Hey, y'all! I've been a bit absent from the blogging world. It feels like forever since I just looked at everyone else's, let alone stop to think of something witty to say on my own blog. I've been home (as my previous post said)... then home again! (which was not as good to it sounds.) So I thought I'd leave a note and give you a list of the top ten things that have happened in the last month, since my July post. Hope you find it interesting, informative, or at least worth reading: (in chronological order)
1. Ryan and Leah got married and I got to hang out with the Deal/McClellend families!
2. I stayed with Jessa and hung out with her and Carson (and Carson finally figured out I'm "kinda cool!" They've been dating for two years. I hope it doesn't take everyone else that long to figure that out!)
3. Had a few sweet walks and talks around Wascana Lake/Northwest Regina with my sister and my dear friend Tim!
4. I flew back from Regina and started hanging out with a pretty sweet boy!
5. We actually went on "dates!"
6. I flew back to Regina for Colby and Denae's amazing wedding in beautiful SW Saskatchewan!!! HUGE HIGHLIGHT!
7. I was able to visit with amazing friends and family at the wedding including Lynn Anderson, Gma and Gpa Straker, Marti Elford, the Zorn's, and great ol' Western friends that I haven't seen in a really long time!
8. I FINALLY got to see the Slywka's and the Krogsgaards after they returned from Africa! I LOVE THOSE GUYS!
9. Got back to Edmond to welcome all my "kids" to OC for Earn Your Wings. WOW! MY JOB IS SOOOO WORTH IT!!
10. Last but definitely not least (PROBABLY THE GREATEST), Caleb and I have decided to give this crazy thing called a relationship a real shot.... so, it's official, I HAVE A BOYFRIEND!!! :):):) I've found someone who appreciates who I am because I am myself (different from soooo many down here), who is sweet and complimentary to me, and who is excited to find out all that goes on in my mind and heart! How cool is that?!! Some of you may be thinking that he has no idea what he's in for, and you are probably right, but we'll see!
I'll stop now. If you want to know more, you are going to have to email me because this is about all I will say to the general reading public! And this is as public as it's going to get because I'm not a fan of the myspace/facebook dating announcement deal!
Anyway.... I'm off to Portland this afternoon for 6 days. Hopefully I will be seeing Jessa and Carson tomorrow morning! Then off to Faithquest and other things with my work buddy, Matt T, travel guide extrodinaire!
I had a 7:00am meeting this morning for World Mission Workshop 2007. For those of you that really know me, you will know that would be one of the few things I would get up that early for! I have a report to finish and packing hasn't started yet. So I need to get back to it!
Just in case you didn't catch it, I'm loving life right now! God is good!! He is totally in control, even when I forget to acknowledge that! And I pray that all of you are doing well, remembering to appreciate what you have and praise God for all blessings!
Canada: Take care of yourself!
America: Appreciate individualism more!
Students: Come to OC!!! Or if you are here already, come in and say HI. I have a new office!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I'm coming home!
I really can't believe it's already time, 3 months since I was on home turf! Anyway, I'm leaving campus in less than an hour. I just wanted to let you all know that you should get in touch with me while I'm in Regina because we HAVE TO hang out!!!! For those of you who aren't in Regina, you should come too! I will miss my OCers, somewhat...... ;) Especially if you are an incoming freshman... Anyway, just so my OC "peeps" won't feel left out... here's the pic of the day to tell you how much I LOVE OC!!!!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Prayers for the Bell's
I know that most of you who read this are from home, but just in case, I wanted to post Stephen Bell's blog. His Dad, Stan, is really sick and has had three major surgeries in Regina already. Please pray for all of them. In addition, Stephen's Grandpa, Manley Jacobs, passed away last week and the funeral is this Saturday.
Monday, July 03, 2006
GOOD TIMES!
I just spent over two hours on the phone with my greatest friend from home. I miss home sometimes. I found this picture on myspace while we were talking (thanks, Kris) which just caused me to lament even more that I wish I were in Regina this weekend. There's nothing like fireworks at Wascana Park!! I may even admit that I miss the mosquitos! Hope you all had a great holiday weekend! Only 24 more days!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
I'm convicted again... now what?
These last few months in Oklahoma have been an interesting adjustment, again. In many ways, I left my Glen Elm church family in the middle of a pretty negative, self-loathing situation, to be quite honest. Don't get me wrong, I love GE and I think that God has blessed that body with amazing people and gifts. But the reality is that the last 2 years have been pretty rough on us. Along with all those struggles, many of my friends have debated about sticking through or jumping ship. You don't have to look far (well, actually just to the left side of the auditorium) to see what the majority choice was.
At the International Soul Winning Workshop (AKA: Tulsa Workshops) this year, I was elated to see that even the "stuck in the mud" Bible Belt folks are seeing the necessity of unity amongst churches. For more reaction on that, see my myspace blog.
