memories

Right now I'm in the midst of sorting through things in my room. So many memories in the this wee upstairs yellow room. Like this one. . .

I would stay and write more, but with my room in chaos behind me it may be better for me to turn my attention back to sorting :) 

a first

There is a first for everything, isn't that the way the saying goes?  Well, I do not believe that I have ever posted a recipe on any blog of mine, so here we are embarking onto new territory. . .

(. . .just a side note. . .I'm always amazed at those people who are able to take pictures of every step of the way throughout their recipes.  I love reading those blogs but this post will not follow the same pattern for two reasons.  One:  Apparently I take after my great-Grandmother in not keeping the kitchen very tidy when I'm in it  and don't really want photographic evidence of that fact floating around cyberspace.   Two:  I have a feeling if I remembered to take pictures, I'd forget to add the flour or something else important like that.  So here is a recipe. . .minus the pictures. . .)

. . . .
a simple pancake recipe:

2 1/2 cups freshly ground flour
4 tablespoons sugar (or half the amount of honey)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour milk (add a squirt of lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for a couple of minutes)
2 beaten eggs
2 tablespoons cooking oil.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.  Do not over stir but be sure all the clumps of flour are gone :)  Using a 1/4 cup pour batter unto a hot, greased griddle.  Cook until golden brown (flipping to cook other side when pancakes have a bubbly surface and slightly dry edges)  Serve with real maple syrup and butter (eggs and sausage are always a welcome side) 
. . . .

The nice thing about the freshly ground flour is that they have such a hardy taste, and are so much more filling than usual pancakes.  Unless you are one of my brothers. . .who each consumed six (or seven!) of these yesterday. 

Oh, and then if you happen to have leftovers, save them in the fridge for pancake sandwiches.  I was shocked when I found out that so many people did not know about such things :)

the sunday before Christmas ramblings

As I sit here, curled up with a blanket and listening to Christmas music playing softly in the background, it seems like the perfect time to go on a ramble. . .

ram·bleWalk for pleasure in the countryside, typically without a definite route.

Isn't a ramble with a definite route rather defeating the purpose?  Sort of like planned spontaneity?  Something to ponder, I suppose. . .

Out the window the city lights are twinkling and I can see the steady stream of vehicle headlights.  So different from the view from my campus window.  I love how each season, each place where the Lord has you is p.e.r.f.e.c.t. for that time and season.

The concept of surrender is one that has been on my mind and heart for the past month.  When it seemed as if I would not be coming home for Christmas. . .oh! how hard that was.  To surrender my family, my hopes and dreams spending the holidays with them (and we love our family traditions)  I have a feeling from here on out, I'll not be able to listen to "I'll be Home for Christmas" without fearing uncomfortably close to tears :)  

And then to turn around and then surrender leaving my wee little campus home without a sure date of returning.  Oh! how the Lord desires His children to walk in dependence and with open hands. 

"The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today. 

We need not fear the result of trusting Him." 

John Stam

Isn't that a beautiful quote?  Tonight it so resonates with my soul. . .HIS faithfulness is the only certain thing.  Who knows where we will be tomorrow; what we will be doing and why.  But the man or woman who trusts the Lord shall not be moved nor shaken. 

And that sounds like a good note to end a ramble upon. . .

goodnight

home.

Is where I am right now. 
Sitting at the kitchen table; hearing my brother putter about in the kitchen, seeing my mum in the living room. 

Making meals.  Candles.  Washing dishes.  Tim Hortons.  Laughter.  Christmas music. 

My family.

Sharing stories of the past months. . .filling everyone in all the little daily stories that I love to store up and share in person.  Hearing stories that have been stored up to share. 

Modern travel never ceases to amaze me.  Yesterday. . .I was there.  Today I am here. 

May you embrace today, wherever the Lord has you.

"Thou changest not,

Thy compassions they fail not. 

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord unto me. . . " 

I'm looking forward to posting some office adventures (working behind the desk is n.e.v.e.r. boring, regardless of what it may seem like) and anticipating that there will be many home stories to share as well.  I have missed this wee blog, and missed writing. 

Until next time. . .

He is able

“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me. It does not matter where He places me, or how. That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He will give me grace, and in the most difficult ones His grace is sufficient.”   

