Yesterday my mom got me to wrap all of my little sisters gifts. I feel as though this is tradition because every year my mother gets me to wrap gifts for my sisters. I quite enjoy it because on Christmas morning I know which present is which and look to see their reaction when the open the gift. It's quite fun.
Anyway, as I was wrapping my mom was deciding on which presents were from Santa and which ones were from them. When I was a little kid, Santa was a man that I really liked and looked forward to at Christmas time because this man comes into your house and gives you presents. How can you NOT like this guy! Then when I got older, I found out that the jolly big guy is a fake! I was pretty sadden because I was actually tricked by my parents one year when I got to see this guy for the first time and came to my house. Turns out it was a family friend and yeah, I was a confused kid! haha.
So as my mom gave me instruction on what present was from whom I began thinking, why? Why should Christmas be fake? Why is this world allowing children to believe in someone who is not?! It confuses me because when children finally know the truth about the jolly big man its like a travesty!! THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!!! Like how could that even be possible that Santa is not real? He gave me gifts since I could remember and he is not real??
Think about it! We teach our kids that he is real and it is so huge. We know so much about this man and that he works in the North Pole, he has elves working for him, making toys. We send him letters in hopes that he will bring them to us. In December he is all over the place! In the malls and walking about in schools and other areas to bring joy to those little ones. Everyone is happy and joyful. Christmas is a great time because Santa is going to give us everything!! But how can he?? He's fake??
We get all excited and we are so desperately wanting to see him and wanting to know more about him. As a kid I had all kinds of questions that I wanted to ask him. I would write letters to him and ask a question like, "What do you feed your reindeer? Mom and dad tell me that you feed them carrots! Is that true??" Of course not because Santa is not real!
And so we all are attracted to the fake Christmas, but what about the real Christmas??? Shouldn't we be wanting to know more about the Saviour who was born to die on the cross to take away our sins? Why is it that kids know more about Santa and have so many questions and desire to know him more than Jesus??
Its crazy because should we have a desire to know the real part? Shouldn't we have a desire to seek the real and not the fake? Shouldn't this world come to understand what Christmas is really about?
It's hard to change tradition when everyone is used to doing the same thing every year.
I feel as though as Christians we should do the best we can to get the word out! To tell kids about the realness of Christmas and not the fake. For them to believe in a man who is born to die on this earth to take our sins away. For them to have a desire to know more about Him and to know that He gives everything that we need. For them to know that He loves them so much and is passionate, kind and brings joy!
Sure its fun when Santa comes but as you grow older, he is not real and brings devastation to some children and is never there for you when Jesus is there all the time, He loves you and will never leave you!
I just thought it was sad this Christmas when my little sister knew more about Santa than Jesus. Hard for me to think that in a couple of years she will actually know that Christmas is fake and that Santa will be no more...
Just a thought I would like to share. Some of you may already feel this and think this, some of you may not even had thought of this. I just would like to try and make it my goal that Christmas is not all about Santa. That we should do the best we can to get the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, out into this world and allow people to be curious, have a desire and wanting to know Him more and to follow Him.
Much Love
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. She took the midnight train going ANY WHERE!!
Yup, well I'm a small town girl but I don't really live in a lonely world... I did take a midnight train but it wasn't going just anywhere, it was going to the middle of no where!! Haha.
All of those who are reading this will now know that I am
home for the holidays. I was able to get 2 weeks off of work to go home for
Christmas. I was so lucky and blessed to be able to go. So I was able to book a
train ticket really cheap (because it was a seat sale, praise God!) and go from
Winnipeg to Hillsport where I will be picked up and have to drive another 1 and
a half home. My train was to leave at 10:30pm and was to embark on a 14 hour
train ride bringing me to Hillsport at 2:30pm the next day. When I arrived,
there was already a half hour delay. I then waited and waited and that half
hour became about a two and a half hour delay.
I got on the train about midnight and didn’t actually leave
until 10 after 1 and that’s when the longest journey of life began. I ended up
being stuck with a party of three because the train was packed!! People were
having trouble trying to find a seat and well I ended up in a spot where two
people sit across from you. It was kinda cramped and awkward because I
didn’t even know these people. One guy left and decided to go sleep in the dome
car, which was great but then left me to sit with a couple sitting across from
me. I decided that I wanted to sleep in the dome car but when I left to check
it out, turns out there was a party happening! Definitely wanted to get some
sleep! And so I went back to my seat and reclined my chair with my jacket over
my head and had a rough night sleep. I felt as though I would wake up every
hour and change positions. Oh and did I mention that my headphones broke before
getting on the train allowing me to only hear out of one ear! Haha BRUTAL I
TELL YOU!!
It was about 7am when I couldn’t sleep any more and decided
to go and have breakfast. I have gotten about 4 hours of sleep, which wasn’t so
bad considering my sleeping conditions. And so I went and had breakfast where
this older gentleman came to join me. We started talking and he was saying that
he was coming all the way from Edmonton and going to Toronto to visit family.
He said that his wife went somewhere to visit her sister out of the country and
he was debating on whether or not to spend Christmas alone or to spend
Christmas with family and he chose to take the train to see family. He asked me
about my life and I told him that I was a teacher and I just moved to Manitoba
and am trying to teach in that province. He then asked me why Manitoba and so I
told him my reason why and my heart for what I feel God wants me to do. He was
said “Wow, you have a very caring heart towards people. Are you a Mennonite
because I am one.” I told him no and then after that the conversation just
faded. I got my bill and left feeling encouraged by that man because he was
surprised to see someone trying to make a change in this place.
I then left and spent some time with God which was really
awesome because at this time in my trip we arrived in Ontario and it was soo
good to see the trees! It was a beautiful sight and it made my heart smile. It was a very beautiful day and so I just soaked it all in and
was in awe of our creator!
