You ever have one of those days where you are just tired of the work you do? Well I am having several of those days all together. If you don't already know I work at Suzy Shier in a full-time management position. I love the people I work with and I think that they are all great. However, constantly picking up after strangers and dealing with people who are looking for deals and those who try bartering with you gets tiring. Not to mention the extra cranky people who yell at you for asking them to follow the companies policies and procedures. I have learned how do deal with certain people so they do not take offense and understand you completely right away. This has a lot to do with my degree in Intercultural studies mind you; and I passed some of this wisdom on to my co-workers who think that everyone should think as they do. Though this is the case with one or two people groups it is hard to figure out how to deal with people who are just plain grumpy and want to rip your head off. Now granted working in an outlet store there are some things that can make people angry right away. Like not having change rooms and all sales being final. If you walk into my store you see that it is at least 5x the size of a regular store that you will find in a mall. However we have the same amount of staff on the floor that regular stores in the mall have. How is it that two or three people in a store that size can watch the change rooms as efficiently as those mall stores can? That's right it's near impossible. So we suggest to our customers to wear thinner shirts to try things over or wear tights or skirts to try on bottoms. When it comes to trying on bottoms and customers are where jeans we do suggest that they grab one of our skirts or dresses to try the bottoms under. A lot of people will do this, then there are other who don't like the idea and that is fine. The solution for them is that they can exchange pants. This is something new and has made life a little easier. This said though we have had soooo many people complaining that I almost always leave work frustrated with people and their attitudes towards us. Sometimes I feel like a parent, we give them an inch and they want you to give them a mile instead. Not to mention the constant clean up duty that we are left with. Is it so hard for them to hang something back up instead of flopping it over the rack or leaving it on the floor? I don't think so. This is also a respect thing in my books, I know I have worked retail for a long time, but even before I worked retail I always tried to hang things back up the way I got it, folded it the same as it was folded. I even tried to put it back where I found it and if I couldn't remember I would typically give it to the cashier or something. Like what is with deciding not to get something while at the cash desk and sticking it where ever instead of handing it to the cashier who is standing right in front of you or will be within moments.
All this ranting to say I'm on the lookout for something better.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Terry Fox Run
Today was the Terry Fox run that is on the same day across Canada.
I was on the city bus a few weeks ago and I thought that I should do this event. I haven't done such a thing in a long time something like over 15 years ago. Anyway as soon as that thought came to me I knew who I would do it for. On November 24, 2006 I lost one of my grandmother's to Brain Cancer. She had previously had breast cancer, but she won that battle. We as a family did not have much warning with the Brain Cancer as she kept it to herself and only learned of it towards the end of her life. I remember the day before and day of so vividly. On November 23 my mom called me to tell me that I should come home after about a month of knowing she wasn't doing well. She said my grandma was getting worse and that it could be any say now. My dad picked me up from school in Cambridge to bring me back. My step dad had my mom contact me through my dad's cell to tell my dad to get off at the exit closest to my mom's house and my step dad would meet us there so I could go see my grandma right away. It was maybe 5 minutes before my step dad got there and we were headed up to Grimsby Memorial. Much of my step-dad's family was there as we visited with my grandma. Her breathing was garbbled and it actually sounded as though she had something in the back of her throat which made her breathing sound aweful. Visiting hours were almost over, but since my grandma was dying, her children were taking turns spending the night by her side. My Aunt Sherry was by her side this evening. I went to my dad's where I lived when I wasn't at school and he had just moved to the lower level of the house and this was my first time in the apartment. So I was organizing and unpacking for quite a while until the wee hours of the morning. I finally stopped and got ready for bed and then flopped on my bed and started to weep and pleaded to God for him to "Just take her, she's suffering." A few moments later I was fast asleep. The next day everyone was talking to me on the phone as normal and it wasn't until my step-dad picked me up and told me that she had died that night. Knowing the prayer that I said the night before I was relieved, but at the same time I wanted to know what time it was. She died within 10 minutes after my prayer. I later learned that my grandma woke up and my aunt was right at her side. My aunt craddled her and sang her Amazing Grace (her favourite) and this is when she passed from our presence. I have no doubt that this was an act of God. So almost five years later I dedicated this walk in memory of her.
I went at this walk alone. I registered, got sponsors, and walked it alone. Now some people have said to me that it would have been so much better to have someone with you doing it. Well in all honesty I'm glad I did it alone. I reflected a lot on memories of her and thinking of that night again which I hadn't done in a long time and I truly believe that God honours the glory I give him in that situation. |ll praise is due his name. Now as far as my sponsors are concerned "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" This would not have been as meaningful without you. Here are some of the others I walked for...
