The Great Family Gathering

My time in British Columbia is rapidly drawing to a close.

Tonights celebrations for my Grandparents 50th anniversary were a huge success, and it was a well enjoyed time had by all. It was an incredible experience to have all 4 children of my grandparents, and as well to have all 10 grandchildren, in the same place at the same time...first time in 20 years that all the family has been able to be together. A lot of memories were shared, and beautiful words were spoken. It's such an inspiring and beautiful thought to think that my grandparents have been married for 50 years, and they still look at each other with as much love, respect, and friendship as they did when they were first married!

Here are some random highlights and favourite moments from my visit out to BC:

- Marissa (6yrs old) sitting on my lap...looking up at me with a sweet smile..then proudly announcing that she had just 'trumped' on me...and then falling into a fit of giggling as I looked at her with shock
- watching Caitlin (10 yrs old) build mount Fugi out of sand on the beach at White Rock
- laying down on Isabels (8 yrs old) bunk bed, and reading an inscription that she had written there.."I love Dogs..and God...and Horses"
- playing in the creek with all 4 girls and finding a whole coconut floating in the water
- Bradley attempting to sing "power of your love" with Di, Donna, and I
- going to Red Robin with all the older girl cousins "I'm going to steal a glass!"
- having a very inspiring conversation with my grandpa
- seeing my 4 cousins take part in a production of the Lion King
- My uncle enlisting his nieces into a child labour envelope ring
- Teaching Caitlin and Isabel to hang spoons off of their nose...and cheeks..and chin..
- Recieving random "I love you's" from my cousins
- Teaching Caitlin how to pose for a picture with her finger in her nose (my classiness continues :P)
- The twins being entertained by Bradleys antics
- My grandpa's simple, yet brilliant sense of humour - Donna: "Are you communicating with whales?" Papa: "Nope...monkeys..didn't you understand it?"
- Seeing my dad, his 2 brothers and his sister all in the same room with their parents for the first time in 20 years

Now, it's off to Saskatchewan!

Christ's Wisdom

Last night I was sitting on the back porch as the sun was setting, sitting on the swinging chair, and just reading through some passages in my Bible. I came across one in 1 Corinthians that I don't recall reading straight through before. It really struck me as such a beautiful passage of encouragement. Here it is, with my favourite parts bolded...

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent i will frustrate.'

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, god was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of god is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. he chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from god - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'

When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about god. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

-1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5

What I love about this passage is just how it talks about those who weren't very smart, and those who weren't very influencial...and that God chose to use this people to "shame the wise." It's incredible what the power of the Holy Spirit can do in our lives, and to use us for the bettering of the Kingdom of Heaven if we are able to admit and realize our limitations, our weakness, and our very foolishness without the Lord.

"The weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" Amen! Our God is awesome and mighty, and beyond anything in this world! I love it!

The Majesty that is BC

Friday night already..the week is flying by.

Thursday I had one of the most beautiful and incredible experiences I've ever had in my life. Di and I got to go whale watching with my uncle David. We went out the Fraser River, onto the Strait of Georgia, and rode on a boat for 5 hours total. The weather was just gorgeous and there was a clear blue sky, so you could see a horizon of mountains in every direction.

We saw loads of bald eagles, perched on rock formations and trees on islands that we passed, as well as flying over head. After an hour or so of riding in the boat, we came across a large group of seals. Normally they are all out on the rocks, just bathing in the sun, but when we went by there was about 30 of them swimming in the water. They completely surrounded the boat, and as we cut off the engines, they curiously swam right up to us seeing what exactly was going on. It was so neat, and just such an incredible feeling to be surrounded by all these little heads bobbing in the water as the seals swam around us.

After a couple hours, we located one of three pods of whales that live in the area. It was so incredible to see them swimming by, in their natural habitat. A highlight for me was hearing them speak. The naturalist on board put a special microphone into the water that was hooked up to our p.a system, so that you could hear the whales communicating with each other. It was so cool. We even had one whale swim directly under our boat, and we could hear him making clicking sounds as we went by. It was so beautiful to be floating in the middle of this endless water, and all you can see in every direction are huge mountains tearing up the horizon, as a half dozen Orca whales swim all around you.