Later on in the journey, I decided to spend some reading in the dome car and it was quite difficult because I was being distracted by all the beauty and I was tired. I ended up taking a nap and a woman scared me and woke me up leaving me confused on where I was. I started to freak out a little thinking that we passed Hillsport!
I then heard that we were three hours delayed and instead of arriving at 2:30, I arrived at 6 instead. It was really crazy but relaxing. I really enjoyed the ride and would definitely take it again. I know this is a long post on a silly train ride but hey! what can I say? I haven't posted in a while! :)
Much Love!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Its starting to come together.
So I have some exciting news!! After praying and searching I have finally found a permanent place to live. I will be living in a one bedroom apartment in the town where I am currently living in. I really felt that God wanted me to stay in the Teulon area and so he has blessed me with an apartment here. But here is my story:
When I first arrived I was living in a basement on a cot. It was something temporary because I wanted to search for a place to live. I needed to find my bearings and know what these towns were going to be like. What life was going to be like. I don't know how long I will be staying. It could be a year, five, maybe 9 months... I don't know. Anyway, there was this apartment building that caught interest in me since I first got here but wasn't sure if I should live in there because I didn't have a job, I needed to get things together, and yeah I felt like it was not a good idea to go in there first off.
In September I looked at the place and thought that it was okay but I wanted to see what else was round the area. As days went by I nothing was happening. I couldn't find anything around in the area or if I did it would be too expensive for my budget.
When October came around I was feeling very discouraged and really wanted my own place. Independence was really tickling my bones and I just wasn't satisfied... I then began to pray and asked God to provide me with a permanent place to live by the end of October. I was so desperate and so I was hoping my prayers would be answered and God would provide. By the end of October, nothing really happened. I became a little discouraged but I didn't give up because I knew that God was going to provide.
I was still searching and trying to find options available for me and there was still nothing. I was looking in the paper and trying to hear from other people but there was still nothing. I became discouraged and thought that I will be staying in the basement until when I come back after Christmas.
I then found the number that was given to me from the landlady and I decided to give her a call to see if there were any apartments available. Before I called though I prayed and said to God that if He wants me in those apartments, open the doors. I called the woman and asked her if there were any available and she said yes, there was a man that backed out on her and there is one available! It was such a huge answer to prayer. She said that I am able to move in at the end of the month and I told her that would be amazing.
So there you have it folks! God is so amazing and he provides so hugely! I couldn't ask for anything better! He has given me so much and I am super blessed!!
Thanks for those who have been praying and continuing praying for me. I love your support and everything that you have done in my life. I really appreciate everyone of you!
Much love,
Sandra
When I first arrived I was living in a basement on a cot. It was something temporary because I wanted to search for a place to live. I needed to find my bearings and know what these towns were going to be like. What life was going to be like. I don't know how long I will be staying. It could be a year, five, maybe 9 months... I don't know. Anyway, there was this apartment building that caught interest in me since I first got here but wasn't sure if I should live in there because I didn't have a job, I needed to get things together, and yeah I felt like it was not a good idea to go in there first off.
In September I looked at the place and thought that it was okay but I wanted to see what else was round the area. As days went by I nothing was happening. I couldn't find anything around in the area or if I did it would be too expensive for my budget.
When October came around I was feeling very discouraged and really wanted my own place. Independence was really tickling my bones and I just wasn't satisfied... I then began to pray and asked God to provide me with a permanent place to live by the end of October. I was so desperate and so I was hoping my prayers would be answered and God would provide. By the end of October, nothing really happened. I became a little discouraged but I didn't give up because I knew that God was going to provide.
I was still searching and trying to find options available for me and there was still nothing. I was looking in the paper and trying to hear from other people but there was still nothing. I became discouraged and thought that I will be staying in the basement until when I come back after Christmas.
I then found the number that was given to me from the landlady and I decided to give her a call to see if there were any apartments available. Before I called though I prayed and said to God that if He wants me in those apartments, open the doors. I called the woman and asked her if there were any available and she said yes, there was a man that backed out on her and there is one available! It was such a huge answer to prayer. She said that I am able to move in at the end of the month and I told her that would be amazing.
So there you have it folks! God is so amazing and he provides so hugely! I couldn't ask for anything better! He has given me so much and I am super blessed!!
Thanks for those who have been praying and continuing praying for me. I love your support and everything that you have done in my life. I really appreciate everyone of you!
Much love,
Sandra
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Ready to Give Up?
A couple of days ago I was doing my daily reading and this scripture really popped out at me and I thought I should share it with you.
Luke 5:1-7
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish."
"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When reading this, Simon was crazy!! Think about it! Simon and the other fishermen were out ALL NIGHT trying to catch fish and they didn't catch anything! Jesus told Simon to go where it's deeper and let down his nets and the obedience Simon had to go out there is incredible. Just think what would have happened if Simon said no.
Think about it in your life how many times you have tried and tried at something and constantly have been discouraged. You want to give up, you want to quit and when people tell you to keep trying you probably have the attitude of being: PFFFTTT, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I HAVE TRIED ALL DAY AND YOU WANT ME TO KEEP TRYING???!!!
Simon had that obedience! Simon went out after being out there all night trying and trying. Simon went out again with hope. After being discouraged he went out with hope, still trying and having faith.
It is a huge challenge for me to continue to keep going when you constantly try and nothing seems the way you want it to go, nothing comes through the way you want it to, or even how you expected it to be. But that is life, we try and try and sometimes it just doesn't happen. Sometimes it just doesn't work. But we must not give up very easily. We must continue to go, continue to seek, continue to try and try again. It may be hard at that time but in the end it will be rewarding.
