life in a little spiral notebook

I must say what a joy it is to be home.
There's something both wonderful and sad about home: you can leave for awhile, come back and things haven't changed. For some reason or another, this reality is bitter-sweet. Some things need to be changed and others, it's okay to stay familiar.

Last night before I tucked myself beneath the warm covers of a good-night's sleep, I was journaling and spending some time with the LORD. He brought me back over the past 10 months or so that are recorded in this particular, simple, college-ruled spiral notebook that are all filled with adventures and trials, heartaches and desires in my life. You know what the overall, ruling theme was in each one? Him. Jesus Christ has been my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Redeemer, my Conscience, my Guide, my Lover, my Friend, my Shepherd, my Help in time of need, my greatest love and my LORD. To name off these particular things the Lord has been for me over the past 10 months doesn't even come close to encompassing everything...God is so faithful. God showed up in each moment, each day. He's been my joy, my peace, my patience, my everything.

It boggles my mind to think that a God so powerful, would have time for one as weak as I, one as sinful as I, one as clueless, stubborn and prideful as I. It's hard to comprehend that a God so great would ever forgive me,love me, and change me.

I'm being continually changed, each day. I'm thankful for His constant leading, for times of quiet when I'm unsure where He is or what He's doing.

I'm overwhelmed that a God so wonderful, so marvelous would grant me breath and life.
His grace is sufficient.
His blessings are abundant.
His promises never fail.
My heart desires to glorify Him in all I do.

In a little house round' the corner...

In a little house round' the corner live two who's hearts awake daily beside the love of their life.
Nestled cozily in their house on the corner, the two frosty topped lovers, committed forever rest, work, clean and dine together in a routine that seems no less special as the days march on. Years ago they might have wondered or dreamed of days like these, but then again they were young and had years until this time would come. For many it'd been a surprise that a love could last quite so long, but not them. Their hearts had been captured from the beginning.

One never grows too old to love, rather, the older one grows the more fond they are of love and more aware and honoring to the precious gift it brings a life. Young lovers are sweet to watch as the beginnings of a lifetime to come are developing...but older lovers are amazing, a testimony of commitment and years of dedication, loyalty and of course, love.

Oh to be old and nestled comfortable beside your spouse of 40+ or 50+ years, resting assured that though your days are unknown and possibly few, possibly many, that you've made it, that love truly exists and that true love can and does stand the test of time.

Falling in love is a rather adventurous thing.
Being in love is a grander adventure.
Committing to that love is the adventure of a lifetime.
(christy l. zbylut 11/30/06)

*This afternoon canvasing the hill my heart was filled with a smile of inspiration, a breath of promise and encouragement. An older couple live in the house round' the corner and this cool November afternoon they were decorating for the holiday season. Canvas bags were placed over bushes as the man placed his handcrafted, tee-pee looking covers over them...the lady was by his side, smiling and patient with her black yarn ready to do her part. A short time later I was passing by to see the two once more lacing their home with red bows and green garlands, reindeer now stoof in their yard beside the covered bushes. I smiled inside knowing that to watch them work was perfectly okay...to ask if they needed assistance would be interrupting in a precious moment of their teamwork. They were doing a fine job...just the two of them. A little earlier this year as the tree shook their leaves to the ground, 200 Bible students trudged up the hill after chapel, all passing, and few acknowledging the older couple bundled up, raking leaves together.

How precious are the examples and lessons we can gather from those who've walked the roads of love for many years.

God is so creative to have created someone special just for us to love...someone to love us like Him...setting an example of His love.

Should the Lord ordain it, I am excited to one day clean up the yard and decorate for Christmas with my husband, bundled up with our frosty tops, or cotton ball hair peeking beneath our caps. Oh to be in love for a lifetime. This simply and absolutely makes my heart smile.

God bless you today as you take a moment and smile about all those He has blessed your life with to love.

laughter: the best medicene

photo by:Christy L.Zbylut 11/24/06

home sweet home

There's nothing quite like being home.
Even when you go away for a long while, or even a little while and things are great, exciting and new...there is nothing like that familiar comfort of home.
Presque Isle & Caribou Maine are home to me...God is alive in northern Aroostook County and what a refreshing treat is was to be home for a long weekend.
God has blessed me with a neighborhood and community to grow up in and to call home where He is radically stirring up and preparing for great things.

Though it's well past Thanksgiving, I'd like to take a few moments and ponder some things I'm very thankful for:
*restoration
*devoted parents
*adorating sisters
*a loving and God fearing man who blesses me daily with his heart for Christ
*smiles
*the unchanging nature of God
*His truthful Word
*God's promises and plans
*hugs & kisses
*peace that surpasses understanding
*opportunity
*unknown futures
*friends that live on faith alone
*God's grace being enough
*late evening walks
*the ability to see, hear, taste, and touch daily
(smelling-most of the time)
*freedom
*God's provision, mercy and unfailing love
*water that quenches all thirst
*God's timing (even when it's not idealy my timing)
*Guidance & so much more...

God knows every desire and need. He always provides accordingly in His timing, by way of His plans and for His glory. It is all about Him. I am blessed to stand in His presence, to be a child of the King...to be daily pursued by the One who is above all names. I'm so thankful for Christ's sacrifice and constant love. Tis' so sweet to walk with Jesus, to trust Him everyday and take Him at His word. He is mighty and good. He is everything that we need!

thoughts

"The easiest way to look up to God is when you're flat on your back."

Why?

because: "greater is the fire within us than any fire the enemy could bring against us!"

-Our college chorale ministered at Kings Valley Wesleyan this weekend and President Medders spoke a word about God taking us through the fire. I found these two thoughts both intriguing and so simply true...in my mind they fit together.

nineteen years of life have I...

