12 - The music that Jesus has given us. The ability to worship Him and give the praise that is due His name through singing, dancing, and song.
11 - The gift of speech. The Holy Spirit guides our words and thoughts according to what the Bible says we should be doing. He helps us speak when we don't have the words to say.
10 - The ability to play sports and do other physically active things. Even if we are injured or have a physical disability, God has blessed us with other forms of locomotion and communication in order to live at ease.
9 - The God given differences between male and female. He desires for us to be together yet makes us complimentary and different at the same time so that we can best honor Him united with a spouse. The gift of marriage and love.
8 - Food! God has given us our daily bread and much more. Americans are obese because of the plenty that God has reigned down on us. We are to use it to our benefit but not hoark out on it. He has blessed us with land in Canada to grow our own crops, to raise our own animals, and to plant gardens. He has also provided trade with other countries to get what we don't have. I think that we are to give Him so much praise for this. That borders are open for food exchange but also in that matter for missions as well. Food and building wells for impoverished nations has given us opportunities to spread the word to people that do not hear it.
7 - The beauty of creation. Wow living in BC is awesome. I see the most gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, oceans, beaches, mountains, mild weather and so on. Every place on this earth is miraculous and wonderful in it's own way. One of my favorite traits of God's character/person is His creativity. That He created this world for us to enjoy and work and then to create us as unique as we each are.
6 - Friends. Man is not meant to be alone. We need commradery, trust, companionship, laughter, and love in life and these are found through friends. I am so thankful for all the people that have played such a huge role in my life and who I have become.
5 - Family. Our Father has provided us with an extensive church family and the opportunity to be part of a huge family across the whole world. But also our blood relatives are so important and a great gift. They give us the support, love and encouragement that God himself wants us to have.
4 - The government. I just love the verses in the Bible that talk about respecting the governement and that they are the authority on earth. God is our ultimate authority in heaven but our government is here on earth. They do their best to obtain peace and justice to our nation even with their faults. In these dark times we really need to keep on praying for our nation and the rulers of each country.
3 - The trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our relationship with God would not be what it is if these three were not united together. God our father has given us His son so that we can be saved and live with Him in Glory. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us to God and also reminds us of His promises and how to live a righteous life.
2 - The Word of God. The instruction manual/story book of how we are to live before we return to heaven. The infalliable word of God full of power!
1 - Jesus! The gift of His birth on earth so many years ago and then His life on earth and finally His sacrificial death. No greater love than this!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
O the weather outside is far from frightful
Glorious December. Man, the weather has been 100 times better in December so far than in November. It has been sunny all week, which has also brought negative temperatures but I will take that over snow, rain or anything else anyday. I have been out walking, bike riding, skating, and just enjoying the sun. I have been working the closing shift so 430 to midnight and so I get the morning and good part of the afternoon for hanging out and getting some sleep. Although I come home from my shift and I have a lot of adrenaline pumping so it's hard to get to sleep right away. (I don't think that espresso at 10pm really helps either). It's just so good though!!!
I have been googling starbucks a lot and have found some really interesting frappucinos that I really want to try that people have just created. I think that I will try one once a week or month maybe. Some of them include an Oreo Frap, Captain Crunch, other healthy alternatives, a banana split frap. Or maybe I will just suggest them to other people. I have really become a die hard coffee fan and try to cut back though cuz the caffeine still hits me.
Other events in my life would include getting hired part time at Cupcakes Bakery as a baker, meeting up with a friend from camp that I randomly bumped into, going skating on Robson Street downtown Vancouver, getting a sports package on my cable and the food network for a minimal fee. Yay Monday Night Football and various college games.
At first I was getting tired of all the Olympic chitchat and hullabaloo but now I am getting excited. How often do the Olympics come to your country and especially where you live. Traffic will be crazy and things will be a whole lot different but all the different countries will be here, sports will be on non stop and there will just be this electrifying energy here.
A storm is a comin' though. The winds are blowing crazy today, good thing I have to work. Although if it's as slow at Starbucks as last night I will be really bored. Hopefully people want some hot drinks. I love football if I haven't mentioned that before. Just Sundays sitting at my house watching games all day, eating popcorn and loving all the amazing plays. I just need a good buddy or boyfriend (haha) that will want to sit around all day Sunday watching football with me. Well off to work in an hour. Later days!!!
I have been googling starbucks a lot and have found some really interesting frappucinos that I really want to try that people have just created. I think that I will try one once a week or month maybe. Some of them include an Oreo Frap, Captain Crunch, other healthy alternatives, a banana split frap. Or maybe I will just suggest them to other people. I have really become a die hard coffee fan and try to cut back though cuz the caffeine still hits me.
Other events in my life would include getting hired part time at Cupcakes Bakery as a baker, meeting up with a friend from camp that I randomly bumped into, going skating on Robson Street downtown Vancouver, getting a sports package on my cable and the food network for a minimal fee. Yay Monday Night Football and various college games.
At first I was getting tired of all the Olympic chitchat and hullabaloo but now I am getting excited. How often do the Olympics come to your country and especially where you live. Traffic will be crazy and things will be a whole lot different but all the different countries will be here, sports will be on non stop and there will just be this electrifying energy here.
A storm is a comin' though. The winds are blowing crazy today, good thing I have to work. Although if it's as slow at Starbucks as last night I will be really bored. Hopefully people want some hot drinks. I love football if I haven't mentioned that before. Just Sundays sitting at my house watching games all day, eating popcorn and loving all the amazing plays. I just need a good buddy or boyfriend (haha) that will want to sit around all day Sunday watching football with me. Well off to work in an hour. Later days!!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Overuse of Quotations
A Saturday off! What joy! So far today up to 1 pm, I have cleaned my entire apartment which took longer than an hour because it was a disaster. It looks amazing now, my bike being the main centrepiece in the living room. Right beside my really small tv on top of an upside down box against a bare wall across from my lone “football watching” chair and randomly placed basketball. My “dining room” is where the action happens, all my books, computer, printer and meals go on here. My kitchen is right clean, stocked with all spices and other healthy food, and newly bought crunchy 100% natural peanut butter, no oil added. It’s a new adventure buying all this healthy not processed food. Fun too! My bedroom has an amazing bed in it and that’s about it. My mom sent me some hangers so I have clothes up in the closet now, but I am still living out of my suitcase. Well that is until I can get someone to help me with the dresser I bought today that is sitting in the Jeep. It’s actually a “pantry” but I like shelves better than drawers and then I bought some wicker baskets like on Trading Spaces or something to put the socks and things in. It’s all coming together. I think the main thing that’s missing is decoration. I just don’t know what to put on the walls. I have some posters I made and printed off the computer but other than that it’s pretty bare.
After having to buy everything for this place, I really can’t wait to have my own house and not have to move at all. To live in a big house in Florida with everything that I need including a huge kitchen you would see on a movie or something and a big screen tv hanging on the wall and good surround sound. One day when I marry an NFL player!
As for the rest of my life, I worked 5 days straight this week at Starbucks. I love it there. They say that I am catching on very quickly and are impressed. I enjoy serving others and doing work to the best of my ability and up to standards with what God expects from us. I listened to an “Insight For Living” podcast the other day about integrity and it really challenged me to do even better than I have been. We are expected by God to live with a desire to give optimal quality service and always striving to live for Him.
Tonight Leia and I are going to “The Blind Side” and having so many refills of popcorn. We haven’t had it since the beginning of October and have been waiting for Nov 21 for so long. It will taste so good. The movie is going to be amazing too. I have heard such good things about it. It has Sandra Bullock in it (a huge plus) and is all about football. Speaking of Sandra I really want to watch “While You Were Sleeping” again. I am getting into the Christmas spirit. Josh Groban’s Christmas album is really good and I have already listened to it about 6 times.
The title of this blog is dedicated to Leia and I’s memory of Andrew Stewart overusing the hand quotation symbol one night while visiting. And I mean WAY OVERUSE!!!! It was hilarious. Well in theme I will end this blog with a quotation:
“ Let’s take the bouldering mistakes of the past, and the road blocking challenges of the present, and build them into stairs that support our climb into the future.” – Mattie J.T. Stepanek
After having to buy everything for this place, I really can’t wait to have my own house and not have to move at all. To live in a big house in Florida with everything that I need including a huge kitchen you would see on a movie or something and a big screen tv hanging on the wall and good surround sound. One day when I marry an NFL player!
As for the rest of my life, I worked 5 days straight this week at Starbucks. I love it there. They say that I am catching on very quickly and are impressed. I enjoy serving others and doing work to the best of my ability and up to standards with what God expects from us. I listened to an “Insight For Living” podcast the other day about integrity and it really challenged me to do even better than I have been. We are expected by God to live with a desire to give optimal quality service and always striving to live for Him.
Tonight Leia and I are going to “The Blind Side” and having so many refills of popcorn. We haven’t had it since the beginning of October and have been waiting for Nov 21 for so long. It will taste so good. The movie is going to be amazing too. I have heard such good things about it. It has Sandra Bullock in it (a huge plus) and is all about football. Speaking of Sandra I really want to watch “While You Were Sleeping” again. I am getting into the Christmas spirit. Josh Groban’s Christmas album is really good and I have already listened to it about 6 times.
The title of this blog is dedicated to Leia and I’s memory of Andrew Stewart overusing the hand quotation symbol one night while visiting. And I mean WAY OVERUSE!!!! It was hilarious. Well in theme I will end this blog with a quotation:
“ Let’s take the bouldering mistakes of the past, and the road blocking challenges of the present, and build them into stairs that support our climb into the future.” – Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sbucks here we come
Greetings!
My new job at Starbucks is really great. I love it. It's kinda bad though that I dream about it and am constantly thinking about how to get better. I have been doing really well according to the manager and he already mentioned stuff about being a supervisor later on. It's pretty sweet. I have tried more of the drinks and the eats there so that I know what to recomend. I really love foam with caramel sauce on it so sometimes I just get a cup of foam. LOL. The blended strawberry lemonade is really good. Just strawberry juice and lemonade and ice. I recommend it. Apparently the low fat fruit swirl is really good too but I haven't had a chance to try it.
Last night I was at Serena's birthday and had a great time. Meet this girl named Faith and tonight I am going to church in Langley with her. It should be good. My grandma is coming to visit this week so Leia and I are going out to Carrie's house to see her for a bit. We are also going for supper at Klassen's tomorrow night. It will be nice to have some home cooked meals although I am loving cooking for myself.
Other than that not a whole lot else is new. My bed sleeps really well. I have a really nice chair to watch tv in eventually. I get the internet and cable on Saturday!!!!! I can't wait.
I didn't think it was this windy on the lower mainland but apparently it really is. I don't mind the rain but the wind is getting on my nerves. Oh well. Christmas is just around the corner too and I love the cheer that the holiday brings. Later days!
My new job at Starbucks is really great. I love it. It's kinda bad though that I dream about it and am constantly thinking about how to get better. I have been doing really well according to the manager and he already mentioned stuff about being a supervisor later on. It's pretty sweet. I have tried more of the drinks and the eats there so that I know what to recomend. I really love foam with caramel sauce on it so sometimes I just get a cup of foam. LOL. The blended strawberry lemonade is really good. Just strawberry juice and lemonade and ice. I recommend it. Apparently the low fat fruit swirl is really good too but I haven't had a chance to try it.
Last night I was at Serena's birthday and had a great time. Meet this girl named Faith and tonight I am going to church in Langley with her. It should be good. My grandma is coming to visit this week so Leia and I are going out to Carrie's house to see her for a bit. We are also going for supper at Klassen's tomorrow night. It will be nice to have some home cooked meals although I am loving cooking for myself.
Other than that not a whole lot else is new. My bed sleeps really well. I have a really nice chair to watch tv in eventually. I get the internet and cable on Saturday!!!!! I can't wait.
I didn't think it was this windy on the lower mainland but apparently it really is. I don't mind the rain but the wind is getting on my nerves. Oh well. Christmas is just around the corner too and I love the cheer that the holiday brings. Later days!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
As overdue as a forgotten library book
Howdy folks!
Well this will be a major update as a lot has happened since my last blog entry. I am now living in White Rock, BC. If you want my new mailing address just send me an email at lebron_2314@hotmail.com and I will send it to you. My phone number may be changing soon too as my cell number is long distance as it's from Victoria. But that won't be for awhile. I just bought a bed and am in the process of getting a couch soon too. I have some mix and match furniture from Leia and things that I picked up cheap at Walmart. I have most of the things that I need to start out in my apartment! Yes my apartment. It's a little old but cozy and cute.
I also start my job at Starbucks tomorrow and since my working interview went so well at Cobs Bread the other week, she is willing to work around my Starbucks schedule and give me part time hours too. Yay! Just what I needed. I sure had a lack of patience but God always answers prayer and in just the timing that He has.
Now I just need to get connected to people and a church and life will be peachy keen. I like White Rock. I don't know what drove me back to a small town but the fact that I am 3 blocks from the ocean and have a morning view of the mountains isn't so bad. I don't like traffic and White Rock doesn't have that much. I can walk to the gym in 20 minutes and once I get a bike I will be able to bike to work in the same amount of time, if it's not raining. And commercial things like Walmart, Staples, other main stores are just right close yet the town is small and things are so privately owned.
