My Greetings!

Ho, ho ho!!!! merry everyone!!!

Hope you're all enjoying your Christmas season! please take time to remember the first reason we celebrate!

i spent christmas in weyburn (by the way, matt erickson is a jerk!) at my sister's house, and we had a lovely time. we then left at noon to come back to virden, and now i'm on my way to spend some christmas time with brett.

so there's an update! i'm not dead!

My Exorbitant Christmas Wish List

The Christmas season is upon us!!! For your enjoyment, here is a list of all those things I would like for Christmas!!!!

Wishlist #1
Numero Deuce
Trois
What's four in a different language?
Is this even possible?
My tuition?

Ok really, those things I am very unlikely to get for Christmas. But you can help me get what I really want!

1. If you go to a church of any kind, you need to pass the word on about Jesus. Evangelize to at least one person this holiday season. Don't be a chicken. If I were God and found out you didn't tell someone else about me, I'd whup your ass! So get to work, spread the good news!!!!

2. If you are not a Christian, think about why you're not. I'm sure it's because of either 1) what your knowledge tells you about Christianity and why it's not true, 2) because you've had some bad experience with religion, or 3) you were raised to believe a different moral system.

Now here's the kicker. God is perfect. The big, perfect pie in the sky. The almighty (yes, he really does exist). The guy who was there to create the universe, the guy who everyone calls out to when they're upset or angry (or happy, omg!!!) is calling out to you. He wants to talk to you. How you say? God doesn't always speak audibly. But you can speak to him. He's very real. This is the real deal. It's not about money, or stuff, or girls or rock and roll. It's about God. And he's a humble enough guy to want to get to know you... some guy or girl.... so don't be stubborn. just think about it. try talkin to the guy. i'm sure he likes you enough, and will talk back. if you don't hear from him... try reading one of the many books he's written. they're conveniently placed in a book called 'the Bible.' if that doesn't float your boat, ask someone you know who believes in God to tell you the story of Jesus. Consider it. Now! you have 15 seconds...

just kidding
but if you did that, you would really give me an excellent christmas present!

My Movies, Procrastination, Hair Dye and Old Love Notes

Where to start....

Last night I think I saw what could possibly be the last funny movie ever to be seen before Jesus returns. That's right, I'm talking 'bout Just Friends.

Loosely based on a friend of mine's experiences, Ryan Reynolds is faced with the horrors of being trapped on the FriendSHIP (read Sheldon's Blog if you'd like to hear more about these fascinating boats) with the girl of his dreams.

Just let me clear up some misconceptions you may already have about this movie:
1. It is not a chick flick. My friends Matt, Josh and Sheldon were on the FLOOR for the movie.

That is all.

Guys, you will want to see this movie. Take your girlfriends to it. Make an evening out of it. (winks at Brett about the 16th of December... [Adam from Joan of Arcadia is in it!!!!!])

I don't think I'll give anything else about the movie away, except for two things (man I like doing lists tonight!):
1. That really slow guy from Coroner Gas is in the movie!
2. Parts of the movie were filmed in Regina and Moose Jaw (Sorry, Jeremy. But really, if you were to film a Christmas movie, what better place than the frozen tundra that is Saskatchewan?)


Moving right along, let me tell you about my procrastination.

You see, I am at a delicate and crucial time in my Bible College Career (Go Terrin for VALEDICTORIAN, 2008!!! WOOOO!). Yes. That's right.

Final Exams.

They suck. You have to study and read stuff, and remember it, all for a time where you're shoved into a very uncomfortable plastic chair and little wooden thing to write on for three whole hours. You basically sit there and regurgitate what you've learned. Strangely enough, we don't have to memorize all that much scripture. Go figure. Anyway, it's a very stressful time, and I have to write six of these three hour monstrocities.

Have I studied all that much? Heck no!!! Let me tell you what I did during Tuesday, December 7, 2005, the only study day provided by the college so that we can prepare ourselves:

11:30 am- wake up to the sun shining in my eyes in the friendliest of manners. I had a beautiful sleep. I think Scott Wilson describes these type of wake ups as "The Sun giving you a warm hug". Man that guy is so emo! (GO EMO QUADS!)

12:20 pm- saunter over to my computer and stare blankly at the screen while I realize that I'm currently missing lunch. Decide not to do anything about it.

1:00 pm- proceed down the hall and a flight of stairs to the shower room.

1:30 pm- make a to- do list for the day. It reads:
1. Mail eBay item (a guy bought a belt off of me).
2. Register for classes (next semester's... and I didn't get it done)
3. Clean Room (I didn't really do that either. I did however make my bed and put my dirty laundry in the basket)
4. Tech for Min Final prep (that's the exam I write tomorrow)
5. Talk to Leslee re: tanning (my boyfriend has a very fancy graduation in February, which will include me in a dress. I've decided that I'd like to sort of be the opposite of pale)
6. Go for coffee with Nicole!!!! (I actually put those exclamation points in there. Man I am a loser!)

1:35 pm- Nicole and I head to Starbucks for coffee until 3. We do some talking, and I read two of the thousand things I needed to read for that damn final!

3-4:30 pm- buy gas, go to shopper's drug mart to mail things and buy hair dye!!!

4:30-5:25 pm- dye hair (it's not a permanent color, so you folks at home won't see it), shower.

5:25-6:00 pm- eat supper, break news to joe that i won't be at college connection, make study plans with matt.

6:00-6:30 pm- read my friend Jeremy's blog, and then laugh histerically at him singing along to bon jovi's "i'll be there for you"

6:30-8:30 pm- study in the library with matt for tech for min exam.

8:30- 9:15- play piano and figure out how to play 'o come o come emmanuel' on the keys (go Robbie Seay!)

9:15-11:curfew- go to sobeys and pick up some lays' chips, and watch the first home alone with friends (we coudn't finish it because jord takes such bad care of his cd's!!!! fricken jord)

11:00-11:40- watch ctv national and part of the local news (THERE IS AN ELECTION COMING UP!!! YOU NEED TO VOTE!!!)

11:40- now- write this stupid blog instead of go to bed (I need to get up at around 8 to shower, go over my notes and be ready to write by 9:30)

ha!

anyway, I was going to blog on another topic.

I went over some old emails that Brett and I sent each other both a little before and just after we started dating. They were ever so good. But I think I'll hold you in suspense, since I'm tired of typing, and for some reason, my room is fricken cold!!! what's up with that?!?!

until I become valedictorian....

Terrin

My Christmas Party!

Ok,

So Saturday night was our Christmas party extravaganza!!!! In the fashion of copying people, here are my top 10 highlights:

10- Megan and Eva's "Bah hum bug" tshirts (there you go, Megan!)
9- How hot Nic looked (seriously, I wanted to pounce her!)
8- Mr. Glubish and his wife wore glow bracelets (that Nic and I gave them)
7- Non-degree First year's Christmas skit (GO JOSH!)
6- How cute Melissa and Daniel are together!
5- YARGH!!!!! ME WATER BE BREAKING!!!!
4- Matt as the hilarious MC
3- Scandal! (Klinger, Josh and Matt)
2- Jana's Mr. Puls-like sweater
1- A rap concert for possibly the whitest audience available!

So there you have it! Oh, Wendy, you did an amAzing job singing at the beginning. You're my hero.

Here's some lovely pics of the evening!!!

My Excitement!!!

The semester is almost finished!!! Huzzah!!!!

let's see....
2 days of classes
6 final exams
1 remaining fall special ensemble trip
1 school christmas party
1 christmas production at elim to go to
1 party for eva

13 days till christmas holidays for me!!!!! HUZZAH!

My Childhood

At a long and wonderful "let's skip class to go to Starbucks and drink a Venti-London Fog" coffee with Nicole, we got into a lot of serious talking. She's such a good friend. You all need a friend like Nicole (but you can't have her, she's MINE! lol). Anyway, the talk was very serious, and we got into childhood stuff.

This afternoon, I was thinking more and more about my childhood, and despite some of the awful stuff that happened, I had a lot of fun. Yeah I was teased a lot and it did a lot of damage, but I had a wonderful family. I just spent a lot of time being tortured by it. But it's in the past, and I think that God will show me how to heal, and is starting to prepare me for that. So that's very comforting. Anyways, after a moment of serious thought, I turned to thinking of the things I enjoyed about my childhood. And then I was reminded of a favorite cartoon: REN AND STIMPY! YES! So I've had the royal canadian kilted yaksmen song in my head ever since. Here's the lyrics:

Our country reeks of trees
Our yaks are really large
And they smell like rotting beefcarcasses
And we have to clean up after them
And our saddle soars are the best
We proudly wear woman's clothing
And searing sand blows up our skirts

And the buzzards, they soar overhead
And poisonous snakes will devour us whole
Our bones will bleach in the sun
And we will probably go to *thbppth*
And that is our great reward
For being the-uh Ro-yal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ahhh, memories. I could do the 'log' song. But not today. It's about the royal canadian kilted yaksmen today!