-Hudson Taylor-

Jesus Heard

(I first heard this poem a week ago on an audio recording of Corrie ten Boom sharing.  Then tonight I found that someone had written it out for me and had placed it on my desk.  May this bless and touch your heart as it did mine) 

Jesus heard when you prayed last night,
He talked with God about you
Jesus was there, when you fought your fight,
He is going to bring you through

Jesus knew when you shed those tears,
So you did not weep alone
For the burden you thought to heavy to bear,
He made it His very own

Jesus himself was touched by that trial,
Which you could not understand
Jesus stood by as you almost fell
And lovingly grasped your hand

Jesus cared when you bore that pain,
Indeed He bore it too
He felt each pain, each ache in your heart,
Because of His love for you

Jesus was grieved when you doubted His love,
But He gave you grace to go on
Jesus rejoiced as you trusted Him,
The most Trustworthy One

His presence shall ever be with you,
No need to be anxious or fret
Wonderful Lord, He was there all the time,
He has never forsaken you yet!
Hallelujah, Amen.

my heart is in the highlands. . .

photo credit

This morning I revisited a favourite site, and fell in love again with one of my favourite places on earth.  Go to http://www.fortaugustusphotos.co.uk/index.html and click on November 20th for some g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. pictures of a place very dear to my heart :) 

happy american thanksgiving!

this day I am thankful for. . .

my precious Savior who redeemed and restored this life

a beautiful view from my window

the chance to work in such a wonderful enviroment with such wonderful people

my family. aboslutely.

books and quotes and flowers

music that lifts my heart to Him

friends.

laughter.

snowflakes.

sunshine.

full and busy days doing little things for my King

clean rooms and fresh air

a God who is faithful to finish the work He began.

............

one of my favourite quotes

photo by kristi. . .last fall. . .what sweet memories!

in the future

In the future, before I have four girls looking everywhere for my shoes, I will remember which pair I wore.  When you are looking for a pair of boots, it is helpful to look for the pair that is actually there. 

just sayin'.

*grins*

at the start of a new day

. . .I remember that it is not my day, but HIS.

"It is one thing to go through a crisis grandly, but another thing to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, no one paying the remotest attention to us."
-Oswald Chambers-

to wait.

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. 

He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. . ." 

Psalm 62:5-6

what does it mean to wait?
Over the last couple of weeks, I've had such a longing to take a peek into the future, to see what will happen, to flip to the next chapter. 
This past Thursday, we had part two of a special student life activity (I have a feeling some future students may be reading this, so I'll keep quiet about what it is!)  Eager students began showing up over 30 minutes early.  And when I walked in and saw all the students had arrived before the Lakehouse had been set-up my first thought was "No, this cannot be. . .they shouldn't see anything until we are all ready for them.  It takes some of the sparkle out if you watch the transformation of the room." 

The Lord used that to teach me about waiting.  He has something splendid up ahead. . .something that He uniquely orchestrated.  There is a time and a season for everything.  And He asks that I stay where He has placed me, until He ushers in the next season. 

to wait.

to trust.

to believe.

That is what I am called to do, in every circumstance and every season. 

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: 

God is a refuge for us.  Selah."

Psalm 62:8

a quote and a picture

"When we consecrate ourselves to God, we think we are making a great sacrifce and doing lots for Him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, He fills them full of His treasures." 

-betty stam-

tea for three

It was about two weeks ago that us three roommates spontaneously decided to have a tea party.  There was a quick flurry of tidying, finding and boiling of water.  Then we dimmed the lights (when you cannot have candles for fear of setting of the fire alarms, you do what you can) for ambiance, turned on some music and sat cross - legged on the floor. 

It was such a sweet time of fellowship that we decided that it would have to become at least a weekly tradition. And it has certainly happened often, especially with the winter weather we've been having here lately! 

There is just something so special about drinking tea. . .especially out of a red tea pot.  

sweet memories

For close to 48 hours my Mom and aunt came to visit. . .and oh! it was wonderful.

I love visitors.

Robert came in September, Mom came in October. . .I'm taking reservations for November.

Now doesn't those suitcases make travel alluring? 

Let me know when to expect you. . .

what joy, what joy

Last Wednesday evening, we all gathered in the chapel to support the campus' favourite children as they gave their premier concert.  And I could not stop the tears from falling, as I heard their enthusiastic voices and watched their beautiful faces.  Their interactions on stage were so precious, as they helped one another remember where they were supposed to be even when they spoke different languages. 

Here is one of the songs that they sang. . .and I have to admit that I'm rather partial to their version :)  This song has been ringing in my head for the past number of days.  Let us remember what joy is for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord.

in the mountains

Oh! how I love being in the mountains (even though the Canadian Rookies are in a class all to themselves).  The fall colours are absolutely glorious, and the weather so beautiful. 