Just today I found a small supermarket that had all this fruit on sale for like 29 cents a pound for yams and apples and all sorts of other things. It was awesome. I did a little bit of newspaper clipping too and found some sweet coupons to Subway and this Italian restaurant that Leia and I tried out last night. Tried gnocchi for the first time. Loved it but we didn't feel so good after. Probably the pesto sauce that we both had. The restaurant was really old and a little out of date but the food was okay minus the bloatation feeling we both had. LOL.
Well Leia and I are both penny pinching to save our lives so we haven't been doing anything really exciting. Once I get cable and internet at my house on November 21 I will be a whole lot more settled and have Sunday afternoons all booked up. Can't wait!! Hope the weather in everyone's part of the world is treating you well because White Rock has the nicest weather for the whole lower mainland!!!! I love the sun. Later days!
Well this will be a major update as a lot has happened since my last blog entry. I am now living in White Rock, BC. If you want my new mailing address just send me an email at lebron_2314@hotmail.com and I will send it to you. My phone number may be changing soon too as my cell number is long distance as it's from Victoria. But that won't be for awhile. I just bought a bed and am in the process of getting a couch soon too. I have some mix and match furniture from Leia and things that I picked up cheap at Walmart. I have most of the things that I need to start out in my apartment! Yes my apartment. It's a little old but cozy and cute.
I also start my job at Starbucks tomorrow and since my working interview went so well at Cobs Bread the other week, she is willing to work around my Starbucks schedule and give me part time hours too. Yay! Just what I needed. I sure had a lack of patience but God always answers prayer and in just the timing that He has.
Now I just need to get connected to people and a church and life will be peachy keen. I like White Rock. I don't know what drove me back to a small town but the fact that I am 3 blocks from the ocean and have a morning view of the mountains isn't so bad. I don't like traffic and White Rock doesn't have that much. I can walk to the gym in 20 minutes and once I get a bike I will be able to bike to work in the same amount of time, if it's not raining. And commercial things like Walmart, Staples, other main stores are just right close yet the town is small and things are so privately owned.
Just today I found a small supermarket that had all this fruit on sale for like 29 cents a pound for yams and apples and all sorts of other things. It was awesome. I did a little bit of newspaper clipping too and found some sweet coupons to Subway and this Italian restaurant that Leia and I tried out last night. Tried gnocchi for the first time. Loved it but we didn't feel so good after. Probably the pesto sauce that we both had. The restaurant was really old and a little out of date but the food was okay minus the bloatation feeling we both had. LOL.
Well Leia and I are both penny pinching to save our lives so we haven't been doing anything really exciting. Once I get cable and internet at my house on November 21 I will be a whole lot more settled and have Sunday afternoons all booked up. Can't wait!! Hope the weather in everyone's part of the world is treating you well because White Rock has the nicest weather for the whole lower mainland!!!! I love the sun. Later days!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Floundering fish in the sea of life
Surprise! I am blogging more than once a month this time. I am ceasing from using the fact that Leia doesn’t have internet, as an excuse to not blog, email, and do other computer things. I need to change my attitude. Period. All I have been doing since I got back here is complain about one thing or another instead of being joyful for the situation that I am in. I am not completely content with where I am in life, however today at church I was reminded of the Solid Ground that is the foundation for my life. This morning before church I was really depressed and just fed up with my job searching, loneliness, house searching, and other things that just aren’t that great. I tried out Peace Portal Alliance Church in South Surrey today (probably where I will go if I end up in White Rock) and it was good.
It’s amazing how God has been reaching out to me, for me to just hold onto His hand and let me guide Him. I think that I have been caught up with the idea that He is just going to visibly or audibly tell me exactly what I am supposed to do and where I am supposed to live. Instead He just wants me to step out in faith, make a decision and stick with it. I believe that I have a good head on my shoulders and think things through quite thoroughly that a decision that I make will have God’s full intentions and word at the heart. I know that when I am finally living somewhere, working a full time job, and connected to a church I will be able to praise God with my whole life.
Recap:
-The cupcake server job didn’t work out in White Rock and no one else has called back.
- I still have a couple places I could live in White Rock and will chose one of them if the job interview on Monday at a fitness centre doesn’t pan out.
-hopefully some other jobs call back, because I sure did apply to a lot
There you have it. A much more indepth look into my life than I expected to write on here today. However I hope that this enlightenment will bring you to your knees in prayer for me. I have felt the prayers of many of you and have felt God tugging at my heart in little ways. Thank you for those prayers and for continuing to support me in faith.
Later days!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Going on 3 hours
Greetings!
Yes I have been sitting in Starbucks for almost 3 hours looking up more jobs in the Vancouver area. I am really frustrated right now with the lack of response from places even though they are hiring. I know that I am not exactly qualified for any of these positions that I really want but getting any job and a place to live and then being able to finance the extra education for that is what I need to do. It's getting to that point that has been the problem. I did not get the Steve Nash job unfortunately and the cupcake place in White Rock didn't pan out either. I feel much life a fish out of water, floundering for a purpose and direction in life.
On another note, the time with my parents over Thanksgiving was really good. It was relaxing and fun. We went to Whistler, Science World, White Rock numerous times, ate at some really great places, went to our cousin's house for Thanksgiving and then to the states the next day for some shopping. I got some new running shoes which are amazing and feel like I am running on clouds. I love them. Yay Adidas outlet store!
I haven't spent that much time with Leia but I love hanging out with her. It's fun to be near her here and be able to do wedding stuff and whatever else we like to do. I just wish a good movie was coming out soon because we really want to go but there is nothing really decent to see. And lately I have this craving to watch Supersize Me. I don't even really know what it's all about I just had this random idea. How can you tell I am bored out of my mind?
I am actually starting to miss swimming a bit and might get back into that soon. Well I don't have a whole lot to say. Sorry about the briefness. Hopefully I can update a little more frequently. Oh and if Dallas loses another game on account of Tony Roma I WILL stop cheering for them. And I am serious.
Later days!!!
Yes I have been sitting in Starbucks for almost 3 hours looking up more jobs in the Vancouver area. I am really frustrated right now with the lack of response from places even though they are hiring. I know that I am not exactly qualified for any of these positions that I really want but getting any job and a place to live and then being able to finance the extra education for that is what I need to do. It's getting to that point that has been the problem. I did not get the Steve Nash job unfortunately and the cupcake place in White Rock didn't pan out either. I feel much life a fish out of water, floundering for a purpose and direction in life.
On another note, the time with my parents over Thanksgiving was really good. It was relaxing and fun. We went to Whistler, Science World, White Rock numerous times, ate at some really great places, went to our cousin's house for Thanksgiving and then to the states the next day for some shopping. I got some new running shoes which are amazing and feel like I am running on clouds. I love them. Yay Adidas outlet store!
I haven't spent that much time with Leia but I love hanging out with her. It's fun to be near her here and be able to do wedding stuff and whatever else we like to do. I just wish a good movie was coming out soon because we really want to go but there is nothing really decent to see. And lately I have this craving to watch Supersize Me. I don't even really know what it's all about I just had this random idea. How can you tell I am bored out of my mind?
I am actually starting to miss swimming a bit and might get back into that soon. Well I don't have a whole lot to say. Sorry about the briefness. Hopefully I can update a little more frequently. Oh and if Dallas loses another game on account of Tony Roma I WILL stop cheering for them. And I am serious.
Later days!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
I am thankful
Greetings!
It's been awhile again since I blogged on this thing. I haven't been that busy because I am still not working, but I always forget to write on this. I have been applying a lot of places, mostly fitness centres and now a bunch of restaurants. I am kind of surprised that places that are hiring haven't gotten back to me yet after I sent them my resume. I had an interview at the Steve Nash Sports Club in Richmond and really want that job, but I haven't heard anything. Please pray for patience for me. I need to just wait to see what God has in store for me and where He is leading me. I know that I need to be proactive and not just wait for Him to move. I have been taking opportunities to get to hang out with Leia, to apply to lots of places, master my resume, practice interview skills, and work out a lot in the great outdoors of Vancouver.
I love it out here and now consider it home. Today there was the most gorgeous sunset and moon rising ever. I was just so amazed at how God cares about amazing us in those little subtle ways in nature. It was awesome. Please also pray that I will be able to find commitment in something soon as I would love to get involved with a steady church, to get a gym membership, and to make some friends in a job and have my own place!!! I really can't wait for that! However in this time like I said before I have learned lots and been living it to the fullest. It's hard to not get down, but things could be worst.
I have a couple of ideas floating around as what to do next if I don't get a job soon. Going to either personal training classes to get certified or to culinary school are two options. Having to have a job/career now that school is done is scary and very weird. Well enough about my future and present job search.
I got to spend the weekend in Abbotsford, first going to the Qwanoes road tour on Friday night and saw so many staff friends and 3 of my campers. It was a good time. Then on Saturday I went to CBC to the alumni games (didn't play) but got to see all my teammates again. I got to hang out with Melissa and Cat a lot and then after the guys game I got to see Lonnie and hang out at her apartment. I miss her so much!
The wedding plans are coming together after an excursion into Vancouver to see the Bridal Expo. Today we worked hard on the invitations and got a lot accomplished. Well I hope you enjoyed this post although it wasn't too interesting. Oh and by the way, I still love my Dallas Cowboys minus the reason they always lose - TONY ROMO. I hope they can pick it up and make some changes in the quarterback position.
Later days!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Oh joyous September
I have now been off for more than 2 weeks from camp and it seems like it has been a year. I have been looking for work, mainly in Vancouver at fitness and weight center places. I am really into that right now and think that it would be a great idea for a job for a couple months or longer if I really like it. Most of the places have opportunities to move up and get certified to be a personal trainer in BC. It's sweet.
As for other happenings in the life of Candice, I am now in Stettler going on the 2nd week just visiting. I have been to Red Deer, helped out around the house, caught up on emails, wrote letters to campers, and yesterday, best day ever, went to visit Doug in Edmonton. We went to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs the movie in IMAX 3D and it was incredible. It was sososososo good and we went on Tuesday and it was some sort of deal where you got free popcorn and pop. It was a great day too we played cards, mini golf, went on some rides, ate at his favorite restaurant, walked around the parliament buildings and across the bridges. What fun!!!
Today my Grandma is visiting and so I have been shopping and just kind of being lazy. Seems like that's all I have been doing. It's good to see people and catch up on sleep although I don't like sleeping since camp. I only got 6 hours there and so I am getting too much here and I can't adjust to the soft beds and not sleeping in a sleeping bag and in the pitch blackness. Safe to say that I miss some things about camp and definitely don't miss some other things though. I can't wait to get a job though because I am getting bored and I need to make some money and move out of Leia's place.
The past 2 weeks have been great too to reflect on all that God has done through and in me this summer. I have recognized a new found love for things and patience, and really seeing the world through Jesus' eyes. That's what I am working on. Loving everyone, stepping into their shoes in certain situations and learning to be more understanding and easy going about life. How to live selflessly, to give, and to just pour out your life for God's kingdom. He has given this life for us to glorify Him and I need to do everything in my strength including His to fulfill His purpose. It's not about finding out what God's will is and doing it, it's joining Him where He is already at work. I am learning to trust in Him, as my times are in His hands, for the future. I still don't have a clue what the future holds but I am certain that it will be as amazing and God glorifying as this summer at camp was.
Hopefully pictures will be coming soon of some of my fun times at camp and my cabins. Stay tuned (but don't get your hopes too high)! Later days!
As for other happenings in the life of Candice, I am now in Stettler going on the 2nd week just visiting. I have been to Red Deer, helped out around the house, caught up on emails, wrote letters to campers, and yesterday, best day ever, went to visit Doug in Edmonton. We went to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs the movie in IMAX 3D and it was incredible. It was sososososo good and we went on Tuesday and it was some sort of deal where you got free popcorn and pop. It was a great day too we played cards, mini golf, went on some rides, ate at his favorite restaurant, walked around the parliament buildings and across the bridges. What fun!!!
Today my Grandma is visiting and so I have been shopping and just kind of being lazy. Seems like that's all I have been doing. It's good to see people and catch up on sleep although I don't like sleeping since camp. I only got 6 hours there and so I am getting too much here and I can't adjust to the soft beds and not sleeping in a sleeping bag and in the pitch blackness. Safe to say that I miss some things about camp and definitely don't miss some other things though. I can't wait to get a job though because I am getting bored and I need to make some money and move out of Leia's place.
The past 2 weeks have been great too to reflect on all that God has done through and in me this summer. I have recognized a new found love for things and patience, and really seeing the world through Jesus' eyes. That's what I am working on. Loving everyone, stepping into their shoes in certain situations and learning to be more understanding and easy going about life. How to live selflessly, to give, and to just pour out your life for God's kingdom. He has given this life for us to glorify Him and I need to do everything in my strength including His to fulfill His purpose. It's not about finding out what God's will is and doing it, it's joining Him where He is already at work. I am learning to trust in Him, as my times are in His hands, for the future. I still don't have a clue what the future holds but I am certain that it will be as amazing and God glorifying as this summer at camp was.
