School Situation
My case has been reviewed with the school and although it is too late to undo the mistake that was made by cancelling my funding, they are working with me to try and get a new loan so that I can start more courses in August. This may not work because the student loan provider doesn't take too kindly to students who didn't complete the courses they were supposed to, but I'm writing a letter to them explaining the reason why that happened and telling them to verify with the school that it was not my fault.
In the meantime I'm working hard on my exams. I had one on Saturday that went good and now I'm preparing for my next two (one tomorrow and one on Friday) although it's been really hard because of another situation that's been going on...
Health Situation
For the past two months since my incision healed I have felt pretty good- unfortunately that changed this weekend. Saturday I began experiencing some pretty intense pain, along with a few other symptoms that I experienced last summer before having my cysts removed. I was very fortunate to get in with my doctor today and it turns out that based on my symptoms there is a good chance that I have another cyst. Obviously this is not good news. Right now I'm on a waiting list to get a scan at the hospital that will give a clear picture of what's going on and tomorrow I see the specialist after my exam. My mind is still reeling from the fact that I could be going through something like this again, but deep down I do have a peace about the situation.
But that said I still do covert your prayers for me during this time. Please pray especially that I would be able to do well on my exams and finish up the school work that needs to be finished: it's very hard for me to focus on my school work when I'm in pain like this and taking painkillers only manages to fog my brain further. Also please continue to be in prayer for my Mom and her skin cancer- she's finishing up her treatment this week and in two weeks will be going to the doctor in Toronto to see if it worked.
Thanks friends!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Steel Bars
So this is how it feels at the rock bottom of despair
When the house I built comes crashing down
And this is how it feels when I know the man that I say I am
Is not the man that I am when no one's around
This is how it feels to come alive again
And start fighting back to gain control
And this is how it feels to let freedom in
And break these chains that enslave my soul
Jill Philips- Steel Bars
I heard this song again the other day and did it ever hit me. I don't think there are any other words that can articulate my struggles over the past couple of months better. Even though on the most part I'm a very optimistic person, I did hit the rock bottom of despair and it wasn't a pleasant experience. In a lot of ways I wish I could forget the experience, but I've found myself being reminded of it a lot lately.
The rock bottom hit on a cold Friday night in November. I was in a hospital room by myself, my family had left for the night and I hadn't had any friends visit that week. Physically my energy was nonexistent and the infection still had a scary hold on my body. I don't think I'd ever felt so alone. I flicked the TV on and started channel surfing in an effort to distract myself from the reality that kept trying to creep into the dream world that I had created. But it wasn't long before reality forced its way in and stayed for a pity party.
My condition took a turn for the worst and I started losing blood rapidly. As nurses came in and out of my room, I used the few minutes of silence in between to completely break down. And break down I did.
But if there's one good thing about hitting rock bottom, it's that things can only go up from there. And for the past few months I have been fighting my way upwards. I've been learning what it means to be fully alive and I've been embracing the freedom that is found in Christ. I can't say how grateful I am for the opportunity to do so because the truth of the matter is: just because my heart hit rock bottom didn't mean that my health would start to improve along with my heart. In fact I'm very much aware that things could have turned out much differently. And maybe that's not such a bad thing to be made aware of because it's certainly increased my appreciation of the everyday.
So where Friday brought pain and sorrow, Sunday was a completely different story and in that I had my own little Easter experience. When I woke up for the first time in three weeks without a fever and shakes and looked out of my hospital room window and saw the sun streaming down, I couldn't help but think that maybe this is a small glimpse into what that resurrection moment was like for Jesus: transitioning from despair to hope, from death to life, and from sadness to joy.
And while everything was not perfect from that Sunday morning on and there still were many hard days ahead, I was changed and I was not facing this alone and that was all that really seemed to matter. Even now in my life, that's all that matters. Life is not perfect- I doubt if it ever will be on this earth. But I move forward, day by day, living life to the fullest with my Best Friend: the One who knows my journey from start to finish.
"In this crazy world, there's an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they're never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom." (Henri Nouwen)
When the house I built comes crashing down
And this is how it feels when I know the man that I say I am
Is not the man that I am when no one's around
This is how it feels to come alive again
And start fighting back to gain control
And this is how it feels to let freedom in
And break these chains that enslave my soul
Jill Philips- Steel Bars
I heard this song again the other day and did it ever hit me. I don't think there are any other words that can articulate my struggles over the past couple of months better. Even though on the most part I'm a very optimistic person, I did hit the rock bottom of despair and it wasn't a pleasant experience. In a lot of ways I wish I could forget the experience, but I've found myself being reminded of it a lot lately.
The rock bottom hit on a cold Friday night in November. I was in a hospital room by myself, my family had left for the night and I hadn't had any friends visit that week. Physically my energy was nonexistent and the infection still had a scary hold on my body. I don't think I'd ever felt so alone. I flicked the TV on and started channel surfing in an effort to distract myself from the reality that kept trying to creep into the dream world that I had created. But it wasn't long before reality forced its way in and stayed for a pity party.
My condition took a turn for the worst and I started losing blood rapidly. As nurses came in and out of my room, I used the few minutes of silence in between to completely break down. And break down I did.
But if there's one good thing about hitting rock bottom, it's that things can only go up from there. And for the past few months I have been fighting my way upwards. I've been learning what it means to be fully alive and I've been embracing the freedom that is found in Christ. I can't say how grateful I am for the opportunity to do so because the truth of the matter is: just because my heart hit rock bottom didn't mean that my health would start to improve along with my heart. In fact I'm very much aware that things could have turned out much differently. And maybe that's not such a bad thing to be made aware of because it's certainly increased my appreciation of the everyday.
So where Friday brought pain and sorrow, Sunday was a completely different story and in that I had my own little Easter experience. When I woke up for the first time in three weeks without a fever and shakes and looked out of my hospital room window and saw the sun streaming down, I couldn't help but think that maybe this is a small glimpse into what that resurrection moment was like for Jesus: transitioning from despair to hope, from death to life, and from sadness to joy.
And while everything was not perfect from that Sunday morning on and there still were many hard days ahead, I was changed and I was not facing this alone and that was all that really seemed to matter. Even now in my life, that's all that matters. Life is not perfect- I doubt if it ever will be on this earth. But I move forward, day by day, living life to the fullest with my Best Friend: the One who knows my journey from start to finish.
"In this crazy world, there's an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they're never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom." (Henri Nouwen)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Update on the School Situation
On Wednesday I wrote a lengthy letter to the president of the school, explaining the situation and asking for his intervention. He has since responded and has promised to look into the matter. Now it's just a waiting game.