My ABC's (stolen from bowflex)

A- Age of your first kiss: i think i was maybe 12...
B- Band you are listening to right now: Our Lady Peace
C- Crush: Senor Brett Ramsey
D- Drink you drank last: OJ for brunch in the caf
E- Easiest person to talk to: brett, nic, fishey
F- Favorite ice cream: ny cherry cheesecake
G- Gummy worms or gummy bears: worms
H- Height: 5'7"ish
I- Instruments: trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, a bit of piano, voice
J- Jelly Flavor: raspberry
K- Kids: i'd love some! but first i have to finish school and get married and all that jazz
L- Longest car/bus ride: 14 hours in a bus to wyoming.
M- Major issue: finishing school, brett's ufe exam, money, or lack thereof, finding brett a christmas pressie
N- Nicknames: Ter, tewwin, terbear, blue
O- One wish: to not have to worry about anything and have peace!
P- Phobia: hand puppets, heights
Q- Quote: "the loudest parting words are silence"
R- Reasons to smile: going to lloyd today, only a few weeks till xmas break, the snow is melting!
S- Shoe size: 7 to 8
T- Time you woke up today: 10:45
U- Unknown fact about me: i was teased horribly in elementary school. whenever i try to open up to anyone about it, they just laugh at me. i try to laugh too, but i'm really crying on the inside. wow, that was emo.
V- vegtables: carrots, beans, celery
W- Worst Habit: procrastinating, nail biting
X- Xmas gift you really want: money, sweat pants, g/c to la senza, the postsecret book, a nice knit vneck sweater (preferrably black or brown), starbucks gift card
Y-Your favorite drink: toffee nut latte from starbucks
Z-Zodiac sign: DO NOT ENTER!

My Thoughts

-I'm stealing this from Jana, but man, my room only gets clean when I'm proctrastinating! It's true. I'll exhaust every possible activity before doing homework. Once that's out of the way, the room gets cleaned. HA! Anyway, I have one more paper to write, and my week from Bible College assignment hell will be done! If I don't finish however, I can still take a 2 week extension :)

-You know it's winter when
..... you put the liner inside your jacket becuase it's too cold without it
..... you have to start plugging your car in overnight
..... you don't want to go to Tim's because it's too cold outside
..... you don't want to go to Starbucks because your car might not start

-I drove in the worst snowstorm ever. The roads were awful, and it was like driving in a pingpong ball going 50 for hours on end. The trip took SEVEN hours! At least I'm in one piece!

-I'm going to Lloydminster with the special group this weekend. I should call up grandma and see if she'd like to see us play. perhaps i shall stay there and we could do lunch or something.

-Regina trip! DECEMBER 4th!
AM: SOUTHSIDE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, 41 Birchwood road. I have no idea when the service starts.

PM: AVONHURST PENTECOSTAL, 3200 Avonhurst drive. Service is at 6pm.

hope to see you there ;)

-I got ty's pressie picked out. now i just need to complete my shopping. only a couple more gifts to go. I need to get nicole's gift soon. I think she's achin to do the swap.

alright... later taters.

My Mental Anguish

I HATE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!

It's impossible to find things for people.

No one gives you hints! And I'm not creative enough to find something on my own!

Yes, I've had ideas, and please, censor your comments in case I actually go with one of them.

But do you ever get frustrated with what to buy for people?!?!?!?!?

ARGGGGGGGGGH!

My Heart Breaks.

This past week has been a really powerful one.

God's been pulling strings in my heart, and using every aspect of my life to kindle some sort of passion, or "Holy Discontent" as pastor Mike would put it.

It probably started last week when Pastor Brian Rutton and his wife, who are missionaries to Ethiopia and surrounding area came to preach in chapel. What a powerful one it was. They're experiencing miracles there. Like, Acts-types of miracles there. People are getting healed, whole villages are being restored. Why? Because people there are so passionate about God that they go to a town where they are surely to be killed to preach the gospel. They have no one to depend on but God alone. They fast and pray, and read the Word for a minimum of a month, until they hear the voice of God tell them what to do. And villages are being saved. Miracles are happening. Enemy tribes are being restored. This is powerful.

Did you know that in Ethiopia, in order for a church to be considered a church, they have to have over 200 committed members? Like, not just people with their membership card, and tithe their 10%, these are people who are willing to go to another town themselves and plant more and more churches. By that standard, there are almost zero churches in Saskatoon, there are almost zero churches in Brandon, there are almost zero churches in Virden.

Where's your committment at? It seems that committment is a four lettered word in the church these days. Most people I talk to agree that 80% of the work done in the church is done by 20% of the people.

For my Homiletics class, I have been asked to write a sermon manuscript and submit it for marking. Yikes. I'm a very new preacher, who is just learning the ropes. But I think that I've been quite inspired to read about our function as a body of Christ. It frustrates me to think that there are rival churches out there stealing each other's 'sheep'. Don't they know that all Christians belong to the same body, whether they be Pentecostal, Mennonite, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc?

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12:
⁴There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^{[b] 11}All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

¹²The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. ¹³For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

¹⁴Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

²¹The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" ²²On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ²

WE ALL HAVE A FUNCTION IN THE CHURCH, AND ARE REQUIRED AS CHRISTIANS TO TAKE ON OUR ROLE, WHETHER BIG OR SMALL, IN THE SPOTLIGHT OR BEHIND THE SCENES, FOR ONE PURPOSE: GLORIFYING GOD!

I've heard sermons like these preached a zillion times. But my heart is finally starting to be broken.

Tuesday was our school's day of prayer. I chose to spend my day asking God for a passion: for the word, for prayer, for the lost, for the church. Holy crap, be careful what you ask for. Ever since that day, my heart has been breaking constantly for things that I'm hearing.

Today some cool people from Vanguard Ministries talked about a street ministry that they have begun. They tell me that nothing gets accomplished without prayer. They tell me that once you begin to walk in step with God, you'll learn about the things that break His heart, and yours will begin to break as well. Wow. I can't even put into words how moved I was by her message. I'm probably even missing some stuff that she said. But WOW.

I believe it was in September when Nic and I were watching a John Bevere DVD and he said that you are never unaffected by things. Either your heart gets harder, or it gets softer.

What does your heart look like today?

Are you functioning as a Christian for the purpose of glorifying God?

Do you have a passion, or Holy discontent that God has revealed to you?

Is your heart breaking for the lost around you?

Consider these thoughts.

My "Friend" and Halloween

Well, I've been telling myself that I need to sit down and write an actual blog for some time now. And now that Sheldon thinks he's the blogmaster or something, it's time to start up some friendly competition. So I'm going to tell you a story of a very sheltered girl.

You see, this girl's parents didn't believe Halloween was a very good holiday. She was not allowed to go trick-or-treating, she was not allowed to colour pictures of ghosts and goblins at school, she was not allowed to carry around a UNICEF box, and most of all, she was not allowed to spend Halloween at her school.

At first, the girl really didn't mind it. Afterall, a day off school seemed like fun. But then she discovered what she was missing! She didn't dress up for Halloween until she was 18 years old! How sad is that? She did get to go trick-or-treating once. And she lived in a small enough town to only just hear about Hallelujah nights. What the heck. This girl feels gipped.

This girl is me. :(

I wish I got to experience Halloween as a kid. No matter how evil people say it is. I don't think it really is. It's become a commercial holiday. I know, I know, some people are like "But all this evil crap happens". I'm not doing any of it. I just want candy, and lots of it! I want to dress up like Britney Spears, or slutty Frankenstein or something. But that won't be happening this year. I have homework to do. The Holy Spirit and I need to write my Homoletics Manuscript. All well. My kids will be able to, that's for shizzle! It's a right of passage, a part of childhood. You're an outcast! Belive me! Anyway, enough of my miniranting. I'm done for.

My Exam Update

Well, I haven't received all of my midterm marks, but here's a quick update for those of you keeping score:

English Lit= 84%
Tech For Min= 86%
Homiletics= 87%
Understanding Human Behavior= 90%

Sorry, no marks yet for Wisdom Lit or Ministry to Worship Arts Community.
I sure hope my parents are posting these on the fridge, because I don't think I've ever done this well.

Oh, and Jana is still angry with me. Sorry Jana. You sure showed me on that Braga book though!!!! You beat me!

My New Alarm Clock!

Isn't she pretty? Yeah, it looks a little like a space ship. But I have better news! I won't be sleeping like I'm at the circus anymore!!!!!! HUZZAH! Allow me to show you what that little circle thing does on the side there. It's a projector! YES! No more having to look up at the clock to see the time, because it will be projected on the wall. Now, it's quite bright in here right now, so I took the liberty of taking a photo of the projection inside a cardboard box, just so you can get an idea of the awesomeness that I will experience from this day on:
So there you have it. My new alarm clock may not be blue or cool looking. But it won't light up my room like some circus anymore, and I will have cured my insomnia. I hope. I haven't had a good sleep since Saturday. Maybe I should go take a nap.

Oh, ps, I don't have a picture or anything, but I got 86% on my Tech for Min midterm, for those of you keeping track. And yes, I did better than Jana again. She still has 4 exams to kick my ass on though.

My Poor Sensitive Eyes!

The battle of brightness has begun.

First, since my first slumber here at school this year, I have realized that my bed is in the wrong spot. I wake up every morning to the bliding affects of the sun, and although I greatly appreciate the tranquilness of my fortress of solitude, this is the one aspect I can't stand about my little home away from home.

So why don't you re-arrange your room, Terrin?