Hopefully pictures will be coming soon of some of my fun times at camp and my cabins. Stay tuned (but don't get your hopes too high)! Later days!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuning Into Real Life
Dearest readers of my little published piece of the internet,
Well, camp is done! It’s a good thing and a bad thing I suppose. I was so ready to be done by the last day of youth camp yet right now I am really missing it. I miss the busy schedule and all my friends, the campers and being right in the presence of God all the time. It’s a culture shock coming back to the real world where I have to buy groceries, be bored, go out of my way to make friends, and make plans for the future.
Youth camp was so awesome. They really do jack up all the events and food for the last week. They gave out everything free like Jones, donuts, slushies, dilly bars, pizza, burgers, etc. Manafest a Christian rap artist came to the camp on the concert night and played for a long time into the night. There was this dreammaker guy who draws out people’s dreams that we wrote on the first night. One girl got to ride in a helicopter over camp. One guy slept in sugar. Some people got a grand entrance to the banquet. We had a rib meal and treatza pizza. Activities were pretty slack because the kids just wanted to hang out because they were all 15-18 years old. It was fun to get to know them though and just be their friends rather than their “mom” figure while being away from home.
Overall it was a most excellent summer. I had a fabulous time and God was so at work in me. I changed so much and my eyes were opened to how much more He has to do in this world before He returns. I love working for Him and Him only. He gave me the words to say in so many situations, gave me the energy to keep going day after day on 6 hours of sleep or less, and gave me the knowledge to share the word of God with all my campers. I was fortunate enough to have many Christians in my cabins but also got to see so many girls come to Christ in my cabins. It was so awesome to experience that and be part of it.
I am just chilling in Vancouver now. Sleeping lots, emailing, and trying to figure out what I am going to do in October. I am going home on Sept. 16 until the 29th so just catch up and chill there for a bit. My mom is excited. I am pumped too. Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts this summer. It was great to know that God was at work in people outside of the camp too and that I had the support to keep working for His glory.
Later days!
Well, camp is done! It’s a good thing and a bad thing I suppose. I was so ready to be done by the last day of youth camp yet right now I am really missing it. I miss the busy schedule and all my friends, the campers and being right in the presence of God all the time. It’s a culture shock coming back to the real world where I have to buy groceries, be bored, go out of my way to make friends, and make plans for the future.
Youth camp was so awesome. They really do jack up all the events and food for the last week. They gave out everything free like Jones, donuts, slushies, dilly bars, pizza, burgers, etc. Manafest a Christian rap artist came to the camp on the concert night and played for a long time into the night. There was this dreammaker guy who draws out people’s dreams that we wrote on the first night. One girl got to ride in a helicopter over camp. One guy slept in sugar. Some people got a grand entrance to the banquet. We had a rib meal and treatza pizza. Activities were pretty slack because the kids just wanted to hang out because they were all 15-18 years old. It was fun to get to know them though and just be their friends rather than their “mom” figure while being away from home.
Overall it was a most excellent summer. I had a fabulous time and God was so at work in me. I changed so much and my eyes were opened to how much more He has to do in this world before He returns. I love working for Him and Him only. He gave me the words to say in so many situations, gave me the energy to keep going day after day on 6 hours of sleep or less, and gave me the knowledge to share the word of God with all my campers. I was fortunate enough to have many Christians in my cabins but also got to see so many girls come to Christ in my cabins. It was so awesome to experience that and be part of it.
I am just chilling in Vancouver now. Sleeping lots, emailing, and trying to figure out what I am going to do in October. I am going home on Sept. 16 until the 29th so just catch up and chill there for a bit. My mom is excited. I am pumped too. Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts this summer. It was great to know that God was at work in people outside of the camp too and that I had the support to keep working for His glory.
Later days!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A week to go
I am currently writing this in a half wakened stupor. I have had so little sleep this last week with 10 year olds in my cabin. It was the best week ever though! I had so much fun and all the girls were really into cabin clean up and the games and unity. We did a lot of extra things for them like sleeping in the skatepark and giving them smores and hot chocolate one night because they were just so awesome. I had a CIT in my cabin too helping me counsel and she was really good, which helped a lot. We won cabin clean up sundaes too on the last day which is really fun.
About the fall, I think that I have decided to stay here for September until October 3. They need help with transition to the fall and getting ready for guest groups starting again. I would be helping in the kitchen which I love so it will be good. I don’t know for sure yet, seems like I have developed a fear of commitment though these years. Then I would go home after that in October for a bit and then find a job and live in Vancouver until Leia’s wedding and maybe for longer. I really can’t wait to plan her wedding with her and just hang out before she is married. Right now this seems like what God is leading me to do. When I am praying or reading my Bible I feel like I am in the right place but then when I am on my own it seems that I should go home, but then that’s because I really miss football and tv and making good food and other things that are in the real world.
This next week is Youth camp and I am counselling again. I am not that excited about it right now but maybe as the day goes on and we find out all the new and exciting things that are going on this week I will be more amped up. I am really going to miss Lonnie and Doug especially from camp and will have to visit them lots in the fall and the year. It has been a great summer that went sosososo fast. I can’t believe that it is August 30 today!! Later days.
About the fall, I think that I have decided to stay here for September until October 3. They need help with transition to the fall and getting ready for guest groups starting again. I would be helping in the kitchen which I love so it will be good. I don’t know for sure yet, seems like I have developed a fear of commitment though these years. Then I would go home after that in October for a bit and then find a job and live in Vancouver until Leia’s wedding and maybe for longer. I really can’t wait to plan her wedding with her and just hang out before she is married. Right now this seems like what God is leading me to do. When I am praying or reading my Bible I feel like I am in the right place but then when I am on my own it seems that I should go home, but then that’s because I really miss football and tv and making good food and other things that are in the real world.
This next week is Youth camp and I am counselling again. I am not that excited about it right now but maybe as the day goes on and we find out all the new and exciting things that are going on this week I will be more amped up. I am really going to miss Lonnie and Doug especially from camp and will have to visit them lots in the fall and the year. It has been a great summer that went sosososo fast. I can’t believe that it is August 30 today!! Later days.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Last Junior High Camp
My loyal blog readers,
I have been tremendously blessed this week to have a week out of counselling. The assistant crew chief of maintenance really felt it on her heart to counsel a week at camp and so the maintenance team needed someone that could step into her role as a leader for the team. They picked me and I am so humbled to be used this way. I got my keys of authority yesterday and have since relearned a ton of stuff about cleaning bathrooms and whatnot. The maintenance crew this week is really good and I am excited to work with them. I went really hard yesterday cleaning all sorts of things when I really need to take it easier a bit. There is so much more down time doing this job and I am pumped to get a little bit more sleep and rest. I am still getting over a cold so if you could pray that it would go away, that would be great.
Right now I am really struggling with the future. I have placed it in God’s hands, well maybe not fully if I am holding onto some worry, but for the most part I am trusting God. I just don’t know what to do. There is a bit of camp wrap up stuff I could help out with for a couple weeks, or I could move to the lower mainland and spend the last 4 months of Leia’s singleness with her:) I really miss her and would love to hang out a bit before our family dynamic changes. So if you could also pray for me and just being peaceful about what God is going to do in me and that He will give me a path to follow to take action in the next couple of days.
This last week was pretty good. I really felt closer to the girls by the end of the week, they were hugging me and wanting to hang out a bit. One girl I really got close to and gave her a Bible by the end of the week because she really wanted to read some Bible stories and the New Testament Gideon ones they get at camp just aren’t enough. She was such a blessing in my cabin amongst girls that thought that they were too good for me and the camp. She asked a ton of questions and said that what the speaker said was more stuff than she had thought about before.
Other than that, not much is new. No really cool stories from this past week and not too much to report on in the future week. The week after is juniors again and then youth camp. I am excited to not have to do another junior high camp and am looking forward to the curiosity and energy of the juniors. Many of the junior counsellors this summer or CIT are coming to youth camp as campers, so that should be interesting and fun. They will be fun to hang out with and we won’t have to do much as leaders other than pour into them spiritually and be there as support. It has been a good summer where God has truly been at work.
Later days!
I have been tremendously blessed this week to have a week out of counselling. The assistant crew chief of maintenance really felt it on her heart to counsel a week at camp and so the maintenance team needed someone that could step into her role as a leader for the team. They picked me and I am so humbled to be used this way. I got my keys of authority yesterday and have since relearned a ton of stuff about cleaning bathrooms and whatnot. The maintenance crew this week is really good and I am excited to work with them. I went really hard yesterday cleaning all sorts of things when I really need to take it easier a bit. There is so much more down time doing this job and I am pumped to get a little bit more sleep and rest. I am still getting over a cold so if you could pray that it would go away, that would be great.
Right now I am really struggling with the future. I have placed it in God’s hands, well maybe not fully if I am holding onto some worry, but for the most part I am trusting God. I just don’t know what to do. There is a bit of camp wrap up stuff I could help out with for a couple weeks, or I could move to the lower mainland and spend the last 4 months of Leia’s singleness with her:) I really miss her and would love to hang out a bit before our family dynamic changes. So if you could also pray for me and just being peaceful about what God is going to do in me and that He will give me a path to follow to take action in the next couple of days.
This last week was pretty good. I really felt closer to the girls by the end of the week, they were hugging me and wanting to hang out a bit. One girl I really got close to and gave her a Bible by the end of the week because she really wanted to read some Bible stories and the New Testament Gideon ones they get at camp just aren’t enough. She was such a blessing in my cabin amongst girls that thought that they were too good for me and the camp. She asked a ton of questions and said that what the speaker said was more stuff than she had thought about before.
Other than that, not much is new. No really cool stories from this past week and not too much to report on in the future week. The week after is juniors again and then youth camp. I am excited to not have to do another junior high camp and am looking forward to the curiosity and energy of the juniors. Many of the junior counsellors this summer or CIT are coming to youth camp as campers, so that should be interesting and fun. They will be fun to hang out with and we won’t have to do much as leaders other than pour into them spiritually and be there as support. It has been a good summer where God has truly been at work.
Later days!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A little breather
Greetings!
I was just looking back on this thing and realized that I haven't written on this thing in a long time. Sorry my loyal readers. Well 5 weeks of the summer are done and only 4 left after this one. We have had 3 junior high camps and 2 juniors camps. My favorite weeks were juniors 1 and junior high 2. I loved the girls in my cabin and other girls at the camp too. This week is family camp and then there are 2 weeks of junior high camps, 1 juniors, and 1 youth camp. I am working in the kitchen for these 4 days of family camp and then tomorrow until Saturday I have 3 days off. Everyone who works all summer for the 10 weeks gets 3 days off to do whatever. We have to be back on Saturday for a staff dev. day where we are going to Nanaimo to go swimming, eat pizza, eat ice cream, and chill on the beach. I literally mean chill too. It will be fun.
Tomorrow Lonnie and I are going to Vancouver to see Leia, spend some time on the mainland visiting friends, and then going to the BC Lions and Roughriders game on Friday night. We are super stoked for that. I have got to do more relaxing this week but it's more like the real world and I am not really looking forward to the fall. I already miss the campers and having every minute of every day planned out exactly where I should be. I miss interacting with kids all the time and being able to pour God's love into them all the time. Even being in my cabin (42) which is in complete darkness and super quiet, I miss. The cabin I am staying in this week is right by a lot of lights, far from the bathroom and right where everyone walks so super loud. I finally had a good sleep last night so that was good.
This last week of campers was a little trying on my patience and grace from God. We had a girl that had to be sent home for disobeying camp rules, another close call, a sick girl went home, and two had to go home early because they couldn't get a ride on the last day of camp. Last week was full of rebel kids and people wanting to couple up all the time and girls that were more concerned about their hair and make up then anything else. It was ridiculous. We even had to have a no mirror day just so that we could focus on inner beauty rather than outward appearance. I feel like the Holy Spirit finally got through on the last night though when we had a fireside sharing and the girls opened up about things that were going on at home and what they needed prayer for. I have kept in contact with many campers on facebook and through email so far so it's exciting. It will be hard to stay in touch but I hope that I can to keep building into them. We can plant the seed but God will water it.
The Lord has been at work here at camp in miraculous ways. We see His mercy, grace and love everyday. It's so awesome. He has been at work in me building up a lot patience, helping me help others, opening my eyes to see needs in other people. and being way more spontaneous. Like this weekend we don't even have anything planned yet and it's tomorrow that we need to know what we are doing. It's kind of fun. More like a free spirit than anything else. I have also not let things bother me as much and not stressed about things that aren't in my control. Praise God for being gracious with me and moulding me into someone that can be used for His glory.
I just want to tell you one thing about this last week. None of my girls wanted to play any of the wide games because they thought that they were too cool. But I had so much energy this week because it was so, so hot. Like 40 degrees or 35 plus every day. It was so good because instead of having my body trying to keep me warm all the time I just was warm and sweated a lot. I had sosososo much energy and was raring to go. So on the last day was Mission Impossible and I don't really like that game but as a counselor I had a map and so the kids on my color came up to me and asked me where to go. I asked them to go with me and so it ended up being me and these two boys named German and Hunter and at some points we had some other colored people coming with us too. It was so much fun. We ran lots, got caught, went to every station and got most of the plane ticket which is the thing we are trying to get. I loved it. It was pretty much a highlight of my week.