In the meantime I've been looking into other options. One problem that I didn't think about at first was health benefits. If I work part time and am in school part time my benefits will be discontinued. The only way I can have benefits is to either be in school full-time (and thus be covered by the family plan) or be working full-time (and thus be covered by my employers plan).
Health benefits are pretty much essential for me. The medication that I'm on is pricey and if I run into any other problems, I need coverage. Had I not had a health plan this past year I would have been in big trouble (actually one interesting fact for you- I was told by one of my nurses that between the government and my family plan, at least $300,000 shelled out for my care. Isn't that crazy?!?).
So no decisions have been made yet. I'm trying my best to focus on my current school work and not think about the worst-case scenario. I'm very confident that God has a plan for me even in this and I trust that He will reveal that to me in His perfect timing!
In the meantime I've been looking into other options. One problem that I didn't think about at first was health benefits. If I work part time and am in school part time my benefits will be discontinued. The only way I can have benefits is to either be in school full-time (and thus be covered by the family plan) or be working full-time (and thus be covered by my employers plan).
Health benefits are pretty much essential for me. The medication that I'm on is pricey and if I run into any other problems, I need coverage. Had I not had a health plan this past year I would have been in big trouble (actually one interesting fact for you- I was told by one of my nurses that between the government and my family plan, at least $300,000 shelled out for my care. Isn't that crazy?!?).
So no decisions have been made yet. I'm trying my best to focus on my current school work and not think about the worst-case scenario. I'm very confident that God has a plan for me even in this and I trust that He will reveal that to me in His perfect timing!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
My Photo
Almost exactly a year ago I headed out to New Brunswick to attend a radio seminar and afterwards had the opportunity to do some sight-seeing.
Well one of the sights I saw was Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park. A photo I took of the falls is currently featured on canada.com (the website of canwest- Global TV, The National Post, etc.).
Check it out here and let me know what you think!
Well one of the sights I saw was Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park. A photo I took of the falls is currently featured on canada.com (the website of canwest- Global TV, The National Post, etc.).
Check it out here and let me know what you think!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Just one of those days
Last night a friend emailed me this scripture verse (thanks Byron):
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)
Reading it last night and recalling it today was nothing short of divine. You see today hasn't been a very good day. I received some news regarding my schooling that isn't good and I don't quite know what to do about it.
You see the original plan was for this semester of school to run from January 1st to April 30th. The thought behind this was I was supposed to be healed by January and have enough energy to resume my university studies. When that didn't happen I spoke to people both at the school and at the student loan centre to request an extension on my courses. Between getting treatments every day and having not at whole lot of energy because of the infections I knew that I could not complete my courses by the end of April. As it turned out, my incision only ended up healing then anyways.
Both the school and the student loan centre agreed that this was a valid reason for an extension and granted it, with the promise that my next round of courses would start July 1st and my loan would remain in tact.
Well today I received a message from the school that I'm not allowed to start my next round of courses in July because my student loan has been cancelled for the year. For whatever reason, someone at the school decided that it would be a good idea to do this without my permission and now there is nothing I can do about it except apply again and wait until October to start. This wouldn't be the worst thing in the world except that by cancelling my loan I am no longer eligible for any assistance from here on out.
On top of that, by cancelling my student loan, the school forfeited the grant that I was supposed to receive next month. The grant was worth almost $3000.
So now I'm trying to figure out my options. As it stands they are as follows:
-Quit school, find a job and count my loses.
-Find a job in July and work until November, then re-apply for school and pay for it with my job earnings. Repeat this cycle until I'm finished school.
-Find a part-time job and work while studying at a reduced course load.
-Move to the Cayman islands and live on the beach.
Right now the last option sounds like the most appealing one! ;)
Seriously as of right now I'm just trying not to think about it too much. I still have a lot of work that I need to do to finish up the courses I'm in right now and I don't need the distraction. I'm also determined not too think about it too much because thinking isn't going to help me make a decision, but prayer will.
And at the same time I've been reminded, both through that Bible verse and through my life experiences as of recently, that this is happening for a reason. I may not know the reason, but I do know that God is in control of my life. I'm also very much aware that God is my provider, not the student loan people and if wants me to continue on with this, He will make a way!
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)
Reading it last night and recalling it today was nothing short of divine. You see today hasn't been a very good day. I received some news regarding my schooling that isn't good and I don't quite know what to do about it.
You see the original plan was for this semester of school to run from January 1st to April 30th. The thought behind this was I was supposed to be healed by January and have enough energy to resume my university studies. When that didn't happen I spoke to people both at the school and at the student loan centre to request an extension on my courses. Between getting treatments every day and having not at whole lot of energy because of the infections I knew that I could not complete my courses by the end of April. As it turned out, my incision only ended up healing then anyways.
Both the school and the student loan centre agreed that this was a valid reason for an extension and granted it, with the promise that my next round of courses would start July 1st and my loan would remain in tact.
Well today I received a message from the school that I'm not allowed to start my next round of courses in July because my student loan has been cancelled for the year. For whatever reason, someone at the school decided that it would be a good idea to do this without my permission and now there is nothing I can do about it except apply again and wait until October to start. This wouldn't be the worst thing in the world except that by cancelling my loan I am no longer eligible for any assistance from here on out.
On top of that, by cancelling my student loan, the school forfeited the grant that I was supposed to receive next month. The grant was worth almost $3000.
So now I'm trying to figure out my options. As it stands they are as follows:
-Quit school, find a job and count my loses.
-Find a job in July and work until November, then re-apply for school and pay for it with my job earnings. Repeat this cycle until I'm finished school.
-Find a part-time job and work while studying at a reduced course load.
-Move to the Cayman islands and live on the beach.
Right now the last option sounds like the most appealing one! ;)
Seriously as of right now I'm just trying not to think about it too much. I still have a lot of work that I need to do to finish up the courses I'm in right now and I don't need the distraction. I'm also determined not too think about it too much because thinking isn't going to help me make a decision, but prayer will.
