Ok so this will be the last 06 post

So this wont be the last post for 2006, cause we got a huge amount of snow last night, so I thought I would just post some wintery pics! Too bad we couldnt have this a week a go! So yah, get out and enjoy it! Although I will say that the shoveling part of it, I did not miss. I helped shovel 5 driveways last night, it was crazy, but the snowballs helped, especially when I pegged Darcy with one of them! Good times! Oh and Happy New Year!

Last post for 2006!

Now that Christmas has come and gone, I am really starting to look more into what lies ahead. With first things being first, I am looking into plane tickets! Now that I am acutally looking and checking, its feeling more real and exciting-not that it wasnt before, but still. So I called travel cuts, and right now, it looks like I will be leaving on March 22/07 from winnipeg, over to O'Hare airport in Chicago with a 2.5 hour layover, and then off to Hamburg Germany, where I will be met by a friend and then staying at her place for a few days, then later meeting up with someone from Edmonton and head down to the school with her. That is assuming we dont fly down together. God is good, and I am trusting him that things will come together either way. Now if I Could only get over one more road block (one that wont stop me from going, but a block none the less), that would be the icing on the cake! But like I said, God is good, and I still have a few months left.
My guess, this will be my last post for this year, so cya in 2007!! 2006 was an adventure with grad, work, Chalo, St. Laurent, and I cant wait to see what 2007 has to bring! So until the new year, have a great day, rest of week, and enjoy new years, and cya in 07!

pics

My special aunt and uncle

Cards The finished Puzzle

Dutch Blitz 

To Contine from last post

So like I said, yesterday we had our Braun gathering. It was really good to see everyone again. The day was filled with fun, excitement, food, laughter, bible reading, gifts and DUTCH BLITZ! Like always, it was lots of fun watching the sisters exchange gifts with each other, and they were actaully good about it this year! No Name calling, no middle fingers, not nothing! (trust me, gatherings are always interesting with them around! If anyone can survive one of my gatherings with them, they can survive anything!) From Grandpa I got a new, much anticipated book, a mini tripod for my camera!, a village piece, these sweet hands from 10,000 villages that are holding a nativity scene. Then from my special aunt and uncle, I got a LED flashlight and Digital, small compact clock for my travels! That was nice. Ok so for Dutch blitz, Leah, myself and both my brothers are calmly playing, intense, but quite. So after an hour or so, Corey leaves and slowly, my aunts end up joining! THAT was crazy! I played from 7:00 until around 10:30 last night! IT was great, although we were all really tried when that was done! We also made a few small paralysers. Personally I am more of a fruity/slushy person, so that wasnt a favorite and the other girls didnt need them either! Good times! overall it was a great Christmas, although I think I like to Ukraine idea, of a long CHristmas, cause that day went WAY to quick! Only 364 days to go till the next one!

Today, I had a gathering at my grandmas. It was a lot more laid back. Veranika, and Kelcha, so good! I will so miss that! Dutch Blitz came out agian, and again it was lots of fun, more laid back, but sitll intense and fun! I also won a game, so that was good! Yah, overall it was a really good holiday, and I sitll have just under a week of holidays left! Going to the city tomorrow with friends, should be a good time. More Blitz will be played That I know. What else pizza, fun, laughter, catch up. Yah good times! Alright, I am out! A few more pics to come!
Cherish LIFe

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! (even though there only is 1.5 hours of Christmas left!) Wow crazy day!
yah, I am super tried from the gathering, but I am SO ready to go with another round of Dutch Blitz! (bring it on guys on the 27th!) Wow, and I thought playing with my friends was rough! You have Never played with Grace, Leah, Pearl and my mom! That braun combination, I think I lost half of my Hearing! Tons of fun though even though I got beat.
Yesterday, we had our Christmas at home. First off, mom gave me my passport (which came two weeks a go, when I thought it would-so yah its a go if you know what I mean!). And altough she couldnt give me what I wanted most with it, it is just really comforting knowing that i have it now, and that it came before my deadline! Prayers are still in need for that though! In the evening, we attended Seeds program again, it was so good! And then after a quick visit to Grandma (our gathering is there tomorrow), we headed home and had our family Christmas. Carina ended up joining us as well, so that was different, but good. Overall , santa was very nice to me this year! I know its crazy, but I got my long awaited Little mermaid movie! Very Happy! Movie night anyone? Corey made me this sweet mosaic shaped as the earth, filled with al my Chalo pics, see picture. I was very happy about that as well! A few narnia books that dig deeper in to the series. picture frames which are very cool! Calendar, and Leopard puzzle that I am refusing to do, so if you like puzzliing I got a challenge for you! A few things for my ipod, audio books, a willow tree angel and the usual. The picture pretty much covers most, but yah, overall it was good! I will add another post about today, and maybe tomorrow! Shower and bed time now! Merry Christmas!

