My Best Friend's Birthday

Well I got somewhat tired of snow adventures (every trip out of the house could have proved to be a post. I'm glad (despite the objections of some) that the snow is melting. It was beautiful and yes I love snow and yes I'm very glad that we had a white Christmas.....but I'm glad it is going.

As I think about the snow and Christmas I'm reminded about how different the true meaning of Christmas is from what we normally think of as “Christmas” I frequently think of that warm happy feeling of goodwill and giving. However, it has nothing to do with giving, peace, or our happiness. It is a birthday party for one Person and one only. We celebrate because of Jesus. I think it is great that all over the world people celebrate my Best Friend's birthday!

Whiter Than the Snow

As I look out over the field and the blanket of snow I'm amazed at how white the snow is. The sheep that I used to call “white” now look dirty and brown. The snow is so white and pure that it makes everything else dirty in comparison. It has covered the brown field making it a gorgeous pure whiteness. The field was full of dead, ugly, brown grass before. That is kinda like our lives. We were rotting and dead in our sins but Christ has made us pure and white. The Bible says that we are WHITER than the snow. It calms my heart and lifts my spirits to see whiteness all around me and know that when God looks on me He sees me even whiter than this.

Snow Adventures Part 4

Well today I woke up and, apparently, turned off my alarm. So I woke up again an hour later. Realizing that, yes, Pastor Mark would have posted on the daily link by now if we have services or not. I already knew from last night that the choir would not be singing. What I didn’t know is if there would be normal services and music practices with one of my favorite pianists. Well services were not normal. Only one service which I knew also meant to practice after church. Well after talking with my family we all decided to stay home. We had church all together the sermonette was about the names of Jesus. Then some quiet time in the house then we went out to the garage (where a fire had been blazing in the stove) and played ping pong, pool, and air hockey. Then my friend Nicole called and we confirmed that we would not be going to a party this evening that we and our siblings had been invited to. So there are no snow adventures today. But maybe there will be tomorrow.

Snow Adventures Part 3

Today I had choir practice and I was tired of taking the bus so I drove. Every thing wen fine. The roads were almost clear. I kind of parked in a snow drift but after choir practice I was able to get out of it just fine. However I didn't want to back out of the parking lot so I drove through the back. Well there is quite a steep hill in the back parking lot and I found myself slipping down it and sideways at and angle into the cement blocks. I did the only thing I could think of to do. Put the gas all the way down. It made a horrible sound but it worked. I was able to keep going and finally got back to the comfort of the traveled road. The roads were very nice except while I was waiting at a stoplight and both the large raised pickup trucks that were on either side of me had their back ends swerving slightly. Either one oft hem could have crushed me but God was looking out for me and there wasn't a scratch on my car. If only everyone would drive safely in the snow!

As soon as I got home I headed out with my mom to visit my grandfather and then my grandmother. The roads were fine still and other drivers seemed to be considerate enough to not try to kill me. (ah how sweet) We got there and back again without any incidents. Then both of us took hot showers. Ahhhh lovely.

Then I started cleaning my room but found myself typing out these posts instead. As I did so I looked out the window and saw my brother. As I peer out from my warm bedroom I see him run about 8 feet and then slide on the ice over the lower part of the field for about 15 feet and then dissatisfy behind in a crash landing behind some tall grass. Considering that he never seems to get cold he is probably having a wonderful time. I strongly believe that no matter how smooth the ice was I probably would come to a stand still as soon as I tried to slide. Maybe by the end of winter I'll learn how to slide on the ice. For now, though, I am happy to be sitting inside sipping hot Chai Tea.

It is supposed to snow again tonight. I wonder what tomorrow shall hold for snow adventures.

Snow Adventures Part 2

On Friday I went to work. My parents went Christmas shopping so dropped me off at the closest bus station so I didn't have to walk (they're the best) then On the bus and I got off at the closest stop to work. I walked in and the cold came in with me causing the receptionist to shiver. As I started to prepare a latte from the very amazing coffee maker at work another friend came out of his office “so Janel” he said slyly “I see you still have your coat on” Knowing that there was some motive other than concern in his words I replayed “because I'm COLD” Well Dan is the marketer of all marketers so somehow in the discussion he convinced me to get him something from the Black Drop if I got to use his gift certificate for me to. However he failed to actually describe to me what he wanted so we ended up both going out in the cold. Me in my warm coat, Him in his hockey jersey. The warm blackness was worth the short walk. Then up to work where I actually started to thaw out.

