Summer once again has come to an end. I feel as though if I would of blinked, I would have missed summer altogether! It came, and it left oh so quickly! But, as I begin to feel fall in the air and see it in the yellow leaves that are starting to appear, I am ready for a change of pace!
Camp was wonderful. Wonderful seems like a pretty good word to describe what I experienced this summer. Now, before you go and thing that that word means this summer happened without a hitch, your wrong. This summer was hard. It was exhausting. It was fun. It was challenging. It was new. It was a learning curve and it was wonderful.
I got to experience camp from a different vantage point than what I am used too, behind a desk. I didn't spend a whole lot of time outside, which means my skin didn't see much sunlight, hence my milky glow :) But, the office was air conditioned, which I thanked God for almost every day because I am not quite used to this Manitoban humidity! God taught me a lot about depending on him, and looking to him daily for the right kind of confidence. He taught me how to work with others, and that I am oh so selfish! He taught me the importance of being weak, even though my pride took a hit many times this summer. He showed me time and time again that he does BIG things, and that the power of the Gospel is so needed! Lives were changed this summer at camp- not because it's a Bible Camp, not because of our staff, or the wonderful administrator that sits behind the desk on a daily basis, but because HE is GOD.
I saw brokenness this summer in so many forms. So many lost souls in this world who don't know what real love is. So many broken families, broken relationships and broken hearts. So many hardened hearts, tainted by the world and the lies that it whispers to them. But God fixed relationships, God restored hope in so many young peoples lives, God softened hearts and most importantly God saved and redeemed many this summer for Him!
I am thankful for this summer and what it taught me, it's funny looking back and thinking of all that I learned and all that I saw God do- I didn't really see it all then, but I see it now.
It was different being newly married and working this kind of job, especially with my husband working outside of the camp ministry. Being newly married is hard! I desire time with my husband, all the time. I think i'd be the first to admit that i'm a fairly needy person- and this was a summer of sacrifice. Now i say that not to toot my own horn and make you think that I am such a Holy person because I sacrificed so much this summer. The truth is, I could of sacrificed more. But at the same time, growing in my relationship with my husband, is oh so important to! This summer we learned how to balance- and were not even close to being done that lesson!
But like I've said before, I'm ready for a fresh start. For those leaves to fall, and the air to get colder-for the snow to begin to fall and wash away the old, and bring us the new! Change is good, and i'm ready for a change of pace.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Sunday, 9 June 2013
It's about time..
My goodness it's been a while! I don't have any excuses, it's been just pure laziness and the feeling that I don't have anything to write about. Which is just simply not the case!
Winter is over, though it was long and took its precious time on leaving us, summer is quickly approaching! My first summer at Valley View is only weeks away, and that in and of itself is mind boggling! It's already been half a year since I started working there! Where has the time gone! It's been nice to have a change of pace around the office, with all those registration forms and spring staff coming on its been a hustling place! I seem to be more accustomed to the fast paced environment and though its tiring I thrive on the excitement! Just a few more weeks and camp will be well on it's way!
Michael and I have been so enjoying our little home in the hills! With all the snow gone we are now seeing what this place has to offer! A fire pit hidden behind our house which has already been put to good use! A nice little garden nestled behind our kitchen window has now been planted, in the sand no less! We shall see if we can nurture if enough to grow! It's quite grown up like making your house a home, planting gardens and flowers and making it yours! It's a little surreal but so wonderful in it entirety!
Michael is enjoying his work in Austin building homes! I'm quite proud of his hard work and determination! He really is capable of anything that he sets his mind too. Such a good example for me! I look forward to one day where he can build us a home of our own :)
I'm also getting well aquatinted with what Manitoba has to offer me. Wood ticks and all. But I'm managing! So far I've only had the pleasure of meeting these creatures twice! Here's to hoping that number doesn't increase to much! But it's inevitable living in the sandy hills that I will run into them many more times I'm sure! I'm so glad to have a husband who doesn't mind (to much) checking me for ticks on a regular basis!
Life is good, and God is faithful! I am looking forward to these next few months to see what God is going to do in my time at camp and my marriage. The summer will hopefully be full of camp fires, time spent outside and God transforming the lives of young and old at camp!
I will continue you to try my hardest at keeping you all up to date on our little life and the BIG things that our powerful God is doing! Thanks for being patient with me :)
Winter is over, though it was long and took its precious time on leaving us, summer is quickly approaching! My first summer at Valley View is only weeks away, and that in and of itself is mind boggling! It's already been half a year since I started working there! Where has the time gone! It's been nice to have a change of pace around the office, with all those registration forms and spring staff coming on its been a hustling place! I seem to be more accustomed to the fast paced environment and though its tiring I thrive on the excitement! Just a few more weeks and camp will be well on it's way!
