Love will hold us together

Mercy is not getting what we deserve.

Grace is getting what we don't deserve.

‎"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us.Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." -HEBREWS 12:1-2

This blog post is for my girls Em and Coll. I love you both a lot <3

Simply because...

I work... to pay to go to school .... so I can work the rest of my life.

ughhhh

On the bright side:
Perk to living at home - unlimited supply of chewing gum! (mom gots a new job!)

Who Knows?

I think sometimes I write these long posts because I like to hear myself speak.... or rather, type.

Once again... I'm rediscovering my joy!

Here is what I've been learning lately....

God is not too big for any of my stuff. So often, I get hit desperation or confusion and give Him the bigger stuff. I trust Him with it because He is the God of all creation so when it comes down to it, I'd rather Him handle the big stuff. But here is what I was missing...

He is just as interested in the small things as well! The key element for me has been starting to see my place in His bigger picture. Seeing how minuscule I am in His grandeur plan and yet how loved I am. Humbled by my understand of sin's effects on this world and my life,  but understanding the beauty of salvation and the plan He has for my life. Wow....
He's not too big for any of it, and if we believe that everything in our lives some how directs our paths or influence us in some way (like in Andy Stanley's 'The Path Principle'), then why would we want to have control of any of it? How do we not understand how big this is... how huge this thing is... and we're invited into it!

Look how they shine for you...

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind - Einstein

Neat...

Three things in life that once gone, never come back:
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things in life that are truly constant:
1. Father 
2. Son
3. Holy Spirit

Truthfully...

Summer has come to an end. With ReFuel coming up, school starting soon, being a captain this weekend at orientation and job hunting to pay for tuition, I feel a lot of attack on my heart. Its not only that I feel the attack, its that there are more and more opportunities to participate in things I just don't need to be involved in. 
Frankly I'm really nervous for the semester. I never anticipated it being this busy, having so much to do... and I don't want to 'loose my soul' in my efforts to do well with everything that's going on. 
The fact is, that God is God, and me not trusting in Him is just saying He can't handle all this craziness. He can. And quite honestly, I know I can't. I shouldn't even bother. Although that may seem as a cop out to a non-Christian, I know that its actually so empowering! I was honestly hesitating lifting up my worries and trusting Him fully because I thought He'd just make it happen. Right. Nothing in life is that easy. But its not like that answer is an olympic marathon in itself either... I simply just have to ask and keep pushing forward.
ReFuel in particular, has been a huge responsibility. Its been almost a decade since some of these churches have ventured outside their denominations and I think God has big BIG plans for this event. 
With that said, I need to get into my bible and take refuge in Christ. I know with my personality, it will be so easy to fall into the same slippy slope as last year. There is a lot at stake this month! God is God, and nothing is too big for Him! Please keep me in your prayers this month. I can feel some spiritual attack on my life right now, and I need to be continually turning to Christ and looking to Him for guidance. 
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Glory be to God.

ReFuel and more....

Wow! Its September!!

My summer was full of summer road trips and awesome music.

Life changing friendships and trips to the beach.

Family camping and late night tuck tournaments.

Campfires and yummy potlucks.

Church get-togethers and sunny skies!

Dreaming and planning.

Red dirt roads and late night walks.

Foolishness and outbreaks of dance.

Tears and prayers.

Worship and encouragement.

Last but not least, I had the honor and challenge of preparing for a huge event this month. This event, Refuel, is designed to be a kick-off evening for youth groups and young adults from across the Island to come together to worship, pray and find encouragement. We are expecting about 300 youth and youth adults. 

God has been so instrumental throughout this whole process and I am really excited to see Him move in the lives of those who attend. We have a band, a speaker, an emcee and lots of volunteers! So many different denominations, and I think there is something to powerful about youth coming together to worship. I know so often in high school its easy to get discouraged, but this event will bring us all together and hopefully send everyone away knowing that they're not alone!

Keep this event in your prayers these next few weeks. The fall promises to be busy!!

Once upon a time...

An excerpt from Tim Keller's study book Gospel in Life.