Well I should get going back to being sociable or just make some tea. LOL. Thanks for being such avid readers. Hopefully soon I will have some pics to put up. As for now, keep it real!
I was just looking back on this thing and realized that I haven't written on this thing in a long time. Sorry my loyal readers. Well 5 weeks of the summer are done and only 4 left after this one. We have had 3 junior high camps and 2 juniors camps. My favorite weeks were juniors 1 and junior high 2. I loved the girls in my cabin and other girls at the camp too. This week is family camp and then there are 2 weeks of junior high camps, 1 juniors, and 1 youth camp. I am working in the kitchen for these 4 days of family camp and then tomorrow until Saturday I have 3 days off. Everyone who works all summer for the 10 weeks gets 3 days off to do whatever. We have to be back on Saturday for a staff dev. day where we are going to Nanaimo to go swimming, eat pizza, eat ice cream, and chill on the beach. I literally mean chill too. It will be fun.
Tomorrow Lonnie and I are going to Vancouver to see Leia, spend some time on the mainland visiting friends, and then going to the BC Lions and Roughriders game on Friday night. We are super stoked for that. I have got to do more relaxing this week but it's more like the real world and I am not really looking forward to the fall. I already miss the campers and having every minute of every day planned out exactly where I should be. I miss interacting with kids all the time and being able to pour God's love into them all the time. Even being in my cabin (42) which is in complete darkness and super quiet, I miss. The cabin I am staying in this week is right by a lot of lights, far from the bathroom and right where everyone walks so super loud. I finally had a good sleep last night so that was good.
This last week of campers was a little trying on my patience and grace from God. We had a girl that had to be sent home for disobeying camp rules, another close call, a sick girl went home, and two had to go home early because they couldn't get a ride on the last day of camp. Last week was full of rebel kids and people wanting to couple up all the time and girls that were more concerned about their hair and make up then anything else. It was ridiculous. We even had to have a no mirror day just so that we could focus on inner beauty rather than outward appearance. I feel like the Holy Spirit finally got through on the last night though when we had a fireside sharing and the girls opened up about things that were going on at home and what they needed prayer for. I have kept in contact with many campers on facebook and through email so far so it's exciting. It will be hard to stay in touch but I hope that I can to keep building into them. We can plant the seed but God will water it.
The Lord has been at work here at camp in miraculous ways. We see His mercy, grace and love everyday. It's so awesome. He has been at work in me building up a lot patience, helping me help others, opening my eyes to see needs in other people. and being way more spontaneous. Like this weekend we don't even have anything planned yet and it's tomorrow that we need to know what we are doing. It's kind of fun. More like a free spirit than anything else. I have also not let things bother me as much and not stressed about things that aren't in my control. Praise God for being gracious with me and moulding me into someone that can be used for His glory.
I just want to tell you one thing about this last week. None of my girls wanted to play any of the wide games because they thought that they were too cool. But I had so much energy this week because it was so, so hot. Like 40 degrees or 35 plus every day. It was so good because instead of having my body trying to keep me warm all the time I just was warm and sweated a lot. I had sosososo much energy and was raring to go. So on the last day was Mission Impossible and I don't really like that game but as a counselor I had a map and so the kids on my color came up to me and asked me where to go. I asked them to go with me and so it ended up being me and these two boys named German and Hunter and at some points we had some other colored people coming with us too. It was so much fun. We ran lots, got caught, went to every station and got most of the plane ticket which is the thing we are trying to get. I loved it. It was pretty much a highlight of my week.
Well I should get going back to being sociable or just make some tea. LOL. Thanks for being such avid readers. Hopefully soon I will have some pics to put up. As for now, keep it real!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Junior Highers Unite!
Greetings all my devoted blog readers! I am sososo glad that last week is done and that it’s a new start to the summer. We had an extra day off because the camps switched from Sat-Fri to Sun-Sat. Friday night I travelled into Victoria with Liz, Leila and Cassy. We hit up the inner harbour, went to Boston Pizza, got some necessities at Walmart, and drove with the roof off my jeep (probably the best part). Saturday was a staff development day with a number of sessions, beach time, and a chapel service in the evening. It would have been a lot better to just rest but it was good to hang out. Lonnie slept over in my cabin and we talked late. Sunday was amazing. I got up early and went running with Doug which I hadn’t done since staff training 4 weeks ago. We stopped at a coffee shop on the way back for breakfast and got to talk for 2 hours. It was awesome to catch up. I then went to Starbucks with Lonnie on our way to church in Duncan. Church was really good and then we went out for our usual lunch before the next camp.
My cabin this week is full of campers that have been here before many years, are almost all Christians, and are stoked for the week. Please pray for me to come up with new and exciting things that we can do that can make this camp even better than last year. Also pray that the Holy Spirit will work in me giving me the words to say that will challenge them yet feed them so that they may grow as Christians. It’s been good so far and tonight we are sleeping in the climbing tower, so that should be fun.
I am really enjoying camp so far. I still can’t believe that I am here sometimes. I have 3 days off in August and I am planning on going to a BC Lions game with Lonnie and maybe our dads. It would be super sweet. We have things planned for this weekend already too as we never have that much time to decide when the campers are gone. We are going to the Sooke Potholes on Saturday to go swimming and then to Red Robins in Victoria. Then on Sunday we are heading to Cowichan Bay to hit up some of the sweet little shops that are there and have an early lunch before Doug has to work at 12.
The weather has been gorgeous and so I am getting quite dark. I am pumped too because this week I am working in the challenge course doing climbing tower and harnesses for the zipline rather than lifeguarding. I am glad that they switched it up a bit and would allow me to experience something else. Thanks to my avid readers. Later days!
My cabin this week is full of campers that have been here before many years, are almost all Christians, and are stoked for the week. Please pray for me to come up with new and exciting things that we can do that can make this camp even better than last year. Also pray that the Holy Spirit will work in me giving me the words to say that will challenge them yet feed them so that they may grow as Christians. It’s been good so far and tonight we are sleeping in the climbing tower, so that should be fun.
I am really enjoying camp so far. I still can’t believe that I am here sometimes. I have 3 days off in August and I am planning on going to a BC Lions game with Lonnie and maybe our dads. It would be super sweet. We have things planned for this weekend already too as we never have that much time to decide when the campers are gone. We are going to the Sooke Potholes on Saturday to go swimming and then to Red Robins in Victoria. Then on Sunday we are heading to Cowichan Bay to hit up some of the sweet little shops that are there and have an early lunch before Doug has to work at 12.
The weather has been gorgeous and so I am getting quite dark. I am pumped too because this week I am working in the challenge course doing climbing tower and harnesses for the zipline rather than lifeguarding. I am glad that they switched it up a bit and would allow me to experience something else. Thanks to my avid readers. Later days!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
AHHHHHH 11 year olds!
Greetings,
So I guess it's been awhile since I blogged on this thing. We are in our second week of juniors camps so 9-11 year olds. I am with 11 year olds and this week is throwing some definite curve balls at me. I have had homesick kids, kids fall out of bed, 3 girls not getting along, a CIT who is driving me bonkers with her taking over the leadership and whatever else. I can't wait for this week to be done. I miss my campers and friends from last week too. They were so great. So please pray for patience for me and a happy positive attitude and the ability to confront my CIT and talk about things. It's frustrating having someone overthrow my leadership. Also the girls have had tons of questions so pray that they will continue to open up and accept Jesus as a Saviour.
On my brief 24 hours off, Alycia, Lonnie and I went into Nanaimo to shop a bit, went to Montana's and then went to the Proposal. The movie was alright, good to get out and do something mindless none the less. Then on Saturday morning Lonnie and I went out for lunch, our usual thing, and had a great time. I am so thankful for her friendship.
The next two weeks after this is junior high camps, so 14 year olds again. A bit of a struggle but maybe I will be counselling by myself and then it should be alright. Today we just had the big slip and slide and water fight game and later I will be lifeguarding down at the waterfront. I am really enjoying doing that, mainly because I get to help out and talk to campers a lot. Please continue to pray for patience for me in general, and for most of the staff. Just having to put up with campers and other staff and other things that arise that aren't super fun. I also went on the 80 ft swing yesterday with my campers and they had a blast. It's fun to push them out of their comfort zone. They will certainly grow too.
I can't believe it's already the middle of July and 3 weeks of camps have almost past. God is sure working here and it's so awesome to be a part of it. I love it. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Later days!
So I guess it's been awhile since I blogged on this thing. We are in our second week of juniors camps so 9-11 year olds. I am with 11 year olds and this week is throwing some definite curve balls at me. I have had homesick kids, kids fall out of bed, 3 girls not getting along, a CIT who is driving me bonkers with her taking over the leadership and whatever else. I can't wait for this week to be done. I miss my campers and friends from last week too. They were so great. So please pray for patience for me and a happy positive attitude and the ability to confront my CIT and talk about things. It's frustrating having someone overthrow my leadership. Also the girls have had tons of questions so pray that they will continue to open up and accept Jesus as a Saviour.
On my brief 24 hours off, Alycia, Lonnie and I went into Nanaimo to shop a bit, went to Montana's and then went to the Proposal. The movie was alright, good to get out and do something mindless none the less. Then on Saturday morning Lonnie and I went out for lunch, our usual thing, and had a great time. I am so thankful for her friendship.
The next two weeks after this is junior high camps, so 14 year olds again. A bit of a struggle but maybe I will be counselling by myself and then it should be alright. Today we just had the big slip and slide and water fight game and later I will be lifeguarding down at the waterfront. I am really enjoying doing that, mainly because I get to help out and talk to campers a lot. Please continue to pray for patience for me in general, and for most of the staff. Just having to put up with campers and other staff and other things that arise that aren't super fun. I also went on the 80 ft swing yesterday with my campers and they had a blast. It's fun to push them out of their comfort zone. They will certainly grow too.
I can't believe it's already the middle of July and 3 weeks of camps have almost past. God is sure working here and it's so awesome to be a part of it. I love it. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Later days!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I love kids!
One week done already and onto the second. Camp is so awesome. I am growing soo much, stepping way out of my comfort zone and just pouring God into these girls. I love my cabins and have been so blessed by the personalities of the girls that I have had the pleasure of living with. This week on the first day we won cabin clean up and got to sleep in the tree houses. We have also been memorizing our verses and so are on the good path to winning the ice cream sundaes this week. I have a super enthusiastic cabin unlike last week which was completely apathetic toward everything.
I am getting all the camp songs stuck in my head and the actions down pat now. It's fun. I really miss going to camp like back in the day though. I have made some great friends even though I don't get to hang out with them a lot but on the weekend I got to go out for dinner and lunch to get away from camp and refresh. Lonnie and I have this prayer book going where we write notes to each other on our free time. It's been so great to have encouragement and love from someone like that.
Pray that God will continue to be at work at this camp, opening the hearts of hardened campers and binding the devil from running rampart in the thoughts of everyone. For me you can really pray for patience as it has never been a strong virtue and is even harder when I am stressed and a little overtired.
I am getting super dark from the sun although today it is raining and a little too cold to be in the water or outside. My campers still ordered ice cream though, crazy, but they love it. I still can't believe that I am working at camp and am loving every minute of it. I am so blessed to have a Heavenly Father that knows my paths and where I am headed even when I don't. I have had to trust in Him so much lately as I don't have the words or abilities to really reach these girls without His help.
I am having a really fun time too playing the games, getting to know everyone, working out occasionally, soaking up the sun, and being creative. I love it. Later days!
I am getting all the camp songs stuck in my head and the actions down pat now. It's fun. I really miss going to camp like back in the day though. I have made some great friends even though I don't get to hang out with them a lot but on the weekend I got to go out for dinner and lunch to get away from camp and refresh. Lonnie and I have this prayer book going where we write notes to each other on our free time. It's been so great to have encouragement and love from someone like that.
Pray that God will continue to be at work at this camp, opening the hearts of hardened campers and binding the devil from running rampart in the thoughts of everyone. For me you can really pray for patience as it has never been a strong virtue and is even harder when I am stressed and a little overtired.
I am getting super dark from the sun although today it is raining and a little too cold to be in the water or outside. My campers still ordered ice cream though, crazy, but they love it. I still can't believe that I am working at camp and am loving every minute of it. I am so blessed to have a Heavenly Father that knows my paths and where I am headed even when I don't. I have had to trust in Him so much lately as I don't have the words or abilities to really reach these girls without His help.
I am having a really fun time too playing the games, getting to know everyone, working out occasionally, soaking up the sun, and being creative. I love it. Later days!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A much needed update
Greetings,
I do realize that I haven’t written on here in a really long time and I apologize. The lack of free time is incomprehensible. Advance crew has come to an end and the population of camp has exploded. Staff training started on Friday and has been going strong since. We have sessions everyday on many different topics of camp. We have activity clinics about team sports, crafts, skateboarding, lifeguarding, etc. It’s really cool to learn about all the options that the kids have and to learn how to lead each event. We received the schedule for next week’s junior high camp as well. I am so excited. I am pumped to put all of what I have learned into action and to show them God’s love.
