Saturday, October 22, 2005

A Promise Kept

I write again mainly because of a promise made earlier today. With no idea of what to write, I sit here thinking...
So many thoughts.. too many thoughts.
It is now ending the month of October. September consisted of The Annual Yoshiki Family Picnic, working at Christian Horizons in Peterborough, hanging out with friends, voluteering at Queen Elizabeth Public School in a Grade One classroom :) and a lovely trip to the Toronto Zoo with a beautiful friend.
October, in my opinion, is a great month - however I might be bias as it is the month in which I entered this world ;)

Thursday, September 08, 2005

My Summer

There are two sounds that I absolutely love while I drift off to sleep. The first is the sound of crickets. The second is raindrops against the window. Crickets remind me of time spend with cousins at my grandparents old cottage, laughter, joy, conversations, walking to the beach, walks in the forest. Family time. The second sound is peaceful, relaxing - it reminds me of camping, playing cards in the tent, curling up with a blanket and a book, watching thunderstorms from my porch in Ajax.

Last night I went to sleep with the sound of crickets in the background and this morning I awoke to the rain gently falling onto my face! Yes, I awoke confused as to why my face was becoming wetter with each second, realizing my window was open and that the sound of gentle rain had become a not so pleasant reality on my face. I stumbled towards the clock after closing the window and stumbled back to bed once seeing that it was only 7:30ish.

After awaking again at 10:30, the rain incident made me smile. Reminds me that God has a sense of humour... it was a beautiful moment.

So, the rest of my summer consisted of working at Christian Horizons, concerts at Del Crary Park, babysitting, hanging out with the boys, birthday parties, getting angry at boys who honk and holler and yell as you are walking down the street, going to a concert in Toronto, weekly visits to Chapters and Sobeys, wedding showers and Lisa's wedding, movies, mini-putt, bowling, Christmas in July, knitting, a visit to Cambridge and Webster Falls, my uncle's 40th surprise birthday party, a week of night shifts in which I managned to burn myself while making JELL-O one night, saying good-bye several times to a dear friend who is in Saskatchewan for the year, Camp, beautiful Camp Kara, my Grandpa's 88th birthday party at Mardarin with 75 people :), relaxing days at Grace's cottage with good friends and fun times, five days at beautiful Camp Mini-yo-we jumping on trampolines, taking naps, spending my days with a four year old, a 3 1/2 month old and their beautiful, loving parents and the beautiful Jones family.

September has started off well. A labour day weekend filled with friends, laughter and enjoyable times :)

This summer has been one of many thoughts. I am no longer a student, I am no longer tied down to Peterborough yet I am still here. I have no idea where I will be next week or what I will be doing? And that scares and excites me. In early June, I wrote briefly about a book I was reading called The Holy Wild. I stopped reading that book shortly after that entry because I wasn't resting in the presence of God. I knew that I should be. I was uncertain as to where God was leading me, I still am. I realized I need to be in the Word, I need to be in prayer. I need to spend time daily with my Saviour and I wasn't. The book, the words on the page, the passages of Scripture that were written were convicting me of that sin. So, I stopped reading for awhile. I picked it up recently, and am beginning anew from page 1.

I am now experiencing time in the valley, I'm climbing towards the mountaintop, but I'm not sure when I will reach the peak. It's a continuous climb. I know that it is all in God's hand, His perfect timing, and he continues to teach me great patience, understanding and discipline. I wait on Him, and I look to Him for my teaching.

For those of you that read this,
Thank you for your patience :)
Much love,
Sarah Beth Yoshiki <><

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Hmmmm...

