Happy New Year!

Well Christmas Break is coming to an end and so is 2010. I am excited to see what 2011 brings. Early this year I wrote a blog in which I discussed each season. To recap 2010, it was a year of heartbreak. But in the midst of that God brought new friendships. As it comes to an end, I am tired, but I look forward to the renewal of a new year. It will be my last semester at Emmanuel and I want to make the best of it. My prayer is that 2011 will be a great year for many. Each day in 2011 I want to do something new. So this will start on the 1st.

- T.

Merry Christmas!

Marilyn and I

Time flies! I cant believe December is over. The masquerade (on December 10; I know I'm a little behind) was great, so a special thanks to Marilyn for all her hard work. It seems like it was so busy and who would have thought it would be over so quickly.

I made it through exams, its been stressful to say the least. I no longer have a car, my friend was in an accident in it. I am hoping to have a new one soon, I feel very stranded. I'm so happy to have some time away from campus to regain my energy, and be filled by God.

Well a Merry Christmas Eve, I'm not a big Christmas person but I do love to celebrate my savior whenever possible! So what a great opportunity.

- T.

"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 1:18

ps. The exciting news from day 26 was that my best friend got engaged just before Christmas :) Congratz Bestie :) 

Flee!

"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - 2 Timothy 2:22

Why is it all too often we walk the fence of temptation. We ask God to "deliver us from temptation" yet we constantly put ourselves in a place to be tempted. Instead of guarding our hearts and minds and taking our thoughts captive, we let so many things seep in, and then say but God I called out to you.

2 Timothy is clear when it says to flee evil desires. And gives us hope in that of pursuing righteousness. It is most often that we come up with excuses for the things we do such as if I didn't watch that TV show with that person we wouldn't be as close and that friendship isn't bad, but I see that as an excuse to simple watch the things that our flesh desires and is that given room for God to form a relationship with that person. If we really thought about it before we did something and said to ourselves, "Would I do this in the presence of Jesus? Is this glorify to Him?" would we really do half the things we say are "okay".

Ephesians 4:29 says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" but how many times do we cut other down.

And Ephesians 5: 25-27 says "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless". I was listening to a sermon by Francis Chan today and he used this verse to remind us that we are Christ's bride and we are to be "holy and blameless". But are we doing this, are we presenting ourselves to Christ this way with the music we listen to, the shows/movies we watch, the games we play, and the way we talk to others.

I love to use sarcasm, it is one of my favorite types of humor however the definitions of it, have got me wondering how fruitful it really is. According to websters dictionary the word sarcasm means "Witty language used to convey insults or scorn", going back to the Greek meaning it is "to tear flesh". Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying to never use sarcasm but to simply think about the words we say before we say them, to think about the things we watch before we watch them and to think about the things we do before we do them.

The Bible doesn't tell us to flee from evil simply because of sin though it gives a better option, Jesus is better, what we get from Him is better, so we run because He is better.

- T.

Day 30... Surprise Party!

Tonight my floor had a surprise party at Crabby's for our RA Angela! Happy Birthday Ang! Your wonderful!

- T.

Today is the last day of my 30 day things that make me smile, but I'm sure from time to time I will still post things that make me smile. :)

Day 29... Surprise Visit!

Candice and I on Halloween in Grade 10 I believe

Tonight Dan and I drove to surprise my best friend/his girlfriend in London for a quick visit. It was a great time!

- T.

Day 28... Stuffed Crust!

I ate stuffed crust pizza today... it was delicious!

- T. 

Day 27... Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt

This is a photo of the most expensive painting ever it was painted in 1907 by Gustav Klimt and sold for $135,000,000 in 2006 by Ronald S. Lauder. This painting was taken from it's owner by the Nazi when he had to flee to Switzerland. It wasn't until 2006 that it was finally restored to it's heir by the Austrian Court, and soon after it was purchased by Lauder.

- T.

Day 26... exciting news...

I can't actually say what the exciting news was yet, but I'll tell ya this it was exciting. :)

- T.





This is a picture I took in front of the water show at the Bellagio in Law Vegas, Nevada in early December 2007.

Day 25... A night of Hip Hop!

Last night I went to Toronto with some friends to see a Christian hip hop artist at Canada Christian College and then to a pool hall in downtown Toronto. It was so sad at first because I was the only one under 21 and they have a 21 plus rule on weekends but the manager let me in. The hip hop artist was great, and it was lots of fun, and the pool hall was as well. It was great to spend time dancing and laughing with friends.

