An Update (Part 5) Sunny Day!

What a beautiful day it was today, WOW! We woke up this morning to the bright Caribbean sun and it was hot… really hot. We got up and had breakfast out on the back deck. What an experience. Yesterday we had breakfast in the main restaurant and it was really good. This morning we got our food from the main buffet and wow it was amazing.

A lot of today has been just hanging out on the deck and sitting in the pool. It is really nice out and Janelle and I have been soaking up the rays! It has been super relaxing. Another perk was that I got on TV today. Just in-boat television but still. I was teasing the guy who was giving the shopping talk and he called me up on stage and gave me a prize for being married only a few days. That was fun.

The only real thing we did today that took effort was swing dancing lessons! That was super fun. Janelle and I got most improved as the instructor said that I started out with 12 left feet!

Before supper we went outside and watched the sunset. This was amazing. Sun and water as far as the eye could see. Supper tonight was also special. The food and service were exquisite as always but tonight the waiters all danced for us and SO DID JANELLE!!! They all sang “Won’t You Be My Girl” and it was frigging hilarious. Our waiters are awesome. After dinner Janelle and I skipped the show and danced on the back deck instead. This was a beautiful setting which was lit with stringed lights and stars. We had the whole deck to ourselves and finished the evening in the hot-tub on the same deck with some other newlyweds. Great day.

*Once again, blogger keeps messing up so I couldn't put up all the picture I wanted.

An Update (Part 4) First Full Day at Sea

We woke up this morning to the light reflecting off the ocean shining in our cabin. Absolutely breath taking. It wasn’t very nice outside weather wise but that didn’t really bother us that much. There is so much to do inside that it was nice to have a day to take it in without worrying that you were wasting such a nice day. I will spare you the details of everything that we ate today and just say that it was a lot! I can’t say enough about the food.

In the afternoon we went to the middle deck to see if I could play survivor but I didn’t get called. It was still fun to watch though, really funny. Then we went to a game show in the lounge witch I didn’t get to play but once again fun to watch.

This evening we met the captain of the boat at a cocktail party with free drinks and hors d’oeuveres. Tonight was also one of two formal nights where we got dressed up for dinner. Don’t we look nice? Thanks mom! After dinner we went to a Vegas style production which was pretty good.

At the end of the night we came to this little critter on the bed… hope he doesn’t bite!!!

Good night

An Update (Part 3) Wow...

Ok, so we have been on the boat for approximately 11 hours now and we are so glad that we came!!! As soon as we got on the boat we went to our room and it is really nice. Then we immediately went to the unicorn café. Here you can eat pizza, sandwiches, salads, Asian food, bistro style, burgers, desert bar, ice cream parlor… those are the options that I can remember! So good. By the way, at this point the boat has not left yet. When it does leave we cruise by Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty which was really cool. Then we went back for a little tour of the boat by got sidetracked by the unicorn café and more food! Then supper! Notice a theme here? At supper we sat with two other couple and really enjoyed their company. For appetizers, I had hickory smoked salmon and a romaine and cherry tomato salad with ranch sauce while Janelle had chicken skewers in peanut sauce. For the main course she had the sirloin steak with three peppercorn sauce while I had the zini pasta with sausage and bell peppers in tomato sauce with a side of sirloin steak with three peppercorn sauce. For desert we had milk chocolate champagne truffle cake and it was awesome. Before serving desert they asked if anyone at our table had a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or anything of the sort…. You have not lived until you have had 2 Slovaks and a Chinese person sing “happy honeymoon to you” followed by, “boom boom boom back to the room!” After having our picture taken 18 times, including by one guy who just wanted Janelle in the picture (I don’t get it!), we went to the evening show with a New York comedian. He was really funny. Anyways, I am really tired and ready to turn in. Going to wake up to the ocean, no regrets, so far this is worth every penny!

... well for some reason Blogger is being stupid and won't let me put the rest of the pictures on, I'll try later.

