Just follow the link: http://www.boundless.org/relationships/2006/what-girls-wish-you-knew
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Fire
Is mesmerizing.
At least to me it is :).
My Mom asked me to start a fire in the fireplace so our family could watch a movie together and I have to admit that I watched the fire more than the movie.
I am no Girl Scout but I remember from playing Nancy Drew computer games how to build a decent fire. The whole paper, kindling, and big logs deal, in that specific order. Well I successfully built a fire last night and found great amusement in watching it burn.
Fire burns, and fast too.
I was adding new logs to the fire every ten minutes to keep it burning bright, almost burning myself a few times in the process. This reminded me of my faith in God.
Faith is like fire, it needs to be fed to keep it burning strong. My soul needs to be fed to keep my faith alive. As a fire is fed wood, my soul requires Scripture, prayer, and fellowship to sustain it. When I stop putting logs on the fire, it soon extinguishes. The same happens to the soul when it is deprived of spiritual disciplines.
Sometimes I get lazy and I can feel my soul growing hungry. It always hungers for the Lord. And He says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6. I know this to be true because food for the soul is always within reach. By the blood of Christ I am able to have communion with the Father whenever I want. But it's up to me to feed my soul with the food that God has freely offered. Only the truth can satisfy the hunger.
Please Lord, help me keep the faith fire burning in my soul. May I never cease to be mesmerized by You.
At least to me it is :).
My Mom asked me to start a fire in the fireplace so our family could watch a movie together and I have to admit that I watched the fire more than the movie.
I am no Girl Scout but I remember from playing Nancy Drew computer games how to build a decent fire. The whole paper, kindling, and big logs deal, in that specific order. Well I successfully built a fire last night and found great amusement in watching it burn.
Fire burns, and fast too.
I was adding new logs to the fire every ten minutes to keep it burning bright, almost burning myself a few times in the process. This reminded me of my faith in God.
Faith is like fire, it needs to be fed to keep it burning strong. My soul needs to be fed to keep my faith alive. As a fire is fed wood, my soul requires Scripture, prayer, and fellowship to sustain it. When I stop putting logs on the fire, it soon extinguishes. The same happens to the soul when it is deprived of spiritual disciplines.
Sometimes I get lazy and I can feel my soul growing hungry. It always hungers for the Lord. And He says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6. I know this to be true because food for the soul is always within reach. By the blood of Christ I am able to have communion with the Father whenever I want. But it's up to me to feed my soul with the food that God has freely offered. Only the truth can satisfy the hunger.
Please Lord, help me keep the faith fire burning in my soul. May I never cease to be mesmerized by You.
Saturday, 7 December 2013
What I Do Not Want To Do
"...I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me." - Paul (Romans 7:15-20)
I think that I can clearly identify with Paul.
I hate sin. It's awful, but I still do it every day. I'm sick of it.
"So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25)
I know that deep within me somewhere, something is always telling me to press on in my faith. It must be the Holy Spirit because I know that nothing truly good comes from me.
Thanks be to Jesus Christ our Lord indeed! God has not given up on me yet and I pray that He never will. The battle against sin cannot be won without God, I know this to be true because I have experienced both victory and defeat and when I call upon the Lord there is victory.
Temptations will never cease, but God is my deliverer and in Him I will trust.
Thank you Jesus for saving me from the chains of sin and for giving me the strength to continue the battle.
I think that I can clearly identify with Paul.
I hate sin. It's awful, but I still do it every day. I'm sick of it.
"So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25)
I know that deep within me somewhere, something is always telling me to press on in my faith. It must be the Holy Spirit because I know that nothing truly good comes from me.
Thanks be to Jesus Christ our Lord indeed! God has not given up on me yet and I pray that He never will. The battle against sin cannot be won without God, I know this to be true because I have experienced both victory and defeat and when I call upon the Lord there is victory.
Temptations will never cease, but God is my deliverer and in Him I will trust.
Thank you Jesus for saving me from the chains of sin and for giving me the strength to continue the battle.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Forgiveness
What is forgiveness?
I wrestled with the question last night as I laid awake in anger at one of my coworkers. For two hours I tossed and turned, my mind racing with all the things that I could say to make that person forever regret what they did. I wanted to make them feel terrible...even though they probably already do. But I knew deep down that I needed to forgive and forget, no matter how hard it may be. I also need to apologize for my part in the situation and ask for forgiveness myself.
It will have been three days past when I see that person at work again, so what will I say?
I thought about it a lot this morning as I was walking my paper route. While I prayed, asking God to soften my heart towards my coworker, I felt the Holy Spirit move me to tears.
My coworker does not know Christ.
I am possibly the only person they may ever know who does know Christ and yet I find myself thinking the most wicked thoughts about them and cursing them under my breath. What kind of a Christian am I?
With the tears came an image of my Saviour, broken and bleeding on the cross, dying so that my sins can be forgiven and my heart be made whiter than the snow on the ground under my feet.
If my God, who sees all of my sin and to whom I turn my back on a daily basis, willingly forgives me with new grace and mercy each morning, why should I hold bitterness in my heart and not forgive my coworker?
After my paper route, I decided that this is what I will say, "Hey _________, I am sorry for the way that I reacted the other night. I was offended and could not find the strength to forgive you in the moment but now that I have prayed and asked God for help, just as He has forgiven me I have decided to forgive you and forget that the situation ever happened. God keeps no record of my wrongs so neither will I of yours. What's done is done. Are we ok now?"
Forgiveness is something that I don't deserve yet it is given to me freely. A gift that I can receive whenever I need it. I pray that God will use this situation to bring my coworker closer to knowing Him someday.
Lord please give me opportunity. Thank You.
I wrestled with the question last night as I laid awake in anger at one of my coworkers. For two hours I tossed and turned, my mind racing with all the things that I could say to make that person forever regret what they did. I wanted to make them feel terrible...even though they probably already do. But I knew deep down that I needed to forgive and forget, no matter how hard it may be. I also need to apologize for my part in the situation and ask for forgiveness myself.
It will have been three days past when I see that person at work again, so what will I say?
I thought about it a lot this morning as I was walking my paper route. While I prayed, asking God to soften my heart towards my coworker, I felt the Holy Spirit move me to tears.
My coworker does not know Christ.
I am possibly the only person they may ever know who does know Christ and yet I find myself thinking the most wicked thoughts about them and cursing them under my breath. What kind of a Christian am I?
With the tears came an image of my Saviour, broken and bleeding on the cross, dying so that my sins can be forgiven and my heart be made whiter than the snow on the ground under my feet.
If my God, who sees all of my sin and to whom I turn my back on a daily basis, willingly forgives me with new grace and mercy each morning, why should I hold bitterness in my heart and not forgive my coworker?
After my paper route, I decided that this is what I will say, "Hey _________, I am sorry for the way that I reacted the other night. I was offended and could not find the strength to forgive you in the moment but now that I have prayed and asked God for help, just as He has forgiven me I have decided to forgive you and forget that the situation ever happened. God keeps no record of my wrongs so neither will I of yours. What's done is done. Are we ok now?"
Forgiveness is something that I don't deserve yet it is given to me freely. A gift that I can receive whenever I need it. I pray that God will use this situation to bring my coworker closer to knowing Him someday.
Lord please give me opportunity. Thank You.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
21
When I look back at all that has happened in this past year I realize that God's grace has been magnified for me. We have walked together through a lot...
- The gradual breaking down of a significant relationship until it was completely severed.
- An amazing season of internship at the church.
- Urbana 2012.
- Becoming a church member.
- Difficult exams and assignments.
- Days and days of weariness.
- Saying goodbye to a good friend who moved away.
- Planning my work/school/church life for the Fall semester.
- Hard battles against sinful habits.
- Exciting room remodeling.
- Purchasing my first car.
- The marriage of one of my best friends.
- Sad family moments, both biological and spiritual.
The best part of this list is that God is not done walking with me! I don't know how many minutes, days, months, or years I have ahead of me but one thing I do know: my final destination is heaven, and God is with me until I get there.
This year I want to learn to live like a citizen of heaven. Keeping in my mind the vision of myself standing before the throne of God with Jesus observing my every thought, word, and action. Would I think, speak, and act this way if I were with God? That is the question. Today begins another year of my life. How will it go?
- The gradual breaking down of a significant relationship until it was completely severed.
- An amazing season of internship at the church.
- Urbana 2012.
- Becoming a church member.
- Difficult exams and assignments.
- Days and days of weariness.
- Saying goodbye to a good friend who moved away.
- Planning my work/school/church life for the Fall semester.
- Hard battles against sinful habits.
- Exciting room remodeling.
- Purchasing my first car.
- The marriage of one of my best friends.
- Sad family moments, both biological and spiritual.
The best part of this list is that God is not done walking with me! I don't know how many minutes, days, months, or years I have ahead of me but one thing I do know: my final destination is heaven, and God is with me until I get there.
