Blah.

I'm beginning to feel blah. I feel a cold coming on and my throat has been a little 'raw' for the last couple of days. I'm doing what I can to try and ward it off and hope it doesn't last long, but none the less I think it is starting to kick in. That is, at least once the cold pills wear off...

School is going fine so far. I had a mini paper (5 pages) and an essay that was to take the place of a test, both due on Thursday, both for my World View class. Both reports also involved the movie "The Truman Show". I really don't feel I did them right or focused on what I was supposed to, but I did them, and now it is just a matter of time before getting them back and seeing the results. I did pray before working on them, as well as during the writing, so God was in the picture. I am really trying not to worry about this class with all the reading and mini papers we have to do, plus the major paper and a presentation on it. I am praying about it, but still there is that little voice in the back of my head trying to get me to stress out and worry over it. I can say that I won't worry and stress over it, but I might. So, I will just continue to pray and ask the Lord for His help through it and do my best.

My 2 Samuel class is going good. Lots of good discussion. The prof usually asks someone to pray before class (sometimes he does it), and on Wednesday he got me to pray. At the end of class he thanked me again for praying and said that whenever I pray we seem to have a really good discussion. Then he told me I was a good servant. Well, I take no credit for any of the conversation because I think it is the Lord who is working in that. I prayed for us to have open minds, to help us to learn and grow from His Word...things like that. Anyway, the compliment felt good.

My third class in Communication Disorders is also going good. It seems like the topic is interesting, though the class itself can be a little slow...mainly because it is lecture with some questions by the students thrown in. The prof is great, explains things well, willing to answer any and every question raised by the lecture, and he is also a speech-language pathologist by day, so he definately knows his stuff. He also goes to my church and is a great person in general. And no, I doubt he'll see this so I'm not saying it to get brownie points LOL! Our first test in that, I believe, is coming up in the not too distant future (Feb. 9 I think) and I there are a lot of notes so I am going to have to start studying soon for it, a little at a time, so that I can do well on the test.

So far this semester, after two full weeks, I haven't been or felt stressed out and that's great. Though with the World View papers, I was more frustrated than stressed. However, I think part of the reason for this is that I'm only part time this semester, with only 3 courses instead of my normal 5. That can cut down on the stress. I figure that it is probably good that I am only in 3 since I'm taking World View. With so much work for that class, if I were in 5 courses I would be more stressed out no doubt.

Anyway, I praise the Lord that I've not been stressed. I thank the Lord for helping me with school (as I believe He is doing). I praise Him because He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and because He most definately deserves it!

I will leave with a couple of prayer requests: please pray regarding this cold I'm catching, that it doesn' t last long and that it doesn't drain me out, etc.

The second request is for this coming Sunday...there is a baptism at church, and I know of 1 man for sure getting baptised, and I think his girlfriend is as well. I'm not sure if there are others or not, but regardless, please pray for these people and that the Lord will work through this and that satan won't stop it (he tried to stop me from getting baptised and if you haven't heard the story I can tell it...not sure if I posted on it in the past or not)...anyway, please pray for this.

Have a Christ filled day!

Just A Little Fun

Well, I seem to have hit a brick wall with regard to my posting. I'm not sure what I should write tonight.

I wanted to write something thought provoking, but my thoughts are absent. I wanted to write something full of wisdom, but my name is not Solomon. I wanted to write something poetic, but aside from nursery rhymes I don't know any. I wanted to write something that would pull in tons and tons of comments from people all over blogland, but that could be dangerous. So, I thought I'd simply pass on another email I received. This one is cool and I have no idea why it works out this way, but it does...trust me, I tried several times and it worked the way the email said it would. Why not give it a go and let me know how it worked out for you and what ya thought of it...just keep your comments nice LOL.

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?

This is funny and it will boggle your mind, and you will keep trying at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't . Mind control does NOT work either!!

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so...and there's nothing you can do about it!!

Voting Day (Updated)

Today is voting day here in Canada. We are in the midst of electing our Prime Minister. The race seems to always be between the liberal party and the conservative party. There are a couple of other parties (The NDP or New Deomcrate Party and the Green Party, not sure if there are others as well or not and quite honestly I don't really care because politics does not interest me). So, in a few short hours, or at least I think in a few short hours, we will either have Paul Martin (Liberal) re-elected as our Prime Minister, or Stephen Harper (Conservative) as the new PM.

I am refraining from saying which party I support or don't support, because quite frankly I don't think it really matters to anyone, nor does it make any difference to anyone or anything who I voted for.

And that reminds me. My friend K is a good patriotic Canadian girl (Yeah K!), not that I am not mind you, but she is vocal about pledging her love of the country and I am not - though I will be vocal about it now and say that I do love my country!! Anyway, she asked me today if I was going to vote. I told her that I would not because one doofus in office is just as bad as the next doofus. She gasped at me and nearly fainted...ok that is exagerated, she just gasped. Anyway, she made mention of the fact that whichever doofus (quoting me) gets in will do so because God allows it (like it says in the Bible) and we are supposed to pray about this. I told her that I have been praying some (I admit that it is only some times and not nearly as often as I should have) about the election for PM. Anyway, I think she was a little flabergasted at my response with regard to the whole voting thing.

Anyway, I was a good girl and went to vote. That's right K, I voted! Man, was it fun goading you about this...hehehe. Should have seen the look on your face when I said the whole 'doofus' thing...classic! Don't think I've seen you that shocked...ever! Anyway, I just wanted to publicly (if this is considered publicly) tell you that I did vote. Not saying which party I voted for (see reason above), but rest assured I did vote so now I will have the right to complain no matter which doofus gets in...ROFL!!!

**Updated to add: The votes are in...Stephen Harper, Conservative, won the election in a minority government.

It's My Birthday!

Yup, it is officially my birthday...though only for another 1 1/2 hours. I am old...well, ok maybe not old but I'm slowly getting up there, which is something to be thankful of right - because there are people who don't even live this long.

I'm 37 today. I can't believe it...well, maybe I can believe it but it doesn't feel like I am 37. I don't feel any different than I did yesterday or the day before, or even six months ago. The hair is getting a little more grey in it (time for a dye job), and I am thankful for that because I have hair. Many people who are going through chemo treatments or have some genecti thing don't have hair.