It has been a number of weeks since I last wrote... seems to be a common theme as of late. It has been an enjoyable 43 days :)
We shall see how well my memory is...
The sister returned and a camping trip was had on the same weekend. In alphabetical order: Arlene, Blake, Dawn, Erin, Joel, Ken, Leah, Mark and myself went to Presquile Provincal Park :) It was grand! I love camping :D There's really nothing quite like it..
Campfires, swimming, bacon.. oh how I love bacon :) ... losing a battle before it even began, playing some baseball, hikes, stargazing... bruises, pulled knees and sunburns!
Heather returned to the beloved town of Peterborough, where we are now currently sharing a room
Mini heart attack - so when it comes to small insect like animals.. Sarah becomes a huge girly girl - the moth almost dominated me - but I chased it out of my room... It would have been nice to have a helper.. :) Okay, the moth offically dominated me - it came back and I couldn't sleep until I knew that it was out of my room resulting in a delayed bedtime!
I joined a Bible Study through Gilmour on Tuesday nights, we are studying the book of Ephesians, good discussion.
I went to my first festival of lights :) TFK and then joined Jeff and Jeremy to see War of the Worlds. It was a good movie. Too much high pitched screaming.
Thursday night, Heather and I ventured to Jeff's house - Jeremy was set to fish, fishing hat included, yet the fishing rod was occupied in the many knots that the previous owner had acquired over the months. So, instead we went to Sobey's - this has become like a second home while hanging out with the boys :) Blockbuster was our next stop - if you are looking for a dark movie that leaves you with a odd feeling, then the movie for you is indeed Hostage!
CANADA DAY!! Woo Hoo!
Today was spend in the beautiful town of Whitby :) Heather, Jeremy, Jeff and myself went to Jessica's house to enjoy her company and a number of others :D. It was a relaxing day filled with conversation, a short game of basketball in the pool ending with an elbow to the jaw. Moral of the story: If you play in the water with boys, one is likely to be injured if your name is Sarah Beth Yoshiki :) I'm tough, I can take it ;) We had a BBQ, took a stroll to see some fireworks, and while the others watched a really bad movie, I had myself a nap!

So, as one can tell by reading my blog - writing on a daily basis or even weekly one has not become rountine to me to date. It is now Sunday August 28th and I am off to camp Mini-yo-we for a bit. I am looking forward to it. When I return, I will update my blog, not only for those that have been constantly trying to motivate me to write, but also because I love to write :)

Have a beautiful sun-filled Sunday!
Much love,
The 3rd Yo :)

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

She awakes...

I return.. I have had a couple hours of sleep and am feeling somewhat refreshed and silly :)
Continuing...

This past week has pasted fairly quickly. I spent it in Ajax. Anticipating the release of Coach Carter. Spending time with family and friends. Friends from childhood, catching up... and friends now. Watching movies, talking, hot tubbing, rollar blading for the first time and surviving the experience.

I believe the caffiene is getting to me... I hear whistling and it's not me... interesting... the Pepsi remains at 1/3, the chips 1/2 and the chocolate bar has not changed from it's earlier state. Reason being.. the chocolate bar resembles a certain solid that I have the priviledge of working with ;)

The 3:00 a.m mark, it never fails me... So tired!

This week a good family friend passed away from cancer... continue to pray for their family. Wayne, and the three children, Sonja, Matthew and Andrea. May God continue to surround them in their loss.

This is the part when it starts to get extremely random :)
I kinda met two of Dave's guy friends from school on Friday. They just kinda stood there, but they do exist ;)
I unpacked a couple boxes while in Ajax, my room still remains a scattered mess.
I had the privilege of playing with children yesterday, we played basketball, or bounce the ball as Nathan is only 2 1/2 ish. I splashed in pretend puddles with my friend Adelaine.
Lunch was delicious :) Happy Father's Day!
The fireworks went off yesterday night to end Ajax's home week celebration. Ajax is now in it's 51st year... still so young!
Britt and John are engaged! Congratuations.

Today was spend packing, eating, grocery shopping, taking a surprise visit to Shauna's where a bonfire was build, marshmellows were roasted and fun times were had!

Have you ever had that moment when.... your words just stop. I am having that moment. And so I shall end :D
3 hours and 40 minutes to go!

P.S. Remember when I say today, it actually means yesterday, and yesterday is the day before today :) - this morning the birds came out at 4:15 a.m ! Have a beautiful Tuesday!

The month of June...

I have now been up for 23 and 1/2 hours.. oh the anticipation as to when I will crash :)
I wrote an update on A Day in the Life of... during my night shift
Enjoy!

