nyssa ariel

With endings, come new beginnings

2010-11-26T15:41:00.002-05:00

Note: I have created a new blog. I will not be using this one anymore (I don't think). Check out my new blog: http://nyssaariel.wordpress.com. The place I hope to write more often then I did here... but with time, we will see.

A continual exercise of love.

2010-06-12T23:23:00.005-04:00

What would life look like if we were to love God in everything that we did? I know that as Christ followers we love God, but sometimes we say we love Him, then just go about our daily business without thinking of Him.

In his book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence wrote about 'a continual exercise of love'. Bro Lawrence decided that he would 'make loving God the purpose of everything he did'. What if we decided to do this too?

Bro Lawrence also wrote that 'our only business is to love God, and delight ourselves in Him'. What if we went about our day, not focused on worldly or selfish things, not on pleasing others, or even serving others (which isn't a bad thing), not focused on building ourselves up, or even just getting through the day, but purely on loving God in everything we do. Everything. What would the difference be in our friendships, our marriages, our workplaces, or our time alone, if we were solely focused on loving God? Not even practicing spiritual disciplines is important or meaningful if we are not loving God first. We need to be motivated to do anything and everything, first, by loving God. We need to love Him in acts such as picking up a piece on litter in the park, washing the dishes, writing an email, interacting with others, going to work, eating, exercising, driving, making big or small decisions... anything and everything. We must be motivated by loving God. It seems so simple to say, but it is something that takes focus and discipline to do successfully.

Maybe I am struck and challenged by this because I personally have not had this as my one focus recently, but whatever the reason, it is something that I would love to pursue (and challenge you to do too). As Bro Lawrence wrote, 'all we need is a heart for going to God, resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but him - just for His sake - just for love of Him'.

Aliens and Dolphins

2010-01-31T16:20:00.009-05:00

It’s movie review time! I don't typically write these, but hear go my thoughts based on two very noteworthy films that Chris and I watched a few weeks ago.

Film One: Avatar. Before I went, I had heard a few good things about it: that it had cool graphics, etc. And I sort of went dragging my feet a bit (I really didn’t care too much to see it). But let me tell you, it was awesome! The ‘real 3D experience’ was pretty cool. It felt like I could reach out and touch the grass and the flowers. Although there is a lot of room for improvement for the 3D aspect of the movie, I quite enjoyed myself.

Theological reflections of the movie: The same weekend we had seen Avatar, the visiting pastor at our church who was preaching, was criticizing the movie because it was supporting the idea of pantheism. Meaning of pantheism: All is God – the Universe and God are one. He went on for sometime about this… I don’t think it had much to do with the rest of his sermon. Sometimes I find that Christians drop a deuce on films and other art just because it doesn’t fit into their theology. My question is, 'why can’t they just enjoy the art form in front of them'? Who knows if the writer was trying to make a statement about pantheism (I don’t really care if he was or wasn’t), but there was so much to the movie that could have been used for to teach us about theology, specifically in regards to creation and our role within it (just a thought).

That same Sunday, we went to another church in the evening to shake things up a bit (I can only take so much CRC). I guess it was the weekend for using Avatar in sermons (good thing I followed the trends and saw it that weekend… I’d be lost). The pastors at this church used the film to enhance their point of freedom found in Christ. They suggested that we are similar to Jake (the main human/avatar) because a second chance presents itself. Jake gets a second chance when he went from human to avatar. He was lame as a humans, but now he can run as an avatar. They suggested that we as humans are in a similar situation that we were lame (and blind, and such), but there is freedom in Christ (that will give us our legs to run and eyes to see). Cheesy comparison? Maybe. But I preferred their approach to the film over the morning pastor’s approach. They found the redemptive qualities within the film. I dig that.

Film Two: The Cove. Really great film. I recommend watching it. It is a documentary about uncovering a dark and dirty secret of a small Japanese town. It uncovers the inhumane, unnecessary, and tragic slaughter of dolphins for really no purpose whatsoever. The film shows what is done and not done with the innocent victims. Some are sold for food (packaged as another fish or meat), and most others are simply thrown away. It is informative and moves you to change (or at least makes you reflect on your own actions within this world). Not that I eat dolphins or anything, but after watching it, it made me quite happy that I am a vegetarian. I know that North America probably doesn’t eat a lot of dolphin (although it does support institutions such as Sea World - which the film targets as one of the largest threats to the well-being of dolphins), but we don’t put much thought or care into the food we eat, the entertainment we support, and the products that we buy. Although there are a number of individuals and groups who are taking a stand to make a difference today to bring justice to all of creation (humans and animals alike), humans as a whole typically don’t think about who or what they are harming to get their food, products, and entertainment. It is a thought-provoking, anger-provoking, and action-provoking film that should be listened to.

It is finished

2009-12-12T10:04:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, I achieved greatness... or at least something I've been working at for a long while. I handed in my very last paper in my very last class of my MDiv. School = finished! Now, I just have to wait until May to make it all official.

Other than summer breaks and the few years before junior kindergarten began, I have not known life apart from being a student.

I think that I'll enjoy this new life without writing papers.

u2ube

2009-10-26T22:11:00.010-04:00

So a lot has happened this past month-ish. Some really shitty things and some really great things. It's been busy, and there has not been much time to write. But here I am with some time... so let's focus on the great things that have happened.

Well most recently I have become a full-time employee of Tyndale as a Seminary Admissions Counsellor. Yay for full-time money! It's going well so far. Lot's to learn, but it'll be good. I'm going to be a recruiting machine.. I just know it! :) Last week, my first week, was a little, or a lot crazy, but now I'm getting more into the role and getting some real sleep at night.

Now that I've had time to sit back and relax (being sick will force you to do so), I had time to re-visit my wonderful experience with U2 in September. Yes that was a while ago, and I did mean to share about it back then, but youtube is a wonderful thing, especially when it airs live U2 shows! boom baby! So I didn't actually watch it live... it was past my bedtime... but I did get to watch the whole thing today, and it was wonderful. Let me briefly tell you of my U2 concert experience back in Sept.

Though the show didn't start until 7:30.. and U2 didn't even go on stage until 9pm, our day started much earlier. I dragged Chris (bless his soul) down to the Skydome at 2pm. And we waited in line.. for a very long time. In total, waiting and concerting, we stood for a good 9 hours. ouch. Anyways, it was well worth the wait, as it always is... :) We got so freaking close! We had one row of people in between us and the outer circle (you can check it out on u2ube for yourself). I got some stellar pictures if I may say so.

There were many memorable moments of the concert, but this by far was my favorite. It was the moment when they began to sing Amazing Grace. I'd say it was quite a worshipful moment. And all of a sudden they began to play Where the Streets Have No Name... by far one of the best songs written of all time.. not just by u2. Just saying. In the moment I felt like I would either puke all over the person in front of me or my heart was going to jump out of my skin.. I was so stoked! It was so incredibly wonderful! And I was reminded of this moment tonight as I watched it again online... though its way more awesome when your actually there.. when the beat is pumping through your body. So great!

That's it for now. I could say more. But I will let you watch and see for yourself the awesomeness that is u2.

Goodbye Friend

2009-10-06T22:08:00.002-04:00

I never thought that it would end this way.
I never thought that Wednesday night would be the last time I would talk with you.
But thank you for reaching out to ask for prayer and support.
It was good to be there to support you and lift you up in prayer whenever you needed it.
And thank you for always being there for me when I needed prayer or to vent.
I'm really going to miss our chats.

I want to remember the good times we had together.
To remember the times when we laughed together.
How you told ridiculous stories that made me laugh so hard that I would cry.
The memories I have of you are beautiful and I will never forget you.

You were full of joy and of life.
You were always there to be an encouragement when I needed it.
I just wish that I could have just been there for you that one step closer.
It makes my heart ache that you had to go through this alone.
I knew you were having a rough go at things, but never even fathomed that your heart was in so much pain that you would take your own life.
I just hope that you knew that you are loved and would be deeply missed by an uncountable number of people.
You left a legacy.

A huge community has taken a hard hit because of all of this.
But we'll get through it together.
We'll get through it with the strength and grace from our loving Father.
It's the only way.
Because without Christ working in our hearts, this is just too hard to deal with.

We sang a song the other night as we gathered as a community to mourn and pray.
It filled my heart with hope and peace, in the midst of the pain and heartache that I am going through.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

So now as I and the rest of the community mourns the loss of our dear friend, we will stand strong in the arms of Christ.
As we are filled with sorrow, anger, frustration, guilt, and pain, we will stand together in prayer.
We will move forward in the strength of our Lord, not on our own strength, because really, we have none left.
May Christ be glorified.