- T.

What a week!

Well this week was incredibly hard; there was a serious of events that all happened within one week. Although I cannot discuss them all on my blog I can say it was a tough week. I am learning to trust God and allow him to heal my heart each day.

A Painting I did for my friend Miranda maybe a year ago?

Day 24... Who Stole Christmas!

Tonight we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas and ate loads of food at my friend Amanda's house. It was a lovely evening and helped with the hard week I had.

- T.

Day 23... Discussion!

Tonight I had a great discussion with some friends, we talked about God, theology, frustration and hurt. It was a needed talk, and I'm so glad I went. And lets all be glad November is over!

- T.

Day 22... Wordsearch!

Wordsearches are loads of fun!
The word with the left over letters if 'afternoon'. 

- T.

Day 21... Finishing Assignments!

This is the second last submission for I & A (Interpretation and Application of Biblical Text)! 1 More and I'm done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- T. 

Day 20... Truth.

Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you"

I am clinging to the truths of God's word. 

- T.






I made this in April to remind me to arm myself, I haven't always done this well I am changing this.

Day 19... Christmas Production!

Friday and Today (Saturday) was Christmas production here at Emmanuel, my wonderful friend Christie was Mary, she sang 'Breath of Heaven' and did a great monologue! Great job Christie!

- T.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

It's the first official snow of the season! Its staying on the ground, its fluffy, and I love it :)

- T.

Day 18... Starbucks!

Honey experienced her first starbucks today ! :)

- T.






 Kimberly, Honey, Wendy, and Kristy sharing in this festive experience!

Day 17... Challenges!

I have never really had a strong women mentor or someone who would challenge me. As I do my internship at GVI for women my supervisor is doing this very well. Each time I meet with her I am challenge in my own life, she helps me to see things that I did not see and grow in ways that I never thought possible. And this helps me to better aid the women because I need to be able to go the places I ask them to. 

- T.








This is a painting I did for my best friend in Christmas 2009.

Day 16... GVI

Grand Valley Institute for Women, the women there continue to change my life.

- T.

Day 15... How sweet it is!

 A picture of the lights at Victoria Park taken on my cell phone. About 2am on November 23, 2010.








There's nothing like an oddly warm, slightly raining November night at Victoria Park.

- T. 

Day 14... Christmas Cards!

Today I wrote about 100 Christmas Cards to prospective students of Emmanuel, and I really enjoyed it. I hope they enjoy getting them! :)

- T. 

A missionary life...

What does it mean to live missionally, or to be a missionary? Are these things different? And what's the point in a short term mission trip?

I believe that we are all called to tell people about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Today my professor said, "Do you remember when you first were born again, and you wanted to tell people about what Jesus had done for you, what happens to that?". We all feel the call of the Holy Spirit on us to share this message but it often fades or is crushed as time goes on. Each one of us has a call to live with a mission focus. This may come in different forms, but whether its here or in overseas missions we all have that call.

I was discussing with a friend of mine what the point of short term missions is. Some people don't see the point. They may wonder why don't we raise money and send it there, and the trips only have impact on the people going, not for the people there and often result in spiritual highs and lows. Although these things can be true the importance of short term missions goes far beyond that. I have been to Muncie, Indiana; Gulfport, MS; New Orleans, LA; Sydney, Australia; Guatemala; and Montreal, QB on short term missions and I could tells stories on stories from each of how I've been impacted and on how God has impacted others through these trips. But first I do not want to discount the importance of being fully there wherever that may be. Jim Elliot once said "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God". 

I have many stories from my trips in which people have impacted my life and I believe that God used me to impact theirs. A specific story of this is of a lady named Zofia. She was an elderly women I met in Australia. She called Hillsong (the church we were working from) everyday for 20 days until my team of 5 returned to her because of the one conversation we had with her. This women to this day still impacts my life and the way I think, and I pray for her and her family each time I think about her. I know God is moving there, even though I am not physically present or will possibly ever see the effects of this. Another example is the hurricane relief I did, I went twice because I was so moved by what I had seen once to Gulfport 6 months after Katrina and once to New Orleans 1 year after. While in New Orleans I worked in the 9th ward. I was able to gut a house that hadn't been touch since the hurricane. That summer teams from all over North American came together to help families with this daunting job that was greater than what could be handle on their own. This yes changed my life, but God also enabled me to give someone tangibly what they needed but couldn't afford. 


