"Be My Escape"

I’ve given up on giving up slowly,
I’m blending in so
You won’t even know me
apart from this whole world that shares my fate
This one last bullet you mention
is my one last shot at redemption
because I know to live you must give your life away
And I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I’ve been locked inside that house
all the while You hold the key
And I’ve been dying to get out
and that might be the death of me
And even though, there’s no way in knowing
where to go, promise I’m going because
I gotta get outta here
I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake
I gotta get outta here
And I’m begging You, I’m begging You,
I’m begging You to be my escape.

I’m giving up on doing this alone now
Cause I’ve failed and I’m ready to be shown how
He’s told me the way and I’m trying to get there
And this life sentence that I’m serving
I admit that I’m every bit deserving
But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair

Cause I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I’ve been locked inside that house
all the while You hold the key
And I’ve been dying to get out
and that might be the death of me
And even though, there’s no way in knowing
where to go, promise I’m going because
I gotta get outta here
Cause I’m afraid that this complacency
is something I can’t shake
I gotta get outta here
And I’m begging You, I’m begging You,
I’m begging You to be my escape.

I am a hostage to my own humanity
Self detained and forced to live in this mess I’ve made
And all I’m asking is for You to do what You can with me
But I can’t ask You to give what You already gave

Cause I’ve been housing all this doubt and insecurity and
I’ve been locked inside that house
all the while you hold the key
And I’ve been dying to get out
and that might be the death of me
And even though, there’s no way in knowing
where to go, promise I’m going because
I’ve gotta get outta here
I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake
I’ve gotta get outta here
And I’m begging You, I’m begging You,
I’m begging You to be my escape.

I fought You for so long
I should have let You in
Oh how we regret those things we do
And all I was trying to do was save my own skin
But so were You

So were You

I'll be home For Christmas

Let me just get the obligatory apology for not writing in a long long while: Sorry.   And now on to the post. Well it is that time of year again, Christmas. And as such many people travel home and I happen to fall into that category. Yes, I am home for Christmas. Traveling down familiar roads, seeing familiar faces and not having to eat Kraft Dinner.  It is a nice break from the everyday stress of school, papers, my crappy apartment, and the like.  However I must admit that I still tend to feel homesick over the holiday regardless of resting on old stomping grounds.  This Christmas is one, like last year that will be different from Christmas’ past.  The family is split up now so this makes Christmas kind of weird.  Opening presents without Mom and Christmas dinner without Dad are both firsts for me.  I don’t really like it but I guess this is part of life.

Yet as much as that sucks I’m sure Christmas will still be fine and we will get through it.  And there are better years ahead for sure.  There are certainly worse things in life.  Either way that is what I’m doing over the holidays so there you go.  If you are lucky enough to be able to spend this time with your family I encourage you to do so.  You never know what life will bring.

Merry Christmas.

Raw

Last night I did something that I hadn't done in years. I tuned in to Monday Night Raw. Now this isn't because I now plan to actively watch the show because for the most part, lets face it, it really isn't worth watching. Rather, I chose to watch last night because it had come to my attention that professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero had passed away that morning. This was obviously a tragedy as Guerrero was only 38 years old and because I am a fan of the sport but not the wwe I wanted to check it out.

I was able to watch most of the show, I only changed the channel for about 10 minutes while they had the girls on the show dance around with their selected ring attire to meet their quota but I was impressed to hear what the other wrestlers had to say about their fallen friend. They all said that he was one among them that really stood out. Just an outstanding person and friend. And over and over they refered to his faith and that he was a "born again" Christian. Now to be honest my initial reaction was skeptical but the more I heard from the others and the more they documented his status and relationship with the locker room the more I heard about someone who shined in the darkness. He had led a few of the others in the locker room to Christ as well. I was absolutely impressed and began to feel loss myself despite the fact that I haven't followed wrestling since they used to wrestle on that show. (remember that!) Seeing these huge grown men crying over their fallen friend because of what a great person he was.

What a great mission field that he worked in and if he did have that relationship with the Lord then he is in a better place and his life is a testimony that will still impact many. I hope and pray that many will draw to Christ in Eddie's passing as they did because of the impression he left when he lived. He found Christ after a life of addiction involving drinking and drugs but allowed the Lord to lead him out of it. Heart failure because of that past was the reason for Eddie's passing.

It was nice to see that show and I'm glad I tuned in. The message of Christ was mentioned over and over and I hope that it inspires the WWE organization to see where Eddie's hope came from.

Eddie Guerrero 1967-2005

Blessed by Radio today

Today, just like the past two days, I woke up and did not pray but sighed. I grumbled to myself about the weather, how tired I am, and how much there is to get done. I complained about our incredibly messy apartment of which my room would take first place for messiness closely followed by the kitchen and bathroom. I have been in a sour mood for the past few days and as a result have not been productive or all that pleasant to be around I'm sure. We are just coming into the thick of mid-terms and papers and I already have assignments that are behind. Christmas is less than two months away so I'm trying to glean some of the joy that seems to radiate from my brother/roommate but to tell you the truth I'm finding it quite hard to be excited about it this year.

So I decided that I should clean up the kitchen because it was starting to stink... again and I put on "Walk in the word" to listen to while I did the dishes. And what did good old James MacDonald have for me today. Why a message about contentment in his series on Joy. It is really weird but most of the time when I tune in to walk in the word I find that James preaching right to me. This is a great message and I want to encourage you to tune in to it. It has really blessed my day and helped me, at least for today, change my attitude and choose joy. God has richly blessed me in so many ways it is just too hard to stay sour today.

I encourage you to click on "walk in the word" in my "links" list and click on today's broadcast to hear this message and any other message. More often than not it is a real blessing.

HOCKEY

It has been a little while since I've posted so let me just tell you a bit about what is running through my head today... HOCKEY!

I played 3 times on Friday and almost died from being so tired. It is so nice to be back into hockey season again. But I really need to wash my gear. I've been playing for a month now and don't always get the time or weather to air out my gear and I was informed by the guy next to me on the bench that I should seriously consider washing my gear because it was seriously making him sick! So its on the deck right now and I gave it some serious Fabreeze action. I might be playing tonight too... we'll see how I feel, how much money I have, and how much of my paper is done.

Also it is just nice to have NHL hockey back on TV. I love watching it. And the Leafs are on a 3 game winning streak so that is good. Everyone jumped on them right away when they lost a few to start but I knew we'd be fine. So that is good.


But now is my, much anticipated I'm sure, review of the "New NHL" as we know it.
Here is what I like:
I like the 2 line passes. I will tell you right now that in my heart of hearts I am a traditionalist but the no red line game is pretty exciting. I like that players are allowed to move up ice without being hooked or held back but players that are too slow to keep up. It allows skilled players to shine and really show what they can do. I like that Goalies gear is regulated so we don't have Garth Snow in his enormous pads filling the whole net because he isn't that quick. And I love the tag up offside that should never have been messed with in the first place.
But I'm afraid there are a few things I don't care for:
First of all Shoot outs are not hockey. No other sport does them except the oh so exciting game of soccer. Hockey is a team sport and should be won or lost as a team. I don't like that Defencemen can't do their job. Now forwards like 80 pound Martin St. Louis can stand in front of the net and there isn't a thing the defense can do because if they touch him, they will get a penalty. It is going to take the intensity out of the game. I also still don't understand what the point of limiting the goalie's play of the puck is all about. Most goaltenders don't do it well enough to even worry about it. In fact, I bet there are more goals when they do play the puck behind the net and so on.

