Some time for another quick update: school is busy. What else is new? I'm managing to pull by in my philosophy class enough to do a presentation with Jenn Van Breda on Kierkegaard that didn't turn out too badly, except for the part where I nearly passed out in front of the class during the discussion section. It gets a little concerning when all of a sudden you can't see anything and you're trying to get to your chair to sit down...not cool. Thankfully we also have a catchup/learn-about-intro-philosophy-all-in-one-class session during activity period today.
Wedding plans are coming along. For a full update on that see Our wedding site. There's also a link in my links section...and yes, it's been updated.
I'm currently in the process of negotiations with Dr. T about letting me miss practice next Tuesday to go on the Seafarer's mission trip to Montreal. He said he'd think about it and get back to me, but so far he hasn't and I can't help wondering if he forgot...again... While I understand that choir practices are important and every voice counts, this is my last chance for a mission trip while at Redeemer and I'd really like to go...please pray that a)he says yes and b)he gets back to me soon.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Thursday, October 07, 2004
A pause at last
okay, I know...I haven't been very good at updating this thing. My apologies, but really...I doubt my life is that interesting to anyone anyway.
School is, as usual, a blissful myriad of enjoyment and extreme frustration. There are times when I almost find myself getting excited by what I'm learning...and then comes the time to study for a midterm and I honestly couldn't care less, especially when it's for an Intro to Bio first year course I should have taken ages ago but put off until my final year. I've yet to have the experience of actually looking forward to going to class. (Is this even possible?!) I can't help but wonder. I must admit that certain courses this semester have surprised me with their level of engagement. In one of my business courses (a rather heavy Operations Management) I actually spoke up over five times in one class period, (this never happens to me, especially in business where I seem to do well, but still feel a rather like an interloper), and in my social work class I participate quite regularly, this probably because there are only four people in the class and if we didn't all speak up it would be rather dull.
And of course, my explication would not be complete without a brief comment on my upper level Philosophy core, Christian Philosophy with Craig Bartholomew. I hope I spelt that right. I must admit to have begun the course feeling very much overwhelmed, much like my fellow classmate, Jenn Van Breda (see Sept.22 entry). Having also taken intro to philosophy with Strauss, admitedly a good course, I find I feel rather that I know nothing about philosophy, quite frustrating in a class full of people who do. I must admit to feeling rather sorry for those poor students who must put up with endless explanations of the early philosophers when they would rather get on to more interesting material. My sincerest apologies for being stupid. I must say though, as time goes on I find the class more and more interesting...albeit over my head, but I appreciate the way we spend the class in discussion and not in drawn-out lectures.
Well, I really must end this now as I have one of those boring midterms to study for. I don't know if anyone reads this site anymore, but I have had some fun updating it anyway.
School is, as usual, a blissful myriad of enjoyment and extreme frustration. There are times when I almost find myself getting excited by what I'm learning...and then comes the time to study for a midterm and I honestly couldn't care less, especially when it's for an Intro to Bio first year course I should have taken ages ago but put off until my final year. I've yet to have the experience of actually looking forward to going to class. (Is this even possible?!) I can't help but wonder. I must admit that certain courses this semester have surprised me with their level of engagement. In one of my business courses (a rather heavy Operations Management) I actually spoke up over five times in one class period, (this never happens to me, especially in business where I seem to do well, but still feel a rather like an interloper), and in my social work class I participate quite regularly, this probably because there are only four people in the class and if we didn't all speak up it would be rather dull.
And of course, my explication would not be complete without a brief comment on my upper level Philosophy core, Christian Philosophy with Craig Bartholomew. I hope I spelt that right. I must admit to have begun the course feeling very much overwhelmed, much like my fellow classmate, Jenn Van Breda (see Sept.22 entry). Having also taken intro to philosophy with Strauss, admitedly a good course, I find I feel rather that I know nothing about philosophy, quite frustrating in a class full of people who do. I must admit to feeling rather sorry for those poor students who must put up with endless explanations of the early philosophers when they would rather get on to more interesting material. My sincerest apologies for being stupid. I must say though, as time goes on I find the class more and more interesting...albeit over my head, but I appreciate the way we spend the class in discussion and not in drawn-out lectures.
Well, I really must end this now as I have one of those boring midterms to study for. I don't know if anyone reads this site anymore, but I have had some fun updating it anyway.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
School again
well, the school year has officially started once more. Truth be told I hate to be back, as fun as it is to see everyone. Due respect to all, but I am getting royally sick of hearing congratulations everywhere I turn. Yes people, I'm engaged. Get over it and move on. The worst part is knowing without a doubt that my name will come up in numerous gossip sessions on who's all gone and gotten engaged over the summer. There are times when the Redeemer grapevine gets rather annoying. And then of course there's classes. I've been blessed/cursed with a wide variety of courses ranging from easy core Bio 121 classes to stupidly impossible yet also core requirement philosophy classes, and then stuff for my major and minors mixed in between. Can you sense the excitement in the room? I only pray this year goes quickly...