I am inspired by a friend, Li Mei, from Thailand who's motto was "Never Give Up!" I can hear it so clearly when we would be together eating the abundance amount of Thai food on the table. Our plates are full with food and it keeps being added to the plate every time. You eat and eat and feel as though your stomach is going to burst and Li Mei would pile the food on when you just finished two plates and say Never Give Up...
NEVER GIVE UP!! Just like Simon never gave up! Continue to go through your struggles, continue to battle the hardship, continue to seek the light at the end of the tunnel because it will come. Give it to God and walk through it with him! Ask God for help, know that you are not alone and that you can continue on this journey with God by your side.
Are you going to give up or are you going to try and try again?
Luke 5:1-7
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish."
"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
When reading this, Simon was crazy!! Think about it! Simon and the other fishermen were out ALL NIGHT trying to catch fish and they didn't catch anything! Jesus told Simon to go where it's deeper and let down his nets and the obedience Simon had to go out there is incredible. Just think what would have happened if Simon said no.
Think about it in your life how many times you have tried and tried at something and constantly have been discouraged. You want to give up, you want to quit and when people tell you to keep trying you probably have the attitude of being: PFFFTTT, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I HAVE TRIED ALL DAY AND YOU WANT ME TO KEEP TRYING???!!!
Simon had that obedience! Simon went out after being out there all night trying and trying. Simon went out again with hope. After being discouraged he went out with hope, still trying and having faith.
It is a huge challenge for me to continue to keep going when you constantly try and nothing seems the way you want it to go, nothing comes through the way you want it to, or even how you expected it to be. But that is life, we try and try and sometimes it just doesn't happen. Sometimes it just doesn't work. But we must not give up very easily. We must continue to go, continue to seek, continue to try and try again. It may be hard at that time but in the end it will be rewarding.
I am inspired by a friend, Li Mei, from Thailand who's motto was "Never Give Up!" I can hear it so clearly when we would be together eating the abundance amount of Thai food on the table. Our plates are full with food and it keeps being added to the plate every time. You eat and eat and feel as though your stomach is going to burst and Li Mei would pile the food on when you just finished two plates and say Never Give Up...
NEVER GIVE UP!! Just like Simon never gave up! Continue to go through your struggles, continue to battle the hardship, continue to seek the light at the end of the tunnel because it will come. Give it to God and walk through it with him! Ask God for help, know that you are not alone and that you can continue on this journey with God by your side.
Are you going to give up or are you going to try and try again?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Coming Alive!
I know that I haven't posted in a while because things have been quite busy. Working at Tim Hortons has been crazy because I have actually been getting a lot of hours than I was expecting. And so with that and also doing ministry it has been a super crazy life for me.
I guess those of you who are reading want to know what is going on in my life and what I have been doing here in Manitoba ministry wise.
Well to start off, we have started a young adults group that focus on social justice through the eyes of God. It is called Influence and it has already begun but is still in the process and is being revamped as we speak. We are hoping that people of our generation are willing to come so that we will be able to change their lives as well. Allowing them to be aware of what is going on around in this world and that Jesus cares about what is happening in this world.
Something that we are hoping to start real soon is a youth drop in where we will be able to transition into a youth group. It is something that I am really looking forward to. Something that I hope will be able to change these young lives because there is nothing else for them to do and what they end up resulting is drinking, partying and drugs. I am unsure of what is going to come to it but I know that great things are going to start happening through this.
One thing that I am also working on the side is developing a children's program that will be able to allow children to come during the week to learn more about God and to just have a lot of fun. I want these children to be a new generation that will rise and stand firm in what they believe in.
There is an amazing opportunity that the church is involved in right now which is called "Operation Come Alive!" This is where we are coming together as a church body and being involved in 21 days of prayer and praying for the church, praying for leadership and praying for 10 new families to come into the church. I feel as though God is working in some of the people in the church and I feel as though He is preparing others for what is to come.
This is going to be an amazing year and am hoping by the end of June 30th, 2013 this church will be filled and will be stable to continue on to the future! It is going to be an amazing year and I know that great things are going to happen.
So, I ask you to pray with me as we pray for the leadership, the church body and for the 10 new families to flood in the church by the end of June 2013. Great things are to come and with God nothing is impossible! Praise God for what He has already done and what is going to come!
I guess those of you who are reading want to know what is going on in my life and what I have been doing here in Manitoba ministry wise.
Well to start off, we have started a young adults group that focus on social justice through the eyes of God. It is called Influence and it has already begun but is still in the process and is being revamped as we speak. We are hoping that people of our generation are willing to come so that we will be able to change their lives as well. Allowing them to be aware of what is going on around in this world and that Jesus cares about what is happening in this world.
Something that we are hoping to start real soon is a youth drop in where we will be able to transition into a youth group. It is something that I am really looking forward to. Something that I hope will be able to change these young lives because there is nothing else for them to do and what they end up resulting is drinking, partying and drugs. I am unsure of what is going to come to it but I know that great things are going to start happening through this.
One thing that I am also working on the side is developing a children's program that will be able to allow children to come during the week to learn more about God and to just have a lot of fun. I want these children to be a new generation that will rise and stand firm in what they believe in.
There is an amazing opportunity that the church is involved in right now which is called "Operation Come Alive!" This is where we are coming together as a church body and being involved in 21 days of prayer and praying for the church, praying for leadership and praying for 10 new families to come into the church. I feel as though God is working in some of the people in the church and I feel as though He is preparing others for what is to come.
This is going to be an amazing year and am hoping by the end of June 30th, 2013 this church will be filled and will be stable to continue on to the future! It is going to be an amazing year and I know that great things are going to happen.
So, I ask you to pray with me as we pray for the leadership, the church body and for the 10 new families to flood in the church by the end of June 2013. Great things are to come and with God nothing is impossible! Praise God for what He has already done and what is going to come!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Never Alone
Isaiah 43:1-2 ~ But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
I was reading this verse last night and it is something that I was really pondering over. When I read it again this is what I think: God called us here to live on this Earth. Our parents haven't called us here, our grandparents didn't call us here and our friends haven't called us here. God has called us here to live on this Earth. He was called us by name and we are children of God!
