Ideas

I find I am in need of ideas. I have a significant key chain collection that is primarily composed of key chains from different locations but I do have some that are more random as well. I am wondering how - if it's even possible - to display them nicely. Any ideas from out there?

Christmas has come and gone and apparently (surprisingly maybe) I was a very good girl this year...and a wee bit Coca-Cola obsessed apparently. Who knew? I am now enjoying a wonderful time of relaxation and yes, getting things done. I do have a few things to get done over my holidays although I've tried to keep the list down so it's at least manageable. Part of that list though is to enjoy some time off after a very busy season. I had a phenomenal time in Markham this year and learned a lot. I was sorry to see the time slip by so quickly as it was so enjoyable. Yet, I can't be sorry to be on vacation :-). The only thing that would make this better would have been to see my friends and family in Calgary/Edmonton - miss you guys so much!

Now I'm on the other side of my last year in college and I just know this will be the fastest 6 months yet. However, first, savouring my vacation...can't forget that. I'm looking forward to hosting New Years Eve at my place (also a surprise) and think that'll be a blast. I sincerely hope that you also had a good and continue to have a good holiday season.

Kettles, Kettles, Kettles - oh and the rest of my winter assignment

Can there be too many stories about Christmas kettles??? I don't think so. I mean how many times have you heard someone talking about cute children dropping money in the kettle? or people stopping to say what great work is being done? or people who have been helped before and are now wanting to help others? It never gets old for me. I love each and every story I hear and each and every one I experience. Today was a classic for me and that was the kettle backed by a small brass ensemble...and for a change I was not part of that ensemble. Now I love playing in the band and always have but today it was a treat to see the reactions of the people listening to the players. To see the kids stop, bring their parents back, and a personal favourite, having them dance around. It was such a great sight to see today that I don't normally get to see - hidden behind a horn as I usually am.

Now, on a quick side note I have been having a blast on my winter assignment. I have had fun covering kettle breaks and counting the kettle money. I have also been very privileged to help out with the Christmas warehouse and getting the toys and food ready for handing out. That has been really fun and I have been working with a great coordinator and volunteers. The days are going by so incredibly fast I cannot believe I'm at my halfway point already. Tomorrow morning it is off to Richmond Hill for the Sunday service and that should be great. With all this work I am stunned to see how close Christmas is and know that when it is finally here I will wonder where the time went - my theme these past 18 months. Well, it's off to bed to sleep up for half number 2 of this last assignment.

Where did it go?

Well, I have not written in ages, which is never my intention and yet often my result. Ah well, it`s blogging time now.

I am honestly sitting here in stunned disbelief that it is the middle of December and I am off on my second (and last) winter assignment. That is if they don`t keep me back another year hahaha. My fourth semester in training college is complete and my last one is almost upon me. I marvel time and again at how quickly things go now that I`m here at CFOT.

This semester was very challenging for me in many ways and yet I learned so much it`s hard to believe it all fits inside my head. I am very excited to continue my studies (not so excited about the papers :) but they have their benefits too) in the next semester and I look forward to continuing to grow in my relationship with God as I prepare for the final stage of my training.

It`s almost Christmas eh? and while I've said it before....where did the time go so that came around again? In what I'm doing it can be hard sometimes to see the joy for all the busyness and need but there are also so many ways to see it. In any children that participate in a Christmas event, in ourselves as we light candles and sing Silent Night...all taking those few moments to remember that as simplistic as it sounds Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Sometimes the truest messages can be found in the oldest adage.

Well, I'm off for now, a bit of sleep before my winter assignment starts up - so excited. I'm sure I'll blog again before Christmas but other than that date I can't give you one any firmer so just keep an eye out.

Writing

I've been doing a lot more writing over the past year and a half then I normally do and while it hasn't really improved my grammar it has improved how I see the different writing styles and tools out there. I have learned that writing can help me in all sorts of ways.

Do you journal? I have never gotten into it. Over the years I have been given notebook after notebook, diary after diary but have never quite been able to get into the habit of writing my thoughts down in them. This past year though I've given some thought to the whole concept of journaling more often as I've seen the way it can be helpful in spiritual formation.

Another form of writing comes with school and that is of course the dreaded paper writing :). I do a lot of that these days in a whole variety of formats - research, essay, sermons etc...The exercise of writing these things out helps me clarify what I've learned and put some structure around it.

Possibly my favourite form of writing is the all-powerful list. I love writing out things to do, grocery lists, what I'm going to do when (insert activity or milestone here). These are my chief form of organization and a tool that consistently helps me feel more in control of any given situation and my role in it - even when it's my own situation.

What kind of writing do you do? Does it help clarify, bring a feeling of control, or is it another exercise to get through? For me sometimes it's any and all of the above.

General Update

Just thought I'd write a quick note as to what I've been up to lately.

I've been really enjoying my class time this semester as I'm taking courses in Homiletics, Organizational Leadership, Pentateuch and Jesus of Nazareth (in no particular order of preference). It's been great to spend time in each of these classes learning all sorts of new things and really learning to open my mind and think. I enjoy being able to interact with the teachers in these classes and they are great at taking the time to work through questions and observations.