Since it was too cold to go anywhere I mostly stayed in my seat although I did get to cover reception for a while Then in the late afternoon a friend and I decided to brave the weather to the bank and Starbux. She was a good girl and got some tea. I, on the other hand, got the signature hot chocolate. Oh yummieness. When we got back I started looking at the bus schedule as I explained to some poor Asian man the differences between Logos, Thomas Nelson, and Libronix (the call was about 35 minutes just for me to find that someone else had had the same conversation with him already – poor man) I called my friend Nicole to tell her that I loved her but not enough to wait at the bus stop in 7 degree weather and hence would not be coming to her house. Then I realized that none of the connections that I needed on the bus connected very well. I saw myself sitting at the bus stop for half and hour waiting in the cold for that bus. The image gave me shivers. I told one of my sweet, compassionate, caring friends that if I died that night she and her roommates could have the furniture in my room. Her response? “Oh GOODIE!!!” (I love you too Bethany.)Well I called my dad and he said he could pick me up once I got to the community college. So I took the bus from the downtown station to the station at the college.
We ended up half an hour late because the road around the mall turn into part of the parking lot (as in there were so many cars there that everyone was stopped.) I think that all of the county and maybe half the next county were there. My dad was waiting for me (the poor man had a horrible cold) That evening I thawed out to some warm pot pie and a Christmas movie with my family.

Snow Adventures Part 1

So on Wednesday my brothers and I decided to go for a walk. I seriously regretted it by the time I got home. For one thing I just can't slide. I watched my brothers run and then slide along the road. Every time I tried it I came to an abrupt stop and nearly landed on my face. Sigh!

Then on Thursday I woke up and decided I wanted to go Christmas shopping. I proposed at the breakfast table that my brothers and I walk (I didn't learn the first time) to the bus stop and head over to Walmart and to the mall. So we bundled up and walked a half mile in the wind and snow to the bus stop. It was about 15 minutes late but the warmth of the bus was worth the wait. Then we continued on to Walmart and did a little Christmas shopping and a little clothes shopping. Then we started our careers as professional bag stuffers. See we didn't want to take more bags that we needed since we didn't want to carry them. We also didn't want the bags to break. Once we got the perfect balance we walked back out into the bitter cold and walked all the way to the community college. We took a delightful detour to Starbucks on our way there. Hmmmmm. There are few things as wonderful as an eggnog latte when you are freezing cold.

From the community college we took a bus to the mall where we did some Christmas shopping and then had lunch and a very yummy Cinabon (yes it was a high calorie sort of day) then one of my brothers shopped for some jeans while I took a quick stop at the beauty salon to burn my face, I mean wax my eyebrows. Then we ran back to the food court and into the movie theater and watched Madagascar 2. It was very funny. Yes, somewhat childish, or silly, or dumb but funny none the less. Then a tiny bit more shopping and back on the bus. We had to stop at the station and catch another bus. We huddled with other freezing people in the shelter and then onto the warm bus. Then the half mile walk home again. Ah warmth!

Good News Club Doubled

Ah, the satisfying feeling of having finished a Good News Club. Clubs are finishing up for the year. After Christmas break they should start up again with even more children. Our club at one school just doubled (we went from 2 to 4 kids) I'm quite excited about the whole thing. Now, if you have never gone every week to teach lessons to two children you probably don't understand the impact and excitement that comes from doubling a class size to include four children but let me tell you it is exciting. Last week when our two children turned into three we were quite excited. It was worthy of making phone calls to inform those who might wish to know the exciting news. Now that we have four children it may be hard to contain ourselves for sheer excitement (actually I'm sure we will manage). The girls that I work with and I are just very excited that we get to reach more children with the Good News. It is neat to see as the children become excited to start bringing their friends and the influence in this brand new school begins to spread.

A couple years ago we had one club that had started out with only one child that came. A faithful teacher (Miss Holly) came week by week ready to teach that one child and show her God's love. Last year I was blessed to be handed this club we started out the year with four children this time and ended up with 18 who had come to hear the Good News. This year we have 25 members at that club. I know that great things can come of small beginnings.