The thing is, the NHL is trying to get people to watch Hockey after wasting an entire year arguing. So they have frigged with the game so it will be more exciting and people will watch. But in reality there was nothing wrong with the game! Remember the 2004 play-offs? If you didn't like it, you don't like hockey! Why would the NHL disrespect its loyal fans, especially those of us who hung in there from the lock out, by messing with the integrity of the game all to cater to fans who DON'T KNOW THE GAME! That is the new target, they want a new kind of fan I guess. But I'm not sure how they accommodate the "new and improved" fan when the whistle blows and no one in the building or watching at home has a sweet clue why the play stopped. Great move.

But hey, like I said, more than anything I'm just glad the NHL is back. If I can sit home and watch the leafs and Don Cherry's Coaches corner on CBC on a Saturday night. I'm a happy man.

I Fought the Law... And I won!

Yes I fought the law... sort of... Let me explain. A few months ago, August 5th to be exact, I was pulled over by Charlottetown's finest. I pulled up to the stop sign by my apartment, where about half an hour earlier I saw someone else pulled over, I saw that I had time to pull out (after stopping) so I did. Then I see the lights flashing in my mirror so I pull over. The officer begins his song and dance but we're in the middle of an intersection so I have to pull around the corner. I end up moving again into a parking lot because he has no idea what to do with my out of province even though I explain that I am a student. He asked me if I knew why I was pulled over and I told him that I had no idea. He says I ran the stop sign and then held me up for almost half an hour getting me to move three times and had no idea what to do with me. Then he says you are getting a ticket for 70 bucks!

Now fast forward to yesterday when I took this issue to court because I did stop at that sign. And even if I hadn't, there was still no need to hold me up that long AND he should know what he was doing. So I ran all over town looking for a parking place, showed up good and early and waited for the worst. But luckily for me my case was "stayed" so I would say the City of Charlottetown had more important things to worry about then prosecuting me for stopping at a sign. So there you have it. Saving me 70 bucks and even more on insurance--because when points go down, insurance goes up--highlights my week already.

Sleeping In

Man l love sleeping in. I have been so busy lately that I've made myself sick. I've been behind and over tired but this morning I decided that everything could wait a couple hours because I needed a rest. There is just something about waking up at 7 and not getting up, but rolling over. Sure there is lots to be done around here. My room has been more than disgusting since before camp started in July, I have more than enough school work to get caught up and start on, Sunday School lessons, and Youth Group prep all need to get done but rest is the priority of this Saturday because if I don't I'll die before I see graduation.

But alas, now it is 4 o'clock and I have yet to accomplish anything. Arg sometimes I wish I could get my rest in without time going by. Oh well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time for rest when I'm dead.

Off to work I go!

Time

Wow, this sure is a dull place to be lately. And that last post has got to be the stupidest thing I have put on this thing. You see, the thing is I really don't have a lot of time to come up with interesting little things to put on this sucker because I am an insane kind of busy these days. Let me tell you about it. I've just started my Senior year at Maritime Christian College (www.maritimechristiancollege.pe.ca) and already it is my toughest year yet. Add my job of being the youth minister at Sherwood Church of Christ to that and Jr. High Sunday school and I am one busy guy. I literally have hardly a moment to spare in my day other than Sunday afternoons (like this) where I force myself to slow down so I don't get sick. But I guess it's really not all that bad. I really enjoy most aspects of all of it and it is a means to an end... sort of.

But with all the busyness it really is amazing how time goes by without me really realizing it. I've been on PEI for what is now my fourth year and sometimes it feels like I just got here. And now there are "kids" from my youth group who are graduating and in class with me! Makes me feel old. And I'm not old, I'm turning 21 and a few days. That is not old. And I know it will be no time before Christmas is here and gone, second semester will be done, and I'll be married! Imagine that! Wow. I really wasn't sure what this was going to be when I started but I think I better quit... I need a nap or something... Sweet dreams.

New Stick

Well for all of you who I'm sure care, I bought a new hockey stick! Now normally I wouldn't post about something like that, that really makes no difference... well maybe I would! But I tell you because it is a one piece composite stick! (and I haven't posted for a while) Before I broke down and got one and used it on Sunday night I normally would say, "they don't make a difference," or "It only improves the power of your shot if you already have a 100 mph slapshot" But it really works! I actually have a halfway respectable slapshot now! Cool! So there you have it. First post in a while and really about nothing and if you don't like it, LEAVE! And come back some other time when I actually have something to write about.

Back To School

Well, it is that time of year again when we all head back to school and if you're like me you head back to the bank to draw out every penny you have to your name so you can pay for it. I just finished paying for this semester and buying books and I have very little left. That really sucks but I guess that is the way it goes. What can ya do.

But broke or not this should be a good year. At Maritime Christian College we have great group of freshmen and then there are some returning students like myself and we're fixing to have a memorable year for sure. AND we have NHL hockey this year so who can complain really? I probably will! But not right now! Later Skaters.

Summer, are you really over?

Wow, September is tomorrow and I can't believe it! Where did the time go. I seems like just yesterday I was freaking out wondering if I had a job and now I'll be cutting back to 10 to 12 hours a week very soon. And School is starting! What's up with that! Forget summer where did 3 years go. I'm graduating from college this year! When did I get so old that I could spend an afternoon looking at house models... yikes. I'm starting to feel desperate to feel young... Do you think my new hair cut helps?

Off to Camp

Well I'm off for another week of camp, the final one of the summer. High School Camp. So that should be fun, HS camp usually pretty much runs itself and several of the "campers" have been on as staff different weeks so they know the ropes. I'm just coming off a week of undercoating buses so I'm kind of tired and not quite in camp mode yet but I'm sure I'll get there. Should be fun. It will be an 8 day camp this time around from sunday to sunday. So that is cool. It is nice to see that Canoe Cove is extending their work with High School Students instead of cutting them back to a weekend like most places. Even if only 10 show up i think they still deserve their FULL week of camp. We will have more than 10 though... we have more than 40! arg. Should be good, I should go get ready.

Trying a New Leaf

Ok so anyone who checks this blog on a semi-regular basis knows by now that I'm a leafs fan. Huge. I am on the team. Anyway, they have added a new member to the club that being the "Big E" Eric Lindros. Now I have to say that I am not an huge Lindros fan, in fact I would go in the other direction for the most part. However. He is now a Leaf so in some respect I am now a Lindros fan as well. So lets go Eric, and Go Leafs Go! And man if you get another concussion Eric... anyways... go leafs.

man they better sign LeClair or Carter... frig.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Well holy cow! It just occurred to me that It was my blog's birthday yesterday! I've been random thoughts, concerns, complaints, joys, and fears for a whole year which is pretty good for a blog if I do say so myself which I did. So there you go! One year, all the way back to August 10, 2004 when I came up with the name for this stupid thing because the sidewalk was so crowded. Well there you have it. Lets see if I can go for 2!