Once upon a time there was a gardener who grew an enormous carrot. He took to to his king and said, "My lord, this is the greatest carrot I've ever grown or even will grow; therefore, I want to present it to you as a token of my love and respect for you." The king was touched and discerned the man's heart, so as he turned to go, the king said, "Wait! You are clearly a good steward of the earth. I own a plot of land right next to yours. I want to give it to you freely as a gift, so you can garden it all." The gardener was amazed and delighted and went him rejoicing. But there was a nobleman at the king's court who overheard all this, and he said "My! If that is what you get from a carrot, then what if you gave the king something better?" The next day the nobleman came before the king, and he was leading a handsome black stallion. He bowed low and said, "My lord, I breed horses, and this is the greatest horse I've ever bred or ever will; therefore, I want to present it to you as a token of my love and respect for you." Bot the king discerned his heart and said, "Thank you," and took the horse and simply dismissed him. The nobleman was perplexed, so the king said, "Let me explain. That gardener was giving me the carrot but you were giving yourself the horse."

If we give God things in the hope that they will earn us blessings or heaven., then we are really not doing anything for him at all-its for ourselves. Only an experience of grace changes us so we do good things for goodness' sake, for God's sake.

things have been eventful!

This summer has been absolutely spectacular! Amazing friends and fun adventures.


1. The beautiful Colleen came to visit!


2. Game board nights with fabulous friends.


3. Sunny Sunday delight.


4. Weekend concerts and beautiful people.5. THE BEACH!


6. Karaoke with camping soul mates.

6. Ben&Jerry's splurging nights!

THE END!

Being refined.

My heart is being refined and its painful. I spent the last year asking God to help me grow in faith. Here it is happening... and its getting really hard. Things were so great until this January, and now I feel like I've been getting so many curve balls.

I keep finding myself in the same situations and struggling through them. I guess its progress that I'm aware and catching it... but now that I see the consequences of my actions, its overwhelming and I am often overcompensating and over thinking.

Looking back on years past and how I've grown in my faith, I know God has been preparing me to deal with this. He has presented me with everything I need... Him. Although this has been a painful year, I know this is where I'm supposed to be.

So as I have been dealing with the sin that's been exposed in my life, God has been so instrumental in revealing to me how much he loves me. Its overwhelming and powerful. Hallelujah, grace like rain is falling down on me.

Not pride... humility!
No guilt... confidence!

...powerful

"make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." - 2 Peter 1:5-8

Timothy Keller

Religion vs. Gospel

I am so sinful that he had to die for me. At the same time, I'm so loved because he was willing to do it.

I'm doing a study on a book called 'Gospel in Life' by Timothy Keller. In our reading and discussion, it challenged us to evaluate how we are living out our faith. This particular chapter defines gospel vs. religion and asks us to move past simply going through the motions of the Christian religion and obedience, and really trying to live out the gospel with the right motivation and heart.

Religion says: If i obey, then God will love and accept me
If you're living out religion, most people either experience:
->Pride: I think I can save myself.
I look down on people who can't live up to the rules.
->Inadequacy/Guilt: I'm not good enough.

But the Gospel says: God loves and accepts me because of what Jesus has done; therefore I obey out of love and thankfulness.

What did Jesus do?
-> Lived a perfect life.
-> He suffered and died. Why? Someone had to pay.

If you are living out the gospel
-> This humbles me because of the high cost he paid.
-> This gives me the confidence because he was willing to do it.

Not pride... humility!
No guilt... confidence!

God, you see my life as i stand before you, and in humility i am admitting that there is stuff in my life that is messed up, that there are places that i have been compromising, that there are places that i am allowing to be corrupted, that there are places in my heart, in my mind, in my attitudes and in my habits where you are not in charge.
I pray that you would change my mind. That right now God, like it says in Romans, that i can be transformed in the renewing of our mind. That you would fix my mind, that you would make our mind work the way yours works, that you would give me your perspective, your view and your understanding of these things. God, that you would change my mind to see what's messed up in my life. God, so i can see sin the way you see it.
God, i need your help to change my ways, to change what i am actually doing. I pray that your power would be in my life in a strong way to help me live a life that you intended me to live.
Your words says that we shouldn't be a people who look at ourselves in the mirror and see our faults and then walk away and forget what we saw... no! God you call us to be a people who deal with those faults and own up to our sins. I know that it is not my strength that changes hearts, but yours.
God, i pray that your spirit would fall on me. That the same power that was raised in victory over sin held death in the grave would be active in my life.
Thank you for your love. God is love. Love never fails.

God is love

Ephesians 5:1-2

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 John 2:9-11

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Absolute beauty... please pray.

My Aunt Cindy is one of the most beautiful women I know. Beautiful in so many ways.

