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."