God moves through people when we open ourselves up for His service. If we live for Him wherever we are, he will move, people will be changed and so will we. 


- T. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

The above photo is of my team in Australia with Zofia. 







The photo to the left is of my team member in New Orleans in what we would wear when gutting the house. 

Day 15... Church!

Church was a lot of fun today, Dave and I brought Candice and Dan. The pastor preached the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) by memory from a mountain built on the stage. Hearing it that way was very powerful, it reminded me how important and how often we skip over certain parts of it.

- T.

Day 14... Hockey!!!

Us behind the players bench during pregame warm ups

David, Ang, Trevor and I went to a Buffalo Sabres game today. It was a great time in Buffalo even though they were beat by Tampa Bay.

- T.

Day 13... Remember

Bondi Beach in Summer 2007, Shyanna, me, Jacob and Brooke :)

Today I was looking at pictures and remember so many good times. I miss all the places I've been, but I especially Australia, hopefully one day I will be able to return.

- T.

Day 12... A sweet surprise!

Today I came back to my room to find a bamboo, a red rose, nibs, a red hat, a red scarf, 3 flower clips, a flower headband, a pair of socks, nibs, a letter and a cue card with a very sweet note! Thank you Dave I can't describe how excited I was! :)

- T. 

Day 11... Fun Songs!

I love songs that make me smile, laugh and want to dance ridiculously; even if there country/pop haha.

- T.

Day 10... A sweater worthy of the Christmas card!

Today I made the purchase of my new favourite sweater. A turtleneck, knitted Christmas tree sweater.
- T. :)

A special thanks to the amazing ladies in the photo with me, Karla, Monika and Jocelyn.

Day 9... A house that's Green!

The following link is a house built by a couple in Wales. - T.

Hand-Build an Earth Sheltered House for $5000. 

What's the point?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" - Galatians 5:22-23


As the days go on and as fall continues to move quickly into winter I wonder what is the point of being on Student Council, or what is God's purpose for me here?

Each day I want God to change me and to grow in the fruit of the spirit; to grow in Christ's likeness. But I'm not perfect, I am still learning and growing each day; I probably make at least 3 mistakes. But I learn, there is a need for those who will walk along side of us, who will help us to grow. Those who aren't afraid to grow themselves, who understand that no matter who we are we have work to do and that for many of us this is our first opportunity at leadership. Whether we crash and burn and need a hand to pick ourselves up from the goals we tried but couldn't meet in order to try again, or encouragement to keep going with what we are doing.

I just want to exercise my ability to grow, in an environment that when I came I believed would help nurture that. I came here hoping that God would help me to grow and that I would find those who would walk along side me as well as a place that would be safe for learning. I have found the first two, the third I'm still working on. I want to help to provide this safe place for those who need it.

- T. 


Emmanuel Bible College Photo on the hill 2010-2011.

Day 8... Forgiveness

What makes me smile is God's grace and forgiveness of a friend.

- T.

Day 7... The One Flaw In Women

 These two women amaze me everyday ! :)








The One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women, it is this; they forget their worth and how remarkable they truly are! - Author Unknown 


- T.

Day 6... TWLOHA

TWLOHA

I know this seems odd to post as something that makes me smile but to know one is not alone is something to smile about, is something full of hope, and is something that can begin to bring healing.

- T.

Day 5... Cookie Night!

Every Thursday night the encouragement committee bakes cookies for Emmanuel and brings them to students on break from class or hanging around the Activity Centre. Thank you Encouragement committee you have made me smile today!

- T. 

Day 4... A place I've never been!

Today I went to Redeemer University, where I met the President and Student Council President. So today I smile because I have met new people and been to a place I've never been.

- T.

Day 3... Squirrels

Today was a rough day for me, I was quite sad and tired all day. But one thing that made me smile was squirrels... I know this may seem a bit odd but it was actually Dave cheering me up after he let me vent to him while we were sitting on a tree stump. He cheered me up with the squirrels that were attaching me... aka him tickling me... something very small but very hilarious.

They say a picture says 1000 words, I think these little Jedi's say it best :)

- T.

I Surrender All

How many times do we hear the songs I surrender all, or Surrender. If you haven't heard them look up the lyrics. The basic of it is surrendering our all to God; laying down our lives. 