Funny you should ask that. I did re-arrange. And it was everything a girl could dream of, until a horribly unfortunate and fateful trip to Wal-Mart.

You see, we were perusing the electronics section, and came across some cool alarm clocks. Some were big, so people with bad eyesight could see it from acroos the room, there was another cool one that projected the time directly on the wall, and another one. The one I bought. It's blue, it's big, and it looks cool.

So I set up this saucy little feature, excited about not having to wake up with the sun blinding my eyes in the morning. I put on my pj's and rolled on into bed, and was very excited to fall asleep. But this didn't happen! Why? There was no bloody darkness for me to fall asleep in! It turns out that this alarm clock must have been designed for those afraid of the dark, because it emits this supersonic 'blue haze' with it's powerful lcd lights. It's like sleeping in a room with Ralph Wiggum.

This alarm clock has to go! It's so cool looking though!
Check it out: that blue stuff underneath is an optional blue light, and it looks ubercool.

But alas, I have lost two night's worth of sleep, and I don't believe that having a cool alarm clock is worth that much sleep. So it will go back to the store, or be regifted to someone. I'm getting that one that projects on the wall, and then I'm gonig to point it at the ceiling. It's red. And normal looking.

Later.


oh, and PS:



in case you can't read it, it's my english literature midterm. I got an 84. This was my scariest exam.

My Busy Week!

Well... business really is no excuse for not blogging, but I'm using it anyway. Plus, I'm also procrastinating at the same time. It's amazing what you'll get done while you're trying to avoid studying for exams!

This week at CPC we have our beloved midterms. I am especially blessed, as I have the wonderful opportunity to write six of them! How glorious!

This morning I wrote Understanding Human Behavior, and in about an hour or so I will be writing Wisdom Literature.

Tomorrow leads off with Technology for Ministry and Homiletics.

And Friday I have English Literature and Ministering to Worship Arts Community.

BLECH!

Anyway, there's a measly update for you. I added a couple of new links to my blog, as I got sick of having to find them in other people's links. Jeremy's blog is quite a gooder, as he does cool devotional things for his little YFC'ers. He actually has quite a few good thoughts, so if you like interesting reads, go for it.

Justin Vadizzle is also really cool, and he is quite the X-Treme biker... or whatever you want to call it.

Brett, I'll be procrastinating sometime tonight, and I'll likely sign in on MSN or something... I miss you!

What else? Not much. Sorry if you feel like I've fallen off the face of the earth or something... but life has been so supercrazygonuts that I sometimes feel there aren't enough hours in the day! Oh dear.

Anyway, I have to get back to my studies. Have a lovely day, everyone!

My Day in A Short Haiku Series

sun blinds beauty's eyes
alarm sounds for day's renew
it is time to rise

dark hall shelters sight
stumbling like way of the night
"good morning Nicole"

hot shower's indulge
dressed in old favorites, behold
put on foot garments

check my mail, now see
no lover has returned call
I sigh, sit in wait

haze, off to chapel!
where I sit, hear, respond, sleep.
I need some hot Tim's.

But alas, I stay.
technology still calls out
off to one more class

I've heard this before
sometime in the distant past
I know what this is!

But I will endure
a price paid for returned mark
work still must be done

off to lunch; eat, talk
secrets told and time to bond
tuna on brown bread

afternoon's free spent
to study and fellowship
work makes me look smart

now alone, free time
abounds to what seems no end
no new email, sad.

and now, hence to blog
waiting for response in verse
a haiku returned!

My Choice Coffee Conversion Confession

Can Canadian coffee casually concern consumers, commencing codependant courtship?

No.

Friends, I have a confession to make.

Tim's doesn't do it for me anymore. I've decided to drink the Lord's coffee, and enter into the sacred sainthood, that precious coffee that is from St. Arbuck himself.

I blame Joe. And Jordan. And Jana. And especially Nicole.

I promise you, coffee sweetened with honey is delicious. Oh dear. I've become a coffee snob.

Someone kill me!

My Thinking Thoughts

Hey guys!

School is super busy. I've definitely been thinking about blogging, but not doing it. Hopefully I can start doing more than thinking.

But in the spirit of the craziness that's going on here, I'd like to pose a few questions to you. Don't just read them, but think about them! Hopefully you'll get some spiritual thoughts in motion.

1. When was the last time you sat down, just you and the Word, and really read it and asked God to guide you? Do it. Now.

2. When was the last time you smiled and said hello to a stranger. Did you know that you communicate so much to a person just by smiling at them?

3. When was the last time you called an old friend just to see how they were doing?

4. When was the last time you told someone you love them?

Are these questions cheesy and cliche? Of course they are. But think about them. The fact that you are busy does not get you off the hook for everyday kindness and meditation in the Word. Get to it people!

My Redecorating!!

Well, sometimes you just have to update your look. Throw away those pointy leather boots, get rid of the plaid sweaters and doc martens. How do y'all like it? This neat thingy to the side is a Flickr slideshow, and it's completely free to do (you get 20mb of uploads per month... that sucks, but i got all those pics in there!). So yeah, let me know what you think about it, because I certainly took a long time putting it all together!

Edit: I got the comments working again, so you can tell me how beautiful i am now ;)

My "UnDragoning"

I'm taking a very interesting class this year for my worship major called Ministry to Worship Arts Community. One of the books I have to read for the class is, as Mr. Puls puts it, a wonkablaster (man that guy has awesome words).

The book is called by Leanne Payne. I must say, I've never really read any Lewis before (other than Screwtape Letters) and I must say, this guy is a theological and metaphorical GENIUS!

Anyway, the story I'd like to share with you all today is taken from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader:

Eustace is a greedy boy who, caring only for 'facts,' has never been to the country of Narnia. The reality of Narnia doesn't fit his idea of 'facts.' He has overheard his cousins, the Pevenses, talking about their secret country, and thereafter loves to tease and bully them about their belief. He never believes that they have really been there. But one day, along with is cousins, he is suddenly 'pulled' into Narnia though a painting of a ship under full sail. Being tossed into a Narnian sea and hauled up into a Narnian boat is about the worst thing that could happen to the selfish Eustace, for he lands right in the middle of people who have learned long ago that it isn't a joyful thing to be selfish. And their joy and unselfishness puts him out of sorts.

One day an even more dreadful thing happens to him: 'Sleeping on a dragon's hoard with greedy, dragonish thoughts in his heart, he had become a dragon himself.' A dragon is not only a selfish monster that hoards treasures, but it is also a very lonely creature. One cause of its loneliness is that it likes nothing better to eat than fresh dragon as well as other animals and human beings. Eustace begins to experience how lonely it is to be a monster. He begins to realize what kind of person he has been. And as the full realization of this settles upon him, the dragon who is Eustace lifts up his awful dragon head and begins to weep.

Through his tears he sees a huge and awesome Lion come toward him and beckon him to follow. So great is Eustace's loneliness by this time that he will do anything that Great Beast asks. The Lion leads him to a huge, round well, and there he directs Eustace to undress. Eustace has on no clothes but he then remembers that dragons are rather like snakes, and he thinks perhaps he can shed his awful dragon hide. He starts scratching away at his scaly self and soon manages to step right out of his dranon suit. But just as he steps into the water, he notices he has yet a smaller dragon skin on underneath. Once again he scratches away at this hide, and stepping out of it, starts again into the water. But there again he sees he is still a dragon. He thinks to himself, 'Oh dear, how ever many skins have I got to take off?' He then scratches away for the third time and is almost desperate to find he has yet another dragon skin on. It is then that the Lion says, 'You will have to let me undress you.' Eustace is dreadfully afraid of the Lion's claws, but he is desperate by then, so he lays down his ugly dragon-self and lets the Lion undress him. The very first tear that the Lion's claws make goes so deep that Eustace thinks it has gone right through his heart and hurts worse than anything he has ever felt.

An then Aslan catches hold of him with his great, clawed paws and throws him into the crystal-clear pool. And, smarting terribly at first, Eustace the dragon sinks deep into the delicious waters until, surfacing, he finds himself turned back into a boy.

In case you haven't figured it out... Aslan the Lion is God. We are Eustace. Here's a quick comment that Payne makes about this story:

Few, if any, write better than Lewis of our need to be 'undragoned.' Like Eustace, he saw with terrible clarity that our converstion from loving self to loving God and our neighbors is a radical one indeed. Because of Lewis's profound understanding of the old, fallen self, some thought that he had studied moral or ascetic theology for years. Refusing the compliment, he replied, "They forgot that there is an equally reliable, though less creditable, way of learning how temptation works. 'My heart'-- I need no other's-- 'showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly.'"

Wow. Ask God to 'undragon' you. No matter how much it hurts God, let us love You instead of ourselves.

My Covenant With My Bank Account

Ok,

So here's the deal.

I spend way too much money on clothes and shoes (Brett and family are all saying 'amen' to this).
Nicole and I, plus many other friends enjoy our fellowship time in the form of shopping. We're also really good at encouraging each other to buy new things. So, the temptation to spend is always lingering.

But I have a plan! No buying new shoes or clothes until Christmas time!!!! (of course, gifts for others will not count, as I do have little nieces and nephews to think about).

But there it is. I don't need new things, so I'm not going to buy them!

My Petition to All Mad Prayer Warrior Beasts

You need to pray for a really important person!

