Thursday, April 28, 2005

Moving Day

Lots of thoughts, wise words, a new chapter begins... will write soon :)

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

A goat named Kimmy

These past days have been excellent! It all began on Sunday, mainly because I already wrote about Saturday ;)

I went to Gilmour on Sunday morning. We are studying Colossians right now. Good book.

'In order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father... (Colossians 1: 9-12)

That afternoon - I spend at the Telfords with the other university students :) The Telfords consist of Mom, Dad, sister and many brothers! I had the opportunity to hold a baby goat named Kimmy! Chickens were roaming the barn and I played with the boys :D Micah and I had a burping contest, I won ;) He's five. We played, had good conversation - it was a relaxing and pleasant afternoon, eating pie and basking in the sunshine :)

Sunday night, the housemates and I, went bowling to spend one last time together - it was enjoyable! I always forget how much I love bowling, and how to throw the ball at first ;) Oops, I'm sure the floor was survive! I shall miss Bullseye, Cheeky, Stripes and Batman?!? at Unit 15... Unit #15 Squad :D

Monday and Tuesday have also been fabulous! Time with the sister, time with summer housemates, so funny! Encouraging letters, verses, conversations, new music from my dealer ;) A new book. Basketball, wings and garlic bread :) I am now also addicted to Online Chess. Any takers ;) I love a challenge! My grade six teacher, Mr. Barkley, taught me how to play chess, he taught the whole class.. we had a period of chess on Friday afternoons - he thought it would be beneficial to us! It was :) I am now able to become addicted to Online Chess - hours of fun and anticipation :)

I love the smell of rain, or to be specific, the smell of a summer night. Tonight as I rode my bike home from work - I got lost in the beauty of the night! The smell, the stars, the moon, the different sounds of nature... I also had myself a chuckle as I rode down the sidewalks, (because my light is broken, and I didn't want to die on the roads) As I sang some songs - at each crack on the sidewalk, my voice bounced. I was amused!

What is God teaching me right now? That everyday I need to trust him anew. That when feelings of doubt, uncertainty and failure flood my mind, I know better to not reflect on those thoughts. God teaches me everyday to focus. What it means to follow and believe him and time. His perfect timing. He is my strength. He is my first love. Eyes for him alone.

A friend encouraged me with this, and I would like to do the same for you... no matter what chapter in life you are experiencing in this moment...

As you start his chapter of your life you will be amazed how quickly endings become beginnings. At times you will be in awe as you reflect on where you have been and what God has done thus far, then the next moment you will step out with your "feet of faith" and recognize He has only just begun. Enjoy every moment, cherish every chance meeting with those He sends into your presence, smile and be silly, simply because you can and always, always marvel at how much your Maker loves you as a one of a kind masterpiece.

Much love,
Sarah Beth Yoshiki <><
XOXO

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Who Wrote the Bible?

So, yesterday afternoon as I went to retrieve the newspapers from the mailbox, a book fell into my hands... Who Wrote the Bible? by Richard Elliott Friedman. Intrigued, yes. Who does it belong to? I don't know ... maybe the housemate that isn't here this weekend... I'm thinking I might read it :) I am in need of another good book to read.

Today has been good. A BBQ with friends, quality moments and foozeball fun! I even saw some cardinals today :) So pretty! It was so nice to sit on the grass, have the sunshine on my face and be surrounded by friends.

I confirmed my living arrangements for the summer. I will be living in Peterborough with some friends working at CH. I am looking forward to the summer! One day at a time!

So many thoughts are rushing through my mind right now...

I'm listening to Mercy Me right now... The Song, Keep Singing, is on repeat right now

I love this song, it's a reminder for me that God is full of goodness, faithfulness and love for His children. That He is the one keeping my heart beating :)

The chorus reads,
//But I gotta keep singing/I gotta keep praising Your name/You're the one that's keeping my heart beating/I gotta keep singing/I gotta keep praising your name/That's the only way that I'll find healing/Can I climb up in Your lap/I don't wanna leave/Jesus sing over me/I gotta keep singing//

I would love to climb into his lap right now... so, I think I will take advantage of this time alone - read the Word, sing my heart out and spend some time with Jesus.

Good night :D
May God bless you tonight

Friday, April 15, 2005

Edgar lives here...

I should really be in bed sleeping and dreaming right now.. 'la ti me "dream dream dream" fa la so' but if I have realized anything today, it is that I love to write! So, I will write...

For all of you that are wondering.. Edgar is a dear friend.. of an unknown species, he lives in the walls of Unit #15 - and I shall miss him and his troops dearly in the years to come :)
Only semi-true ;) The part about missing him! It really is an unpleasant sound! P.S. Don't tell the new tenants! sol (smile out loud) Yes, I realize I'm a nerk.. Continuing...

I wrote an exam today, I believe it went fairly well. We will see. A friend came and surprised me with a short visit today. She is awesome. A very encouraging friend! The stars are gorgerous again tonight!

The dishes in our kitchen are piling up.. Amy is starting to pack up her things... I think it's finally becoming real. Moving day: April 27th. I'm sad to be leaving. This house has been home to me for three beautiful years. Many memories, much laughter and some tears.. I'm going to miss this place!