Today in chapel a girl spoke about growing up in Saudi Arabia, she openly shared with us the struggles of what it is really like to live in a country where there is persecution for being Christian. The people in countries like these lay down their lives each day for the Gospel and they are afraid but trusting God. She gave the example of what one could go through in order to read their Bible which is something we take so lightly.

People around the world die for that name, but our society has trained us to do what feels good for us. Let's us not forget to remember our brothers and sisters who are dying for a faith that we believe in and a grace that we were given so freely.

Often we truly do want to surrender all to God, to really give Jesus our all but when we walk away from singing we soon forget, we pick up the things we dropped at the door. I think its important to remind ourselves each day to truly surrender everything to Jesus. It may be hard and it may be something you really like, but I believe there is no greater joy than that in Christ Jesus.

- T. 

                                              Let's Pray for these countries.

Day 2 ... Is that your hair?

Last night Robbie decided to shave his hair into a Mohawk for a few days. Not only was it funny to see last night but as well this morning in class seeing our professors reaction was priceless. So today the something that makes me smile is Robbie's hair.

- T.

Day 1 of Something Fun!

For the next 30 days I will be putting up something each day that makes me smile.

I will start with silly photos :)
- Fun to take and fun to look at later !

- T.

One Voice...

"Unfortunately, I have realized that we cannot completely erase all the evil from the world, but we can change the way we deal with it, we can rise above it and stay strong and true to ourselves." - Zlata Filipovic (Freedom Writers Diary).

Change begins with us, it begins with our choices to serve God and from that one person at a time we can begin to change the world. I heard a sermon this morning from a natural path doctor who started clinics in Africa around 2004. He was telling us about God's provision in his life and the need for us to be missionaries wherever we live and to be sharing God's love in real, practical ways.

What a statement that we need to be serving God wherever we are. Trusting in Him completely to guide our paths and to plant the seeds. It is not the planter but the seed this meaning that we do not have to persuade we must love.

How will you practically love someone today?

- T.

A week of Reading

Well what a week its been, I can't believe reading week is over. I was asked near the end of the week, "How did not getting done as much work as you hoped go?". I thought what an appropriate question because we never seem to get as much as we would like to achieve.

This was a draining but quite amazing week for me. I don't know if I've said this yet but my internship is taking place at the woman's prison here in town. I spent quite a bit of time there this week. Each time I go I learn so much and I am more excited each time I leave. The women there and my supervisor are amazing and they teach me so much and stretch me to work harder and be better just by who they are.

I had the privilege of joining something called Alternatives to Violence (AVP) this weekend. I had never heard of this program before but after this weekend I believe it should be offered everywhere especially in schools. We grow up believing that fighting is necessary to gain respect or if someone challenges you your weak if you back down but this program helps to challenge that teaching.

This group gave me so many great tools for conflict management that can be used in any disagreement. As well taught me about myself. Lately I've been really struggling with how to trust, and why I'm so afraid. This feeling has really surfaced in me lately and has been the majority of my prayers/questions to God. On Saturday we were doing an exercise on transforming power and one of the pieces of it was expecting the best. This really struck me, I realized especially in my close relationships I expect the worst. For example with Dave, I go into conversations with him expecting him to say something or do something. And so I look for every wrong thing and disregard the good and I realized I'm looking for another reason to stay hard and not to trust.

As I reflected on this Saturday night, I felt a sense of freedom. And even more when I came back to the group Sunday and we discussed the next steps. The freedom of realizing why it is so hard for me to trust and beginning change that thinking. Changing the thinking that I can't trust, and to continually think positive. I try to live my life never giving up no matter what is thrown at me, looking for the best solution. I needed a reminder of who I am and the strength and joy God has given me. I never want to be a victim of my environment and I am thankful that God has allowed me a way out, and I want to help those who did not have that gift. I'm so thankful for the reminder I got this weekend, and the freedom I was given.

- T.









      Elin and Gabriel's first time sitting in at Tim Hortons :) 
On Tuesday of reading week when we all went bowling :)

Today was a fairytale...

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love". - Mother Teresa

Last night I was up till about 2am talking with an amazing couple that live in the apartment here on campus, he is from Nigeria and she is Norway. There perspective on relationship, love and marriage was refreshing and real. Right now I am in a time of growing, I am discovering who I am, and what I believe about different issues. Often times people give me the answer that if I have peace about it then that`s God, but what is peace. My Nigerian friend said to me, a thief has peace before he steals, does that mean it was from God.