Mourning Morning

Arg, when did I stop being a morning person? I used to be so good at getting up and around! Now I can hardly pull myself out of bed to get to the overwhelming amount of work I need to accomplish today. Frig. And then to top off my morning, I log on www.tsn.ca (which is usually the first thing I do in the morning) and read that Lindros is an MRI away from becoming a leaf! Nothing's going right in my life. O Lord please let this double double and fritter jump start my day that I may be effective in accomplishing all the work I need to get done. I need your help. Amen.

Taking It Easy

Yesterday was Sunday and for me, finally, it was a day of rest. We had church in the morning and ate at Wendy's like usual. Then it was nap time for a few hours which was so nice. Then my lovely bride to be and myself hoped in the car and drove out to the beach because it was just beautiful outside and we had yet to make it to the beach this summer which is terrible! Summer is almost over folks. But it was just nice to take the afternoon and spend it with her. It was just a really good time to look out on the water and just reflect on all that God has provided. Even the opportunity just to hang out at the beach with this wonderful person that God has placed in my life. I'm often guilty of placing her on the back burner sometimes and getting caught up in all the things I busy myself with and I need to watch that. I'm very blessed and I needn't take her for granted. Either way it was just nice to take the whole day and spend it with her. We came back from the beach, got cleaned up and she made supper, I did the dishes and we just hung out for the evening. It was just a super day and reminded me of what a blessed person I am.

I Just Don't Get It

Well I can't believe it. The NHL is back with a face lift and a salary cap and teams are switching players left and right but I really didn't think the Leafs would let "One man wrecking crew" Gary Roberts get away. Sure, Roberts is 39, but scoring 28 goals and adding 20 assists in 72 games in 2003-04 puts him second in scoring behind captain Mats that year. He even wanted to stay in Toronto. How could they let him go!!! Stupid Stupid Stupid! I love the Leafs but man they do some dumb things. And now I hear rumors of them maybe accruing Lindros?! That would be terrible! And they've added Jeff O'Neal which is good I guess... but why are we wasting money on him and losing one of the best in the game?!!! We're also losing Nieuwendyk which sucks. I'll I know is that if we lose anymore good players like Alexander Mogilny and then pay for some bum like Eric Lindros then Leafs Nation will be in trouble! My grandmother (who doesn't even like hockey) would be a better choice than Lindros! Unless he does well upon which you can disregard all of this. At this point I'm hoping it's just a rumor. Either way we've lost Robs and I wish him and Joe the best of luck in Florida.

The Reason Why

Over the past 2 weeks I've been at Canoe Cove Christian Camp. Over those two weeks I destroyed my voice, wrenched a muscle in my back, got strep throat, took cold showers, and got hardly any sleep. And I did this along side of others who had spent much more time out there than me. Its tiring, draining, and the longer you're out there, the longer it takes to recover.
As a youth minister there are times I have to hang my head and wonder why I do what I do. There are times that youth ministry discourages me, makes me mad, makes me cry. But this why we do what we do. This week I had the pleasure of baptizing 3 amazing young people. To introduce young people to Christ and have them accept a saving relationship with him is the most thrilling part of my job. I love my youth group and the young people at camp and they are what make every hour and every effort worth it. If there is one thing they need it is Jesus and to be even a small part of their path to getting there makes any pitfalls worth it.

Divine Intervention

2 days ago I picked up my lovely bride to be from work like I normally do at 2:00pm and usually we head back to the office so she can drop me off and head of to do whatever it is she wants to do to occupy her afternoon. But on this day I dropped her off at my apartment and headed to the office only to get a few things. Upon my return I went up the stairs and opened my door and could hear a constant chirping. And to my surprise I found that She had a baby bird in my apartment!

I barged in and asked rhetorically, "IS THAT A BIRD?!!" Which scared the stupid thing and made him bounce in behind the television. She captured the bird and informed me that we we're going to take him to the vet college (she had just got off the phone with them) so they could fix him up, call his parents, and do whatever it is they do over there. So we stuck him (or maybe it was a her, I couldn't tell) in a box and drove him over and said good-bye. Jacquelyn refrained from naming the bird. She then told me about how she found the bird on the back step. It appeared that it had been abandoned and there are several cats all over our area, not exactly the safest place in the world for a baby bird who can't fly! So Jacquelyn intervened, scooped up the bird and took him under her "wing." The bird didn't quite understand what was going on I'm sure and looked more than a little scared by times but ultimately this was the best thing for the bird.

It makes me wonder how much God does that for us... God must direct our paths and protect us from so many things we could never see or understand. And just like for this little bird, a power goes up that is bigger than us and we cannot see or understand it. But it's there. Be sure to offer thanks to God for the many ways he visibly touches your life, and thank him for the many ways I'm sure, that we never see at all.

How Big is Your God?

This is a question I've needed to ask myself several times and one God is showing me more every day. As a minister there are many things I try to accomplish in the church, with the youth, and in general and I've failed so many times and also basked in much success. And I'm realizing more all the time that my short comings are most often when I'm playing hero and trying to do things on my own and my way. But that isn't how it works. God is here for me and He is HUGE! The only reason I can ever accomplish anything is because He is huge and almighty and uses me.

And that is why I can dream big because my helper is the creator of everything and Him and I are a team that is unbeatable! And this is the same for anyone who wants to team up with the one true God. Many people make many different things their God; money, success, sports, relationships, lust, pornography, and several other things that are temporary or evil. But I choose to do my best (and it is a constant struggle) to let Jesus drive and take me where he'll lead. My success in this life will NOT come from me or any methodology that I have but from what I BELIEVE about God and that is that he is big enough to do whatever he wants using whomever he will.

Lord, use me today.
Amen

Good Weekend

It all started at the camp on Friday when I met with the people who would be working out at the camp this summer (I'll be there for 3 out of 5 weeks) and met several of them for the first time and I'm very impressed with the staff. We time to hang out, build a fire, eat some pizza and drop it on my shorts and we just had a blast. The next day was beautiful and sunny and we just had a great day in the sun, tipping canoes and eating. But none of this could be matched by Sunday when I had the pleasure of baptizing a young man in youth group who has made his decision to follow Christ. What could be more exciting? This is easily the highlight of my work @ Sherwood Church of Christ so far! It set the tone for a great Camp Sunday where there was lots of food, fellowship and fun. I also had the opportunity to preach on Opposition & opportunity that evening. Just a great weekend and I am encouraged!

Dad

Well for the 3rd year in a row Father's Day has come and I haven't been home. I wish I could have been but my work and everything else that has been going on just hasn't permitted me leaving the Island. So instead of my being home let me just tell you a little bit about my Dad.