And as I sit here in a quiet coffee shop, with my cheeks still tingling from the wind, I am reminded of so many memories.  It was this time last year that I first arrived on campus.  And that is so hard to believe.  Oh! my heart is so full of gratefulness.  I could never have imagined that I would be sitting here now.  And I have a feeling that wherever I am this time next year, I will have the same feeling of awe at the working of God.  Where He leads may be a mystery, but oh! what a glorious adventure! 

tonight

I am sitting in my upstairs room, with the reflection of the Christmas lights around the window reflected in the mirror. 

I can hear precious children from Honduras and Ethiopia practicing their choir songs, singing 'our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.'   What a joy it is to share a campus with these kiddos - I love walking across campus and seeing them playing soccer.

I am sitting with a cup of tea, looking at my two birthday bouquets (yes, I was very spoiled over my birthday!)

I am listening to the soundtrack from this blog (which has become something of an evening tradition)

I am reminded of my need for my God.  He is all I have and all I need.  He fills all in all.  I know that 'dependent' isn't necessarily a very popular word these days, but oh. . .that is how I am upon my Heavenly Father.  Paul Washer has a quote that goes along the lines of "I used to tell preachers that in order to preach they had to have the power of God on their lives.  Now I tell them that in order to tie their shoes they need to have the power of God upon them." 

. . .from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised. . .

last night I had a choice.

When I finally got to my room last night, two options lay before me.

Write 300 words and post it on my blog.

or

Do my laundry.

Last semester I didn't make time to do my laundry before orientation weekend and it was not good.

So last night, laundry won out.  Hope you don't mind - for I certainly don't regret it. 

And today, instead of 300 words, you have something like 30.

But that is life right now. . .

. . .and I'm loving every minute! 

tonight i feel like

Tonight I feel like a computer with too many screens open.

There have been a number of times in the last three hours that someone has asked me a question and it is a physical exersion to simply think.

If I was a computer you would see the little hour glass shape (if I was a PC) or the colourful spinning circule (if I were a Mac).

Maybe I should attempt to write 300 words in the morning, when things are working a little smoother :) 

....

Last summer, I read an Oswald Chamber's quote which profoundly challenged me.  Lately, the Lord has been reminding me of the same concept and I dug and found the quote:

"Have you the slightest reliance on anything other than God?  Is there a remnant of reliance left on any natural virtue, any set of circumstances? . . . It is quite true to say - 'I cannot live a holy life,' but you can decide to let Jesus Christ make you holy.  'Ye cannot serve the Lord your God'; but you can put yourself in the place where God's almighty power will come through you.  Are you sufficiently right with God to expect Him to manifest His wonderful life in you? . . .  If we really believed that God meant what He said - what should we be like!  Dare I really let God be to me all that He says He will be?" - My Utmost for His Highest, July 9

It is easy to say things such as

"oh, yes, I trust God"

"He is my All in All"

"The Bible says the God is our Provider"

But what about our lives? 

Are we truly living like that is really real? 

Are we letting God be in our lives all that He has promised? 

Or are we clinging to our fleshly abilities, desires, hopes and fears? 

I remember a line from a song from years ago and all that I remember is 'playing gameboy standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon'

That line impacted me because I always wanted to - and still do! - visit the Grand Canyon. 

Is that how we are living, holding on to something trite and familiar while something vast and glorious is within view? 

photo by lauren

Oh, may we be a people who take God at His word, and may every moment of every day be a showcase of His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom.

you know it is fall here on campus. . .

. . .when you get leaves caught in your flip flops :) 

I just got inside from jumping and sitting in the first pile of leaves.  Another girl and I (both of us being interns) got the urge to do it at the same time, and oh! how wonderful it was to sit outside in the midst of the wind that was blowing.  We had quite a bit of fun throwing armfuls of leaves in the air and watching the wind scatter them.  A couple other girls went by and commented on how the interns were behaving :)  Well, one cannot behave properly and refined all the time and we figured it was better to get out our childlike urges now before the new students arrive!

Oh, and I have started receiving birthday mail :)  I now have a cute wee pile at the end of bed.  The plan is to make it to my birthday without opening anything, but it is rather tempting already.

Today was an office morning and a cleaning afternoon.  Mid-way through the cleaning, people came by for a quick campus tour.  So I shook the cobwebs out of my hair and switched gears again.

As I sit here, in my room that is looking more and more homey every time I walk in (thanks to my wonderful roommate - I simply been flying in and out the last couple of days!) my heart is so full of thankfulness.  And it is not just because Canadian thanksgiving is coming up :) 

I am just so thankful for my Savior.  For all that He is.  When I really truly think about it, I realize how amazing it is that He knows us - completely - and loves us - absolutely - and that He desires us to know Him.  Oh, may we not take one second for granted.  May we continually seek after Him, run after Him with all our might.  May eternity truly be stamped upon our eyeballs (in the words of Jonathan Edwards) that we may live in such a way the glorifies our Lord and Master. 