Nineteen years have passed from the moment God released me from my mother's womb.
Nineteen...
Time passes by without the slightest blink.
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter again starts anew...
Where do these moments, these treasurable memories go?
Forever vanishing are the days of tire swings, club houses and Christian Rangers.
Gone are the days of school dances, birthday parties with pinatas and even graduation.
Gone are highschool moments, driver's tests and first dates.
Away sweep the movements from dance classes, toe shoes no longer fit, and jelly shoes have been missing for ages.
What replaces these things?
Why nineteen years, of course!
Is this a bad thing?
Not at all!
Nineteen wonderful years of Jesus breathing new life daily into my being.
Nineteen years of sweet kisses from the wind, seasons changing and adventures everyday.
Baby sisters become teenagers.
Daddy's retire.
Mommy's become your greatest friend, listening ear and reference.
Nineteen years of life and wonder cannot compare to the many more to come...to the times to come, the seasons still yet to bear their character before our wondering eyes. They can't compare to the promises yet to be fulfilled, the whispers of prophecy yet to come.
Nineteen years are but a blink when compared to eternity.
Today I look back...thinking...wondering...thanking and praising for the nineteen years I've been given.
Thank you Jesus for a special birthday!
November 13th, 1987, you began unraveling what has thus far been nineteen years.
You knit me together and know every inch of my being...every thought, every desire, You know. Nineteen years of goals, hopes, dreams, harships, trials, sufferings and adventures...You have stretched me, loved me, captured me, captivated me, and moved me in a way unlike any other.

Today is my birthday...the day You chose, ordained and created just for me to enter this world.
May you receive glory, honor and praise for birthdays!

Remembrance Day: Sussex, New Brunswick

Yesterday morning a group of BBC students made their way downtown to Sulley's (a seasonal icecream place) where the town of Sussex would be holding their Remembrance Day Ceremony. Clad in poppies, toddlers to greatgrandmothers flocked the sidewalks some with joyful smiles and other with their imaginary check-lists ready to relieve themselves of one more duty that day. There's a lot you can recognize in large crowds of people and I always find myself awestruck at just how peculiar we all are. Our God is so creative and yet, to see people, in all of their differences doesn't even begin to touch upon the expansiveness of His power or creativity.

So one might be wondering why I, a young American student at Bible College ventured downtown with the town-folk to experience their remembrance day ceremony. I certainly was not wearing a poppy, nor had I the slightest idea what would take place, but something drew me to become part of this crowd as they observed silence for those who'd fallen in times of war for freedom and those still around today. I grew up as an army-brat...but I assure you, my daddy was the best soldier you'll ever meet. I wonder what it'll be like one day to watch Him march in a parade and hold a moment of silence for the year+ of his life he spent serving his country in Iraq...the 20+ years of service he spent daily making decisions for the greater good of our country, all the while being a loving husband, amazing daddy and so much more.

A parade went by with many people to honor the veterans, all of whom were/are probably great soldiers, brothers, daddys, grandpas, uncles, ect.

Following a long chuck of time consisting of older women and men with, adorned with titles I couldn't recall if you asked me to, placing their honorable wreathes into the cold-November ground to remember moments of their life, which have become moments of our history....a middle aged woman approached the mircophone...though I could not see her from my place of standing, the moment her mouth opened something familiar warmed my soul...the words of "How Great Thou Art" rang sweetly, vibrantly, clearly and powerfully on that Sussex town street. Praise the Lord! My heart sang in adoration of the One I was truly there to honor. Sure, the little boyscounts looked adorable in their uniforms, the various officers looked rather sharp, but uncomfortable in their toe pinching boots and the veterans looked brilliant, noble and full of history...but this day, this ceremony it wasn't about them...not really. I found my heart moved to remember the One who'd gently clasped the hands of those who lost their lives during those war times, and the One who surrounded those still marching, still living with His mighty hedge of protection. Now the song wasn't my old reminder of our great God, but at the center of everyone's focus stood a simple cross...a cross on which each Canadian clad in their poppies placed their poppy as a sign of their remembrance. They were placing their remembrance on the cross. I wonder how many took a moment to realize they'd done such a thing....the wreathes resembled crosses too...so I wonder with so many reminders why it is so easy to forget about Him.

How often do we remember that a day of remembrance, is always about the Lord?
He created all things and to every season there is a time and place under Heaven.
I know for sure that I have never stepped back at a ceremony and wondered how I could honor Christ with my silence, my appreciation for the works His hands allowed in those situations....the works His hands have created to place me there at that very moment in time to be mindful of Him.

Take a moment and think about the One through which all things are possible!
Remember where you've come from, where you've been and where you're going...all because of Him!

rain rain rain

I love it when rain freshly coats the earth...filling our shoes with sticky mud...puddles are created in roads we were certain had been paved perfectly straight...
but you know what's sad? the groaning, the complaining...the pants that get soaked and send all inside to a dry place of refuge. Not many venture out in the rain. Why not? Well, they'll get wet, of course!

Something struck me about the rain today.
The Lord loves on us when it rains. It feels like His grace just showers the earth.
Rain is often gentle, refreshing...sometimes it is fierce, much like our Lord...He is all powerful, but He is gentle as well.
Reading through Isaiah this evening I came to chapter 40 and found this "He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."Our God is gentle and oooh how this next part gives me chills of delight "he carried them close to his heart."

So why am I so struck by the rain? I think far too often the enemy rejoices when it rains.
Why? We all cower ourselves inside to do absolutely nothing because it's raining and we dare not venture outside because, well, you guessed it, it's raining. Nothing fits right, works right and your hair, woah, forget about those straight locks my friend, it's a curly ponytail day. We get far too caught up in ourselves on rainy days instead of the One who has granted us the blessing...one more day to breathe, clean air, refreshed land, relaxation from all strenuous outdoor activities.

We become excuse-makers when it rains. When problems arise, the rain is to blame. When things don't get done, the rain gets blamed. When we don't look right, feel right and our attitudes are downright awful, it all falls on the rain.

I don't believe it should.
Next time it rains, take a moment to appreciate the One who created you...the One who loves you, even on rainy days when your feet are soaked and your hair is frizzy. If you're a runner, lace up those shoes and go puddle splashing; if you enjoy walking, pull on your hood or grab an umbrella; if you're a book worm grab a good book.There's a little something for everyone to do on a rainy day. Get out, step out, go out and appreciate the marvelous workmanship of His great hands, the taste of His power He has revealed to you in this storm.

Thank you Lord for rainy-days and the reminder of your grace that falls on us like rain!

God's strength at booster 2006

Here are a few photos from booster weekend and a word of blessing about God's wonderful power!

