A month of sweet.

April's a pretty busy month around the Wong house. It's Easter and since we're a minister's family, that means my parents are usually up to their ears with ministry tasks. While we were still in university, April is exam month.... which just about puts everything else on a back-burner until they are all done! This year in particular, I was rushing around to finish up at Parks, while doing fundraising for our missions trip (Leaving next week! How did that creep up so fast?!), while getting things in order for school (school!!), etc. etc....... You know how life goes.

And then, there are birthdays. Two birthdays in April for us - mine and Dad's - and while sometimes there is more time to celebrate, and in other years the busyness catches us up in the current leaving no time to plan a fiesta; there are always some pretty sweet memories made.

Since we were anticipating a packed weekend of Easter activities, my sweet parents decided to treat me to a birthday dinner at Red Lobsters' a few days early. There we are.... can you tell who the birthday girl is? *lol* Excuse how odd my hair looks in the picture.... I had just gotten it trimmed and Maria decided to do something special and curl my hair. Not that I don't usually like curly hair, but it looked really weird and unflattering that day. :p We had lots of delicious seafood.... so much so that we were too full for dessert!! So the waitress got creative:

That's right! A pat of whipped cream, drizzled with raspberry and chocolate syrup..... bedecked with the all-important birthday candle. You'd THINK that it was unappealing, but it was the perfect amount of sweet. Unhealthy? Maybe. Sweet? Definitely!

On the day of my birthday, my sweet friends *surprised* Andrea and me with a delicious mango-raspberry mousse cake. Didn't get a photo of it though.......

After Easter, our family celebrated in earnest: we spent the afternoon and evening with some good friends, and shared a delicious dinner. Of course there was cake....

Not one, but TWO sweet ice cream cakes! Happy accidents! OR it's because I am soooo loved.....? Yes I'll go with the latter. ;)

And I got to run after these sweet boys, which is really all I wanted for my birthday.

About a week later, it was Dad's turn! Again there was a wonderful dinner shared with friends. Um.... ok they were my friends and not Dad's, but nonetheless! Shared joy is always so much greater, no matter whose friends it is.

(excuse the dumpy sweater I had on in the photo... and the bad photo quality..... and doesn't my sister look like an angst-y teenager in this photo? And NO I'M NOT REALLY THAT SHORT.)

And of course a sweet cake made an appearance too..... black forest this time. Dad's favorite!

I think there are still slices of this cake left in our fridge. Maybe I'll have some.... after I recover from the sugar coma that looking at all these photos gave me! Much more sweetness to come.... sweetness from Central America. I can hardly wait. :)

I'm trying to be better about posting.... in preparation for when I move away and have to try to keep in touch with as many of you sweet people as possible. How am I doing? Heehee....

ps: More photos on flickr.

I believe I can fly......

Ok, this time the video I'm sharing with you all is not just for the sake of sharing. Dear Anna, a super talented animator and artiste, has entered her animated short in a contest. To make it to the final round of judging, she needs lots of people giving her high ratings!! Watch and enjoy this whimsical delight, and if you want to vote, you need to sign in/register with SuperU. Once you've signed in, you should be able to click the stars beneath the video to rate it. Should being the operative word. I can't seem to do it, but we all know me and computers (code 20 code 20!!). So to make up for my lost vote, I'm asking all of you to!! :)

Moving.

This is so beautiful..... the creativity and honesty that it must have taken to do this just astounds and touches me. What a sweet picture of how amazing Jesus is. :)

It's spring.... not!

It snowed today. Big. Fluffy. White. SNOW. As if it were November, and not April. What is UP with that????? I was so sad.

But as a friend said so well the other night in a prayer, "Thank you God for the rain [or snow], because we know that it means that the grass will grow green soon [and the flowers will come!]"

Geesh. How easily I turn to complaining....... I have ALOT to learn about being grateful and seeing the good side in things (and people).


ps: Added Anna's blog over there on the right. She is one talented girl! Definitely go check out her animations and sketches.... and if you need something designed/animated, Anna's your girl! :)

And then.... a beginning.

Green. Gold.

An end.

For the past two years I've occupied office 359a at 25 Eddy St.... filled it with pictures, paper, mosses, music, the sounds of mad typing, and all manner of other things. I managed data, organized thoughts and functions, and made lots of really really great friends - all with cubicle 359a as home base.

Yesterday was my official last day.

I'm still here.... slowly tying up loose ends and getting ready to go. I just began the long process of cleaning up.... returning things to their proper homes (whether it be others' or mine), finding new homes for other things, and taking down markers of the last two years of my life. As I unpinned photos of cute kids and landscapes from my wall, stowing away the pins and magnets for another time, the fact that this signified an ending finally started to sink in. The thought of leaving, and the now-barren space, suddenly made me sad.

As someone said yesterday, "this is the end of an era."

Too good not to share..... part II.

Oh MAN........

Watch Cute Girl Flushes Fish on CollegeHumor

This reminds me of when I had to flush my last beta fish.... I was not nearly so willing to spend time looking at him. Him just lying there with his eyes open (like he's staring at me.... as if it's MY fault he died?!??) was just too creepy. There was no eulogy, no "Fishie was a good fish".... just.... FLUSH.

Thanks to Son-shine for sending that one over! :)

Morning distractions

I was so close to making the express bus this morning.... but then I saw this in the morning light:

It looked so perfectly delicate, hanging at the end of the stem just so. Utterly soft and beautiful in the morning light. I couldn't resist. Tell me, how was I supposed to walk out without trying to capture it?

So I stopped. One shot turned into 10. I missed the bus.

Sigh.

So I checked the bus schedule to see when the next bus was coming...... 10 minutes 'til go-time. BUT THEN I saw the tulips. I couldn't resist:

Good thing I still made my bus. ;)

Pretty flowers, perfect morning light, a relatively good commute, and still getting to work relatively early...... a good start to the day!


Mmmm.... Did I promise Valentine's Day pictures? Really.... I should know better than to make promises I can't keep..... Soonsoonsoon. I promise. Whoops there I go again.......

Another perspective

I really like this. It neatly (and witfully!) sums up why I love photography so much. :)

Valentine's Day photos coming soon!

Please knock before entering....


Chinese new years was celebrated a couple of weeks ago, and this year found our family on a weekend jaunt down to Toronto to help dd move house. There was lots of driving (for Dad), lots of moving, painting, and sharpie action...