Amanda - my co-worker
Melissa - friend's cousin
Violet - left us 2002 - Best friend's Nan
Rochelle - left us 2008 - same best friend's aunt
Penny - recently diagnosed - same best friend's mom
Lorraine - left us 2002
Pat - cousin
Pat - sister-in-law's grandma
Ben - sister-in-law's husband
I know I am missing many others, but this disease runs through everyone's life at some point.
Blessings,
Christina
I was on the city bus a few weeks ago and I thought that I should do this event. I haven't done such a thing in a long time something like over 15 years ago. Anyway as soon as that thought came to me I knew who I would do it for. On November 24, 2006 I lost one of my grandmother's to Brain Cancer. She had previously had breast cancer, but she won that battle. We as a family did not have much warning with the Brain Cancer as she kept it to herself and only learned of it towards the end of her life. I remember the day before and day of so vividly. On November 23 my mom called me to tell me that I should come home after about a month of knowing she wasn't doing well. She said my grandma was getting worse and that it could be any say now. My dad picked me up from school in Cambridge to bring me back. My step dad had my mom contact me through my dad's cell to tell my dad to get off at the exit closest to my mom's house and my step dad would meet us there so I could go see my grandma right away. It was maybe 5 minutes before my step dad got there and we were headed up to Grimsby Memorial. Much of my step-dad's family was there as we visited with my grandma. Her breathing was garbbled and it actually sounded as though she had something in the back of her throat which made her breathing sound aweful. Visiting hours were almost over, but since my grandma was dying, her children were taking turns spending the night by her side. My Aunt Sherry was by her side this evening. I went to my dad's where I lived when I wasn't at school and he had just moved to the lower level of the house and this was my first time in the apartment. So I was organizing and unpacking for quite a while until the wee hours of the morning. I finally stopped and got ready for bed and then flopped on my bed and started to weep and pleaded to God for him to "Just take her, she's suffering." A few moments later I was fast asleep. The next day everyone was talking to me on the phone as normal and it wasn't until my step-dad picked me up and told me that she had died that night. Knowing the prayer that I said the night before I was relieved, but at the same time I wanted to know what time it was. She died within 10 minutes after my prayer. I later learned that my grandma woke up and my aunt was right at her side. My aunt craddled her and sang her Amazing Grace (her favourite) and this is when she passed from our presence. I have no doubt that this was an act of God. So almost five years later I dedicated this walk in memory of her.
I went at this walk alone. I registered, got sponsors, and walked it alone. Now some people have said to me that it would have been so much better to have someone with you doing it. Well in all honesty I'm glad I did it alone. I reflected a lot on memories of her and thinking of that night again which I hadn't done in a long time and I truly believe that God honours the glory I give him in that situation. |ll praise is due his name. Now as far as my sponsors are concerned "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" This would not have been as meaningful without you. Here are some of the others I walked for...
Amanda - my co-worker
Melissa - friend's cousin
Violet - left us 2002 - Best friend's Nan
Rochelle - left us 2008 - same best friend's aunt
Penny - recently diagnosed - same best friend's mom
Lorraine - left us 2002
Pat - cousin
Pat - sister-in-law's grandma
Ben - sister-in-law's husband
I know I am missing many others, but this disease runs through everyone's life at some point.
Blessings,
Christina
Monday, September 5, 2011
New: New Hair Cut, New Home, New Beginnings
This past Saturday I had a friend come along with me to my hair appointment. I decided it was time to cut off almost 11" of hair in preparation of sending it to Locks of Love [ http://locksoflove.org/ ]. I love the hair cut that I ended up with even though I was terrified of what it would look like right after cutting it off. Here's a after photo:
The new home came into view before the hair cut, but it will become reality this week as I will be moving in throughout this week. I have lived in a single room for 16 months and am now moving into a 5 bedroom house. This is truly an answer to prayer. No I didn't ask for a five bedroom house, but I did ask for provision. This place will cost me less than if I found my own apartment or even shared a two bedroom. I had just given up the idea of a one bedroom when I got to thinking of having an accountibility partner if I even entered a relationship. Now at this time I will be alone in this house until more girls can be found and decide to move in, but I'm also not jumping into a relationship right away either. I will totally enjoy living in this place, it has a full kitchen, living room and dining room, rec room in the basement, two bathrooms one of which has a jacuzzi tub and a laundry room and fruit cellar. I think I am going to all set for a while now! Plus the house has a front and back yard.