Rachellie, Sherri, Christy & Nicole
"the picture"
Las hermanas: Sherri & Christy
Lor & Christy

"Praise the Lord I tell myself and with my whole heart I will praise His Holy Name. Praise the Lord I tell myself and never forget the things He does for me. He fills my life with good things, my youth is renewed like the eagles..." Psalm 103 (paraphrased)

Well Booster has come to a close and I have come, humbly and blessed to testify of God's wondrous work in my life.
The Lover of my soul, my Strength, Refuge, Strong Tower and Lord, Yahweh revealed Himself and His mighty power this weekend.
Thursday evening I came down with a cold, a very bad cold, a very sudden cold...a very not conducive to a weekend of ministry kind of cold.

So I trusted the Lord, that His ways are much higher than mine. Every morning since Thursday I have woken up with a throbbing throat and hoarse voice. We ministered in chapel on Thursday and I knew the Lord had rested upon me because on friday Joni Stevenson, the guest-speakers wife, told me she enjoyed watching me sing, because she could see the joy of the Lord as I worshiped.

Praise the Lord.
We ministered as a chorale again on Saturday morning and my voice only "worked" during the service.
Yesterday we led worship at Sussex Wesleyan and I had to minister my solo for the first time ever.
My voice was straining and painful all through the two hours of warm-ups and 3 minutes before we walked on stage I felt a release and for that on song I had my voice.

Sunday evening Chris & I were asked to help lead worship at Encounter.
I sang for probably a day straight this weekend.
My flesh was weak.
My voice was missing in action...but at the moments God desired His glory to shine, He settled in my throat and sang to His children, He settled upon my face, spread my lips in a giant smile and flooded my heart with warmth.
I cannot sing without Him.

I cannot minister to hundreds of teenagers without Him.
I cannot lead a congretation or campus of His beloved children without Him.

This weekend God truly used my weak flesh, filled me overflowing with His spirit and rocked my mind beyond all understanding about what it means to walk in complete control of the Lord.

He is good all the time!
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." -Proverbs 27:19

pondering...

"When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare."
- quoted in chapel this morning

my commitment as a leader

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present make sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by love.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me --my banner will be clear!

(taken from BBC chapel service "Leaders for the Harvest" Dr. Phil Stevenson 10/31/06)

BBC Champions

So, we've been playing intermural soccer since the first few weeks of school, and yesterday we had our playoffs. In game #1 red played vs. gray and gray (the under-dogs) came out with a 1-0 win in overtime pks. Game #2 was an intense matchup between the green(Chris's team) and blue (my team). We battled back and forth for the hour, but on a great run, the blue team put one back into the net to move on to the finals.

In the evening, we were challenged with the championship riding on the line...battling against gray, we got off to a 2-0 start, with gray coming back early in the second half to notch one goal making the final score 2-1 blue team! Hooray we are champions and win the satisfaction of knowing we had an amazing, fun, full of fellowship season and as a bonus got to exercise multiple times a week, socialize and take a break from the books! God's joy burst from my heart. I enjoy playing soccer for God's glory or as coach Starks would say "it's all about ministry".

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you!
To a Mom who's specialness surpasses that of any other...
Whom God created beautifully, fearfully & wonderfully a certain number of years ago.
Be blessed on your special day!

soccer games and solo singing

I love being joyful for the Lord.
Oh, how I love rejoicing in my King's goodness, faithfulness, love and pursuit.
I love finding God on the soccer field, in the solo tryouts, everywhere.
This afternoon I spent a large portion of my time playing 2 soccer games.
Lots of running. Hard work! tons of fun!
We won our first game 11-1 and lost the second 3-0 to the same team that beat us last last week 7-1.
Sandwiched between the games, was my lovely solo auditions for chorale.
I felt led to try-out for two of them, and while singing, I felt surrounded by the joy of the Lord. My mouth was formed in a huge smile....my Jesus was standing in the back of the room, smiling at me...His glory shining all around the room. I felt captivated, loved, adored and treasured. He was clapping for me, cheering and encouraging me. My voice rag free with love for the One my heart belongs to and longs for daily.
I left the room, smiling through and through not because of how my voice had sounded, but because I experienced my Jesus in a new way.
Though I'm not sure what God has planned just yet for me in Chorale,I know for sure He's allowed me the opportunity in this ministry for a great reason, and there's something BIG coming. He's going to stretch me and make me bold for Him! I just know it! God is so faithful!

Just hold on...my God will show up and He will take you through the fire again........

oh the joy of His word

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven's Armies. I long, yes I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God." -Psalm 84:1-2

"The Lord always keeps his promises: he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does.; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever." -Psalm 145: 13b-21

He is the One

This morning we closed the service with this song of worship. It was one I'd never heard before but one filled with sweet truth when you look closely and listen to the words. Isn't God amazing? Let His name be praised in all the earth on this beautiful day!

"You’re the One Who made the Heavens
You’re the One Who shaped the Earth
You’re the One Who formed my heart
Long before my birth
I believe You’ll always lead me
All my days have been ordained
All Your thoughts toward me are holy
Full of love and grace

CHORUS:
You are the One You are holy
You are the One You are worthy
You are the One
You are the One everlasting
You are the One I will worship
You are the One I will serve all my days
You are the One
You are the One everlasting
You are the One Jesus
You’re the One"

-'You are the One' by: Lincoln Brewster

attention: i made the cover-page

For the past couple of weeks many BBC students have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the annual pictorials. For anyone curious about what exactly a pictorial is, it's kind of like a miniture phone book of the campus complete with photos,e-mails, program of study, ect.
Well folks, that day has come and here is a view of the cover page, fresh off the printing presses.
If you'll take notice in the lower right hand corner, you will find my smiling face.

I didn't realize it was an accomplishment of sorts to make this cover. I simply thought it was cool. Several upper classmen congratulated me and an innocent bystander ran around the student center wondering why he'd dressed up for picture day if he wasn't going to make the cover page anyway.

So all in all, it's not a big deal for me...but I thought that you all (Dad especially) might enjoy a small post about nothing other than be making the cover page. :)

beautiful-panic

It's Wednesday morning, first day back on campus after the long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving. I am startled awake suddenly and in a rather unusual act I find myself leaning over my bunk to catch the time on my roomate's alarm clock. The glaring blue numbers send alarm pulsing through my entire body: 7:54am.

I never sleep this late!