As we drove the hour back to the port, I stood at the back of the boat just basking in the sunshine, and taking in all the incredible landscape that we were passing by. I was (and still am) in just total awe and wonder and what I've seen. God is just so majestic...it's astounding and absolutely mind boggling. He is just such a mighty and great Lord...how people can doubt the wondrous works of an almighty creator is beyond me.

I am having a wonderful time out here, which is always the case whenever I visit. It's great spending time with my younger cousins, and just enjoying the fellowship of all my family out here. And of course, just spending lots of time reflecting and listening to God as I am away from all the hussle and bussle of Toronto. It's been interesting..but God is good, and is and will continue to take care of me. He's also been reminding me of just how much I have to be thankful for. From my incredible family (both in Toronto and out here), to just realizing all the amazing people I have in my life and the great friendships that I am privledged to have. I am blessed beyond anything I deserve to know the people that I do, and to have the love and friendships that are in my life.

Tomorrow a whole bunch of the family is heading down to White Rock for the afternoon, so that should be another wonderful day spent in this beautiful BC weather. Only four more days and then it's off to my second home, Saskatchewan.

Blessings!

Beautiful British Columbia

Beautiful indeed!! The last two or three times that I've flown out to Vancouver, there has always been an overcast..but not this time! My sister Dionne and I got the full incredible view of all the mountains and hills as we flew into BC last night..absolutely breathtaking!! So, we have arrived safe and sound..and I have survived yet another plane trip. I think my nerves are starting to get a bit stronger when it comes to riding airplanes, but I doubt that I will ever be fully calm with the take off and landing bits (Di graciously held my hand during those parts...and even put up with me almost jumping out of my seat when the plane dipped). But they did show "In Good Company" which was awesome because I really wanted to see it (and I thought that the ending was fantastic the way it was!).

We got picked up from the airport by our Uncle David, who is also from Toronto and had arrived earlier that day. We got to ride in the lap of luxury as he had rented a spiffy Cadillac..including butt warmer seats...which despite the fact that it was 18 degrees outside, I most definitely used!

It's been 2.5 years since Di has been out here, so all the fam was very glad to see her beautiful face. We had a few quiet moments with our grandparents, and with our aunt, before the energetic bunch of cousins arrived home. The twins (who are now 6..holy geez) played shy for all of 30 seconds, and then resumed normal status and were climbing all over us. Isabel is now 8, and Caitlin is 10 (and nearly the same height as me! Good glory!), and it was really awesome to get to see them again. We got flooded with pretty cards and pictures of flowers that they had drawn for us as a welcome present. So, overall a fantastic arrival night I'd say.

This morning, it is another beautiful clear day outside, and Di and I are just taking our time to relax in our pj's and enjoy some holiday time. I think we're going to go for a walk in a bit to enjoy the sunshine. Donna and my dad head out here to join us tomorrow, and then my mom and Bradley come out on Friday.

Tomorrow, my Uncle David is taking Di and I whale watching!! I'm so pumped! I've been out here loads of times, but never have been able to go...should be really exciting!

Oh..on a random note (Dad, this is for you). A few minutes after arriving, I took Di out to the back porch that leads out from my Grandparents part of the house, as she hadn't seen the extended bedroom that has been built there. When I was here in September I stayed in that room, and had left (for the second time) my cell phone charger there (since Sept I've had to use a car charger..). Before my dad left us at the airport I asked him if my family had ever found it, but he said no. So, just to make sure, I climbed over the bed, and dug out the extension cord that was there, and guess what was still plugged in? Yup..my cell phone charger. Had a couple laughs over that...and it's good to have it back again...so long as it actually comes home to Ontario with me this time...

Blessings!

(P.S. Everyone..please feel free to email me, as I'll have access to a computer over the next 3 weeks while I'm away!)

"Guaranteed to fail, every time"

My sister and I were working on a poster for Salvo Uprising this weekend, and Donna came across a very funny article in an old EDGE magazine..and I thought that I would share it...(I would LOVE to hear a Christian guy actually use these..classic!)

