This is one of the most INTENSE videos I have seen in a long time. Watch it. Till the end. It's worth it.
180.
- T.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Heavy Heart...
After 2 months of trying to finish Blue Like Jazz, I have. Today I realized why it was a best seller. It took me a long time to finish but in the final pages of the book. I saw the authors heart.
I went out to find a place to read today. I did not want to be stuck in my apartment. I ventured down town, and found a small park. It was quaint and quiet. It had a waterfall [man-made] with bubbles. I sat peacefully, drinking coffee. It seemed like the perfect place to read about Love. Not love as in romance but about others. Truly loving others. I was on Chapter 18, Love: How to Really Love Other People.
It was while sitting in this park I realized. I had not been doing a very good job of this lately and I needed some perspective. Today I had seen people give their seats up on the bus, people on the streets canvassing for those without a voice, and a man stop to give another man change on the street. Iwas am humbled.
I felt at peace in that park, sitting there reading. I. Felt. God. I felt Him remind me He was [always] there. In every moment. It had been a while since I had FELT God. Today I did.
As I got on the subway I finished the final chapters of the book. Chapter 19 is about Loving Yourself. Knowing that God loves us and that is enough. I have not done a very good job of this lately either. I have been selfish. Comparing myself. Cutting myself down. And not allowing God to love me or others. I hate compliments, I find them very awkward. Mostly because at times [not always] I do not believe them. I needed the reminder that Christ died for me and rose again. That I am loved.
Donald Miller describes when he saw what he was doing to himself.
"Love you neighbour as yourself... He was saying I would never talk to my neighbour the way I talked to myself, and somehow I had come to believe it was wrong to kick other people around but it was okay to do it to myself... I stopped hating myself. It no longer felt right" - Miller (Pg. 231, Blue Like Jazz).
"I think apart from the idea that I am a sinner and God forgives me, this is the greatest lesson I have ever learned. When you get it, it changes you" - Miller (Pg. 232, Blue Like Jazz).
The final chapter of this book was about Jesus.
"There is a lie floating around that says I am supposed to be able to do life alone, without any help, without stopping to worship something bigger than myself. But there actually believe there is something bigger than me, and I need for there to be something bigger than me" - Donald Miller (Pg. 232, Blue Like Jazz).
"All great characters in stories are the ones who give their lives to something bigger than themselfs. And in all of the stories I don't find anyone more noble than Jesus... He didn't just love me because it was the right thing to do" - Miller (Pg. 238, Blue Like Jazz).
Miller talks about all the things he believes Jesus would say to him if he were to meet Him. He would listen, He would rebuke, He would love, and remind him all the ways God had protected him along the way.
Miller compares the Christian faith to Jazz music. A freedom that is hard to put on paper. "But is no less real, no less meaningful, no less beautiful" - Miller (Pg. 239, Blue Like Jazz). I like the way he describes this. I spent the summer learning to Swing Dance. I learned that the type of Jazz music danced to is different. It has a certain beat. Something that must be felt. Today I felt God. Not for the first time. Not for the last time. But it was no less real today. No less real than the time before or the time after.
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears attentive to their cry... The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:15; 17-19).
Lastly I want to bring to your attention one of my best friends. Wendy. I talked about Wendy in the blog I wrote yesterday. It was that evening that she called me. I missed her call. It was to tell me that her mother had passed away that evening. So I ask that you lift Wendy and her family up in prayer. I ask that you continue to seek ways of supporting her financially. But that more importantly you would remember her in an incredibly difficult time. Three weeks into an 11 months trip. My heart is broken for Wendy. An incredible women of God, a listener, and an incredible friend.
With a Heavy Heart,
-T.
PS. My apologies on the length.
I went out to find a place to read today. I did not want to be stuck in my apartment. I ventured down town, and found a small park. It was quaint and quiet. It had a waterfall [man-made] with bubbles. I sat peacefully, drinking coffee. It seemed like the perfect place to read about Love. Not love as in romance but about others. Truly loving others. I was on Chapter 18, Love: How to Really Love Other People.
It was while sitting in this park I realized. I had not been doing a very good job of this lately and I needed some perspective. Today I had seen people give their seats up on the bus, people on the streets canvassing for those without a voice, and a man stop to give another man change on the street. I
I felt at peace in that park, sitting there reading. I. Felt. God. I felt Him remind me He was [always] there. In every moment. It had been a while since I had FELT God. Today I did.