Instantly my mind is flaring "chapel day? wait no, no Bib.Lit! Why didn't my alarm go off?! I've never done this before. What is wrong with me? Oh nooooo!!!!! Bib Lit!!! Bib Lit at 8:00!!!"

I jump out of bed, grab a pair of jeans, toss on a t-shirt, throw my hair in a pony tail, toss a piece of gum in my mouth (no time to brush), stumble around for contacts (I might be almost late, but under no circumstances do I feel like wearing my glasses). Dashing to the far side of my bedroom, I toss my planner into my book bag (my books had all been packed the night before). Throwing on a pair of crocs I dash out the door. Flying across the campus, my feet perhaps touched the cement a total of 5 times, I was booking it. I waltz into class pretending that everything is perfectly okay and that I did not, under any circumstances wake up 3 minutes ago...slightly annoyed that my stomach is flooded with nausea, I missed my time with the Lord, no breakfast and to make things even better, I was shaking. I don't mean shivering either, I mean just shaking, tremors perhaps, from my sudden awakening.

I am greeted by that charming smile and the voice of my sweetheart saying "good morning beautiful!" Clearly he is unaware that I have no make-up on, forgot a belt for my too big pants, no jewelry, forgot my watch and have done absolutely nothing with my hair. I felt like a sloppy mess....yet he thought I was beautiful.

This experience this morning made me wonder about the standards we hold ourselves to as young women in this country.
Why do we have to experience extremes to carry a mark of beauty?
What exactly is beautiful?
You see this morning I didn't find myself too beautiful. I was hurried, rushed and had placed no effort in my appearance...but what did Chris see...he saw beauty and I think what far overshadowed my outward appearance was that of my insides...the beauty that is in me, the light of Jesus Christ, the joy of Christ, the love and peace and fruits of the Spirit all burst forth from me...overpowering, overtaking, overwhemling any blemishes on freshly awakened skin, any whispys in a 3 second pony tail, any empty ear lobes lacking shiny dangly earrings.

Do you adorn yourself with beauty from the inside out?
Why is it okay to rot on the inside as long as you look nice on the outside?
Why is shining and growing on the inside sometimes not okay with observers who find the outside displeasing?

Ladies, what are your thoughts?
If any men read this blog, I'd admire your contributions as well.

I'm thankful God taught me this lesson of beauty.
He sees me as beautiful.
I am made in His image, His likeness.
I am beloved...

Worthy of all praise!

"1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!

2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!

3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!

4 Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!

5 Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.

6 He established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you creatures of the ocean depths,

8 fire and hail, snow and storm,
wind and weather that obey him,

9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all livestock,
reptiles and birds,

11 kings of the earth and all people,
rulers and judges of the earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them all praise the name of the LORD.
For his name is very great;
his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

14 He has made his people strong,
honoring his godly ones—
the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the LORD!"

This morning during my devotions with the Lord I was brought to Psalm 148.
This Psalm reminded me of our Father's unfailing goodness and glory.
It stirred in my heart the desire to give all honor, glory and praise to the One who created all.
Praise Him you sun, moon and bright shining stars...
Isn't our God worthy to be praised today!?!?!
His glory is shining all around us!

Let all that I am...Praise the Lord!!

adventurous journey

well for all those wondering : Yes, I have arrived safely home.
yesterday evening we (Jess Burden, Chris & I) departed from BBC on our way home...
so we thought.
clearly going home was much more complicated than going to school
first, chris started driving us to st. john...
I knew this wasn't the way, so as graciously as possible, I mentioned how unfamiliar it was that way and perhaps* we could turn around and head towards fredricton.
So chris agreed and we turned around.
We then drove in a way that he believed would get us to fredricton...
I only have one question here "Why does the TransCanda lack signs? Clearly if you're not Candian you have no clue where you're going."
After calling a few Canadian friends, one being an alumnus of our school, chris was still certain we were heading in the right direction.
I wasn't so sure, I'd never seen the apple barn, or the mcdonalds sign or anything familiar.
Hum...so when we got to Moncton, I knew for sure, we had just driven about an hour in the wrong direction.
we get directions from a gas station and turn back...
Our original journey of 3 hrs...turned into 6hrs.
We had some good laughs about it though.
Chris and I have now decided to invest in a Canadian atlas...we we will now spend time "problem solving" ahead of time, plotting out our journeys on a map...so we can play pilot and co-pilot.

Boo for poorly directed Canadian roads.
Boo for 3 extra hours of driving.
Hooray for character building.
Hooray for patience.
Hooray for unconditional love.
Hooray for long talks!
most importantly, Hooray for God's grace & protection in all situations.

His word

Tonight I attended the HUNGRY prayer gathering in the chapel as part of our chorale requirements, but I found it to be much less of a duty and much more of a privilege.

Sitting in a chair, not sure where to begin as I entered into prayer, my heart opened up and I asked God to give me a word that would not necessarily prove (I already know His love, His promises, and that His word does not return void). In this instance I just wanted to know that all that's been in my heart, all that is transpiring and building up in my life, is of Him, is good and is going to continue getting better. I wanted to know that my heart's stand is where it needs to be....perhaps you could say I was looking for a little assurance.

After sharing my heart with our awesome Lord, Romans 8:28 popped into my head, and turning the pages in my Bible I came across a blessing of peace, promise, love and assurance. God is good and faithful all the time. I am privileged to daily fulfill my duties as a daughter of the King. "My heart is confident in You, O Lord!"

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." -Romans 8:28 NLT

autumn

I love fall time.
I adore the cruchy crunch noise that my shoes make as my feet trample the pavement.
I love the chilling breezes and moments of glaring sun that God reveals Himself in.
I love the changing colors and knowing that even though the branches are losing their leaves, their outward beauty, they will continue to live, even through winter's cold and harsh conditions. Why? They have their needs sufficiently provided for. They have all the nutrients necessary to live through a winter of cold without the covering of their beautiful leaves. Jesus is the nurtient we need. He replenishes our souls when we are dry and hungry. He quenches every thirst and when we trust Him, our roots are firmly planted deep into the waters of His river of life.
He is sufficient.
He is my beauty inside and out.
When life causes me to lose my leaves, I still have life, because Christ is in me!

Oh, how I adore autumn.
Time to bundle up with mittens, scarves and sweaters.
Time to lock arms with your love and wander down colorfully painted streets.
Smells of apple pie and spicy pumpkin waft through the breezy air.
I love it, I love it, I love it!
God is good!