*Once again, I didn't count the words up in this post.  But my Dad informed me that the last post was something like 350 so I'm going to go forward in the assumption that this is similar in length :)*

ramblings

I'm really not sure that any of this will make sense - it has been a l.o.n.g. full day. 

300 words in random, rambling form here we come!

Isn't amazing that we serve a God who changest not?  I don't believe that we appreciate that fact truly.  He. changes. not.  From everlasting to everlasting, He remains the same.  His character is fixed and His nature has been revealed.

. . . .

It was another exciting day in the office again today (my first day in the office was complete with a power outage!).  Oh, what a blessing it is to work alongside of people who simply love Jesus and are seeking to put Him always, ever first in their life.  What joy was in the office all day as upwards of five of us were in there, with others popping in and out.  Putting Christ first never robs the fun out of life, as some would have us believe.  Rather, without Him, there is no true joy.

. . .
I recorded the voice mail message for the office phone.  It was rather intimidating to this girl, who doesn't even like leaving messages.  The fact that there was  audience in the background calling out encouragement and suggestions was near as bad as the adrenaline jarring 'beep' that preceded the time I was suppose to leave the message.  The first couple of times I think I was shaking!  Then the phone and I had a battle of wills, concerning whether or it was going to replace the generic message with mine, but human prevailed over machine eventually.

. . .
Today it seemed so much like fall...the leaves blowing off the trees whenever a gust of wind went by.  And how beautiful they looked, falling golden to the ground.  Tis the season for apple crisp, soups and cups of tea. 

. . .
"But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all your works."  Psalm 73:28

. . .
I have no clue how many words that has been.  All I know is that my heart is so full, words simply fall short.    May you delight in Christ and His wonderful works this evening! 

new perspective

I am moving.

Ever since arriving on campus last October (goodness, I can hardly believe that I'm writing that!) I have been in the same room with the same roommate. That is, until a couple of weeks ago when my sweet roommate headed back home. And yesterday I started bringing things up to my new room.

the view from my old room

Originally the plan was to move over gradually, but I realized that after running to one room to get my shoes and the other to get my camera it probably wasn’t the most efficient way to live for an extended period of time. 

Things were comfortable, orderly.  I had figured out how everything fit in, and everything had a place.  It was familiar and homey and mine J 

Now, I’m surrounded by piles of clothes that need to be sorted through, various and sundry knick-knacks piled around and stacks of books that simply won’t look homelike on the shelves.  And the thought crossed my mind not that long ago that it would have been so much simpler to simply have stayed where I was. 

Yet as soon as I had thought that, I shook my head.  No.  I know this is a new season.  And for whatever reason, I know the Lord has hallmarked a number of changes for me.  Maybe He knows that when I get too comfortable, I have a habit of relying upon myself instead of on Him.  He does not want His daughter relying on anything but Himself for security.  He is to be the One I am dependent upon. 

the view from my new window

And the Lord showed me that there are two ways that I can walk into this new season.  I can either keep turning backwards, thinking of what was.  Or I can rejoice in the new perspective that these changes are providing. 

In that moment, He gave me the grace to rejoice and be excited about all that is up ahead.  For when He is leading a life, it may not be predictable, but oh! I wouldn’t have it any other way.  May He receive all the glory!   

'greater things are still to come, greater things are still to be done. . .'   Chris Tomlin

in which I go on an adventure. . .

After cleaning yesterday, I felt as if I had earned some time outside in the fresh air and sunshine.  So I borrowed a friend’s pink townie bike and was ready for an adventure.  As soon as I was riding, I knew where I wanted to explore.  Just a minute or so from campus, there has been this tree-covered gravel alleyway that has always enticed me.  I’ve walked by it a number of times and figured that it was a picturesque little alleyway connecting to another section of the subdivision. 

Enjoying the freedom and breeze, I turned down the pathway.  And as soon as my eyes adapted to the dappled sunlight which filtered through the trees I saw the house.

Have you ever happened upon a house, and instantly you know that regardless of who is occupying it, that house is yours?  It has happened to me once off in Scotland, and once again yesterday.  Tucked away, surrounded by trees, complete with gables and the type of house that simply full of character and personality.  I had no clue that this house even exsisted and I was captivated.

All of the sudden, something else registered in my mind.  Off to the side of the house was a man on a lawnmower, furious pointing behind me.   Within a second, I realized that this was not an alleyway, this was a driveway.  And the owner did not look too happy.  He turned off the lawnmower and hopped off.  I was already turning around the bike when he asked if I needed something.