Though I am not married and have no children (I had always thought I would have been married in my twenties with kids), I am not alone. I have my family, my friends, and my Jesus. Not everyone has all of this - some have none of it.

I am living at home with my parents. Yeah, sounds weird doesn't it? I am thankful for that because I have a warm place to live, a roof over my head, food to eat. Not everyone has that. I quit my job of 12 years, 4 years ago, to go back to school to follow the calling I felt the Lord leading me to - teaching. I am in my final semester (as you all know) of my BA, and will be sending in my application next week for the education program. I am thankful for this because not everyone has the opportunity to pursue something like this, nor to be able to move. I am at my parents' home due to financial reasons (I have no job) and could not afford to live elsewhere. Besides, I keep telling myself that it's not forever - only a couple more years, and I am thankful that my parents were willing to allow me to do this and support me in this.

I went to my friend Kristina's tonight; she invited me over for supper and to hang out because it was my birthday. Another one of our newer friends, Kim was over too. We ordered pizza, ate cake that Kristina made (can you say 'yummy'?!) and she even had a gift for me. She got me one of those Willow Tree Angels - the courage angel - because I was courageous in quitting my job and going back to school. I love those angels and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for it. She's my best friend and I love her to death. I am so thankful that God has brought her into my life, and that we continue to build up our friendship. I haven't had a best friend probably since high school, if I even had one then. I've had good friends, and somewhat close friends, but not a best friend. I am very thankful for her, and that I had a chance to get to know Kim better tonight. Kim's a great person too, and we're just really getting to know her.

A quick prayer request: please pray for Kristina's daughter who isn't feeling well. I'm also thankful for this little girl. She's a real sweetheart!

So, as you can see, I have a lot to be thankful for. I need to remember this during those low times when I feel loney, or when I feel like I'm weird or whatever for living with my parents again at this age (yes, in case you were wondering, I have been out on my own before and had to move back in). I am blessed that I have people around me who love and care about me, who don't want to see me out on the street, who want me to succeed...I am blessed that I have a loving God who thought enough of me that He sent His Son to die so that I could have eternal life with Him. I am blessed because the Lord loves me and wants to have a relationship with me (and I with Him). So you see, because I might not have much materialistically or monitarily, I have so much more than others have. I am blessed.

It's my birthday, I am 37 years old - and I have so much to be thankful for!

Back Into The Swing Of Things

Well, as you know, school has started back up for me. It is only the third day however. I would expect that it will take a little bit of time to really get back in the swing of things - though last semester (as I was discussing with a friend of mine toward the end of last semester) I don't feel that I really found my groove for studying. Usually at the beginning of the school year it takes a few weeks to a month for me to really get my groove of studying and doing homework, after being off for the summer (even though I work) since the end of April. But, as I said, I don't feel like I had really got into that.

I am hoping this semester will be different. I am hoping that the groove will be found rather quickly, especially for my World View class and my Communication Disorders class. Both of these classes have a lot of reading, plus a lot more for WV (such as papers).

One 'fear' that I have is that since I don't have a lot of classes this semester, leaving me with more time at home, is that it will be far too easy for me to put off doing homework/studying til later. I am a procrastinator. I am in the mood for knitting, and would rather sit and knit. But, I know where my priorities lay. The thing is, I need to adjust my attitude or whatever and make myself study instead.

I was able to do that tonight. I read about 20 pages for Communication Disorders for tomorrow's class (thankfully the class is only at 4:10 pm). I still have about 30 pages to go, but I have tomorrow morning and part of the afternoon to read. I will do it though, because I am determined to do well in this class...well, all my classes really.

I am also determined to remember to include Jesus in my school work and studying. A lot of time I will start out doing this, and then part way through the semester I tend to 'forget' this and attempt to do it on my own. As I have found out, when this happens I tend to get more stressed out than need be. However, I must mention that I was not nearly as stressed out last semester as I have been in the past. Part of this, I am sure, is due to the pastor at my church praying for me to enjoy tests and look forward to them. While that didn't happen, I do know that he is also praying that I won't feel as stressed out, etc. I don't necessarily want to enjoy writing tests, but I do want to do well without the stress.

Anyway, I will be praying that I will keep Jesus in my school work. I will be praying that I don't procrastinate at doing homework/studying/doing papers. And, I will be praying that I find my groove early and get back into the swing of things school-wise. I would appreciate if you could pray for these things for me too, whenever you think to.

Have a Christ filled day!

It's Monday!

Yup...Monday is here. Whoda thunk it?

Well, I had my first class this morning (2 Samuel) and it went well so far. We actually went over the last few chapters of 1 Samuel because we didn't get them finished last semester. I guess it is to remind us of what is going on, to lead us into 2 Samuel. Fun stuff!

Tonight I have a class that will be 2 hours 45 minutes long on Worldview. I'm not looking forward to this class because of what I've heard from the students who took it last semester. It's going to be hard stuff...but this is a course that everyone has to take before they graduate and you can only take it in 3rd or 4th year. Fun times ahead in that class I'm sure...NOT!

I got my marks back and did a little better than I thought, praise God. For my drawing class I got A-, Reformation of Europe I got B (didn't think I'd get anything over a C or C+), Colonial America was B- (again, didn't think I'd get anything over C or C+), 1 Samuel I got B+, and my Advanced Hebrew I thought I failed (the final exam was worth 50% of our mark and I didn't think I passed because there were a lot of words that I didn't know), but I ended up with a B- which is a nice surprise. My GPA is 3.07, which is down more than I like but it still gives me a B average, which is what I have maintained throughout university thus far.

So, praise God that He gave me strength to deal with the marks. Praise God that I did a little better than I thought. Priase God that I still have hope that I'm not a failure (LOL). Praise God for helping me through this situation, and praise Him that He will be with me in this semester.

I am only taking 3 courses this semester (2 Samuel, Worldview and Communication Disorders) so that should help cut down on the stress. Though from my understanding with Worldview, that alone will give me grief and stress just trying to do all the papers and such that go with it. That will need prayers I'm sure.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement with regard to my previous post. You guys are really encouraging and I greatly appreciate it. You guys rock!

Have a Christ filled day!