New beginnings reflect all the changes in my life that I anticipate with my move. Better eating habits more exercise, and more in-depth time with my God. Over the last year these areas have suffered a great deal and I have poor excuses so I am not going to write about them. However I do hope to establish good and healthy habits right from the beginning of living in this new home.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
So much has happened over the last few months
It has been quite the journey over the last couple of months and each day has had some huge hurdles to overcome. In my last blog I wrote about a longing...a longing for my own place. Well it is September 1st and I'm almost all packed up, but there is nowhere for me to go. I still have not found a place and it is really stressful. I have contacted dozens and dozens of people, viewed many places as well and yet I still have nothing to show forth my efforts.
Just recieved a phone call about a place and will have the contract emailed to me in a moment...Thank you Lord!
Almost 4 weeks ago now my landlord's in Calgary lost their youngest child. I wrote of her previously in a letter written for her. I will be printing that off for them and sending it with another note about her passing from our presence into the Lord's presence once everything settles down for them and for me. She had many health complications and the doctors thought that once she took her first breath that she would live just a few days. Over 14 months they were blessed with her presence and they loved that little babe like none other. She touched many lives and heart and she left behind her a legacy as she fought for her life on several occasions.
My job has changed slightly I was Part-time sales at Suzy Shier and have in the last month moved up to Part-time Keyholder (Management team). Even though I am part time my manager is doing her best to give me as many hours as possible. So for the last couple of weeks I have had full-time hours as well as the next couple of weeks to come. This will help with the whole move and such.
After I move I do plan to continue looking for a second job so that I can become more financially stable and get ready to pay off those ugly student loans that were so easily given to me to complete a higher education.
This summer was tough no doubt about it and now I am seeking after a much nicer/easier Fall.
Many blessings and thank you for reading/following my blog.
Just recieved a phone call about a place and will have the contract emailed to me in a moment...Thank you Lord!
Almost 4 weeks ago now my landlord's in Calgary lost their youngest child. I wrote of her previously in a letter written for her. I will be printing that off for them and sending it with another note about her passing from our presence into the Lord's presence once everything settles down for them and for me. She had many health complications and the doctors thought that once she took her first breath that she would live just a few days. Over 14 months they were blessed with her presence and they loved that little babe like none other. She touched many lives and heart and she left behind her a legacy as she fought for her life on several occasions.
My job has changed slightly I was Part-time sales at Suzy Shier and have in the last month moved up to Part-time Keyholder (Management team). Even though I am part time my manager is doing her best to give me as many hours as possible. So for the last couple of weeks I have had full-time hours as well as the next couple of weeks to come. This will help with the whole move and such.
After I move I do plan to continue looking for a second job so that I can become more financially stable and get ready to pay off those ugly student loans that were so easily given to me to complete a higher education.
This summer was tough no doubt about it and now I am seeking after a much nicer/easier Fall.
Many blessings and thank you for reading/following my blog.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A longing
It has been a while since I wrote a blog for sure. A lot has happened since then and I will briefly recap and I mean it lol. I did graduate in April with family and friends cheering me on so to speak. I took two weeks vacation, one week in Ohio to visit the missionary family I worked with in the CZR. Then the following week in Calgary. After I came back my manager talked to me about a possible job opportunity. Though after a great deal of thinking and praying I believe that I will decline. I will be looking for full-time work after next week as this week coming is a forty hour work week. My plan and hope is that I may find a full-time day job and be able to keep my part-time job at Suzy Shier so that I can pay off my student loans faster.
Since my student loans were mentioned I will now go into the title for this blog. Seeing how I know that it will be a while before I will be able to start the whole application process for the mission field. I have a longing within me. I mean I have felt this way for a long time, but now that I am done school I want it even more now. I am currently living in a bedroom, which is my living space. I can branch out to the rest of the house, but when you live in a bungalow with a couple it is um confining. There is nothing wrong with them and I will say that over and over again because they have been awesome to me. However, when I am a person who loves to have people over, to cook and to bake this situation is literally draining the life out of me. It is not that I can't have people over it's that I don't want to inconvience my landlord's. I don't want them to feel like I am invading their personal space in their house/home. I have a longing to have a place I can call home and feel the sentiments that come with that word. I long to have a kitchen of my own to experiment in my cooking and try new baking recipes. I long for a couch to sit on with some friends drinking a tea that I made in my tea pot. I long to see what is in those boxes that haven't been opened in two years or more. I know my budget is tight and that this might be a foolish thing to think about because I should be saving all the money I can to put towards those loans. I cannot help but feel this way, as I know it can be a while. I'm hoping to be working close to 60 hours a week in the future, so with that I should be able to fork out a bit more to live like I have life in me. My soul aches for this almost daily. Lord help me to be oh so patient during this time and to be able to see your hand of provision and your guidance through it all.
