I was having some pretty funky things happening with this blog if you visited since thursday night, but I have it worked out now.
I just returned from Garret's funeral. Funerals really make you reflect on life, the future, and how you are living your life. I may blog later about my thoughts, but perhaps not as well.
Later.

I just got back from work and am trying to install the latest MSN but I have dial-up which is going very slowly!
Well, it's working for Beau and Heather to get out to Winnipeg for the funeral on Saturday. They are flying to Minneapolis tomorrow and Heather's aunt is driving them to a town near Grand Forks. Christina and I are going to drive down to Grand Forks and pick them up tomorrow. It will be quite the trip I think! Unfortunately I had to cancel plans for the evening with a good friend, but I know she'll understand. If I am in the position to cancel my plans with someone, she is one that I am comfortable with to do so and know that she will totally understand!
Before we leave tomorrow, Shane is coming over in between a meeting and work and I'm making him brunch! Pancakes!!
In this hard time of pain and suffering for many, it is interesting that I am reading a book that is touching on just that topic. It is called The Case For Faith. The section that I'm reading now is objection #1 to believing in Christianity - Since evil and suffering exist, a loving God cannot. There are so many that I know that are wrestling with why questions right now. Why did he/she have to die so young? Why did it have to happen like this? Why is cancer on this earth? Why do bad things happen to those who love the Lord and live for him?
Well, there is an interesting analogy in this book. It doesn't do any justice or answer any questions of those hurting right now, but it is interesting if you think about it. To me it doesn't even explain suffering at all, it just explains how we as humans don't understand the reason behind things sometimes. This man, Peter John Kreeft, Ph.D, states, "Imagine a bear in a trap and a hunter who, out of sympathy, wants to liberate him. He tries to win the bear's confidence, but he can't do it, so he has to shoot the bear full of drugs. The bear, however, thinks this is an attack and that the hunter is trying to kill him. He doesn't realize that this is being done out of compassion. Then in order to get the bear out of the trap, the hunter has to push him further into the trap to release the tension on the spring. If the bear were semiconscious at that point, he would be even more convinced that the hunter was his enemy who was out to cause him suffering and pain. But the bear would be wrong. He reaches this incorrect conclusion because he's not a human being". I know that we don't understand everything at all. I know that God has plans that we don't see with our human eyes. I don't know what this book will teach me, but I'm interested to keep reading.
Sleep well.

Unfortunately, another person that I know has passed away. You may not recall, but a few weeks ago, I blogged about a prayer request for a distant friend of ours that was dealing with cancer. He was young (around the age of 23) and has a young wife and son. Well, last night or early this morning, he passed away. I was under the understanding that things were looking up. He had even gotten to go home from the hospital. Something went wrong with his esophagus and he needed emergency surgery. While the doctor operated, they found something wrong with part of his lung as well. He made it through the surgery and was recovering. Then he suddenly died.
I'm not exactly sure how to react. I knew him but not very well, more from camp weeks years ago. I can see though how this has effected people that I love. Heather and Beau down in Florida must be devasted. Garret (the guy that died) was one of Beau's really good friends. He was supposed to be in his wedding party this past March, but because of the cancer, he couldn't make it down to Florida for the wedding. Beau is waiting on a VISA and was told earlier that he could not come back to Canada until the VISA goes through or he won't be allowed back down. Pray that God gives Beau favor as they try to work it out that he could come up for the funeral on saturday.
My wonderful Shaner has been hit pretty hard by this whole thing. Cancer is.......I don't even know what to say about it. It has robbed many people. I just go into protector and comforter mode when Shane is sad. Not too many things make him sad and so my heart hurts for him when he hurts.
PLEASE pray for Darcy (Garret's wife) and his young son (who is 1 or 2). Pray for his family and friends who are struggling with his death. He is in heaven with Jesus, so we know that he is better off and having a blast, but the ones down here whose lives will greatly miss his presence, really need prayers. Thanks.