One less exciting thing is that I forgot all of the treats we had brought. I didn't realize they were missing until I was dropping off the girls I work with at their house. I didn't worry about it but went happily into their warm house out of the heat and chatted a bit and received a lovely gift of pumpkin muffins and exchanged Merry Christmasses as I walked out the door into the blustery cold. I decided that after I picked up my brother at the school he teaches at we would go back and look for them. Much to my excitement the door was still opened. We crept quietly inside and were welcomed by the large staircase and beautiful fireplace (the children at this school are blessed with beautiful architecture) Then we tried to enter the pod (no we are not exactly in a bee hive just very close) however it was locked. Hopefully someone will enjoy those chips today.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Not only did I get wet yesterday but I was also under attack. Yes, the experience was quite dramatic. See I needed to know how to use a mac, having never used one I asked my coworker for help. This require me pulling up a chair to his desk and watching him. This sounds innocent enough right. Well no, you see his desk is very close to the side of the room where I used to work, the dangerous side, the violent side, the HAPPY side, as we were finishing up I realized that I had about three darts stuck to me and there were about six or seven that had managed to bounce off of my sweatshirt and were sitting on the floor, desk and chair. Ah the joys of working with the people you are so comfortable with. It is a dangerous business. Customer support is not for the faint of heart...nor is working with friends!

A Sigh of Relief

Ah a sigh of relief. I turned in my last final yesterday morning. It felt so good to be rid of that thing. Although I had an unusually peaceful finals week (being at home sick and studying) I am so glad that now I have tons of time to do fun things. I'm excited to go to parties, bake cookies, Christmas carol, go Christmas shopping with friends and brothers. It twill be great.

I'm also excited to start wrapping up Good News Clubs. My kids have been great and I will miss not seeing them. The really sad part is that I will not be coming back after Christmas break. I have other people who will be taking over the clubs for me and I have no doubt that they are quite capable and will rightly divide the Word of Truth.

Right now I'm in my bedroom surrounded by many of the things that used to be in my closet. You see, as soon as I finished my finals I took everything I could out of my closet and dumped it on the floor. Some of it has started to go back. Now I am stuck with those things that I really can't get rid of and yet really have not place to put. So once I find a place for those I can start organizing my bookshelves, then my craft and sewing bins, then my hope chest, then my chest of drawers. At least those are all relatively small projects. It would be nice, though, if at some point during break I could walk from one side of my room to the other.

Since this post is relatively scrambled anyway I thought I could include a story about my experience yesterday:

I wake up ready for the day to begin with a list in my head of exactly what I need to do when and where I need to go and how I need to get there. First I need to go to the church and take care of the library there, I can drive my car for this part. Then I need to drive to downtown and park my car in the parkade. Then I walk to the bus stop. It is pouring down rain. Both of the buses I thought I could take were leaving as I approached the station. Fortunately the station is dry. Finally another bus comes. I take it to school and then walk over to my teachers office and drop my final off in her box in the English department office. Then back to the bus stop. I take a quick detour to the computer lab. Back on a bus headed down town I realize that my pants are soaked. I also realize that I forgot my badge that is required for all employees. By the time I get to the station it is raining even harder. Every thing about me feels very wet as I enter the building and ask the receptionist for a “tacky looser name tag” (those who forget their badges get to wear a stick on name tag) I get one and write down my name and head to Amy's office to tell her I'm done with school for the quarter. Then to the kitchen to get a water bottle. Then back to reception where I cover for a few minutes. By the time the main receptionist is back some of my friends from Customer Support are downstairs and we all head to Starbucks. I believed that I was as soaked as I could possibly get so what harm could it do to go back out into the rain. Well by the time I finally sit down at my desk I realize that my jeans are soaked all the way up to just below the knee. How someone could get that wet I don't entirely know. I know that my pants were long and my shoes very flat....but up to the knee. I guess water can travel up your pant leg. I got dry just in time to go out again on break to get lunch and then again to go on a break with some friends that afternoon. Each time I came in I wished I hadn't gone out. “I want a hair dryer, or a new pair of pants....why can't it just snow?” that is the real question. When is it going to snow?!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Homemaking