BBC Sports - (what I've been up to...)

Game #2 blue vs. gray...(that's me down in the right corner, kickin the ball OUT of bounds)
A cool pal named Shane...He came prepared, top hat n' all.
Okay, so Chris took this picture and I'm not entirely sure what I was doing...it looks like I may or may not be curtsying.
Erica & Me...GO BLUE TEAM!!!!
The BBC Lady Blazers, being caught during a candid moment after our victorious tourney game today!
This is Dj looking "sporty"...Erica chucked a ball at him as he posed for this and I actually enjoy the way the picture came out.
It makes me look like I'm a pretty amazing photographer, eh?
BBC Ladies showing off our tuff-muscles!

*Sports are going well...more great photos and updates to come!
For now, just remember that "Sports are about ministry" as coach Starks would say.
God is good!

I am a WOMAN

Sometimes I find myself in wonder asking, "Who am I? What am I doing in life? What's my purpose?" Now don't take me the wrong way here, I don't have a low self-esteem or anything, I believe these questions are quite natural, and I must say that since I met Jesus these questions have come as more of a wondering than an evaluation of who I'm not. I know who I am in Christ. I am a woman that hungers after my King, my Lord, my Prince of Peace.

So what am I doing with my life? Right now I am pursuing God's will for me at Bible College. The greatest truth about this adventure is that I am entirely inadequate, but I've been called and I need nothing more than the still small voice of truth from Him to guide my steps. I'm here because my heart desires to be no other place than exactly where He wants me. God has breathed on me and given me the strength, the mindset, the understanding, the challenge, the stretching, the growing and the breaking I need during this season of my life.

What is my purpose? I believe it's to follow the call of the One who loves me most, the One who knows me best: Jesus Christ.

I was browsing through my hymnal the other day and I happened upon a lovely hymn that instantly touched my heart. It was entitled "I Am a Woman". What does this mean I asked myself. Reading the words, the truths of who I am, what I am to be doing in my life, and my purpose were clearly defined.

To all my beautiful Mom, Sherri, Jess, Auntie Deb and many more sisters in Christ who read this, I pray these words touch your hearts in a special way. We are daughters of the King, called to bring Him glory! May the God of wonders love on you today everywhere you go.

"I am a woman
Called to be a servant
Bound by the grace that Your love imparts.
Lord, make me humble,
Teach me to follow;
Make me a woman of Your heart.

I am a woman
Called to speak with wisdom;
Shining a light that will lead to You.
Lord, give me courage
To be Your witness;
Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman
Purchased by Your mercy;
Bought by the love that would spare no cost.
Lord, make me holy,
Loving You only;
Make me a woman of Your cross."

come heal our land

This week on campus it was Spiritual Advancement Week. It was a great time of intimacy and stretching with the Lord.
This week God too me to places in prayer I've never been before.
I was brought even deeper into His presence, to be made more like Him, to be filled so that my cup not only runneth over, but gushes over.
This week I pursued my Pursuer.
My Lover, my Friend too me by the hand and spoke His words of life into my heart.
He had burdened and broken my heart so that it might break with the things that break His heart.
What a Mighty God we serve!

This is a new song Dave Klob taught us and I believe it speaks prophetically over not only this campus, but our world...our neighborhoods, our homes.
It is my heart's prayer to see the blind eyes opened, the deaf ears unlocked, to see our generation healed, to have life breathed into the dry and THIRSTY souls. God pour out over this place. Rain down!

"Lord hear our cry,
Come heal our land
Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord hear our prayer

Forgive our sin
And as we call on Your name
Would You make this a place for Your glory to dwell

Open the blind eyes, Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people, As we draw near
Hear us from heaven, Touch our generation
We are Your people, Crying out in desperation
Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven…"

Words & Music by Jared Anderson © 2004 Vertical Worship Songs

Adventures in 'Quispamsis' (last Sunday)

So, last Sunday morning we headed to Quispamsis to go to Kings Valley Wesleyan Church again, with the blessing of being able to celebrate Nicole's Mom's birthday afterward, complete with freshly cooked, homemade food: roast beef, potatoes, carrots, rolls & icecream cake. We certainly leave there well fed. It was a gorgeous day and a great day to share in fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It's nice to celebrate God's goodness and blessings over delightful food and heartfilled laughter.
God is certainly gracious and good.
He is constantly showing us His favor!

(Nicole *roomate*, Nicole's Dad & Nicole's Mom *birthday girl*)
Tim, Trevor, Derrek, Ben & Chris (the boys, waiting for the yummy grub)
Group photo on the Finlay's porch -t'was a gorgeous day outside!
The girls: Jess, Christy & Nicole

good news

An exciting announcement:
Today the results for CROSSWINDS, our college chorale were posted and I was selected as a soprano for chorale!
I am much excited about the things God has planned during the rest of the school year with this chorale experience.
Oh how I love to praise my Jesus in song. Oh, how I desire to worship Him and to share the joy of Christ with all who see.

words of wisdom

Found in the church bulletin this morning at Kings Valley Wesleyan:
"Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless."

Before the Throne of God

My challenge to those I love today is to ponder the sacrifice Christ made for you. Remember who you were before you came to know Him. Remember who you are in Him. Remember who He is. May these words from a SonicFlood song called Before the Throne of God stir within your hearts a desire to worship the Lamb, the King of Kings: Jesus Christ.

" Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.

One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God."

He is near

In fellowship...
In walks...
In meal times minus family...
On the field...
In the wind...
Shining the sun, warming the earth...
Down the hill...
Up the hill...
Rustling in the leaves...
In laughter...
In long talks...
In Your Living Word...

You, O Lord are always present. Your plans are great and good.
You fill us with a confident hope and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
You love on us in all things great and small.
Daily as I meditate on Your word, I find You.
The more I seek You, the more You reveal Yourself in ways like never before.
You are deep.
You are mighty.
You are good. All the time, You are good!

