So I made turkey dinner for the first time yesterday! Okay so I've made a turkey before, just not by myself and not alone. (They're not the same thing, by the way). I got my mom to email me directions on how she makes turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. I followed it pretty much to the T....except that I added my own personality to the stuffing. I made it with whole wheat buns (that's right! Booya for whole wheat!) and added fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, and apples. It was rather more separate and a little drier than Mom's usually is, but it tasted good. My gravy was too thin; I didn't have any corn starch so I used a flour roux (or however you spell it)...but it didn't turn out thick enough. But again, it tasted nice. It was more of a glaze than a gravy. Oh well. I burnt my cranberry sauce though. I burnt it good. I couldn't even salvage it, so I just chucked it. So unfortunately we had to use canned stuff. But again, it was still good. And I also made lemon cake with peaches (again, something I learned from Mom) with Cool Whip. Yummy... Oh yeah. And I brought a handful (armful) of oversized zucchini from the garden back home, so I split one in half and baked it with butter, fresh garlic, and oregano. Kari told me about that one. (She also told me about the brown sugar soy garlic spread to bake salmon fillets with. She knows, that one. She knows).
It was really great to have people come over and have Thanksgiving with me. During college, I was always fortunate enough to live in close proximity to my family, so I always went home for the holidays. But now I can't....so I'm especially thankful this time around for people to share holidays like this with. Thank God for church families. It was fun too!
We then watched a movie called Flywheel. It was quite a great story - so inspirational. I totally recommend it. Quality of cinematography is not that great, and acting is okay, but story is awesome. Totally encouraged me.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Red Mittens Inspired.
Ok Dad. Your blog did the trick. I officially want a pair of those Red Olympic Mittens. They look so warm and soft and Olympic-ish. I also wouldn't mind a Miga plushy. But if given the choice, I'll take the mittens. They're warmer.
I actually do support the Olympics. No, I don't like Vanoc's mismanagement of money or the gaudy construction on the banks of False Creek or any number of negative implications of Vancouver hosting the 2010 winter games. But I do like rallying behind young people who have worked extremely hard to do something that they love (or, in some cases, something that they are good at but have a more business-like approach to it) and supporting them as they represent me and my country.
Some people complain that the Olympics are all about money-grubbing and politics and that it's about the Big Man stepping on the little man, etc. But that's a negative implication that is caused by the money grubbers and the politicians (appointed or not...people can be political without being a part of the government, if you understand my use of the word)...not the athletes. Yes I know, athletes can be money grubbers and politicians themselves....but hear what I am saying. At the core of it, the Olympics are designed to celebrate the efforts of young people dedicated to excelling at the sport(s) they are in, by way of international competition. It is a chance to celebrate other countries' ethnicity and culture.
Look at the Beijing Olympics last summer. I was blown away by the performances put on, both by their athletes, and by their Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Being able to wake up to a call from my father, in Beijing, as he sat in the Opening Ceremonies, listening to the incredible drum beats pouring in through my cell phone, was an experience I'll never forget. Yes, the Closing Ceremony was extravagant by anyone's definition, but it was incredible to watch and exclaim over. Ok, so the money spent could be used to feed a small country. You're right. But the price we spend on our lattes every day could feed a child too. That's not my point. My point is that for what the Olympics are designed for - championing young people as they champion us, and celebrating the chance to connect with other nations and cultures - is independent of what people choose to do and how they want to misuse and abuse the Olympics. For myself, I want to support the efforts of young people and of my fellow Canadians, and celebrate in not only other nationalities and cultures, but my own, too. I love Canada, I really do. I don't love some things that the Canadian government does, or some things that my fellow Canadians do...but that doesn't mean I don't love my country. I simply refuse to be jaded by people's actions, so that I don't support all the hard work that these young people...and the work all the rest of those involved...have done and are doing.
So for me, I say, Go Canada!
And I really do want a pair of those mittens.
I actually do support the Olympics. No, I don't like Vanoc's mismanagement of money or the gaudy construction on the banks of False Creek or any number of negative implications of Vancouver hosting the 2010 winter games. But I do like rallying behind young people who have worked extremely hard to do something that they love (or, in some cases, something that they are good at but have a more business-like approach to it) and supporting them as they represent me and my country.
Some people complain that the Olympics are all about money-grubbing and politics and that it's about the Big Man stepping on the little man, etc. But that's a negative implication that is caused by the money grubbers and the politicians (appointed or not...people can be political without being a part of the government, if you understand my use of the word)...not the athletes. Yes I know, athletes can be money grubbers and politicians themselves....but hear what I am saying. At the core of it, the Olympics are designed to celebrate the efforts of young people dedicated to excelling at the sport(s) they are in, by way of international competition. It is a chance to celebrate other countries' ethnicity and culture.
Look at the Beijing Olympics last summer. I was blown away by the performances put on, both by their athletes, and by their Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Being able to wake up to a call from my father, in Beijing, as he sat in the Opening Ceremonies, listening to the incredible drum beats pouring in through my cell phone, was an experience I'll never forget. Yes, the Closing Ceremony was extravagant by anyone's definition, but it was incredible to watch and exclaim over. Ok, so the money spent could be used to feed a small country. You're right. But the price we spend on our lattes every day could feed a child too. That's not my point. My point is that for what the Olympics are designed for - championing young people as they champion us, and celebrating the chance to connect with other nations and cultures - is independent of what people choose to do and how they want to misuse and abuse the Olympics. For myself, I want to support the efforts of young people and of my fellow Canadians, and celebrate in not only other nationalities and cultures, but my own, too. I love Canada, I really do. I don't love some things that the Canadian government does, or some things that my fellow Canadians do...but that doesn't mean I don't love my country. I simply refuse to be jaded by people's actions, so that I don't support all the hard work that these young people...and the work all the rest of those involved...have done and are doing.