Time for a new post

So its been a week. Lots has happend, yet nothing has happend at the same time. Work is going good, its just really slow, so that makes the days seem longer, but they all do end. Only 3 more left, then I have just over a week of holidays! That will be so nice! Friends are all now home, so its been good to see them. Yet again, when I hear stories, about whatever, part of me is jealous ( i know not good) but its true. It also makes me more eager to go (yes I am still going, although still waiting for passport). candle light service was Friday and that was good to go to as well. Kind of wierd though, not having anything to do with it (not that I did anyways, but still). OVer the weekend, we had Halle over lots, and it was so much fun to play with her again. That age is so much fun! So yah, like I said, not much is happening. Christmas is less then a week, that is so good! Its crazy how we wait all year for that one day, and it ends up coming and going really quick. So yah, just thought I would update this and also to say thanks for the prayers lately, they have been helpings, and are much appreciated! So if I dont post before Christmas, have a very Merry Christmas, enjoy the moment, family, food and dont forget the reason for the season!
Until then
Cherish life

Recent thoughts in my head

So in my last post, almost a week ago, I asked for prayer. First off, I can feel it, it is helping, so thanks to those of you who are praying. I have been journaling a lot lately in my own books (thank goodness for that relief!), so that is also why I haven't updated this as well. So whats the deal with me? Physically, I am fine. Work is going good, and people are in, and staying in, the Christmas mood as well, so that's all good. Mentally and more importantly Spiritually, I have a lot on my mind. Questions are coming full force and lots of them aren't easy answers. Lots of it has to do with what is coming in March-Capernwray. Things like, will that short while be worth all that money, even though that will put me behind again for the following year. What if I get there and realizes that I can;t do this? Things like that. But I think the biggest one is that, do I want to go because I want to go, or Because GOD wants me to go? Out of all the options that I looked at before applying, this one, this capernwray in sweden stuck out, so I guess I can find comfort in that as well. I guess i just got thinking and am now questioning my motives, or at least some. Is that good or bad? Is it Satan messing with my head? Or are these sincere thoughts? One of the bigger reasons why I want to go is, no not to get away from town like some people may think it is, but it is to find answers, not only to these questions, but to other ones. THings like Baptism, school in the future, where I want my life to take me, and to just stretch my faith, or thereof lack of faith. IF that makes sense. I want something more then what I am getting. Church and JR youth and all is good, dont get me wrong-they are also stretching me, but I want something more, real answers, not just the same Biblical answers or "Sunday School" answers that I have been getting/giving, all my life. Is that wrong? Does that make sense? Part of me feels guilty for even asking/posting this, but hey, its how I feel now. So yah, maybe that gives you a bit better idea of what I need prayer for. leave a comment, or pull me aside next time to chat, whatever works.

Oh yah, the pictures; the horror frost from the other day, with the sunset the day before, so amazing! Oh and those candies! I have NO idea what they are called, but come Christmas, those are basically my favorite favorite candies! Everyone else that i talk to, cant understand why i like them so much, but I just do and besides, more for me then!! Perhaps its becuase I only get them once a year (if the stores have them even), and they are made from PURE Sugar! Yummy! Time to go get another one!

Prayer Request

Hey All
I was wondering if whoever reads this, if you could pray for me. I have a few choices to make, and it is really stretching my faith, and questioning, Is this what I want or what God wants?? SO yah, just please pray that the answers will come and that I will be at peace with the answer! Thanks much

A few thoughts

Ok, so I have calmed down a bit since my last post. I was going to do an update from last night as well. So the girls came around 5:00 and stayed until 10:30. Like I said, its a good thing that everyone else was gone, because we were all very loud and hyper! But it was a good time. We started off with a few rounds of Disney Scene it, followed by talking while enjoying pizza and lots of other junk food like chips, pop, and chocolate. After that we played a game of pictonary, it was really god. Try drawing a parent with your eyes closed and having your team get it, or better yet, hail with the eyes closed! It was lots of fun. Then we did our mcc gift exchange. That was lots of fun as well. After that, we played a few games of Mafia (which the girls had been wanting to play since we first told them about the game back in September. They picked up really quick on it, and it was lots of fun as well, telling stories
this time. Oh, my dad also made a treasure hunt for them (cause a few of them asked him to make one) so we did that as well. So around 10:00 Jaime and I could tell it was starting to wind down, kind of like we didn't know what to do next, so we took the dog out for a walk (which he needed anyways!!) and after that a few of them called for rides, and I took a few home with the wagon. All in all, I think it went really good. I was thinking about it, I only have 5 or 6 more small groups with them, depending on when I leave. Although I am confident that Jaime will do just fine, I had/ am having lots of fun leading one. It gives me a good looks at the other side of youth ministry, and I am learning lots as well.

Then tonight, I went down to Seeds where we had all the refugee families that just came, and other that had been here for a while already, to to meet new people, and enjoy a meal with them. At first, I didnt really know what to, but after a little while, it was better. Thanks to those who checked with me every so often, it helped. Although I didnt interact with lots of the refugee families there, it was something else watching them interact with other people. Just another example of how warm and welcoming they are. Its wierd, I am the one that has lived here forever, yet when I went to something liek that, I am the one that felt out of place. Just with the way they were acting. I am not sure if i can explain it the right way, but yah, it was quite something, a good something. Kind of like the new Chris tomlin lyrics from Awesome is the Lord most high "Raise your hands all you Nations" That kind of like what was happening, though one is a christian, and another Muslim, not only did that not matter, but neither did background or skin colour. Then after I finally got to meet the rest of the nour family att their home. Not to mention the wife made us tea, and it was very good! They Have only been here 3 or so weeks, and the english the husband has picked up, amazing. I also found out that the husband taught Arabic in Somolia, and has something else (which I cant remember what it was) but it proved to me again, that these ppeople that come over, arent stupid, or come from slums. They are well educated (some at least) in their own language, not to mention a few of them also know like 4 other languages which they are flunt in! Its quite something!

