Dove Films

Wow. Watch these:

Evolution

A Dove Film

Our Decorated Tree

Gabs and Trish put the finishing touches on our Christmas tree this evening. I think it definitely screams University students. I like my first ever REAL Christmas tree. It makes me happy. With all the house lights off, 'N Sync Christmas music playing, and our lovely Christmas tree lights peaking out in the darkness... maybe it does feel a little like Christmas.

I Am Coming

The I Am Coming website and campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation and seeking to see the sex trade eradicated. Taken from the information conveyed on the website, each year 800, 000 women and girls are kidnapped and sold into the sex trade - rape for pay. Looking into this issue is most definitely worthy of your time and effort. Perhaps you may feel there is nothing you can do to solve huge issues in our world, but raising awareness is a significant start. Please fight in prayer for these women and girls - yet another significant way of making a difference.

Here is some information, found on the I Am Coming website:

*800,000 women and children kidnapped, trafficked, and raped each year.
*14,000,000 the number of enslaved people…more today than in 400 years of AA slave
*1-4 Years in prison for most traffickers who are arrested.
*$1000 USD, the cost to rescue one girl from the sex trade.
*$400,000,000,000 the cost of the American war on terror
*$20,000,000,000 the amount of money Americans spend each year on ice cream.

The I AM COMING Campaign’s Goals:
*To raise widescale awareness of this horrific injustice.
*To raise $50 million to combat human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation.
*To see world governments institute minimum sentencing of 20 years for traffickers.

Click on the link below to gain further insight:
I Am Coming
*

Please Drive Safely

Slippery season has begun!
Please be careful driving this winter!

My First Ever REAL Christmas Tree!

My housemates are fantastic! A few of them really wanted to get a real Christmas tree and I was totally indifferent to it. But when I went downstairs and saw it - wow! My first REAL Christmas tree EVER! SWEET! I can't wait to decorate it! :)

The Proof

Proof I did indeed go skating!
(Me, Ashley, Heather M., Heather R)

Skating yesterday brought great joy into my morning. I NEVER imagined I would ever say that. Perhaps it's the excellent company on the ice. Spending time with you gals on the ice this semester has been wonderful! Thank you. :)

Free

If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
-John 8:36

I am free. What hinders my freedom is me holding on to the sin that has already been forgiven and the fear that I internalize. When I read that verse, a sweet peace falls over me. As I refocus, God empowers me. His grace covers all I do. I am free, indeed. What an incredible blessing!

Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These things I will do; I will not forsake them.

A Good Reminder

Would you believe me if I said
That God can make miracles happen today
Would you believe me if I said
That you don't need to wait for the answers before
You step out in faith
Would you believe me if I said
That nothing is ever impossible for God

Chorus
And if I had wings I would fly
'Cause all that I need, You are
And if the world caved in around me
To You I'd still hold on
'Cause You're all that I believe
And the one that created me
JESUS, because of You
I'm free

-"Free" Australia Hillsongs

The Inevitable Fall

I finally fell while skating yesterday (refer to post written on October 13, 2006). It was not nearly as bad as I had imagined it would be. I would argue that it was a very graceful fall, but nevertheless, a fall. As I sat on the ice, laughing, I realized that I have actually improved since I first started skating this fall because I have picked up some speed, the pain does not set in as quickly, and I am a little more smooth. It took a fall to realize I am more comfortable on the ice than I originally was. It was a good moment. I think I can totally relate this to real life situations and the valleys and mountains the Lord takes me through. I learn so much more by going through something 'negative', than if I were just to coast through life. Looking back at challenges, I can observe just how far I have come. A poster in my room says, "Perseverance -- never measuring the height of the mountain until you reach the summit." I tend to get overwhelmed or draw myself back just at the sight of a mountain. But God's plans are to build me up with His strength through my weaknesses. I am a broken person, but He lifts me up and gives me wings like eagles to soar. I just need to trust. And just like my figure skater friend Heather kept her promise to fall with me on the ice and help me up again, God is always with me and will pick me up EVERY time.