Unfortunately, another person that I know has passed away. You may not recall, but a few weeks ago, I blogged about a prayer request for a distant friend of ours that was dealing with cancer. He was young (around the age of 23) and has a young wife and son. Well, last night or early this morning, he passed away. I was under the understanding that things were looking up. He had even gotten to go home from the hospital. Something went wrong with his esophagus and he needed emergency surgery. While the doctor operated, they found something wrong with part of his lung as well. He made it through the surgery and was recovering. Then he suddenly died.
I'm not exactly sure how to react. I knew him but not very well, more from camp weeks years ago. I can see though how this has effected people that I love. Heather and Beau down in Florida must be devasted. Garret (the guy that died) was one of Beau's really good friends. He was supposed to be in his wedding party this past March, but because of the cancer, he couldn't make it down to Florida for the wedding. Beau is waiting on a VISA and was told earlier that he could not come back to Canada until the VISA goes through or he won't be allowed back down. Pray that God gives Beau favor as they try to work it out that he could come up for the funeral on saturday.
My wonderful Shaner has been hit pretty hard by this whole thing. Cancer is.......I don't even know what to say about it. It has robbed many people. I just go into protector and comforter mode when Shane is sad. Not too many things make him sad and so my heart hurts for him when he hurts.
PLEASE pray for Darcy (Garret's wife) and his young son (who is 1 or 2). Pray for his family and friends who are struggling with his death. He is in heaven with Jesus, so we know that he is better off and having a blast, but the ones down here whose lives will greatly miss his presence, really need prayers. Thanks.

Hello all! I just got home from a nice little visit with my dear friend Loraleigh! I love that girl! And she and Jason really make cute kids! I am really blessed with many great friends. It really is hard though to make time in life to keep up so many relationships! Can you idenify? I would love to get together with a lot of people individually once a week, but there would be no time to work, sleep or eat with that kind of schedule. It is strange, but it is something that I am constantly trying to balance, ever since leaving high school. It was so convenient when you automatically saw your friends daily! I guess it is all apart of growing up and doing life as an adult in the real world. Some parts of it suck!
Well, off to work again this evening! I'm trying to keep a good attitude! Only 2 more weeks of work after tomorrow, until I leave for my trip! I can do it! It is a little depressing though, knowing that I work a whole bunch right after I get home! Lord, please, like the video Madame Blueberry of the Veggie Tales series says, I need a happy heart! Please keep me thinking positive!
Have a great day guys! And hey, I would love some comments! About anything!

Good morning all! Actually, good afternoon! I had a good shift at work and went to bed around 7:45am and got up about 2:30pm. I'm feeling pretty good this afternoon. Not too tired. I'm going to go develop some pics from the wedding and see my Shaner for his supper break. Tonight is tv and relaxing night for me! I am looking forward to it! Wooo! Hooo! Canadian Idol! Sorry it's such a boring blog today! Maybe I'll have some great inspiration later on!
Have a good day!

Well, I gotta get caught up on the last few days! Shane and I just enjoyed a nice bit to eat with Nat & Lance, friends of ours that got married just 4 short weeks ago yesterday. I was totally delighted when they called this afternoon that they were coming into the City (as us from the country call it), and wanted to get together with us! We had a blast eating appetizers at Applebees's (sundays is half-price appetizers!) and chatting for a good 2 and a half hours!
I am so blessed. I see that a lot today. I have been feeling a little on the blue side for a while lately, at times. Today at church they asked those who were going through hard times and struggles to raise their hands, and then they asked those going through good times to raise their hands. You know, I just thought to myself, "I am feeling blue at times lately, but I am so blessed on the whole. I just can't put up my hand for either specifically. Both apply to me". I do have the struggles for sure, but I also have SO MUCH blessing. I have wonderful friends, a great family, an absolutely incredible boyfriend whom I treasure, a great home and roommate and God provides all that I need! Blessed be the name of the Lord. He is a faithful and good Father. There are many things that I don't understand at all, but He is in control and He is bigger than that.
The wedding that I was in yesterday was awesome! I had such a blast being a bridesmaid! I loved having my hair done (which might I add included 113 bobby pins in my poor scalp!), getting all made-up and wearing a beautiful, strapless dress (for the first time!). It was so fun and I felt gorgeous! Shane paid me some pretty heartwarming compliments!
Well, this is getting to be a long blog because I had to get caught up! I should hurry though because I need to have a quick nap before I work the night shift tonight! This is my final week before the rest of my money is due for my trip. God has been SO faithful and people have been very generous. Actually the donations haven't come from a lot of people or necessarily the people I would have more or less expected, but the few that have gave have been incredibly generous! Thank-you Lord! Just in the past few days I have been told of 4 others that have sent money for me! Maybe it will all be covered! I hope so!
Prayer requests for today are still for Joy and Derek and their family through this tough time, my sister's final days hunting for the right job, and a couple from our church that is working with Mercy Ships and the man has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Please take one moment to pray. If everyone that visits this blog prays just once the moment that they see this, we'll get these people covered!
Have a wonderful night! Have good sleeps while I work! I'll be sleeping later tomorrow when you all have to get up for the day! Crazy!