She is a strong Godly woman who embodies love in every inch of her being. Last August, she took a stroke which came as a huge surprise to all of us. Health concerns, personality changes and loss of mobility resulted immediately. This rocked their family and ours in too many ways and I couldn't help but feel helpless through the whole ordeal. I think we all felt helpless. She has been living in the US for as long as I've been alive and every time she's visited with my super sweet cousins, they brighten up my life. Through it all, the hurt in my father's eyes, the uncertainty in their voices and the desire to have her home with us, we've all been stretched and reminded that prayer is so powerful.

Our prayers are being answered and she is coming home... tonight!!

I'm asking for prayer.

Prayer that God's plan will be followed, not our own... regardless of our desire to have her move home. Prayer that we will be able to asses the issues properly and get some solutions. Prayer that she will enjoy her time and re-develop some of those skills that were robbed of her.

God is love!! To Him Be the Glory!

Danielle

A Mess!

My room is a mess.

My mind is a mess.

I refuse to be a product of this world.

I yearn to solely be a product of my creator.

We have overcome too much to fall.

This won't last long.

I'm just in a funk.

I'm taking you with me when I move forward.

I'm starting running. Tomorrow.

Thank God for amazing friends.

The end.

A Spill?

Consider your life a glass of water.
When someone unexpectedly bumps into you... what spills out?
In other words: in the moments we are caught off guard... how do we react?

The world tells us that the moments we 'get bumped into' and the 'spill' is not something to be proud of, are not moments to be stressed over; That those nights we drink a little too much... that time we swore in agony after banging our knee... and those impure thoughts we sometimes think... that they are not who we truly are, but just simply lapses in judgment.

The bible tells us that those moments are a reflection of the condition of our heart; That the words we say when we are caught off guard, the way we act when we get angry and the thoughts we have that we dare not say aloud demonstrate and reflect the depths of our heart.

James 1: 19-21, 26-27 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. If anyone considers himself faithful and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his faith is worthless. Faith that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

We have been called to be God's set apart people... so shouldn't our actions demonstrate that?

God doesn't want us to just cover it up and just pretend things are fine... No! We are to have courage and deal with those issues.

What ends up spilling out is a reflection of our heart.
I have been reminded this week to not only guard my heart, but to watch my words, my actions and my reactions, as I strive to live a life that reflects a pure heart.

How's your heart?

spring forth

There is no better feeling then walking into a gym of youth, hearing a thousand voices singing in harmony, feeling the emotion of hearts bursting with praise and sensing the overwhelming presence of power.

The atmosphere. The energy. The unity. ... it was so exhilarating!

Last weekend the Atlantic Baptist Youth were in Moncton helping to run an event called Spring Forth! This year I had the opportunity to sit on a planning committee who oversaw and organized the full event and I was humbled to see how much it took to put the event together. We have some crazy talented people working in ministry in Atlantic Canada!!
1700 attendees
3 locations
24 hours
so many hearts changed!
Dave Currie spoke and we were blessed to have him take his daughter along. At one point they split up the girl and boys for a more gender specific subject talk. I caught the last few minutes of Jody's (Dave's daughter) talk. She is a brilliant relationship therapist who spoke to the girls about self-worth and their value as a child of God. As the girls exited the gym, she filtered them through one door and made them look themselves in the mirror and say "I am valuable". It was heartbreaking to see the amount of girls who could barely say those words..."I am valuable" without tears. As I held the door for them as they exited, watching their faces full of tears and empowerment, I got a vivid picture of the self-worth the females of our generation hold for themselves. Each girl was given a sticker for their mirror that said "Help me see myself how You see me" and a copy of the love letter from Jesus for them to take home.
The event was an absolute success. I personally think it was the best one I've been too. The youth were involved in the event on a whole new level. From the film fest and arts fest to the offering and choir, the students had so many chances to get involved and display their spiritual gifts in front of their peers in a loving, Christ centered environment. It was so powerful.
Leading up to the event, God had prepared my heart for a big weekend as I was evaluating things in my personal life... a process, I am learning, I should constantly be doing. When we identify a problem in our character and bring it to God, He doesn't just fix it for us, He gives us opportunities to fix it while growing a dependence on Him for the strength to overcome! I was given so many opportunities at Spring Forth to work through these issues and I am so thankful for a loving community of believers that will stand by me and love on me as I work these things out. God gave me with so many challenges and with that came an equal amount of support pushing me in the right direction! Most of them would have had no idea I was working through anything at all... but that unconditional forgiveness and the attitude of understanding was so uplifting!
For some silly reason, I had the idea that if the event was geared towards youth, then the youth were there to be filled and I was there to serve them... well... God sure shook that one up. God had been filling me and preparing me as I prepared for this weekend to not only pour into the youth at the event, but to be poured into by the leadership team, the speaker, band and even the youth.
There is nothing I love more then working on a team for youth events and seeing God being glorified and work through that.
God is so great.

