Whats going on?

Finding a Needle in a Haystack

2011-03-07T12:04:00.003-07:00

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Kicking Horse Ski Resort with a group of Young Adults from First Alliance Church here in Calgary. Overall, the whole weekend was so amazing. Good times, good friends, good fellowship. I got to meet some new people and I got to know others better. Community and snowboarding, both wonderful things that I enjoy.

Now onto an experience that I need to share or would like to. I’m not sure how well you will be able to relate or even identify with the experience I had over this weekend. Not to say that no one has ever found a needle in a haystack, but try to imagine this scenario with me.

It was the last run of the day. If anyone is familiar with Kicking Horse it’s a beautiful gondola ride up to the top, with mountain ranges surrounding and a view of Golden, BC. This day was a beautifully exasperating day, if we can even put those two words together. There were so many great things about this day. The weather to start was just below zero, it might as well have been above zero as some points I'm sure. There had been a decent amount of snow over the past couple of days. The clouds throughout the day had slowly become less and less leaving more of clear sky as the day reached the end. The sun had finally broken through for the last couple hours of lift operation. Now I know the stigma with the last run. The bodies exhausted, the muscles are sore, and the brain is tired. Last runs usually don’t go to well. Well not today because I was stoked and far from tired at all. (Must be the P90X…haha) Adam Kroeker and I decided to take the gondola up and do a run from the top. The ride up was great. The clouds were gone from around us. We could see all the mountains around. I was listening to M83 – We Own the Sky. The hill was looking less populated. It’s going to be a great run down.

Adam and I are at the top, and I remembered that early today the ratchet buckle on the toe was loose. Adam pointed out that they kept tools at the top so we proceeded to walk over to the tools. As I was going to tighten the buckle before we went down, I put my board up on the table and lo and behold the buckle was gone. My heart dropped. Really? Was this really going to happen? Of course! I was beginning to feel like bindings and I don’t go to well together. Last time I went was to Sunshine and the ankle strap fell off while getting into the gondola up the main base from Goat’s Eye. The lifty was kind enough to pick the solo strap and put it in the gondola behind us. This was my board that broke at Sunshine. Now, using Jeff’s board, his buckle broke. Not only did it brake, but I lost it. A white ratchet buckle somewhere on the mountain, this could be fun. I joked with Adam and asked him to keep a look out for the buckle on the way down because who knows where it could’ve have fallen off. So with that I looked around a bit in the snow on the top and on the platform for the buckle with no avail. Then, I got to take the beautiful gondola ride down. Now don’t get me wrong, it was unfortunate that I didn’t get to get my last run in, but if you have any idea what I’m like, things like this don’t bother my at all. I know that my God is bigger than a buckle and He is the director of my paths and my path, was the gondola ride down. I said good-bye to Adam, went over to the lift and knocked on the window and the lifty gave the thumbs up to hop in. I put in my board, proceeded in to the gondola, and away I went. The ride down was just as good as the ride up. Still just as beautiful. However, the ride down gave me some time to contemplate what just happened, to thank God for His guidance in my life, and to relax.

I got down to the bottom, smiled at the lifty, grabbed my board and started to search for others in the group who were at the bottom. My day ended well. I was happy that I had no accidents, the weather was good, I was around wonderful people, and God was with me. So I went to the Day Lodge, found everyone else, and just waited to leave.

Everyone grabbed their bags and headed out to the cars. I had already dropped my board off at the vehicle so I wasn’t in a hurry to leave. I have this tendency to double check rooms after leaving places because I’ve just forgotten so many things and I like to feel secure that nothing was left behind. I’m walking back with Jonathan, just chatting about the day and such thinking nothing of it. We head outside and are walking back in no particular hurry. Then in one moment, my head glances down, and there it is. The white buckle, snugly placed in a vast amount of snow, right below my eyes. Now, while in the gondola, I had this very image of the buckle sitting in the snow. The interesting part was both the images were the same. Some call it Déjà vu, I’ll call that the Spirit. Here it was, the buckle no bigger than an inch that I had asked for, right in front of me. The needle in the haystack.

I doubted God.

I doubted that God could get me this buckle, as I'm sure most of us would. When will we stop doubting God. Why would God do this?

Because He loves us with an everlasting love and because we are His children. We are not mistakes, we are not here by chance, even the hairs on our head are numbered. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

God is here, God is with us, and He wants to show us his love in even the most smallest of ways. Are you listening to the people around you? Are you watching the world around you? Are you being aware of the work that God is doing in your life and in the people around you? People, let's think. Don't let life pass you by.

Don't miss the buckle on the mountain.

I hope your challenged. God bless.

A can of soup!

2010-05-25T22:19:00.005-06:00

So today, was like every other day, well not really. It was my lunch break and I was without my pizza pops! I had an hour break, so I decided to head over to the Extra Foods and grab a box for the next week or so. As I was walking over, I turned down one block to early. Instead of entering from the front, I ended up entering from the back of the Extra Foods downtown Yellowknife. There was a man sitting there and he asked me for a can of soup, homeless or not, he looked like he needed a can of soup. I continued in, thinking that I probably can just exit through the front if I don’t want to walk past him again if I decide not to get the can of soup. Something else happened, after I grabbed my pizza pops and was about to head out, the Word spoke to me. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The first part spoke to me with great conviction. I decided that I was going to go grab a can of soup for this gentleman. I went and grabbed a Campbell’s Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle soup. When picking the soup, I thought about price, but then I decided to grab something I would enjoy, the big chunks of chicken on the label caught my attention. The labeled price was 2.89, no biggie. As I was going through the till, I noticed that it was $3 and change and not the 2.89 price..hmmm…So I took my receipt and soup to one of the cashiers to see what they can do for me. I felt like a cheap customer, but I wanted to let them know that the price was wrong, right? Lo and behold, I got the soup for free! So I walked out, handed the guy the soup, he smiled, I left. I basically walked into the store, grabbed the guy a can of soup of the shelves, and walked out and gave it to him. This all happened because I took the turn to early. Simple, what seems like mere coincidence was God working. I walked away thinking about the turn a block to early, the Word speaking, the free soup, and the smile. Everything happening for a reason. Makes my appreciate the way life works out some times, even when we are not expecting it! Just a neat little story, hope you enjoy it!!

To Build a Home

2010-05-07T12:06:00.001-06:00

Well, where to begin! The last time I wrote was February 28, and I usually have never gone more than a month without writing. That goes to show how busy it has been the past couple months. I would love to share with you about everything going on in my life but I don’t want to write that much! This entry is mainly just going to be about what I’ve been doing for those family members who I didn’t get a chance to visit and talk with and for everyone else that might be interested. [I’m not that interesting ;)]

I just recently finished my second year of University at Ambrose this past month. It’s still hard for me to believe that I have only a year and a half of schooling and a year internship then I’m done! So I’m pretty much half way there!

This past year of school has been challenging. Just when you think school can’t get any harder…it does! I also know now I was over committed which proved to be a little difficult and disastrous in some areas. I found myself being spread a little thin, and we all know that it is not healthy for me, or the people I am interacting with. I am grateful for all the areas I got to serve in, but I’m realizing that as a human, we can only do some much, while continuing to stay healthy. Our bodies and minds are capable of amazing feats and for that I am thankful! I never really wanted to be that person that was involved in so many areas which wouldn’t allow me to fully participate in the areas that needed it the most. I found this is where neglect came in and neglect can ruin things, even our walk with God. You become so bogged down that you really just do what’s necessary at hand and move along from task to task, and I do not like living like that. Neglect can be a scary thing; it can ruin a person’s life. Let’s be more aware of our relationships and take care of them. Be aware if your neglecting someone and make amends! If your being neglected, speak up, let them know, and if nothing changes, you have your own life to live, so don’t let other people bring you down! When I neglect people, it hurts them, and I can’t live like that. As I try to be more careful with my relationships, I hope you will. I want you to enjoy the life you live! As for myself, next year I will be committing myself to one leadership role and school. I do not want to be neglectful anymore. I'll try, okay? That’s it, that’s all.

Something very cool that God is allowing me to do is be a part of the Central Planning Team Legacy Youth Conference 2011 at our school. You can check out the website at http://www.legacyyouthconference.com/ The website is pretty basic right now, until we figure a few things out. I’ve been involved in LYC for the last couple of years, I’ve been involved in their entertainment team, and as well as ushering. It will be great to take on a leadership role in LYC and be able to continue to serve the High School students.

So where am I now? I am currently sitting in Yellowknife, NWT! I’ll be here for the next four months working at Scotiabank, doing my teller work. I’m still quite amazed that I work at Scotiabank, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over how God put this together! I’m really looking forward to the summer up here; it’s a nice change to Calgary.Well, the snowboarding season is over, but the long boarding season has just begun! I want to encourage you all to get outside, walk somewhere instead of drive. Get a dog or three! Tell someone today that you love em!

What am I listening to now? The Cinematic Orchestra – To Build a Home

Love you all, and thanks for being there for me!

Olympics

2010-02-28T23:57:00.001-07:00

The Olympics were awesome. Canada got the most Gold out of any country ever in Olympic history and the most on hosting territory. Canada also beat the USA in the Gold match hockey game both women's and men's hockey. What a great Olympics for Canada! I love Canada!

Healthy Living

2010-01-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

So like all my other posts, they are simply expressions of what is going on in my life, hence the title of my blog "What's going on?" Since the start of the school year I've been consistently making choices in my life to live a healthy lifestyle. I think I was always put off by either working out or staying in shape because I always had this impression that people that go to the gym are egotistical and self-centered. Plus I've been blessed with a high enough metabolism where my weight was never an issue. I've come to realize a lot more people go to the gym than I expected and none of them are egotistical. There was one more fear, that my life would be consumed with lifting weights, running, and the desire to be bigger and better. I'm glad to say that I've overcome this very narrow minded view of the gym. I've developed a routine that I've stuck with for the past three weeks or so and I'm actually enjoying everyday life a lot more. I feel good about myself knowing that I've done some good for my body and mind. Also, starting to work out has actually made me be more aware of the food that I put in my body. Not saying that I won't eat junk food, but it's not something that I desire to eat anymore.

Marriage/Cactus

2010-01-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

So January is almost done and it’s crazy that we are a month in to twenty ten! [not two thousand and ten] Three more months then I’m done my second year here at Ambrose! The last time I wrote it was at the beginning of Christmas break, oops sorry for the lack of updating! Time just flies by, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. Makes me enjoy smaller moments a whole lot more though!

So on January 1, 2010 my little sister got married! It’s so hard to believe the same girl I used to pretend to put boogers in her cereal, build forts, play Mario Kart for endless amounts of time, go to the Reddi Mart with what little money we had and spend it all on candy, and the little girl I grew up with is now married! A few of the family from Canada got to drive down and take part in her beautiful wedding. Overall she did a wonderful job planning and getting everything organized. The question I’ve been asked multiple times now that Ryan and Alyssa are married has been when will I get married? I say, NEVER!... Haha...just kidding...but do not worry about me! God is a big God and His plan is perfect and I definitely trust in Him to bring the right person along.

So I was blessed this Christmas break. Turns out that my Grandma took a little piece of my cactus, the one from third grade, and actually grew her own cactus. When she heard about my predicament with the Christmas cactus, she was so generous that she gave me her Christmas cactus which was the one I had since elementary! It was one of the best Christmas gifts ever. I have a little something up my sleeve for my Grandma, but she won’t know until next Christmas!

Well just wanted to give a quick update. I love you all and I hope you are having a great year so far!

BAM!

2009-12-19T22:01:00.002-07:00

That’s how I feel right now. Like I’ve hit the brick wall and now I’m lying on the ground trying to recuperate from immense pain! Okay, maybe not that bad, but this last semester has been a doozy. In my entire school career, it’s been one of the most challenging, growing, exhausting, semesters of my life. Between school, practicum, work, and the rest of life’s happenings, I had to force myself to take breaks which have been a first. It was a wonderful learning experience for me in regards to time management, taking days off, and enjoying life in the midst of utter chaos. I don’t assume next semester is going to be any easier, although it possibly could, but I feel more prepared to handle whatever comes my way. I’ve learned the importance and necessity of taking one day off a week no matter what to allow my body to recover from the previous week’s unfolding. This past semester has been a challenge well accepted and well learned from.

These past couple days, my friend Melissa from Australia came for a short visit while on her way to Winnipeg. She got a pretty full experience of Canadian culture while she was in Calgary. I was able to take her tobogganing and snowboarding and she got to meet a lot of great people! For the first time snowboarding she did really well. It was her first time out of Australia so it was great to share a little bit of Canadian culture with her.

Right now, I’m sitting in Yellowknife, enjoying the stress free atmosphere. It’s so refreshing to be up here, away from everything, and best of all, be with my family. This Christmas break has been muchly anticipated and I can tell you will be muchly enjoyed! With my sister’s wedding coming up in January, it’s going to be a wonderful end to a wonderful Christmas break.

Take a break, take a breather, enjoy the season, and remember why we celebrate it.

God bless,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Containing Christmas Subject Matter

2009-11-22T13:22:00.008-07:00

So I know it's a little early for Christmas talk. Well actually I don't think it's ever to early to talk about Christmas! I'm super excited for this winter season!

