually put to use. My best friend ended up getting me something I've needed for so long and it is so nice! I feel so very blessed! Thanks you guys!
Friday Five:
1. What was your biggest accomplishment this year?
Hmm, getting a 4.0 GPA :) Figuring out what program I'll apply for next year. Working at the Vibes. Lots!
2. What was your biggest disappointment?
That my mom got diagnosed with cancer. That put a damper on my year.
3. What do you hope the new year brings?
Physical healing for my mom. And that my parents' hearts will be softened to God.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be?
I always try to make them, but I never actually follow through with them. But for next year, I'd like to read through the Bible again and to get back into shape now that my knee is doing better.
5. What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
I don't know. I'm not sure if there's anything planned for youth that night (I don't think there is), so I might just spend the night at home.
I never go shopping on Boxing Day; it's utter chaos! If you did, I don't know how you possibly survived it. Remember that Christmas is more than just material possessions and sales!
Libellés : cancer, Friday Five
jeudi 25 décembre 2003
World Idol
I'm watching World Idol right now, and I must say, it's pretty neat to see international cooperation on a television show competition. For us here in Canada, it's hosted by Ben Mulroney, but the idea that there's an individual host for each country seems a bit tedious with eleven times the work. I mean, it makes sense, yet there would be a lot of editing and extra filming trying to put it all together for the participating countries. How would all the hosts introduce each contestant and talk to the judging panel all at once? Hmmm.
I remember the lively discussions on Darren's blog about the Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian. And now that I've heard him sing, I can see why Australians are so proud of him :) So far, I've only heard Alexander Klaws, Guy Sebastian and Diana Karazon sing and I'm looking forward to the rest! I'm also hoping that Ryan Malcolm will do a fine job representing Canada to the rest of the world. But so far, my vote would go to Guy. This is going to be a great show!
It's Christmas!
A few holiday surfing adventures:
"There is a Christ in Christmas" by Lorna Dueck
"It's a BK Holiday"
Typeflake link via Melissa
"The 'Truth' About Christmas" by Brian Bethune
"Raising Cane" by Elesha Coffman
mercredi 24 décembre 2003
"In the Name of Love"
I just got back from the Christmas Eve service at church. Wow was it ever packed :) I can't say I'd complain; I'm practically used to squishy-pewness.
I thought I'd post about something I saw on TV last night. I actually spent three hours watching MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic because I had a slight bout with insomnia, and while watching Much, they aired a program called A MuchMusic Special: Zambia. I was amazed at some of the things they presented. I'll briefly touch on them.
I know a lot of people think that the Church is doing nothing about the AIDS crisis in Africa. And sadly so, it does seem like a "sleeping giant" to the rest of the world. But you know what? This secular program talked about a Christian ministry that was actively helping people in Zambia. It's a ministry that makes low-cost caskets for people who have died of AIDS. It may not seem like much, but caskets over there apparently cost a ton, and by helping families out with these low-cost ones, they are saving the families from further financial debt. As well, this ministry employs young men to build these caskets so that they will have skill training which could help them find a job later on (the Zambian unemployment rate is 50%). So, Christians are doing something over there; they are being active.
Oh and did you know that the cost of basic drugs in Africa is $100 per month? The sad thing is that the average income for those living in Zambia is only $8 per week. There was also a correlation found between countries with high debt and AIDS. Countries with higher amounts of debt to pay often have more cases of AIDS in their population.
Another thing that the show touched on was the role of the media. Kate Greenaway of CARE Zambia said something that put things into perspective for me. She mentioned that on 9-11, 3000 Americans died. But then she brought up the statistic that every single day, 8000 Africans die of AIDS. Yet compare the attention that both have received from the media. Hardly anyone pays attention to all the people who are HIV infected and dying in Africa; however, everyone knows about the terror alerts and the fight against terrorism. Something I didn't know was that 2.3 million people died of AIDS alone in Africa last year. That would be equivalent to an entire large Canadian city being wiped out! I am so guilty of not even being aware of what's happening in the world today.
I know that the Church is far from where it should be. But I also know there are Christians that are actively doing something to combat the biggest problem this generation has to face. There was a couple that were guest speakers at my school last year, Jaco and Antoinette Fouche. They have a ministry with World Vision and they go around training and educating people about the effects of AIDS. And, there is currently a project on Sparrow Records with Artists United for Africa releasing an album entitled "In the Name of Love" where proceeds will go towards fighting AIDS.
Just thought I'd share some good things Christians are doing to help, rather than all the doom-and-gloom news about how the Church is completely absent from this. They're not. And I pray that more will continue to be done.
Libellés : media
Merry Christmas!
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests."
- Luke 2:8-14
mardi 23 décembre 2003
No more tippy-toeing
I miss the days when I used to be so opinionated, not caring what anyone else thought. Now I feel like I've been so worried about that on my blog, that I'm wallowing about in political (or rather, religious) correctness. Well, mess that. This is going to be a very religiously incorrect post:
I am sick of the postmodernism in this generation. I don't care that this is what we've been labeled. While there are good things that come along with it, such as an openness to spirituality and religion, I see so many devastating effects on some Christians. I see Christians compromising with the world, tolerating anything and everything under the guise of love. "Oh, you believe in Buddhism? Okay, let's talk and toss in some of your ideas with mine. But really, there's not much of a difference you see. Christ came for that too. Wow, you've added so much to my faith. etc. etc." I could go on, but I'm sure you can see how God is being washed down in His uniqueness when He is equally compared to those of other faiths. I'm not advocating an us vs. them mentality, where Christians spurn people with different religious beliefs, but all of a sudden, it seems like Christians don't see themselves as any different from others in terms of their faith. Well, if there is no difference, why are you a Christian?