Well, it sure has been an emotional few days in the blogging community. Quite the extremes from the intense sadness of River's passing to the total excitement of Jason and Yvonne's, new daughter, Aila Jordan (good choice of a name!). Man, what a cutie she is! I have seen quite a few newborn babies and some of them aren't the cutest little things right after the birthing experience. This one is absolutely adorable!
My dear friend, Amy is getting married this saturday so today I'm off for home until saturday. Lots of wedding stuff to do in the next 3 days......rehearsal tonight, set up some more tomorrow, spend the night with the bridal party and the bride-to-be and then do the whole wedding thing on saturday morning! It is going to be SO early! The wedding is at 10:30am, so the hair dresser is coming to the house by 5:45am!!!
My mom and sister are coming over soon and we're going to the mall. I have to buy stuff for my trip and my sister has two job interviews! So, off I go to do all the hygiene stuff of the morning! Take care!

Well, checking up on other blogs, I can see the ripple effect of the news about little River. It is amazing how River's life and death has effected SO many people. Even just in my life, I have asked a bunch of people to pray. At the very beginning when River's condition was made aware to the community, I sent out a group email for people who has no idea who they are to pray. Months later a girl that I hardly ever talk to anymore because I hardly see her anymore email me for an update, because her uncle and his church were wondering what was happening with little River. It is amazing how updates about River's life went from his parents to me to my friend to her uncle and then to his church. The family of Christ that we all are is an incredible thing! I have a lot to be thankful for.
On a different note, my friend Yvonne from church is out having a baby right now! Pray that she has strength, focus and can work well through this labor and delivery!
I'll update you all when I know more!

This morning is a sad time. Last night a little life went to be with Jesus. That part isn't the sad part, the fact that his parents and everyone else won't get to enjoy his life as well is what is so heartbreaking. Little River was diagnosed with anacephely a few months ago. After much prayer and hoping for a miracle, little River didn' make it through the delivery last night. My heart is really sad for his parents, Joy and Derek. Would everybody please pray for them? I'm just not sure exactly what to pray, except the peace and comfort that only God can bring in this time. Everything else seems far less important in daily life.

I feel like I haven't blogged in a while. Mostly due to the fact that it feels like all I've done lately is work and that is a very boring blog! Today I started my position, which doesn't change any of my job, except it means I'm there more often, securely. I had a good night tonight. See, sometimes I just don't like to work and go to a job. I have these feelings about every job that I've had. I am super thankful for the jobs that God has provided me, but sometimes I really have to work at being happy about going to work. The reality is that before work, I can dread going, but when I'm there it's fine. I just have to pray through the dread on certain days! I know that God has me working at these personal care homes for a reason. I know that I can learn a lot and that I am a valuable employee there. Jesus has a plan for my presence in those places.
I've begun to try to think in a certain way. In the mornings when I work the day shift, we have to get all the residents out of bed and washed, dressed and groomed for the day. It is quite the process and with not a lot of time, you pretty much have to fly them through it. I hate that part, because I wish that I had more time to do things a little slower, especially in the morning. I wouldn't want to have to move so fast! Anyways, I really can't change that, I can just try and go in with a cheerful attitude and try to make each residents' morning a little nicer. So, what I've tried to think about when getting each one ready is that Jesus is coming to visit today and so I want each one to look nice. I think to myself, if Jesus were coming to visit this person, would they look presentable? Even nice? I know Jesus doesn't really care about looks, but in this case, if a resident is going out on a visit or getting a special visitor, they usually look a little nicer. I'm trying to think of Jesus as this special visitor daily, because he raises the bar a little bit.
Well, 26 days until I leave on my trip! I'm getting more and more excited! It is actually getting closer! I have mixed feelings though, because my sister is moving two doors down in my appartment block on the 1st of August, and I'm going to be gone for 3 weeks right away! Moving out is a hard transition at first, especially when you are young. Steph is 18 and I was 17 when I moved out. I remember the feelings that run through you. I was excited about my future, feeling daring and independent. But, at the same time, I was nervous to be so independant, on my own and kinda alone......The benefit that Steph will have is that she isn't really leaving younger siblings behind. My brother lives at my dad's anyways, so it doesn't feel like she's leaving him behind. Me on the other hand, I felt SO bad when I moved out because I knew how hard it was especially on my sister. We shared a room the few years before I moved out and became SO close. I felt so bad that not only was I having a hard time, but I knew how much my decision was effecting her. So, I'll just have to commit my little sis to Jesus and I can trust that He will take very good care of her when I'm gone. I hope she'll be ok. And on the praise report side of things, she has a job interview this week!! Hopefully she will land a good job that she enjoys!
good night!

worked all day. need a nap. good day though. going to a barbeque for shane's work in landmark. work again tomorrow.