15 Christian Pickup Lines

1. Yeah, I predicted David over Goliath
2. Can I pray with you?
3. You know Jesus? Me too!
4. I know a church where we could go and talk.
5. Do you need help carrying your Bible? It looks heavy.
6. Christians don't shake hands, Christians gotta hug. (Donnas favourite)
7. Oh you are cold? Ecclesiastes 4:11, "But how can one keep warm alone?"
8. What are you plans tonight? Feel like a Bible study?
9. The Bible says to give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry. How about dinner?
10. You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither.
11. You want to come over and watch the Ten Commandments tonight?
12. Is it a sin that you stole my heart?
13. Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot?
14. Nice Bracelet. What would Jesus date...er...I mean 'do'?
15. My friend told me to come and meet you. He said that you are a really nice person. I think you know Him. Jesus...yeah, that's His name (by far my favourite! so great!)

Multiplicity

My sister and I got into an interesting discussion today, and I thought I would post some of our ramblings on here that we were conversing about.

A totally random question that we came up with...is it possible to like more then one person at a time?

Discount when you're a kid, as getting crushes on multiple people quite often happen. But what about when you're older, and you have more of a sense of what liking someone means (well, hopefully you do..) and are able to have more depth to your thoughts about why you might like the person that you do.

So..can you "like" more then one person at a given time?

The thought that we had (keeping in mind it's just a random thought, and not directed towards anyone)...

If you claim to have feelings for both person 'a' and person 'b' (and maybe a 'c' as well..) then doesn't the mere fact that you "like" multiple people prove that you really don't have strong enough feelings for just one of them as you aren't able to focus yourself on just one person..and really then, don't actually like either of them? Sure, they both might be swell people, and you can see the potential...but are you really capable of having true, genuine feelings for more then one person at the same time? And if you answer 'yes' to that question...then how serious can you really be about these people if they aren't even worth being the the soul focus of your attention and emotion? Hmm...

I think maybe my sister and I are just mind boggled at the thought of liking more then one guy at the same time...as liking just one at a time is more then enough to stress out the mind and cripple the emotions (lol).

So, not sure if anyone has any thoughts regarding this issue..but if you do..comment away! I'd love to hear it!

Placement Update

I had my placement interview yesterday morning for school in September. To sum it up...it was an amazing interview.

Right from when I walked into the room, I felt calm, relaxed, and confident. The lady interviewing me was really nice, and easy to talk to. She was really impressed by my work experience with the Children's Aid and my previous placements, and loved to hear that I had spent a lot of time this year that I took off of school volunteering. She brought in one of the CYW's to meet me, and she as well was extremly nice, and was excited about the prospect of me being there in the fall.

I was able to pick which age group I wanted to work with, so I choose the 12-14 year olds. A lot of the program is based on relationship building and implementing therapeutic goals for each student who is at this day treatment centre. There is a lot of one-to-one work, which I'm really excited about, because I loved getting to know kids and working with them on their goals.

I also get to wear jeans and runners every day, and I'm only there from 8-4...I am so excited!

I left the interview absolutly pleased, and I'm actually a bit excited for school to start in the fall!

There are still a couple minor details to work out, but overal, things are looking really good!

Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers over the past few months regarding school!

Blessings!

Little Pink Tricycle

I think that I have finally recovered from my jet leg and starting to feel a little bit more normal and like myself again. It's always hard to adjust back to everyday life after traveling and having a bit of an adventure..but there are plenty of things to keep me busy here at home and to be looking forward to as the summer approaches.

I have to share a highlight of my weekend. Sunday evening while we were packing up the van after the 614 service in Regent Park, there were several kids out playing on the bikes. One little girl, who I think was about 4 years old, rode her little pink tricycle up to me and asked if I wanted to see how fast she could ride her bike. I answered with "of course!" and spent the next 10 minutes or so watching her demonstrate all her fabulous skills that she had mastered on her tricycle. She also told me about her siblings, her favourite colour, what school she goes to, and several other important conversation pieces that occupy the mind of a four year old. As the van finished being packed up, I told my new friend I had to go and that it was nice to meet her. She said "wait!" and insisted that I couldn't leave until she sang a song to me. So she got off her bike, walked over to me, and as I kneeled down to her height, she proceeded to sing the "I love you" Barney song to me, which absolutely melted my heart! After the song was finished I said thanks, gave her a hug and waved goodbye. Gotta love random moments that make your heart smile!