My Dad can still woop me... easily. I have not reached that time in my life where I can take him and let me tell you, it still looks pretty far off. Dad is someone who always made time for his kids and had many help, instruction, advice, and wisdom offer. Which is why I still value and seek his opinion on most everything today.

There are many things about my Dad I respect. One of the biggest would have to be his servant's heart. Something I noticed about my Dad from a young age was that if Dad was able to help in anyway for anyone, he was going to do it. Whether he was fixing something, building something, or just an ear, he's there. I also admire his patience, he has way more than I do, and his patience has paid off for me more than a few times.

There are tons of things I love about my Dad that I could go on forever about but who would want to read that? Let me just say this: When I think about the man I want to be like, Dad is pretty high on the list. Its funny, I was looking at pictures of Dad and the dog and saw how she looks at him likes he's the greatest guy in the world... She might be on to something.

Now This is a Rant

Just a few things I need to get out, I know I rant and rave on this thing all the time but there are a few things that I need to talk to you about...

Birthday calendars, what is with these birthday calendars? And "friends networks," what is this?! It's just a freaking company that wants to sell your AND MY information to internet companies. Can't you see that?! Furthermore, why in world do you even want to know my birthday? Are going to get me a gift?! And if it is a "friends" network (aww lets not lose touch) you obviously have my e-mail, don't want to lose touch? Send me a note!! Do not send me a freaking web information window that I have to fill out my name, address, blood type etc. If we are friends then why don't you just e-mail me like I'm a human being or call or something! Man! Don't send anymore of this crap.

Smoking, does everyone in the world smoke now? I was dropping off my bride to be at work yesterday and while this very clever woman stood right out in the middle of the road taking to the equally clever crossing guard she was smoking a cigarette and then blowing the smoke right down on her child that was in a stroller. HELLO! You are filling your tiny little girl's lungs with tar! I mean, it's one thing to fill your own stupid lungs that you obviously don't care about with disease but to do it to a little child who is strapped in and can't get away. Its sick! It should be illegal! And where do kids get cigarettes by the way? Every time I drive by the schools of Charlottetown I see some 12 year old, who thinks they are very cool, smoking, You're not cool! You look ridiculous!

Construction, I know that summer means Construction but some of the people we have working on the roads need to become more aware of their surroudings. I was pulling down a side street to get back on to University Ave. And there was this guy with one of those orange vests with his wheelbarrow full of stuff and he was standing there with his hands in his pockets while his wheelbarrow sat (no kidding) right in the middle of the road. There was no one on the road but him and I and there he stood doing nothing while this thing is right in my way!! COME ON! I had to drive almost up on the sidewalk to get around and he looks at me like I'm the crazy one!

Shopping, I'm not always a big fan but it is even worse when the service is poor. I mean, what ever happened to service with a smile. I was getting some pictures developed at shoppers drug mart the other day and I could hardly peel the girl behind the counter from her book to punch in the code so I could place my order. She was very put out each time she had to get up and DO HER JOB! She was very rude and less than helpful, I was scanning the store to find a manager or a suggestion box to suggest that they hire some better help!

And I don't know which one of you has your shoes off but you better put your shoes back on cause you're making your mother sick!

Well, that's all for now, I feel much better. ahhh.

Future Shop

Are you a future shop fan? I am. I love going in and looking at all the cool stuff they have (that I could never afford) and they seem to have better prices or they'll match the price of any flyer you show them. They are a cool currant store that usually has the latest and greatest gadgets around. So why do they have the oldest computers known to man at the cash? Has anyone else noticed this? I mean, they're Future Shop! Why do they have those old crappy computers with the black screen with the green writing? I would think for all the high tech stuff they sell they would at least use some modern technology in their own store. Weird.

Palm Reading

So on Saturday I dropped my palm pilot all the 3 inches on the table and the batteries popped out and I lost all my information out of the handheld unit. No biggie, I can just sync the thing and get it all back so I didn't worry about it. I took the opportunity to charge the batteries and headed out for the work day. When I got back I realized that my palm cradle which I use to sync it was at the office. No biggie, I can just get it at Church and all will be well with the world. So I tried for like an hour when I got home to get it to sync and it kept giving me errors and fatal exceptions and messages saying the port was already in use! I put it down and came back to it frigging with it for a bit longer this time. I don't have time for this! So I left it at home and went out to visit my future Inlaws and help with service in Bredalbane. Once I finally got home I messed with the stupid thing until after midnight and FINALLY it worked. Ah, relief. I then vowed never to allow the batteries fly out of the thing again. So this morning I went to push a button on it while it lay there on my desk just to be sure it worked... And didn't that stupid thing fall right of the desk and on to floor and yes, the batteries fell out. And a bad word formed at the back of my head... didn't make it to my lips though. So I grabbed the thing and quickly put the batteries in the same as I did when I dropped it on Saturday and to my pleasant surprise it was still in good working order which is good because without it, I don't have a clue what my schedule is or what I'm supposed to be doing!

Well that is all for now... Bye.

Played Out

Well I've been back from my camping trip since the Monday before last and I've worked every day and quite a few evenings since I've been back. I'm very tired. But I really can't complain. Things with my new job are going really well and I love it. God is showing me how he can use even someone like me. I have to admit that my prayer and reading life aren't where they need to be right now but things are getting better and God is opening doors. It is very exciting to see where He leads when you let him. But I still get run down and I still need a little break. I can't run on fumes. So I'm going to take a mental health day and get things calmed down a bit and spend some Me & God time. I really need it. And then off to the work day at the camp on Saturday. Oh the fun. Well this post is pretty exciting... Don't you think?

I Blew it!

I have just returned from "Souled Out" 2005 and it was a blast. And I think all the youth and youth leaders alike had a great time. By and large it was a lot of fun but I did come back however with a story of disappointment. You see they called all youth leaders who were willing to do something stupid for a prize to the stage so naturally I ran right up. Then they showed us a lovely air hockey table that would be donated to the youth group of the winner of the contest. The contest was then given to the leaders, that being cram a bunch of jaw breakers in your mouth and in two minutes and see who could blow the biggest bubble! So I'm chewing like a mad man trying to get the gum soft enough that I could blow a bubble let alone a good big one! I had a little comfort being at the end of the line and being sure I would have a little extra time to get my gum good and soft before they got to me. Well that didn't happen, because they decided that they would start at the end of the line so instead of being second to last, now I was second! Each contestant got to trys at blowing the best bubble. The first guy blew two that were about the same size but not very big which was understandable since the gum was likely still quite hard. Then came my turn. I had been chewing furiously till my mouth was aching trying to get a good bubble going and blew one good enough to get the lead but still not very big. And then when I began my second bubble I totally “blew it” and didn’t really get much of anything going. And so I lost the table, woe is me.

However I did sort of redeem myself by catching one of the several balls thrown into the crowd because the one I caught, and quickly handed off to one of the youth, was one of the two that won a prize. The prize my ball won was a mega huge 5 pound Hershey Chocolate Bar. So it wasn’t a total loss. Would have been nice to get that table though… sigh.

