The One Thing I'm Thankful For

In honor of American Thanksgiving... this is what I'm thankful for today:

1. I am thankful for a God who never changes because people in this world change all that time and it's exhausting.


That's it, that's all. Continue on with your lives.

A Rant About Stuttering

I need to rant today.

Things People Should Know About Stuttering:

1. Having a stutter DOES NOT make me less of a person. I have a flaw in the eyes of the world, big whoop, everyone does. Personally, I don't view it as a flaw, I view it as a challenge God has given me so that I can learn to be more dependent on Him.

2. I am NOT LESS CAPABLE of doing my job because I have a stutter. I may not speak as eloquently sometimes as some might hope, but it does not get in the way of me doing my job and being awesome at it.

3. It is not a SMALL problem. It's a big problem. It affects my life, it affects my decisions. I often order things in a restaurant based on whether or not I will stutter over a word. I've learned to quickly replace words during conversation if I know I'm going to have trouble with one. That's not small.

4. It has very little to do with NERVOUSNESS. I stutter because sometimes my vocal cords have trouble getting the word out, NOT because I'm nervous. I stutter in front of people I'm completely comfortable with. It has everything to do with the sound of the word.

5. Personally, the letter I have the most trouble with is J. Which, unfortunately, my name starts with. So if I'm introducing myself and I stutter over my own name, DON'T make a joke about me forgetting my own name. People have done that. Professional people have done that, and it's hurtful.

6. Please do not CORRECT me or HELP me out when I'm stuttering over a word. It's humiliating enough that I can't say a simple word. Don't say the word for me like I'm a child that doesn't know the word. I'm 21, I probably know the word. Let me get there. Teachers have done this.

7. This is one of the reasons I don't like to pray out loud. Yes, I know that God can understand what I'm trying to say, but He can also understand me when I pray silently. In my head.  

8. Listing off names of famous people who stuttered is NOT COMFORTING. I don't want to hear about Winston Churchill or that movie with Colin Firth. Different person, different situation.

9. Yes, I've tried speech-therapy-type things. Including that little "reading out loud every day" thing that helped Noah get over his stutter in the Notebook, so don't mention it.

10. And please don't say it's adorable. It's not adorable to me.


That is all, carry on.

A Very Present Help

I haven't written in a while. Not because I haven't had much to write about, rather I've had an abundance of things to write about, but none of which I felt like sharing with the world. I haven't wanted to write. But today I will. Because today I have something say.

I had a good day. Better than I've had in a while, for reasons I don't wish to discuss. I made it to my 8:30AM chemistry lab, where I actually had fun with the experiment for once. (Bonus: I also didn't set anyone or anything I wasn't supposed to on fire.) Afterwards, I got some coffee, had some food, and read about a third of the book I'm currently reading. I went to my chemistry lecture, where I actually was focused and attentive, and I understood everything my professor was teaching. I was home by 3 o'clock in the afternoon, where I received a letter telling me that I was granted a bursary of a good chunk of money for my student loan debt.

I went throughout my entire school day without once thanking God for my good day.

Why didn't I? After all, it was Him who created the interesting chemical reactions in lab. It was Him who made sure I didn't set anyone on fire. It was Him who provided the funds to buy the coffee, and the food, and the book. It was Him who directed my focus and helped me understand the lecture. It was ultimately Him who provided the bursary at an imperative time. When you chop it up and slice it and put it in a box, it was because of God that I had such a good day.

Then I read the news.

There was a terrible, awful, horrible, tragic event that occurred in our nation's capital. A young soldier was shot and killed, only 24 years old. That's only 3 years older than myself. He served and honored his country, he had a family. Another life taken too soon. So I felt compelled to pray for his family. This verse came to mind:

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

(Psalm 46:1)

God is a very present help in times of need. He does not abandon, He is not weak. I was struck by how appropriate this verse was regarding the situations in the world, and the situations in my own life. Within all the chaos, all the confusion, all the pain, all the hurt, all the trouble, God is present. That's something I take for granted. That is something I forget. And I'm positive that the word 'we' would also work in those two sentences. But... 

This God - his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

(Psalm 18:30)

We have a refuge, we have a shield, we have an oasis. Some situations (or days) can be terrible, we might think we're going crazy, we might think that nothing feels right. Life might feel tragic. But God is perfect, and He is present. That doesn't mean there's no chaos. Or confusion. Or pain, Or hurt. Or trouble. Or tragedy. It just means that there is a calm and there is a peace. 

