Interesting Weekend

This past Saturday, I was invited out to go strawberry picking here in Burlington, who knew there was a farm on Appleby Line? I didn't last too long before my allergies kicked in. I had no allergy medicine on me, nor inhalers. Somehow I forgot about the "straw/hay" on these farms. At least, what I really needed were my inhalers. I mangaed to get fill a basket of strawberries before I left. It was a fun afternoon. In the evening, a few of us went to a friend's house in North York for a meet and talk about Missions next year. I even had a slice of pizza with anchovies. That's right! It answered a lot of our questions, concerns, finances, etc... After a wonderful dinner, we all went to Ten Ren's a few blocks down for BBTea. We were able to talk about everyone's experiences, their fears, accomplishments. It was a great evening getting to know a few of the team members.

On Sunday, I was a bit late for prayer meeting. Something I go to before service, to pray w/ my fellow brothers and sisters before we serve. So I drove a bit fast, not that I normally drive that speed. At least Summer thinks I'm an ok driver, hehehe. She wasn't terrified. After our usual lunch, I was suppose to go study at the library before heading back for the MCAC anniversary but it was such a nice day that Cliff, Dave, Summer, Cecilia and I went for a walk through Erincale/Riverwood Park. It was a very nice afternoon, bright, breezy among other things. Before Cliff came along, the four of us saw a deer about 10 feet away from us. This is the second time I've seen a deer there. Come to think of it, I think it was almost two years ago that I saw it there too on a Sunday afternoon. I must say, Summer you are very brave and energetic through the woods, quite advernturous. I'm glad I went because it gave me an opportunity to get to know a couple of them better as well. Next time, I must remember to leave running shoes in the car. Yes, I was wearing heels throughout this adventure, but didn't fall exactly, just got stuck at the rocks, rather one of my heels did. Thanks to Dave for helping me out. The whole gang went to Bubble Republic for BBTea to just cool and chill...

Right after, I headed back to MCAC for the Church Anniversary Celebration. It was a really good sermon. I felt it really speaking to me...as if it was meant for me. I will blog it as well. The dinner was prepared very good, the presentation, the atmosphere, wow! The colours were blue and silver, kinda reminded some of us of a second prom. We found out as we proceeded to the gym that there was a seating chart, who knew? So Cliff, Marc, and myself were seated at table number "1"...right up front. We were seated with other people from the English Ministry as well, some familiar faces, and some new faces as well. Thanks to Cliff for sharing his testimony, we were the second table to grab food, yay! After the dinner, us young folks, along w/ Zoe, helped put chairs, tables and other furniture away. It was great to see all of us working together as a team from the two fellowships.

Overall, it was a great weekend:)

Out of Gas

After prayer meeting tonight, I went to fill up on gas at the usual pump on Hurontario by the Church like I usually do...but I was debating as to here or Burlington. Anywayz, I thought might as well get it here (Sauga), so I followed one of the oil tankers in to Shell. As I proceeded to get gas, started the pump, as I was at $1.46 I realized the price kept going up but I didn't feel the gasoline in my car. You know, when you fill up, you can feel the gasoline passing into your tank but this time I felt absolutely nothing. After a few more cents, I gave up. I closed my cap and got ready to leave. As I was ready to leave, I still saw the guy across in the next pump over still pumping and as he looked at me, I said "no gas"...he said, "really?" I said, my pump is empty and he asked how I knew...I'm not sure if he was that serious or not, he's like in his late 20's...still pumping away and talking to me. After I told him, he signalled the attendant to come out and said we're out of gas. He asked for compensation, while he kept pumping. I just left, I lost $2.00 but I'm not going to stay around for 20minutes while it fills up. On the other hand, for this guy, I'd want compensation too.

Missions...For such a time as this.

Recently, as I've been driving home, the song " For such a time as this" by Wayne Watson is so touching. The first time I heard this song was on "Touched by an Angel" TV series, a few years ago and it talked about a mother who was a politician and wanted to help the children in Africa yet also do trade agreements w/ that would compromise the children, hence child labour. This mother's own child raised money along with his father to stop the child labour going on in these countries and wanted his mother to bring the money raised there to help and set them free. The mother was never close to her son as she lost her second son, can't remember the circumstances, anways, she never let that go and blamed herself. Long story short, she sold her necklace, which had a picture of her second son, something she was never able to take it off so that, she was able to buy that last child back.

So I'm not doing anything like the show, but it brought tears to my eyes as I watched it...

The Chorus:

"For such a time as this, I was placed upon the earth

To hear the voice of God and do His will whatever it is

For such a time as this, for now and all the days He gives

I am here, I am here and I am His...

For such a time as this, You- do you ever wonder why

Seems like the grass is always greener under everybody else's sky

But right here right here for this time and place

You can live a mirror of His mercy A forgiven image of Grace..."