 “Oh, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize this was a driveway.” 

“Didn’t you see the no trespassing sign on the fence?” he asks

Remember that scene in Anne of Green Gables when she is caught climbing over the fence?  Well, I wasn’t grabbed by the scruff of my neck, but I was completely expecting to be walked back to campus and set before the principle.  After a couple more questions (to which my only response was “I’m sorry”) I finally managed to escape.

I stopped at the road and looked at the cute white picket fence that I had always admired (and thought belonged to the other house) and sure enough, there was the sign. 

Who even looks for no-tresspassing signs on white picket fences?

I ask you. 

(what with this story and that one. . .I'm hoping that the trend of slightly embarrassing stories ends soon.  I'm glad that I learned to laugh at myself when I was sixteen or so!)

one girl - seven days - 300 words

Ever since I graduated from high school, it seems like I have always had a list (ok, I always have a lot of lists) of things that I’ve wanted to learn or study.  My younger brothers look at me funny when I happen to mention something that I want to learn or a course I want to take (and I’m not sure whether or not Robert ever got over that Latin course I convinced him to take with me)   

And as I just graduated from the one-year program here, it seems as if the list and learning urge is back again in full force.  You all know about the car maintenance skills I wanted to pick up, while other things on the list include learning Greek, working through this study and to learn how to cut hair.

I’ve always heard that to improve your writing you must. . .write.  Before coming down here, I taught piano and I know how that principle works.  In order to play the piano, you must actually touch it and practice it during the week (not just at the lesson with the teacher).  And I’ve always heard that it is a good discipline to sit down and write something every day. 

So you, my dear blog readers, shall be my accountability.  Every day, for the next seven days, I’m going to sit down and intentionally write 300 words. 

The timing is a little interesting, for this next week promises to be extremely full and busy here on campus.  We are preparing for the upcoming semester, I am adjusting to my new roles/responsibilities, and I shall be moving to a new dorm room. 

There may be a lot of talk about cleaning. 

Fair warning.

Should be exciting – I am looking forward to the next seven days! 

and sometimes she acts blonde

Yesterday one of the guys on campus offered to teach how to change the oil in a car.  It was on my 'list of things to learn' so I was excited about the opportunity. 

We gathered around eagerly, soaking in the mysterious world under the hood of a car.  Just a side note, I have a feeling that the only thing that is made for a woman to do (without a training course!) is to add windshield wiper fluid.  Everything is grey and confusing and the same looking. . .except for the blue cap with the picture of a windshield - Hey - I can do that one!

Towards the end of the lesson, a couple of the other guys came by and were asking our teacher questions to be sure that we had all the essentials covered. 

"What about the blinker fluid?  Did you tell them about that?"

"Oh, that is right. . .when your turn signals stop working and the lights go out, you'll need to refill the blinker fluid."

And then - without thinking - I blurted out  "Really?  When our lights would burn out, my Dad would just changed them."

Yes.  I really said that.*

I could try something in my defense.  I could say that my mind was so full of the new world of dipsticks, filters, donut tires, and the differences between synthetic and conventional oil that I simply wasn't. . .

No, I don't even think I'll try to redeem myself.

If there was any pride in my heart after learning how to change the oil in a car, the Lord definitely dealt with effectively! 

*a note to anyone uninitiated. . .there is no such thing as 'blinker fluid'.  If your lights happen to go out, do what my Dad does and change them :) 

new beginnings

graduation picture. . .thanks Kristi! 

to everything there is a season

and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 

What a beautiful promise.  I have been thinking a lot of seasons lately - maybe because summer is fading into fall outside my window (it is a novel thing for me to experience the seasons fading).  And maybe because it is coming up to a year that I've been here, and that our class recently graduated from the year long program.  Saying goodbye to dear friends was harder than I thought.  It's been quite the year - truly the most intense, joyful, stretching and beautiful year or my life.  And the friendships that God has given me have truly been such gifts. 

Yet, even while I'm adjusting to the changes, there is an expectant excitement that is filling my soul.  Excitement to hear how the Lord works and moves in each life as they step forward in obedience.  And such joy, knowing that as we walk with the Lord, things only get richer, deeper and better.  We can step into a new season, a new beginning, with humble confidence knowing that each day is simply an opportunity to know and love Christ better.  May He be glorified! 

contentment

rainy, overcast skies.

cups of tea, blankets and good books.

wonderful friends.

leaves beginning to fall.

and my brother is here.

contentment.



in which {for the fourth time in seven days}

I prepare to travel again.

Living so far from home, I am extremely grateful for modern travel.

Yet sometimes it seems rather odd.

How in one week you can sleep in three different places that are approximately 1,000 km apart.

