Stuff I'm Learning...

I'm learning that I shouldn't be trying to please everyone around me, just God.

I'm learning that if I don't like someone, in God's view, I'm murdering them.

I'm learning that I can't do everything, unless God is involved.

I'm learning that I don't like being lonely.

I'm learning that God is trying to teach me something right now and it hurts.

I'm learning to ask for help instead of trying to do everything myself.

I'm learning that my body needs a rest (maybe I should take a hit from Gilmore!).

I'm learning that I need a different job, yet a job that includes customer service.

I'm learning that I need to come back to God and rely on Him ALL THE TIME.

I'm learning that I can stand up to my landlord and that he and no one else has the right to intimidate me.

1 John 3:11-24 (a note)

The passage from my last post was taken from The Message.

1 John 3:11-24

For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other.

We must not be like Cain, who joined the Evil One and then killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because he was deep in the practice of evil, while the acts of his brother were righteous. So don't be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time.

The way we know we've been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn't love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don't go together.

This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands our and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.

It's getting warmer!

Here's a picture of us at our work Christmas party...don't we look good? It was fun, but don't try working an event the next morning...and no, I wasn't drinking!

It's getting warmer, but I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Blessings,

Julie

Windchill Warning...

After a day of cold temperatures, the weather people decide to post a windchill warning last night! Yesterday I cosidered getting a taxi after work at night, but I wore this instead:

footless tights
socks
leggings
my work pants
ski pants
work shirt
sweater
sweatshirt
fleece jacket
wool coat
sheepskin boots
two pairs of mittens (i think i need to make an improvement...my hands were cold)
touque (sp?)
scarf

Yes, I'm sure I looked funny, but I was warm. I was sure people at work would comment, but no one did!

It was probably around -38 with the windchill when I left work.

Right now it's -28 with a -39 windchill and it's only 10:15am. I don't start work until 1:15 and I'm done at 9:15. But last night when I was waiting for the bus, an out of service one was sitting there so we could wait in it and stay warm. Maybe tonight will be -40 with windchill when I leave work!! What fun, what fun :)

I hope everyone else is warm, safe and dry!

I don't like renting!

So, what else can go wrong with this house? Last night I stayed up until 3am waiting for someone from ATCO Gas to come and deal with the natural gas smell in the kitchen. I had to keep the window open and it was FREEZING! When he finally came, there was no smell. Now, there is a tap dripping from the inside in the basement. It's -25 outside...hopefully it doesn't freeze and then explode. I called the landlord and left a message, I really hope he does something about it.

It's cold and I'm whimpy! I guess it'll be a white Christmas though. How did I survive four years in Regina?

Well, now it's time to keep getting layered for work!! I think I'm going to wear my ski pants today!!

But, I realize that it's probably colder elsewhere. And at least I have a roof over my head. If you think of it, please pray for the homeless in Calgary, there aren't enough shelters and someone died on the street a few days ago.

Blessings,

Julie

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”- Ephesians 1:18

"You Raise Me Up"

You Raise Me Up
- Selah -

When I am down, and oh my soul, so weary,

when troubles come and my heart burdened be.

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

until You come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders.

You raise me up to more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders.

You raise me up to more than I can be.

There is no life, no life without its hunger,

each restless heart beats so imperfectly.

But when You come and I am filled with wonder,

sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders.

You raise me up to more than I can be.

You raise me up, to more than I can be.

Community

I'm learing about community right now in my small group and in my training manual for small group leaders. I wanted to share some quotes that I found interesting from my readings:

"Community should be understood as the movement between persons to experience 'common' life...Community is about the interpersonal connections between two or more beings. God exists in community. Community inplies that persons with differences come together for a common life. God also exists as different persons with a common, intimate and interconnected life. God created human beings to be unique, separate and different, but also to have a common life... God is separarte and very different from humanity, but we learn in scripture that God's great creation desire is to be in community with humanity...Community is the reason for creation. Community is the purpose for Jesus Christ, the Son God, being born, living among us, dying and being raised from the dead...Comuniity is the common life between God and humanity and small groups are the most visible and frequent form of this community" (Gareth Icenogle, Biblial Foundations for Small Group Ministry, p. 10).