Bridge:
Can't change what's happened till now
But we can change what will be...

What hit me was the first two lines of the chorus, do His will whatever it is. I have to surrender every part of my life, whether it be missions or something else in life. I do have the passion to help people, to make a change to those around me and those I have yet to meet. No, I will not be a politician. I am somewhat shy, depending on the circle of friends, but I have also seen God work through me these past two years in Fellowship, in Church, in my circles of friends as well.

Please pray that I do not shy away from the challenges that are placed before me. I've declined on going to misisons in the past for various reasons, but Lord let me do Your work as You want me to.

Saturday by the Lake...

Earlier this evening, a group of my friends and I went to Port Credit for a leisurely walk...of course, most of them, not all, Oscar, Amy, and I were on time...We talked for a bit, then walked around before meeting up w/ everyone. It was good to see some old faces and get reaquainted w/ some friends of friends...

Shortly after the walk, Cliff and Amy were really hungry so we all decided to go to "Crooked Cue" for dinner. We all were asked if we were over 21 and of course, we all said yes. When the boyz ordered their drinks, Uncle D ordered a "drink" as well... as he asked for an extra glass, the waitress looked at him as he poured it and gave a bit to me. I saw the look on her face but I was ready to show my I.D. After the dinner, a few of us got ice cream, or ice caps, but the rest of the gang left not knowing we intended to walk around:( Although, I was becoming "Bug Bait" just walking to my car. Sweet blood what can I say? hehehe...

On my way home, as I was turning onto my street, a bunny rabbit was hopping along the street, probably the same one from this afternon that was hopping along side my car...Anywayz, thanks Amy, for saving the little rabbit. If it wasn't for you, I don't think the rabbit would be alive. I have a tendency to do really fast sharp turns in my neighborhood and I really shouldn't. So the bunny lives for another day, yay!

Changes...Adapting to Change

Am I ready for Change? Do I really have a choice? So many changes going on in my life, that I'm often left confused as to what I should do. Go with the flow as they say, change is inevitable. It's not necessarily about the change that is the concern, rather the method in how it is handled. There will be a lot of changes over the next several week over at work, Fellowship, my lifestyle, my daily routine as I've been accustomed to over the last several years. All this will change, in a matter of weeks. At the moment, I take it one day at a time. I pray that with each choice I make, that it is pleasing to God.

Taking the next step...what is the next step? Lord, this is my prayer...

Lack of oxygen?

Today, I was so unproductive at work today...there was no air ciculation. The A/C stopped working in our area, it was like walking into a air tight vault. At first I thought it was bearable, but then I was feeling worse. I must have drank at least six glasses of ice cold water during the afternoon alone and ice cream. It was at the point where my face became flushed as I was told by my coworker, couldn't concentrate and kept passing in and out of consciousness. Followed by a massive headache, dry eyes, it was horrible. It was almost like walking into an airtight vault, where the air has been sucked out. Couldn't go to the gym, afraid that I'd pass out...Although after sleeping for six hours with fresh air blowing through the room, I feel a bit better now. Thanks all!

Terrific Weekend

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to help plan my friends wedding. It was a spectacular day...a bit warm during the day. As one of my friends and I were discussing, it was only one year ago, that I met them and they were going out...one year later, here we are, both witnessing this special occassion. The ceremony and dinner was great...then after a rich dinner, a nice walk along the lake was really nice. Just a tad chilly but it was worth it. Catching up on old times, seeing friends I haven't seen in a long time, and those that I see a lot, it's cool to see everyone all dressed up. I don't have the pictures at the moment, as the camera was slightly damaged not by me...but I still have the memories at least.

On Saturday, I had a JP meeting at 9:15am, but I was late...It was a good wrap up for the year, discussing the positive and negative points and what can be done to improve JP for next year. Just working with the kids and seeing how God works in their lives, how they are so innocent, so keen on learning God's Word is a blessing.

On Sunday, after my meeting at Church, Summer, Amy, Carey, Cliff, and I went for a walk along Port Credit. Honestly, it was such a beautiful afternoon. Get a bit of exercise, enjoying the sun. Walking along the rocks in heels wasn't the best idea but I didn't fall into the water. Then we all went over to Chanthan's in Stoney creek for a bbq. Yup, that's right Stoney Creek. It is a small world after all, turns out that her sister's bbq(Grad party), one of her friends is someone that I grew up w/ at HCAC. And of course, us ladies playing with the babies, it's so much fun. Got my work out for sure. The older toddler wasn't as shy, giving hugs and kisses and I think little Tavri also gave Uncle Cliff a hug. The little ones loved us all I'm sure. Hugs for all.

I guess plans change, and sometimes things don't work out as you planned it...yet it still turned out to be a great weekend. Last minute planning just doesn't always work, we've tried it 2x this weekend, and both have failed. Perhaps it may work next weekend. Who knows? Whatever happens will happen.