His faithfulness

"God is not man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind,
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
-Numbers 23:19

There is truly nothing like walking in the presence of our loving Savior, daily.
To know the Christ who is not only Savior, but Teacher, Friend, Lover, Counselor, Maker, Ruler, EVERYTHING.
To be intimate with the Lord and hear His still small voice whispering words of life and truth into my soul is a gift, a blessing that far surpasses anything else. Words can not express nor explain how God has both protected and strengthened my heart over these past few months. Thank You Jesus for guarding the precious chambers of my heart, for speaking with authority over any other voice that caused me to doubt. Thank You for open arms and Your word of truth. You alone are my strength and my song. I praise You Father for restoration and lessons that will carry through many many years, probably my entire life. Thank you for being my JOY. my PEACE. for granting me GRACE, LOVE, PATIENCE,KINDNESS, SELF-CONTROL and WISDOM.

Without You, where would we be?
I thank You that You are mindful of ever the small things.
I exalt Your name, sweet Jesus, because YOU are ALWAYS IN CONTROL.
I know this truth because I've walked in it.
I've stood on the foundation of Your word, making You my hope and confidence.
I've come to you in weakness and You've heard my cries.
I thank You for being the light unto our feet and path. You never allowed us to waiver from Your will, even though stubbornness may have felt better than the truth. You are GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!

I worship You my King!
I thank You for all of the growth that is to come.
Let us walk as an example that glorifies Your name!
:) You make my heart smile Jesus!

I'm a fork and my roomate's a spoon!

This is my roomate Nicole and I, preparing for our freshman competitions.

Our competition included two other groups of knives and straws!
Appreciation for this strangeness can be contributed to the lovely president and mind behind the activities
Andrew Glidden.

first day at school

First big night on campus.
I've arrived. I'm alive and well.
God is good!
I have a new roomate named Nicole which was a nice surprise!
My parents took me to dinner, twas' yummy!
Played some volleyball with the upperclassmen before chapel this evening.
Ate icecream.
Met way too many people and only remember probably 10 or so names.
Lots of information.
Lots of stuff to do.
Busy days ahead, but I rest in knowing that God is in control and that I can trust Him with everything.
Chris is at BBC with me.
Nick Bull is at BBC with me.
Jess Burden, my childhood neighbor is with me at BBC.

(Just the lowdown of my day! Miss you all! Love ya!)

casting our cares upon Him

Well only two more nights in my bed and I'm off to BBC.
It seems like it's taken forever to turn September...but looking back, it sort've snuck up on me.
Sometimes I wonder why short spans of time seem so long, while looking at long spans of time sometimes seem very short. (strange, I know)

Today, just like any other day, was nothing short of an adventure for me.

God's blessings never cease to amaze me and I must say that He is always faithful in hearing our prayers.

I just finished reading a great book by Max Lucado called Traveling Light. *God's timing is always perfect.* It speaks about Psalm 23 and how we're called to rest and allow Christ to lead. He is our Shepard. Going over Psalm 23, Lucado picks apart the luggage we tote around each day of our lives like trunks full of guilt, backpacks of shame, suitcases of disappointment, worry, envy, ect. When we stop though and drop the luggage, and don't pick it up anymore, we're trusting the Father, Jesus Christ, our ever loving Savior, to protect us, love us, provide for us and take care of every need. "His yoke is easy and His burden is light..." (Tis' a good read).

So in keeping with the theme of a book I finished yesterday, I dropped my luggage before the Lord today, including my suitcase of worry.

I must cast all my cares upon Him and trust. He is good all the time. His faithfulness was shown once again in the favor of a loved one at customs this afternoon. God brings a peace that surpasses all understanding when we trust Him more than our fears. Not being in control is a scary thought, but the Bible says in Psalms that when we trust the Lord He makes us as "sure footed as a deer". Deer are graceful. Now I don't know about you, but at times, I'm not particularly graceful on my feet....however, thinking about this, I believe I would take it to mean that as we trust the Lord, He'll guide our steps, we'll be surefooted (or graceful), simply because He's in control and He's holding our hand each step of the way. NO more worries about silly things. Worrying isn't going to put gas in the car, get you across the border, fix a relationship, pay the bills, raise your children. With God, all things are possible!

"His grace is sufficient and in our weakness, His strength is made perfect..."

soccer games and memories

When it comes to soccer...I'm game! Cleats, or bare feet...if there's a ball, a slab of grass to run on and some form of a goal, I'm ready to play. Sadly this year is the first time since 4th grade that this season of time hasn't been consumed with the stinkyness of shinguards and constant running of the washer to remove large grass and mud stains from my uniforms. Oh, to be on the soccer field again. I love the game...there's just something about being on a field, beneath the heat of lights, or a setting sun that enchants me. Something about the snapping of a ball against my cleat and the swooshing of a ball as it whaps the back of a net that sends a motivation throughout my whole body. There's something about breathing heavy and speaking in a foreign language (with a mouthguard) that is worthy of much memories and laughter. When I'm on the field, pieces of my character and personality that many people don't often get a chance to see unless they're there with me, come out. It's freeing for me. I love soccer...hence my desire to attend 3 matches over the past 4 days.
I'm greatful the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to find joy in Him so many countless times on the field.
I remember sunsets after getting scolded by coaches and how whispers of His word caused the adrenaline within me to sore.
It took me until my senior year in highschool to play the sport I love most for the glory of the Lord, but I loved each and every moment of it.
Never have I experienced something so grand, challenging and stretching.
There's nothing like celebrating a goal the Lord caused to happen and rejoicing in the twinkling stars as you zig-zag past girls nearly out of breath.
Where the stores of energy sometimes burst from, I'll never know.
All I know is there's something within me that fills with glee at the thought of lacing up a pair of cleats, accompanied by my stinky shin guards, to hear the snapping of a ball down an open field.
I love it!

(Below are some clippings from my little sister's game this afternoon. She's a rockin' goalie and an intense field player!)

Devoted CMS soccer fans
Jess playing field during the second half...they were leading 3-1
Jessica hustling back at striker (far right)
Jessica #22 going wide for a flag pass
Jess bracing herself to recieve a pass! woot woot!
goalie girl jess stopping a warm up kick in goal
in the goal...(oopsies, looks like weizi-lou let that one by)
this goalie stuff is pretty intense, check out the fancy foot work
a pre-victory lap around the field...go jess (in rainbow)
the girls running by...people always look pretty amazing when they run
Go Vikings!
They were victorious in their match this afternooon vs. the Presque Isle white team 3-2.

a teenage testimony

Sisters are fun.
With them, the adventures never cease.
Perhaps I could rephrase the "sister" part for those of you with brothers and say "siblings are fun. With them, the adventures never cease."