This makes sense to me because the next verse tells us "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
Now you will be saying, what the heck are you talking about woman?? Well, when we go through hard times of life, when we feel as though we are stuck or failing God is always by our side no matter what!
Think about it like this, when you were young and you fell and scraped your knee, it was the end of the world!! You were gonna die or get your leg amputated! You will never be able to walk again and life will just be so difficult from now on because of one little stinking scrape on your knee. Now when you scraped your knee, your parents came to the rescue you. To comfort you, to hug you and telling you that everything is going to be alright and that you will be fine. This is a reflection of what God is like in our lives!
When we are in the midst of the storm, sometimes people will not be there to rescue you. Sometimes your family will not be there and sometimes your friends will not be there. It sucks and we feel as though we are doing it all in our own but we have to remember that God IS ALWAYS THERE! He is beside us and near us 24/7 because He loves us so much. He has a love that is unfailing and it never fails.
The thing is to make it our choice. We have choices, lots of them to make and I really hate making them but I feel as though when it is a choice between you and God, you have to give it to Him and trust him and walk together or you control the situation by yourself. It is a huge challenge that I believe all Christian's face and I feel as though the word Christian makes us feel as though we should be perfect and everyone must hide their true selves (but this is going on to a rant).
Anyway, what I am trying to say is that through the storm it is hard for us to remember that God is there with us every step of the way and we must do our best to remember that God is ALWAYS there. He is our Father who picks us up when we fall and scrape our knees. He is there when we cannot see the road because the fog is too thick or when the water is rising higher and higher.
It is easy to say and harder to do but we should not hold on to anything. Don't control it, something that I have been struggling with in my life ~ Trust in God and give it to Him!
I hope this makes sense, and know that if you are struggling like me, you are not alone because I am struggling too... That makes the both of us, ha so you're not alone!
Much Love!
Nothing I hold on to ~ Will Reagan and United Pursuit
I lean not on my own understanding
My life is in the hands of the maker of heaven
I lean not on my own understanding
My life is in the hands of the maker of heaven
I give it all to You God
Trusting that You'll make something beautiful out of me
I give it all to You God
Trusting that You'll make something beautiful out of me
I will climb this mountain
With my hands wide open
There's nothing I hold on to
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Waiting Challenge
Isaiah 30:18 ~ So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.
Thank you Lord for Your word!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Day 3 - I am thankful!
Today embarks the third day of me setting foot in the province of Manitoba. Things have been going quite well since being here, mostly everything has been a blessing.
When I arrived in Winnipeg, I was greeted by the pastor, who I will be working with, and his daughter, who is 2 years younger than me. I know this family from when I was living in Thunder Bay and going to University studying to be a teacher. It was nice to be reacquainted with them and to "catch up" so to speak. It was like we never left each other and it was great to be able to re-connect after 2 years of poor communication between one another.
I got to see a little slice of Winnipeg and I didn't expect it to be a big city. I was rather shocked because I didn't realize how lucky I am to be living an hour away from this city. Now, I know some people say that Winnipeg is a dangerous place to live in and I do have to be cautious of the areas that I go but man, this is a dream that I can't even imagine. With most of my life living 4 hours away from a city and then now starting a life where I am only 1 hour is totally a huge blessing!!
Yesterday, I went to church in Stonewall. This is where one of the churches are located. You see, I live in Teulon at the moment and there is a church that the pastor has opened up here, in Teulon, and then there is another church in Stonewall as well. This means that I will be dealing with two churches!! HOW COOL IS THAT??!!
Anyway, I went to church and there were people that were super excited for me to be there. It was very encouraging and very amazing to hear people have an interest in me. (Haha, just kinda sounds weird) There was this one little girl that I met and she told me that she is really excited for me to be here and that she is really happy for me. It was a confirmation that this is where I am supposed to be. Also, I was talking to her mom for a little bit and she also told me that she was super excited to see me. It was very encouraging and welcoming for me.
This family also has talked to the pastor and is willing for me to come into their house and to live with them. They have three kids ages 3-10 and I have been really thinking about it. I feel as though God wants me there in that family. It makes sense but I will see what happens and where God really wants to take me.
You may be wondering why the family talked to the pastor about me coming into their home. Well, I am living with the pastors family but the thing is that I am sleeping on a cot in the basement sharing it with a washer, dryer and a bunch of boxes. A part of me wishes I can have my own room and my own place but at the same time I need to count my blessings and be thankful. And so I am thankful!! Praise God that I am in a house with a family who is taking care of me and helping me out! Praise God that he is providing me with a lot of great things! But, only time will tell how tired I will get for rooming with the washer, dryer and boxes and would like my own room with my own privacy. Only the time and waiting will tell to see God providing me with what I need.
I am at this point of waiting on God and just seeing Him answering prayers. Trusting that His plan will conquer and not mine. I am thankful!
Much love!
When I arrived in Winnipeg, I was greeted by the pastor, who I will be working with, and his daughter, who is 2 years younger than me. I know this family from when I was living in Thunder Bay and going to University studying to be a teacher. It was nice to be reacquainted with them and to "catch up" so to speak. It was like we never left each other and it was great to be able to re-connect after 2 years of poor communication between one another.
I got to see a little slice of Winnipeg and I didn't expect it to be a big city. I was rather shocked because I didn't realize how lucky I am to be living an hour away from this city. Now, I know some people say that Winnipeg is a dangerous place to live in and I do have to be cautious of the areas that I go but man, this is a dream that I can't even imagine. With most of my life living 4 hours away from a city and then now starting a life where I am only 1 hour is totally a huge blessing!!
