It's beginning to look like Christmas

                         Merry Christmas! Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the lights at nights, the snow on the ground, the birth of our savior! It's an overwhelming thought to me, that Jesus came in the form of flesh, to be tested and tried...to be beaten and slain. It's the most beautiful birthday in the whole world to celebrate. It's also the most sad...because he came to die for everyone...to save the world. Can you imagine how thrilled and relieved Joseph and Mary were? To finally have Jesus!? To see his face. The face of not only a baby, but a fierce, caring, loving King....wow. It just overwhelms me. Hm. I'm so thrilled....Are you?

Hanging?

                                Many people are too afraid to ask questions when learning about salvation, or trying to strengthen their faith. Mostly because, we are to a ashamed of the questions we seek the answers too. At least, that's how it is with me. I'm still trying to deepen my faith, and ask all kinds of questions. Sometimes, I think, my one friend may get tired of them! Haha. Something that God has been teaching me lately, is that it's okay. It's okay to ask questions. Do not be embarrassed of any of them! We are not to carry our burdens alone! That's one of the reasons we fellowship with fellow believers, to let them know where we stand in our faith. To be there for them, and to let them be there for us. To help them lighten the load by helping to carry it. And likewise the other way around. So this post, is going to be about questions. Listed below are some of the hundreds of questions that I ask myself daily. Some of them I have found the answers to...some, I still seek answers. I hope that they will be an encouragement to you. I hope that you know, that you're not the only one asking silly questions, or questions you think you should know the answers too when you don't. Enjoy them. Learn through my questions. Learn through my struggles. Pick up the bible and read it...I find it is more help to answer questions, than to not even look in the word. Pastors can help you answer questions, or trusted wise friends, and elders in your life. But my advice is, to read the bible...find the answer there. Than seek help to discern the answer if it is confusing. Enjoy:
     "How is it...that life in the Lord offers freedom. Yet once in the life...you stumble and fall on a daily basis? How is that you sometimes still do not feel like your one in the Lord?"
     "How do you image God...how do you reflect Him?"
     "Are you listening, for the call?"
     "Who's in charge of your life?"    
     "Are you connected to Jesus?"  "Are you a student of Jesus?"
    "How do we give?" "Is there peace with you?"
    "Will you confess Him Lord, because you love Him? Or because of the obvious?"
    "In Adam. Or in Christ. Which will it be?"
    "Are we known as divided, or united?"
    "What must I do to be saved?"
    "Are you in Christ?"
    "What will you choose?"
    "Do you pray with joy in all circumstances?"
    
    "He himself, bore our sins in his body on a tree. So that we might die to sins, and live for righteousness..." -'So why doesn't it feel like it?' (1 Peter 2:24)
    'We need to let God stir us and put the spices in our life. To make us a better person...a better Christian...Are You Willing?




                  Remember that ALL these questions, are questions I asked myself. So, don't be offended by all the 'you' and 'we'. Alright? Have a Great week, as you bask in God's GREAT love, and protection....for you! Stay tuned for my next post! :)

What are Friends?

                             What are friends? They are the never-ending love and support. They are the pillars that hold us up, when we crumble. Friends are the pests that never leave your side, especially when we don't want them near. You can't terminate them. They are not easily destroyed. Friends are the smiles on our faces, and on occasion...they are also the frowns. We all look up to them, we learn from them and want them. We love, cherish and protect them. A tortured soul like mine, doesn't deserve them. Friends...they are the ones who love us unconditionally, no matter our looks, styles, and character traits. They love our personalities, they put up with our mood swings. Friends. Who are they? They are the love and support; cherished by all, and sent by god. They will never return empty to Him empty...don't take them for granted...they are our friends. Why Don't You Get Some.


Dedicated to all those friends in my life who stuck by me through thick and thin. May God sincerely bless you!


                               Sincerely...Lisa   
                       "A friend loves at all time." --Proverbs 17:17

District Edmonton Tournament number One

                       So here are the stats for all the Vauxhall quizzers. I told you I would keep you up to date. So we had a great time last weekend. We all enjoyed it, even the 6 hour ride to and fro. Haha. Enjoy the stats, and stay tuned for a few more posts coming your way!

                                  
       Stats From Edmonton Tournament For Vauxhall
Team Placements                                      
1st in championship   Vauxhall team one   
5th in championship   Vauxhall team three
5th in consolation      Vauxhall team two     
9th in rookie div.       Vauxhall team four    
12th in rookie div.    Vauxhall team five      

Individual Placements                                  
2nd in championship         Kimmy
18th in championship        Rebecca
19th in championship        Gideon
21st in championship        Aileen
28th in championship        April
44th in championship        Katie and Willy
4th in consolation              Lisa
9th in consolation              Isaak
24th in consolation            Shane
31st in consolation            Breanna
8th in rookie div.               Noah
9th in rookie div.               Sara
14th in rookie div.             Beth
27th in rookie div.             Brooke
28th in rookie div.             Joshua
48th in rookie div.             Justin
58th in rookie div.             Jonathan and Jazmin       

                    So there it is. The stats from District Meet Edmonton Number One for November 2011. Enjoy them. And remember it's for God, not for placings! Have a great day as you bask in God's GREAT love and protection...for you!

Light Up The Sky

I love this song. I used to sit in a rough place. this song is the perfect reflection, on how god lit up my life. when I was on verge of making choices I would regret. I hope it grips your heart, the way it gripped mine. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged. For the LORD your God, is with you wherever you go!" --Joshua 1:9

For Your Glory

This is and amazing song. This song has been inspiration to me in not only my own music. But to seek God more than I do. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do. God Bless, and have a great day as you bask in God's GREAT love and protection...for YOU! :)

Thanksgiving

                                               So as you all know. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Or at the end of the block, considering it is this Monday...man, where does the year go!? Well this is an original post by me. So enjoy!