His name is Brett Ramsey, and he starts his crazy insane UFE exam thing, which upon his success in passing, will become a Chartered Accountant.

Pray that he'll remember his studies, and apply them properly.
Pray that he'll be relaxed and confident during the exam times, and that he won't panic or feel rushed, or totally blank on something.
Pray that he doesn't read this and become nervous.
Pray that he won't feel overwhelmed by the tons of stuff he has to know.
Pray that he'll have peace about it, and be able to be well rested the nights before, and focused.

But most of all, thank God for the wonderful person that Brett is, and thank God for how freakishly smart and committed he is to his studies.

Hurry and write the darn thing now, so you can come and visit me, Brett!!!! And phone. I miss talking to you on the phone!

My Update

Ok, so I've been a little quiet for the first week back with blogging. I don't apologize! ha ha!

Let's see, what's been going on this week?

Well, the first week back was actually a ton of fun. For those of you who are my friends and want to call me, my Saskatoon number is 373-6702.

Classes look like they'll be fairly good this year, here they are:

Ministry to Worship Arts Community- I think we'll just start calling this class 'issues' again, because the name is too hard to remember. It's going to be a good class though. Good books to read, small class, all my buddies are in it... my worship arts buddies, that is.

English Literature- I think it may be a tough class, but as long as I put some effort into it, I'll be ok.

Wisdom Literature- Haven't been to it yet, as it is a Tuesday night class, but it's Mr. Cressman teaching an OT class, so how wrong can that go?

Homiletics- Where I learn to be a fire & brimstone, pentecostal fire preacher. Just kidding, I'm going to be putting together some messages, and learning the art of preaching.

Understanding Human Behavior- This class I missed last year because Theology of Worship caused a conflict. I have smelly first year's with me! EWWW THEY STINK! Just kidding.

Technology for Ministry- Ok, so I took a class like this in high school, it was called 'advanced computer applications', but I have to take it, so 'oh well'.

This week I purchased a shiny digital camera, and have taken SEVERAL pictures with it. It takes excellent pictures, 3.2 Megapixels, takes up to 60 minutes of video, nice size, rechargeable batteries. Me rikey!

Ok, so I know I mentioned earlier that the first year's stink, but seriously, they don't even! They rock hardcore. They're so nice, and fun, and they've got me excited for the year.

I also picked up my studio key yesterday from Mr. Puls, so hopefully I'll be in there a little more than I was last year. Studio time, here I come!

What else.... oh, Nic and I have spent a ton of time together this week. We put up prayer and praise boards in the girl's dorms and stuff... we've gone shopping quite a bit. I decided to stretch out my earrings to a size 8 over the next little bit, so hopefully by thanksgiving, I'll have my 8's in (they're cool black spikey things, so I can look all punk and stuff... lol)

Oh, ATTENTION ALL DWELLING PLACE WORSHIP LEADERS!!!!!! I may have convinced my very good friend Daniel Piper to come home for thanksgiving with me.... he is a very talented guitar player.... :) no for sure's yet, but hopefully it's true. Nic may come with me too :). She's fun!

What else... oh, we've had some good chapels and stuff too! Friday night was praise and worship night, and we played for a solid hour... not softly... seriously, from all that drumming, it felt like my wrists had whiplash.

I finally finisehd reading Blue Like Jazz... it was a good book....

I guess that's about it....

Latah

My New Digital Camera is Fun!

My Coping Without Television

Ok, well, this year has brought some interesting twists into it that I think will stretch me for the good, as long as I don't let my pride get in the way.

For those of you who are currently unaware. Be forewarned. Yes, the rules are tough, but I agreed to abide by them. Don't send me tips on how to cheat, or to find loopholes and such. I will survive.

This year at CPC, I'm basically not allowed to watch tv shows or movies of any kind in my room. I can watch television in the evenings in the lounge, or watch approved movies after 7pm in the student life center. Groan, right?

Well, at first I thought it was going to be a bigger deal than it really is. I can see this year shaping up to be a crazy spiritual year, which is exactly what anyone here could use. Last year was a little on the dry side. Good... but a little dry, if you ask me.

Last night, we had practise. Joe was leading, and it was just an amazing time of worship, awesome. I must say, Joseph Kendrick, you have grown, and greatly inspired some awesome times of worship last night.

That's not even the end of it! There was a good block of time to chat with some old and some newer friends down at the couches. It's good to see how people are doing, and just joke around with them again.

After a while, Nic and I went to Sobey's to get some junk food, and then we fiddled with my new camera, ate some popcorn, and I started fooling around on my guitar. Someone hears us, and invites us to the student life center, where a bunch of people are sining. I plop down next to none other than the famous Scott Wilson, and plunk on the guitar with him for a bit. It turned into like an hour and a bit of some serious prayer and worship time.

So who knows, maybe I shouldn't judge this rule. Maybe I'll do some much needed growing. We'll see. Pray for me, as I tend to have a bad attitude towards authority, and I also tend to rebel when I think things have reached the ridiculous level. Pray that I'll remain obedient, and to not let my pride get in the way of growing in any way that I can this year, k?

My Very Own Room!

Hey people!

Well, to my dismay, I'm back at CPC. Don't worry, as soon as I got here, it was like good old times again. It feels like an ok place to crash for the next 8 months (though some of the new rules around here are kind of sketchy... I guess it's going to have to be that way though, I'm signing the dreaded covenant in a few hours). My internet is officially hooked up, and so is my phone (don't ask for my number, I have NO idea what it is!), and Nicole and I are right next door to eachother.... so I guess we won't have to waste precious seconds when we need to see each other.

I have a single room this year, and let me tell you, I'm likin it! One of the beds is a couch, I have two dressers and two desks. Much better than having to share. I never did like sharing! Ok, well, as you can see, this blog isn't very insightful, but as soon as the swing of things get in motion, then I promise I'll sit down and write a proper rant or something, ok? Alright, time for chapel in a few, so I should run!

Latah

Baking is Fun!

So now that I'm finished at the Sherwood, I have some time on my hands. I ended up sleeping in till noon today, and BOY did that feel good! Tess and I went for coffee and hung out for a little bit, and then I came home and laid on the couch for a bit :D.

And after supper, I got this craving!!!! APPLE CRISP!!!! I WANT IT NOW! So I went and bought some apples and sat down to peel. They're now baking in the oven, and in half an hour, I will be enjoying delicious homemade apple crisp! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

See you all at school next week. For those of you here, I have a week left, so come harass me sometime!

FOO FRICKEN FIGHTERS!!!

Ok, I finally did it.

Everyone has those lists of bands they would sell their left testicle to see.

I didn't have to sell much, but I finally got to see my number one favorite band last night!

That's right. The Foo's. They kicked so much ass. No words can explain how awesome it was.

(for here) My Heart is Satisfied Within Your Presence

Well, whether we choose to do something about it or not, God is at work in our lives.

This past week has been a really awesome week with me. Not that anything spectacular happened or I had some breakthrough or epiphany or something. I just sort of came to a realization that I'm trying to steer my own ship. It's wrong. God's the one steering.... and if He's steering, and I want to go in a different direction, I'm essentially treading water. Do I want to do that? No.

So upon that realization, my whinging and despair over returning to school came to a screeching halt, and I went and bought school supplies with Brett on Saturday. Then Sunday, I started packing away all my books, and making a mental list of all those things that need to be bought before I leave (or perhaps when I arrive, if Nic wants to spend some quality time shopping ;).

This Sunday is my turn to lead at church again. I'm so terrible at picking out songs. It just takes a lot more thought than you'd think. And prayer, and testing them out to see what goes with what. In my head, I've really been circling around the song Give Us Clean Hands lately, and I think it really makes a statement about the direction that I'm trying to steer myself into (and away from the pit of self-despair). So, in this attitude, I think I'll post my mission statement for the next little bit, until I get it right:

We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
O Spirit come make us humble

We turn our eyes
From evil things
O Lord we cast down our idols

Give us clean hands
Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another

And O God let us be a generation that seeks
That seeks Your face, O God of Jacob

So yeah, I guess I can change all the we's and our's to me's. I need to be humbled, I need to cast down the idols that I've built up, and I need to set aside my time so that I become a person that seeks God's face. Who's with me?

My French Keyboard

For those of you who don't know, my keyboard... well... it's in french. My brother bought it at like walmart or something. I've been so used to it over the years that I know where everything is.

But wait. The keyboard has met its match!!!!

Yes, I have gone wireless. I bought a wireless mouse and keyboard, and they're very, VERY beautiful, with nice black buttons and quick buttons and such! The mouse, she be wireless too! (no smashing the mouse on my desk, right Nic?)

Oh, but it gets better! I also bought a new speaker system, complete with gigantic subwoofer too!!!!

Praise the Lord for my wholsaling brother! Brodie, they're beautiful! No more french keyboard!

It's Not About Me (As If You Should Do Things My Way)

So after my formal invitation to you all yesterday to my pity party, Ireceived a healthy God-given dose of

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU, TERRIN!