I already wrote about going to Markham, ON for my winter assignment and I am thrilled about that. Every day that brings it closer I get more excited about the opportunities there. I won't be going to Calgary or anywhere for Christmas this year which is sad, but I know I'll have a good time here in Winnipeg hanging out with the crowd that's staying here.

My field placement at Winnipeg East is going very well. I am enjoying the opportunity to meet and get to know a whole group of people who have known my dad's family for a long time....although most of them don't know my dad :). I also love the ministry opportunities I'm getting to experience while at the corps and the lovely people there. I look forward to my remaining months there.

Reformation Sunday

Today is not only Hallowe'en but also Reformation Sunday. Now, some people may be surprised and others may simply roll their eyes when I say that I'm a big church history nut (emphasis on nut sometimes). On a day like today though it's pretty cool to look back at our church history and get a tiny glimpse as to how we ended up here today.

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of his church - how would you like that sermon on Sunday morning? This event is considered the trigger to the move towards reformation and eventually the rise of the Protestant church. Of course there were many, many factors and people that led to this momentous movement but it never hurts to give out applause to the bold statement of Martin Luther almost 500 years ago.

As I walk along a path that will include a lot of preaching (including today for that matter) I ask myself - what am I saying? Am I bold enough to preach what needs to be preached? Am I listening to God's desires for my sermons? Is what I'm saying, what people need to hear? I hope the answer to all of these questions is yes and I hope that for every congregation not just where I am.

My we all be richly blessed through what we see, hear and do - not only - but especially this Reformation Sunday.

Exciting Times

What a crazy little while it has been in my life. This past weekend I went to Beaver Creek, Saskatchewan for the Youth Together weekend in the prairies. We drove out as a group from Winnipeg and headed west (although not as far west as home unfortunately) to Saskatchewan. Over the weekend we had a great time as we spent time in worship, attended seminars and hung out with each other. I saw people do crazy things in a game called the Dare Affair and was very impressed by how willing everyone was. My worship was called "Dare 2 Dance" and we discussed worshiping God and the many ways we can do that today. The other workshops sounded excellent and I wish I had an opportunity to attend them. Major Denise Walker from Toronto was our guest speaker and did an excellent job telling us about God's love in our lives. It was a great weekend and even the 8 hour bus rides ended up being fun.

In other news....I have been appointed to Markham, Ontario for my winter placement here at the college and I am so excited to be heading out for the 10 days there. I haven't been to Ontario in a little while and the area that I will be in is very near Richmond Hill where my mom grew up and it's always nice to see stuff like that.

Also, every day I get a little closer to a series of BIG days this year - the clock she is a tickin' and it's hard to believe that June is coming up and I'll be heading out.

Pictures

Well, I've decided to keep blogging for now, and we'll see how it goes!

I was scrolling through some of my pictures from my summer in Calgary before I left which led me to some other photos of old band trips and then into some of my pictures while here at CFOT. I absolutely LOVE looking at pictures and using them as aids to walk down memory lane. I prefer to take pictures of people - candids and posed, but over the summer I did take quite a few scenery shots because it was just so gorgeous there, and while a picture isn't as good as the real thing it will serve as a reminder for me.

We were asked in class the other day something about memories making up yourself...I can't remember the exact phrasing. The discussion that came up in class though was about the fact that our memories and experiences in our past make us who we are. In movies about amnesia they always talk about a fresh start, or rebuilding their lives (keeping in mind it's a movie and I've no doubt real life is different), and that builds on this idea of needing our memories.

My memories are not always happy, and some of them make me cringe with embarrassment,

some of them make me wonder how a situation ever got to that point. However, all of them made me who I am today, and for the most part, I'm okay with that.

What to blog about?

The title of this blog really sums it up. I never know what to blog about. I've had the odd suggestion about putting up portions of my papers/sermons for school, but I don't know if that's really something anyone is interested in - mind you are the updates as to what's going on around here of any interest either.

When I started blogging my personal commitment was to write something once a month. However, I find as I blog I want to blog more consistently, but I just don't know about what....so....now....I debate whether or not to keep it going.

As a brief update into my second year - I am enjoying the classes and starting to get back into the swing of school. It's great to be able to debate many points in class and come to a greater understanding. My field placement at Winnipeg East has started and I am enjoying my time there so far and am sure I will continue to enjoy it. My keyboard on my laptop has many idiosyncrasies right now so I'll catch you later and let you know if this blog is continuing.

Welcome Weekend - Friends of Christ

This past weekend was the welcome for the new session of cadets at CFOT the Friends of Christ. On Saturday the first years were visited by the Commissioners and Training Principals while the second years were visited by the Colonels and Personnel and Field officers. It was nice to have this visit and it was also nice to have my apartment cleaned from stem to stern before the craziness of the school year really gets going. Now to keep it that way...

Sunday morning was the family welcome service at the college and I really enjoyed the testimonies and musical offerings from the Friends of Christ session. After that we all went for lunch at Booth College and man was the food fantastic. I was quite stuffed after that.