Anyway, this week I had the privilege of going to the North American Christian Convention. This is the Christian Churches' version of "Tulsa Workshops." As a follow up of the March workshop, the NACC theme was Unity as well. I feel like this discussion has been happening for long enough and it's good to see some action finally taking place. Thursday night Jeff Walling was the speaker for the main session. Needless to say, it was amazing!!! For the first "adult" sermon I've heard from Jeff (who is usually Dudley's favourite youth rally speaker), I was more that blown away and challenged by his colourful words and ability to hit you with the truth.
With all the talk about unity among the churches, it's easy to keep it at exactly that... unity in the church! It's so easy to keep that statement at arms length, leaving to up to the "leaders" and "older people." What about unity in my life with people that I interact with on a daily basis? Or my attitude towards people in the Christian church (or Baptist, Methodist, Community churches, etc.)? For years, the C of C has had the attitude that we've got it all right. Well, I think we are finally admitting that we don't!!! Jeff told us to turn to our left and to our right and say "I'm a mess!" I could have stood up and yelled it at the top of my lungs!! Since I was only sitting beside one person, dear friend Allan Brantley, we looked at each other and added to it, "I'm a mess and I know it and you're a mess and you know it!" What a relief to say that?!? Seriously, it felt good in a way. If I ever act like I'm not a sinner who is in a big, big mess, please do whatever you have to do to get in my face and whop me upside the head!!
Here's my other question though... How do I apply this to my daily life? I have a million ideas about how I can help create unity amongst churches at my job; christian church visits, area wide recruiting events with both churches, learning more about the Christian church educational institutions, setting up shows for New Reign and Summer Singers at new churches and camps, becoming connected with Christ in Youth, Awana, and tons of other organizations out there. If I could be in control of all that, I would in a heart beat. (It's just like working with Tim Furry, Chris from Avonhurst Pentacostal, and the great people at Faith Baptist and hillsdale back home!) BUT... the reality is I am still in the c of c world where even people in my office don't agree with the unification that is taking place. Where I freeze is when the people I interact with every day oppose something that seems more valuable to the future of the church than anything I have seen in my lifetime. What about when I'm told "we can't do that yet because not everyone is ready for it"? I don't know how to handle that. What do I say?
God, please bless me with the words, patience, and insight to step up in support of building bridges but also in how to handle opposition in the face of this change. Please grant OC the vision, passion, and conviction to step up in support of unity as Jesus Christ prayed!
HAPPY CANADA DAY FOLKS!
At the International Soul Winning Workshop (AKA: Tulsa Workshops) this year, I was elated to see that even the "stuck in the mud" Bible Belt folks are seeing the necessity of unity amongst churches. For more reaction on that, see my myspace blog.
Anyway, this week I had the privilege of going to the North American Christian Convention. This is the Christian Churches' version of "Tulsa Workshops." As a follow up of the March workshop, the NACC theme was Unity as well. I feel like this discussion has been happening for long enough and it's good to see some action finally taking place. Thursday night Jeff Walling was the speaker for the main session. Needless to say, it was amazing!!! For the first "adult" sermon I've heard from Jeff (who is usually Dudley's favourite youth rally speaker), I was more that blown away and challenged by his colourful words and ability to hit you with the truth.
With all the talk about unity among the churches, it's easy to keep it at exactly that... unity in the church! It's so easy to keep that statement at arms length, leaving to up to the "leaders" and "older people." What about unity in my life with people that I interact with on a daily basis? Or my attitude towards people in the Christian church (or Baptist, Methodist, Community churches, etc.)? For years, the C of C has had the attitude that we've got it all right. Well, I think we are finally admitting that we don't!!! Jeff told us to turn to our left and to our right and say "I'm a mess!" I could have stood up and yelled it at the top of my lungs!! Since I was only sitting beside one person, dear friend Allan Brantley, we looked at each other and added to it, "I'm a mess and I know it and you're a mess and you know it!" What a relief to say that?!? Seriously, it felt good in a way. If I ever act like I'm not a sinner who is in a big, big mess, please do whatever you have to do to get in my face and whop me upside the head!!
Here's my other question though... How do I apply this to my daily life? I have a million ideas about how I can help create unity amongst churches at my job; christian church visits, area wide recruiting events with both churches, learning more about the Christian church educational institutions, setting up shows for New Reign and Summer Singers at new churches and camps, becoming connected with Christ in Youth, Awana, and tons of other organizations out there. If I could be in control of all that, I would in a heart beat. (It's just like working with Tim Furry, Chris from Avonhurst Pentacostal, and the great people at Faith Baptist and hillsdale back home!) BUT... the reality is I am still in the c of c world where even people in my office don't agree with the unification that is taking place. Where I freeze is when the people I interact with every day oppose something that seems more valuable to the future of the church than anything I have seen in my lifetime. What about when I'm told "we can't do that yet because not everyone is ready for it"? I don't know how to handle that. What do I say?
God, please bless me with the words, patience, and insight to step up in support of building bridges but also in how to handle opposition in the face of this change. Please grant OC the vision, passion, and conviction to step up in support of unity as Jesus Christ prayed!