Tomorrow Is Monday

Yep, tomorrow is Monday. That means it's back to the ol' grindstone. I've been on Christmas break from school now about a month (little less than that), and it seems like even though the time has gone fast, that it also creeped along. It seems like I haven't been to school forever - but that's fine. I enjoyed the break.

I was able to get a bit of work in to help out with finances for school (did some Christmas shopping and yarn shopping too) and have been off for a little over a week and a half from that. I'm not complaining though. I was able to get relaxed and not feel stressed or worried, and was able to catch up on some knitting that I couldn't do with all the school work.

However, I do admit that last night I awoke with a start after just dozing off and couldn't get back to sleep until probably 2:00 or 2:30 am, maybe even closer to 3:00 but can't recall exactly. One of the things that kept running through my mind was the fact that school starts back up tomorrow (Monday), and I will get my marks back from first semester as well as the term papers.

In all honesty, this has me worried. I don't have much confidence that I did all that well - or at least as well as I would liked to have done. I know this is all in the past and that I can't do anything about it...the papers are written, the exams were done. I know that God is in control of the situation, etc. I also know that I shouldn't worry about this, that it shows lack of faith/belief. But still, I think what I am worried about is how it will affect my getting into the education program. I really don't think that I did very well, and I am afraid that I will have to face some of the same profs again (for different classes) and they'll think I'm stupid or something.

I guess, as I think this over again, is that I am also worried that if I did poorly that when I look at my marks (for final marks as well as for the papers) that I will get depressed, upset and cry at school...which is something I want to avoid. I admit, my pride is affected by this, or affecting the situation. I am afraid of people asking me how I did and having to tell them I didn't do well. I am afraid of looking stupid I guess. It seems like I have more fear attached to this than I thought.

Now, before anyone gets too excited and starts to tell me to just trust God, to not worry because I can't do anything about it now, or whatever, note this: I have talked to God about it last night and even today. He knows that this is something that I am dreading, something I don't feel confident about, something that I should stop worrying about. He knows all about it, he knows all about how I feel and everything connected with it. I have prayed and asked Him for His help tomorrow, asked for strength to get through the day, to especially not cry at school.

I know that I might be spewing all of this out for nothing, that maybe I did better than I thought (though I really don't think so) and will be excited...that would be great, but I am one of those people who plan for the worst case scenario 'just in case'. I think, weird as it sounds, I would rather worry that I did horrible and find out I did good than not worry and think I did great only to find out I failed or got a lower grade than I thought.

Anyway, I'm just trying to get this off my chest. I've taken it to God and I'm trying to leave it with Him; but as the final hour comes regarding this, I am worrying more. I am honestly trying not to think about it and to leave it with God, but it's hard...I will be doing more praying and talking to God about the situation though.

Please pray for me about this. Thank you.

Beautiful E-mail To Share...

I hope you enjoy t his e-mail as much as I did. It's a little long, but worth the read in my opinion. Have a Christ filled day!

I Will See You There

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.

As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways.

I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."

Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

"Looking for the pastor?" I asked.

"Not really," he replied, "just resting."

"Have you eaten today?"

"Oh, I ate something early this morning."

"Would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Do you have some work I could do for you?"

"No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch."

"Sure," he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?""St. Louis.""Where you from?""Oh, all over; mostly Florida.""How long you been walking?""Fourteen years," came the reply. I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."Then Daniel's story began to unfold.

He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God.
"Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now."

"Ever think of stopping?" I asked.

"Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles . That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads." I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"

"What?"

"To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?"

"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me." My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in." I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said."I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see"

I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful. "Where are you headed from here?" I asked."Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon."

"Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?"

"No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things."Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet." I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope."

"Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you."

"I know," I said, "I love you, too." "The Lord is good!"

"Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked."A long time," he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem."

"I'll be there!" was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?""You bet," I shouted back, "God bless.""God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"

Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...

For Anyone Interested...

I have a picture posted of my first ever handmade sock...made by me! If you are interested, you can see a pic of it and read about it (I know, not everyone will find this interesting) over on my other blog at Kitten Yarns & Crafts. Drop by and leave a comment and let me know what you think of it.

Something To Share

Before Christmas, while school was still in session, I paid a trip to the bookstore (like I pretty much do on an almost daily basis to get something to drink or snack on) and was looking through the books. Now, the majority of the books they have, of course, are text books for courses (or ones not being used anymore that can still be purchased). But they do have other books as well, such as some novels, kids books, devotions, etc.

I saw a devotional that was on sale (around $6.00) and since I needed to spend a minimum of $5 so I could use my debit card to purchase my bottle of Diet Pepsi, I picked it up. I was wanting a new devotional anyway so I think I lucked out on the price. I bought "My Utmost For His Hightest" by Oswald Chambers and I started reading it midway in December, and my goal for this year is to read one each day, as the devotions are marked off according to the date (no years are given). I have been mulling this thought over since January 1st because I wanted to do this fantastic post about it that everyone would love and rave over. However, my brain is not working right and I can't find the words to really say. Maybe I will come up with something as I type this though. If not, I can always discuss the subject again another day. Besides, I'm not doing this to impress anyone or win over friends or whatever. Hmm, maybe if I do that I can get more hits to my blog (LOL), but I digress...

Anyway, I wanted to share a part of the devotion that spoke to me for January 1, something to make you think. It says:

"But before we choose to follow God's will, a crisis must develop in our lives. This happens because we tend to be unresponsive to God's gentler nudges. He brings us to the place where He asks us to be our utmost for Him and we begin to debate. He then providentially produces a crisis where we have to decide - for or against. That moment becomes a great crossroads in our lives. If a crisis has come to you on any front, surrender your will to Jesus absolutely and irrevocably." (January 1, My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers)

Often when we are in a crisis, or hear of someone else who is, the thought tends to be "why is this happening?" or "why is God doing this?", or something similar. I believe that a lot of the times we face crisis situations is because God is wanting us to learn to draw near to Him, to learn to turn to Him in our time of need, or He is wanting us to learn patience, trust (or any number of other lessons). We don't tend to listen, as Mr. Chambers said, to the 'gentle nudges' of God. We are human and all too often try to rely on ourselves to get through situations, to overcome obsticles, to succeed and accomplish goals or what have you, all by our own merits.