The blow came to me yesterday when I found out that someone at work died. I was shocked. I know that it comes with the territory, but I would never have guessed that she would be someone to die this summer. I really, really liked her. We had many chats, and she came out on lots of outings, hung out with me and the dog, and I got to know her a little. She had two kids, and loved her family dearly. The only thing that saddens me is that as far as I know, she wasn't a Christian. (Before you judge me and ask why I never asked her about Christianity, the home does have rules outlining people pushing about whatever religion they're peddling. I could only witness if she initiated the conversation).

At work, I have this summer project at work where I make what they would call 'storyboards'. It's my pet project. I do an interview with a resident, take pictures, and piece together like a scrapbook page of stuff for them and put it up on their door. This woman's was the second one I ever did. She was a neat lady. She had some sauce, and definitely entertained me. I liked coming to bug her and asked her lots about her family and life. I'm going to miss her for the rest of the summer. So with that all said, rest in peace, Belle. I sure hope you got tomeet Jesus somewhere along the way.

The funeral is tommorrow (Thursday) so please pray for her family. Even though someone is old, it is still hard when they die.

My Confessions of a Twenty-Something Drama Queen

For starters, today, being August 1st, is my brother Tyler's 27th birthday. Happy birthday, Ty!

So let's skip all the niceties after that and get to the matter at hand.

I don't feel right.

Mystery numero uno:
I am not excited, in any way, by any stretch of the world's imagination to go back to school. Usually by August 1st in my school days, and even last summer, I was giddier than a Christmas ham (whatever that means) to get going back to school. Yes, I am the weirdest person... ever. Back to school shopping was fun, hell, applying for student loans last year was even fun.

But this year, I had this horrible, horrible uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach when I received my back to school packet, when I applied for student loans, when I got my assessment, and when I signed my life away and mailed it to the loans office. Is this normal?

I have always believed that I am doing exactly what I have been called to do. Like, since I was 15, I knew that Bible College was the answer. I was to do it, no questions asked, scathing remarks from those who didn't understand were ignored, and I stubbornly (and hopefully obediently) took affirmative action.

So am I still being obedient, even though my gut is telling me otherwise? Maybe other factors are causing me to feel this way...

-Could it be that I'm going to have to spend another eight lonely months away from home, all alone, complete with frustrations due to to the fact that even though I have proven it many times over, 'the man' still doesn't believe that I, Terrin Hay, am in fact, a mature adult, who has proven over my time after highschool that I am capable of making a variety of decisions over and over again for my well being, simply by using my discresion and personal conscience?
Could it be that I have just become very comfortable in my skin here in Manitoba?
Could it be that I have fallen in love with my summer job and don't really want to give it up?
Could it be that I have fallen in love with a wonderful guy and don't want to be away from him?
Could it be that I have realized (in very poor timing) that I am now going another eleven grand in the hole, and I have some serious questions that involve my involvement in future ministry, with all plausibility being in the air?

To sum some things up.... let's just say I have my doubts about this next year.

Mystery number two
I feel like shit lately. All I want to do is sleep. It's not a depression type sleep... I've had those. It's more like... 'oh my gosh, if I don't get 12 hours of sleep tonight, I will most definitely be a complete zombie tomorrow, complete with pale face and groggy eyes still at 3 in the afternoon.

Mystery number three
I don't know. I just don't feel right. Someone please just tell me it's horomonal... or to suck it up or something. Please!

My Sister's Family

Well, I finally went down to visit my sister.

She's been bugging me to do it since, oh, I don't know...... Thanksgiving?

So yeah, I went down there, boyfriend in tow. For the weekend, he was known as 'uncle Brett'. He he... I like the sounds of that.

Anyway, we visited with Jenna while we were down there.... and MATT!!!! Oh how Matt is looking forward to school. I'm not all that much really. I'm enjoying my summer.

We chilled out Friday night, Saturday we went shopping and played in the yard with the girls. We also watched Million Dollar Baby too... VERY good movie!

Sunday we went to church, and then went to the pool with the Girls and Lynton.

Cohen is very cute these days! He's gained a lot of weight since I last saw him, so he gets lots of nicknames... I like HAMHOCKS myself... that's the bestest.

Jorgia is still really tiny. She's a smart little tookie too!

Taelin is getting so big!!!! And now she can handwrite and read and do all sorts of stuff! She's growing up into a lovely lady now! I can't believe That she's getting so big now, it makes me feel old.

So yeah, I had a wonderful time! Of couse, I would always say that I had a great time.... It's true though. Brett had a good time too. Anyway, sorry I'm so boring today! Off I go.

My Midsummer Ramblings

Point One:
It's amazing to see the faith of the elderly who are Christians. As most of you should know, I've started work as an assistant to the activities director at a personal carehome, known as The Sherwood. It's a neat place, with about 40 or so residents. It's a secular place, but religion was such a large part of life back in the day. There's many people there who still have all their ducks in a row, and there's some who insist that they need to get going home. I love them! Anyway, as I get to know some of them, I'm learning that there are some devout Christians hanging out there. One lady sat with me and talked to be about John 3:16 and how important the cross was. She is definitely with it, and the faith that she has is incredible!

Another lady I've been visiting with is so old that she doesn't even really know where she is. For those of you at school, it's Uncle Henry's mom. Yeah. But she really is an amazing lady. I've seen her at my mom and dad's church for many years now, but she doesn't really have much recollection of me. What interests me the most about seeing her is that even though she is deteriorating and can tend to be quite forgetful- she has it so ingrained in her routine that every morning she opens her Bible and studies it. The other day I asked what she was reading about, and she had no idea. But she insists on reading the word every day. I'm sure she's defintely getting fed.


Point Two:
Work minus air conditioning = one huge headache. And drowsiness. And sickness. I feel terrible!

Point Three:
I'm 21 now! I had a fairly normal day on my birthday this year. Led worship, watched Brett play baseball, had supper in Hamiota with Brett's folks, ate ice cream. Yeah!

Point Four:
No more sev! I'm done!
I miss people there, some I don't. Tina and I have already gone for supper. It was fun!

Point Five:
I can rollerblade! I didn't really know that I could. But I went out with Brett, and he didn't really laugh at me, and I didn't bif it or anything.

Point Six:
Leslee and Matt!!!!! Are you two free like maybe next weekend for a visit? Brett, you can come too if you want...

That's about it. My head is killing me! Damn this heat!

My Crusade

People, I have an astonishing discovery that may very well save the Catholic Church as we know it today.

As we are all very well aware, the Catholic church has been riddled with difficulties. Accusations have been made. We all know which one I'm talking about... do I really have to say it? No? Ok. Good.

So usually, the solution to this 'problem' is to play '3 Priest Monte'. They move them around as soon as a problem arises, and no one knows which one is the Queen. He can cause havoc in the name of the Lord in some other troubled town, visiting old ladies, cleaning the pipe organ, and sullying the holy water; all the while turning choirboys into the next generation's cross dressers and fashion consultants who throw hissies in LA.

This isn't a solution, it's a bandaid! You know what my solution is?

Eunuchs. If you don't know what one is, look it up. Believe me. I think it's a good idea. Think about it, then sign my petition to the RCC to have all Priests become eunuchs. It could be fun. They could have 'eunuch parties' in seminaries.

Of course, after you look up the word eunuch, you'll realize that this is all a joke. A very poignant, befitting, determinate joke.

My New Take at Summer

Well... you guys are out of the loop. Here's the loop.<---- here's you--->.

Let's see.

I quit my job at sev. That's right. QUIT! This week I got a job at the Sherwood personal care home as the assistant to the activity director. For the rest of the summer, I won't be working till the wee hours of the morning, I won't be working weekends (aside from the odd outing and nights of bingo), and I definitely won't be cooking anymore chicken, dealing with disgruntled customers and employees, or hating my job!

I get to exercise, go for coffee, make crafts, go for walks, play bingo and sing songs with the residents at the home. It's going to be quite the change!

So I'm quite excited about that! I'm a little nervous, with the not knowing what exactly to expect thing and all. Quitting was really hard, but my manager took it really well. It's such a relief!

Oh, did I mention that this home is 3 blocks from my house? No? Well it is!!!!!

Work will be a little tricky in the fall, but I believe that God will provide!

In more good and new news, I got a new foster brother today. As most of you know my mom works for CFS, and they've taken on a little boy to come and live with us. He's 11, and his name is Michael. He's a nice kid, not shy at all, seems well-mannered. I'm quite excited to have him around. Plus, he has a PS2. How can you beat that!

Anyway, I have to go prepare for tomorrow, as Becca and I are putting together some stuff for our Canada Day Celebrations!!!

My Dream Concert is Coming!

That's right.

The Foo Fighters are coming to Winnipeg! I have literally waited for years for my boys to come to town!!!!! I already have the tickets in my possession, and they were bloody expensive. Worth every penny though! They're bottom level seats, with access to the floor! Not like I'll be in my seat anyway. If you hear about some girl wandering backstage and abducting Taylor Hawkins, that was probably me. He's currently in the room at the end of the hall at my house. I gave him a bag of sour soothers to munch on while I'm at work. We'll jam later.

Seriously. It will be the Best. Concert. Ever. Better than Tegan and Sarah, better than Thornley, yes, even better than... Collective Soul and Waking Eyes. Dare I say all of them combined. Yes. Yes I do!

In other news....