This year I want to learn to live like a citizen of heaven. Keeping in my mind the vision of myself standing before the throne of God with Jesus observing my every thought, word, and action. Would I think, speak, and act this way if I were with God? That is the question. Today begins another year of my life. How will it go?
Thursday, 14 November 2013
All the Single Ladies
Well, not all of them.
I hung out with only four amazing single ladies from my church last week and it was incredible.
These particular four ladies are women that I respect and admire for a number of different reasons:
1. They are all older than me and have proven their devotion to the Lord by their lives.
2. They are cheerful givers who encourage and care for others.
3. They are all actively serving God in the church.
4. They have attitudes of humility.
5. They are all uniquely and confidently beautiful in their own way.
The list definitely could go on but I thought these five were the most important reasons that I love these ladies. It is a privilege to spend time with them. The funny thing is that I thought that I liked hanging out with people that were the same age or younger than me, but it turns out that I really like hanging out with people that are older than me too! They have so much wisdom to offer and I love trying to soak it in when I spend time with them. :)
Praise the Lord for the Body of Christ!
I hung out with only four amazing single ladies from my church last week and it was incredible.
These particular four ladies are women that I respect and admire for a number of different reasons:
1. They are all older than me and have proven their devotion to the Lord by their lives.
2. They are cheerful givers who encourage and care for others.
3. They are all actively serving God in the church.
4. They have attitudes of humility.
5. They are all uniquely and confidently beautiful in their own way.
The list definitely could go on but I thought these five were the most important reasons that I love these ladies. It is a privilege to spend time with them. The funny thing is that I thought that I liked hanging out with people that were the same age or younger than me, but it turns out that I really like hanging out with people that are older than me too! They have so much wisdom to offer and I love trying to soak it in when I spend time with them. :)
Praise the Lord for the Body of Christ!
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Stay by Big Daddy Weave
I've seen the flash of lightening,
I've heard the rolling thunder,
I've felt the crashing of the waves...
And thought I've known Your presence and been filled with wonder,
Still there are many things that pull me away...
But don't let me go, hold me close because...
I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay.
Give me what it takes to stay.
I've felt Your hand of mercy,
Through my darkest failures,
And on the other side You've covered me with grace.
And like a child lost and afraid, You come and find this runaway,
And in Your loving arms You bring me home again...
What's it gonna take to make me stay?
Cause I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay.
Give me what it takes to stay.
Break my heart with what breaks Yours until You're all I'm living for,
Show me what it means not just to believe, but to remain...
Cause I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay,
Give me what it takes to stay.
I need what it takes to stay, help me to stay, help me to stay, I wanna stay.
I've heard the rolling thunder,
I've felt the crashing of the waves...
And thought I've known Your presence and been filled with wonder,
Still there are many things that pull me away...
But don't let me go, hold me close because...
I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay.
Give me what it takes to stay.
I've felt Your hand of mercy,
Through my darkest failures,
And on the other side You've covered me with grace.
And like a child lost and afraid, You come and find this runaway,
And in Your loving arms You bring me home again...
What's it gonna take to make me stay?
Cause I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay.
Give me what it takes to stay.
Break my heart with what breaks Yours until You're all I'm living for,
Show me what it means not just to believe, but to remain...
Cause I don't want to hurt You anymore,
I don't want to waste another day cause it breaks Your heart, it breaks Your heart
When I keep walking away...
Cause You know what it means to sacrifice,
But You tell me that it's better to obey,
You've given me a thousand brand new starts,
Jesus give me what it takes to stay,
Give me what it takes to stay.
I need what it takes to stay, help me to stay, help me to stay, I wanna stay.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Balancing A Busy Life
After about a month of attempting to balance my life full of church, homework, Canadian Tire, and other extra curricular activities, I've decided that I need to record some busyness tips for myself and for whoever might find them useful:
1. Get a calendar or an agenda or both! I recommend a larger calendar with lots of space to write various random busy-life things such as that one time that you are available to do laundry.
2. Make sure that you can get an average of at least 7 hours of sleep per night and drink at least 8 cups of water per day. If you do not follow this tip, you will surely be fatigued and unhealthy.
3. Avoid processed convenience-carbs. You know those snacks that are really easy grab-and-go and taste delicious but are not very good for you? Don't do it! Get some easy grab-and-go veggies and fruit instead.
4. Write everything down! You WILL forget that little appointment you made two months ago.
5. Learn to say "no." When you're a really busy people-pleaser, you have to set your boundaries so you don't burn out.
6. Don't procrastinate! Do those assignments as soon as you can!
7. Buy some comfortable clothes. Sweatpants and bunnyhugs are wonderful things for those longer days or even those "I need to relax" days.
8. Actually relax on those few-and-far-between "I need to relax" days. You will not regret it.
9. If you are a busy woman, buy lost of hair elastics and headbands. These essential items make getting ready a lot less time-consuming.
10. When your brain needs a break, have a good novel or a game nearby.
11. Get a job that you enjoy, but make sure that it is flexible too.
And finally...
12. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! Your time with God is the most important thing! Busy people never do well without their God-time. I know I don't.
1. Get a calendar or an agenda or both! I recommend a larger calendar with lots of space to write various random busy-life things such as that one time that you are available to do laundry.
2. Make sure that you can get an average of at least 7 hours of sleep per night and drink at least 8 cups of water per day. If you do not follow this tip, you will surely be fatigued and unhealthy.
3. Avoid processed convenience-carbs. You know those snacks that are really easy grab-and-go and taste delicious but are not very good for you? Don't do it! Get some easy grab-and-go veggies and fruit instead.
4. Write everything down! You WILL forget that little appointment you made two months ago.
5. Learn to say "no." When you're a really busy people-pleaser, you have to set your boundaries so you don't burn out.
6. Don't procrastinate! Do those assignments as soon as you can!
7. Buy some comfortable clothes. Sweatpants and bunnyhugs are wonderful things for those longer days or even those "I need to relax" days.
8. Actually relax on those few-and-far-between "I need to relax" days. You will not regret it.
9. If you are a busy woman, buy lost of hair elastics and headbands. These essential items make getting ready a lot less time-consuming.
10. When your brain needs a break, have a good novel or a game nearby.
11. Get a job that you enjoy, but make sure that it is flexible too.
And finally...
12. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! Your time with God is the most important thing! Busy people never do well without their God-time. I know I don't.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Big and Bruised
The title of this post describes my current ankle. Now I know what you're thinking...What happened?
Well it happened like this...
One lovely Summer afternoon, last Saturday in fact, I was playing soccer. There was this guy on the other team who was fairly skilled at soccer and so it made sense to try to stop him from shooting the ball at the net.
I was aiming for the ball, but I missed and kicked this particular guy's foot. It wouldn't have been a big deal if he wasn't kicking the ball as hard as he could at the same time...but that wasn't the case. The only thing I remember specifically at that point was instantaneous killer pain. I couldn't stop the tears and I cried for a good half-hour on the sideline, watching my team win our first playoff game with my ankle wrapped in ice.
That's how the injury happened. Most people who know me well know that I am accident-but-not-injury-prone. This is my first major (well, I call it major) injury. The x-ray at the hospital showed that nothing was broken or fractured but I couldn't really walk for the rest of Saturday. My soccer team was awesome, checking up on me and praying for my ankle :). Those prayers definitely made a difference because I could walk fairly normally on Sunday. I am the kind of person who makes herself busy, so of course I was scheduled to work at Canadian Tire all this week plus my morning paper route :P. But God healed me just enough that I have successfully survived most of this week without too much hassle. He knows my needs and He provides :).
Just for proof, here are a few pictures of my first "real" injury.
Well it happened like this...
One lovely Summer afternoon, last Saturday in fact, I was playing soccer. There was this guy on the other team who was fairly skilled at soccer and so it made sense to try to stop him from shooting the ball at the net.
I was aiming for the ball, but I missed and kicked this particular guy's foot. It wouldn't have been a big deal if he wasn't kicking the ball as hard as he could at the same time...but that wasn't the case. The only thing I remember specifically at that point was instantaneous killer pain. I couldn't stop the tears and I cried for a good half-hour on the sideline, watching my team win our first playoff game with my ankle wrapped in ice.
That's how the injury happened. Most people who know me well know that I am accident-but-not-injury-prone. This is my first major (well, I call it major) injury. The x-ray at the hospital showed that nothing was broken or fractured but I couldn't really walk for the rest of Saturday. My soccer team was awesome, checking up on me and praying for my ankle :). Those prayers definitely made a difference because I could walk fairly normally on Sunday. I am the kind of person who makes herself busy, so of course I was scheduled to work at Canadian Tire all this week plus my morning paper route :P. But God healed me just enough that I have successfully survived most of this week without too much hassle. He knows my needs and He provides :).
Just for proof, here are a few pictures of my first "real" injury.
It's hard to tell but the one on the left is the fat one.