Another thing is, just because this is the postmodern generation, it doesn't mean that we get rid of reason and rationality. Sure, everything is about "experience" and "subjectivity" but is this an excuse to get rid of common sense? "If that's your truth, then it's fine. I have my own truth." Even if this truth is a complete and utter lie? Even if it makes no sense at all and can be potentially harmful? "Oh, but as Christians, we can't say anything that will hurt them. Jesus wouldn't do that. He loves them." Yes, He loves everyone, but does He love ideas that are hurtful or false? These are two separate issues here. And yet, as Christians, we have blurred the lines and started accepting deceptive idealogies just so it looks like we accept the person. Then we try to incorporate this into our faith, and when reason fails at allowing us to do so, we turn to experience. "But it feels right," regardless of whether it is or not. This leads to my question of why Christians find so much inspiration from non-Christian beliefs. They may have glimpses of the truth but we have the fullness of the Truth from Christ. It's like eating at the banquet table, yet longing to dig through the trash, looking for apple cores to satisfy you when you have a feast before your eyes.
You know what I think? This postmodernism trend within the church seems to be an excuse for people to not be as discerning as they should be. There is so much syncretism today with the blending of Jesus with other people or faiths. Suddenly, it's alright to bring in elements of the New Age or of Buddhism or even the Kabbalah, and Gandhi becomes just as influential as Christ. Why not? The rest of the world is mixing Jesus into their beliefs. These Christians have lost the discernment they so desperately need. They can't tell good from evil anymore because everything seems to be able to work together. Here's a thought, why are cults becoming increasingly popular? They convince people that Christ is just one of the spirit guides that have come to this world, and that all of the others are just as valid. People don't need to acknowledge the distinctiveness of Jesus anymore.
You know, I doubt that when Christians were in the age of modernity, they went about crying, "I'm a modern Christian! My church is so modern! Modernism is the way!" and all that repeatedly. Why do Christians nowadays care so much about this age of postmodernism? It's practically become a second title to them. Christians are Christians. This age will soon dissolve and something else will come forth. To put so much trust into a societal way of thinking only diminishes the role of Christ in our lives. While engaging the generation is important, do we have to be so embracing of it that our faith is defined by this movement? I wrote that I would scream if I heard the words "emergent" or "postmodern" one more time a few months ago, but I think I've reached far beyond that capacity now.
"I love Thee, Lord Jesus"
I was so tired after coming home from church yesterday that I slept through the night. That explains why I didn't post my Monday Memory thing. So, here it is:
All throughout elementary school, I was in the school choir, an activity I loved and miss to this day. I forget what grade I was in when this happened but I know it was sometime in Division I (grades 1-3). We were getting ready for the Christmas concert and I remember practicing a lot of carols for weeks beforehand. Even though most of them didn't make a lot of sense to me because I was raised in a non-Christian family, I still sang every song with all of my heart. It was one particular song that struck me the most that Christmas season, and it was "Away In A Manger". I don't know why it did, since it's not my favourite carol or anything but there were some verses which got me thinking about Jesus. These lines still jump out at me today: "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay / Close by me forever / And love me I pray."
Now, I knew absolutely nothing about the life or death or resurrection of Jesus when I was little. If you asked me at that age who Jesus was, my mind would have been a complete blank slate. But as I sang these words, I knew there was something significant in them. I can't really describe what happened, but I think God opened my heart just a bit when I sang this song for the concert. It was as if He took my heart in His hands and softened it, preparing me for what was to come. I'm sure this was one of the things that allowed me to be truly open about Jesus Christ in my teenage years, leading me to be ready to hear the gospel and accept Him later on.
I love that God was at work in my life early on, before I even knew who He was!
dimanche 21 décembre 2003
Gingerbread blown up
Here is a picture from the Christmas banquet that we had on Friday night for the youth at my church.
From left to right are: Nickkie pretending that she's standing in a gingerbread house, Jess who is in another life group but is an awesome girl, Marcy who is such a gifted performer, Tera who I just got to know this year, and Dave whom you might remember from the bubble gum incident.
Aren't they oh-so-cute?!
Libellés : youth ministry
Great, I have personality when I'm asleep too
A new study by the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service in the U.K. says that your position may say something about your personality:
• log: easygoing, social, trusting (on your side, arms down)
• yearner: suspicious, cynical (on your side, arms out in front)
• soldier: quiet, reserved, have high standards (on your back, arms down)
• freefaller: gregarious on the outside, thin-skinned, don't like criticism (on your stomach, arms around your head)
• fetus: tough on outside, sensitive at heart (on your side in fetal position)
• starfish: good listeners, sometimes shy (on your back, arms overhead)
Source: Flare.com
Who figures this out? And how do we know it's true? :)
Speaking of the U.K., my best friend has a burning question for Matt (or anyone else from the U.K., for that matter). She works in a bookstore, so she has exciting tales to tell all the time. The other day, she sold a Bible to someone from England. After doing so, she wished them a "Merry Christmas" but this person was quite taken aback. They then remarked, "I certainly won't be having a 'Merry Christmas'!" Uh, okay. So she asked them why and they said, "I do not get drunk around Christmastime!!" The question is, does "Merry Christmas" mean something different in England than it does over here? I've always assumed it to be a synonym for "happy" but in this case, it means "drunk"? If that's the case, what phrase do you use over there to greet people during Christmas? Please let me know, I'm dying of curiousity now! Thanks!