It's kind of laughable how something I skimmed over last week is relevant for what I need today. I remembered a vision of sorts, or a picture, that someone received for me during prayer once at bible school. I have it written down somewhere I think, but it just popped into my mind last week, kind of without warning. In the "vision", I was running around in circles, trying to do multiple things at once and trying to balance every situation in my life. It was chaotic. I noticed that there was a wall and that Jesus was sitting there against it, watching me run around, trying to manage everything by myself. I asked Him why He wasn't helping me, but all He did was motion for me to come and sit beside Him. So I did, and we just sat and watched all the chaos together. I come from a rather conservative Mennonite background, where visions and things are kind of taboo, but apparently this one really stuck with me throughout the years. 

The point was, sometimes the way Jesus helps is by sitting with us and watching the chaos happen. That's a place where we can find peace. Some may argue that it's still too early in the year to talk about this verse, but it's encouraging anytime of the year.

...and his name [Jesus] shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end.

(Isaiah 9:6-7, excerpts)

Jesus is the prince of peace. AND He is a wonderful counselor. AND one day, peace will be forever and the chaos will be gone. 

Want some more good news? Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, and He'll be the same tomorrow again. Good day or bad, He is present.   

21 on 21

So I started this thing last year where I write a post on my blog about wonderful things that happened in my life since my last birthday. Last year I turned 20 so I wrote 20 things, and this year I turned 21 so I'll write 21 things. So here it is...

21 Wonderful Things that Happened in my 21st Year of Life

1. I successfully completed my first year of university AND a session of summer school. Go me!

2. I got to be my best friend's maid of honour in her wedding last November.

3. I got to be in the bridal party when TWO of my great friends got married to each other in June.

4. I started going to a really great college & career group in the city.

5. I actually made a handful of friends this year, whether it be at school or through the wedding parties or through C&C.

6. I went to a concert with one of my closest friends in May, where we got to swooned over Dallas Green and his loveliness.

7. They introduced the 12th Doctor on Doctor Who and I have to say, from what I've seen so far, he is really good! I like him!

8. On that same note, they had the 50th anniversary special of DW and it was EPIC.

9. I got an A on the very first university exam that I wrote. (Hopefully that'll happen again this year.)

10. I became a gold member at Starbucks. (And even though she probably sees 1000+ students per day, the lady at the university Starbucks remembers my name and order.)

11. I've passed every chemistry course I've taken. (I really suck at chemistry, that's why it's wonderful.)

12. I've added 3 more penguins to my collection of stuffed penguins. (I think that makes 10.)

13. I got a Jets sweater for Christmas. Go Jets go!

14. In February, it marked 50 years since The Beatles took America by storm, so they had a great concert tribute to them on TV where the two still living Beatles (Paul and Ringo) reunited!

15. I read 25 great books! (7 of those books were the Harry Potter series.)

16. I went out and had a super fun night at The Keg and coffee at McDonald's all dressed up and fancy with a whole bunch of friends in February to celebrate three of their birthdays!

17. Jackson and April got married on Grey's Anatomy. (Yes, that's wonderful. I've been waiting for it for about 2 years.)

18. I attended my very first University of Manitoba Bisons game! (We won, of course.)

19. My older brother preached in church last November and it was fantastic!

20. I went back to volunteer at Cedarwood THREE times and I went on a retreat there TWICE. And I had incredible amounts of fun all five times I was there.

21. The Canadian women's hockey team played a stellar game for gold in the Olympics and they won in overtime! The most intense game ever. (Oh and the men's team won gold too!) We are winter.


I wonder what year 22 has in store for me!  

A Reminder You Might Need...

I needed a reminder this week 

and I thought maybe there were some others that could use this reminder too.   

From Younger Janessa

It's interesting how God chooses to speak to you. It's interesting how He can give someone just the right words to speak truth into your life. It's funny how sometimes that person is a different version of yourself.

I got a letter today. A letter I don't even remember writing. A letter that my 18-year-old self wrote to my future self. Apparently, my today self. A letter I wrote while I was at Capernwray. I don't remember what time during the year I wrote this letter. (I suspect near the end of my time at Capernwray because I sound surprisingly knowledgeable and really mature.) A letter full of reminders.

Honestly, this reminder from my younger self couldn't have possibly come at a better time. I needed this reminder. I needed it. I'm not gonna lie. I've compromised. I've strayed away. Not entirely, but enough that it bothers me. And I guess there's nothing really else to say except to share what the letter said.


Dear Older Janessa, 

God will take you to some dark places. Life will throw you some lemons. People will come and go like seasons. Circumstances change all the time. Sometimes life just isn't fair. But despite these uncertainties in life, I want you to know that God doesn't ever change. He's bigger than the dark places, the seasons of loneliness, and the changing circumstances. And frankly, He makes amazing lemonade when given lemons. Always remember this truth everywhere you go: "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." Whatever lies and misleadings Satan may bombard you with, God's truth is bigger and better. 

I want to remind you that as a child of God, you are saved from the wrath and judgment to come. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ." Hardships and tribulation will come, God promises us that, but we are sealed by His blood and He will protect us from whatever we need to be protected from. "Oh death, where is your sting? Oh hell, where is your victory?" Death is not our defeat, it is our victory. 