                We had an early gathering on Sunday with my dad's side of the family. I am the oldest, so I usually spend that time, hanging with my aunts and uncles, or reading a book...or observing the people around me, and giving thanks. In the past year, one of my dad's brothers with has family has joined the EMC church. And as far as I know, have become believers. Some of you may know the constricting feeling that overtakes your chest, when you hear news like that. It's such an overwhelming sense of joy, and love, and compassion. You loved them before, but when they take that step...your love deepens into a deeper level. I'm thankful that God, pursues us even though we continue to fall and fail Him. "He catches us like thieves in the night. He holds us when we put up a fight, He chases us...when we run from the light..." --Brandon Heath, Stolen. He loves us with such a powerful love, that He never gives up. Now don't mistake that with, "I'll just do what I want, and than when I die, I'll ask Him into my heart." Because eventually He will let you go. He wants you to want Him. So if you make it clear, that you won't ever want Him...He lets you go. But that's not the point. The point is, it's thanksgiving. My greatest blessing, is that God knew I would eventually want Him, and He pursued me, until I gave in. For that, I will be eternally grateful!! Thanksgiving also causes me to look at my life, and the lives of the people that I love around me...I have an uncle, that I'm really close to on my mom's side. I have had the opportunity to be a witness to him, and hopefully his family. But he still hasn't, or doesn't believe it enough to take that step. It breaks my heart...but I won't give up. Just like God didn't give up on me. It makes the relationship complicated sometimes, because I'm a believer, and he and his family are not. So our lives are very different...but what makes it work, is actually God, believe it or not. He knows, God is real, he knows that I'm a believer. And he supports me. He supports that I'm a quizzer, he supports, that I don't take part in alcohol, and language and smoking...he supports my belief. I guess what I'm trying to get at is, don't give up. If it's thanksgiving and your heart is broken. Because someone you love, hasn't taken that step? Keep going...because God didn't give up on you! It's thanksgiving...What Are You Thankful For?

As long as I am here

Identity

                           So this weekend, I had an amazing experience at the identity youth conference in Lethbridge! The main theme and focus was on today's youth culture. And how a lot of youth and people alike, have a two face. And it's especially hard if you are public schooled. You have your friends throughout the week, and you hang with them without them ever knowing that you're supposedly a believer and go to church and live for Christ. Than on the weekend...you go to church and have your Christian friends. But if you live like that...are you truly a Christian? Do you really have Christ? Me and my friends with our new associate pastor's wife, had an interesting discussion. When the time comes to face persecution...are we strong enough to perservere through it? Will we be strong enough to suffer as a soldier for Christ? Because in today's day and age, we have it all, video games, food, t.v. and e.t.c. We have become lazy since the pioneers. when we feel pain, we give up, rather than pushing onward. When we are tired, we sit down. Rather than looking at the reward. So when the time comes, will we be able to run in the front lines, of battle, to fight, bleed, suffer, and die for Christ...as He did for us, not so long ago? So my last question is simply this...
                                                      What is your Identity?

Christianity against Religion

                                            I'm stuck! I don't know what too write even though my mind is brimming with stories. I have an idea, but don't know how to relate that to you, or the bible for that matter. I've been stuck with everything thing lately, can't write, can't write music, can't really think either. The only thing moving right now is my job, and my quizzing,..so maybe, maybe I need to focus on something about my job, or quizzing that needs some attention. Like maybe I can't focus on anything else, because I'm missing something. You know my boss is a morman. and the one thing that fascinated him into hiring me, was my faith! He said that it is so good that I'm so stuck on my faith. Even though, I continually fall on my face, and trip over my sins...I know who I stnad with, and I keep picking myself off the ground, and keep stumbling forward! He says that it's rare to find young youth, who follow God. Which I found fascinating, because he's a mormon. So I guess we are both fascinated by eachother. Haha. Funny how that works, a morman and a christian getting along, side by side as boss and co-worker. So maybe the lesson today is simply this;

         Are we willing, to pick ourselves up off of the ground and keep moving forward..? Are we willing to get along with other religions, such as morman, islam, hindu, cathlic, e.t.c...in order to bring them to Christ?

         Maybe we need to find some common ground, and go from there, instead of jumping into arguement, that will get us nowhere! In my case at work. I need to find something in common with what we believe in...and build around that subject. We need to be calm, non-preasurring, compaaionate, loving, caring, and above all respectful. That they may see the love of God flowing out of us as believers in daily battle.   --1 Peter 2:12

Seven Week Healing Treatment

                          For all you hurting christians out there...this is for you! Again these are not my wiords, but I'm working on it!! Enjoy!

   "All Scripture is given by inspiration by God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." --2 Timothy 3:16

                 Memorize a Bible verse on Sunday. repeat that verse several times throughout the day for a week, so that by Saturday evening it's firmly planted in your mind. The next Sunday, read and memorize another Bible verse, and again repeat that everyday throughout that week. Do this every week for seven weeks. this treatment will fill your heart and mind with God's Word. When worry or evil tempt you, there will be not time or place for it. When anxious thoughts come, you can pull a verse of Scripture from your mind to replace them.

       The first week memorize Philipians 2:13. If Christ is within us, we want to please Him. The second week memorize Isaiah 26:3. He wants our perfect peace. The third week memorize 2 Peter 3:18. He wants our perfection-not only that we are kept from sin but that we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. The fourth week memorize Deuteronomy 31:6. It is the Lord who has keptus and will go with us. As He was with the Isrraelites, os He is till with us today. The fifth week memorize Lamentations 3:22. The loving kindness of God is unfailing. It is renewed daily. The sixth week memorize 1 John 1:9. Confession includes forsaking sin and growing in God's Word. The seventh week memorize Mathew 6:33. Seek God's kingdom first. The salvation of your soul and your eternal happiness is at stake.

    At the end of seven weeks, you should be able to easily say these verses by memory . More importantly, you should have a habit of turning God's Word in your anxius moments. Bible memorization is one way of taking charge of the contents of your conscious thoughts.     --Eli A. Yoder-Stuarts Draft, VA.

                      "Have a great day as you bask in God's GREAT love and protection for you!"

                                       Heaven is our end and holiness is our way.--Unknown.

Insulted or Assisted?

                                           So guess what? The other day I sat at the church on my bike, and I started a conversation with the Lord, and it became the exact post I needed. Haha...you know what? I forgot it. So now I am giving you posts, from other people, to buy time, for me! Anyway, no worries, I will be giving an original posty by Lisa herself soon! But until than enjoy this devotion by a man that goes by the name of Melvin M. Brubaker.

        One day as I was forcefully stating where I stood on an issue, my friend said to me, "You have to realize, the same boiling water that will make a potatoe soft will turn an egg hard." Since that day, his words have often come back to me when I am tempted to use boiling speech. Yet that which may be considered insulting can also be beneficial if it is given and recieved in the right spirit. In the old testement, as well as in the suffering of Jesus, being spat upon was a shameful thing. Why then did Jesus make a clay of spittle and smear it on blind eyes? why not merely say, "Recieve thy sight?" The blind man accpeted Jesus' act though normally would have considered it offensive. The natural thing would have been to wipe it off quickly, turn away in digust, or lash back with strong words, a fist, or our own spittle. Was this not the attitude of the Pharisees? They repeatedly asked the healed man how his healing came about. they demanded an answer of his parents. Finally, in frustration, they called him a sinner and cast him out. When we fail, we should be like the blind man and recieve help even if that help comes in a form that is hard on our flesh. It is by humbling assistance that we can learn to see. The truth of God's Word is always for our good if we accept it to that end.     --Melvin M. Brubaker - Port Treverton, PA.