So for me, I say, Go Canada!
And I really do want a pair of those mittens.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Land legs
I am incredibly grumpy. I don't really know why. Maybe because these past couple weeks have been emotionally exhausting. Finding out that my aunt had sudden, terminal cancer...sucked. Calling my mom every day or two to find out how my aunt was doing...and how the rest of my family was doing...it sucked. Flying down to the mainland to spend 5 days with my grieving family, and going to the internment and memorial, dealing with family stuff and heightened emotions and stresses...it all sucked. Knowing that I'm never going to see her again in this life, not until I get to go to heaven...that sucked. Big time.
I didn't actually get it - the grief, the loss, the realization that this is real, my aunt really did pass away...until I saw the pictures of her at the memorial. The beautiful smile, remembering her laugh, watching a video of her dancing...that was hard. Seeing my family grieve for not only a lovely sister but a great, true friend...that was hard.
There were some "blue sky" moments though. Having my friends and colleagues here rally around me and support me and pray for me and my family...getting to spend a week with my cousin and his family from Saskatchewan and having a great visit, even though the circumstances were not the best...seeing my family (and my dog)...seeing my extended family and having brief but cherished visits...hearing stories of my aunt's courage and faithfulness to Jesus right to the end...hearing from both of her daughters that my aunt loved me very much and had a special place in her heart for me and talked often about me. Blue sky.
Well I am not as grouchy as I was. I guess it's a little bit of a shift to get my mind wrapped around life in Port Hardy again. I'm still reeling a bit - getting my land legs again, I guess.
I didn't actually get it - the grief, the loss, the realization that this is real, my aunt really did pass away...until I saw the pictures of her at the memorial. The beautiful smile, remembering her laugh, watching a video of her dancing...that was hard. Seeing my family grieve for not only a lovely sister but a great, true friend...that was hard.
There were some "blue sky" moments though. Having my friends and colleagues here rally around me and support me and pray for me and my family...getting to spend a week with my cousin and his family from Saskatchewan and having a great visit, even though the circumstances were not the best...seeing my family (and my dog)...seeing my extended family and having brief but cherished visits...hearing stories of my aunt's courage and faithfulness to Jesus right to the end...hearing from both of her daughters that my aunt loved me very much and had a special place in her heart for me and talked often about me. Blue sky.
Well I am not as grouchy as I was. I guess it's a little bit of a shift to get my mind wrapped around life in Port Hardy again. I'm still reeling a bit - getting my land legs again, I guess.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Jumping the gun
I cut off my hair. Again. It used to be down to the middle of my back. Now it's shorter than in my profile pic. I can spike it up in chunky bits in the back. I should post a photo.
The reaction of people around here was funny. Many people (girls) said "wow it looks so cute!" and many people (guys) said (after staring at me for a minute or so) "...you cut off your hair. Why?"
Why? Just cuz I wanted to. I do things like that. I'm slightly impulsive. I cut off my hair the first time (and it was just as long the first time) simply because I wanted to and because it was time for a change. Don't get me wrong; I looked up pictures of short hair styles and very deliberately chose the hair style that I got. (actually she cut it a bit shorter than I had intended, but it turned out well). This time, I knew that I liked it, my friend who cuts hair was in town, and she came over and snipped off all my hair. And then I went out the next day and bought a box of hair dye and streaked it. Just cuz I wanted to.
I got my nose pierced a couple years ago just because I wanted to, as well. There are limits to my impulsiveness though. I didn't get my eyebrow pierced, because I knew it would probably wreck my eyebrow eventually. (And having dark eyebrows, it would be pretty noticeable.) and I didn't get a tattoo. Even though I have wanted one for a long time. I just think about the long term things sometimes. Today's cool factor (and pain) would be tomorrow's regret. I can't undo a tattoo (at least not without some scarring and a lot of money)...so if I do get one, it will be accompanied by a lot of thought and consideration.
I was thinking about the concept of consequences the other day. Specifically, the concept of impulsiveness/thirst for "now" satisfaction without considering the consequences. It seems that a lot of the issues in society right now is due to the fact that people aren't being taught to consider the possible consequences or implications of actions taken. Things that we do have implications. Promiscuity has the possible (and very likely) consequences of pregnancy, or STD's...and definite emotional consequences. But I look at all the teen moms here, and I wonder, how did this happen? I think then, that the parents lacked wisdom, because they were probably caught up in the "good times now" way of thinking.
Is it worth denying yourself to wait for things? Is it worth not indulging? It's hard, definitely. And I am not even just talking about sex. We live in a fast food culture. Even eating. I've been snacking at night because I've not taken the time to prepare myself a proper meal at night. And so I go to the vending machine at 11:00 pm. I know it's bad for me, both what i am eating and the time I am eating it at. and it will catch up with me. It's just that right now, I am hungry, and I do not want to wait for morning nor make something proper. Same with the words we speak. We speak what we feel...yet later down the road those words may catch up with us.
Every aspect of our lives - if we implement that "fast food" mentality, we'll ultimately end up unhealthy.
I think that we need to take a step back and wait. Wait for the right opportunity; wait for what God has planned...don't jump the gun. In anything. and when He gives the go ahead, JUMP FEET FIRST!