The Lord has greatly blessed me with two distinctly different sisters. They're both so different, and so very alike. I love it. I've been thinking a lot lately about my youngest sister Jess and how she just turned the big 1-3. She's no longer a pre-teen, but a teenager, through and through. Her eyes have been unveiled to the site of "cute boys" and she spends countless time prettying herself to go out of the house. Now to anyone who knows Jess, this is very strange behavior for her, because for the last few years, she's been a proud tom-boy through and through. Her thoughts of showering, smelling nice and wearing jewelry were fun, but not necessary, so long as she could still win arm wrestling matches in homeroom with the boys or kick a soccer ball and leave a mark. Jess is cute. She is loving and has a huge heart for people. As the days press on I've noticed her becoming a beautiful young lady, more and more. Showers are a must, and she's experimenting with makeup...all sorts of fun stuff.

Well most of those things I just mentioned are materialistic, and I by no means am I believing that makeup and showering make someone beautiful (they do help though), I'm just relating Jessica's character and actions in a short summary. So, this evening my little #1 goalie for CMS waltzed into the house with a giant grin on her face.Muddy from practice, clad in her rainbow jersey, I told her she should shower and get ready quickly, so I could bring her to youth group. (a surprise, because she wouldn't have been able to go, but during the course of the day, the Lord changed my heart and I decided to head into PI for the evening to catch a soccer match, ma favorite!) She looked at me and jumped up and down saying, "I prayed! I prayed! I prayed for a way to go to youth tonight and God heard me and wow, that's two prayers today! I prayed!"

This made me chuckle at her excitement and blessed to hear her little heart had been blessed by this chance to go to church tonight. She continued to tell me a story about soccer practice and a certain challenge that arose. She decided she was practically incapable, like everyone else to be successful, however, because she chose to put her hope in Christ, she prayed, for strength and the ability to perform the task at hand. She wasn't looking for glory or cheers from teammates, she just wanted to accomplish the hard task. ( a bonus was no more running at practice). Closing her eyes, she prayed, kicked the ball, turned around and waited. Screams errupted from her squawl of teamates and she turned around smiling. When her friends asked her what she was doing closing her eyes, she replied
"Praying. I knew if I prayed I could do it."

Hooray! I was so very thankful to both hear and be a part of a little girl's prayer request. Though her resquests could be considered silly or minor, I saw them as wonderful opportunities for her to see the God of wonders perform small wonders in her life, now, at this vulnerable and very influencial age, 13. I got a chance to share with her about Christ's blessings and the power of prayer. :) I loved her excitement that God had really answered her prayers, in two different circumstances. He is good. Yahweh is unfailingly good.

a letter

At a small family gathering this afternoon, my aunt handed me an envelope. Inside this envelope was a card and within the card a letter. The letter was her prayer for me and my soon coming adventures at Bible college. This paragraph spoke life and encouragement to me:

"Trust Him, even when He only takes you one hour or one day at a time. Trust Him when He is quiet and heed Him when He speaks in the still small voice. When you are not sure of something wait. Wait as long as He will have you wait, knowing His plans for your future are good."

This passage in the my aunt's letter lit my heart with joy, reminding me of Christ's love and sovereign plan as the sweet words of Jeremiah 29:11 danced in my heart :

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. "-Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

God is unfailingly good and His promises never fail. His plans for each of us are good, with a hope and a future. Entering this season of change, I'm ready for the Lord to stretch me, break me and use me to light the world with His love, peace and joy.

May my life be an example of Your love Awesome Father. May my words, thoughts and actions speak life to a dark world. I trust Your plans Lord and I know You have planned much good, with a future and hope. I will wait on You...Use me Lord!

birds are so weird

This morning I headed out to conquer the streets of Caribou in my running shoes, to enjoy fresh air and the sunshine. A slight chill hung in the air and within the first 2 minutes of my run I discovered my music player was out of batteries and I would be lacking tunage for the rest of my journey. My feet often take me to strange places when I run, as I often challenge myself not to take the same root over and over again. With so many side streets and directions to run in I like to explore, discover and enjoy my time outside.

For no particular reason my feet took me on a journey to Collin's Pond this morning and mid stride I stopped with a thought that I needed to sit on the little bench facing the pond. Thinking this strange, but certainly not out of the ordinary, I sat and watched the Canadian geese swimming and entertaining themselves in the water. Looking up, I felt like falling backwards and yelling "INCOMING!!!" as two herds (not sure if that's the appropriate animal term) of Canadian geese came hurdling through the air, apparently towards me, but realistically towards the pond. Flopping around like toddlers learning to walk, their bodies swayed back and forth in the air, wings flapping furiously to stay balanced during descent. I chuckled at the site of these silly birds. Never had I seen something so ridiculous. They landed in waves, water shooting up, like a dance of some sort...some of the birds got a little too confident and ahead of themselves and toppled face forward into the water, sumersaulting their way back to the surface.

This moment was absolutely priceless. I marveled at God's creation all around me as my eyes found a strange, peculiar gray bird, lonely but swift. I watched as it tip-toed it's way across a log, careful not to get completely into the water, safe behind the shelter of some cat-tails and apparently aggravated at the thousands of Canadian birds who had decided to invade his space. Too bad for him though, he was way out numbered. This too made me chuckle.

Things got better as I told the Lord how I wished I could see the geese land like that again, because I'd never seen anything quite like it. Looking away from my grumpy grey friend I found another swarm of geese pummeling their way into the pond..they must've miscalculated their landing, because they came near the water and began screaming in alarm, swooping back up and taking one more circle around the pond, landing in the opposite direction this time. To me, I'd equate the experience like that of a pilot preparing to land a small plane with a good friend in the back and as he pulls near the ground, he screams *just kidding* and takes another sweep through the sky. People on the ground would naturally wonder what in the world was going on and the followers of the pack or in this example the pilot's friend would probably scream in alarm. I'm telling you, these birds are strange.