The finished space looks fab! It was great fun to paint the walls grey and red... and draw all over them. d created the mural design on the computer, which he copied onto a transparency. Then, using an old overhead projector, we projected the design onto the wall, and got busy tracing it all out/filling it in with sharpies. It was fun, and a quick job too with 4 people working on it together! It looks great, don't you think? The finished mural has this neat coppery sheen to it when light reflects off it.... but it really is just black. I love that d is all creative like that. I do think that he has the coolest, most "put-together" room out of us all now! (more photos of the room in process on my flickr) Not that I would trade my room for his. :p


And of course, a trip to T-dot just wouldn't be complete without lots of delicious food!!!

We had two great reasons to celebrate (not that you need any sort of great reason to eat.... seriously.) - Chinese New Year and b's birthday, which fell on the Saturday. We were also blessed to have some friends join us for dinner on Saturday. I hadn't seen them in a long time and it just so happened that they were in Toronto that weekend too!

It was a whirl-wind trip, but a sweet time with friends and family nevertheless. Happy year of the ox!

ps: More photos here.

Finally!

After who-knows-how-long, my photos from Guatemala (a small selection of my "best" shots) are all posted! See the whole set here.

Also finally, I got around to making some changes around here. New banner (SO much better than the other one), and updated lists over to the right. Aaah.... it's nice to get stuff done!

Too good not to share.....

Well. More than a month later and we Ottawans are still without public transportation. Thankfully, I feel like I've fared pretty well despite the situation. There has been alot less jaunts downtown or to Chapters to unwind, but I think my piggybank thanks me for that. ;) Nevertheless, I really hope this gets sorted out soon!

But WAIT.... think we've had enough winter fun in the Great White North? Wait til you hear what fun is heading for us next! Snow squalls, extreme windchill (-35°C anyone?), 15 cm of snow... take your pick. Hey, why not take all three?

So be sure to bundle up warm tomorrow... stay inside if you can! And while you're snuggled up (ideally with a cozy sweater, thick blanket, and hot chocolate!), enjoy this great story by an immensely creative little girl:

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Dear Ottawa,

You are a beautiful city. Since moving here 8 years ago, I have enjoyed living here and discovering all there is to find out about you. I love the mix of city and country, the history of downtown, and the treasure trove of local shops and restaurants to explore. Some things I'm loving about you right now:

1. How the bridge to get to work is closed, making an already long commute even longer.
2. How the public transit drivers are striking.
3. The wack-load of snow that got dropped on us.... such that we wouldn't be able to reach the bus stops, even if the busses were running.
4. How my arms are now super buff (ha!) after 3 hours of shovelling your snowy gift and pushing cars out of snow banks.


I really do love you, Ottawa. I love you all year-round. Now if you would graciously skip winter and fast-forward to spring and the tulip festival, I would be ever so appreciative. Thanks!

Yours,
Steph

Made my day

It all started when I put my hand in my pocket.

Uh-oh, I thought with a start, where's my bus pass??

It wasn't in my right hand jacket pocket like it usually was. I remember taking it out the night before. Apparently I hadn't put it back where it's supposed to go, which is silly because the only reason the buss pass had a designated pocket at all was to prevent situations exactly like this. After a few moments of frantic searching through my backpack, I sighed and got out some change to pay the bus fare. That'll teach me.

As I reached over to put the coins in the acceptor, the bus driver blocked it with his hand. "Wait a minute, don't you have a bus pass?" he inquired. I had gotten on the same bus the morning before, and apparently he remembered me! I smiled, impressed that he remembered. "Yeah, but I forgot it today."

He told me to wait and punched some keys on his keyboard. Then he grabbed the transfer that came out of the dispenser and handed it to me. "Here's a day pass. It'll get you home tonight. And I'll see you tomorrow with your pass!"

I couldn't have been more touched and thankful that Father had placed this man in my path today. What grace He gifts to us, every single day in big and small ways! In the end, I did end up finding my bus pass (it was in my backpack, hidden between some folders and books). I'll see who I can give my day pass to, so that this man's kindness can be paid forward. If any of you need to get home via OC Transpo tonight and don't have a pass, let me know. ;)

Thanks for making my day!

Arms high & heart abandoned.


Spent alot of the last 24hrs or so in this position at this event. To be in the midst of thousands who are of the same heart and abandon to worship.......... it's a rush of joy and community like nothing else; a sweet teeny taste of what is to come. What an absolutely beautiful time.

EDIT: My photos from the conference are now up! Go here to see them. :)

Mindless (Metadata) Entry & Persistence

I've been working on entering metadata (data ABOUT data.... now that's interesting - NOT) for ONE protocol file today. It takes so dreadfully long to do one..... (and how many more do I have to go?!). The afternoon was mainly spent defining all the columns on one data sheet. More yawning. More trying to keep myself on task and at my desk by listening to Mark Driscoll preach on prayer (definitely go listen! It's fantastic. That man definitely has a gift for getting basic concepts across in a fresh, cut-to-the-heart, I-never-thought-of-it-that-way-before way. And there's plenty new things to digest too). Constant self-reminders about being a diligent worker and how that flows into adorning the gospel running through my head. And then FINALLY (Thank the Lord.... really.) I finish.

Only to discover that there are 4 more data sheets, all with the same columns, BUT (the cherry on top of the sundae of metadata PAIN) there is no way to paste over what I've done - meaning I have to repeat and repeat and repeat...... O_o

Oh the despair. You know that expression they use in literature, "and his face fell at the bad news"? Yeah. That. Me.

It's 5pm. I think I will go home and try this again tomorrow. Maybe I will get faster. Or maybe I will discover some brilliant way to copy and paste everything. Or maybe not, and my task is to persist. *sigh*

Father, even in this may You be glorified.....

Back.

After a week of plunging into the chaos that is NYC, meeting people and seeing old friends, lots and LOTS of shopping, unwinding in Amish country, lots of driving, lots of food, and plenty of quality family time - we are fiiiiinally home. Pulled into the driveway at 8:30am this morning in fact. Oi. o_O Now comes unpacking, cleaning, and getting back into the rhythm of things.

I’m leery of promising timely post-vacation blog entries and lots of flickr updating…. It would be quite the ambitious commitment for me.. *laughs* But here’s to making an honest effort.

On a slightly different note, I was playing around with one of those quiz thingies earlier (Yes, at work. It was a quiet day! Read: booooooored.....), and apparently something that makes me abnormal is that I would prefer having more time to having more money. Huh. What does that say about our generation?

So here are two questions for you today, my dear reader:
1. What are you making an honest effort to do today?
2. Would you rather have more time or more money?

Dress-up madness....

1 saturday afternoon + 5 girls + more clothes/shoes/purses/accessories than you can count - dirty looks from the dressing room attendant = the makings of a rad time out with the girls!

More photos here.

Chatting.


Friends.
Food.
Sharing.
Sunset.
Waves.
Seagulls.
Breeze.
Sand between toes.
Wise words.
Conversation.
Laughter.
Feeling small under a big sky.