Michael and I have been so enjoying our little home in the hills! With all the snow gone we are now seeing what this place has to offer! A fire pit hidden behind our house which has already been put to good use! A nice little garden nestled behind our kitchen window has now been planted, in the sand no less! We shall see if we can nurture if enough to grow! It's quite grown up like making your house a home, planting gardens and flowers and making it yours! It's a little surreal but so wonderful in it entirety!
Michael is enjoying his work in Austin building homes! I'm quite proud of his hard work and determination! He really is capable of anything that he sets his mind too. Such a good example for me! I look forward to one day where he can build us a home of our own :)
I'm also getting well aquatinted with what Manitoba has to offer me. Wood ticks and all. But I'm managing! So far I've only had the pleasure of meeting these creatures twice! Here's to hoping that number doesn't increase to much! But it's inevitable living in the sandy hills that I will run into them many more times I'm sure! I'm so glad to have a husband who doesn't mind (to much) checking me for ticks on a regular basis!
Life is good, and God is faithful! I am looking forward to these next few months to see what God is going to do in my time at camp and my marriage. The summer will hopefully be full of camp fires, time spent outside and God transforming the lives of young and old at camp!
I will continue you to try my hardest at keeping you all up to date on our little life and the BIG things that our powerful God is doing! Thanks for being patient with me :)
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Number 2: Fears
Today's question is: What are three legitimate fears you have, and how did they become fears?
I feel as though this topic has graced us with its presence many time before on this blog, but that's okay..!
1. Fear number one is death.
I have grown and learned so much about this fear in the past few months though! God has been teaching me so much! I fear the death of those close to me, the ones I love most. I fear the way I will die, not so much the act of actually dying. Although, I do fear dying "early" and not doing the things I want to the most, like having children. But, like I said God has been teaching me so much about this fear. Because of Him death has lost its sting! Because of Him I don't need to fear death, because what awaits me on the other side is so much better then the life I have here! And as far as losing the ones I love, for those who know Christ I know where there going! I can know without a doubt that they are in a better place and that they are basking in the Glory of their Savior, and there is not other place I would rather them to be!
I haven't defeated this fear yet-but God is faithful! Because of him I can daily conquer!
2. Fear number two is rejection.
I realize all these fears are pretty deep. I don't know if i'm really scared of menial things, or maybe i'm just in a deep thinking mood right now.
I'm scared of being rejected. Not accepted for who I am, and not having people like me. I know this fear started at such a young age. Little girls can be so mean. I can be intimidated very easily by other people, and I know that my fear of rejection stops me more often than not from being my self and really letting people see the real me. It also stops me from getting to know other people. I realize that this is a fear that doesn't really show itself very often. I forget that that it's something I struggle with, it kind of hides in the shadows so to speak. The fear of not being good enough, in relationships with friends, relationships with boyfriends, and the reality of what it feels like to be let go. But God never rejects me. No I'm not good enough for him, but he still chooses to love me and forgive me. When I dwell on that- I am blessed.
3.Fear number three is self confidence.
I don't know if that really classifies as a fear, but none the less it's something I struggle with. In a world of ideals, it's hard to measure up. This fear is also something i've grown a lot in and learned so much about! My husband has been a fantastic help in this regard. Not only assuring me that I am beautiful, but also upholding me in prayer, and reminding me often that my thinking is wrong and not helpful.This is also a fear that doesn't show up very often, and I can be struggling with it for a long time before i realize what's wrong. I know i'm not the only one who struggles with this, but sometimes it feels like I am.
Once again though, God is faithful and continues to show me where my self worth should only come from who I am in him.
And that's what i'm scared of.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Number 1
So a while ago a friend of mine challenged me with something she had read on one of her friends blogs. 30 questions that help you get to know me better and help me get my creative juices flowing-and get better at writing!
So that is what I'm going to do. I am going to try my hardest to not just give you easy answers-but to really search my heart and show you who I really am!
Today's question is: 20 things about yourself that not everyone would know.
Here I go!
1. I'm British. Born in Northern Ireland in 1990 and moved to Canada in 1993 I think? Don't quote me on that-I always get the age I moved to Canada wrong!
2. Because of my birthplace-that makes me not a Canadian citizen! Yep, I'm an alien :) Actually, I'm just a permanent resident of Canada-which isn't that exciting. Although, one day I do plan on becoming a Canadian citizen-so look out Canada!