"God created and calls us to oneness. When we pursue that, we move from a collection of players to a winning team; from instruments labeled woodwinds, strings, percussion, and brass to an orchestra that produces the sounds of music; from artist, coulour, shapes, canvass, paint, and subject to masterpiece. No one would think to claim that the canvass, the intruments, or the positions were the sought-after end. When we are together in community (harmoniously combined in oneness), we reflect our creator...Relating is at the heart of knowing God. Relating is also at the heart of becoming the people of God. Our faith journey is one we make together. Community is the context for our growth, and it is a distinctively Christian concept" (Julie A. Gorman, Community That Is Christian, p. 24).


"Each one of us hides an awful secret. Buried deep within every human soul throbs a muted pain that never goes away. It is a lifelong yearning for that one love that will never be found, the languishing in our inner selves for an all-consuming intensity of intimacy that we know will never be fulfilled, a heart-need to surrender all that we are to a bond that will never fail.

The silent churning at the core of our being is the tormenting need to know and to be know, understand and to be undertood, to possess and to be possesed, to belong unconditionally and forever without fear of loss, betrayal, or rejection...

Our mourning is for the closeness that was ours by right of creation.. Our grief is for the gift lost in the turmoil of rebellion. And now, whenever there is hope, our hope is for paradise regained, for human destiny remade in the redemptive restoration of community, the only certainty of oneness for here and for eternity" (Gilbert Bilezikian, Community 101: Reclaiming the Local Church as Community of Oneness, pp. 15-16).


The following quote is from a non-Christian perspective:

"Membership in groups is inevitable and ubiquitous. All day long we interact first in one goup and then in another. Our family life, our leisure time, our frienships and carerrs are filled with groups...We are born into a group called the family and we would not survive the first few years of our lives, the first few weeks, or even the first few minutes without membership in this group...Our personal indentity is derived from the way in which we are perceived and treated by other members of our groups. We learn, work, worship, and plan in groups. As humans we have an inherent social nature: Our life is filled with groups from the moment of our birth to the moment of our death" (David W. Johnson and Grank P. hohnson, Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, p 7).


So, what are your thoughts?

Freezing in my basement...

Let me elaborate...our electricity bill was so high this month that now we are too cheap to turn the heat on. I've learned from last year...just pile on the sweaters and blankets and socks and clothes in general. I'm just wimpy...I prefer heat. Blasting heat...warm heat...hot heat!!
So, we are voluntarily freezing. But I think it's supposed to warm up this week again.
I'm going to Southern Alberta Bible Camp for an Axis retreat on the weekend. Axis is the ministry at Center Street Church that I have been involved in for 2 years. I'm looking forward to it...hopefully it'll be warmer for this wimpy coastal girl!

Here are the pictures...

"Stand Up, Stand Up"

On Sunday, I attended the "Masters" at Spruce Meadows. For all you non-horse people, Spruce Meadows is a world class show jumping stable in Calgary, AB. www.sprucemeadows.com

The Masters is an international competition where professional riders come from North, Central and South America, and Europe.

This competition is two rounds with a series of jumps that the rider must complete. The first round must be completed within 76 seconds (about) and the second round, 65 seconds. If the rider goes over the time allowed, he/she receives time faults. Also, each fence that falls, the rider also receives 4 faults.

The goal...complete the first round with as little to no faults as possible to make it into the top 12. Then complete the second round with no faults and the fastest time...your faults carry over from the previous round.

The prize...a chunk of money and a car!

So, the whole "Stand Up, Stand Up" thing. Even though I used to ride, and I understand that it's a wealthy sport...nicknamed "The Sport of Kings", I always get caught off guard with the wealth. To honor previous winners, we all stand up and clap and sing this cheesy song, "Stand Up, Stand Up" over and over again, for what seemed like 5 min! (It was probably only 2 min!) And, the ones that had money, seemed to be on a specialized tour of the course before the show began. Imagine walking around a field in high heels...who knows what you'll step in when it comes to horses!! Yet, a cool experience to have a detailed layed out course explained...maybe just for me!!

Here's some pictures...sorry, I don't remember who the riders are!!