How you can wake up one morning in Canada and be eating lunch in the United States.
 . . . . .
It is such a gift to be home.  To hear the familiar voices of my brothers and parents.  To sit around the supper table together and just enjoy looking around at everyone.  To go through my bookcases and agonize over the decision of which ones will be coming with me this time.   To hear the city sounds; traffic over the highway, neighbours talking outside, sirens going in the background. 

I'm off to savour the last few hours of family time. . .

as I plow through a huge to-do list

. . .I am realizing again the effect that music has upon one's soul.
Today and tomorrow I am fitting in two weeks of work into two days.  It truly is amazing the effect that music has on my productivity!  iTunes is playing on shuffle in the background.

This is no time for Chopin's Intermezzos.   

thank you Lord for the gift of music

This Fathomless Love

a meditation on 1 John 4:7-9

There are some times when the absolute inadequacy of the soul to see and comprehend the things of God comes to the forefront of one’s thoughts.  And as I have pondered the immensity and impossibility of God’s love it has struck me again and again how far above the comprehension of man are the ways and thoughts of God. 

 God is love.  That simple sentence, those three short words, is a mystery in itself.  He is love; love in it’s true and pure form, Love the way it was designed to be.  Who can hope to ever understand God?  Yet it has been told unto us that God has manifested His love towards mankind through His Son Christ Jesus.  It is through the sending of Christ into the world to live and die that sinful man may be justified that we can discern what true love is. 

God’s love is purely selfless.  There was and is no neediness in God’s soul that needed to be filled by mortal love or acceptance.  He was, is and always will remain the great, eternal, unchanging I AM.  There was no merit in our souls that in any sense deserved such a sacrifice.   Yet it was at this juncture, with a High and Holy God reaching down to a lowly and lost people that true love was demonstrated to the universe.  “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us. . .” 

It is this nature of love that we are called to shine forth throughout the world.  Because God sent, because Christ died, we are commissioned to go throughout life with that same love marking and defining our lives.  We are to love – not those who are worthy and deserving but to all without distinction.  We are to love - not just to those who will accept it but without thought of the response of others.  We are to love - not in hopes that our love will be returned; not in any need of our own soul; not simply once but continually and constantly and fervently.   We are to love, that we may be a living testimony to a lost world of a God who is love. 

{today}

today I am delighting in the simple things of life. . .

looking around the table at lunch and seeing the faces of dear friends

the calm of reading outside under a tree after long hours working on my computer

watering flowers (even though it always seems that I end up being almost as wet as the plants)

the hilarity of teaching myself Greek :)

quiet evenings where you can just stand and watch the sun set over the lake.

and today I am thankful for special memories. . .

like Saturday morning when all the men on campus made breakfast for the ladies, treating and serving us royally while keeping us laughing

going for a bike ride with a friend to the town library and each of us finding a cozy and quiet corner to study and work for a couple of hours


and today I am expectant for what lies ahead!   Our God is our Creator and Sustainer.  He has promised that He will continue the work that He has begun.  "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2

I think having a blog would be easier. . .

. . .if I knew how to take pictures. 

If one knows how to take pictures, one can grab a quick shot that perfectly captures their mood or what is happening with life, stick a quote under it and 'voila!'

You have a blog post.

If one does not know how to take such pictures, it is infinitely harder. 

First: something noteworthy must happen in life. 

Second: one must feel inspired to share that with the world 

     Third: one must somehow find the time to capture that memory or event in words 

(I tend to struggle somewhere around this point) 

Fourth: the internet must have a constant, consistent connection during the small window of time that one managed to find

 (I also struggle with this step) 

See how much easier it would be to have a blog if one was a photographer?! 

twice in twenty-four hours

Yesterday morning, I received the email that I had been expecting.

Room checks.

Thursday morning.

It still feels a little strange to be on the 'checking' side of the room checks.

Anyhow, I read the email, tweaked my schedule a little and then forgot about the room checks.

Or so I thought.

Do you ever get those dreams where you dream about the upcoming day?

Well, I had one of those.

And in my dream, I literally checked all the girls dorm rooms on campus.

every. single. one.

Before waking up and doing the same thing all over again in real life.

It was actually a lot more interesting checking the rooms in my dream. I remember walking into one in particular and noticing that they had painted all the walls different colours. Wheras in real life, there tends to be a constant adrenaline rush trying to get through all the rooms in less than an hour and a half and tediously trying to decide if that straightener left on the sink counter brings the score from a '4' to a '3'.

So yes, the rooms on campus have been checked twice in twenty-four hours.

consider the lilies

. . .how they neither toil nor spin yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these.

do we remember?

