bothered?

So as most of you must know, at church and Youth group the last few weeks, out topic has been "Bothered?" We were challenged over the last couple weeks to be bothered by the issues in our world. And to get more and more bothered.
One thing that has always bothered me is Homelessness. I've really started to realize lately that I take so much for granted.
I get cold and I put another log on the fire or turn up the heater. Homeless people get cold and they try to cover themselves with rags or newspapers.
I get thirsty and I go to the tap. Homeless people get thirsty and they drink from puddles or just get dehydrated.
I get hungry and I open the cupboard or fridge. Homeless people get hungry and they beg for food or eat the scraps they have.
I feel upset, I turn to my family and friends for support. Homeless people get upset and most don't have anyone to turn to.
I get sick and I go to the doctor. Homeless people get sick and most die before they get help.
It makes me feel like crap to think about this. And it bothers me. It bothers me A LOT. And I get more bothered with it each and every day. Some people think that there's only homelessness in big cities. But there are so many here in the Valley. It pains me to think that when I'm done this post, I'll go get into my warm bed, while there's so many people who won't sleep at all tonight. Or will sleep on nothing but a cardboard box..an old blanket...or even the cold, hard ground.
So I challenge all of you...everyone who has the same privileges I have..get bothered by this.

My Savior Lives

So tonight I drove my sister to dance and then went to Mattchew's house for a bit. He's teaching me guitar. He tuned my guitar and then we worked on some chords. I asked if he knew Consuming Fire (of course he did!). So he wrote down the chords for the chorus for me. My "homework" is to learn it :P Just so you know, Consuming Fire is my ALL TIME favourite song. Everytime I hear it, I get goosebumps and definitely feel God's presence. So I had that song stuck in my head for most of the drive to pick Kelsey up and go home. Then on the way home, I was listening to Praise 106.5 (AWESOME radio station!) and a song came on that just hit me so hard. "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust. I had never heard this song before, but it was amazing and the words just spoke to me. Then as I was listening, I had this press on my heart to pray for my friend Chelsea from the mainland. (Take note this happened around 8:35pm) I didn't know why, but of course I didn't object. So I prayed for a bit. When I got home, I went on the computer. As soon as I signed into MSN, Chelsea started talking to me. I could tell right away that something was wrong. I asked her if she was alright. She said "actually, no. My friend told me she's thinking of committing suicide. Then she signed off." I asked her when this happened and she said around 8:30pm. Kinda cool, eh? So me and her prayed together and I'm still praying now. I hoping that her friend finds peace and comfort. Please pray for her as well..and for my friend that she doesn't give up hope. Our God is an awesome God who does AMAZING things.

Later Gators!

Here's the link to the video of My Savior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jazyUn4LMgA

This is her friend

Random Rant

Ok so Monday after school, me and my mom stopped by Superstore so I could check my schedule. While I was there I picked up my new work shirt, since all I have is the holiday one. I tried on the small and it was too small. Then I tried a medium and it was a bit big. I ended up settling with the medium. When I got back to the car, I told my mom about the sizes mishap. She said "well what about an extra small? No wait..that would be smaller." And I said "Why couldn't there be a size inbetween small and medium?" Then I began to think. Why are extra smalls smaller yet extra larges are bigger? But then why aren't there extra mediums? And if there was, would they be smaller or bigger than the regular medium?

Just a thought.

A Friend Indeed~Thanks Daniel!

As many of you know, in the past year and a half I have lost 3 close friends and my dog. Olivia Johnson passed away from cancer, Eric Sanderson from an overdose, Zachary Pearson from a car accident and Floyd from old age. It's been really tough to keep faith. Many times this year my faith has slipped and I've doubted God. But everytime that happens, someone tells me something or I read something in my Bible that brings me back up.
The latest faith slip was last week/weekend. They had just been on my mind a lot, and no matter how hard I tried to stay positive, the tears would come and I'd get angry with God. Encounter helped a lot. I felt God reassuring me all weekend. And on saturday night, Kelsey prayed for me and so did a few others. I was feeling better. On the way home I sat with Daniel on the front bench and we talked for a bit, which also helped. Then we fell asleep :P
But even after all that, I was still feeling...gah! I was trying to keep my mind off of it in school. First block today, Biology 12, not my favorite class. My phone was on the table and it started to vibrate. Which in our classroom, was really loud! I quickly grabbed it and put it in my lap. After a few minutes I opened my phone and had a message from Daniel. (Message)"Matthew 5:4 - You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the one most dear to you". I've heard this verse before, but this time it hit the spot. As soon as I read it, tears came to my eyes, only this time they were good tears. Tears of peace. I had to leave the class for a few minutes and my friend Meaghan came with me. It was great that one small verse made me feel so much better. Part of it was cause Dan read this verse and sent it to me. It was perfect. So thank you Daniel, for being the amazing friend and brother that you are!