     "Better to be physically blind but spiritually focused than to be sharp-eyed and spiritually sightless."

      "And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spat on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw aught."--Mark 8:23

The Root of All Evil

                                 "Frozen pizza is the root of all evil." I read these words on a custom pizza box, paused, and read them thoroughly again. Obviously the message was that frozen, store-bought pizza is no good compared to fresh, made-to-order pizza. It might even leave the impression that frozen pizza could be harmful to one's health. Eating an occasional frozen pizza, however, will not jeopardize our spiritual well-being, but failing to heed Biblical warnings will. The love of money is a root of evil. Roots are largely concealed, yet a plant's well-being depends on its root system. Roots of bitterness, strife, and hatred may be hidden for a long time, but eventually these sins rise up and expose themselves for what they really are. It is sobering to contemplate the evil that is tied in one way or another to this unhealthy root, the love of money. Money may seem to be an innocent commodity, yet this warning is God's Word. The desire to be rich will destroy us. We dare not let money be our master, or it will bury its root in our hearts. Let us flee this evil, "and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, paitence, meekness." May our fondness for silver and gold decrease while our love for each other and for the Lord increase more and more.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.-- 1 Timothy 6:10 
   
                                                                                   --Devotion of David Miller, Jr. -Sugarcreek, OH

       "Money is like muck, not good exept it be spread." --Francis Bacon 

Your Love...

This is one of my favorite songs by Brandon Heath. I would post another one, but you guys are probably getting tired of seeing so many musci videos! Enjoy this last music video! 

Your Great Name!

This is my mom's favorite song, and I can deffinitley see why!! Enjoy!

In Christ Alone

Hey everyone sorry, I haven't had time to write new posts. So for this week, please enjoy these music videos. Once I have something to say, or find time, I'll write new posts! I just want you to know that these songs are close to my heart!

Who says?

Here is an inspiring song. It captured me when I first heard it. It helped me to accept who I am. And to love my body, because that's how God created me to be.

Onion

                I hate cutting onions. Would you like to know why? It's because it burns your eyes as you try to peel back the layers. almost as if to keep you from getting at whats underneath! A friend told me, that in order to figure out a person who doesn't want to be figured out...you have to slowly peel back the layers, one at a time. That phrase stuck to me, and I started to see a lot of myself in that light. As well as, a few others, who are struggling, or have struggled, that I know. You see, when we have a past, or some sort of baggage, or even have something to hide...we don't want people to pry; or to help us, or have them invade our hearts. For me, I don't like people near me, I don't want them to get close to me, to step within my comfort zone. I instinctly back away, or scowl, when someone is even within three feet distance of me. It literally turns me off, and I feel vulnerable. I feel weak. I don't like people, even thsoe who have managed to get close to me..peeling back the layers in my life...breaking down the walls, around my heart. We are all like an onion. We give a chemical that burn others around us, when we realize, the layers that they are peeling. We need to...I, need to allow others to help me, and to let them be there for me. Now it's easier said than done. Blogging is a way, for me, to give myself life lessons. i'm preaching to myself. But I'm allowing others to read about me life, i'm peeling back my own layers, and allowing you to see, what's on the inside, in the hope, that you can learn, from my past, my mistakes. and that my posts can be an encouragement to you, and you. We need to allow ourselves, I need to allow myself, to trust...Some layers, are not necessary to pull back, but some of them are. It's a way of release, of emothional build up. Of physical ease. and of spiritual cleansing, by God, and fellow believers.

  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time, he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you!"       --1 Peter 5:6-7

Have a great day, as you bask in God's GREAT love, and protection...for you...--lisa. 

Brandy, A'l & Corn

It was a beautiful summers day...Brandy, A'l and Corn decided to go walking. and so the trio went a walking, and a walking and-SUDDENLY! Corn, the intelligent one said, "I want an ice cream." Then Brandy stopped, and A'l stopped. They were wondering how, and where he came up with such a random conclusion. So Brandy did the logical thing, and asked him. " Why, Corn?"  And weel, Corn, always the intelligent said, " according to my calculations, on every hot day, like today, we should have a little something to cool us down. So as not to dehydrate, or get a heatstroke. At least every once in a while." A'l wondering why bother even easking, replied, "WELL! I'm all for it! let's go!" So the tree of them wlaked up to the nearest ice cream truck and got themselves three extra large chocolate ice cream cones, with their ice cream passes. and resumed their walk. While they were walking...they became very bored! Which I'm sure you are too, if you are reading this. anyway, out of the blue, jumped a tom cat. Yes, you heard me right, a little fat, tomcat. The three of them were so shocked they did not even notice their ice creams falling to the ground. they began cooing the cat, in what would appear to you as baby talk! At one point the cat got up and said rather quite clearly, "Could ya stop that!" The three friends gassped, and stared at the cat, not knowing how to respond. Corn bravely opened the floor, "He shouln't be talking! It's...well it's, it's...nearly impossible!" The cat was quite frustrated now, and replied, "if my talking is nearly impossible, than why on earth would I be talking?" So the trio turned around and ran rather fast, all the way home...little did they know, that tonight would come as a bit of a surprise....Heheheheeee....
             that night the trio decided to have a campout to find a reasonable explanation as to why the cat was talking, which he shouln't be doing anyway! they made their beds and were pulling out snacks, while they discuss the matter. When out of nowhere they heard a loud, monsterous wail! Almost as if...almost as if, a baby were crying! The three friends looked at eachother, and huddled together in a tight circle. A'l  asked Corn. "umm, you DO know what that is...right?" And Corn answered, " I think as a future scientist, I should say...NO!?" "WWHHAATT!" Brandy cried out in  moderation. Corn looking rather sheepish said, "according to my calculations that was either half cat, half baby, or half baby, half cat!" 
 "HAHAHAHAAAAAA!!"
Laughing? they heard laughter as clear as day! than a huge shadow scurried across the lawb and into the light. It was a...CAT??!! "well I'll be!" said Brandy, "it's the cat that talks," replied A'l. "It doesnt talk!" Corn shouted. than the cat replied, "HELLOOO, I'm not a talking cat...Haha. I'm a talking mouse!" The trio just looked at him suspiciously and thought him a strange and queer cat! But no he was a mouse. For right there, the cat unzipped in what appeared to be a costume. and out jumped a mouse! the End...No! I'm just kidding, that's not the end, no, not yhet! the trio askd this mouse questions, upon questions! Until the cat-mouse!...Told them all to zip the lip. So they did, and mouse told his story in very detailed delight. He said, " I was walking home one day before, and it started to rain. I tried to stay dry, but to no avail! So I decided to just keep walking, the sooner I got home, the better! But as I turned the corner...I was struck by lightening! and lo and behold, the next day I was talking! " "Oh, well than! I am going to have to do more research on this!" Exclaimed Corn. then the mous said, "ya know, ya dont always have to do research." "What do you mean?" replied Corn. "WEll I do research too. It's fun, in a way, I suppose. But I quickly found out, that I prefer to travel around the world. And see things first hand, than in a text book!..."well how's about you be my guide than, mouse?" Corn stated. "I'd be honored too." Mouse answered proudly. "My names fluffy, by the way." And so the trio and their newfound friend, went out inot the world. As explorers. And their talking friend, remained the biggest secret of all. and the next time, ya think animals can't talk, I suggest you, STOP THAT NONSENSE!!


