February 25, 2004
JOY Winter Retreat was awesome. We had a group of 13 - pretty small with lots of regulars missing out - but it was nice and intimate. The theme was "Yes!" (or perhaps more correctly "yes, Lord!") and our program centred around the fact that serving God is okay and much needed, and that we have to spur each other on with affirmation and love. I think everyone left pumped up with change.

Elim Lodge was amazing. It's set up like a small town with lodging, dining hall, bookstore, and a whole bunch of places we didn't see. Our group overtook the motel rooms there, 2 per room. It was more of a suite, with a small kitchen, a couch, and a double bed which Becca and I shared. Quite nice for the weekend. The food was the best part. We had bottomless coffee or tea, chicken pie, moose stew, wild boar, roast beef, carved turkey, lots of fresh veggies, apple crumble, creamsicles... the list goes deliciously on. As Sharon said, we dined like kings and queens. :o)

The program was really fun too. We had fun stuff like name anagrams and guessing what language "Yes Lord" was written in, to more reflective activities like the imagination exercise and a dreaming session. Alan did a great job organizing the imagination exercises. He took an article he read and turned all the images into reality (ie. foot washing). The dreaming session I ripped off from The Embassy's leadership retreat worked really well with the group as well. It was nice reading and seeing people's dreams, both past and present, and know that they will one day be fulfilled.

I have to admit I kind of ran out of steam because of the lack of sleep. I zoned out too often... it would have been nice to have been fully awake during the entire retreat! Nonetheless, with the intimate group of 13, it was a conducive environment to focus on God and realize that He will make these dreams He gives us become reality if we would allow Him. I love Shawn's dream which, in Alan's words, is key: "I hope for more than just good intentions." It's affirming to know that others feel the same way as me.

The ride back to 'sauga was also great. Sharon questioned Becca, Ceci and I with some though-provoking questions, as she always does. She keeps us thinking and reflecting about our faith. :o) I also got to ask her a few questions of my own. The answers she gave were ones that God has been telling me as well, and although she gave no finality to the spiritual issues I'm struggling with, it was good to hear someone confirm that I was truly hearing God's voice and my own.

Anyway, life will go on after retreat. My hope is that I will start turning intentions into reality.

SONG OF THE MOMENT

I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord
I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

We say, "Yes Lord! Yes Lord! Yes, yes Lord!"
"Yes Lord! Yes Lord! Yes, yes Lord!"
"Yes Lord! Yes Lord! Yes, yes Lord! Amen!"

I'm pressed, but not crushed
Persecuted, not abandonned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse
For His promise will endure
And His joy is gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes in the morning

"Trading My Sorrows", by Darryl Evans
Retreat's theme song. We changed the "Yes, Lord's" to other languages. Like "Ja, Lord!", "oo, paginoon" and "Sim, senhor!" Perhaps I'll post the different languages here when I get a chance. :o) It's fun praising God in a different language!

February 16, 2004
Oh finally, a break on a busy Monday. Haven't had much of a break since 8:55am this morning! Nonetheless, work is going well. As well as can be, anyway. Use to be that I yearn for more students. Now, I definitely look forward to breaks! I was semi-zoning out on students today... should've filled up on the tea. Caffeine definitely has an effect on this girl! Anyway, my co-workers are great people. Very fun loving and stuff. It's enjoyable. Much less monotonous than my previous job in Ottawa (not the people... the work!). But I do miss Ottawa...

Let's see, I've started small group. Held in my home, which is nice for saving transportation time, but not good for sleeping time. Our topic of study is on money which will prove interesting. Especially when I'm trying to be less materialistic during these post-Urbana days.

Well, gotta jet. It's 4 minutes to five and Leona's done which means she'll be hussling me home! Take care!

February 10, 2004
At work right now, trying to update this page because it should've been done at the beginning of the month. Well, January 2004 is archived, and I doubt this month will feature many entries (can't say, though). Can't stay long, have a student soon! Work is going well... hopefully I can update more soon!

Take care, kids! Good luck on midterms!