I've been online about a year now, so I thought I would make a list of various people I've met and what I've learned from them.Sorry in advance if I leave anyone out.These are kinda in order of acquaintance..
Greg(twoormore) - one of the first I met on worthy.You are one of the few godly men I know.We don't talk much anymore,but thankyou for those months that we did.You were one of many online people God has used to pull me close to Him again.
Laura(northernprincess) - You're a great friend to me.Thankyou for your bubbly personality,honesty,and understanding.We really do relate well,and I can always count on you for a hug or listening ear.One thing I've learned from you is what I've missed by not having a group of Christian young people to hang out with. I've learned about relationships and friendships from you too.Also, thanks for being part of my education in silliness. :P
Ron a.k.a. Ronnie(Ronald) - Hey big brother, thanks for being the much-needed comic relief.I've learned much about diversity and other doctrinal beliefs from you.You are a good example of faithfulness in marriage, of responsibility,and of the type of music NOT to listen to.Lol,jk.
Beth(hippolaughamus) - Ah Beth,you've taught me more than anyone how to lighten up and laugh.I've also gained valuable insight into how it is to live in less than perfect family situations.I admire your upbeat personality and determination.
Jade - Jadey, I couldnt say in one paragraph what a blessing and help you've been to me.I've learned soo much about so many different things thru your insights and advice.Thru all those trials and problems and situations you were a welcome support,listening ear,and well of advice.You have many qualities that I want to have also as a Christian and maybe even future wife.
Ad - You are definitely one of my most unique friends and I mean that in a good way. I'm still not sure how you managed to put up with me for a year lol.Hmm well lol, I've learned about patience,trusting God,dependability,and stead-fastness thru talking with you.There've been a couple rough times but you know what, they served to show me how I react to things and where my strengths and weaknesses are.Thanks for being such a great friend Ad, you also have been one of those God used to change me.
Dan - You are the key God used to change my thinking on some deep and very important doctrines.Thru all those serious talks of sin,doubts,and God; as I watched you sort thru all of this I couldnt help but see God's hand in that. I cried when you told me you got saved.I was so delighted...that just made my week. It was also one of the last events leading up to me changing my thinking.I dont think you know the joy it was to watch your newfound delight in God grow along with your desire to learn.And then something happened..and now I wonder how your walk is and what you are learning.Thru all this I've learned to depend on God more and myself less.A lesson I seem to continually need to relearn...
Rd (Rebekah David) - You are, to me, one of the great examples of a graceful and godly woman.Always your focus is on Him,even in the trials.You always have an encouraging word or thought.So Rd,what I've learned from you is that I want to imitate you.
David(managod) - You to are one of those that God used majorly in my life.One of the best friends I've ever had,I've learned soo much from you.At just the time I needed it the most,we met and my walk with Him hasnt been the same.All the good,and the rough times to, had a big impact on my spiritual life.Thankyou for pushing me to make things right, and pushing me to get busy and accomplish something.Thanks for your humour,listening ear,and most of all for not being afraid to point out things either in you or me that needed working on.
Peaches - You are another sweet sister in Him.I love your personality,and most of all I love your heart for Him.He will enable you to do great things - just watch!
Nicole(jfreak6484) - Wow I miss the talks with you and David.What a blast we had! Such lighthearted innocent banter was a welcome relief from the problems and stresses we all were going thru. You have such a sweet spirit, and I hope you are happy with that fiancee who is NOT blampinen.:P
Brandon(blampinen) - Now I know what the stubborn determined American guy looks like,lol.You have got to be one of the most confident people I have ever met,and I think that's what I've learned from you...confidence.And also, that it is possible to be good friends even when rarely agreeing.:P I expect to hear that once you get out of the airforce you do go on and experience everything on that list of things..and I want at least a sentence about me in your book,lol.J/k
Dustin - Aw dustin you've also been a big influence on me.Thru talking to you I've learned to work on my patience, compassion,understanding,and love.You've given me a deep understanding of what its like to live your type of life..the type I've never had to experience. I've learned not to take things for granted,and to truly appreciate what I've been blessed with. It thrilled me so much that you got saved Dustin, I pray that He will change you into a confident, strong,loving person who uses his past hurts and pain to reach out to others. I know He can do that with you and I think He will.
Yuce - Definitely one of the biggest influences in my life this past year.I dont think it was fluke timing that you came along right when I had all those questions about doctrines.No, I think it was God who orchestrated our meeting and my dealing with Dan at the same time.Thanks so much for the great talks we had.Not only did I learn much of calvinism from you, I also gained insight into another culture and a different view on the world and the future.I have no doubt God will use you for Him - you have so much potential.