Had to get the nasty bruise in there.
It's HUGE!
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Change
So many things are changing this week.
New school.
New jobs.
New schedule.
New responsibilities.
I don't hate change, but it's hard to embrace it sometimes. There is much encouraging truth to be found in God's Word that are wonderful reminders during these times...
When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
- Psalm 94:18-19
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
- Isaiah 26:3
I rejoice in my Lord because He has kept His promises to me all throughout my life, and He will continue to strengthen me to press on to do His work in this fallen and broken world.
New school.
New jobs.
New schedule.
New responsibilities.
I don't hate change, but it's hard to embrace it sometimes. There is much encouraging truth to be found in God's Word that are wonderful reminders during these times...
When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
- Psalm 94:18-19
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
- Isaiah 26:3
I rejoice in my Lord because He has kept His promises to me all throughout my life, and He will continue to strengthen me to press on to do His work in this fallen and broken world.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
My Amazing God
Lately I've been thinking...
Thinking that I haven't been thankful enough.
I just finished a year long internship at my church yesterday and I was blessed like crazy.
My day started off like this...
Thinking that I haven't been thankful enough.
I just finished a year long internship at my church yesterday and I was blessed like crazy.
My day started off like this...
...and I was reminded that I serve an amazing God, who paints the skies every day.
Then I drove to the church and commenced my last day of internship. In the morning my two co-interns, who worked in the same office as me, bought me a vanille chai tea frappe from McDonalds and it was delicious! :) They took me out for lunch too! And as a final afternoon send-off, I was blessed with a really cute tea party with five amazing women who encouraged me and brought me lots of tears of joy. :')
Even though my internship has come to an end, I still serve an amazing God and will continue to serve Him for the rest of my life :). I don't deserve His favour, but He pours it out generously.
My God is Amazing!
Thursday, 15 August 2013
A Paper Route
Since my brother decided to quit his paper route last week, I have taken it over and have come up with some helpful tips:
1. Buy a wagon with high walls. I recommend the classic red metal wagon with wooden side walls. It is a must-have for this job and is a huge time-saver!
2. Map out the fastest way to complete your route, also saves time.
3. Type out your list according to your newly mapped out route and check it over twice. It always pays to be accurate!
4. Be friendly to anyone you might encounter on your route (including thecreepy nice little old ladies peeking out their windows waiting for their papers).
5. If your route is 70 papers or more, it is good to invest in some bungee cords to help hold those thick stacks on the wagon (this is where you need the wooden side walls so you can hook the bungee cords to them).
6. If you need any motivation for getting up in the morning just think I'm getting paid to exercise!
7. Plan ahead for those Winter months. Invest in a good sled and consider buying a plastic tarp or blanket to cover the papers. I also recommend the tarp for the wagon on those potentially rainy days throughout the year.
8. Get up at the same time every morning. This helps to train your body to wake up easier.
9. If you are someone who is a heavier sleeper, set two alarm clocks and place one on the other side of the room, far away from your bed so that you have to get up to turn it off.
10. This one's just for fun. If you see any mini-pheasants running around, consider yourself privileged and chase them as it is quite amusing. :)
1. Buy a wagon with high walls. I recommend the classic red metal wagon with wooden side walls. It is a must-have for this job and is a huge time-saver!
2. Map out the fastest way to complete your route, also saves time.
3. Type out your list according to your newly mapped out route and check it over twice. It always pays to be accurate!
4. Be friendly to anyone you might encounter on your route (including the
5. If your route is 70 papers or more, it is good to invest in some bungee cords to help hold those thick stacks on the wagon (this is where you need the wooden side walls so you can hook the bungee cords to them).
6. If you need any motivation for getting up in the morning just think I'm getting paid to exercise!
7. Plan ahead for those Winter months. Invest in a good sled and consider buying a plastic tarp or blanket to cover the papers. I also recommend the tarp for the wagon on those potentially rainy days throughout the year.
8. Get up at the same time every morning. This helps to train your body to wake up easier.
9. If you are someone who is a heavier sleeper, set two alarm clocks and place one on the other side of the room, far away from your bed so that you have to get up to turn it off.
10. This one's just for fun. If you see any mini-pheasants running around, consider yourself privileged and chase them as it is quite amusing. :)
Monday, 29 July 2013
House-Sitting Concerns
Being a person that is quite concerned about her reputation, I take great care when others entrust their belongings to me. A house full of stuff is a big responsibility.
Typical tasks include:
- Watering plants
- Cleaning
- Mowing the lawn
- Locking up
Basically, I am to treat the house as if it was my own. No big deal, right? I don't mind. It's kind of fun living on my own for a while.
The south end of Regina is kind of sketchy, and that is where I am house-sitting.
Last night a neighbour came over and talked to the girl staying here with me and said that some people have been camping out in the alley behind our yard...He also told us that if we heard anything happening in the backyard during the night we should call him. I'm hoping that we won't have to call.
If that isn't enough, one of the next-door neighbours is a supposed drug dealer. I saw him outside all tattooed and ripped when I came to get my list of duties before the homeowners left for vacation. They warned me about him and also told me that his toothless uncle lives in the basement. Hmmm...interesting.
Well, I met the toothless uncle one day and he informed me of his successful punching encounter with a late-night party guest at his house. He also apologized on his nephew's behalf for the noisy partying. Luckily I hadn't known about it.
So far nothing too weird or crazy has happened, but I'm glad that I normally live in the east end. My neighbourhood is much less sketchy. :)
Typical tasks include:
- Watering plants
- Cleaning
- Mowing the lawn
- Locking up
Basically, I am to treat the house as if it was my own. No big deal, right? I don't mind. It's kind of fun living on my own for a while.
The south end of Regina is kind of sketchy, and that is where I am house-sitting.
Last night a neighbour came over and talked to the girl staying here with me and said that some people have been camping out in the alley behind our yard...He also told us that if we heard anything happening in the backyard during the night we should call him. I'm hoping that we won't have to call.
If that isn't enough, one of the next-door neighbours is a supposed drug dealer. I saw him outside all tattooed and ripped when I came to get my list of duties before the homeowners left for vacation. They warned me about him and also told me that his toothless uncle lives in the basement. Hmmm...interesting.
Well, I met the toothless uncle one day and he informed me of his successful punching encounter with a late-night party guest at his house. He also apologized on his nephew's behalf for the noisy partying. Luckily I hadn't known about it.
So far nothing too weird or crazy has happened, but I'm glad that I normally live in the east end. My neighbourhood is much less sketchy. :)
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Money, Money, Money!
Money is one of the most frustrating things ever.
It is both a need and a want.
It also makes people crazy!
I can't figure out half of the time where my money is going, but when I look back on my spending, I don't regret any of it.
Still, when one is trying to save for University and pay off a car, things get tricky.
I was privileged to have my Dad pay for my Bible College years but now I'm on my own and feeling the pressure.
I'm privileged to be allowed to live at home without having to pay rent.
I probably could survive on my own...I would have to postpone my education by a few years though.
But in reality, I'm not in any kind of financial trouble.
I have the Lord to thank for everything that He has given me.
I can say that it is both a blessing and a curse to have enough money to have some of what you want along with everything you need.
Money is a dangerous idol, not to mention all of the things that it can buy.
I think it is about time to read "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn once again.
It is a great book to help people gain a proper perspective of money. :)
It is both a need and a want.
It also makes people crazy!
I can't figure out half of the time where my money is going, but when I look back on my spending, I don't regret any of it.
Still, when one is trying to save for University and pay off a car, things get tricky.
I was privileged to have my Dad pay for my Bible College years but now I'm on my own and feeling the pressure.
I'm privileged to be allowed to live at home without having to pay rent.
I probably could survive on my own...I would have to postpone my education by a few years though.
But in reality, I'm not in any kind of financial trouble.
I have the Lord to thank for everything that He has given me.
I can say that it is both a blessing and a curse to have enough money to have some of what you want along with everything you need.
Money is a dangerous idol, not to mention all of the things that it can buy.
I think it is about time to read "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn once again.
It is a great book to help people gain a proper perspective of money. :)
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Kneeboarding
is painful...
I watched this little girl, like 10 years old, tackle a kneeboard like it was no big deal. She made it look so easy! She started out by laying on her stomach while holding the rope in her hands. Then the boat took off and she was up on that thing within 30 seconds, riding it like a pro.
Then my Dad took a turn and showed us all up real good.
Then, with my Dad's help to get them up, my three youngest siblings each took a turn on the board. First Daniel, also 10. Then Hannah, 15. Then Landon, 13.
All did fairly well on the kneeboard, except Hannah wiped out pretty bad when the tip of the board caught a wave. She was done for the day...and maybe for life. I don't think one wants to jump in and try again too quickly after slapping the water hard with their face. Just saying...
Oh yeah, one more person tried out the kneeboard.
Me.