Remember that God is the owner and provider of everything. He owns all the money in the world and He entrusts it to whom He pleases. He possesses all the strength in the world and He gives it freely to those who seek it. He holds all the joy in the world and He blesses His children with it. Run to Him for everything you need. "He will supply all of your needs according to the riches and glory in Christ Jesus." 

You are the exact person that God intended you to be. You are beautiful because He made you in His image and He is beautiful. He made you a more quiet and reserved person because He intends to use that personality through you to display His glory. He gave you a stutter because He knew that that would cause you to rely on Him completely. And only when you rely on Him completely are you truly who He made you to be. 

As you are out doing the work of the Lord, I want to remind you who your focus point is: the Lord of the work. 1 Peter 4:11 says, "Whoever speaks, speak as though they are oracles from God; whoever serves, serve as one who serves by the strength that God supplies." 

Yours truly, 
18-year-old Janessa 


I forgot how much God changed and transformed me two years ago. This was a good reminder. It's amazing that God prompted me to write to myself about changing circumstances, seasons of loneliness, dark places, and people coming and going from my life because that's everything I'm facing right now. 18 year old me seemed so put together. I wish 20 year old me was more like that.

God is bigger. God is better. God is brighter.
I need to remember that.

And I hope that this letter can be an encouragement to other people that happen across this blog post during their own dark places and seasons of loneliness.

Thank you for reading.  

Day 15: This is How We Roll

Day 15. A song you love singing along to

Chosen: This is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan

There's so many good songs out there that I love to sing along to! So, I decided to go with the most recent one. I've chosen This is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. Pretty much anything by FGL or Luke Bryan makes me want to turn up the radio when their songs come on and belt them out. So a song with BOTH of them TOGETHER? Yes please. 

We're proud to be young 

We stick to our guns 

We love who we love and we wanna have fun

We cuss on them Mondays 

Pray on them Sundays 

Pass it around and we dream about one day

Up next: A song that has made you cry (granted I can actually think of one)

Day 14: For the Nights I Can't Remember

Day #14. Your favourite love song(s)

Chosen: For the Nights I Can't Remember by Hedley

For any of you who are keeping track, or for those of you who have done this list thingy before, you will notice that I changed it for today, for obvious reasons. It was originally "A song that reminds you of your current girlfriend/boyfriend", so to keep up with the theme, I thought I would do my favourite love songs. 

My favourite love song is For the Nights I Can't Remember by the Canadian band Hedley. I know, this may seem like a weird choice. There's just something about this song. It's gotta be the live version though, not the album version. Maybe it's the piano, maybe it's Hoggard's singing. I don't actually know. As I said, there's just something about this song that gets me right in the romance-y place.

  

A close second would be A Drop in the Ocean by Ron Pope. For this one, it is definitely the piano melody that does it for me (with a mix of it being featured in an episode of The Vampire Diaries where it so perfectly fit with the scene).

And then a very close third would be If I Fell by The Beatles.

Coming up next: A song you love singing along to 

Day 13: I Don't Love You

Well that was a bit of a hiatus. Almost completely unintentional. A mixture of stress, final exams, not knowing what to write about, and job searching caused that two-ish month lull to happen. I'm going to continue with the 25 songs thing I was doing before (I only made it halfway though) because I really like talking about music. If you haven't noticed.

Day #13: A song that reminds you of a former friend

Chosen: I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance 

I could have picked any My Chemical Romance song for this one, but I decided to go for a more mellow one of their songs that actually got a fair amount of radio airplay. Back in the eighth grade (and ninth grade too), my friends and I were obsessed with this band, that's why I decided to go with this one. Any MCR song reminds me of my friend back then, Leigh-Anne. I think this was the only band we listened to for a while. She and I have since parted ways, not entirely sure why, happened some time in high school, but these songs bring back memories of her friendship. Ahhhh, nostalgia. 

I Don't Love You came off of the album The Black Parade, which in my opinion is their best album. Many people will argue for Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, but I will respectfully tell them that they are wrong.

Other honorable mentions from this album include: Famous Last Words, Disenchanted, Welcome to the Black Parade, and the so-many-feelings-tear-jerker Cancer.

Ahhhh, Frank Iero. What a beaut.

Next: Your favorite love song

The Non-Existent Middle Path

Obvious lessons are often the most difficult to swallow.

I've been reading through the book of Genesis in my devotions lately. It's amazing how something you've read a hundred and one times in your life can become real for you again, or you can learn something new from stories you've heard your whole life.