An Update (Part 2) All Aboard

Hello all! We have just boarded the Carnival Legend! Unbelievable and we haven't even done anything yet! Just wanted to let everyone know that we are on with no problems and I will give you a better update later!

An Update

Well well well, right now I am in New York, New York at a Best Western with my new wife! Today is the first day of our honeymoon and we are having a great time. We didn't do much today really, lots of traveling. We drove from our place in Fredericton to Portland and stopped at the Olive Garden to eat. WOW! That has got to be my favorite restaurant! As you can see I was stoked to be there and Janelle was loving the food!. This was easily the highlight of the travel. Then we arrived at the Portland airport and had to carry all of our stuff... my back and shoulders are sore. Anyways, they, for some reason, never gave us seats so our tickets had us in seats not really near each other. A little friendly conversation later and we had side by side seats in the front row. Took a little while to get our bags and then finally get picked up and taken to the hotel but we are just settling in and having a great time.

That's all for now!

The Reason Why

I am going to tell you right now that I will probably not be blogging for a while because tomorrow I am getting married to the the most wonderful gal in the world. So LILY before you start leaving comments about how this post is old and how I'm old and (insert something exeptionally funny and or clever here), that is the reason why.

On a personal note, thank you in advance to everyone who helped out with my wedding. I have the best wedding party ever.

Little is Much

What is the measure of a life well lived
If all I can offer seems too small to give
This is a song for the weaker, the poorer
And so-called failures

Little is much when God's in it
And no one can fathom the plans He holds
Little is much when God's in it
He changes the world with the seeds we sow
Little is much, little is much

Who feels tired and under-qualified
Who feels deserted, and hung out to dry
This is a song for the broken, the beat-up
And so-called losers

Consider a Kingdom in the smallest seed
Consider that giants fall to stones and slings
Consider a child in a manger
Consider the story isn't over
What can be done with what you still have

This is a song by Downhere that really inspired me. God really does use litte things and underqualified people to acomplish big things in his kingdom. That is the only reason I am in ministry today.

Moving On

If you've been wondering what I've been up to lately the answer is MOVING!!!! This is what I do. I moved home from PEI and helped Janelle move home from Halifax and have been storing things in my Dad's basement as well as Janelle's parent's basement. I am now in the process of moving things from these basements into my townhouse. Then getting everything else set up.

When I moved home and got settled into my new job I moved things back in my office and am now in the process of moving things into my new office down stairs! So I go to work and move and come home and move some more. So much fun. Anyways, I will post some pictures of my new place and new office soon.

A Weekend To Remember

I can tell that you are already thinking that this is another post about Ben's wedding because that certainly was a weekend to remember but this is not. You see, when you don't post for long periods of time and have limited internet access, things that you want to blog about happen but you don't get a chance to post them... Until now!!!

So a few weekends ago Janelle and I attended the Family Life Marriage Conference A Weekend To Remember and that it certainly was. We had a lot of fun but more important than that, we learned some very practical things that will be a huge advantage for us as we enter married life. They basically just teach you how. How to communicate, how to resolve conflict, how to fight fair and so many other helpful things. They would say things like, "You may do this..." and I would be thinking, "I do that..." Janelle and I already refer back to what they said on a regular basis and it has helped us a lot. I really recommend that you check it out and if you are married, engaged or even dating very seriously I highly recommend that you go. This thing has even saved marriages that were all but over. They have had couples arrive in separate vehicles, staying is different hotels who had not been living together for two years leave the conference with hope and a new start.

On another plus side the one in New Brunswick is at the St. Andrews Algonquin. Wow! That place was awesome! They must have ran out of regular rooms because they put me in a room with a KING SIZE BED! I was stoked! Free soap, free shampoo, free shower cap, free shower curtain, towel robes. It was really cool. The bed was so big that when I got up in the night to use the bathroom I got back in on the other side! It was like getting into a new bed, all cool with new pillows... good times had by me.