                                        THE END.

Stuck!

                     I have been rouging canola for the past almost two weeks now. It's tiring but better than most jobs, I'm sure. I have been praying to God, to help me to be a light to those people. Which is my background...old colony mennonite. They are the hardest people to be a witness too. Anyway one day the one guy, (Jake) asked me, "what church do you go to?" I was a bit stunned and out of it, but not surprised that he asked me that question. So I told him, that I go to the mennonite brethren in town. So he asked about how it was and if they were all english speaking and stuff like that. Eventually the conversation turned to the bible and the old bible times. Now this is where it got very tricky! Somehow he got the conversation turned to the bible and rules, and how it says this and that. I can't exactly remember what he said, but he said something that the bible said, that I knew was not right. I told him that, and he asked me how I knew. So I told him that I read the bible and nowhere did it say what he had just said. He kept arguing against it. So because he's my friend, and I didn't want him to stay amd at me or lose a solid friendship...I closed the subject. Being stubborn headed and very sarcastic that I am. You want to know how I closed the subject? I said, "I'll guess we'll see who's right. He was confused and aked me what I meant. SO, I told him, "There is a heaven, and a hell. We either go up, or we go down! When Jesus comes, we'll know who's right, me...or you...He was a bit scared and was like, "yeah, I guess so." What I'm trying to get across, is simply this. It's hard, to be a light for Jesus. You will eventually get to a point where you do get a chance to witness and you will get stuck! But don't let that stop you from being a witness. Keep at it, and pray. prayer will always help and give you the words you need. Ask God to help you, when you get stuck. I have an uncle and an aunt, that I am extremely close too. I love them so much, but they are so far from God. It hurts, and it also helps me to keep going, to be a light for them. I pray with all the strength in me, that they will one day come to Him. To let Jesus live in  their hearts...keep going, even when the going gets tough...and pray for help, when you get stuck!


            Have a great day as you bask in God's GREAT love...and protection...for you!


      "For God so loved the world, that He gave His ONE and ONLY son. That whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God, did not send His son into the world to condemn the world...but to SAVE the world...through HIM!!"                               
                                                                                                     --John 3:16-17

Paitence!

                                         Haha.As I was scrambling for a new topic for my post. BAM! It hit me in the face. What has God been trying to teach you most, over the past two years or so? Haaaaa...patience! Yep, that was a bit humbling for me. So I guess I'll humble myself some more, and preach on the very thing that makes me uncomfortable, because it's my weakness. For me the hardest area in my life to be patient is with my sibblings. They frustrate me to the core! I try to set a good example to them. Give them some advice here and there, when they do something wrong, and they shut me down. They don't want to hear what I have to say, and they deffinietly don't want...my advice. Is'nt that like us and God? Too often we want nothing to do with His advice, or want to admit it when we are wrong! That's like me, I absolutely despise being corrected! It's a pet peeve of mine. I hope none of you will be like uh-oh, now what? Don't get me wrong, or get the wrong idea. You see I love it, when you guys correct me, or take me aside when I've gone of into the deepend and you notice that I need to be redirected. It's a humbling experience that I love and hate at the same time. I relized something. I have been trying to correct those around me, especially my sibblings, without even taking a look at the log in my own eye! I was, and, am...a...hyprocrite. No wonder no one wants to listen to me! Haha. But I need to be more patient. So often I lose my temper, and ruin any progress I might have made with my sibblings, no matter how little. In the same way we reject each other, we reject God. And the same way we see how patient we need to be, or learn to be patient. God is already patient! Amazing. We also need to be more loving in the way we handle situations. I go into an arguement full force, and instead of resolving the matter, I make it worse. wWhat this huge, stubborn freight train! Needs to know...is that, we need to go to God. Otherwise, we will never get anywhere near being patient. Hope this post made some sense, please feel free to comment.




                    " You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye...and than you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."    --Mathew 7:5 

   Have a great evneing as you bask in God's GREAT love, and protection for you!

Bride of Christ

I got this idea through a book I'm reading. It's about this couple wwho are engaged and how they are learning through their experiences. The lead male for the book (Todd), explained how his engagement to Christy was like an earthy view on how the Holy Spirit was like the engagement ring that God gives us as evidence of His promise that He will always love, us and how one day He will come and take us to be His bride to live with Him forever! Wow eh? That is such a glorious promise to have! And to know that His promises stay true to us, no matter what! If I decide to get married one day, I hope that whenever I look at the ring of promise on my finger...I will always remember this promise...this wonderful promise. I hope to even remember it now, but it will be a promise on a whole new level when and if that day ever comes!
"Have a GLORIOUS day, as you bask in God's GREAT love and protection for you!!"

And have a wonderful evening as you hold dear of His promises. Promises that will hold true until the end of time!

"The Lord will fulfill His purposes for me." -Psalm 138:8

Tecnology

                            I'm gonna share a devotion from our youth leader. He was speaking on our latest gadgets, and how much more advanced it has become! He asked a series of questions. Like; how many of you have your ipods or cellphones on you right now? How many of you would go insane if someone took your ipod away? Or how many of you would feel lost, if you lost your cellphone, or ipod and so on? How many of you text during a meal? How many of you when you first get up in the morning, check your messages, or play on your ipod for latest deals on itunes, before you even pee!? Do you kinda see where I'm going here? Tecnolgoy is not a bad thing...but we need to put God first. I just got me a 4th generation 32 GB ipod touch. And I just love it! Okay, let me re-phrase that...I like it a lot. I just like scrolling through messages or listening to my tunes. But I constantly need to take a raincheck in order that it doesn't become my God! Just as much as we are emmersed in our latest gadgets...we need to be emmersed in God's word. We NEED to be reading his word before we pee, and not who commented on my statement on facebook! Don't let tecnology draw you apart from family and friends. Rather, let God's word draw you closer to them, and not take you away from them. I hope that this short devo, really made you think...Have a great day as you bask in God's great love and protection for you!