And at the same time I've been reminded, both through that Bible verse and through my life experiences as of recently, that this is happening for a reason. I may not know the reason, but I do know that God is in control of my life. I'm also very much aware that God is my provider, not the student loan people and if wants me to continue on with this, He will make a way!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Word of Life
Check out this powerful article from James MacDonald:
Words of Life
By Dr. James MacDonald
Proverbs 15:4 “ A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
James 1:26 “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
Without exception, all of us know first-hand what a blessing and what a weapon words can be. Throughout Proverbs and James we read that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life,” says Proverbs 15:4. Tender, good words, spoken from the heart, at just the right time promotes joyful relationships. But the flip side is also true, “ but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Perverseness means “crooked.” Perverseness is twisting someone’s words so they’re distorted from what they meant. Perverseness brings hurt and harm. Proverbs 15:4 says those kinds of words have the power to break the spirit; it’s painful to admit—we shatter and wound those we love with the words we say.
Maybe you wonder why your spouse keeps their distance. Why can’t I connect with my son? Why am I not close to my friend like I used to be? Ask yourself, “Have I wounded their spirit by something I’ve said to them?” When a person’s spirit is injured, they close themselves off to you. They put up a wall. Ask God to bring to your mind the gentle words to say to them to make it right. Start with these five things:
#1 A word of regret. Go to your loved one and say, “I’m sorry.” Don’t let yourself off with the big catch-all “sorry.” Be specific. Say, “I’m sorry I said this,” “I’m sorry I did that.”
#2 A word of responsibility. “It’s my fault. I have no excuse. Please forgive me.” Sure, others have a role in the conflict, but you can’t fix anyone else. Do your part.
#3 A word of hope. “I’m going to try harder.” Again, be specific. “I’m going to try harder at affection; I’m going to try harder at attention. I’m going to try harder at listening to you.”
#4 A word of commitment. “I’m here for you. We’re going to get through this together. Nothing will change my love for you.” Make sure your loved one knows that. Most people will flourish in that commitment.
#5 A word of affection. “I love you.” Say it sincerely. Say it till it comes easily from your lips. If you didn’t grow up with that kind of affirmation, you might need to work a little harder at this one, but break the chain and be the solution in your family.
Think honestly about the words spoken in your circle of loved ones. Today, you have the power to bless or to hurt them. Choose to plant the tree of life by the words you say.
Words of Life
By Dr. James MacDonald
Proverbs 15:4 “ A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
James 1:26 “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
Without exception, all of us know first-hand what a blessing and what a weapon words can be. Throughout Proverbs and James we read that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life,” says Proverbs 15:4. Tender, good words, spoken from the heart, at just the right time promotes joyful relationships. But the flip side is also true, “ but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Perverseness means “crooked.” Perverseness is twisting someone’s words so they’re distorted from what they meant. Perverseness brings hurt and harm. Proverbs 15:4 says those kinds of words have the power to break the spirit; it’s painful to admit—we shatter and wound those we love with the words we say.
Maybe you wonder why your spouse keeps their distance. Why can’t I connect with my son? Why am I not close to my friend like I used to be? Ask yourself, “Have I wounded their spirit by something I’ve said to them?” When a person’s spirit is injured, they close themselves off to you. They put up a wall. Ask God to bring to your mind the gentle words to say to them to make it right. Start with these five things:
#1 A word of regret. Go to your loved one and say, “I’m sorry.” Don’t let yourself off with the big catch-all “sorry.” Be specific. Say, “I’m sorry I said this,” “I’m sorry I did that.”
#2 A word of responsibility. “It’s my fault. I have no excuse. Please forgive me.” Sure, others have a role in the conflict, but you can’t fix anyone else. Do your part.
#3 A word of hope. “I’m going to try harder.” Again, be specific. “I’m going to try harder at affection; I’m going to try harder at attention. I’m going to try harder at listening to you.”
#4 A word of commitment. “I’m here for you. We’re going to get through this together. Nothing will change my love for you.” Make sure your loved one knows that. Most people will flourish in that commitment.
#5 A word of affection. “I love you.” Say it sincerely. Say it till it comes easily from your lips. If you didn’t grow up with that kind of affirmation, you might need to work a little harder at this one, but break the chain and be the solution in your family.
Think honestly about the words spoken in your circle of loved ones. Today, you have the power to bless or to hurt them. Choose to plant the tree of life by the words you say.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Must Read Article
We've all been hearing a lot about the AIDS crisis lately and rightly so. There's an epidemic that needs all of our attention, but all too often it becomes easy to sit back and let the words bounce off of our filters that stops things from penetrating our hearts.
But thankfully there are people who are working tirelessly to get our attention on the subject and one of these people is Kay Warren (wife of Purpose Driven Life author Rick Warren). Click here to read an article of hers, published on CNN. It's a must read for any follower of Christ!
It's time that we all get disturbed.
But thankfully there are people who are working tirelessly to get our attention on the subject and one of these people is Kay Warren (wife of Purpose Driven Life author Rick Warren). Click here to read an article of hers, published on CNN. It's a must read for any follower of Christ!
It's time that we all get disturbed.
Monday, June 05, 2006
I'll Be Happy When ____________
We don't have to look very far to see people who are searching for something. Actually pulling out a mirror could do that for most people. Let's face it: no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all looking for something more.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say I'll be happy when I get a promotion or I'll be happy when I have more in my bank account or I'll be happy when I have a significant other or I'll be happy when ____________ (fill in the blank).
As a result we've become a Starbuck drinking, ipod listening, suv driving, credit card buying generation and we're still not happy. Then we convince ourselves that if only our lives were different, we'd be happy. So we buy lottery tickets and hope for our fifteen minutes of fame and when that doesn't pan out, we still hope because we've convinced ourselves that if only we were rich and famous, then we'd be content.
Well recently I read an interview with someone who put a hole in that theory. Jim Carrey (who happens to be both rich and famous) said: "I wish everyone could get rich and famous and everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that's not the answer."
This is coming from someone who lives in a California mansion, who has made more than $25 million for shooting just one film (Bruce Almighty) and who in 2003 was named Hollywood's top-paid actors. Most people would think Jim Carrey would be on top of the world, but he honestly admits that the money, the fame, and even having everything you could dream of is not the answer.
So what is the answer? It may sound simplistic, but really the answer is Jesus.
Jesus is the only One who can complete us (Col. 2:10). Jesus is the only One who can heal us, from both the inside and out (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus is the only One who can give us lasting joy (John 16:22). Jesus is the only One who can give us peace, even in the midst of troubling times (Phil. 4:7). Jesus is the answer to what we are looking for.
And we are looking. In their chart topping song "Meant To Live" Switchfoot sings:
"We want more than this world's got to offer
We want more than than the wars of our fathers
And everything inside screams for second life.
We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?"
I believe many of us have lost ourselves but the good news is we can also be found. The same shepherd who left the ninety-nine for the one who wandered off finds us wherever we are. And when we allow Him to, He comes in and changes us from the inside out.