Not enough 

June Bugs

Well folks, It's June. And you know what that means, JUNE BUGS! It's like they know the freaking calender or something, right from June first there have been june bugs everywhere, like swarms of them. I don't know about where you are, but here in good ol Charlottetown we have more than our fair share of the delightful light seeking buzzer. Last night I got a call in distress to head over the apartment building just at the end of my street to kill one that was inside and I couldn't believe how many I encountered on the way! I could hear them on all sides and I killed 4 on the road on my way over and 3 on the way back and they were still all over the place. And they are quite a gross little bug arn't they? I mean, they can't hurt you, but they are really gross and crunchy-then gooey when you step on one.

And to continue with our theme of "June Bugs," now that we are in the month of June, I've got a really bad bug that won't go away! I finally, after a week of suffering, went to the clinic last night and now I have to take to HUGE pills at once, once a day for 10 days and it should clear right up they tell me. And these are some expensive pills folks. But you know you're getting the good stuff when they ask, "do you have a drug plan?" before they give you your little sheet of paper that makes all your problems go away. So hopfully it works because right now I can hardly speak... and I have to preach and worship lead on Sunday... oh the fun. We'll see how it goes.

This is Manes Lake, Nice eh. 

A place and people I love

I have just returned home from New Bruswick where I had been for a week and I had a blast. The reason for my venture home was so I could head out on our anual "Dads n' Lads" fishing trip on Manes Lake. From Wednesday to Friday there was no phones, electricity, problems @ home, NOTHING! But the camp, the lake, fishin, cards, and the Foreman Men. I love it there. When you're at the camp, the world could end and you would never know. It is just peaceful. I also got to spend some quality time with my Dad, brother, Uncle, and cousins. Some of which I hardly every see except at the camp. I had to miss my trip last year so it made this year all the more enjoyable. Just a great week. Before I left for the camp I got to spend an afternoon and evening with my mom which was good. And just before I headed for PEI I got to spend some quality time with My Grandmother which was long overdue and very enjoyable. Family is one of the greatest things in the world and mine is an amazing blessing to me. We're not perfect but we love each other and I hope we can strive for perfection as a family unit.

And We’re Off!

Well, today is the big day! The youth conference in Moncton starts tonight and we leave at 3:30. Should be lots of fun and I hope that we can really be open to what God has for us this weekend. I started as the Youth Minister (at least for the summer) @ Sherwood Church of Christ on Monday and getting every thing straight seems to occupy a lot of my time! We’ve had last minute sign ups and last minute withdrawals including one of our drivers as of yesterday!! Yikes! But I’m sure we’ll get there and everything will be fine. As for me after the conference I’ll be heading home to New Brunswick to visit my family and then heading out to the camp for our annual “Dads and Lads” fishing trip. I missed it last year so I’m really looking forward to it. So you can read all about it in a week!

A year to the day

May 13th, 2005. Exactly one year from today I will be hearing wedding bells and they will my own! Pretty wild but this time next year I will be a married man. It is very scary and exciting all at once and I'm sure those feeling will be multiplied about 1000 times on the big day.
And if you look outside (and you live in Charlottetown) you may notice that it is snowing outside! And to think one of the reasons we picked this day is so it would be nice and warm, hopefully next year it will be. But either way it really doesn't matter because a wedding is a wedding but it is the marriage that I'm looking forward to. Spending the rest of my life with my lovely bride to be is way more exciting to me than spending way too much on things that will last only for that day! Either way one thing is for certain: There is no way I'm going to have time to write a blog post that day... no chance.

Talkin 'bout my generation

The more I work with people the more I realize that we don't change as much as we think sometimes. As each person grows up and grows older and obviously some changes occur, but to my amazement and utter fear there are many things that stay the same.

From a young age people are taught to revere their elders because of their maturity, and we ought to do that. I believe that you ought to respect everyone or at least treat them respectfully. As I work with youth and young people I see a lot of senseless arguing over nothing, I see slander, gossip and actions that are just mean and hateful. And among them there are the few who have matured a little and have found a way to rise above some of that.

But folks this is the thing that frightens me: I see youth (from which I am not far removed, I’m only 20!) that I work with act in this mean hateful way, and then I turn to those who are “mature” and see the exact same thing! I still see slander, gossip, roomers and the like. And I feel sick. They act in the very same way, they just aren’t so obvious about it.

So I have come to conclusions about maturity and respect. “Maturity doesn’t come with age it comes with acceptance of responsibility.”—Ed Cole
It is about making a choice about how you want to live and living that way. I have more respect for some of my youth then many adults. I believe that you should act in a respectful way to all who are around you, but you will not earn my respect simply by growing old. A tree can grow old. Now let me also say that I respect the wisdom that only comes with age and experience and I am in no way trying to downplay the maturity of those who are older AND wiser than I. That is not my goal. But let me say to the young of which I am a part, take responsibility and gain maturity by your life and not by your age.

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.

Spring Cleaning

No school and no work over the past week and for this week as well, is giving me lots of time. And I may choose to use (nice rhyme) that time in any way I please. Last week I spent it sleeping in, relaxing, reading… reading is kind of a strange one considering I just finished the school year and couldn’t wait to not have to read for a while and now I find myself reading “The Great Divorce” by C. S. Lewis. And I’ve had some time to spend with God and really examine and clean out some parts of my life—my spiritual life and relationship with God.

Now for this week I have started the cleaning project that is my room. Fairly disgusting. I’ve just picked up all the waste, compost, and paper and sorted it and I’ve thrown all my dirty laundry out in the hall. The clean laundry and books that I have no room for on my book shelf are on my bed which hasn’t been made or changed for months! Ewwwww! And there is still much to be done with this room of mine. My closet, desk, dresser and book shelves are disasters that need attention. I really can’t believe I let it get this bad.

But you know, as I look around my messy room and as I’ve sorted through my messy life I’ve seen similarities in the two.
1. If you don’t pay attention to their upkeep they will get messy sooner than you think.
2. If you don’t take care of clutter and problem right away, they build up pretty high pretty fast.
3. When you finally go to clean them out sometimes you find things that you forgot were there and should have been removed a long time ago!
4. And finally when you get through the process, yet again, you feel much better.

So I hope that you’re keeping your room and your soul kept up to snuff and if not, God is waiting to help with a mop and pale in hand… for your soul that is… it’s a metaphor… you’re on your own with the room thing.

Mom

Today was mother's day and I, for the second year in a row, did not see my mother on this day. I call had to do as I am in a different province than my mother. That kind of sucks but sometimes circumstances don't allow things to go the way we would have them go. But that does not take away from how special this day is. Not that it's a crazy important event (we don't even exchanged presents!) but it is a day to reflect on the love of a mother and what that means to a life.