A Love Letter

My precious daughter,
I created you unique from anyone else;
You are exceptionally and wonderfully made.
Others may judge you on what you look like,
but I see your heart, I am so proud of who you are.
I have specifically chosen you and
Adopted you to me by child.
You are incredible valuable to me and
I cherish every moment with you.
As you obey my work, you become my friend and
We are united in spirit.
I love you so much that I died for you,
So that you could truly live.
No matter what you have done in your past,
With my gift of forgiveness, I see you as pure and perfect.
There is nothing you could ever do to make me
Stop loving you.

Though you may not realize it,
I am continually working all things for your best interest.
You can trust me with your life;
I want to give you a hope, a purpose and a future.

My joy will be your strength,
My love will surround you,
And my peace will hold you.

Be blessed today,
Know who you are...

Lovely
Forgiven,
Adored,

A princess, a daughter of the King.
A woman who fears the Lord
Shall be praised.

My desire is that you will
See yourself for how I see you!
I love you,

Jesus

This letter was given to the girls who attended Spring Forth last weekend as Jody Currie, a Christian relationship therapist, spoke about self-value and the purpose and value we have in Christ. As the girls exited the gym, she asked them to look themselves, one by one, in the mirror and tell themselves "you are valuable". My heart broke as I watched the pain in their eyes. Most of them holding back tears, could barely see themselves as valuable, let alone say it out loud.

Hope!

Moldovan Children
Pray for Moldova.
Although Moldovans live an a whole other reality then us in North America, they have been blessed with beautiful people and a beautiful country. They deal with issues of oppression, territory conflict, poverty and lack of resources and jobs. This is the poorest and smallest country in Europe that is a heavily indebted transition countries suffering
serious political and economic consequences of the conflict in Transnistria.
Irregardless, the people of this county have hope! Their faces full of joy and their villages flushing in beauty and grace. God is in Moldova. The children and youth of this country have the chance to change their relaity and work toward a better, brighter future.

Where is their hope found? Their hope is found in the Lord.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him. - Proverbs 14:31

Moldovan youth

Pictures taken in Moldova Summer 2008 Missions trip.

Fearless

this theme of being fearless has been surfacing a lot lately.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

we all make choices. life is full of them!

don't serve others or just make the right choice just because we are commanded too, let grateful joy motivate your actions!

Can you see it? He's coming!

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love.
- Peter Scholtes

An act of service is the outward expression of God's powerful love in action.

We are called to go out into the world and show God's love to everyone we meet, no matter their race, gender or social class. We are also called to support each other as we go and fight to see God's justice here on earth. When we seek God out, He will answer and if we stick around long enough to the glorious promise of our Father, He WILL reveal Himself... in our lives and in the world around us.

"There is no fear in your perfect love so as I walk this way, make me fearless."

Steps

Its been over ten days since I've posted a blog... but I've been working on trying to articulate how I'm feeling and the rush of thoughts going through my head lately. I'm very happy lately!

John 5:17
Jesus said "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

This year, so far, has been a year of hardship and hurting, healing and redemption and amazing memories I wouldn't trade for anything. I am writing this post in tears and giggles as I reflect on the events of these past months and as I try and understand their purpose. In this post, I first and foremost, want to praise God for the life lessons, stronger friendships and new relationships He provided.

He always provides.

As the dust settles and things slow down, I've realized a lot of things about myself and where I'm at in my faith. This past week in particular, God has been pushing me to evaluate the path I am on. I wanted to share some of the many things I have God has laid on my heart.

Its so important to let God work in YOUR heart when you are working with others. My personality has been changing a lot as I am slowly being shown the characteristics, traits and relationships in my life that I need to let go of. God has been opening my eyes up to issues in my own life that, are or will be, stumbling blocks for myself and others.

I have become defensive. I used to take personality criticism really well, but I forgot to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23) from someone who wasn't criticizing out of love and I now I find myself questioning and fighting it. God laid on my heart a desire to learn and correct this habit that I've started to adopt.