To begin with, a bought a Christmas cactus. If you aren't sure what it looks like, a quick Google image search will reveal that to you. Now why would I buy a Christmas cactus? It all started in third grade when my teacher gave everyone in our class a plant to take care of. This plant was a Christmas cactus. The one given to me was small in nature, consisting of only three leaves. Over the years I had the chance to watch it grow into a beautifully mature plant that bloomed every November. Upon graduating and leaving to Yellowknife, [consult the first post of this blog for more information about moving to Yellowknife] I left the cactus in care of my brother. Not to long after, it died, and was thrown out. Upon hearing this news I was devastated from the core of my being, okay well maybe not that much, but it hurt. Over the next couple of years I searched for a cactus to call my own. This search came to an end as last week when I was able find a plant to secure that place in my heart, a new Christmas Cactus [whose name has yet to be determined, although there has been some ideas tossed around].

Along with the Christmas cactus, I was also able to purchase a Christmas tree and Christmas lights to decorate our room. It's my first Christmas tree that I've ever owned personally and so far I'm pretty happy with it. It stands 6' tall and is visible from the school. When I'm walking back to residence at night, you can see it glistening in the window.

I'm super excited about this Christmas break because my little sister is getting married! I never imagined she'd get married before I did, but that's life. She's getting married to a wonderful man of God, and their passion for God is also undeniable. I look forward to January 1, 2010 as a start of a new life for my sister, and a life with a new brother for myself.

I also have a season's pass to Canada Olympic Park. It's my first time buying a pass at a hill so I'm looking forward to spending time there. I think it's a great hill. It is 10 minutes away from the school for easy access so who can complain.

After this two weeks I'll be done all my papers, most of my assignments with only finals to look towards. After that, Christmas break, then semester 2 here I come.

God bless.

Neglect

2009-10-29T22:19:00.006-06:00

Never in my life do I want to be so concerned with myself and my own problems, that I forget to take notice of the people around me.

So this past month has been relatively busy compared to my previous years of schooling. My involvement in different areas has definitely pushed me to my limits physically, mentally, and spiritually. What I'm noticing is that when I get to my limits, I retract. Almost in a preserving manner which I find interesting. My focus is primarily on myself and how I can I make it through each individual day and the overwhelming pressures I feel. On the other hand, I think by being aware of this, I'm learning to cope. The pressure is slowly subsiding and I'm starting to make my way back to being out in society. I'm learning to say no [a skill I thought I'd already developed] and to manage my time properly. Interesting enough, I had to write a short paper on time management which challenged my actions and gave me a little boost in regards to using my time well. How often do we neglect people for the sake of ourselves and how we feel that day? What happened to putting others before us? Love God, love people. How can you love God or people when all you consider is yourself and your own problems? Take care of yourself, don't get me wrong, but let us give our undivided attention to people that we interact with. Let us stop the wandering eyes that happens so often in our conversations. Let us invest into our relationships as much as we can. I know two essentials in life are community and faith, let us pursue both. Life is a journey, let us walk it together. Relationships come and go, but the ones we have in this moment are the ones that are significant.

What else happened this month?

My brother got married!

Live in the moment, look to the future, learn from the past.

Back to School

2009-09-11T16:13:00.002-06:00

So today marks the end of the first week of school! I must say it's been really busy but very enjoyable. My classes this semester are: Practicum and Reflection, New Testament Greek I, Principles of Sociology, Romans, and Theology 1 God and His Word. I'm really looking forward to actively engaging in all my areas of study.

Student Council has been great so far. It's my first time in a leadership role within the school and I'm learning lots. Right now I'm just getting Freshman elections under way here and it's looks like it's going to be a awesome year.

I'm working at Scotiabank again which is great. I'm only able to work Mondays but every little bit helps. I feel blessed to have such a great job.

I just wanted to write a quick little note here. Enjoy what is left of summer!

Back to Calgary

2009-08-21T10:02:00.004-06:00

It's hard to believe that my summer in Yellowknife is over. I still wouldn't call it a summer for the lack of hot weather, but it was still a good time. Tomorrow I'll be in a car for 16 some odd hours until I reach Edmonton. I'll be in town for a couple of days before I head back to Calgary where I'll start my second year of study at Ambrose. I'm really looking forward to this upcoming year. The classes I'll be taking hopefully will be good. Another thing I'm looking forward to is my involvement in student council. I really haven't taken any huge leadership roles, but at this moment in my life this is probably one of the biggest roles yet. It's going to be an area of change and growth which are two things I love.

I got an external hard drive the other day. It has the capacity of 1 TB (terabyte). Actually the ironic thing is when you open it up and see how much space you have, they always like to give you less then the displayed amount. So I have 931 gigabytes to work with. What do you do with that much space? I'm not to sure yet. So far I've filled a fraction of the space. My laptop is just about 2 and a half years old, so I'm taking the necessary precautions in case of a computer crash beyond restore.

I also went bridge jumping off of the bridge just outside Yellowknife. When your standing up there, it's a little nerve wrecking, but the fall itself isn't even that long, I'd do it again for sure.

Anyways, time to start packing and do laundry. I leave tomorrow morning!

Bye Yellowknife and to all the amazing people that have made this such a memorable summer. It has been wonderful living here and I can't wait for next year!

I'm Hungry and Thirsty

2009-07-23T21:00:00.001-06:00

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

I had the great opportunity of going down to Apgar Village in Montana with my family. I would classify it as a family reunion except it was missing a rather large chunk of people. Maybe next year. One evening, I grabbed my longboard and headed down a 2 mile pathway which leads to West Glacier. Upon returning my eyes caught sight of a little pathway that jutted from the paved ground. After gliding past the pathway, I came to a complete stop, got of my board and proceeded backwards to check out this trail that tickled my eye. Upon arriving at the pathway, I soon discovered it was a path that led to a lookout. I followed the arrow and proceeded down the path in hopes of finding something majestic. To my delight, there was. I placed my longboard on the ground to function as a bench. Then, what I looked upon was a beautiful island in the midst of a pond, surrounded by mountainous hills. Nature uninterrupted. The pure serenity of the place was overwhelming. As I was sitting there, I took the opportunity to ask God if there was anything he wanted to show me, maybe some wildlife, maybe a beaver or something. Off in the distance, aimlessly walking in the water was a deer. How beautiful. Immediately the Word spoke and echoed in my thoughts, “As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, Lord.” And that was it, the deer ran off into the distance, and then I got assaulted by a famished swarm of mosquitoes. So I grabbed my board and dashed down the path for fear of losing all the blood I had in me.

How thirsty is your soul? How hungry are you for the bread of life?

Pure Destiny

2009-06-18T17:16:00.006-06:00

What does it look like to trust God with the one your destined to be with? If you believe in destiny at all, which I do. I believe God has someone destined for me and also someone for you. One single person. Out of this entire planet, one single soul matched to yours. Sure there could be multiple people that you could be compatible with, but if you believe in the sanctity of marriage and believe that God has one person for you then there really is only the one God has chosen. One person destined to be apart of your walk for the rest of your life that God has specifically chosen. Someone that exemplifies your qualities, someone that you can connect with in a deep spiritual level.

Where is this person?

Should I go searching and see if the shoe fits? I believe the answer is simply, no! Do not follow the ways of this world, where in order to find someone, we need to search out for the one that is compatible. No more games, stop trying on different shoes! We must walk by the spirit and trust that the God of this universe will bring that person to you, and He will let you know! So there is no need to date different people to find out if God has brought the two of you together! If you aren't sure, let it be, most likely it is not time. Don't be blinded by confusion, at the very sight of confusion, run. Run, and don't look back! A wise man once told me, God is NOT the author of confusion so we know who is. Don't get me wrong, initiative is important and so is communication. Even so, if spirituality is the single most important thing for the two people [which I hope it is if you want to follow Jesus], you have an entire life with that person to get to know them more. God puts two people together to glorify and build his Kingdom to their complete potential and beyond. Wait for God to align your spiritual walks for the Kingdom's sake. After all, what more in life would you want than to have someone that God, the creator of this universe, has destined you to be with.

Sounds like a big decision to be made, who would you rather let choose, yourself or God? If you believe in God, the one who sent Jesus as the world's saviour, and directs us through the power of the Holy Spirit, trust in Him to make it for you.

How do I meet this person? Your paths will come together. Your plans. Your dreams. Your hopes. Let God be the door opener and the closer. Most importantly of all, [but often neglected], pray, pray for that person. Pray that they also would choose to live righteously, with integrity and purity. Choose to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

These posts are my journey, my walk and understanding of God. I don't expect you to agree or understand, but I hope the truth and the Word, will set you free.

May God bless you and keep you, may God's face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May God turn his face toward you, and give you his complete peace in heart and in life.

I'm So Confused

2009-06-05T21:14:00.014-06:00

I don't understand how it's possible for the sun to rise at 3:49 AM and set at 11:25 PM....where is the darkness?

For those of you who don't know where I am at the moment, I am in Yellowknife for the summer!

On to other news, I would love to talk about my job situation. For the past couple of years God has blessed me hugely with job opportunities. I am at a point where I don't worry about work or money because I know God is taking care of me because He has at every corner. He even gave me the last month off to relax, recuperate, get organized, to think, and get closer to Him.

Would you like to hear a story? If not skip to next paragraph.

So on Monday May 4th I had an interview with the YWCA for the role of community support worker. At the time I was given the impression that it was going to be a full-time job, Monday to Friday sorta thing. Looking back I realize that they most likely were just describing the different types of shifts that were available. Anyways, unknown to me it was a casual position until I made a phone call on May 25th to discuss when I would be starting, because it has already been a couple weeks from the interview date and I was unsure if I even had the job or not. Upon finding out that it was casual and I really was working for them, my search for full time employment began. That very day I went to a couple places including Scotiabank to see if I could get full-time employment. Great for me, Scotiabank's hiring sign was no longer in sight, and after a phone call, found out they hired two new people and weren't looking. A few other places I visited were kind enough to let me know that they already hired everyone needed the previous week and didn't require anymore staff. I visited some employment placement centres and they were also kind enough to let me know that there was nothing out there. Doors were shutting everywhere, it was great. (When doors shut, God's at work. Better yet, He never stops!) On June 3rd [also Chelsea and Jackson birthdays], I got an e-mail from Scotiabank, asking me if I would like a job there, as one of their full time person has decided to leave. With that, I have two jobs, a full time and a casual. I will work at the bank during the day and at the YWCA during the weekends, and maybe evenings. It might not seem like a big deal, but I know God's planning my life, and who else would I want to? After all He gives me breaks!

PLUS...the kicker, I don't feel like I'm working. My jobs are amazing. They are perfect for me at this moment in my life. It blows my mind that I get paid to do what I do.

Two friends of mine, Jeff and Ashley are coming up to Yellowknife! I'm pretty excited to have some great friends of mine come up to do some sight seeing, camping, canoeing, and other things. It'll be nice to have them up since I really haven't seen to many people since I've been up here.

As for what I'm reading. I just read a book titled Lost Boy by Greg Laurie. It was his biography about how God changed his life and called him to ministry. His book is written wonderfully allowing many people from different background to relate to him.

As for some music that I'm listening to, Tenth Avenue North. I have not listened to their whole album, but the two songs that I'm loving are Satisfy and By Your Side. Check them both out. Two great worship songs.

And girls...seriously? I let God figure that one out and hopefully He will help me along the way.

Be blessed, enjoy the sun, enjoy your family, have a great summer, tell someone you love them today, or tomorrow, or whenever you stumble upon this.

Another year done...

2009-05-01T18:20:00.007-06:00

Wow, my first year of University is done. It has been quite a learning and growing experience. This is first time in years where I actually had to study and work for my marks, not that I never tried. Just Hillsong wasn't so much of a academic school but rather vocational so I was involved in ministry outlets more. It was a challenge when I had to write a 10-page paper for the first time. They really aren't as bad as they might seem. With a lot of research and time commitment, one can pull it off. It gets me wondering how people write books though...

Another great thing that will be happening, that is next year, I will be in Student Council. I got accepted by the student body to be Vice President. I'm looking forward to being actively involved in the school I'm attending. It's the first time I have done Student Council, but I know it's going to be great.

This is a lovely picture of all the people I got to live with on the third floor.

With school done, I moved out of Calgary and am now living in the great north. Yellowknife! Meghan Broddy and I traveled up and arrived this morning after a nice drive and a short flight. We were scheduled to leave tomorrow but we made it to the airport this morning and there was room on the plane so we got to leave a day early. I had 4 bags, all of them got on, and I didn't have to pay any fees! No security checks. The plane itself I think has been around since the 1950s and seated just over 20. Looked like it was made of tin and was incredibly loud at takeoff. They also served us a choice of Oreo cookies or crackers, and drinks in Styrofoam cups. I passed these as it was 7:30 in the morning and I really wasn't hungry for an Oreo. The cockpit was open for all to see. It was rather amusing. One could have walked on the plane with fully loaded guns and no one would have noticed. Safe eh? Anyways, it was 11 degrees here during the day which feels awesome. It's so nice outside.