“So how is the house cleaning coming?” the words from my classmate were not meant as an insult but remembering his comments from before brought a certain sting “I thought only girls who were depressed cleaned house.” No, girls who are not depressed clean house, and bake, and cook, and care for children. Actually many many women have found cleaning house, just one part of keeping a home, to be a very satisfying career. It is just one very small piece of being a keeper at home. There are many, many, many such little pieces that make domesticity attractive. However it isn't just these little sacrifices and acts of kindness (or big ones) it is the spirit of a woman giving herself to her family that is so beautiful. To be able to truly have something to give, in reality to have anything to give a woman must allow God's blessings to flow over her constantly. She must give herself in God and allow Him to fill every bit of her life and then she can truly be a blessing to her family. As I learn to let God fill me completely I think of how blessed I am to have so many Godly woman as my examples. Women who have not listened to societies insults at the idea of homemaking and have allowed God to fill them up so that they can pour out God's love to their families and friends.

Things

What happened is, we grew lonely
living among the things,
so we gave the clock a face,
the chair a back,
the table four stout legs
which will never suffer fatigue
We fitted our shoes with tongues
as smooth as our own
and huge tongues inside bells
so we could listen
to their emotional language,
and because we loved graceful profiles
the pitcher received a lip.
The bottle a long, slender neck.
Even what was beyond us
was recast in our image;
we gave the country a heart,
the storm an eye
the cave a mouth
so we could pass into safety.

Lisel Mueller

Entertainment

Last night I relaxed and watched the show. It was interesting this time. A good book was being read. It will never be read the same way again. Books really are more interesting that way-when you make them up as you go. You see I was the daughter and my "mommy" was reading to my brother and "sister" as I watched from the corner. Then everyone went into the house and the horse tried to follow. Brother finally pulled it all the way in which he got in proper trouble for. Apparently rocking horses do not belong in play houses. Then dinner was served. Brother seemed to get in trouble a lot. It might have had something to do with the fact that "mommy" was a lot smaller than him an less than half his age. Then came school time and mommy became the teacher and brother was still in trouble.

Yes, taking care of children with my entertaining brother is quite an adventure...If you haven't laughed for a while try watching and 18 year old boy play house with a 6 year old girl. It is great fun!

I have an amazing brother.

Dawn Treader

I was just getting out of the grove of being in Narnia. Then I realized that I will soon be going back to Narnia and need to prepare for it. Wow, so much to think about so much to ask questions about. This time we will be thrown into the water and hoisted up by the “Dawn Treader”. Yes, we are starting to think about (or I am starting to think about) camps for next summer. It was about this time last year when I originally started planning to help with a camp. Little did I know how things would turn out (actually I knew nothing at all!). It makes me wonder which ones of my expectations will be changed this year. Or if all of them will. I'm excited to see what God will do...and very much enjoying “having” to read “The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader'”

Thankful for People

Okay Hannah inspired me to do this. Yes, I know it is almost a week after Thanksgiving.

These are some of the people I am particularly thankful for this year. I'm sure that there are many missing.

Mom-well what can I say, she is an amazing woman. She loves to serve and she does it well. I doubt that anyone has ever shown such loving service to her family as my mom.

Dad- He's always there to talk to about anything and every thing. He loves adventures and he loves his family. Most of all he loves God.

Trevor-He's the brother that I talk with, shop with, go to school with, work in ministry with. Yeah, we do just about anything together. We make a great team.

Cristian-My Chico can fix just about anything. He also is a loving brother. If you want an enthusiastic hello and goodbye whenever you come and go you can count on him.

Natalie- Wow, she has been so much to me this year, she has given countless words of advice this past year. She has prayed for me as I struggle. She's an amazing strong woman.

Katie-Ah girl you've been through so much this year yet you never once gave up on our friendship. Thanks for all you have meant through the years.

Amy- I know that she understands me when I'm talking. God has led both of us through such similar things and she is truly a companion on our way upward and onward.

Sara- I haven't seen you very much lately but I know as soon as I do see you it will be like we never really left. That is just the way you are.

Laura- What a girl. She has always been ready to be a friend to anyone no matter their age or talents or appearance.