About two weeks ago I was reading chapter 4 in Genesis. Every Christian knows this story. The story of the first murder. Cain and Abel are brothers. Cain brings an unacceptable offering to the Lord, whereas the offering that Abel brings is pleasing in the Lord's sight. Cain got angry and killed his little brother. The Lord sees Cain's unrepentant sin and banishes him to a different land, but not without branding on Cain a mark of protection (which really says something awesome about God's love for us and his grace). Needless to say, this isn't really a nice story. And, if I remember correctly, this is where the story stopped in Sunday school class when I was younger. Probably because there's a genealogy next, and who wants to read those, right?

But the genealogy contains a very vital part of the story. It tells us how Cain had a son, built a city, and thus started a line of descendants, which eventually came to a man named Lamech. Lamech was a polygamist, he had two wives. He also killed a man. Lamech was a sinful man. After the mention of Lamech, the story swings back over to the first family. Adam and Eve had another son and named him Seth. The story ends with verse 26, saying that "people began to call upon the name of the Lord".

Something I often forget is that the Bible is actually a story. From beginning to end, it's a story about the redemption of Jesus. This is something that was pointed out to me in bible school. The reason that I often forget it's a story is because I don't ever really read it in order. I pick sections or books from here and there and I read those, but I hardly ever read it from the beginning. What I realized this time through is that chapter 4 is not actually the story of the first murder. I mean, obviously, it is, but that's not the major premise of the story. The first murder shouldn't really be that relevant because we've already been introduced to sin. We saw that in the previous story, with Adam and Eve. This chapter outlines the next step: the growth of sin and the forging of two paths. The path of sin (and death) and the path of life.

Read further into the Bible and you realize that this is a very common theme throughout. Deuteronomy 31 explains that one must choose between the path of life and the path of death. Joshua 24 challenges us to choose whom we serve: the one true God or the gods of our land. Skip forward to Matthew 7 where Jesus tells us about a narrow gate, which leads to life, and a wide gate, which leads to destruction. Notice how there's only ever two options to pick from? There's no third option, there's no middle ground or middle path. The closest thing I can think of as a middle between life and death is dying. Which FYI... still leads to death. Jesus also doesn't tell us about a "moderately-sized" gate.

So why do we, myself included, think we can forge our own path down the middle?

This week I was sitting in one of my classes, waiting for it to start. I don't like eavesdropping on other people's conversations, but sometimes they talk so loudly that anyone around them can hear what they're saying. The three girls in front of me were talking about where they wanted to pierce themselves and their intimate, for lack of a better word, dating lives. While I was trying to switch my focus onto something else, I stumbled upon something very interesting. The girls in the row in front of me were talking about these inappropriate things, but the girls behind me were openly talking about what God had been doing in their lives this week. God directed my thoughts to this two paths thing I'd been reading about and kind of gently nudged me in the heart saying "this is what I'm talking about". I was caught in the middle of two vastly different conversations, coming from two vastly different worlds.

Why is this so significant to me? Because this is something I struggle with on a daily basis. I'm not even going to try to beat around the bush or lie to you... I'm a worldly person. I like this world. I love music and I listen to some music that I probably shouldn't. I enjoy movies and TV shows, but I know I watch some that, again, I probably shouldn't. The biggest dream I have in my life is to travel. I want to see the world and it sometimes actually physically pains me that I'm too broke to do so right now. All of these things aren't bad things, in and of themselves, but the problem is that I let them fill me up until there's no more room for Jesus.

I've been starting to make some changes in my life regarding this. I can't cold turkey music and movies, but I have learned how to slowly lessen it. I've started to read more books instead of watching movies and such. I've even challenged myself to read 50 books this year. I've also made a point to look for better and cleaner music. (FYI, you come across some very good hipster music this way.)

Why do I do this? Not because I want to go to heaven. Not because I want to be a "better" Christian. Not because I want to appear better to other people, because appearance means very little. I do this because God loved me, a sinner, enough to orchestrate an elaborate plan of redemption that includes sacrificing his own son. If he can do that, I can do this.

As I stated earlier, obvious lessons are often the most difficult to swallow.

Question:
Have you walked through the narrow gate leading to life, or are you still wandering around trying to find a "moderately sized" one?  

Day 12: I Want To Know What Love Is

Day #12: The last song you heard

The last song I heard was... I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner. Don't even ask, that was the song that just played on my iPod... I was in the mood for some Foreigner.

Day 11: You Make My Dreams

Day #11: A song from the soundtrack of your favourite movie

This one was hard because I have a pile of movies that I consider my favourite: The Princess Bride, A Knight's Tale, Across the Universe, Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, Sweeney Todd, etc. There's so many of them that I consider my favourite movie that it's hard to pick just one movie, let alone a song from said movie. So I decided to pick a movie that, I personally think, has the best soundtrack. Seriously, every single song in this movie is fantastic! And that movie is 500 Days of Summer. I freakin' love Joseph Gordon-Levitt and I'm pretty sure that Zooey Deschanel is my spirit animal or something. 