The reaction of people around here was funny. Many people (girls) said "wow it looks so cute!" and many people (guys) said (after staring at me for a minute or so) "...you cut off your hair. Why?"
Why? Just cuz I wanted to. I do things like that. I'm slightly impulsive. I cut off my hair the first time (and it was just as long the first time) simply because I wanted to and because it was time for a change. Don't get me wrong; I looked up pictures of short hair styles and very deliberately chose the hair style that I got. (actually she cut it a bit shorter than I had intended, but it turned out well). This time, I knew that I liked it, my friend who cuts hair was in town, and she came over and snipped off all my hair. And then I went out the next day and bought a box of hair dye and streaked it. Just cuz I wanted to.
I got my nose pierced a couple years ago just because I wanted to, as well. There are limits to my impulsiveness though. I didn't get my eyebrow pierced, because I knew it would probably wreck my eyebrow eventually. (And having dark eyebrows, it would be pretty noticeable.) and I didn't get a tattoo. Even though I have wanted one for a long time. I just think about the long term things sometimes. Today's cool factor (and pain) would be tomorrow's regret. I can't undo a tattoo (at least not without some scarring and a lot of money)...so if I do get one, it will be accompanied by a lot of thought and consideration.
I was thinking about the concept of consequences the other day. Specifically, the concept of impulsiveness/thirst for "now" satisfaction without considering the consequences. It seems that a lot of the issues in society right now is due to the fact that people aren't being taught to consider the possible consequences or implications of actions taken. Things that we do have implications. Promiscuity has the possible (and very likely) consequences of pregnancy, or STD's...and definite emotional consequences. But I look at all the teen moms here, and I wonder, how did this happen? I think then, that the parents lacked wisdom, because they were probably caught up in the "good times now" way of thinking.
Is it worth denying yourself to wait for things? Is it worth not indulging? It's hard, definitely. And I am not even just talking about sex. We live in a fast food culture. Even eating. I've been snacking at night because I've not taken the time to prepare myself a proper meal at night. And so I go to the vending machine at 11:00 pm. I know it's bad for me, both what i am eating and the time I am eating it at. and it will catch up with me. It's just that right now, I am hungry, and I do not want to wait for morning nor make something proper. Same with the words we speak. We speak what we feel...yet later down the road those words may catch up with us.
Every aspect of our lives - if we implement that "fast food" mentality, we'll ultimately end up unhealthy.
I think that we need to take a step back and wait. Wait for the right opportunity; wait for what God has planned...don't jump the gun. In anything. and when He gives the go ahead, JUMP FEET FIRST!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A killer week...
Well yep. Haven't posted a blog for a while...strangely, I didn't know what to say. But now I do, so here you are.
I'm learning guitar. A young adult from the church has mad skill on the drums and is great on the guitar, so I enlisted his help. He's more than willing to teach me because a) it gives him someone to jam with anytime he comes to hang out at the church, and b) I have a fairly nice electric guitar that is on indefinite loan from my brother which, by all standards, should not just sit in a corner and look pretty. It should sit on my knee and look pretty while I jam. But all that to say, my fingertips are getting callused. I always wondered how fingertips get callused from playing guitar, but now I know: you press really hard on the strings, it hurts, you practice until your fingers can't take it anymore (in the case of my soft fingertips, 5 mins), and then your fingers decide that they don't like that and grow calluses to protect themselves. It's kind of marvelous, really, because I've never had calluses on my fingertips before. They're getting kind of knobbly looking, and when I type, it feels like I have very thin bandaids on. Or a layer of dried glue. Oh, the wonders of the human body.
I got a fishing license yesterday. I am ridiculously excited about it. I got an annual license for the ocean, with a salmon tag, for $28!! I'm sorry, the thrifty side of me is stoked just as much as the outdoors side of me, just because I have a daily limit of 4 salmon I can catch...you can't buy 2 salmon, or even one large one, for $28 at the store. Or halibut. I can fish for halibut!!!! And make homemade fish and chips!!!!! Do you know how excited I am about that???!!!! Dude. So stoked.
Along with my fishing license, I also got a guide on fishing regulations and whatnot. In it, there were pictures of halibut and salmon and trout, etc. Do you know, I had no idea what halibut looked like?? I did not know that they were a flatfish, a bottom-feeder. I totally thought they were fish like salmon or trout. And they have these weird mouths, that kind of remind me of the Predator, a vertical slit in the front of their face with what looked like teeth. Creepy, personally. If I didn't know that Halibut were tasty, I wouldn't be all that appetized at the thought of eating them.
Last week was killer. A team of youth and young adults from Surrey Christian Life Assembly (CLA) came up to bless and do ministry. Pastor George was on a much-needed holiday, so I got to step up and organize stuff for them to do. It was really fun, I have to say. Knowing at least three of them helped, but getting to know everyone better really rocked. They got here last wednesday and they left monday morning. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they worked around the church doing manual labor, stuff that we needed to get done but just didn't have the manpower and time to do, and then in the afternoons we joined with the Korean Love Corps to help with their VBS on the Tsuquate reserve, and their worship service in the evenings, also on the Tsuquate reserve. I have to say, I had a blast, and I was so impressed with them. They dove right into anything I had them do, and they were so good at building genuine relationship with everyone around them. I got to know Love Corps better, and I got to build relationship with the parents, kids, and youth on Tsuquate, and built relationships and mentored people with Surrey CLA. The Love Corps left on saturday morning so it was sad to see them go. But CLA did a marvelous Sidewalk Kids Club Saturday afternoon. It was outside (thus "Sidewalk") and we had like 30 kids there, plus moms and dads with strollers, youth, and general passersby. It was energetic and creative and shared the love of God in a genuine and enthusiastic (and exciting!) way. So sweet. So stoked to get something like that going here.