Since my student loans were mentioned I will now go into the title for this blog. Seeing how I know that it will be a while before I will be able to start the whole application process for the mission field. I have a longing within me. I mean I have felt this way for a long time, but now that I am done school I want it even more now. I am currently living in a bedroom, which is my living space. I can branch out to the rest of the house, but when you live in a bungalow with a couple it is um confining. There is nothing wrong with them and I will say that over and over again because they have been awesome to me. However, when I am a person who loves to have people over, to cook and to bake this situation is literally draining the life out of me. It is not that I can't have people over it's that I don't want to inconvience my landlord's. I don't want them to feel like I am invading their personal space in their house/home. I have a longing to have a place I can call home and feel the sentiments that come with that word. I long to have a kitchen of my own to experiment in my cooking and try new baking recipes. I long for a couch to sit on with some friends drinking a tea that I made in my tea pot. I long to see what is in those boxes that haven't been opened in two years or more. I know my budget is tight and that this might be a foolish thing to think about because I should be saving all the money I can to put towards those loans. I cannot help but feel this way, as I know it can be a while. I'm hoping to be working close to 60 hours a week in the future, so with that I should be able to fork out a bit more to live like I have life in me. My soul aches for this almost daily. Lord help me to be oh so patient during this time and to be able to see your hand of provision and your guidance through it all.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The time is coming
I cannot believe that I have been studying for my degree for five years already. In 17 days I will be walking across the stage, be given my hood and degree that I worked hard for. In 17 days the letters after my name will extend slightly and may appear to be a big mouthful when I say what those letters mean. I will just cut it down to InterCultural Studies instead of BREP -ICS-CT. It has been an amazing five years. I thank God for schools like Heritage that make it possible to study and bring in the Biblical worldview as a primary focus. I have built some awesome relationships with fellow students, staff and faculty. Many relationships that I had prior to Heritage are actually stronger, some were lost in the loss of my original home church. However, many of those remained and I will see many of them at my graduation. I really look forward to that. I have also found an awesome loving church which has become my home church. Sure we have our problems, but tell me of one church that does not have problems. The people in this church have come alongside me, taken the time to get to know me and encouraged me throughout my education including supporting me while I was in the Czech Republic. I am so thankful and so blessed to have wonderful godly people who will walk along with their brothers and sisters in Christ. I am sad to say that our pastor has resigned and only has 3 weeks left with us. He and his wife were so open to the Heritage students as they came through those doors and took the time to learn more about them as these students became involved with different ministeries within the church. I look forward to what God will bring into my life and ministry as I seek his will. This is a new chapter that is about to begin, we all have chapters in our life that we would like to see close and this one will be a hard one, but not one that cannot be looked back upon fondly. What are some of the things that you see in your future? Are you looking forward to what God will do? I will look forward with you! I also heard a profound statment this week from the lady who taught Sunday school this past Sunday. We are all in the midst of change and often fear it, but when we look back or even look ahead, we can know that God is in it. He hasn't left us, he is right there going through it with us and we can know that he will always been there with us no matter what it is that we are facing. I found this to be so profound, what is there to fear, if we know God is with us.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Christians have lost something important
Just over a month ago I met with a dear friend of mine whom I do not get to see enough of. She is a wonderful woman who fears God and longs to serve him in Pakistan. We have very deep discussions most of the time when we got together. She mentioned something that she was missing out on and it was at that time that I knew for sure that I was missing the same thing. You see when you live in a settling like I did when I lived on campus at Heritage you build awesome community. In fact it becomes such a part of you that you do not think that you will miss out on it until you actually move away from it. There was always someone around that I could go to when I needed someone to talk to or to hang out with. This is what community is great for, then there are times when you just want some quiet and you cannot get it because there are too many people around.