The song I'm choosing from this movie is You Make My Dreams by John Oates and Daryl Hall, a.k.a. Hall & Oates. Why did I choose this one? My answer is three-fold: 1) it's always in my head, 2) I love this movie scene, really funny, and 3) it's the song I jam to when I'm stressed.

This is the scene from 500 Days of Summer where the song is used. 

Have I mentioned yet that I'm in love with JGL!?
And his dance moves.

Next: The last song you heard

Day 10: Hey Jude

Day #10: A song by your favourite band

It's no secret that my favourite band is the Beatles. That's probably one of the first things people learn about me, that I'm obsessed with the Beatles. A framed picture of them is one of the three things decorating my room right now (not much of a decorator), along with a small frame with pictures of friends in it and a map of Middle Earth (you know it, don't judge). This actually works out really well because there's a Beatles special on CBS tonight. It's the 50th anniversary of them playing The Ed Sullivan Show when they first came to America. So y'all should watch it. Seriously.

My favourite song by them? Without a doubt, it's Hey Jude. Best song ever. 

People are crazy, eh? 

  

The photograph on my wall

My best friend knows me too well :)

Next: A song on the soundtrack of your favourite movie 

Day 9: Titanium

Day #9: A song that makes you feel hopeful

For this one I chose... Titanium by David Guetta featuring the beautiful Sia. Yes, this is the song I am choosing for what makes me feel hopeful. Why? Because, seriously, the lyrics are gold.

Je choisis Titanium (David Guetta et Sia). Oui, c'est la chanson que je choisis. Pourquoi? Parce que les parole sont trés bien.

Sia est trés belle.

P.S. I was trying the whole French thing. 

I have no idea if it actually makes sense.

Next: A song by your favourite band 

What Creation Taught Me About Struggling

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

Where do I even begin?

I absolutely love the book of Philippians, and if you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll definitely know that already. I often reference it and God often leads me back to it when He's trying to teach me something. But strangely, what I'm going to share with everyone this time doesn't stem from Philippians. In fact, the verse I decided to start the post of with doesn't even really have anything to do with what I'm sharing. I only chose to lead with this verse because it's a really good depiction of where my relationship with God is right now. It's also a really good depiction of where my relationship with God has been and where it will always be. I used this verse in my baptismal testimony last summer because of this very reason.

So why am I telling you all of this?

I read the creation story the other day. That's right, very first chapter of the Bible. One that I must confess I skip over a lot and very often forget about. Why do I skip over it? Because I've heard it ten billion times. (That might be an exaggeration, but I suspect you understand the feeling.) This time when I read it though, God surprised me. He likes to do that, doesn't He? He used the story I've probably heard the most times in my life to speak to me about something I've been struggling with right now. I hate talking about right now struggles, I'm much more comfortable talking about past struggles. What did I learn from the creation story? Things take time. Very vague and very obvious, right?

But maybe it's not so obvious. I discussed this a little bit in my new year's post about today. Instant gratification. Don't you ever wish that you could wake up tomorrow morning and everything that you've been frustrated with or struggling with would just be gone? It would be over? You pray and God takes it away instantly? I know I'm not alone in this. But what God reminded me of was: things take time. Healing takes time. Moving on takes time.

God instantaneously putting us at our optimal recovery destination makes about as much sense as God creating humans first, in that it doesn't make sense. There's a reason that God created a whole bunch of other stuff first before He created humans. First, He created the Earth, giving us a place of habitat and water, and the heavens. Then He created light and separated it from the darkness, giving us a time for being awake and a time for resting. Day and night. Then He created the sky and perhaps the atmosphere, giving us what we needed to live: air to breathe. Then He created land, giving us a place to stand and work and live. Then He created all kinds of plants, giving us food and nutrients needed for survival and oxygen. Then God created the sun, moon, and stars, giving us time, heat, and art. (Art meaning something beautiful to enjoy.) Then He created all kinds of animals, giving us working help and, again, food and nutrients needed for survival. (And, as I like to think, a fun and different kind of companionship.) Then, only when He knew it was ready, God created us.

Even though humans were the apex and purpose of God's creation, it would have made no sense whatsoever to create us first. We needed all the things God created before us in order to live. In the same way, we need all the time before we reach our "optimal recovery destination", as I called it earlier. Why? Because God uses that time to equip us with the things we need in order to survive once we reach the destination point of that particular struggle and teaches us how to use them. It's a process and processes take time. I'm reminded of the verse in Romans 5 that says "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (verse 3 and 4, ESV). Baby steps.

Why is this so significant to me? Because I've been struggling with the same one thing for a very long time and IT. IS. EXHAUSTING. I was extremely frustrated about it right before I read the creation story in my devotions that day and the only thing I could muster myself up to pray before starting my devotional was: "God, I just want to get better". And God spoke in the most incredible way.