A Big Day

Well this past Saturday was a BIG day! My twin brother Ben got married to Jacquelyn. It was an awesome day. He looked great, she was beautiful and they made a covenant promise to love each other.

I was an emotional wreck because I was so happy for them and at the same time kind of sad because this is an end of an era for Ben and I. Twenty-two years together and now instead of living in the same residence we don't even live in the same province. We will definitely keep in touch but I will miss him a lot. He is the best brother a guy could ever have and I am grateful to God that we had the amazing opportunity to grow up together.

I love you Ben!

Some Much Happens

I know, I know I haven't posted in ages, blah blah blah, who wants to read another post about that? You? Me neither.

So while I was away. During the break I did not accomplish all that I wanted. Big surprise. So fast forward to the choir tour. What a blast! All the MCC students live on a bus for a few days, hang out, watch play offs, play skunk and then there are a few shows thrown in there too. So much fun.


Next, one of my best buddies, Corey, gets married. What a fun day that was too. It was totally exciting and we had a blast getting together and hanging out again. So a big congratulations to Corey and Claire Dickinson!


Then, the next day, I graduated! Also cool. My brother Ben (check out his blog)was the valedictorian and he did an amazing job.


Anyways, I would like to say that I will be updating this more frequently from now on but I have made that promise before and we both know how it goes...

See you next time!

Maybe Spring... But not so much a break.

Today marks the last day of classes before spring break and it's a pretty full day with class, large group devotions, choir tour practice and a huge test in my 3 hour night class but at 10:00 PM ET I am done class for a week! YEA!! ahem...

This is the thing though, although the first day of spring is during the break and I have been able to wear shorts a few times so far, it doesn't really look like spring outside. In fact it snowed last night. This I can deal with, I know I know, complain to the clouds if you want to but it won't change the weather. I'll wear shorts when it's 2 degrees out, so no big concerns on that end.

The break is what brings me to my breaking point... see what I did there? Nevermind. You see, it is in actuality no break at all. It is instead timed to work 11 hours a day catching up on school work without pestky class getting in the way. I have set for myself the noble goal of getting everything done over the break but although I am confident in my ability to get lots done, everything is a bit of a stretch. I have 11 things left on the list and over half of them are for one class which is my top priority.


Anyways, pray for me that I don't lose my mind, and break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat Bar!

I Don't Know What To Say... Ode to Jose

10 years ago I watched the first two periods of a Montreal Detroit game where Mario Tremblay, the idiot, made an example of my long time hero Patrick Roy. The next day we traded the first round pick to Colorado. I couldn't believe it, it was the worst ever. Ten years later, my new hero, Jose Theodore, has just been traded to, of all places, Colorado. I don't know what to say.

Theo has had a tough year adjusting to the new pads, but still showed signs of brilliance. The former heart and vezna trophy winner has fallen on some tough luck lately with stupid drug tests and his family being in the news and finally falling down the stair and breaking his heal. He is still a great goalie and I can't believe we traded him.

He came into his stardom in 2002 when Jeff Hackette hurt his back. The young back up came in and took a regular season team almost to an Eastern conference final before another stupid coach blew it.

Theo is an amazing goalie and I wish him all the best in Colorado.

Good luck buddy!!

(uncontrollable sobbing)

Profile

Ok, the entire reason for this post is a profile pic. I know all you new bloggers have profile pics and think, "Wow Dan, what are you stupid or something? Can't put a blog profie pic up?" And to them I say, "Shut up!" It was harder when I stared blogging and now I can't just up and fix it! I remember back in my day when we had to download a program to post pictures and we used to have to use bullitin boards to post posts! And when the word blog was slang for a paper journal! Why back in my day we... nevermind, here is my picture -------->
Hey look its up there too! Sigh.

Ever Wonder Why?