As we move forward, and as we continue to grieve and ask questions, this affected community needs to hear in our hearts the words of the Psalmist:

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Psalm 46:1-3

You are incredibly missed.
Dave, I'm at peace knowing that you are now at rest and free from the burdens of this world in the peace and love of our good and loving God.
See you in heaven buddy,
We'll catch up then.

George, Ewan, Jenny, and Me

2009-09-12T00:34:00.007-04:00

So today I just happend to be shmoozing with the stars, and touched George Clooney's hand and got his autograph. No bigs... :)

It all started when Jenny and I got together for the afternoon downtown to walk around aimlessly. We said a few days ago, jokingly, that we could go around the downtown core and go on scavenger hunt for famous people, well did we ever hint the jackpot of all scavenger hunts! First, we had a nice time together: good drinks in an empty cafe, awesome brownies at the st. lawrence market, perusing through mec, and then a wander to Roy Thompson Hall. We didn't plan on going to the red carpet event... for we didn't know it was happening. There was a big crowd, and we were intrigued. We walked up to the crowd, and all very pretty silent. What was going on? We eventually asked a nice man there who everyone was waiting for. And to our delight, Ewan McGregor and George Clooney would be gracing out presence in about an hour or two. Well Jenny and I thought, 'let's stay and see who we can see'. About 45 minutes later Ewan came by and then 1/2 hour after that the one and only George. It was wonderful. Jenny and I ran all around to get the best shots and maybe an autograph. We got awesome shots. We got so close. We got autographs. And our hand met George's.

What a wonderful day.

P.S. You can read about jenny's account of the day at elementarymydearwatson.wordpress.com

funny adventures at adventure camp

2009-08-19T19:13:00.004-04:00

Here are some funny moments brought to you from my days liaisoning for the LITs at Adventure camp.

The first funny moment occurred yesterday as I ate dinner with the discovery kids (the youngest age group at camp). I sat next to a little boy, Elliot (some of you may know him), and as we waited to be served dinner, Elliot decided that he would turn into a giant whale that was going to eat me (with his arms acting as the whales mouth). All was fine. Ha ha, I'm getting eaten by a whale, a moment for a particular bible story to be shared, but he didn't care about Jonah... Anyways, I learned as I was being eaten by Elliot the whale, that whales have SHARP teeth! Yes..... Elliot bit my arm. omg. And the proceeded to begin pinching me as well... I never knew whales had sharp teeth and pinchy little nails. Ouch!

Funny story number two comes to us as I lifeguarded free swim time at AC. I was guarding the iceburg (a big blow up climbing device in the water) from a paddle-type boat. This one boy (maybe 7 years old) climbs to the top after having a difficult time getting there, and once at the very top he announced loudly and in a panic that he needs to pee right then and there. Okay... you would think that the easiest solution would be to slide down the iceburg and just pee in the lake... not so. I tried to get the kid to do slide down and either pee in the lake or run to the washroom, but he wasn't having any of it, apparently he wanted to majically apprear in a washroom... well we eventually got him to slide down and get onto the dock. But because his counselor (LIT actually) had to wait for the othe boys to get out too before he could take this boy to the washroom, the counselor suggested, along with my support, to just jump back in and pee in the lake. Well this kid thought that peeing in the lake was a dreadful sin. These are the words that came out of his mouth. "If we love God, then why would I ever pee in the lake?!" heehee. So cute and funny. He'll be quite the environmentalist when he grows up if he thinks its a sin to pee in the lake. The LIT that was with him tried to explain that God probably doesn't care, but this kid was not going to have any of it. He then said "so what you want me to do is pee my pants in the lake?". At this point I encouraged the LIT to hurry up and run this kid to the washroom. It looked like this little boy didn't have too much strength left to hold it in as we have a theological discussion about peeing in the lake. But this is what the LIT said to the boy, "I'm sure God doesn't like it when we pee in lakes, but He loves us anyways". hmmm.. What a line.

Adventure camp is a funny place to be. I'm looking forward to more humorous moments over the next week!

sick and tired, but still moving forward

2009-07-30T16:40:00.004-04:00

(this is my awesome small group! such a great bunch)

As I lay on my bed, trying to get over this cold, I think about where I have just come from and where I am going. I've just come out of a great, yet challenging session at LIT. The session began with me not feeling like I had the drive or passion to give my all for the program. It took a lot of surrender for me to fully allow myself to be used at camp and in the LITs lives, but I got over it. And once I did, the relationships that I was able to develop with some of my LITs was awesome. I'm so excited to see what God will do in their lives if they are simply willing to offer their lives over to Him. Though these were really good relationships and that there were really fruitful conversations that took place, it was very very draining. I really felt like I actually gave all that was within me to these LITs. While I was in the moment, I questioned God if my efforts were worth it or if there was even any point, but I kept on going, and in the end, I think that it was all worth it.

So I ended a session at LIT feeling drained, yet encouraged, but now I enter a new session and a new role. Once again, I find my self seeking for a passion to drive me forward as I continue to serve here at camp, specifically as I now enter a new position which is completely different than what I have done at camp previously. It does not help that I am sick entering into this new session, but I also am finding that I don't have the energy or desire to put the effort into developing new relationships with a new staff and new LITs. I know that this will pass, but it is just easier to hang out with those you have an existing relationship with.

At any rate, I continue on because I know that the ministry of LIT is vitally important to these teens lives. It is not by my own strength that I continue on, because really I have none left, but it is by the Lord's strength that I am able to continue on and serve. It's sort of freeing to know that you have nothing left, but that God will still be able to do great things through this weak little body if I surrender it to him. So as I prepare and rest for my role to begin in a few days, I will wait here patiently, be still, and know that He is God.

grace and a monologue

2009-07-18T11:40:00.002-04:00

Even though this is the fifth time that I have been working with the LIT program at camp, there are some things that never grow old. Sitting through teachings of creation and the fall year after year, some might think that this would not be so interesting anymore. But each time it is new once again. Specifically the FICS (faithfully improvising the Christian story) session on the Fall.

This is a session that hurts to sit through, but each time I do, God speaks in a new way. It is hard to even begin to think of the pain that you and I have inflicted upon one another, all of creation, and God himself. One of the great tools that FICS uses to demonstrate this, but to also show God's incredible grace, is the music video by Johnny Cash, Hurt. It is a picture of the pain and suffering that he has caused throughout his life, but there are quick images of Christ being nailed to the cross interspersed with the images of his life. Even though he has caused all this pain, and has not always put Christ at the centre, Christ was still crucified for all of us. Following this video up with the song How Deep the Fathers Love For Us, creates for a genuinely powerful, yet humbling experience.

In other reflections from recent times at camp, I have just recently (about an hour ago) just finished presenting a four page monologue from memory. I've never done anything like it before. It is a monologue presented from an angels point of view. Done on the FICS day of Jesus and the cross. The angel spoke of what God has done through Christ for us as humans. It was quite intimidating to learn and to memorize, but it was well worth it. I spent every moment of my hours off in the last week to memorize it. And as I did, God has done a good work in me as I have made these words real in my own life. It was not just a preformance, but it was a transformational experience. It was well worth the time spend memorizing. But I m now overjoyed to have my life back again and have my hours off not be spent memorizing!

here we are again

2009-07-06T19:11:00.001-04:00

Camp is the best. We are here now!

As I write this, I am sitting on my bed at camp, all bundled up, yet still freezing. I wish July at camp would be a warmer time, but nonetheless, it remains to be the best place to be.

We are in LIT precamp right now, and it's pretty chillaxed. It seems as if it's going to be a good team of staff to serve with this summer. On saturday night all the sites at OPC had a commissioning service together. It was a great night to get focused and in the right mind set to start serving at camp. Seek first the kingdom of God. That was a major point of this service. And that is what we have got to do specifically when working at camp or in any ministry if we really want to make it through in one piece. But really, it is a necessity throughout all of life. I think that sometimes we can forget about this in out day to day life, or at least this is not the focus for us when we're back in the city living normal life. But when we're at camp specifically, to seek the kingdom of God first and to put our complete trust in him, seems to be significantly needed, wanted, and really is the only way we will be able to love and serve those in our care.

But why does it seem like seeking the kingdom of God first is easier when you're in fulltime, intensive, and draining ministry? Why is this not more of a focus when you're at home, writing papers, going to a desk job, etc? it should be. Maybe you're just ahead of me on this one, but this is a situation I am finding myself in. When I'm in a really intentional ministry situation, it seems so easy and natural to seek first the kingdom and to have the Lord as your central focus, but when I'm just at home living everyday life, it seems to be more of a push to do this. Or at least more of a push to see the need in seeking first the kingdom. It's just easier at home to live and serve on my own strength (which will most definitely fail eventually!)