That's where the Philippians verse comes in. God is always working, even if it feels like He's not doing anything. And because of that, I can have hope. We can have hope.          

Day 8: Amazing Because It Is

Day #8: A song that reminds you of your "first love"

This one was really hard... simply because, how can you define your "first love"? What is love? (That's the bigger question. My roommates just roll their eyes when I ask that.) How young of an age can a person be when they claimed to have had their first love without it sounding ridiculous? So, for this one, I decided to choose the song Amazing Because It Is by The Almost. Why? This song is a rendition of the song Amazing Grace which happens to be about my first love, Jesus. But coincidentally, this song also reminds me of the person that I like to think was my first love in the dating perspective of things. (For the purposes of this question, I am loosely defining "first love" as the first guy that I liked enough to want to date really badly. That sounds weird.) 

Anyway I'm not going to say much, so that I don't give away who this person was. All I'm going to say is that we used to hang out a lot around a place where we heard this song often. So that's why it reminds me of him. I'm sure that's even enough information for some to figure out who it is (*coughs* Kim *coughs*). 

I truly admire this man's passion and his faith. 

Gillespie is fantastic.

Next: A song that makes you feel hopeful

Day 7: Get Lucky

Day #7: A song that reminds you of the past summer

For this song I chose the most annoying song on the planet... Get Lucky by those robots, the guitar guy with dreads, and the guy with the insanely big hat who is in everything yet doesn't really seem to do anything. (AKA Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, and Pharrell Williams) This song reminds me of last summer because it was played on the radio approximately ten billion times a day (give or take) and the radio was always on at the resort where I worked. No joke, I'd be working a 6 hour shift and I'd hear this song 12 times. Every half hour. Same radio station. And the most annoying part was that my co-workers all LOVED this song. And this stupid song gets stuck in your head so easily. 

I'm not even gonna post a video.

The song is not worth listening to.

Plus I'm sure most people have heard it.

Next: A song that reminds you of your "first love" 

Day 6: She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy

Day #6: A song that reminds you of a best friend

For this one I chose... She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney. This song always reminds me of my best friend, Joy. Mainly because she's a farmer and she married a farmer. And in high school, I always bugged her with this song. In fact, even at her wedding reception, I turned to her during dinner and asked, "Do you still think his tractor's sexy?" To which she responded, "Yes." I couldn't imagine her marrying anyone other than Phil. 

She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney

Next: A song that reminds you of the past summer

Day 5: Bennie and the Jets

Day #5: A song that is often stuck in your head

For this one I chose Bennie and the Jets by Elton John. 'Cause seriously, has anyone ever NOT had this song stuck in their head at one point in their life? It's so incredibly catchy! Does anyone ever actually know the real lyrics to this song either? Everyone sings them wrong. And Elton John has got mad piano skills.  

Oh and you're welcome. Now you're gonna have this song stuck in your head all day!

Those glasses.That jacket. 

Gotta love the 70s.

Next: A song that reminds you of a best friend

Day 4: Sovereign

Welcome to my 100th blog post.

Day #4: A song that calms you down

For this one I chose the song Sovereign by Chris Tomlin. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. I think the reason why this particular song calms me down is fairly obvious. Both the melody and the lyrics are so simple, yet so profound. It's a reminder of the sovereignty of God. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Haha. It's a good reminder in times of frustration, stress, worry, and fear that God is ultimately in control of everything. Everything is in His hands. Some lyrics in the chorus are: "In your never failing love, you work everything for good. God, whatever comes my way, I will trust you." 

It's also a good reminder that God works everything for good. There seems to be a bit of debate regarding a different song called "Your Love Never Fails". The bridge of that song is: "You make all things work together for my good." Repeated. And I've seen it changed in so many ways between my good and Your good and our good, but I'm reminded that it doesn't really matter. God is working everything for good and it doesn't matter if it's my good, our good, or His good. It's good. I like to think that God works in all three of those ways. 

I couldn't find a good video of Chris Tomlin singing the song. 

But Sarah Reeves does a very good cover of it.

Enjoy. 

Next: A song that is often stuck in your head 

Day 3: Tornado & Pumped Up Kicks (Ellen Remix)

Day #3: A song that reminds you of one/both of your parents

For my dad I chose... Tornado by Little Big Town. He played this song on repeat frequently last summer while working at home. This was the song that came to mind. 

For my mom I chose... Pumped Up Kicks (Ellen Remix) by Zac Efron and Taylor Swift. Honestly, when I was trying to think of a song for my mom, this is what popped into my head. Mainly because we both really enjoy Zac Efron. If you haven't seen this interview with Zac, Taylor, and Ellen. Take a look! 

FYI, this song is insanely easy to learn on guitar.