I pulled a Smeagol
I went super early to church this morning so that I could get a seat for our Christmas concert because it was so crowded! I can't wait until we get into our new church building :) Anyways, it was a fantastic concert and my friend's tech team was on, but I was told that they weren't at all this month. Well, the technical director of that team (who is currently in Mexico) was wrong so I didn't bring a birthday card for my friend Dan. Dumb thing is, I bought that card six months early so I wouldn't forget! It's so perfect for him too - it's got a picture of a monk on front - which describes Dan to a tee.
Then I went to the Cheesecake Café for Sunday brunch. Here is where I pulled my interesting stunt. Okay, the only type of fruit that I'll eat is "common" fruit, you know, bananas, apples, oranges, pears, grapes, that sort of thing. I do not like melons, or other "exotic" fruits. So with lots of poppy seed dressing left over that I requested, I didn't want to waste the rest of it. I ended up dipping my toast into it, which turned out to be scrumptious! End result, at one point, I looked like a scene from Lord of the Rings where Smeagol is hungrily stuffing food into his face like a pig. Oh well. I have enough self-esteem that I won't deny my hunger. Even if other people laugh at me... d'oh!
Lost gifts
I just wrote a post about some things I wanted for Christmas but Blogger ate it. I'm guessing it was a sign of my materialism. Thanks God. You knew I needed the reminder :)
Oh my...
I just found out about this program two minutes ago by surfing around on some random blogs. I'm kicking myself because I didn't know about this a few years ago. Just like I didn't know about the program I've applied for as well. Seriously, I feel like I've missed out on all these wonderful programs I could have been in. I'm questioning if what I've been doing for the last few years has been a part of God's will. I know God's leading me in that direction, but why didn't I know about them when I graduated high school? Have I spent these years in vain? Or did He intend that I do what I've been doing?
Right now, I'm confused and I regret that I didn't spend more time figuring out what I wanted to do when I had the chance. I'm also thinking that there's still time for me to possibly go to Briercrest to be in that program. Ugh, I have no idea what to do now!
Libellés : college
samedi 20 décembre 2003
Moviegoing
I'm watching a W5 documentary on "Watching Movies" right now. Basically, it's about the psychology and sociology of going to movies, how people are mentally affected by them and what types of trends are found in society through this process of moviegoing. Something that I thought was cool was that people who sit in the front of the movie theatre are much more emotionally attached to the characters in the movie than people sitting in the back are. Supposedly, the proximity between a person and the screen has a role to play in how one looks at the characters, whether he distance themselves from them or gets wrapped up in their stories. I love watching and studying stuff like this :) If only there was a course I could take that combines faith and film, my greatest loves. Maybe someday!
Libellés : media
vendredi 19 décembre 2003
Sleepyhead
I really enjoy pouring over people's blog archives. It's quite time-consuming but worth it. It paints such a vibrant history of the person I'm reading about, and in a way, I get to know them better. And the best entries are usually at the beginning, where most people don't care about what they post and they write away, knowing that they're not writing for an audience. That's where gems of truth sneak in :)
I just love my youth. I've been having a sucky week but after tonight, my spirits feel so lifted. We had the sr high Christmas banquet tonight at church and I had a blast with all the kids. I love them all so much, and that's when my "protective (maternal?)" instincts kick in with them. I get all defensive and I do whatever I can to guard them from anyone who tries to hurt them. It's strange because I'm only a few years older than these kids, but honestly, I treat them like my kids. Oh, these kids are just so fantastic! They are some of the most mature and godly teens I've ever seen. Maybe I'm biased but I am so proud that they are the next generation of leaders in the world and in the church. Actually, some of them already are leaders (see how great they are?)! I love watching them grow in the Lord!
This week has been such a blur. I guess being in the hospital everyday does that to a person. I started "Waking the Dead" today though and so far, it's been exactly the book I've needed. It doesn't deny that life can be confusing or miserable, and it's honest about how most people view life. I'm excited about this book and I hope to finish it tomorrow. But till then, I'm nodding off....
Libellés : youth ministry
Clear and concise
I fixed up the sidebar a little so it's easier to read. It's a lot less cluttersome now!
Friday Five:
1. List your five favourite beverages.
Milk, iced tea, smoothies, milkshakes, water.
2. List your five favourite websites.
Boundless, Gospelcom, Dayspring, RadioU, my life group's blog.
3. List your five favourite snack foods.
Chips, yogurt, strawberries, cheesesticks, bananas.
4. List your five favourite board and/or card games.
Scrabble, Cranium, all the card games I played at camp this summer, that should cover the rest :)
5. List your five favourite computer and/or game system games.
I don't play computer games or game system games. I haven't played the original Nintendo games since I was in grade six so I can't really answer this!
Libellés : Friday Five
jeudi 18 décembre 2003
Waiting for the dawn
Why do I have to go through so many "dark nights of the soul"?