This Monday at 2 PM I have an interview for a job. Depending on how the interview goes, I might have to do more job hunting or I'll have a great job. I'm looking forward to working and getting into a routine and such.

So I'm doing well and glad to be here and start another journey of my life. It was great to see my Mom, John, Nick, and of course all the dogs from which I received a lot of loving.

I also watched a great movie, it's called Changeling with Angelina Jolie. I thought it was amazing. I cried, well more like teary eyed, but don't tell anyone.

Peace out.

Everything and Nothing

2009-04-09T15:12:00.004-06:00

How can we have everything, but still feel like we have nothing.

I can tell you this; you will never be fulfilled in your life.
You will strive for greatness, for wealth, for influence, but it will do nothing for you.
You will finish your education but still feel as if there is more to accomplish.
Your bank account will never be full enough.
Your job will never pay you enough for the amount of work you do.
You will never have enough close friends.
The man or woman you marry will never be good enough.
The house you live in could be a little bit bigger.
Your kids could be a little bit smarter.
Your brother or sister could be a little bit nicer.
Your life could be better.

No one understands you.
No one appreciates you.
No one looks out for you.

You are never loved.

Do you want to live a fulfilled life, to know that you have a life worth living? Do you want to experience a love that never fails? You can drop God from your beliefs like so many others have done in our generation, but your deepest longings and desires will never be filled.

God will give you faith, hope, love. God is the only one that can completely satisfy all your needs, wants, and desires.

God understands you.
God appreciates you.
God looks out for you.

God will always love you.

Oklahoma

2009-04-07T10:06:00.005-06:00

This past Wednesday to Sunday I got the opportunity to attend the Nazarene Student Leadership Conference in Oklahoma. Overall the whole trip was amazing. We were always doing something, and there was never a dull moment. We had a Renaissance dinner, a dodge ball tournament, a western dinner, meetings, a speaker, a TOMS shoes event, and went to a store called Pops, which was a gas station that had every pop imaginable. We ate, laughed, and learned. It was a great growing experience and I'm stoked with all the materials/knowledge that I came back with for student council and our school. I met amazing people that I look forward to connecting with throughout the year. There was so much more, but here are a couple pictures.

God

2009-03-08T11:56:00.002-06:00

Dear God,

You have invaded my life!
You have taken control over my thoughts and my actions.
You are fighting my battles for me through the power of your Word.
You are my provider in all circumstances.
You amaze me every day.
You will take care of me!

I want to go deeper than I ever have before with you!
I want to keeping learning more about you.
I long for your desires to be my desires.
I long to live a life worthy of your calling.
I desire people to hear about the love you have for them and understand.
I will do anything for you!

You want all of me.
I want all of you.

Cory

USA!

2009-02-18T20:12:00.006-07:00

Well, I guess I'll tell you what's going on?

First off, the past month has been amazing. God has been doing a work in my life that has just been blowing my mind. Hopefully as I share you can get the same understanding that I did. I want to talk about feeding your spiritual needs. To me, my spiritual needs outweigh my physical needs, or at least that's what I believed and thought was what I practiced. When I was listening to a sermon, I came to the realization that in order for us to feel healthy we need to have breakfast, and that it is important every day. If you want to have a healthy start, EAT BREAKFAST, right? If we are so keen to make sure our physical body is getting its nutrients, how often enough are we making sure our spiritual needs are getting met. Reading the Word of God is what feeds us spiritually, and if were not getting the Word of God everyday, it's safe to say that were suffering spiritually! I took it on myself to feed my spiritual needs before my physical body and I'm seeing the very work of God in my life like I've never seen before! I'm not even reading huge chunks of scripture, just verses, or chapters that mean something to me in this period of my life at this time. A question I have for you is how starved are you spiritually?

Well, it's Spring Break this week and with that I decided to make a trip down to Minot and visit my family and friends. I arrived safely in Minot last Saturday after an 11 hour drive. Even with being alone, the drive proved less difficult than I thought. I started the journey at 4:45 AM with 3 bottles of water, 3 energy drinks, 2 apples, an orange, two bags of Starburst, two Mars bars, a bag of fruit gummies, and a pack of gum. I didn't get through everything, but I just wanted to make sure that I would make it if I ever got stranded. The crazy thing about the drive is I could compare it to a three hour drive. It really didn't feel all that long and went rather quickly, and I was never exhausted at all.

This week so far has been relaxing and busy. Also, they have so much snow here, it's crazy. A lot of it has melted and they still have a ton! After coming from Calgary where I could see grass, this was so refreshing! I bought some new clothes as well, which is a whole other story (Seriously, I'm so blessed).

Well, I hope you take to heart what I had to share. It can be tough, but believe me, God's Word will change you and you won't regret it! One set of scripture I've been reading every day for the past bit is Romans 12. Just start with a light breakfast. Even if it's just Romans 12:2 everyday, it'll seriously only take a minute.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Getting Lost in God

2009-02-04T16:41:00.002-07:00

I love how things get pass around. This is from Jason to Jacki to Alyssa to me, and now to you. I hope this speaks volumes as to where your relationship with God should be. God bless you as you continue to seek God and His plan for your life.

"Everyone longs to give them self completely
to someone - to have a deep, soul-relationship
with another, to be loved thoroughly, and
exclusively. But God, to a Christian says, “No,
not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content
with living loved by Me is your satisfaction to be
found; until then you will not be capable of the
perfect human relationship that I have planned
for you. You will never be united with another until
you are united with Me, exclusive of anyone or
anything else, exclusive of any other desires or
longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing,
and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan
existing - one that you cannot imagine. I want you
to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you…
you just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest
things - keep experiencing that satisfaction knowing
that I AM- keep learning and listening to the things
that I tell you… you must wait.

Do not be anxious. Do not worry. Do not look around
at things others have gotten or that I have given them.
Do not look at the things you think you want. You
just keeping looking off and away up to Me, or you will
miss what I have to show you. And then, when you are
ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful
than any you would dream. You see, until you are ready
and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working even
this minute to have both of you ready at the same time…
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the
life I have prepared for you, you will not be able to
experience the love that exemplifies your relationship
with Me.. And thus is perfect LOVE.

And dear one, I want you to have this wonderful love,
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship
with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely The
everlasting union of the beauty and perfection and love
that I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you
eternally. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied."

First Speech

2009-01-26T22:32:00.003-07:00

So I'm going to share my first speech that I shared with my public speaking class. Read if you wish.

William Arthur Ward, a prominent Christian writer, once wrote, "We must be silent before we can listen. We must listen before we can learn. We must learn before we can prepare. We must prepare before we can serve. We must serve before we can lead." Who am I? It’s a question the plagues people from the early stages of life and for some into the later years of their life. It took time to come to this realization that my life’s calling was to be in service to God and in turn be in service to His people. When I was eight years old I walked up to my dad after a church service and told him I wanted to be a pastor. I remember feeling this pull on my heart that I was to be in ministry. That moment in history has governed and changed so many choices that I’ve made in my life.

My entire time on this earth has been a journey of discovering how this was going to happen and if being a pastor was something that God called me to be. In High School I was challenged to figure out my career in life, what was I going to become to the world? I was faced with decisions of whether or not I was going to be a graphic designer, or to study film, or perhaps become a computer programmer. I wasn’t going to take this decision lightly, so I decided to go to Bible College while I traveled in another part of this world. Though it has been a life time of learning, I believe my time spent at Hillsong College in Sydney, Australia from January to December of 2007 has been the most challenging and life changing period of my life. Through that time, I discovered just a glimpse of who I am in Christ. In order to become the greatest in His kingdom, I must become the least. Throughout my year there God was consistently speaking to me about my heart and where it stands with him. God wanted me to be a servant, a servant to Him and His people. While I was in Sydney, He presented opportunities before me that may have looked boring and mundane, but in doing these, it helped bring glory to His name. It took awhile for me to take a step down and be the least and it is still a challenge to me even today. How am I going to put others before myself? Each day I pray that God will give me an opportunity to glorify His name with the people around me by how I act, talk, and relate with others. It’s important to me for people to feel accepted and loved, especially in the community of Christ. We should be a community of believers that aren’t afraid to love and serve the least of these in our world.

Discovering who you are as a person I believe is one of the most important things that can be revealed to you in your life. Understanding the gifts, talents, and even the quirks that God made you with and the fact he wants you to excel in everything you do. It might take days, weeks, or even years just to find out the basics of who you are. The pursuit of finding out who you are, is a journey that will always be in progress, always changing, and ever exciting. In knowing who I am as a person, it has allowed me more freedom to live my life without worry or guilt than I could have ever possibly imagined.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T20:09:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I love the ending of one year and the starting of another. I also love the break in between semesters, which is much needed. I am however looking forward to starting the next semester though.

Speaking of school, my exams went well, they were spaced out throughout finals week so it allowed plenty of time to study and play Halo. Most of you who know me well know that I am a gamer at heart, but I like to keep it to a minimum because of my compulsive gaming habit. So I managed to do both without getting overly distracted from studying.

Well I'll keep this short after all it's Christmas! Woohoo! Love you all.

Life is good.

2008-11-26T23:54:00.003-07:00

The first semester of school is soon coming to an end. I absolutely love my life right now and I love the work that God is doing in me. Just thought I'd get that out there!

So I sponsored my first child with World Vision. His name is Elda Kodia, he was born on March 21, 2004, and is from Mali. Go March birthdays! Tony Campolo came and spoke at our school and I was challenged by his message in regards to my attitude towards the poor and needy. It's hard to explain the shift that occurred within me but all I can say is I have a new and fresh outlook on my purpose here on this earth which I guess is pretty huge.

In regards to work, which I'm not sure I can even call it that because I love it so much. God has truly blessed me with the job I have and I am still in awe every time I leave work that this is my job. My managers and co-workers are amazing people to work with and I love that. I love meeting new people every day and getting to know the customers that come more often.

School is doing well too. I think the fact that everything is working out so well is a huge reason why I am enjoying life right now. With all my subjects I am doing fairly well and keeping up. In Hebrew, I study, and I get good marks, although it's weird because each time I go into class for the exam I'm scared, but I still do well.

Also my car is up and running. After a nice, large, bill. Yippie!

I want to go snowboarding SOO bad. It's not even funny...

My awesome sister Alyssa is starting to blog, so if your friends or family feel free to check it out.

http://www.alyssaharasym.blogspot.com/

There is also a link on the side.

RIGHT NOW, I want you to know that you are an amazing person and I'm glad that we can be friends. I value our relationship no matter how big or small it is.

Anyways, that's enough of the randomness, I love you all and remember to smile! Especially if your resisting right now!

Run! - September 11, 2001

2008-11-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

Snow!

2008-11-04T19:26:00.002-07:00

So it's snowing and that makes me really happy! Snow = Snowboarding! I picked up my snowboard this past weekend and although it looks nice leaning against the wall, it needs to get out to the mountains. I'm not sure how long the snow is going to last, this is the biggest snowfall yet. It actually covers the ground and doesn't melt on contact. So we'll see how it goes over the night, it'd be sweet to get lots of snow.

So my car broke down, which sucks. You expect a car with 380,000 to break down some time though right? Thanks to my good friend Jeff, he helped me get it towed to a Canadian Tire down the street for free! So that saved me a hundred bucks right there! It's funny how my car broke down though, I was just pulling into the parking stall at school right after work when the serpentine belt came off. So the power steering went and it started to leak coolant. It could have been so much worse. I've could have been driving on the highway in the middle of nowhere or something, but the belt decided to come off as soon as I pulling into the parking lot... So right now it's at Canadian Tire hopefully getting fixed soon so I can work and go to church.

Classes are amazing. They have their up and downs but overall I can't complain. I'm glad that I am academically moving forward in my life. I feel like I'm in the right place and that's a good feeling.

So I'm pretty happy and so should you! Be grateful for what you have. Time to learn some Hebrew.

Bye bye.

Hi.

2008-10-05T16:06:00.004-06:00

So I'm just getting over a cold, which sucks, but I'm glad it wasn't to bad. This past Friday and Saturday were the worst days. After lots of Tylenol Cold & Flu, I'm almost better. Just a runny nose and a slight cough. Both Jordan and I got sick at the same time, which was nice in that were both going through it at the same time instead one waiting to get sick, while the other one spreads their germs everywhere if you know what I mean.

School has been great. It feels good to be finally getting some book knowledge and it's even sweeter because I enjoy the classes I'm taking. My most challenging class would have to be Hebrew. Although I know a bunch of words and the alphabet, with any new language comes tons of challenges. I also got a Hebrew Bible to practice my reading. Its weird because you read it backwards. For another one of my classes, were memorizing most of the countries of the world in sections. The first section is Middle East, Asia, Australia. So I know about 50 countries and some of there capitals, which is cool because if I hear someone talking about Bhutan or Tajikistan I know where they are.

I also made a small purchase. I got a long board. After wanting to get one for awhile, I went out and got one. I've fallen in love once again. Snowboarding is a huge passion of mine, now long boarding has come along side. I feel like I'm on the slopes except there's pavement below me and cars around me, but it's amazing. This is a picture of the exact board I have, except that I have some sweet bright green wheels instead of the yellow ones. I must confess though, I was standing at a corner with Jordan waiting for the walk sign downtown Calgary, and I was swinging my board back and fourth and I ran over a poor lady's toe! I felt so bad! She said she was fine and she was actually pretty cool about. So I'm just apologizing once again to that lady because I really didn't mean to. We also went to a parkade, that was fun.