Sunday afternoon we went to Southlands for the public welcome service and it was so much fun to watch everyone march in to the clapping and cheers of the congregation. Once again we had some fantastic moments to hear from the Friends of Christ and it made me even more excited for the year to come. Now it's time to settle into the training college routine and to see what the year does have in store for all of us. Back to the books I go!

Start of the Second Year

It's so hard to believe that I'm in my second year, and not just in it but going full force already. We've had some classes, rehearsals, meetings and all the things that make up our day to day lives here at the college. It has been fantastic to get to know the Friends of Christ as they have joined us here at the college even through the little pang as we miss the Prayer Warriors who are now out in their first appointments. I am very excited about what is in store for me and my fellow cadets over the course of this year.

I found out today that I will be attending the Winnipeg East church here and am looking forward to getting started on my field placement there. I think I need to stop by my mid-week location from last year to say hi though as I miss the fun times I had there. You certainly start to learn about leaving people behind in your training as we go in a small way from appointment to appointment. For me I especially notice things like that now as I miss the folks from my summer assignment in Robert's Arm and as I look towards June and my first appointment.

Of course for us in our session right now the big countdown is on to finding out and then leaving for our first appointment but, I oddly, don't wish the time away. I enjoy the opportunities present at the training college and the environment here. Even though I'm so excited about June I know just how fast this year will go, so I will savour what time I have left here.

Hangin' with my cousin

This is going to be one of those totally random blogs. I'm sitting here with my cousin Lindsay who is the fifth in regards to the ages of my cousin but she says she's first. However, as I'm the oldest in age I'm also the first for "coolness". We've spent a chunk of today hangin' out and discussing our many geeky commonalities such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, and of course even more Star Trek - what would life be with out those television series and movies? Anyway my cousin Lindsay is pretty awesome and I'm enjoying some quality time with her.

It's been a nice day, very relaxing, and I am already enjoying my vacation here in Calgary. It is great to reconnect with my family and friends and see the familiar sights and sounds of my hometown. There is a great deal of comfort in the familiar and it is very nice to be able to be totally at home and relaxed for my vacation. I have had some excitement this vacation as I am dealing with a stolen suitcase that has been found but apparently my stuff is in some dubious condition. This will be yet another story to add to my repertoire of exciting times in my life and possible sermon illustrations for future use. So, as I continue to enjoy a time of renewal and rest basically this blog is about how great my family is. Love you guys!!!

Oh The Places You'll Go

Did anyone else ever read that Dr. Seuss book? Someone gave me that ages ago, and there it sits on my bookshelf, and I pull it out every once in awhile to read it over. Since I first read that book I have been to many places, and this summer has certainly seen its fair share of travelling.

St. John's - we arrived here for Congress & Commissioning and I will fly out of there again. It is a great city and I've always enjoyed my time there

Gander - I've mostly stopped here for meal breaks honestly. We did stop by the flight training school once and I've driven past the corps and the quarters but that's about it - other than food.

Grand Falls-Windsor - Here is a frequent stop for me. It is only an hour away from Robert's Arm and an often sought location for groceries, supplies for the church and other odds and ends. I have also gone into GFW for no reason at all, and for a funeral at the citadel.

Pilley's Island - this town/island is just up the road from Robert's Arm and is a good stop for food as that's where the Causeway or Bragg's is. Sunday nights this is the hot spot for the Robert's Arm/Pilley's crowd

Triton - This is the biggest of the three towns here and boasts its own hot spot in a place called PJ's which has some great food. The scenery here is crazy beautiful as it's right on the water. It also has a home hardware and I've gotten pretty familiar with Triton due to helping out with their VBS

Brighton - Wow! This place is scenery central with houses right by the water and some of the most amazing views I've seen

Springdale - When you don't want to go as far as GFW here is where you head. There are grocery options as well as multiple restaurants. Here is also the location of the nursing home and retirement home that I visited in my time here.

King's Point - This town is just before Springdale and has one of the most beautiful places to eat. The food is good too but as you are sitting all but in the ocean (which would be quite wet) it's hard to notice the food. There is also a great pottery shop with amazing work there.

Rattling Brook - There isn't a lot to this town but there is a beautiful water fall there if you're

interested in the sights and a trail that takes you right to the top. There's also a great old fashioned store which involves wrapping your purchases with twine and a bottle opener on the door for the pop.

Coffee Cove - This tiny little town had some unexpected sights such as a field full of sheep and a seaside retreat which is very much a retreat as it's tucked away

Beachside - This has some of the most washed out roads I've ever been on and you certainly would need to enjoy isolation to live there

Harry's Harbour - Here is the location of the second corps on the King's Point/Harry's Harbour circuit.

Grand Bank - located on the Burin Peninsula Grand Bank is home to my officer here in Robert's Arm and has some lovely historical buildings around and a great sense of community.

St. Pierre - An island governed by the country of France this spot does a great job of maintaining its culture when inundated with Canadians

I've probably missed some places but these are a big chunk of where I've gone for the summer and some little snippets about them. I've enjoyed my opportunities to travel and sight see some of the area in and amongst my busy time here. A lot of these places are actually close together so we would simply take an afternoon to check them out.