The makings of a beautiful evening.

Last minute-ness

I think I have this thing for pushing the limit. 2 hours before our guests were to arrive, and this was what I was starting. Me and my bright ideas......! Simple to do in theory, but let's not forget..... me? Not the most seasoned with the sewing machine. But the idea was planted. No turning back now! 2.5 hours later, with scraps and sewing things strewn all over my floor and running the risk of being labelled "anti-social", I ended up with this (don't laugh. I realize that someone with more experience could've whipped up something better and faster!):

It was worth it. I thought they turned out so well.... not exactly what I had first imagined, but perfect as they are nonetheless. And the best thing? The little guys these were gifted to knew exactly what they were supposed to be.

Oo la la!

Surprise! So here I am, nearly 3am, messing around with blogger (pulling the 5-minute-thing again!). I'm sooooo pleased with the layout tools (new to me), which are super simple to master. Shards is looking so spiffy now, with layout, menus, and esthetics much more like I wanted all along. ^^ I also took advantage of this renovation to do a little cleaning up of the menu.... many of your guys' blogs that haven't been updated in ages have been assumed dormant and links deleted.... but I'd looove to add people back on (hint hint).

Oooh.... so much bloggy love going on right now. It's like a new toy. Or an old favorite, re-discovered (which is better than a new one sometimes!). Perhaps this will inspire more *ahem* consistency around here?

What do you guys think?

One of those mornings

You know what I'm talking about. Those mornings when you crack open your eyes (groan!) - hopefully not late - and the sky is so so grey. And it's raining. You peel back the covers and haul yourself out of bed, while your eyeballs insist that just 5 more minutes of shut-eye wouldn't hurt one bit. Those mornings after those nights when you know FULL WELL what would happen if you stayed up to watch one more........ but you know. Just 5 more minutes. Let tomorrow worry about itself and all that. Those mornings when you genuinely thank the Lord for such things as caffeine and coffee beans, and the person who brews the morning regular, and the office coffee club. Small gratitudes, I tell ya.

Why, what a brilliant suggestion. Of course I'll have another!

A Different Way of Seeing.....

I read this today. I think for me, I need to replace "laundry" with "washing dishes". Those who know me well will know that this is THE chore that I dread..... the chore that I will "forget" to do some nights.... the chore I will purposely ignore other nights. If you live with me, you will know that I try to get out of doing this chore as much as I can, most nights. :p Why do I hate it so? Like Andrea, I feel like doing dishes is "a time-consuming job that never ends". You're stuck in the kitchen by yourself, cleaning up everyone else's mess, while they're off doing whatever they'd like. AND as soon as you finish, the late eater or the snacker will deposit another dirty dish in the sink. Arrrrrrrgh. >.<

BUT. This post gave me such perspective, letting me realize that even dirty dishes are something to be thankful for. They are evidence of God's blessings to us.... His gifts of abundant food to nourish our bodies with, a home to cook and eat and wash in, and loved ones to share it with. You can't really hold a grudge when you realize all that you've been given, can you? :)

Head on over to the FlourishingMother blog if you've got time. Andrea writes really thoughtfully, and it's refreshing to read about her life. Also, she's a voracious reader (yay!) and often cites the most interesting and insightful passages. I've been so inspired to pick up books I never would have considered before because of her!

May Showers....

...isn't it supposed to be "April showers, May flowers"??

It's a busy week.... full of individually good things that have added up and multiplied into one heck of a work/thought load. I'm glad to be doing all that I'm doing, but seriously, I can't wait for this to be aaaaaaall over.

Of course, the depressing rain doesn't help. When the weather turns like this, I either get nostalgic and a little melancholy (on a good day), or else I can easily get sulky and grumpy (on a bad/stressful day - like today). And then when it's beautiful out, my spirits are equally light. You know what I mean? I know I'm not the only one whose mood follows the weather! You know, I heard on the news that during the horribly cold and long winter we just had, people's tempers had become increasingly frayed. Even kids. Isn't it amazing how intricately entertwined everything is? But I digress. What I really wanted to do was remedy these rainy-day-blues by posting a reminder of sunnier times:


Taken back in April. The first day that was over 20-degrees this year found me at my favorite place, savouring the sun and just generally happy that spring is back, so that I can enjoy my sweet spot again. It was soooo relaxing to chill there for awhile and read the Word. Couldn't have asked for a better afternoon. Now isn't that so much better than cold and rain?

ps: more photos from the day will be posted here soon!

Don't Congratulate Me Yet......

Today, I picked up a pair of fabulous peep-toe sling-backs for $20 (awesome deal!), just in time for a wedding reception tomorrow. I picked them out and bought them in 10 minutes. Now, those of you who know me, know that this is reason to be proud (and proud we were)! BUT..... look at what happens when I try to be a super-shopper:


'Nuf said.

15 Minutes This Morning

9h42 - En route to the office. I arrive at the MacKenzie King Bridge bus stop for my transfer, get off the bus and am greeted with the sounds of someone bellowing in French. Huh? Turns out to be a woman, marching down the length of the bridge in heels, impassionately (and seemingly very angrily) shouting her cause, glaring at passersby, waving her arm for emphasis. And she wasn't wearing her pants. What?? That's right boys and girls, Ms. Protester's pants were unbuckled and held up with one hand, but otherwise very much swinging free around her knees. Granted she was wearing a black leotard and not some disturbing sous-vêtement, but seeing as she had alot of skin to cover, that really didn't mean much.

Compleeetely mortified and fighting the absolutely unappropriate urge to giggle, I rush into the mall. 11 minutes til my bus. Other commuters, quickly glancing at the kerfuffle, hurry to get out of her warpath. A mom tries to explain what is happening to her young daughter, "She's not happy is she? We don't want to be near unhappy people." Not the most satisfactory explanation, but goodness, how are you supposed to explain that to a 5-year-old??? Poor kid.

9h48 - Pants come off completely (?!??!??!!!) and are used as a flag to punctuate her raving. The shock has somewhat worn off and I'm wondering what has got her so riled up that she needs to make a statement like this? Someone else waiting for a bus (or deliverance?) mentioned that it was something about an election...... huh. Politics. Naturally.

9h51 - Police (municipal and OC Transpo security) arrive. Woman stops shouting and puts her pants on, as well as a bright blue jacket.

9h57 (because busses are almost NEVER on time....) - My bus arrives. As I am whisked away from the scene, I see the woman sitting down and smoking a cigarette. Officers surround her, some with amused looks on their faces. I wonder what they're talking about?