Of all the doubts of things I've had in my life and all of life's unanswerable questions, not once in my life do I recall wondering: "does my mother love me?" I always knew the answer: yes. Sure there were times when we didn't see eye to eye and times when there was no way I was going to see her side of things but one thing I always knew and believed in my heart was that my mother loved me unconditionally and she wanted what was best for me.

I think that her love or perhaps more her loving actions are clearer to me now then when I lived many of them. My mother always knew exactly where I was, what I was doing, who I was with, and when I would be back. AND if I was going to be late then I had better find a phone or I would wish that I had found one! You would think I was a freaking criminal! My mother wouldn't let me go and stay places until she or my father had met their parents!! And there are several occasions that I can remember where I was sure I was not allowed to participate simply because my mother was "mean!"

But the thing that I didn't understand was that my mother wanted what was best for me even when I didn't understand what that meant. I have never been drunk, I have never done drugs, I have never smoked, I have never been arrested and I really don't regret any of those things and I can't help but think that my loving mother had something to do with it all.

So I want to say thank-you mom. Thank you so much for your love and guidance that I still value today. I'm sorry that I haven't always been the best son, and that I couldn't tell you all this in person. Thank you for your part in raising me and letting me go as well. You're the best, Thank God for you, I love you.

Back to the Blog

Well well well, I have been pretty slack lately when it comes to keeping my blog up to date. This is my first May post! Many things have happened since cyber-jerks invaded my computer like a great MCC tour with some really amazing people. I've also been to a bbq and MCC's graduation! Finals are over and school is done for another year. I don't have a job right at the moment, the church votes next sunday on my employment as Youth Minister at Sherwood Church of Christ so until then... I really have nothing to do! And right now you are scratching your head (yes i can see you!) wondering, "Hey Ben, if you don't have anything to do, then why don't you post on your blog anymore?!" Good question! The answer: I'm not really sure. It's really kind of funny. When I had papers to write and finals to study for I would write a post everyday! When I needed a break from reading or writing papers or whatever I would retreat to the sidewalk and now I have an AMAZING amount of free time and don't write. Although to be honest not much is happening these days that is worth reading about... although there really isn't much on this blog worth reading about! Either way, I'll do better to keep you posted and I hope you keep coming back!

Thats is for now.

Cyber-Jerks

So we’re still in the middle of finals and papers here and last night I was working on one of my many papers when all of the sudden I get a msn message from a friend of mine that read: “It’s you!” and then had a link that contained my e-mail address in its text. I thought that it might be a picture or something so I clicked on it, only to find that it was another one of those stupid viruses that totally mess up your system and send the virus to everyone on your contact list! I frantically tried to stop the thing and got signed out of msn before it was able to send the virus to everyone. So then I was up until almost two working on virus scans and getting my system cleaned out and everything else. I’ll probably wipe my hard drive once school is finished.

But man does it ever tick me off! Who has so little to do with their time that they sit around and make up these freaking viruses?!!! Sometimes I would really like to have a “conversation” with these guys. This is certainly not the time for this to happen. I still have a lot of writing to do and I need my computer to work. It seems pretty stable at the moment; every once in a while things kind of go wonky on me.

So I guess my point is that these cyber savvy morons are out there and want to mess up your computer. So when you’re on msn talking with your friends or even if you are set to away or whatever. If someone sends you a link, ask them if it’s safe before you touch it. If they don’t respond then don’t open it. Now I need to get back to trying to get my work done. Have a nice day and I hope yours is going better than mine.

Again?

So it snowed last night... a lot (which is, in fact, two words. It’s not “alot,” it’s “a lot”) and it seems that spring has taken a day off. Coming into the part of the year where I need a lot of motivation I really don’t need a bunch of wet, messy, snow and gray bleakness outside! Sheesh! I mean, I thought we were done with this stuff for another year! Oh well, I guess it doesn’t make much sense to complain about the weather. Not much one can do about it. At least I can’t. This spring is just messed right up. And you know what it is? You may have thought that I would drop this by now but… no chance! I know what it is. It is because there is NO HOCKEY! We should be in play-offs now! But no! We’re still in lock-out mode and the season is, and has been, shot. And it still sucks. This year was the Leafs year too! I know it! MAN! And so without hockey the world’s weather has been thrown off balance… or at least Canada’s weather… or at least Charlottetown’s weather… bring back our game.

Mediocrity

Have you ever settled? Compromised? Aimed below the bar? I have. In fact I tend to make it a habit sometimes. It’s something that I struggle with. For example I just finished a paper tonight that I would call “mediocre.” I think it is one of those papers that you pass in, get back and show no one. I just read it and it stinks, but I still have a ton more to write and I can’t redo it. But I hate that. I’ve put a bunch of stuff off, yet again, and now I have to cram it all in and do a crappy job and I don’t want to! Because I can do better. I should do better.

I’m not sure why but I can be a major slacker sometimes. And it’s not the way I was brought up because both of my parents and my brother are very hard workers. And I am too when I want to be. But when It comes to stuff that is just for me like getting high grades or even keeping a clean room I just kind of leave it sometimes. It needs to change.

I believe that God made me a capable person. I believe that He’s made all capable to accomplish great things. He made me with a twisted mind and has given me gifts to use it and I need to. I really believe that when we shoot for the stars we can accomplish incredible things! Anyone can! And yet we look into the mountains that wait for us to conquer them and then what… what do we do? What do I do? I settle, I say “no that is too big for me, someone else will get that one.” NO! Frig that! If there is a mountain before me then I want to be the one to conquer it! Not someone else, it’s the mountain I was meant to climb! Why because it’s in my path and I can do it!!! Because God doesn’t make mountains I can’t climb. He can do incredible things through me. And he can do incredible things through you. No matter who you are reading this. God can use you and He wants to. Will you let Him. I plan on it.

There is a sound byte on an awesome blog that I have stumbled upon and you need to listen to it. The whole thing. Its not that long and wait until the sound stops, not the music because there is a final statement that you need to hear. The man speaking is Erwin McManus. You need to listen to it. And add this blog to your favorites while you’re at it. Its great. Here’s the link: http://disciplesjournal.blogspot.com/

Please don’t settle for anything less than everything God has for you.

A Good Day With a Great Start.

Yesterday was a good day. I need to openly admit that lately my prayer life stinks. Most of the time it has been either a quick "God, help me get through this," or "God, please grant me this or that," or "God, please forgive me for being a complete idiot! Or not trusting you, or not spending time with you or treating the bible only as a text book!" (That was a longer one) But Yesterday was different and what I hope to continue in. Yesterday I woke up feeling tired due to the time change and I just felt like crap. I got up and took a shower. Got dressed and began to go over my sermon I was to preach that day. I was in my apartment alone feeling a weight I can't really explain on my shoulders. I put my sermon and my bible down and I let it all out. I finally had a long over-due good lengthy chat with the creator. I talked to him about everything and I mean EVERYTHING. I, for once, didn't just make a wish list but, thanked and praised God for all that He is and all that He does in my life. I talked about concerns and things that are going well and just had a wonderful time talking to God. What a relaxing, uplifting reviving experience it is to talk to the creator of the universe and know He hears you as an individual. There is power in it. I can't tell you how much better I felt.