Remember that show Wonder Why? You know, that jerk with the glasses who would get on your nerves at 7:00 in the morning when all you really wanted to do was watch Inspector Gadget? Sure you do. Well maybe he has a point because I think with a lot of things we really do wonder why. I know I do.

For example: I ordered some books on amazon.com recently, three copies of G.K. Chesterton's Orthordoxy, a book I am sure both readers of this blog are dying to read. I made my order on February 1st. Just to clear the air a little bit, I did not buy three copies of this book because I have desperately wanted to read it and put the other 2 copies up on my mantel... I don't even have a mantel! I ordered them for myself and two classmates who are all in the same Christian Literature course at MCC. Getting to the wonder why part, why does it take 8 weeks to ship 3 books? Yes Mr. Host of Wonder Why, why are my books not coming till the end of March? If someone knows, feel free to comment and tell me! Especially if you are the host of that show, who's name alludes me at the moment. Anyway, I am wondering why.

There are a lot of things that make me wonder, like how a God who created the heavens and the earth could know me, love me and genuinely be concerned about my life. I scarce can take in when I find myself deep in wonder over the hugeness of God and his love for his rebellious child. Love so great that even while I still rejected him, he commanded his love toward me and allowed his Son to die in my place. Wow... really makes you wonder.

The End is in Sight

Tomorrow is the last day of February and I am scared to death. I look at my task list and panic. I shouldn't, things always seem to work out and get done and so on and so forth but this time I am really afraid.

It will be ok though, I still have most of my sanity and enough to get me to the end of the semester, as stated, the end is in sight. I have little things that help me though. Janelle makes me awesome food everyday and just having her here is a huge help. I have also been playing hockey like three of four times a week which is a good release for me and a good chance to do something active. I feel like I am always improving too which is encouraging.

But still I think we all let the work and stress build up on us once in a while. I just have school, work, getting married, buying a house, paying for a car, moving, 8 weddings to attend and buy gifts for, paying for all of this... (breathing heavy)...


Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey

Ahhhhhhh

That's better

In Like A Lion (Always Winter)

It's always nice to look out the window
And see those very first few flakes of snow
And later on we can go outside
And create the impression of an angel that just fell from the sky

When February rolls around I'll roll my eyes
Turn a cold shoulder to these even colder skies
And by the fire my heart it heaves a sigh
For the green grass waiting on the other side

It's always winter but never Christmas
It seems this curse just can't be lifted
Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow
Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope

It'd be so nice to look out the window
And see the leaves on the trees begin to show
The birds would congregate and sing
A song of birth a song of newer things

The wind would calm and the sun would shine
I'd go outside and I'd squint my eyes
But for now I will simply just withdraw
Sit here and wait for this world to thaw

And everything it changed overnight
This dying world you brought it back to life
And deep inside I felt things
Shifting everything was melting
Away oh away
And you gave us the most beautiful of days

Cause when it's always winter but never Christmas
Sometimes it feels like you're not with us
But deep inside our hearts we know
That you are here and we will not lose hope

Lord Help Me!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Its Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Ok, so not really. It has rained everyday for the past two weeks and I have yet to see any Christmas decorations or anything that even resembles snow. But too me the season has arrived. I have already had the Christmas music* out for a week and we are less than two months away.

More than looking forward to Christmas day, I am looking forward to the Christmas season. I can't wait for snow. I can't wait for lights, I can't wait for Christmas carols on the radio and I can't wait for egg nog! I absolutely love the season and I get into it early.

I am really hoping it will be a time to relax a little. School has really stressed me out this year and I think I am just now getting in the "zone" which is late but better late than never. This coming Christmas does present some questions for me and some potentially stressful situations but I am praying that the relaxation and joy of the season will wash those away.

This should be a season of joy. After all it is when we take time to celebrate that God loved us so much that he sent his Son to the earth to save us from ourselves. What a great reason for joy. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with family and turkey and let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!