--

Thus marks the end of my *interesting* morning. In somewhat less exciting news (but it's exciting for me!!), I finished filing my tax return!! Yaaaaaaay! ^^ Now I can move on to other, more important things. Like editing and posting pictures, right??

Thinking........

I don't know how anyone could be expected to focus on work when there are far more exciting and important-in-the-long-run things to think about. For the 12365441434357th time..... how do people work in an office position for 20-odd years???

One of Those Days.....

Spring has FINALLY COME TO OTTAWA. Can't describe the feeling of walking out the door into blue skies and sunshine every day this week so far..... the birds singing for all they're worth, tempting me to forget work and grab my camera instead. *sigh* I love spring!

But.... *ugh*

With spring and beautiful days comes more creative ideas for personal/ministry projects, and yearning to be anywhere but in this cubicle. I've been getting more and more of those lately (ideas)..... was hit with a particularly potent idea this morning. Sitting here all day, not satisfying the urge to form ideas into something tangible, has been utter creative agony. And the guilt of not being very productive at work sure doesn't help, or lessen the distraction...... Heh.

Anyway. I really can't (and shouldn't) complain. I'm happy about spring, and thankful for the sun, birds, colours, songs, ideas and creativity -- and most of all for He who created all of it.

--

ps: I haven't made very much of a fuss over my new baby, but suffice it to say I am very very happy with her. I'm hoping she'll have some good friends to play with this summer (aHEM! Chung). I also intend to be more diligent about posting images, dusting off my corner of flickr, and all that other lovely fun stuff.............. as soon as I file my income tax return. :p

Mrs. X

Today at lunch, a bunch of us got to discussing how one properly addresses a woman these days. John - whom I also have the great privilege of calling brother in Jesus - once got in trouble for referring to his host as "madam" multiple times in a presentation where he was an international guest speaker. "Who told you I was married??" she demanded of him afterwards. Apparently you only use "madam" if one is married. We discussed lots of possibilities..... "Ma'am", "Madam", "Miss", "Mrs.", woman, lady..... what is appropriate and the implications of addressing a female a certain way is so complex and is constantly changing with the times.

Who knew?

We finally settled on "Ms." as a safe bet.

Later, I stopped by John's office to discuss work. At the end of the conversation, John put his new knowledge to good use, "Thank you MS. Wong."

I replied, "You're very welcome," and turned to go.

"I'm looking forward to the day when we can call you Mrs. X."

Laughing, I said, "There is no 'X'."

"Not yet, but that's alright. We just need to wait and be patient."

"Yeah."

It feels so good to know that there is someone else dreaming and hoping on my behalf.

Someday....

If it was up to me my life would be a blue print on the table
And every year would have a label
I would know precisely the day that you would come and find me
I'd see your face (the one that I dream of)
I just can't wait ('cause I know)

Someday, someone's gonna change my life
Somehow, someone's gonna make me smile like I never have before
Someday, someday
Somewhere, someone's gonna steal my heart
Somehow, we'll never ever be apart
And I can't wait for that someday
Someday isn't so far away

I've laid awake at night wondering if I had wasted chances
Giving up too soon on small romances
Then I look outside you're under the same midnight sky and
You're waiting too (am I the one that you dream of?)
These dreams come true (and I know)

I guess I'll never know if I passed you on the street the other day
Or maybe you are far across the ocean
Oh but every night I pray to God that somehow
He would send him my way

Someday, someday, someday......

Someday isn't so far away

~PureNRG (C) 2007

Not a good day.

I rarely have bad days.

Most people would say that I am generally a cheery person. Just yesterday a colleague teased me for smiling even as I rant about how much something sucks.

I rarely have bad days.

But somehow, this week is shaping up to be on the dreary side of not-so-great. What a nice way to come home.

Fluffy Scarves & Hot Chocolate......

.....along with music that brings back memories of warm summery days are perfect for chasing away the office chills. :) There's so much more of You that I want to know.

How Your love, it calls to me when I lose my way...
...Got to trust that I'm safe and sound,
Got to trust that it all comes down to You.....
... It's obvious no one could love me more
I'm Yours,
And I'm coming, coming back
(Britt Nicole, 2007)

Exploring....

Oftentimes, I'll admire the works of more advanced photographers. I'll wonder where they come up with their creative concepts, and how they find such interesting locations. It's definitely caused me to look at the world around me through a different lens..... could that garden provide good photo ops? Could that abandoned building? How about that field?

For those of you who've visited my home in Ottawa, you'll know that they're developing the suburban sprawl like CRAZY.... right behind my neighbouhood. It makes shopping really convenient of course, but it makes me sad too, to see all those beautiful fields (that I never particularly appreciated before, btw...) built over. They've built plaza's to the east and west, and now the only patch left is an abandoned property directly behind my house.

All this to say that for the past couple of months I've been inspired to go exploring on that property, and see what there is to see. Seize the day and all that! After an initial 15-minute walk-about several weeks ago (after which my camera batteries died on me.....), I finally went back recently. Here's what there is to see:







I thought the markings on this bug looked neat...

Found this one hiding amongst the grass......

Is this what an ant sees?

Love this......

Last shot of the day..... another favorite. This one's for you, Chungi & txp!!

Productive Delay

"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply about what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what He's promised. Through the wait He's changing me. By means of the wait He's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait He's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in His redemptive hands." (Paul Tripp - Meditation on Psalm 27) - as seen here.

I love this reflection. So often in life we are waiting for something.... waiting in line at the store, waiting to see if we've been accepted into school, waiting for water to boil, waiting to meet that Special Person to share your life with, waiting for God to lead you towards that next step in life.... In our age of instant-everythings, this is one of the worst things that can be imposed on us, but whether the situation be serious or less so, the bottom line is that we spend lots of time waiting. I would even argue that we 20-somethings are in the life-stage of waiting as we stand at a great cross-road, trying to discern God's direction, purpose, and passion for our lives.

So how do you deal?

I like this seemingly revolutionary perspective.... that waiting is not purposeless. For me, I am finding that letting God shape my impatience has turned lonely, directionless, or frustrating times into days where I can hope and smile and serve genuinely. I have come to realize that it's ok to be waiting.... to not be there yet, even when it seems like everyone else is miles ahead of me. I know the end-goal will be worth it, and I have such hope in the promise that my Lord has only good in store for me. But more than that, I look forward to who I'll be when I get there..... someone who started by saying "yes" to God in faith, and is hopefully just a little bit more like Him by the end of the process.

What are you waiting for in your life? May the reflection above encourage your heart and motivate you to seek His.


Sola gratia.

Quiet Friday.....

