post-retreat thoughts

These past couple of weeks, I've been so caught up with school work, my weekly "routine" *consisting of 2 night classes/week, workout routine* that I've hardly had a chance to relax and take some time out to do some reflecting. Most of the time that I do spend on myself has been worrying about volunteer jobs, a summer job and whatnot. But, this weekend was truely a time to just get away from it all and do some refocusing.

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Father, we look at your plan and it's all based on love, not on our performance, and we pray that you'd help us to understand that. TO be captivated by your love. To be overwhelmed by your grace. To come home to you in that beautiful path that you've already carved out for us.
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This quote and bible verse that my friend gave me off her calendar is truely something to think about and take to heart. Is it almost a shame to NOT be captivated by such love that is so readily there for us? and knowing full well, that God has everything in control..why is it that sometimes we still can't relent control of it all? coming out of retreat, I know that GOD will do so much more in my life..it was just a matter of letting things go..

"The Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we can know the True One. And our lives are in the True One and in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the eternal life" -1John 5:20

the power of prayer

All day, thoughts about prayer have been on my mind. Earlier at church, GTA had a 24 hour Quest service, where prayer was the focus. and that song by Casting Crowns has truly stayed in my mind. "What if his people prayed". Listen to the words of this song, and it speaks straight to the heart of what God desires for us. If only we humble ourselves, to pray for those around us God will bless us even more abundantly. This issue has come to mind, since in the next couple of weeks our fellowships here at Western are preparing for the Christ Awareness week and the "I agree with them" campaign. Ultimately, only through the power of prayer will we be able to make an impact upon the lives of those we go to class with, sit on the bus with and eat with.
In my heart, I know that even I do not pray enough...not nearly enough. but there is still time. I am thoroughly convinced that only through each and every one of us humbling ourselves, and bringing ourselves to the foot of the cross...bringing our burdens and prayers to God, will we be able to bring to light the true glory of God. Prayer is needed , since only through prayer will we see great things happen.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"
2 Chronicles 7:14

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What if his people prayed

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let satan have one more

What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

Chorus:
What if His people prayed
And THOSE who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

Chorus:
What if His people prayed
And THOSE who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear
If only we would pray

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

A look back on New Year's pics at Rob's place. I can't believe its almost been a week since school has started. I'm actually a bit envious of those people that haven't even started school yet! Oh wells, spent quite a bit of money on books.. $300!! For one of my textbooks, it cost $120.. aih, why are they so expensive? the sad part is, we can't even get the entire value of the book back when we sell it..  

end of the break

The days before school started were very well spent..

• Dec 29: suprise 'going away party' for benita
• Dec. 30: watched the Incredibles
• Dec. 31:
• watched Mamma Mia! :) I luved it!
  
• pot luck at Rob's with acf ppl and grads..and of course to celebrate New years! ( pics should be up on my imagestation)
  

• Jan. 1: coffeegurl times and exchanging of gifts..'cept I'm so forgetful I accidentally left the presents the girls just gave me back with them.
• Jan. 2: back to good old london
  
• Jan. 3rd: first day of school. One class from 9-10am, then swimming 'till 12. very very good use of a day