* If you need some awesome Christmas Music to listen to on your PC the click here: Christmas Music

My Brain

Well well well. Have you ever wondered what my brain looks like? Or have you ever been so mad at me you wanted to find out? I hope the latter isn't true but if you want to know, here it is!

This is the organized part of my brain which believe me is non-existent in my head. If you have organizational problems like myself then this my friend is the answer! My palm keeps my calendar, agenda, to-do list, contact addresses, phone numbers, emails and all of that fun stuff.

See I had to get a new one* recently because I am an idiot and broke mine by falling on it while trying to catch a foot ball. I thought I could go a while without it but after never knowing anything and forgetting about a test (that I failed because I forgot!) I decided to get one again... no regrets!

Well that was kind of boring but maybe Palm.com will read this and pay me for endorsements... and maybe not.

* The new one is a PalmOne Tungsten E2 - I love it!

The Biggest Family in the World

So many of my blogs end up being about how slack I have been with blogging so I am not even going to draw attention to that in this one because we both know I'm slack...
(actual post)
A lot of people say that they have the biggest family in the world. Especially after they get married as they take on an entire second set of relatives. This can be a substantial addition as I am learning while Janelle and I make the invitation list for our wedding! When most people say that they have the biggest family in the world however, they are mistaken... they don't. I do.

Now wait a minute you say, you haven't met MY family! And you are probably right, I haven't. Unless this is you Mom in which case I have but when I say I have the biggest family in the world I am not talking about my relatives. I am talking about my brothers and sisters in Christ.


In the summer I attended Worship East 2005 (as you know if you read this thing!) and while we were there they told us to go find someone we didn't know and talk to them. So I did, that is no problem for me. I met this guy named Adam who is from PEI but goes to school in NB. I found this interesting because I am from NB and go to school in PEI. We had a great chat and parted ways. A month later I found myself at a Three Season Ant concert in Charlottetown and this guy was there, spotted me and come to chat with me again and I ended up seeing him again at Dariy Queen. It was so encouraging to talk with him about the Lord and worship and other things and I thank God that I have family like this all over the world. People who I don't know but share the most important bond that anyone can have.

In closing I just want to say:
I'm S'glad I'm a part of the family of God!

In The Zone

Well I was going to title this post "Happy Birthday Mr. President Part 2" because just like last year I was recently named the President of the Student Association at Maritime Christian College and today is my birthday... but then I realized that was really the only thing I really had to say about it... so now to the point.

I seem to be having a really hard time getting in the zone lately. Do you know what I mean. That place where you really just get in the swing of things and are productive and efficient and all those great and wonderful things that help you do so well in life. I just can't seem to get myself back in there. I just feel like I'm really swimming against the current lately. Today was my birthday and that's all well and good but I just kind of had a unproductive and down day. I guess I have a lot on my mind. It's just sometimes when you think you have something beat or accepted in your head, your heart tells you that you really don't.

You probably have no idea what I am talking about but that's ok. I'm not batting for sympathy here and I am not trying to be negative. Anyone who knows me knows I try to be positive and tell everyone else to do the same.

The great thing is that even though I struggle with things and sometimes I have down days, my joy is found in God who is my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble. Joy is so different from happiness because happiness is fleeting and joy is eternal. All in all, it's a good life. But pray for me just the same, that I will get back in the zone.

I Miss My Dog...

Well I have been back in Prince Edward Island for a little over a week now and I should be getting settled back into the routine and I guess I am. Once again reading is my life unless I am in class or doing an assignment and as I have stated in previous blogs I really don't mind it.

I think I am a little homesick though because right now I really miss my Dog. If you don't have a Dog or have never owned one then you probably won't get this but she is a part of my family. I love her to pieces and if you think that's lame then I guess I'm lame.