I then prayerfully went over my sermon and text, drove out to Clyde River and delivered it and it went quite well. I had lunch with my lovely bride to be, and we drove out to Breadalbane so I could lead the service out there. That little congregation gives me more encouragement then they are aware of I am sure. I returned home after that and didn't even have time to get my shoes off before I found out that I had ice time at 6 at Simmons Arena! YES!!! My hockey season lives on!!!! I was so pumped. So I went out and played hockey that evening. Then after I got cleaned up, a bunch of us went to dairy queen. Yum. And finally I spent the rest of the evening with Jacquelyn. A good day that started with a change of attitude and the help of God.

Prayer is too important, too much of a help, and too much of a privilege to pass up. We need to talk to God and allow him to talk to us through quiet time and His word. He will bless you and there is power in the time spent with God.

Let me put it in writing

Yesterday Terri Schiavo passed away, 13 days after her feeding tube had been removed. If ever there was an issue where people are divided, folks, this is it. And I stand somewhere in the middle of it all. I don't think it appropriate to artificially keep someone alive for the sake of having them around but I don't like how this was done. They could not just end her life for her as she must die of natural cause. But, I'm sorry. Starving to death is not a natural cause! If ever someone was found dead, an autopsy was performed, and they concluded that the person had starved to death the news paper headline would never read: "Man dies of natural cause." So I'm torn because I don't believe in mercy killing, but I don't think artificial life is right either. It's so hard, if a dog was not living in the proper health and quality of life, we would "put them out of their misery" but when it is people, we don't or can't or whatever. Now I am not saying that Terri Schiavo was in "misery," as I am moving to the broader scope of things but I don't know... I wouldn't want to live like that... if you can call it "living."

At some point, in a situation like this, the person ceases to be them self. And should I ever reach the point where I am not the Ben Foreman you know then let me die. If I must starve then so be it. Do not let me linger here on earth, let me laugh on glory's side. I would much rather enjoy my new body in heaven as I worship my God than be a prisoner of my own body here on earth. So now it is in writing, let me die. If I cease to be myself then, as far as I'm concerned, I am dead already.

But to return to Terri Schiavo, let me say that I am very sorry that this has happened and I extend my deepest sympathy to the husband and family. And I am sorry that they are separate sides of the fence on this. I can't imagine how tough it must be for both sides.

So what do you think should have taken place. Is this the right thing? How can the system be improved? What do you think?

Time Marches on

Holy crap! March is over with already! Where did it go? Tomorrow is April 1st! No foolin! Well, maybe some in the morning. But seriously, I can't believe how fast the time has passed. 2005 is 1/4 over. Its funny how you can think to yourself that you have all the time in the world to do all things you want to do and then suddenly realize that a lot of time has passed you by. I'm finding that with papers and assignments right now but there are much larger things that pass us by. Many will let their very fate hang in the balance while time, and perhaps even life, passes them by. The fact is, we don't have all the time in the world. We need to realize, and I need to realize that my world could end tomorrow. It could end today! And time will continue to march on without me. But if it does, I know where I stand or, more importantly, in whom I stand. Jesus Christ. So I'll be ok. What about you? Don't let life pass you by without taking a stand and making the most important decision of your life. Don't put it off, cause the world could end tommorow, No Foolin.

A Few New Features

Hello all you readers of the Sidewalk. This post is only to point out a few new features on this blog. (because I have nothing to write about!) So if you will look at the side bar you will notice two new things. One being that I have finally put some links on here. These are (like the header says) a few blogs I check out every now and again. Also, there is a little "hit counter" there to keep me humble. So that is fun eh? It really goes to show you what kind of pointless nothing you can spend your time on when you should be doing work! So I'm off to do some... right now... here I go... although I really didn't specify if I was going to work or continue in some pointless activity... like you are participating in right now... haha... pointless.

A Good Visit... and some other things

Well I was just home visiting for a week (Thursday to Thrusday) and it sure was nice to be there again. I had the oppertunity to visit with some old friends and family. I watched a few movies as well but mostly just took the time to relax. I also got to see my dog who has grown to be almost 80 pounds!

Theres just something about being home. I don't quite know just what it is, but it was really nice. Also while I was home I was able to share my "big news" with everyone. It was more of a shock to some than others. And I got the question "are you and your brother doing a double wedding?" several times. The answer is no. We are getting married months apart as well as in different provinces. Anyways it was nice to be home but now I'm back on the Island working away trying to get everything done. Hope you are having a nice Easter weekend and don't forget in the middle of all your easter egg painting, eating snd such to remember the real reason Easter is celebreated. Remember the death of a savior so we could have life!

Wow that was a bit of a stream or consciousness. Oh! and check it out! I finally got some links on my blog! pretty nice eh??... sigh. again, 2 minutes you'll never have back.
ta ta.

The BIG NEWS!

Ok so because of how people talk and how fast word gets around, especially when you live in the maritimes, this is likely not news to most of you faithful readers. But for those of you who haven't heard and might care it is my pleasure to inform you that I have asked my long-time girlfriend Jacquelyn to marry me. And she agreed! So that is very exciting. Everyone always said to me "boy you better get married or you'll starve to death!" So now maybe I won't! Not that, that is why I asked her to marry me but it sure is a bonus! So I, Ben Foreman, am engaged as of the date of March 9th, 2005. And also as of March 9th, 2005... I'm broke! But she is worth it.

Give Me A Break!

No, not a kit-kat... actually a kit-kat chunk would be nice right now... I'll take two! anyways... lets have a few more of these: "..." So today will mark the start of March break for me and the rest of us who attend MCC. Fun times other than the fact that we all still have an amazing amount of work to get done that it will hardly be a break. And once we get back there will be two weeks and then finals! Who comes up with this stuff. But nobody asked me so this is the way we get it. Oh well. It will be nice to visit home and see everyone. And... share some big news that I will post at a later date... maybe tomorrow. Anyway I have a Mid-term in about 20 minutes so I should study or something. Good-bye all! The recent events taking place on my blog showed me more people actually read this stupid thing than I thought! LONG LIVE THE SIDEWALK! ok i'm done ... ... ...!

Anonymous Comment

Well if you ask people you can learn a lot about yourself. I, for one, have learned that apparently I am a phony as well as a “bad friend.” Now I was unaware of these things but I have learned them from a comment or 2 on the post below. There was something there also that I was already aware of, that being my incriminating sense of humor. And now let’s get right down to this.

First of all, I do enjoy that people can leave comments on this blog, I think this is a nice little blog feature. And I do like that you can choose to post comments in anonymity. However when you post a personal attack it sucks that you can be a coward and not reveal where this jeer is coming from. All I have to sift through is a few jabs at my character without any inclination of who it is from or what provolked it.