Yesterday, I went to church in Stonewall. This is where one of the churches are located. You see, I live in Teulon at the moment and there is a church that the pastor has opened up here, in Teulon, and then there is another church in Stonewall as well. This means that I will be dealing with two churches!! HOW COOL IS THAT??!!
Anyway, I went to church and there were people that were super excited for me to be there. It was very encouraging and very amazing to hear people have an interest in me. (Haha, just kinda sounds weird) There was this one little girl that I met and she told me that she is really excited for me to be here and that she is really happy for me. It was a confirmation that this is where I am supposed to be. Also, I was talking to her mom for a little bit and she also told me that she was super excited to see me. It was very encouraging and welcoming for me.
This family also has talked to the pastor and is willing for me to come into their house and to live with them. They have three kids ages 3-10 and I have been really thinking about it. I feel as though God wants me there in that family. It makes sense but I will see what happens and where God really wants to take me.
You may be wondering why the family talked to the pastor about me coming into their home. Well, I am living with the pastors family but the thing is that I am sleeping on a cot in the basement sharing it with a washer, dryer and a bunch of boxes. A part of me wishes I can have my own room and my own place but at the same time I need to count my blessings and be thankful. And so I am thankful!! Praise God that I am in a house with a family who is taking care of me and helping me out! Praise God that he is providing me with a lot of great things! But, only time will tell how tired I will get for rooming with the washer, dryer and boxes and would like my own room with my own privacy. Only the time and waiting will tell to see God providing me with what I need.
I am at this point of waiting on God and just seeing Him answering prayers. Trusting that His plan will conquer and not mine. I am thankful!
Much love!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
With Everything - Hillsongs
This is a song that I encourage you to listen to. It is something that really speaks to me and it is something thing that I feel as though us as a church and us at Christians can make a real difference if we follow and serve God with everything that we have. We can make a difference in this world if we give God everything that we have. It is amazing what God will do in our lives if we are obedient and follow HIM!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_z_i9XQZc
Here are the lyrics for you to read and ponder them. They are not in the order of how it is sung.
Open our eyes
To see the things that make Your heart cry
To be the church that You would desire
Your light to be seen
Break down our pride
And al the walls we've built up inside
Our earthly crowns and all our desires
We lay at Your feet
So let hope rise and darkness tremble
In Your holy light
That every eye will see Jesus our God
Great and mighty to be praised
God of all days
Glorious in all of Your ways
The majesty the wonder and grace
In the light of Your Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_z_i9XQZc
Here are the lyrics for you to read and ponder them. They are not in the order of how it is sung.
Open our eyes
To see the things that make Your heart cry
To be the church that You would desire
Your light to be seen
Break down our pride
And al the walls we've built up inside
Our earthly crowns and all our desires
We lay at Your feet
So let hope rise and darkness tremble
In Your holy light
That every eye will see Jesus our God
Great and mighty to be praised
God of all days
Glorious in all of Your ways
The majesty the wonder and grace
In the light of Your Name
With everything, with everything
We will shout for Your glory
With everything, with everything
We will shout forth Your praise
Our hearts they cry, be glorified
Be lifted high above all names
For You our King with everything
We will shout forth Your praise
Friday, September 14, 2012
And so it begins...
As you know from my last post I will be going to Manitoba. I will be leaving on a jet plane tomorrow and honestly don't know when I'll be back again. Ahaha.
But yes, I will be leaving tomorrow morning and will be setting foot for the first time in Manitoba!! This is a crazy exciting adventure to be on and I know God is going to do amazing things through me and in the church!
I was wondering if those who are reading this can help me out! I have a couple of prayer requests that I ask of you to take some time in to pray.
First is that I will have safe travels and an easy transition to a new place. It is weird for me to think that I will be going there and settling down for a bit but at the same time it is a good feeling.
Second, I don't have a place to live. This is one of the things that I will be doing when I first arrive and I know that God will provide for me. Plus there is a family there that I know well that is helping me out as well, so I am not alone. Pray that God will give me a place to live and that it will be a fun and safe place to live in.
Thirdly, if you can pray that God will provide me with a vehicle that would be amazing because I will be needing one but am not able to financially afford one so again, I am trusting that God will provide.
Lastly, if you can pray for the church and the youth that would be amazing. Pray that they will be open to what I bring and that their hearts will be open to God. I am the first youth pastor and am not sure of what this year will look like but I know that God is going to do amazing things!!
I really appreciate the prayers and would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I will continue to update as much as I can.
Much Love!
But yes, I will be leaving tomorrow morning and will be setting foot for the first time in Manitoba!! This is a crazy exciting adventure to be on and I know God is going to do amazing things through me and in the church!
I was wondering if those who are reading this can help me out! I have a couple of prayer requests that I ask of you to take some time in to pray.
First is that I will have safe travels and an easy transition to a new place. It is weird for me to think that I will be going there and settling down for a bit but at the same time it is a good feeling.
Second, I don't have a place to live. This is one of the things that I will be doing when I first arrive and I know that God will provide for me. Plus there is a family there that I know well that is helping me out as well, so I am not alone. Pray that God will give me a place to live and that it will be a fun and safe place to live in.
Thirdly, if you can pray that God will provide me with a vehicle that would be amazing because I will be needing one but am not able to financially afford one so again, I am trusting that God will provide.
Lastly, if you can pray for the church and the youth that would be amazing. Pray that they will be open to what I bring and that their hearts will be open to God. I am the first youth pastor and am not sure of what this year will look like but I know that God is going to do amazing things!!
I really appreciate the prayers and would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I will continue to update as much as I can.
Much Love!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The next chapter... Another adventure...
Last night I booked my plane ticket and had everything all set and ready to go. This morning I woke up, checked my emails to find out that West Jet is having a seat sale just after I booked my flight!! Ugh! WHY???