Her name is Shelby, and I bought her for my Dad a little more then a year ago. I asked for the friskiest female they had and boy did I get her! She is a little fireball that is full of energy. She is too much fun and loves to play but she is so gentle. She's my bud and we spend a lot of time together in the summers. I helped train her and I just kinda miss her right now.

I still kind of miss my other Dog too. See even a little longer ago I lost my almost 15 year old dog Chimo. This was the most amazing Dog the world has known to date. She was one the best friends a boy could ever have. I got her when I was five and she really was the best... anyways I don't really want to get all emotional before I go to bed so I guess I better stop there.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Well today it has been exactly one year since I started a blog of my very own. What an accomplishment. I am sure you are impressed. I originally started this thing because I have always wanted to journal and have lacked the discipline to do so. Sometimes I've been pretty good at a few a week and others pretty brutal with one a month... or less. Then there was that whole incident were every post was about my frustrations with internet! I still struggle with that sometimes! None the less I press on and hope to still be writing this stuff next year... for you the faithful reader... thanks Mom!

Well last year at this time I was informing you that I had just cut my hair all off. What a sad day. I am pleased to announce this year however that I have only had one hair cut since! Man do I look good... ahem.

Well none the less it has been a good year. Happy Birthday blog!

Back to the Books at MCC

Well here I am on the first day of classes at MCC. I only have one class today but I have homework already from a class I haven't even had yet! Oh well, I guess that's the way it goes sometimes! I know that there is a lot of moaning and groaning when it comes to hitting the books again but I really don't mind it that bad. I am actually pretty excited about most of my classes and I do enjoy reading and learning. Plus, this is my last year at MCC and I plan to make the most of it.

I think that is what you have to do with most things, just make the best of it. If you go into anything with a "this is going to suck out loud" attitude then it probably will. Most things in life are what you make them to be. I never wish my time away no matter where I am and I really think that's the way to do it.

Well I guess that is enough for now. Have fun at school or work or whatever you do, and I will try to do the same!

MCC you later!

Ugg that was bad...

Packing it in.

Well here I am at the office for one of the last times this summer. My job actually finished on Friday but I am preaching this Sunday and this is the place I get my best work done. I really can't believe that this is it. I am all done for the summer. My next visit to the ol office will probably be to pack up my stuff and get ready to head back for Maritime Christian College.

This has been a summer of new experiences. I had never been so busy in my entire life. I really think that this summer more than ever has given me a taste of what work in ministry is really like. See, there are times when I can't believe I get paid to do what I do and others when I wonder what I would make if I was paid by the hour. Don't get me wrong I love what I do. Even when there are things that are amazingly difficult, it is my desire and passion to help people and to minister to them.

They tell us at MCC, "If you can see yourself doing anything else, by all means, go do it." and I can't. This is what I have been called to do. To all of you who I have worked with this summer, thank you for the opportunity to minister and to grow.

So as I pack it in another summer is in the books. MCC, here I come.

The Way It Should Be

Well this past Saturday you would have found me, if you were looking for me, on Baseball Hill in Marysville. Some of you have already guessed at this point that yes I was at Worship East 2005. Man It was a blast! I had a ball. The bands were great and put on some awesome shows, the weather was perfect and I really enjoyed myself.

The best thing about it was this: It was the way it should be. You could bring all your stuff and put it where you wanted to sit and no one would bother it. You could talk to anyone and they were friendly and talked back. I didn't hear one negitive comment or curse or anything like that. It was just an enviroment where people who loved God or were seeking him could gather together and sing and dance and worship. It's great to be able to run around and act foolish for God and no one cares... not that that would stop me anyways but still.

Anyways, it was a blast and if you live anywhere near the atlantic provinces or in one yourself I hope you come next year to Worship East 2006!

Camp is Fun

Alright alright, I'll spare you the sorry I haven't blogged in so long because I've been so busy, even though I always believe my reasons (not excuses) are legit! So if anyone actually still reads this thing then here we go.

