Happy Jackie Day!

Today is Jackie's Birthday. A few years ago, we promised each other we would never forget the other's birthday.

So Jax, I haven't forgotten.

I like your birthday because it allows me to celebrate YOU!
It needs to be an International holiday.
Hunny, I so look forward to when we celebrate together! :o)

I L-O-V-E you, babe.
Happy Birthday!

Our Couch Talk

Picture Amanda, Liz and Tricia talking on the couch. Then Tricia and Amanda engage in a random conversation...

Tricia: "You look like you only have one leg."

Amanda: "Would you still love me if I had only one leg?"

Tricia: "Would you still love me if I made fun of you?"

Wonderful Gifts

Two of my fantastic friends, Heather and Rachel, gave me a gift.
They asked to spend the night.
I was so incredibly thankful.
They make me smile.

And my awesome brother called me yesterday to see how I'm doing.
And my sweet housemate Gabs called to say hi.
And my buddy Nate called to give me his daily update.
I'm blessed.

And two of my extraordinary friends listen to me cry over the phone.
Wow.
I love you girls.

Thank you all.

Let It All Out - Relient K

Let it all out (Get it all out)
Rip it out, remove it
Don't be alarmed, when the wound begins to bleed

'Cause we're so scared to find out (What this life's all about)
So scared we're gonna lose it
And knowing all along
That's exactly what we need

And today I'll trust you with the confidence
Of a man who's never known defeat
But tomorrow, upon hearing what I did
I will stare at you in disbelief
Oh inconsistent me, crying out for consistency

And you said "I know that this will hurt
But if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse.
If the burden seems too much to bear,
Remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there."

And I'll let it be known (At times I have shown)
Signs of all my weakness
But somewhere in me, there is strength

And you promised me (That you believe)
In time I will defeat this
'Cause somewhere in me, there is strength

And today I'll trust you with the confidence
Of a man who's never known defeat
And I'll try my best to just forget
That that man isn't me

And you said "I know that this will hurt
But if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse.
If the burden seems too much to bear,
Remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there."

And you said "I know that this will hurt (I know this will hurt)
But if I don't break your heart, then things will just get worse.
(Things will get much worse)
When the burden seems too much to bear, (Seems too much to bear)
Remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there."

Reach out to me
Make my heart brand new
Every beat will be for you, for you

And I know you know
You touched my life
When You touched my heavy heart
And made it light

Psychology of Death & Dying Assignment

This semester I am taking the course Psychology of Death and Dying. I have found this course to be very interesting and it has also challenged me to evaluate my own thoughts, feelings, beliefs and knowledge of death and the process of dying. I would highly suggest taking this course if you're looking for a really good Distance Ed (although, if you have lost a loved one recently, I suggest waiting a little bit -- it has it's difficult moments).

This week my group has a discussion. The topic is:

Is it normal to desire death? Are people who seek death, by definition mentally ill or unstable? Should society intervene?

I have already posted once with my own reaction and response, as well as mentioning the supporting course material. But I have four more posts to do this week on the topic and I think it would be beneficial to include the thoughts of others. So, I am curious to see if anyone has any thoughts on this. I have no idea if people even read this blog, but if you do... do you believe desiring death is normal and why?

I FINALLY FOUND IT!

When I was asked to come home for my Grandpa's final moments with us, I quickly grabbed a favourite picture of him with my two cousins, aunt, and myself. I knew that we would want to display the picture at the funeral home when Grandpa died. I stuffed it in one of my binders because I only had about twenty minutes to pack my things before leaving for the hospital. Much to my disappointment and discouragement, I could not find the picture when the time came for my cousin Meredith and I to put together all the pictures to design displays for visitation. Everyone knew about this picture and were so disappointed.

Well, I FINALLY FOUND IT! :o)

Bottom from left: Meredith (cousin), Grandpa, Aunt Lisa
Top from Left: Me, Dawn (cousin)

I love this picture so much! I know the picture was taken at least eight to nine years ago. Wow. I think I love it because I am close to this side of my family. We're not just family; we choose to be friends, which indicates that we really love and like each other. Grandpa looks great in it. You can tell he's happy and he loves us. AND to top it all off - it's colour coordinated!

Jackie Sings National Anthem for Leafs

I've posted before about my talented friend Jackie. She sang at the Leafs game once again on Tuesday evening. A friend of mine found that it was posted on YouTube, so check it out!

Jackie Sings National Anthem for Leafs

My Fantastic Day...

Today was a fantastic day. I'm writing this blog to remind myself of God's provisions.

Here's why my day made me happy:

(1) While I was scraping off the ice on my windshield this morning, the sun was shining and the birds were singing.

(2) I talked to someone new in my class this morning and she offered me her extra coffee. That made me smile.

(3) I got an A on a midterm I thought I was going to fail. I actually considered not writing it because I did not think I was prepared after being away for Grandpa's funeral last week and the stress of catching up was significant. This midterm was worth 40% of my final mark. If I had chosen not to write the midterm, I would have had to have written a 3000 word critical book review - woah! There was hardly anyone in class this morning, and as the Professor walked in, he said that all the smart students come to class after a midterm. When he called my name to hand me my midterm back, he said with a smile, "See, all the smart students do come to class." I was extremely confused by that because I am not a good nor smart student, and I was shocked to see my mark. That moment was the highlight of my university academic career. God totally provided during a time of difficulty, pressure and stress.

(4) I have people in my life who love me and get excited for me when I am happy. I cannot even express how thankful I am - especially for the encouraging hugs and phone calls!

(5) I was able to start catching up on my readings.