Saturday evening Andrew took us on a hike, from the road leading to Port McNeil all the way out to Storey's Beach. It was a fabulous hike. We had like 22 people go. I had some great conversations on the way there, and I know that other people did too. At one point we were walking by this little lake, and it was gorgeous. Just a little piece of aquatic heaven in the middle of forest. Once we were at Storey's, we hung out, played games, danced, and watched some of the crazy youth we were with go swimming in the ocean. Although, truth be told, the creek we went swimming in with the Tsuquate kids was way colder. But still. Swimming in the ocean at dusk is all kinds of bold. We had tons of fun. Then a black lab appeared out of nowhere and wanted to fetch sticks out of the water (surprise surprise). It made me miss Sable, my black lab. Mom, you wanna send her up here?? ;) Luckily the owners came and got the dog before we had to leave. :)
On Sunday afternoon we had a tri-Port baptism service and BBQ out at Beaver Lake. It was supposed to be between Port Hardy, Port Alice, and Port McNeil, but Port McNeil was heavily involved with Orcafest, so unfortunately we didn't get to see them. But that's ok. It was fun, and great to connect with believers from other towns, and celebrate people's commitment to Christ through baptism!! We got to hear the stories of how these ladies (there were three) came to be in relationship with Christ. It was so encouraging to see people support and encourage others in their commitment to Christ...the sound of cheers as each lady came up out of the water was wonderful.
So CLA left on monday morning. I was truly sad to see them go...they were an encouragement to my heart and were tons of fun. I loved seeing youth and young adults so excited for God and living it out. That's one thing I have a passion for: seeing people passionate for God and living it out - and that doesn't necessarily mean only being involved with church. Ministry is a life-calling...however God has made you to be, whatever job you have, whether that is a construction worker or an artist or a barista or a stay-at-home parent, you are in ministry. Your relationship with God flows out into your lifestyle and into the relationships you have. The joy of the Lord should go with you where ever you are....the fruit of the Spirit should be seen in whatever you do...the love that God has for us should be reflected in us to other people. It's not easy, but a passionate relationship with God enables us to do that better. The deeper we go with God, the more natural this becomes.
So ok. I'm loving life in Port Hardy. I have yet to see whales, though I am going on a Whale Watching tour soon...the week after next, maybe. (WHEE!!!!!!!) And God is starting to put dreams in my heart, as he's starting to show me the heart and flavour of Port Hardy. He's beginning to give me a deeper love for the people of PH. I love it here.
Oh yeah! I saw phosphorescence on the beach the other night!!!!! It was sooooo COOL!!! every time I stepped or swished my feet or pressed the sand, these almost electric sparkles would shoot out from my feet. It was so amazing. It was gorgeous. I played in the sand for a good half hour just marveling. O man. So cool. And then I and my friend saw a bear and had to climb through someone's back yard to go around it back to the car. Hahaha.
Love love love.
I'm learning guitar. A young adult from the church has mad skill on the drums and is great on the guitar, so I enlisted his help. He's more than willing to teach me because a) it gives him someone to jam with anytime he comes to hang out at the church, and b) I have a fairly nice electric guitar that is on indefinite loan from my brother which, by all standards, should not just sit in a corner and look pretty. It should sit on my knee and look pretty while I jam. But all that to say, my fingertips are getting callused. I always wondered how fingertips get callused from playing guitar, but now I know: you press really hard on the strings, it hurts, you practice until your fingers can't take it anymore (in the case of my soft fingertips, 5 mins), and then your fingers decide that they don't like that and grow calluses to protect themselves. It's kind of marvelous, really, because I've never had calluses on my fingertips before. They're getting kind of knobbly looking, and when I type, it feels like I have very thin bandaids on. Or a layer of dried glue. Oh, the wonders of the human body.
I got a fishing license yesterday. I am ridiculously excited about it. I got an annual license for the ocean, with a salmon tag, for $28!! I'm sorry, the thrifty side of me is stoked just as much as the outdoors side of me, just because I have a daily limit of 4 salmon I can catch...you can't buy 2 salmon, or even one large one, for $28 at the store. Or halibut. I can fish for halibut!!!! And make homemade fish and chips!!!!! Do you know how excited I am about that???!!!! Dude. So stoked.
Along with my fishing license, I also got a guide on fishing regulations and whatnot. In it, there were pictures of halibut and salmon and trout, etc. Do you know, I had no idea what halibut looked like?? I did not know that they were a flatfish, a bottom-feeder. I totally thought they were fish like salmon or trout. And they have these weird mouths, that kind of remind me of the Predator, a vertical slit in the front of their face with what looked like teeth. Creepy, personally. If I didn't know that Halibut were tasty, I wouldn't be all that appetized at the thought of eating them.