                               


                    

Faith

                                        What is Faith? Faith, can be a hard concept to understand. What does it mean to have faith? Why do people, especially Christians...talk about faith a lot? Faith for me is to undyingly trust the Almighty Creator. To commit to Him, to live for Him, to work for Him. He's the ultimate boss. The one who loves and cares for us, but also punishes us when need it. Some people think that God is mean, that He hates us. That He wants nothing to do with us. Especially with those of us who come with some, or a lot of...baggage. I'm gonna use an example of someone that I know. We had a great discussion early this afternoon, about why God allows us to go through some of the harm in this dark world. This person grew up in a sad situation. It breaks my heart to hear his/her past. This person's life was very sad and filled with abuse. Now, why would a God of love put us through that? Look at a another situation. If we grew upin a, in our minds, a "perfect family."  We had everything we needed and wanted, a stable home life. Everyone always got along...would you want to turn away from that? Would you turn to God? Not likely! Now if you grew up in the situation, that my friend did...would you in an instant turn away if you got  the chance? If God called you? It is more likely to happen, isn't it? God allows things to happen to us for the good of the future! To change our mindset for the generations to come. To finally turn to Him. To have...FAITH. As a kid in that kind of a homelife, you would consciously make the decision to be different. To make sure that your kids would not have to go through that kind of pain, abuse and lonliness you felt day and night! Faith is to turn away from your current situation, whether good or bad, and to trust and believe that God will take care of you. That He will sustain you....it's a big commitment to have faith. Ther is a big meaning behind that one little word. Hope you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave comments and questions! Have a great day as you bask in God's love and protection for you!


             "Figh the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.                 --1 Timothy 6:12

Grace

                            What is grace? Grace is a powerful word, meant for a powerful action. Grace is a beautiful thing, that God has given us, though we did not and do not deserve it. 

       "God's grace loves, when there is nothing good, even beneath an awful wrapper.  Words like; favor, beauty, thankfulness, gratitude, delight, kindness and benefit, are all derived from the root that gives us the word grace. Mephibosheth, a grandson of Saul and son of Jonathan, was  cripppled in both feet. He was brought to Jerusalem and invited to dine at the king's table as one of the king's own sons! How geatly David's kindness resembles the grace of God: freely given even though it was not deserved. When God shines the light of his word down on our inconsistent blunders, we cower in its brightness and dart away to find cover. Oooh! It's so hard to face up to our errors as guilt points its accusing finger. What good is guilt? It actually opens the door to healing! We have to see, really see, our sinfulness in order to recieve God's grace." --Elisa Morgan

     "Grace is Christianity's best gift to the world! A spiritual nova in our midst. Ecerting a force stronger than...vengence, stronger than...racism, stronger than...hate. Weil concluded that two great forces rule the universe: gravity and grace. Gravity causes one body to attract other bodies so that it continually enlarges by absorbing more and more of the universe into itself. The beginnig of good is percieved in the midst of bad...the simplicity and comprehensiveness of grace--who shall measure it? I have walked merely the perimeters of grace, as one walks around the cathedral far too large and grand to behold at one glance! What's so amazing about grace and why don't Christians show more of it? I now end with a final question: What does a grace-full Christian look like? Perhaps I  should re-phrase the question. How does a grace-full Chriatian look? the Christian life, I believe, does not primarily center on ethics or rules, but rather involves a new way of seeing. I escape the force of spiritual "gravity" when I begin to see myself as a sinner who cannot please God by any method of self-improvement or self-enlargement. Only then can I turn to God for outside help--for grace--and to my amazement I learn that a holy God already loves me despite my defects. I escape the forces of gravity again when I recognize my neighbors also as sinners, loved by God. A grace-full Christian is one who looks at the world through "grace-tinted lenses." -- Philip Yancey

                    " Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved."  --Ephesians 2:5

     Have a great week as you bask in God's GREAT love and protection for you!

Deception

                         Me and my friend Caleb got an opportunity to work for my mennonite back round. We planted  male and female beet roots seperatley to create a new variety of beet seeds. It was hard work and yet it was a bit of fun too. But the mennonite back round is very much into the "do want you want when you are a teenager." Now Caleb had to leave for his other job, so he didn't quite work as long or stayed as late as I did. So he had no idea what went on when he wasn't there or what was said in German. Because he doesn't understand German. It's really hard not to try and fit in when they're talking about the parties they go to, or the alcohol they love to consume, or the advantage they take of girls ( they are a very judgemantal people)...basically what I'm trying to say is, that I got to be a witness to them. By not going along with them, but to tell the truth. The one girl I hung out with on Saturday was telling me all about her boyfriend and how they love to party on the weekend and be bad while they can, before work starts all over again on Monday. She asked me if Caleb and I were together...I said, "no, I'm not into the dating and marrying and all the other stuff that goes along with it." She literally thought I was insane not to love getting a new borfriend every once in a while and to have fun with the whole experience! I asked her if she was into the partying like the other girls and boys at work did. And she was like, "Oh yes! I love being able to get loose on the weekend and party and drink and stuff." So she in turn asked me the same question. And I said, " NO WAY!! I like to stay at home with a good book, and just be by myself. " Her jaw literally dropped open and she was speechless! What I'm trying to get across here, is that we need to be witnesses for the Lord, and to be a light for Him. It makes God really sad, when the people He created have that sort of mind set.You know, I told some of the girls that Caleb was heading to Toronto this year to the Bible Institute and to eventually go to places where he could be a light to those who didn't know the gospel. They were really extactic to hear that. God calls us to bring others to HIM! That they might have eternal life, and one day reside with Him  in heaven, rather than the firey Hell, because of their way of life and attitude toward people who aren't into what they are into! I would like to share a quote from a precept upon precept pamphlet we got. It say this;

                     "If you are confident in your Salvation and you are as excited as I am to experience these promises first hand let me ask you this question...,"Are you taking people with you?"   

   Have a great day as you bask in God's love and prtection for you! 

One taken, One left

                              Have any of you heard about this guy, who is saying that he world is going to end on May 21st? How can anyone really know when the world is going to end? No one can, that's just it! You know my mom was giving a devotional this morning that I would like to share with you. It's out of the "Below the Waters" devotion book. So keep in mind that what I'm writing, is not my words, but someone else all right? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:


               The trench from the dairy barn to the lagoon was well under way. Two men were in the trench. Suddenly one looked up and saw the ten-foot sidewall cracking. "Lookout!" he shouted. "The wall is coming in!" It came, crushing one man against the side and killing him. The other man was burried under about three feet of chunky dirt.

            A backhoe started digging urgently. The dead man was uncovered first. The other one was found alive after they finished digging him out by hand. They thanked and praised God for preserving him underground for forty-five minutes.

         One was taken; the other was left to live. People grieved for the life taken and rejoiced for the life left. But when the trumpet sounds, people will rejoice if they are taken and will grieve if they are left.

          Will you be taken or left? Most of us have a living hope of being taken, because we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord and we have repented of our sins. We love our dear Father and His Son Jesus and have confessed Him before others. WE don't want to be left behind when Jesus gathers His bride to take her home. What a day that will be! 

