My Digital Story

This is a project I did for my Literacy course at SFU - it's about the various literacies I have. I kind of looked at my literacies through the lens of my hockey connection ... imagine that ...

This is my prayer today -

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust You always through I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Prayer from Thomas Merton – from Thoughts in Solitude

Canada Wins Gold!

Canada 4 - Finland 2

Yeh! Team Canada won the gold medal today at the World Hockey Championship in Russia. I'm so happy.

Way to go boys!

Go Shane Go - Go Canada Go

Well, this week I wrote a letter to our PM. I rarely do that. I have been so utterly disappointed with our government for trying to make an issue - again - of Shane Doan being captain of our beloved Team Canada Hockey Team. Shane was cleared of any wrong doing. Found "not guilty". Don't get me wrong, I am not in favor to racial slurs but the fact is he just didn't do it. He did not say what the official thinks he heard him say. NDP leader says it "casts a shadow" over our country having Shane as our captain. "Casts a shadow"? Are you kidding me? I am proud to have Shane represent us in Russia right now for the World Hockey Championship. I really don't think they could have picked a better guy. I support him 100 % - that's ONE HUNDRED %. I think it's cool he offered to step down but I am so happy Hockey Canada would have none of that and went to bat for Shane today in Ottawa. Oh man, I don't get this riled up very often but I am so ticked about this. So ticked! Actually, I also kind of feel sorry for the politians because they look so very bad, in my opinion. How any of them could have supported this has me baffled. I'm guessing they just went along with what they thought was "politically correct". I have found it very interesting reading how actual Canadians feel about this issue. I even signed a petition today in support of Shane at www.savedoan.ca and over 1000 people have signed it since I did an hour ago - that makes it 8715. I know there are a lot more crazy things going on in the world than this but for me I am still disappointed in our politians for flogging a dead horse. I am passionate about hockey and if there were ever a guy to represent us in this great sport in the world it would be Shane Doan. Go Shane Go! Go Canada Go!

Wow - we live in Vancouver. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would actually live in Vancouver. We used to come here for business and thought how beautiful it was "for a city" but we were always so thankful we didn't live here. So many people - so much traffic. But you know, the city is growing on me. In fact, in the past while I realize that I love living in Vancouver. It really is a beautiful city. I have been in awe of the beauty surrounding us - the mountains - the ocean. And this spring it seems like the blossoms and flowers are more beautiful than ever. You know, we have our very own eagle that lives on our street. And so often he flies by my kitchen window with his "catch of the day" and his entourage of seagulls pestering him. Last week when I was out for my morning run, I could see the race horses training at Hastings Track and I looked up and our eagle was flying by and I could hear a choir of little birdies singing their hearts out. I was thinking - but this is the city. I have started teaching ESL once a week over near 51st and Fraser. When I turned onto 51st the site took my breath away - the beautiful blossoms - forming a canopy almost over the street. And then a few days later when it was raining a bit - it was like it was snowing pink flakes and there was this stunning carpet of pink on the sidewalk. Yesterday we ran on the Sea Wall - and it was so beautiful - then we went over to Kits and Jericho beach and guess what - it was beautiful too. And from there you see the the city with the backdrop of the mountains. Beautiful! And this is just the natural beauty - then there are the people ... but I'll save that for another day.
Have a beautiful day!

"Amazing Grace"

Glen and I recently went to see the movie "Amazing Grace". It was so inspiring! The movie is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce. It took some effort to find it here in Vancouver. I find it interesting that so few theaters will show it. It had me thinking about his life for days. He thought he wanted to be a pastor or a monk even like his buddy and mentor John Newton—the former-slave-trader-turned-clergyman that we know today as the guy who wrote the amazing song "Amazing Grace". Newton challenged him to stay where he was (in politics) and serve God there. It was hard - really hard - but he persevered and changed history. I read an article on Wilberforce that you can check out if you are interested. I found it at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/2007/001/1.40.html.
So often we think we need to be a pastor or a "missionary" to REALLY serve God. I used to think that. But as we have walked down this road with our Lord, I am seeing more and more that this is just not the case. God uses us where ever we are - no matter what we do, if we will just tune into Him. He has His people sprinkled all thru out every facet of life - we are to be lights where ever we are.
So ya - go see the movie - or buy it if they are not showing it where you live. I really believe you will be inspired as well.
Hugs!