We were meant to live for so much more. Thank God because it would be a pretty depressing world if we weren't.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say I'll be happy when I get a promotion or I'll be happy when I have more in my bank account or I'll be happy when I have a significant other or I'll be happy when ____________ (fill in the blank).
As a result we've become a Starbuck drinking, ipod listening, suv driving, credit card buying generation and we're still not happy. Then we convince ourselves that if only our lives were different, we'd be happy. So we buy lottery tickets and hope for our fifteen minutes of fame and when that doesn't pan out, we still hope because we've convinced ourselves that if only we were rich and famous, then we'd be content.
Well recently I read an interview with someone who put a hole in that theory. Jim Carrey (who happens to be both rich and famous) said: "I wish everyone could get rich and famous and everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that's not the answer."
This is coming from someone who lives in a California mansion, who has made more than $25 million for shooting just one film (Bruce Almighty) and who in 2003 was named Hollywood's top-paid actors. Most people would think Jim Carrey would be on top of the world, but he honestly admits that the money, the fame, and even having everything you could dream of is not the answer.
So what is the answer? It may sound simplistic, but really the answer is Jesus.
Jesus is the only One who can complete us (Col. 2:10). Jesus is the only One who can heal us, from both the inside and out (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus is the only One who can give us lasting joy (John 16:22). Jesus is the only One who can give us peace, even in the midst of troubling times (Phil. 4:7). Jesus is the answer to what we are looking for.
And we are looking. In their chart topping song "Meant To Live" Switchfoot sings:
"We want more than this world's got to offer
We want more than than the wars of our fathers
And everything inside screams for second life.
We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?"
I believe many of us have lost ourselves but the good news is we can also be found. The same shepherd who left the ninety-nine for the one who wandered off finds us wherever we are. And when we allow Him to, He comes in and changes us from the inside out.
We were meant to live for so much more. Thank God because it would be a pretty depressing world if we weren't.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Update
So I've been back from the big city for almost a week now and I know a few of you have been asking how the trip went. Thanks for your concern and sorry about not posting earlier. This week has been hectic in every sense of the word!
The trip didn't exactly turn out the way I wanted it to. I mean it was good to get some time away with my family, but the reason why we were there wasn't good. The doctor in Toronto said that my Mom does have skin cancer (again). Fortunately instead of doing surgery right away, there is a new procedure that is being tried out. So in a month from now we'll be going back to see if that worked. Please pray that it does.
Sometimes life can be hard, but as hard as it gets I'm reminded over and over that God is truly with me. I'm also reminded that things could be a lot worse than they are and for that reason alone I'm trying not to complain about this latest development and some other stuff that's going on right now.
So again thanks for your prayers- they are truly appreciated and I would be humbled if you would continue to pray for my Mom. Also while you're at it, please pray for my friend Eric's father- he's in the hospital and not doing well right now. Thank you.
The trip didn't exactly turn out the way I wanted it to. I mean it was good to get some time away with my family, but the reason why we were there wasn't good. The doctor in Toronto said that my Mom does have skin cancer (again). Fortunately instead of doing surgery right away, there is a new procedure that is being tried out. So in a month from now we'll be going back to see if that worked. Please pray that it does.
Sometimes life can be hard, but as hard as it gets I'm reminded over and over that God is truly with me. I'm also reminded that things could be a lot worse than they are and for that reason alone I'm trying not to complain about this latest development and some other stuff that's going on right now.
So again thanks for your prayers- they are truly appreciated and I would be humbled if you would continue to pray for my Mom. Also while you're at it, please pray for my friend Eric's father- he's in the hospital and not doing well right now. Thank you.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Toronto Bound
Tomorrow morning my family and I are heading down to Toronto for a couple of days. My Mom sees a specialist there once a year and the doctor here decided it's better to go sooner rather than later (the original plan was August).So it's kind of last minute in a lot of ways, but I think it'll be good for the family to spend some quality time together!
So if you guys could pray for safe travel and a good doctors appointment, it would be much appreciated!
God Bless.
Kristen
Monday, May 15, 2006
Suffering With Those Who Suffer
In his book "The Hungering Dark" Frederick Buechner wrote: "When someone we love suffers, we suffer with that person, and we would not have it otherwise, because the suffering and the love are one, just as it is with God's love for us."
What I believe Buechner is getting at here is the point that part of being a Christian, encompassed in the love of God, is loving others and experiencing life with them fully- both the highs and the lows. When this is lived out within the Church it is a truly beautiful thing.
Seeing this love that suffers with those who suffer is truly an amazing experience and whenever I have privilege of seeing it, I can't help but ask myself how often do I give myself to this type of love even during the hard times of my life? Because even when we are suffering ourselves, it doesn't mean that God no longer expects us to love others in the same way. Suffering doesn't give us a "get out of love free" card that we can hang onto until things get better. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Really, there is no better time when we can truly love than when we are experiencing suffering ourselves.
One of the main reasons being because we can truly understand what the other person is going through. Even though it's not one of the best things to have in common in our minds, it's that common ground that builds a relationship and allows love, God's love, to flow forth.
Maybe that's the reason why many of those who run pregnancy crisis centers have had a crisis pregnancy themselves, or why often those who work with the homeless were first once homeless themselves. I'm not saying this is always the case, but often it is. God uses our life experiences to allow us to love others who are in the same place that we once were or even currently are.
In the end though, the question all comes down to: are we going to allow ourselves to be used of God in this way? It isn't easy to come alongside of someone who is hurting, but it is necessary! God wants to use His people to accomplish His work here in His world. And if we don't do it, He will find someone else who's willing and then we've missed out of being a part of something truly beautiful.
What I believe Buechner is getting at here is the point that part of being a Christian, encompassed in the love of God, is loving others and experiencing life with them fully- both the highs and the lows. When this is lived out within the Church it is a truly beautiful thing.
Seeing this love that suffers with those who suffer is truly an amazing experience and whenever I have privilege of seeing it, I can't help but ask myself how often do I give myself to this type of love even during the hard times of my life? Because even when we are suffering ourselves, it doesn't mean that God no longer expects us to love others in the same way. Suffering doesn't give us a "get out of love free" card that we can hang onto until things get better. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Really, there is no better time when we can truly love than when we are experiencing suffering ourselves.
One of the main reasons being because we can truly understand what the other person is going through. Even though it's not one of the best things to have in common in our minds, it's that common ground that builds a relationship and allows love, God's love, to flow forth.