3. I was born two months before I was supposed to-making me a premature baby-nearly killing myself and my mother. But God is good-and he kept us both Alive,a miracle for sure!
4. I blame it on being premature-but I have the weakest wrists. It's actually kind of sad-it's inevitable I think that I will have Carple tunnel one day! Ha!
5. Brushing my teeth makes my nose itchy! Every single time-it's annoying and actually makes me despise brushing my teeth sometimes!
6. This might be gross but brushing my teeth also makes me gag-every single time. Lets just say I love having clean teeth-but it's a chore!
7. I have smelly feet. That was hard to admit. It genetic-I blame my mother ;)
8. I love Jesus. He saved me at the ripe age of 4 and since that day I've never looked back. I know some people don't understand how you can "become a Christian" at such a young age-but there's no doubt in my mind I knew what I was doing. Faith like a child is something not to be looked down upon! All of us need to have such faith!
9. I really don't like green peppers or uncooked onions.
10. I ditest ketchup. I just don't understand how people can love that stuff so much. But everyone's taste buds are different-I just really don't like it! Except on hot dogs-for hot dogs I'm willing to make an exception.
11. To many people I'm a disorganized person-but my disorganizedness makes sense to me!
12. I'm horrible at math. Like I don't know my times tables horrible at math. My brain just doesn't work this way! I'm so glad I married a smart man :)
13. I have the best husband. You can all disagree- but that doesn't matter I still win ;) He's my best friend, and other than God probably the only person who knows me inside and out. He makes me laugh-there's never a dull moment in our relationship. I love him with my whole heart!
14. If I was to choose only one junk food this world should keep-it be chips. I like chips. I don't eat them often-but there a treat and I enjoy them! Well and popcorn- but that's not junk food to me ( haha)
15. I have become an introvert. After spending three years in the dorm life it's hard not to be! I entered bible school as an extrovert-but man now I need my time away from people! If you were to ask me what my ideal night would be- I'd say a night at home! I'm boring, but I need it every once in a while!
16. I enjoy reading. Let me rephrase that- I enjoy reading for pleasure. There's nothing like a good book!
17. I love trees. Living in BC for such a long time, it's hard not to! Living in the prairies really made me appreciate them! Now living in Manitoba- in the "hills" I am blessed! There is no mountains but there are rolling hills and a copious amount of trees for me to enjoy every day! I'm blessed.
18. I secretly (not so secret anymore) wish I had an amazing voice! I love signing and worshiping The Lord- and sometimes I wish I could just belt it out and sound wonderful! But oh well, any worship we make to God is a joyful noise right?!
19. I enjoy tea. I blame my British roots! I do love a good cup of coffee now and then- but nothing beats a good cup tea in my opinion!
20. The only good thing about me is Jesus. Without him-I'm nothing. Without him I'm dead. He is my Savior, the giver of life! Because of him I now have life, eternal life. My sins have been forgiven because of his death on the cross. He has paid my debt in full. In him I am complete-I am Holy and I have the hope of life after death. This world is not my home! I am going to such a greater place. I believe in heaven-and I believe in hell. I believe there is no gospel without his death-and I believe without the gospel life isn't worth living. Do you know this wonderful savior? Do you know where your going when you die? What gives you hope today in your life? Think about it...
And that's me in a nut shell :)
So that is what I'm going to do. I am going to try my hardest to not just give you easy answers-but to really search my heart and show you who I really am!
Today's question is: 20 things about yourself that not everyone would know.
Here I go!
1. I'm British. Born in Northern Ireland in 1990 and moved to Canada in 1993 I think? Don't quote me on that-I always get the age I moved to Canada wrong!
2. Because of my birthplace-that makes me not a Canadian citizen! Yep, I'm an alien :) Actually, I'm just a permanent resident of Canada-which isn't that exciting. Although, one day I do plan on becoming a Canadian citizen-so look out Canada!
3. I was born two months before I was supposed to-making me a premature baby-nearly killing myself and my mother. But God is good-and he kept us both Alive,a miracle for sure!
4. I blame it on being premature-but I have the weakest wrists. It's actually kind of sad-it's inevitable I think that I will have Carple tunnel one day! Ha!
5. Brushing my teeth makes my nose itchy! Every single time-it's annoying and actually makes me despise brushing my teeth sometimes!
6. This might be gross but brushing my teeth also makes me gag-every single time. Lets just say I love having clean teeth-but it's a chore!