Yup, that is pretty much my life and I have bad luck with travelling.... But I am taking off and moving to Manitoba! I will be leaving in about 9 days and will be having a grand ole time!!
Some of you may think, "Why the heck are you going there?" Well, I am going there to be a youth pastor. I feel as though this is a calling from God.
You see, when I went to Thailand, I was working with youth and it was difficult for me to get to know them because of the language barrier and I really wanted to know more about their life. I also was able to share my heart with some of the youth about my story and about my challenges in this world. I challenged them to be different people and to shine their light even if their family aren't Christians because eventually we will be able to change our families/friends if we continue to be different from the world and continue to show God's love that is planted inside of us! This is something that God really pressed on my heart and it was amazing to see their reaction that they can make a difference in their families and in their country.
When I came back from Thailand, I had made my goal to work with youth for the summer. The thing was that I was going to Dawson City, Yukon and we were doing an out reach and the church was closed for two years; so no youth. It was really difficult because I really wanted to be around youth but God was working other things in me this summer. Whenever I would stop and think about youth a fire kept sparking within me. I really wanted to be a youth pastor. I remember praying to God, I feel like you want me to be a youth pastor. I would call people up and tell them, I feel like I want to be a youth pastor and I would be so excited and so wanting to do it right then and there but again, I felt that God had other plans for me this summer.
I was focusing on a lot about my future, which I try not to do, but it was really difficult for me to not know the unknown (which a lot of people deal with). But even though I didn't know the unknown, God put everything in place for me and gave me the decision to make and so I made it.
I feel as though I have made the right decision and I feel excited and at peace with this decision. I feel like this is something that I get excited over and can see myself doing this for many years to come. I am excited to see a generation be built up and a generation that has so much passion for Jesus that THAT is their main focus when they go into school, go into their hockey team, go into their broken families, go into their troubled friends and show HIS unfailing love to them. When they are constantly WANTING MORE of Jesus and constantly WANTING to know more of Him! I see a new generation with a new light and a new passion in this world. I see amazing world changers happening in different countries, in different provinces, in different cities and in different communities! I am excited to start this new adventure and am excited to see what God will do!
So I ask a favour for those who are reading. Please pray for me as I go. Pray that God will provide me a place to live and that He will provide me with a vehicle. Also, pray for the church in that they will be open to what God is going to be doing and that their hearts, eyes and ears will be open to Him! And one more thing is pray for the youth. I don't know what I am walking into and I am unsure if there is any youth. Pray that they will be attracted to a light within the church and that they will come without hesitation. That they will come with an open mind and that God will just radically change them.
I know this may seem crazy as you are reading but I feel like God is just wanting me to DREAM BIG! And so I am DREAMING BIG because everything is possible with Him! Just taking it one step at a time!
Much love!
Yup, that is pretty much my life and I have bad luck with travelling.... But I am taking off and moving to Manitoba! I will be leaving in about 9 days and will be having a grand ole time!!
Some of you may think, "Why the heck are you going there?" Well, I am going there to be a youth pastor. I feel as though this is a calling from God.
You see, when I went to Thailand, I was working with youth and it was difficult for me to get to know them because of the language barrier and I really wanted to know more about their life. I also was able to share my heart with some of the youth about my story and about my challenges in this world. I challenged them to be different people and to shine their light even if their family aren't Christians because eventually we will be able to change our families/friends if we continue to be different from the world and continue to show God's love that is planted inside of us! This is something that God really pressed on my heart and it was amazing to see their reaction that they can make a difference in their families and in their country.
When I came back from Thailand, I had made my goal to work with youth for the summer. The thing was that I was going to Dawson City, Yukon and we were doing an out reach and the church was closed for two years; so no youth. It was really difficult because I really wanted to be around youth but God was working other things in me this summer. Whenever I would stop and think about youth a fire kept sparking within me. I really wanted to be a youth pastor. I remember praying to God, I feel like you want me to be a youth pastor. I would call people up and tell them, I feel like I want to be a youth pastor and I would be so excited and so wanting to do it right then and there but again, I felt that God had other plans for me this summer.
I was focusing on a lot about my future, which I try not to do, but it was really difficult for me to not know the unknown (which a lot of people deal with). But even though I didn't know the unknown, God put everything in place for me and gave me the decision to make and so I made it.
I feel as though I have made the right decision and I feel excited and at peace with this decision. I feel like this is something that I get excited over and can see myself doing this for many years to come. I am excited to see a generation be built up and a generation that has so much passion for Jesus that THAT is their main focus when they go into school, go into their hockey team, go into their broken families, go into their troubled friends and show HIS unfailing love to them. When they are constantly WANTING MORE of Jesus and constantly WANTING to know more of Him! I see a new generation with a new light and a new passion in this world. I see amazing world changers happening in different countries, in different provinces, in different cities and in different communities! I am excited to start this new adventure and am excited to see what God will do!
So I ask a favour for those who are reading. Please pray for me as I go. Pray that God will provide me a place to live and that He will provide me with a vehicle. Also, pray for the church in that they will be open to what God is going to be doing and that their hearts, eyes and ears will be open to Him! And one more thing is pray for the youth. I don't know what I am walking into and I am unsure if there is any youth. Pray that they will be attracted to a light within the church and that they will come without hesitation. That they will come with an open mind and that God will just radically change them.
I know this may seem crazy as you are reading but I feel like God is just wanting me to DREAM BIG! And so I am DREAMING BIG because everything is possible with Him! Just taking it one step at a time!
Much love!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Dawson City, Yukon 2012
I had the opportunity this summer to go up to Dawson City, Yukon. I arrived there in the beginning of June, 2 weeks after I came back from Thailand. It was crazy how I ended up being here.