HAPPY CANADA DAY FOLKS!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
The Prayer of Faith- James 5:13-16
I sort of hate to write this blog for a few reasons. First of all, I am sad that events in my life have resulted in what I am about to tell you. Secondly, I don't want it to seem like I am looking for attention or loathing in self-pity. (Not that I don't appreciate your words of encouragement when you are moved to do so.) And thirdly, this blog thing is pretty impersonal sometimes, since anyone can read it. But I hope that if you are reading this and don't know this whole story, you will still pray and hopefully be encouraged by what I have to say. I do want to write it though, because if you have been around me in the last year and a half, I want tell you what is going on and it's hard to do that when I don't see you guys on a regular basis.
My Dad has decided already that he is going to remarry in August. This was not really a shock to me, but I had been praying that he would wait for a little while (which could have been years for me). I don't want to underestimate the power of prayer by not fervantly praying that this wedding doesn't happen at all, but there is more to the issue I think. I am convinced that the core of the issue is that we need to join forces and battle Satan's hold; the fact that his heart is hard to the truth of his lifestyle and what God sees as pure and right for him (and getting married isn't going to make everything "right"). This is the crux of my concern. I can't change the past and our answer to prayer may not be a stop to the wedding, but God can continue to work and I have to have faith that my Dad, who raised me and taught me what scripture says, will see one day that what he has convinced himself as "God's plan" is Satan's lie.
If you have been on "this journey" with me for the last year and a half or more, I am thankful that you are reading this. Many of you joined me in wonderful, moving, and powerful hours of prayer. You taught me more about community, prayer and honesty within the church than I have ever experienced in my life. I am asking you to join me as a prayer warrior for this situation as you go through your daily activities and devotional times.
I am far away, but if you will join me in this, please just leave me a "will do" comment. That would mean a lot to me. If you have other questions or thoughts, feel free to comment or email me.
Thank you for being wonderful friends! I love you all!
My Dad has decided already that he is going to remarry in August. This was not really a shock to me, but I had been praying that he would wait for a little while (which could have been years for me). I don't want to underestimate the power of prayer by not fervantly praying that this wedding doesn't happen at all, but there is more to the issue I think. I am convinced that the core of the issue is that we need to join forces and battle Satan's hold; the fact that his heart is hard to the truth of his lifestyle and what God sees as pure and right for him (and getting married isn't going to make everything "right"). This is the crux of my concern. I can't change the past and our answer to prayer may not be a stop to the wedding, but God can continue to work and I have to have faith that my Dad, who raised me and taught me what scripture says, will see one day that what he has convinced himself as "God's plan" is Satan's lie.
If you have been on "this journey" with me for the last year and a half or more, I am thankful that you are reading this. Many of you joined me in wonderful, moving, and powerful hours of prayer. You taught me more about community, prayer and honesty within the church than I have ever experienced in my life. I am asking you to join me as a prayer warrior for this situation as you go through your daily activities and devotional times.
I am far away, but if you will join me in this, please just leave me a "will do" comment. That would mean a lot to me. If you have other questions or thoughts, feel free to comment or email me.
Thank you for being wonderful friends! I love you all!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Conquered another US monster!
Well, it's been a crazy week. I've been meaning to write about this since Monday, but just haven't gotten to it. And for some reason my camera isn't allowing me to download my pictures, so you'll just have to imagine it.
Last weekend I conquered driving from Bakersfield, CA through LA to Malibu, back through LA (down Sunset to Rodeo Dr.) to Anaheim, then back to Bakersfield! This is my third major city in the last month or so. It was great! Yeah for Mapquest and Map Point.
Anyway, I went to Anaheim because I got to go to Game 2 of the Western Conference finals! This was my first NHL game! It was so exciting. The crowd wasn't that into it because Anaheim only scored once and ended up losing 3-1. But I got to see Pronger, Smyth, Smith, Roloson, Friesen, Getslaf, the Niedermyrs, Selanne, etc, etc, not to mention the amazingly classy Craig McTavish (not too bad looking for an old man!). It was amazing!!! Did I say that!??!
Due to some strong influences, I've been paying close attention to Edmonton all playoffs, especially after Ottawa let me down. I'm sure I'm not the only Canadian to jump on the Oilers' bandwaggon this year!!
Last weekend I conquered driving from Bakersfield, CA through LA to Malibu, back through LA (down Sunset to Rodeo Dr.) to Anaheim, then back to Bakersfield! This is my third major city in the last month or so. It was great! Yeah for Mapquest and Map Point.
Anyway, I went to Anaheim because I got to go to Game 2 of the Western Conference finals! This was my first NHL game! It was so exciting. The crowd wasn't that into it because Anaheim only scored once and ended up losing 3-1. But I got to see Pronger, Smyth, Smith, Roloson, Friesen, Getslaf, the Niedermyrs, Selanne, etc, etc, not to mention the amazingly classy Craig McTavish (not too bad looking for an old man!). It was amazing!!! Did I say that!??!
Due to some strong influences, I've been paying close attention to Edmonton all playoffs, especially after Ottawa let me down. I'm sure I'm not the only Canadian to jump on the Oilers' bandwaggon this year!!
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