Now, to end this rather lengthy and odd post on an even stranger note...just when I thought I'd seen it all a small bird appeared fluttering over the water and it stopped. Now when I say stop, I mean for like 5 seconds it's wings didn't move, at all. This caught my attention quickly enough to see the bird's wings flapping wildly like a blender for another 5 seconds. Then it froze and dropped towards the water. I saw a little splash, you know the kind that makes the "ploop" sound. I wondered if it had died. Much to my surprise, but suiting the days already strange theme quite perfectly, the little creature flew out of the water and began bobbing up and down. This little one reminded me of the kid at the pool party who always makes everyone excited when he runs towards the water screams *cannonball!* and knocks half the water out of the pool.

I'm thankful the Lord sat me down for a good laugh and chance to appreciate His creation today. Even though it was my strangest run ever, which eventually turned into a walk...I'd have to say it was one of my favorite.

climbing a mountain

Just the other day I went hiking at Aroostook State Park with my sister-friend Lor and as we trampled our way up South Peak and danced down North Peak, flying over roots, and large rocks, catching air like never before, a joy and laughter built within me as the Lord revealed Himself once again all around me. As rocks were danced over and roots ignored, a song boomed within my heart. My heart desired to praise the King with and Hallelujah came to mind. "I can climb a mountain...but it's when You hold me, I start unfolding..."
Oh, to be held in His presence as we walk daily through life's trails, adventures and surprises. Oh, to delight in the Creator of all things, the great and Almighty King of Kings. Oh, to climb a mountain basking in the summer sunlight, as whisps of wind catch the side of your face, a joy bubbling within you. Every day is an adventure with the Lord as we step out and realize He is near...We can walk daily in fellowship with the King: in the grocery store, on a mountain trail, at meal time. He is near. He's everywhere!!!
...Hallelujah!!!

"Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?
I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond your reach
I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah
The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day
Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play
And only you can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And you made it home
And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah"
-Bethany Dillon
Hallelujah

i'm pretty sure my dad's a hero...

Sometimes I wonder how awful it must be not to have a dad around, what it must feel like everyday to not have a man who is your greatest critic, loudest cheerleader and favorite hero around. I love my dad very much, but sometimes I guess I forget to be thankful for him. With my dad having spend a year in Iraq, it gave me a lot of time to think about all that Dad does and let me tell you, he does a lot. You realize all the thankless tasks that dads do when they are gone for a little while like taking out the garbage, fixing anything and everything on your car before you even know somethings wrong, bringing powerade to every sporting even you have, and sitting through 3 hour band concerts to watch your 15 minutes of performing.

My dad may be goofy and do things that make my head spin with wonder, but still he's my dad, my biggest button pusher, and greatest hero. He might drive me crazy with spread sheets about college finances, but I'd be clueless without his help. He cooks, cleans, irons and surprises. He drives, organizes and plans, plans, plans.

As a little girl, it was a running joke in our family that although my dad loved to fix things and had a pluther of tools in his possession, that he was surely "tim the tool man taylor". One can not count the times he almost lots appendages, broke windows, visited the ER, zapped himself and almost broke himself, until one day something clicked. All around us, we explored with wonder as drybars, linen closets, storage shelfs, shingles, tire swings and steps came to life. They were sturdy and dad was unharmed. As we grew bigger dad's talents spread through computer work on graduation invitations and oil changes, flat tires and making your car shiny and brand new looking. Dad always knows what to buy and has a pretty decent job about what a problem is.

Well yesterday I got to watch daddy come to the rescue once again...after an interesting driving adventure.Dad knew how to fix the situation, once again. Thanks dad for all the little things you do that I sometimes forget to be thankful for! I love you!

*who are your heros?

...Your promises never fail me...

It's amazing how sometimes we get so caught up in being a "Christian" that we neglect the precious treasure of being intimate with the Lord. A situation arises and instantly our minds set to work plotting out the situation and picturing the hours we'll inevitably have to spend on our knees, bawling over our opened Bibles, scribbling notes...just so He'll hear us. (That's so wrong, because every situation doesn't have to be a fight to find rest in Him. Sometimes all we must do is come.)

Last night the Lord showed me His desire to be intimate with me. He's my friend. He is mindful of me and at the very moment my heart begins to break, He surrounds me in His loving arms. "I am your friend. Sing to me," He says. We don't have to pout and pound the floor for God to hear us. He knows and when we reach for Him, He is there in an instant. He asks no questions -- He knows all the answers. He just loves and with a special kiss, He promises, He is there. "I am near. Be not afraid my child. Be patient and wait for me to act."

Now, because we serve a God who is Mighty and Awesome, we too can experience His humor. Last night I chose to make praise my victory cry and in my grief I worshiped the only One who never forgets, the only One who will never leave. As I spun around in my bedroom I glanced into the corner to see a plastic-glow star fall from my ceiling to my bed and I knew He was giving me a shooting star. I squealed with delight like a small child on Christmas and was instantly filled with the joy of the Lord. I laughed and giggled for a very long time. He's so good!

Enclosed within four dark basement walls, He still allowed me to marvel at the thought of the beautiful sky. I just knew He was telling me everything will be just fine. He's got me. Closing my eyes, He took me to a place where I was nothing short of showered in shooting stars...I can still see them now. :)

You are my joy! I rest in Thee! I love you Lord!

family ties

I love family gatherings and this afternoon I had a great time reminiscing about my family. In a few short weeks I will be away from all I've ever known...for most of my life, the large majority of my family has only been a short journey down the road and I am blessed to see many of them atleast once a week. I could only find a few photos from our recent vacation and visit with family from bangor...there are many more members to this special clan and I love them all dearly! I know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be surrounded with such a loving and supportive family! From cousins to aunts, uncles, grandparents, sisters and parents...I am oh so blessed.

good-bye small group celebration @ the plourde's

Rachelle enjoying a smore fresh from the fire...
Ashley and Susan, both clearly unaware that I'm taking this photo.
Nicole, Christy & Rachelle "the traditional photo"
Stephanie and I (I'm going to miss this amazing woman of God, her family and her teachings)
Nicole getting excited about Rachelle's droopy marshmellows, one fell on the ground!
There's so much going on in this photo, I'm at a loss of words to explain it.
Miss Ballard and her cool shades
Stephanie admiring the group photo just taken
Our small group reunited! Over the years many have come and gone...but at the heart of this group have remained 6 ladies.
Ashley Corriveau transfixed with smore making.