I was leaving to go to Thailand in May with my OMEGA family (if you haven't checked my OMEGA Thailand 2012 you should after reading this). I was freaking out before leaving because I didn't know where I was going when I came back from Thailand and I had no clue what I was going to do over the summer. I know I needed to make some money but I wasn't sure where I was going or what I was going to do. I was getting really bummed and so I talked to the dean of woman at my school. I told her that I didn't know what I was going to do this summer and that I didn't really want to go home. She told me that maybe I should do the internship and go to Dawson City with the team. And so I talked with the man who put this all together and said that I was interested. He said that it was a go but to pray and ask God what His plans for me were.
And so I prayed and God told me that He wanted me to go but the thing was that I had no place to live. So I left for Thailand unknowing if I was going to go and as I was in Thailand I found out that I had a place to stay. I then booked my plane as soon as I got back and stayed home for two weeks before heading back out again to do ministry.
I arrived in Dawson not really understanding why I was there. I didn't know my purpose but I was willing to do what God had in store for me. I also had to know a new team. There were 6 of us in total and it was great to meet and get to know new people but at the same time it met many challenges.
The North was a very different place to live. There was no rush to get things done. People took their time and the life style there was very relaxed. It was pretty sweet! It was kinda like a retreat ministry in a way. I really dove into the word and really took my time to be with God. It was an amazing time and I was able to pray more than I ever did before. I really felt God calling me to be a prayer warrior and I did the best I could for my self, the team and for Dawson City.
This internship was a different internship because we were not being paid through the church because we were opening up the church and doing outreach to the people. I found a job my third day in Dawson and it was difficult at first to balance ministry and work. I had to be aware to set aside time to be with God and once a routine was set I felt I was settled knowing that I needed to be flexible any day and any time.
I found myself becoming more dependent on God and asking Him to help me through some of my days. My job is a challenge to face and seeing hurt and broken people everyday was something that I needed to get through daily, with the help from God. I found myself praying for the people while working and to just have a hope that there will be a change somewhere and somehow in their life.
Ministry was a challenge but I felt as though we were giving our all and we were making small things happening. I felt as though we were showing people a different side to Christianity and that we are different and that we love them no matter what they do or what they have been through. It was amazing to see a community just beginning and people enjoying conversations with one another, followed by smiles and laughter!
Before I left, I felt like ministry just began but it was good to know that there were two people staying to continue out-reach. I felt that it was wise for us to adjust in the beginning of this adventure. To see and observe the people and to see what it was like up in the North. It was a different experience and I felt as though it is a similar experience to what I see in some small towns.
I felt that what we planned and the ministry opportunities that we started fell into place. It was a huge learning experience in ministry for all of us and it is something that I will take with me while I continue my adventure with God and with the different church communities that I encounter.
I have been able to learn and see more of what a church is like and more of what ministry involves. Starting ministry is challenging but if you continue to pursue and be obedient to what God has in store for you and the church, amazing things will start to grow.
I was leaving to go to Thailand in May with my OMEGA family (if you haven't checked my OMEGA Thailand 2012 you should after reading this). I was freaking out before leaving because I didn't know where I was going when I came back from Thailand and I had no clue what I was going to do over the summer. I know I needed to make some money but I wasn't sure where I was going or what I was going to do. I was getting really bummed and so I talked to the dean of woman at my school. I told her that I didn't know what I was going to do this summer and that I didn't really want to go home. She told me that maybe I should do the internship and go to Dawson City with the team. And so I talked with the man who put this all together and said that I was interested. He said that it was a go but to pray and ask God what His plans for me were.
And so I prayed and God told me that He wanted me to go but the thing was that I had no place to live. So I left for Thailand unknowing if I was going to go and as I was in Thailand I found out that I had a place to stay. I then booked my plane as soon as I got back and stayed home for two weeks before heading back out again to do ministry.
I arrived in Dawson not really understanding why I was there. I didn't know my purpose but I was willing to do what God had in store for me. I also had to know a new team. There were 6 of us in total and it was great to meet and get to know new people but at the same time it met many challenges.
The North was a very different place to live. There was no rush to get things done. People took their time and the life style there was very relaxed. It was pretty sweet! It was kinda like a retreat ministry in a way. I really dove into the word and really took my time to be with God. It was an amazing time and I was able to pray more than I ever did before. I really felt God calling me to be a prayer warrior and I did the best I could for my self, the team and for Dawson City.
This internship was a different internship because we were not being paid through the church because we were opening up the church and doing outreach to the people. I found a job my third day in Dawson and it was difficult at first to balance ministry and work. I had to be aware to set aside time to be with God and once a routine was set I felt I was settled knowing that I needed to be flexible any day and any time.
I found myself becoming more dependent on God and asking Him to help me through some of my days. My job is a challenge to face and seeing hurt and broken people everyday was something that I needed to get through daily, with the help from God. I found myself praying for the people while working and to just have a hope that there will be a change somewhere and somehow in their life.
Ministry was a challenge but I felt as though we were giving our all and we were making small things happening. I felt as though we were showing people a different side to Christianity and that we are different and that we love them no matter what they do or what they have been through. It was amazing to see a community just beginning and people enjoying conversations with one another, followed by smiles and laughter!
Before I left, I felt like ministry just began but it was good to know that there were two people staying to continue out-reach. I felt that it was wise for us to adjust in the beginning of this adventure. To see and observe the people and to see what it was like up in the North. It was a different experience and I felt as though it is a similar experience to what I see in some small towns.
I felt that what we planned and the ministry opportunities that we started fell into place. It was a huge learning experience in ministry for all of us and it is something that I will take with me while I continue my adventure with God and with the different church communities that I encounter.
I have been able to learn and see more of what a church is like and more of what ministry involves. Starting ministry is challenging but if you continue to pursue and be obedient to what God has in store for you and the church, amazing things will start to grow.