It's Friday. After a huge rush of a week (meetings, seminars, hotels, hearts, and throw in a couple of foreign countries!), the weekend is finally here! Delicious.... I can hardly wait to sleep in tomorrow. Mebbe I'll actually get around to baking my cookies this weekend. ;) It's pretty quiet around the office this morning..... the quiet murmur of meetings in other cubicles can be heard, and I'm sitting here eating oatmeal for breakfast (Sonja!) and looking over a translation request.

In other words, I will be bored quite soon. :p

Exhilaration.

I haven't felt this way in so long. Maybe never. Have you felt anything like this before? A feeling that comes out of no-where and knocks you off your feet..... something so intense that it can pick you up from the deepest melancholy and make you soar up to the heights.......... It's pure excitement and headiness and giddiness..... It's a buzz in your head. I can hardly sit still. I'm eating but I have no real appetite -- my heart pounds and my tummy tingles. I'm feeling more alive than I have in days, and I'm sure I have a stupid grin on my face.

I don't know why, I don't know how. I don't know what this means. This just is.

Why do I feel this way? Why does this keep resounding in my head, my heart?

Stranded.

POP 40%...... pfft. I should know better than to trust the weather report! Presently I am stuck at the office, because it is thundering and raining in sheets outside. SHEETS. It hasn't rained this hard in awhile. Who would've thought that just a few hours ago I was sitting out in the stuffy sunny hotness, shoes off and eating my lunch? I don't think an umbrella would've done me much good since it's so fierce out..... but I'm regretting forgetting it anyways. How will I make it to the store before prayer meeting in time to get ingredients to make this for tomorrow? Pooey. >.<

It's Been Awhile.........

Wow. End of July already! Isn't it depressing how fast the summer flies..... it's been a packed summer! Flying off to serve again in a foreign country...... building new and old relationships....... getting highly involved at church..... exploring all sorts of new places and events in Ottawa....... so much has been happening in everyone's lives! Not to say that this is summer's end..... there is one month left before things settle down into the regular rhthym of school, and until then I'm sure every moment will be full. :)

Not much time to post anything really worth reading (I'm @ work right now.... it's a slow day but still! Can't spend too much time blogging..... :p), but I intend to soon! I've come across some great articles that I would love to share with you all, and I realize it's been almost exactly a year since I've had this blog lay-out.... might be time for a change. ^^ In the meantime, I've updated a bunch of links (on the right -->); of most note are the new links to photographers that I've become addicted to lately (esp. Pretty In Pink and NicoleVan). Check them out! They do a beautiful job of capturing and immortalizing every moment of the day! *sigh* Oh to take photos like that of the people around me some day........ ^-^

More soon!

Shall I Indeed?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no

Sometimes that's the way it goes

You're not giving any secrets away

Who's to know, who's to say

Sometimes it's hard to live this way

Holding on, letting go

When it's sometimes yes

And sometimes no

Jill Paquette, "Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No" (2003)

Several of you who are wonderfully caring and concerned for me have asked me about that last cryptic blog entry....... *laughs* I never thought I was one who could be cryptic about anything but I guess necessity is the best teacher! Just a word of assurance that I am still alive and I am ok. I think I still have a bit of mulling and thinking to do, and it was a bit of a trip last week emotionally, but even today I think I'm seeing the light. :)

Letting go and letting God..... I don't know why this is a lesson that must be learned the hard way though countless repetitions over our lifetimes. Why doesn't it ever stick? "Doesn't God ever get frusterated at what slow slow learners we are?" I wonder sometimes. But no.... in His infinite grace, He's always there, ready to show us the way back to Him when we are ready. I think I'm finally ready. Already today He assured me of His faithfulness through this blog..... what a chord it strikes with me! How encouraging it is to realize that even the strongest of us has to WORK at trusting our Father, that it isn't some ability that comes naturally with maturity. Have a peek! I hope that you too are encouraged and strengthened by the testimony of Sarah's life -- that you too will be convicted to let go of whatever it is that you've been clinging to, and by doing so, also be a testiment to God's wondeful faithfulness!!

Conversations

"Can I ask you a stupid question?"

".........."

"That wasn't a stupid question."



"Are you busy tonight? Can we go driving and chat?"

"............"

"I'm surprised."

Me too.

The Art of Being a Statue....
(Good Friday, April 6, 2007)

It's FRIGID out. Ouuuuuuuuch -- my fingers are frozen!! What are we doing here, you ask?

Here we are at Dewberry Trail near Mer Bleue birdwatching..... chickadee-feeding to be precise! We brought birdseed, and Mum and Mui are braving the blistering cold and standing as still as they can to try to attract the birds to their hand. I think Mum's better at it than Mui; she's too fidgety. *laughs* Me on the other hand..... I've retreated to the car to try to regain feeling in my poor frozen digits.

Boy, there are so many chickadees! And they are all so cute, especially when they puff up their feathers to keep warm -- they look like little cotton balls!! ^-^ We brought peanuts too, to try and draw out Mum's favorite cardinals and bluejays, but it would seem that the larger passerines are too clever to fall for such ploys. *lol* We did see several bluejays, a cardinal, as well as some blackbirds and mourning doves, but they stayed aloof.

And me being me of course, was more concerned about getting some good shots as opposed to getting them to feed in my hand (although one did perch on my hand for a little while!). Geeez.... birds in the wild sure are hard to capture! They don't stay put for very long. And lets not get me started on the shortfalls of my camera...... darn lagtime to focus, darn lagtime to shoot, darn lens that can't zoom in close enough....!!! *sigh* At least the lighting was good enough to get sharp images. Despite the camera, I managed to get a few good shots. :)

My dear Finepix, you have been a faithful friend, but I really do think it's time you were retired.....

Living statues...... (click here for more pictures!)

Another Spring.....

.....another new beginning. Another post. Wow, I haven't posted in a looooong time. It hasn't been for a lack of desire, I'll say that much in my defence......... I just never seem to be able to sit down and WRITE. :P Even now.... I'm not promising this is well thought-out! I'm just taking a break from the salamanders. *hee*

It's another spring..... I don't think I love any other season more. Spring embodies glorious hope in new life and new beginnings..... I can't help but be lifted as I marvel at the blue skies peeping through between buildings and spectacular sunsets (pretty much all I get to see of the outside nowadays! It's so sad really.....) after missing them all winter; I can't help but hope in the fresh beginning, and hoping that this time I'll reach the High Places that I've had my eye on for so long. Nevermind what people say about muddy sidewalks and spring rains. It's still a beautiful season!

Carrying on my thought about spring and muddiness and new beginnings and reaching your dreams..... you really can't achieve your goals, your dreams, your High Places without a certain amount of messiness and difficulty in between, can you? I would like to think that I might be able to reach those crags without doing the hard work to reach them, but that isn't reality. Reality is daunting, and maybe that's why I've been standing at the foothills for so long, wringing my hands and casting sidelong glances at those majestic peaks.