It's Official....

I have the greatest friends in the whole entire world. :)

Lest We Forget

Today is Remembrance Day. Every time November 11th rolls around, I try to comprehend the sacrifices of the men and women who gave of themselves and their lives for freedom - for my freedom. Yet, I will always fall so far from understanding the severity of war. The very LEAST I can do is take the time to remember. Let us all remember. Always.

I have two friends from Youth Group who serve on our behalf. Kayla has already gone to Afghanistan and may go back. Brandon will be leaving in January. Thank you. I admire and respect each of you more than I could ever express.

Kayla sent me a link (back in February) to a video that Honours Our Soldiers. Check it out if you're interested. Be thankful and take the time to pray for our soldiers.

Dancing in the Rain

Tonight I witnessed a gorgeous young woman joyfully twirling in the rain, jumping up in the air with a huge smile on her face. It truly was a beautiful sight. She had felt dizzy moments before, but for these few seconds, I was amazed at the freedom and joy and beauty she possessed in that moment.

It reminds me that although there seems to be a lot of rain right now, the Lord is my joy. He will hold me. He will hold you, too.

When the rain comes it seems that everyone has gone away
When the night falls you wonder if you shouldn't find someplace
To run and hide
Escape the pain
But hiding's such a lonely thing to do

I can't stop the rain
From falling down on you again
I can't stop the rain
But I will hold you 'til it goes away

When the rain comes you blame it on the things that you have done
When the storm fades you know that rain must fall on everyone
So rest awhile
It'll be alright
No one loves you like I do

I can't stop the rain
From falling down on you again
I can't stop the rain
But I will hold you 'til it goes away

When the rain comes
I will hold you

-"When the Rain Comes" by Third Day

I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

-Bob Perks

Psalm 33:18-22

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

My Special Diva

Tonight my very own diva sung the national anthems at the Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Air Canada Centre. Jackie is an amazingly talented and gifted young woman and I have been richly blessed that she has played a significant role in my life for five years now. And not just because I like listening to her sing, but because she is Jackie. :)

I cannot even explain the feeling I had watching her on national television tonight. Tears definitely welled up in my eyes and I could not stop smiling. I'm proud of her accomplishments and decisions. I'm proud of her talents. I'm proud of the beautiful person she is.

You rocked that arena tonight, Jax. I l-o-v-e you.

Grace

During the past 24 hours, I have reflected on God's amazing grace. A friend shared with me a really great article entitled, Ingredients of Growth by Dr. Henry Cloud. It's a good read. I also had a conversation with another friend and she shared with me how grace and mercy were once explained to her:

Grace is getting what we do not deserve.

Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

Grace and mercy overwhelm me at times, which is a blessing; I am reminded to give thanks. :)

The Stairs

I am currently sitting on the stairs in the UC with Nate. Someone just came up to us and gave us each a yellow balloon. Each balloon has a natural high attached to it. My natural high is: Hot Fudge Sundaes. Nate's natural high is: Snow Days. Both excellent natural highs. Nate and I appreciate the balloons and we wish that everyone else was excited about them.

Now Melissa is sitting with us too. I like her a lot. And Beth, if you are reading this, I like you too.

Random post about nothing, I know. But when sitting at the stairs, random things happen. Bottom line: I like the people who surround me right now - and I'm thankful.

And now we're off to the Taps with Amanda. Here comes SUZANNE and JESSKAH - you guys rock! Oh, I love you people.

Exhale First

My Counselling and Communication professor taught us this trick a few weeks ago that I've shared with a few people this week. If you are stressed and need to pause to breathe, EXHALE FIRST, then breathe in. By exhaling and emptying your lungs, your lungs are then forced to take a very deep breath in. It works better. Trust me.