13,846th

Well, the results are in! I finished 13,846th over all out of 54,317 participants in the Vancouver Sun Run this past Sunday. For a competitive gal I think, "Wow! Almost 14 THOUSAND people beat me" - but then I think - "Well, I did finish ahead of some 40,000 others." And the truth is I didn't enter to "race" but to have fun and see how I would do personally. My time was 1:00:57. Glen and I were planning to run together but then, alas, a hockey coaching clinic lured my dear husband to Williams Lake for the weekend. I wasn't feeling all that great and almost abandoned my resolve to run - but Sunday morning I laced up the runners and headed out the door to the bus, for my ride to join the 54,000 other participants. I am so happy that I went. It was a beautiful day. Even tho I hadn't run 10k for almost 2 months (I have been recovering from a groin injury), I felt good and really enjoyed the run. It was cool to be part of Canada's largest 10k run and 2nd largest in North America. And now I have a time to beat next year!

Riding the Bus

Well, my web course is over. I'm both relieved and sad. I really enjoyed our class. It was challenging and it was also fun. I loved meeting Caren, Akiko, Mehmet and Sohrab. And crazy enough, I loved riding on the bus - to and from school - everyday.
I was too timid to pull the "stop" cord for the first few times. I always hoped some one else would do it just in case I did it one stop too early. I did that once before and felt obligated to get off. Silly eh? Ya, I had to walk quite far that day.
It is fascinating to watch the people on the bus. Everyone has a story - I just don't know what it is. So often people would come on and I would find myself praying for them. "Lord, please bless them with some one who will tell them about Your love for them."
One day, I sat in the back. Normally, I try not to sit back there as there quite often the "unusual folks" sit there. I was on the #10, heading up Hastings. Right around Main St. we stopped, for quite a while actually. I was looking out at all the activity that goes on in that area. My eyes locked with a woman out on the street - we both looked away - but were both drawn back to looking at each other. She was smoking, what I think may have been a "crack pipe". I was looking at her and my heart went out in prayer for her. She was looking at me so intently - with almost pleading eyes - she would look away - turn away even - but then look back directly into my eyes. My heart broke for her. She looked so lost and lonely. Then, the bus pulled away - the encounter was over, but has left me pondering it still. Often my prayer for the day is "Jesus, please give me Your eyes to see and Your ears to hear. I think He did. He LOVES that gal and His heart breaks over her life. I think I saw her thru Jesus' eyes - and - I wonder what she saw.
Thanks for reading.
Bless you.

Voice for the Voiceless

For some time now the issue of human trafficking has been on my heart and mind. I first heard about it a few years ago while we were at our TESOL course at Montana YWAM. It saddened me and it was a very new thought for me. A bit later I saw a TV mini-series. I think it was called Sex Trade. I contacted CBC and tried to get more info but with no response. Then last year in the movie store, I saw the movie Human Trafficking. I said to Glen, this will probly be very intense but I really feel like we need to watch it. It broke my heart. For such an awful subject the movie is very tastefully done. We bought the movie. I think I have watched it 4 times now. I have wanted to get involved some how but have not known even where to begin. I have prayed. I have told people about the movie. I have watched the movie with people.

Recently, my friend Pam brought my attention to a publication a YWAM group has put together. It is called Voice for the Voiceless - a booklet that leads you thru 30 Days of Prayer - not only regarding human trafficking but addressing global issues of gender-based injustice. I have prayed thru it once and have started thru it again this month. It is disturbing. It makes you cry. It makes you angry. As I have been asking the Lord what more I can do, I really believe that for now, what I can do is to help make people aware. Following is an excerpt from the Foreword by Loren Cunningham.

"A few years ago, I was asked the question,"What will be the greatest global challenge as we enter the 21st Century?" You many think of war, terrorism, famine, AIDS and a number of other colossal needs, which all surely qualify. But among the most serious issues is gender injustice - the abuse and suppression of women. Why? because it is the biggest, most far reaching, and most hidden.