Play by play
Lunch - Grilled Cheese and Dinner - Frozen fish and french fries = Little prep = WOO HOO!!!!!
Done and done...
12:36 - movement down the hall
12:43 - Pepsi half gone, chips open and snickers half gone, Archie Comic began


I sit here at work wishing at this moment that either I was lying in bed sleeping peacefully... or that the computer was located upstairs so that I could update my blog that continues to sit still as the days pass so quickly.

So, as the fan twirls above my head, the TV creates noise in the background and this girl realizes that a nap should have been in order this afternoon, I write...

These past weeks have been filled with excitment, biking, friends, moments of childhood memories, good food and fellowship.

Movement in the hall, water running, someone is up... Detective Yoshiki investigates... the culprit is identified and toileted. All is well!

The month of June... June 2nd. I sat in the scorching heat. I walked across the platform, received my fake diploma and am now a university graduate. We received our real diplomas once we returned the gowns... and a week later, received the corrected diplomas in the mail. Somehow, the diplomas read 'Dean and Arts of Science' instead of 'Dean of Arts and Science'. Only at Trent ;) It was an exciting day. I was surrounded by family, friends and laughter. I feel proud. In that moment, four years passed so quickly.

The next couple days were filled with walking up hills as I mountain biked with friends :) making a committment to attend Em's fabulous party, watching the third original Star Wars, how does it end?!? Another bike ride to Lakefield and yes another two scoops of ice cream. Pralines and cream, my classic and my childhood favorite, cotton candy :) I worked a night shift that night. The birds came out at 4:17 and refreshed my day. It's a beautiful sound, so clear, so vibrant, so early in the morning. I sat there listening until the house started to awake.


The day after a night shift tends to be filled with silly moments on my part, naps and incomplete sentences :)

Thursday was a good day, good conversation and basketball with a friend.

Friday, the long awaited return of Remotely Controlled. New songs, new music, great job!!!!

My weekend was spent visiting family on Saturday morning, a little gardening with the Grandpa, seeing grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.. and eating lots of jelly beans.. the everlasting, never ending kind. And I was forced to eat more icecream :)

My Saturday continued with a visit to Cambridge... the car ride in itself was an adventure. An accident happened just past Guelph Line. It's a horrible feeling to know that seconds ahead of you someone's life has been taken.

The traffic continued as we entertained ourselves with conversation, deer watching and finding a new route to Ryan's abode. We made it eventually after country roads, detours, checking maps and Lindsay's reassurance that we were indeed on the right track. She was right :) We arrived 2 1/2 hours later. The rest of the weekend was filled with dessert, a sleepover, bright lights, church, naps, being known as the Whitby Girls and a fun BBQ. All in all. Good weekend away.

I can't make it.. I'm crashing.. I will continue when I awake :D
Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Catching up...

Many days have passed since I last wrote, as I am reminded daily by my lovely housemate...
So, I write again - be warned that I just returned from a night shift at Christian Horizons and my thoughts might be more scattered than usual :)

I have had many adventures and thoughts between then and now.

I must sleep! I will return in a couple hours :)

I'm reading a book called, The Holy Wild, by Mark Buchanan. His words have challenged me to meet with Jesus and to seek out his character - face to face. I continue to learn the importance of intimacy with Him

It is a challenge, a choice - it doesn't always come easy, but in the end, my reward is that I am able to meet with my Saviour one more day than yesterday.
I have seen Jesus in the silences - the chirping of birds in the early morning, the trees dancing, the clacking of an open fire, conversation with friends, through opportunities to serve - As I seek. I find.

Mark came home from France. It's nice to have him back even though Dawn and him slightly beat us in best two out of three in basketball :) and Cranium... Next time Arlene ;)
Celebrated Melody's birthday, it was nice to see everyone! and Britt and I were able to catch up at the famous Hasseltons over hot chocolate
I have biked to Lakefield twice - the end result = two scoops of ice cream :) In total four scoops :) and I am now a part of a secret society ;) Jokes! Shauna's an awesome girl - I love forward to the possibility of hanging out with her more this summer.
I went to the Mark Schutz concert with Jeff. We met up with Emily and Jen and out to East Sides we went! Be safe ;)
Cool moment - at the concert, Mark ended the night by opening up the last two songs for worship. One of the songs was Sanctuary. A song that has been on my heart and in my mind for awhile. I love how God connects moments and reveals to his children - I am listening and I am here with you. Remember me.