I believe that God brings us to a crisis so that we learn to depend more on Him and less on ourselves. Yeah, sure the crisis is often times hard or hurts to the center of our being, but when we learn to depend on God and allow Him to lead us, we are much better off and we become stronger in our faith and trust for Him.

I don't know if what I have said even relates to the quote or not, but I think both the quote and what I have said can serve (if for nothing or no one else) as a reminider for myself to hand over the reins to God.

**Note to self: let God be the one in Control, and remember that during a crisis.

Rocking Chair Thoughts

To clarify the title of this post: I am a rocking chair girl, and I have been once since I was very little. Rocking in my rocking chair is one of the ways I relax, and it is often where I do many of my hobbies: reading, listen to music, knitting, crocheting, reading, and working on my laptop.

I have begun to read 2 Samuel pretty much daily for a week now because I am wanting to get a head start for the class I will have on that book of the Bible next semester, to remind myself what is going on, and so I can maybe formulate some questions and take part in the discussion better.

Anyway, I was reading in chapter 6 the other day where Uzzah had reached out and took hold of the ark to help prevent it from falling while it was being moved to the City of David (Jerusalem). If you don't know this story, or haven't read it in some time, when he (Uzzah) touched the ark the "anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God" (2 Samuel 6:7). When I read this passage, I remembered hearing others ask why God would kill him for trying to help prevent the ark from falling and no doubt shattering into many pieces.

I can't seem to find the passage, and maybe I'm making it up (lol) but I think the Lord had commanded that no one could touch the ark, and if they did, the end result would be death.

This is a promise of God; and had God not put Uzzah to death for touching the ark, He would have broken His promise. We know that God keeps His promises, and if He hadn't kept this promise it would show otherwise.

For if we saw that God did not keep that promise, then we would wonder at His other promises and think what is to stop Him from breaking that promise. What if God had broke His promise to establish David as King? What if God had broke His promise to send His Son Jesus to save us? What if God had broke His promise of ________ (insert any other promise)?

If God broke His promises, we would not be able to trust Him. I mean, how can you trust a promise made by someone who does not keep them? God wants us to trust Him, and part of helping us to trust Him is to keep the promises He makes.

I am sure you can pour over the entrie Bible with a fine tooth comb and not find one instance where God breaks His promises. If you have found instances, I'd like to know.

The point I am trying to make with all of this, is that we can trust God to always come through on His promises. Whatever He has promised in His Word, whatever promise He has given us, He will be faithful and bring it to completion.

Has God promised you something? Rest assured that He will not break it! It will come about in His timing though, not ours. God never said when He promised something that it would always happen immediately. No, time, circumstance, situation, etc. all must be at the place He wants it to be when He comes through with His results. If God has given you a promise my friend, you can stand on it!

Standing On The Promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain

(words for song taken from: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/sotpogod.htm)

Thanks

Thanks to all who offered their help for the HTML thingy regarding my knitting blog. I have decided not to join that webring afterall. However, I am somewhat interested in learning HTML to try and attempt to design my own template for it...so, I know who you are and where to find you, if you don't mind me pestering you at some point with questions.

Bonnie, I went to one of the links on your blog regarding learning HTML and I'm looking forward to reading and learning from it :o).

Thanks again everyone for offering your help!!

A Little Blogging Help Needed (Updated)

Ok, as some of you may know from my profile, I now have a second blog in progress for my knitting and other crafts. I have been playing around with it and thought I had saved it to Word before I did anything, but apparently I did it after I added something.

You know that little banner at the top, the one where you can search or go to the next blog? Well it is appearing as a square in my top post and I don't know how to fix that. I was playing around with the sidebar and I think that is when it happened. My titles in the sidebar are also bigger than they had been and I don't know how to change it so they are smaller. Also, I added a couple of webring links but I think everything was ok when those were added...

So, I know some of you are really smart at this and thought maybe you could either take a look at the template page or let me know how to change the headings so they are a smaller font. I will play around with it a little more and see what I can come up with as well.

**UPDATE**

Ok, I have figured out what was causing the problem. I had put in a code for a web ring that I joined and even though it was just small on the sidebar (especially compared to other things like the pic of the weather pixie), it seems that it was throwing things off.

So, my quesion now is how can I fix that? Is there a way to do this, or should I contact whomever owns the web ring to see what can be done?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Happy New Year!

First off, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their prayers. I have surely felt them. Even the next morning after having written the previous post I felt much better!

I have contacted the registrars department and she told me that the other Sunday School teacher that I help with can be used as my 3rd reference. That was a load off my mind because I had absolutely no idea who I could use for that one. I also emailed the prof that is on sabatical and asked him for a reference. He emailed me back the next day and said he would love to give me a reference (I have to recontact the registrar to see if he can email it or if it should be sent snail mail). He told me that he misses teaching me this year because I am such a diligent student who always has her work done! That was a very encouraging email for sure!

I have been praying and giving the whole situation to the Lord and doing my best not to worry about it (regarding the education program), and I have asked the Lord to help me with this. I have repented of my unbelief (and thank you to those who helped me to see this clearly, that it was unbelief) and told God all about my fear and such...though I know He already knows all about it. So, I am feeling much better now; again thank you so much for your prayers!

Now, onto other things. I want to wish each of you and your families all the best for a Christ filled 2006.

Service was great this morning, and the pastor talked about staring over; starting new. He said that it can be something that we need to do daily, hourly or even by the minute. He said that we all fail at something, and instead of sitting back and saying something like 'Well, I failed at that so I'm not going to do that anymore', we should just get back up on the horse. Now, we can't do this on our own. Any new start that we decide to do needs to involve the Lord. Jesus needs to be at the head of it. It doesn't matter what the new start is in - it can be anything and everything. Maybe it is a new start to a healthier lifestyle, a new start to improving prayer life or spending time with the Lord...anything at all. The point is, we need to start. We don't have to accomplish the thing in its entirety all at once (a lot of things take time to change), but we need to pick a point at which to start and then start.

I know there are many things that I can start anew, I just need to actually start. My problem lies in procrastination! That is something that I have to overcome, but it is not something that will disappear overnight...at least I don't think it will.