As I got on the subway I finished the final chapters of the book. Chapter 19 is about Loving Yourself. Knowing that God loves us and that is enough. I have not done a very good job of this lately either. I have been selfish. Comparing myself. Cutting myself down. And not allowing God to love me or others. I hate compliments, I find them very awkward. Mostly because at times [not always] I do not believe them. I needed the reminder that Christ died for me and rose again. That I am loved.
Donald Miller describes when he saw what he was doing to himself.
"Love you neighbour as yourself... He was saying I would never talk to my neighbour the way I talked to myself, and somehow I had come to believe it was wrong to kick other people around but it was okay to do it to myself... I stopped hating myself. It no longer felt right" - Miller (Pg. 231, Blue Like Jazz).
"I think apart from the idea that I am a sinner and God forgives me, this is the greatest lesson I have ever learned. When you get it, it changes you" - Miller (Pg. 232, Blue Like Jazz).
The final chapter of this book was about Jesus.
"There is a lie floating around that says I am supposed to be able to do life alone, without any help, without stopping to worship something bigger than myself. But there actually believe there is something bigger than me, and I need for there to be something bigger than me" - Donald Miller (Pg. 232, Blue Like Jazz).
"All great characters in stories are the ones who give their lives to something bigger than themselfs. And in all of the stories I don't find anyone more noble than Jesus... He didn't just love me because it was the right thing to do" - Miller (Pg. 238, Blue Like Jazz).
Miller talks about all the things he believes Jesus would say to him if he were to meet Him. He would listen, He would rebuke, He would love, and remind him all the ways God had protected him along the way.
Miller compares the Christian faith to Jazz music. A freedom that is hard to put on paper. "But is no less real, no less meaningful, no less beautiful" - Miller (Pg. 239, Blue Like Jazz). I like the way he describes this. I spent the summer learning to Swing Dance. I learned that the type of Jazz music danced to is different. It has a certain beat. Something that must be felt. Today I felt God. Not for the first time. Not for the last time. But it was no less real today. No less real than the time before or the time after.
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears attentive to their cry... The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:15; 17-19).
Lastly I want to bring to your attention one of my best friends. Wendy. I talked about Wendy in the blog I wrote yesterday. It was that evening that she called me. I missed her call. It was to tell me that her mother had passed away that evening. So I ask that you lift Wendy and her family up in prayer. I ask that you continue to seek ways of supporting her financially. But that more importantly you would remember her in an incredibly difficult time. Three weeks into an 11 months trip. My heart is broken for Wendy. An incredible women of God, a listener, and an incredible friend.
With a Heavy Heart,
-T.
PS. My apologies on the length.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Give one thing up...
Each day we spend money on little things like coffee, tea, eating out etc. What if for one month we gave up one thing. We put the money in a jar. Write down the amount. Do something to remind us how much we would have spent. And at the end of the month give that money away.
I have been contemplating where the money should go. There are so many in need. But I believe the one that is closest to my heart at this time is Wendy Baer.
Wendy is apart of something called The World Race. This a project through Adventures in Mission where teams travel to 11 countries in 11 months to serve those in need. Wendy is not fully funded yet. This means that although she is able to start the trip she may not be able to stay the whole time. She has $7, 646 left to raise. $3,347 of that must be in by December 1st.
If you want to know more about Wendy visit her blog. Subscribe to her updates. Here how God is changing lives. I will be starting this on October 1st and would love to see by the end of October how much money together we can raise. If you would like to join me. Send me a message, or donate here. See how giving up something small can help something big.
- T.
I have been contemplating where the money should go. There are so many in need. But I believe the one that is closest to my heart at this time is Wendy Baer.
If you want to know more about Wendy visit her blog. Subscribe to her updates. Here how God is changing lives. I will be starting this on October 1st and would love to see by the end of October how much money together we can raise. If you would like to join me. Send me a message, or donate here. See how giving up something small can help something big.
- T.
 |
| 3 years ago where Wendy and my friendship began |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
3 Week In...
I have now been living in Toronto for 3 weeks. Wow. It feels like longer. And yet also like it has flown by. It's funny how that happens.
Three weeks in... and I am employed. I accepted a full time position at Elmwood Spa yesterday.* I stumbled upon a job fair on craigslist for Elmwood held at the Holiday Inn on September 19th.
To be honest when I first got there,
I thought: 'There is no way I am going to get a job here. This will probably be a waste of my time'.