I had a tooth pulled! Not all of them, just one. It was a real problem tooth. Had it filled like 3 times, a root canal was done on it. And then the filling fell out. That was the last straw. So, bye bye tooth on the bottom beside the bicuspid... I think. I dunno, beside the tooth that looks like a fang. It's so weird to have a tooth missing. I've been mourning its loss. I haven't had a space in my teeth since I lost my baby teeth! I'm probably going to get a bridge done though, because it was a favorite tooth of mine, and I have dental insurance that would surely cover it! HA HA! Take that, sev!

On another note,

My favorite holiday of the year is almost upon us! Canada Day! I'm not that patriotic (well, maybe a bit, but not to the point of any proud flag bearing American), but Canada Day is likely the bestest of all holidays ever. I think I've only worked once on a Canada Day, and the other 19 of them I have spent soaking up some sun, and getting a horrible, horrible tan. Then there are fireworks, and everyone's in a good mood, it's the long weekend, you can't lose! So, to all my other Canada Day appreciating friends out there.... party safe, and wear some sunscreen. And a bra. No one likes to see your boobies.

My Sweet Turkey

Hey guys!

Sorry I've been abandoning you in the blog world. I've been doomed to work a few night shifts at the 'ol sev, and exhaustion has definitely taken over! It's hard to believe that I was stuck in this routine for almost 2 years! The work is hard, but if you bust your ass for the first half of your shift, you can chill outside for a while with the mosquitoes!

Today is my little brother's 20th birthday! Happy birthday Calan! Girls, he's still available, and is funny as hell. It's always special (well it wasn't when I was a kid, in fact, Calan used to bug me about it), because for the next 18 days, Calan and I are the same age! How cool is that?

I don't have a whole lot to update about. One of these days, I'll sit down and write a real blog instead of just random updates. I'm sorry, but between sleeping, working and somehow trying to fit in family and a social life, I just don't have as much time on my hands as I did while I was at school!

Hmmmm..... OH! Tonight while I was filling the cooler (I believe I had made it to the bottom of the third door, which would be the Pepsi 2L rack), the most awesomest song popped into my head, and I couldn't stop snickering to myself about it all night! Here are the lyrics!

Since you've been gone
Well, I feel like I've been chewing on tinfoil
Since you've been gone
It's like I got a great big mouthful of cod liver oil
Oh well, I'm feelin like I stuck my hand
Inside a blender and turned it on
You know, I've been in a buttload of pain
Since you've been gone

(Since you've been gone)
I couldn't feel any worse if you dropped
A two-ton bowling ball on my toes
(Since you've been gone)
It couldn't hurt any more if you shoved
A red-hot cactus up my nose

Since you've been gone
Well, it feels like I'm getting tetanus shots every day
Since you've been gone
It's like I've got an ice cream headache that won't go away
Ever since that day you left me
I've been so miserable, my dear
I feel almost as bad as I did
When you were still here


Man, that song is awesome. I *heart* Weird Al. And I know that Brett is going to comment about cousin Louie, and how everything you know is wrong... but most of you won't get that unless you're core. Anyway, sorry again for the feeble attempt, but at least you know I'm not dead!

It Was About This Time Last Year....

That I woke up early in the evening to spend a regular time hanging out with my brothers and company. I had just returned from a weekend at the lake. It was a fun weekend, good times. My student loan came through, Taralee and Stew got engaged. Excellent.

But at about 11:30, a cute guy came into work as I was cashing out and asked to talk to me. Long story short, he asked me out. It was very cute. And Rochelle hasn't stopped teasing me since that night. Ahhh yes, the last year has been fun. Happy one-year-versary!

Meh

Hmmm what new to tell you?

I had the weekend off. It's been really nice, as today is my 4th day without working. NICE!

Friday, I found out that the summer ministry team from CPC was in Boissevain. After a few phone calls, I confirmed it, and the plans were set. But not before a little shopping during the afternoon. I bought some cute tops for the wedding that Brett and I went to on Saturday, and I also bought some tshirts with names of cities on them that I've never been to. So it was quite productive!

I then went and picked Brett up from the office, and we headed off to Applebee's to eat. Is it wrong to order a dessert if you've eaten beforehand? I mean, I wasn't all that hungry, and getting an appetizer would have been a waste of money, right? Brett just likes to tease, I think.

Anyway, off to Boissevain. Is that how you spell it? I don't know. Anyway, we went down to see the gang, and had a good time. Steve Mitchell was great, his stunts are fun too. It was good to see them, and I think they were glad to see a familiar face too, because they've only got a couple of weeks left on their trip, and I'm guessing they're fairly tired and ready to head home for the summer. We left in good time, but it still turned out to be a late night for me, as I got home at like 2am.

Saturday was fun. Kaldon and Heidi got married! They had a very beautiful wedding, lots of white pillar candles, and classy lookin stuff. I actually don't mind getting all dressed up anymore. I did my toes, wore a skirt, and a flirty pink shirt! I know, ME in a skirt! Taralee welcomed me to the life of a high maintenace girl. It's quite funny, because I used to tease her about being high maintenance. All well. Can I blame Brett for it? Probably. He looks really nice all done up too!

A nice and important sidenote for you all as well: Stop asking me, or casually mentioning, or teasing, or trying to be subtle about Brett, and goings on in our relationship. The only thing you need to know is that we're still dating, and anything else isn't really any of your business unless I tell you about it, ok? I don't find it funny when you try and hint about weddings, or ask if things are happening, or if I know when 'it's' going to happen. I don't know, I don't want to know, and I haven't been thinking about it, ok?!?!?!?! (this means you too, mom!) So back off!

Now that that's off my chest, Sunday was a nice day too! Church was really nice. It was the first time in ages that I've heard Pastor Mike preach. He did a really powerful message about unity, and we did communion together. It was very cool. After church, Taralee and Stewart ivited Brett and I over for lunch. It was so nice just getting to sit down with them, even though they are a funny couple. It's just been so nuts since I got home, and Sunday was the first time that I've spent time with them, aside from music practise! We caught up on life, music, and the importance of being ignorant about bidets.

After lunch, we drove off to Virden, where Bret had a baseball game. I missed the first inning and a bit of the second though, because mom and I got chatting, and mom and dad were discussing the construction of their new deck, and perhaps hot tub. So as you can see, it was quite important. I headed off to the game and soaked up some sun on the very uncomfortable wooden stands. It payed off though, my face and arms are a little pink today! hurray! The boys lost to Virden, but everyone knows that Hamiota is better, and they were just a little off yesterday. It's ok. After that, we went out for supper with Brett's family, and headed to my mom and dad's to watch Family Guy, and other random tv shows. A well rounded day!

Today I haven't really done much at all, aside from blogging, and paying my roger's bill. I made a Quesedilla with refried beans (mmmmm!!!), watched dr phil, checked email, and watched more tv! How exciting. But alas, it's back to work tomorrow, and I have no idea when I get off again. Brett's off to Edmonton starting Wednesday (which, by the way is 1 year... you're allowed to know that one), so I won't be missing much during my evening sentence.

Anyway, that's it for me. Later!

My Week

Hey guys! I know I don't do this as often as I should, but working full time, driving every couple of days, and trying to fit family and significant others inbetween is harder than you think!

My summer is going well. It seems soggy so far. Becca moved to a new apartment here in Brandon on 26th street, and it's a very lovely place. It was sad to see her move out of our old place though. I guess it marked the end of our era. But as the Beatles have put it 'life goes on', and so will we, right? And besides, we've had too much fun shopping for things to decorate and accessorize with. I'm quite excited for her!

Work has been fun this week. I was put on days for the week to train the Post Office that we have at our sev, and I've caught on so quickly that they're throwing me in there all by myself next week! Working in a postal outlet is a bit challenging, there's things to remember, and computers! I like computers!

I had a job interview to work 3/4 time at a daycare yesterday. I got along well with the lady, and we hit it off, so I guess we'll see what comes of it. You never know if you're overqualified, or if someone else fits the job better than you, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed, because I would get weekends off, and I wouldn't have to work there in the evenings at all! I'll have to do about 10-15 hours a week with sev still, but that's less than two whole shifts. And you'd better believe that I won't be working weekends at all if I get this gig. So yes, it's not as perfect as that other job, but I'd get to hang out with about 8 kids everyday (I'm not sure if that's good or bad), and get to see my Brett at nighttime, just like he wants! I want it too, don't worry!

The dayshift at work is so much more laid back than evenings. You hang out, gossip with Kelly the manager, serve some old people their coffee and daily newspapers. It's nice. I don't even mind having to get up at 6 or 6:30 everyday! Time also flies too, because there's vendors coming, and there's more paperwork to do, and the people are more polite, and not a bunch of whiny kids or punk teenagers.

Yeah. Brett is doing well... I think! I don't really get to see him all that much. I may as well be in Saskatoon! But he's so busy with CASB, and he's got a bunch of other CASB related things, along with moving and doing work on top of that. I miss him so! But we'll get to hang out this weekend, as Kaldon and Heidi are getting married, and we're invited.

Things at mom and dad's are fine too. In case I hadn't mentioned it before, my mom is working with CFS, and she absolutely loves it. It seems like a job that is built for her. She loves doing that type of stuff. My dad has a side job doing some safety work for some petroleum company too. So things seem good there. The boys seem to be doing fine too. Tyler is in the process of publishing his first book, and it looks like it will be a good one. You can check out his blog in my links, or let me know if you're interested in buying a copy. I know I will be.