Camp is fun. Some of the best times I ever had growing up were at camp. I remember going to Bayview Christian Camp for so long as a camper and I now counsel there just about every year. There is something about camp that just makes me lose control. For example, I just got back from camp on Sunday and it was only a weekend camp and still I manage to pull every muscle in my body and lose my voice. I just can't help myself, I have way too much fun.

If you don't go to camp I would encourage you to check it out and if you do you know it's a blast.

I also wanted to mention that I was totally thrilled to be counseling with a guy named Jason who was one of the first camp counselors I ever had as Kid. I have also counseled in recent years with my buddy Brad and I just wanted to say thanks for giving to the Lord you guys. It was guys like you that made me want to do it too.

Camp is great eh? Any camp memories?


Here is one from me!

Have a Big Day

Yesterday was a great day! I got up in the morning and got ready for church and Janelle made my breakfast. I was a bit nervous because I was preaching yesterday. I don't usually get too nervous when I have to preach. I have been doing it for a few years now and most often just get the awareness of the responsibility nervousness but yesterday I was trying a new kind of sermon. I usually do expository deductive 3 point sermons as that is they style I have the most training in. It's a good and sound style that works. Yesterday however, I was a little apprehensive because I was doing a spiral inductive sermon. I am aware that right now some of you are scratching your heads and thinking, "I didn't even know there were different styles of sermons to begin with" hang with me. This is where the point of the sermon doesn't become clear until the end. Anyways, I felt that it went well. Much greater than that, two youth came forward at the end of the service to express a desire to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. What could be more exciting?

Then I went home and had lunch and slept most of the afternoon visiting. It was a big day and I thank God for it.

A lot of people ask me what I mean by "Have a BIG day!" This is a good example - I hope your day today was as good as mine!

Have a Big Day!

Look At Me Go!

Well folks, I am officially on the internet for the summer... I think... I hope. I'm pretty sure this time because I had a guy who does it for a living come and get me hooked up. So all is well.

In addition I am learning how to do some of this internet stuff. For a guy as young as I am, I really don't know very much about computers and such but I am learning. I just put up a post on The "X" blog that has links on it and they actually work! Look at me go.

I guess the way things really work is whatever you spend time on is what you will be good at and what you will be knowledgeable about. So you spend time on computers, you will get better at it. If you spend time on your hockey skills, you will get better at it and if you spend time on your pie-eating skills you will get better at it. The same concept applies with God's word. The more time you spend in the Bible the better you will know it and be able to use it. The question of the day is: What do you spend time on?

Cause X Marks The Spot

A recent comment has inquired about what the "X" is. The "X" is the youth group at the Burtt's Corner Church of Christ. It is a weekly meeting on Monday nights where we hang out, talk, sing, do the beaver dance, learn about God, make fun of each other, eat food, play Parcheesi and other interesting things you would have to see to believe!

I have actually just set up a blog for the X so if you feel so inclined to check it out then feel free to do so!

www.causexmarksthespot.blogspot.com/

Almost There

Well folks I had internet for a few days back in May and then we got High Speed but of course I don't make smooth transitions when it comes to this kind of stuff... ever. So I now have access to a computer that has the internet but I still don't have it on my notebook. But I should tonight and if I don't well... I guess you and I won't be all that surprised. Anyways, I think I am almost there.

In other news, I am going to see the power team tonight. They are this team of huge guys picking up heavy stuff and breaking ball bats over there knees and chewing up nails and so on, all with a spiritual connotation of some sort. I should be good, I'm looking forward to it.

Wow this post is pretty boring... I must be getting rusty.

Better post later

The Extreme Journey

Well tomorrow marks day of one of “The Extreme Journey.” This is a weekend conference for youth and I am totally excited about how God is going to use it. I can remember when I went as a youth, for crying out loud it wasn’t that long ago, and it was an absolute blast. God really uses these to knock down some walls in the lives of many kids and adults. After last year’s conference I had the privilege of baptizing one of the leaders that came with our group.