Last week, a friend described basking in the sun as a way to feel closer to God - to feel His warmth, his touch - cool thought!

Monday, May 30, 2005

Sooner... :)

Let me take you back in time... It is May 15th and I am returning from a beautiful visit with friends in Sudbury. I'm sad to leave but know that many adventures await me in Peterborough..

It's a long drive compared to my adventure there, as we were stopping quite often to feed the boys and play in the sun - it took us a couple days to reach Sudbury, and the ride home was about 5 hours straight, taking one quick break :) with mostly complete silence and an added hour through North Bay.

I left Sudbury with Anna's brother Ben and her father Stephen - very quiet men, yet seem wise and are very welcoming and thoughtful!

This also allowed me to reflect, think and enjoy the beauty on the roads... I wrote as we drove, so this isn't completely from memory. It also might consist of some randomness! That's me :)

My first thought came to me as Celine Dion song, All by Myself, played in the background :) I did not have control of the dials ;) http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/celine-dion/28619.html -
I don't know if there is any relevance to the lyrics, yet this is where my thoughts went...

It's a choice to believe or not believe in a God that is ever present, in yourself as a complete and beautiful person. A friend blogged last weekend (now weeks ago) about solitude - that message really spoke to me. That is what I seek, to know who I am in Christ. To be still with him. To know Christ as completely as I can in my everydays. To spend time with my Heavenly Father and my best friend..
I love driving... I love exploring... because these are times when my thoughts are completey free, a time when I am able to experience God's vastness, his beauty, the different colours of God. I am a visual learner :)
Home... a word that used to have only one meaning.. Ajax, the house I grew up in, the house I continue to love! But now home is soooo much more - Peterborough is home. A place that welcomes me, that calls me.. where I grow and live. Sudbury has become home. The beauty, the stillness, the pace of life and the family. I feel at home with them. Home, is also not here... home is heaven. I wait until God calls me home...
As we drive home.. I once again become aware of the noise that fills my life. Information, music, voices... everything is geared to me.. Life isn't about it. It isn't about you... I would like to discipline myself to be quiet before the Lord. To listen for his voice. To see him work miracles in my life. Because I believe he will and he is very capable.
I fill my life with noise.. some that encourages, some that challenges, but also some that distracts, that creates distance. I run. I pretend to hide. But, my face is forever naked before the Lord. My heart is stripped. He knows. I know. Instead of running, instead of hiding, instead of filling my life with unneccessary noise... I pray instead that I will be open to be still, to accomplish great things for our Saviour. To offer prayers of thanksgiving, to give God my heart. To be a sanctuary for him. Pure and holy. Tried and true. To love him as he first loved me.
I am ready for another adventure this summer... and I know that if I am to follow God, everyday will be full of adventure. Am I ready? No.. Will I go? Yes. Forever. Always... with a willing heart.

That was my car ride home :)

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Soon has come...

May 1st - May 15th
I don't know where to begin...
I question whether I should keep this blog, as there are times that I forget it exists
So much has happened since I last wrote - I moved out of my beloved townhouse where I lived for three years, I wrote my final exam at Trent University, a good friend returned from Ecuador, I moved into a townhouse across the street for the summer, I went to Lindsay and Matt's wedding!! I decided to begin my summer venturing off with the CycleNEA team until Sudbury, where I currently am. (I am no longer in Sudbury... )
It has been an adventure. I am loving every moment!

This is definitely a time of change for me, a new chapter, a new beginning... Technically, I am no longer a student. I'm graduating on June 2nd from Trent University. This is a very weird thought and reality for me. I do intend to go to Teachers College, yet I do not know if this is where the Lord is leading. My heart waits as God refreshes me, rests me and guides me with each new day.

Moving out of my townhouse - It was such a surreal experience to say goodbye to my housemates, leave my key on the counter and walk out the door. To walk the path that I have walked many times over to where my sister used to live, the path that I will continue to walk many times this summer as I venture towards the pool and the beloved basketball net :) to where my father and sister awaited. We stopped on the way home, not at my father's usual spot, but one that was equally good, to stop for a moment and glaze at the glorious sky with the thousands of stars above us. Everything becomes more real in these moments, as I am able to wait and be still before Jesus. It is in these moments that I hear God's voice, that I see His face and that I feel very blessed to be His child.