Both parts.

Next: A song that calms you down 

Day 2: Bad Medicine

Day #2: A song that reminds you of your most recent ex-boyfriend

I think the word "recent" is pushing it a little. This should be interesting. For this one I've chosen Bad Medicine by the extremely talented and awesome Bon Jovi. Yes, I'm a fan. Honestly, this is literally the first song that popped into my head for this one. And I've had it in my head ever since. It's incredibly catchy! Why did I choose this one? Because my ex really liked Bon Jovi and this is the one song I remember hearing him play the most. K, I'm done now. 

Here's the video.

Remember when Jon Bon Jovi had long hair? 

I don't. I wasn't born yet.

But it was awesome. 

Next: A song that reminds you of one/both of your parents 

Day 1: Hakuna Matata

I present to you my next series... brought to you by Pinterest: "Procrastination at its Finest".

Is it big enough for you to read now!? 

Day #1: A song from your childhood

I have chosen Hakuna Matata from the Lion King. Why did I choose this? Fun fact about me: I only listened to Disney music until I was in grade 5. Sure, my parents would play Christian music and classic rock around the house sometimes, but I never really listened. Disney music was what I liked. I chose this particular Disney song because I sang it with two other friends at a talent show in grade 4. I was the voice of Simba. However, I don't remember which one of my friends voiced Pumbaa or Timon. 

  

I'll be displaying a video of every song I mention at the end of each post.

Next: A song that reminds you of your most recent ex-boyfriend/girlfriend

Fasting from Social Media

NO I am not announcing a fast from social media. I'm one of those weird people that believes social media is a good thing. Yes it can be addicting and distracting, but that's why I believe in this: everything in moderation. January seems to be a time when lots of people fast, so I've been thinking about social media fasts lately. 

I don't like social media fasts. Here are the reasons why:

1) People that fast from social media often announce their fast from social media on social media. Stop this. This is showy. If people need to contact you, I'm sure they can figure out other outlets of doing so. It's 2014.

2) The reason for most people fasting from social media is usually along the lines of "spending more time with Jesus and reading the Bible". I like this. Don't get me wrong, I like Jesus and I'm glad you're going to be spending more time with Him because He's awesome. But let's be honest, are you actually going to spend the equivalent amount of hours reading your Bible that you usually spend on social media?

3) If you believe social media is so distracting and detrimental, why do you even have it to begin with?

Short and sweet.
au revoir, mes amies

P.S. It's really late and I totally just wrote this whole post with a Southern accent in my head.    

Naked

I recommend that you read the inspiration behind this post before proceeding.
You can find it here: Thinking You're Naked (Stuff Christians Like @JonAcuff)

One of my favourite things are blogs. Duh, right? I write one. But seriously, I love blogs. And I love bloggers. In my experience (which I am quite limited in, by the way), I've found that bloggers are probably some of the most genuine people out there. Why do I say that? Because they are. The wonderful tool called the Internet allows such people to openly express their opinions, their thoughts, their musings, and, ultimately, their heart in a way that some people can't do in public. Sure, there are many people that abuse this privilege, and it certainly doesn't come without its fair share of criticism. But the great thing about it is that it gives a voice to people who wouldn't otherwise have one. It allows you to speak to people in an open, honest, and real way. Perhaps even challenging them in their daily routine or speaking out a divine message from God himself. Personally, I know that I have been challenged by fellow bloggers and what they have to say. I am often also encouraged by the struggles they share about and how God is helping them through it. Knowing that you're not alone in this world is a very important message.

Where am I going with this? Recently, I was challenged by something presented by one of my favourite bloggers. Actually, I'm not even sure if 'challenged' is the right word. I've mentioned him before, his name is Jon Acuff. He's an author, a blogger, a Christian, and an all-around humorous fellow. I find that his blog is often satirical, but every once and a while, he throws in something that hits you right in the face. This week I got hit in the face hard. With a chair, it almost felt like. It really woke me up to something that I've always struggled with. Isn't it funny how God does that sometimes!?

If you haven't read the post outlined at the beginning of this post, I encourage you to go read it. Simply so you can understand the whole idea, instead of the little pieces that I'll share with you.

In a nutshell, Jon tells the story of when he first realized that his 5 year old daughter had discovered the overwhelming feeling of shame. Of how she refused to have a band-aid be put on her face in fear of looking silly. Who told her that she looked silly? He connects this story back to the very first discovery of shame. I completely agree with him when he says that this verse is the "saddest and most profoundly beautiful verses in the entire Bible". In Genesis 3:11, after Adam confessed his embarrassment and shame to the Lord over his nakedness, God inquires, "Who told you that you were naked?"