I wanted to get up on my own without my Dad's help. How hard could it be? A 10-year-old girl did it! Well, I was dragged all around on my belly for quite some time, enduring the harsh laughter coming at me from the boat. Ok, it was fun :). Then my Dad helped me up...
It was crazy! I thought I was going to die! It was fun until I realized that I had absolutely no control over the thing. The only thing I could do is move slightly from side to side. Leaning back to keep the nose out of the water was not happening as easily as I thought it was supposed to. A couple of waves hit and all of the sudden my face was in the water and in no time I had done a front flip while completely submerged in the lake.
My neck has been hurting for two days now :P.
I am the kind of person that has to be good at something before I'll give it another try.
Especially if it involves potential pain.
I watched this little girl, like 10 years old, tackle a kneeboard like it was no big deal. She made it look so easy! She started out by laying on her stomach while holding the rope in her hands. Then the boat took off and she was up on that thing within 30 seconds, riding it like a pro.
Then my Dad took a turn and showed us all up real good.
Then, with my Dad's help to get them up, my three youngest siblings each took a turn on the board. First Daniel, also 10. Then Hannah, 15. Then Landon, 13.
All did fairly well on the kneeboard, except Hannah wiped out pretty bad when the tip of the board caught a wave. She was done for the day...and maybe for life. I don't think one wants to jump in and try again too quickly after slapping the water hard with their face. Just saying...
Oh yeah, one more person tried out the kneeboard.
Me.
I wanted to get up on my own without my Dad's help. How hard could it be? A 10-year-old girl did it! Well, I was dragged all around on my belly for quite some time, enduring the harsh laughter coming at me from the boat. Ok, it was fun :). Then my Dad helped me up...
It was crazy! I thought I was going to die! It was fun until I realized that I had absolutely no control over the thing. The only thing I could do is move slightly from side to side. Leaning back to keep the nose out of the water was not happening as easily as I thought it was supposed to. A couple of waves hit and all of the sudden my face was in the water and in no time I had done a front flip while completely submerged in the lake.
My neck has been hurting for two days now :P.
I am the kind of person that has to be good at something before I'll give it another try.
Especially if it involves potential pain.
Saturday, 6 July 2013
Christian Dating Tips
This one's for the men. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Px0cMMCa1SE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Px0cMMCa1SE
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Oh Brothers...
Just listening to my two youngest brothers, Landon (13) and Daniel (9), singing "When a Man Loves a Woman," at the top of their lungs. Nuff said...
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Cute Moments
My youngest brother Daniel is so cute sometimes.
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the day with him while the rest of my family was in Moose Jaw for soccer tournaments.
Daniel got out of bed at 11:15am then spent two hours on the computer, completely skipping breakfast. So he was really hungry when lunch time came around.
I decided to ask him what he wanted to eat and what happened next is as follows:
Daniel looks in the cupboard for a bit.
Daniel: Hmmm...oh I know! I want soup and a sandwich like Mom makes!
Jessica: What kind of soup?
Daniel: Chicken noodle. It's good for dipping sandwiches.
Hands me the soup can.
Jessica: Ok and what kind of sandwich?
Daniel: You know, the yummy one that Mom makes with ham and lettuce and mayonnaise and honey mustard? Oh and butter.
Jessica: No, I don't know that one, you have to show me how to make it. Walk me through this process.
Daniel hesitates then goes to the fridge and gets out the needed ingredients.
Daniel: Well ok first you get the bread and put butter on both sides. Then you put mayonnaise...
Jessica: Hold up there buddy! You have to let me do one thing at a time.
Daniel: Ok...
So Daniel proceeds to patiently walk me through the whole sandwich-making process...
Step 1 - Butter both slices of bread.
Step 2 - Put mayonnaise on one slice and honey mustard on the other.
Step 3 - Get the lettuce and put it on one slice and then put a slice of ham on top.
Step 4 - Complete the sandwich and cut it into four triangles and dip it into your chicken-noodle soup and eat it!
It was a delicious lunch :). After that we went grocery shopping and bought movies to watch together. Daniel even offered to carry everything for me. I love my little brother.
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the day with him while the rest of my family was in Moose Jaw for soccer tournaments.
Daniel got out of bed at 11:15am then spent two hours on the computer, completely skipping breakfast. So he was really hungry when lunch time came around.
I decided to ask him what he wanted to eat and what happened next is as follows:
Daniel looks in the cupboard for a bit.
Daniel: Hmmm...oh I know! I want soup and a sandwich like Mom makes!
Jessica: What kind of soup?
Daniel: Chicken noodle. It's good for dipping sandwiches.
Hands me the soup can.
Jessica: Ok and what kind of sandwich?
Daniel: You know, the yummy one that Mom makes with ham and lettuce and mayonnaise and honey mustard? Oh and butter.
Jessica: No, I don't know that one, you have to show me how to make it. Walk me through this process.
Daniel hesitates then goes to the fridge and gets out the needed ingredients.
Daniel: Well ok first you get the bread and put butter on both sides. Then you put mayonnaise...
Jessica: Hold up there buddy! You have to let me do one thing at a time.
Daniel: Ok...
So Daniel proceeds to patiently walk me through the whole sandwich-making process...
Step 1 - Butter both slices of bread.
Step 2 - Put mayonnaise on one slice and honey mustard on the other.
Step 3 - Get the lettuce and put it on one slice and then put a slice of ham on top.
Step 4 - Complete the sandwich and cut it into four triangles and dip it into your chicken-noodle soup and eat it!
It was a delicious lunch :). After that we went grocery shopping and bought movies to watch together. Daniel even offered to carry everything for me. I love my little brother.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Those Sleepless Nights
Ok so maybe they're not completely sleepless...They just feel like that when I try to get up in the morning.
These nights start off alright. I'm laying in bed, closing my eyes, rolling over...so far so good.
Then all of the sudden my mind is flooded with a bunch of tasks that need to be done the next day...
Oh no! Maybe I can't drive those people to the lake on Sunday, I might have another commitment! But I can't check that until tomorrow morning at work...
Oh no! I can't remember what I needed to bring to work tomorrow for our Jr. Church project! Maybe it'll come to me...nope, oh well...
Oh no! My Mom and brother's birthday is this week! I need to remember to get them a cake!
Oh no! I don't think I have anything to wear tomorrow morning, well, yes I do, it'll just take a bit of time in the morning to put something together.
Oh no! It's already 11:30pm! I can't get my full 8 hours of sleep!
Ok, ok Jess. Stop worrying, things will be alright, God is with you. It's time to just close your eyes and relax...some more rolling over happens...
It's not working! Ok, new strategy...think about those boring sheep who can't jump over that white picket fence...
And all of the sudden I am waking up to my alarm, feeling like a dead weight, but having to drag myself out of bed anyways.
I have no idea how this all happens but so far a possible pattern could be eating and/or exercising less than 2 hours before bed...if that's the case, tonight is going to be another one of those "sleepless" nights...*yawn*.
These nights start off alright. I'm laying in bed, closing my eyes, rolling over...so far so good.
Then all of the sudden my mind is flooded with a bunch of tasks that need to be done the next day...
Oh no! Maybe I can't drive those people to the lake on Sunday, I might have another commitment! But I can't check that until tomorrow morning at work...
Oh no! I can't remember what I needed to bring to work tomorrow for our Jr. Church project! Maybe it'll come to me...nope, oh well...
Oh no! My Mom and brother's birthday is this week! I need to remember to get them a cake!
Oh no! I don't think I have anything to wear tomorrow morning, well, yes I do, it'll just take a bit of time in the morning to put something together.
Oh no! It's already 11:30pm! I can't get my full 8 hours of sleep!
Ok, ok Jess. Stop worrying, things will be alright, God is with you. It's time to just close your eyes and relax...some more rolling over happens...
It's not working! Ok, new strategy...think about those boring sheep who can't jump over that white picket fence...
And all of the sudden I am waking up to my alarm, feeling like a dead weight, but having to drag myself out of bed anyways.
I have no idea how this all happens but so far a possible pattern could be eating and/or exercising less than 2 hours before bed...if that's the case, tonight is going to be another one of those "sleepless" nights...*yawn*.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Let It Fade by Jeremy Camp
Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain?
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty?
You can't live this way too long,
There's more than this,
More than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest,
You will find rest.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Have you been holding on to what this world has offered?
Have you been giving in to all these masquerades?
It will be gone,
Forever gone.
It will be gone.
It will be gone.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Are you carrying the weight too much?
Are you running from the call?
Let it fade.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty?
You can't live this way too long,
There's more than this,
More than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest,
You will find rest.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Have you been holding on to what this world has offered?
Have you been giving in to all these masquerades?
It will be gone,
Forever gone.
It will be gone.
It will be gone.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Are you carrying the weight too much?
Are you running from the call?
Let it fade.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
You can rest,
You will find rest.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let this new life offered be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Let it fade.