So I'm done writing here. Adios. Love you all!

I hate you!

2008-09-21T09:30:00.002-06:00

You can't say that you love God in anyway if you hate absolutely anyone. I mean anyone. Your just lying to yourself, plain and simple. If you can't love someone who you can see clearly, than how can you love God when you can't even see Him? Really if your going to love God, you will love everyone. Absolutely everyone.

How do we love? We love because God first loved us. God is love. If you can live in love, you live in God and God lives in you. Having this love will bring you confidence. There is no fear in love, so you have no reason to fear God because having perfect love drives out fear. Fear coincides with punishment and anyone who fears does not have perfect love.

Ask God today to fill you with his perfect love. His love that is unchanging, forgiving, full of grace, and peace. Maybe, just maybe you can show someone the love of God in you.

School...

2008-09-20T16:26:00.005-06:00

Okay, so I've found time to write on here!

I just finished my first week of school and it was exciting, I was a little bit nervous, but everything is turning out well. It was a little intense to get loads of reading and homework to do for the first week when I've really haven't had any homework for quite awhile. It is nice getting back into the swing of things for sure. I like reading and I must say I've got enough reading to last me awhile! Also, the picture at the top is of our campus.

My schedule is a little intense, maybe slightly over booked but I'm getting a chance to use my time management skills for sure. Really, it's not to bad and I'm sure by next week I'll have a nice flow in between work and school.

I love my job. I work for and with some of the best people I've met in my work history. I sometimes don't even feel like I'm going to work. I get to help people all day and that's satisfying as well. I leave work feeling better than when I got there and that my friend is a good job.

My room mate is pretty sweet. His name is Jordan. He's from BC. He's skinny and eats a lot of rice. He brought a rice cooker with him. The cool thing is he understands my sense of humor and I get his. He also long boards which I thought was pretty cool. I guess I'm going to have to get a long board as well, to catch up with Jeff and him. Get me some gloves for sliding. We'll see, maybe we'll start that next summer.

Started running again after a short little break. I think it's the only thing keeping me focused during the days. Like I get energy from running which kinda sounds ironic. I just love running. Don't know why, I just enjoy it. I can wake up in a terrible mood but as soon as I start running I relax a little and feel great. Plus looking at the mountains in the morning is nice as well!

So everything is going well and I'm doing pretty good.

Hello Love

2008-09-07T12:18:00.004-06:00

I'm not reading any books at the moment so I would love to hear your favourite books and give them a read, I am a Science Fiction/Fantasy nut, but I usually can give and novel a read. So send me a message on Facebook or comment here, I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed with response ;) Maybe I'll have to go on the search once again.

School is starting up here soon and I have an idea what my schedule is going to be like but I'm not sure if it's going to be busy. I can't imagine being to busy. This Thursday I'm moving out of my Aunty Kim and Jody's place into residence! That means meeting new people, how exciting! I'll hopefully remember to take some pictures and get them on here.

After being recommended to buy this album by my sister Alyssa, I saw it at the bookstore at church and had to buy it. I've listened to about half the album and I'm impressed. Chris Tomlin has brought out yet another amazing album. On the drive home there was an interview with Chris Tomlin on the radio about his album ironically, and he basically said that this isn't Chris Tomlin's album, it's God's through Chris. I Will Rise and Love with the Watoto Children's Choir are two of the most played songs. I'm really liking My Deliverer. Check it out on iTunes or I'm sure you can find some of his songs on GodTube or YouTube.

So I realize I've been doing reviews and such on a range of things, but when life is going well and I've run out of things to write I decided I'd share some of the entertainment/media things that I've come across.

Also something else that is really, really cool. "Ambrose alumnus and author of The Shack William P. Young will give a public lecture on the Ambrose campus Monday, September 15, 2008 from 7:00-8:30 p.m." How cool is that? I just thought that was pretty cool that I just read his book a week ago or what not and it turns out he's coming to my campus. Sweet eh? It's also open to family and friends!

I'm also excited for Christmas, don't ask me why, I just am. Right now I'm on the search for a Christmas Album.

I also got a haircut. I figure I can get a hair cut once every two months. So six hair cuts a year. That's $120 on haircuts in a year, depending on tip. In 10 years I would have spent $1200 on haircuts. Wow, just wow. But I guess it's worth it ;)

Another Book

2008-08-31T23:59:00.003-06:00

So I've finished another book which I can add to my summer book list of books that I've finished. Thanks to Carmen for letting me borrow it. Whooohoo! Street Pharm written by Allison van Diepen, once a high school social studies teacher that spent three and a half years teaching at one of Brooklyn's most dangerous schools. This is her first novel about life on the streets for a young drug dealer who has taken over the family business. If you have a hard time with swearing this isn't the book for you as there is some foul language, but the book really brings you into the life of Ty Johnson. It was a easier read the both the other books and I really enjoyed it.

Anyways, that's about it.

Love ya'll.

The Long Weekend Book List

2008-08-30T13:16:00.005-06:00

So it's the long weekend and only a couple more days till September is here! This year has been amazing and there is still a couple more months left in it!

I've finished a couple of books lately and I just wanted to recommenced them to all those readers out there. Actually it's kinda funny because I guess my generation is losing their reading skills, like there are way more people now that don't read than do. So if you say your not a reader, read. Reading is a skill that we learn and the more we read the better the we are. It's a life long skill that you'll never regret.

The first book was recommended to me by Carissa and Jan Muth, it's called The Shack and it's written by William P Young. It's about a father who loses his daughter and has a meeting with God, to put it simple but the book itself is far from simple. You may find that you need to put the book down a lot just to think about what has been said or as so often said you might even finish it one day it's that good and eye opening. It really gives you a different perspective on who God is and what He wants from us. The book portrays God in such a way, it's literally unbelievable but so real.

The other one that I just finished reading completely is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This one is a little bit bigger about a prostitute and a man and how they fall in love and their story. A major theme is this story is no matter how far we can run we can never escape God and the love He has for us. I read about 3/4 of the way through and that was when I was in the process of moving so I packed up the book and found it the other day and finished off the last half in one night and I'm glad I did.

Both these novels are worth while and should be read from start to finish and I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you have any other novels that you enjoyed let me know and I'd be more than happy to check them out.

Calgary and Ambrose and Scotiabank

2008-07-31T22:30:00.003-06:00

Hello to all you who read this. I got some exciting news, about one more month till school starts! Okay maybe a month and a half, but I'm so excited! I really can't wait to start up a routine with school and work and studying.

That's right, I'm working but not at the Cheesecake Cafe! I found out that I'm not the best at multitasking. Like I can do it, but I seem to always forget things which doesn't work when you need to re order a steak that will take 10 more minutes to cook. The hours also weren't the best ever. So I've switched fields and gone into banking. I'm actually just a teller at a Scotiabank near my place. It's only been a week and I'm enjoying it, well as much as I can you know. There is a lot to learn but it'll be good. The first four weeks are full time training then after that I will be working casual just in time for school. I really, really, hope this works out and I can't see anything hindering the process. Only time will tell but as I've said before I'm just excited to see things moving along.

Now I need a girlfriend ;) Hahaha. Just playing, I'm patient and not that desparte.

Anyways, tomorrow is a special day, it's my dad's birthday, so I would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday, ALMOST 50! Congrats!

As for Calgary, I'm really enjoying it, it's been great. I've met a lot of cool people which always helps plus I'm living with one of the coolest aunts ever! I love being able to see the mountains off in the distances, mountains complete me. I can't wait for this upcoming snowboarding season which reminds me I need to pick up my snowboard in Edmonton.

I found the church I'll be attending, it's First Alliance Church which is affiliated with the school I'm attending so that should work out great since they are related.

Anyways if your in Calgary give me a call or text and I'll see what I can do (403) 797-0319

Grace and peace.

Back in Canada!

2008-06-21T10:20:00.003-06:00

Yikes, it's been way over a month since my last post, so I guess I can bring everyone up to date with what's going on!

Well I'm happy to say that I'm finally situated in Calgary! My Aunty Kim was generous enough to let me stay with her until school starts up in September. After an adventurous couple of years it's nice to know I'll be in one place for an extended period of time and not have to think about leaving everyone once again!

Some other exciting news, I got a job! I'm a server at the Cheesecake Cafe! So far I've only had three shifts and they've been great. The people are friendly and the place has a great atmosphere.

Anyways, just wanted to write a quick note. Love you all!

Why am I here?

2008-04-21T09:05:00.004-06:00

Hello to everyone! I hope your dong well!

This entry is to hopefully enlighten everyone who doesn't understand why I'm here in the states or maybe you didn't even know I was in the states and I'll let you into what has been going on. Some may understand, others may not.

To start things off I want to address something that even bothered me at one point. Money. Okay, so I have plans to go to college in September with the aims at becoming a pastor, that requires money, right? I could have possibly been working for the past 4-5 months already and probably even had the first year paid for in full already. God has bigger plans than just me making money. The only way I would turn down a period in my life where I was able to work, was so that God could do a work in me when all my attention was on Him. Certain events that took place here in Minot were ordained by God and could only happen here in Minot. People's lives were eternally changed because I am in Minot. What's one thing that you can bring with you to Heaven, people. I know lives will be changed forever because of the short period I had here in Minot, and for that money has no place on the rank. To me one life saved is worth all the riches in the world.

Another area that I am working on and for sure will always be working on is developing a servant's heart. If there is ONE quality I would want, it takes the top. Out of a servant's heart flows all the qualities anyone would want. In order to become a leader, it requires you to become a servant. To become the greatest you must become the least. It's tough and by no means easy and I wish I was better at it. I know that I've come a long way and I'll continue to grow in that area.

So could I have learned these lessons somewhere else, sure, but God had me learn them in Minot. Why not? I know He's taking me onto bigger and better things and I'm excited about that. It may seem to some people that I move around a lot, but I like it. I love seeing the world and the people in it. I know God is just developing my heart into His for His people from all areas of life. Small towns, big towns, in the country, and cities, they're all His people. It's great.

I hope this gave some insight into what I am doing in Minot. By no means was time wasted I believe that within the short period of time my life has changed in ways that money can't buy, and for that I'm grateful. Love you all and I'll see you around, one time or another.

YouTube Videos

2008-04-14T11:21:00.002-06:00

Here are some of my favourite YouTube Videos. I recommend them all! Enjoy!

A Really Lucky Person

99 Balloons

Amen Brown: Resurrection

Frozen Grand Central

Did You Know?

For more of my favourites. Click here!

Canada for the weekend!

2008-03-07T12:03:00.004-07:00

I guess it has been awhile since my last post, so here it goes, another one!

So for this past week myself and 7 others from Campus Crusade for Christ went up from Minot and Dickinson to the University of Regina for 5 days. That's right I got to head up to the homeland for a short week to do some evangelism. Crossing the border felt great. It's always cool seeing all the Canadian flags, kilometers, and of course Tim Hortons! The whole point of the trip was to get a Campus for Christ group going in Regina. The Monday we paired up and went on a scavenger hut around the campus to get a feel for it and see what students have to say about the spiritual atmosphere of the campus. For the next two days the eight of us went into pairs, each with a deck of solarium cards. Check out MySoularium for some more information about it. It's basically a picture survey which is designed to open up the conversation for spiritual discussion without being so forceful and giving the person a chance to discuss where they are in life. It is amazing. We also met with people from Regina and others from Saskatoon to see where the next step is to get a group going. I got to meet and live with a lot of amazing people who are on fire for God, it was great.

Anyways, I've just been working out lately, playing basketball. Enjoying this time with my family before I'm off again. Anyways, I'll be posting a little more often lately as there are some thing I want to share with you!

I'm out.

Remember love God, love people.

Father's Love Letter (Please Watch)

2008-01-29T15:21:00.001-07:00

Here is a short video I want everyone to watch, so please take the time ESPECIALLY if you're going through some hard times...

Accepted!

2008-01-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

That's right! I got accepted to Ambrose University College in Calgary! I was pretty excited to get that e-mail after the months and months of getting the application together. Now comes every students favourite part, fees! I'm glad I've been through enough to know that God provides! I'm really looking forward to see how God is going to move in the near future in my life. It will also be great being relatively close to all my family and friends.

Right now I'm trying to get involved with one of the local churches here in Minot. I just have a passion for letting God use me to equip and speak into peoples lives as so many people before have done the same for me. Just sharing what God wants for each person is a passion I have as to many people are missing out on His extravagant love. Everyone wants someone to believe in them, to cherish them, to love them, I'm hoping to be that person.

I just want you to know that whatever your going through right now good or bad, that there is one person that you can hold onto, there is one handing reaching out to you, wanting to save you from the negativity of this world. There is one person that can help you, that can fill that empty hole that has been plaguing you for so long. Someone that can give you joy, peace, and especially love. That will quench your thirsty spirit. It's time to come home, Jesus is knocking on your heart and He wants to come in.

