Boston

Today I heard in the news about the bombings at the Boston Marathon. This is what I've been praying ever since. Please join me:

My heart hurts when I hear something like this has happened. I shed a tear for all of those who were involved.

I am saddened with grief for those who died, and their loved ones. I pray for comfort and healing. I pray that they knew God, and they are rejoicing joyously with Him now.

I pray for nothing but healing, and rest of the soul for those many that were injured.

I pray for guidance and stability for the first responders, and other people who have volunteered to risk their lives to help those in need.

Although I know evil exist and will continue to manifest itself until Jesus comes (and after):
I pray that there are no more bombs, that lives no longer have to be taken.

I pray for those that set the bomb. I pray that they know the wrongs of what they have done, and I pray that they find Jesus and see his mercy & grace.

I pray for all of those that only want justice, that God settles their hearts, and that they don't fight back and cause a ruckus. I want to make it clear - I don't think that there should be no consequences for the bombers actions, just that we should not take justice into our own hands. To let the law, and the systems we have in place give the justice here on earth, and let Jesus do the judging - for He is truly just.

I pray for those who are praying. That we continue to pray unceasingly, for not only this but the other bombings that happened today in the middle east. Pray for the state of our world.

I pray for those who are rushing to judgement. It doesn't matter who the bombers are- what matters is that we show them Jesus' love, His forgiveness, and His mercy. I pray that we stand strong as Christians, not blame other religions and show His love.

I pray for the state of the world today. I pray that we don't forget about the bombing that also happened in other countries, just because they don't affect us directly.

I feel like prayers are not enough, so I pray that everyone will be blessed by all the prayers rising up to heaven and that those in need feel comforted and safe in the loving arms of Jesus.

The last thing I would like to share is a quote from Luke in the band for King and country:

 

"Hate can rattle our buildings and bring heartache to a nation, but our faith in Jesus will not be moved."

-These are beautiful words of comfort for those affected.

A Meltdown

Today I had a stressful afternoon. There was a massive miscommunication within my management's group assignment. The worst part was, a bunch of adults in a management class, were being rude and bossing each other around - rather than trying to find a solution. I was getting angry, at things that were being said, and at the fact that no one was taking responsibility and everyone was pointing fingers. So this caused a meltdown. I lost it, thankfully I have amazing friends and family who let me cry to them on the phone, swear at them, and help come up with effective solutions. I think in the end I can be proud of how I handled the situation. I refrained from pointing fingers, accusing people in the group, and making a ruckus (at least as far as the group could see). I also took initiative and came up with a solution, after apologizing for any part I had in the issue. Long story short - I hope our presentation tomorrow goes well, and everyone feels like they have enough time to prepare.

Majesty

Cool thing that happened to me today: 

 When I prayed this morning before leaving for church I asked God to show me what he wanted me to learn today, this isn't a normal practice for me - but lately I haven't felt like I have been learning or hearing anything that is taught. I always seem to have a hard heart and not want to hear what is being said. I feel like this has been a successful way the devil has been attacking me, so today I prayed for God's help.

When I got in my truck to go to church my music was playing a song called "Your love shines" by Scott Cunningham Band. The first line I hear is "I fall to my knees, at the sight of your majesty". A beautiful line all in itself.

Then we sang a song in worship about God's majesty (I can't remember it, and I think it actually used the word majestic, but lets not be nit picky).

Then, Pastor Steve is preaching and he referred to a section in Daniel about Nebuchadnezzar. In this section it Nebuchadnezzar says "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and the honour of my majesty?" I know this is talking of Nebuchadnezzar's majesty, but the sections depicts the difference between human majesty and God's majesty. Well it is talking about Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, after he makes a declaration about his majesty. A stark image to me about the differences between human majesty and God's majesty.

Then when I get home and on my computer the first song that plays is Majesty (Here I am). This was not on purpose. I have my Itunes on random and shuffle. I just hit play and pause as I go away from my computer (thank-goodness for the mini player). I had somehow managed to stop it in between songs, so when I hit play Majesty started.

I think God wants me to know about his Majesty today.

Patience

This is just a prayer that came to my heart when doing my Bible study today. I thought I would share it as patience is something that I feel is lacking in my life. I pray that these words can bring comfort in times where it feels like patience is so far away:

God, how much I love you. I’m so glad that you wait for us. I thank-you for waiting for me these past few months, I call out your name and feel your warm embrace. I am so blessed to have you as my God. Help me to stay close to you, not to stray too far ever again. Your patience amazes me, Lord, bless me with that patience and give me strength to call your name when I walk away. Bring me back to You each and every minuet I’m alive. Let me breathe in Your life, Let me live my life for You. God You are so wonderful I don’t know what I would do without you in my heart. Help me to show you to others through Your everlasting patience.

Survied

Well thus far I have survived my dental surgery. Thank-you to everyone who sent prayers up for me, it means a lot. I am not completely out of the woods yet.....but I am feeling okay. I have some pain, which was to be expected and swelling (I've got some nice chipmunk cheeks going on), and as of this morning I have some slight bruising on my left cheek (which is the one tooth he had to grind bone out of his way, so this is not surprising either). I just have to keep up on my antibiotics/antibacterials for the next two weeks or so (until their gone) to prevent any infection. I don't mind taking these pills, if it means a better recovery. I have some dietary restrictions, but it mainly goes with how I am feeling. Right now I am not ready to attempt solids, so last night's dinner was a milkshake and breakfast this morning will be a bowl of yogurt. Just going through the recovery process.

No longer 22

I'm writing a birthday post today. I would be writing it wearing a birthday hat, but our dollar store doesn't carry any (which seems extremely odd to me, and less fun), however they do sell those colourful tube shot glasses. It seemed like the next logical choice (I was able to talk myself out of that one).

I think I'm just going to do this numbered, mostly cause I just have a bunch of random nonsense to write about:

1) Being 22 was awesome. Last year on my 22nd birthday I went to an Ottawa senators game...for those of you that do not know - I LOVE (AND THAT IS A BIG LOVE) HOCKEY! I guess it is my Canadian roots, and the Senators are my favorite team. I know I'm never going to top this birthday, but every year I'm going to try. I figure the worst case scenario is I still have an awesome birthday, even if not quite as awesome.

2) Even though I went through a lot this past year, I wouldn't have changed any of it - not even a second.

3) Sticking through it - There have been times this year where I have felt like quitting, school, my job, my friends, the gym....pretty much everything. But I taught myself this year that perseverance is a beautiful thing....although not always glamorous. This is a quality I've always wanted and looking back at this year, I think I finally have it.

4) I can do anything - This is something that became a reality this year. With God I can do anything!

5) Looking forward - Each day brings something new, something that I am excited to face.

6) My birthday so far.....I've got some awesome presents so far, nice cards, tons of well wishes....the best coming from my best friend Ellen, while she couldn't be here she sent me "Happy Birthday" via text message and told me to imagine it in her best operatic voice. So naturally, I imagined a batman operatic voice. Your Welcome!

What has been your best birthday memories?

Just Today

Today, is just a day
a day like any other day.
Filled with thoughts of
love, peace, sacrifice, and healing.

Today I am reminded
that life is short and sweet.
We need to always remember to
love, laugh, dance, and smile.

Two days from now
I won't be the same girl.
A year older, I will be
A year smart I wish too.

With age comes wisdom,
joy and peace too.

I really have no idea what the heck this is. I just kind of started typing and this poem thing came out. I think I'm getting sick of writing all the school papers, that my creative side just let itself out of the cage and broke free. I'm going to post it because as I want to improve my writing I think that includes all genres of writing....even those that we don't intend to write.