Let this old life crumble,
Let it fade.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Donating Blood
I used to be really scared of needles. Then I began to donate blood. I've only donated four times so far, but I am already feeling as though my fear of needles has been conquered.
I used to get annoyed at the people who would call me from Canadian Blood Services because I knew that they wanted me to come in and donate.I don't know why I was annoyed...after all, I am potentially helping save someone's life.
I was probably annoyed because the last few times I had donated, my blood flow was extremely slow and I never completed a full donation.
Today was different. I drank lots of water to make sure I was hydrated and I also switched arms. Apparently my left arm is better than my right :). While it used to take me 20 minutes, I successfully finished in 7 this morning. I will take that as an encouragement from God and I shall continue to donate blood with gladness. I will choose to be a cheerful giver.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
I used to get annoyed at the people who would call me from Canadian Blood Services because I knew that they wanted me to come in and donate.I don't know why I was annoyed...after all, I am potentially helping save someone's life.
I was probably annoyed because the last few times I had donated, my blood flow was extremely slow and I never completed a full donation.
Today was different. I drank lots of water to make sure I was hydrated and I also switched arms. Apparently my left arm is better than my right :). While it used to take me 20 minutes, I successfully finished in 7 this morning. I will take that as an encouragement from God and I shall continue to donate blood with gladness. I will choose to be a cheerful giver.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Ticks
They are gross, disgusting, sneaky, vile creatures. Just waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting and suspecting victims.
My first encounter with one of these ninja blood suckers was when I was six. I was with a group called "Sparks" and we were visiting a camp during the late spring. We had gone on a hike, shaking a jar full of cream the entire time until it turned into butter. When we got back to a cabin, I had to use the bathroom.
That's when I found it.
In the worst possible place, right where most people should never see, was a tick. It was already burrowing it's wicked little head into me and I was screaming my face off as soon as I spotted it. My group leader swiftly threw open the door and calmly helped me get the tick off.
Though traumatized, I was thankful.
I'm still thankful :)
Yesterday was my second encounter. A friend and I decided that we would go out and hike some woodland trails. When we got to the trails it was raining quite hard and I asked my friend if it was tick season. She told me it was and we carried on our hike anyways, thinking the rain would keep most of the little fiends away.
An hour and a half later, we finished our hike and went back to my friend's place to watch a movie. She told me later that she was picking off ticks while we were watching but didn't bother to tell me because she thought I would freak out.
I'm not sure if I am thankful or not because when I got home, or when I showered I guess, I found three ticks on me! They weren't quite attached yet, but they were getting there. I quickly found a fine-toothed comb and put it through my hair as thoroughly as I thought was necessary. Feeling clean and tick-free, I washed my hiking clothes and continued on with my day. It was about 3:00pm at the time.
At 9:20pm I was playing a game of cribbage with my Dad and I felt something crawling in my shirt. I found another tick! These things are masters of stealth or something crazy like that. So I had my sister check my hair again for me. She found nothing so I went to bed in relative peace.
This morning while driving to church, I felt something on my arm. ANOTHER TICK! Great, I thought, they've infested my car too! I didn't bother to touch the tick until I got to the church. I was too freaked out to touch it anyways. So I tried to get it with my keys but it fell between the seats. I had to leave it until later.
On my way to soccer after church, the tick had managed to crawl on my and settle on my neck. I didn't hesitate to throw it out the window that time. Then, after soccer, I washed my car and vacuumed it out completely. Now I hope that I am officially tick-free. But you never know...
Feeling creepy-crawly? I sure am!
My first encounter with one of these ninja blood suckers was when I was six. I was with a group called "Sparks" and we were visiting a camp during the late spring. We had gone on a hike, shaking a jar full of cream the entire time until it turned into butter. When we got back to a cabin, I had to use the bathroom.
That's when I found it.
In the worst possible place, right where most people should never see, was a tick. It was already burrowing it's wicked little head into me and I was screaming my face off as soon as I spotted it. My group leader swiftly threw open the door and calmly helped me get the tick off.
Though traumatized, I was thankful.
I'm still thankful :)
Yesterday was my second encounter. A friend and I decided that we would go out and hike some woodland trails. When we got to the trails it was raining quite hard and I asked my friend if it was tick season. She told me it was and we carried on our hike anyways, thinking the rain would keep most of the little fiends away.
An hour and a half later, we finished our hike and went back to my friend's place to watch a movie. She told me later that she was picking off ticks while we were watching but didn't bother to tell me because she thought I would freak out.
I'm not sure if I am thankful or not because when I got home, or when I showered I guess, I found three ticks on me! They weren't quite attached yet, but they were getting there. I quickly found a fine-toothed comb and put it through my hair as thoroughly as I thought was necessary. Feeling clean and tick-free, I washed my hiking clothes and continued on with my day. It was about 3:00pm at the time.
At 9:20pm I was playing a game of cribbage with my Dad and I felt something crawling in my shirt. I found another tick! These things are masters of stealth or something crazy like that. So I had my sister check my hair again for me. She found nothing so I went to bed in relative peace.
This morning while driving to church, I felt something on my arm. ANOTHER TICK! Great, I thought, they've infested my car too! I didn't bother to touch the tick until I got to the church. I was too freaked out to touch it anyways. So I tried to get it with my keys but it fell between the seats. I had to leave it until later.
On my way to soccer after church, the tick had managed to crawl on my and settle on my neck. I didn't hesitate to throw it out the window that time. Then, after soccer, I washed my car and vacuumed it out completely. Now I hope that I am officially tick-free. But you never know...
Feeling creepy-crawly? I sure am!
Friday, 7 June 2013
The Window Washers
They come every so often to wash the church windows. Probably more like three times a year or something like that. The following story happened the first time that I encountered them six months ago...
The first thing that I must describe is the office. My desk was by the doorway. My office-mate Jess's desk was next to the giant window.
We were just working along, minding our own business when a ladder popped up at the window! I got excited and my first thought was it must be the maintenance guy! I think I'll try and scare him! So I voiced that thought and proceeded to lay down against the wall under the window.
Jess: "Jess, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm going to scare him!"
Jess: "That's not the maintenance guy."
Me: "Oh dang! Well who is it?"
Jess: "I don't know but he's got hair!"
I strategically attempt to peek out the window and barely see a lot of brown messy hair atop a mystery man's head. I duck back down quickly.
Me: "Well this is really stupid right now, what am I going to do? I can't stand up because he'll see me and be like, 'Huh? Where'd she come from?' I guess I'm stuck down here."
Jess: "You could try and crawl back to your desk."
Me: "Oh, good one, so he can watch me crawl...is he done yet?
Jess: "I'm not watching him!"
Me: "Just, tell me when he's gone."
...30 seconds or so
Jess: "He's gone."
Me: "Phew, that was a close one!"
Jess: "Well, if it was the maintenance guy, you really shouldn't have tried to scare him anyways, him being on a tall ladder and all..."
Me: "Oh yeah! That whole situation was just dumb, I'm so dumb!"
So there's how it all happened. After that, the guy in the office down the hall from us kept on bugging me, saying that the window washer guys were waiting outside to talk to me! Now that would have been awkward. I don't think they saw me. But since then, the window washer guys have been using extended poles to wash the windows instead of using a ladder. It's a lot less awkward that way. :)
The first thing that I must describe is the office. My desk was by the doorway. My office-mate Jess's desk was next to the giant window.
We were just working along, minding our own business when a ladder popped up at the window! I got excited and my first thought was it must be the maintenance guy! I think I'll try and scare him! So I voiced that thought and proceeded to lay down against the wall under the window.
Jess: "Jess, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm going to scare him!"
Jess: "That's not the maintenance guy."
Me: "Oh dang! Well who is it?"
Jess: "I don't know but he's got hair!"
I strategically attempt to peek out the window and barely see a lot of brown messy hair atop a mystery man's head. I duck back down quickly.
Me: "Well this is really stupid right now, what am I going to do? I can't stand up because he'll see me and be like, 'Huh? Where'd she come from?' I guess I'm stuck down here."
Jess: "You could try and crawl back to your desk."
Me: "Oh, good one, so he can watch me crawl...is he done yet?
Jess: "I'm not watching him!"
Me: "Just, tell me when he's gone."
...30 seconds or so
Jess: "He's gone."
Me: "Phew, that was a close one!"
Jess: "Well, if it was the maintenance guy, you really shouldn't have tried to scare him anyways, him being on a tall ladder and all..."
Me: "Oh yeah! That whole situation was just dumb, I'm so dumb!"
So there's how it all happened. After that, the guy in the office down the hall from us kept on bugging me, saying that the window washer guys were waiting outside to talk to me! Now that would have been awkward. I don't think they saw me. But since then, the window washer guys have been using extended poles to wash the windows instead of using a ladder. It's a lot less awkward that way. :)
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Pothole Problems!