Done.

2007-12-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm writing to you from Minot, North Dakota. I've just finished up my traveling and visiting for the time being. Just a little exhausted right now, I've been either on a plane, waiting for a plane, or on a bus for 65 hours I think, give or take an hour. It's weird, I can finally rest but I still feel like I need to pack my bag and jump on a plane. If I didn't get to see you during my travels, I really am sorry, there was a lot of people that I didn't get to see because of my time restraints. I would've loved to visit everyone, believe me.

So how was Australia? Great! Hahaha, answering that question is probably one of the hardest things to do. So much has happened over the year, and this blog touches the surface. I'm so grateful for every moment and how just one year has changed my future forever.

As of this moment, I'm looking to continue my studies in post-secondary. I want to continue with a Theology degree. I've had my eye on one school in particular, it's called Ambrose University College and it's in Calgary, Alberta. Right now I'm in the application process, so I should know within the month whether or not I'll be going there.

Anyways, I want to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season, don't forget.

Last Days

2007-12-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

So here we are! In two days I'll be gone, leaving Sydney and flying back to the land up over. I'm really excited for the next season of my life, but you know, it's always tough saying good-byes. It's crazy to think that this will be my last post before I leave! Funny thing, this past Friday I went to a Welcome to Summer Party. It was weird, going to a summer party, knowing that soon I'll be freezing!

So last Thursday was the Graduation Ball. It was great, got to eat some great food, hang out with all the people I love, and get another wear out of my suit. Today is the ceremony, where we walk across the stage. As soon as I walk across, it's official!

I just want to thank everyone who has helped me in anyway to get through this year. Whether through prayer, or financial, or any other way, thanks. I really couldn't have done it without you. I thank God you are all in my life as I am truly blessed beyond measure. I really couldn't have done it without you all. Here are some pictures, enjoy!

I put more photos up on Facebook and MySpace. I love you all!

Uhhh, what?

2007-11-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Only 10 days till I leave? Right now I'm excited and sad. There is so much going on right now, it would take forever to write everything. But let you know, I'm going back a different person than when I came. I mean dramatically different. Still same me, still same quirks, although some of them have been worked on. I've really just gained a deeper understanding of my life and what I'm called to do. The past couple of weeks I've just been saying my good-byes and closing this chapter of my life, but I'm excited to start a new one. The next time I post it will most likely be after graduation dinner and ceremony! I graduated! How sweet is that? I'm off for now. Bye!

Basically done!

2007-11-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

So this is my family, in the land down under...

This weekend marks the end of my semester two, and that meaning a year at Hillsong College. All my assessments and exams are done and in! Although I'm not sure if I'm going to have to resubmit anything. Classes still go for another week which doesn't make much sense, but hey it's gonna be all right. It's really wild to think how much has gone on and how fast this year has gone by. I've been graduated from High School for just over a year and I'm impressed to see how things have gone and I'm looking forward to the years to come. This next season of life is gonna be heaps good ;)

25 more days till I'm out of this country, far out. I really want to go into cruise mode but I know some more things have to be done, plus life's to beautiful to simply cruise by. This last couple of weeks is going to be great. I'll just be able to enjoy the rest of the time here in Sydney before I head back to the land up over. Just wanted to write a little update. Life's good.

44 Days!

2007-10-22T05:33:00.001-06:00

I really can't believe it, 44 more days till I'm coming home. But hey, who's counting?

Something special happened on the 18th of October, I got to DRIVE! For the first time on Aussie soil. It was also 9 months since I've landed. It was great, I drove for about 15 minutes and what an experience. The car was also standard so I had to shift with the opposite hand, and when I went to hit the flicker to turn, I turned on the wipers. Great times, Thanks Megan for trusting me with your car/life! It's not to bad once you get driving, within minutes I got the hang of it.

This Saturday my connect group is heading to the Wombeyan Caves which is a couple hours south. So I'll get some pictures up of the experience and you hopefully will get to see some of the amazing people I get to share my time with.

I achieved another milestone. For the first time I was able to sleep in till 1:30 PM this past weekend! I know, you might be saying I wasted my day, but I didn't waste my night! Worked really late, or early, however you want to look at it, so I didn't get to bed till 4:30 AM! It was great! Hahaha.

Anyways, it's quarter to 10, and I should probably get to bed so I can hopefully maintain a little bit of a normal sleeping schedule...good night!

Wait, I'm not done. How could I forget! My flat almost burned down! Here is the story. My great roommate lit a candle in the bathroom. He left, the candle fell into the rubbish bin and the fire started. The other three of us started smelling smoke, then the alarm went off. Marcus ran to the bathroom and literally yelled, "Cory your bathroom is on fire!" Panicking and trying to figure out what I'm gonna grab I ran in there to find the bin on fire. We quickly put water on it, covered it with a towel, and threw it on the balcony. The smoke was pretty intense, I was sneezing soot for days after. Are room still smells of a little smoke. Here are a couple pictures I took after the fact.

This is me and Aaron after we got the rubbish bin out. You can see where the bin was and where my towel is hanging. If we didn't get it I'm sure my towel would've caught on fire. There was black marks around the towel, but the towel didn't catch on fire and just smelt like smoke.

The culprit.

No one's hurt, just got a stinky bathroom, and it's all good!

Good night...for real.

Yes!

2007-10-02T21:35:00.000-06:00

So I wasn't to sure how I was getting home, but now I am! That's right I have a plane ticket home! God is faithful. When something seems so big and out of reach, God just puts forth His hand and provides. I'm so blessed to live for a God who's bigger than all my problems. Who holds the universe in his hand. Whose love is never ending, unchanging, and for everyone. I am truly in love with God.

Now I quickly want to share on a topic that has challenged me recently. It's something that I never really thought worth changing until I realized that it wasn't good for me at all. It's sarcasm. Like a maniac shooting, flaming arrows of death, is one who deceives a neighbor, and says, "I was only joking!" For myself personally I'm going to use my words to uplift and encourage and I don't want to leave room for sarcastic remarks. I've already caught myself a couple times but I'm going to work on it. I encourage all of you to catch yourself next time you quickly roll off a sarcastic remark and come back with more positive ones. Let's encourage the people around us and build each other up.

Anyways, the weather is amazing, was up to 35 degrees. It's amaaaazing. So hot. But I'm going to a movie later so I best be off. See ya!

Live Called.

2007-09-24T06:22:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

So it's been awhile since I last posted. Life has been a nice routine for the past month or so and that has been nice. I wish I had some amazing things to say but we'll save em for a rainy day! Not to sure if a rainy day is gonna come soon because it's been dreadfully hot, like I lay on my balcony and tan in 20 minutes, what's with that? I'm sure your enjoying the weather as well in the land up over!

So an update on school, I'm planning on heading to Calgary in September of 2008 to Ambrose University College to do my Bachelor of Theology! I'm in the process of applying so we'll see how things go. I have no idea what's really going to happen, but I'm free to move if things need change. One step closer to becoming a pastor! Aren't you all excited! I hope you come to my church! Even if your not Christian!

Soon enough classes will be done, and I will be heading home! I'm super excited, I've been having dreams day and night of seeing you all! Can't wait! So when I came here I only booked a one-way ticket just because I wasn't sure how things were going to turn out. But I'm coming back! I've been trying to save up, but going to school full time and paying bills. I'll get there, soon...

God has saved us and called us with a holy calling.

Alyssa, my sister, you remember your initials I found in the pavement. Well. Here they are! Love you!

Internet!

2007-09-02T04:35:00.002-06:00

We have internet at the flat! So exciting! It's been just about a month without internet and I forget how much I rely on it for work, school, communication, etc. I'm glad it's back on! So now if anyone wants to send me an e-mail, maybe we can start a chain because I have internet.

So over the past month a lot has happened! Near the beginning of the month I got to go with people from my leadership group horseback riding; Johnny, Celeste, Rachel, and Tina.. It was my first time doing trail riding and I must say it was a good time. It was great to experience. I would do it again any day!

Another more exciting, probably one of the most exciting events all year, my leaders Dan and Jasmine got married! Such an amazing wedding and the two of them are such great examples of living a godly life. So glad that they are apart of my life for this short season.

I took this photo when Megan and I went to Watson's Bay for a hike. It's only about 15 minutes away. It right at the entrance into the Sydney Harbour, what a cool site.

My roommate Jerome and his girlfriend Carole! So awesome! Love them heaps!

Big Exo Day! 13,000 young people, and over 1200 decisions for Christ! So amazing! Jesus is really doing an amazing revival here! With bands such as Pillar and Switchfoot hitting up the stage and life changing message from Reggie Dabbs. If you haven't heard his story, you MUST! It will change your life!

What a nice way to end your month with a day on the beach! Mmmmm, so nice!

Hello!

2007-08-05T19:18:00.000-06:00

I know its been ages since I've posted. I really wanted to write a lot earlier but because our internet is going away in a couple days I figured I best get on here and update everyone because who knows how long until another update is coming!

So I'm on the final stretch of my year of college. Only four and a half months till I'm done! It's quite amazing and surreal to be honest. I'm just continuing to seek out every opportunity over here. It's been great seeing the change and how God has worked himself and revealed himself to me in different ways. Saviour, provider, healer, father, comfort, best friend, teacher, redeemer, his grace, and his love.

These are just a few of the amazing people over here in Australia that I've been able to share my life with for the past half a year and year to come.

Time for work! Love you all! I mean it, every single on of you!

Work!

2007-07-16T05:22:00.000-06:00

So after a week and a bit of being sick, I'm healed! It's awesome to have my clarity back and my head not being so cloudy. Thanks to everyone who prayed, there were a lot of you and I'm grateful as it did wonders!

So I finally got work at the Hilton! It was exciting to go back! My first shift in two month was this past Saturday. Wow, after not working for so long at the end of the shift my body was EXHAUSTED! My entire body was in pain! As I laid in bed at 3AM [Got off at 2 AM] I couldn't wait to just fall asleep and escape the pain. Okay, so it wasn't to bad but it was enough pain to make falling asleep a little difficult. I also worked today which was a little 4.5 hour shift which was nothing, we just had to do a set-up for tomorrow. I work next Saturday also! It's good.

Semester 2 is starting this Thursday! I'm really excited to get started but I know that this last 6 months of my time here in Sydney is going to go quick so I'll enjoy it as much as possible! Although I am looking forward to coming to the other side and seeing everyone. It will be amazing to be home!

To end this quick post I wanted to share a word from God. I've been reading this book by Louie Giglio titled "I am not but I know I Am." [Recommenced it, even if your aren't Christian but believe in God.] So I was talking to my dad because I was having a difficult time and he shared a word with me, "Be still and know that I am God." So I got off the phone, picked up the book, and in bold letters being read for the first time on the page I was on was Be still and know that I am God. My draw dropped and I smiled. I live for the creator of the universe, I live for Jesus, and the Holy Spirit lives in me. God is huge and in control. I believe that the sabbath, or the seventh day of rest was made for us to realize who God is in our lives and to know that God is God and He is in control with or without us. Pretty much the world is going to keep on going with or without you. I don't want to make us feel insignificant but to help us realize who is ultimately in control. I won't go into much more detail but give the book a read!

So I get to go to bed at a reasonable time! Goood night! Love you all!

6 months!

2007-07-08T00:16:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that on the 18th of July I'll have lived in Sydney, Australia for 6 months. I wish I could say it's easy, but for me it wasn't. It's been hard and difficult living so far away from everyone. I really wish for just a moment I could come back and see you all and sit down with everyone and just talk about life and everything that has been going on, but I can't, not yet.

Over the past week I've been fighting the flu. The high fever, aching body, couch, sore throat, headache kinda flu. Of course it had to come right before conference. I fought it until I had to return to my bed Tuesday afternoon and sleep till Wednesday afternoon, literally. I went to the doctors and got some medicine and such. I've been praying and praying but it only seems that my body is just going to have to fight this one.

The conference, was amazing. Indescribable.
Check it out.

Everyone watch this!

Love you all.

Cory

Hmm...

2007-06-26T06:06:00.001-06:00

I don't know why, but it seems to me June is a month of writing. I've been doing tons of writing or typing. It's crazy, I've nearly been here for 6 months, just over half a year. Half a year away from my life, the world I knew. The people, the sights, the sounds. A world which seemed so large but in hindsight looks so small. My world that will keep on growing. It's such a surreal experience to live life this way, away from everything familiar. Hm.

So I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to say in this post, I feel kinda dazed. Maybe I'm tired, maybe I'm just excited. I know one thing, God is at work. Right now, loving you, just tugging at your heart.

Anyways, I've been applying for jobs and such, scoping out the job market here in Sydney. It's a tough nut to crack at least I find. I'm usually pretty good at getting jobs, but the literal dozens upon dozens of resumes sent out, only one replied, Hilton and I don't think it is going to work out there anymore which is disappointing because it was such a good job. With no work on Mondays or Saturdays [My only days available] then there is not much I can do.

I got a word from a friend about a job at a local pub not even a minute away from where I live, literally across the street. So I went there today and handed in a resume and met a lady that works there. I haven't heard anything yet, but I've been diligently praying and hoping for this job if it be God's will. I already have my RSA [Responsible Service of Alcohol] so the only thing left is to be hired. Although working is not something I want to do while I'm here, but I guess you got to do, what you got to do.