Quick update on Tim: he's recovering rapidly and slowly easing back into work...and by slowly I really don't mean slowly...this is Tim we're talking about here.
Quick update on Tim: he's recovering rapidly and slowly easing back into work...and by slowly I really don't mean slowly...this is Tim we're talking about here.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Update
For those of you who may or may not already know, my fiance Tim had to go in yesterday for emergency surgery to have his appendix removed. He's doing okay, in a bit of pain, but he should have a full recovery. Gave me a bit of a scare though when he called me at work. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated...
Friday, July 16, 2004
The result of hours spent working in the sun
As most of you are well aware, my summer job provides me with ample opportunity to think, a dangerous past-time, I know. Yet in a way it is a good thing as it also gives me time to process all the many changes that have happened in my life over the past couple of months: I've moved out on my own (going to Redeemer and living on campus simply doesn't count for this), I've not only started a new relationship but have taken it to the next level and gotten engaged, on top of ending a school year and starting a new job. (Can we say "overload"?!) But God is continually faithful to bring me through, and even though I still have a long way to go, at least I'm able to have somewhat of an enjoyable summer.
Work is same old same old. As previously stated, we have a lot of time to think...which leads to numerous discussions on bizarre topics ranging from analyzing the male psyche to determining the true definition of "log", (which, by the way, we couldn't quite completely define, but decided without a doubt that a log cannot be alive and standing, because then it would be a tree) to theological topics such as women in office, and even to politics! I urge you brothers and sisters, find employment that occupies your mind or you may just end up like we who work at Connon Nurseries...
Anyway, preliminary wedding plans are under way...and I do mean preliminary. So far we've decided to have a backyard wedding with the reception at a hall (which hall yet to be determined), and I've begun looking for a dress, but nothing serious yet. There is no rush though, and I'm quite content not to let this whole thing take over my life just yet. :)
Work is same old same old. As previously stated, we have a lot of time to think...which leads to numerous discussions on bizarre topics ranging from analyzing the male psyche to determining the true definition of "log", (which, by the way, we couldn't quite completely define, but decided without a doubt that a log cannot be alive and standing, because then it would be a tree) to theological topics such as women in office, and even to politics! I urge you brothers and sisters, find employment that occupies your mind or you may just end up like we who work at Connon Nurseries...
Anyway, preliminary wedding plans are under way...and I do mean preliminary. So far we've decided to have a backyard wedding with the reception at a hall (which hall yet to be determined), and I've begun looking for a dress, but nothing serious yet. There is no rush though, and I'm quite content not to let this whole thing take over my life just yet. :)
Monday, June 28, 2004
Thursday, June 24, 2004
I'm Engaged!
Yes, you read that title right, as of last week Wednesday night I am officially engaged to Tim Wiersma. I know this might seem quick after only dating for two and a half months, but we figured, we know now, why wait? ...we're actually quite pleased with this decision especially after realizing just how much work there is involved in planning a wedding... We're both very excited to be taking this next step in our relationship, and while there are nerves as well and to be expected, we do not doubt that God has been leading us from the start, is doing so in this decision, and will continue to do so as we go on to share our lives together.
(...for those of you who are no doubt wanting the whole story, I'm working on that...)
(...for those of you who are no doubt wanting the whole story, I'm working on that...)
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Clinging to His grace
So it was my birthday this week, the big 2-1. Can't say that I really feel all that different, but it was fun to reminisce throughout the day over the past year and think about how much I've changed. All in all it was a good day, beginning with a surprise breakfast and ending with a trip to see Mamma Mia in Toronto...my boyfriend spoils me. :) Granted, it was a little odd having my first birthday away from home, but since we took care of all the usual birthday traditions over the weekend it wasn't too bad.
The past couple of weeks have had me contemplating forgiveness and God's grace. Particularly in the last few months I have become increasingly aware of the sins in my life, and I must admit I find it frustrating to no end that even though I realize it every time I fall, it doesn't seem to be enough to keep me from falling again and again. Last night I was reading in Romans and I found a number of passages that I've been clinging to:
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." 3:21-24
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." 5:1-2a
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." 5:6-8
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." 8:1-2
I have no choice but to hold fast in the knowledge that God has saved me purely through my faith in Christ, for clearly I can not be saved on my own merit. Add it to my list of sins that I so often forget this and think that I'm "basically a good person". I am not, rather it is only the precious blood of Jesus shed for me on the cross that can wash me clean and save me from the wrath of God. He alone can set me free. Would that I not forget this so easily...