Encounter '09

So I really don't know where to start. This weekend was utterly amazing. Every second was filled with God and everyone was just so great. I was pretty stoked to see Andrea, one of the staff members. We met in September on my jazz trip to homewood and we hit it off pretty good! The meals, as always, were delicious. Although this time, they weren't the best they've been. Except for one lunch..we had these meat sandwiches that were SOOOO GOOOOOD!! :P

Friday night we talked about being one of the few and the faithful. The sermons title was "Prelude to an Encounter". Christina basically said that when God calls you, you have to respond. Psalm 119:32 says "I run in the path of your sommans, for you have set my heart free". It was a great way to start the weekend. Everyone was attentive and excited to be there.

Saturday we got some time to just sit in the presence of God. As many of you know, I've lost 3 friends and my dog in the past year and a half. It's been really tough. I was just praying to God to give me some words.

I sit here surrounded by people
Yet I feel so alone.
My mind races with thoughts
Of how they could be gone.
The tears flow as I try to understand.
My body hurts from the pain
Of losing those close to me.
As I try to comprehend and stay strong,
My faith slipping and fading,
Your hand come down
And holds my heart.
Your words speak straight into me,
Telling me of your unending love.
I know they're with you now.
"They're Watching Over You", You say,
"As Am I".
I fall to my knees in priase
And ask forgiveness for doubting.
I thank you, for now I know,
You have always been there.

He also gave me a bible verse. When I read it, I was blown away.

Psalm 119:49
Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.

Saturday morning service was titled "The Transforming Encounter". Christina talked about Judas and Peter. A quote she told us was "Sin will take you further than you want to go. Keep you longer than you want to stay. Cost you more than you want to pay." We also talked a bit about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then Sandra got up and told us that there are 3 types of people. Those who know where they're going, but the devil keeps getting in the way, those who kinda know but aren't sure, and those who have no idea what they're called to do. She then got us to all sit and ask God what He wants us to do.

You call out to me

Tell me I'm special

Tell me I'm bigger than that

I want to be one of the few,

One of the faithful.

So I let go of it all

Distractions, hindrances, sin.

I lose what I don't need,

Pain, disappointment, neglect.

I gain what I deserve,

Love, happiness, commitment.

My life is restored in You.

Session #3 was called "A Transforming Encounter". This talk was based around the lessons learned from Mary in Luke 1: 26-37. 1) We are formed for a purpose. Ephesians 2:9 says "For we are God's masterpiece". 2) To accomplish all that God wanted to do through our life, we need the power of the Holy Spirit. Something Christina said that I loved was You can't be like comic book super heroes, but you can be like Jesus.

The final session was called "An Enduring Encounter". It was based on Psalm 101. Christina spoke about how when we're alone, and we think no one is watching, God is. Jeremiah 23:24 says "Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. It's kinda like what my mom always tells me..if I'm doing something and I think "Would my mom be okay with this?" then obviously its not good. Its the same with God. If you think He would be upset, chances are He knows about it before you're done with that thought. The point is to do things that you know God would be proud of you for. "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:4

Then of course there was the free time, meals, worship, bed times...it was an amazing weekend. Here's a few highlights:

• Ryan Delblanc"helping" me up which ended with me on my back and snow down my pants
• Unchewable meat on Sunday
• I didn't burn myself on syrup OR fall in the water with my phone :D
• Dylan and Cody wrestling (check out pictures on Facebook!)
• Hanging out with lots of sweet people
• Mattchew teaching me quitar (Good Cats and Dogs. Elvis Apples. Sharp Cats. Boots and more Apples!!)
• Snuggling with my Wifey :D (aka Mandy)