The Church needs to take a stand, the Church needs to raise its voice, the Church needs to pray and act, because God's heart breaks over gender injustice".

Last weekend we were involved in the Vancouver Mission Fest. As I toured the booths, I came upon a group that I had never heard of before, International Justice Mission (IJM). When I heard what they do, I cried. Ya, right there at their booth. They are doing what has been on my heart for some time now. I would encourage you to check out their website www.ijm.ca . I would also encourage to check out Voice for the Voiceless. I have 3 more prayer books that I would be happy to send. Voice for the Voiceless doesn't have a web site that I know of yet but I could give you the contact info.
Thanks for reading.
Bless you.

My Husband is amazing

Just in case you didn't know, I have an amazing husband.

We had a wedding shower here for our buddy Nancy a few weeks ago. It's cool to see how excited she is for her wedding. I think it is probly hard for her to imagine loving her Joe more than she does right now. But - I kept thinking - you will.

Glen and I have been married almost 27 years and my love for him has only grown. So what makes him so amazing you ask? Well, he loves me - no matter what. He does special things for me - like making me a latte every morning - making dinner every night during my web course - running with me every step of the way with my big running goal ("my" goal may be coming "our" goal). He loves me what ever size I happen to be. He encourages me in everything I attempt. He hangs in there with me when I am all over the map with my emotions. I could go on and on. He is a man of great integrity. He is an amazing father as well. He has a steadfast faith in our God. He respects me. He listens to me - even when I natter on and on and on and.... He challenges me - in my walk with God and to believe in myself. He has a great sense of humor. He can be really silly you know. He's a great coach. He doesn't let me or others "off the hook". He is kind. He is my protector. Like I said, I could go on and on.

When Glen was 17, he played Jr. A Hockey in Penticton with the Broncos. I was 12 and got his autograph. We didn't really meet until 6 years later when we both worked at the Okanagan Hockey School. I had this crazy crush on him - so much so that I couldn't even work when he would come into the office and my face would go all red. He really didn't want anything to do with me because I was 18 and he was 23. But - my best friend's boyfriend was one of Glen's best friends and the rest is history.

I love this man. We spend most of every day together. We have had a unique situation in that we have worked together most of our married lives - with our Mark's Work Wearhouse business and now our YWAM Hockey ministry. Not every moment has been "bliss" but we have worked thru our challenges and thru it all our love continues to grow. Glen is my very best friend.

"Trust"

I'm not sure why but I'm in a can't sleep mode right now. I keep waking up at 1:25 AM and just can't get back to sleep. So today, instead of fighting it I thought I would just go spend some time seeking the Lord. I was so encouraged at what I read in His Word.

It has been quite a rough Fall for me. I was devastated that we did not get enough students for our Hockey DTS. Frankly, I just wanted to quit. But now we had a team member, Krista, who we gave opportunity to switch to staff the Vancouver DTS. After prayer and much consideration, Krista concluded "No, I am called to YWAM Hockey." Cool. Even tho quitting was on my mind, it was really never an option. I believe God has called us to YWAM Hockey as well. As I have been seeking the Lord about all of this, it seems He has had only 2 words for me -"Trust Me". Again being very frank, I was getting tired of that response. It has been what the Lord has been saying to me for almost 3 years. "Trust Me." We were so excited to do our first Hockey DTS and then 3 camps last summer and were so looking forward to the next DTS and poof - it was gone - not enough students. What the heck?(that's Krista talk by the way) And then it seemed that God was silent.

It's tough when our plans don't seem to work out. We thought "ok, maybe we can do a short term hockey outreach ". But we had no peace in that. And so we have been waiting and seeking the Lord. He has been showing me very basic but cool things that maybe I will "blog" about sometime.

Back to this morning at 3:30. Today, in Utmost, Chambers talked about vision. "God will bring the vision He has given you to reality if you will wait on His timing." He talked about Abraham and how he was waiting - for 13 years. "He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense."
Is 50:10 "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God."
Is 20:10 "In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel"
Is 26:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." What I find encouraging is that word again, trust. I believe God has given us glimpses - little tastes if you will - Hockey DTS 2005, 3 camps 2006 - but mostly we are still in the dark, trusting that our vision is from God and relying on Him for everything. We can set up programs but we cannot make anyone come to them. So altho I really don't know what is in store for this ministry, I really believe it is from God and that we can trust Him with it.
Hugs!

