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!