Roadtrip

I love road trips and think they are a blast. I was fortunate enough to grow up travelling across Canada with my first plane trip at the age of 6 all the way to Newfoundland and we used to drive to Toronto for part of the summer as well. I think travel is great and look forward to every opportunity to go in a plane or drive some distance. I can sleep in a car or a plane although I find it easier to sleep in a car and I also love to stare out the window and daydream or meditate. Travelling for me is a fantastic opportunity and so I was really excited to pack up the car and head to another part of Newfoundland and then - excitement of all excitements this summer - go to St. Pierre.

St. Pierre is an island off the coast of Newfoundland that is still governed by France. There is a ferry that runs out there twice a day and so off we went and took the ferry in. Now apparently it was a bit rough but honestly I wouldn't know the difference and was fine on the boat ride. I napped for part of the time and enjoyed the experience the rest of the ride. When we arrived in St. Pierre we cleared customs and went on our way. It was very foggy so we just wandered around rather than taking a bus tour. I was impressed at the way the culture of France is retained on an island located in North America.

I enjoyed wandering around some of the stores, getting some French pastries and visiting the graveyard. The graveyard is filled with some huge family graves and some of them are very old and falling apart. With the fog the graveyard looked very spooky and made it more fun for me as I like a bit of horror every once in awhile. I also really enjoyed the museum that we went to which contained a guillotine used in an execution in the 1800's. The story associated with the execution is quite intriguing as well, but too long to type out here (I know, I know, what a tease). I also enjoyed seeing some of the other historical information from the island - yes I like history, who knew ;).

My French got a work out as to get into the museum we had to change some Canadian into Euro's and of course no one at the bank speaks English so I was able to see just how much of my French was still intact and it turns out...a good chunk. I had no trouble understanding their French and they were able to decipher mine as well.

ortunity.

Food

So, I don't often write about food because it's not a driving force in my life - with the exception of my morning caffeine hit of coke which is not only a driving force in my life but in the lives of those around me as well :). However, I have had many occasions to try different foods recently and so I thought I'd stick something up - see me blog more often during the summer.

I have had - homemade bread, fish 'n' brewis, cold plate, vinegar jam pie, trout, crab legs, onion rings, and I think that's all so far that's out of my ordinary. Now, I am a very picky eater - I look at most vegetables with distrust, and am very hesitant about trying new foods. Since I have been here though I have decided to plunge in and try all this new stuff.

I enjoyed: homemade bread, fish 'n' brewis, and vinegar jam pie.

I am okay with: trout, crab legs and onion rings

I don't like: cold plate

I'm happy to be leaving here with my palette expanded and that I have ammunition for those people who think I don't try anything new. I've also had hard bread and purity's syrup but I'd had those before and don't mind them at all.

Music Camp at Twin Ponds

What a great week it was!!! What a tiring week it was!!!

Due to a funeral on Saturday afternoon I did not arrive at music camp until Saturday evening, but as soon as I arrived I dived right in. I got myself set up in the junior girls cabin, enjoyed some evening activities and then the campfire. Sunday I was off to the races as I played in the faculty band, led a song and got my assignments for the following week. I started off covering a level one theory class and teaching level one instrumental but was switched to junior vocal. I was only a relief theory teacher so that gave me some free time off and on throughout the week.

I was also on to lead the drama elective and that was a lot of fun. We played some drama games and did a dramatization of the song "The Twenty-First Time" which I highly recommend that you listen to if you get a chance. The kids did a great job even through the nerves of performing. There were many other performances through the week of various skits, electives and general craziness as well as the musical offerings. In fact on faculty night my session mate and I did a skit on a day in the life of a cadet that went over very well. We were also made honourary Newfoundlanders along with the vocal guest and her two daughters and another

session mate who came along for Friday and Saturday of camp.

The music aspect to this was very enriching for me as I experienced a great time in faculty band and the mixed choir. It is nice to have been playing my instrument again on a regular basis. I also really enjoyed the worship - through practicing, performing and general participation. On Sunday evening I was one of the group that headed to the Starfield concert in Grand Falls-Windsor and wow....to spend a couple of hours outside, listening to and worshiping with great music was fantastic. It really prompted me to think about freedom of worship and freedom in worship and what that means for each individual and how to promote that in any setting.

I was truly blessed to spend that week in Twin Ponds meeting some great kids and wonderful faculty members and I am very thankful for the opportunity. Now to get over this cold

For Clarification

I had a facebook status regarding my tendency to be getting into cars as their drivers decide to pull away and as this has happened multiple times and both very funny I thought I'd write up about them as the memories (one quite recent) bring a chuckle to me still.

A few years ago my church band was off to B.C. for a band trip and this time we were all car pooling in various vehicles and me and 3 other ladies went together. We were staying in a lovely house with a rather steep driveway and on our last morning we were of course packing up the car. Well, I put my foot in the car and leaned across the back to put something there and didn't the driver start to back up. I was rather alarmed as you can well imagine and I started to call out....luckily the driver stopped before going too fast or too far and I got into the car.