These are just a few thoughts floating through my mind these past few days. It's not that I don't seek the kingdom at home, more the opposite, but my thought is that it is much more defined and specific at camp. It would be quite difficult or even impossible to keep up the strength, love, endurance, and grace needed to serve in a camp context and at the pace that it goes at, throughout the whole year(s), but camp is such a special place where God works in amazing ways in the lives of these campers and LITs. It is a privilege to serve and love these LITs, and I am really excited to see what God is going to do in their lives this summer, and how he is going to continue to transform them for the rest of their lives. Our LITs don't arrive at camp until Thursday, but I'm really excited to meet them and start this program!

I'll continue to write updates and post photos from camp as I take them.

Peace.

Ramblings from a bored little soul

2009-06-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

So I'm incredibly bored today... It's a rainy Sunday afternoon. I have a lot of things that I could do: write my final paper of the spring, wash the dishes, go for a misery walk in the rain. But I rather not do any of those. So I will ramble here instead.

Here are somethings that I have been thinking of recently...

- In the past few weeks, there have been a number of people ask me where I see myself working in a few years from now and what is my vision for my future. Every time they ask me I get this stunned look on my face and try to answer them with an answer they want to hear. They want to hear that I have it all together and that I have a solidified plan for the fall and the future. But in reality, I have no clue. There are a bunch of things that would be fun to do and I have an overall general idea of the kind of things I would like to do with my life, but when people ask me... I don't have a very good answer to give them. Some may think that is not good and that I am unprepared. I would like to think of it as a lesson in trusting the Lord. Ya I should get on a few things for the fall specifically, but right now, I am content with being open to the endless options that are in front of me. I am content in not knowing, but knowing that the Lord already knows. People can think what they want of me, but what I know is that the Lord is in control, and that is all I could ever ask for.

- In other news, Chris and I are heading to camp in 6 days! Yay! This year I get to be a small group leader 1st session and be part of the Faithfully Improvising the Christian Story (FICS) teaching team for the 2nd session. The FICS role is a new one for me. I'm really excited to teach the bible and theology to a bunch of teenagers, but a little nervous at the same time. Should be a good growth opportunity for me. Chris says that growth opportunities are the best. Both Chris and I will try to find some time to blog about our camp experiences throughout the summer.. so stay tuned in.

- The other day I was riding my bike in the trails of TO and I came too close to comfort to riding over a poor little chipmunk. Thankfully his little legs moved fast enough to miss my tire by a centimeter, but still... it was a bit traumatizing. I wouldn't ever want to hurt a cute little thing and have it explode under my tire. Yuck.

These ramblings are getting silly now... I still want to procrastinate, but I might try to finish this paper off (or at least start it). If you have actually read these ramblings, bless your heart. Peace out.

Check it out

2009-06-09T13:13:00.005-04:00

I am currently in the final stages of wrapping up my internship with Youth Unlimited. Part of my role as an intern was to coach a youth, Katy, to help her organize and run a coffee house fundraiser event. I really appreciated my time with Katy (who was also in my small group at LIT last summer!). It was great to see her grow in her strengths, abilities and in the Lord as we journeyed together this year.

I recently wrote a article for the LAUNCH blog site taking about my journey with Katy. You can go to http://321launch.wordpress.com to read it!

the trinity and the crc

2009-05-31T20:38:00.006-04:00

So this evening Chris and I went to church for an night of learning and discussion on the Trinity. It ended up being a fantastic evening. You never know what an evening discussion at the Christian Reformed Church will look like, but tonight the Spirit was obviously active and moving in our hearts (or at least mine). It was really refreshing. Understanding God as a community within Himself.
Tim used this image (above) to help us understand the relationship of the Trinity and to get the conversation rolling. I've studied this piece of art in classes I've been in, and each time I study it, I gain a deeper appreciation for it and the Trinity Himself. And that is what we attempted to do this evening as a church. Without going into too much detail, through this image and through other discussions we had, we were drawn to a closer understanding of God's community and fellowship within Himself and how we are invited to that fellowship table as the Body of Christ.

I don't normally come out of the CRC feeling as encouraged as I have tonight. But to be able to try to grasp this concept with the people I did this evening, was a privilege. We were challenged and inspired. Longing to be people continually transformed in the image of God. Joining with Him in complete joy. And through our growing understanding of the unity and community of God, hopefully, our relationships with others, spouses, the church, and others, will dramatically be transformed to look like (if I can be so bold to say) the relationship and fellowship found in the Trinity.

Reflections

2009-04-27T21:50:00.007-04:00

Okay... so these might not have anything to do with what I'm about to write, but I thought they was so ridiculous that it needed to be shared. Also, for more laughs go to failblog.org. There are funnier ones, but I dare not post them... or dare I? hmmm. only time will tell.

Anyways...

School is out and the sun is in! Life therefore = good. I need to enjoy this month while it lasts though, because at the end of May and into June I will be taking 3 classes! Yikes! Who wants to sit in class in the spring time? well... someone who wants to only have one evening class in the fall semester and then no more school ever! Exciting times these are. Times of expectancy... that God is going to do some hip things in the near future with our lives. And times of anxiousness... that I have absolutely no idea what those hip things are yet. Could it be community living, a full time ministry job, a car... who the heck knows. Well the big man upstairs hopefully knows.

I'm in a time of learning what it means to wait, to trust, to hope. The concept and idea keeps coming up... I think I wrote a paper about that recently... or an exam... I guess studying helps in the growing process. Ah yes! Promise theology in the Old Testament. It is characterized by the people of God waiting, hoping, and trusting in the Lord. I'll be honest. I'm not so good about doing these three things. But I'm trying my best. God's people where called to live in the expectant future hope. So the exile sent many away from their homes and known lives, but even in a time of stress and uncertainty, they were certain of God's good grace and love. Here's a cool couple of verses that these people prayed... and I think that I could even pray too.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:22-26

Maybe I'm not a Jew in exile back in the day, but I am a girl who is unsure about what tomorrow holds, but my God sure does. And that's something that I (and you) can cling to. The Lord is enough for me... I don't need anything else. Not even the answers of tomorrow. And because he is enough, I can be patient and begin to learn how to walk in hope, trust, and to wait patiently for what God is going to do next.

hmm... well the above has been a mixture of my reflections on life and Old Testament theology. As exams and papers have recently been a big part of my life, I feel that the line between the two is fuzzy. But I now have a much needed break to clear up that line... and to use to simply enjoy this waiting game. (and enjoy the sun while I'm at it!) But this waiting game doesn't have to be an inactive thing. It can be a very active one I think. Actively participating in the kingdom and waiting on the Lord I think can go hand in hand.

Taking a stand for peace and justice

2009-04-01T09:25:00.013-04:00

So I recently came across new initiative put forward by the founders of Invisible Children. Over the years I have appreciated the work that these three guys have done in order to raise awareness about child soldiers in Uganda and ultimately to seek freedom for these kids.
Their new project is called The Rescue of Joseph Kony's Child Soldiers. They have released a half hour video essentially describing what they have been up to the past six years, how history has been unfolding up until this time, and how they are trying to get the LRA to go for peace instead of destroying young children's lives. It is a movie that is both hopeful and heartbreaking, but will leave you with the sense that you've got to get involved as well.

On April 25, 09, they'll be releasing a new video describing the next steps that need to be taken in order to see freedom for these kids. I won't say much more about their most recent project, but if you have half hour to spare, go to their site, watch, be convicted, be heartbroken, be inspired to make a stand for these kids who have lost their childhood, and in a sense, their humanity. Watch it at therescue.invisiblechildren.com.

It might be something to consider.

shame and the gospel?

2009-03-29T19:24:00.003-04:00

So I've been reading through the New Testament, and I've just finished off the letters to the Thessalonians. The Thessalonians are not books I read very often, and so some statements in the text can come as a surprise. Like this passage... 2 Thessalonians 3:14. This is a passage found in a chapter focused on warning against idleness. The church in Thessalonica had a few individuals who were not too interested in following the teaching and guidance that Paul had provided... so this is what he had to say about these individuals.

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of those who do not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as enemies, but warn them as fellow believers.
2 Thessalonians 3:13-15

So that they'll feel ashamed?! What the heck. This is not the Christianity I know and love. I thought that the gospel of Christ was one of love and grace. I know that Christ was pretty ticked with everyone who was trashing the temple, but isn't this a bit harsh? Typically on a Sunday morning, you don't hear the pastor say to the congregation "so what we need to do in order to see people come to Christ and to know true love and grace is to ignore them all and hope that they will feel a deep sense of shame. That's how we build the kingdom of God!" uhhh... not so much.

At a time when postmodern culture is infiltrating the church, people don't want to hear a message that is so harsh and definite like this one. An emerging church doesn't want to offend anyone, and so blurs the real picture. I think that the church needs a good kick in the pants every so often, seeing as it can be a bit fuzzy around the edges, but even so... a passage like this is tough to swallow. I'm just trying to figure this one out.