What a beautiful day! I am still in my pjs and it is going on 4pm! It is just what I needed! I've been planning things, relaxing and preparing for my trip. I made a list of all the things I have to get before I leave! Yikes! There are quite a few things!
I am such a list maker and planner! I thrive on it! I think that is part of my OCD list! Hee! Hee! On Yvonne's blog, she once asked others to comment about their strange habits, which I call OCDs (obsessive compulsive disorder)! What are some of yours? Do tell your deepest darkest quirks!!!!!
O.k. I'm going to do some more of the writing/paper work/planning that I love to do and write a speech for my friend's wedding next weekend! I hope to be "in the zone" and that the stories, encouragement and words flow naturally!
Have a great day!

Well, I booked the flight and it is all final that I'm leaving on the 9th and returning the 27th, after visiting my Florida friends. Christina is going to be visiting them too in August, so it has potential to work out that we would be there at the same time. I wish Shane could join us! It is so fun when the 5 of us hang out! He will be missed. But you know, he's doing what is needed and saving the money so we can buy a car in late summer/early fall hopefully! What a good guy!
Well, since the appartment Steph and Laurel wanted is taken, we have been playing with ideas of moving into a side-by-side or house with the 4 of us. We are all actually going to look at a place tonight. I was getting really pumped about it, but now as things progress it is stressing me out a little. Going on a trip, getting back and going to school within the week and the potential of completely relocating is somewhat psycho! At least if we don't like the places or feel right about it, Chris and I can stay here and Steph and Laurel can find a place nearby. We did find a great option though! It is 5 minutes from the University and it is a house! It is in a great, nice, quiet, secluded neighborhood and we would have all the enjoyments of a house, including a yard! It would be so nice! We can only view it in 2 or so weeks though, because the owners are coming in from Vancouver. They said that they would prefer a family, but would consider students. I understand, but am also slightly insulted by the typical stereotype you get as soon as you are a little on the younger side. We are awesome tenants, and great girls! They wouldn't have to worry at all about the wear and tear of the house, drunken parties or noise problems! You want to get me started and passionate about something, mention the stupid stereotypes that you get directed at you as soon as you look younger. I can go on....I'm getting mad!
So, my sister is coming in a few minutes and we are off to hand out resumes to find her a job in the city! Pray about our house and her job situation!

So, my trip is becoming more of a reality! I finally got my itinerary and am meeting my team in Miami on August 9! I found a flight to Miami on the 9th, though I have to leave Winnipeg at 5:45am! That's ok though, because I don't have to stay the night in Miami that way! Then, I'm going to return with my team to Miami from El Salvador, and stay with my friends in Florida for a few days! I am going to stay for 4-5 days and then return to Winnipeg on the 27th!!!! Just in time for a few more shifts at work, another wedding and then back to school within a week. Boy, I think August is going to make me very tired! I had a shift to work on the 25th, but an awesome co-worker who in the last day has traded me for 5 shifts, is switching me!!!! I try to make it work that I take a shift that will allow her to have an extended time off so that the switch works in my favor and hers. So far it has worked great! I thank the Lord for her! Before I had taken this .45 I had taken some shifts as a casual employee. Now some of the shifts were over lapping and I'm in a wedding next weekend that I couldn't miss. So, they were all very valid switches!!!
My sister was planning on moving in across the hallway, but today someone came in and gave a deposit for the appartment. Bummer....it means that the appartment is held for this girl. Hopefully this work out for my sister to get it instead! So, if you wouldn't mind, could you pray that God would find a place for my sister and friend that are moving out together and that it could possibly be in my appartment block? This one is across the hall and we would love to continually run across the hall to hang out together! You know, like the whole set-up on the show Friends! It would be a blast!
I'm pretty fired up today about all these plans! Definitely adrenalin is pumping!
Have a great day!