Now that I live off campus I miss that and know how blessed I was to have it. Once I left the campus I did not have much of a community. I was missing out on a key element of the Christian faith. Community within the Christian community is what holds one accountable. How often do we just hang out with our Christian friends and not even pray together? I share meals every so often with my friends we pray over our food which is great, but do we take the time to talk about some of the things we are working through and then pray together. The typical answer to this is no. Why do we think that this is ok? I do not actually think that we think this is okay, but we forget how important it is for us to do this together. Not only will our relationship with God be strengthened through this exercise, but so will our relationships with the ones that we are praying for.
I started doing this with one of my friends here in Cambridge. We have only met twice, but already I feel so blessed and encourged by it. I plan to talk with my other friends and try to express how I feel about this and tell them that I want this to be happening in our relationships. Not only will it challenge my heart in the times that we are together, but it will challenge me in my time with God outside of those times with my friends.
I am drawing nearer to God today in this month than I have in almost a year because I am seeing the importance of what my faith stands for and this here is just a piece of it.
My challenge for you my dear reader is to take this and use it. Where are you at in your relationship with God and with your family or friends? Are you content there or is God asking you for more?
Now that I live off campus I miss that and know how blessed I was to have it. Once I left the campus I did not have much of a community. I was missing out on a key element of the Christian faith. Community within the Christian community is what holds one accountable. How often do we just hang out with our Christian friends and not even pray together? I share meals every so often with my friends we pray over our food which is great, but do we take the time to talk about some of the things we are working through and then pray together. The typical answer to this is no. Why do we think that this is ok? I do not actually think that we think this is okay, but we forget how important it is for us to do this together. Not only will our relationship with God be strengthened through this exercise, but so will our relationships with the ones that we are praying for.
I started doing this with one of my friends here in Cambridge. We have only met twice, but already I feel so blessed and encourged by it. I plan to talk with my other friends and try to express how I feel about this and tell them that I want this to be happening in our relationships. Not only will it challenge my heart in the times that we are together, but it will challenge me in my time with God outside of those times with my friends.
I am drawing nearer to God today in this month than I have in almost a year because I am seeing the importance of what my faith stands for and this here is just a piece of it.
My challenge for you my dear reader is to take this and use it. Where are you at in your relationship with God and with your family or friends? Are you content there or is God asking you for more?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Best Surprise Ever!
Yes my dear readers I have been surprised. Saturday I was at work and knew my step dad would be picking me up after work to bring me home for the long weekend. Even though this is what I knew my parents were very good at pulling a fast one on me. I was standing up at the front waiting for my manager to finish off with a customer so that I could rat on one my co-workers. I was in a goofy mood and told my co-worker that I'm going to go tell on her that she is not smiling and making the work place fun that day. To which my co-worker started laughing at me, and I said I'm going to do it and went to. While I was up there fixing a shirt on a hanger I saw a boy coming to the door with a girl following closely behind him. I thought to myself "Wow does that girl ever look like Patience" then it clicked that it was Patience, but it took me a second because they live in New York and was surprised to see them. I dropped what I was doing and ran to them for a hug each and the waterworks started! I hadn't seen my niece since last summer and it had been over a year since I saw Hayden. What a better way of announcing that my parents had arrived then to bring my 13 year old niece (who is taller than me) and my 10 year old nephew. What was better than that was that I got to spend the entire weekend with them. They made a sneaky plan my parents missed the reaction, and my manager didn't know what had just happened, but handed me the tissues anyway. Then I had to wait until I could talk (yes, I got that choked up. I was so happy) to tell my manager what just happened.
After work we all went to Subway for dinner then picked up my belongings. I think it is safe to stay that I have not had a sleep over with these guys in about 6 years. I was a lot of fun to spend the weekend with them for sure. Hayden even decided that he wanted to go to church with me Sunday morning. What a blessing that was too, we walked to church and we sat together in church. He did not want to go to the children's program, so he just sat with me. Asked questions when he didn't know something. It was an awesome experience. I never took him to church before, but I did take Detrick and Gavin with me before going to school.
God is so good, I missed these guys so much because it had been so long. Yesterday my sister came to out parents with her boys so we had them all together. Wonderful!
After work we all went to Subway for dinner then picked up my belongings. I think it is safe to stay that I have not had a sleep over with these guys in about 6 years. I was a lot of fun to spend the weekend with them for sure. Hayden even decided that he wanted to go to church with me Sunday morning. What a blessing that was too, we walked to church and we sat together in church. He did not want to go to the children's program, so he just sat with me. Asked questions when he didn't know something. It was an awesome experience. I never took him to church before, but I did take Detrick and Gavin with me before going to school.