I know that there are passages in scripture that I struggle with, but can understand them in light of the culture and society the letter was being written in. But this verse can't really be put in that same category. Shame doesn't really sound like something our loving God desires for us. I know we need to be humbled before the Lord and know that He is all powerful, but to say that shame and abandonment are ordained by God... I have a hard time buying that. I appreciate how Paul at the end of this passage qualifies that these are people who are to be warned as fellow believers, but this doesn't really fit into the way I relate with my surrounding community. To say that I would not associate with a fellow believer because they strayed away a bit doesn't really seem like the way to bring them back.

Just a few thoughts on a tricky passage... Any other thoughts or input on such a passage would be helpful. Maybe try to figure this one out together! :)

back from the dead...

2009-03-22T16:55:00.004-04:00

... well it feels like it.

I haven't blogged in a very long time... since nov. 07 to be exact... almost a year and a half! Well I am back. I've been thinking of re-joining the blogging world for a while now.

Procrastinating from writing my OT paper has re-birthed this blog, and has given it a new look :) Though writing about the Genesis creation account in comparison with other ancient near eastern creation accounts is interesting... I would rather do something else... I guess procrastinating is a good thing sometimes.

There are a few things I want to chat about... on conferences attended, cd's bought, and books read... but first, I must write my paper.

See you soon.. i promise!

Paul Potts

2007-11-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

This man is absolutely wonderful! Beautiful voice. Who would have thought?!

At the Porn Show...

2007-10-22T06:21:00.000-04:00

Once again, for the third time, I, along with Chris and Pat, went to see The New Pornographers live! It was simply wonderful.

Out of all of my times seeing them preform, this was, by far, my most favorite time. Here are my reasonings:

1. Neko Case. She had not previously been touring with The New Pornographers when we saw them before in Toronto. She added a whole new level to the show. Her voice is stunning. Though Chris gets annoyed at me for playing her solo albums on repeat, he also agreed that she was great.

2. Other members who don't always tour with them were there. Like this Dan guy. He only sang on select songs. When he did, in one hand was always a bottle of beer and looked a bit more wasted each time he returned to the stage... He added a bit of humorous entertainment to the night.

3. The opening act. Normally opening acts are nothing to rave about, but this girl, Emma Pollock, opened for them. I've never heard her before, but I thought that she was really good. You can hear some of her songs at her website.

4. Another aspect I enjoyed (or thought that was almost sort of strange) was that this time round, the crowd was an older one. The last two shows were made up of young high school kids... but this time it was quite the surprise to see that we were some of the younger people there. Weird.

But overall, it was a wonderfully fantastic show.

wait... be patient...

2007-09-17T22:12:00.000-04:00

Maybe sometimes you just have to be patient. Wait for everything to just work itself out with time, experience, failures, triumphs, joys, and frustrations. What ever will be will be right? But with time added to that I guess. You can't force anything down the throats of those who don't want anything to do with what you're all about. When selfishness is met with newness and excitement... watch out! You as an outsider have no say in the situation at all. No matter how experienced in mind or deed you are on that very same issue, that person will not listen. Not until they get hurt. Not until they have had their fun and realize that the path they have chosen is not a glorious one. It is not holy... it is not righteous... it is not what they thought it would be.

If only we could stop people from going down a path that we know is not good. It is because of peoples pride and selfishness that they don't listen to us. It is so frustrating. And in the end, they aren't just hurting themselves, but they are hurting others around them. They are hurting the ones that they had originally intended to protect. So we, the originally intended, need to be patient in times like these. We need to show unending amounts of grace, love, support, and patience. No matter how hard it is, no matter how much we want to take the situation by the neck, no matter how much it hurts us on the other side, we have to extend the Lord's grace and patience. People will come around. With a lot of prayer and love and grace, healing can already begin in a situation that doesn't even know it needs healing yet.

adventures at opc

2007-08-28T15:47:00.000-04:00

So I'm back from camp. What a four weeks it has been. Much has happened, much was learned. There were frustrations, there were joys. It's a little difficult to figure out where to start... so here are a few highlights of my time at camp.

Most memorable moment of our 4 day canoe trip to Lake Tomagami and Lake Obabaka:
- one of the LITs is a wonderful opera singer. and at one point we were paddling through a more narrow part of the river, so calm and peaceful, and this LIT began to sing opera as we paddled along. it was absolutely beautiful.

Most powerful moment in a FICS (faithfully improvising the Christian story) session:
- the combination of the song 'How Deep the Father's love for us' following Johnny Cash's video of 'Hurt' was an incredibly powerful . This was presented on Act 2: the fall. The Cash video is a powerful example of how broken and in need of Christ we all are. Feelings and knowledge of hope, forgiveness, and grace flooded the room.

Many other fun and exciting things happened during my time at camp. It was a wonderful time. Even though it was difficult at times, I wouldn't have traded this time for anything.

Peace.

camp tomorrow...

2007-07-28T23:31:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday night. And I leave for camp tomorrow morning. I'm pretty excited. Can't wait to see old friends and make new ones. It's going to be a good break from working at the golf course. I was getting tired of doing meaningless work. Now I get to do the things I love! Working with youth... training them up to be leaders by empowering and challenging them.

It's going to be a hip happening good time.

So that's it. The Nyssa Dhillon update of July/August '07...

The end.

ugly fire in a beautiful community... let's help them out

2007-06-26T18:45:00.000-04:00

Though this is already posted on Lewis' blog, I thought I would let people know as well. Last week the Simple Way community, a beautiful group of people in Philadelphia, were faced with a terrible seven-alarm fire of a neighbouring warehouse that destroyed surrounding homes, the Simple Way's community center, and more. If you want to learn more about the fire and what happened, click here.

It broke my heart when I watched this video. You see and hear of lots of devastating fires, but this one really hit me. These wonderful people have set up an intentional community and are doing great things for those around them and for the greater Kingdom, and now most of it is destroyed. But there is hope. They have big dreams and it's exciting to see how this community is going to being growing. If you want to donate and help these guys out in some way you can do so through Tony Campolo's site. They need to rebuild their homes and lives now, so if we can partner with and support them, let's do it!

Trinity and Community

2007-06-14T20:45:00.000-04:00

In continuing in on a discussion and journey of figuring out community, tonight we will look at the Trinity in relation to the community, unity, and diversity of humanity. Tonight in Systematic Theology class we are talking about the doctrine of the Trinity. In our discussion time we moved onto discuss the Trinity in relation to community, so here are some points that we discussed.

Points to ponder:

- both unity and diversity are healthy and necessary when it comes to community. although many fight about their differences, and bring a great divide between each other, if handled rightly and lovingly, diversity is a beautiful thing. we see this through the Trinity. the three in one. all have their unique roles within the God-head, but all are in perfect unity with one another. our differences bring us together. our diversity creates a beautiful community.

- we as humans need to live in and act as a community for so many reasons. life would be boring and dull if we were all the same, or if we just hung out with people that are like us. men, women, young, old, black, white, business minds, and artists need to be in community with one another. when we are with those unlike ourselves, we are put into a place where we are not necessarily comfortable. but this is a good thing. it challenges us to live life in ways that are out of our comfort zone. it stretches us to do new things that we might have not understood before or were scared of. diversity is a good thing. it is a Godly thing.

- just as the Trinity is one, we too need to become one. we need to learn to understand and practice unity of the body.

- look at the Acts church. everyone shared everything. its not a what's mine is yours, whats yours is mine mentality, but it is a 'it's all God's and we get to share in that' mentality. it's not a greedy way of life, but is an others focused way of life. putting the Lord and others before ourselves at all times.

- if we look at the Trinity, God gave up his Son. there is a sacrifice that was made. we too need to make sacrifices in our lives for the sake of community.

What I realized through this class discussion time:

- people are scared to even talk about community and unity. they don't want to touch the issue because they don't want to face what they don't want to do.

- they are so fixed on living as individuals, and don't even want to discuss possible ways out of this way of life. they don't want to live in the way that God originally intended it to be.

- someone even said that they don't feel comfortable talking about the issue of community and unity because that means that some serious change needs to take place. they don't want to face it.

2007-05-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

Right now I’m enjoying my Saturday evening by listening to some good music. Included in a long list of music I have been listening to this evening is U2. I probably haven’t listened to these guys in months. I used to list them first in my top favourite bands… and they still are my favourite… no one comes close. But I’ve been distracted these past few months with new music, new bands, new artists. These others are good, but they are truly no comparison to U2 in my opinion. When people have asked me in recent days about what kind of music I listen to, I don’t list U2 as my number one. I do mention them, but only after I have already mentioned the new and more relevant artists… trying to stay with the times. I don’t think that I am selling out by listening to these new bands (as some would say listening to U2 is selling out), but I’m not staying true to my ‘roots’. I’m missing out on something indescribable. Some might think I’m crazy, but when I listen to certain songs of theirs, it is as if I’m experiencing God… maybe I am. I forgot about my love for them by not listening to them, by not experiencing their music.