Something else that is troubling is that you also took a shot at my brother. This blog is MY personal thoughts and is all from ME. So if you want to take cowardly, faceless shots at me the I guess you can do that, but if you want to take shots at my brother… Do it on his blog! @ http://theamazingspiderdan.blogspot.com/

Now for my actual character flaws. It is hard for me to convince you that I am not a fake, other than it would be a complete waste of time to live that way, when I don’t even know what makes you say that. The only thing I can think of is when I pretend I can speak french and in that instance I suppose I’m a “francaphony!” (like that one?) I assure you that I am not and if you would like to talk to me about it, it sounds like you could figure out how to get a hold of me. Now as for not being a good friend, I can only assume that you have felt in some way I have not been a good friend to you personally. And if I have done something you to to make you feel that way I am truly sorry. On the other hand if we are “friends” than attempting a character assassination is not a great act of friendship either. A “good friend” goes to their friend when they have a problem with them, and does not simply post anonymous attacks on the internet. Often the way it goes is that people hate their own struggle so they try to see their own flaws in other people. Could this be the case? Feel free to let me know… with a name attatched.

PS. You’re means “you are.” So unless I am my own brother and my own jokes I believe what you meant was “your.”

Feeling the Pressure

So now we’re rolling right deep into March and man I am feeling some mega stress and pressure! I literally have 20 freaking papers to write before school ends, I have to try my best to figure out what I am doing for employment for the summer and long term, I’m leading a youth group series on sex starting this week, we only have one more week of hockey on Friday nights, and I’m sick!! Oh man talk about pressure, how about the pressure that is making my head feel like it’s gonna explode! But as much as I could sit here and freak out (and I’m almost done) like I am, really I know that God is good, he is in control, and I am ok. He says he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and we can do all things because of the strength he lends. (Philippians 4:13) So even though things seem to be piling up and I’m not always sure where my path is leading, God does, so it’s ok. Because ultimately my plans are centered on him so I am sure for success! (Proverbs 16:3)

Encouragement

I’ve been doing a little griping on this here blog of mine and now I think it’s time for a little different tune. Yes “people talk” and it can put a downer on your day. But what if instead of slandering one another and tearing one another down, we encouraged one another and built one another up! What if when we felt like laying into someone, we just paid them a compliment? Ephesians 4:29 says we should only say things that build up others according to their needs and benefit those who listen. So I hope you can benefit from this post and instead of complaining, (something I’m guilty of too; just read some of these posts!) looking at what is good and verbalize it. A word of encouragement can mean the world to someone, it has to me.

People Talk

If there is one thing I’ve come to learn in life from observing the people around me it is that people talk. Pretty profound eh? Let me elaborate, people love to talk about other people. What they’ve said, done, their past, what their future may hold and just about any aspect of their personal lives they desire. And this is perfectly fine… to a point. You see there is a fine line that is often stumbled over or just blatantly crossed that moves one from mere chit-chat to gossip. And even worse, starting roomers. Why is it that we feel the need to share stories and information that damage another person’s reputation? What right do we have to question character? Especially when the storyteller, nine times out of 9.5, has nothing to do with the situation. This drives me bananas!

And here is the thing for those of you with loose lips, a roomer doesn’t have to be true to ruin a reputation. You can destroy someone’s world with a story that isn’t even true. By repeating information that there is no real way you could confirm it to be true. So before you jump to conclusions or repeat something that is none of your business ask yourself a few questions: Is this true? What is my motive for telling this story? What is my source? And “Will this hurt anyone?”

I’m sure we can find lots to talk about without slandering anyone so if you want to make up or pass along stories or start/continue roomers… make a long story short, don’t tell it.

Oh how I love to nap

Remember when you were a little kid, how much you hated naps. I remember hearing "nap time" and thinking, NOOOO! I don't want to nap! Well let me tell you! Now that I am 20 years old instead of 3, I love naps. I had an hour power snooze this afternoon and now I feel great! This is kind of a weird post and I'm sure this is 2 minutes you'll never have back but here it is and there ya go.

The Only Blond I Ever Loved

Well today would have been the 15th birthday of one of the best friends you could ever wish for. That would be the birthday of the "only blond I ever loved," a golden retriever named Chimo. "Chimo" is an Indian word for friend, a description that fit this gentle old dog perfectly. Chimo Died this summer while I was away working in Toronto and this is the first time her birthday has come around since she has passed away.

She was the greatest dog ever. Right from the time we got her in 1990 she was a perfect fit and a great addition to the Foreman Family. She used to chase my brother and I around the yard, wrestle and pull us around by our ski-pants and she just loved to be around people. Kids (like my brother and I) could pull on her tail, be rough with her, and poke at her but she was always as friendly and gentle as could be.

She was defiantly Dad's dog though, as much as she was loved as the family pet she was my fathers shadow for almost 15 years. Any time He was outside, she would be stuck to him and if he was inside and in clear view from a window she was right there in the window watching. Supper was a spectator sport! She had complete trust in him knowing that if she could see him she was safe and she would walk off a cliff if he pointed her that way because of her faith in him. She was the only dog I've ever seen who could do the back float.

I thought a lot about her today especially since in listened to a sermon this evening about obedience. I taught a "Adventure Club" lesson on obedience once using Chimo right there as an example and even in the middle of 40 kids screaming "PUPPY" she would still mind me. (Chimo was too old for adventure club at the time!)

Yup, she was a great dog and I still think about her quite a bit and sometimes it makes me sad but mostly I'm glad because she had a great full life with kids to grow up with, a great big property and loads of Love that was received as well as given. You may think it's foolish to get so wound up over a dog but she was a family member. And I just wanted to take a few minutes to remember her birthday and her life, thanks for taking it with me. And take a minute to spend with your pet or remembering one while I sit here and cry.

This is a picture of Me and my Pup in 1996 when I was 12 and Chimo was 6. 

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So when I moved back to PEI in the fall and moved into a new apartment I was trying to get my phone and internet hooked up. I did this through Aliant. They had a promotion on that said if I signed up for high speed internet over the phone or internet I would receive a brand new Mp3 player roughly worth about 125 bucks. This was a bit of a nuisance since I didn't have a phone or internet connection (isn't this why I go to alient in the first place?) but I found a phone to use and took the steps necessary to get this free gift. And to my utter shock and amazment, Alient yet again has not come through and says they did not agree to award me this gift and no where on my account with them does it say that I was ever to recieve one. Not that I need one all that bad and life goes on but man that is so typical of them and so frigging annoying. Not to mention that you have to wait on hold for 3 and a half years listening to crap music just to find out that a bunch of morons run the place. Anyway, i guess that is all for now.

Storm Stayed

Well we have just encountered our first blizzard of the season and the first snow day too. That is a rare occasion at college. But its snowing so hard and so much with major winds that you pretty much have to be crazy to go outside. And I am not crazy so here I am taking with you fine folks. But to tell you the truth, I don't really mind being stuck here. I like it here at my apartment, all my crap is here and I have nothing I really have to do all day. So there ya go. A boring post I'll admit but its the first one of the year so what can ya do? You don't like it? Leave! ha he ah... just kidding, please stay.. no wait!