"At this time a person's own efforts are of no avail, but are an obstacle to the interior peace and work God is producing in the spirit through that dryness of sense. Since this peace is something spiritual and delicate, its fruit is quiet, delicate, solitary, satisfying, and peaceful, and far removed from all the other gratifications of beginners, which are very palpable and sensory. This is the peace that David says God speaks in the soul in order to make it spiritual [Ps. 85:8]."
- Book One - Night of the Senses, Chapter Nine
"All that is required of them here is freedom of soul, that they liberate themselves from the impediment and fatigue of ideas and thoughts, and care not about thinking and meditating. They must be content simply with a loving and peaceful attentiveness to God, and live without the concern, without the effort, and without the desire to taste or feel him. All these desires disquiet the soul and distract it from the peaceful, quiet, and sweet idleness of the contemplation that is being communicated to it."
- Book One - Night of the Senses, Chapter Ten
(I know a lot of New Age movements believe in this as well... but they take a different approach to it and combine it with their own beliefs, creating a skewed version of St. John's work. I'm talking about the dark night of the soul for Christians here - obviously!)
Hidden treasures
While cleaning out my pigsty of a room tonight, I came across this quote:
"Indeed, when I myself reveled in the teachings of Plato, and heard the Christians misrepresented and watched them stand fearless in the face of death and of everything that was considered dreadful, I realized the impossibility of their living in sinful pleasure."
- Irenaeus on his conversion and on heresy
mercredi 17 décembre 2003
Postworthy quotable
If only I could be this brazen:
"[Liturgy] and all that isn't exactly my style, but I am getting pretty sick of the arrogance of all those who think they're saving the church from these old, out of touch people who've screwed it all up. Whatever. You're just as sinful as anyone else, and your churches have just as many problems as theirs, yours are just different problems...."
- Ian Dunn, I swear I'm gonna hit the next person who calls us "the postmodern generation"
Make sure to read the rest of it on Ian's blog; it is truly an awesome piece!
Libellés : church
Sexual immorality
This has been a topic that Irene, Scott and Travis have written about extensively on their blogs and I think it's something that is very important for Christians to address, rather than ignore and sweep under the carpet.
Irene has written a great post about how it's not just a male issue because females struggle with this as well. She asks, "Why do men always think that women couldn't possibly have a problem with porn or lustful imaginations?" She's right, females are not exempt from these temptations and people need to start treating sexual immorality as a human problem, not just a male problem.
Scott has written about frequent failures and why it is so easy to fall back into sin. He asks, "Why are these other habits, all of which somehow involve purity, so hard to put behind?" Personally, accountability has been key in my life. Without my best friend keeping me on track, I would be more prone to wander and more likely to fall into that.
Travis just wrote a vulnerable and honest piece on sexual lust and temptation and how "temptation is not the sin, giving into the temptation is the sin." I'm impressed at the steps he has taken in order to guard himself from giving into that temptation and even more at how brave he has been to post about it all.
I left a comment on Travis' blog about how female porn has permeated a lot of females' lives and distorted their views on life, men and sexuality. Female porn, as I have discovered, consists primarily of "chick flicks" and romance novels that I know a lot of girls like to indulge in. Irene wrote a lot about her temptations with romance novels, and you can read about how hard it's been to overcome her battle.
Anyways, Katy responded to what I wrote about romance novels and chick flicks, so I thought I'd post it here.
"although those trashy romance novels can be considered one source of the problem, one shouldn't presuppose that women don't fall to visual lust."
That is true. I didn't mean to be exclusive about how romance novels were the only means by which females fall into this lust. After all, there are the covers that lend fuel to the fire of visual lust, and I'm sure there are Christian women out there who have fallen into other forms of visual lust.
"what i'm trying to do is say that there really is not such a big difference (if indeed one exists at all) between the way men and women respond to lust and sexual temptation. men are not all the same, neither are women. therefore, there are men who struggle more with visuals, there are women who struggle with visuals. there are men who read "dirty" books, there are women who read "dirty" books. trying to create distinctions between male and female lust problems only adds to the shame of women who think they are alone."
Men and women can respond to lust and sexual temptation differently just as men and women can fall into lust differently. Men are by nature, more likely to respond to visual symbols of lust whereas for women, they are more prone to the ideas of romantic stories and the fantasy of relationships that come with it. This is not to say that women never struggle with visuals and that men never struggle with relational fantasies. Both genders can fall into the temptations of either, but I think there is a distinction between the two types of porn. Male porn consists primarily of images of physical bodies while female porn targets more at emotional relationships. Each aims at stimulating different parts of the brain, but they do have the same devastating effect on males and females.
Here are some excerpts from a book I read called Dateable by Justin Lookadoo and Hayley Morgan:
Re: Female Porn
"... You watch this and fantasize about your hero. You become aroused by what you see and hear on the screen [or read in the books]. You desire it. You dream about it. You are emotionally and sexually turned on by this fictitious man.... Then you are released into the world of real men with real flaws who cannot satisfy the desire in you that was ignited by female porn.... Consciously or subconsciously, you are doing the same thing men do to women by dreaming of that supermodel - you are imposing an impossible set of demands on your guy."