As I listen to where the streets have no name, I have made the connection between this and my relationship with God. When I am not actively experiencing the Lord through His Holy Spirit and when I am not actively pursuing Him, I begin to forget. I begin to forget about how incredible He is and His unfailing love and grace. When I am not fully focused on Him I begin to loose sight. I get distracted by the other exciting things happening around me. Not that these other things are bad in any way, but if I am not careful, they can become a distraction in the way of me seeing the Lord. When I am not fully focused on the Lord, I get disillusioned into thinking that He is not as great as He actually is. I begin to forget about His unfailing love and the incredible grace that He has poured out on us.

This forgetfulness can be reversed though. Through spending time with Him… through experiencing His presence we can be brought back to a place where we can be in true active communion with Him once again. We can continually be mindful of His presence and power. Just like how I was reminded of the greatness of U2 through experiencing their music once again, I have been reminded of God’s greatness and love through spending time with Him. Through experiencing His presence, I am excited about serving Him and living for Him once again. It might be a stretch to connect my love for U2 with my relationship with God, but these are simply my thoughts of the evening.

early morning ramblings

2007-04-26T06:04:00.000-04:00

It's 6:03am, and I can't sleep. I've been awake since 4:45ish. I hate being sick. Im tired and just want to rest, but I can't. Though I'm tired, can't sleep, and can't breathe through my nose, it has been nice to watch the sun rise and hear the birds sing early this morning.

In addition to not being able to sleep due to my sickness, there are also a number of things on my mind right now which are not allowing me to be well rested.

1. I'm thinking that as of this coming Monday morning at this time, I will be at work already... yikes. I'm sort of nervous to start the new job. Its a little nerve wracking meeting new people who I will be spending the majority of my summer with.

2. In only about 3 hours from now, I have to tell the new RA team a 'nugget of wisdom'. What the heck am I supposed to say? 'It's a great experience that you should embrace and be thankful to be a part of'', when what I really want to tell them is 'run while you still can'? Am I supposed to tell them the truth, or just let them figure it out on their own? I guess only time will tell.

Well these have been my early morning thoughts for Thursday, April 26th. I'm going to try to sleep again now... even though the geese have now arrived for the day and have made their presence known loud and clear...

what's our purpose? are we living it?

2007-04-15T10:57:00.000-04:00

Once again social justice is on my mind. Well actually, I don't think that it ever left my mind. I recently got the latest issue of Geez magazine in the mail, and it is full of articles surrounding the fact that we as humans need to work some major issues out. We are selfish and prideful individuals who have a hard time of thinking of others. We need to step out and follow the calling of our Lord to love and feed and clothe the poor and needy.

We need to get up off of our lazy North American asses. Stop consuming and start giving. Stop living only for ourselves, and start living for others and for the Lord. I have realized that we always talk about about doing good things for others. We have great ideas and great things to say about the issue. We talk about the change that needs to take place. We challenge others to step out in faith and serve others for the glory of the Lord. What we're really doing is making ourselves feel better by talking about, but not doing anything about these things we are talking about. We are all talk and no action. What the crap is up with that? We claim to be Christ's followers living to make a difference. Are we really? I think we're just messing the whole system up more than it already is.

Take politics for example. So many Christians are fighting against the gay rights movement and trying to stop gays from being able to marry one another. To top it off, the way in which we are doing it is in a hateful way. Satan is probably having a field day with this. Christians distracted by such issues which are fairly unimportant. I'm in no way for it, but I'm just saying that there are bigger issues in the world. Like starving people who have no where to live who are being treated completely unfairly. Environmental issues are a big one too. God called us to take care of this world, but all we're doing is fucking it up and watching it die as we help it die. These are bigger issues. Taking care of people who have no one to fight for them. We are being distracted by issues that are so minor in comparison to the real issues. We need to set our eyes on the truly important issues in this world once again.

Stop telling people that we hate them (or acting as if we hate them), and let's start showing the love of Christ to them. Even though we talk about doing this, we fear it. We don't want to be vulnerable like that. But this is what Christ called us to do. What he has asked us to do it something so small in comparison to what He went through for us.

On things that are great

2007-04-11T22:54:00.000-04:00

So today Chris was telling me that my blogs were too long and that he didn't want to read something so long. So Chris, here is one specially for you... just cause I love you... and because you told me to.

Things that are great:

1. Chris Clements -> reason: because he apparently has "fresh and tasty breath" (not my words folks... his). This is not the only quality of his that makes him great though... there are many other reasons.

2. Almost being done school for the semester -> Only one more take home exam and I can pretty much write on what ever the heck I want.

3. Community -> a great thing to live in. Soon I'll be moving from the Tyndale community to the 11 Ruddington community. It will be a change, but looking forward to it!

4. Friends -> hung out at Christie's bridal shower tonight and there were lots of wonderful people there that I love.

5. My dorm -> they are beautiful and fun girls with lots of love for each other and the Lord. They put on a surprise dorm event bridal shower for me and Beth Gelyk. It was lots of fun and I was not expecting it at all because I was planning dorm event... and it wasn't supposed to be that.

6. Making fun of Ashley Saunders -> only because I love her. It's a very fun past time though...

7. Great music -> no particular reason... just like music.

This has been a random list of things that are great created because Chris told me to. I hope it wasn't too long for you to read Chris.

Peace.

ideas about social justice...

2007-03-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Today has been a jam-packed day of learning, work, being in community, and so much more. It all began with the alarm sounding at 5am this morning. After being disoriented and attempting to wake up at such a god-awful time, we began our journey to the Epiphaneia conference. Dan Young and myself were working for the admissions office at the conference, but we had the privilege of being able to sit in on most of the sessions. It was so much information to take in and process about social justice.

Shane Claiborne began his morning talk with a quote from Mother Teresa. It goes something like (or not exactly like) this:

It is fashionable to talk about helping the poor,
but it is not fashionable to talk to the poor.

In reflecting back on what I learned today, what I was reminded of, and what I was challenged by, this quote encompasses the essence of my feelings and fears and challenges. So many times we talk about social justice issues, and we feel good about ourselves for taking the time out to think about and ponder such ideas, but what do we do after those talks? We walk away stunned and confused as to how we are to incorporate such radical, yet necessary steps in our own lives. Questions arise in my mind such as: how extreme do we have to go? what does true Christianity look like? in what ways is the Lord calling us to use our gifts in social justice? are we truly being challenged and are we making real sacrifices for others? These questions and so many more arise when we talk about social justice. And they are questions that I am asking myself after coming out of such a conference.

These are questions to think about over a long period of time and to struggle over together. Once again, the Lord is teaching me more and more about community. We can't (and are not supposed to) figure this out and process it all on our own. It's about being in community and journeying together on this path called life.

There are so many other issues that came up today that I (and others) need to process. I can't write about it all now, or this would turn into a book. But as we struggle through these and other related issues in our own minds and hearts, don't forget to struggle through them together with others. In all likelihood others are asking the same questions as you, and it might be nice to bounce ideas off each other and to simply be in community as we figure this community thing out together. That is one thing I was reminded of today: that social justice in all it encompasses is about community in some form or another.

I will leave you on this last note. Think about and struggle together to better define and learn how to truly practice this verse: "to love your neighbour as yourself".

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

2007-03-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

I've never written a blog on an album, nor have I ever written a review on an album before, but today is the day of new beginnings.

Today I went shopping, and probably spent too much money, but in my frivolous spending I bought a new CD: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case. It's a beautiful and wonderful piece of art work in so many regards. From the album art, to the lyrics, to Case's strong and powerful, yet sweet voice, to the music itself, it is an admirable album of Case's. Unlike the super-pop sound of The New Pornographers, which is where I first heard of Case, her solo material is folky, country and musically and lyrically creative. It's something a little bit different to spice up the CD rack.

Each song is beautifully written and stunningly preformed. From what my ears have heard, there is not a weak track on the whole album. I originally bought the album because of the third track Hold On, Hold On, but quickly discovered that the whole CD is filled with great songs that I could listen to over and over again. Some notable tracks include the title track Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, John Saw that Number, and Maybe Sparrow. You can go to her website nekocase.com to listen to some of the tracks on her albums. I would say that it is worth the listen.

So that's my album review. Done and done.

Creativity

2007-03-14T14:06:00.000-04:00

Creativity. It comes in all different shapes and sizes and colours. That is why it is creative.

God is the ultimate artist. Not only did he create the whole universe and the never ending details of the world, but He created you and me. He has a sense of humour in that artistic ability of His. You look around and see the eccentric individuals in the world and we say that they are so creative, but it was the Lord that created those crazy people! He was the one who originally came up with the idea. In thinking this, we are a reflection of God's creativity.