Maybe that's the reason why many of those who run pregnancy crisis centers have had a crisis pregnancy themselves, or why often those who work with the homeless were first once homeless themselves. I'm not saying this is always the case, but often it is. God uses our life experiences to allow us to love others who are in the same place that we once were or even currently are.
In the end though, the question all comes down to: are we going to allow ourselves to be used of God in this way? It isn't easy to come alongside of someone who is hurting, but it is necessary! God wants to use His people to accomplish His work here in His world. And if we don't do it, He will find someone else who's willing and then we've missed out of being a part of something truly beautiful.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
My Birthday In Review
First off- thanks to everyone who called, emailed, messaged, commented, and e-carded (is that even a word?) to wish me a Happy Birthday- I appreciate you all so much!I had a great day. I took the day off from school and spent the majority of it doing whatever I wanted, which was so nice! :)
So for me the perfect day was sleeping in, going out for breakfast, reading a good book, spending time with Jesus, watching a movie uninterrupted, spending time in the outdoors, eating my favorite foods for dinner, spending time with family, and playing mini-golf.
And of course the day wouldn't be complete without birthday presents! :) I got some speakers for my ipod, a promise from my bro (written on a post-it note) for two free rounds of golf, some golf balls (that I hope I don't lose), and some clothing.
And then tonight I was surprised with a belated birthday cake from everyone at C&C (see photo)- thanks guys!
I am very excited to see what my 23rd year on this earth is all going to bring. Year 22 was very challenging, painful, scary, and heartbreaking at times, but looking back it was also very good.
Thank you Jesus for the gifts of family and friends. And above all, thank you for the gift of LIFE! May I honor You in every moment of every day that I'm given here and may each decision I make have an eternal impact on LIFE There.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Updated Links
I've updated the links that appear here on the right-hand side of the page. I've posted links to most of my articles that are online and I've also added a link to my amazon.ca wishlist (just in case anyone is still looking for a last minute birthday present for me lol).
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Living
During one of my interviews at GMA Week I spoke with a band who had recently faced a number of personal tragedies and as I spoke with them and they shared their stories and I shared mine, one thing kept rising to the surface of our conversation and that was that we shouldn't wait for tomorrow to do what should be done today.
We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to call someone we need to call today. We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to do that thing that we've been putting off and could do today. We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to live the life that we've been given today.
This isn't an easy lesson to learn, but it's one that I have been learning, and in the process I've been changing. I've been coming to grab hold of each day in a new way and embrace the gift that is found in moments.
Playing baseball with my family. Doing embarrassing things with friends. Stepping aside from work to enjoy an afternoon walk through the neighborhood. Turning off the TV to spend some time with Jesus. Living life the way it was meant to be lived.
"Live. And Live Well.
BREATHE. Breathe in and Breathe deeply.
Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now.
On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.
If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.
Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.
If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash well.
Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.
If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all… because soon he’ll be wiping his own.
If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well.
At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke.
And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven.
And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift." (Kyle Lake)
We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to call someone we need to call today. We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to do that thing that we've been putting off and could do today. We shouldn't wait until tomorrow to live the life that we've been given today.
This isn't an easy lesson to learn, but it's one that I have been learning, and in the process I've been changing. I've been coming to grab hold of each day in a new way and embrace the gift that is found in moments.
Playing baseball with my family. Doing embarrassing things with friends. Stepping aside from work to enjoy an afternoon walk through the neighborhood. Turning off the TV to spend some time with Jesus. Living life the way it was meant to be lived.
"Live. And Live Well.
BREATHE. Breathe in and Breathe deeply.
Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now.
On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.
If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.
Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.
If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash well.
Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.
If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all… because soon he’ll be wiping his own.
If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well.
At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke.
And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven.
And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift." (Kyle Lake)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Finally!
After six months of sickness and lifting restrictions, my incision has finally healed!!! Now while I would have never chosen this journey for myself, in the process I did learn a lot. These lessons aren't new by any means, but they have been engraved on my heart and I don't think I'll forget them too quickly.
I'm learning..
-That making a puzzle is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
-That there is a lot of value that can be found in the ordinary.
-That it's okay to say that things aren't okay, to admit that I have a need or to rely on someone else.
-That a healed soul is more important than a healed body.
-That there's something holy about silence.
-That sometimes the simplest things are the hardest things to do.
-That pride can kill: literally.
-That a meal tastes much better when shared with the company of friends and family.
-That there is joy to be found in both noise and silence.
-That evangelism is a conversation, not a speech.
-That sometimes it takes a scare to make you realize what is sacred.
-That God's strength can bridge any gap that our weakness may have made.
-That little surprises make up for big disappointments.
-That being a person of integrity is one of the greatest gifts that I could give those around me.
-That no matter how bad things look, they could always look worse.
-That a smile goes a long way in changing someone's day.
-That God's light shines even brighter in times of darkness.
-That miracles do happen everyday, I just miss out on them way too often.
-That cards are far more valuable than gifts.
-That music stirs the soul and sparks hope.
-That with God there are no coincidences, only organizing of circumstances that lead us down a road that has twists, turns, and bumps, but leads us straight to His Holy Throne.
-That I'm lucky to be alive.
Kristen
I'm learning..
-That making a puzzle is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
-That there is a lot of value that can be found in the ordinary.
-That it's okay to say that things aren't okay, to admit that I have a need or to rely on someone else.
-That a healed soul is more important than a healed body.
-That there's something holy about silence.
-That sometimes the simplest things are the hardest things to do.
-That pride can kill: literally.
-That a meal tastes much better when shared with the company of friends and family.
-That there is joy to be found in both noise and silence.
-That evangelism is a conversation, not a speech.
-That sometimes it takes a scare to make you realize what is sacred.
-That God's strength can bridge any gap that our weakness may have made.
-That little surprises make up for big disappointments.
-That being a person of integrity is one of the greatest gifts that I could give those around me.
-That no matter how bad things look, they could always look worse.
-That a smile goes a long way in changing someone's day.
-That God's light shines even brighter in times of darkness.
-That miracles do happen everyday, I just miss out on them way too often.
-That cards are far more valuable than gifts.
-That music stirs the soul and sparks hope.
-That with God there are no coincidences, only organizing of circumstances that lead us down a road that has twists, turns, and bumps, but leads us straight to His Holy Throne.
-That I'm lucky to be alive.
Kristen
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Resurrection Life
In that one moment everything changed. Darkness became Light. Sorrow became Joy. Despair became Hope. Death became Life.