Other than that, I don't have much more to say. My cheques finally came in. So that's a huge relief! Praise God! Got to run!

My Night Driving

It's been raining cats and dogs here for the past few days. Apparently like two towns over got like 7 inches of rain yesterday. It's nuts! God truly is a mad scientist. He's core.

I'm Neptune, God of the sea! I sink ships and conjure up storms!

ahem. Sorry, Family Guy is on right now....

Back to the storm... Last night, as I was driving, it was raining so hard that I couldn't even see the highway with the wiperblades going full blast. It was fricken nutso!!!!

Nicole, I have good news! Giant Tiger opened in Brandon on Saturday! Woot!

Not a lot of excitement in my life, but Becca moved to a snazzy apartment. It has so much closet space. Brett is also in the process of moving as well, but he doesn't move to his place until the 8th.

I got the cutest cell phone this past weekend, and a pair of rollerblades. And new contacts. Yay for vision.

Things are going well with work and life and such. Of course there are frustrations, but things seem to be going well for me lately.

On an unusual note, I've run out of things to tell you about. Bye!

My May

Well, it's been over a month since I got home. And it's flown by.

It's funny. I don't miss school at all. I mean, I miss the people. Nic, Jord, Joe, Eva and a bunch more... but I don't miss it. Don't worry, it's not like I'm not coming back. I know that God has called me to go to Bible college.. and if I stay here, I'll be working at sev for the rest of my life. We don't want that. I don't, Brett doesn't. My mom doesn't. It's just the way it is. So I guess it's 3 more years of school for this chick. But enough about that, it's summer holidays!

Work= frustrating. Sev is so bipolar. I've met some wonderful newbies there, and some not so wonderful ones. And all the classics are still there. There's been a few confrontations, but nothing I can't handle. Believe me, it takes a lot for me to lose it at work, and I've kept my cool so far.

New people I like:

Tina- she's a year older than me, married, and is pregnant with her third kid. We get along like two peas in a pod, and slightly fills the gap of my missing Tessa, whom I miss, and have spent all of like a day with... (tear)... anyway. I met Tina's kids this past week, and they're both adorable... we went for supper together, and had a blast. I love Tina.

Tracey- good times training in the kitchen. This girl is sharp, knows how to do her job, and isn't afraid to ask questions, and have some good talks.

Tamara- Crazy girl. She's graduating soon. Her and Tina are a deadly combination on a shift together. We have so much fun together. I get to train her in the kitchen tomorrow.

Candy- Again, another smart one. She doesn't need any guidance. That, and she fixed the priceguns!!!!

So these people make it worth going to work with, since I'm with at least one of these guys every night. Rochelle, Sue, Kim, Arla and Bert are all there too. I had a bit of a tiff with Bert to start off with, but we're better now, and things are going smoothly.

But there's been some confrontations, some frustrations, crappy hours, and my sickness of working for the company. So thus = JOB SEARCH.....

so far... unsuccessful. But a few hits. I had one interview, but apparently they found I was overqualified for this seemingly too perfect job. It's ok, I'm over it. I got a call from the city of Brandon the other day looking for an interview, but the woman I was suppsoed to call back was out of the office until tomorrow, so I'll be calling her in the morning. Another woman who owns a private day care is also interested in interviewing me.

It's funny, you apply for a million jobs, and you still get nothing! I'm at least thankful that I have sev to fall back on. I have income. So thanks to God for that.

hmmm... more May stuff....

There was the incredible Collective Soul concert. But I blogged about that.

OH! Times with Becca have been so much fun. We've been watching movies and doing stuff together. She's so awesome for letting me crash at her place. She's moving this week though, so I think I'll travel for a week or so.... Beck, you're so awesome, I love hanging with you!

There's been a small amount of Brett time in there too... mostly like saturdays and sundays before I get to work. But what can I do? I've been trying dear!

We played the relay for life concert this past friday, it was REALLY cold, but lots and lots of fun. We had a few technical difficulties, but our show was lots of fun, good fans and stuff... not quite a long enough set, but what can you do, right? I love playin with the boys.

church has been ok. i kind of feel like an outsider now that i'm back. i mean, i'm involved, but it's just odd... likely me, not them. i love people there though. it's good to see them, and it'll be even better when mike and tanya get back next week. so yeah. oh, I'm leading worship a few times this summer too. I don't know why, but I get so nervous about it. I love it, all of it. but i just get so jittery... weird.

i don't have much breaking news.... i should get going, it's late.

My Mom and Dad Could Beat Up Your Mom and Dad

Seriously.

My parents are the coolest parents on the planet! They really just are the standard that every other parent tries to reach. But they're untouchable.

1. My dad set up a VCR, and satellite dish in my room to tape the season finale of 24, because I was going to be home late that night, and would have missed it!
2. They provided me with a 27" tv in my room, and gave me the upstairs of the house to have as my own space.
3. They aren't charging me for rent or food for the summer so that I can save money for school.
4. They've been helping me along, because it's been a little tricky getting on my feet, and being able to afford travel and food costs.
5. My dad is so much fun to jam with.
6. You can talk to my parents about pretty much anything.
7. They don't wake me up!
8. They've been really supportive of me in my frustration to find a new job, and have even given tonnes of suggestions for places to apply.

so if you think you can top that, go ahead. but my parents will prevail. they're funny, they love God, and they love all of us kids. Thank God for parents!

God is a Mad Scientist

So I drove home in a pondering mood tonight... well, it was more pensive, and lucky me, there's lightning everywhere!!!!

So I start thinking to myself....
I wonder if God is a mad scientist... we see the little shocks of electricity in the sky, as we would in Ren and Stimpy cartoons, while they were creating some monster in their lare... or laboratory if you will. You see the jolts and flashes... what is God conjuring up these days?

And then it starts to smell like rain. Rain brings change. Rain brings growth. Rain brings new life. These are all things that seem to be happening to me, and all around me. My family seems to be in a slight bit of... I don't know... crisitunity. You don't need to know the details, but I really think that God is looking to make some big changes. In my life, in my family, everywhere.

But the door to the lab is closed. We won't know what's going on until we see the tall cold steel of what is the Frankenstein of all plans for our lives.

Maybe it means a new job for me, or some good news for my brothers, something cool for my parents, excitement for Les and company.

I don't know, maybe it's just the fryer fumes getting into my lungs....

But change is good.

My Awesome Experience and Frustration

Ok, I have good stuff and bad stuff. I'll start off with the bad stuff, so that you don't feel as depressed at the end of my post.

First off, I'd like to say, in the loudest, most frustrated Brodie scream as possible:

"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"

Job hunting is fricking frustrating. Last week, I had probably the best job interview I've ever been in. I had answers for any questions they threw at me, I showed that I was more than capable of doing the job, and I showed interest, was able to make conversation with my interviewers, etc. It was good. So I'm expecting good news... nope. The woman called me today, and told me that I was 'too overqualified for the position'. Which frustrates me. Because it was seemingly the perfect job for me. Good hours, shitty pay, but within walking distance of home, and the latest I'd work is 8pm. SWEET. But nope.

So it poses questions in my mind, since I've been praying about getting a good job for the summer.... has God doomed me to work this shitty job forever? It's just so frustrating! I feel like pulling out my hair. All I would really like is a job that lets me go home around suppertime, with an occasional weekend off... preferrably in Virden, but I'm not picky, I'll take what I can get.

What I have right now is a busy, stressful, exhausting, smelly job that lets me go home at 11 every night, and I always seem to work more than 5 days in a row, and only get weekends off if I book them, and it's against the rules to book all of them off. I never see anyone, unless they visit me at work, and my brothers come in like 3 times a week to see all the people I miss. Don't get me wrong, they visit me, and I love them for that, but once, just once, I'd like to be hanging out with them when they go to Brandon, instead of working.

Ty's friend Johnny has actually made it his mission to get me a better job (I guess I'd call him my friend too. He's pretty cool, tells it like it is, uses the F-word frequently. My kinda guy). So he met this chick that works at the Friendship Centre in Brandon, and she is willing to help me find something different. If that doesn't pan out, maybe I should consider become a waitress, Brett.

Anyway, enough ranting about the jobhunt, and onto the good stuff.

Yesterday will probably qualify for one of the most memorable days of 2005. That's right, Brett and I went to Collective Soul!

We stopped by the Perron's for supper, and it was so awesome to see all of them again, I haven't seen them in an eternity! I love those guys so much!

Then we headed off to Burton Cummings (sucks) Theatre to see the show. On an unusual note, we didn't sit waiting for like 45 minutes waiting for the first band to come on. I think they came on at like 7:45, and we got there at 7:30.

Anyway, the first band was The Waking Eyes, a local band from the 'Peg. They were fricking AWESOME. Find their website, and get the song Watch Your Money. They really put on an amazing show, and I was highly entertained, even though I didn't know any of the songs, except for the last one, which was a cover of the Beatles Come Together which was an impressive cover, might I add. Anyway, it turns out that their bass player went to BU at the same time that Brett did, and we got a chance to chat with the guys for a sec after the whole concert was done. I highly recommend that if you like music, find their cd, you won't be disappointed. Again, their name is The Waking Eyes.