Faith

Just Like You

Jason Upton

I tried to walk on the water

and found myself under the sea

So with water up my nose

I felt your hand come close to save me

I've tried to cast out the demons

I've gone to the darkest of regions

When fear has me shaking

You suddenly

Break in to save me

I desire to be like you

Like any son or daughter

I want to be like my father

I desire to be like you

You prmised to never

forsake me

So I'll risk it all if

you'll make me

like you

I Will Wait

Jason Upton

I will wait for you Jesus,

You're the sun in my horizon

All my hopes in you Jesus

and I can see you now arising

There is a wall that stands

in front of me

That I know I just can't climb

But like an eagle

you will carry me

Its just a matter of your time

Chorus

Evil army's all around me,

another wall gets in my way

But I believe the word

you promised me

so I will wait another day

Chorus

Though doubt may try to come in

The disillusionment might try

to come in, I believe oh Lord,

in the word that You promised

I believe it will not end,

I believe it will not go vain

I will wait for you

I will wait for you, Jesus

You're the sun in my horizon

All my hope's in you, Jesus

And I can see you now arising

God, help me to lean on You and trust you. It's so easy to lean on those around me when I'm drowning. I have doubts and fears about my future, but You know what I need. You give me all that I need. Help me to be more like You.

Skunks and Lawns

Last night some of us were watching a movie when the stench of skunk permiated the whole house. It was like a skunk backed up to a window and let loose. How inconsiderate:) I could still smell it this morning...but I think the smell is gone now.

This afternoon, Merissa and I did yard work...she mowed the lawn for the first time...it was fun. We even trimmed the trees (so us tall ones can walk under them without ducking) and weed whipped. There was lots of laughing and sneezing.

Hmmm...instead of "Girls like guys with skills", what about "Guys like girls with skills...mowing skills, weed whacking skills, tree trimming skills, raking skills...! Yard work is fun and now it doesn't look so much like we live in the hood...just slightly. Maybe we should add a couch in our front yard!

Worship

I had an amazing worship time with my roommates Merissa and Meghan. Meghan was at the piano, I was on the flute or singing, and Merissa was singing. I just love music and I enjoying worshipping God with music.

It hasn't been the greatest week God wise. I've been trying to pray and spend time with God, but I've been tired. Bad excuse. So, singing tonight was awesome. God has blessed me with some wonderful like-minded roommates.

I had been praying for some like-minded friends for a year and a half and God blessed me with friends at church and at home. Gracias a Dios!! I was so starved for fellowship, I was beginning to believe that it would never happen, but God was teaching me patience and trust. I wish I didn't have to keep learning these two things over, and over, and over, and over again. But there is always a reason for it.

I have the weekend off, so hopefully I won't get too distracted and lazy to spend time with God. I miss Him and reading the Bible and praying.

The picture above is part of my Aunt and Uncle's garden in BC. Nature always reminds me of God's creation and it's so peaceful. Sometimes I could just sit in nature forever and refelct on God and His goodness and greatness.

What makes you reflect on God?

Heat...

We almost burned down our house...well, not really...
It was so cold this morning, that we decided to turn on the heat for five minutes. All of a sudden the smoke detector went off downstairs. We were checking everything and the cat was starting to go nuts. We could smell something burning. It turned out to be the dust in the vents!! Thank goodness! I was envisioning calling 911 again and having firemen show up for something that could be minor. We were all panicing though...I bet it could've been funny to someone watching!

Oh, memories of December when we burned down our stove! Hopefully there won't EVER be a repeat!

BX Falls, Vernon and False Creek, Vancouver
Keremeos and Canoe Beach, Salmon Arm


Fraser River, Steveston

"How to Be A Canadian" - Quiz

If you've never read "How to Be a Canadian" by Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson, well now's the time. It's hilarious...and here's the quiz to prove it!

If you hear the name "Elvis" and immediately think of figure skating, give yourself 1 point.

If you hear the name "Marilyn" and immeediately think of swimming Lake Ontario: 5 points.

If you hear the name "Preston" and immediately think of Lee "pressed-on" nails: subract 6 points.

If you thought Degrassi Junior High was a gripping true-life docu-drama: 2 points.

If you have a "Bring Back Degrassi" website: subract 2 points.