I had my UVIC convocation last week and my parents came up for it. It was so great to see them again and just hang out and talk. The grad was super formal with everyone dressed up in Harry Potter like outfits and traditional garb. We were tapped on the head by the chancellor’s poofy hat and received our diploma in epic proportions. It is good to have closure on that chapter of my life and to realize that I have a B.Sc. and official letters behind my name.
Today was just awesome. I have been doing a lot of complaining lately and I have realized how contagious negativity is to others. So today I consciously made an effort to not say anything negative and not complain about my situation, the food, activities, work or the weather. It was so super hard which made it that much more satisfying when I would go to say something negative but then had second thoughts and didn’t say it. I just knew that the Holy Spirit was leading that because I couldn’t stop that on my own. By making myself be cheerful about my day and circumstances I really did have a better day with more smiling, joy and laughter. It’s amazing how much our thoughts really do direct our heart. Paul says in Philippians 4: 11 that he has learned to be content whatever the circumstances. And really we have no reason to not be content. If we are looking forward with the vision of eternity and the place that God has planned for us, we should constantly be full of joy. Having hope in Jesus, our Saviour, is cause for a joyful heart.
I like what David says in Psalms too that “a cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good new gives health to the bones” (15:30) and that “a happy heart makes the face cheerful” (15:13). Happiness affects our whole body and being and ultimately affects others. The reason we complain is to either gain acceptance from others by having them also complain, to get attention, or because we are unhappy with the circumstances because they don’t suit our needs. How selfish is that?
And I don’t think that we have to be fake about it and we shouldn’t be. Kids and people can sense an unauthentic spirit and will latch onto that not taking us seriously. We can respond to a situation by not complaining or discouraging others yet not be super outgoing and bubbly about it if that’s not how we truly feel. There is a middle ground, the trick is to find it.
Anyhow, that’s just a few thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head the past little while. It’s amazing to see God’s work in my life and just how he has moulded me already to be this shepherd of His flock this summer and to be an example to everyone around me.
I continue to ask prayer for boldness and self confidence as I take on a leadership role in 4 days already. I pray for an attentive heart to the Holy Spirit’s moving. I pray for the words and wisdom to direct kids to know God and deal with every situation that I may encounter. I ask prayer also for physical healing. My knee has been acting up and the other day I bruised my ribs when Alycia, a close friend, tackled me full bore. As a camp we ask prayer for the people putting campers in cabins , that they will be directed by God to assign certain campers to cabins where they will feel loved and accepted. Lastly for the final preparations of camp, such as the bathroom that is still unfinished, staining, game planning, and other projects. Thank you so much for reading this blog and praying for us. I hope that you were blessed today. Later days!
I do realize that I haven’t written on here in a really long time and I apologize. The lack of free time is incomprehensible. Advance crew has come to an end and the population of camp has exploded. Staff training started on Friday and has been going strong since. We have sessions everyday on many different topics of camp. We have activity clinics about team sports, crafts, skateboarding, lifeguarding, etc. It’s really cool to learn about all the options that the kids have and to learn how to lead each event. We received the schedule for next week’s junior high camp as well. I am so excited. I am pumped to put all of what I have learned into action and to show them God’s love.
I had my UVIC convocation last week and my parents came up for it. It was so great to see them again and just hang out and talk. The grad was super formal with everyone dressed up in Harry Potter like outfits and traditional garb. We were tapped on the head by the chancellor’s poofy hat and received our diploma in epic proportions. It is good to have closure on that chapter of my life and to realize that I have a B.Sc. and official letters behind my name.
Today was just awesome. I have been doing a lot of complaining lately and I have realized how contagious negativity is to others. So today I consciously made an effort to not say anything negative and not complain about my situation, the food, activities, work or the weather. It was so super hard which made it that much more satisfying when I would go to say something negative but then had second thoughts and didn’t say it. I just knew that the Holy Spirit was leading that because I couldn’t stop that on my own. By making myself be cheerful about my day and circumstances I really did have a better day with more smiling, joy and laughter. It’s amazing how much our thoughts really do direct our heart. Paul says in Philippians 4: 11 that he has learned to be content whatever the circumstances. And really we have no reason to not be content. If we are looking forward with the vision of eternity and the place that God has planned for us, we should constantly be full of joy. Having hope in Jesus, our Saviour, is cause for a joyful heart.
I like what David says in Psalms too that “a cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good new gives health to the bones” (15:30) and that “a happy heart makes the face cheerful” (15:13). Happiness affects our whole body and being and ultimately affects others. The reason we complain is to either gain acceptance from others by having them also complain, to get attention, or because we are unhappy with the circumstances because they don’t suit our needs. How selfish is that?
And I don’t think that we have to be fake about it and we shouldn’t be. Kids and people can sense an unauthentic spirit and will latch onto that not taking us seriously. We can respond to a situation by not complaining or discouraging others yet not be super outgoing and bubbly about it if that’s not how we truly feel. There is a middle ground, the trick is to find it.
Anyhow, that’s just a few thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head the past little while. It’s amazing to see God’s work in my life and just how he has moulded me already to be this shepherd of His flock this summer and to be an example to everyone around me.
I continue to ask prayer for boldness and self confidence as I take on a leadership role in 4 days already. I pray for an attentive heart to the Holy Spirit’s moving. I pray for the words and wisdom to direct kids to know God and deal with every situation that I may encounter. I ask prayer also for physical healing. My knee has been acting up and the other day I bruised my ribs when Alycia, a close friend, tackled me full bore. As a camp we ask prayer for the people putting campers in cabins , that they will be directed by God to assign certain campers to cabins where they will feel loved and accepted. Lastly for the final preparations of camp, such as the bathroom that is still unfinished, staining, game planning, and other projects. Thank you so much for reading this blog and praying for us. I hope that you were blessed today. Later days!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Squirrel!
Well, the new UP Disney movie was amazing. On Sunday I went to see it in 3D in Nanaimo with a huge group of people. I have the roof off my jeep so we try to drive it any chance that we get. So we played mini golf first, then went to Montana's for steak, then to the movie. It was so much fun. Then I saw Up again last night and laughed just as hard. I love it. On Monday I had another day off so I went golfing in Ladysmith with a bunch of people. I sucked it up but it was so fun. This week I have been lifeguarding everyday and my skin color has gotten 3 shades darker. The weather has been incredibly nice and hot. Today it got windy, but only in the evening.
This weekend is family work weekend where families come to work on Saturday to help us get everything done. I am working in the kitchen which will be challenging and busy, but really fun. I have a couple days off next week, some random duties for the rest of the week, then Open House on Saturday. Then my parents come on the following Monday and my grad is on the Thursday and staff training starts on the Friday.
I am getting so stoked for the summer. I have a lot of planning and brainstorming to do before then but it will get done. The last couple weeks have gone by so fast, it's crazy. I have had a blast and don't want it to end.
Some prayer requests: If you could pray for safety in everything that we do. We haven't had any injuries but everyone is getting fatigued so we really need God's protection. Also just for the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives to outwardly display Jesus to those around us.
Later days!
This weekend is family work weekend where families come to work on Saturday to help us get everything done. I am working in the kitchen which will be challenging and busy, but really fun. I have a couple days off next week, some random duties for the rest of the week, then Open House on Saturday. Then my parents come on the following Monday and my grad is on the Thursday and staff training starts on the Friday.
I am getting so stoked for the summer. I have a lot of planning and brainstorming to do before then but it will get done. The last couple weeks have gone by so fast, it's crazy. I have had a blast and don't want it to end.
Some prayer requests: If you could pray for safety in everything that we do. We haven't had any injuries but everyone is getting fatigued so we really need God's protection. Also just for the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives to outwardly display Jesus to those around us.
Later days!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
NO SLEEP
Howdy!
Has it really been since May 8th that I wrote on this last? Wow time has flown. I have been out here a month now and it's so much fun. There have been some really down days but I am getting so connected with some people now and doing a lot of fun things. This last week I went hiking and then got lost on the way down making us bush wack back to the road. I tasted some really good salmon, slept a lot, went to Starbucks too many times to count, had a girls night Bible Study and the latest adventure was an all nighter.
Last night I was so tired and had heat exhaustion from lifeguarding all day in the sun so I decided to get hyper and have some caffeine. We went to Starbucks and I had a Caffe Americano which has 4 shots of expresso. My body is not used to that in the least. So at counselor training seminar last night Alycia and I were so hyper. The caffeine never wore off as we tried to sleep outside on the trampolines. At 3:20 in the morning we fell asleep only to be woken up 26 minutes later to the sprinklers pouring water down on us. We sprinted to the deck and stayed there for a bit. At 5 we made some popcorn and watched the sunrise and listened to the birds. Then we showered got all dolled up and are now on the computers waiting for breakfast and the seminar again. Should be a long day!
I have been on lifeguarding a lot which has been good. Some people here just call it life tanning cuz that's pretty much all we do. Just a little more than 2 weeks and it will be staff training. There is much to do at camp still like finishing the stairs, getting the inflatables in the water, finishing the bathroom and lots of maintenance. It looks so good and we are all amped for the summer. Please continue to pray for kids that are coming and for those that haven't registered yet and are in the process of deciding if they want to or not. Pray that God will use us the staff to reach everyone and really like for His glory in our daily lives. It has been amazing being here, meeting so many people, really growing in my faith, and just enjoying the summer. I hope to write soon again more about what I have been learning spiritually so that it might encourage you and help you remain faithful in prayer.
Thanks for reading this little piece of note worthy news :) God bless! Later days!
Has it really been since May 8th that I wrote on this last? Wow time has flown. I have been out here a month now and it's so much fun. There have been some really down days but I am getting so connected with some people now and doing a lot of fun things. This last week I went hiking and then got lost on the way down making us bush wack back to the road. I tasted some really good salmon, slept a lot, went to Starbucks too many times to count, had a girls night Bible Study and the latest adventure was an all nighter.
Last night I was so tired and had heat exhaustion from lifeguarding all day in the sun so I decided to get hyper and have some caffeine. We went to Starbucks and I had a Caffe Americano which has 4 shots of expresso. My body is not used to that in the least. So at counselor training seminar last night Alycia and I were so hyper. The caffeine never wore off as we tried to sleep outside on the trampolines. At 3:20 in the morning we fell asleep only to be woken up 26 minutes later to the sprinklers pouring water down on us. We sprinted to the deck and stayed there for a bit. At 5 we made some popcorn and watched the sunrise and listened to the birds. Then we showered got all dolled up and are now on the computers waiting for breakfast and the seminar again. Should be a long day!
I have been on lifeguarding a lot which has been good. Some people here just call it life tanning cuz that's pretty much all we do. Just a little more than 2 weeks and it will be staff training. There is much to do at camp still like finishing the stairs, getting the inflatables in the water, finishing the bathroom and lots of maintenance. It looks so good and we are all amped for the summer. Please continue to pray for kids that are coming and for those that haven't registered yet and are in the process of deciding if they want to or not. Pray that God will use us the staff to reach everyone and really like for His glory in our daily lives. It has been amazing being here, meeting so many people, really growing in my faith, and just enjoying the summer. I hope to write soon again more about what I have been learning spiritually so that it might encourage you and help you remain faithful in prayer.
Thanks for reading this little piece of note worthy news :) God bless! Later days!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Advance Crew
Greetings from Beautiful British Columbia,
I am up at Camp Qwanoes now and having a great time. Advance crew is fun to meet people, hang out and WORK. It's a lot of work too! We have been raking leaves, lots of leaves, cleaning bathrooms, moving heavy logs, scrubbing wood for a new set of stairs, cleaning other things. I do have some other duties too like working in the kitchen a bit and then at the water next week because I am a lifeguard. I have been able to keep up with the running, running stairs and working out in the small gym on the camp property. And I have a workout buddy too! It's fun having someone to run with and talk and do different weight programs. I love it.
Aside from work we have played a lot of dutch blitz, volleyball, hanging out, and indoor hockey. And yours truly scored 2 goals and had an assist. It was so fun. The food is really good mainly just because it's staff right now. I just love that there is salad every meal. The other night we went on a midnight run to Starbucks which then turned into a scavenger hunt where we went to Burger King, Walmart and Tim Hortons. Fun times and hopefully pictures will be posted rather soon. No guarantees though.
I don't know how much I am going to be able to update this but I hope that you find what I do write interesting. I would love your prayers for confidence, courage, and expectation for the summer. I am really looking forward to the campers coming and I am getting to know some people a lot better now. I love seeing God at work so purposefully here and am excited to be a part of it. So until later . . . later days!
I am up at Camp Qwanoes now and having a great time. Advance crew is fun to meet people, hang out and WORK. It's a lot of work too! We have been raking leaves, lots of leaves, cleaning bathrooms, moving heavy logs, scrubbing wood for a new set of stairs, cleaning other things. I do have some other duties too like working in the kitchen a bit and then at the water next week because I am a lifeguard. I have been able to keep up with the running, running stairs and working out in the small gym on the camp property. And I have a workout buddy too! It's fun having someone to run with and talk and do different weight programs. I love it.
Aside from work we have played a lot of dutch blitz, volleyball, hanging out, and indoor hockey. And yours truly scored 2 goals and had an assist. It was so fun. The food is really good mainly just because it's staff right now. I just love that there is salad every meal. The other night we went on a midnight run to Starbucks which then turned into a scavenger hunt where we went to Burger King, Walmart and Tim Hortons. Fun times and hopefully pictures will be posted rather soon. No guarantees though.