Re: Male Porn
"The fastest-growing destructive force in man's relationship with women is the distorted image of women created by pornography. Guys fantasize about these ultimate women. They detach from reality and place themselves in the images they see.... [The women] become objects to be used for [their] own satisfaction and then left until [they] are ready for more.... Porn desensitizes you sexually. It makes you less sensual and sexually aware. It numbs you. Rather than enhancing sexual pleasure, it takes it away and replaces that pleasure with guilt.... You become a one-man pleasure machine that doesn't really need anyone to satisfy you sexually. And there you sit, alone and lonely, with only one-dimensional women to keep you company."
And for the last comment, "as for chick flicks, i don't think those are any kind of porn. stupid, yes, but not evil!"
Yes, they are stupid. But they can also be used as a means of escape for females. It has the potential for turning into evil when females allow these movies to eat at their minds, filling them with false notions of love and relationships, not to mention how they look at guys. Maybe it's not porn per se, but it can still have the same effect on females - the only thing is that it's glossed up in a storybook cover.
I am not claiming to be an expert on this at all. If I have stated anything on here that is inaccurate, I will immediately retract what I have written. But based on what I do know, this is what I personally believe regarding this subject. I am also not pretending to understand the difficult struggles that men and women face in this area. I wrote this mostly based on an outsider's perspective but I hope that some of what is posted here will help in explaining what I think God wants us to avoid.
mardi 16 décembre 2003
Lord of the Rings!
Isn't this fantastic?! Lissa got us tickets a few weeks ago and she took this picture for me to post :)
That's right, the 12 am showing! TONIGHT! We're meeting at 9 at the theatre after she gets off work but her coworkers will have been waiting since 6pm! I can't wait; it's going to be a great night tonight! A little lacking in sleep but that's alright with me!
My school is also putting on a Lord of the Rings party this evening where they're showing the extended editions of "Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers". It'll be shown on the wall fullscreen from one side to the other! I'd love to go, but I'll have to see how my day pans out and if I can finish my resource files in time. Speaking of which, I should finish them right now!
Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you?
brought to you by Quizilla (Link via: the cheese)
Some other LotR fun stuff:
- Take the Lord of the Rings Character Test
- Go to Chapters or any other bookstore and get some Lord of the Rings bookmarks, some of them have "the Ring" attached, which I am picking up later on today
- Go to these same bookstores and see if they're offering LotR tattoos. I went to McNally and Robinson's last year and got some free tattoos. Now I just have to find mine!
- Dress up for tonight. I won't be, but I'm going to run into tons later on!
Just some suggestions if you are going to the show tonight as well!
Libellés : media
You know you grew up in the 80s if...
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE."
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair."
4. You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt stylish.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters Club and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those 'lil Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom.
8. Two words: M.C. Hammer.
9. You watched "Fraggle Rock."
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales."
12. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on the big screen.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your Mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH" (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
18. You wore a Jordache Jean jacket and you were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear...
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten.
21. You remember reading "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and all the Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF."
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing.
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off....
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took Lunch Pails to school.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolour T-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favourite band.
32. You thought Sheera and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of jelly shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know what you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" from Steve Urkel on Family Matters.
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonald's.
41. You've gone through this list occasionally saying "Totally awesome."
42. You remember Popples.
43. You know the phrase "Don't worry, be happy."
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down.
46. You sang "Miss MARY MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK."
47. You remember boom boxes vs. CD players.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!"
50. You remember watching Rainbow Bright and My Little Pony Tales."
51. You thought Doogie Howser was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool.
54. You knew all the character's names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell," the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME.
56. The only rapper you knew of was Vanilla Ice.
57. You said "OH YEAH!" when reading ANY of these!
58. You jumped on a Pogo stick and you still have one.
59. You thought neon scrunchies made your hair look cool.
60. You share these with another friend because you can relate to all of these.
Got this in an email from my friend today. It cheered up my day!
Libellés : humour
lundi 15 décembre 2003
"Monday Memory"... which LeeAnn thought up
Hmm I came up with an idea yesterday, but went on the net today and found that someone else had the same idea a month ago. Oh well.
Anyways, about this idea: I was inspired by my youth prof and I thought it'd be something neat to do on this blog. What happened was, my prof made us come up with childhood memories to share during class. I think we spent the whole class doing this because he said it was really important in helping us connect with the youth we work with. He's one of my favourite profs and I just learned that his life motto has to do with "exercising child-like faith".
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
- Matthew 19:14
So there is someone else who has started this; however, I don't want to be restricted by a question each week. I'll just do my own thing and come up with a memory each Monday :) So youthworkers, this might be fun to do. It'll give you sermon illustrations to use and I'm sure your kids will love that you have a plethora of personal stories to tell as well! Oh and they don't have to be profoundly clever or witty or even entertaining. It just has to be something that means a lot to you and has possibly shaped who you are today. I invite you to do this with me, and if you can, please leave me a comment telling me about it or linking to it. I'd love to read your memories too!