Tomorrow morning at 9:30am I have my interview for my school placement for the fall. Things were hectic before going to England, for myself and the lady who is interviewing me, so it's had to be put off this late. I am nervous about it, as although it's not a paid position..it is a very official interview and definitely extremely important for my school year in September. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this, and that I will appear calm, confident, and a right fit for this placement position!

Well, I'm just finishing up my shift at work..so that's about it for now...

Blessings!

Home

Well, I'm home safe and sound (though a little jet-lagged) from my trip to England. I had an absolutly incredible time, and I'm so glad that I went! I met some amazing people who I miss already, and hope will come and visit Canada some day! I heard a lot from God and learned a lot about myself, and some things that I need to work on. As well, attending UK Roots was just an all together fabulous experience!

I'll write more later, as I'm a little tired right now, but if you want to see my pix from my trip just CLICK HERE.

Cheers!

Update from England

Hello from Southport England!

Well, just because my sister bugged me about it, I thought I'd put up a quick post!

I arrived in England safe and sound Thursday afternoon! Yay! I had some difficulties on the plane ride over though..as there was about half an hour of turbulance...and I don't really do well with that as anyone who knows me will know. So I popped in my Passion Hymns Cd and totally put my attention on the book I was reading and was able to remain calm for the most part (even though I didn't have you holding my hand Donna!) And then I almost missed my connecting flight in London as the airport is so huge and it took me about an hour to get from one plane to the other and go through immigration and all that jazz. But alas..I survived both flights and arrived in Manchester no worse for the wear.

I have been having an absolutly incredible time!! Right since I got here God's been really close and just telling me lots, which is so awesome! It has been so great getting to see Chris again, and catch up. I have been meeting a lot of really incredible people, having a lot of laughs, and sharing some great experiences (and learning some great British lingo!) I am taking lots of pictures (even though Chris keeps making fun of me and calling me a tourist...but thats what I am!) and trying to write down and keep track of as many memories that I can!

Roots is pretty incredible I must say. I am really enjoying being apart of the create team with Chris, and helping with a venue that uses art and different forms of prayer to allow people to draw close to God. We were a little unsure of how people would respond to our stations we set up, but things have been going really well, and God is just present in our create tent..so amen!

This afternoon we have the Roots Big Picnic..where they will be gathering all 5000 participants together for a time of games and such. As well, we will be attempting to break a world record, to raise awareness about Human Trafficking. We will be trying to have the largest group of people breaking balloons at the same time (and it has to be within 10 seconds!). I'll let you know how that works out!

Well, I guess that'll do for an update! And I'll write again when I can!

Cheers

Laugh..go on..you know you want to..

Over the past few days I've spent a lot of time laughing. Most of it was at the silliness and randomness of the company I was with...but it was definitely all good times and I enjoyed it immensely.

I have a friend who's said to me on more then one occasion that he doesn't take life too seriously, because too many people already do.

Do you ever get so caught up in what you're doing that you forget to smile? Does school, work, people, projects, or life take up so much of your time that you become grim faced and forget what laughter sounds like?

Deadlines are important...getting a paycheck is often vital...and getting projects in on time is definitely a good thing. But don't let that absorb up everything that you are, or became all you do.

It really is the simple things in life that make it worth living. And I know so many people say that, but do you actually live that out? Do you actually make the time for the simple things? The things that make you smile? The things that you know makes other people smile?

So if you can't recall the last time you let out a deep gut wrenching laugh, or you've forgottern how to curve your lips into that thing called a smile...take a break. Go smell the roses. Walk through the grass with no shoes on. Watch a funny movie. Spend time with people who make you tear up from laughing so hard.

Live life...or you're going to miss it.

I'm in His hands

I shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me;
The God I serve is one who cares and understands.
Although the storms I face would threaten to confound me,
Of this I am assured: I'm in his hands.

I'm in his hands, I'm in his hands;
Whate'er the future holds
I'm in his hands,
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best, you see;
I'm in his hands.