So yah. I should be going, A new week is about to start, so have a good week!
Cherish LIFe

Little brother for sale

Just a quick question today, does anyone want a little brother? He's for sale, or better yet, you can just have him. As cute and fun as he is some days, other days, he is just a down right pain in the butt! (Today being one of those days) So yah, if are interested, let me know, or even if you want to take him ffor a week or weekend (assuming he doesnt drive you mad in the first few hours) I will take that as well! I will be so glad to get awayfrom him when I leave!

(Yah, the pic is from a year a go)

Peaceful Mornings

On Fridays, I am always up by 7:00 so I can be at work for 8:00, and yesterday, I came down, and for some reason, the slience of the morning just hit me. Maybe it was because it was pitch black down stairs because all the outside lights that are usually on, were off. The wind was hardly blowing as well, if it even was. We had just gotten another snow fall the night before, so the ground outside, untouched it by boot prints and dog prints, glittered in the early morning light, like thousands of little diamonds. So my first thought, was 'hey! Wheres my camera?' (are you surprised?) So after accidentally stepping on the dog, who was still asleep-lucky him, and waking him up, i knelt down and took a few pics from inside, out the back window. After a while, I just stepped back, and just enjoyed the moment and gave thanks to God for a new day, as crisp and cold as it would be.

As much as I am not a morning person, I look forward to waking up that little bit earlier on Fridays, and just enjoying the absolute quiteness around me. Its times like those, that make me realize that I am too busy. Even though compared to some, I am not busy at all, but regardless, a little reminder here and there just to enjoy the moment, and now that peaceful feeling of Christmas, makes it all the more special.

On a different note, we are having our jr youth small group Christmas party today in the evening. Games, pizza, treasure hunt, MCC gift exchange, maybe a movie, and just hanging out. Should be a good time. Corey has a hockey game, so everyone else is going to that, which is good, becuase then we can be as loud as we want!
Until next time

25 Days till Christmas (and counting!)

Yah, thats right, 25 days to Christmas! I think one of the best things about Christmas is the build up to it. After Halloween, stores get out Christmas stuff, there is Christmas music on the radio, and Tv specials, and Christmas Commercials, not to mention snow!! Am I one of the few people left that acutally like the snow and the cold? Christmas just isnt CHristmas unless there is snow! (or maybe its that fact that we live in S. Manitoba, and just have to have snow for winter, I mean come on, a brown winter? No snow? What are you doing living here then?) I love getting freezing cold outside (whether its going to and from work, building a fort outside etc etc) and then going inside with the Christmas lights on, and enjoying a nice cup of hot hot chocolate, with out the Marshmellows all while enjoying Christmas music! Doesnt that sounds good? So yah, Christmas is soon, which also means that friends are coming home from the city and other schools (How many for sleeps leah??? 10? or so?) So that is an added bonus this year, one which i am waiting for. SO yah, life is going good. Cherish life and enjoy pics (from COreys baptism)













My little cousin, William Santiago (isnt he cute?)

Tonight

What an evening. Tonight, I witnessed my brother take the next step in his walk with Christ, but getting Baptized. Congrats Corey! The Day started off like any other. Woke up, went to Church, came home, Lunch, scrapbooked a bit on my Chalo album, supper you know, the usual. I learned earlier this month that Corey was getting Baptized today, and I couldnt wait. My insides felt like they would jump out at times. I was just excited. So here it was, now it came and went, and what an evening that was. Corey started it off with giving his testimony (which I was also interested in hearing), so with family close by, he spoke. Now its too bad that he had hockey on Friday and some idiot (also known as another hockey player), nailed him in the throat with a puck (and I Wonder why I love that game!??!), so yesterday he could hardly talk, and though it was better today, it was still hard, well, not hard, but it wasnt his normal, strong clear voice. Also getting baptized was an 87 year old lady from town. That in itself was something. Although she knows some english, not enough to speak her son read her testimony, and stood by her. I thought she would get poured (like with the cup), but NOPE, she was fully immersed, and boy was she ready to go! Her exitement after she came out, waving to the people and just the look on her face, was amazing. It was how baptizim should be, pure joy and excitment. You could tell the whole congeration felt genuianly happy and amazed for her. What in inspiration.
But yah, watching Corey go under, was great, yet again, parts of me wanted that to be me. After the service was over, my aunt who was sitting behind me, smiled and asked me "so when do we get to see you get baptized?" I just smiled and said, "we will see", and we will. I havent really thought about it much since earlier, but once again, the thought is now there. My plans are to go to europe, go to capernwray and see where I am after that. I am not waiting for some big revelation, or maybe I am, but maybe I Need to come back with a new attitude on somethings, or just a new outlook on life.