Dawson City, Yukon
One thing that I ask of those who are reading is to pray for the town, pray for the people; that they will be able encounter God again in a different kind of way and that their hearts will become soften, and pray for two members of the team who are staying there this winter to continue ministry.
Much Love!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
OMEGA Thailand 2012
For those of you who don't know, I entered in a program at Summit Pacific College for one year. This one year program is called OMEGA which stands for One Year Ministry Education with Global Awareness. It was an 8 month course followed by a 3 week over seas mission trip. This year was Thailand and it was an amazing experience!
Within OMEGA there are different teams. Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. We are all in the same classes but within each team we go to different ministries and serve for the whole year. I was on Team D and it was an amazing time to get together and an amazing year to get to know one another quite well.
After we travelled to Pattani where we did a Youth Camp and it was a great experience plus we were all working on our toes. It was great to see a team come together and to support one another and to bounce ideas off of one another. I loved working with the youth and telling them encouraging things that they can be doing in their life. How they are world changers in their own country and that living for God is an amazing thing. It was great to see their passion for God.
Within OMEGA there are different teams. Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. We are all in the same classes but within each team we go to different ministries and serve for the whole year. I was on Team D and it was an amazing time to get together and an amazing year to get to know one another quite well.
Now that you have a little insight of what I went through for the year, on to my experience in Thailand!
It was an experience that I will never forget and was a most definite experience of growth and different culture experience. I was stretched and moved by our incredible God!
After our arrival in Bangkok, we spent the night and the next next night we took a 12 hour bus to go into the deep south of Thailand. Our first stop was Hat Yai, where we did an English camp at Full Blessings Church and were able to teach English to the Thai youth in a very fun way. It was great to see that they were having fun and learning at the same time. We brought a different way of teaching English which was enjoyed by all.
Being at that church, I saw an amazing community among one another. It was so amazing to see and it was something that I would love to work on in my life. People encouraging one another and people being supportive of one another. It was something that I have never seen before and the servant hood of the youth was incredible. WE were treated like royalty and it was a bit difficult for me to see it after a while because I wanted to serve them!
God also moved in that place and He showed me some incredible things. I was in such awe and amazement of what God did to me and what He showed me that it just wanted me to go deeper in a relationship with Him. God is soo good!
We left and then went on our way to Na Maung. It was about 1 hour from Hat Yai and we did another English Camp at a church. We had to switch things up a little bit because there were younger kids and older kids so thinking on our toes, we had to split them up. It was lots of fun. I, along with 4 others were working with the little ones. It was great to see them have fun and learn some English words because they knew very little. Praise God for TRANSLATORS!!! haha
Youth Camp was done and we then went to a Muslim school to teach the children English. It was such a culture shock to me to see the girls wearing headscarves. I just wanted to go to each girl and take it off and tell them that they were free but I just couldn't do that. I found it to be amazing that we were able to just step into the school to teach the children English. It was great because we brought fun to learning and I feel as though the kids learned some English words. We also taught them some Christian songs, without Jesus being mentioned in it. I felt as though we were just breaking ground and planting some seeds in the school and can only hope that other Christian people can enter Muslim schools to teach English and eventually be able to tell them about our God and how he loves us. Just showing them that we love them was a break through and showing the children that there is someone who cares and even showing them that this is what love is.
We then went on a bus, after our time in Pattani, and we headed down to Bangkok where we were reunited with all of our other team mates! One team went to Burma, another to Takua Pa, while one team stayed in Bangkok. Everyone had such great experiences and hearing stories from others, God was really moving. It was great to be reunited with my other team mates and great to be together again.
I would definitely go back to the country and serve to where I would be needed. It was a great experience culturally and spiritually. I would highly recommend that if you are interested in missions and want team preparation, definitely try the OMEGA program at Summit Pacific College. It is definitely a strong missions program and you learn so much about missions, ministry and yourself and your relationship with God. It is a great growing experience and it has definitely changed my life! And HEY! its only a year!!
MY OMEGA FAMILY :) <3
Sunday, August 26, 2012
First Post... First Blog...
Hey guys and gals who are of interest of my life!
I have decided to start blogging my life because I feel as though it is a gong show and there have been a lot of people telling me, "Hey! Give me an update on life!" or "Hey! What's going on??" And so I really felt that posting my adventure of where God is taking me to be up here and that you would enjoy the updates of my adventure...
And so I know that this first one isn't really exciting! But I am hoping that as soon as I get going that things will spark excitement!
I will also be putting whatever I want as well like scripture or thoughts that have come to mind because it is my blog and I can do what I want!! I can do whatever I want! AND I feel that sometimes it can be an encouragement to some people.
Anyway, this is a little blurb I guess of what this blog is going to look like and I am excited to begin it. Maybe even begin a new fad!
Now that I have bored you and have made you not want to continue to follow me, here is something that I think you may find enjoyment in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VLcLH97eRw&feature=plcp
Its funny because its true!
Much Love!
I have decided to start blogging my life because I feel as though it is a gong show and there have been a lot of people telling me, "Hey! Give me an update on life!" or "Hey! What's going on??" And so I really felt that posting my adventure of where God is taking me to be up here and that you would enjoy the updates of my adventure...
And so I know that this first one isn't really exciting! But I am hoping that as soon as I get going that things will spark excitement!
I will also be putting whatever I want as well like scripture or thoughts that have come to mind because it is my blog and I can do what I want!! I can do whatever I want! AND I feel that sometimes it can be an encouragement to some people.
Anyway, this is a little blurb I guess of what this blog is going to look like and I am excited to begin it. Maybe even begin a new fad!
Now that I have bored you and have made you not want to continue to follow me, here is something that I think you may find enjoyment in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VLcLH97eRw&feature=plcp
Its funny because its true!
Much Love!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)