As I was interviewed at first I was unsure of how it would go I was nervous. Stumbling on my words. Coming up with answers that I was sure made no sense. But the woman liked me. And so I was sent to interview number two.
I felt this interview went the same way. But the man assured me they would check my references and get back to me.
I asked reluctently: "How long?"
He Replied: "As soon as your references reply"
Well folks I don't know who they chose to call. But I am VERY thankful. They replied quickly. And apparently spoke well of me. Because I was offered the position yesterday [two days after the job fair]. And yes I screamed [when I hung up the phone of course]. And felt an instant relief.
God. Is. Good.
So 3 weeks in. I am EMPLOYED.
Off Topic YouTube.
Yes. These people are serious. Yes. People [in the UK] really like them. Yes. The blonde [Tulisa] is a judge on the X-Factor UK.
To quote N-Dubz*: "How could I leave without a number in my hand, I went to go on Facebook, will I get a face back. Trying to find you is like a needle in a haystack".
Yes. I laughed VERY hard when I heard this.
- T.
*After I got this call I also received two calls about job interviews. Yes itfelt feels good to be wanted.
*For more N-dubz click this.
Some photos from this past weekend.
Three weeks in... and I am employed. I accepted a full time position at Elmwood Spa yesterday.* I stumbled upon a job fair on craigslist for Elmwood held at the Holiday Inn on September 19th.
To be honest when I first got there,
I thought: 'There is no way I am going to get a job here. This will probably be a waste of my time'.
As I was interviewed at first I was unsure of how it would go I was nervous. Stumbling on my words. Coming up with answers that I was sure made no sense. But the woman liked me. And so I was sent to interview number two.
I felt this interview went the same way. But the man assured me they would check my references and get back to me.
I asked reluctently: "How long?"
He Replied: "As soon as your references reply"
Well folks I don't know who they chose to call. But I am VERY thankful. They replied quickly. And apparently spoke well of me. Because I was offered the position yesterday [two days after the job fair]. And yes I screamed [when I hung up the phone of course]. And felt an instant relief.
God. Is. Good.
So 3 weeks in. I am EMPLOYED.
Off Topic YouTube.
Yes. These people are serious. Yes. People [in the UK] really like them. Yes. The blonde [Tulisa] is a judge on the X-Factor UK.
To quote N-Dubz*: "How could I leave without a number in my hand, I went to go on Facebook, will I get a face back. Trying to find you is like a needle in a haystack".
Yes. I laughed VERY hard when I heard this.
- T.
*After I got this call I also received two calls about job interviews. Yes it
*For more N-dubz click this.
Some photos from this past weekend.
 |
| Waiting for the Ferry to go to Toronto Island. |
 |
| At Toronto Island. |
 |
| Ferry on the way back. |
Friday, September 16, 2011
Let It Be Said Of Us...
I clicked on the TV this morning to come across this story on The View.
It is incredible hearing this story. Mary Johnson a woman who say's that through prayer and God she was able to forgive and embrace Oshea Israel her son's killer. A great reminder this morning.
- T.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Happy Birthday Brad G.
This past Saturday my friend Brad and I decided to go exploring this city of Toronto which we are both new too. It was quite a day.
We ate pizza [of course].
We stumbled upon a Jesus parade
- T.
We ate pizza [of course].
We stumbled upon a Jesus parade
We were so excited when Noah's Ark, and the characters from Sesame Street, and some other Disney Characters showed up.
We then visited Kensington Market and enjoyed a concert.
We saw the city, from Queen Street to Little Italy. All in all a great and adventurous day.
Happy Birthday Brad! I hope you enjoyed the day!
- T.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Employment...
To be honest. Job hunting is NO fun. Although I'm sure you all know this. For those who are employed. Take a moment to be thankful for this. For those with me in unemployed bliss. I. Feel. Your. Pain. I would say one of the most discouraging things is Job Hunting.
The culture we live in tells us. We must work. Work is important. Working makes you who you are. Well I don't exactly agree with this. True. We must work. Work is important. I even love working. But work does not define me. However working gives me the resources to survive. Right now. Those resources are drying up.
I am beginning to stress [I'm not an easily stressed person]. But mostly I am discouraged. The emotions of having no replies to extreme amounts of resumes, to jobs that are not unrealistic is as I said discouraging. I love where I live. I love that I found an adorable church. I love that I am living with my best friend. But I am discouraged.
So say a prayer for me. Let me know if you want me to say a prayer for you. And if anything be encouraged by Matthew 7,
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks recieves; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matthew 7: 7-8, NIV).