The past couple of weeks have had me contemplating forgiveness and God's grace. Particularly in the last few months I have become increasingly aware of the sins in my life, and I must admit I find it frustrating to no end that even though I realize it every time I fall, it doesn't seem to be enough to keep me from falling again and again. Last night I was reading in Romans and I found a number of passages that I've been clinging to:
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." 3:21-24
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." 5:1-2a
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." 5:6-8
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." 8:1-2
I have no choice but to hold fast in the knowledge that God has saved me purely through my faith in Christ, for clearly I can not be saved on my own merit. Add it to my list of sins that I so often forget this and think that I'm "basically a good person". I am not, rather it is only the precious blood of Jesus shed for me on the cross that can wash me clean and save me from the wrath of God. He alone can set me free. Would that I not forget this so easily...
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
The Return...
So I'm finally posting again after being disconnected from the Internet for so very long a time. It has felt like an eternity since I've been able to sit down at my computer and have the time to type something up about what's the deal these days.
The deal these days is work. And that's about it... I pretty much have no life as I am quite exhausted by the time I get home every day, so all I can do is take a shower, eat some food, and veg out for the few hours I have before I need to go to bed in order to rest for the next day of work. I'm coming to the conclusion that if I want to have a life, I must use my weekends for sleeping, and get used to going to work on six hours of sleep or less. Curse that 5:45am wake-up call.
Work itself is unbelievably boring. I have the very great honour of performing mindless labour all day long, including such meaningful tasks as moving one-gallon pots from point A to point B, fertilizing said pots with a little scoop on the end of a long stick, and of course we must not forget that oh-so-high calling of weeding. This does however, leave me with countless hours to be spent silently pondering the mysteries of life. No joke. I really do ponder the mysteries of life, such as, why am I here? What does all this mean? How can I glorify God by pulling out these weeds? Is getting up at 5:45 every morning to do this really worth the money I'm being paid for it? I've yet to come up with an answer to any of these questions, but you can clearly see I have entirely too much time to be thinking about...stuff...
On that happy note, I think I will end this message here. Perhaps now that my computer is up and running I will be able to make more of an effort to blog something more often, probably something along the lines of whatever happens to be occupying my thoughts at work...
The deal these days is work. And that's about it... I pretty much have no life as I am quite exhausted by the time I get home every day, so all I can do is take a shower, eat some food, and veg out for the few hours I have before I need to go to bed in order to rest for the next day of work. I'm coming to the conclusion that if I want to have a life, I must use my weekends for sleeping, and get used to going to work on six hours of sleep or less. Curse that 5:45am wake-up call.
Work itself is unbelievably boring. I have the very great honour of performing mindless labour all day long, including such meaningful tasks as moving one-gallon pots from point A to point B, fertilizing said pots with a little scoop on the end of a long stick, and of course we must not forget that oh-so-high calling of weeding. This does however, leave me with countless hours to be spent silently pondering the mysteries of life. No joke. I really do ponder the mysteries of life, such as, why am I here? What does all this mean? How can I glorify God by pulling out these weeds? Is getting up at 5:45 every morning to do this really worth the money I'm being paid for it? I've yet to come up with an answer to any of these questions, but you can clearly see I have entirely too much time to be thinking about...stuff...
On that happy note, I think I will end this message here. Perhaps now that my computer is up and running I will be able to make more of an effort to blog something more often, probably something along the lines of whatever happens to be occupying my thoughts at work...
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Odds and ends
well we're back from choir tour. I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe the experience...you'd have to have been there to know it. Tour this year was quite different from all other tours; not only because in the back of my mind there was always the thought that this could be my last tour ever, but also because of how exhausting it was with all of the travelling, and the new experience of missing someone special back home. Overall it was awesome, and I pray with all my heart that Redeemer's registrar gets on board with rearranging schedules to let me come back next year. Not to downplay all of those students who are leaving because they're graduating...you will be sadly missed, but to me it feels like a much worse kick in the pants to know that I can't come back because of a course conflict.
Summer work is...well...summer work. Boring and so far hard on me physically. I never realized just how out of shape I was until now. Of course, being home for the last two days with some kind of flu feels like slacking off miserably, but to be honest I'd rather be working than feeling like this. Here's hoping I feel better tomorrow so I can get back to making some money again.
The new house is working out well. Still have some unpacking left to do, but until I pick up the dresser from home this weekend I can't really do a whole lot. I honestly couldn't be happier with the place (even though the toilet has issues and we haven't got any laundry facilities yet), it's starting to really feel like home now.
Summer work is...well...summer work. Boring and so far hard on me physically. I never realized just how out of shape I was until now. Of course, being home for the last two days with some kind of flu feels like slacking off miserably, but to be honest I'd rather be working than feeling like this. Here's hoping I feel better tomorrow so I can get back to making some money again.
The new house is working out well. Still have some unpacking left to do, but until I pick up the dresser from home this weekend I can't really do a whole lot. I honestly couldn't be happier with the place (even though the toilet has issues and we haven't got any laundry facilities yet), it's starting to really feel like home now.
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