Overall, it was a good evening, and I plan on putting up pics from tonight as well (I am on Coreys Laptop). It was great to see family out from coulee and , dare I say, Winkler... but hey, its family:D Plus I got mom Christmas gift (which she is curious about now!). All in All, agian it was a good evening.
So heres to a good week, and yah, to life, to the freedom we have in Christ, to live for him, proclaim his name in songs, friendship, fellowship, laughter, family, life and love! God I love you!
Cherish Life!

What a day!

I think I laughed more today at work, then actaully working! You can for sure tell that Christmas is in the air! today and yesterday were very relaxed because orders were few, and the boss was gone (party!), and yah, so it was a good time. Sceret Santa is going on, so you will leave, and then come back and theres something on the table for you, so theres that, and then from that, someone got the Idea to MAKE a christmas tree out of Cardboard and 4 ply greeen bristol board (down isle 25 if youare interested!) so we spent 45 minutes doing that towards the end of the day. It was sooooooooo funny. Kind of one of those things that you just had to be there. It was like people were all on something, or just very tired or something crazy. It helps though, things like that, makes the day more interesting and fun at least!Oh and I realized today that I Have 5 sick days that I can take, and if you dont take them, you dont get paid for em, so I am thinking, gone in 4 months, why not take one on friday! (have to check with the Boss tomrorow, but heres to hoping!) So yah, good day. Just wait, a few more days like today, and I wont want to leave, umm... ok, not sure what that was about, I think I am still recovering for al lthat laughing! But yah,, work is going good, and I will loook back on it as being a good experience! (someone should write taht down!)
Till next time

UPdate

This past weekend, was my cousins wedding. First of, I really dont like gettting dressed up-grad dress, that was fine and I would do it again, but anything other then that, for some reason, I dont like it-wierd I know. Other then that, a wedding is a wedding. It was good. The Ceremony was short, not even half and hour, with an hour break in between before supper. Supper was good, with a dance after, but I was tierd and didnt feel like going, surprise suprise I know.

Work was good today, kind of wierd though because a few people took the day off, and then slowly by slowly people left cuase they got sick. There were at least 4 people that ended up going home sick. I really hope I dont get it. But I hear that that is going around else where as well, But Mondays over, so only 4 days left. Lucky darcy only has two more days of school this week, b/c thursday and Friday are no school days. Just Keep thinking Europe Nikki! Speaking of which, I found this cool thing on the internet that would automatically count down teh day till I leave, but I have no idea how to put that on here so it works! regardless though, assuming I get my passport one of these days, 4 months from now I will be in the air, or actaully in Germany at Maja's house! Wow 4 months. I will admit time has actually gone by pretty quick! Yet there are also days and hours where I could swear that that second hand froze on the clock!
So yah, things are good here
Cherish LIfe!

Life

Well, I just got back from playing my grandma in Rumi cube (she won yet again, 2 out of the 3 games!!) And like so often, we just got to talking, talking about this and that. I could go into detail, but I am off to an early bed and am just waiting for Ipod to update. Overall, We talked about the medical area, cancer around the area, death that sort of thing. Now I dont know if shes trying to hint at something (as in something wrong with her, and Please God I hope not), of if its just on her mind these days. But like I said, we were just talking, and I realized again that I am so blessed. To have people that love me like they do, to live in a safe (though boring) town, to be able to openly talk about things, religion, politics etc etc and dont have to be afraid of getting caught. But most importantly, I was reminded that all things come in God's time, and though we may not understand it, its for the best. Life will always be full of questions and wonders, but I guess that is what makes life interesting. Perhaps the song that I have on now, sums up what I am trying to say

Made to worship
Chris Tomlin
Before the day

Before the light

Before the world revolved around the sun

God on high

Stepped down into time

And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder

So that we always remember

Chorus:You and I are made to worship

You and I are called to love

You and I are forgiven and free

You and I embrace surrender

You and I choose to believe

You and I will see who we were meant to be

All we are

And all we have

Is all a gift from God that we receive

Brought to life

We open up our eyes

To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder

So that we always remember

Chorus:Even the rocks cry out

Even the Heavens shout

All the sound of His holy name

So let every voice sing out

Let every knee bow down

He’s worthy of all our praise

Some more

So here are a few more, the smaller ones are pillow covers, and the larger ones are bed covers 

Check these out

Ok, so heres the delio with these things. Long story short, Moms boss at work, gets these to sell for a lady down in Africa, who paints em. My question for you, which one should I get, or consider for a Christmas gift from the parents? I am looking at painting room brown with some rusty orange/red colour, so keep that in mind. Leave a comment, let me know Also, if you are interested in one, there are more, check out Christmas in the Country, at Barb Wiebes house west of town area. They will be for sale there. Let me know 

So its been a while

I dont have anything prfound, or interesting or anything like that today, so it will just be an update. Things are going good. Work is still work, but its keeping me busy, and reminding me daily, that you have to work for the things you want. I know I will appreciate things more if I work for them, though working isnt always fuun! During breaks, I am listening to The Narnia series on my Ipod. My little brother has the CDS, and I am done The lion, The witch, and the wardrobe (I started with that cause I knew the stor), and now I am almost done The Magician's Nephew. I must say though, that Aslans voice really really REALLY bugs me!!! The way they build up to new life coming up, the start of Narnia, to first hearing Aslan;s voice, really is a let down. the Build up was great, but Aslans voice sounds like a kitten stuck in a door! Really it not a good voice, for someone who is suppose to be the creator of Narnia. Listen to it sometime if you dont know what I am talking about. So Yah, work is going good, and I am still counting down the days, not only till Christmas, but till I leave! Only 4! Months to GO!!! I am so excited (I just hope my passport all comes smoothly)

Christmas stuff is all out, our house is full of lights, although mom says there are less then there usually are! Moms Christmas baking a bit each day, the puzzles are out (we already finished one!) The tree is also up, along with lights and decorations! So Christmas really is in the air!