Last week was killer. A team of youth and young adults from Surrey Christian Life Assembly (CLA) came up to bless and do ministry. Pastor George was on a much-needed holiday, so I got to step up and organize stuff for them to do. It was really fun, I have to say. Knowing at least three of them helped, but getting to know everyone better really rocked. They got here last wednesday and they left monday morning. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they worked around the church doing manual labor, stuff that we needed to get done but just didn't have the manpower and time to do, and then in the afternoons we joined with the Korean Love Corps to help with their VBS on the Tsuquate reserve, and their worship service in the evenings, also on the Tsuquate reserve. I have to say, I had a blast, and I was so impressed with them. They dove right into anything I had them do, and they were so good at building genuine relationship with everyone around them. I got to know Love Corps better, and I got to build relationship with the parents, kids, and youth on Tsuquate, and built relationships and mentored people with Surrey CLA. The Love Corps left on saturday morning so it was sad to see them go. But CLA did a marvelous Sidewalk Kids Club Saturday afternoon. It was outside (thus "Sidewalk") and we had like 30 kids there, plus moms and dads with strollers, youth, and general passersby. It was energetic and creative and shared the love of God in a genuine and enthusiastic (and exciting!) way. So sweet. So stoked to get something like that going here.
Saturday evening Andrew took us on a hike, from the road leading to Port McNeil all the way out to Storey's Beach. It was a fabulous hike. We had like 22 people go. I had some great conversations on the way there, and I know that other people did too. At one point we were walking by this little lake, and it was gorgeous. Just a little piece of aquatic heaven in the middle of forest. Once we were at Storey's, we hung out, played games, danced, and watched some of the crazy youth we were with go swimming in the ocean. Although, truth be told, the creek we went swimming in with the Tsuquate kids was way colder. But still. Swimming in the ocean at dusk is all kinds of bold. We had tons of fun. Then a black lab appeared out of nowhere and wanted to fetch sticks out of the water (surprise surprise). It made me miss Sable, my black lab. Mom, you wanna send her up here?? ;) Luckily the owners came and got the dog before we had to leave. :)
On Sunday afternoon we had a tri-Port baptism service and BBQ out at Beaver Lake. It was supposed to be between Port Hardy, Port Alice, and Port McNeil, but Port McNeil was heavily involved with Orcafest, so unfortunately we didn't get to see them. But that's ok. It was fun, and great to connect with believers from other towns, and celebrate people's commitment to Christ through baptism!! We got to hear the stories of how these ladies (there were three) came to be in relationship with Christ. It was so encouraging to see people support and encourage others in their commitment to Christ...the sound of cheers as each lady came up out of the water was wonderful.
So CLA left on monday morning. I was truly sad to see them go...they were an encouragement to my heart and were tons of fun. I loved seeing youth and young adults so excited for God and living it out. That's one thing I have a passion for: seeing people passionate for God and living it out - and that doesn't necessarily mean only being involved with church. Ministry is a life-calling...however God has made you to be, whatever job you have, whether that is a construction worker or an artist or a barista or a stay-at-home parent, you are in ministry. Your relationship with God flows out into your lifestyle and into the relationships you have. The joy of the Lord should go with you where ever you are....the fruit of the Spirit should be seen in whatever you do...the love that God has for us should be reflected in us to other people. It's not easy, but a passionate relationship with God enables us to do that better. The deeper we go with God, the more natural this becomes.
So ok. I'm loving life in Port Hardy. I have yet to see whales, though I am going on a Whale Watching tour soon...the week after next, maybe. (WHEE!!!!!!!) And God is starting to put dreams in my heart, as he's starting to show me the heart and flavour of Port Hardy. He's beginning to give me a deeper love for the people of PH. I love it here.
Oh yeah! I saw phosphorescence on the beach the other night!!!!! It was sooooo COOL!!! every time I stepped or swished my feet or pressed the sand, these almost electric sparkles would shoot out from my feet. It was so amazing. It was gorgeous. I played in the sand for a good half hour just marveling. O man. So cool. And then I and my friend saw a bear and had to climb through someone's back yard to go around it back to the car. Hahaha.
Love love love.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Limitless...
I was just having a conversation with Heather and Blaine about the Awakening conference that PHCF put on last August, and she was telling us that the theme of that was "limitless"...letting God be who is in our lives, not putting him in a box, etc.
That kind of sparked something in me just now. What is it to be limitless with God?
Our God, by definition, is limitless. We can't put Him in a box. Blaine was talking about pushing the boundaries with our relationship with God, and going deeper with Him, constantly, and not being satisfied to stay in a static state.
That is one thing that I have been challenged with even in the week I've been here, is living in a limitless relationship with God. Dreaming big, believing big, having faith in the awesome God and allowing my relationship with Him to be one of no limits. This church is living that - they bought the Thunderbird Inn...and this place is being transformed into a ministry center! PHCF chose to live in a limitless relationship with God.
I've seen this in other places too. People telling stories of God providing them with things they hadn't told anyone they needed, for example. God can and does do miracles.
My heart is to learn how to dream big with God. Have Him implant His heart into my heart - and dream the radical. What does God want for the youth of Port Hardy? What boundary-stretching, limitless plans does He have? My job is to allow and believe God to do limitless things in my life, and in the lives that I affect. I find myself asking the question, "In what way can I live a limitless life with God? Where in my life have I put limits on my relationship with God? Why are these limits there - past experiences, or a lack of these types of limitless experiences with God?"
God once showed me a picture of a door frame with a curtain over it. The curtain fluttered, and all I could see was dark space, an unknown I guess. But I felt like I was standing at the doorway, and behind the curtain was a life with God more amazing, more exhilerating, more intimate and Spirit-filled and -led than I'd ever known or imagined. This concept of limitless taps into that, I guess.
So I ask you: are you living a limitless relationship with God, where you allow the greatness and the magnitude of God, and His heart for His people, to affect, guide, and transform your life? I challenge you to walk with no limits - no cap on what God can do and wants to do - for the benefit of your life, and for those around you. Dream big for yourself, and for others' lives! Jesus talked about life to the fullest, about abundant life. I think that living a limitless life with God is living abundantly with Him! Don't be afraid to dream big - God is a magnificent, awesome God, and He can do the impossible - and even the improbable.