We need to be creative with our lives. We need to learn to live our lives the way the Lord created us to. We each have so many beautiful differences and quirks that we need to learn to embrace and share with others. And when we do this we need to do it for the love of the thing itself: whatever it might be. Music, art, photography, crafts, sewing, writing, the way we dress, the way we act, these are all ways of expressing who we are, and ultimately expressing who the Lord is. We are created in His image, so lets show the rest of the world what the Lord has done. We need to create and live for the sake of the 'art' itself. Not for the recognition, nor for the money or the prizes, or for any other reason. Just for the 'art' itself. I don't know if that is possible in our sinful nature, but its a good goal. Do things for the betterment of humanity, community and for the glory of God. Do it just because you want to. Don’t get boxed in by what society tells us to do. W are creative beings, so in whatever way you choose, show off that creativity and others might be inspired by you to do the same in their own unique way.

I think and write about these things due to some recent conversations had at Tyndale and due to the Burning Man Festival documentary that Chris told me about. But it was inspiring to see people live their lives doing things that they truly love to do. There is no holding them back. This can be applied to so many areas of our lives. Whatever it is you love to do, do it. Don’t be so stuck up and forget about doing the things you love to do. I know that so many times I get so busy with work and school and meetings, that I forget to do the things that I love to do. I believe that it is for the betterment of the individual, community, and brings glory to the Lord when we do the things that we love.

Two of my favorites...

2007-03-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

Here are two of my favorite photos that I took in Bukoba, Tanzania this past summer. I miss being there.

Moving on...

2007-02-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

So it hadn't hit me until last night at our little RA gathering to discuss next years RA team, that I am going to really miss being on Student Leadership. It has been part of who I am for the past three years. Its has shaped who I am and how I lead and how I live my life. I have been so wrapped up with moving out into an appartment, getting married, leaving residence for good, eating my own food, and simply moving on, but I have forgotten how much I think I might miss doing all of this. Mind you, I am done, with not a lot more to give, but it still is sad talking about next year when I know I won't be a part of it. Being on Student Leadership has transformed and shaped who I am. I have loved and respected the so many people who have poured into my life so that I can pour out onto others. I may not have turned out to be the same person if it hadn't been for being a part of this team for three years.
Even though I am excited to move on with the new opportunities life has ahead of me, I still am sad to leave such an incredible program and team. Lord bless those people who have poured all that they had into me so that I could grow and pour out onto others.

Thoughts on community...

2007-01-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

“Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’” In the beginning God created us to be in community. He did not created us to be alone, but He created us to be in community with each other and with Him.

It might seem like a simple thing, but I think that so many of us forget this truth: that we are made for community. Especially here in the West, we live in such an individualistic society. We are selfish and self centered, thinking only of ourselves and what is good for ‘me’.

They might not admit it, but even in the church today, many have strayed away from the idea of community as a lifestyle. There are countless conferences, churches, books and people within the church screaming out to us that its just all about me and Jesus. It’s just about your personal relationship with Him and nothing else. That pisses me off. Its not! It’s about so much more than that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that we don’t need a personal relationship with the Lord, because we do. All I’m saying is that it is about so much more that simply that. When Christ was talking with His disciples before He ascended into heaven, He told them to ‘go out’. Don’t keep what you know to yourselves, but share that with everyone you meet. We’ve got a mission, and keeping Christ for ourselves is not a part of that.

Something I was thinking about last night was how, because we are created to be in community, we need to live like it. Instead of struggling alone, how about struggling and working through things together. Instead of getting answers from God for yourself, how about sharing those answers with others. What about being more accountable to each other. We all struggle through the same things, so why don’t we work through those situations together. Life would be so much better. I think that the church specifically, has scared many Christians away from doing this. ‘It’s just all about me and Jesus’… Frig… its all about me, Jesus, and everyone else in the world. You can’t forget that. The church for years has told us that we can’t rely on others in terms of growth for your own personal relationship with the Lord. Not true. I realize that we are all human and we fail and will never be able to provide all the answers, but I do think that we are able to work together, along with God, to figure this life thing out.

It’s such a lonely idea… going through life alone. I know they say that if you have a great relationship with the Lord you won’t be lonely. But He knew from the very beginning that it wasn’t a good idea to be alone. I don’t think that it just relates to man and woman in a marital relationship. But I think it is much greater than that. There are so many people out there that the Lord has surrounded us with, each with their strengths, weaknesses, experiences and more. Take advantage of these other people. Work through life together. It gets lonely figuring it out by yourself. And you won’t figure it out by yourself. We need Christ, we need others. That’s the way God made us, don’t fight it.

It's a new year...

2007-01-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

The new semester has begun. Mostly good classes. And I feel that I have more motivation for this new year in terms of school, work, RAing, and life in general. I now have a renewed vision and focus of where, potentially, my life is heading. There are a number of changes are taking place this new year. 1) A switch of majors and a potential add of a minor. 2) The planning of a wedding. (this one is already wearing me out... but is still fun!). 3) My last semester in residence! Praise the Lord! But lets make it a good one. 4) Additional other new random tasks: appartment hunting...
In addition to these many new changes that are a part of my life this new semester and year, I have been so bold to give my self those so called 'new years resolutions'. Yikes! Never done that before cause I knew I wouldn't accomplish them. So we'll see what happens this year...
Overall, I've had a good start to 2007. I have a renewed sense of purpose for my life, I have goals that I am trying to reach, exciting things to plan for, and more new changes just around the corner. Also, 2007 has begun with an overwhelming knowledge and feeling of the presence of the Lord surrounding and guiding myself and others. Uncovered this weekend was quite the reminder of this. The Lord made a guest appearance that evening and decided to work in a number of hearts that were in attendance. So we wait in expectation for what He will do next and how we will respond to His calling. Let's stop sitting around in our theology classes and church pews, and begin to walk and run with the incredible knowledge and passion that He has given us to work along side of Him... to be His vessels where ever He leads us. A startling thought I know, but a thrilling and exciting adventure it will be. Let's band together with the Lord on our side to life up to our calling and follow Him with all that we've got.
It's a new year. So let's do new things, partake in new adventures and live in a new way. Let's do this together, as a community, with the Lord as our motivation and guide.

Finally!

2006-12-11T21:24:00.000-05:00

How many of you thought the day that Chris Clements would propose to Nyssa Dhillon would never come? Well, if you were one of those, you are wrong! I am pleased to announce that that day has finally come. After four and a half years of dating, we are now engaged!!
It all happened Saturday, December 9th 2006 sometime in the early afternoon. It was Chris' birthday, and he told me that it would be nice that for his birthday we could go for a birthday hike in the Durham forest. So we did. We got in the car at Tyndale and headed to Uxbridge for the walk of all walks. So we got to the Durham forest (Glen Major to be exact). It was an absolutely beautiful day. Sun shining, birds singing... About twenty minutes into the walk we got to a beautiful lookout point. You could see for miles from this point. Chris suggested that it was a good place to take pictures. I agreed, and then proceeded to do so. Once I got up and was ready to continue our walk, Chris stood there and said "Nyssa, yesterday I thought of an important question for you". I am at this point, still clueless to anything that is about to happen. Then he continued in saying that "it is a question that could potentially change the course of history for me" (or something like that). As he said this, he pulled a little red box out of his jacket pocket and got down on one knee in the little snow that was on the ground. He then asked the question that I have longed to hear since who knows how long ago... "Nyssa Dhillon, would you marry me!". At this point I was in complete shock, but so filled with joy, excitement and love! And as a girl who is in love with Chris Clements, I said "yes!". Of course I would say yes! I'd be crazy not to. This was indeed the walk of all walks!
I'm still getting used to this new status of ours, but at the same time am still almost in shock that it has happened. Mind you, I am so incredibly excited about it too!
We still need to set the specific date, and all that fun stuff, but for the time being, I am just enjoying these wonderful moments to the fullest.
So that’s our engagement story. Pretty exciting I think!