Maybe this time I'll stop worrying and take that first step. The Good Shepherd has always promised to be there when I need him.... I think it's time to take him at his word. I don't know how to get to those peaks.... what paths to take, what equipment I need, what dangers I need to be aware of..... but perhaps I just don't need to know.



I still miss you..... but there is someone who misses me more right now, and I can't fairly spend any more time wishing for you while he's waiting for me.

Encore......


Yeeeeah.... back after a loooong absence. I dunno what has kept me from posting........ maybe because my thoughts haven't been as turbulent as they were in the fall and I didn't need an outlet as badly.....??? I COULD blame it on a packed schedule I guess, although that's not a good excuse. *grin*

There has been lots happening on the Steph-stage! Since the last time I posted, h2o participated in CCCO's 2nd Iron Chef event (see h2o's picasa site for pictures!); we've had to deal with some fall-out from that. Since November I also went on some interviews (with Starbucks and Parks Canada) and then was offered a job with Parks! *yaaaaaay*...... I've been there for three weeks now and I'm enjoying myself quite a bit.

I work with mostly older ppl, but they are such a good-natured and amicable bunch. I'm working as the assistant for the National EI (ecological integrity) Monitoring program.... basically assisting with whatever projects my boss (and, by extension, his "first-in-command" guy) needs help with. Right now I'm helping prep and coordinate the switch-over to a new database, and also organizing a big meeting in the states..... all new and all super exciting! Gotta admit.... was a little intimidated at first, but God has been so faithful in bringing good ppl alongside me to teach me the ropes and to encourage me. ^^ In fact, the whole process of when and how I found, applied for, then got the job -- and even what skills have been required on the job -- was undeniably a God-thing. I love it when I can see His hand just guiding each step I take! It's been amazing to see how He works and times everything to perfection...... isn't He just the best?? (*haha* I know.... understatement of the year, right??) Eventhough other ppl keep telling me, I'm still not convinced that I'm gonna be a federal lifer. *lol* This is a term position and I do want to return to school in the sorta-near future..... but we shall see!! OH. Other classic advice offered by a fellow federal employee from church, "In the gov't, you've gotta work SLOW. If you think a task will take you a week to complete, take a month to do it." *hahahaha.....* Whaaaaatevs...... I'm not convinced of that either! Perhaps I'm young and innocent. ;) And another thing..... *sigh* I wish my French was better!!! It was pretty pathetic the other day, using the French-English dictionary and trying to decipher an e-mail that must've been three sentences long. :S

The other major thing filling my days this fall term (haha... still thinking in university terms!) has just been church..... have so many different ministries this term! Jean and I started teaching the SK/gr.1 kindergarten Sunday school class in September....... it gets tiresome to have to do prep for it every week sometimes, but it DEFINITELY helps to have someone wonderful like Jean to work with (*yaaaaaay Jean!!* Go team work!!), and those munchkins have completely endeared themselves to me (am I using "endear" correctly? you proficient writers out there -- ahem! Lyds/Carmie -- can correct me. :P). No matter how tired I am, once I'm in that class telling them a story or seeing their enthusiasm during a game or watching them create their crafts, I know it's all worth it. I really just pray that God is/will use Jean and me to drive some truths into the hearts of these little ones! I've also been leading worship and helping out on the worship team alot more this term..... those that lead do it almost once every month..... and then the other weeks we are usually helping each other out. We have a running joke about who's done it the most weeks in a row. *laughs* Must admit.... It's great fun to play with this team of friends!! I enjoy it alot. ^^ Last but certainly NOT least, h2o's been HUGE for me this term. In many ways, I am glad that I didn't get a job until December, because honestly there have been so many logistical and other background details for big events such as the Iron Chef and Winter Gala to take care of. Seeing as other people have been busy, I'm glad that I was able to have some time to take care of things a bit. The flipside of the coin is that sometimes I've felt like I'm doing it all alone...... but it's really a matter of perspective. Everyone has seasons in their lives; mine's for most of this semester has been to help with h2o. I've been blessed to have the "time-off" to focus on ministry (not just h2o, but all those other things I mentioned). Praise God for that too! :)

And speaking of the Winter Gala!!!! After much humming-and-hawing and haggling over dates and responsibilties and all the rest of it, we held h2o's 2nd annual winter gala on boxing day last Tuesday. What a night!! Always tempted to say, "we pulled it off" but somehow it doesn't seem like the right thing to say because it was definitely by Father's wonderfulness that it all happened. We had a FANTASTIC team this year taking care of decorations and another for food..... the church basement was completely transformed into an elegant dining room! And the food was preeetty good too, if I do say so myself. *grin* (food crew: Hats off to you all!!! It was such a pleasure to have you along for the chaotic ride.) Andrew and Jon stepped in pretty much at the last-minute to be MC's, and I thought that they were wonderful at it!! I'm SO glad that they agreed to do it. :) And oh, we had SUCH a huge turn-out.... more than we expected! And definitely more than last year. People that had just gotten back to town and such kept phoning us and telling us that they could come, and asking if they could bring friends..... with the food and the fun games and the wonderful atmosphere, I think everyone had a really good time. I definitely did! Took TONS of pictures of course.... they're on my Picasa gallery (click on collage) for your viewing pleasure. :)


Yeah..... new photo gallery! Picasa web albums just works so much better with the programs I already have..... if you already use gmail and/or hello, I encourage you to look into it! Feel free to peruse my gallery and add comments (I'm not sure if you can add comments if you're not a member..... find out and tell me. :P).

AAAAlright..... that's quite enough from me, wouldn't you say? *hee* Until next time........

unpremediated, arbitrary, slapdash, unplanned, and random all mean the same thing.......


yep.... no organized thoughts this time. just a hodge-podge of stuff.

today: i ascended to the realms of tornado-kick land in weapons class. HEE.

a random mini-survey (feel free to do it too! heh):
Most recent movie?
um..... saw the end of a late-night movie the other night about killer bats. have no idea what it's called though. ugh. nasty little beasts.......

CD or music download you just bought? (yes, that means purchased!)
"love, peace and happiness" by out of eden from itunes.... last cd i bought was skillet's comatose. goooooood record. :P

Favorite animal?
BIRDS. i'm not sure which sort. they are all so incredibly beautiful and intriguing. oh, and butterflies. butterflies are wonderful too!

American Idol or Dancing with the Stars?
hmmm. neither really..... but i really enjoy watching Idol auditions. hee. :D

Book you've read recently?
Well of Lies (a book about the e. coli contamination in Walkterton ON a few years ago) and The NIV Application Commentary for Romans.