7. I have smelly feet. That was hard to admit. It genetic-I blame my mother ;)
8. I love Jesus. He saved me at the ripe age of 4 and since that day I've never looked back. I know some people don't understand how you can "become a Christian" at such a young age-but there's no doubt in my mind I knew what I was doing. Faith like a child is something not to be looked down upon! All of us need to have such faith!
9. I really don't like green peppers or uncooked onions.
10. I ditest ketchup. I just don't understand how people can love that stuff so much. But everyone's taste buds are different-I just really don't like it! Except on hot dogs-for hot dogs I'm willing to make an exception.
11. To many people I'm a disorganized person-but my disorganizedness makes sense to me!
12. I'm horrible at math. Like I don't know my times tables horrible at math. My brain just doesn't work this way! I'm so glad I married a smart man :)
13. I have the best husband. You can all disagree- but that doesn't matter I still win ;) He's my best friend, and other than God probably the only person who knows me inside and out. He makes me laugh-there's never a dull moment in our relationship. I love him with my whole heart!
14. If I was to choose only one junk food this world should keep-it be chips. I like chips. I don't eat them often-but there a treat and I enjoy them! Well and popcorn- but that's not junk food to me ( haha)
15. I have become an introvert. After spending three years in the dorm life it's hard not to be! I entered bible school as an extrovert-but man now I need my time away from people! If you were to ask me what my ideal night would be- I'd say a night at home! I'm boring, but I need it every once in a while!
16. I enjoy reading. Let me rephrase that- I enjoy reading for pleasure. There's nothing like a good book!
17. I love trees. Living in BC for such a long time, it's hard not to! Living in the prairies really made me appreciate them! Now living in Manitoba- in the "hills" I am blessed! There is no mountains but there are rolling hills and a copious amount of trees for me to enjoy every day! I'm blessed.
18. I secretly (not so secret anymore) wish I had an amazing voice! I love signing and worshiping The Lord- and sometimes I wish I could just belt it out and sound wonderful! But oh well, any worship we make to God is a joyful noise right?!
19. I enjoy tea. I blame my British roots! I do love a good cup of coffee now and then- but nothing beats a good cup tea in my opinion!
20. The only good thing about me is Jesus. Without him-I'm nothing. Without him I'm dead. He is my Savior, the giver of life! Because of him I now have life, eternal life. My sins have been forgiven because of his death on the cross. He has paid my debt in full. In him I am complete-I am Holy and I have the hope of life after death. This world is not my home! I am going to such a greater place. I believe in heaven-and I believe in hell. I believe there is no gospel without his death-and I believe without the gospel life isn't worth living. Do you know this wonderful savior? Do you know where your going when you die? What gives you hope today in your life? Think about it...
And that's me in a nut shell :)
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Truth
I have found in these past few days, so much joy and peace from the truth that is God's word.
I just thought I would share with you all some verses that have been helping me daily to keep on going despite life's set backs!
I just thought I would share with you all some verses that have been helping me daily to keep on going despite life's set backs!
BE
still
AND
know.
Ps. 46:20
" I waited paitently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD."
Ps. 40:1-3
God is our refuge and strength.
An ever present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will NOT fear,
though the earth gives way
and the mountains fall into the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
and the mountains quake with their surging...
The Lord almighty is with us!
The God of Jacob is our fortress!
Be STILL and KNOW that I am God.
PS. 46:1-3,7,10
In every circumstance, the word of God has something to say! I am amazed daily at how I am spiritually fed through this wonderful book!
Now for some random pictures of things that have been making me smile lately:
The view from our front porch continually blows my mind.
This was one foggy, cold Sunday a few weeks ago.
The hor frost was amazing, if you look close enough you can see
MacGregor in the distance!
I love having flowers on our kitchen table.
This is a dried bunch of babies breath,
even though its dead it still brightens up the room!
Almost every morning when the sky isn't cloudy,
I get to see this from office desk!
The beauty of the sunrises always
takes my breath away!
And last but deffinitly not least!
My hunky, adorable, loving husband!
He has been so good to me these last few weeks
that I haven't been feeling well.
I am SO blessed.
I love him.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Seasons
"All of my life, in every season you are still God, I have a reason to live- I have a reason to worship" -the desert song by Hillsong
These words have really meant a lot to me in the past few days. I have heard this specific song before, and I had listened to the words but they never affected me the way the do now.
Life is full of the unknown, it's full of seasons. Seasons of joy, and seasons of sorrow. Like Ecclesiastes says : "There is a time for everything."