I realize I have some issues with my blog and the funny line that is showing up, but I'm in the process of figuring out how to fix it! Hopefully by tomorrow it may be gone.
I had a pretty terrible morning. Downright awful. You know those days when EVERYTHING goes wrong that could in a matter of minutes? Yeah, one of those. It made for a tearful morning, which is not welcomed at work! I am a psycho and worked 7-12:35, and 3:11:15! That is way too much work. So, in order not to be completely depressed over this, I had an hour nap in between and woke up pretending that it was a new day and I only had to go to work once. Silly brain. Strangely, when I woke up I had this intense pain down the left side of my neck, both in the front and back and down my shoulder blade. It travelled down in the same way that it feels when you take a too big bite of something and it has a hard time going down, allowing you to feel exactly where it is at every distance. Over the course of my work evening, it has gotten worse. I don't know what it is and I've never felt this before. I'm guessing I must have slept wrong in my nap time. Whatever the case, hopefully it goes away!
Well, I had my little unload of the bad parts of my day. On another note, I got back from my friends' wedding! I had a really fun time! It was fun, beautiful and excruiatingly hot. We were soaked and I got a wicked sun burn. I just never thought that sun screen and getting ready for the wedding went together! I really should have! All my friend Tanya's (the bride) girlies involved in the wedding got a gift certificate for a half hour massage! What a rockin' present! I'm super pumped about mine!
Well, I'm kinda scared to sleep and hurt my neck further, but I am so excited to be in dream land. I want to sleep in as long as the body wants! Ahhhhh........

Well, I'm just home for a pit stop before heading back to Mitchell. I've been in the country since wednesday afternoon doing the whole wedding thing for a friend of mine who is getting married tomorrow. I'm a candlelighter and Shane is an usher. Pretty much it is like I'm in the bridal party. I am part of the wedding party pictures, the rehearsal and sleeping over at the brides' with all the others tonight, she just didn't want to have 7 girls up there and have to find 7 guys for the even numbering. It is going to be SO beautiful! It is outside and will be fabulous! It's been so great to be home with old and dear friends! I want to move back so badly! Back to slower, enjoyable country life. Things just don't seem quite so complicated when you are in space that you can breathe. I went for a walk yesterday afternoon and just listened to all the sounds I could hear. All that was was lots of birds singing their songs, the wind through the trees and the occasional vehicle driving. That is it! Nothing else was making any noise that I could hear! I am so thankful for my times out there! I drove in for a shift at work early this morning. I left my dad's house at 6:10am and though it was incredibly early, the morning was beautiful. I was so thankful to have quiet time alone, enjoying the ride and view and driving an actual vehicle! I love the prairies! They are so beautiful!

Happy Canada Day!!! I'm over at Shane's and we are relaxing and cooling off after some hardcore rollerblading to St.Vital Park, and back. We relaxed under a shady tree, ate popsicles that Shane bought for us from the ice cream man, and played some frisbee, catch/baseball and kicked a soccer ball around. It was nice! Now, we're figuring out what we will do for the rest of the evening. We want to join in the festivities somewhere and perhaps hook up with some friends later tonight. I just got the info that we are going to go outside and have a water fight! Gotta go and kick some *#@!!!!! Girls rule and boys drool! Here I come Shaner!

Morning all! I just went on to the website about my El Salvador trip. They didn't add any new info, but they added two pictures to the write-up about the trip. One is of the surgeon that is leading the trip and the other a picture of the clinic area on a previous trip. It makes me get excited! I have a glimpse of what it may look like! I might very well be in that very picture in a matter of weeks!!!! It seems like more of a reality as it is getting closer, money is due and I see pictures like these!!!! God is so faithful! Yesterday I got another little gift of financial help from Shane's grandpa. That is so nice of him, and he doesn't even love God! Well, he's supporting me and whether he really knows it or not, he's supporting the ministry of Jesus! May God bless him for his generosity and capture grandpa's heart.

Hello, hello! So, my Shaner took me out after work last night. He took me to Red Lobster, which might I add, is our favorite place to go together. The last time we were there alone for a date was on my birthday last October. We did come in January with my family, though. Anyways, we then just went back to my appartment and listens to music, relaxed and looked through the pictures we have accumulated as a couple....in september it will be 3 years already!!! Oh baby, that's quite a while! It has been really fun! And I have learned a whole lot about myself, love, males, relationships and God. I have really been shown a side of the Father that I never knew before through Shane. He has been really good for me, even in the tough, conflicting times. I learn more and more about effective communication all the time. For the most part, I'm really proud of our communication! (just a little brag!). Anyways, he's going to bump me off the internet any minute, by calling me, so I'll go now!
Have a great night!