This morning my officer supervising me for the summer and I headed out to a visit and I was just getting into the car as she hit reverse and pulled out fast enough to cause me to fall into the car (very fortunate). When I called out she stopped and I got myself sorted and properly seated with the door closed.

So, all unbeknownst to me I apparently have a propensity for this type of accident as well as arm-breaking. Just another amusing anecdote to add to the many ones out there :).

As for things in my summer appointment - they are going well and are very busy for the next few weeks which will hopefully keep me out of trouble

Hot, Hot, Hot

Well if you meet my mom you'll find out she's almost always cold and if you meet my dad you'll find out he's often too hot. I don't know whether to class myself as fortunate or not but I am like my dad in that I am always too hot. So, I try to complain as little as possible in the winter so that I can dish it out in the summer :). Then, when someone says "we always complain that it's too cold and then complain when it gets hot" I can honestly say that's not the case for me. I don't always succeed as the winters where I'm from are long and unpredictable and Winnipeg is not any better but I do my best to save it for this time of year.

As I write this now it is after 8pm and still holding at 26 degrees. Yesterday it got to 32 degrees out here and it's hot enough to melt ya. I find the heat difficult to bear and just want to stretch out on the floor and pray for cooler weather. I will admit that I am not looking forward to the heat in the sanctuary tomorrow morning and evening. At least when I mention a hot day in my sermon we'll have a point of reference to deal with.

It's been a good week three here in Robert's Arm and I can't believe I'm heading into week four as of Monday. I was pleased to get my flight changed to head out to BC to visit my mom and my cat at the end of August and look forward to that time and then time spent in Calgary with other friends and family. I am missing home a lot this weekend as it's time for the Calgary Stampede and I am missing the parade and Glenmore Temple festivities for the first time in years. In fact I've at least attended these festivities my whole life and have been participating since I was 13 or 14 years old. It's certainly one of those milestones of being away and one that really struck me today.

Good News

Fact #1 - I cannot do this on my own

Fact #2 - I do not have to

These two statements are both completely correct. As I have been spending my time in a variety of tasks here I am reminded daily that there is no way I could be an officer on my own strength. It is a job that is filled with ups and downs and a never ending supply of work, and struggles to balance time. I noticed this at CFOT and I notice it even more in the field. I still have many questions and much to learn and as I was reminded the other day - the beginning of wisdom is "I don't know".

The joy and fulfillment of my life is that I don't have to do it alone. Yes, I'm single, I haven't lost my mind and forgotten that fact, but as with all Christians I have God within me all the time. He will never leave me. When I am nervous, unsure or wondering what to do the answers may not come immediately but God is there as a source of comfort, strength and love to hold me up no matter what.

I've already learned a LOT this summer and have no doubt that over the next 6.5 weeks I will continue to learn even more, but through all that the reminder that God is more than able is a good lesson to keep at the forefront.

Robert's Arm

I have arrived in Robert's Arm, Nfld. and am in love with the view around here. It is fairly well known that I am in love with my home province of Alberta and think that there is little to compare with the breath taking vistas of the Rockie Mountains. However, I stand here today and tell you that the rugged landscape of Newfoundland is every bit as beautiful. I love being surrounded by the water - even with all the flies :).

The drive here was long but I got to stop in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and then up to Robert's Arm. I've since been back to Grand Falls and have also made it to Triton and Pilley's Island. I have on my list of place to visit - Springdale, Brighton, Long Island, St. Pierre and who knows where else. I am excited to see even more of this great Island than I have before.

In my time so far I have so far, attended a funeral, participated in my first wedding as a member of the clergy and made a few visits. I've also had a lot of fun sorting through clothes to make ready for the bag sale next week. It may sound boring but once you take into account that you're playing with clothes all day and the endless possibilities that presents you realize how fun it is.

I am enjoying this a little bit more every day as I get to know the community and people here better and look forward to my remaining time here. Look forward (or dread) to more blogging from me over the Summer as I expect I'll have a lot to share.

Congress

Well, there is so much I could say about this wonderful weekend here in St. John's. I have really, really enjoyed my time here and it has helped get me even more excited (if that's possible) for my Summer. It has been a time of reconnection, great music, wonderful worship and fellowship.

I found out that I knew more people here than anticipated. I mean I did expect to see some of the folks that I have run into, but many others have come up to me that remember me from when I lived here and others that lived in Calgary for a time. Then, after you add in all of the people that know my Dad or my Grandparents I think I know most of the people here. It sometimes leaves me feeling a bit stunned if the truth were told. I did see Fred and Wendy as well as Kerry and Cheryl and so felt like I was getting to see some family over the weekend :).

The General was a great speaker and I enjoyed each of his messages. Commissioning was a very moving and exciting time as I watched friends become the latest Salvation Army officers. I am thrilled to see 7 heading to my home division and I wish them and all the other new Lieutenants God's blessings in their ministry.

Now for me it's off to Robert's Arm and that should be a great time.