Do you make New Year Resolutions? I don't tend to make them, mainly because I never stick to them, even if I start out doing so. I'm terrible for that sort of thing. I expect somewhere out there in the world are a handful of people who can actually stick to their resolutions, but like I said, I am not one of them. So, I won't sit here and bore you to death by telling you my list - because I don't have one. Sure, there are things that I would like to accomplish this year, things I would like to start afresh, try some new things but that isn't the same as making resolutions...at least I don't think so, because I am not resolving to do them. I am just simly stating that they are things I would "like" to do, but it won't make me a weaker person if I don't. I guess you could say they are goals that I would like to accomplish, but they things that are a "must do". Anyway, I think I am just rambling on now and not making much sense.

So, as the new year of 2006 begins to unfold, may your new year be one filled with hopes and dreams, accomplishments and desires being fulfilled. But most of all, may it be one filled to overflowing with the Love of Jesus shining in and through you, spilling over into those around you. God bless!

I Am Fearing Again...

Today I pulled out my application for the education program that I am going to be applying for for next fall. I wanted to ask my supervisor at work for a reference. However, I read over the FAQ they attach to the application and read about the kind of references they want.

The first reference is from someone regarding work with kids that I have had. I already asked the lady in charge of my church's mid week kids program if she would give me a reference regarding this, and she said she would. The next reference is with an academic reference. I've emailed one of the profs I've had quite a bit, as I am sure he will give me a good reference. The thing is, he is on sabatacle this year. I am hoping that he reads his school email frequently and still uses it even though he's not there this year. Someone told me that he is supposed to be going away this semester so that scares me...that he either won't get the email or that I won't be able to get a reference from him. I have another prof on back-up that I will ask if this one can't (this second prof has actually recommended me as a tutor for the Religious Studies courses, for the students at school who need it, so maybe he'd be able to give me a good one as well).

The third one is giving me problems. I have decided that a reference from my supervisor won't do because they one one that will tie things together and be a well rounded one that will give support to being a teacher and being in the education program...or something like that. I have absolutely no clue who to ask for this, or what it really means. So, tonight I have emailed the registrar in charge of the education program to find out if she can lead me in the right direction. I don't know if it would be acceptable to have the teacher I help at Sunday school (the beginner's class - kindergarten to grade 2) as the third reference or what (I asked that in the email). Hopefully I'll hear back soon as to what they are looking for.

I have been feeling...I don't know...down I guess, or maybe afraid today because of this whole Education program thing. Let me explain a little so that it might help you understand what or why I am in this spot.

When I felt the time came that I needed a change in my life, work was really getting to me. I had been in a somewhat dead end job for nearly 12 years. I was about as far up the ladder as I could go there, which wasn't the problem. The problem was that it was data entry, and I was sick and tired of that kind of work. I was only trained in office work and I no longer had any interest in this sort of thing at all. It made me feel sick to think that was the kind of work I would have to do for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong with office work or anything...I was just sick and tired of it. I needed a change. I was also getting carpal tunnel, and not long before applying for school, I actually did get it in my left wrist and it was progressing in my right one.

So, I prayed a lot about going back to school...because that is what I would need to do. I had no idea what I wanted to do, or what I should do. It was then that people who didn't know I was even thinking about going back to school started asking me if I had ever thought about being a teacher because I was good with the kids. They told me they could see a twinkle in my eye when I was around them and that I seemed to work well with them. They told me that I would make a good teacher.

I started praying and felt that my direction was being strengthened to go back to school. I talked to the admissions people and found out that I would need to get my BA (Bachelor of Arts) before I could get my BEd (Bachelor of Education). So, I began to pray about what I should take for my BA and felt the Lord direct me to Biblical Studies. Now, before I go on, I've had people tell me that of course God would want me to take that since it's about the Bible and about Him. However, I firmly believe that if God wanted me to take Psychology or something else He would have led me to that. I believe that God has me in the Biblical Studies program for a reason, and not just to learn about Him.

I had also prayed a lot about becoming a teacher (prior to praying about the BA thing) and felt led to this. I felt that the comments people had made were a confirmation that this was the right direction for me. I had all the faith in the world that the Lord wanted me to go back to school and become a teacher.

So, that isn't the problem. The problem for me is that somewhere along the way I started doubting and second-guessing myself. I wonder to myself sometimes if I am doing what God really wants me to do, or if it was just me wanting to do this. I start thinking what if I apply for the education and I don't get in...does that mean I wasn't following God's will for my life but following my own desires? I know that satan could be filling me with doubt, causing me to fell this way.

I am afraid that I won't get into the Education program after all this work, after believing that this was the path God wanted me on. I am afraid that somewhere along the way I stopped having faith and stopped believing that I am doing God's will in this. This doesn't consume me every minute of the day mind you...but today I have really been mulling it over in my mind.

I have been praying that the Lord will let me know who I should ask for the third reference. I have been praying that my marks will be good enough, that He will give me the words to say on the essay part of the application, that I will be granted an interview and get accepted into the program. I know there are areas I need to learn and improve upon in my teaching skills, but isn't that what the education program is about?

I am afraid that if I don't get in, it will be because I started doubting, and stopped trusting. I know that if this is God's will/plan for my life I will get accepted. But what if I don't? Then what? A Bachelor of Arts doesn't really give you anything. I don't want to feel that I have wasted 4 years of my life (especially since I'm getting close to 40) and created a big debt from student loans for nothing.

I am trying to trust God in this. I am trying to believe that He will get me into the program, that He didn't bring me to get this education for nothing. I knew going into this that it would be a long haul (6 years in total), and I don't think He would bring through this far to drop me on my butt and laugh at me for believing that I could be a teacher.

I'm just rambling now I think...more to get this off my chest and just ask for prayer and guidance and wisdom in all of this. Also I need prayers that I will trust and believe that God will bring me through this. I feel weak (not physically, but spiritually and emotionally), but I guess that is good because it is in my weakness that God is made strong...that His strength can get me through this. I just have a huge fear about this. I don't want to fail at this. I don't want to not get into the program. I don't want to fear...I want to trust and believe but I am having a hard time with it in this situation for some reason.