I almost feel like I'm in a moment of moving on, where the old is left behind, and the new is just around the corner. It really is a weird feeling, I think it's a new feeling for me. Knowing God is in control but not knowing how things are going to work out within the next couple of days/weeks. It's scary, but I'm at peace for sure. It's almost kinda fun because I don't have to worry, God is in control.

Abba Father lead the way.

It's great. I'm getting involved in the church heaps. I'm helping get together the massive banners we need for JAM for the conference this year. Massive 4 x 7 meter banners that need to be sewed together, painted, and such. It's been fun.

I've noticed that when you go through trying or challenging times as a group, you gain an incredible bond with the people that you otherwise wouldn't have had. Your all going through the same thing, trying to figure out how things are going to work, and you make great friends that way. It's really awesome.

Enough chatting, now I am for sure getting tired. It's been a long, rainy day, and my nice comfy mattress on the floor is calling out to me. "Cooooomeeeeee, sleeeeeeep." So good night! Oh and keep on smiling, especially if you aren't right now! Haha.

Trip to a National Park

2007-06-25T01:16:00.000-06:00

So over the past weekend, I got to experience one of the National Parks of New South Wales.

And this is how it started, we have leadership group of about 10 or so people after Chapel in the mornings. We would get together and go over anything that needed to be discussed for college and it gives us a chance to get to know one another quicker while practicing our leadership skills. So we wanted to do something together because our leadership groups are changing for the new semester that is coming. Celiste and Johnny, whom both live here, decided that they would take the 5 of us that could come for a BBQ in one of the national parks. I can’t remember exactly what it was called but it was amazing. Only about 20 minutes outside of Sydney was this park and it was amazing because you couldn’t see the city anywhere in sight.

After the BBQ we drove to a new location where we went for a hike. Halfway through the hike we stopped at one of the tall rocks overlooking the water and lo and behold two whales and a dolphin swam by. I only managed to get a picture of the top of the whale, but the dolphin was swimming near by jumping in and out of the water, it was amazing. Awesome. So cool to see natural wildlife. Apparently they don’t come that close to the shore either which was a blessing. We walked along the coast till we got to a wide stream that was running into the ocean. We stayed there for a bit, walked around in the water before we headed back. So here's heaps of pictures from that day!

The BBQ

A kookaburra!

The Hike

A full week!

2007-06-17T04:26:00.000-06:00

[Here are some old pictures! Funny!]

This past couple weeks have been rather full but exciting. I've been trying to get deep into the life of Hillsong Church and it's working! It's really amazing to see all the different aspects Hillsong is involved in up close and personal.

Mondays, are right now, a day off, since I haven't been working lately.

Tuesdays - Thursdays start off with classes.

Every Tuesday night I go to connect group. Every other Tuesday is up-connect where the newly engaged couple Dan Lee-Archer and Jas Ludher lead the way. They are the leaders of our tribe Soul in Wildlife. When I'm not going to up-connect, I'm going to down-connect where Robbo was generous enough to let me help lead his already amazing connect group of Wildlife boys. It's awesome just to get together and do the study that Brian Houston hands to all the connect groups of the church. Plus, there is always food!

This past Wednesday afternoon I had the privilege to join a group and head out to a Senior home in Rockdale. The eldest lady there was 100 turning 101 this year and could function great although she was blind which was still amazing. Oliva played her piano as we sung some new and old school tunes. It was a good time. Later in the night, Hillsong puts on a Worship and Creative Arts meeting, also know as WACA. I don't sing or play an instrument, but I do act. So I meet with other Dramatic Arts enthusiast. We went to a coffee shop Max Brenner to discuss the script for a Christian film festival, the Ignite Film Festival.

Thursdays are another day of their own, literally. Later on in the evening, I help out with the Discovery and Reconnect class. We were discussing Grace and Faith. Every time I go I'm so blessed. Sometimes it's great to start off with the basics Christianity as we get caught up in all the details.

Friday morning is Hillsong Men/Women. I get to be apart of the lovely Kitchen Team for the men's breakfast. Fruit salad is my specialty! After Hillsong Men I go to class for a couple hours. When night arrives I head back to the church for Wildlife. High School Age. Were we start another great and exciting night reaching out to the Youth of Sydney.

Saturday I slept in! Till 9:30! Woohoo! Felt great! Got some assessments done and such. We at flat 272 had a barbeque with potatoes and chips and soda. It was good, had a great time chatting and such. Later in the night, went to Makeda's flat as we were having a Good-bye get together for Raymond, who is in South Africa right now, kinda unexpectedly, but things happen.

Sundayyyyyyy! Church time! I served at the 11:30 AM service doing Meet and Greet. Sunday night I did Hillsong Kids. I got to be Max, which is one of the mascots for Hillsong Kids, which is pretty fun.

Now you meet me where I am. Sitting at home in my room, at my desk, on my laptop, writing on here. Waiting for the next week to begin! Thanks for taking the time to read through everything, if you did. Thanks Grandpa, as I know you always read! Love you lots! As for the rest of you, just kidding. Thanks to!

I just want to give a thanks to everyone that's apart of my life in some way, shape, or form. I just think it's pretty awesome that we all are intertwined into each other's lives in such wonderful way's. Really, I just want to say I love you all!

I have a couple prayer requests, I'm just looking for another job at the moment. I can only work Mondays or Saturdays and right now at Hilton they don't need people for those times. It's been like that for a month and a bit, but there is nothing I can do so I'm just trying to survive right now. Also for Hillsong Conference which is coming up shortly, it's going to be really intense but it'll be worth it for all the lives changed. Direction is another thing, I'm planing on going to school in Calgary in September of 2008 if my application goes through, I think it's the right move to make, so we'll see if the door stays open. Energy is another thing, I'm trying to manage, but things gets complicated, I just don't want to run out of it. I know it seems like a lot, but a quick prayer would mean a lot. Thanks!

Take a step back

2007-06-08T17:21:00.001-06:00

Do you ever wonder what God is really like? Who is God, how does he see us?

God is the creator of all things. Whhooooaaa, crazy, Eh? He created the heavens and the earth and all the exists within it. He is all-powerful, all knowing, and is everywhere present. Where ever you are, God is! God always was, always is, and will always be. This is something that our mind cannot comprehend because as humans it is in our history to be born [a beginning] and to die [an end] so something contrary to that just doesn't make sense. Let's see if you can wrap your mind around this, God is love. Because God is love, love creates. As humans, when we love each other in the act of sex, we create. So since God is love he created, he created us! These might seem like such crazy thoughts, it is something that we won't really understand, but if we could understand all these things, would that make God, God?

We have been created in God's image, and everyone is significant in His eyes. We were created to be in relationship with God. He has a plan and purpose for us all. One thing that we have to understand is God gave us choice, also know as freewill. The first humans, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God. This disobedience is called sin. Sin is to disobey God. I want you to know that we all have sinned, or we all have disobeyed God, our sin separates from God. Although God wants a relationship with us, His justice requires this punishment for sin to be carried out.

I sin everyday, honestly, it's true. I have a past, a history and guess what... I'm not perfect. [I know, who would've guessed?] So what is the solution to this problem of sin. Let's figure this out. So God ordained that the shedding of innocent blood could only pay for sin. Before Jesus, people would sacrifice all sorts of animals regarded as pure and holy to cover their sins before God. God had a plan though, he sent his son Jesus to live on earth as man. Jesus Christ was innocent, he had no sin and didn't take part of any sin.

Jesus Christ was innocent but allowed Himself to be killed on a cross. A sacrifice.

After three days Jesus overcame the power of sin and the Devil and now has the keys to death and hell. God planned this as payment, the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humankind so that we might be saved.

We have a choice.

Either we live our own lives independent of God and pay for our own sin, OR
we live our lives dependent on God and accept His payment for our sin.

We either reject Jesus Christ or we follow Him.

If we decide to follow Him, then we must with our mouth, confess our sins, believe what Jesus has done for us and confess that He is Lord of our lives.

WE ARE FORGIVEN! Our sins are washed away. We are clean, white as snow. We have a brand new life as children of God. God now lives in us and helps us to grow spiritually.

We are promised eternal life with God in heaven.

That's it. That is how you become a Christian, a follower of Jesus. This is something so real that words cannot express the change that you will feel in your life. If you want to know more let me know. There is freedom in Jesus. There is hope! Come and see.

I shaved!

2007-06-08T16:49:00.000-06:00

Okay, so being able to grow a beard, I did! It took only a couple days to get something going and after three weeks I had a well established beard. So after what seemed like forever, I shaved, which was yesterday. It feels good, but I look really young. I think I'll cut my shaving down from every day to once a week though. It's just so much easier. I transformed from a man to a boy in one day! It's funny how much age a beard can add and how much age can drop with shaving.

On that note, I had an amazing experience with the Holy Spirit. Now some of you may not know who that is or what I'm talking about and are a little confused, let me explain. The Holy Spirit is God, He is the third person of the trinity, the trinity being God the Father, God the Son; Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. A lot of Christians don't really acknowledge the Holy Spirit and all that he does for us. His role on this earth is to be our helper and counselor. He glorifies Jesus and makes him know. One thing he does often is convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgement.

So during our Discovery and Reconnect class for new Christians on Thursday nights, I had the honour to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit with a friend. Now when we are baptised by the Holy Spirit, [It's different than water baptism as it requires no water] the Spirit of God comes and lives within us and gives us power to be His witness, it gives us boldness and courage, it enables us to live God's way. It's really great because after we become a Christian, all we have to do is ask God to full us with His Spirit and He will! So he fully got baptized with the Spirit of God and started to speak in tongues, and with that he received an interpretation which could've only come from God [When you experience this, you'll understand.] All this may sound out of the normal, but who wouldn't want God's Spirit living inside of them? Honestly, you CAN have that! If your a Christian and haven't received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to go talk to a leader and have them lay hands on you and pray for you, it really is truly amazing. If your not a Christan, come and see!

It's cold!

2007-06-05T21:42:00.000-06:00

So winter is finally here over in Australia and it's cold! Very cold! It hasn't dropped below 0, actually I don't think it's gotten lower than 5 degrees. It's not to bad, but it's a damp cold that kinda sticks to your skin and freezes you. Sometimes it feels like it could snow!

So I started at the beginning of my bible. I'm making a commitment to get through the entire bible this year. I'm finding it heaps easier using this website I found. ESV Bible Online. I started in Genesis 1 and I'm going to work my way through. What made it easier was right beside the title of Genesis 1, it's says listen, just click on that, and it reads out the entire text to you, and it's not monotone! Just how the Old Testament should be heard, through speech.

I just found out I'll be hosting at Hillsong Conference. When I hosted at Colour it was pretty fun so I'm excited to do this for Conference as well.

MEGA PRAYER NIGHT was last night, and it was, wow, by the end of the night I was exhausted from praying, clapping, cheering, and worshipping. Everyone joined together to pray for rain, the conference, and child soldiers in Uganda. A lot of ground was taken for the Kingdom of Heaven last night which is pretty awesome.

I'm a great cook [This is new information to me], so if you want me to cook you something ever, just ask because I got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Another cool thing is I'm doing Hillsong Kids at the Sunday 5 PM service. I did it for my second time last week and it's been sweet connecting with the kids. Fun stuff, I can't wait to get super involved in this area.

I'm just heading to connect group now. We got a bunch of new boys so it should be sweet. We will be watching a couple of the Nooma videos. For all the great people reading this, I LOVE YOU! Hahahaha.

Good night!

SMILE!

A Hot Winter!

2007-05-19T21:53:00.000-06:00

I'm not to sure where to begin. The last time I posted it was a month ago, and so much has happened in a month. Partly to the reason why I haven't posted was because we didn't have Internet for the past couple of weeks. We also just finished a two week break from college where me and Tine [Pronounce Tina, from Norway] and Katie, went up to the Gold Coast for five days. So I'll just bring this blog up to date on whats been going on. We'll see how long this gets...haha.

The Gold Coast. Wow. I never knew a winter could still be so hot. We had an amazing five days of pure Australian sun and waves. For four of the days we went to Surfer's Paradise, and the waves live up to the name. The ocean was beautiful. The beach stretched on for kilometres in both directions. Another funny thing was that all the tall building were all residential and they weren't business, which was kinda funny but weird. I didn't surf, but soaking in the sun was good enough for me. On the last day we took the bus down to Barleigh Heads for they day and enjoyed some more beach. The hostel we stayed at had a check-out at 10 AM so we had to bring our luggage on the beach. The hostel itself was pretty awesome, called Trekkers, it had free breakfast, which meant Weet-Bix and toast for four mornings in a row. Free tea and coffee all day which was cool. Pretty funny being the only ones on the beach with three bags of luggage though. It was nice just to relax and just refresh before college started up again. Things are already picking up here before Hillsong Conference comes in six weeks.