First Year

Well, here I am facing down the end of my first school year at CFOT and about to embark on my Summer assignment. Everything here is winding down as we hand in last assignments, pack, clean and rehearse for commissioning. I have 3 days before I head out to Newfoundland for congress and then my Summer Assignment. There are lists upon lists as I figure out what to bring, what to do and how I'm going to manage it all before I go. The joy for me of a deadline like this is what I don't finish isn't getting done before I leave. I live for those do or die deadlines :-).

The past ten months (give or take) have been incredible for me in so many ways. I have inexplicably found that I love academic classes. Not all aspects of them of course, but I really get into the many discussions we have and I love the research. History is my real passion and as soon as a course contains that then look out the big geek has arrived. Academics were a big area of concern for me when I was coming into CFOT and while I still have some hurdles to work through they are certainly not a big concern now.

My field placements have been amazing learning experiences at both my Sunday brigade and my mid-week field. I have learned a great deal from my supervisors at those locations although in many ways it simply becomes clearer how much I still have left to learn. That whole "still have left to learn" aspect is really the theme of my training time. It seems that every time I turn around I find something else I still need to learn or work on.

It has been an amazing 10 months with amazing experiences and God has really moved in my life. I really can't wait to see what he has in store for me over the Summer and then in year two of my CFOT time.

Jasper Fforde

Okay, I know I'm not the only one to have read the above author's books because someone recommended him to me, but sometimes that's how it feels. So I'm writing this to recommend him to others as every time I read his books I find something new and always enjoy the humour.

The books are fairly recently written (last 10 years) and there are two series. The first and longest series is about a literary detective Thursday Next. It starts in 1985 but it's a different 1985 - key events in our history happened differently and so things like the Crimean war are still happening, and there is no travel by plane. The books are very funny and not only about some light reading. You need a decent grasp of classical literature and politics over the years to fully understand some of the differences.

One of the things I really enjoy about his books are his plays on the English language. I mean the name of his main character (Thursday Next) in an of itself is a bit of a laugh. For example in one of the books there is discussion around a shortage of the letter 'U' and so the decision is to change words like neighbour in one geographical location to neighbor and have it viewed as a spelling idiosyncrasy...if that idea makes you chuckle a bit or even smile then you'll probably enjoy this author's books. The first book in that series is called The Eyre Affair.

His other series is so far only two books long and is a kind of spin off of the Thursday Next books. It's a mystery series based around nursery rhyme characters and is also very funny. The first book in that series is called The Big Over Easy.

He has a new book out called Shades of Gray and I'm excited to read it and see if it's as good as the other books.

All this to say - read Jasper Fforde's books. They are very funny and well worth the time if you're looking for something fun and fictional to read.

Field Placement

Well I'm still trying to blog more frequently although I'm only somewhat succeeding in that but here's another one in my seemingly endless attempt to communicate in this fashion.

Part of the training college program involves a variety of practicums. In our first semester this involved touring some of the various facilities that we might be going to in our second semester as well as helping out with various events The Salvation Army in Winnipeg was involved in. Our second semester has us placed at a field placement that we attend every week from January to June. I have been fortunate to be involved with one of the day programs run here in the city and have loved it.

What's been really great is the getting out and learning through hands on opportunities. The group of people that I was working with are so open and willing to help that it made my job easy. I am sincerely going to miss my weekly sessions there and look forward to maybe stopping by in the fall semester just to say hi.

The comment was made at our field supervisors appreciation lunch about lasting impressions and this has certainly made one on me.

Home for the Weekend

This weekend I was fortunate enough to pop back to Calgary for three days and visit with friends and family. I got to hang out with people as well as attend my home church and all those things you like to do when you go home. It was a bit of a funny time as absolutely everything I did was something I might have done on any weekend when I lived in Calgary. I mean maybe I wouldn't have seen work people on the weekend but I certainly might have gotten together with friends or gone to Chinook on any given Saturday. Sunday was the epitome of a normal day as I went in to church, played in the band and went out to lunch afterwards with my aunt, uncle and cousins.

What made it different of course was that it was only a weekend at home. That I was leaving on Monday was always on my mind. I also didn't get the same number of big hugs on Sunday morning when I was actually living in Calgary. My presence was much more common place when I lived there so I didn't get the big greetings. The other odd thing that happened would be completely normal to me in every other place but because Glenmore is home it was odd. At the end of the service I got called up to pronounce the benediction and pray to close. I would not be surprised by this and would even expect it in any other church but at "home" it seemed a little unexpected.

At any rate it was a fantastic weekend and so good to see those I did. I've found many more people I will see in Newfoundland over the Summer and that's good news. It makes my upcoming Summer Assignment so much more exciting.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

I often hum the song that the title of my blog is from even though it's before my time, but I'm thinking of different kind of sign now.

A common theme that has been occurring lately is that of signs not being the reality but pointing to the reality. This message has been utilized to drive home many points such as interpretations from the Scriptures all the way to ceremonies and rituals performed in the church. The overall message is that none of these ceremonies, rituals, symbols are necessary for salvation. However, it is important to acknowledge that they can be a means of grace for individuals.