Anyway, I would appreciate some prayer for this. I don't want to worry and fret about it. I want to know that this is what God wants for me and to stop fearing. But it keeps niggling at my mind today and it wont stop.

Post-Christmas Post

Well, Christmas is over and I think it went well. I made it to church and enjoyed the service (the pastor spoke on John 1 about Jesus being with God and was God in the beginning, and how He was made flesh and dwelled among us). There were several people there, but not as many as I had thought might be - though I do know several families were away so they obviously weren't going to be there, and I am sure there were some who just didn't want to attend for various reasons.

My family gathered together after church (I was the only one who went) and had our dinner when I got home and before we could really finish eating (we didn't even get to the pie) before my little nephew started rummaging through the presents wanting to open them. It was great fun though watching him open all his gifts.

Since Christmas I have really felt the desire to have children yet again. It was really strong on Christmas day at church when they had a baby dedication for a little girl who was probably only a couple of weeks old. It actually brought tears to my eyes, not because I was jealous or because it was overly touching (though I always like the baby dedications). No, the desire I had was so strong that I was wishing it were me up there having my baby dedicated.

I think that these feelings might be being triggered because my birthday is coming up and I'll be 37 and still unmarried. I just feel like I'm getting old and my time for having kids is running out. I know God has a plan for my life, but I don't know if it involved being married and having kids, and that is what is scary. I know his plan is for the best for me, but it can get hard at times not knowing.

I'm not feeling pity for myself or anything like that, and in fact I've been better since then; however, the desires are still there and I'm trying to give it all to God and let him control the situation...but again, that is hard.

Anyway, change of topic. One of the gifts I got my nephew for Christmas was a sweater that I made for him. I finished it up Christmas Eve Day, and everyone seemed to like it. Here is a picture I took of the sweater. Some people were asking to see a picture of it when I was done, so here is the long promised picture of the sweater...

It's made from Lion Brand Homespun (I think that's what it's called) yarn, and it is very soft and warm. It was easy to work with and I used 6.5mm needles and it knit up quite fast. I just hope I tied all the ends tight enough and with the right knot so that it doesn't fall apart lol. That's my big fear is that I'll make something for someone and they'll wash it and it will end up falling apart.

Anyway I have to get up early again for work tomorrow. Not sure how much longer I'll be going in - depends on the workload, if it dwindles down like it always does after Christmas, it wouldn't surprise me if I only work the rest of this week. We'll see. I'd like some time to myself over the break to do nothing but relax before going back to school and I will probably get it, just not sure how soon it will start. So, I will head off now and get a little knitting done before I head off to bed to get up early.

Have a Christ filled day!!

What Else Can I Say?

I wanted to have a wonderful post for Christmas. I've been to many a blog over the last few weeks that have had excellent stories, poems, and discussions regarding the Christmas season. I don't know what else I can say that hasn't already been said.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish one and all a very blessed and Christ filled Christmas. As Christians, we all know the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus, the Christ/Messiah, the promised Saviour that the Lord God has sent to offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord.

Christmas is not about the tree, the decorations, the presents, the singing, the snow, the lights, the parties, etc. No, Christmas is about a little tiny baby born over 2000 years ago who would grow up to give His life for us. Christmas is about Jesus, nothing more nothing less.

For those who happen to read this and are not Christians I urge you to seek Jesus, to ask questions. The Bible tells us that the only way to the Father (God) is through the Son (Jesus) and that only those who believe that Jesus is who He said He is and accepts Him as their personal Saviour will spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

The world is full of lies and half truths which try to tell us that Jesus is not the only way to heaven, or that it does not matter what we believe, or even that our works will get us to heaven. They are wrong. Satan has spread this garbage around and wants people to believe this so that they will not be on God's side. Let me tell you this...if you are not for God, you are against Him; that means that you side with satan, and while you may not practice 'satanic worship' believe me you ARE on satan's side. There are no two ways about it. Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven and eternal life.

So, this holiday season, remember that we celebrate CHRISTmas, the birth of Christ our Saviour.

What Child Is This

What Child is this who, laid to restOn Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners hereThe silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,Come peasant, king to own Him;

The King of kings salvation brings,Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high,The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

(lyrics taken from: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm)

Just A Little Update

Well, I have been at work for three days now and it feels a lot longer than that. I would have thought my first day back would have gone by somewhat fast, considering I haven't done that work since August. However, the day just dragged on and on and on and on and on and...you get the picture.

Yesterday and today we were able to go in for 7am, but I got there around 7:15 or 7:30 and worked each day (including Monday) until 4:30. The days are long and do not move at any steady pace, but insist on slinking by slower than cold molassas running up the hill backwards! I'd like to say that the pay will be good, and it will, but a lot of it will go to the government who seems to think it necessary to take such a huge chunk of my cheque for taxes. Oh well, at least I am able to get a week or two of work over the holiday to give me some money for school.

I got my assessment for my student loan for the next semester, and it doesn't look like I will have much money left over for books and such. I fear that I won't have any money, that it will all go towards tuition and grad fees and such. Oh well, I will leave it in God's hands and He will take care of me through all of it...I am trusting Him to provide for me financially again. He's done it before in the past, and I know He can do it again; so I won't worry about it.

Well, I just wanted to post a little update. I'm gonna head out now to work on my knitting (the sweater I'm making my nephew for Christmas) so I can get it done on time. I am going to try to get to bed again early tonight (and hopefully tonight I will actually be able to get to sleep and not toss and turn for a couple hours and end up with only four hours of sleep) because we can go in to work as early as 6:30 tomorrow morning. I don't think I'll go in that early - maybe for 7:30, otherwise it makes too long of a day for me (which I'm not used to), and I don't want to end up just giving my pay cheque to the government...cause if I go in early (to which I do not get time and a half or anything luxurious as that), most of the 'extra' money I earn would only be deducted off the pay cheque for taxes anyway...

I hope you are all having blessed and Christ filled days!

Woo Hoo!!

I am finally done my exams. I got my take home for Reformation done earlier this evening and handed in. My friend Sarah was going in to the school to drop her exam off and I asked if she would mind picking me up on her way so I could get mine dropped off as well. She agreed.