I have been asking many couples what they think about relationships and whether this peace thing is real. And there are some that this was true for them they had a peace, but for others it was not the case. Other couples found that they had to make a decision and trust that God would walk through them. I have had so many fears and am often wanting to know the future especially in relationships but I all to often come to think I need to know what God has in store for me before it happens but sometimes we just have to be faithful to God, to love Him above all else. I know that no matter what I want God's will above anything else, my heart is seeking Him. And He tells us faith is hope and assurance in the things we cant see (Hebrews 11).

So how do you break past the fear and the pain, how do you deal with the uncertainty of the world we live in and get to the certainty of God, how do you get to the place you want to be?

Trust... what that looks like I'm not sure... but I want to find out...

- T.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step" - Martin Luther King Jr.

A battle of the finest

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm" - Ephesians 6:10-13

What a week, yes I realize it's only Tuesday, but Monday seemed like enough of a struggle for the whole week. Sometimes it seems that as Christians we are not well enough prepared to fight everyday against Satan. I do not want to denounce or make light of the fact that the battle is already won by Christ, but I want to emphasize that Satan is still fighting. The pat answer that Jesus has already won does not give freedom from the bondage that so many of us face everyday. I was thinking about when WW2 ended and the battle was won and what this meant. There was joy and excitement but this did not mean that struggle was not still ahead for the people and countries involved but that they could begin to rebuild and move forward. Each day we live knowing that the battle is already won but that does not mean living after is easy. Many people had lost loved ones, many soldiers were harmed in the war, buildings were destroyed and all countries involved suffered economic downfalls of some kind.

Everyday we all deal with issues that have been placed upon us by those around us and those that we have placed on ourselves. The lies that say we are not enough, that were stupid, the fear that lives in us that hides the deeper issues, of hurt, of abandonment, of perversion, and many more. For me lately everyday has been a battle fighting against so many fears and hurts that have shaped me. Matthew 12:45-46 tells us that when one spirit is cast out 7 more return. I am in the middle of a time of change in my life, breaking habits and wrong thinking about myself and replacing it with that of God's however this does not mean that Satan will not fight to keep me thinking less of myself and so the attacks persist stronger each time. However the most important thing to remember is that yes the attacks are stronger, but each time God takes over another part in me, it is through Him that I become stronger and am able to persevere through each hard time (James 1).
- T.




My interest in history and the way this poster fit with this post I thought was interesting. The British Government's Ministry of Information put out posters after the outbreak of World War Two all throughout the country to ease public fear. This was the third poster in a serious the only one with the words, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' with the royal crown, the first two were distributed but the third was kept only for extreme crisis (the invasion of Britain by Germany)

Although many of these posters were made, only a few were distributed because the invasion never happened and after the war they were destroyed. Almost 60 years later the poster was found by bookseller when looking through dusty books bought at an auction.

I Have A Voice

"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me" - Matthew 25:45

Lately I have been thinking a lot about what it means to make a difference in the world. It is easy to become discouraged when we feel overloaded or feel like our voice could never be heard. But this is a lie, I've been feeling challenged lately to heal from my hurts and to reach out more in small ways to help those in practical ways. Often times we think about the big picture, and the greater impact we want to make but it is through the small things that we can begin to have a greater impact. I want to begin to think more about where I buy things from and who that impacts, and how that impacts the environment and raise the bar more. I want to be more thoughtful about my money and how I spend it. I want to be a fighter for a good cause, in my simple actions of daily purchases.

When looking at Matthew 25, and what Jesus was saying, I can begin to see in my own life how I fail at this and so many times I do not clothe those who need clothing, or feed someone who needed food. And although I may do these things on occasion it has not been lifestyle I have created for myself. I am challenging myself to do better in this, to be better. To take the resources I have and impact with my voice and my actions. I may only be one voice in a million but I am still one voice, I want to serve Christ in the practical ways that He has called me to.

"May I never get to busy in my own affairs that i fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion" - Thomas Jefferson

- T.

Article for The Voice of Emmanuel Bible College (Published in Fall 2010)

Thanksgiving

What is thanksgiving? Traditionally this has been giving thanks to God for the Harvest of that season. According to E.P. Powell, "Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude".