But if it's an "ironic" website, that's okay. Add 3 points.

If you think your friends sitting aoround your basement eating Doritos would make an excellent episode of The Lofters: minus 2 points. (I'm not sure what The Lofters are...can someone enlighten me?)

If you think Snow Job is way cooler than Mardi Gras: add 1 point.

If you have ever, ever, ever appeared on Speaker's Corner for any reason whatsoever, give yourself a slap in the face. From all of us.

Unless you got your own TV seris out of it (like the Deveil's Advocates). In that case, add 1 point.

If you ever went to a rave on board a chartered yellow schoolbus: deduct 1 point.

If you wear an "Anarchy Now!" T-shirt, but get made when guests come over and don't use the coasters: 1 point.

If you think the cover of Naomi Klein's book No Logo woud make an excellent logo: 2 points.

If you own a "Canadian Girls Kick Ass" T-shirt: 1 point.

Even though you, yourself, would never kick ass: 2 points.

If you were at the Quebec City "Clash of the Summits," add 10 points.

If you were there selling hot dogs, deduct 20 points.

If they were special "No Logo Anarchy Now!" hot dogs, your credintials are restored. Give yourself a hand.

If you still don't know what the capital of New Brunswick is, give yourself 10 points.

If you have been to Niagara Falls: 1 point.

In a barrel: 100 points.

If you've ever had a Nanaimo bar. In a bar. In Nanaimo: give yourself 2 points.

If you can ask the operator to look up a number in Dildo, Newfoundland, without feeling any embarrassment, give yourself 1 point.

If you can stop for gas in Climax, Saskatchewan, and not make any wisecracks: 3 points.

If you can say "Regina" without giggling, give yourself 12 points.

If you've ever posed for a picture beside a Large Object Next to a Highway, give yourself 1 point.

If you've ever posed for a picture beside a provincial boundary sign, give yourself 3 points.

If you've ever posed for a picture with professional curler Hec Gervais, giver yourself 500 million points.

If you mistakenly thought he was the statute of Jumbo the Elephant in St. Thomas, Ontario, deduct 9 points.

If you have ever curled, give yourself 1 point.

If you were the skip, give yourself 2 points.

If you can't remember if you curled or not, because of how drunk you were: 50 points.

If you remember where you were when the Jays won the World Series: 1 point.

If you remember where you were the day Ben got caught: 1 point.

If you remember where you were the day Wayne was traded: 1 point.

If you didn't need last names on those to know who we were talking about: 3 points.

If you remember where you were when Baltimore won the Grey Cup: duduct 12 points.

If you remember (vividly) what you were doing the day Bob Homme died: 2 points.

If you knew that Bob Homme was the Friendly Giant: 6 points.

If you cried, even though you hadn't watched his show since you were six years old: 12 points.

If you remember where you were the day Trudeau died: 1 point.

If you remember where you were the day Stan Rogers died: 2 points.

If you know almost all the words to "Barrett's Privateers" but you don't know the words to the national anthem: 10 points.

If you still know all the words to the Molson "I am Canadian" rant: minus 20 points.

If you're glad they finally droe that schtick into the ground : 1 point.

(Bonus question for Boomers) If you think the Canadian gull-winger Bricklin sports car was actually kind of cool: 1 points.

Even though you drive a Dodge Neon: 1 point.

Which you are proud to own, since most of it was manufactured in Ontario: 10 points.

If you understand the Auto Pact: 5 points.

No, you don't.: minus 6 points.

If you understand the offside rule in hockey: 10 points.
(Really? Can you explain it to us? Becuase we've never figured the damn thing out.)

If you don't understand the economy: 1 point.

But you invest anyway: subtract 3 points.

Because you trust your broker: subtract an additional 8 points, plus most of your life savings.

If you complain about rush hour: 5 points.

Even though you live in Victoria: 10 points.

And actually walk to work: 15 points.

If you have never made love in a canoe: 1 point.

If you wouldn't even know how to begin to do that: 3 points.

In fact, you think it's kind of a stupid and dangerous idea: 6 points.

I mean, really, the government should put up a warning label about that sort of thing, right? 1 point.

And it's not the least bit erotic: 9 points.

I mean, where would you put your feet? 12 points.