Last saturday, I got to see big brotther corey play hockey again. WOw was that good to watch him play the game! This was the first game i had seen for like, 2-3 years! (Hey, thats huge for me!) Though he did get a goal, he also got two penalties, which is not like him, but maybe hes growing up! Regardless, though I almost lost the keys out in Landmark, no joke, it was really worth it to go.
so yah, thats just a quick update, like I say, things are pretty much the same here, I just have to keep telling myself to enjoy where I am now (besides, I am learning lots about the working force, and what it means/expectations, when workin in a company)

Small town thoughts, round 2

Ok, ok. I just got back from a Junk to Joy Banquet at our Church (thanks Grace, it opened yet another eye for me) Though there are negative things to living in a small town, (find me a town that doesnt have bad things about it), there are just as many good things as well, other then the saftey and security (which I am very glad for) For instance, the people, not all people, but people who just seem to make everyones day, they always have a smile on their face, and an open and willing heart and soul. They are just over all good caring people. I really dont know how else to describe them. They are the ones that will take you in, feed you, clothe you, all while looking beyound what they see. Beyound the physical features, or another persons past. Thats what this Junk to Joy program is about. Letting people know that there IS a God who loves them, regardless of past mistakes, through spending time with them, wood working and crafts. I know, I am sure you have all heard this 1000s of times, but maybe this time it will sink in. WE DONT HAVE TO LEAVE OUR COMMUITY FOR MISSIONS! heck, we dont even have to go to saskatoon, or any other province withiin the country. There are missions right at our doorsteps. I am guilty of this as well, I want out, and I want to make a difference to someone out in the world...but God came a knocking like he usually does right when you know what you want.. and reminded me, and also showed me again tonight that "Nikki there are missions right here, NOW. Right where you are." And by Missions, I dont mean, "hey lets make so and so a "Project" and get them to go to church, I mean an acutally servent, loving heart who truely cares for the person.

In a small town, those people stick out, or at least they should. I look at my own family, and instantly i could name a bunch of people that have made a difference. Grace-your work with April (hope you dont mind me using this), wow, what a caring heart, and tho it maybe hard at points, keep at it, God is working through you to reach out to her again. I know he is! Thank you for challenging me, making me think!. Leah-wow girl, you have done more for me then I think you will ever know. And tho we dont see each other as much/email as much, you are still my go to girl if I ever need advice on certain things (*cough cough!*) lol. Pearl- Your minstry through your quilting, 7:00 AM phone calls (ok not that early!) camping, waffle suppers, and just hangin out with people, including me, has impacted me so much. Your love and support is so amazing. thank you thank you thank you! The list could go on and on for me, but it there are more people, non family members that also need to be recongized. Teachers (JT and PK-your classes always challenged me, both spiritually, and well, acidemically as well!), Youth leaders- Marv and Deb, Nathan and Niki. Thank you so much all of you! Keep Challenging me and making me think in my walk wth Christ. Ben and Cindy the work you do with the refugee families that come in, amazing and I am so glad that there are people like you guys! The Seniors of our town-though we dont always agree, you guys are the prayer warriors for us here and there. We couldnt do it without you financial, and most important prayers!
Do you get my drift yet? There are tons and tons of people. These are just a few who have affected my life, but i know that tthere are others in this town and in your life that have impacted you. I hope that this will make you think, and perhaps tell them how much they mean to you.

So when Anne, the founder of Junk to Joy, read the statisitcs of the drug and Drinking abuse etc in and around this area, the numbers are surprising for a "good clean Mennoonite" community. But God is a GOd of second chances, second chances for me and for you, and maybe just maybe, God is using you to be a beakon of light for someone else. Take the oppportunity, but dont do it your self, Do it with the strenght and Power of our Lord and Savior!!
Cherish life!

(So yah, comment, so that I actaully know people read these things!)

Am I being to hard?

For those of you who know me, you will know by now, or at least you should know, my feelings towards small towns. Maybe its just the point where I am at in my life, or maybe I am just using it as an excuse by now, I'm not sure. Anyways, the other day, I was coming into town off the high way, and a thought just popped into my head and I was quite surprised by it. It was "Wow, I am really gonna miss this place!" Wierd I know, but perhaps its the security of it, or the feeling of being home, and "knowing" the town, the people, the way of life. It didnt seem to fit with my current way of thinking and looking at the town, all the negative things about it. I will admit that a town like Altona, is where I want to raise a family, just for those reason of security, and the feeling of home. That doesnt mean it will be Altona, but hopefully some small town somewhere like it.