I need to make the connection between my desires and my actions. In my life, like a lot of people I know, there is a huge disconnect between my intention and my actual direction. Direction (not intention) equals destination. I want to be a Godly woman, I want a Christ-centered marriage, I want a pure heart, I want to be obedient to God's will and I want others to see my faith but, in order to do that, I have to be intentional and make the necessary decisions to put me on a path to achieve these things. That means... dating someone who wants the same things, not getting participating in certain social traditions and making sure I'm keeping accountable to the right people. The things that I give my attention to DO direct my life. The things that i pay attention to and the things that capture my attention DO influence my direction in life and I want that direction to be God lead and Christ-centered. I want my path to reflect God's will and a pure heart.

God has been really working in it, but now that I have time to think, I just know there is more and I'm not fully living to be all God desires has for me. God is always working, in and around my life. I am amazed at His plans thus far for my life and excited to move forward in His will.

This year has been interesting. I started it off with some of my favorite people, both in Ontario and home... and see myself now surrounded by most of my favorite people here on little PEI. Life happens and we all make mistakes. I've been reminded how human we are. We are all bound to make mistakes, but there is a love... a love that can redeem us from those mistakes. I don't take back a minute of what has happened.

Favorites!

I should be studying right now... but I wanted to take a few second to share with you some of my favorite blogs to read and post a picture from two weekends ago!This night fell into place so randomly. 6 of us had planned to get supper and catch up at the Globe, a newer restaurant in town. I just happened to come across exactly 6 tickets to a girls night at the exact place we were planning to go. We didn't spend a dime and spent the night dancing with some amazing ladies. Not what we had planned, but so much fun. I love these girls like crazy!!

The following people are all soo authentic, writing about faith, life, love and whatever else is happening. Check 'em out!

Coll's blog
Jennypoo's blog
Tin Tin's blog
Cristy's Mission blog
Dee's blog
Brianna's blog

If you want to hear an amazing Islander sing... click HERE! Meaghan Blanchard calms my soul today.

Back to the books! Done tomorrow!

God is soo cool : ) Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart - Psalm 37:4

I caught myself...

I spent the weekend with some of the most wonderful people. I went to the zoo and kissed a bear, I got to ride on a motorcycle, a tour of the Air Force wing in Greenfield, and totally caught up on my sleep! I had a great Easter and God really blessed me with a great new perspective! I choose to be positive, not all that much is going wrong lately, and I choose to not dwell on the negative!!

Things that are making me happy lately:

1) Making cookies

2) Car drives in the sunny weather

3) Roberge and Lissa

4) Singing wayy too loud

5) Listening to Carly Rae Jepsen and Emelie Claire Barlow... Summer Music

Over the weekend, I caught myself falling into an attractive weakness. Thank God I caught myself!! I realized that... maybe this is an okay thing and I don't need to be fighting it. Maybe this person isn`t just an indulgence I love to play with. Being on the Air Force wing made it worse. I'm interested to see if God has plans in all this for me. So now more then ever, I'm letting go and letting God show me what move to make next.

Praying for the crazy amount of stress and pain going around lately. Friends dealing with the stressed of school, money, jobs and family. God, we know you have our backs. Please remind us of your love and continue to carry us through this times of trials. You are truly so cool, God.

Finally, with last weekend being Easter, I was drawn to the importance of the cross and the beauty of Gods redemption. He has risen.... He has risen indeed! Praise God!

Fresh

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
-Matthew ³⁶-38

I came upon this verse as i was trying to find something to sum up what God had spoken to me about this weekend. I immediately turned to the book of Matthew and eventually found the verse above. This verse... I read over and over. It perfectly explains the weekend's purpose, to be commissioned into the world and bless others as we have been blessed. Jesus to the Nations was a missions conference and the speaker, Nizar Shaheen, encouraged us to be prayerful for the missionaries all over the world. To be aware of the carnage, violence, poverty and famine that threatens the very survival of nations while we live in comfort, but to also recognize when God is commissioning us to be those workers in his harvest field.

To be effective laborers, it is important that we are in step with God and allowing Him to lead our every move. Its also important to take those hard steps to eliminate the sinful characteristics in our lives and give into God. By His grace, He will bless us and renew in us Godly characteristics to bless others. This is applicable to missions on a global and local level. I was reminded again this weekend that when we take care of our relationship with God, He'll take care of everything else.