And since I'm in the library, doing some deep breathing myself, I've also been pondering some good verses. I know people are crazy busy with school and life right now, so remember this:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden in light.
-Matthew 11:28-30

The Snowman Next Door

Some of my amazing DG Girls from last year live a few doors down from me. When the snow came down on Thursday, they decided to make a snowman. They were sharing their excitement with me last night at the weekly meeting and I thought it was great (because clearly my girls from last year are great)... so here's the first snowman of the year! Well done, Mel and Lindsey! (By the way, I bet the snowman didn't last long after those kisses, ha ha).

Skating

Today I hit the rink for the first time in years. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chill (no pun intended) with three lovely ladies, but not so thrilled to actually get on the ice. But the encouragement extended to me from my beautiful friends was wonderful and I made it around once... and again... and again. Success! BUT, I was incredibly tense. I was so afraid of falling, not because it physically hurts to fall, but because I didn't want anyone to see me fall (especially my very talented friends who have more experience than myself). As I was thinking why I felt this particular way, I realized my pride in this area of my life is significantly large. The thing that gets me is that my pride and insecurities were totally unwarranted this morning. Why? Because one of my friends said if I were to fall out on the ice, she would have fallen with me. I believe she was being completely sincere or at least, she would have done something to help me up. No matter how much I want people to be vulnerable with me, I need to remember that it is important for me to be vulnerable with others. I will share my past struggles in a heartbeat, if I know God can use it for a purpose or if it will help someone to understand where I am coming from. But when it is the here and now, I have more of a difficult time putting my heart out there because at that point in time, I have not yet figured everything out. This morning was a here and now situation. My pride made me so tense, limited my movement and as a result, I experienced physical pain. It reminds me of a verse that says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). While trying to avoid a fall, I in all reality set myself up for a harder fall. Pride, comparing myself to others and my fears are not of God. If I let those issues consume my thoughts, play a role in how I see myself, how will I be effective at telling others not to believe the same lies? I will not be effective, because: (1) I will not grow; (2) my attitude and actions will be negative; (3) I will not be encouraging to others when they need it, and (4) God will not be glorified. Simple as that. To be humble and to accept I will fall will build me up. Perhaps it will hurt when I fall and people will see me fall, but by accepting it, I will have the ability to get back up faster. I will learn more. Again, a verse from Proverbs says it all, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2). How true. I am amazed at the daily lessons God brings to my attention and thankful His word totally backs it up. Thanks for a refreshing skate, girls. :)

Our First Beautiful (but wet) Snowfall

As may people have already commented, Guelph had its first snowfall of the year. Every year a feeling of magical excitement hits me at the sight of snow for the first time, as I observe how brilliant God is through all of His different creations. Yet, a depressed feeling also surrounds me as I really do not cope well in the cold! But I cannot deny it's beauty so I took a picture to mark this day. I also took the picture because I figured Kat would like to know what it looks like. Enjoy!

Looking Forward, Not Behind

I really like this picture I took of gorgeous Heather and the beautiful trees in the great up north. I first really enjoyed the picture because I really think fondly of Heather and I really admired the vibrant colours that surrounded me at Summit. Then I started analysing the picture (Nate will tell you that I think, I think too much, ha ha). As I have continued to reflect on this picture, the coined phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" really does come alive.

The turns in this particular picture grabbed my attention, as well, Heather is looking forward, not behind.

Turns: Life is full of wild, fun, sad, difficult, adventurous, tiring, frustrating, exciting, joyous, emotional and wide angled turns. Just as I feel I have a handle on where I am headed, something happens, and I end up on the side of the road trying to find a map and a flashlight to help direct me. But as I look at this picture, there are no road signs that distinctively say, "Dead End". No, the road continues; the road branches off in new directions with new possibilities. I am reminded that the path I walk is not my own, but God's. The map I need to follow is the Lord's. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6. NLT).