Nasty things they are...potholes! Seriously our city has some of the worst potholes I'm sure. They are always lying around in the road just waiting to wreak havoc on any unsuspecting vehicle. Well, yesterday one got me really good.
I'm developing a pattern with cars lately... and it's an expensive one!
Hopefully I can make a claim to the city for the following story:
I was driving along a normal route to get gas, when I came to a turn and a family was walking on the wrong side of the road. Normally I would take that particular corner sharply because I knew about the nasty holes in the center of the road, but this time I was too busy making sure that I was a safe distance from any little kiddos... THWUMPBUMP! What a sickening sound to hear and feel while driving a car...and I was driving on my rim for a little. So I parked in a nearby parking lot and called up my macho bro to help me change my flat tire. Now my poor car looks like a handicap with a little black doughnut replacing the front driver's side tire. Well tomorrow I'll be purchasing a new full set of tires and hopefully billing the city for some of the damage. Below is the evidence...check out that nasty rip! Not to mention the pothole!
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Terrence
That is the name of my Bonsai tree. How did I come up with this name you ask? Well it took all of five minutes of rambling off random names and Terrence was the most suitable in my opinion. He looks like a Terrence :).
Visiting My Roomie
My roommate from first year at Bible College. She is awesome. We have managed to visit each other once per year since Bible College and it has always been a great time. My roommate is one of those people that, even though we live in separate provinces, is still a great friend. Her and I have a blast whenever we're together. I decided to visit her this past weekend! From Sunday evening to Tuesday morning...
What to do in Manitoba? Well it rained the entire time that I was visiting, but that didn't stop my roommate from helping me to be a crazy tourist. We decided to try and pack as many exciting things as possible into a rainy Monday and here is how it went...
First we visited the Mennonite Heritage Museum in Steinbach. There was much to see and I took way too many pictures (as a crazy tourist should!) but I only posted my favourites. The first is of a goat because I thought that he was really cute and he was posing anyways :). The next one is of the windmill which actually grinds all the flour for the museum restaurant! There was way more that I could have posted pictures of like antique cars, old buildings, old furniture, old tools, more interesting old stuff. This amazing museum visit was our Monday morning.
To begin our afternoon, my roommate and I headed to Winnipeg. I had heard about IKEA and mentioned that I had never been to one before and so IKEA was our second stop. I took a photo of the entrance to prove that I had been there although my roommate said that I should have taken pictures of the inside... I was way to excited about everything to take pictures though :). They say that you cannot get in and out of IKEA without making a purchase and I thought I was going to prove that theory wrong until I saw a cute little Bonsai tree and gave in...I guess it would have been possible if I didn't have any money... :). After seeing IKEA I've decided that the next time I go there I am going to have bought a house first to fill with IKEA merchandise. :)
After chatting about all the things we saw in IKEA, walking through the entire Polo Park Mall, and stopping at Canadian Tire to buy a pot for my Bonsai tree, my roomie and I discovered that we had much more time to kill. So she did some research and we decided to go and check out the Manitoba Museum. It is totally worth the fee to get in! For one thing, they have a real ship inside the museum! They apparently strapped this thing on a truck and shipped it to Winnipeg from Seattle. See if you can spot the people in the picture below and you will see how huge this thing is. It was my favourite part of the museum for sure.
My second favourite part of the museum was this village replica of the old Winnipeg. It was really neat and the menu below came from one of the fake buildings which was supposedly an old diner. Judging by the prices on the menu it was a really old diner...nowadays it's rare that you find the option for just one waffle on a menu :).
Well, after the Manitoba Museum we went for supper. My roomie took me to Kawaiian Crepe and it was delicious! Look it up if you've never been there because I can't really describe my experience all that well because all I have to say is the word "delicious" at the moment... we also headed to Tutti Frutti for dessert, which could possibly beat Menchies except I haven't compared pricing yet. After dessert we finally headed back to Steinbach to play some cribbage and crokinole. Bedtime came and went and before I knew it, I was in the car and driving home. My weekend was fun and exciting and I absolutely loved it. I think I shall do this trip again sometime :) thanks roomie!!
What to do in Manitoba? Well it rained the entire time that I was visiting, but that didn't stop my roommate from helping me to be a crazy tourist. We decided to try and pack as many exciting things as possible into a rainy Monday and here is how it went...
First we visited the Mennonite Heritage Museum in Steinbach. There was much to see and I took way too many pictures (as a crazy tourist should!) but I only posted my favourites. The first is of a goat because I thought that he was really cute and he was posing anyways :). The next one is of the windmill which actually grinds all the flour for the museum restaurant! There was way more that I could have posted pictures of like antique cars, old buildings, old furniture, old tools, more interesting old stuff. This amazing museum visit was our Monday morning.
To begin our afternoon, my roommate and I headed to Winnipeg. I had heard about IKEA and mentioned that I had never been to one before and so IKEA was our second stop. I took a photo of the entrance to prove that I had been there although my roommate said that I should have taken pictures of the inside... I was way to excited about everything to take pictures though :). They say that you cannot get in and out of IKEA without making a purchase and I thought I was going to prove that theory wrong until I saw a cute little Bonsai tree and gave in...I guess it would have been possible if I didn't have any money... :). After seeing IKEA I've decided that the next time I go there I am going to have bought a house first to fill with IKEA merchandise. :)
After chatting about all the things we saw in IKEA, walking through the entire Polo Park Mall, and stopping at Canadian Tire to buy a pot for my Bonsai tree, my roomie and I discovered that we had much more time to kill. So she did some research and we decided to go and check out the Manitoba Museum. It is totally worth the fee to get in! For one thing, they have a real ship inside the museum! They apparently strapped this thing on a truck and shipped it to Winnipeg from Seattle. See if you can spot the people in the picture below and you will see how huge this thing is. It was my favourite part of the museum for sure.
My second favourite part of the museum was this village replica of the old Winnipeg. It was really neat and the menu below came from one of the fake buildings which was supposedly an old diner. Judging by the prices on the menu it was a really old diner...nowadays it's rare that you find the option for just one waffle on a menu :).
Well, after the Manitoba Museum we went for supper. My roomie took me to Kawaiian Crepe and it was delicious! Look it up if you've never been there because I can't really describe my experience all that well because all I have to say is the word "delicious" at the moment... we also headed to Tutti Frutti for dessert, which could possibly beat Menchies except I haven't compared pricing yet. After dessert we finally headed back to Steinbach to play some cribbage and crokinole. Bedtime came and went and before I knew it, I was in the car and driving home. My weekend was fun and exciting and I absolutely loved it. I think I shall do this trip again sometime :) thanks roomie!!
Monday, 13 May 2013
Urbana 2012
I really should have posted about this a long time ago...but life moves fast and today I have some extra time to think so I shall use it to reflect on Urbana a little bit.
I attended Urbana 2009, which was the first time that I went. Back then everything was brand new to me. I was just starting to think about the future and what I wanted to do. I had already made the decision to attend Bible College but I only had a couple of ideas for the future after that. Urbana opened my eyes to the world in a lot of ways. God is working in all of the nations of the world. The biggest lesson that I learned that year was to be open to anything because there is a lot out there. This is only a tiny nutshell of my first Urbana experience.
The second one, however, is more clear in my mind as it was only several months ago.
I attended Urbana 2009, which was the first time that I went. Back then everything was brand new to me. I was just starting to think about the future and what I wanted to do. I had already made the decision to attend Bible College but I only had a couple of ideas for the future after that. Urbana opened my eyes to the world in a lot of ways. God is working in all of the nations of the world. The biggest lesson that I learned that year was to be open to anything because there is a lot out there. This is only a tiny nutshell of my first Urbana experience.
The second one, however, is more clear in my mind as it was only several months ago.
It is an incredible feeling being in a room with about 20,000 other believers, worshiping God together. There is just so much spiritual energy, it's overwhelming in an amazing way. We sang together, studied the Word together, were challenged together, and had great fellowship together.
The group from my church that went together contained 11 of us. We talked through a lot of what we had been learning together and spent a lot of time getting to know each other as we sought to encourage one another through the week.
I have to say that I do not recommend being sick when you go to Urbana. It is a week that is jam-packed full of constant teaching and reflecting on what you learned. Unfortunately I got hit with the worst cold that I have ever had in my life. I was stuffed right up. My nose was constantly running, one of my ears was plugged, and I had a horrible sinus headache to top it all off. I thought that I was getting better before I left on the trip but the cold would stick around for a couple of weeks after Urbana.
Despite my sickness I fought to learn as much as I could while I had the chance. My days were filled with great seminars and amazing opening and closing sessions. This year I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing so I went with that in mind. I discovered that nurses are needed everywhere around the world which overwhelmed me with many windows of opportunity. Apart from nursing...there really is something for everyone. Missions opportunities are without limit.