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old.
- Lamentations 5:21

Sometimes things just don't work out. The key is just taking from it what you can, and learning from it as you lift your pain to God! I'm praying over the Easter break that God will work in me and refresh my spirit. But putting my problems aside, I pray that God is glorified in all I say and do this next week.

I thank God so much for the random people who have been encouraging me in the biggest ways. That to me, is God-sent!

Back to the madness... 9 days left!

I cry out...

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.

- Psalm 51:10-12

A link to one of my favorite videos:

John Mark McMillan's Blog - The Promenade

Playing Catch Up

Today I realized I am behind on a lot of things (blogging included). With less then two weeks of classes left, the crunch is on and I have a desire to finish well. Sometimes I look at this course work as pointless, but I honestly know that someday this may come in handy. With this attitude, I'm slowly growing a passion for the material I'm learning... but I can't wait for it to be done!

This year got off to a really rough start but its been so amazing to see God work through so many situations at once. I step back and see the reality I have in front of me, and freak out! Honestly, its so God's now that I'd fall on my face without Him involved fully. I'm okay with that dependence. Its comforting to know He's got it under control and has a plan.

So much on the go. New relationship. School ending in two weeks. Final exams and papers coming soon. Jesus to the Nations Friday. Greenwood for Easter next weekend. Missions meetings preparing for presentation in April. So many bills. C visits on 63 days!... i could go on. I just need to focus on being obedient and focused.

Tonight at small group we had a really interesting conversation about God's love. A couple argued that God doesn't love everyone, that we need to accept His love for Him to love us. I'm not sure I agree. I think God's love is the constant factor, and that sin is the inconsistency... therefore the love that compels and commissions us to do missions and seek out the lost is sparked from God's love and desire to have a relationship. They didn't disagree with me... but still remained in their point. I've always understood God to be all knowing, all loving and almighty. Does their point contradict that statement?

PS... Helen (my car) has broken down twice this week, three times this month total. Praying I can recover the funds drained into my poor baby.

For someoneo special...

I have this friend who I love a lot.
It always amazes me how well she knows me and the things I can tell her. Weather its constructive criticism or just good advice, we always know we can talk freely and be honest. Being in separate provinces, we still manage to talk everyday and know almost everything going on in each others lives.
God has really blessed me with this lovely lady. I absolutely love that we are able to share in struggles, encourage in growth and lift up in prayer.
She has a passion for Christ, a zeal for life and a heart to serve. I know this because I've served with her before and she is always willing to help and contribute in any way she can. She's realistic, yet optimistic. She's kind and caring. She's a hard worker, and amazing with kids. But most of all... she's an amazing friend.
It warms my heart to know how much she cares. I hope with all my heart I can be even half the friend she is to me.

Love you C <3

Philippians 1: 3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Your Grace is Enough

My week has flown by! Praise God for His strength in times of pressure.
Jesus to the Nations is coming up March 26-28. God has made it pretty clear He wants me there. He arranged transportation and a place to stay which is great... but I'm amazed with work. I was going to have to take the day off... which I was worried about because I just took off a week for Blizzard. S ended up needing me that morning instead of the afternoon/evening... what are the odds!

I found a really amazing quote that sums of my feelings today!

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace -- only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.

--Anne Lamott

busyyy

Pray for me this week as I push myself once again to meet deadlines and keep up with my commitments. The devil is hard at work this week to disrupt God's work. I've had quite a few friends notice this as well. Mid-terms are almost over and then I can get back to normal... until finals. I am starting off this week with one of many late nights. My days are so full I won't get more then 6 hours sleep until Thursday night. Praise God for coffee!

I decided tonight that I won't let things pile up this badly for finals. I pray that I can keep that a priority this coming month as I finish off the school year.

I love Shane Claiborne

"We are thirsty for social justice and peace but have a hard time finding a faith community that is consistently pro-life or that recognizes that there are "moral issues" other than homosexuality and abortion, moral issues like war and poverty. So some folks just end up trying to save individual souls from their sins, and others end up trying to save the world from "the system." But rarely do we see that the sickness of our world has infected each of us, and that the healing of our world not only begins within us but does not end with us."

He's Hard at Work

I have been so encouraged lately at how God has been working in very visible ways in my life and the lives of the people around me.

For me, its simply working out kinks in my personality and time management skills as I practice obedience. Nothing overly exciting, but still very important and all by God's hands on His time.