I don't know how much I am going to be able to update this but I hope that you find what I do write interesting. I would love your prayers for confidence, courage, and expectation for the summer. I am really looking forward to the campers coming and I am getting to know some people a lot better now. I love seeing God at work so purposefully here and am excited to be a part of it. So until later . . . later days!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Camp Counselor
Yay I am officially a senior counselor at Camp Qwanoes this summer. I start today April 29 doing advanced crew, so setting up and getting ready for the camp and the summer events. I am super excited about going but a bit nervous at the same time. It is a huge step out of my comfort zone. I know that it will stretch me and that God is going to use me in ways that I didn't think that I could be used. Please pray for me this summer as I reach out to kids and staff, showing them Christ's love and growing in faith and maturity in Christ. You will be hearing from shortly in a bit more detail. As for the blog, I will keep it going in the summer hopefully I can update you once a week. Waiting may not be fun, but you sure get rewarded when it's all done. Thanks be to God!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Officially a Lifeguard
Greetings!
It's a beautiful day today here in Burnaby. Don't know why I am sitting in Starbucks on my computer when I could be outside right now, but some computer stuff needed to be done. I plan on doing some walking and running later today while Leia is at school. I haven't seen too much of her because she is just so busy with work and school and then the weekends I have been busy with my lifeguarding course. But it's done now!!! Yay! I passed all my testing and actually ended up getting first in my class of 16. I was pretty happy about that too. I am just really glad that it's over so I don't have to eat out anymore, I can have free weekends and I don't have to be freezing cold in water anymore.
More news is that I had a phone interview with Camp Qwanoes on Friday and it went pretty well. I should be hearing back from them this week sometime whether I will be counselling there this summer or not. If I do get it I hope to be there before the weekend because there is a workshop on the weekend and advanced crew (volunteering to set up for camp) starts this week too. I just have to be patient and keep waiting. Story of my life.
I got to stay with my cousin Carrie and her family again this weekend and my little second cousin who is less than a month old is sososososo cute. Ha I think I made my mom jealous that I got to hold and see Natalie before she did.
Last week was full of working out, running, coloring with Leia, going to the states with Serena and hanging out. It was pretty eventful. This week probably won't be too exciting. Just more working out, hang out with Dave Iwai (friend from CBC), relax with Leia and wait to hear back from camp. I hope the weather stays as nice as it is right now so that I can be outside and get a start on a tan. LOL.
I wish that there was some professional sports being played right now because I really want to go to a game of some sort. Guess a Canucks playoff game would be out of the question because of the cost. However, hopefully the Flames will win this series and then they could play the Canucks. Then I would have to go to a game!!! It's so hard not having cable to watch these games. Well I am off to get some groceries. Later days!
It's a beautiful day today here in Burnaby. Don't know why I am sitting in Starbucks on my computer when I could be outside right now, but some computer stuff needed to be done. I plan on doing some walking and running later today while Leia is at school. I haven't seen too much of her because she is just so busy with work and school and then the weekends I have been busy with my lifeguarding course. But it's done now!!! Yay! I passed all my testing and actually ended up getting first in my class of 16. I was pretty happy about that too. I am just really glad that it's over so I don't have to eat out anymore, I can have free weekends and I don't have to be freezing cold in water anymore.
More news is that I had a phone interview with Camp Qwanoes on Friday and it went pretty well. I should be hearing back from them this week sometime whether I will be counselling there this summer or not. If I do get it I hope to be there before the weekend because there is a workshop on the weekend and advanced crew (volunteering to set up for camp) starts this week too. I just have to be patient and keep waiting. Story of my life.
I got to stay with my cousin Carrie and her family again this weekend and my little second cousin who is less than a month old is sososososo cute. Ha I think I made my mom jealous that I got to hold and see Natalie before she did.
Last week was full of working out, running, coloring with Leia, going to the states with Serena and hanging out. It was pretty eventful. This week probably won't be too exciting. Just more working out, hang out with Dave Iwai (friend from CBC), relax with Leia and wait to hear back from camp. I hope the weather stays as nice as it is right now so that I can be outside and get a start on a tan. LOL.
I wish that there was some professional sports being played right now because I really want to go to a game of some sort. Guess a Canucks playoff game would be out of the question because of the cost. However, hopefully the Flames will win this series and then they could play the Canucks. Then I would have to go to a game!!! It's so hard not having cable to watch these games. Well I am off to get some groceries. Later days!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Not a Jersey Girl
Greetings all!
Yes I hate to say that I will not becoming a New Jersey girl. I got a letter from Six Flags on Wednesday saying that I didn’t get the job. It’s disappointing to say the least. I am thankful for a somewhat working plan B so that I have something to fall back on, and now I am super excited for it. But you know, God has a plan that is so much greater than I could think of, because if He didn’t allow this opportunity to work out, then He must see me doing something far better. I thought that this was the way that I was supposed to be going because all the doors were opening, I got a cheap flight, I figured out the visa information, but I guess not. I did gain a whole lot from talking with the trainers when I stayed overnight, seeing New York, having a swim test and interview (each interview always helps), and finding out all the visa information that I need for any job in my field.
On another note, I have been spending a lot of money that I don’t have on a whole new wardrobe, which is fun yet stressful at the same time, since I don’t have the money. Today I bought a really, really nice coat that I love, 2 knit three-quarter sleeve sweaters, a lacy tank top and a nicer green shirt. I love it all. Leia and I had gone downtown Vancouver for the morning and evening. We had a great time shopping, seeing the sights, getting my hair done at her school, and eating at this amazing Italian restaurant. It was sosososo good.
This weekend I have my life guarding course again but I also planned some other things like seeing “17 Again” with Leia and her friends and hanging out with Leia and Justin. Next week is full too with things like cheap wing night, home group, trip to the states (maybe), college and career, Worship Invasion, a multi-choir concert and lots of hanging out. I have liked not having to work but a job would be nice. Well mainly having a consistent income and a group of people to get to know and see every day.
Loving the sun and greenness of BC,
Candice
Yes I hate to say that I will not becoming a New Jersey girl. I got a letter from Six Flags on Wednesday saying that I didn’t get the job. It’s disappointing to say the least. I am thankful for a somewhat working plan B so that I have something to fall back on, and now I am super excited for it. But you know, God has a plan that is so much greater than I could think of, because if He didn’t allow this opportunity to work out, then He must see me doing something far better. I thought that this was the way that I was supposed to be going because all the doors were opening, I got a cheap flight, I figured out the visa information, but I guess not. I did gain a whole lot from talking with the trainers when I stayed overnight, seeing New York, having a swim test and interview (each interview always helps), and finding out all the visa information that I need for any job in my field.
On another note, I have been spending a lot of money that I don’t have on a whole new wardrobe, which is fun yet stressful at the same time, since I don’t have the money. Today I bought a really, really nice coat that I love, 2 knit three-quarter sleeve sweaters, a lacy tank top and a nicer green shirt. I love it all. Leia and I had gone downtown Vancouver for the morning and evening. We had a great time shopping, seeing the sights, getting my hair done at her school, and eating at this amazing Italian restaurant. It was sosososo good.
This weekend I have my life guarding course again but I also planned some other things like seeing “17 Again” with Leia and her friends and hanging out with Leia and Justin. Next week is full too with things like cheap wing night, home group, trip to the states (maybe), college and career, Worship Invasion, a multi-choir concert and lots of hanging out. I have liked not having to work but a job would be nice. Well mainly having a consistent income and a group of people to get to know and see every day.
Loving the sun and greenness of BC,
Candice
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Turn in the Road
Greetings!
As many of you already know, I am now living with Leia in Burnaby for a couple weeks. I drove out here on Thursday and have been very busy since. On Friday I went to a Good Friday service, Saturday I spent with Serena and Sunday I started my NLS Lifeguarding course. It goes for the next two weekends too. It is a whole lot more tiring than I thought but super interesting. I am having a good time other than being cold all the time. Being in and out and in and out of the water gets really cold and there is little time for the hot tub. So I just suck it up and look forward to the end of the day.
During the week I am working out and hanging out with Cat, Carlene, Serena and Leia. It's relaxing but a little boring. This is just temporary. Plan A is to work at New Jersey of course and I hope to hear back soon. Plan B is to work for the summer as a cabin leader at Camp Qwanoes on Vancouver Island. That will be from May to Sept. I am getting very excited for this plan too. I feel a whole lot more peaceful having a backup plan. Not that I have everything planned, but just a little security.
This whole month and process of waiting and moving has really made me put my trust in God. I have had to trust Him to provide money, safety, and doors to open so that things will work out. I really don't know where I am supposed to be or what I am supposed to be doing but what I am doing right now is fun. I know that His plan is greater than anything I could think of so I know that what I am doing now is just temporary. So who knows where I will be in the future?!
Heading to the gym as usual so . . . later days!!!
As many of you already know, I am now living with Leia in Burnaby for a couple weeks. I drove out here on Thursday and have been very busy since. On Friday I went to a Good Friday service, Saturday I spent with Serena and Sunday I started my NLS Lifeguarding course. It goes for the next two weekends too. It is a whole lot more tiring than I thought but super interesting. I am having a good time other than being cold all the time. Being in and out and in and out of the water gets really cold and there is little time for the hot tub. So I just suck it up and look forward to the end of the day.
During the week I am working out and hanging out with Cat, Carlene, Serena and Leia. It's relaxing but a little boring. This is just temporary. Plan A is to work at New Jersey of course and I hope to hear back soon. Plan B is to work for the summer as a cabin leader at Camp Qwanoes on Vancouver Island. That will be from May to Sept. I am getting very excited for this plan too. I feel a whole lot more peaceful having a backup plan. Not that I have everything planned, but just a little security.
This whole month and process of waiting and moving has really made me put my trust in God. I have had to trust Him to provide money, safety, and doors to open so that things will work out. I really don't know where I am supposed to be or what I am supposed to be doing but what I am doing right now is fun. I know that His plan is greater than anything I could think of so I know that what I am doing now is just temporary. So who knows where I will be in the future?!
Heading to the gym as usual so . . . later days!!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Waiting Game
Greetings! I said that I would update this with either pictures of my trip or with news about the job. However, I have neither at this point. I have tried to put pictures up here a number of times but it's just so slow. Someday soon I will try again. I also don't have any news about the job. I called yesterday again and they said that they were still deliberating about the candidates. They did just have opening weekend last weekend and so were really busy with that, but it's still been 2 weeks since my interview and 3 since the first group. I hope that other people are calling and asking too because it's getting a little bit ridiculous. It's one thing to have a job that you like and just keep working away. But for me, some of my future plans hinge on this and not knowing is killing me.
I am currently reading "The Birth Order" book and wow it depicts my life to a tee. And so this not knowing about the job is really getting to me because I love to have everything planned out and know exactly what I am doing. The past little while I have really had to stretch myself to just let go of the planning and unknown future and let God take care of it. It's so hard though. I struggle everyday.
Well one thing for sure is that I am DONE at Tim Horton's. I gave my notice today and since I am booked a week off for some holidays at Easter I am officially done. And once again unemployed, as my mom said. Oh well. So then I am off to Surrey on Thursday to see Leia, Serena and CBC friends. It seems like it's been forever. Anyhow I'm sure that Six Flags will call when I am on my way or already there. Never fails.
The other day I was super depressed about not getting it and then just not knowing what to do next in my life. But I have since made some plans and am getting super excited about them. They are still in the works so I am not going to disclose anything yet but I am pumped.
Another thing is the college and career thing that Esther and I are sort of heading up. We are going swimming on Wednesday at 7 in Stettler and it sounds like there should be a good turn out. I am pumped. I thought that I would already be on my way to Abby, but I am just gonna leave on Thursday. So yeah I wish that we could have got it going sooner like in January when we first thought of it, but it's up and running now.
You can continue to pray for the New Jersey job, for patience and for them to see what they want in me, and also just for my other plans. That things will come together when I don't think that they will and that I will just stop worrying. Before I go just wanted to say, HAPPY SPRING!! This weather just makes everyone cheerful! Love it! Later days!!!
I am currently reading "The Birth Order" book and wow it depicts my life to a tee. And so this not knowing about the job is really getting to me because I love to have everything planned out and know exactly what I am doing. The past little while I have really had to stretch myself to just let go of the planning and unknown future and let God take care of it. It's so hard though. I struggle everyday.
Well one thing for sure is that I am DONE at Tim Horton's. I gave my notice today and since I am booked a week off for some holidays at Easter I am officially done. And once again unemployed, as my mom said. Oh well. So then I am off to Surrey on Thursday to see Leia, Serena and CBC friends. It seems like it's been forever. Anyhow I'm sure that Six Flags will call when I am on my way or already there. Never fails.
The other day I was super depressed about not getting it and then just not knowing what to do next in my life. But I have since made some plans and am getting super excited about them. They are still in the works so I am not going to disclose anything yet but I am pumped.