           All children who die go to Heaven. Heaven is for the saints who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamd. Hell is for the unrepentant sinners. God allows testing to mature and perfect us. Thank God for the struggles and for His power to overcome.

         This short life is a preperation for eternity. FIGHT the good fight of faith. SERVE with zeal. On the last day we want to be taken, not left.

               Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
                                                                                                     --Mathew 24:41

        Will you be taken...or left...Have a great day as you bask in God's great love and protection for you!

Betrayal

                        Here is the Prologue from my trilogy series, called, "The Missing Cops." This is from book one. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed writting it!

                                                           Prologue

     "It's Christmas eve man!" Ryan anxiously replied.

"I know, I know. But the chief wanted me to do one last check-up around the station, before we go," answered Tyler. Ryan and Tyler made sure that all the windows and doors were locked and that the security systems were all set.

  "Grrrr."

Tyler and Ryan both stiffened. There was a low rumble coming from one of the K-9's.

"What is it boy...easy now," Ryan followed the dog's vicious gaze into the back room, and disappeared into the darkness.

"Ryan," Tyler called into the still air. He was so tense, that he could hardly breathe without putting painful force on his chest. He looked around for any sign of movement, his trained hand reaching for the gun and pointing it into the dark. His finger fidgetting on the trigger.

"Hey Tyler, false al-,"

"PAKKKEWHH..." The gun went off without Tyler realizing what he had just done.

"Ryan...Ryan!" Tyler sank down and knelt over his body. "No, Ryan?...No, Ryan! Buddy, wake up!...I didn't mean too Ryan, I swear I didn't mean too...Tyler broke down and silently started to sob. His body heaving from the force of the tears. And his body trembling all over, with the horrible relization that he had just killed his best friend...and partner in crime.

"NNNOOOOO!!" He cried out. But there was no response. No one there to comfort him, to tell him that it was not his fault. The darkness crept up around not only him, but also his heart. As he held the lifeless corpse of his dear friend...his brother in battle.

        I hope you enjoyed the prologue even though it was sad. Stay tuned for chapter one of "Betrayal." Have a great day as you bask in God's great love and protection for you!

Fried Batteries...Or Charged Batteries?

                                        It took me a while to come up with the title for this one. I cahnged it every which way, to make it sound as intriging and inviting as possible. I hope it worked. Do you notice when you're play a video game, you sometimes get a warning on the screen, reminding you that you need to change your batteris? Now, if you are like me, you ingnore it ( oops ). But becasue you ignored that warning, half an hour later your game just shuts off...your remote is dead, your batteries fried. Am I right? Same with a PSP, or a DS. It's the same way with our daily devotions. Sometimes, I leave it in the morning, but than I do the same thing happens the next morning, and the morning after that, and so on. Because I ignored the warning in my heart, soul and mind. I set a routine for myself, costing me my daily quiet time with God. Usually, when I don't do my devotions; my day isn't right, I get down on myself, I lash out at my family and even friends. It comes easily to me and without a warning. My anger isn't in check, and my attitude is downright rotten! At the end of the day, when I'm sitting in my bed, or reading my book, my brain goes, " HUH!" And I sorta realize what happened these last few days, I finally take a look at the ugly truth that I was avoiding, no! The truth that I was ignoring...I ask God to forgive me, and to help remind me of the consequences when I don't read my bible. when I put God on a shelf. But He can't be contained, and He will get you. After I get back into my daily devotions, my days are right as rain, I'm more confident, happy, loving, caring, and my attitude and anger are at bay. I stop putting myself down, and just enjoy the life that God so graciously has given me. Now my question is simple...Are your battries fried?...Or charging daily?...Have a great week as you bask in the glory of our Almighty creator, our Redeemer and Friend.

The Monster under my bed!

                              Okay, many of you might be saying something like, "WHOA! A monster under your bed? Really? What's he like?" But I don't mean that kind of monster. I mean the one that creeps up on you...the one who invades your; thoughts, actions, and sometimes, your emotions as well. He may not always be there, but he still comes about, hunting you as his next victom, because quite sadly, he does have victories. He's the one who gives you nightmares at night, from an experience during the day, or from an unpure thought, from a chance encounter or misfortune. You know what I mean? That's why I call this post, "The monster under my bed." It's satan. Waiting secretly for you; under the bed at night, under your brain during the day, under your emotions, and e.t.c. Now, what comforts a child most, when he or she thinks there is a monster under his or her bed? Can you take a guess? You're right, it's the assurance of his or her's mom and dad. You feel as if nothing can harm you, as long as they are there to protect you. It's the same way with God. When you're having a bad day, and your emotions are running wild, or you're experiencing a nightmare, from watching something scary, or even impure thoughts about something or someone...call out to God, like you would your mom and dad. He's there to protect you as long as you let Him. He's your loving father who loves and cares for you. And He's the only one who can protect you from the, monster under your bed, the only one who can save you from the nightmare to come...Hell. Cry out to your God...your father, and He will save you from harm. I hope you take comfort in the verse below. Have a great evening as you bask in God's great love and protection for you!


                            "Sumbit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
                 
                                                                                                       --James 4:7

Nakamun

                    Here is a quick update from quizzing. Over about thirty or so teams, my team placed 11th in championship, my brother's team placed eigth in championship. Um, Kimmy placed 10th, in championship individually, Caleb placed 15th, April placed 23, Isaak (my brother) placed 22, I placed 27th, and Rebecca placed 25th I think, I could be very wrong though! And our rookie team placed first in the rookie division, which is amazing! Our consolation team, I'm not exactly sure where they placed. I'll get back on that. Other than that, our weekend, was really good, lots of sun, on Saturday we did get hail, rain, and snow all at once! But after that it was sunshine and cloud free again. That's all I can think of for now. Our year is done, so there won't be any updates until September. Have a good evening everyone. I'll write new posts next week! Until than, good night, and God Bless.

Family

                                                 Parents are a blessingsent from God Himself...sometimes I take them for granted. I don't realize just how much they mean to me, until you're put into a situation. And then you sit back and go..."oohh." You know what I'm saying? Parents are a treasure from God. Now some of you may bring up the thought, "well in the bible it says that you are supposed to hate your father and mother, yet in another passage it says you are supposed to love and obey them...what are these passages saying?" You wanna know something? When God said that, what He meant was, you are supposed to love God so, so much, that it looks like you hate your earthly parents! Does that make sense? It doesn't mean that you are literally supposed to hate or loathe them....it just means that we are to love God so much more than our parents, that it seems that we hate our parents here on earth...but guys, we need to respect, love, and be there for them...when they're going through a hard time, with a problem that is none of our concern. I know it can be hard...when they're down, and moody all the time...but the best thing that we can do for them in those times, is to keep a possitive and happy attitude, to lift up their spirits, and not to get down on them, which is really distructive in hard times...I hope this has been an encouragement to those who are struggling. Or whose parents, or sibblings are struggling. I hope that this has been good advice...Have a good day, as you bask in the glory of  God, and keep hanging in there, not matter how hard it is...God bless.
  