(6) I spent quality time with "The Heathers". Mac was the cherry and Quack was the rainbow sprinkles on my sundae. ;)

(7) I was able to drive some people around today. I love driving people around. Having my Grandpa's car for the past week has been such a blessing, especially with this lovely lung infection I have. But most of all, I really truly enjoy driving people.

(8) I visited Rachel Dorey and I can't help but smile when I see Rachel!

(9) I had the opportunity to chat with my housemates about life.

(10) I had a lovely nap. It was a gift because I really needed the rest.

(11) My Mom wants me to come home very badly and I wasn't planning on going home this weekend, but I decided it would be nice if I did go home to support her. She was really happy and that made me really happy.

(12) My brother helped me purchase (on eBay) Norah Jones tickets to celebrate my birthday and Heather's birthday in May. We will be sitting on the FLOOR, 8 rows from the stage! I am EXCITED and feel much, MUCH better about our closer seats (... it's a long story)!

(13) Becks came over tonight and we watched Grey's together. We cuddled. I love cuddling with my sweet Becks.

(14) I received this email from the University of Guelph:

Dear Elizabeth,

Your refund cheque is now available and can be picked up at Student Client Services.

The university owes ME money!

(15) God got me through a tough week. Last weekend while I was in bed feeling really sick, I was incredibly fearful and overwhelmed when I thought of everything I had to conquer this week. But, He blessed me and provided for me. He gave me strength when I needed it. He also allowed me to rest when I felt really ill and yet still provided the time to study and work on assignments that needed to get done. God gave me a very gracious professor who has given me extra time to make up a midterm I missed. God gave me supportive friends that accepted my sad moods, too. I am grateful for the blessings He gave me.

That's why I had a fantastic day.

And now, I will be able to sleep tonight because I am exhausted! Sweet! Good night!

“Until We Meet Again"

It was just over one week ago (Saturday, February 3^rd) that I received word that my dear Grandpa had suffered a massive heart attack. On Sunday morning, my Mom called me and asked that I come home to the hospital to be with my Grandpa and my family. This meant that Grandpa was not going to get better this time. As I walked into his room and sat down by his bed, he opened his eyes and looked at me, smiled his usual goofy smile and waved at me. Classic Grandpa. The next visit was very disturbing, as he was in so much pain. Soon after, our entire family was called in and we prayed together and with Grandpa. We kept reminding him that it would only be “just a little while longer.”

Later that night, Grandpa woke up and he looked at everyone in the room, did his usual wave and very confidently said, “Until we meet again.” He knew. And how confident he was in the Lord’s promise of eternal life!

And about one week ago today, right around this time, I was with my Grandpa as he spent his last few moments with us on earth. I really cannot describe what it was like to witness his last few breaths and then know that he was gone. I just do not understand. But as I recall those few minutes, I remember my Mom on her knees right beside Grandpa, talking to him about how amazing it was to see Jesus. She kept on saying, “Take Jesus’ hand, Dad; Take Jesus’ hand.”

Grandpa did take Jesus’ hand. At times this week, I’ve thought about how nice it would be to just leave this life and take Jesus’ hand, just like Grandpa did. But because of my Grandpa’s wonderful example and extraordinary character, I have learned that I need to continue doing my work here to the best of my ability for the sole purpose of honouring God. I admire the faith my Grandpa had. Christ’s love and strength just flowed through him. He had such a servant’s heart and I will forever be honoured to have been one of his granddaughters.

I had a special moment at Christmas with my Grandpa. I knew as I said goodbye on Christmas Day that God had just given me the most precious Christmas gift: the last really great conversation I’d ever have with Grandpa. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. And Grandpa knew too – he was crying. For such a quiet man, his ability to convey his love and pride was amazing. How thankful I am to have had the moment.

A favourite hymn of our family’s is My Jesus I Love Thee. I asked Jackie to sing it at the funeral because it really is a perfect fit for Grandpa.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Grandpa, I know you are singing in Glory and worshiping our Lord with endless delight!

I love you and miss you so much. Until we meet again.

"I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can"

I randomly did an internet search, wanting to look up information on "The Little Engine Train that Could". I found, what is said to be the original, on Wikipedia.

A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches. One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill "I can't; that is too much a pull for me," said the great engine built for hard work. Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused. At last in desperation the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. "I think I can," puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train. As it went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

Then as it near the top of the grade, that had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly, but still kept saying, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can." It reached the top by dint of brave effort and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself, "I thought I could, I thought I could."

To think of hard things and say, "I can't" is sure to mean "Nothing done." To refuse to be daunted and insist on saying, "I think I can," is to make sure of being able to say triumphantly by and by, "I thought I could, I thought I could."

Keep Holding On...

I love how music empowers lyrics, thus empowering those who listen.

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No, I won't give in

Keep holdin' on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
And there's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late
This could all disappear
Before the door's closed
And it comes to an end
With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend, yeah, yeah

Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

Hear me when I say
When I say I believe.
Nothing's gonna change
Nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be
Will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
La da da da, la da da da
La da da da da da da da da

Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

Ahh, ahh
Keep holding on
Ahh, ahh
Keep holding on
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

-Avril Lavigne

Is love enough?

Let It Fade...

I started my day off by listening to Jeremy Camp's song 'Let It Fade'. What a perfect way to start my day. It just really spoke to my heart.

Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain?

Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty?
You can't live this way too long.
There's more than this, more than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest, you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Have you been holding on to what this world has offered?
Have you been giving in to all these masquerades?
It will be gone, forever gone.
It will be gone, it will be gone

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Let it fade.

Are you carrying the weight too much?
Are you running from the call?
Let it fade, Oh yeah.

You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?

NEW YEARS!

Happy 2007!
Thanks for a great time everyone!

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. :)