Looking Forward, Not Behind: Sometimes I find myself consumed in remembering the past, while I should be more focused on the future. I think it is imperative to apply to my life what I have learned through my personal experience in the past and through the wisdom of others. But I admit that sometimes I hold on to things when I should be moving forward and I need to remember to focus on God and have faith that He will provide for me. "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth" (Hosea 6:3, NIV). Another passage that has come to mind lately is taken from Philippians 3:12-14, which says, "Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Indeed, we must press forward. Yes, I need to press forward.

I am thankful for the many who have come before me and who have traveled along the path God laid out for them, sharing and passing the gospel down through the generations. I am thankful for the people I do not know, following Christ the best they can. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in my life who share with me what God is doing in their lives and what He is teaching, guiding, and providing them. I appreciate that I have people to draw alongside of during all of our journeys with the Lord. The lessons, thoughts, prayers, support, encouragement and spoken truth have helped to spur me on. Thank you.

Lord, thank you for setting my feet on solid ground. Thank you for all the twists and turns, mountains and valleys you have used to teach me and build me up. Help me to move forward and leave behind what weighs me down. Your paths and plans are perfect, Lord. Thank you.

You Are Good

You Are Good

Nicole Nordeman
***

When the sun starts to rise
And I open my eyes
You are good, so good
In the heat of the day with each stone that I lay
You are so good

With every breath I take in
I’ll tell You I’m grateful again
When the moon climbs high before each kiss goodnight
You are good

When the road starts to turn
Around each bend I’ve learn
You are good, so good
And when somebody’s hand holds me up, helps me stand
You are so good

With every breath I take in
I’ll tell You I’m grateful again
Cause it’s more than enough just to know I am loved
And You are good

So how can I thank You?
What can I bring?
What can these poor hands lay at the feet of a King?
I’ll sing You a love song
It’s all that I have
To tell You I’m grateful
Holding my life in Your hands

When its dark and it’s cold

And I can’t feel my soul
You are so good
When the world has gone grey and the rain’s here to stay
You are still good

So with every breath I take in
I’ll tell You I’m grateful again
And the storm may swell and even then it is well
And You are good

(It is well)
So how can I thank You?
(With my soul)
What can I bring?
What can these poor hands lay at the feet of a King?
(It is well)
So I’ll sing You this love song

(With my soul)
It’s all that I have
To tell You I’m grateful
For holding my life in Your hands

(It is well)
I’ll sing You a love song
(With my soul)
It’s all that I have
To tell you I’m grateful

For holding my life in Your hands
You are holding my life in Your hands

Reclaiming My Middle Name

My middle name is Joy. I've always liked my middle name. I especially like it because I was named after my Aunt Joy, who is a wonderful woman. But as of late, I've really realized the importance of having God's joy in my life. I'm reading (very slowly) "When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper. It's a really great book and I can't flip too many pages without writing down a verse or something really thought provoking. This Sunday morning, I really felt the need to stay home from church and worship, read, pray, and dive into the Word on my own with God. I took some time to read Piper's book and pages 38-39 really grabbed my attention. The heading of the section is called, "A Good Fight". You can go to download the book, as well as many others, by clicking on this link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/.

Fighting for joy in my daily life is so important. I've really struggled with it lately though. I haven't wanted to be involved with anything. I've faced many struggles lately that have pulled me down and quite simply, I haven't wanted to fight because I'm tired. But what I've realized and been reminded of, through Piper's book, is that I need to fight for joy because I have victory in Jesus Christ and I should not let the enemy get me down. I've realized that fighting for joy comes from God's strength, not my own. It's also important to realize that I'm not suppose to carry my burdens. It says in Matthew that Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light - life is not suppose to get me down and I'm suppose to cast my anxiety on Him and I'm not to worry about tomorrow. When talking to my mom on the phone on Saturday night, she asked me, "Are you being paid to worry?" Perhaps that sounds a little silly, but her point rang loud and clear. I am to trust God with the burdens of this life and by doing so, I gain hope and peace from that. Piper makes the point that it's okay to fight for joy because it is acknowledging that I am weak and need God's help. By doing that, Ill only gain God's strength as a result. Lastly, Piper remarks that it is good to fight for joy because God is glorified and honoured.