                                                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                       Lisa. F.

     " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
                                                                                                     Proverbs 3:5

   " The Lord is my Shephard; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness For His names sake. Yes though I walk in the valley in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me (God is with me...with you).
                                                           Psalm 23: 1-4

Easter

                                You know, Jesus was human too....He felt every sorrow, every pain, all the joy, and and every bit of abandonment from His Father. Jesus cared so deeply for us, that He went to the cross to die for us, to set us free from the bondage of sin and death! Wow. Because He was God, He didn't die with all the torture they put Him through. He lived till the very end. He cried out, "Abba, Father, why hast thou forsaken me!?" Can you imagine the horrible feelings He had felt?  The emotional torture He went through! For me, emotionial and spiritual pain is harder to bear, than actual physical pain! The earth cracked with that phrase and the veil was torn in the temple. Some people rejoiced and went on with their lives, others mourned deeply...they kept holding on to the hope that He would rise on the third day. And He did, He rose from the dead! The dead! Are you kidding me! How many people do you know, that have risen from the dead!? That's incredible! It's overwhelming for me...I can't believe Jesus loves me, this broken down soul, who continually falls down. Yet He's always there to pick me up. Waiting with open arms to heal and protect me...you. And put me together again! How magnificent and magestic is that! He rose, He lives, to come and take us home to be with Him one day! I'm waiting...are you?

Strider

                 So since I have been blogging for a while, I think it's time to give you a little insight into my testimony. An insight to my past. I call it Strider, because for school, we had to write a little bit about our history. And we had to use a charcter to relate to. So it's more like a story, but you may still get the picrure. In the future, I will write a little deeper insight. But for now this should send the message. 


                                                                      Strider
          "Who is that?" Frodo asked, when he got a chance to whisper to Mr. Butterbur. "I don't think you introduced him?" "Him?" said the landlord in an answering whipser, cocking an eye without turning his head. "I don't rightly know. He is one of them wondering folk-Rangers we call them. He seldom talks: no but he can tell a rare tale when he has the mind. He disappears for a month, or a year, and then he pops up again."
        Strider: the solemn character who takes a liking to Frodo, and commits himself to his services. The brave sole who fights battles and yet fights a battle withing himslef. His eyes fierce with anger and yet, filled with compassion as he watches with a protective gaze. He rides up front with the weight of the world upon his shoulders. As he rides into battle, he takes the pain of the sword as it slices his unclad arm. His cry of rage and pain renew him with strength as he strikes the enemy. You hear the victory of the sword as the enemy falls to the ground with a look of surprise written on his face.
        Strider: this five foot and eleven inches is relieved and yet confused at this victory. Why would Strider risk his life to protect Frodo and Sam, this quiet character who leads them onward, always interested in their life and stories. But never taking time to talk about himself. In the way that he strides and the way that he speaks, there is wisdom there, learned the hard way. Tragedy that has toughened him to the strongest...but slowly that strength is fading. Until at last when he thinks he cannot walk another step, or ride another mile to the end. and with strength that is far greater than his own, fights this great battle that almost destroyed him. He breaks through and has found victory! At last he can lie down with a tear no more on his face. A lasting peace has finally filled his tired body, soul and mind.
          Strider: that was me, a girl who fought battles day after day. Till I thought I could fight no more. Who sat in corners-afraid to show my face and whose eyes filled with rage when another sole stepped within my circle of comfort. Whose whole attire said "Back Away!" and who got to the end and finally found victory with the strength of a God she finally put her trust in. I will never foget the impression I made on people and the hurt I put there with my silence. But I did it, just like Strider, who fianlly found the end of all battles and became king! So I, fianlly found victory and am at peace with myself as well as others whom I had pushed away and now welcome back with open arms.

Black and White

                                     Have you ever seen a painting, and you don't know how on earth an artist does that!? How they can just look at a blank canvas and see a beutiful picture, or a black and white coloring page, and the little kid turns it into something beautiful...something only they see in their imagination, no matter how it turns out?  All they gotta do is fill it in! It's amazing! I love to draw, and I want to get into painting yet, but still, I'm not that good! When I see the Mona Liza, or just a bunch of scribbles with a picture or emotion hidden in the details, or the mood it gives out just by the different use of colors...it's incredible. That's how God is and does His work. Only it's better! He fills in our heart, our life....is a black, and white picture, or a blank canvas. If He doesn't fill in the the picture or create something beutifull in our empty lives, we are nothing to look at. We are not worth even a penny! God created the world we live in. And do we even stop and give Him the credit? Or thank Him for letting us use His painting? Or for allowing us to ruin His picture, by adding garbage!? Such as; bars, littering, drugs, evil, hate, blood, war, famine and so on?...He died on the cross, to give us freedom to do what we want. But we need to realize is that what we want isn't always good, or used for good. God wants to erase all the black smudges on our canvas, becasue the Devil tricks us and claims that he "accidently" spilled over the black paint in our lives. Just like a painter starts over on his painting, with even the slightest mistake...God is willing to erase the black smudges and start over, when we mess up and put black smudges in our life...are you willing to allow God to paint a masterpeice in you?


                           "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
                                                              --James 4: 7-8

                                                 

Flowers. Vs. Weeds

                So for a change, instead of my usual lecturing...I decided to write one of my funny articles! I enjoy writing funny and odd articles. But not enough to become a reporter. So here goes nothing, and please give me feedback if you would like me to continue to do fun posts. So read on fellow citizens! I hope you like it, cause it got me a B in school! It may be a little long, but it's worth it to keep reading:    Flowers. Vs. Weeds,