And does wearing water wings constitue "safe sex"? 2 points.

If you have actually paddled a canoe: 1 point.

If it was at summer camp: 3 points.

In the Adirondacks: deduct 20 points.

If you think Don McKellar is a better directior than Arom Egoyan: 1 point.

But neither of them could hold a candle to Norman Jewison: 2 points.

Or Ivan Reitman: deduct 37 points. (What, are you nuts or something?)

If you think Jim Carrey is funnier than Mike Myers: 1 points.

But both orf them are funnier than Tom Green: 2 points.

If you have no idea who Tom Green is: dudct 3 points, and congratulations on your new poision as head of talent develpment at the CBC.

If, whenever you think about the complicated and sometimes difficult relationship you had with your father, you wonder if the problems you had relating to each other had to do with the fact that you were constantly comaparing him to the famous, fictional father figures that Canadian actors seem to specialize in: 1 point.

Like Lorne Greene in Bonanza: 1 point.

Or Christopher Plummer in The Sound of Music: 2 points.

Or Lorne Greene in Battlestar Galactica: 3 points.

Which you thought was a better show than Lost in Space: 1 point.

If you think Space 1999, a British science fiction serise that featured Canadian actor Barry Morse for the first season, was superior to The Starlost, a Canadian science fiction series that starred Keir Dullea and lasted for one season: 1 point.

If you haven't seen either of those shows, but you do remember Keir Dullea from his perfomance in that classic Canadian movie Leopard in the Snow: 50 points.

Which, you may recall, was the worst film ever made: one point.

And which, we just found out, is available on video: 10 points.

Not that we've ever been able to find it: minus 5 points.

If you refuse to believe William Shatner wears a hairpiece: 1 point.

If you refuse to believe Rich Little wears a hairpiece: 2 points.

If you refuse to believe Jeffrey Simpson wears a hairpiece: What, are you blind? Deduct 7 points.

If you think Ken Kostick does whear a hairpiece: 5 points.

If you hace been a to a real sugar shack and eaten real 100?% maple syrup fresh from the tree: 10 points.

If it was in Miane: deduct 30 points.

But you secretly precer the tast of Aunt Jemima: add 2 points.



If this makes you feel guilty: 6 points.

If you have ever eaten a beaver tail: 3 points.

Not a sugared pastry from Ottawa, but an actual beaver's tail: 10 points.

If you recently caught a glimpse of the Norther Lights: 1 point.

If you immediately and inexplicable remembered some lines from a Robert Service poem: 3 points.

Which freaked you out, since you're pretty sure that you've never actually read any Robert Service: 6 points.

If you began to ponder the idea of the collective unconscious: 12 points.

If you think Marshall McLuhan came up with that theory: 1 points.

Themn you remember he didn't: deduct 3 points.

If you start to think about other stuff you might know that you didn't think you knew-and it turns out you can remember hugs churcks of W.O. Mitchell: 1 point.

Wll, hell, you probably studied him in school: 2 points.

If you can quote passages from books by Robertson Davies, Hugh Garner or Margaret Laurence: deduct 10 points. What are you, some kind of freak?

If you hop into your new PT Cruiser-built in Detroit, though the seat covers are made right here-and stop at a Starbucks for a latte, and then pick up the latest issue of Peaple from your corner 7-Eleven, rent American President, American Beauty and American History at your local Blockbuster, go aome and watch them on your cozy Ikea Sklojebeldt sofa, and, without any irony at all, feel sort of proud to be Canadian: 1 poin

If this also makes you feel guilty: 6 points.

But you get over it: 9 points.

Because you bought this book: 50 points.

Rating Your Score
90 points or more: Wow, you're either incredibly knowledgeable or you cheater. Either way, you're scaring us.

Between 60 and 90: You teach Canadian history at a community college or university and you read this book in the misaken belief it might help you prepare a class plan. If won't. Sorry.

Between 30 and 60: Right in the middle. Good for you. Your're not only a Candian, you're confused and conflicted about what that even means. Welcome to the club.

Between 10 and 30 points: Technically, you may be a Canadian, but only in the way that someone like Ezra Levant is Canadian. Good luk with your green card application; we're not going to miss you.