It seems that the point we always seem to hit is where we no longer view the rituals as simply a means of grace and start viewing them as necessary for our faith. Then of course there is also the danger of doing them out of routine; the dreaded "that's how we've always done it" response. Now, don't get me wrong I'm not advocating tossing it all out the window. In fact I'm one of those annoying people that you have to work hard to convince to change anything....should I admit that in writing? I think there's enough evidence out there regardless. What I do advocate is the remembrance that these ceremonies, rituals, symbols are signs, pointing to the reality of God's grace, love and forgiveness in our lives. The knowledge that they themselves are not anywhere close to the reality because nothing we can do could ever possibly come close to showing the reality of God.

Well, that's me out on a limb for today. Hope everyone has a good one!

Big Days

Well the past couple of days have been a bit hard to believe. Yesterday I celebrated my birthday and what a great day. I was happy to spend it with some people who have become incredibly close to me over the past number of months and it was great to simply sit and have some great laughs. I received many messages on facebook and I realize for many these are a matter of rote but I had some that were very meaningful and touching written amongst those as well and I loved seeing them on my wall.

Today was another big day as I found out that I was elected the president of the cadet council here at college for next year's council. THEN on top of all of this was my road test. I have had my learner's license for awhile and was very slack about practicing and learning to drive but once I got here that was no longer possible. So, through some help from friends and lessons I began working more assiduously on my license and then - Ta Da! I actually passed it.

It was quite a bit to cram into two short days and by the time I went to bed last night I was ready to fall over from fatigue. It wasn't a physical labour but a mental and emotional one and in this case a very happy labour. So, a big shout out to all those who helped me learn how to drive - except my peanut gallery of a younger cousin if she ever reads this ;). THANKS

Appointments and Summer Assignments

Well, it's a big time of year within The Salvation Army in Canada as moves are announced across the country. Many individuals receive phone calls telling them that in June they will be moving themselves and their families to a new location. It is a big deal at the college too because it isn't a few cadets receiving that notification but ALL cadets receiving one appointment or another.

The second year cadets were given the location of their first appointment after two years of intense training. On a personal note I was thrilled to see 7 cadets on their way to Alberta after they are commissioned as Lieutenants. I am very excited for the rest of the second years as well as they head out across Canada to their new ministries.

The first year cadets were given their Summer Assignments. This is several weeks working in a corps/family services unit within Canada. This year there are 6 of the 13 headed to Newfoundland including myself who is heading to Robert's Arm. I am very excited to be heading off to that beautiful province. I've been to Newfoundland 3 times before and every time I've been there it's been fantastic. I'm sure this time will be no different and I look forward to the opportunities presented to me.

2nd Semester - Almost Done!!!

I have said it 100 times and I will say it at least 100 more but I cannot believe how fast the time has gone since I've arrived at CFOT. I have now been in Winnipeg 7.5 months which seems at this point both forever and a blink of time. I have been pulled in a dozen different directions, faced a whole new set of stresses than I'm used to and had some of the best experiences of my life.

This semester included the travel portion of my year so far with a trip to Vancouver and Grand Forks under my belt and the trip to Newfoundland for commissioning yet to come. I cannot deny that it has been an opportunity filled time while I've been here. It can be hard to juggle those opportunities with the demands of school, field and other activities however it's been worth all the fatigue and time crunching to fit them in.

I have learned huge amounts this semester through my course work. The courses all have practical aspects to them and it's exciting to see how they all mesh together and mesh with courses from last semester. Now, here's hoping I can remember a chunk of this information...good reason to keep my textbooks for now :).

Once again I find myself looking back and wondering how I could have made it through and the only answer is - by the grace of God. I am thankful for some great instructors who have been so willing to invest the time and some great laughs in the classroom which made the time speed by all the fast.

Grand Forks, ND

Well, I went on my first actual specialling weekend. This is a weekend where cadets from the training college head out to a corps and help out with ministry over the weekend and participate or do the Sunday morning service. I've done something similar in my two Sunday's in Vancouver but that was part of a mission trip so I guess technically this was my first official specialling weekend.

We headed out to Grand Forks, ND on Friday afternoon and had a beautiful day for driving. We started off the weekend with a teen night at the hotel once we arrived, and having now done a devotional around the pool I can tell you that it is hard on the throat. Saturday morning we went and helped out with Scouting for Food. This is where a food drive happens and The Salvation Army splits the food gathered with another organization. With the cadets there were a few extra people so we sorted the food on the spot and wow did that food come in fast. We were swarmed under by bags of food, but we got it all squared away and ready. The group of us then had a wonderful afternoon at the nursing home handing out little bags with a gift and War Cry in them for Easter. Saturday evening we joined up with their worship team and rehearsed for Sunday morning. I learned a couple of new songs which were very nice and now added to my repertoire for service planning. Sunday morning was a great time for Sunday school class to celebrate Palm Sunday and then we were off to the church service. It was hard to believe it by this point but after church we were ready to head home.