Favorite "spare time" activity?
um....... definitely NOT applying for jobs or working on my thesis.

Batman or Superman?
Batman is cool with his fun gadgets.... I'll go with bachelor #1!! oh and he's rich! haha.... ;P


an attempt at coherency:
couple of interesting verses i came across tonite and have been chewing on... john 12:24 and 25. i love what Jesus says here.....

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."(niv)

"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal." (msg)

it's interesting to compare the verses in different versions of the Bible..... minor differences in wording leave a significantly different impression. it impacts me alot more that in the msg they start off with "listen carefully"...... it's like Jesus was right here telling me to listen, and listen well! i love that in the niv there's the emphasis on falling and dying, implying that we must come to a place of brokeness, where it truely hits us that we can't be all that we're meant to be if we cling to control with a white-knuckled grip.... and i especially love how the msg puts verse 25, that we must let go and be reckless in our love. it's such a striking way of describing the way we should live..... not reckless in a thrill-seeker sort of way, but to be within that love from God, and having that, to feel and live completely condfident and free, not afraid to take risks and to be stretched and used. heh. the powerful imagery in these verses absolutely strikes me...... one single grain, and a vast, magnificent meadow of gold that can feed thousands. can u see it? there is no comparison of that one grain of wheat with the beauty and majesty and usefulness of that meadow. but in that one grain lies infinite potential if it is planted and cared for by the Creator. it moves my heart and makes me want to pursue Jesus with a reckless abandon! ^-^ how has God's Word been stirring u up lately??

Wednesday (day in the life of a novice caffeine-addict)


*adapted from my on-the-go-journal*


(10:02)
Another Wednesday and I am caught journal-less once again..... I really should know better than to leave home without it by now. *smiles* Ah well. This notebook serves the purpose well; I love its wide-open pages.

Oh -- it's a glorious day today! Do you think that because I've been semi-complaining that it rains every Wednesday that Gd wanted to prove me wrong? If so..... happy foolishness! :P Whatever the reason, here I am sitting at a sun-drenched table, journalling, listening to the tight vocal stylings of Shane & Shane, and watching a brisk wind herd the clouds away to let a blue sky and golden sun through. (wow.... that was a long sentence....) What an absolutely luscious way to start one's day. ^_______^ I wonder where I can go today to make the most of this sun?

I haven't had a quiet moment to watch the sky in a long long time.....

Everyday I will praise.....

.... for You open Your hand and satisfy desires of all things.....

My God the King.......

(16:00)
So so so..... made it to my weekly coffeeshop date, without company this time. The sky's gotten grey, but it's not raining, so it's all good. :) I'm sitting in Starbucks in the Rideau Chapters. Drink was on the house since I had a coupon, and the barista convinced me to get the most out of it and go for a venti...... So here I am, sipping on a venti maple latte and journalling, while savouring the sultry voice of Diana Krall. Another perfect afternoon, don't you think? *hee* I love it when everything matches...... intimate acoustic music is perfect for quiet moments in the sun, and jazz is perfect for overcast skies and coffee.

HA. txp will never believe that I downed a venti latte. :P

Yeeeeah.... I see the precarious slope on which I stand...... no need to warn me. As long as I don't get addicted, I say! The latte's so good though, I must admit. And the whipped cream with maple syrup on top is heavenly. The first taste of that brought an unstoppable smile to my face. ^__^ I am so NOT addicted........

Well.... while I'm here, I guess I better get some work done! Laterz!

ps: we started double broadsword in class today, and will start straight sword soon. YEEEEAH! Soooooo excited. ^______^


(16:35)
I can't believe I finished that. A venti maple latte, aaaall in my tummy. Yum yum! ^^


(16:41)

HA. Maple latte numero deux!!! (The barista just came by with samples.... who could resist? :D) Am I wired yet??? What's it supposed to feel like?

Thinking......


Isn't it funny how we grow up wanting something, or wanting to be a certain way, and when God actually sees fit to grant that request later in life, one realizes that it's not really that desirable afterall? This just occurred to me this week as I was thinking about being lonely. I was thinking of Belize.... the places and the people that I miss...... how I miss being with the others! And how I miss having them near to share that time with..... also comparing my experience to that of the Evergreen team. That train of thought somehow led me to reflect back to when I was growing up. I've always kind of been a lone ranger.... I didn't really have any close friends that stuck as a child, and as I got older and made deeper ties, something always happened to remove my friends or me from the others' everyday life. Going to school, I studied something no one else in my circle of friends did -- for that matter, my field of study wasn't exactly something that Chinese people commonly studied. Subjects that fired me up didn't strike the same chords with my friends, so in that respect, I'm alone too. And of course, I can't leave out the fact that I am also alone in the romantic sense. Don't get me wrong; I am not bemoaning the state of my life or anything, nor am I pitying myself because I feel I am in some way lacking. God has surrounded me with absolutely wonderful people that care for me and support me..... I am so incredibly loved! And of course, despite other people passing through, my family has been a constant.... I am definitely not overlooking that blessing! I am, however, reflecting on this seeming trend in my life.

How did it come to be? What's God's purpose for always taking me away from people that I'm comfortable with, for plunging me into life situations that are never experienced with anyone?

Something small and seemingly insignificant came to mind: growing up, I'd been regaled with stories of trail-blazers, and I've always admired them -- people who lived life out of the box; who did different, and far more wonderful and interesting, things from all their peers; people who lived on the edge of the world and in the centre of God's grace. To be honest, I think I grew up wanting that in my life. I wanted more than the status quo. I didn't know how to get on that path of course, but I think I'd always felt that it would be such a thrilling way to live. It never occurred to me how lonely the road-less-travelled actually is. (The innocence of youth, I guess.... everything seemed so romantic then. :P) All through my life I never realized (until today) that I've been on this road all along; wondering how I'd get here never should've been an issue. I can't help but be somewhat amused as I recall all the times that I've cried out to God in anguish because I once again had to bid a friend farewell, or because I felt lonely, when all the while He was just giving me what I had so foolishly asked for.

After more thought, I'm thinking that perhaps..... just maybe.... it was not so much a foolish desire as it was a God-given one? I honestly think that He has wired me to want this, because this is the way that I can best be taught life's lessons. Anyone that knows me well can attest to the fact that I am an incredibly indecisive person who is also not too self-confident.... it is the easy way out for me to work with others and depend on them for anything that I can get away with. Therefore, if any amount of growing is to ever happen in my life, I NEED to do it on my own. I have to be pushed to a place where I have no one but God to turn to.... if He didn't teach me like this, I'd always be standing at the edge of the cliff, wondering if I could fly.