Another aspect of what Piper wrote struck me, in response to James 1:12, which says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God promised to those who love him". Piper wrote in reflection: "The person who will receive the crown of eternal life is the person who successfully endures trial - that is, the person who fights for joy in pain of loss and gets victory over the unbelief of anger and bitterness and discouragement." I think that says it all.


A few verses I've really held onto lately are:

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation."
-Psalm 51:12

"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love."
-Psalm 90:14

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance."
-Romans 5:3


"In Me" by Casting Crowns has been a huge encouragement to me, spurring me on to keep fighting because it reminds me of Christ's love and power. He sustains. He is love. He is my joy and my salvation. Thank you, Lord, that I can claim your joy every day. Help me to reclaim it when I'm weak and to delight in your joy always. I will forever be grateful, Lord.

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

I Finally Gave In -- I Bought a Day Planner!

Life = Busy.

Summer = Busier than expected.

Going away for a weekend = Technically only one weekend available.

Praise Team = Time consuming, but a blast.

Work = Crazy.

School = An extra "thing" to do.

Friends = Always a blessing and relaxing, too!

God = Sustains through it all. He is GOOD.



Today I finally bought a day planner. I was trying to hold out, but I was concerned I would forget something important for work because my responsibilities grow by the day. I was also concerned I would mess up a commitment to spend time with a friend, and that would be even worse.

You know, it's so easy to get busy with being busy and I find letting time go with God happens. But I've been challenged to really try hard to seek God out. He never has to try to seek me out -- He is closer to me than my thoughts are to me. I'm the one that walks away, yet if I turn around I only have to take one step and He and I are connected again. Even if I decide to take 100 steps from Him, all I have to do is take one step back and He is there. How gracious of Him. How loving of Him. He truly is GOOD.

Then He blesses me with so much. If I take the time to seek Him out, He'll show me how He is working in my busy life. He'll show me why I'm doing what I'm doing, why I'm working with the people I am, why I'm spending time with the people I am, how He is providing for me. I just have to be willing. He will teach if I am willing to be taught. How important.


Work is going well. This is my third week of work. I have been blessed with more responsibility at the Red Cross than my previous summer there, which is nice. Last week I traveled across Elgin County and did SEVERAL Water Safety presentations at elementary schools. I think I did about 72 presentations in 4 days. So kids, if you want to know about Water Safety, come to me!

Tips:
-Wear a PFD: Personal Flotation Device (a.k.a. Lifejacket)
-Have an adult, lifeguard, or buddy with you at all times when in or near water.

There's so much more, but I'll stop there.

I'm going to be responsible for the Safety Services programs at the Branch this summer for various reasons -- should be interesting and boring, I'm sure. There's always something going on and there are many programs I help out with -- overall, a great experience!


I'm a member of the Praise Team at my church for the summer and that's been a great opportunity to sing in a group again, have some awesome fellowship with close friends, and most of all -- to worship. Although it is a significant time commitment, it's a highlight of my week.

My online course, Law in Society, is going okay. I'm behind in reading, which isn't ideal. I do what I have to, but that's about it. It's just hard to keep up with it, yet, a nice break from home life. Weird, I know.

Tonight, as I have scheduled everything into my day planner, I was trying to figure out what weekends I have available. I was talking to my housemate Tricia because we want to hang out, but I realized I technically only have one weekend free until September. Wow. (Amanda, if you happen to read this, the weekend I have free is your birthday). But, there are some things I could get out of, but only on two more weekends. 1 + 2 = 3! ha ha!

Friends. I haven't had the time to spend with friends this summer as I had originally hoped/planned. Usually that would literally depress me, but I'm okay with it. The friends I do see or talk to here or there are a great encouragement -- thanks! And those friends I haven't talked to (in what feels like FOREVER) I love and miss you all. I continue to thank my God for you.