Jeff came home - I'm glad that he has returned even though I've only seen him once since his return - the whole summer awaits! I missed him, his character, his humour, his tendency to propose :) My last fortune cookie did say to accept the next proposition that I received ;)

Writing my final exam at Trent! It was a good exam - I felt as prepared as I could being preoccupied with everything else that past week - I studied for at least one full day, of course that was the previous Monday and I think I remember the Greek I learned more than the environment science :) Oimoi, fur, iou iou - oh dear/dear me -fire-hoorah hoorah! I am satisfied with my final mark for the class! Although I'm not sure I could recommend it to future students..

I am now living in Unit 10, right across the street from my beloved townhouse - I have yet to sleep one night in my room there - the one night that I did stay, I bunked with Dawn as the CycleNEA Team were scattered throughout the house and Unit 28. It was a fun little sleep-over :) Hopefully, I don't walk towards the wrong townhouse out of routine...

Lindsay and Matt are married! Their wedding was a blast with great food, beautiful company and a gorgerous ceremony and reception :D Congrats and many more blessing to you in your marriage! P.S. Beautiful singing Beautiful!

The CycleNEA team left Peterborough on May 1st from City Hall in Peterborough - I stayed back that day as I had yet to pack with the busyness of finishing exams, welcoming friends home and my decision to join them had only been decided a few days previous. The team, which consists of Ben, John, Grace and Heather, came back to Peterborough that night to sleep. We would continue where they had finished that day the next morning. It was an early morning as we left around 6:30, van packed full - the adventure began :)

The first couple of days on the trip consisted of hail, rain, snow, good company, fabulous presentations, hanging out on the rooftop, yummy food, sleep-overs, playing frisbee, singing along the roadside with guitar in hand, betting how many km or at what time we would find the boys, reading, napping... and many humerous stories :) Good start to a good summer! I miss them :)

Check out their updates at
www.cyclenea.com under journal and photos

My next eleven days were spent with a beautiful family that I love dearly. And that I miss dearly. Joshua Aaron, Anna Lynne, Josiah David and the eleven pound baby, Elijah Thunder. I must admit that the change in lifestyle exhausted me a bit the first couple of days. However, I adjusted as quickly as I could, and began to love it! My days consisted of playing, shopping, play groups, reading books, snack times, outdoor fun, encouraging conversation, beautiful moments with friends and naps :)
I feel grateful, blessed and very much loved from my visit. There is no place I would have rather been for those eleven days.

Josiah David has stolen my heart! A three year old boy that loves to do the same puzzles over and over again.. that is continuously asking questions - my apologies to his teacher ;) - A three year old boy that has no fear, that loves wholeheartedly, that shares Jesus with those around him. A three year old that acts like a normal three year old boy! A three year old that is going to be a very helpful and loving older brother. Faith like a child.
I thought, I reflected and I learned a lot from my visit. I continue to.. I continue to learn about being still, being quiet before the Lord, obedience, sacrifice, family...
I also learned that I love animal crackers!

So much more to say, but that will have to wait till another day! I promise it will be sooner than my other soon... :)

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Personality Test...


So, I was looking at my friend Michelle's blog,(http://mikao.blogspot.com) and fell victim to taking a personality test. It was interesting...
Here are my results...

Your #1 Match: ISFJ


The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways.In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.
You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

P.S. I can't cook! Or atleast I pretend I can't ;)


Your #2 Match: ISFP


The Artist
You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now).You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children.Simply put, you enjoy beauty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life.Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.
You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

I love the line, though your talents might be dormant right now, so funny!


Your #3 Match: ESFJ


The Caregiver
You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.
You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher
.

Your #4 Match: ESFP


The Performer
You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others.A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic.You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally.You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic.
You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor.

I am a quiet girl at times, and don't enjoy being the center of attention :)


Your #5 Match: INFJ


The Protector
You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity.Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is.You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience.You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.
You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

I am stubborn, yet patient and I do love photography!


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.