But Like I said, right now, I just need to get away. Away from the mennonite culture, away from the sense of knowing "everything about Everyone." Its kind like if you dont fit in to the way of life as it is here, or if you dont meet the right expectations of other people, then good luck being accepted and fitting in. I have talked to people who have lived here all of their lives, since they moved here, and still dont feel accepted to some point. Now I dont want this to be a downer for anyone, but I wonder how many other people in town feel that way. Your Grade 12 year, you hear plans of what lots of people want to do. Sure most go to university, but there are also those that want to get out. Is that just a mindset that "oh i am done school, so i can leave" or is there someting about small towns that drive people away?

There are days when I honestly feel like I am a robot living in a bubble. wake up, take the same streets to work, work with the same people, take the same streets back, have supper, go to the rink (especially now with hockey starting...), come home etc etc and go to bed knowing that the next day will be very similar. Maybe I am over analyzing things, maybe I am not. I could go on, but I dont want to spend my Sunday complaining about something that I can't change alone. Besides, my Chalo scrapbook is waiting for me. But yah, let me know what you think, am I being to hard? Just using it as an excuse, or can you relate as well? So yah, post a comment and whereever you are, just live life and enjoy it ( I know I know I nee d to eat my own words!)

Hokus Pick...(Who??)

On my way to work, I always listen to music on my Ipod, and since I just put a lot more songs on it, the more variety there is, the better. Some of the new songs I put on were off my VERY old Hokus Pick songs off my cds that I havent listend to forever! They have this one song called "True Believer" and apart from the style (which I will admit, isnt all bad) if you listen to the lyrics, they are quite something.

The part about "trying, crying, denying" really hit me, along with "giving up, running out, full of doubt." It reminded me as Christians, we will ty, we will cry, we will at some point deny Christ. There will be points in our lives where we want to give up, we are running out of "steam", or faith. Full of doubt. Yet the desire to be a true believer will remain. Tears will come when a loved one passes on, we will try to remember that they are in a better place, yet the tears are still there. But you may say, "we live in a Small, Mennonite community, how could we deny christ?" Quite simple, just look at the schools, the work place, the malls and all. There are lots of opportunities. Through coversation, when someone laughs at Christianity or God, and we stand there, hands in our pockets, is that denying Christ? I think so.

I know from experience how easy it is to want to throw your hands up and go "screw it, i Give up!" Who isnt full of doubt sooner or later? Parts of me wonder if I will make it once I am in Europe, off the plane. I have my doubts. Will I make the right connections, take the right trains/buses. Will I get to were I need to be on time and all. believe me, the doubts are there. (But I am still so excited!) I know through it all, God WILL see me through it all, he will lead me on, take my hand and help me stand.

So yah, read the lyrics below and think about what they mean to you, dont just read them and go oh that was nice, and move on, STOP and really think about them, even for a few moments. Perhaps they will challenge you, make yourself ask questions, or even just have taken the time to acknowledge God for those few moments!

I'm not a rock

Do i believe it or not

For i have denied

T.he grace i received by name
The saints of old

Chickened out when the roostercrowed

Still they were forgiven

Without consequence or blame
{chorus}:

I'm trying, crying, denying

But i want to be a true believer

Giving up, running out, full of doubt

Still i want to be a true believer
When even my best

Has fallen short of the test

I see His arms outstretched

To the low & the wretched to save
Lowest of the low, where can i go

Drowning in a pit, lift me out of it

Lift me up
Lift me up, fill my cup, lead me on

I want to be a true believer

Lead me on, take my hand, help me stand

I want to be a true believer

(Oh and check out, "Learning as I go" Lyrics by Hokus Pick as well, a great message in reminding us that life of a Christian, is a never ending, learning journey!)
Cherish LIFE

Countdown!

So the title of this blog was going to be "Bike Ride in the snow", but that didnt happen cause dad picked me up from work, which, I must say, am very glad he did! Well for once in their lives, the forecasters were right, we got snow, and lots of it to go around, and its still snowing! It started early afternoon and should continue through the night, apparently leaving us with 15-20 inches of snow. Are you ready for this? I know I am! I love the cold weather and the snow and all of that! That is assuming that there is no wind, becuase that I dont like. Oh well, you win some, and lose some! So once Halloween is over tomorrow, which I cant wait for it to be over! What a wasted holiday..Anyways, that means that in one day its November! Which means that we can pull out the hot chocolate, touques, mitts, sleds, Christmas music, and *drum roll please* CHRISTMAS TREE!! Yah, thats right, do I need to say it again, CHRISTMAS TREE! Which means that Christmas is near! 55 day, 39 hours, and 48 minutes and counting till christmas! So that means that people will be coming home from schools and all for christmas breaks and all. (Leah, Can't wait to see you again! Montreal is just too far away!) AND, with Christmas that close, that means that my day to leave on my adventure over seas is only 122 days away! (wow thats long!) Ok, I am hyper, anyways, here are some latest pics that I took today on the yard of the snow. OK so its not working, I will add some when it does!

So its been a while...