Apart from the many notes taken, I came home with a number of books from the conference. Twelve to be exact. I have only read a few of them so far but I have to admit that I am a sucker for good deals on Christian books. Urbana is a goldmine for that. :)
I think I will cover one highlight of the trip. David Platt, a pastor of a megachurch in the states, gave an amazing talk which can be listened to here. And apart from two ladies in my row who kept on yelling "Preach it!" and mumbling about how amazing David Platt is, the whole room was silent as he spoke. I have since listened to that video twice and continue to be convicted by the fact that I struggle to surrender everything to Jesus. I need constant reminders of His sacrifice to put me in my place. This life was given to me, and it is a privilege that shouldn't be wasted for my own selfishness. By the grace of God I will learn to surrender everything.
That's a slightly bigger nutshell of my Urbana 2012 experience and I hope to maybe attend Urbana 2015 if the opportunity is given. :)
Monday, 6 May 2013
Water = Need!
Ain't that the truth... I definitely proved it today.
I didn't drink any water all day until about 2pm this afternoon (not a normal thing, sometimes I forget).
Then I went running.
I was locking down my best time yet this year with 11 minutes 12 seconds at 2.5k, looking to beat my time of 25.34 for the full 5k.
Then it happened. 1/4 of the length left to go when my stomach started trying to kill me.
This was a familiar feeling and I knew that if I just sat down for a bit I'd be alright.
It was a really hard decision to make but my body forced me to sit down and take the intense pain for at least 5 minutes before I could move and get home.
It was really disappointing but I know now that I need to drink lots of water, especially if I am planning to run.
I'll beat my record next time :)
Water = Need!
I didn't drink any water all day until about 2pm this afternoon (not a normal thing, sometimes I forget).
Then I went running.
I was locking down my best time yet this year with 11 minutes 12 seconds at 2.5k, looking to beat my time of 25.34 for the full 5k.
Then it happened. 1/4 of the length left to go when my stomach started trying to kill me.
This was a familiar feeling and I knew that if I just sat down for a bit I'd be alright.
It was a really hard decision to make but my body forced me to sit down and take the intense pain for at least 5 minutes before I could move and get home.
It was really disappointing but I know now that I need to drink lots of water, especially if I am planning to run.
I'll beat my record next time :)
Water = Need!
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Knitting
I haven't posted much about my hobbies. Mostly because I don't have much time to spend on them. One of my many hobbies is knitting, and I've been working on a "small" project for a while now. I call it "small" because it's a really complicated baby blanket. I am giving it to some friends who are about to have a baby boy, but I took some pictures because I don't want to forget this accomplishment. It is the first baby blanket that I have knitted successfully. Hopefully one of many in the future :)
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
My First Car!
That's right everyone, this one's officially mine! My Uncle sold it to me a couple of days ago and it is officially registered under MY name! I am so excited! I haven't named it yet or anything... but here are a couple of pictures of my first car! It's a 2004 Honda Civic Si.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Running!!
I was so excited about running outside again that I decided to post on it!
I ran for the first time outside this year two days ago and it was glorious! I ran with my Dad and covered 5k in just under 27 minutes, which is amazing for me considering that I haven't really run since September... Aaand I ran again tonight! I LOVE RUNNING!
My running philosophy developed from pure experience:
1. It's a Spring/Summer/Fall thing because treadmills suck! Well, the old one in my house does anyways... :) so running in the Winter? Forget it.
2. After a looooooooooong Winter of developing "warm layers," running is the perfect way to shed them!
3. The first couple of days after running for the first time in a while are painful. Especially in the thighs.
4. Music is a must-have while hitting the trail. Get some pumpin' tunes!
5. If you don't stretch before and after running, the pain mentioned in #3 above is doubled. I hate stairs.
6. Ignoring the creeps you encounter on the path is key. Having loud music helps. Or find a male running buddy.
7. Eating ice cream right after a run is a guilty pleasure. :)
8. Wascana lake is a "poopy" path to run on. Thanks to many vicious feathered fiends.
9. If the path is blocked with a sign that says "Sidewalk Closed," it's for a good reason. Beware of deep water and thick ice!
10. Running is the perfect way to get ready for Soccer season, which is another love of mine :)
I ran for the first time outside this year two days ago and it was glorious! I ran with my Dad and covered 5k in just under 27 minutes, which is amazing for me considering that I haven't really run since September... Aaand I ran again tonight! I LOVE RUNNING!
My running philosophy developed from pure experience:
1. It's a Spring/Summer/Fall thing because treadmills suck! Well, the old one in my house does anyways... :) so running in the Winter? Forget it.
2. After a looooooooooong Winter of developing "warm layers," running is the perfect way to shed them!
3. The first couple of days after running for the first time in a while are painful. Especially in the thighs.
4. Music is a must-have while hitting the trail. Get some pumpin' tunes!
5. If you don't stretch before and after running, the pain mentioned in #3 above is doubled. I hate stairs.
6. Ignoring the creeps you encounter on the path is key. Having loud music helps. Or find a male running buddy.
7. Eating ice cream right after a run is a guilty pleasure. :)
8. Wascana lake is a "poopy" path to run on. Thanks to many vicious feathered fiends.
9. If the path is blocked with a sign that says "Sidewalk Closed," it's for a good reason. Beware of deep water and thick ice!
10. Running is the perfect way to get ready for Soccer season, which is another love of mine :)
Monday, 22 April 2013
Life is a Battle
I deliberately sinned yesterday, I chose to, of my own free will. My devotions smacked me in the head this morning, reminding me of my stupidity. The following is what I read...
If only we could see that every single sin is a big deal, that every sin is an act of rebellion and cosmic treason, that every time we choose our way instead of God's way, we are revolting against the God and King of the universe.
- NANCY LEIGH DEMOSS
YOUR CHOICE
Sin. Do we take it as seriously as we should?
Our world glosses over all kinds of behavior. But Nancy Leigh DeMoss would have us pull our heads out of the gray mist and realize that every single sin is a big deal. It is an act of treason against the King of the universe.
Sound a bit too dramatic? Then think for a moment that this very King send his Son to die so that we could draw close to God and know his will for us. In the face of that, when we choose our way instead of his, we are disobeying the One who gave his life for us. Instead, we should so desire to be close to God that we only want to choose his way.
The One who died for you wants what is good for you. The choice, moment by moment, is yours.
1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
(Taken from Take My Heart, Oh God by Sarah Young)
If only we could see that every single sin is a big deal, that every sin is an act of rebellion and cosmic treason, that every time we choose our way instead of God's way, we are revolting against the God and King of the universe.
- NANCY LEIGH DEMOSS
YOUR CHOICE
Sin. Do we take it as seriously as we should?
Our world glosses over all kinds of behavior. But Nancy Leigh DeMoss would have us pull our heads out of the gray mist and realize that every single sin is a big deal. It is an act of treason against the King of the universe.
Sound a bit too dramatic? Then think for a moment that this very King send his Son to die so that we could draw close to God and know his will for us. In the face of that, when we choose our way instead of his, we are disobeying the One who gave his life for us. Instead, we should so desire to be close to God that we only want to choose his way.
The One who died for you wants what is good for you. The choice, moment by moment, is yours.
1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
(Taken from Take My Heart, Oh God by Sarah Young)
Thursday, 18 April 2013
We made a snowman...
In the middle of March.
A month later...he is quite different...
It's snowing outside right now.
Date: April 18.
Enough said.
Date: April 18.
Enough said.
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
That Uneasy Feeling
I'm sure that many others feel the same way that I do right now.
Having waited so long for that acceptance letter to come in the mail, and it finally arrives!
I had emailed the school to find out when they were sending out acceptance letters and they told me that the first round would be sent out at the beginning of April. So when my Mom phoned me at work today to say that I had gotten a letter in the mail I got excited and asked her to read it to me.
She started out pretty excited and as she read her voice got lower...and more disappointed.
I am on a waiting list for the second year in a row...
There's still hope, but not much at this point...for getting into that program this year anyways.
But I am not totally down about it. I still very much want to be a registered nurse someday and so I have a plan. There is another program that I have to apply to next year because it requires that I do a year of pre-requisite classes before applying into the second year of the nursing program. So I am in the first year technically starting this Fall. I'm working towards my program so that helps me to be confident and peaceful about things. If I don't get accepted into this other program next year I might be a little bit uneasy...but that's a year and a bit away yet. So I'll enjoy this year while it lasts. :)
I do want to praise the Lord for remaining faithful despite the worries here and there. I am still learning to trust Him more as time passes. I'm glad that He knows what the future holds, I just wish He would share some of it with me sometimes. ;)
Having waited so long for that acceptance letter to come in the mail, and it finally arrives!
I had emailed the school to find out when they were sending out acceptance letters and they told me that the first round would be sent out at the beginning of April. So when my Mom phoned me at work today to say that I had gotten a letter in the mail I got excited and asked her to read it to me.
She started out pretty excited and as she read her voice got lower...and more disappointed.
I am on a waiting list for the second year in a row...
There's still hope, but not much at this point...for getting into that program this year anyways.