Another thing is the college and career thing that Esther and I are sort of heading up. We are going swimming on Wednesday at 7 in Stettler and it sounds like there should be a good turn out. I am pumped. I thought that I would already be on my way to Abby, but I am just gonna leave on Thursday. So yeah I wish that we could have got it going sooner like in January when we first thought of it, but it's up and running now.
You can continue to pray for the New Jersey job, for patience and for them to see what they want in me, and also just for my other plans. That things will come together when I don't think that they will and that I will just stop worrying. Before I go just wanted to say, HAPPY SPRING!! This weather just makes everyone cheerful! Love it! Later days!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I LOVE NY!!!
I am happy to report that my life has been getting somewhat interesting and I have more to report today than I have the past couple of weeks. Well I went to New Jersey last Saturday for a job interview at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Jackson. The interview and swim test was on Sunday morning. The swim test went sososososo well. I don't even remember being out of breath or tired. It was so cold that I just wanted to get moving and show them what I could do. 2 people failed the test and so 6 went on to interviews, one of them being me!!! I had practiced a lot of interview questions in preparation for it, but they turned out to be way easier than I thought. I was very comfortable with them and not really all that nervous so I think that I did a great job.
I think that it helped having the trainer pick me up from the airport and stay at her house so that I got extra chances to talk to them about my background and even about their career path. It was great! So there were 4 days of interviews with about 10 people each day. So about 40 people were applying for 2 positions. However this gets whittled down really fast because my week, 3 people cancelled and then 2 people failed so only 6 had interviews. I heard too from the trainer that our day had way stronger swimmers than the first day, a couple days before. The rest of the interviews happened yesterday and today and so I will find out tomorrow if I got the job or not. I wish that I didin't have to work so that I could sit by the phone to hear.
After the interviews were over I got a ride to the train station to catch a train to Penn Station in New York. That night I checked into my hotel, visited Grand Central Station, ate some NY cheesecake, and walked around Times Square (which I loved!!!!!) Oh man, I walked everywhere. Manhattan is only 2 miles wide (12 blocks numbered first to 12th ave) and 12 miles long (numbered from 1st street to 50th I think). Monday I got up early to take a hopon hopoff bus tour through Harlem, past Central Park, and all these famous places you see on the movies. It was so cold though (about 0C) because the bus didn't have a roof so I froze.
Next I took a bus on the downtown loop past Times Square, Macy's, Madison Square Gardens and got off at Battery Park. I got on the harbor cruise water taxi that took us out on the water past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I then took the bus back uptown past the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center over to Madison again. There I shopped a bit, ate a hot dog at a hot dog stand and waited for the Knicks game to start! That was awesome. It was Legends night so Patrick Ewing was honored along with a number of other famous Knicks players. The Knicks lost to Orlando by 3 points, a nail biter in the end. Dwight Howard for the Magic was amazing to watch. Scored 35 points or so too. Unstoppable!
After the game I went up the Empire State Building and saw the city at night. It was beautiful! I then spent more time in Times Square wandering around, shopping, eating and staring at the lights. It's so bright! Tuesday I went to the Rockefeller center and went up to the Top of the Rock to see the city during the day. The view was way better because you could see all of Central Park, the Empire State building and all the way past the Statue of Liberty. All the colors of the buildings were pretty fantastic too. I then went on the Brooklyn tour which was alright, but not super great. I had to catch my plane at 3 so I took the train to the airport and was on my way home.
I want to thank everyone that prayed for me. I have never felt more covered in prayer or felt the presence of God so close to me as I did during my interview. I felt so confident and was at peace with what I said and did. He definitely gave me the words to say and the conviction behind it to demonstrate that I wanted this job. I would love continued prayer for the right decision to be made tomorrow and that if I do get it that I will be able to get all my stuff together to move down quite quickly. The park opens on Saturday April 4th so I will have to be there right away.
I will definitely post my pictures soon enough because words cannot describe all the things that I saw. I would suggest that if you ever go to New York that you spend more than 2 days because there is way too much to see. I would have loved to have some more hot dogs, walk in Central Park, do a bunch of clothes shopping, visit the little restaurants and shops on Canal Street and Little Italy. And it really is the city that never sleeps. Talk about less than 4 hours a night each night just because of the adrenaline and seeing so much. Oh and I loved the taxis. Hailing a cab was one of the best things that I did. Cheap too, only like 5 bucks a ride, just because everything is so close.
Well I would love to show you all my pictures if anyone wants. You know where to find me. And I will be posting and letting you all know tomorrow or Tuesday if I got the job or not. You know, even if I don't get it I know that God was right there with me and I have no regrets about what I should have said or did. He knows where I am supposed to be right now and am confident that I am listening to His leading about following his direction. Later days!
I think that it helped having the trainer pick me up from the airport and stay at her house so that I got extra chances to talk to them about my background and even about their career path. It was great! So there were 4 days of interviews with about 10 people each day. So about 40 people were applying for 2 positions. However this gets whittled down really fast because my week, 3 people cancelled and then 2 people failed so only 6 had interviews. I heard too from the trainer that our day had way stronger swimmers than the first day, a couple days before. The rest of the interviews happened yesterday and today and so I will find out tomorrow if I got the job or not. I wish that I didin't have to work so that I could sit by the phone to hear.
After the interviews were over I got a ride to the train station to catch a train to Penn Station in New York. That night I checked into my hotel, visited Grand Central Station, ate some NY cheesecake, and walked around Times Square (which I loved!!!!!) Oh man, I walked everywhere. Manhattan is only 2 miles wide (12 blocks numbered first to 12th ave) and 12 miles long (numbered from 1st street to 50th I think). Monday I got up early to take a hopon hopoff bus tour through Harlem, past Central Park, and all these famous places you see on the movies. It was so cold though (about 0C) because the bus didn't have a roof so I froze.
Next I took a bus on the downtown loop past Times Square, Macy's, Madison Square Gardens and got off at Battery Park. I got on the harbor cruise water taxi that took us out on the water past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I then took the bus back uptown past the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center over to Madison again. There I shopped a bit, ate a hot dog at a hot dog stand and waited for the Knicks game to start! That was awesome. It was Legends night so Patrick Ewing was honored along with a number of other famous Knicks players. The Knicks lost to Orlando by 3 points, a nail biter in the end. Dwight Howard for the Magic was amazing to watch. Scored 35 points or so too. Unstoppable!
After the game I went up the Empire State Building and saw the city at night. It was beautiful! I then spent more time in Times Square wandering around, shopping, eating and staring at the lights. It's so bright! Tuesday I went to the Rockefeller center and went up to the Top of the Rock to see the city during the day. The view was way better because you could see all of Central Park, the Empire State building and all the way past the Statue of Liberty. All the colors of the buildings were pretty fantastic too. I then went on the Brooklyn tour which was alright, but not super great. I had to catch my plane at 3 so I took the train to the airport and was on my way home.
I want to thank everyone that prayed for me. I have never felt more covered in prayer or felt the presence of God so close to me as I did during my interview. I felt so confident and was at peace with what I said and did. He definitely gave me the words to say and the conviction behind it to demonstrate that I wanted this job. I would love continued prayer for the right decision to be made tomorrow and that if I do get it that I will be able to get all my stuff together to move down quite quickly. The park opens on Saturday April 4th so I will have to be there right away.
I will definitely post my pictures soon enough because words cannot describe all the things that I saw. I would suggest that if you ever go to New York that you spend more than 2 days because there is way too much to see. I would have loved to have some more hot dogs, walk in Central Park, do a bunch of clothes shopping, visit the little restaurants and shops on Canal Street and Little Italy. And it really is the city that never sleeps. Talk about less than 4 hours a night each night just because of the adrenaline and seeing so much. Oh and I loved the taxis. Hailing a cab was one of the best things that I did. Cheap too, only like 5 bucks a ride, just because everything is so close.
Well I would love to show you all my pictures if anyone wants. You know where to find me. And I will be posting and letting you all know tomorrow or Tuesday if I got the job or not. You know, even if I don't get it I know that God was right there with me and I have no regrets about what I should have said or did. He knows where I am supposed to be right now and am confident that I am listening to His leading about following his direction. Later days!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
NY here I come!
Well folks, since I saw my mom looking at my blog today to see if I had updated it, I decided that I should give a little shout out to my loyal fans. The last week has been way less than entertaining. I have spent the majority of the time on the computer researching visa information and booking everything for my trip to New York. I am getting so excited. I found an awesome seat sale and am flying to Newark, NJ on the 21st of March. My swim test and interview are on the Sunday at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. On Sunday I am heading back to New York and spending Monday and Tuesday seeing the sights before flying home. The best thing is that on Monday night I am going to a Knicks game at Madison Square Gardens!! I am stoked for that. I wish football season was still on, but I will settle with basketball.
I have been praying like crazy for this job opportunity, not only for the job to present itself and for them to contact me back, but for all the visa information and other things to come together for me. I would love prayer for safety in traveling, strength during my swim test and mostly for confidence and words to say in my interview. I am really nervous about it after bombing my West Edmonton Mall one a month ago. So I have been practicing interview questions today and getting ready for my mom and maybe my friends to ask me questions to prepare me.
I am thankful that I have been working at Tim Horton's all this time because it has given me valuable work experience where I have coworkers and have to punch in and out like a real job. The time spent here in Stettler has not gone to waste. I have been feeling quite lonely lately. I miss Leia and Serena. I like hanging out with Kim and Esther, but we have such different schedules so it doesn't always work. But Leia is coming home this weekend!! It's only for a short period of time but I will take it over nothing.
I am super pumped that the Dallas Cowboys got rid of Pacman Jones and TO. Yay! We might have a shot this year! I haven't been into March Madness this year surprisingly but it's hard when I don't have sole possession of the remote control or anyone around me that is just obsessed with it. Instead I just read a lot and the only show that I just love is the Biggest Loser. Every week I have to watch it. It's so good.
Well like always I hope to find something more interesting to post about in the near future. If I don't get around to it before next Saturday I will be posting my NY pictures when I get back! Later days!!
I have been praying like crazy for this job opportunity, not only for the job to present itself and for them to contact me back, but for all the visa information and other things to come together for me. I would love prayer for safety in traveling, strength during my swim test and mostly for confidence and words to say in my interview. I am really nervous about it after bombing my West Edmonton Mall one a month ago. So I have been practicing interview questions today and getting ready for my mom and maybe my friends to ask me questions to prepare me.
I am thankful that I have been working at Tim Horton's all this time because it has given me valuable work experience where I have coworkers and have to punch in and out like a real job. The time spent here in Stettler has not gone to waste. I have been feeling quite lonely lately. I miss Leia and Serena. I like hanging out with Kim and Esther, but we have such different schedules so it doesn't always work. But Leia is coming home this weekend!! It's only for a short period of time but I will take it over nothing.
I am super pumped that the Dallas Cowboys got rid of Pacman Jones and TO. Yay! We might have a shot this year! I haven't been into March Madness this year surprisingly but it's hard when I don't have sole possession of the remote control or anyone around me that is just obsessed with it. Instead I just read a lot and the only show that I just love is the Biggest Loser. Every week I have to watch it. It's so good.
Well like always I hope to find something more interesting to post about in the near future. If I don't get around to it before next Saturday I will be posting my NY pictures when I get back! Later days!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
My life in the times of February
Greetings! It's been almost a month since I wrote a blog that actually updated my life rather than providing mouth water recipes or videos. I have got to hang out with Kim a lot. We were good friends in high school and now she is living in Stettler doing her teaching practicum at the Erskine School. Church has also been really great. I miss a college and career group like Adore but going to church every Sunday is definitely a highlight of the week.
I went to Missionsfest last weekend and it was so awesome!! I went to a couple seminars on prayer, a mission called Lifeline Malawi and one on Muslim evangelism. The assemblies were great and all the speakers really hit home. They had a huge hall filled with exhibits of different missions groups, bible colleges and other Christian organizations. It was great to get information for all sorts of things. I went out for supper with my aunt, uncle and cousins. It was so great to see them again!
The past little while I have been doing nothing other than reading, sleeping, eating, working out, working and the most time consuming thing of all . . . phoning places and internet browsing information about getting a US working visa. I have an interview and swim test at Six Flags in New Jersey in a couple weeks. They seem very interested in having me work there but I am struggling to figure out the visa situation. After many phone calls to Texas, New Jersey, Washington, etc (that will be one expensive phone bill) I have come up with some helpful information. I need to do a bit more research on Monday, get the time booked off of work, and then book the flight. I am super excited. This past week while swimming I was really scared that I would fail the swim test as you have to swim 80 feet or 1 length of the pool underwater. I practiced that night and yesterday and was able to do it 3 times (not in a row of course). So I am confident that I will do well.
I would love prayer for doors to open for me to get a Visa, for everything to work out and for me to have patience to wait. I am praying that if all the doors open and God leads me this way, that I will do it. If doors close and the opportunities fail, I have a couple other plans for the summer and the future which I am not going to disclose now because who knows what will happen. Each day the plan changes and I become interested in something else.
I love the sun here in Alberta. I don't miss all the overcast days and fear of rain in BC. I do miss the ocean and the mountains and all the greenery though. I am going to visit on Easter weekend. Serena and Leia are both excited for that. Me too. I don't have to work then.