Here's mine for today:
In grade one, my class had a field trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. I remember my best friend's dad was one of the parent chaperones on the trip. It was an incredible day and everyone got to go to the gift shop to get a souvenir. The other kids went for the dinosaurs and all these little toys. For some reason, I had my eye on a dinosaur maze book. But I left my money at home and I was so sad that I couldn't get it. I think I moped around a while, watching all the other kids with their stuff. It didn't last long because at the end of the day, my best friend's dad got me the maze book! Okay, it's not that interesting, but for some reason, it was a huge thing for me because I saw that other adults (besides my parents) cared about me. As an only child, I grew up thinking that all I had were my parents, and that everyone else in the world was out to get me. It broke a major barrier in my life, and helped me to trust adults :)
"Look Into My Future"
I was just digging through some old school stuff and came across a paper that I wrote for CALM (Career and Life Management) 20 class a few years ago. I thought I'd share my intro:
"It is raining and the leaves are rustling outside. The air has taken some sort of a chill. I am writing by candlelight as the hearth cackles nearby. I am reminiscing as I know I will die shortly within a few hours. For some odd reason, the most vivid memory I can recall is the time I was in Calm class in high school.* Oh but that was at the time everyone thought there was some silly "Y2K" bug going around. A year of nonsense and rubbish! A teacher assigned us some paper where we were supposed to write an essay predicting our life. How ludicrous it was to imagine what we would be in a lifetime crammed into two pages. Before I pass away, I will write down all that has happened to me in these short pages just as I did many years ago."
*major sucking up to the teacher here
Anyways, it continues on and I'm laughing to myself about all the stuff I wrote back then.
First of all, the most vivid memory I have is not CALM class. Secondly, I did not take the year off after high school to travel around the world "visiting exotic lands and photographing it all". Neither did I go to university. And obviously I could not have majored in dentistry in Bible college (although Trinity Western University does have a pre-dentistry program which I looked into). I did not end up sharing an apartment with all of my friends. And I don't think I will ever go through "enough caffeine to supply a city such as New York" seeing as how I hate coffee. I doubt I'll open up my own dentistry practice. And without those skills, I don't think I'd be able to travel to third-world countries to help treat people.
Funny how wrong I ended up.
Today I'm at Bible college, majoring in youth ministries with a concentration in intercultural studies. I'll be graduating this year and hopefully moving onto film and video studies. Then I plan on returning to finish up some courses. I don't know where I'll end up. I still don't have a clue what God wants me to do. For all I know, He could have completely different plans for me. After all, I went from dentistry to nursing to Bible college. I think God likes to do that :) But I'm going to trust Him and see where He leads me!!
dimanche 14 décembre 2003
Our new theme song
My best friend and I were in one of our "guys suck" moods, which led to this; enjoy:
You hate humans is what you say
And I understand how you feel that way
All girls dream of a fairy tale
But what you got is like a used car salesman
Trying to conceal what's wrong
Behind a smile and a song
And I'm not saying that
Boys are not like that
But I think you should know
That some of us will grow
Because...
All princes start as frogs
All gentleman as dogs
Just wait till it's plain to see
What we're growing up to be..
'Cause some frogs
Will still be frogs
Some dogs will still be dogs
But some boys will become men
Just don't kiss us 'till then
You found him is what you say
And we all want you to feel that way
The frog you've got seems cute enough to kiss
And maybe frogs seem like that's all there is
But just because you haven't
Found your prince yet
Doesn't mean you're still
Not a princess
And what if your prince
Comes riding in
While you're kiss'n a frog
What's he gonna think then
So look into his eyes.....
Are you a princess or a fly?
- Superchic[k] "Princes and Frogs" (Song 4 Tricia)
Libellés : songs
Santa and bookmarks
I try not to promote Santa too much, because after all, it is CHRISTmas, but this is pretty funny:
Santa's Nice-o-Meter
Neely
It was a tough year, but we'll go for a "Nice" rating. A few naughty marks for excessive junk food, not going to bed on time and nearly forgetting someone's birthday. Really tried to keep up with household chores, though. Extra credit for smiling a lot. Is kind to senior citizens. Keep improving!
That's scary cause most of it is true. Hmmm, is someone watching me?
Link via: Melissa
***
It took a few hours but I cleaned out all of my blog bookmarks last night. In total though, I have 16 categories with 45 subcategories, 11 sub-sub categories, 13 sub cubed categories, and 2 sub to the power of four categories in my complete bookmark collection. I reckon that will take a few days to sort out completely :)
Because I bookmark a lot of stuff, I have lost where all of my original sources came from. I'm going to be posting some stuff over the next few days, but they won't have the source to them. Believe me, I like giving credit where credit is due so if I post something and you suspect that it came from your blog, leave me a comment and I'll link you right away! All this referencing and footnoting comes from too much college research. I even memorized how to do them correctly for my papers. Ahh!!
Libellés : quizzes
I'm back!
It's been such a discipline for me this last week to not blog. Granted, I still replied to comments and commented on other peoples' blogs, but it was pretty tough on me. It did help me to devote more time to studying for my finals though (as I should have been doing). So, as you can see on the checklist below, I only have 1 final exam left and my youth resource files to finish. Then I'm free...!
This means I'm a bit late with my Friday Five:
1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays?
Winter has always been my favourite season, with the glittering snow and the crisp frost in the air, but now that I drive, I like clear streets more :)
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect?
My ideal holiday celebration... well, my Christmas is never complete without our annual youth Christmas parties and our life group Christmas parties now. My perfect Christmas celebration would be when my parents become Christians and they understand the true meaning of the season, so that we could all celebrate the birth of Jesus together as a family for the very first time.
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions?