a spiritual retreat

2006-11-03T22:31:00.000-05:00

Silence and solitude are two disciplines that our culture fears. We stay as far away from silence and solitude as we can. We make ourselves busy, rushed, and complicated. We dismiss the simplicity of life and force our lives to be so full of... anything and everything.
But I am fairly confident in saying that this is not how it was intended to be. I don't think that God really wants us to be stressed out and busy all the time. There must be a way out of this hole. Wait a minute... there is!
It's called let's slow down. Get away from the busyness and the noise. We need time to reflect, relax, and get rejuvinated. All too often, we are don't listen to the voice of God. We are too noisey, busy, preoccupied, and rushed to listen to Him. We think that we dont have the time... but we do. We just need to get away from the demands of our lives, turn the volume off, and focus solely on the Lord.
This evening I just returned from a three day Spiritual Formation Retreat with my class. It was much needed. Over the course of our time there we spent 7 hours in silence and solitude. We weren't even supposed to hum to ourselves. Complete silence. Its a scary thing at first, but as i got into it, I learned to absolutly love and cheerish this time. It was a time to not worry about what was going on in my life. A time to listen to the still small, yet powerful voice of God through His creation, Word, and Spirit. I didn't have to worry about doing all the talking. I just got to listen to what He wanted to tell me. It was so refreshing. I really was at a point where I needed this badly.
I've come back to the real life now though. I'm back at Tyndale in a busy world. So what do I do with what I've experienced? Well I do know that I feel move motivated, passionate, and excited about life in general. But how can I incorporate this into my everyday life. I realize that it is completely impossible to spend 5 hours in silence and solitude each day... but something must be possible.
I've realized that I can't do life on my own. I need Gods strength. So I think that each day the follower of Christ needs to take that time of quiet reflection on the Lord. I know I wasn't really doing this before hand. But I've seen how important and life giving it truly is.
It's comforting to know that we dont have to have all the answers. We don't have to have our lives all figured out. We just need to give it all up to God. Let Him take care of us because we do a fairly poor job of that.
We need to be quiet. Stop talking. Listen. Be still before God.

our late night adventure...

2006-10-26T14:43:00.000-04:00

Last night, myself, Jo, Megs, and Laura decided to embark on somesort of an adventure. It was late... maybe 11:30pm, so I was a little nervous about going out for a fun evening on the town. Im normally in bed by 11pm so this was huge for me. We threw around some ideas of what we could do, some good sounding, other ideas not so much. But we decided that whatever we would do needed to revolve around food of somesort.
So the idea was put forth that we should just hop on a bus and see where is takes us. This sounded like it bring about some intiresting adventures... so we did. As we walked closer and closer to the bus stop I said to the girls 'why dont we just go to Pizza Pizza or something'. They said to me 'where's the adventure in that?' I just didnt want to wait for the bus forever. I figured I didnt want to be a suck, so I went along with this crazy plan.
To my surprise, only about 5 minutes later the bus came. So we got on and the adventure had begun. It wasnt too long that we had rode down Young St. that we spotted our first destination. Open 24 hours, an All Day Breakfast Diner! I wasn't expecting that. So we got off and ran to the restaraunt. The food wasnt anything special... but it was good because it was breakfast at 12:30am.
So we had finsihed our breakie and thought 'what should we do next'? The only logical thing to do was to find a Korean Karaoke bar. I really dont know what we were thinking. So we walked down Young St. a bit more and came to a section of the street that had 3 Karaoke places right next to eachother. We had hit the jackpot!... so we thought. We went into the first place where we were greeted by an older Korean man who quickly brought us into a small room with 2 couches, and a TV. What was going on? I was nominated to learn how to use this Karaoke machine that had 20,000 songs in it. He showed us ABBA, Celine, and P.I.M.P. Weird. I didnt really know what was happening. It was nothing that we had expected or wanted, so after 10 minutes of learning how to use this thing we told the man we didnt want to do it. He seemed a little upset. Whatever. I wasnt paying $20 to sing in a little room by ourselves. I can do that for free in my own room.
The two other places we went to were the same set up. I cant believe this is actually a big thing. Very strange. Anyways, we figured Karaoke was out of the picutre now, so what to do next. We figured to finish the night off like good Canadians, we would go to Tim's. Not like we needed anymore food in us... it was about 1:30am by this time.
And that was our evening/morning adventure in Toronto. A night full of randomness, but lots of fun, good stories, and bonding with friends. Who would have thought there was so much to do on a Wednesday night after 11pm? Try it out sometime. It's lots of fun.

where the ducks are

2006-10-23T13:56:00.000-04:00

I would like to invite you to a world that only some travel to. It is a place where many are afraid to go because it is deemed 'uncool'. But I would challenge you to join me on a journey to where few go, but to a place of joy, peace, relfection, and life. It is not always easy to find, but when it is found, it is absolutly wonderful. So go to a forest... wander to a stream within that forest... and open your eyes. Go to where the ducks are.
Okay.. so by this point you're probably thinking that this Nyssa girl is crazy. I accept that. But Im being honest here. Going to a place where ducks hang out is great fun.
I write about this today because I finally saw them today... for the first time this season at Tyndale. Ever since I got back to Tyndale in the fall, I've gone on walks to the woods hoping for a glance of some ducks. Dont ask me why I have such a facination with ducks... I just do. They make me happy. Simple as that. But every time I've gone, I've been disappointed because I havnt seen any ducks. But today was a different day. I went for a walk with my camera... it was a beautiful day. I didnt have my hopes up about seeing any ducks... but I thought that I would check just in case.
I went to my regular spot on the bridge because thats been the place in the past fews years where they have dwelt. But they werent there. So I continued on my way down a path that I dont normally take... but today was a different day. As I wandered down a leaf covered trail, I found a little dog. He was a cute little thing. He barked at me then ran away. I noticed that he ran to a place where the trees had fallen and it seemed as if it would be a place of prime photography conditions. So I followed the little guy. I was just looking around this area for photography opportunities when I looked up and to my surprise, there they were. Four ducks. Two male, two female. Just hanging out. It was like I solved a case, I found what I've been looking for. It was a sense of fulfillment.
It's such a simple thing... but it brought so much joy to my day. So what... Im a simple person. Thats okay. I think simplicity is a lost art form in this culture and needs to be found once again.
Now for those of you that actually made it through this blog... congrats. I probably wouldnt have read a blog about some crazy persons love for ducks. So thanks for reading. Be inspired. Go find some ducks!

a day out on the town

2006-10-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

Okay... so I didn't take this picture myself, but I needed a reflective photo to intro my day out on the town.
Today I needed some down time. Some Nyssa time I like to call it. So I packed my bag and headed off to a day full of reflection, creativity, fun, and catching up with friends.
I was reminded today of how important it is to take time out for ourselves. Our lives can be so full of busyness. Whether it be work, school, friends, or just the busyness of our minds and hearts, we are busy people and we need some down time. So today was my time to take some down time.
Simply sitting on the subway listening to music and watching people interact was refreshing in itself. It was a time to relax and reflect. A time to be invisible, in a place where no one knows you, except you and God. It's an intiresting thought... to be in a place where there are so many people, but at the same time having the ability to be so alone. But alone in a good way... a refreshing way.
Another one of my highlights of the day was walking through Kensington Market with Caitlin. It's quite inspiring to see so many people with such creativity. But we're all creative in some sort of way whether we realize it or not. Because God is creative, and we're made in His image. That's another intiresting thought. What is true creativity? Anyways. Walking through Kensington was inspiring. It brought me back to the days of walking through the small African town of Bukoba. Everyone had their stands outside trying to sell their stuff. Having fruit stands on the side of the road. People filling the streets with no room for cars to go by. Everyone is just being. Having a good time, no regrets, and just loving life.
I think that this is a way of life that we need to learn how to live everyday even throughout the busyness of our lives. We need to learn how to just be. How to enjoy life and all the things that it throws at us. We need to understand how to not be so stuck up and serious all the time. Life is to be lived to the fullest. Not full of stress, anger and frustration, but full of love, joy, peace, and excitement. Life is a good thing... don't let it be a burden.
So those are my thoughts from the day. It was good day, and I would encourage you to get out there are do something that will refresh and energize your life too. It's well worth it.

the first day of snow

2006-10-12T15:23:00.000-04:00

Update:
It's October 12th 2006 at 3:15pm in Toronto, Ontario and we have snow!
What's the world coming to? This is much too early.

music: the new pornography

2006-10-12T15:02:00.000-04:00

It's a cold wet night. The rain is coming down, but it can't dampen our spirits. We're walking down Queens Quay last night umbrella in one hand, concert ticket in the other. In the rain, we waited patiently in line in front of the Kool Haus to see the New Pornographers. Jimmy Swaggart once said that music is the new pornography. Okay... so the guy was a little nuts. I accept that. But thanks to this statement made, The New Pornographers were named... Plus it makes for a great band shirt to wear around Tyndale for some good reactions. I feel like a rebel... sort of.
Anyways, we finally got inside to warmth and a fun night ahead of us. Three opening bands: the Bicycles, Immaculate Machine and Novillero. All quality bands. Sounds of fun, talent, and good times. Then onto the stage they came... the New Pornographers. Music that will make our foot tap, head bob, and your whole body want to dance.
It was no jam band show, but the indie rock/pop scene is nothing to look down on. It turned out to be a great night becuase of good friends and the experience of some quality live music.

free concert anyone?