I am not going to complain about Tim Horton's on here again. It's a paycheque. That's all I am going to say. Things need to change in the near future because I would rather be living somewhere else and doing a job that I love. We'll see. All in God's timing. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Well, I am off to church again without my family as my parents are both having separate holidays in Florida and I don't know what Brianne is doing. Pray for her too please. Gotta work tonight but I get Tuesday off and I can't wait! Oh and if you want to see a good movie, sure it's a chick flick but it's pretty funny, go see "New in Town" with Harry Connick Jr. and Renee Zellwegger. I really liked it. I went to see that on Friday when I went to Red Deer. The main purpose of the trip though was to spend an hour at Parables, use my birthday gift certificate, and then go to Costco for their hotdog and fries. It was so satisfying.
I hope that was a good enough update for you. I like blogging random things and then the occasional update for you so expect a whole bunch of crazy blogs. Later days!!!
I went to Missionsfest last weekend and it was so awesome!! I went to a couple seminars on prayer, a mission called Lifeline Malawi and one on Muslim evangelism. The assemblies were great and all the speakers really hit home. They had a huge hall filled with exhibits of different missions groups, bible colleges and other Christian organizations. It was great to get information for all sorts of things. I went out for supper with my aunt, uncle and cousins. It was so great to see them again!
The past little while I have been doing nothing other than reading, sleeping, eating, working out, working and the most time consuming thing of all . . . phoning places and internet browsing information about getting a US working visa. I have an interview and swim test at Six Flags in New Jersey in a couple weeks. They seem very interested in having me work there but I am struggling to figure out the visa situation. After many phone calls to Texas, New Jersey, Washington, etc (that will be one expensive phone bill) I have come up with some helpful information. I need to do a bit more research on Monday, get the time booked off of work, and then book the flight. I am super excited. This past week while swimming I was really scared that I would fail the swim test as you have to swim 80 feet or 1 length of the pool underwater. I practiced that night and yesterday and was able to do it 3 times (not in a row of course). So I am confident that I will do well.
I would love prayer for doors to open for me to get a Visa, for everything to work out and for me to have patience to wait. I am praying that if all the doors open and God leads me this way, that I will do it. If doors close and the opportunities fail, I have a couple other plans for the summer and the future which I am not going to disclose now because who knows what will happen. Each day the plan changes and I become interested in something else.
I love the sun here in Alberta. I don't miss all the overcast days and fear of rain in BC. I do miss the ocean and the mountains and all the greenery though. I am going to visit on Easter weekend. Serena and Leia are both excited for that. Me too. I don't have to work then.
I am not going to complain about Tim Horton's on here again. It's a paycheque. That's all I am going to say. Things need to change in the near future because I would rather be living somewhere else and doing a job that I love. We'll see. All in God's timing. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Well, I am off to church again without my family as my parents are both having separate holidays in Florida and I don't know what Brianne is doing. Pray for her too please. Gotta work tonight but I get Tuesday off and I can't wait! Oh and if you want to see a good movie, sure it's a chick flick but it's pretty funny, go see "New in Town" with Harry Connick Jr. and Renee Zellwegger. I really liked it. I went to see that on Friday when I went to Red Deer. The main purpose of the trip though was to spend an hour at Parables, use my birthday gift certificate, and then go to Costco for their hotdog and fries. It was so satisfying.
I hope that was a good enough update for you. I like blogging random things and then the occasional update for you so expect a whole bunch of crazy blogs. Later days!!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
xoxo I love Jesus xoxo
Happy Valentine's Day! I'm really not that big into celebrating Valentine's day, well other than making some homemade valentine's this year. But this day always brings me back to the only place that I truly belong . . . the foot of the cross! I always take at least an hour out of my day on Valentine's day for a date with the Greatest Lover of them all.
1 John 4: 7-19
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
I just love this passage. The biggest thing is just that all love comes from God. It is not self generated. And that excites me because all I need to do is love God and ask Him for me to show His love to others. And it all came at the expense of Jesus. Every day I am blown away by the sacrifice that Jesus paid to allow us eternal fellowship and life with Him. For Him to take my sins and heap them on himself is unconditional love. I love that grace and mercy!
I am so thankful for my family and friends, for my health, for the ability to enjoy the things I love doing, for nature (oh man, I love nature), and even for being in Stettler. I know for a fact beyond any shadow of a doubt right now that I am supposed to be here for a reason only God knows. There have been times in the past couple weeks that I seriously did not want to be here, and I still don't but instead of complaining I need to find joy in these circumstances. Joy that can only come from knowing and loving my Saviour.
I love all of you that read this thing and I hope that you can find this same love for our God not only today but every day and forever!
Later days!
Monday, February 9, 2009
3 Breakfast Recipes
Here are the three best breakfasts that I have made in the past week and will continue to eat in the coming days because they are so good.
1. Peanut Butter Wraps
smooth peanut butter 2 tbsp (or enough to cover tortilla)
whole wheat tortilla
banana, sliced
liquid honey
Spread peanut butter evenly on tortilla, leaving 1 inch edge.
Arrange banana slices, overlapping, down centre of peanut butter. Drizzle with honey. Fold in sides. Roll up from bottom to enclose bananas securely. Broil on cookie sheet for 3 minutes to melt peanut butter and blend flavors. ( I usually just turn the oven to broil and stick the wrap in right away for 3 minutes).
2. Fruit-filled French Toast Wraps
servings : 2
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole wheat tortillas
2/3 cup berries of any kind
1 6 oz. carton of vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup granola
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dip both sides of tortillas in egg mixture. In a nonstick skillet, cook tortillas over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine the berries, yogurt and granola. Spoon down the center of tortillas. Roll up and serve.
(I just bought a fruit and yogurt parfait from Tim Horton's and added granola for the filling in these really filling french toast wraps. Tastes just like French Toast!)
3. Healthy Oatmeal
( I've never been big on hot breakfast cereals, but since I can't really do milk anymore, I decided to try it. So much to my dad's dismay because oatmeal is HIS breakfast thing, I love it and now he has to share)
2/3 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp cinnamon
squirt of honey
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup almonds
Add oats to water and microwave for 1.5 minutes. Add cinnamon, honey, blueberries, and almonds. Mix together and enjoy.
(I am going to try raspberries tomorrow. I think that it will make it sweeter cuz raspberries have some tart taste to them!)
Later days!!
1. Peanut Butter Wraps
smooth peanut butter 2 tbsp (or enough to cover tortilla)
whole wheat tortilla
banana, sliced
liquid honey
Spread peanut butter evenly on tortilla, leaving 1 inch edge.
Arrange banana slices, overlapping, down centre of peanut butter. Drizzle with honey. Fold in sides. Roll up from bottom to enclose bananas securely. Broil on cookie sheet for 3 minutes to melt peanut butter and blend flavors. ( I usually just turn the oven to broil and stick the wrap in right away for 3 minutes).
2. Fruit-filled French Toast Wraps
servings : 2
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole wheat tortillas
2/3 cup berries of any kind
1 6 oz. carton of vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup granola
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dip both sides of tortillas in egg mixture. In a nonstick skillet, cook tortillas over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine the berries, yogurt and granola. Spoon down the center of tortillas. Roll up and serve.
(I just bought a fruit and yogurt parfait from Tim Horton's and added granola for the filling in these really filling french toast wraps. Tastes just like French Toast!)
3. Healthy Oatmeal
( I've never been big on hot breakfast cereals, but since I can't really do milk anymore, I decided to try it. So much to my dad's dismay because oatmeal is HIS breakfast thing, I love it and now he has to share)
2/3 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp cinnamon
squirt of honey
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup almonds
Add oats to water and microwave for 1.5 minutes. Add cinnamon, honey, blueberries, and almonds. Mix together and enjoy.
(I am going to try raspberries tomorrow. I think that it will make it sweeter cuz raspberries have some tart taste to them!)
Later days!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hot Drinks
Ever since September of 2008, I cannot get enough hot drinks. I love tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, hot smoothies, hot water, and coffee. It's crazy. Going from not liking anything to liking it all. I drink it all straight. No sugar, no cream. Even coffee, I like it black. Of course a vanilla latte or a mocha is really good too. The only thing though is that my system is not used to the caffeine and I am wired. Like right now. I had coffee on my break at 9, a mint hot smoothie on my way home, and a hot chocolate at home. The sugar rush and caffeine is giving me a headache along with a bundle of energy. I am never going to get to sleep tonight. I don't work tomorrow though, so it's all good.My favorites are:
- hazelnut hot chocolate made with milk not water
- raspberry hot smoothie
- vanilla latte (probably other lattes if I tried them)
- teas vary on the day but I really like apple cinnamon or honey lemon
- my favorite apple cider is Mrs. McComishs at the McComish Christmas in December!
Well, there you have it. A quick rundown on my drinking preferences. Expect more random blogs like this in the near future because I don't have a life and tend to write on this thing many times a week!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Short and sweet
Greetings~~
If you didn't see my semi-new post before last week, you should look now. It's all my favorite quotes. Anyhow I wanted to blog to keep you updated on my life but sadly there is not much to update. Tim Horton's is going great. I got a raise yesterday already, so I was pretty pumped about that. I only work 2 more days this week so it will be a short one. My parents are off to BC to see Leia. I wish it was me. Too bad the Cardinals lost on Sunday. It was a great game to watch though. I think that penalties and that 100 yd touchdown by Pittsburg off of Kurt Warner's interception contributed greatly to their loss. Wow yeah I really don't have anything to say. I may try posting some birthday pictures soon. Until bigger news comes along, later days!!
If you didn't see my semi-new post before last week, you should look now. It's all my favorite quotes. Anyhow I wanted to blog to keep you updated on my life but sadly there is not much to update. Tim Horton's is going great. I got a raise yesterday already, so I was pretty pumped about that. I only work 2 more days this week so it will be a short one. My parents are off to BC to see Leia. I wish it was me. Too bad the Cardinals lost on Sunday. It was a great game to watch though. I think that penalties and that 100 yd touchdown by Pittsburg off of Kurt Warner's interception contributed greatly to their loss. Wow yeah I really don't have anything to say. I may try posting some birthday pictures soon. Until bigger news comes along, later days!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Fritters, fills, and fun
Well folks . . . I had thought of some new topics for my blog and partially wrote one, but I just didn't have the time to post it yet. We'll see what I can do in the coming week. So far work at Tim Horton's has been good. I am still training but on Wednesday I have a shift by myself. I am not worried, and actually quite excited to not take orders from anyone and just bake what I think that I should bake. All my clothes smell like the store but at least it doesn't stink like Subway. The other day I went in there for like 2 seconds and my coat reeked like Subway for the rest of the day.
I am super pumped for this weekend. I have Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. On Saturday McComishs are coming over to celebrate my birthday with me. On Sunday, my actual birthday, I am going to watch the Cardinals hopefully win over the Pittsburg Steelers in the Superbowl. I have planned all the food and such which I am super excited for. And I am making cheesecake for my birthday cake. I got a springform pan from my mom and I can't wait to try it. I'll have to let you all know how it turned out. It's going to be chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake!!!
This last weekend saw me attending one large chinese food party that my mom put on. Good food, got to play some cards and get to know some new people. Yesterday we went to see the movie "Paul Blart Mall Cop" in Red Deer. It was sososososo good! I would definitely suggest that you go see it!
I wish that I had more to report on, but sadly I do not live a very exciting life. There are many things that I want to do right now like go to a Flames game, fly to BC to see Leia and Serena, go on a vacation somewhere warm, etc. But I am trying to SAVE my money by living at home and working so doing that would defeat the purpose. However I suppose that a person still has to enjoy life and the time they are working a menial job, so maybe I should splurge a bit and do something fun. I was thinking about going to Missionfest in Edmonton in a couple weeks! I wonder if my aunt will put me up for the night?!?!
Anyhow I better get to bed as I work at 9 tomorrow. Can't wait for Wed- Fri shift 3-11!!! Later days!!
I am super pumped for this weekend. I have Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. On Saturday McComishs are coming over to celebrate my birthday with me. On Sunday, my actual birthday, I am going to watch the Cardinals hopefully win over the Pittsburg Steelers in the Superbowl. I have planned all the food and such which I am super excited for. And I am making cheesecake for my birthday cake. I got a springform pan from my mom and I can't wait to try it. I'll have to let you all know how it turned out. It's going to be chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake!!!
This last weekend saw me attending one large chinese food party that my mom put on. Good food, got to play some cards and get to know some new people. Yesterday we went to see the movie "Paul Blart Mall Cop" in Red Deer. It was sososososo good! I would definitely suggest that you go see it!
I wish that I had more to report on, but sadly I do not live a very exciting life. There are many things that I want to do right now like go to a Flames game, fly to BC to see Leia and Serena, go on a vacation somewhere warm, etc. But I am trying to SAVE my money by living at home and working so doing that would defeat the purpose. However I suppose that a person still has to enjoy life and the time they are working a menial job, so maybe I should splurge a bit and do something fun. I was thinking about going to Missionfest in Edmonton in a couple weeks! I wonder if my aunt will put me up for the night?!?!
Anyhow I better get to bed as I work at 9 tomorrow. Can't wait for Wed- Fri shift 3-11!!! Later days!!
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