We usually put the tree up every year, but this year, with my mom feeling sick and all, we haven't been able to. Umm, I also need my annual supply of Ferrero Rochers :)
4. Do you do anything to help the needy?
The youth has a Seed Christmas dinner every year and I usually go to those, but I missed this year's to spend time with my mom. I also try to put together the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes but I always miss the deadline, so this year, my life group and I tried Operation Backpack. I would love to do more for the needy, but it shouldn't be limited to just the Christmas season.
5. What one gift would you like for yourself?
I don't know. I have everything I would like already (I'm a very blessed person, thanks God!). I guess I would just like for my mom to get better and for her cancer to disappear completely.
Libellés : cancer, Friday Five
lundi 8 décembre 2003
"So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu"
Checklist for this week:
- Radiation appointments with mom
- 3 final exams
- Philosophy research paper
- Youth resource files
- Major English paper
- Dentist appointment
- Life group Christmas party
- No social life (ha! This is always true)
So in other words... I won't be posting much! I need a break anyhow. Blogging has taken over a chunk of my life and I need to spend more time with God. I'll be taking a short break this week (I'll still respond to comments though) and coming back with a vengeance (not really) next week. If you're bored now, you have a few options:
1. Read the archives :)
2. Comment on old posts (please do!)
3. Go to my blogroll and get some good reading in
I want to say thank you so much for reading my blog. I appreciate the time you take to read what I write and to even comment on a lot of them. It means a lot to see people react to what I've posted. And I love that I've gotten to know so many of you through this - you are all such fantastic people and you really encourage me as a Christian. God bless and I'll be back on the 14th!
Libellés : cancer
Accountability
One of my guy friends approached me at church yesterday about something in my life that has not been good. This isn't the first time it's happened. In fact, ONLY guys have had the nerve to tell me that I need to change. I don't mind at all because I respect these guys and I love the fact that they're challenging me to a deeper level of holiness. I do mind that girls don't tell me this sort of stuff. I need to hear it from everyone who interacts with me, if I am acting in a way that is considered stumbling to others or if I'm just plain acting stupid. Accountability should not be limited to one gender, as it seems to be for me. I need to be held accountable to girls as well, because they are the ones who are going through the same struggles and can provide input on how to become a more godly and mature woman.
Libellés : church
samedi 6 décembre 2003
Much much more to say than I thought
Whoa, 3 posts in one day! It's all just a ploy to avoid studying for my finals, I tell you. (If you ever need ANY help at all on procrastinating, you know where to go. I can help you out with a field I'm clearly an expert in).
So I've been surfing some blogs and noticed that Irene has been debating on whether to post a picture of herself on her blog or not. I've been wondering the same thing. Actually, I have a question for my readers, just for fun. What DO you think I look like? Okay, people who know me in real life are not allowed to answer this (obviously). I'm curious if my words give away my appearance - probably not, since there doesn't seem to be a connection - but oh well.
And I'm going to sound like a <geek> here, but I'm pretty sure that the title font on Bene Diction's blog is a font called Elegance. Have I mentioned before that I love fonts? I don't think I have, but now you know :) I remember being in someone's car once and there was a really nice car parked beside us. I didn't say anything about the car itself, but I blurted out: "I love the font that the car model's name is in!!" Now I wish I remembered that model name so I could look it up. </geek>
Oh, and the fact that 8 people so far have been to my blog to check out McDonald's Meal of the Day for Saturday leads me to think that McDonald's hasn't advertised for this very well lately. But really, I can't complain - I don't mind that I'm the information source for all these hungry folks ;) btw, it's Double Cheeseburger day today and tomorrow is Quarter Pounder day.
Much to say - part 2
Some more stuff I didn't cover in my last post.
Let's see... I received an email from Starfield about their CrossCanada tour. It's the biggest tour in the band's history and it's hitting even more Canadian cities! It's kind of their farewell tour to us as well before they do extensive US touring. So Americans, be on the watch for this up and coming group and go to their shows!! I'll make a list in my side column about what cities they're hitting and when.
Speaking of concerts, I worked at my school's Christmas concert a few nights ago. Loads of fun and it was great because I got to sit in the "Green Room". Oooh. And I had my last day of classes yesterday! Now I only have four finals (and one that won't affect my mark if I do badly but will boost it if I do very well). My mom went through her first week of radiation and chemo and now has four weeks left to go. I'll be even more stressed this week because of that but it'll get better once I'm out of school. She's still really weak but she did not have a major reaction against the chemo, which was a good sign (a reaction to the side effects of the chemo I mean). Thanks for praying everyone!
Man, I wish I had the discipline that Travis has. I can't believe he taught himself all those computer and networking skills that got him a job! Well I guess it's not that hard to believe :) It sure does encourage me to get off my behind and learn some new skills though! I mean, I got my guitar a few months ago and still have not learned to play it. Currently, it sits in my room nicely next to my bookcase, making itself secure in its little home. Eh, maybe over Christmas break, I'll actually sit down with it and pretend to play it.
I also want to learn more CSS and HTML stuff so that I can make this blog look the way I want it to look like. I just want the little "Done, but with errors on page" message to go away. I don't know what I did to get that comment but really, I'll do whatever it takes for it to leave! Just make it go away....
Libellés : cancer
Much to say - part 1
I think I have a virus on my computer now. Crud. My first one ever. I've been so careful for the last seven years and tonight, I go and open up an attachment from someone I don't know. I wasn't even thinking about it, and then bang, it hits me - uh, that was a virus. That was so stupid of me! Yes, all you techies can yell at me for doing the very thing that people aren't supposed to! So um, don't open anything that says "CanadaEssay" in the subject line.