God is so good, I missed these guys so much because it had been so long. Yesterday my sister came to out parents with her boys so we had them all together. Wonderful!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Under Serious Conviction
I have been working on an annotated bibliography for my Research in Missions course. I have chosen to dissect missionary debt. Now I will say that if it was not for the Ontario Government I would not be in my college years in the first place. I know that student loans can leave you feeling hopeless especially when you see the lump sum that you owe in your final semester. I am there right now. I have done everything that I could to lower my costs for school. I have been working right from the second semester of my first up til now. However that does exclude my time in Calgary and overseas. I was an RA for two years I received bursaries and scholarships every year as well excluding the first year. The thing is though that I used the money that I made at my jobs to help me to have a life, to do fun things. Then I got a credit card with the smallest amount on it possible. This year I allowed the bank to double the funds available. Unfortunately I was not very disciplined with it and had it near maxed out. I have not used it since December and planned to just slowly pay it off. With all the research that I have been doing I decided that it needed to be taken care of. So I just now paid it off with the left over from my student loan and then removed the card from my wallet and put it in a safe place. Now with all this done I now have to slowly but surely deal with my other loans. A student line of credit which has a good sum on it because that is what I lived on while I was in Calgary and I have made a small dent in paying it now. The interest is lower than my credit, so I will not be as worried with this loan as I was with the credit card. I now know that I should be super careful with my spending. I need to remember where it is that the funds come from and that I only have a job because God provided it for me. Where are those pays going? Well right now I am getting enough hours to scrape by barely mind you. However, I know God will provide and I will be just fine. Come March and April hours will pick up at work and I will be even better than I am now.
Though now it is nice to see and know that one of these things is taken care of. I will work on the other things. Thank you God for convicting my heart in this area. Please help me to remember these things and apply it into my daily living.
Though now it is nice to see and know that one of these things is taken care of. I will work on the other things. Thank you God for convicting my heart in this area. Please help me to remember these things and apply it into my daily living.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
For Rachel Amariah
I have never met you in person, and do not know if I ever will here on earth anyway.
I know your parents and siblings, an uncle and even your grandparents.
I lived under your family for just a few months, I learned of your coming while I was there.
I heard the news that God has something else in mind for you shortly after your parents learned the news.
I prayed for you, your little body, little heart, little family.
After you were born I learned that you were a little fighter, you did not give up!
God has a special plan and purpose for you while you are here with us.
I may have never met you, but you have already changed the hearts of many people, including mine.
Your parents are stronger, because of the fight for life you put forth.
God planned is this way.
You are a beautiful baby.
You are not the weight that people would expect for your age.
Tiny and helpless and yet God is using you to bring glory to Him.
This glory that you bring, is what we are all created for.
For 8 months you have blessed everyone around you with your gorgeous smiles and hardy laughs for such a tiny babe.
Even though I am hundreds of miles away, you have captured my heart.
As I have been following your life through the blog your mom has up for you, I have been moved on numerous occasions.
There is such a faith and great sacrifice that your parents have giving over to our Lord.
Do you know how much He loves you? He loves you even more than your parents, at this point it is hard to even imagine this, because your parents have shown love that is unconditional.
They knew that you were not to live a normal life, and yet they chose life, because they knew that God had a plan, a purpose for you little one.
I was listening to a very powerful song the other day. I thought of you immediately just because of the words. There is so much meaning behind them when I think of you.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
Rachel you have a maker he is Jesus Christ, he most certainly formed your heart. He formed it to be one in a million, or rather no cases known with your heart condition. You appear fragile and rightly so. However, how has one so small, so fragile lived for this long? Only by God! He knew at the creation of the world that Rachel Amariah Funk would be special! Rachel your life is most definately in His hands and we have all seen that time and time again. Not only do you have an early father, who is a godly man, but you have a Heavenly Father who knows you inside and out, he knows when it will be time for you to go and leave this earthly world behind. You are his child and he will never leave you, during your heart spells God is encompassing your entire family as you fight to breathe. He knows your name as he chose it long before you were even thought of by your parents. He knows those little thoughts you have and all the tears that you shed. I our minds we don't think that you can call unto the Father, but your mother and father most definately do when they see you struggling or learn of more news about how your little humanly complicated body works. Gods knows it all and knows all of you. Rachel, may you ever more continue to touch the heart of many around the globe as they hear and learn more and more about you. I hope that before I head to heaven that I might have the chance to meet you, if not then I will rejoice for you are with our Lord and when I see you there we shall rejoice for the hearts that you changed just through being where God wants you.