Less than 10 points: Not only are you NOT Canadian, you didn't even flip though the rest of this book. You guessed at the answers. Heck , you probably found this book in the seat pocket of a transatlatic flight. Tch.

Zero points: So, you could't even be bothered to do the damn quiz. To much effort, eh? You just skipped to the end. Talk about slack. Talk about lazy. Talk about Canadian! Congratulations. You are now one of us.

My score: 47. A typical Canadian. Don't I feel special!

Okay, okay. I know this was long...try typing it!

Bye!!

Home in Richmond

I'm home in Richmond after a few days camping in Penticton. For the most part, it was beautiful, except the day my mom and I were planning to float down the cannal. It rained and was cold. So, instead, my parents and I played mini golf in the evening. It was outside surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. I think it's the most fun I've ever had playing mini golf.

I spent some time in Vernon with family and visited my friend from college in Salmon Arm. Then it was on to Penticton and now Richmond. Tomorrow I'm off to Victoria to see my grandma and I'll be back in Richmond on Thursday. I had to think about that for a minute because I'm on holidays and don't really care what day it is. Today I visited with a friend from high school and her daughter came along too...Emma (the daughter) is adorable.

When I come home after Victoria, I think I'll rest by the water...okay, maybe not the stinky Fraser...maybe some different water. And I want to see the Vancouver downtown Bay...I think I need a life...I'm away from work, why would I want to go back????

I saw my grandpa in Vernon and even though he doesn't really know what is going on, he is still quite strong. He took my hand and held on...it was hard to get my hand loose. It's sad when his mind in gone, but he's still somewhat strong. There are no muscles on his body, yet he has a firm grip. He just turned 97 on the 30th.

It was just my birthday in July and my parents gave me a digital camera. Now I can post pictures too! It was a good day (my birthday). I got spoiled at work, home (Calgary home) and when I arrived in Vernon (time with family).

I think it's time for me to eat some beans, veggies and fruit. It's doing a number on my system. I can't wait to go home and eat dairy and meat. Maybe I should buy some steaks!!

Blessings,

The Tall One

Hope

"Within every heart there exists a special place,

a place where the hopes and dreams of the soul soar,

unchained by logial or phyiscal entrapments.

For some,

visiting this unique place is a frivolous waste of time,

a mental blowing of dandelion spores.

For others this place becomes the mountain meadow within their soul,

the sweeping expanse of wildflowers and fragrant grasses,

the streams of pure glacial water,

where the spirit runs free.

It is a place where the impossible fourishes,

where dreams survive the inferno of reality to become the miraculous wonders that draw us forward - it is the place where

hope rises."

"Hope Rising", Kim Meeder

Some day, I want to be serving God in Latin America. I feel called to underprivilaged kids and teens. I want them to come to a place where they feel safe, loved. A place where "hope rises" (Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising".) A place where troubled horses meet troubled kids and they heal each other. I got my idea from a ranch call Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Orgeon (www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org) The above quote and the following quotes were taken from "Hope Rising", written by Kim Meeder. Kim and her husband own and run the ranch. The book is moving and I can barely get through a few pages without my eyes tearing up. God is so amazing, His love is so prevelant.

"What once needed healing now gives healing.

What was once broken has now been restored.

What was once lost is now found."

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

"Hope cannot be destroyed.

It calls us to rise up;

it whispers our name.

It draws us to believe that,

sometimes,

wishes do come true."

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

"Society teaches us that anyting less than perfect is

unsuitable,

undesirable,

unusable,

and unattractive - that it should be avoided whenever possible.

But pure reality teaches us that the Lord loves and uses the flawed,

unattractive,

and broken -

the apparently useless things of this world -

to accomplish His greatest works.

It is easy to become focused on our "defective" areas and completely miss all that they teach us. Our flaws,

our imperfections motivate us to become

pliable,

moldable,

and teachable.

And like knots in woood,

they give us our uniqueness and character.

They help to bend or even beark us to the point where we are able to recognize the needs of other and to help them.

Now when I marvel at the majest of the trees in my native forest,

I see things differently.

And if I really listen,

I can hear the Makeer laugh and say,

"See, My child, I make the knots, too!""