It feels so good to be done with studying for this term. The time has gone fast as I look back, and I have a feeling this next semester will go by quickly as well...and then comes graduation. Scary thought. I don't think I did as well this semester as I have the last three years, so I'm not looking forward to getting my marks back. If I did well, then it will be a miracle.

Tomorrow I start work again and will make a little bit of money. I will more than likely be working this next week full days (and probably some overtime as well because the work picks up a lot at Christmas and besides, they are short two girls because one moved away and another is out until after Christmas...she's having a hysterectomy done). Things will start to slow down between Christmas and New Years, so I may get a few days in next week, but now sure how many. They don't like having extra help in when the work slows down because we end up only working until 1 or 2 in the afternoon and the girls complain that they aren't getting the hours. I can't say that I blame them. Besides, I'd like to have some time to myself over vacation before school starts back up again...just so I can relax before the start of the semester.

I think we go back on the 16th of January which seems a little late this year, but I could be wrong about that. Oh well, I don't mind.

Anyway, I'm off to bed now because I need to get some sleep for work. Going to have long days that I'm not really used to (with the exception of Tuesday's and Thursday's my days were short at school this semester). Also, I will have to get up around 6:30, which I am really not used to. I'll be going in for 8:00 tomorrow. I would imagine things will go well, but it's data entry so that means typing all day. My wrists are feeling a little sore already from all the typing I've been doing the last little while for school, so I hope they won't be bothering me at work.

So...off to slumber land now...have a Christ filled and blessed day everyone!!

The Colors of Christmas

I got this in an email today and thought it was good. Not entirely sure how I feel about the last little part though regarding the symbol of Santa though...

The Colors of Christmas

Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired, but content, into my easy chair. The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa. As I sat back admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn't help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn't long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep.

I don't know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn't alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus, himself, standing next to my Christmas tree. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the "jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed. And there were tears in his eyes.

"Santa, what's wrong?" I asked, "Why are you crying?"

"It's the children," Santa replied sadly.

"But Santa, the children love you," I said.

"Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them," Santa said, "but the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It's not their fault. It's just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children."

"Teach them what?" I asked.

Santa's kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly.

"Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent."

Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle.
"Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind's thoughts should turn heavenward as well."
Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree.

"The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him."

"Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas." "He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave His life and shed His blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful gift."

Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep."

Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. "The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God's son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ's footsteps...to go about doing good. Teach them to let their light shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what's symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright shining lights, each of them representing one of God's precious children's light shining for all to see."

Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. "The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane forms a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd's crook, which He uses to reach down into all ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life. Teach these things to the children."

Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. "The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children."

I asked, "But where does that leave you Santa?" The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa's face. "Why bless you, my dear," he laughed, "I'm only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten."
"I think I'm beginning to understand."

"That's why I came," said Santa. "You're an adult. If you don't teach the children these things, then who will?"

A Little Bit Of Humour

I got this from my mom and dad's horticultural newsletter...it's quite funny, or at least I thought it was...hope you enjoy!

Wrapping Hints for Cat Owners

1. Clear large space on table for wrapping present.

2. Go to closet and collect bag in which present is contained, and shut door.

3. Open door and remove cat from closet.

4. Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper.

5. Go back and remove cat from cupboard.

6. Go to drawer and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors, labels, etc.

7. Go back to drawer to get string, remove cat that has been in the drawer since last visit and collect string.

8. Remove present from bag.

9. Remove cat from bag.

10. Open box to check present, remove cat from box, replace present.

11. Lay out paper to enable cutting to size.

12. Try and smooth out paper, realize cat is underneath and remove cat.

13. Cut the paper to size.

14. Throw away first sheet as cat chased the scissors and tore the paper.

15. Cut second sheet of paper to size - by putting cat in the bag the present came in.

16. Place present on paper.

17. Lift up edges of paper to seal in present. Wonder why edges don't reach and realize cat is between present and paper. Remove cat.

18. Place object on paper to hold in place while tearing transparent sticky tape.

19. Spend 20 minutes carefully trying to remove transparent sticky tape from cat with pair of nail scissors.

20. Look for roll of ribbon. Chase cat down hall in order to retrieve ribbon.

21. Repeat all previous steps until you come to your last sheet of wrapping paper.

22. Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for locked room. Once inside lockable room, lock door and start to relay out paper and materials

23. Remove cat from box, unlock door, put cat outside door, close and relock.

24. Lay out last sheet of paper (this will be difficult in the small area between the toilet and the sink, but do your best).

25. Discover cat has already torn paper. Unlock door, go out and hunt through various cupboards looking for sheet of last year's paper.

26. Rember that you haven't got any left because cat helped with this last year as well.

27. Return to lockable room, lock door, and sit on toilet and try to make torn sheet of paper look presentable.

28. Put name tag on present. Sit back and congratulate yourself on completing a difficult job.

29. Unlock door, and go to kitchen to make drink and feed cat.

30. Spend 15 minutes looking for cat until coming to obvious conclusion.

31. Unwrap present, untie box and remove cat.

32. Go to store and buy a gift bag.

33. Drive home.

34. Remove cat from gift bag and give him a treat...he's had a long day!

Angel Alert!

Tonight was the annual Sunday School Christmas concert at church. This year, for the second year in a row, they did a little musical. Unlike past years when the adult classes also took part, by singing a song or reading some scripture, it was just the kids and youth...mostly the kids (all dressed as angels), and middle school (angels as well), but the high school youth (not dressed as angels) got up and sang a song. It was all great though.

The musical they did was called 'Angel Alert', and it was about the angels getting ready to proclaim the birth of Jesus. There were several songs as well as speaking parts, and the kids did a fabulous job. Before it started, they had the toddlers (with their moms) walk up and across the stage so that they could "take part" as well. There were only about four or five of them, but they did their walk without any complications or tears. Can you say adorable?! I turned to my friend Kristina and proclaimed that I wanted "one of those" (meaning the kids)...actually I said that and added, "or four or five of them". My heart really ached tonight for a child; it's times like this when the longing to have kids really hits hard.

Anyway, the kids did fantastic with the singing and actions to the words. There were some who weren't on cue or didn't seem to know the words or actions well, but you get that for anything like this...and you have to give them credit for getting up there and performing in front of everyone. I know I'd be nervous if it were me!