I know your parents and siblings, an uncle and even your grandparents.
I lived under your family for just a few months, I learned of your coming while I was there.
I heard the news that God has something else in mind for you shortly after your parents learned the news.
I prayed for you, your little body, little heart, little family.
After you were born I learned that you were a little fighter, you did not give up!
God has a special plan and purpose for you while you are here with us.
I may have never met you, but you have already changed the hearts of many people, including mine.
Your parents are stronger, because of the fight for life you put forth.
God planned is this way.
You are a beautiful baby.
You are not the weight that people would expect for your age.
Tiny and helpless and yet God is using you to bring glory to Him.
This glory that you bring, is what we are all created for.
For 8 months you have blessed everyone around you with your gorgeous smiles and hardy laughs for such a tiny babe.
Even though I am hundreds of miles away, you have captured my heart.
As I have been following your life through the blog your mom has up for you, I have been moved on numerous occasions.
There is such a faith and great sacrifice that your parents have giving over to our Lord.
Do you know how much He loves you? He loves you even more than your parents, at this point it is hard to even imagine this, because your parents have shown love that is unconditional.
They knew that you were not to live a normal life, and yet they chose life, because they knew that God had a plan, a purpose for you little one.
I was listening to a very powerful song the other day. I thought of you immediately just because of the words. There is so much meaning behind them when I think of you.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call
Rachel you have a maker he is Jesus Christ, he most certainly formed your heart. He formed it to be one in a million, or rather no cases known with your heart condition. You appear fragile and rightly so. However, how has one so small, so fragile lived for this long? Only by God! He knew at the creation of the world that Rachel Amariah Funk would be special! Rachel your life is most definately in His hands and we have all seen that time and time again. Not only do you have an early father, who is a godly man, but you have a Heavenly Father who knows you inside and out, he knows when it will be time for you to go and leave this earthly world behind. You are his child and he will never leave you, during your heart spells God is encompassing your entire family as you fight to breathe. He knows your name as he chose it long before you were even thought of by your parents. He knows those little thoughts you have and all the tears that you shed. I our minds we don't think that you can call unto the Father, but your mother and father most definately do when they see you struggling or learn of more news about how your little humanly complicated body works. Gods knows it all and knows all of you. Rachel, may you ever more continue to touch the heart of many around the globe as they hear and learn more and more about you. I hope that before I head to heaven that I might have the chance to meet you, if not then I will rejoice for you are with our Lord and when I see you there we shall rejoice for the hearts that you changed just through being where God wants you.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Workout Buddies
Workout buddies are great aren't they? Well I have found myself one and about four years ago we were running together. However since then we learned that we should not be running for two different reasons. For her it is shin splints and for myself it is planter facitious (I know that is spelled wrong). We are planning to workout three times a week and walk every evening. So far we did one of each and we will be walking again tonight. I just hope that we don't get tired of each other seeing that much of one another. I really enjoy spending time with my buddy, so I do not think that this will happen. Here is hoping that we stick with it.
What might 2011 look like?
The year 2011 is underway already and we are into the third week.
So you might be wondering what does Christina have up her sleeve for this year. Well the answer to this question is kind of still up in the air for me, but my mind is reeling and heading in some solid directions.
Come April I will finally walk across the stage to recieve my diploma that will be handed to me after 5 long years of hard work. I will have a hood placed over my head and have a long titled degree to add to my resume. I do look forward to this day and hope to celebrate with many people. The people who have encouraged me and spurred me on throughout this entire journey. I would not have been able to stay focussed or determined without you and likely would have given up every term if it was not for the support of everyone of these people. It was hard and a great challenge. Especially after tackling this after a 7 year schooling gap.
The summer I would like to take a little trip to say ahhh and just enjoy a little freedom and fun without having to think about work, school or whatever else reminds me of the boring everyday. I think that this is something that would be well deserved? No?
While I am working through this final term of school and into the summer I will be preparing my heart and mind for the next task that I have spent a lot of time thinking about. I have been praying about this as well and it seems like a logical step. So I am probably going to be going overseas for a year or two to teach English and pay off my student loans. The way I see this is that I am not getting any younger and I am itching to go serve my God in missions. So this is the fastest way to do so as well as get more cross cultural experience. So now I know the question rolling around in your mind is likely: Where? Well I do not know the answer to this as of yet. I am researching it and trying to figure out the best place for myself and one that pays decently as well. This is no small feat as you are already aware the world is a big place. This will take time and I just ask you to be praying about and ask me once in a while how this is coming a long. I think that this will help me to regain an awareness of how close that time is coming.
