Today is Monday, November 26th of the year 2007. On this day in 1966, my mother came kicking and screaming into this world, and the Ottawa Renegades left kicking and screaming from the Grey Cup. The Price is Right aired for the first time (1956), and Johnny Cash debuted "Cry, cry, cry" (1955). Greece declared war on Germany (1916), and French king Louis XIV declared war on the Netherlands (1688).

How's that for some food for thought?

Well, it's a balmy MINUS 35 DEGREES outside today. I was complaining of the cold weather in the office today, only to be laughed at by some of the staff. "It's not that cold! You need to spend more time outside. It's not like it's minus 40!" they said. Little did they know that the temperature would drop BEYOND COMPREHENSION (for the end of November, at least).

I think it's come as a shock to almost everyone. But, as cold as it may be, it hasn't extinguished the enthusiasm of all Riders fans. Flags are flying high, and horns could be heard shouting well into the night. The Riders were welcomed by a staggering amount of people who dared to brave the elements a stone's throw away from our house. 18 years of losing was redeemed last night! I was told that the last time they won, bonfires were lit in the streets of Regina. Well, I sure didn't see any fires, but there is an electrifying air in the province.

You know, all my life I've been ridiculed for being a Riders fan. Why is it that being a Riders fan carries such a negative connotation? We are Canada's team (these are the words of news broadcasters, not mine), and we've finally brought the cup to a place that will benefit from it.

This is a new time for Saskatchewan! We've got a new government (which was almost as big as winning the Grey Cup), a winning team. I've never in my life seen so much enthusiasm come out of a place that is the brunt of every joke. I think that's what makes this province so special--we have shows like Corner Gas and we carry the Rider Pride long after it should have died. I don't care what anybody says, but it's good to be from Saskatchewan.

confusion

I'm in a very interesting place in my life right now. My heart is in two different provinces, but now I feel that my life isn't going to be pointing towards either for a little while. I'm working at the Mission, living with my parents, and I really enjoy it. I love the ministry, I love the girls, I love the staff, I love the job! But, things change quickly, and I feel led to go to Millar Bible College in January.

I don't know where this came from! Suddenly I am reassessing where I am, thinking that I should go to school now instead of later on. I've prayed about it, along with my family, and suddenly I have the funds to go.

I feel like I'm on that street in the above picture, wondering what those signs mean to me. They obviously represent different directions, but deciding which one applies is quite difficult! How am I supposed to know where I'm supposed to go when they both look the same and are both right in front of me?

I think I'm making it seem like I'm more confused that what is the case. I'm really excited to go to Millar, and I think it's the right thing for me at this time. I've asked people to pray for me, and I've been petitioning God on my own. So far, this seems to be His plan.

Will you consider what God's plan is for you at this time? Sometimes He gives us the option of doing what we want, as long as we are doing it in complete devotion to Him. Have you been running away from His call? Don't ignore it. Listen to Him, and He'll show you what the signs mean.

Attack of the Tumbleweeds!

I am back from my brief trip to Manitoba. As much as I like to say "I'm a Saskatchewan girl at heart", I really do like Manitoba. Maybe even a little more than Saskatchewan. That's still under debate, though.

Anyways, here's the real point of today's post. Regina is a very unique city. It seems that you can always find things in/near Regina that are a little out of place. For example, you can come and see the "twin towers", which are still standing, or take a little side trip and see the Saskatchewan mountains (when you see them, you'll believe). If you happen to enter some forbidden barn, you may find yourself assaulted by vultures. And, while your at it, why not get mauled by a pack of Red Wolves, which only exist in south-central Saskatchewan? Oh, and here's the new addition: while driving into Regina on a windy day, you may want to play Frogger with the tumbleweeds.

Let me explain. Upon arriving in the Regina municipality, we were brutally attacked by hundreds of RAGING TUMBLEWEEDS! We had them stuck to the front of our car, as did every other driver around us. One hit the right headlight at such a speed that part of it pierced the rubber seal around the glass and was stuck in at least two inches. It was so windy today that these wimpy tangles of weeds turned into potentially lethal weapons. It was quite a site!

So, while I sit and try to think of other bizarre things to make Regina sound more interesting, you'd better go and have a better evening than you'd have reading my blog.

in the calm before the storm.

The Rescue College website is down today. It has been since saturday. Although not being able to access my courses has given me an unusual opportunity to relax, it's also left me a little stressed, and rightly so! I'm doing nothing but racking up a whole bunch of homework!!!

I feel like I'm in the calm before the storm. I know it's coming... I can see it looming in the distance, but I can't run away from it, and I can do nothing about it. One day, it will just hit and I'll be scattered in a whole bunch of different directions. Ah well, what can I do?

On the brighter side, Christmas is only 48 days away!

everything you ever wanted to know

Okay, so I've officially been tagged. Now it falls to me to impart to you eight random things about myself... that are both habitual and true. I doubt that anyone will be enlightened by this, but I suppose I should pass it on.

1. I secretly like McDonalds.
2. Playing the piano is my way of sorting things out in my head
3. I don't think I'd survive if I couldn't pet kitties.
4. I've ready my favourite books five times each.
5. When it comes to taking vitamins, I have a mental block. No matter how many times I'm reminded, I'll still forget to take them.
6. I am a Saskatchewan girl at heart.
7. If I could be an animal, I'd be a bunny.
8. I can't stand feet.

Seeing as missionmusings tagged everyone I would have tagged, I excuse myself from this task.

Have a merry Pre-Christmas time!!

...small...

I feel small right now. Small before an awesome God who knows just how to reach through all the distractions in my life to my very core. He tears away the layers that I've become comfortable with. He exposes me... who I really am. To even compare my feeble existence to God's greatness is an insult to the Father.

Why does it take for us to come to this place of self-denial for God to be glorified? Oh, how we have abused His love! I speak for myself. I am so ashamed that I've allowed pride to fester and grow within my spirit.

Sometimes I think that God could never possibly forgive this rebellion. He has every right to drop me right where I am and leave me to my misery. But that's not God, is it? That's not Love, that's not Mercy, that's not Grace!!!

As I'm typing this, I am listening to a song that is speaking to my heart.

East to West by Casting Crowns

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness  The chains of yesterday surround me I yearn for peace and rest I don't want to end up where You found me And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west 'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again In the arms of Your mercy I find rest 'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west From one scarred hand to the other I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me You're holding on to me Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again In the arms of Your mercy I find rest 'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west From one scarred hand to the other One scarred hand to the other From one scarred hand to the other

Lord, you will never cease to contradict me, let alone amaze me.