I haven't gone through anything huge quite yet in my life, but sometimes even the little things and other people's lives affect you. I've been feeling sick for quite a while now, and the unknown is sometimes just enough to drive me insane. I've always been a worrier, so that in itself doesn't make things any better! It's also that I have to place my life into other people's hands, my husband, doctors, nurses- people that are human! And sometimes that's hard! Okay, it's almost always hard!
A verse that has always meant so much to me, but up until now don't think I've fully understood is Pslam 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God!"
This verse and that song I mentioned earlier have really put things into perspective for me.
I know who God is, I know what he's done for me, I know that he is all powerful, all knowing, in control, compassionate, loving, that he hates sin, and that he delights to see people come to know him. I know that he is trustworthy, that he holds all my days in the palm of his hand.
In all of life's mountains and valleys that I go through, or you go through, God stays the same. He never changes, he is the same yesterday, today and forever! Even when life hurts- he is still GOD. And all I have to do is know that.
When I'm faced with unknown circumstances-all I need to know is that God is God- he is control.
And because God is who he is everyday, everyday I have a reason to live: HIM. And I have a reason to worship: HIM.
Yes, life is hard and sometimes in a Worldly perspective unfair- but let's not forget that this world is not our home and that we have something so much greater to look forward to.
These words have really meant a lot to me in the past few days. I have heard this specific song before, and I had listened to the words but they never affected me the way the do now.
Life is full of the unknown, it's full of seasons. Seasons of joy, and seasons of sorrow. Like Ecclesiastes says : "There is a time for everything."
I haven't gone through anything huge quite yet in my life, but sometimes even the little things and other people's lives affect you. I've been feeling sick for quite a while now, and the unknown is sometimes just enough to drive me insane. I've always been a worrier, so that in itself doesn't make things any better! It's also that I have to place my life into other people's hands, my husband, doctors, nurses- people that are human! And sometimes that's hard! Okay, it's almost always hard!
A verse that has always meant so much to me, but up until now don't think I've fully understood is Pslam 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God!"
This verse and that song I mentioned earlier have really put things into perspective for me.
I know who God is, I know what he's done for me, I know that he is all powerful, all knowing, in control, compassionate, loving, that he hates sin, and that he delights to see people come to know him. I know that he is trustworthy, that he holds all my days in the palm of his hand.
In all of life's mountains and valleys that I go through, or you go through, God stays the same. He never changes, he is the same yesterday, today and forever! Even when life hurts- he is still GOD. And all I have to do is know that.
When I'm faced with unknown circumstances-all I need to know is that God is God- he is control.
And because God is who he is everyday, everyday I have a reason to live: HIM. And I have a reason to worship: HIM.
Yes, life is hard and sometimes in a Worldly perspective unfair- but let's not forget that this world is not our home and that we have something so much greater to look forward to.
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Love Day
This valentines day was wonderful.
I did think that it might be hard to beat last year's valentines day, when my beloved proposed to me. :)
We decided on a quiet night in at home. By the time we would both get home from work, get ready and head out the door the evening would have been very rushed and hectic; that's not what we wanted!
We stayed in, lit some candles and made Indian food! It was so yummy! Then, we let our creativity out and made a fort! It was fun, I felt like a kid again. We ate brownies, played some games and just enjoyed each others company.
I love spending time with my husband. He's the only one who can make me laugh the way he does! He's my best friend, life is just so wonderful with him by my side. And he is so good at making things; he made me a beautiful picture frame! I have a talented man :) oh and not to mention the cute handmade card and beautiful flowers he bought me.
I am blessed with such an amazing husband. I thank God daily for the man He chose for me. Only God could of matched us the way He did! Thank you Jesus!
Here's some pictures of our fun filled love day!
I did think that it might be hard to beat last year's valentines day, when my beloved proposed to me. :)
We decided on a quiet night in at home. By the time we would both get home from work, get ready and head out the door the evening would have been very rushed and hectic; that's not what we wanted!
We stayed in, lit some candles and made Indian food! It was so yummy! Then, we let our creativity out and made a fort! It was fun, I felt like a kid again. We ate brownies, played some games and just enjoyed each others company.
I love spending time with my husband. He's the only one who can make me laugh the way he does! He's my best friend, life is just so wonderful with him by my side. And he is so good at making things; he made me a beautiful picture frame! I have a talented man :) oh and not to mention the cute handmade card and beautiful flowers he bought me.
I am blessed with such an amazing husband. I thank God daily for the man He chose for me. Only God could of matched us the way He did! Thank you Jesus!
Here's some pictures of our fun filled love day!
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