2006-09-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought that a musician such as John Mayer would put on a FREE concert. Well I'm happy that he did. It was a great show.
It all happened on September 16th, 2006. Leaving the frosh picnic at Center Island at 3ish when the show started at 4, I thought that I would be lucky to be standing near the doors of the Eaton Center. We got to Dundas Square at 3:45, and to my surprise, we managed to sneak ourselves to the fourth row! Lauren had the best view being in the VIP section, but I was fairly proud of Kaitlyn and I getting that close.
i enjoyed John's music to some extent before the show, but really didn't know all that much. I was just excited about going to a free concert. But listening to that man play his guitar... I fell in love (no need to worry though Chris). What an incredible guitar player he is, and not to forget to mention that the rest of his band is so tight. I now hold a new appreciation and love for his music. To be honest with you, I've been listening to his Try CD over and over and over again this week. Maybe I'll get sick of it eventually, but right now I'm loving it.
So to all of those who havn't given him a chance, give his a listen. You'll be happy you did.
~ Photo of John featured above, taken by Lauren Buxton ~

rockin' out with trey

2006-07-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 18th 2006 was a good day. What made it a good one? Let me tell you. Chris and I headed to downtown Toronto to the Hummingbird Center to see TREY ANASTASIO in concert! He was so great! I loved every minute of it. I do admit that I was kicking myself afterwards for not going down to the front (or as close to it as possible) and simply standing infront of our row Z seats (which was not actually the very back surprisingly). Nonetheless, I enjoyed the show thoroughly from where we were.
It was a great sight to see hundreds of people dancing like there was no tomorrow as Trey, Mike and the Duo played onstage. The sights, the lights, the sounds, the smells, the people... it was all so good.
Chris and I talked about this postshow, but it took both of us a while to actually realize that we were actually seeing Trey live. We were in the same room. Woo! I had to remind myself every so often. I wasn't as awe-struck as I was when I saw U2 in September '05, but it was still pretty damn good.
They did a great cover of 'who are you' by the who. I'd say it was one of my favorite moments of the show along with the acustic guitar and banjo duet with Trey and Mike. But dont get me wrong, the whole show was my favorite moment.
So nothing too deep to say about the whole experience, but I just wanted to fill you all in on how good the show was.

surrounded in Christ

2006-07-17T16:56:00.000-04:00

"love, it's about putting others first". it seems pretty straight forward, and everyone knows it, but i really needed to hear that (read that) today (thanks dave). it's a small saying, but profoundly huge. its something that we can easily say, but when it comes down to it we struggle so much with it.
what would the world look like if we were to practice this? how would relationships be strengthed and built up and purified if this is actually how we lived? i would say that the world would be a completely different place.
so how do we, we as christians, live this out in our lives? how do we practically do this? well i was thinking about it today, and we really need to first of all quit focusing on ourselves and focus completely on Christ. read the gospels. we need to read and learn how Christ lived and then copy that. keep reading, keep praying, continue to surround yourself with a community of people that love God. forget about what the world says. dont listen to it anymore. surround yourself in Christ and what he has for your life... for the lives around you.
this is how we change. this is how we stop living for ourselves and start living for God and for others. surround yourself with Christ. whatever that means to you. do it. start living it. i tell myself this everyday. sometimes i fail, but because of God's beautiful grace i get back up. keep pushing further and further in with Jesus. he has such greater plans than we have for ourselves. he knows whats good for us. lets start then, today, to live in Christ. it is when we do this that we will see change in ourselves, how we see ourselves and others. it is when we do this that we can truly (going back to my first point) love others. putting them and God first, before us.

I feel love...

2006-07-14T20:42:00.000-04:00

Read these words (or listen to them if you have the CD). Inspiring words from a man that I hold in high respect. Be encouraged, be filled with hope.

I have a brother
When I'm a brother in need
I spend my whole time running
He spends his running after me

When I feel myself going down
I just call and he comes around
But for the first time
I feel love

My father is a rich man
He wears a rich man's cloak
Gave me the keys to his kingdom coming
Gave me a cup of gold

He said I have many mansions
And there are many rooms to see

For the first time

I feel love

~U2 - The First Time (only selected lyrics from the song seen above)

Mzungu Mzungu... take a picture!!

2006-07-10T16:32:00.000-04:00

So for those of you (Dave, Pat and Chris) that have requested some pictures from Tanzania, here you go! I will get more up eventually, but this is a picture to start you off. This is of myself and two kids (dont remember their names) at the AIC church that we were working with. This was at a youth event that we held. The kids always wanted their pictures taken with us.

life

2006-07-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

death. it's a word that a lot of us are afraid to say. when we use it, it's almost as if we look over our shoulder just to make sure it isn't creeping up on us ourselves. but as christians, as people who have eternal life with our heavenly father, there is no need for such fear. for we have life everlatsing. life full of joy and wonder because jesus came and loved us.
these thoughts come to me because of a death recently. not that i really knew the guy. i had never even talked to him before. but he was in my grade back in high school. its so weird to think that even though i had absolutly no relationship with this person (i even had to look his picture up in the year book to see who he was), i got a bit shooken up. why is this? i cant even tell. but because i started thinking about this today, i started thinking about life. we cant live our lives fearing death. that is simply a waste of time. we need to focus on life today. life that we have been given by our God. we need to celebrate it. love it. live it. it's a beautiful gift, we need to live it to the fullest. live life in honor and glory for God. make your life mean something. what do you want people to say about you when your gone? think about it. then start living it. find meaning and purpose for your life. find jesus. live the way he taught us to. dont life life by yourself. we were given family, friends, a community around us. live for community. live in community. may your life be a blessing to those around you. and allow the lives around you be a blessing to you.

been a while

2006-07-10T14:53:00.000-04:00

Wow... it's been much too long before I've written one of these things. So many things have happened since i last wrote. What has happened?
- been to and from Tanzania. What an incredible experience that was. learning about living in community, serving others, have faith and complete trust in God, and learning that being in the sun with not a lot of water for a long period of time makes one very very sick... yuck.
- also, in august i will be heading off to OPC to be an LIT small group leader. really looking forward to that opportunity. a little nervous, but knowing that its going to be a good time of growth. please pray for me as i go to camp to serve.
So many other things have happened this summer. it's been a summer of surprises, change, and unexpected turns. but overall, its been amazing. loving life and having fun.

steps of faith

2006-04-13T10:13:00.000-04:00

If you would have asked me last week what I was doing for the summer, my answer would be 'just hanging out in Uxbridge and working'. But as of this past week, my plans have changed dramatically. Although I will be working and in Uxbridge for the majority, added to the list this week has been going to Africa! On May 13th I wil be on a plane leaving for Tanzania. What an amazing challenge God has put before me.
When this opportunity came up, I thought God was crazy. How would it be possible to go to Tanzania in just over a month? Well, He has provided everything that I have needed so far, and I know and trust that He will continue to provide for me as I prepare to go in May.
I stepped out in faith, trusting that God knew what He was doing, and look where I am know. So I have a challenge for those of you that are reading this... step out in faith, put your whole trust in God, and He will use you for increadible purposes. He will blow you away... so be faithful and trust Him. You'll be surprised where you end up. God bless.

make a joyful noise

2006-03-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

it's a beautiful day outside. it's warm, it's sunny, it's spring. i'm sitting in my dorm room with the window wide open... and so does the guy living below me. almost everyday i hear him sing and playing songs on his guitar to the lord. today he's really belting it out. it's a beautiful sound. just like the sound of the birds singing along with him.
all of creation is singing praise to the lord of creation.

Think of Excellence

2006-02-04T18:16:00.000-05:00

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
~Philippians 4:8~

Ephesians 4:25-27, 32

2006-02-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each on of you with his neighbour, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity... Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:25-27, 32

2006-02-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

Another photo in Boliva taken by my prof. I think that it's beautiful.

2006-02-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

This is a photograph taken in Bolivia by a professor of mine this semester.

Scientific Explaination of Hell

2006-02-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

This is a funny article sent to me via C.D. Clements.

Scientific Explanation of Hell
The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following: First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving.
I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will never leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.
As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.
With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.
This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa, (Cheerleader Captain and Class Valedictorian) during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night and again this morning, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over.
The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven, and thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God!!!"
THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY "A"

In the Beginning...

2006-02-02T22:43:00.001-05:00

So this is my first blogging experience. I once thought it was a silly idea, but I guess it could be a good thing. We'll just have to test it out and see what happens!
So why 'Disciplines of the Spirit'? Well I didn't really know how to choose a title for this thing. But I am inspired by lessons learned at Tyndale. This year and last I have been a student leader at Tyndale University College, and a major focus of this experience has been on the Spiritual Disciplines. Through learning more about them and putting them into practice my life has been transformed. Though the power of the Jesus I have been transformed to be exact. It's been a wonderful journey.