I got to experience something amazing this past Thursday. I wasn't to sure what I was getting involved in but I knew I should be there. I went to the Discovery and Reconnect course at Hillsong. They have this course for new Christians and people that want to get reconnected into the life of the church as well. So I got to help out the first week of a six week course, discussing salvation and what it means with a group of 6 other people. I never thought I could be so blessed. It also challenged me on how much I know about Jesus and what he has done. Doing this also just brought to life the battle in which we live in and how real it is.

Friday night at youth was pretty good, except I jammed my toe into a nail while we were packing down. It didn't get in to far, so I disinfected it and bandaged it up. Should be fine.

Last night I got to hear Ruth Graham's Testimony, the daughter of the evangelist Billy Graham, he's 89 eh? Crazy! She spoke about the prodigal son and how it relates to her life, what an amazing testimony of the grace of God that we all can have.

After the service we had a BBQ, men only. Hahaha, it was good. We had three rounds of meat. Sausages, macaroni salad, and rice with a mushroom sauce. Then we had a round of steaks. Then whatever was left over. We did an old-school BBQ grill with charcoal on one of those round grills. Pretty sweet. Then we watched Godfather...? Can't remember much of it, but we were all pretty sleepy after all that food. Good times!

I just wanted to wish Marlee a Happy Birthday! You've been an amazing friend for the past 6 or so years, we've made some good memories and some special ones, haha, and I look forward to making some more!

Thanks for reading. Love you all and miss you!

Almost over...

2007-04-18T23:03:00.000-06:00

[This picture was taken when I was standing on a walkway in between buildings, if you look closely you can see the Harbour Bridge at the back.]

One more day! This week has been a fairly long week. It's ALMOST over! Although it's the same amount of time as every other week, I think I've packed a whole lot more in the hours given to me on this particular week. I'm exhausted.

I was laying on my bed, looking at the roof, just thinking about all the things I've been through over the past years. All the things I've got to experience. When I start thinking about my life, I literally go back to my earliest memory, and try to go through the days that I can remember, whether taking the bus to school, or pretending to fly off my swing set, getting lost, riding my bike, going to the zoo. Cool things like that. Anyways, my mind was just drifting and a thought came into my head...

You are living in a blessing.

Wow, think about those words. What do they entail? Freedom? Prosperity? Vehicles? Cell phones? Apartments? A house? Your life is a blessing. Your alive, count that as a blessing. That fact that you have a food to eat, a roof to sleep under, and clothes to wear is a blessing. So when you feel like you have nothing, when your overwhelmed, think of the blessings God has given you. The action seems so small, but the impact is huge. So when your praying for a blessing, make sure to thank God for the blessings he's already given you, life included. So be blessed and remember the blessings that God has given you.

Weeks Into Months

2007-04-11T23:47:00.000-06:00

Hello!

So whether or not you've read my previous post, I just want to encourage you to, the whole thing. If it feels like I'm shoving something down your throat, it's exactly the opposite, it's opening up your heart. I just wanted to address that because there may be some people who might not understand, if you don't, please feel free to e-mail me, for anything.

This week has been pretty awesome. I'm getting that feeling of time quickly moving. I've been here for almost three months. I know that soon enough my time will be done here. It helps me to enjoy the time here even more. Even if I've scrapped my poor toe against the pavement from my flip-flops more times than I can count. It's still a good day! I can just head over to the sauna for a little bit and then maybe relax in the hot tub, or go for a swim. Then usually, walk outside in my boardies as the wind gushes by. Maybe step on a cockroach or two on my way home. It's a good day. The night air is so beautiful here, it's cold and crisp, reminds me of home.

On Easter Sunday my connect group leaders Dan and Jaz get engaged! It was awesome, it started off by Jaz was walking from one person another collecting roses, 23 in all. At each person we each gave her a compliment, after all she's an amazing person. As she got to the last person, her parents took Dan and Jaz to a secret location, and the rest is history. Yah, She said YES! The engagement party is next Saturday so it should be fun!

We had Easter dinner on Monday with ham, potatoes, peas, corn, bread, and an awesome chocolate cake. What a great way to celebrate, with food!

I got a couple of assignments due tomorrow. Two in Psalms and one in Contemporary Church. I'm halfway done both and I have the rest of the night to finish them. I just finished up Biblical Counselling yesterday with an exam which went well.

There's another picture I took of Hilton. It's HUGE! Since the service was at the convention centre at Darling Harbour, in between the morning and evening services a group of us walked around the city. Yah, work is going well, I didn't have to work at all this week. I talked to the guy who was doing the scheduling and they had my times from when I first started and they haven't changed so that means I missed out on work this week. Not to worry, I work next week, Monday at 4:30 AM and Thursday at 6:00 AM! Woohoo. It's a great job and I love it. Still can't believe I work there.

So life is going to continue and I'm going to go meet up with it and enjoy its company! Love you and miss you all!

These are pictures of Easter Sunday!
Exciting!

The Good Test

2007-04-06T01:33:00.000-06:00

It is Easter weekend, let us remember what Jesus has done for us, as we should daily. As this is a long post, please spare yourself some time to read the whole thing.

When questioned, nearly every person proclaims themselves as a good person.

Proverbs 21:2
All a man's ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs the heart.

Most people when asked whether or not they will go to heaven answer yes. But what is heaven’s standard for just, honorable, and good. Who is honorable to enter Heaven?
God has not left us in the dark; He has given us His Law, the Ten Commandments. This reveals the standard we must meet. We are told that the Law of the Lord is perfect. God has exposed His Law to every human heart.

Romans 2:14-16
When outsiders who have never heard of God's law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God's law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God's yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.

Even so, the law cannot save us:
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Have you lied?
Have you cheated?
Have you stole anything?
Used God's name as a curse word?

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Can you see your dilemma? You are guilty of sinning against God Himself, and, because you have a conscience, ["con"=with, "science"=knowledge] you have sinned "with knowledge." Does the fact that you have sinned against God scare you? It should. You have actually angered Him by your sin. The Bible says His wrath abides on you, that you are an "enemy of God in your mind through wicked works."

Perhaps you think God is good and because of his goodness He will overlook your sins?
But if you knew of a human judge who turned a blind eye to the crimes of a guilty rapist...would you describe him as a "good" judge?
No.
That would be a "corrupt" judge.
God could never be a corrupt judge!
He will punish all the rapists, murderers, and thieves... But He won't stop there. He will also punish all liars, the lustful, adulterers, idolaters, and blasphemers.
The place of eternal punishment is Hell.

God does not want you to perish. He is rich in mercy and compassion, and has provided a way for you to be forgiven. He has invited you to come to Him for a full pardon and receive the free gift of Eternal Life. You cannot earn it, and you do not deserve it, but God is offering it to you as proof of His love for you.

Imagine you are standing in front of a judge, guilty of multiple serious crimes. All the evidence has been presented and there is no doubt about your guilt. Your apologies and good works cannot erase your crimes; therefore you must be punished. The fine for your crime is $250,000 or imprisonment, but you don’t have two pennies to rub together. The judge is about to pass sentence when someone you don't even know steps in and pays your fine for you! The court accepts the money and declares that you are free to go. The law has been satisfied, your debt has been paid in full, and the stranger’s sacrifice was a demonstration of his love for you. That’s what God did for you 2000 years ago.

The Bible says that the God of the Universe became a man, Jesus Christ, and suffered and died on the cross for your sins and mine so that we could be set free. Then he rose again from the dead and defeated death!

It's as simple as this—we broke the Law, and Jesus paid our fine.

Romans 5:8
God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us.

Do you see God’s great love for you? Do you see your need for His forgiveness? Do what He commands and

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

You must turn away from sin and turn to God. Desire to have NOTHING to do with sin, and surrender your life to the One who can save you. Jesus died to set you free, and then he rose from death to be your Lord.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you will confess and forsake your sins [repent] and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God will forgive you and you’ll pass from death to life.
If you are not sure how to pray, read Psalm 51 and make it your prayer.

What does it mean to "put your faith in Jesus Christ?" It means to personally trust in Jesus the same way you’d trust in a parachute if you had to jump 25,000 feet out of an airplane. You wouldn’t just "believe" in the parachute; you would put it on! In the same way, the Bible says, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." and you will be saved. There are millions of people who "believe" Jesus exists . . . but they have not put on the Savior—there’s a BIG difference. And the difference will be obvious when you “jump” through the door of death.
Today, with all your heart—turn away from sin, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please don’t put it off till later. You may die today and then it will be too late. You may not yet have all the answers to your questions, but better to put on the parachute first and then ask questions, then to pass through the door unprepared, grasping for the parachute when it’s too late.

All you need to do is pray something like this—

"Dear God, today I turn away from all my sin [Confess them to God] and I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. Please forgive me, and grant me your gift of everlasting life. Amen."

There is nothing magic about these words—it is the attitude of your heart that God cares about. God will transform you from the inside out. You will think and feel differently as you learn to trust and obey Him. God will give you new strength to live right and love Him above all else. Read your Bible daily and obey His Word. You can trust God—He loves you and will always be faithful.

If you've decided to reject the gift of forgiveness and you die in your sins, there is no hope for you. There is no purgatory. The wrath of God abides on you and you will spend eternity in Hell, plain and simple.

If you've made it through, congratulations! Nothing can really convince you to take on a true relationship with God besides a divine revelation from Him about the power of His love and grace. I pray that your heart will be stirred to receive the forgiveness that comes through Christ Jesus.

Keep on pressing

2007-03-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share something that was on my heart about pressing into the presence of God while in worship [reverent honor and respect paid to God] through song and dance. This has been placed on my heart and I wanted to share it with everyone, hopefully this will be a word of encouragement!

Yesterday I had work, and work was long and tiring. I haven’t worked a 12 hour shift in awhile so it was physically draining. Work involved a lot of lifting, moving, pushing, and carrying as it is the nature of the business. I am truly blessed with the job God gave me and I love it. The fact that I get to be involved with people all day makes the time spent there worth it. So I got home late, and had to wake up early for school the next morning.

I wasn’t feeling to well when I woke up the next morning as I got ready for Chapel. I was overly tired, my feet were hurting, and my arms were sore. Let us say I would rather be in bed. For those of you who don’t know, we have a class called Chapel at the beginning of the day which involves worship, the word, announcements, and our leadership group meetings at the end. Now I had a choice during worship, I could have just sat there in the seats and enjoyed some good music, maybe stand for a little bit OR I could make the choice to truly press into the presence of God even though my physical body wanted otherwise. This meant standing when I wanted to sit, jumping when I couldn’t jump, and raising my hands when my arms when I couldn’t. Doing this while my arms ached, feet hurt, and body was sore. True sacrifice which in turn is true worship and I believe God honors that.

It was awe inspiring. The feeling of worshiping God when my physical body couldn’t gave me unbelievable energy. The presence of God was so overwhelming that I started to literally cry. The presence of His love for me was truly amazing and I hope everyone has the chance to feel His love for us. He loves you so much and wants to share His love with you, but you need to let Him. He already loves you unconditionally; He just wants you to love Him the same.

My challenge for anyone who reads this is when in worship, when you feel like sitting down, don’t. When you want to lower your hands, press in harder, when you want to stop praying, pray louder. Truly give all you are to Him.

Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Go! Go! Go!

2007-03-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

So a couple weeks have gone by since my last entry and a lot has happened. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been here for over two months!

Once more, Happy Birthday to all who have birthday’s in March! I’m 19! Almost out of my teenage years with one more year till 20! It’s weird, I remember turning 13 and thought I was so much old because I was a teenager, ha-ha.

So let us talk about work for a moment. My job is amazing! I love it so much. I’ve only been working there for a couple weeks, but it’s been sweet. I got the opportunity to start work with a group of people new to the business as well, so we were all in the same boat. A lot of the people I met working also started work a couple weeks ago as well. One great thing about this job is that I’m always working with people, whether it’s serving or my work mates; we have a great time and have fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better job! The uniforms are sweet to, there all black, and there easy to move around in, the cool thing is we don’t have to take our uniforms home, we get them at the start of the shift from the dry cleaners in the basement of the hotel and bring them back at the end, so our uniforms are always clean! So cool! We get to use this cool machine when we start shift, all you have to do is enter your employee number and then you put your finger print on the scanner and it signs you in and out. So overall I am very happy to work at Hilton and am glad that God placed me there.

Last week for college, we volunteered at the Colour Your World Women’s Conference from Wednesday to Saturday. That was an experience hard to describe. The Acer arena was filled with 17,000 women. I mean, 17,000 women! It was insane. You can imagine the worship. The preachers were amazing. I was hosting at the door for seating so I got to listen to a lot of the Word being spoken and messages preached and even as a man it impacted my life for the most part as it was mainly geared towards women! [Would you have guessed?] I got to meet some amazing ladies that really impacted my life with there generosity and kindness, they truly made the conference a blast! [Shout-out to Merrily if you’re reading this! Thanks for being so awesome!] Although there was only one bathroom for the males [By the way, the Acer arena for people from Edmonton, is just as big as the Rexall Place] But even with all the toilets [As Australians like to refer to them as] there was still massive lines to wait through for the ladies. One thing about Australians I find is they like their coffee. A LOT! You can find two or three coffee shops on every corner and every café has a barista to attend to the coffee machines they use. Well the line-ups for coffee were worse than the toilet, which I thought was funny. My door was by one and through out the whole conference there was a queue. I have had a couple coffees since I’ve been here and they are quite amazing, although I rather drink tea than coffee.