After their set, we waited for about 20 minutes and on came Collective Soul. Fricking awesome. Brett was totally psyched too. I could tell. He's a pretty hardcore savage fan of them, even back in their early days. I must admit, I'm not as huge a fan as he is, but I know all their singles, and would never, ever change the radio station if they were on, and I'd sing along too ;). They played all their awesome old stuff, and most stuff from their new album too. All in all, I'd say they played for a good 2 hours. It's really hard to pick a favorite, but I'd have to say The World I know, Gel, Smashing Young Man, Shine and Heavy were some of my favorites. It was good stuff... oh Precious Declaration was really good too.

Phenominal show. They are awesome entertainers, and their new guitar player didn't seem to put a damper on the entertainment factor either. It's was smooth.

Now, Stew if you're reading this, I am seriously considering writing that book on concert etiquette.

let's go over some of the main points:
1. Wear a bra, don't sex up your man friend in front of the other concert goers, and sit in your fucking seat if you're on the balcony! This aging hipster in the row in front of us was dancing like a drunk monkey and blocking the view of the people beside us with her nasty stripper moves, while she rubbed up to the guys on either side of her. I had no idea which one she was with... later on I secretly placed bets on the guy to the left, but I guess I'll never know. The other woman that was in her group was very polite, and turned around to ask us if we could see with her standing. Our answer was an emphatic 'NO!'. Funny occurance: during one of the songs (I think it was the world i know) the guy beside us had had enough of this drunken idiot, and yelled at her "hey, sit in your fucking seat for at least one song!" I laughed my ass off.

2. don't get up fifty million times. We had a well behaved row it seemed, as we didn't have to stand to let people by at all during the concert. But I saw some people have to get up 2, 3, 4, even 5 times to let people out of their row DURING THE CONCERT. That's not cool. People pay good money to see these shows, not the back of your ass as you're passing by all night. Use the can between sets, and get your drinks too. Or at least wait until the end of the song.

3. Lighters are cool, but only if you're sober. I love lighters at a rock show... but some people are just scary with them if they've been drinking.

4. The encore is planned. Don't clap for it, it just builds the band's ego. Notice the stage is sill dark, and the houslights haven't gone up yet, and there's no house music. That means there's an encore.

That's all I have to rant about today. The concert was freakin phenominal. Brett, thanks so much for letting me be your plus one for the day. I had a complete blast, and I hope you did too!

My Feeble Attempt at an Update

Hey sorry to all you who check this looking for my insight, I am currently in Brandon and mine and Becca's place (I know, I don't live here anymore, but it's still my place!!!!!).

Working as sev here isn't all that much fun. It's ok, but not great. I have a lot of people to teach things, and a lot of people who aren't new who need to be kept in line. It's frustrating, because one night, I'll have like 5 people to keep busy, and then nights like last night, where I have one person on the floor, and I'm in the kitchen running around like a chicken with its head cut off because there aren't enough people to do the work that needs to be done.

But that was to be expected. That's why I was looking for a job in the first place. And I think I may have found one. I had an interview last week for the sweetest of all jobs. It starts late in the morning, ends fairly early in the evening, every other weekend off, not stressful at all, within walking distance of my parent's house. The pay isn't great, but I'd save so much money not having to travel back and forth that it would definitely be worth it. So be praying that I get this job, because I would be very happy with it! Yeah.

Staying with Becca is like good old times. We stay up late going for midnight lunches, and watching movies, and just chit-chatting. I forgot how much fun it is to live with Becca. Well, I'm not really living with her, just staying. But it's too much fun.

Oh, I finally got my VP cheque. Still waiting on the income tax forms to fill out to get my other cheque, but half way there isn't bad! Praise God!

Anyway, there's my life in a few paragraphs. I miss you all!

My Small Request

Hey guys!!!!

Terrin is starting to feel much better. Except she has no voice! Why is she talking in the third person??!?!!?

Yeah, anyways. No voice. NONE. I sound like a squeaky mouse when I try to talk. And my eyes water from time to time, so my dad makes fun of be because it looks and sounds like I'm having a meltdown. Not fair. But I'll get even. Who knows, maybe I passed this along to him. Just kidding. I wouldn't wish this on anyone! Take your vitamin C!!!!


Sorry these blogs are short and uninsightful, but being sick and working hasn't alotted me much time or capacity to think clearly. Anyway, semi-good news on the progress of these cheques. Lori from the Winnipeg sev office called today, and Elaine still hadn't sent out my VP cheque, which is almost 2 weeks overdue here. And it hasn't even been processed yet. GOSH, sev hires the dumbest people for HR! So Lori is investigating, and was supposed to get back to me, but never did. Stupid people, I tell you. I will be making more phonecalls, and harassing until I get every damned penny that I'm entitled to!!!!!

I also found out that my income tax was processed and mailed to my current address on March 30th. Which means that it's likely lost in the mail, and some hobo picked it up and cashed it by forging my signature. Or not. But at least it's been processed, and that means that I can call the government and say "WHERE THE F%$^ING HELL IS MY BLOODY MONEY!" (that was just for you, Nic). In regards to the title of this blog "My Small Request", your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help me find out who to call. The government website is a trecherous maze of confusion, with little phone numbers or contact addresses that would get me what I want. Does anyone have any advice? Savvy tax people, government secretaries, CPC students, Sev workers, friends and family are all invited to join me on this excursion. The winner will be announced as king, and will get a shiny penny from me, as well as a year's supply of baking soda.

My Update

Well, well, well.

I still feel as though I've been hit by a truck, but things seem to be improving for me. I can breathe through my nose agan, and I don't think I've coughed for a couple of hours now. So hopefully I get my voice back soon, and things will be a-ok!

I don't really have much else to say. Work has been ok, lots of new people there to train, I suppose. Time seems to be going in slow motion. I don't know why. Maybe I'm hallucinating. Who knows.

Why is it taking so long for cheques to come in? If someone knows any magic spells to get my income tax and vacation pay cheques here faster, please let me know!

My Trip to the Hospital

Hey guys, it's been a while!

Not much exciting has been going on lately, and I haven't really been around any computers to keep you updated. This week has been pretty normal. I started working at sev again on Sunday, and it's been fairly uneventful. Aside from work, I went to Brett's end-of-the-tax-season party. Accountants seem to know how to rip it up! It was nice to be able to put faces on everyone too, because I usually hear a few things about people, so now at least I know what they look like.

I guess you're likely wondering about the title of the blog... yes, I went to the hospital. I woke up at about 5 am this morning, and I seem to have developed this nasty cold in the period of like 24 hours, and I couldn't breathe, so my mom took me to the hospital, and they gave me this nebulizer thingy to help clear my airways. I have to go to the doctor later today to see if I can get some drugs or something. I'm not the hugest fan of hospitals, but we were only there for a little while. Today I feel like I've been hit by a truck. It totally sucks! I just thought I had a few minor allergies, you know, runny nose and stuff... but it seems to have escalated quickly, and all three of my brothers seem to be sick as well. I hope none of you have to go through that! Not being able to breathe is the worst feeling in the world.

Anyway, I hope I get better soon, but until then, I'll be lying in my bed watching downloaded tv shows.

until next time...

My Heavenly Father

Love, I need love
You are Love
I need You
Love, You are Love
I need Love
I need You

Ask anyone on earth what their deepest desire in life is. A shallow person may tell you that they are after money, or a hot car, or sex. But we all want to be loved. See, that shallow person wants money, cars and sex so that people will love them. We were created to long for love and affection....

Let's clarify this a little. I'm not talking about the love that your parents, or girlfrind/boyfriend, kittens, children or carpet samples can offer. This is about you and God. You see, God actually Love. His very essence is Love. His motivation is Love, He IS love!

So what does that have to do with us?

We were born with this God-shaped hole in us. Not literally, of course, that would actually probably be a lot easier. Like one of those tupperware balls with the yellow plastic shapes. It's sad that most of us don't realize that that hole we have can only be filled by God (all 90's kids now have an Xtreme song stuck in their heads). That hole is often filled with the wrong shapes. The star so doesn't fit into the pentagon shape, people!

We need God. We were born with that need. We need him just the same as we need warmth, oxygen, water and food. So it begs the question... what are you filling that hole with? Because it doesn't fit if it's not God.

Even Christians can do this. I've spent much time as a Christian, filling that hole with the wrong thing. The circle shape does not go in the pentagon hole, Terrin.

So how do we fill that hole.
Step one is starting a relationship. God desperately wants you to get to know him. My friend of a freind told me so! Just kidding. But God really does want to have a relationship with you.

Step two would be getting to know God. Pray, READ THE BIBLE, learn all you can about God, spend time just listening to Him, He'll talk, I promise.

Step three - surround yourself with good Christians who will keep you accountable.

There's a lot more to it than that, but you get the idea. Once you start filling that God-shaped hole with the shape that fits, you won't need to be filling that void. I'm not saying you won't long for a husband or wife, or kids, or kittens, or carpet samples, but they won't seem like priority #1, because God will have that space.

And just for your info, this message is more for me than it is for any of you reading this. I'm finding more and more that I need God as #1 in all major departments, because He is more important than anything in life. So keep it in mind, take it to heart, put it to practise. All this will be on the final!