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

"Joy was being carried on an evening breeze to all creation before sleep,

the embraving reminder that life is good."

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

"...scars are evidence of the trials of life,

a testament to victory over adversity."

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

"...every now and then if we work hard enough and dream hard enough something wonderful happens.

Hope can not be stopped.

There are times when the fiery walls of reality are not

strong enough,

hot enough,

or high enough

to stop a dream fueled by hope from crashing through.

Dreams drive through flames that

scar,

burn,

melt -

and forge us

into the creatures God wants us to be.

Dreams driven by hope,

empowered by love,

change us forever."

Kim Meeder, "Hope Rising"

Your Dream Man in 72 Hours...

Grow a Boyfriend

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Boyfriend:

10. He's Polite
9. He always shuts up
8. Never argues
7. Always there when you need him
6. He NEVER snores
5. FREE date companion
4. Hangs our with only you
3. He has eyes for you
2. He doesn't chew with his mouth open-in fact he doesn't chew at all...
AND THE #1 REASON TO GROW YOUR OWN BOYFRIEND IS...
1. He is always exclusively yours

So, my roommates and I decided to grow our own boyfriend. It's something Nicole received as a gift. Hmmm...I think we have too much time on our hands. The Top 10 reasons are actually from the packaging...which also gives instructions.

-place boyfriend in room temperature water.
-boyfriend will begin to grow within 2 hours and will become his full size in 72 hours (true love in 72 hours. It doesn't get any better!).
-and your boyfriend can be grown again and again.

I won't be able to see the finished product since i'm leaving today. But as the packaging says, he can be grown again and again! We named him too, but I don't remember it. I think that I should continue packing now. I still haven't forgotten how to procrastinate...maybe I need to be lock into my room to finish. Ahh, memories of college!

Okay, time to go. Many blessings,

Julie

Swealtering heat...

I thought that Calgary was supposed to have hot and dry summers. We are having a hot and humid summer. It's okay, but HOT! I guess it's better than cold and snowing:)

It's a good reminder to drink more water...not coffee. I think I've become a coffeeaholic. I have a cup every morning and if I don't I can barely function until I do. But now that I am going home for two weeks, I might be going on withdrawl. My parents and my aunt and uncle only drink healthy tea and don't eat meat. I can't even go get coffee because my aunt and uncle don't live in town and my parents won't let me drive the SUV! Hmmm, maybe I can talk my dad into it, he still likes coffee...we'll see. But in the heat, caffine is bad and water is better. Should be interesting.

I served some customers yesterday at work that were in Calgary from Utah, because it's cooler here. It sounded like they always come in the summer. Would they be called "Summer Birds"? Like our Canadian "Snow Birds"?

There's my deep thought for the day...now to cleaning my old room. I'm sharing now and I have to have my old room cleaned out before I leave because there is another girl moving in while I'm away. There will be 6 of us in one house...it's feels like dorms again. God is teaching me patience in more than one way...daily!

Okay, now I am procrastinating...must go clean...does clean mean I can throw things in boxes and deal with them when I return? Don't think so, but I'll see how the day goes!

Blessings,
Julie

The Bay

Yesterday I got a raise! That made my day. I spent most of my shifts this week in men's shoes. Normally I don't like going up to that department, but now that I have the stock room almost memorized, it's not such a big deal. The customers are friendlier and much more patient compared to Ladie's shoes. It's also not as busy, so it's almost like I'm on my break.
One more day until I go to BC! Yay!
Blessings,
Julie

Soon...

In two days I'm on holidays and in three day's I'll be in the Okanogan soaking up the sun. Holidays are such a grand thing! Okay, cheesy I realize, but I think I'm burnt out from work, and I'm looking foward to a good break. Visit with some family and friends and just relax. I'm even going camping. Okay, camping in a tent trailer, but I haven't done any sort of camping in a really looong time. I'm looking forward to it.
Now it's time for bed and then only two more days of work...yay!
Blessings,
Julie

All New

All this blog stuff is new to me. I didn't understand it before, but now I see it as a great way to keep in touch and share. Please be patient with me because I'm not very quick with computers.
I've had a lot of thoughts on my mind, so we'll see where this goes.
Blessings,
Julie