God. Thank you, Father, for providing for me. Thank You for sustaining me. Thank You for making all things beautiful in Your time. Thank You for Your grace.

Happy 20th Birthday, Becca!

I'm in beautiful Haliburton for Miss Becca's birthday! It's gorgeous here, despite the rain.

People from Haliburton are loopy... you should see what they've named their streets as! But we still love them, despite their loopiness!

More to come later...

How Sad Are We?

Well, I am sitting in the library on campus in May with Nathan right beside me. How sad are we? We didn't know what to do, so we decided to come and check our email, see if any of our friends had written any new blogs (thanks for giving us something to look at, Alex), and talk to each other on MSN even though we're sitting directly beside each other. Oh Guelph. It's so different here. Nate is currently very interested in looking up his DE courses for this summer; his excitement sometimes scares me ;) He just grabbed my arm and said, "I can't wait for this course!" and he had a big smile on his face. A warning to Lauren: he has four essays to write for his Religion course and he just said, "That's where Lauren comes in." ha ha, thanks for coming to Guelph to hang out with me, Nate!

I spent last night in Waterloo with the girls --Heather, Jill, and Mychal-Ann. Thanks for such a hilarious night, ladies. You girls are fantastic!

***Must edit in: I also had a great conversation with Katie and Alex. They were in the Soo playing pool. Katie did super well, even while talking to me on the cell phone! Way to go!***

Well, I better be going... off to babysitting I go...

Our Greatest Fear

“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech

My best friend and I went out tonight and we saw the movie Akeelah and the Bee. I enjoyed the movie very much because I am a sucker for inspirational films that encourage individuals to believe that anything is possible. There is something special about watching someone overcome obstacles and challenges presented before them with courage and with love. L-O-V-E.

The quote above struck a cord with me. I do believe it to be truthful, at least, in regards to how I have felt. For me, it has always been easier to claim inadequacy, than to claim the gifts God has given me. I have said to myself one too many times, "Who am I to believe in me, as it only makes me arrogant". What I have come to realize is my own arrogance for thinking that way. I have been fearful of what others may think of me if they see confidence in me. I believe I am also fearful of claiming my “light” because if I do and I fail or it does not turn out the way I envisioned, I will be less, when in fact I will be more for having had that experience. I realize if I do slip into the darkness or complacency, I am not doing as I am called to do – to serve my Lord and to serve others. By slipping or accepting defeat before even trying, I am automatically missing out on beautiful blessings. God has taught me so many times that He is faithful and trustworthy. He has taught me that although I may fall, there is a reason and He will pick me up again and I will learn something from that experience. I have learned that if I try, it could encourage others to try. Who am I to try to pick and chose my battles and experiences? God is in control, and He will make the situation what it ought to be. I am a child of God and I have to be aware of my light to truly live and be effective for Him. YOU are a child of God and YOU need to be aware of YOUR light to truly live and be effective for Him.

"'You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.'"

-Matthew 5:14-16

Ode to Friends

As I reflect on each blessing God has given to me, I have found myself overwhelmed at each gift of a friend He has placed in my life. I cannot even begin to articulate how blessed I am or how blessed I feel. My prayer as a little girl each day was to have friends because as a child, living in Toronto from the age of five to eleven, I felt very much alone. I was the girl the other kids laughed at. I was the girl who walked around the school yard by herself at recess. I was sad and I was lonely.

As a pre-teen, I found friends. I learned what it was like to be in the popular crowd. It was fun to be included, but it came with pressures, and I slowly realized I did not have a place in that crowd. But what a blessing that time was. I learned so many valuable lessons and I am thankful for the people that were in my life at that time.

Just before I reached the age of thirteen, I really struggled with life. Putting it lightly, I was depressed and hurting myself. But the Lord put amazing friends – true friends – in my life. I have never been the same.