What though I cannot know the way that lies before me?
I still can trust and freely follow his commands;
My faith is firm since it is he that watches o'er me;
Of this I'm confident: I'm in his hands.

I'm in his hands, I'm in his hands;
Whate'er the future holds
I'm in his hands,
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best, you see;
I'm in his hands.

In days gone by my Lord has always proved sufficient,
When I have yielded to the law of love's demands;
Why should I doubt that he would evermore be present
To make his will my own? I'm in his hands!

I'm in his hands, I'm in his hands;
Whate'er the future holds
I'm in his hands,
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best, you see;
I'm in his hands.

Come Back Down

Staring right back in the face
A memory can’t be erased
I know, because I tried
Start to feel the emptiness and everything
I’m gonna miss I know,
that I can’t hide
All this time is passing by
I think its time to just move on

When you come back down
If you land on your feet
I hope you find a way to make it back to me
When you come around
I’ll be there for you
Don’t have to be alone
With what you’re going through

Start to breathe and fake a smile
Its all the same after a while
I know, that you are tired
Carrying the ones you lost
A picture frame with all the thoughts

I know, you hold inside
I hope that you can find your way back
To the place where you belong

When you come back down
If you land on your feet
I hope you find a way to make it back to me
When you come around
I’ll be there for you
Don’t have to be alone
With what you’re going through

You’re coming back down
You say you feel lost, can I help you find it
When you come around
From time to time we all are blinded

You’re coming back down
You don’t have to tell me what you’re feeling
I know what you’re going through
I wont be the one that lets go of you
I think its time to just move on

When you come back down
If you land on your feet
I hope you find a way to make it back to me
When you come around
I’ll be there for you
Don’t have to be alone
With what you’re going through

England Bound

Well, for anyone who hasn't heard yet...next Wednesday night I am flying out to England. I'm getting pretty excited about it, although the 7.5 hour flight over water doesn't quite thrill me!

I'm heading out to visit one of my favourite people in life, Tidd Rock, and also to be apart of UK Roots which is happening on April 29. I haven't been to England since I was 7, and don't remember too much of it (besides the wedding that I was in) so this should be good times for sure! I have the opportunity to help with the create team at Roots and lead some worship through art. I'm pretty pumped about it, although quite nervous because I've never really led any kindof worship before!

Please pray for me for a safe trip (as plane rides and I aren't the best of friends), and as well that Roots is just a really incredible experience for all involved!

Blessings!

The Many Faces of Joseph

I realized that I didn't have a lot of pictures of my 3 year old cousin and I....so we went camera crazy..and here is the results...

Here are our tounges

A forced 'happy' face

A couple of sad faces

There's no arguing that these are some scary faces...oh man...

In deep thought

Joseph's favourite way to say goodbye.."peace dude!"

Some classic Fonz.."Eehhh!"

Handle With Care

I love nothing more then a good conversation....and today was full of them.

I spent all three of my meals today with different people, in different locations...communicating about very different things. And in between those meals, I spent time with a couple other people, once again having some good chats about various different things.

One conversation has lingered the most for me in my mind, and I have spent a great deal of time since the chat, mulling over the words that we shared and the memories that the topic brought up for me.

It's interesting to notice how many people look back at decisions they've made in relationships with the opposite sex, and wish that they had done things so differently. I most definitly fit into this category.

When I recount for the different interactions and relationships I've had growing up I sometimes look back in regret, embarrassment, and disbelief. Did that really seem logical to me at the time? Was I really that blind? Was I really that trusting and gullible? Did I really set standards that low for myself?

I aim to not linger on the regret though. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that God can use a broken and horrible situation for His glory and for the betterment of the believer. I am the person I am today because of the situations I've gone through, and because of what my gracious and forgiving Father has taught me through my irrational and naive decisions.

Something I have learned over the past little while though, is how God never intended for these things to happen. Did you know that He never created our fragile and emotion filled heart to be broken? Did you know that He wants to guard your heart jealously until you have learned and grown enough that it can be trusted in the hands of someone else?