What exactly is so wonderful and extremely exciting about this scenario that inspired me to write an entire blog post about it? I find it absolutely incredible how a verse so small and insignificant, one that we usually just skim over in our reading, can have such a profound relevance for today. What is so profound about it? I can't really tell you for you because it could be sliced out to each person in a different way. Think about all the lies thrown at you in this world. By your teachers. By your peers. By your parents. By the media. Perhaps even by your own self. Lies about how you are an embarrassment to the world around you or reasons you should be ashamed of yourself.

What lies are being thrown at you? What lies have you convinced yourself of already?

In my world, the lies being thrown at me are that I'm not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough, or skinny enough. These are lies I freely thrown at myself too. I'm not blaming the rest of the world. I truly am my worst critic. Recently I've been feeling like I'm no longer a good enough friend for some of the people I went to high school with, simply because I don't have a second person attached to my hip. It's especially hard when they get married and it seems like they don't have enough time for you anymore. It doesn't help with trying to not feed my constant 'not good enough' feeling. It's pretty sad, really, because I used to be such a happy single. (Haha, if there is such.) But because I keep feeding these lies to myself, I've grown into the very person I used to hate. Putting myself down with any chance I get.

I also feed myself the lie that the things of my past should affect the things of my future. This is a horrible way of living, I know that. You don't have to tell me that, yet I still do this anyway. It's pretty much second nature for myself. Isn't it like that sometimes though? Our society trains us to be addicted to negativity.

This isn't a pity party. Maybe it sounds like one, but it really shouldn't. This is about honesty, openness, and being transparent (I really hate that word) with people. This is different. This is something that I've been challenged with lately, and I challenge you to examine your life for this as well. Think about the places in your life where shame and nakedness are hidden. Who told you that you weren't good enough? Who told you that you weren't pretty enough? Who told you that you'd make a bad girlfriend? Who told you that you would be 'forever alone'? Who told you? Who told you? Who told you? Not God, I can guarantee you that.

God has a promise for you. Yes, you may be ashamed of your nakedness, but that's not the end of the story. We are ashamed because we are sinful. Because we are sinful, God sent Jesus to take our punishment. (Which was DEATH, by the way, if you've forgotten.) Because Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, we can live in communion with Him. We can have life. What exactly was God's promise for you? "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." [Romans 8:1-2]

No condemnation. No shame. No nakedness.

Back to Genesis. Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness. But this was before Jesus came to die for our sins, what happened to them? Yes, God took care of their disobedience by placing curses on the serpent and on them, but look at what God did after that. "And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them." [verse 21] Garments of skin? Where do you think He got those? Probably from an animal. Before the Law of Moses and priests, an animal was slaughtered to cover up the first incident of sin and shame. Meaning, God performed the very first sacrifice for sin and He performed the very last. Isn't that beautiful?

Until next time,
au revoir mes amies          

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au revoir

The Year of Today

As many already know, I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I admire people who set goals and strive for them and it doesn't matter what time of year it is.

I'm the kind of person who can never complete my goals. I give it a go for a while, but after a few days (or a few weeks, if I'm extra determined), I give up. I'm the kind of person who likes instant results. Unfortunately there aren't very many dreams or goals that provide that luxury, if any.

The weird quirk I told you about last January is going to come again this year, except I've simplified it immensely. Last year, my "goal" was to find out who I am. What I discovered was that you cannot find out who you are, you can only be. If you're trying to figure out who you are, you're probably only trying to change yourself because you are not satisfied with who you think you are. Sure, you can fix some less-than-desirable quirks, you can change your physical appearance, and you can wear a mask. But you are who you are.

You are you and that's the truth.

I have named this year: The Year of Today

Strange name, right? Here's my thinking. Long term goals usually fail. I would venture to say they fail about 95% of the time. (That may be false, but whatever. How many long term goals have you actually accomplished?) That's a lot of failure.

As much as I agree with "living in the moment" or "living for today", that's not actually what I'm getting at. I usually set up camp in the land of tomorrow, and to an extent, I think that's okay. It's good to reflect on your past, and it's good to plan for your future. But the problem comes when there is excess. Both living in the past and living in the future cause you to miss out on all the delightful and exciting things happening in the right now. All the amazing things God has for you TODAY.

That was a bit of a bunny trail. Let's loop back around.

What are some of the most common New Year's resolutions you hear about? Lose weight? Exercise more? Eat better? Quit a bad habit? Read your Bible everyday? Serve God more? Be less selfish?

What the Year of Today means: trading in your long term goals for TODAY goals and your New Year's resolutions for TODAY resolutions.

I will love God TODAY
I will read the Word TODAY
I will eat better TODAY
I will study effectively TODAY
I will think positively TODAY
I will exercise TODAY
I will not bite my nails TODAY
I will not complain TODAY

You don't know what tomorrow brings, so let tomorrow speak for itself. In the words of Anne of Green Gables... isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?

Until next time,
au revoir mes amies