That kind of sparked something in me just now. What is it to be limitless with God?
Our God, by definition, is limitless. We can't put Him in a box. Blaine was talking about pushing the boundaries with our relationship with God, and going deeper with Him, constantly, and not being satisfied to stay in a static state.
That is one thing that I have been challenged with even in the week I've been here, is living in a limitless relationship with God. Dreaming big, believing big, having faith in the awesome God and allowing my relationship with Him to be one of no limits. This church is living that - they bought the Thunderbird Inn...and this place is being transformed into a ministry center! PHCF chose to live in a limitless relationship with God.
I've seen this in other places too. People telling stories of God providing them with things they hadn't told anyone they needed, for example. God can and does do miracles.
My heart is to learn how to dream big with God. Have Him implant His heart into my heart - and dream the radical. What does God want for the youth of Port Hardy? What boundary-stretching, limitless plans does He have? My job is to allow and believe God to do limitless things in my life, and in the lives that I affect. I find myself asking the question, "In what way can I live a limitless life with God? Where in my life have I put limits on my relationship with God? Why are these limits there - past experiences, or a lack of these types of limitless experiences with God?"
God once showed me a picture of a door frame with a curtain over it. The curtain fluttered, and all I could see was dark space, an unknown I guess. But I felt like I was standing at the doorway, and behind the curtain was a life with God more amazing, more exhilerating, more intimate and Spirit-filled and -led than I'd ever known or imagined. This concept of limitless taps into that, I guess.
So I ask you: are you living a limitless relationship with God, where you allow the greatness and the magnitude of God, and His heart for His people, to affect, guide, and transform your life? I challenge you to walk with no limits - no cap on what God can do and wants to do - for the benefit of your life, and for those around you. Dream big for yourself, and for others' lives! Jesus talked about life to the fullest, about abundant life. I think that living a limitless life with God is living abundantly with Him! Don't be afraid to dream big - God is a magnificent, awesome God, and He can do the impossible - and even the improbable.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
So God is good...
Y'know, it's amazing what God is doing here. Not only is there amazing fellowship, friendly people, and a drivenness to do what God wants us to do...but God is here. God is active in Port Hardy.
Take this story for example. The apartment building of two of my new friends is managed by a young Christian man. The other night, a fellow got stabbed, twice, in the chest, right under the collarbone. He stumbled over to the apartment manager's door, spouting blood, and knocked. 3 AM. The manager comes to the door, sees the guy, grabs his keys and takes him to the hospital. The guy who got stabbed just kept on saying, "I forgive this person. I don't want to press charges. I forgive this person." The doctor said that the steak knife (cuz that's what it was) missed the heart by an inch, the lungs by half an inch, and the major arteries by like a fraction. Any higher, lower, any direction side to side, and this guy would have been dead.
Sunday morning, this stabbing victim is in church, telling his story, praising God, and praying for the person who stabbed him...and this guy wasn't the closest to God that he could have been before.
To see God use a terrible situation and make the best out of it...man. God is GOOD! Even just having the Christian manager there to take him to the hospital, pray with him, support him...I mean, God used a stabbing to connect this fellow to the church, put a Christian in his life to pray and support him...I mean, even the protection God gave the guy from being killed!! God is GOOD.
Last night my new friends, and the apartment manager, got together for prayer. It was cool. And every tuesday is intercessory prayer that anyone can come to. I am learning - and relearning - a lot. I am very much learning to be active in my faith - to have faith in what God says - and be active in my trust in Him. To listen to what the Spirit is saying, pray what God is leading us to pray. To pray with faith, and authority, and with conviction. With power. God is good. Even just being here this short amount of time has strengthened my faith and brought me closer to Him.
God is GOOD!!!!
Take this story for example. The apartment building of two of my new friends is managed by a young Christian man. The other night, a fellow got stabbed, twice, in the chest, right under the collarbone. He stumbled over to the apartment manager's door, spouting blood, and knocked. 3 AM. The manager comes to the door, sees the guy, grabs his keys and takes him to the hospital. The guy who got stabbed just kept on saying, "I forgive this person. I don't want to press charges. I forgive this person." The doctor said that the steak knife (cuz that's what it was) missed the heart by an inch, the lungs by half an inch, and the major arteries by like a fraction. Any higher, lower, any direction side to side, and this guy would have been dead.
Sunday morning, this stabbing victim is in church, telling his story, praising God, and praying for the person who stabbed him...and this guy wasn't the closest to God that he could have been before.
To see God use a terrible situation and make the best out of it...man. God is GOOD! Even just having the Christian manager there to take him to the hospital, pray with him, support him...I mean, God used a stabbing to connect this fellow to the church, put a Christian in his life to pray and support him...I mean, even the protection God gave the guy from being killed!! God is GOOD.
Last night my new friends, and the apartment manager, got together for prayer. It was cool. And every tuesday is intercessory prayer that anyone can come to. I am learning - and relearning - a lot. I am very much learning to be active in my faith - to have faith in what God says - and be active in my trust in Him. To listen to what the Spirit is saying, pray what God is leading us to pray. To pray with faith, and authority, and with conviction. With power. God is good. Even just being here this short amount of time has strengthened my faith and brought me closer to Him.
God is GOOD!!!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
And having arrived....
First of all, I have to say that my basil made it. It survived being crammed in the back seat of the truck for nearly 24 hours. It's now sitting on the windowsill of (one of) my room(s) craning towards the sun. Hurray!