That moment happened over two thousand years ago when Christ Jesus was raised from the dead after experiencing the most brutal type of death known to man. And that moment's ripples are still being felt today.
When the ripple from the resurrection touches our own lives, everything changes. A bitter heart becomes tender. The most darkest circumstance radiates light. The person breathing their last breath truly discovers life.
And yet all too often we don't see it. We walk through the trenches of life blind to everything else but the muck right in front of us. That's not what Jesus came to give us. He may not stop the rain from falling, but at the same time, He stands in the rain with us and points to the sun that's still shining above those rain clouds. He takes our hand and leads us through the puddles, reminding us to stop to watch the children playing in the rain and then invites us to join them. And in those moments He opens our eyes to the life-giving power that exists even in those drops of rain.
That is the story of Easter and that is the life that exists when we invite Jesus to walk with us. No, it's not perfect. But yes, it is good.
Resurrection = Life. Both here and in the world to come.
That moment happened over two thousand years ago when Christ Jesus was raised from the dead after experiencing the most brutal type of death known to man. And that moment's ripples are still being felt today.
When the ripple from the resurrection touches our own lives, everything changes. A bitter heart becomes tender. The most darkest circumstance radiates light. The person breathing their last breath truly discovers life.
And yet all too often we don't see it. We walk through the trenches of life blind to everything else but the muck right in front of us. That's not what Jesus came to give us. He may not stop the rain from falling, but at the same time, He stands in the rain with us and points to the sun that's still shining above those rain clouds. He takes our hand and leads us through the puddles, reminding us to stop to watch the children playing in the rain and then invites us to join them. And in those moments He opens our eyes to the life-giving power that exists even in those drops of rain.
That is the story of Easter and that is the life that exists when we invite Jesus to walk with us. No, it's not perfect. But yes, it is good.
Resurrection = Life. Both here and in the world to come.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
GMA Week!
So after an incredible week I'm back home in Timmins. For those of you who didn't know, I had the amazing privilege of attending GMA Week in Nashville, TN. The week was amazing and truly one of the best in my life! If you're interested in hearing more details, keep reading...
Friday
Friday evening after flying a whole lot of miles, I arrived in Nashville. We checked into the beautiful Renaissance hotel and had a great view from the 14th floor!
Saturday
While many of the artists were still making their way to Nashville, GMA was in full-swing for those in radio. All day Saturday was spent in seminars, training us to be better at what we do and reminding us all why we do what we do. It was amazing to meet many legends in Christian radio and to be taught by some of the most respected people in the industry.
After my final class on Saturday I wandered around downtown and took in the sights of Nashville. It seemed like no matter what store or restaurant I went into had live music, which was different, but really good. I even took in a country set at an ice cream parlour that I stopped in. It made the wait for the ice cream go by much faster! After I went back the hotel my roommate and I went to the Nashville Predators game with some fellow Canadians. I had never been to an NHL game before, so it was a lot of fun! Nashville even won the game against St. Louis which added to the experience.
Sunday
Sunday morning I climbed out of bed nice and early for the chapel service. Lincoln Brewster led us in amazing time of worship (Southern-style of course) and he was followed by Joe Meyer who delivered an anointed message for the church.
Every day at GMA different organizations and record labels sponsored industry lunches (translation free food, great concerts, and lots of schmoozing). I skipped the lunch on Sunday to attend an artist Meet & Greet and had the chance to meet Krystal Meyers, Matthew West, Bethany Dillon, Brian Litteral (yes, the backstreet boy), Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Audio Adrenaline, Warren Barfield, and Building 429. At more than one point during the meet and greet I couldn't help but be amazed that I was standing in such company- it was a weird but amazing experience!
The afternoon was spent doing more Meet and Greets and a liner session. It was refreshing to see the hearts behind a lot of the artists and to hear in their own words the stories behind the songs that have impacted so many people. Sunday afternoon I also had my first interview of the week with Eowyn, who's new album will be releasing this month and let me tell you, it's a good one!
On Sunday evening we headed over to the historic Ryman for Sunday Evening Worship put on by the Passion artists. The evening started with worship lead by Chris Tomlin and was followed by Charlie Hall and one of my favourites: the David Crowder Band. Louie Giglio spoke on the different flavours of worship and how we shouldn't get so caught up when someone else's flavour is different than our own.
After the worship experience I went back to the Renaissance hotel for the Songwriters Showcase, which was hosted by Matthew West. This was the time for the writers of some of the top songs of the year to have the opportunity to perform their hits and explain the inspiration behind the music. Performers included Joy Williams, Matthew West, Mac Powell of Third Day, Bebo Norma, Christa Wells, Jadon Lavik, and Barlowgirl.
Monday
Monday morning I met up with Jason and Aaron of Hawk Nelson for an interview. We had a chance to talk about their new album Smile, It's The End of The World and what it was like to appear in the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours. Following the interview I went to hear Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, speak. I'd have to say I enjoyed his speaking even moreso than his writing. Much like his books, his message was both humorous and timely.
The rest of the day Monday was filled with interviews (The Violet Burning, Kids in the Way, DJ Maj, Paul Wright, and Superchick) and as many classes as I could fit in between. Monday evening I went to the World Vision Showcase where I say performances by The Longing, Anthony Evans, Third Day, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Joy Williams, Natalie Grant, Todd Agnew, Russ Lee, Avalon and Casting Crowns. It was an unbelievable experience to be hit with one stellar performance after another!
Tuesday
Tuesday morning I got up bright and early to attend a worship breakfast. It was great to start the day with a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing. At 9:30 I headed upstairs for my first interview with KJ-52, which was followed by an interview with Sanctus Real and Falling Up, then before lunch I got in on a class. After lunch I interviewed Starfiled, Skillet, Jonah33, Flyleaf, and then headed to my last interview with T-bone.
Tuesday night I went to a showcase hosted by BEC Recordings and Tooth and Nail. We saw performances by Run Kid Run, Mainstay, Seventh Day Slumber, Falling Up, and Hawk Nelson. After a quick break the Rock U night got underway with performances by CircleSide, Decyfer Down, Downhere, The Afters, Flyleaf, Disciple, and Skillet. It was a very loud, yet very amazing night!
Wednesday
Wednesday morning I was supposed to attend another worship session, but was so tired that I decided to get in another few hours of sleep instead (I know, I'm horrible!). After getting up I went to my final class of the week and then wandered around downtown for a while before lunch. Lunch was put on by EMI and included performances from Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Kutless, and other great artists. Tobymac made a special appearance to introduce a Gotee artist and even sat down at the piano with her for one song!