- T.
The culture we live in tells us. We must work. Work is important. Working makes you who you are. Well I don't exactly agree with this. True. We must work. Work is important. I even love working. But work does not define me. However working gives me the resources to survive. Right now. Those resources are drying up.
I am beginning to stress [I'm not an easily stressed person]. But mostly I am discouraged. The emotions of having no replies to extreme amounts of resumes, to jobs that are not unrealistic is as I said discouraging. I love where I live. I love that I found an adorable church. I love that I am living with my best friend. But I am discouraged.
So say a prayer for me. Let me know if you want me to say a prayer for you. And if anything be encouraged by Matthew 7,
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks recieves; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matthew 7: 7-8, NIV).
- T.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Ontario's Capital...
Breathe in, its summer. Breathe out, it's fall. Stand still, it's winter. Open your eyes, springtime. - Ann-Marie MacDonald.
I have now been living in Toronto for a week [although slightly interrupted by a wedding in Kitchener] and I must say, I LOVE IT. Candice and I have had a chance to put our apartment together for the most part, and we have
almost everything we need!
Here's an overview of my first week.
September 1, 2011- Moving Day - After a great deal of help from my Aunt Crystal and a friend of mine Julie-Anne I had all my stuff [minus my bed] moved into my apartment by 3pm. I spent the rest of the day and the next day unpacking and trying to somewhat organize my things [I have too much stuff]!
September 3, 2011 - Candice moved in. And thanks to Mrs. Sam Wellhauser, I now have an incredible bed! It is the biggest bed I've ever slept in [I have chosen to sleep in the middle]. This was a fun day as Candice's brother and cousin helped her move in.
Then I left for the Bellhauser wedding.
September 5, 2011- Joel Bells and I came back to Toronto and spent the day with Candice and Dan [I hadn't seen him for months].
September 6, 2011 - Joel and I went exploring my neighbourhood. We found a park. PERFECT for picnics. I'll have to wait for next summer for those though.
September 7, 2011 - That leaves me with today. I spent most of the day finding ink, paper, and printing resumes. And most of the evening applying for jobs.
Life is great!
- T.
I have now been living in Toronto for a week [although slightly interrupted by a wedding in Kitchener] and I must say, I LOVE IT. Candice and I have had a chance to put our apartment together for the most part, and we have
almost everything we need!
Here's an overview of my first week.
September 1, 2011- Moving Day - After a great deal of help from my Aunt Crystal and a friend of mine Julie-Anne I had all my stuff [minus my bed] moved into my apartment by 3pm. I spent the rest of the day and the next day unpacking and trying to somewhat organize my things [I have too much stuff]!
September 3, 2011 - Candice moved in. And thanks to Mrs. Sam Wellhauser, I now have an incredible bed! It is the biggest bed I've ever slept in [I have chosen to sleep in the middle]. This was a fun day as Candice's brother and cousin helped her move in.
Then I left for the Bellhauser wedding.
September 5, 2011- Joel Bells and I came back to Toronto and spent the day with Candice and Dan [I hadn't seen him for months].
September 6, 2011 - Joel and I went exploring my neighbourhood. We found a park. PERFECT for picnics. I'll have to wait for next summer for those though.
September 7, 2011 - That leaves me with today. I spent most of the day finding ink, paper, and printing resumes. And most of the evening applying for jobs.
Life is great!
 |
| Exploring the downtown/waterfront. |
- T.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Bellhausers...
The day finally came. The wedding of the year. Move over Will and Kate, Samantha Wellhauser and Nathan Bells got married!
The day was perfect [well in my opinion at least]. The rain held off for the entire ceremony. It wasn't too hot, or too cold. The food was fantastic. The dance was AMAZING [special thanks to Joel Bells for the dances]! I must say I have never met a more hospitable bride. She made sure everyone was happy, gave each person time with her, danced with everyone, and accommodated for the needs of all. Sam was the opposite of a Bridezilla
- T.
The day was perfect [well in my opinion at least]. The rain held off for the entire ceremony. It wasn't too hot, or too cold. The food was fantastic. The dance was AMAZING [special thanks to Joel Bells for the dances]! I must say I have never met a more hospitable bride. She made sure everyone was happy, gave each person time with her, danced with everyone, and accommodated for the needs of all. Sam was the opposite of a Bridezilla
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| That's Scary... |
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| She's Beautiful! |
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| Congratz Sam and Nathan! |
- T.
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