At one point, they had the three and four year olds up to take part in a song and one little fellow was more interested in playing with the microphone stand, cord and sponge cover thingy that fits over the microphone. Everyone was laughing at that...total three year old cuteness!

So, other than longing to have children of my own to watch as they take part in the concert, I really enjoyed the concert. The two ladies who were in charge of this did a fantastic job at putting it all together. Two of the ladies Sunday School classes did the costumes, and one of the deacons (who probably had some help) did the scenery, and others helping out with sound, lights, power point, and refreshments...everyone did a fantastic job!

Anyway, just thought I'd share my evening with you. Hope your day is and was Christ filled!

Sorry, We're Closed...

I just had a mini conversation with someone who told me he had just read that these so called "mega" churches have gotten together and decided they will close their doors on Christmas this year. As you probably no doubt know, Christmas is on a Sunday this year.

What's wrong with this picture? I mean, think about it...Jesus is the reason for the season isn't He? Afterall, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Sure, the holiday seems to have taken a nose dive into commercialism for the past, I don't know, mega several years. Sure, Jesus has been replaced by Santa for a lot of people. Sure Rudolph is a star in his own right...cartoons and songs in his honour...and the evil monster Greed has crept up and taken over the season...

Christmas just isn't what it originally was...ok there are those who say it's based on pagan rituals and stuff...trees being decorated or something like that, the day it is celebrated is supposedly a pagan holiday or something...I can't even begin to remember all the so called "associations" with pagan holidays and rituals that people claim to have been adopted into the Christian Holy Day...I don't begin to even understand it all...

All I know is that for Christians, the day is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ (though the Bible says nothing of remembering his birth, only His death...but I'm not against celebrating his birth), the fact that God humbled Himself and came to the earth as a tiny baby who had come to save mankind from his/her sins and offer eternal life.

So, if Jesus is the reason for the season, why are these churches closing their doors on Christmas day? I just don't get it. The church should be there for those who are seeking Christ, and what better day to be open than Christmas day!

Service start a little too early and someone is afraid they won't get the presents unwrapped soon enough? No problem, wait until after the service...the presents aren't going anywhere. Afraid the turkey might not be cooked by noon? No problem, wait til after the service...nothing says you can't have your turkey closer to supper time (or early evening) instead of noon or just after.

I mean, think about it...would Jesus close the doors to His house if He were there? I'm guessing no...I'm guessing He'd have them wide open ready to welcome His guests and visitors...so, again I ask...what's up with closing the church on Christmas day?

Housekeeping Items

No, I'm not talking about vaccuming and dusting...

Housekeeping Items:

1. Those of you who've visited my friend Kate's blog (at Kingdom Son) has moved. She tells her reasons why in her new blog at Lighting My Way. Please visit her new blog.

2. Some prayer requests: Myself for upcoming exams; Jayleigh is feeling ill and mentions it on her blog; Saija is in the process of selling her house, and mentions it on her blog; and Rebekah can always use our prayers.

3. Jennifer has a great series she is doing on the birth of Christ.

4. Paula has an amazing testimony that belongs to Jeff, a Messianic Jew, on her blog. If you haven't read it you, I encourage you to do so. She also has a link to his site as well so you can stop by and visit him too.

Well, I guess the last item that I want to share is praise to God. I got my mid term mark back today, finally, for my 1 Samuel class and did much better than I thought. I got 35/40. The prof said that if he could remember correctly, he believes that I got the highest mark in the class. So, I give my praise to the Lord for this!

A Fun Day

I had a fun day today. I wasn't overly productive in anything and got a few thing accomplished that I wanted to, but none the less, I had fun and that is what counts.

My nearly two and a half year old nephew was up today for the day, as he is every Friday. What made today fun, was he and I made gingerbread men. I've never made gingerbread before so I didn't know how it was going to turn out. I searched allrecipies.com and found several recipies for gingerbread; not knowing which would be best, I picked one and printed it off.

"D" (my nephew) seemed to have fun and helped make the cookies. I would measure out the ingredients and he would dump them into the bowl and stir. Mind you, I would also stir to make sure everything was mixed well. Once we got everything mixed, we attempted to roll out some of the dough and use his little gingerbread man cookie cutter I got for him today. We ran into a problem...the dough was too sticky. The recipe said to add a little more flour (no more than 1/2 cup more), so I did. Only problem was, it didn't help.

I was getting frustrated because D's mom and dad (his dad is my brother) were coming to get him about an hour from that point, and I had wanted to get them made and cooled so he could take some with him. I tried several times (with D helping to roll it out and cut the cookies with his "gooey uh-er" as he called it. That part was fine, but trying to pull away the excess dough or get it off the counter was impossible. It was still too sticky. I did manage to get some odd shaped gingerbread men onto the cookie sheet and bake those ones (only 6). They didn't turn out too badly, though we rolled the dough a little too thin so it was more crispy around the edges and on a couple they were the tiniest bit burnt. So, I knew not to cut them so thin next time.

Well, I had read on a couple of other recipies for the gingerbread men (on the allrecipies.com site) that the dough should be refrigerated for a little while to make it not so sticky and easier to roll out, etc. I put the batch into the fridge and let it cool.

My parents and I went out for supper and we got back around 7:30ish so I decided that I would attempt to make the cookies. I floured the counter and rolling pin a bit to prevent sticking, got the dough out of the fridge and proceeded to roll it and cut out the cookies. Wow! It actually worked! So, believe me when I tell you that if you have not made these things, make sure you chill the dough for a couple of hours first!! I have about another 6 cookies at least to make...maybe 12 and then I'm completely done with that for today.

I figured I would save out some for D and let him know those were the ones he helped me make and he could take them home. I also thought if they tasted good that I would take some to the kids in the Sunday School class I help teach. Might be a nice little treat for them, that is if they like gingerbread...anyway, I didn't want to take them if they were gross, so naturally, like all good cooks, I sampled :o). Mmmmmmm! It was good! So, I think I will take enough in for the class tomorrow and leave whatever is left here.

So, as I finish up with this adventure I am thinking I need to get a start on my Colonial America paper that is due on Tuesday. I guess that will be the rest of my excitement for what is left of today.

Hope you had a Christ filled day, and that you will have one tomorrow as well! God bless.