Default Emotion

OK, so I'm at school today, my web course, that I am taking here in Van. It is only 1 month long - 3 hours/day - Mon-Fri and we are trying to learn html, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash. For a girl who doesn't know the first thing about any of these, this is quite a feat. Add to this that I can't draw a picture with a pencil, to save my life, and now I have to do it with a mouse. I have been bouncing between frustration and excitement for 2 weeks.

For people who know me well (or actually even just a little bit), you know that tears can come pretty easily for me. My boys call crying, my "default emotion" (notice the quotations Nick). Laughing is a close second. I have been on the verge of tears many times since the course started but have managed to contain them. My face has gone red and the tears were there, ready to flow but I have been able to regain composure. Until today. Poor Mehmet, our Kurdish html instructor. As he was trying to help me with my project (our ywamhockey.com website) I became so frustrated at not understanding how it all works that I could not contain them anymore - the dam burst and the tears flowed. There was no stopping them. It was an awkward moment as I was apologizing for the tears and trying to explain about my "default emotion". Mehmet was a trooper with me and explained and explained again and drew some pictures and explained some more and then gave me a few simple next steps to take. My classmates, Caren from Taiwan and Akiko from Japan, were most gracious. Altho it has been a challenging few weeks, I am excited about the cool things I am learning. I guess this old dog is learning some new tricks.
Hugs!

Oh kneel me down a-gain
here at Your feet
Show me how much You love---humility
Oh Spirit be the star--- that leads me
The humble heart of love--- I see in You

You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King
©1999 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire)Words and Music by Brenton Brown

This is my prayer. Oh how I want to make a difference in the Kingdom - today even.

Trust that I have a plan for you.

I've been reading daily from "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I am so amazed at how this guy who DIED in 1917 has so challenged me in my life. Well, today he talked about the "call of God" and how it goes out to everyone, not just a select few. He talked about whether we hear it or not depends on our spiritual attitude and not that God singles out people and says "now YOU go". Jesus' quiet, yet passionate, insistance of His 'Follow Me" was spoken to men (the disciples) whose every sense was receptive. I got to thinking about "our call". It's true, we heard this call to the masses and we responded. I find it very interesting that our "Here I am LORD, send me" results look much different from what I had imagined or expected. But then I got to thinking well that is no different, really, from the disciples. They ended up in a very different situation than what they thought they had signed up for. There are times when I have wondered if we heard wrong - but I really don't believe that is the case. It just looks really different from what I expected. My question to God today was "How do I live as one 'whose every sense is receptive'?" I really believe that God said "Keep your eyes fixed on Me. Trust that I have a plan for you." Then immediately Psalm 37:5,6 popped into my mind. "Commit your way to the LORD: trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
We got a pretty similar message just a few hours later at Church. It was cool.

Vancouver Sun Run

So we did it. We registered on Monday for the Vancouver Sun Run. We've been threatening to for years and now we are signed up. It takes place Sunday, April 15. We'll join the 50,700 + others who will make the 10k trip around Vancouver. I'm excited. It's part of my fitness goal for this year. Check it out www.sunrun.com .
We even ran in the snow today. We are committed to this!

And so it begins...

I've been writing a blog in my mind for months now as we have been out on our morning jogs and finally decided to go for it here. It is January after all - the time of new beginnings, resolutions and what have you, so I thought - why not? I have had much to say on my imaginary blog - now we will see if I can acutally put my thoughts into words.

I think I will start by saying - "yes" - I did make New Year's resolutions - a few actually. I made a couple of fitness goals, challenged myself to read the Bible - all the way thru this year and memorize a few chunks of Scripture. I thought this would be plenty to keep me going. Then in Church on Sunday, Pastor talked briefly about resolutions and mentioned two that really struck a chord with me - softening my "environmental footprint" and this I love - making this a year that is wholly devoted to God. What would that really look like? Really.

I am excited to see what this New Year holds.