So I realized that I haven't written on here for a while. Not much has happend. Ok, thats not true, I had another bible study here on Wednesday last week and it seemed to go well again. Thursday was my little brothers 12th Birthday, so like any other birthday year, the day was filled with gifts, me acutally leaving him alone and not bugging him, and yah, letting him enjoy the day! Friday, he had a few friends over after school, and we headed down to an indoor pool, owned by someone we know and the guys swam and dove off the board there. Saturday, I started to work on my scrapbook for Chalo, and I must say that I am super pumped about it! I am doing something a bit different with it, making it more personal and all. I will be very glad when it done. Today was church, and then now in the evening, we had a baby dedication for my two little cousins at VFC in town here. I think I have mixed feelings about that church, but thats for another time (maybe). Anyways, it was great to see yet another two cousins get dedicated to the Lord. I can only Pray that God works through these two little guys! Cake and dessert after at my aunts barn. It was good. So yah, thats an update for now! Take care
Cherish Life

pics

Newsboys singer

Casting Crowns

Michael W SMith 

Weekend update

So for 6+ months of planning, and all of that hype and advertising/volunteer
time, I question was that even worth it? Mom, Darcy and I took in Saturday and Sunday of the Franklin Graham Festival in the city. Saturday morning we left early to pick up corey and then head to Costcos and the mall and all. For those of you who know me, shopping and me are like oil and water, I really really dislike it! (how Can that be? I am a Braun!?) The first two stores we went too were good. Sport Mart and this scrapbooking store (Niki-next time you are in the city, you should check it out, its right near sport mart, further in the back) Its this big scrapboking store with specialized paper, brads, stickers and other nick nacks, and the prices are very reasonable. My brothers evven liked it for what its worth! After that, Costcos for an hour to get pics done and a new passport photo taken, Mall after. I was long done and ready to go to the concerts by then! We were at the MTS center by 4:30, and one of the first 250 people in line. Doors opened at 5:15 and there a whack of people still waiting to get in! So I will skip the boring detail, but it was quite something how we were "Herded in" section by section, row by row. We were pretty close to the stage though. Tree 63 started the night off at 6:45 ish. They were not bad considering I havent seen them before! (The Main singers with the red guiter and they are from South africa). But like the night before, each group only played 4-5 songs! That was dissapointing, especially for darcy cause he wanted to see the Newsboys (the other pic) But what they did play was really good. Franklin Graham- Now I dont know how much you know about him, but long story short, apparently he causes lots of conterversy and all. After 9/11 he made some comment against the Muslims something about using our "Mass destruction" weapons against them. (Check Google). He only spoke for around 20 minutes and was very blunt. He made a comment about how there were murderers in the area. He went on to talk about Abortion and how that is murder. He also touched on Homosexuals, saying "God made sex for a man and women in a Marriage relationship, not for a man and man, or women and women." You could tell walking out, some people were NOT happy. There was an alter call after, which took a while (not sure how I feel about those...different topic tho). And Corey and Carina picked us up after it was over, by 9:15!

Sunday Morning, we left at noon. There by 1:30 and in line by then as well. The line was crazy long, but we cut into the line with people we knew from town. Casting crowns played and Michael W smith played. I have seen Casting Crowns 3 times now, and would see them again anytime! Their message and music is so good! I noticed the main singer though, sang almost the full time with his eyes closed, due to his ADD i think. Michael W smith was good, mom enjoyed him. F. Graham spoke again, still blunt, but by then, I was so ready to go. I was not in the mood to listen to him agian, but Darcy wanted to stay, so we did. We left during another Alter call. SO yah, that was the weekend. I felt like sleeping in today,and totally not doing anything, but nope, off to work i Went. Only 4 more days this week. Cherish life

School Violence

I know I already posted today, but who says you cant post twice in one day? So school violence, what is this world coming to? Seriously. Not only school Violence, but just stuff kids to for entertainment. Take last weeks CSI: Crime Scence Investigation. Talk about intense! Now, if you havent seen it, the episode, and plan on seeing it, come back and read this later....

So that epsiode was about a group of kids mainly, one adult, going around and almost beating people to death, tourists. In one case, they did kill some one, just for kicks! Note what Sara and Grissom say at the end. Now, coming from a small, VERY mennonite communtiy, part of me find this hard to believe that this is what people do for kicks, but then again, I have seen experienced, and heard enough that another part of me, doesnt know what to do about it. The Thing is is that this is very real, kids killing kids in schools, schools, even the local ones, are practicing Lock downs now. We never had to do that! and that was only 6 years ago! What will it be like for the next generation, or the generation after that? I was talking with my mom about this the other day, and at one point she mentioned Noah (thanks Kayla for the correction!) and the Flood. If we think things are bad now, what must have things been like then for God to wipe out all those people? To bring the flood on in the first place? Its a good thing is sends rainbows as a promise he will never do that again, cause with out it, I would always walk around with a life boat and life jackeet! It something to think about. Is this the society we created? How bad will it get yet? We always think, nah school shootings will never happen here, in our town, but I am sure that the columbine school didnt expect it, the school in Montreal, heck, even the Amish school of all places. Its a very real thing, and a very real issue, what are you going to do about it?