I wish I could drive that message into other girls who are currently finding themselves in the same situations that I was once in (I say girls..because I am one, so those are the experiences obviously that I had). Don't settle...don't be in a relationship with someone because you're lonely and seeking to fill the void. Not all guys are liars...not all guys will hurt you, use you, and break your heart. The Lord wants to make you a strong, confident, and mature woman of God. And eventually...you will meet that guy who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated...like a princess.

As ridiculous as it may sound to some (as it did to me growing up), trust God with your relationships. Trust God with that boy you think you need to be with. Trust God when you think all you need to be happy is a guy who tells you that you're wonderful and the best thing since sliced bread.

Trust God with your heart.

You Humble Me - Norah Jones

Went out on a limb
Gone too far
Broken down at the side of the road
Stranded at the outskirts and sun's creepin' up

Baby's in the backseat
Still fast asleep
Dreamin' of better days
I don't want to call you but you're all I have to turn to

What do you say
When it's all gone away?
Baby I didn't mean to hurt you
Truth spoke in whispers will tear you apart,
No matter how hard you resist it
It never rains when you want it to

You humble me Lord
Humble me Lord
I'm on my knees empty
You humble me Lord
You humble me Lord
Please, please, please forgive me

Baby Teresa got your eyes
I see you all the time
When she asks about her daddy
I never know what to say

Heard you kicked the bottle
And helped to build the church
You carry an honest wage
Is it true you have someone keeping you company?

What do you say
When it's all gone away?
Baby I didn't mean to hurt you
Truth spoke in whispers will tear you apart
No matter how hard you resist it
It never rains when you want it to

You humble me Lord
Humble me Lord
I'm on my knees empty
You humble me Lord
You humble me Lord
Please, please, please forgive me

Mission Jamaica Reunion

Yesterday afternoon/evening I got to spend several hours with my mission team family, as we had our Mission Jamaica reunion. It was a wonderful time as we shared memories, caught up with what everyone was doing now, and just enjoyed each others company again. Tons of photos were passed around and shared, and we watched a video from the trip that one of the girls had recorded. We even sang a song that had the lyrics re-written with memories from our trip. It was an incredible time, finished off with a devotion and a sharing of testimony's of the lasting impacts that the mission had for us.

I was given some new photos to add to my collection, so I thought I would share a few of my favourites that I received yesterday....

This one is a view of the house through the grass (obviously). Thats me in the white shirt, and Donna in the blue shirt. I thought it was a pretty cool view.

This is such a beautiful picture. I've talked so much about how the kids took care of each other, and this sums it up. All three of these kids are visually impaired to some degree, and the one on the right in the swing has a handicapped arm as well. Every single morning they would take turns pushing each other on the swing, and making sure they got on the swing safely. I love it..such incredible children.

This picture is classic!! This was nearing the end of our second rain day (which was in the first week), and we were asked to move from our job of sweeping all the water out of the building (that still had no roof) and become the fire brigade! So, with soaking wet wood, and the worst matches I've ever seen in my life (we used 3 packs!) we finally got a fire started! Yay for the log cabin method! (Although it was mostly me starting the fire, and my two lovely assistants watching and offering advice haha..so great!) It ended up getting so big, and the coals got so hot, we were able to keep this thing going for the rest of the trip! Pat is on the left, I'm in the middle, and Robynn is on the right.

Now..this picture..fantastic. (Laurie on the left, me on the right). I didn't know that this picture existed until it was handed to me yesterday! So here's the story..it was nearing the end of our second week of hard labour, and we were beyond tired! I had spent over 3 days of over 10 hours each day rolling paint onto ceilings, and was definitely looking for a change in jobs! So, the boys let me have the scaffolding to do the cutting in on the ceilings and some final touch ups. This was most definitely my favourite job on the trip because I absolutely loved climbing up on to this thing, and walking around on it so high up off of the ground. Anyways, Laurie and I had been touching up the rooms for a few hours, and it was getting pretty late, and we didn't want to start a new job. So..to lengthen the job that we had...we sang while we worked. We started out with some great old school Disney tunes from Little Mermaid to Aladdin..then moved right into Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper. We were beyond exhausted, so we didn't care what people thought of us, and we sang our little hearts out! We even got in some nice dance moves while walking across the scaffolding! It was some fantastic times, and apparently the entire work site could hear us! We even ended up getting people popping their heads into the room and requesting songs for us to sing. So..somewhere in the 3 hours of our singing and painting, someone took this picture. I don't know if the picture really does it justice, but I am singing my heart out and having the time of my life! Love it!