But I am not totally down about it. I still very much want to be a registered nurse someday and so I have a plan. There is another program that I have to apply to next year because it requires that I do a year of pre-requisite classes before applying into the second year of the nursing program. So I am in the first year technically starting this Fall. I'm working towards my program so that helps me to be confident and peaceful about things. If I don't get accepted into this other program next year I might be a little bit uneasy...but that's a year and a bit away yet. So I'll enjoy this year while it lasts. :)
I do want to praise the Lord for remaining faithful despite the worries here and there. I am still learning to trust Him more as time passes. I'm glad that He knows what the future holds, I just wish He would share some of it with me sometimes. ;)
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
True Leadership
What Every Young Leader Should Know
By: Jessica Eiswerth
L
|
eadership
is a word that brings many different thoughts and questions to people’s minds.
Some may question whether or not they are a leader and others may have never
considered the possibility. The reality is that leadership is something that
many people are often confused about. The dictionary defines leader as a
“guiding or directing head.” But what most people want to know is what makes
someone truly a great leader?
Common characteristics associated with effective leaders in
general include: humble, integral, communicative, straight-forward, imaginative,
inspiring, and competent. There are many other qualities that people would
include in their definition of a good leader and though many of the characteristics
mentioned above would be expected, it is a totally people-opinionated list.
This is a big problem.
The only way to truly
understand leadership and what makes a truly great leader is to ask the One who
created it all. Leadership was God’s idea and how He defines it is perfect
truth. If we really want to be effective leaders, we must look into God’s Word
and seek to understand Biblical leadership.
Let me share with you some wisdom
that I have gathered from various highly respected godly men in leadership who
have impacted many lives, including mine. One of the first questions that I
asked each of these men was: what is one characteristic that you believe every
leader should possess? Each of them gave a different answer, but I agree that all
leaders should have the following characteristics:
1. “A love for God. Really!! A real (Biblical) love for God. When a leader really knows and loves his God he will lead in God’s way. He will rule with righteousness and in the fear of God. And his people will be blessed!! (See 2 Samuel 23:3,4!)”
1. “A love for God. Really!! A real (Biblical) love for God. When a leader really knows and loves his God he will lead in God’s way. He will rule with righteousness and in the fear of God. And his people will be blessed!! (See 2 Samuel 23:3,4!)”
2. “It
sounds cliché but humility/servant leadership. The best leaders are those who
understand that their leadership is best expressed as they serve those they
lead.”
3. “Empathy,
always trying to be in the other person’s shoes.”
Although we can look at what kinds of
qualities leaders should possess and better understand what leadership is, how
do we know if we are leaders or if we are being called to leadership?
Some people are what we call “born
leaders,” they have strong personalities and a wide sphere of influence as a
result. Often people watch and follow them blindly. Others are specifically
called to leadership by the people around them and still others just think that
they should be leaders and pursue leadership positions.
One
of the leaders I interviewed stated this: “If you asked me what advice I would give
to someone who thinks they should be a leader, I would tell them to make sure
that “call” is confirmed by the people of God and then I would tell them to
open themselves up to have that “call” really tested as they try out some leadership
wings.”
As
a young leader clearly called to leadership, I asked the men I interviewed what
they thought the biggest challenge facing leaders today was and I got a few
different responses. One man responded, “building the next generation of
leaders.” This concept is mentioned throughout God’s Word, but it is best described
as discipleship. Jesus commands us to make disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. This
applies specifically to leadership in that in order to facilitate discipleship,
we need a leader.
Another man responded to the question
about the biggest challenge by saying, “for older leaders I think one of them
is figuring out how to get connected to, empower and direct our current “cause”
driven, short-term focused culture. For the younger leaders, I think one of the
biggest challenges is picking a direction. They have passion and they have
skills but the options are so many that they tend to get stuck in indecision
mode or they are continually starting a new journey.” This serves as a good
warning to young leaders to be aware of direction and to decide to make a
commitment.
A
third response to my challenging question was, “The biggest? There are many big
challenges leaders face today. I would not want to say there is a “biggest” –
each leader will face a merry-go-round of challenges . . . For example: Personal
integrity; Theological stability; Relational wisdom.” This statement addresses
an important point in that if there was a classified “biggest” challenge for all
leaders, then leadership would tend to focus on overcoming the “big” challenge
and likely leaders would not be prepared to face the other challenges of
leadership.
Understanding
that all leaders will have challenges helps us to understand that all leaders
will make mistakes. What is one mistake that people witness leaders making more
frequently than others? “Putting themselves first in decision making.” Pride is
definitely a prominent issue that often comes out in leadership and all leaders
have to make an effort to fight against it. “God calls and appoints leaders for
the sake of his people and for his glory. Leaders should lead with strength and
godly determination, but not for themselves.”
Another common mistake
is when leaders start “chasing trends and strategies rather than focusing on
the people that they are leading or serving.” I can see this mistake being made
everywhere and it is becoming more common as new trends and strategies are constantly
developed. Most often caused by fear of failure, leaders are automatically
drawn to new things, especially if their current strategy seems to be out-dated
or ineffective. Leaders fear that they will lose their followers, so they
follow the trends.
Both of the common mistakes mentioned
above can fit as sub-points under one main mistake, and that is the failure to
understand Biblical leadership. (See 2 Samuel 23:3,4 again). If you fail to
understand Biblical leadership as described in 2 Samuel 23:3-4, you will
continue to struggle and make the same mistakes over and over again and
eventually become very worn out and discouraged as a leader, making you very
ineffective. So basically, if you do not understand Biblical leadership, you
are not a true leader.
What
do true leaders do to ensure they continue to grow and develop as leaders? All
three of the godly men that I interviewed answered this question the same way,
they all said the same three things:
1. Read
God’s Word.
2. Read
leadership books by quality authors.
3. Spend
time with other growing leaders.
As a follow-up question I then asked
which books these men recommended as quality resources to gain insight into becoming
a better leader and I came up with the following list of books:
- The
Bible: Studying the lives of King David, Jesus and Paul specifically.
- “Being
Leaders” by Aubrey Malphurs
- “Spiritual
Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders
- “Good
to Great” by Jim Collins
- “Feeding
and Leading” by Kenneth O. Gangel
- “Help!
I’m a Student Leader” by Doug Fields
- “How
People Grow” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
- “Lead
Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges
- “Transforming
Discipleship” by Greg Ogden
Now some people
probably wonder why is leadership so important? I am going to quote one of the
men I interviewed to answer this question, he said, “God calls and
appoints leaders for the sake of his people and for his glory.” Leaders are
part of God’s plan and they are put into their positions to ultimately bring
Him glory and honour.
So when I asked the leaders I interviewed about their most important decisions, they all said similar things. Pertaining to his leadership role as a senior pastor, one man said, “Of course there are many important decisions we make – but among the most important is leadership selection. This is critically true with staffing and the board, but it is also true in every area of ministry (small group leaders, SS teachers, youth leaders, etc.). The ones leading and mentoring future leaders need to be people of spiritual reputation and be heading in the same direction with the same heart and passion.” This connects with what another pastor said in his answer, “I would say one of the most important decisions I make is who am I going to bring alongside me in leadership. All the best curriculum in the world doesn’t matter if you don’t have faithful growing people teaching it and discipling those they are leading.” That last statement definitely emphasizes the importance of true leaders.
So when I asked the leaders I interviewed about their most important decisions, they all said similar things. Pertaining to his leadership role as a senior pastor, one man said, “Of course there are many important decisions we make – but among the most important is leadership selection. This is critically true with staffing and the board, but it is also true in every area of ministry (small group leaders, SS teachers, youth leaders, etc.). The ones leading and mentoring future leaders need to be people of spiritual reputation and be heading in the same direction with the same heart and passion.” This connects with what another pastor said in his answer, “I would say one of the most important decisions I make is who am I going to bring alongside me in leadership. All the best curriculum in the world doesn’t matter if you don’t have faithful growing people teaching it and discipling those they are leading.” That last statement definitely emphasizes the importance of true leaders.
As a
final question, I asked the leaders what advice they would give young leaders.
One leader said, “Gather some key people around you who will mentor you through
this time. Not only someone who will pat you on the back but someone who will
push you.” Being a young leader, I know and recognize the importance of
encouragement and constructive criticism. To be a leader, you must be willing
to be a learner and learn not only from other leaders but you must also be open
to learning from those you are leading.
A final piece of advice
was, “serve those that are entrusted to your care and be above reproach.” Part
of being a true leader that follows the pattern of Biblical leadership is
servanthood. When we focus on serving the people we are leading, we glorify God
and put away our selfish pride.
In
conclusion, true leadership is Biblical leadership where a servant leader fears
God and rules justly as described in 2 Samuel 23:3-4 but also follows the
example of Biblical leaders such as King David, Jesus and Paul and seeks to serve
and lead his/her followers with integrity.
■
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)