I had a tech meeting today and helped out at a funeral afterwards. It was of the oldest brother of one of the kids in my youth. Please lift this family up; the death was extremely sudden and he had just gotten engaged. Everyone was in shock today, but it was incredible to see how many lives this person touched. The sanctuary was full and you could just tell that he was able to share the love of Christ with all of these people in his life. This verse was included in the handout given to everyone:
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.']"
- Lamentations 3:21-24
I then went Christmas shopping and ran into one of my friends from college. While shopping at Walmart, we ran into a guy in a dress. But not just any guy. A guy that went to our college last year. Yes, a male Bible college student was wearing a dress in the middle of Walmart. It was rather funny because as we were standing there gawking at him, women walked by and started commenting on his dress. He said that it was because of his brother's bachelor party that he was wearing it. Apparently, there were about seven or eight other guys all over the city in different Walmarts wearing dresses on a scavenger hunt. I feel terribly sorry for guys now. Your friends sure plan the worst bachelor parties for you!! Reason #405 for why I am glad I'm not a guy :)
Doesn't the Bible say something against guys wearing dresses?
vendredi 5 décembre 2003
Saints and sinners
I never thought I'd quote Bishop Fred Henry but I really liked what he said here:
"Well, the church is a communion of saints and sinners. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. I will not allow people to try to silence the voice of the Gospel because of problems we've had."
- Gatehouse, Jonathan. September 1, 2003. Backlash: Why does half of the country believe same-sex marriages shouldn't be legal? Maclean's Vol. 116, No. 35.
Libellés : church
mercredi 3 décembre 2003
A song and story for you
I found a hilarious song called Cats in the Kettle on Steve's blog. Now, Lissa, this one will have a special meaning for you :)
Also, there's a new update from Jonathan's blog! As rare as his posts come, they are also exquisitely written. Take for example, the struggles of laundry. Good reading!
I get the feeling...
... that God wants me alive for something. He's saved me once again from a foolish driving mistake I made today. And I'm still in shock that I'm here at all. You heard it here first, God intends to do something through my life :)
It's December??
Is it possible to be sick of Christmas music already?! Seriously, 24/7 holiday music on the radio is great a week before Christmas but an entire month? If I hear Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" one more time, I will lose my mind!
I spent seven hours today working on yearbook. Not doing pages, mind you, but getting absolutely everything ready to go so that the yearbook can be finished by the end of January. Thank goodness my committee is actually committed this year!
Scott wrote a really good post on changing our minds and habits during December. I was challenged and I think as hard as it will be to carry out, it will be worth it in the end.
A lot of people who have been stopping by my blog lately have been looking for information on the McDeal of the Day. Here's the link to the post I wrote about that so you don't have to go searching all over: McDonald's Daily McDeal.
I ran into one of my friends today and asked her what was new. Usually, when people respond to that, it's in the form of "oh nothing" or "not much, just life". Nope not with my friend, she answered, "I'm getting married!" Uh... okay. That took me by shock (considering it only happened in the course of a few weeks)! Although I have to say I'm not surprised anymore. I'm getting desensitized to the whole bridal college concept now (even if she was an exception).
Well, here's a snipet of what I'll be working on on Thursday:
"Joy, Joy" - 1 solo - IMAG - 3/4 lights on C/O, full up on choir entrance
"Joy!" - 1 solo - IMAG/juice - Full lights on Choir and Orch
"Little Drummer Boy" - Juice - Full lights on Choir and Orch
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" - PPT - 3/4 lights on C/O
Doesn't that look fun? ;)
Anyways, my mom went in for her first treatment today. It was an eight hour day for her. I'm praying that her cancer will stop growing and that the tumour will shrink so that she can have surgery. It's been rough on me lately, especially since I'm taking her to and from all her treatment sessions. I really want to finish this semester well and have Christmas break come. I'll be spending a lot of time at the hospital in the next few months. If you know of some must-read books, let me know so that I'll have something to read as I wait there. Please keep praying for us and for my parents' hearts to be softened to the love of God. Thank you.
"God does nothing on the earth save in answer to believing prayer." - John Wesley
lundi 1 décembre 2003
Insert witty title here
Just surfing some blog archives and found that Lance gave the exact same talk that I gave in my preaching class. Seriously. My theme was even in the same words that he used (power of the tongue).
I've read that lots of pastors plagiarize their sermons by using other pastors' talks from the internet or from books, etc. Don't worry, that's not the case here! It's just a very strange coincidence, but I'm sure that lots of people have already done talks on this one. And just so you know, I slaved over that sermon with lots of commentaries, blood and sweat ;) I think it was my best one all semester and my personal favourite!
Anyways, I get to assistant TD (technical direct) at my college's Christmas concert in a few days! Hooray!
Also, mad props to Car. She suggested that I aim for a spring delivery of our yearbook this year and it's going to work! This will be the second time in the school's history (first time being the year that she was editor) that this will have happened. I'm so super happy about this!! Maybe every year from now on, the school will follow suit with this idea. Well I better get off the net and start my Suetonius assignment soon. Funny how I can procrastinate so much on personal things but not on other projects.
Libellés : college
What I saw this morning