So after the conference was over, which was sad, but it was an amazing event nevertheless! The very next day [Sunday, March 18] Hillsong recorded their church album at the arena. So once again the Acer arena was packed full of Christians worshiping God. It was awesome. I feel so blessed to be apart of it.

[Thanks Jana for the picture of the Kangaroo from the Zoo, although I still have yet to see one!]So last week was a tiresome one, but the Joy of the Lord is my strength. Even with only 5 hours of sleep a day, it was worth every last bit. The lucky thing about going to college is we get to do the same thing for another two conferences further into the year!

Speaking of God providing, I just wanted to share how awesome He has been the past couple of weeks. Everything has been falling into place so perfectly. It’s awesome how when you follow his plan, everything works out for the better. Even when you’re not sure how things are going to turn out, you know that He has your best interest in mind. It’s great to know that you’re following the will of God and that you have the creator of the world and all that exists looking out for you. How awesome is He.

Anyways, I think that covers everything that is going on right now. I can’t think of anything else. So yah, have a great day, be blessed!

Represent.

A new job!

2007-03-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

A quick entry to say...I got a job at Hilton Hotels! Glory be to God! How amazing He is! That picture, my friends is the place where I will be working! That actual building! Nice eh? Just today I got the answer I was waiting for, my training starts next Monday at 8:45 AM! I can't wait to get involved there! I will be helping out with banquets, so that includes setting up the rooms for banquets, serving, and as well as taking everything down! God is my provider! It's been crazy, living on the edge. Just when you think your alone, God shows up and reminds you that He has been there the whole time. It is awesome.

I just want to encourage you with this verse that my sister gave to me.

1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

"In my life, be lifted high,
In our world, be lifted high,
In our love, be lifted high"

Let it be, Jesus.

March!

2007-03-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

I must say March is my favorite month! A lot of great things happen in March! Birthdays! So if your birthday is in March, consider yourself lucky because we share a great month. If your birthday is in any other month also consider yourself lucky, because I'm sure your month is just as exciting! I turn 19 on the 19 of March!

Today was a good day. Today was my day off. I went for a couple of walks [more than once] to the same place. I went swimming twice. I worked on some homework for a little bit. I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast. I had two great peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch [Honestly, the key is cold bread and jelly, wow].

Some great potato and bacon soup for supper. It's been a great day.

I love shout outs! This one for a very special two persons, an answer to prayer, amazing people! Just being awesome people and doing the will of God, it's what I love about em! Thanks for being there when I needed you the most, I'll try to do the same! Love you lots!

P.S. Comments are free, so leave one! ;)

Feels like home…

2007-02-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so last week, well everything hasn’t been sunsets and rainbows although both of those things are very, very nice. It has been the hardest week since I’ve been here and I’ve been here for a month. Honestly, coming here was the easiest part for me, believe it or not. Well, here, if you rely on yourself, I doubt you’ll make it through. When you’re down to nothing, you have to count on the provision of God to bring you through and I know some of you have been there, most probably have and it’s actually a first real experience for me. Now I’m challenged to not only change what I was and let God mold me, but also become the person I was meant to be. The influences of long known family and friends aren’t here anymore. I’m challenged by people seeking God to also seek God at a newer and fresher level everyday. That means reading the bible…everyday. It means praying, all the time. Giving worship and thanks to God all the time in hard and great times. It’s becoming an empty vessel for God to fill, and for you to pour out on others. You get stretched and expanded and it can feel a little uncomfortable but you know God is working and that in itself is an awesome occurrence.

So after all this, it’s starting to feel like home. I no longer feel like I am on vacation although I am still discovering new things everyday which is exciting. I’ve worked myself into a routine which is nice although I’m still waiting on a job at the moment but I know God is at work behind the scenes. I am living on faith and although it can be scary it's exciting knowing that the creator of the universe is in control of my life. I want to encourage anyone who isn't sure about there plan or future with a verse that most have heard but take it into consideration and claim this promise of God.

Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I just want to say thanks to my mom for helping me get through this past week and being there for me all the time. I truly could not have done it without her and I want to say thanks for that.

Things are a little differnt when your up close - Sydney Opera House.

G'day mate! How you going?

2007-02-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Amazing. The college, the people, the city! All of it. I am so glad to be here. So classes start tomorrow. Orientation week as last week, and that was awesome. If your coming to Sydney for vacation or school, you must go to Hillsong Church! If your looking to take some time away from life, and go to college. Hillsong International Leadership College is the way to go. Life changing, once compared to "open heart surgery." Where God is the surgeon as a great mind once said. Anddd...I can already feel Him at work, quite awesome. This year is for God and Him alone. So exciting! This picture is Anne and I at Hard Rock Cafe, it was her going away/birthday party. It was sweet there was about 30 or so people!
So I've been to the beach, to many times to count. I must say I love the ocean! The waves here are great depending on where you go. I love just being thrown around by the water, what a great feeling! So the picture to the above is at Coogee beach. We stayed up the entire night to watch the sunrise. We left from our flats at around 3 AM and got there around 4.30. We went up unto the rocks and watched the sun rise, how beautiful! I'll thrown in a picture of the sunrise at the bottom. The rocks are pretty cool to, just sitting in the wind as the ocean crashes against the rocks is so relaxing. God is so real its awesome.
Woohooo for the Opera House. It's still cool every time we pass by it. This photo was taken before I turned around and looked at it for the first time, so its pretty cool. The whole city is amazing. P.S. Pancakes On The Rock = Awesome.
Another picture from Coogee. It was weird because the whole time I kept on adding 6 hours [ It's the time difference for Edmonton ] So at 5 AM, it was 11 AM minus a day. It's just weird thinking about it. P.S. Jet lag, sucks. It took about two weeks to get over it fully, and even then some times I get really tired during the middle of the day. Pretty random.
To finish off, the sunset over the ocean like I promised.

Thanks everyone for checking out my blog and leaving comments, it means alot to hear from you!

On the other side.

2007-01-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

I arrived safely in Sydney the other week. Thank-you to everyone who came to the airport and same to those who wish they could've been there. You'll all never know if I cried or not. ;)

I was hoping to get Internet setup for my apartment aka flat, but I have yet to meet my two other flat mates to sort it out. The flats are pretty impressive for college "dorms." They are very nice, I hope to get some pictures up for everyone to see. [ I got the pictures up! ]

The trip itself was amazing! All the layovers went smoothly with no trouble at all. I enjoyed my day and a half in Fiji as well, went to the beach and met a very cool group of people who were also going to be in Sydney. The weather has been amazing. Today, it rained for the first time since I've been here, but only for the morning. Otherwise the sun has been out and shinning. The beaches are pretty extraordinary as well, been to a couple of those. It certainly is nice wearing shorts in January.

Jet lag hasn't been to big of a problem. I just get extremely tired around 3 PM but that phase is slowly going away. I slept in till 9 AM for the first time which was sweet, because I've been waking up at around 7:30-8:00 AM.

Hillsong Church is wow, it's hard to describe. It has seven services going on the weekend, all seat about 1500 I think, which isn't at max. Maybe more. It's massive. And that is only the City Campus, which is about half the size of the Hills Campus. The very day I got there, there was already a group that welcomed me which was great. Made it feel like home right away. I got to see Joyce Meyer live, twice. She didn't an awesome job preaching. Very cool.

Got my mobile phone, a visa, and bank account set up. I also know my address so if you'd like it, send me an e-mail and I can e-mail it back instead of posting it up on the web. Same goes with my mobile number. Anyways, if you've read this massive entry, congrats. Hahaha, anyways, time to go! I'm trying to write back to everyone, but I've only got a limited time on the computer! Adios.

Happy Holidays!

2007-01-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is having an awesome holiday spending time with family and friends. It sure has been an exciting holiday for me.

So I finally got myself to write some more in my blog. It has been more than a month, but time is moving along at a steadily pace. In less than two weeks I'll be on a plane to Sydney, Australia. Where it will be hot, summer hot, for who knows how long. Everything is ready to go, now all I have to do is wait.

Over the past couple of weeks I've got to spend some time with most of my family and friends. I know I have to cherish each second because I don't know how long it will be when I see that person next. What a weird feeling.

Last week were the last days at my job, so now I am unemployed and enjoying it.

Today Chelsea [Ellis] and I are heading to the end of the road. Yep, you heard it. It's as far as the gravel road goes north for Yellowknife. During the winter, the road extends further because of the ice road. The frozen over lakes are paved further north to reach the smaller towns and diamond mines.

Anyways, time to get ready, next time I post, I should have some warm pictures of Sydney and Fiji. See ya.

A month?

2006-11-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

So it really has been just about a month since my last post. To be honest, not a lot has changed in the past month. I've had a pretty consistent life for the most part. Monday - Friday I would work at Extra Foods. Go to youth Friday nights. Go for breakfast at Side Door Saturday mornings. Church Sunday mornings. Pretty easy and enjoying the familiarity, as its all going to change in a month and half.

One thing that I want to mention, this goes out to all the students who are looking to travel in the future. Visit Travel Cuts. They do an amazing job at finding discounted air fares for students. [ Shout out to Chelsea Ellis for finding that and can't wait till you get up here! ] Saved me a bundle and I know it can for you. Plus I get to stay a day and a half in Fiji, as a layover.

The snow here is amazing! With the first two weeks in November we got at least 2 feet of snow. Most of its packed down now, but it's pretty sweet. Still have to take my board out to the local rock quarry. [ It's their toboggan hill ] So when you go down you have to watch for rocks sticking out. Exciting.

You will also find some sweet snowmobiling up here. I got the chance to take one out. Wow, what an incredible machine. Driving them around town, through the ponds, up the hills. If you get the chance to drive one, do it, really thrilling, at least that's what I found.

Hope you enjoyed this little update. We'll see when the next one is!

The Working Force

2006-10-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

So just fresh out of High School like most graduates we are faced with decisions on where we want our future to go. Some of us are heading off to college or university to pursue life long or short term goals. Some, still trying to figure out what they want to do maybe work a full-time job while they contemplate their future.

For myself personally I've entered the mainstream working force before I head off to college as you might have figured. Wow, what a change. Just a couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to fly [ For free ] up to Diavik Diamond Mine, where I was working for Ek'ati Services, a member of the PTI contracting group, being a dishwasher. Now when I say dish washing I mean I washed dishes, using a commercial dishwasher, for 12 straight hours. It didn't stop. These 12 hour shifts went for 14 days straight. To say the least, I was exhausted by the end of that two-week rotation with the end of that because not only were the shifts long but they consisted of either working from 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM or 4:00 AM - 4:00 PM [ A week experience of both ]. Although the money was good, it by no means should determine how I live my life for the next couple of months. Spending time with my family before I leave takes priority, after all, I'm a family guy.

With that strenuous work load, I got about two weeks off before I started cashier work at Extra Foods [ Which was yesterday ]. This past weekend I was employed by Twilite Security working at the local Hospital Emergency room from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM. After working at the hospital this past weekend, that was the end of that job. My life consisted of working, sleeping, and eating. Not cool. There's is just so much more of life to enjoy than work. So I am completely happy working at Extra Food's as a cashier. Enjoying every moment of every day as we all should.

Evolution of Beauty

2006-10-26T08:27:00.000-06:00

This is a short film I think everyone should have a look at, especially the ladies. You are beautiful. It's so sad that our idea of beauty is so tainted. With the technology we have now, who knows what is real and what isn't?

Life in Yellowknife

2006-10-24T19:29:00.000-06:00

So, here I am in Yellowknife. It so happens this is probably one of the least likely places I ever thought I would be living. It's been great living with my Mom after such a long time and it makes me truly value the relationships I have and that we should make the most of them because we never know how long someone is going to be around. So far it has been amazing on all the experiences I've had while living up here. Having lived in the big city [ Edmonton ] for the past 10 years it has been almost relaxing coming to a town of about 25, 000 people. Everyone should experience what it is like to live in a small town. It's nice and relaxing knowing that I will be moving to Sydney which is estimated 3 million including surrounding areas. Yikes! I know I'll love it though.

My work experience has also been interesting. Working at Athlete's World for the first month I was here, has helped me get settled into a routine. No sooner did I take an adventure heading up to Diavik Diamond Mine as a dishwasher for two weeks. Washing dishes for 12 hours a day, for 14 days straight. Wow. An experience none the less, but I am not going back. It's just not me. I will be doing security at the Hospital down the street. Also, I am heading over to Extra Foods which is just a 5 minute walk from where I live, where I will be working as a cashier!

Applying for school has also been an adventure which is also why I created this Blog. I got accepted middle of September and was getting all the course fees settled out. When that was done I got my CoE [ Confirmation of Enrollment ] and started to apply for my Student Visa. Well, as soon as the form was sent, I received an e-mail that I was accepted and can now travel to Australia! Exciting! So now its just the minor things like accommodations, flights and such that have to get completed.

So for a first post I hope it does justice as this is new for me, please fell free to ask me any questions! I hope to update this as much as possible. Adios!