My housemate John Austin bought home some stale Tim Horton goodies tonight, which I am grateful for - gotta love housemates who work for Tim's :D The cupcake/sprinkle cake and the pecan tart went well with my grilled cheese and bacon sandwich! Yummy! Did I mention that I love food?!?

On that note, I am signing off!
Good night Honey ;)

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Self and Social Interaction

Social psychology is the understanding of the complicated ways in which social life is accomplished...

So, that is what I should be studying right now.. but instead I felt inspired to write a blog. Or rather my procrastination skills kicked into gear ;)

Here's the deal, my friend Melissa and I have been in 'competition' as to who is the girly girl - neither of us is willing to accept the prize! Your job is to study the evidence and pick a winner. I realize that some of you might not know this Melissa whom I speak of but... p.s. she's the winner ;)

Melissa Erin
Pairs of shoes: 20ish
Hair products: too many to list ;)
Accessories: So many to choose from!
Make-up: pretty basic, but she has sparkles!
Clothes: One pink shirt and a variety of skirts and etc.
Wedding Plans: I don't know if she has planned her wedding...

Sarah Beth
Pairs of shoes: 6
Hair products: Shampoo et Conditioner
Accessories: Watch, hair tie and perhaps a necklace somedays...
Make-up: pretty basic as well, no sparkles ;)
Clothes: I must admit, I own some pink items, two of which are dresses ;)
Wedding Plans: I know I have not planned my wedding - I plan to be there though :)

So, comment away... We'd love to hear your feedback!

Sunday, April 10, 2005

I love...

This weekend has been great! My feet hurt, I might possibly smell and I am exhausted, and it's only Sunday afternoon. Church in the Caf is still to come! My feet hurt because I don't think I've sat down much the past couple of days other to eat or sleep, I smell because I was outside minutes ago enjoying my most favourite sport, basketball. I'm exhausted from the reasons above and plus.

The weekend has consisted of friends, food, work, people, wax, icecream and family. All of which I love.
Friends...Encouraging notes left on my computer, real conversations that challenge and grow me. Silly moments. Ice cream walks, memories... opportunities to learn and grow together. These friendships make my heart glad!
Food... that one kind of speaks for itself ;)
Work... I love my job at Christian Horizons. I love the people that I serve within my house, I love the people that I serve with. I love the different personalities. I love that we can pray and worship God together. I love the conversations. I am stretched through the challenges. I am developing Godly relationships. I am learning a lot.
People... I like people.
Wax... okay.. maybe I don't love wax, or waxing boy's legs - but it was an interesting experience ;)
Ice cream... see above under food :)

Family... Last week, I realized how blessed I am to belong to such a beautiful and loving family. I had spent the evening with a friend praying. God is good, and He blessed us with His presence that night, and continues to :) I came home, with a lot of thoughts. I tried to escape people, because that is what I do best when on the verge of tears.. but I was not sneaky enough - My housemate caught me and asked how my night was, the waterworks began there.

I was weeping because I am so blessed with the family that God has provided for me - I couldn't ask for more! I know that I am loved, I know that I am welcome and I know that my parents are proud of me, the person that I am, the person I continue to be molded into...
I am guarteened to laugh when surrounded by family! My family is hilarious :) They have taught me to be silly, yet wise. To know God and to follow Him. To not listen to the worldy standards and expectations but to see God's purpose within all situations. To laugh lots. To be late ;) To be competitive, yet encouraging. For the most part, I am no longer easily embarrassed by my family, yet am thankful for the uniqueness, the talents, the gifts, and the place that I have as a Yoshiki :)

I LOVE being Me :D

Friday, April 08, 2005


Me Posted by Hello

First Entry

Third attempt at my first entry.. why you ask, because technology and I are in disagreement at times :) My first two attempts being times such as these... P.S. Don't push Save as Draft button -

As I begin my 'Blog' I'm uncertain as to what words will spill onto these pages... I'm not quite sure why I even created my own personal 'blog'. I love reading other peoples, but am I willing to let others into my thoughts?!? Will my thoughts reveal something about me, that I am only myself learning?

Today was my last day of classes at Trent University! A little bit of mixed feelings... It has been an incredible experience, full of laughter, pranks, domination, friendships, classes, teachings, leadership, stretching, challenges and many beautiful moments. I will be sad to be done. However, I will not be sad to go, because I don't know where I am going, or if I am leaving the town of Peterborough...

So many questions that remain unanswered right now. Yet, I don't fear it. I know nothing about my direction in life for right now - I do know that God is in control, that He has a plan. I don't know where He is leading me... but I long to follow Him.

The song "Where You Lead Me" by Mercy Me captures my thoughts..

What is life/A thousand roads a thousand ways/And why am I/So afraid to move/I crossed the line/I'm stepping out so come what may/I'll give it all/Cause I'm drawn to you/As long as my heart is beating//Where you lead me, I will follow/Where you lead me, I'll give my life away/Where you lead me, I will follow/Forever and a day//I can't deny/Your very presence is my life/And why would I/Ever turn away/Cause deep inside/I know that I can not rely/ On anything/Less than faith/As long as my heart is beating/This is all I'm dreaming of/To live completely in Your love.

Recently I have been learning what it means to give my all to Christ. To sacrifice. To honour. To trust. To love. To believe.

Lamentations 3:21-24
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
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".

My prayer is that I can wait with a serving heart.