Catherine: Did you now Pig, a.k.a Cole Tritt was the only adult? The rest were all under 18. One was 14.
Warrick: You're kidding. Who raises these kids?
Catherine: I mean, they weren't all deliquents. Dmitris James was a college student.
Nick: Hangin' out with the wrong crowd in the wrong town. I'm tellin' ya, havin' a fake I.D in Las Vegas is like havin a--a free ticket on the hell train. Sex, drugs, gambling, no adult supervision, 24/7, by the time they're 21 they've done and seen it all.
Catherine: Make me slit my wrists why don't ya. I'm raising a teenager here.
Warrick: Ah, you're doin' a great job, Linds is gonna turn out to be a beautiful young woman. Besides, I grew up in Vegas I didn't turn out so bad, did I?
Nick: Yeah. That was pre-mirage. Back when you were goin' to the casino, playin' the arcade games. Nah, Vegas is a different animal now.
Warrick: Yeah, these kids need to beat people up in the street to be entertained. They need some good disapline, they need their grandmother whoopin' their ass like I had.
Nick: Yeah, a good slap.
Sara: You know, it kinda sounds like you guys are blaming everyone but these kids. I mean, you don't get a bye just because you grew up here or your parents are on drugs or---those kids were perfectally capable of telling the difference between a wild night out and beating somebody to death.
Grissom: The truth is, a moral compass can only point you in the right direction, it can't make you go there. (beat) Our culture preaches that you shouldn't be ashamed of anything you do anymore. And unfortunately this city is built on the principle that there's no such thing as guilt. "Do whatever you want, we won't tell." So without a conscience, there's nothing to stop you form killing someone. And evidently you don't even have to feel bad about it.

Good morning

Well, its 20 to nine on a thursday morning, and here I am updating my blog. It will be short seeing how I gotta go to work in a few minutes, but yah, things are good here, nothing really special locally that is. On monday, my cousin and his wife had their first child, a girl, who they named Olivia Joy, who weighed in at 8 pounds exact. Sadly they live in BC, so I dont think I will get to see her before Christmas which is too bad, but yah CONGRATS GUYS!
OK, I am out, have a good day!

Thoughts on Prayer... and all that that includeds

Another week, come and gone. Man, that was just one week? Ok ok I will admit, it went by pretty quick. Last night I had bible study #2, and again, I think it went pretty good. The girls seemed to have a good time (who wouldnt with chocolate pudding!) and we actaully got discussion going and it was quite something and I think, or hope, that they all went away with at least something. Hannah and her prayer was the topic for the evening, sort of like a "how big are your prayers" Like Sarah, Hannah didnt have a child till an old age, but later she had a boy whom she name Samuel, meaning, because "I asked God for you". We looked at the prayer that she prayed in Samuel 1; 1-20. She admitted to God that she was his servent, but the fact that she was miserable. *Read Scripture for a down to earth, truthfully honest prayer* So anyways this got us talking about Prayer in not only the lives of others, but in our own as well. What does it mean to us? Is it sincere when we are praying, or are we just following yet another life routine? If so, how do we tell which are "real", and just "routine" Prayers? Is it wrong to ask God for things? What about a young child, say 3-5 who knows no better and goes "God I want this and this and this" Is that wrong, or is the child just doing the only form of prayer that they know? What about an adult who prays, "give me this, give me that" sort of thing. Does God listen to the child, but not the adult? WHy or why not? That sort of thing. We also started talking about prayer in church. Have you ever not bowed your head and closed your eyes when everyone else does? I admit, I have a few times. Have you ever then looked or watch the other people all bow their heads? Really its like everyone goes in to "Robot Mode" or someting. Just try it, see if your church is like that as well. I understand that not all churches are like that, and I hope next year when I visit different ones in the UK and Europe, that wall will get broken down, but still, at the least it should question when you pray, how sincere are you? Are you like an adult who knows better, but still wants more and more, never giving anythign in return, or are you like a little kid, innocent and doesnt know any better? Are you like Hannah, admiting before God first that you are his servent, yet being totally honest about your feelings, or are just learning, asking tthese same questions, or other, trying to figure out what prayer means to you.

Prayer is such a loaded word, so much to talk about to think about, and yah even question, but like I have said, being a christian isnt about knowing everything right aways and the being satisfied, its a life long journey, one in which you will stumble and fall, yet the same one in which there will be victoires, accomplishments, lessons learned, and smile shared.
Cherish LIfe

SNOW!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!
Good bye Summer and Hello WINTER! Ok, ok, so it hardly covered the ground, and it stopped snowing like a hour later after it started, but it is still snow non the less! Gotta love how the day starts off somewhat warm, and the starts to rain, and then within seconds turns into snow! Though I got very wet on the way home from work (Printers are
back up and running, so the day was good), the snow put me in such a good mood! I just had to snap pics! Surprise surprise I know!

Mom is almost done painting our rec room from blue that we have had forever, to brown. Not sure if I am all for it yet, but like anything else, I am sure it will grow on me, and now, come Christmas, the greens and reds and the colours mom decorates with will look very nice, and then, In a month, we are setting up our tree. Its usually after Remembrance Day, so that would be a month from tomorrow, wow crazy, that means Christmas is in 2 months, and a bit! Crazy! So yah, here are some up dated pics of the rec room, notice the new couch as well, Leather, now this is living!
Yah, off to run dog quick, CHERISH LIFE