For one of my classes this semester, we have started on a project researching 'Restricted' and 'Hostile' nations around the world.  And researching even just my first country, Afghanistan, has opened my eyes to how easy it is for me to forget.  As I read through the facts

- second highest infant mortality rate in the world

- farmers turning to growing opium simply to provide for their families

- 99% Muslim

- converts to Christianity face persecution from their families and the government

it continually sobers me, for Afghanistan is only one on this list of countries that the gospel is prohibited from being proclaimed.  Approximately 28 million people live in the that war-ravenged country, without the opportunity of knowing the hope of the gospel of Christ. 

Yet what is to be our response?  To simply shake our heads and then moving on with our day?  To fall into despair that anything will ever be changed in that country? 

Oh, that we would remember.  Oh, that the Lord of the Harvest would be impressing on His people to pray for the persecuted church and unreached nations.  That He would be building men and woman that forsaking all worldly pleasures would go to the darkest corners of the earth; a mighty army that may overcome the Accuser of the Brethren by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and that they love not their lives unto death (Revelation 12:11) 

only one life

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, “twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call,

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,

If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

-C.T. Studd

nicole. . .

. . .is now laughing because she should know by now not to make definitive statements ('will post tomorrow') without adding a clause such as 'Lord willing' or 'unless something unexpected comes up'.

Like finding out that me and another intern will be spending the whole afternoon escorting an air conditioner repair man through 30+ girls' dorm rooms. 

So for those of you who were waiting with baited breath - I'm sorry not to deliver something profound.

But if you knew how hot it was down here, you would realize that I'm actually ecstatic about having all the air conditioners on campus working. 

That's all I have time for now.  More. . .sometime!

nicole. . .

. . .will be posting tomorrow!

the heavens declare

Wednesday evenings our class has been going through The Truth Project.  Most everything that is presented is truth that I have grown up believing, but I have greatly appreciated the fresh and unique angle.  Here is a quote from last night's class, which was focusing in on the arena of science.

"As Christians we need not be afriad to look in a telescope

nor look into a microscope

for we do not need to explain away the order and the design that is evidenced."

 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.

Psalm 19:1-3

a quote

            "Oh, the fullness,
                                   pleasure,
                                          sheer excitement
           of knowing God on earth!”
                            -Jim Elliot-

bi·cy·cle

I rode a bike for the first time in a long time a couple of days ago.

Isn't it funny how some things are so familiar?

The feeling of freedom and exhilaration with the wind in your face.

(and I checked - I can still ride with no hands)

And I decided that for travel

a bicycle is the way to go.

Walks are good when you have lots of time

or are feeling contemplative

or want to chat with a friend.

And I won't deny vehicles have their place

(like coming on a road trip to visit me!)

But you end up missing so much of the scenery.

Whereas with a bicycle

there is that perfect balance of having time to soak in the surroundings

and still getting where you need to go.  

another celebration

. . .my first 'fourth of July' in the States :) 

And since we started talking about anthems a couple of days ago, here are some thoughts on the American anthem.

One.  No matter how low you start off "oh say can you see. . ." the song always seems to end shatteringly high.

Two.  It was one of those 'eureka!' moments when I realized that the lyrics were not 'dawnserlie light' but rather 'the dawn's. early. light.'

The whole song made a lot more sense after that point. 

Happy Fourth! 

oh canada

Happy Canada Day!

  

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

(just a note to those of my American friends who may not know. . .the tune is not      'O Christmas Tree')

*grins*

sun·rise

Before arriving here last fall, I had maybe seen a handful of sunrises. 
And now early mornings are one of my favourite times of day (I really have a hard time picking favourites)  Getting up and outside early still isn't always easy, but oh! how it is worth it. 

The quiet, peaceful beauty.  The knowledge that the day is the Lord's, and each moment belongs to Him.  The way the dew sparkles in the sun  (isn't it amazing to realize that God chose to make things beautiful?  And that any earthly beauty is the puniest reflection of His fathomless beauty?)

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
— L.M. Montgomery

for my mom

and my grandparents. . .



Maybe I should have waited to post this until August - when it will have been four years since we were traipsing about the highlands.  Can you believe it?  Four years.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday for the memories are so clear. 

I miss you. . .and I miss Scotland. 

all my love

by the word of their testimony

When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion,
We were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;

Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

The LORD has done great things for us;
We are glad.

 Restore our captivity, O LORD,
As the streams in the South.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

-Psalm 126-

The Seasons Change

. . .for everything there is a season. . .

The cold of winter to the new life of spring.  Spring's crisp mornings to summer's bright sun.  And then fall comes;  sometimes gradually and other times with abruptness. 