Wednesday afternoon I had an interview set up, but it was cancelled because the artist was having vocal trouble so I headed back to spend some much needed resting time in my room (as you can probably imagine, there wasn't much free time this week). And pretty soon it was time to get ready for the Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards was another world all together. It was my first time attending an awards show, so I didn't know exactly what to expect and was quite surprised with the professionalism of the whole event- it was just like what you see on TV with the Grammy's and such! But the one big difference being that most of the glory at the Dove's was being given to God. I'd almost say that it was more a time of worship than it was a time of awards.
As far as who won awards, there were a few surprises. I was very happy to see that Christa Wells walked away with songwriter of the year for the song "Held" (performed by Natalie Grant). Chris Tomlin took home five Doves including: Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, and one other that I can't remember at the moment. Mat Kearney won a Dove for his song Trainwreck. Tobymac and T-bone took home an award for The Slam. Switchfoot walked away with the honors in the Short Form Music Video of the Year. And KJ-52 took a Dove home with him for Rap/Hip-hop Album of the Year.
During the awards ceremony, Mac Powell, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, and Mark Hall came on stage to perform a tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven won his 50th Dove Award that night and they honoured him, first with a video and then by playing a few of his songs. The tribute ended with them leading the crowd in "Dive" and Steven was visibly surprised by the tribute. The audience gave him the longest standing ovation that I've ever heard...
Conclusion
On Thursday we packed up and headed back to Canada. By the time we got to Toronto it was too late for me to catch the last flight out to Timmins for the night, so I stayed overnight as planned and returned home Friday afternoon.
To try and sum it up, GMA Week was an amazing experience for me, both professionally and personally. During my long bout with illness, Christian music was such an encouragement to me. It seemed like no matter how sick I felt or how bad the pain was, there was always the right song playing at the right time. So you can imagine how amazing it was for me to meet the people behind the music and to connect with many of them.
Professionally, I learned so much it's hard to believe! The instructors were incredible and it wasn't hard to see that their one desire to be teach people how to make great radio. Hopefully I'll be able to take what I learned and do their teachings justice!
I am very humbled by the investment that was made in me and the MAD ministry by sending me to this great week!
To see some of my photos from GMA Week, click here.
Friday
Friday evening after flying a whole lot of miles, I arrived in Nashville. We checked into the beautiful Renaissance hotel and had a great view from the 14th floor!
Saturday
While many of the artists were still making their way to Nashville, GMA was in full-swing for those in radio. All day Saturday was spent in seminars, training us to be better at what we do and reminding us all why we do what we do. It was amazing to meet many legends in Christian radio and to be taught by some of the most respected people in the industry.
After my final class on Saturday I wandered around downtown and took in the sights of Nashville. It seemed like no matter what store or restaurant I went into had live music, which was different, but really good. I even took in a country set at an ice cream parlour that I stopped in. It made the wait for the ice cream go by much faster! After I went back the hotel my roommate and I went to the Nashville Predators game with some fellow Canadians. I had never been to an NHL game before, so it was a lot of fun! Nashville even won the game against St. Louis which added to the experience.
Sunday
Sunday morning I climbed out of bed nice and early for the chapel service. Lincoln Brewster led us in amazing time of worship (Southern-style of course) and he was followed by Joe Meyer who delivered an anointed message for the church.
Every day at GMA different organizations and record labels sponsored industry lunches (translation free food, great concerts, and lots of schmoozing). I skipped the lunch on Sunday to attend an artist Meet & Greet and had the chance to meet Krystal Meyers, Matthew West, Bethany Dillon, Brian Litteral (yes, the backstreet boy), Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Audio Adrenaline, Warren Barfield, and Building 429. At more than one point during the meet and greet I couldn't help but be amazed that I was standing in such company- it was a weird but amazing experience!
The afternoon was spent doing more Meet and Greets and a liner session. It was refreshing to see the hearts behind a lot of the artists and to hear in their own words the stories behind the songs that have impacted so many people. Sunday afternoon I also had my first interview of the week with Eowyn, who's new album will be releasing this month and let me tell you, it's a good one!
On Sunday evening we headed over to the historic Ryman for Sunday Evening Worship put on by the Passion artists. The evening started with worship lead by Chris Tomlin and was followed by Charlie Hall and one of my favourites: the David Crowder Band. Louie Giglio spoke on the different flavours of worship and how we shouldn't get so caught up when someone else's flavour is different than our own.
After the worship experience I went back to the Renaissance hotel for the Songwriters Showcase, which was hosted by Matthew West. This was the time for the writers of some of the top songs of the year to have the opportunity to perform their hits and explain the inspiration behind the music. Performers included Joy Williams, Matthew West, Mac Powell of Third Day, Bebo Norma, Christa Wells, Jadon Lavik, and Barlowgirl.
Monday
Monday morning I met up with Jason and Aaron of Hawk Nelson for an interview. We had a chance to talk about their new album Smile, It's The End of The World and what it was like to appear in the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours. Following the interview I went to hear Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, speak. I'd have to say I enjoyed his speaking even moreso than his writing. Much like his books, his message was both humorous and timely.
The rest of the day Monday was filled with interviews (The Violet Burning, Kids in the Way, DJ Maj, Paul Wright, and Superchick) and as many classes as I could fit in between. Monday evening I went to the World Vision Showcase where I say performances by The Longing, Anthony Evans, Third Day, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Joy Williams, Natalie Grant, Todd Agnew, Russ Lee, Avalon and Casting Crowns. It was an unbelievable experience to be hit with one stellar performance after another!
Tuesday
Tuesday morning I got up bright and early to attend a worship breakfast. It was great to start the day with a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing. At 9:30 I headed upstairs for my first interview with KJ-52, which was followed by an interview with Sanctus Real and Falling Up, then before lunch I got in on a class. After lunch I interviewed Starfiled, Skillet, Jonah33, Flyleaf, and then headed to my last interview with T-bone.
Tuesday night I went to a showcase hosted by BEC Recordings and Tooth and Nail. We saw performances by Run Kid Run, Mainstay, Seventh Day Slumber, Falling Up, and Hawk Nelson. After a quick break the Rock U night got underway with performances by CircleSide, Decyfer Down, Downhere, The Afters, Flyleaf, Disciple, and Skillet. It was a very loud, yet very amazing night!