This year I spent thanksgiving weekend with David, Candice and Dan. It was a great weekend, but it was a very emotional weekend. We spent a lot of time relaxing and just hanging out as well as some time at the Brigden fair. For those who do not know this is one of the largest fairs in Lambton County, it has a tractor pull, demolition derby, animal shows, rides and all types of fair fun. We took Candice's niece with us, and saw the animals and took her on the marigold round which made the whole day very memorable. I had frustrating moments, sad moments, and happy ones; all in all the weekend was good.

I realized that although the weekend was frustrating at points and great at other times I did not spend much time meditating on the things I am thankful for. The very reason the weekend exist to remember to be thankful and celebrate what God has done. I want to take a few minutes to express some things I am thankful for, because I have been given so much, by the grace of God alone.

- God's amazing grace - Friends - Family - EBC - the ability to learn and serve - provision -

I hope that we can all remember that we all have something to be thankful for no matter how big or small. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them" - John F. Kennedy

- T.

I Aint Missin' You

Our fantastic seats












It's October 3, 2010 I can hardly believe how time flies. 1 month down 7 more to go before I graduate, at least that's the plan. I already feel behind, but I'm not really, just having a hard time staying focused. This past Saturday I went to a Toronto Argos game. It was a great time, great seats, and great friends but lately I've been really missing people. I miss my friends that I either don't get to see very often or we are too busy to see each other, which makes things much harder and makes it much harder for me to focus. I want to be focused on where I am at that moment, but when I'm doing work I'm wishing I was with my friends and when I'm with my friends it seems like I always have the next thing to go to but mostly I have been missing God.

Each day I try to spend time journalling, reading my Bible and praying, but I just feel like its never enough. I realized during SLT week that I communicate with God in all the different ways, and but that it's easier for me to praise him in every aspect of my life when I have that journal/prayer time with Him. A friend of mine gave me this analogy for my life. I am the eye of a hurricane, as long as I am grounded in Christ, I am firm and cannot be shaken even in the midst of craziness all around me. Just like the eye of the hurricane is the calmest part. This really helped me understand a piece who I am. I am busy and my life may seem crazy to most, and some days I feel that way too but it only gets out of control when I'm not focused on God first.
- T.













Dave & I on the field after the game

Take me out to the Ball Game...

What do you think when you hear the song take me out to the ball game? Do you think of the Seventh Inning Stretch of a Blue Jays game, a memory of playing baseball with a parent, the most annoying song ever created or the best day of your life?

This past Saturday I was at a Blue Jays game with some good friends of mine. It was cold, I had a headache and there was an annoying child sitting next to my friend but despite that, it was still a fairly good time. The Jays won in the second extra inning, and it was by a home run. The Jays got 4 home runs that game out of the 5 runs they had. I love baseball, but there was video played during the game that had a player talking about the game of baseball and how that is there life. I though about how my life is my faith in Jesus Christ. When I thought more about this I thought of the wins and the losses. We each have these in our daily lives, but if we are living fully for Christ then although we may fall and fail in the end we will have ultimate victory in Christ who had ultimate victory over death.

2 Timothy 4:7 says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". As we continue through each day, fighting the battle that is set out before us, let us praise God in our victory and in our losses. Let us praise him in our struggles and in our happiness, because He is with us and it has already been won. Let us give to God our all, so that we can fully live with the Holy Spirit as our guide, and fully live for God.
- T.

This is Life, thats for sure...

Well SLT week ended, the new students moved in, MEGA started and ended and classes began. I can hardly believe it. I would say that it was a success, very tiring but a success. There were three main emotions I was feeling the whole time. Excitement, Fear, and Anxiety.

Excitement happened as the SLT moved in, and the new students came, it was a great time to catch up. There was so many students and a general feeling of excitement all over the campus. Which led to my next feeling of Anxiety.

With Anxiety there were two things, the thought that there was way more people on campus than I was used to and my space seemed to be taken over, however this is a good thing, just hard to handle at first. The next was that my usb stick with all my work on my Distance Ed. stopped working and I lost everything, and so now I'm scrambling to get it done in a month and a half in order to pass the course.

Fear happened Monday morning when I woke up just before my first class of what should be my last year at Emmanuel. I have fear that I wont graduate but I need to have the attitude that I will, not be fearful that I wont. I am fearful about many things but in order to overcome them, I must face them.

I know that even though things seem overwhelming right now, soon enough this year will be over and I will look back wondering where the time went. So until then I will live each moment to the fullest, doing my best at everything, and loving with all I am.

- T.