It's really very interesting when revelation smacks you up-side the head and you are able to look at something in your life with a whole new perspective. Yes, it sucks sometimes to not be able to reminisce with a friend and say, "Remember when we discovered this together?", to always have to struggle to recall a story like it was instead of re-visiting experiences and impressions that are shared and incomplete without an unvoiced understanding.......... Yes, it's hard feeling different from other people when all you want to do sometimes is to fit in......... Yes, trail-blazing can be lonely. But you know what? I'm learning to be okay with that. My God crafted me....... the Lord of the universe crafted me. He knows what He's doing, wouldn't you agree? He knows how I learn best; I have to trust Him. I will never be alone, because He won't forsake me.

And hey. It is, afterall, all I ever asked for. :)

Delicious Endeavors.........


Yaaaaay cooking. Yaaaaaaay food.

One thing I love about not being in school..... I have much more time to create in the kitchen! It's such a rewarding process too..... :P From caffeinated beverages to two-layer carrot and cheese confections, I've enjoyed stretching my cullinary muscles. Here's the evidence:


What a way to start the day.... Eggs scrambled with white and green onion, tomato, cheese; with seasoned turkey bacon. Accompanied by iced coffee spiced with ginger and cinnamon......


Double-decker carrot cake with TONS of pecans and cream-cheese icing.... made for h2o-kickoff potluck at Bonnie's house.


I have cracked the secret of the white sauce!!!!!!!! Spaghetti with white sauce (green and white onions, yellow/wax beans, ground-up Swedish meatballs), topped with pecans and parsley.


The last discovery opened up MANY new possibilties..... I present to you my first attempt at a cream soup (carrots, corn, green and white onion, tuna)!!

oh, how easily sanity and tranquility unravel...........

i'm falling down upon my knees to find the One who gives me peace........

Fearless
(Building 429)

No I don’t understand
And I can’t comprehend
This power that draws me to you
But I know for the cross
I’ll consider it all lost
In an effort to tell of the truth

That the world may know
That the world may know
You have been heaven sent to us

I’ll be fearless for You
I’ll be fearless for You
Take me I’m Yours
I’ll be fearless for You

All the times that I’ve failed
When my doubt has prevailed
These are the moments I’m giving to you
Cause I can’t be ashamed
No I can’t fear the pain
When it comes time to be living proof

So the world may see
That the captives are free
‘Cause you have been heaven sent to us

Unwilling to bend
Unwilling to break
And Headstrong I’ll stand
No matter what it takes

Such a good song. *heh* No, I'm not running off to the overseas mission field any time soon, but the chorus has been resounding in my mind lately, as a new school year starts. It's a little odd, realizing that I won't be heading back to school this fall, for the first time in 19 years! Man. Imagine it! You've been a student for practically your whole life, and all of a sudden, you're not anymore. HOW weird is that! What does one do with oneself, when such a pattern of normalcy is no more? I feel like the whole horizon is spread out in front of me; every possibility is possible. I'm a bird, wings poised to fly.... the world can be mine. It's a little unsettling not to know what's up next, but at the same time, the unknown is incredibly exciting. It's living in God's provision, depending on His wisdom.... I can't wait to see what's coming up.

In the interim, I'm keeping busy. The new worship schedule has been set and I'll be leading alot more than I'm used to; I'm teaching Sunday school; and I've been chosen to co-chair h2o. AND I can't forget about the library........ I am SO in over my head with that project. All new responsibilities for me; the unexpected oppurtunities took me by surprise. It's amazing..... I keep thinking back to that day years ago when I asked God to show me how else I can use my gifts to serve Him besides in the worship ministry. How He has expanded my territory since that prayer! Just goes to show: Be extremely careful when you ask God for something. *grin* I guess this is where being "fearless" for Him comes in.... I'm gonna have to be brave and very dependent on Him in order to take all this newness on!

I'm excited for the next chapter.

Flower Series 2006

yaaaaay! another year, another bounty of beautiful blooms in Mum's garden! had such fun poking around in the greenery to capture the gorgeous shapes and colours the best i can.... and the fun part is that i can now share with you! welcome to our garden, everyone!


good morning, gorgeous.....


... tickled pink....


... bright-eyed susans....


... found this one hiding in the corner....


... puurple! it was so breezy that catching this shot was difficult......


... i looove lantern flowers. don't they look like they're glowing?


... oh i do love purple flowers.....


... can someone tell me what this is? it looks like an orchid but i'm sure it's not....


... daisies?


.... reaching for the sky.....

Come Away With Me......

The entry below marks the first in a series of pictures and excerpts..... pieces of my amazing journey to another world that I want to share with you. Come follow me..........

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

::wEDNESDAY, mAY 31, 2006::
Two more days. Oh God..... two more days! I don't know if I should be jumping for joy and sleepless with excitement, or bawling like a baby at the prospect of it......... I'd never thought I'd see such a day come to pass. And yet, in my heart, in the stillness, I know that this is right and that everything will be ok. Is this what it's like to follow God?

::fRIDAY, jUNE 2, 2006::
I haven't slept since Wednesday night.... miraculously I'm not one bit tired. Must be the adrenaline. Mum & Dad drove me to the airport. Tim, Carmie, Bonnie, Vanny, Andrew, & Fred came to see me off! It was so lovely to have them there..... Denise even called to say "bye"! Karen was really gung-ho on coming, but she overslept. Silly girl.............. I'm so touched that all these people went the extra mile to get to the airport at 04:30 to see me off. I have such AMAZING friends!!! ^-^



Man, it's still really unreal that I'm here.......... I'M NOT GOING HOME TONIGHT. It's unthinkable that I won't be seeing home for 6 weeks. I've been metaphorically pinching myself. The whole situation is very much like crossing an extremely high and flimsy bridge.... you're able to focus and move ahead, but only so long as you don't think too much about where you are. As soon as you realize how incredibly far off the ground you are, you freeze up. Likewise, when I start to dwell on where I'm going and how far from home (FFH!) I am, a resounding, "What on earth am I doing here?!?" starts up.... but fortunately, even before the panic begins, a still small voice tells me, "You're here because God wants you here. Don't forget how far He's already brought you, and don't forget that He will bring you the rest of the way." What sweet assurrance!

New

sooooo...... i decided that i've had enough of blogger's standard templates....... couple of days ago i went digging for smthg new to try. picked this one for it's understated elegance..... hope you all like it!

these days haven't been horribly busy..... i dunno why it's taking me forever to get ANYTHING done. *sigh* i'm gonna post pictures from Belize here soon.... there are SO many though..... gotta sift through them and pick out the best ones. :p but they WILL be up! SOON!! i promise promise promise!!

this is what i wake up to.......