. . .for everything there is a season. . .

Yet those are not the only seasons.  There are the seasons of quiet reflection and seasons of full schedules.  There are seasons of joy and seasons of pain.  Of loneliness and company.  Seasons of learning and seasons of teaching. 

. . .for everything there is a season. . .

Tomorrow begins yet another new season in my life.  These past three weeks have been such a sweet rest and I will always remember the oh so quiet mornings and watching the sunset from my window each evening.  The fellowship of the few left on campus,  reading through a pile of books, the adventures of the 'mop ladies' (doesn't that sound intriguing?) and the schedule that was open for spontaneous walks.  This could also have been the season of ice cream; I honestly believe I have had more ice cream in the past three weeks than in the previous three years. 

. . .for everything there is a season. . .

While this time has been such a beautiful gift, I'm excited for what the Lord has ahead.  For the start of this new semester.  Like one of the girls said recently, "I think I should just get used to my life not being normal".  I'm not expecting my life to be normal - how could it be when the King of the Universe is the One directing.  But I do know that will be a glorious adventure of seeking to know Him more and glorify His name through my little life in this corner of the world.

. . .for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. . .

Ecclesiastes 3:1

today {is the Lord's}

{today}

weeding 'party' at 7:00 am

raking rocks

moving woodpiles

finding frogs

wishing that we could somehow cool down

. . .

fellowship over lunch

trying out the new frozen yogurt place

. . .

emptied two Wal-Marts of their entire stock of twin mattress pads

two big carts filled with pillows

oh so hot today

adventure in finding second Wal-Mart

. . .

fellowship over supper, all together

laughing, joking, sharing

. . .

rescued wilting plants with a watercan and magicgrow

watered the lawn

laundry

quiet

sunset

Those who know me, probably know of my affinity towards to-do lists and post-it notes.  I love knowing what needs to be done and having the satisfaction of checking  off each task.  But lately I have begun adding a little note at the top of each list.  And that note reads "today. . .is the Lord's".    It's a reminder that His agenda is the one that I am here to work, not my own.  I might accomplish all that I have written out, other days may go by with everyone of those things remaining unchecked.  It is a lesson He is continually teaching me - not to be so caught up in what I think should be done that I ignore His voice.  Oh, may we be a people so attentive to the leading of our Saviour; that every moment of every day we may be offering our lives and very bodies as living sacrifices.

evening praise



Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.

the view from my window

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies. Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of Thy Spirit, the strength of Thy restraining will, Thy spiking of hell's artillery. Blessed be my sovereign Lord!

-Valley of Vision-

a lesson

Teach us, Good Lord,

to serve Thee as Thou deservest;

to give and not to count the cost;

to fight and not to heed the wounds;

to toil and not to seek for rest;

to labour and not to ask for any reward

save that of knowing that we do Thy will.

-St. Ignatius of Loyola-

of snakes and swords

For the past couple of months I have been undergoing a self-imposed regime of 'missionary training' in regards to the spiders which frequent my room.  I cowardly left them for my roommate until a sermon convicted me, and since then I have taken the role of killing (or removing) all that I find. There have been a couple trying moments (such as finding one on my pillow one morning) but

A couple of days ago, I overheard a conversation in which they were talking about the snakes which were on campus last summer.  (snakes!  I didn't realize I was that far south!)  But apparently they were only small, harmless garden snakes, very manageable.  Still didn't sound like too much fun, especially if one was to slither into my room.  But I figured there was a bit of time before snake season began. . .

So today, as a couple of us girls were in the student centre getting set up for a birthday lunch, one of the guys bursts in -

"Hey girls, we just thought that you should know, there is a rattlesnake out by the bridge"

!!

I knew I should have stayed in Canada.

We all ran to the window, and crowded around to see this snake. 

I'm afraid we reacted a bit like the stereotypical female.



snake and sword



Activity around the bridge drew our attention back, as one of the guys arrived with something to deal with the snake.   No shovel for our guys - they brought a sword.  Oh I laughed, even while pondering what exactly they were planning on doing with it.  Yet the laughter soon ended as they started poking and prodding the snake.  We would have been a lot more comfortable if we had found out that it was not a rattlesnake when the guys did.  As it was, we were watching their 'snakecharming' antics with baited breath.

Eventually it was caught and then they started walking across campus with their captive.  Walking across campus - in the direction of my dorm.  They threw the snake over the fence and returned.  Us girls agreed that we would feel better knowing it was gone (like gone, gone) 

All I can say is that I hope it never finds it's way to my room - I'm pretty sure you cannot kill a snake like that with a shoe and a wad of paper towel.