What becomes of the brokenhearted...

I spent some time tonight in a bar/restaurant at Parliament and Dundas called My Town. I had joined 614 for their prayer walk, and my group and I headed out to spend some time in prayer and meditation at this particular location. It was definitly an interesting experience. This joint attracks quite the arrange of people...age wise, job wise, and culturally. The walls are covered with flags from different countries, quite a few sombreros, and there are plants hanging down over the bar. The look is quite unique for this part of Regent as it seems that the owners have tried to keep this place a cleaner, safer and brighter establishment then is usually found in this area.

One thing that really hit me was the loneliness of the place. It is a place where the lonely and broken come to sit, and dwell in their circumstances. Someone in my group mentioned that people seem to long to be recognized...to know that someone is noticing them, and their lives have some sort of meaning. So these lonely souls come to sit in a "public" place in the desperate hope that someone might notice their existence...that their empty lives might actually mean something. Even the music that played on the jukebox reflected the emptiness and brokenness that was embodied in those who sat in this place.

After leaving My Town and heading back to our starting point, we prayed continuously for the place that we just left. I found myself getting emotional as I asked God to be there for these lonely souls. That even if they've never experienced God in any way, that He would sit with them...that He would hold their hands...that He would stare back into those empty lives and go straight deep into the very broken hearts of who they are. We asked God's presence to be in and all around My Town as we made an effort in Jesus' name to take back this location for Him...that this would be another broken dark corner that God would reach His beautiful and incredible everlasting light into and rescue those in the bondage of loneliness.

This night has really caused me to reflect on myself. Earlier today I had thoughts of loneliness cross my mind...those are gone now as I realize how wrong I have been. Not only am I surrounded by a lot of family and people who are a constant support...I have God. Even in my most lonely moments, when I thought that no one understood, and I cried out to God for his love and strength...at least I knew I had the Lord. I can honestly not even picture the pain and hurt that would bury itself deep in my soul and scar my heart if I did not have the love of Christ in me...if I did not know that no matter what comes along, I will never be completely alone because I have God on my side.

I pray that God will reach those who sit, even now, in My Town and other establishments with their drinks sitting in front of them as their only comfort...as they wait desperately and bitterly to be recognized..to feel that their life means something to someone...anyone.

Lord use me to be a light for You..may I be a "Jesus person" in places that don't know Your name..

Be Blessed

What makes you smile?

The man who plays the steel drum at Main Station

Strong bad emails

My 3 year old cousin when he sings me a song about a pinecone

A beautiful sunset...even a Toronto one

When my Grandma says "it's only because I love you.."

Watching the muppets

My cat when she sleeps at the foot of my bed..even though I kick her while I sleep

White Hot Chocolate from Second Cup

Walking along the rocks at the beach

A sincere compliment

Getting a letter/email from someone I haven't heard from in a while

Watching the kids in Regent Park worship

Star spinning

My uncle when he calls me "Esther-fester-bester-tester"

Spring time

When I sing hairbrush karoke with Jessica

Camp

A walk in the rain

When I'm dancing around my room to Great Big Sea

A good conversation

When I"m watching Donna sing her heart out to a song..and then she notices that I'm watching

A hug from a friend

Walking outside barefoot

Reading Lord of the Rings

Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream

When I hear "I love you" from someone I know means it

A pillow fight

Dionne when she's had too much sugar or not enough sleep..or both

When I eat banana bread

When my brother gives me a hug hello when he gets home from school

Pay day

Wearing PJ pants

A thunderstorm

Hanging out with good friends

Visiting Saskatchewan

When people freak out over the tunnels in my ears

Going through my highschool yearbooks

Sandel weather

Will Farrell

Crusin' to Country with Chantelle

My squad kids

When I remember that nothing about me is a mistake, but exactly the way God intended me to be...and He loves me just the way I am

What makes you smile?

"Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God-- soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God." -Psalm 42:5 (MSG)