You brought me here for a reason

This weekend was for you

How can I watch what happened

And not be amazed

You spoke through them

And they cried out in praise

Music playing in the background

New songs playing in their hearts

And the best part is

You're not done

This Encounter is not the last

~~2~~0~~0~~9~~

RESOLUTIONS:

• GRADUATE! (So, do my homework, pass tests..do good!)
• Keep my room clean for more than a few days
• Get ready quicker in the morning
• Save my money
• Make more quality time for my family
• Make more quality time for my friends
• Grow more as a Leader
• Go further in my walk with God

THINGS I'M STOKEDD FOR:

• Encounter '09
• Brother getting married
• Mexico '09
• Sr. Jazz Festival Trip
• Final Spring Concert *tear :(
• Grad '09 (OMGOSH!)
• Nanoose Bay Camp
• Stillwood Camp
• College or ???
• Possible Katimavik

I think that is it. Let's just say I hope 2009 brings bigger and better things.

Together

Today I choose to hear your voice and live.
I'll look through your lens, God, and see what is really there.
When I reflect you light, the darkness runs.
Worship is so much more than singing a song,
Raising my hands,
Bending my knees.
I will know the truth and the truth will set me free.
If all that wasn't reason enough,

I can do all things
I will make the choice
What can I give back to you for the blessings you pour out to me?
You say "Just come as you are. I want to move through you."
Lord, I want to use the voice you gave me
Let's walk together.

What if everyone praised your name?
What would be different?
What would change?
What would stay the same?
What would it be like?
I just have to be ready.

I can do all things
I will make the choice
What can I give back to you for the blessings you pour out to me?
You say "Just come as you are. I want to move through you."
Lord, I want to use the voice you gave me
Let's walk together.

Just Say The Word

Time flies by when I'm praising you
I close my eyes and I'm gone
Into your arms is where I go
And in your arms is where I wanna stay

My love for you,Jesus
Is like a burning fire
Just say the word
And I will go anywhere

Your spirit fills me up
Your grace overflows
I know that you are God
Forever you will reign.

You laid down your life
You died on the cross
How can I repay you?

Back at it!

Well I haven't blogged in awhile so I guess I should get back at it! I'll just do a recap:

Between Christmas & New Years - My grandparents from Quebec were here for a bit. They left on..the 30th..i think. And my brother, Jeff, and his fiance Jen, came on the 27th and stayed till the 2nd. It was really cool to have them here cause I rarely get to spend time with them. I had to work some of the days they were here, but we still got to hang out. Played a lot of Wii :P

New Years Eve - A bunch of Jen's family came over for a bit and so did my grandparents (from here). Russel, Dylan and Emily Beer also came over. The four of us, plus my little sister and our dog, went for a walk around 9. We hung out at the park for a bit until we got too cold and went back home. We played some wii (of course!) Before midnight, my grandparents and Jen's family left. Then we turned the TV to the Times Square and watched the ball drop. Then Russ and Dylan left and Emily slept over. I was surprised by a 1:30am phone call from a bunch of friends, but it was a nice surprise :P

January 2nd - Me, Russel, Jazmin and Tyler had a movie night at Ty's house. We watched Rush Hour 3 and What Happens In Vegas. Both were good movies. They were over just after 11, but I had to wait till 12-ish for my dad to pick me and Jazzy up (she slept over) after his hockey game. While we were waiting, Russ asked me to come outside for a minute. We went out and talked for a few minutes. Then he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a little red box. In it was a beautiful promise ring. I was speechless..my heart was all...BAMM! So yeah..it was a good night. Like I said, Jazzy spent the night and then most of the next day at my place. It was awesome to be able to hang out with her and just talk.



I thought this was a pretty professional looking picture. I just put the lamp by my hand and took the picture. Pretty sweet :P

Other than that..the only thing that has happened is school..and well..thats school :P

So I'll finish this blog off with a little poem I wrote :)
Later Gators!


When I need someone to turn to
And no one is around
I'll always know of someone
Who will never turn me down.
He'll listen to my problems
He'll never judge my ways
He'll be there right beside me
For all my nights and days
He's with me through the thick
He's right there through the thin
He'll never ever leave me
With him I'll always win
This person I am speaking of
You might have already guessed
He's not a dad or boyfriend
He is the very best
If someone were to get it right
They would know what I mean
He is my Father God in Heaven
With him, I am Queen