I have some other small ideas as to things that will hopefully change throughout the year, but we'll cross those bridges when I want to haha. More like as they come along.
Many blessings to you this year as you face 2011.
So you might be wondering what does Christina have up her sleeve for this year. Well the answer to this question is kind of still up in the air for me, but my mind is reeling and heading in some solid directions.
Come April I will finally walk across the stage to recieve my diploma that will be handed to me after 5 long years of hard work. I will have a hood placed over my head and have a long titled degree to add to my resume. I do look forward to this day and hope to celebrate with many people. The people who have encouraged me and spurred me on throughout this entire journey. I would not have been able to stay focussed or determined without you and likely would have given up every term if it was not for the support of everyone of these people. It was hard and a great challenge. Especially after tackling this after a 7 year schooling gap.
The summer I would like to take a little trip to say ahhh and just enjoy a little freedom and fun without having to think about work, school or whatever else reminds me of the boring everyday. I think that this is something that would be well deserved? No?
While I am working through this final term of school and into the summer I will be preparing my heart and mind for the next task that I have spent a lot of time thinking about. I have been praying about this as well and it seems like a logical step. So I am probably going to be going overseas for a year or two to teach English and pay off my student loans. The way I see this is that I am not getting any younger and I am itching to go serve my God in missions. So this is the fastest way to do so as well as get more cross cultural experience. So now I know the question rolling around in your mind is likely: Where? Well I do not know the answer to this as of yet. I am researching it and trying to figure out the best place for myself and one that pays decently as well. This is no small feat as you are already aware the world is a big place. This will take time and I just ask you to be praying about and ask me once in a while how this is coming a long. I think that this will help me to regain an awareness of how close that time is coming.
I have some other small ideas as to things that will hopefully change throughout the year, but we'll cross those bridges when I want to haha. More like as they come along.
Many blessings to you this year as you face 2011.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Biggest News of 2010
Hello again my dear readers,
A while back like in the summer I posted a blog about my father's pending marriage. I since deleted it because he told me that they broke it off and ended the relationship. I think that he did this because it was something that I might have wanted to hear. However that is not necessarily the case, but that I told him to be careful because she might be pushing him to get married so that she will get her green card so to speak. Well my grandma leaked when I was home for Christmas that he did indeed get married. That's right I did not hear it from the horses mouth. I believe my grandma because she has not been wrong before. She mentioned this on Christmas eve and my dad still has not confessed this to me but implied that he needs to sit down with me and explain what has been going on and why it has happened the way that it did in the last couple of months. How do I feel about this whole thing? I am honestly not sure how I feel. I am his only daughter and child right now. This lady is 8 years older than me and has changed him completely into a not so pleasant man. We were always close, he would talk to me too much if you asked me haha. By this I mean he used to call me several times a day and text me at least every other day. I wonder if my going overseas bothered him so much that he turned away in a sense as he did not know how to deal with the change of his daughter going overseas. Though he has known about this for about 6-7 years prior to my going. I have no idea, but we shall see how things pan out and how I realize I feel after my father being the one to confess this to me. Thank you as always for taking the time to read my posts. Blessings to you this day.
A while back like in the summer I posted a blog about my father's pending marriage. I since deleted it because he told me that they broke it off and ended the relationship. I think that he did this because it was something that I might have wanted to hear. However that is not necessarily the case, but that I told him to be careful because she might be pushing him to get married so that she will get her green card so to speak. Well my grandma leaked when I was home for Christmas that he did indeed get married. That's right I did not hear it from the horses mouth. I believe my grandma because she has not been wrong before. She mentioned this on Christmas eve and my dad still has not confessed this to me but implied that he needs to sit down with me and explain what has been going on and why it has happened the way that it did in the last couple of months. How do I feel about this whole thing? I am honestly not sure how I feel. I am his only daughter and child right now. This lady is 8 years older than me and has changed him completely into a not so pleasant man. We were always close, he would talk to me too much if you asked me haha. By this I mean he used to call me several times a day and text me at least every other day. I wonder if my going overseas bothered him so much that he turned away in a sense as he did not know how to deal with the change of his daughter going overseas. Though he has known about this for about 6-7 years prior to my going. I have no idea, but we shall see how things pan out and how I realize I feel after my father being the one to confess this to me. Thank you as always for taking the time to read my posts. Blessings to you this day.
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