I say "one of" just because I have stuff spread over 3 rooms (sound familiar Mom?)...but it really isn't my fault this time. I have my food in my kitchen-to-be, and most of my stuff in a bedless hotel room, and my sleeping stuff in another hotel room (with a bed). My suite isn't ready yet. So in the meantime I will be in another room, which is quite okay with me. :)
The drive up was long, even though we made smokin time. Drove for just over 4 hours once we got off the ferry. Dad and I were musing about the fact that 30+ years ago, Dad was driving down from Port Hardy (having lived there for a summer), listening to stuff like Fleetwood Mac...and now we were driving up, listening to stuff like Lynrd Skynrd and Bruce Springsteen as he was driving his daughter up there. lol. Kind of like poetic irony I suppose.
Everyone is super nice here. They're so friendly and welcoming. A team (from down Island, I think) is here helping out with the renovations, and Dad and I came in just as they were sitting down for lunch. And man, it is so cool to see people working together for a common goal, and eating together and joking and laughing...I think it is the sense of commonality and unity here that is so wonderful. Not that everyone is the same - but that everyone is working for the same goal. Even as I get to chat with the people here, and the people in the neighboring churches - to know that we're all laboring for the same cause, for the same Maker...it strengthens my soul.
I love how the Kingdom of God reaches across nations, across culture, and across every barrier. A fellow I know just broke the world record for bycicling across Canada (24 days!!). He posted almost every day about his journey. He did it as an act of worship to God and as an expression of who God made him to be - not really for the purpose of breaking any records - and the support and encouragement that I saw poured out from those who followed his journey via his posts was incredible. People literally across the globe were following his journey, and celebrating with him as this trip brought him closer to God and deeper in relationship with Him. And I just think, wow, God used one man's journey to touch people across hundreds and hundreds of miles. It astounds me just how God unites hearts all across the globe, even people who haven't met, in this one goal of reaching the world with the love of Christ. I just think this is mind-blowing.
I say "one of" just because I have stuff spread over 3 rooms (sound familiar Mom?)...but it really isn't my fault this time. I have my food in my kitchen-to-be, and most of my stuff in a bedless hotel room, and my sleeping stuff in another hotel room (with a bed). My suite isn't ready yet. So in the meantime I will be in another room, which is quite okay with me. :)
The drive up was long, even though we made smokin time. Drove for just over 4 hours once we got off the ferry. Dad and I were musing about the fact that 30+ years ago, Dad was driving down from Port Hardy (having lived there for a summer), listening to stuff like Fleetwood Mac...and now we were driving up, listening to stuff like Lynrd Skynrd and Bruce Springsteen as he was driving his daughter up there. lol. Kind of like poetic irony I suppose.
Everyone is super nice here. They're so friendly and welcoming. A team (from down Island, I think) is here helping out with the renovations, and Dad and I came in just as they were sitting down for lunch. And man, it is so cool to see people working together for a common goal, and eating together and joking and laughing...I think it is the sense of commonality and unity here that is so wonderful. Not that everyone is the same - but that everyone is working for the same goal. Even as I get to chat with the people here, and the people in the neighboring churches - to know that we're all laboring for the same cause, for the same Maker...it strengthens my soul.
I love how the Kingdom of God reaches across nations, across culture, and across every barrier. A fellow I know just broke the world record for bycicling across Canada (24 days!!). He posted almost every day about his journey. He did it as an act of worship to God and as an expression of who God made him to be - not really for the purpose of breaking any records - and the support and encouragement that I saw poured out from those who followed his journey via his posts was incredible. People literally across the globe were following his journey, and celebrating with him as this trip brought him closer to God and deeper in relationship with Him. And I just think, wow, God used one man's journey to touch people across hundreds and hundreds of miles. It astounds me just how God unites hearts all across the globe, even people who haven't met, in this one goal of reaching the world with the love of Christ. I just think this is mind-blowing.
Friday, July 24, 2009
About this basil!
My basil has the worst luck ever for a plant. I planted literally around 30 seeds this spring of basil. I had a ton of seedlings, for which I had lovingly mixed the soil...they came up fast, and it was very exciting. They got a little bigger, and then I decided to transplant some and thin out the rest. I planted some in bigger pots, and I planted some outside in the garden. I went away for almost a week, and came back to discover that 70% of my basil were dead from lack of water. And so I collected the remaining basil and put the pots on the stairs, watering them frequently, and even nipping the new leaves so that they would grow sturdy, not weedy. And then I went away again, for two weeks. I came back, and only two plants remained! And those were in one pot. So, I watered them and took care of them, and placed them on the rail of the balcony so they would be more easily accessible for me to water. Then two days ago, a huge windstorm came and knocked it down, spilling the dirt and breaking a few of the stems. So....I collected it up, put more dirt in it, and didn't put it back on the balcony. It is now packed in the truck. Let's see if it will make it.
And tomorrow...
Tomorrow I go.
I'm all packed up; Dad came by today and packed all of my stuff into the truck. There was so much stuff that Glenn and Dad had to build sides for the truck. (It's not my fault the truck is miniature! Really! I don't have too much stuff at all!) But hey, it's pretty good that most of what I own (minus some significant pieces of furniture, and a whole closet full of stuff) can fit into a Toyota Tacoma, sides or not. I'll probably do some "paring down" once I get there anyways. I do have to give Dad kudos for a great packing job. He's pro. He even managed to pack my ferns, and my cacti...and my basil. (I'm going to make a mini-blog after this one about this basil.)