    Who will come out victorious, moms who prefer flowers, or little kids, who prefer weeds? This paper will explain why flowers are better and why weeds are well...weeds; fakes and copycats with an evil twist. You can find the answers to all these questions in what's left of the paper. three similarites of the weed and the flower are obvious. First, the both portry beauty ( well, most weeds). as a little child, you cannot see the evil that lies within a weed as it sits in your garden, bathing in the sunlight. You only see the details of the petals and how the leaves make it appear elegant. Second, they both need water in order to survive; without water they shrivel up and become crusty leaves and break at the slightest touch of the finger! And without the sun they cannot absorb the moisture that nourishes their fragile stems. And third, they both have that little kid fooled with their innocence. they stand there looking like a painting, when you lie in the grass and focus on the flower and/or weed with the blue sky in the background, and with the clouds passing by. but when you don't know is that they are also very different! Three differences between the weed and the flower: first, though the weed is pretty and may have kids fooled, it does not match the majestic flow of a rose's petal or a lilac floating in the stream, in the rain, as a romantic setting.  The rose or the lilac stands tall and proud and takes pleasure growing to it's flowest bloom, while the weed lies in hate and chokes the flower to get at the sunlight! It gorws it's root to the longest length, to snatch the water away from the flower, in an effort to rid the flower once and for all, though the weed never succeeds. Second, though the weed may imitate the flower, in most weeds lies a poison that is deadly to humans. Like the weed, known as poison ivy. It waits for you as you walk by, taking no notice of it'a array of leaves. Then as you touch it, a terrible itch descends upon you, the only way to rid of it, is to get a nasty persricption to take the sting away. And what of the weed that imitates the dill? It looks and smells great, but when you inhail or touch it, it causes severe hives and results in breathing problems that puts you in the Hospitle. And lastly, the difference between the weed and the flower is this, when a flower begins to die, you can rinse it in water and bundle it together and hang them to dry. Once they are dried, they serve as a glorious decoration for you kitchen table where people sit, laugh and play games. Or your living room shelf where a picture of you wedding day, sits and accnets the room. 
     My closing paragraph, is simply this: the flower has won my favor; though I take pity on the weed, it has no reason to take it out on the flower. You have seen in my paper the proof of why the flower is better thab the weed. And why moms enjoy getting the rose on her birthday over getting a lowly prairie weed. Kids have a right to think the weed is great, but when they grow older and realize the truth...it can be devastating. But it must be done for the safety of that little boy who wanted to surprise his mom. Who will come out victorious, you ask? I think you already know.                           
                                                                                                         
                                                 

The End...

                      Hey guys sorry it's been so long...didn't know what to write. But now I do have a little something it's not long, or grand, or anything. Just a speech really. Um, at the end of this month, is our last quizzing tourney (as my friends say), and it's big, for me, as this is the last year for a dear friend of mine. Caleb will be leaving us for college in the fall, far away from home. We will all miss him, here in Vauxhall. So today's devotion, speech, whatever it may be, is mainly for him...Caleb. When Caleb's family first moved to town, I got to know his little sister. She's about 3 years younger than I am. We palyed lots. I never saw Caleb all that much, he was a shy boy, didn't talk much, at least not when I was around. Though I will promise on a stack of bibles, that I did not and do not stink! Anyway, after a couple of years, I was old enough to join the quizzing program. I am not a people person, at all! So I naturally thought the notion obsurd! But I decided what's the worst that could happen right? Wrong! I had anxiety attacks every single quiz!! I wouldn't, couldn't, didn't, and won't jump! And Caleb, was obviously observing my stubborness slash fear! For he started to coach me on the side. I was not pleased, but I never voiced it. He was constanlty watching my quizes and telling me to jump. He tried bribary, it didn't work...long story short, he was the only person, who got me out of my seat, making me feel confident in my self  in all my jumps! He's been a dear friend, and an older borther to me...I will miss a lot. But I know that no matter what, through, thick and thin, an from far and near places...we will ALWAYS be friends. Even though I would love nothing more, than to make sure that he stays here, he has to fly the coop. God is calling him on a mission, and I cannot interfere. No matter how badly I want to. What kind of a freind would I be than? Caleb, keep seeking God, and always lean on him for support, and you'll be okay not matter where you are in the world. Just make sure you come back often for visits, and all I have left to say is...don't get squished out there in that big world.



      Dedicated to Caleb Senneker, who is leaving for college this fall.
                                                 
         " Have I not commanded you? Be strong, and courageuos. Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed. For the lord, your God...is with you, wherever you go."
                                                                                      -- Joshua 1:9

Do you see?

                          After listenening to a sermon that pastor Elroy ( pastor of our church ) gave one Sunday, I was blown away by just how much God loves you and me! It's incredable. You know in John chapter 17 Jesus prays for us in such a loving and intimate way. He prays for God's will to be done as He goes to the cross to be butchered for our sins. OUR SINS, NOT, HIS...an innocent man, it's surreal. He calls us His own, even though time and time again we disobey and reject His love. Can you imagine, loving someone so much, just to have him/her reject you? Can you imagine, ( if you have kids, if not use your imagination ) sending your little boy or girl to be beat up, slapped in the face,  made fun of, and then if that wasn't bad enough already, have him/her nailed to the cross? Can you imagine...how sad and devastating that reality would be, that you had your child be murdered. To have someone who didn't love you back. Yet to give up your life for them anyway. Wow. All I have left to say is...wow...thank-you Jesus, and I'm sorry...so sorry. 

                   No matter how hard I try..."I just can't escape you love." -Lyrics by Michael.W.Smith

Atoms, Protons, Electrons

                    You may think the title strange. But today I will talk about Science in a biblical way. Most everyone knows what an Atom is right? No matter how strong the telescope or magnifying glass is, you cannot see them. Atoms are made up of even smaller things. Atoms are made up of protons, electrons, and neutrons. But my focus will mainly be, the protons and electrons. No matter how many protons, electrons, and neutrons make up an Atom. the same principal applies to them all. All Atoms are made up of equal amounts of protons and electrons. So if an Atom has 3 protons, it will have 3 electrons. Did you know that protons and electrons have an eletrical charge? Protons have a positive electric charge. Electrons have a negative electric charge. The number of positive charges must always balance the same number of negative charges in the Atom. That way the total charge is zero. In a way we are the electons, we have a negative charge. God is the positive charge. In order for this science to work, we have to work with God. He turns our negative charge into a positive charge. In order for our relationship to work, we have to be a positive charge. Don't confuse this with the science. The science works differently. In science we have to have an equal amount of each electric charge. Positive and negative. But in our relatioship with God, we need to be all positive. We cannot be the repelling magnet. So instead of listening to science by being as negative as God is positive...let God turn your negative into positive. Have a great day and God Bless yall.

Great West

    Okay, so a new update from our last quizzing tourney, as one of my friends says. Our rookie team got second in the rookie finals. Our consolation team lost the final quiz to get into the consolation finals. They were super amazing ( excuse my grammer ). And then our two championship teams...didn't do as well, but they were all spectacular. All six of our championship quizzers were hoping to mae it to Great West. That's like the medium fast tournament that only the top 25 in all of Western Canada get a shot to got to. And to go to internationals, that's the highest fast you can go...you need to go to Great West, I think. So only four of us made it. So they will be practicing and memorizing hard in the next five weeks. It's gonig to be rough and tough. And I will be here encouraging and suppoting them. So that's anotrher update, the next update will be in May. Hope that I was clear enough, until then, keep your eye out for my next post, on Monday. Have a great day and God bless.