Art - Again, I gained more insight into different lifestyles and the various reasons for them from you.I appreciated your gentlemanly ways and quiet humor when we used to talk. And by the way, I think Brandon still has yet to return your mind. :P
Shylah - Yes, another fellow canuck!Honey, I want you to know I respect your ambition and drive even in the face of obstacles.You have been gifted with a lot of great talent and I know you will find a way to use it for His glory.
Steven - Yes, that crazy tornado guy. :P You impress me much with your humble attitude and desire to serve God.I believe He has a great purpose and plan for you and that He will make it clear to you as you go along the way.I've learned a lot from you of what it really means to serve God.Thanks for the godly example.
ILJ - Aw, another big brother in Him.You're really a blessing to me,both in example in facing trials and problems; and in your honest advice and views.Thanks for being there ILJ, and thanks for caring.
Sir(Seraph) - One of my favorite people, you are. :) You have such a sweet,quiet but firm, personality.Thanks for being an example of a great Christian lady, you are more an influence than you know.
Terry (papaT) - Ah yes, the guy who's addicted to coffee.Well I will convince you to switch to chocolate one of these days.:P You're a good friend T, thanks for listening, and believing in me.
Kyle - Hmm, the crazy IT guy who could open my cd drive lol.Well I think you are nuts to live in America when you could live in Canada but..you're a good friend, and I respect the way you've handled some recent situations.I know that in His time, God will work it out for good and you may even see His hand in it.
Lyle a.k.a. lizzle - My goofy friend from Wyoming. :P You're fun to talk to,and most of all encouraging.I most always learn something when talking to you.. thanks for all the prayers.
Phew.Well I'm sure I missed people seeing as how its late and there are a lot of you lol.Sometimes its good to think back and reflect on the impact others have had on you,and realize the impact you may have on them whether for good or bad. I've probably spent too many hours on here, but this online stuff has not been a total waste of time.I have learned so much thru it, met so many diverse and varied people,explored many things,learned tons,realized things,and most important of all, seen my relationship with God grow thru all of this. Truly He does use everything for our good.
March 1, 2006
Reflections
Decisions
Feb 14, 2006
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Decisions
Seeing as how its been almost a month since I last posted I suppose it is time for more thoughts and reflections.
The trials and troubles that prompted my last post are still there.They have not been resolved, in fact some have only gotten worse.There've been more lows than highs..and for a while I found myself once again struggling with depression.Now, I am.......not on the mountain top...still in the valley.. but closer to God,and that makes the valley greener and the trials lighter.
Each time I get tired of doing things myself and hand the worry and stress over, and start once again to depend on Him...I wonder why I ever try to do it alone.It's been a gradual realization..but I have come to see that we are often given the wrong impression of the Christian life.It is not a one time deal where we, at some emotional low, surrender totally to God and from then on depend on Him without question. Rather, it is a continual, never ending process of yielding to His control, and dying to self.Let me tell you - that can be hard! :P And so, I see that the reason I so often attempt to do it myself is because at that point I am not willing to yield control.At that moment I more desire my own way than the smile of God.......and that should be a sobering thought.
Yet now, with my focus once again on the right Person the future holds great promise.As the song says I am "kind of homesick for a country, to which I've never been before.No sad goodbyes will there be spoken, for time won't matter anymore."I long for and wish I was already in heaven. But God wants me here now, so I need to turn my attention to serving Him.These are exciting days to be doing that, for 'signs of the times are appearing everywhere..I can almost hear the trumpet..' and we know that Christ's return is imminent.Aren't you ready for that day??
God has been working in me a lot lately, and bringing enthusiastic people into my life to stir me up and get me motivated.Sometimes, all the trouble and misery I see in the world can get discouraging.It makes me feel like any effort is wasted, so I give up.Then God comes along and gives me a wake up call.He tells me I'm His child and I need to get busy doing what He's commanded me to do.
Right now I am having to make a lot of decisions about the future and what direction I should take.I only want to seek and know clearly what His will is for my life.I want to set myself to getting closer to God, that I would be able to discern what He wants and not choose the wrong thing.In the next few months I will have had to decide..and then take the leap of faith and trust and just go!
Our God is an awesome God, and there is nothing better than serving Him in whatever capacity He has placed us.
Just Like His Love
Jan 18, 2006
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Its Just Like His Great Love
The past couple weeks have been rather stressful and discouraging.I've slipped and fallen many times,but God was always there to pick me up.Sometimes thru the words of a true friend, a verse, or even a song.And this old song says it very well...
Sometimes the clouds of trouble bedim the sky above,
I cannot see my Savior's face, I doubt His wondrous love.
But He, from heaven's mercy seat,beholding my despair
In pity bursts the clouds between,and shows me He is there
One day,flipping through the hymnal and playing random songs I came across this one.I could relate so well to this and the other verses.It brought me to tears to think that inspite of my complaining,lack of trust, and frequent failing, He was always there with a tender hand to lift me back up. God really is a good God.