Debbie- We have shared a lot of instant messages it has been so good to have someone there who cares.

Jon and Justin – You guys are awesome. I love going out for coffee with you two. Even though you know so many things I don't you are always willing to come down to my level and explain anything to me. It is great having such friends to work with. (Jon I miss you)

Corina and Vanessa- We have shared laughter and tears and several good talks thank you for those and your encouragement to grow in Christ.

Jerry and Heidie – What a relaxed joyful couple. They are always fun to be around and always easy to go to for anything.

Mandy- I'm so looking forward to being in school with you again. It will be so nice to have you. You are such a sweet girl. I truly enjoy every moment I spend with you.

Erin- You were great this summer. God has really given you an encouraging spirit.

Ari- God has given you so much talent. Thanks for using it for his kingdom

Spencer- I love working with you. You are so faithful and so good at what you do. I know I can count on you when things are looking down.

Every one else from the CEF team- You guys are the best. We had some amazing times this summer. God lead us through some difficult things and we hung strong. Good work!
Hannah- well for one you inspired me to write this. Also you are such a sweet girl. We have laughed many times together over everything and nothing.

Pastor Steve, Pastor Dax, Pastor Mark- I truly have caring pastors. Thank you for all of your teaching and guiding.

Alex, Eddie, Kyle, Wes, Ryan, Andrew, Grant, Bill, (and any other guys I missed)– it has been so nice to have you guys at school or playing at school. Sometimes it is so comforting knowing that there are godly guys at school.

The S family – You know who you are although I don't put last names on blogs. You guys are so much fun and I've enjoyed so many things about each member of your family. You are just so much fun to be with and to know.

Grandma and Poppy- Thanks for having me over for Coffee and for taking time for me. I am so thankful for the godly heritage I have been blessed with.

Grandma and Grandpa- I'm glad God has spared your lives and that you are still here for me to talk with. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers.

Emily- I'm excited to finally be getting to know you a little bit. I'm excited that we are learning the sound system together. You are so mature and so much fun to be with.

Brit- Thank you for the time you spend loving your family. You are such a good example to me. Thank you for your personality. You even me out and help me have the balance I need. You calm my passions and listen to me tirelessly.

Abbie- Ha, you are so much fun. I love talking with you or playing with you or doing just about anything with you.

Jeremy and Amy- I'm praying for you as the Lord leads you into new territory. Thanks for being my big brother Jeremy and for all the times you have listened to me and lead me closer to God Amy. I know it has been a long time since I have been close to you guys but you still mean a lot.

The D family- there have been times when it was almost like having a second family. Thank you for that and your lovely hospitality.

Amanda and Helyce- Thanks for being faithful friends. I look forward to seeing you more at school.

Heather, Hannah, Rosie- I've really been glad to get to do clubs with you. May the Lord bless you as you take over. Thanks for all your willing spirits.

Calli- I'm so blessed by your desire to serve God. You are so willing to do anything and go any where. I really appreciate you a lot and enjoy seeing how god is using you.

Shelby- Thank you for your sweet spirit and evident love for people.

Dani- Thanks for being a friend to both my mom and I. That is such a special thing. We appreciate you so much. I'm so glad I have you and for your calm cheerfulness.

Elizabeth and Bethany- Thanks girls for sharing so many happy memories with me. You two are truly wonderful people.

Amy and Beth- ha you girls are so much fun we've shared so many moments talking and laughing and being frustrated. Thanks for letting me hide under your desk and talk. Thanks for all your advice and help with school.

Level 2 technicians- Thanks for teaching me so much and helping me through so many calls

Every one at work.- Yeah I work in the best place ever because of the wonderful people there. You guys rock!

All of the older women (as in older than I am) at church - You have given me so many warm encouragements and pieces of advice.

I know that I'm missing some people so don't feel left out. So many people have been important in my life this year.

Keep on Keep'n on!

I just realized it has been a few days since I posted. Hmmm well I had a fabulous Thanksgiving break. Apparently it was too relaxing because my homework still isn't all done. Fortunately I don't have class until tomorrow so I have until then to finish. Good luck to all of you who start school again today. We only have two more weeks. We can do this every one. Keep looking up and trudging on!