In other people's lives...
-God making it so clear that Coll is called to this missions and that He has big plans for her. The money is coming together easier then we could have ever imagined and its amazing to see.
-A lovely girl, C is on missions with YWAM in Mexico and it is overwhelming obvious that God is working through her as she pushes her comfort limits and lets God lead her.
-Seeing an amazing guy make radical changes in his lifestyle to almost become a different person so devoted to Christ after years of fighting Him.
-A friend overcoming his parent's painful divorce, tough trials in high school, and constant health problems and finding refuge in Christ. His life is now an amazing testament to his family and friends of God's generosity.

That is just 4 examples of a lot of amazing things going on around me, and although satan constantly tries to complicate things and make things more difficult, God reigns over each and every situation when we are obedient!!

"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us.Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." -HEBREWS 12:1-2

The Path Principal

Direction (not intention) determines destination.

At Blizzard this year I was given a CD with a copy of Andy Stanley's 4 part series titled 'Destinations'. He does an amazing job talking about something called 'The Path Principle' in which he explains the difference between our intentions in life and our directions in life; Two very different things. He speaks into my life about something as simple as living life and the decisions we're making everyday. Basically... we can have all the best intentions in the world, but if we don't put ourselves on the right path going in the right direction, we won't get to a desired destination.

He specifically highlights the disconnect between our intentions and actual directions. We must understand that the things that grab our attention DO change and influence our direction.

In part 4 of his series I particularly liked when he talked about obedience. Its been something that has been a theme in out bible study since Christmas and it just highlights what God has been showing me in my own life lately. The things that I give my attention to DO direct my life. The things that i pay attention to and the things that capture my attention DO influence my direction in life and I think Go does try and remind us of this throughout the bible.

God always tells us to pay attention to His word because He's trying to warn us against danger and distraction. He wants us to pay attention because in our obedience, He will bless us so richly, people will stop and stare. People will desire to know what's different about us.

Blizzard Re-cap

Blizzard this year was... like last year... amazing! It never ceases to amaze me how strong God's spirit is present throughout the weekend. Life Support from Atlantic Canada lead worship and Dennis Pethers along with Richard Powney came from the UK with Viz-A-Viz Ministries and they blessed us with their words of truth. They came along side the CBOQ team to lead us in an amazing weekend of worship and praise.

On top of everything else, this was the biggest Blizzard the BCOQ has ever had. About 50 staff members came together and prepared for a weekend of 670 youth and leaders who travelled from all over Ontario to simply celebrate and praise our generous God. The energy was overwhelming and God had big plans for the weekend!

God out imagines me so often. So many youth who had never seen God or church in any capacity got to experience Him in a truly powerful way. I had the opportunity to connect with a lot of amazing youth leaders who work in these kid's lives everyday. My hat goes off to them. Their dedication and love for the Lord overflows into their kids and Blizzard gives them an opportunity to share this weekend with their youth in a tangible way to strengthen their connections and build relationships. Seeing Him work in those relationships is truly encouraging.

There are always forces that make a brilliant attempt to rattle me before big weekends like this. This year these forces had been working long and hard but during the weeks leading to Blizzard, God had really worked in my heart to remind me that He'd take care of it and I had no need to worry. I stopped my silly fretting and of course He came through.

God reminded me of a lot this year at Blizzard. Mainly that we all make mistakes.
God blesses us to bless others.
He is generous enough to forgive us of all sins so we must forgive.
He is stronger.
Strong enough to cover us all with His love, and strong enough to defeat sin in our lives in very real ways.
He pursues us.
We were made for Him.
We all have a purpose.

"All the broken and the dislocated pieces
are fixed and fit together in this love that saves us." - New Again

"Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything, And I will adore You!" - Revelation Song

update coming!

It has been so long since I've posted.
well.... a week.

I don't have the time now, but let me tell you I have a lot to say about this past week!
God is SO good and has been moving in a powerful way!

Stay tuned to hear about Blizzard 2010 and all that came with it!

Consider Simply having Faith...

In December I blogged about a church service I attended in Halifax while visiting some friends. This message has really stuck with me and its been coming up a lot in conversations, and my own life.

Here's the thing. The beauty of God's love is that He gives us the ability to choose. Some decisions are easy to make, like getting out of the way of traffic, or picking up the phone when it rings. But other decisions are not as clear, like where to spend the limited amount of money you have, or when its time to act. When you add any amount of desire or pressure, decisions become hazed and stressful.