Now I don't want you to think this weekend was all work, work, work because we did get some time in to go shopping for an hour or so, and the mall may not have been big but it had my favourite stores so I was happy. We were also busy during the weekend but never rushed and believe me there is a huge difference. I had plenty of opportunities to chat with people along the way and enjoy their company. I had a great time in Grand Forks and would certainly go back anytime.

Driving

This may come as somewhat as a surprise given my age but I do not yet have my full drivers license. For a variety of reasons I have never gotten around to having it, however, that time has passed and now for a variety of reasons I need to get it. So, while I try and contemplate things to blog about this came to my mind.

I have held a learners permit twice now and have actually transferred it into another province at this stage of the game. My motivation to get out and drive has always been a little sketchy and I tend to need some prodding along the way. So I had my first driving experiences on the farm driving a tractor, and then along some of Alberta's back roads driving this huge old car. The second time I got my learners I have been more successful and went with my uncle and one of my cousins (personal peanut gallery) and did the whole parking lot driving and then slowly some more street driving.

Since arriving here I have been out more and more and my aim is to have my full license by early May so that I can be fully mobile on my own which is necessary for where I'm headed in life - and that's going to be a literal heading not a metaphorical one. I went out driving today and had a great time. My instructor was very encouraging and pointed out some great areas for me to focus on for now. I was able to practice things that I haven't done yet in a safe environment and overall made me feel as though this isn't a lost cause.

Look for an update in May to see whether or not I make it through.

Olympics

I was pretty excited to be heading out to Vancouver last week even with the remnants of the flu hanging around me with great persistence.

I was excited for a number of reasons:

• it's always great to be out doing ministry,
• I was looking forward to seeing family,
• I was looking forward to the weather.

Living in Calgary and growing up in The Salvation Army Vancouver was somewhat of a common place for me to travel. My grandfather's family is there as well as several family members that I've picked up along the way. I also know several of the officers stationed in Vancouver and the surrounding area and it's always nice to see them. I had lunch with family, got to see some more family at both church services I was at, saw officers I've met in Vancouver and got to see a city I'm somewhat familiar with all decked out in celebration.

I was on teams that were serving coffee and hot chocolate at 4am and that was certainly an interesting experience. For all that Vancouver was incredibly warm during the day it was quite cold at that hour of the morning. The opportunities to chat and greet people was a lot of fun and man did they appreciate the warm drink before heading up the mountain.

I had the opportunity to wander around downtown Vancouver with some friends and had a blast. The energy down there was fantastic and people were clearly having a blast. I of course managed to fit in some quality shopping time and even in the mall the spirit of the Olympics was everywhere.

People in Our Lives

Well, this blog is in response to a very influential yet sometimes annoying individual in my life who is pushing me to blog more frequently and if you'd like to read his blog you can find it here.

I give credit to how I turned out to two things...The first of course is God. If He had not been present and working in my life from an early age who knows where my life would have gone. The second are those people God placed in my life, so there is really only one place to send the credit and that's heavenward.

When I am in conversation about family you will probably here me say things like: my second parents, a real father figure, honourary cousins, older sisters (I'm an only child), adopted grandparents etc...Well, when I was growing up it's not as though I didn't have family but it wasn't the most stable of environments, so I decided to adopt other family members as the need was there. Fortunately those people that I adopted were only too happy to have me as part of their families and I learned about total acceptance and love.

I grew up in a church and the term church family is very real to me. I have many wonderful friends and there have been a couple with me my entire life and subsequently their families have always been there for me as well. No matter what I was going through or for that matter am going through they have never failed to be there when I call. The band at my church was also a very nurturing environment for me and the constant prayer support that surrounded me made an incredible impact in my life.

I have also been fortunate in the pastoral support in my life. I have been blessed with officers (pastors) who were willing to work with me, put up with me and give me great examples of what pastoral care is all about.

This is just a small insight into a big part of my life and all I can do is offer thanks for those that were willing to take the time for me and still are willing today.

Think about the people in your life...Can you think of someone who has always been there for you? What about someone that you're always there for? It's the people in our lives that get us through every day.

The Second Semester is now underway

Well, I made it through one semester and now I've made it through winter assignment and my holidays. I had a great time in New Westminster for my winter assignment and learned a lot. I got to meet and work with some great individuals and I feel truly blessed to have been sent there. The weather was also a contributing factor as it was much warmer in New West than in Winnipeg.

My holidays were great and while not exactly restful they were refreshing. I spent the first three days with my mother in BC and then after an unavoidable yet annoying delay in Nanaimo headed out to Edmonton to hang out with Dad and family. Then it was down to Calgary where I was reunited with many of the friends that I have missed so much during my time here. It was so great to see them and to be around people that know me inside out and backwards but I did miss seeing my session mates. I also really enjoyed getting to watch the Flames beat the Oilers in their New Years Eve game.

After the holidays it was back here for a one week intensive on the History of The Salvation Army and that was really enjoyable and educational. This week has been spent attending our classes for the second semester and starting our field placements. In the first semester we went around to several of the field placement options and now we are placed at one of them for the rest of the year. I started mine and think it's going to be really enjoyable. The people I am working with are very happy and the staff are great.

So here's to a great 2010, a great semester and great anticipation for what is yet to come!