It doesn't feel like I am moving for good. It feels like I am going on an extended camping trip. I actually did move out of my parents' house - for good! (Hurray!) It's slightly surreal, and very exciting.
And now, tomorrow, we make the 7 hour commute to Port Hardy, where I will, as of tomorrow, call my place of residence. YEAH!!!
I said goodbye to my flyball club on monday. That was sad...sad because I won't be doing the sport anymore (or at least for a couple years, until I get my own dog), and sad because I've come to love and appreciate these people. They're great, funny, fun-loving, and they love dogs and flyball! I've only been part of Matsqui for three years, and have only been racing for a year....but I'm gonna miss them! :'(
Yeah. I'm gonna miss people. But I am excited to meet new people and make new friends. I'm gonna have fun. :)
I'm all packed up; Dad came by today and packed all of my stuff into the truck. There was so much stuff that Glenn and Dad had to build sides for the truck. (It's not my fault the truck is miniature! Really! I don't have too much stuff at all!) But hey, it's pretty good that most of what I own (minus some significant pieces of furniture, and a whole closet full of stuff) can fit into a Toyota Tacoma, sides or not. I'll probably do some "paring down" once I get there anyways. I do have to give Dad kudos for a great packing job. He's pro. He even managed to pack my ferns, and my cacti...and my basil. (I'm going to make a mini-blog after this one about this basil.)
It doesn't feel like I am moving for good. It feels like I am going on an extended camping trip. I actually did move out of my parents' house - for good! (Hurray!) It's slightly surreal, and very exciting.
And now, tomorrow, we make the 7 hour commute to Port Hardy, where I will, as of tomorrow, call my place of residence. YEAH!!!
I said goodbye to my flyball club on monday. That was sad...sad because I won't be doing the sport anymore (or at least for a couple years, until I get my own dog), and sad because I've come to love and appreciate these people. They're great, funny, fun-loving, and they love dogs and flyball! I've only been part of Matsqui for three years, and have only been racing for a year....but I'm gonna miss them! :'(
Yeah. I'm gonna miss people. But I am excited to meet new people and make new friends. I'm gonna have fun. :)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
And then she goes...
Okay. So I'm taking a page out of a friend's book...or url...and I've set up a new blog (this one) so that I can give a semi-regular account of my doings in Port Hardy. This is so that all you, my family and friends, can keep track of me, since I'll be at least a six-hour (well okay, more like 8 hour) drive from you, making it rather difficult to have regular visits and updates with y'all. Yes, I know there is Skype, and Facebook, and telephone, and email...but this is fun. You get to see life in PH from Sharon's point of view. Muahahaha.
Just in case you didn't know, I am the new youth pastor for Port Hardy Christian Fellowship. Sweet, eh!! And where's Port Hardy you ask?? Um, it's up at the very top of Vancouver Island...just about the end of the road. It's the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Islands, and it's right next to Cape Scott National Park. It has a population of just under 5,000 people. It's cosy. ;) And it's beautiful. There's tons of wildlife - bears, cougars, seals, sea lions, eagles - and whales!! Its economy is supported by the logging, fishing, and mining industries, as well as a great tourist industry. (I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to experience the wild BC coast??)
I haven't left for PH yet; the moving date is tentatively set for Saturday, but life is complicated and we're all busy, so it may be later. Or it could be earlier. I have no idea. But I'm packing. I've been packing for at least the last week. This is a rather difficult task, as my stuff is spread over an entire house, though concentrated mostly in two spare bedrooms. And especially since four years of dorm life has had me sort through my belongings, each year taking only the essentials, and leaving behind multitudes of papers, old clothes, bits of souvenirs and odds and ends. This is as much a task of sorting as it is anything else, which really doesn't make for fast work. It's a little overwhelming at times. But never fear: I have a plan! At least in regards to my clothes, and that is: leave out a week's worth of clothing, and pack everything else. And I think that translates over into the other stuff too: leave out the essentials for living for the next week, and pack everything else. I think I am about halfway done.
I'll end on this note: I'm excited to move.
"Dude, whales!"
Just in case you didn't know, I am the new youth pastor for Port Hardy Christian Fellowship. Sweet, eh!! And where's Port Hardy you ask?? Um, it's up at the very top of Vancouver Island...just about the end of the road. It's the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Islands, and it's right next to Cape Scott National Park. It has a population of just under 5,000 people. It's cosy. ;) And it's beautiful. There's tons of wildlife - bears, cougars, seals, sea lions, eagles - and whales!! Its economy is supported by the logging, fishing, and mining industries, as well as a great tourist industry. (I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to experience the wild BC coast??)
I haven't left for PH yet; the moving date is tentatively set for Saturday, but life is complicated and we're all busy, so it may be later. Or it could be earlier. I have no idea. But I'm packing. I've been packing for at least the last week. This is a rather difficult task, as my stuff is spread over an entire house, though concentrated mostly in two spare bedrooms. And especially since four years of dorm life has had me sort through my belongings, each year taking only the essentials, and leaving behind multitudes of papers, old clothes, bits of souvenirs and odds and ends. This is as much a task of sorting as it is anything else, which really doesn't make for fast work. It's a little overwhelming at times. But never fear: I have a plan! At least in regards to my clothes, and that is: leave out a week's worth of clothing, and pack everything else. And I think that translates over into the other stuff too: leave out the essentials for living for the next week, and pack everything else. I think I am about halfway done.
I'll end on this note: I'm excited to move.
"Dude, whales!"
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