Most of the time when we have a decision to make, we lay out the options and weigh the pros and cons. I personally do this a lot because I like to over think things, but honestly... its a waste of time. These pros and cons become distractions, temptations and can potentially lead us towards false desires instead of towards God's will. And let's be honest here.. does God need us to lay out the choices for Him?

"Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" -Proverbs 3:5-6

Consider simply having faith and just... giving it to God. Nothing will happen if we don't act. Sometimes we need to be couragous and there is a time and place to be catious and wreckless. He knows the answers, and knows when we need to hear them. If you feel like He's not working hard enough to get you the answer when you want it.. maybe you simply just don't need to know. Maybe we simply need to just trust Him.

This video called "Lord Lord" is one of my favorites. OneTimeBlind does a lot of amazing skits, but this one in particular fits perfectly with my theme.

Das Leben ist schön

Life is Beautiful.
I love victory. I boast only in the victory of this spiritual battle happening in and around my life. Although this is a continual struggle in my life lately, I praise God now because I know this is His plan and I'm not taking control. I refuse.
Coming before me is a week that has been known to change and transform the lives of all involved dramatically because God moves so powerfully. I am so honored and excited to be a part of it. When something so radical is happening, how can it not be a target on the devil's radar?

Father, my heart's desire is that every person involved this weekend and next will be solely focused on You as we allow You to work in and through us. Protect us and cover us as we minister together. I pray that the hearts all involved will refrain from allowing their school work, home lives, friend drama and other distractions take away from what this weekend has to offer. Lord, move through Muskoka Woods and stir up our hearts in a powerful way. Hear our prayers this coming week as we prepare to serve Holy Father. A men!

Here We Go!

life is so weird right now.
its like there are two different danielles working at once going on and ... its so weird!
there is a small situation that is out of control in my life. the worst part is that the other party is almost completely refusing to work through it and painting me as this crazy person... so that's frustrating.
but on the other side of things, things have been amazing. God is really working in my life and i see Him move so much. the potential for two missions trips as well as school falling into place perfectly! friends and family have been amazing support lately, and it seems i'm actually keeping up with my work so far this semester. money isn't as tight as i had anticipated, and helen is thankfully still running. it looks like my plans for the summer will work out perfectly (God willing) and my term on the VPA search committee at the university will be finished soon so I can get back to regular work hours!

praise God!

i heart revolution

often we see this imbalance and we know that's not right... and that's not fair, but too often that's all we do. because for us to do anymore, is actually going to cost us.
and if that's where it ends, perhaps then its fair to say that when we ignore the prostituted child, we actually lend our hand to their abuse.
when we ignore the widow and the orphan in their distress, that we actually add to their pain.
when ignore the slave that remains captive, that its us that is entrapping them.
that when we forget the refuge, that its us who is displacing them.
when we choose not to help the poor and the needy, that we actually robbing them.
perhaps the only fair thing to say is that when we forsake the lives of others, we actually forsake our own.

this is just a small quote from a video called 'were all in this together' put together by hillsongunited. THE I HEART REVOLUTION is a movement of people seeking to help people, showing Gods love in a practical way. watch the video... be the revolution.

1 Peter 3:9-17

9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

"Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech.

11 He must turn from evil and do good;

he must seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Here's a thought...

I confess...
Everything in me right now is telling me to take control.
There's something in me thats stronger then I can explain... and so I won't.
I love my friends more then anything.
I'm so over being walked all over.

I miss when things were simple... or I was ignorant.

I've been drawn to you for reasons i cannot explain.

I hate to watch you fall.

Even worse, you refuse to admit your falling.

God is Good. New Year!

I love my home. I love where I live, the school I go to, the friends I have, and the family I've been blessed with. My favorite thing about home is my church and the prayer and support I get there every Sunday as I deal with some of the craziest years of my life. I wouldn't trade any of these things for the world, but I know I won't be here forever.

Lately, Ontario has been where I'd go. Not forever, but for the experience. I have amazing friends there whom I'd love to see more then 2-3 times a year, I have family scattered across the province, and there are some amazing programs at superb universities that I'd love to take. Ontario is almost an alternate reality for me when I go, and I'm always amazed at the endless new discoveries I make. Last week when I was there, I realized the Mafia was a real thing... with real people... and real guns! eeeek! I also spent an amazing New Years downtown Toronto with friends praising God as we welcomed the new year and dedicated our lives to His glory.

I love that God has a plan. It always put me as rest when I think of His perfect and loving will, knowing that I have nothing to worry about. Its all taken care of.

Mmmm our God is sooo good. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others when others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."