Wednesday
Wednesday morning I was supposed to attend another worship session, but was so tired that I decided to get in another few hours of sleep instead (I know, I'm horrible!). After getting up I went to my final class of the week and then wandered around downtown for a while before lunch. Lunch was put on by EMI and included performances from Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Kutless, and other great artists. Tobymac made a special appearance to introduce a Gotee artist and even sat down at the piano with her for one song!
Wednesday afternoon I had an interview set up, but it was cancelled because the artist was having vocal trouble so I headed back to spend some much needed resting time in my room (as you can probably imagine, there wasn't much free time this week). And pretty soon it was time to get ready for the Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards was another world all together. It was my first time attending an awards show, so I didn't know exactly what to expect and was quite surprised with the professionalism of the whole event- it was just like what you see on TV with the Grammy's and such! But the one big difference being that most of the glory at the Dove's was being given to God. I'd almost say that it was more a time of worship than it was a time of awards.
As far as who won awards, there were a few surprises. I was very happy to see that Christa Wells walked away with songwriter of the year for the song "Held" (performed by Natalie Grant). Chris Tomlin took home five Doves including: Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, and one other that I can't remember at the moment. Mat Kearney won a Dove for his song Trainwreck. Tobymac and T-bone took home an award for The Slam. Switchfoot walked away with the honors in the Short Form Music Video of the Year. And KJ-52 took a Dove home with him for Rap/Hip-hop Album of the Year.
During the awards ceremony, Mac Powell, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, and Mark Hall came on stage to perform a tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven won his 50th Dove Award that night and they honoured him, first with a video and then by playing a few of his songs. The tribute ended with them leading the crowd in "Dive" and Steven was visibly surprised by the tribute. The audience gave him the longest standing ovation that I've ever heard...
Conclusion
On Thursday we packed up and headed back to Canada. By the time we got to Toronto it was too late for me to catch the last flight out to Timmins for the night, so I stayed overnight as planned and returned home Friday afternoon.
To try and sum it up, GMA Week was an amazing experience for me, both professionally and personally. During my long bout with illness, Christian music was such an encouragement to me. It seemed like no matter how sick I felt or how bad the pain was, there was always the right song playing at the right time. So you can imagine how amazing it was for me to meet the people behind the music and to connect with many of them.
Professionally, I learned so much it's hard to believe! The instructors were incredible and it wasn't hard to see that their one desire to be teach people how to make great radio. Hopefully I'll be able to take what I learned and do their teachings justice!
I am very humbled by the investment that was made in me and the MAD ministry by sending me to this great week!
To see some of my photos from GMA Week, click here.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Start of a Journey
After three months of looking forward to it, tomorrow I'm off for GMA Week in Nashville! I fly out of Timmins Friday morning and will return the following Friday (April 7th). Following the most direct route Nashville is 1827 km away from home (that's 1135 miles)- praise God for the inventions of airplanes!Needless to say I'm pretty pumped up for the week- I still can't believe that I've been blessed with this opportunity! I've got interviews lined up with Hawk Nelson, Superchick, Kids in the Way, Starfield, Paul Wright, Skillet, Kevin Max, and so many other great artists- it's going to be a blast!
Also after the what the past couple of months have held for me, I'm really looking forward to the change of scenery and the change of pace. As I found out on my trip to the East Coast of Canada last year, there's something special about leaving what you know and exploring what you don't. It a journey. And for me journeys are holy moments.
I'm not sure what internet access will be like and if I'll even have any spare time to post, but if I do, you'll be hearing from me at some point throughout the week. In the meantime, I covet your prayers for a safe trip, for good health, and ultimately for a spiritual journey that leaves me forever changed.
"So my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God.
We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God had established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?
It might be time for you to go, It might be time to change, to shine out.
I want to repeat one word for you: Leave.
Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed." (Donald Miller- Through Painted Deserts)
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Claim To Fame
Recently I've come up with another one of my infamous "claim to fame" ideas. But unlike all of the other silly ideas that I've come up with, I think this one may actually work.
As reality television continues to climb in popularity and as webcasting is becoming easier and easier, I've found the perfect way to combine the two: with my own reality tv show broadcast on the internet. Brace yourself cause this is going to be good.
You see my family is infamous for one thing: our dinner time conversations. It's almost embarrassing to have people over for supper because we can get a little out of control. But with these random tangets comes a lot of laughs.
Don't believe me? I'll let you in on one recent dinner time conversation (and these are word-for-word quotes):
Senior 1: "Your cat is biting me." Reply: "I hope not- we don't have a cat."
Senior 1: "I went bezerk- I lost control!"
Senior 1: "I killed a man once." Dead silence in the room for one minute. "Well, I almost killed a man."
Youth 1: "I'd rather smell a smoker than a chimney."
Senior 2: "Looking back now, I'm convinced that my father was on drugs."
Senior 1 to lady talking about her sick husband: "What are you complaining about? Everyone has to die!"
Senior 1 after that conversation: "I spent a useless morning talking to her."
And this is just a glimpse. During one point in the dinner my sister and I were laughing so hard that we were shaking, thus the idea of our own webcasted reality tv show came into being.
Wouldn't you watch a show like that? I think I just may have something here...
On the topic of reality (and web based) television, check out some hilarious videos on Google Idol.
As reality television continues to climb in popularity and as webcasting is becoming easier and easier, I've found the perfect way to combine the two: with my own reality tv show broadcast on the internet. Brace yourself cause this is going to be good.
You see my family is infamous for one thing: our dinner time conversations. It's almost embarrassing to have people over for supper because we can get a little out of control. But with these random tangets comes a lot of laughs.
Don't believe me? I'll let you in on one recent dinner time conversation (and these are word-for-word quotes):
Senior 1: "Your cat is biting me." Reply: "I hope not- we don't have a cat."
Senior 1: "I went bezerk- I lost control!"
Senior 1: "I killed a man once." Dead silence in the room for one minute. "Well, I almost killed a man."
Youth 1: "I'd rather smell a smoker than a chimney."
Senior 2: "Looking back now, I'm convinced that my father was on drugs."
Senior 1 to lady talking about her sick husband: "What are you complaining about? Everyone has to die!"
Senior 1 after that conversation: "I spent a useless morning talking to her."
And this is just a glimpse. During one point in the dinner my sister and I were laughing so hard that we were shaking, thus the idea of our own webcasted reality tv show came into being.
Wouldn't you watch a show like that? I think I just may have something here...
On the topic of reality (and web based) television, check out some hilarious videos on Google Idol.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
He Is Enough
One of my article's titled He Is Enough has just been posted on relevantmagazine.com.
Click here to give it a read.
Click here to give it a read.
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