I value my friends because I know what it is like to have no one. I value my friends because each one is amazing. I value my friends because I know they are real. I value my friends because they trust me and allow me to love them. I value my friends because God has shown me what a joy, gift, and blessing each one is.

My best friend’s dad told me this weekend that it is rare to have as many close friends as I do. I am still close with my friends from high school and church, while living away from home and developing new close friendships with people from university. There have certainly been difficult times, but I would not trade those times for anything.

To my Aylmer friends: Thank you for your love over the years. Thank you for fantastic memories and the new special moments we still create together. Thank you for sharing with me. Thank you for welcoming me home. Thank you for being open and sharing with me the areas of your lives that have changed. Thank you for accepting and embracing the parts of me that have changed. We have always been a special group.

To my Guelph friends (including my very dear Haliburton friend): Thank you for the past (almost) two years. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for challenging me. Thank you for being real with me. Thank you for listening and for walking along-side of me as I figure out where God is taking me. Thank you for sharing with me and for your trust. Thank you for your constant encouragement.

To my “random” friends: Thank you. You have taught me so much and you are such a blessing. I am thankful for you and I love you.

All of my friends are amazing. Thank you. Above all thank You, Lord, for being the best friend anyone could ever have.

Happy Easter!

Today was Easter Sunday. What a beautiful day to praise God for giving us His ONLY Son!!!! Today was also special because I took part in Believer's Baptism in Lake Erie early this morning. I wrote out a bit of a testimony for my Baptism, although I just used it as a guide and didn't say all of this stuff and there is so much more to this life of mine. But for those of you who are interested, here it is:


When I was confirmed about six years ago, I had the opportunity to publicly declare my belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. But the first time I began to understand the concept of having a personal relationship with God was when I was 8 years old at a Billy Graham Crusade in Toronto and I asked Jesus into my heart. Thankfully I have always been aware of God. Although I did not always realize, I was truly blessed to have been raised by Godly parents who shared with me the love, grace, and forgiveness that is offered to me by God through Jesus Christ, and the importance of following the Holy Spirit’s direction in my daily life.

As a teenager, God blessed with me amazing friends to help me grow as a person, pick me up when I fell, and challenge me in my walk. I made a lot of mistakes, but looking back on those experiences I have learned three things: the power of God’s grace, the blessings He is continually granting to me, and how to use the experiences I have faced to encourage and help others. All three things continue to give me an overwhelming joy.

When I moved to Guelph two years ago to start University, my life really started to change. I knew that I had to make the decision to seek out a church, which was a scary thing to do because my church had always been chosen for me. I knew I had to get involved in a campus ministry to make solid friends. I also knew I had to seek God out daily in order to survive the world of residence and found so much strength in just trusting He would provide for me. God was faithful and always met me where I was – and He continues to. He has blessed me with incredible friends who constantly challenge me and encourage me. He has blessed me with leadership opportunities within a campus ministry called Campus for Christ. And He has blessed me with a church where I feel at home in.

Although I have been stretched in new ways, over this semester, I noticed I became complacent in my daily walk with God. I became very good at hearing His voice and tucking it away, instead of truly listening to Him and following. A few weeks ago, I really encountered God through some amazing worship and prayer time and He revealed a lot to me and I chose to accept it. By doing so, He brought me to a place where I knew I should seriously consider baptism.

Acts 2 verse 38 says: Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

And Romans 6 verses 1- 5 says: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”

That’s exactly what we are celebrating this morning – the gift of new life through Jesus. So, that brings me to right now – the choice to dive in. As Steven Curtis Chapman sings in his song entitled “Dive”:

The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That’s telling me it’s time to take the leap of faith
So here I go

I’m diving in
I’m going deep in over my head
I want to be caught in the rush,
Lost in the flow,
In over my head I want to go
The river’s deep,
The river’s wide
The river’s water is alive
So sink or swim I’m diving in

There is a supernatural power
In this mighty river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you’ll take my hand
We’ll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let’s go

I've Fallen into the Trap

I've officially fallen into the trap of blogging.