I am also pumped about the awesome worship times that we are going to have. My buddy Dave has put the band and music together and he is an amazingly talented guy. Another friend of mine, Mike, is the speaker and I am eager to see what God has laid on his heart.

On a personal note I am doing a workshop on media… again! Oh well, I am actually pretty excited about it.

Wow, this is a pretty exciting blog – you should come back more often!

Sorry about that...

Well folks, what can I say? Sorry. I was sooooo busy at school and then I got lazy and then I didn't have the internet and many other excuses etc etc. Anyways, the point is that I am now back and I will be putting regular intersting posts on over the next few months... at least that is the plan today.

So to bring you up to speed, I finished the year at MCC and I am now working at the Burtt's Corner Church of Christ for the summer. I am really excited about all that God has planned for the chruch as well as my life personally.

The only other news to report is that there is a new blog coming soon for the "X". You guys are really the only ones who read this anyways right? For those of you not in the "X" stop by anyways... once I start it....

Well can't start off again too big so that's all for now

Have You Ever?

Well well well, here I am in Toronto. Have you ever been there? Nice place to visit, truly a beautiful city. We were driving towards it from Orangeville and the view was absolutely breath taking. All the lights, the CN Tower and because of the wind you could see like 6 planes all lining up to use the runway, it was really cool.

So Dan, what were you doing in Toronto? Well, I flew here with my bro for a winter camp at Ontario Christian Assembly. Have you ever been to a winter camp before? This was my second and I had a blast. I usually have a lot of fun no matter where I go but this was great. Wasn't too cold out and I got to meet and hang out with some really cool people.

The only snag was that I had to speak on Friday night and didn't find out until the day before my trip and on top of that a text had been picked for me (Colossians 2:16-23). Have you ever been put on the spot like that? I really like to make sure I'm prepared before I speak, especially when I am speaking to people that I don't know. The day before camp started I wrote and outline and introduction and then being "The Amazing Spider-Dan" I forgot to bring it with me. But my amazing and awesome God pulled me out of the fire and it actually went pretty well despite not having any notes or any decent preparation. Have you ever had that happen to you? God is good.

Well this is the last day of my trip. My brother and I have to get at 5:00 am tomorrow morning to catch out flight... Have you ever had to do that? Of course you have, so much fun isn't it. But you know what it's been a great trip for my brother and I and we just love getting to do this stuff together. I got my first glimpse of him working with the youth he worked with this past summer and man is he good. He's had some great kids to work with and has done an awesome job with them. He was really in his element and I was and am and always have been proud that he's my brother. Ever feel that way? It's great.

Wow, have you ever read a blog that carried a theme this long? Me neither...

BUSY!

Wow, where the heck have I been? My standard reply for most things is that I have been busy, and it's true, I'm a busy guy. School is crazy and I am both swamped and behind. Last week was the K.T. Norris lectures and that takes a lot of time to plan and execute. Balance family, friends and a job and vola: Time divided by life equals busy with a remainder of zero time. I guess that blogging has been way down on my list... not that this really takes that long to do but this is the time I have.

Or is it? Is it the time I have or the way I choose to manage it? Certainly I live in excuse city and can say with confidence that I honestly don't have time for this that and the other thing. The truth of the matter is that I need to make time for things. Especially after that last blog, you remember like four weeks ago, all about consistency I really ought to be doing better.

A good acronym for busy is Being Under Satan Yoke and I need to break free and start making time for the more important things in life...

as soon as I get a minute...

The First Blog of 2005

Well well well. Here we are in a new year. I can hardly believe it that 2004 is in the books and now a thing of the past. The years go by so quick. So here I am back in school for another semester and 5 days into the year and 2 into class I am already swamped with work. Life is grand, and I really mean that. I am actually pretty excited about the work I have this semester, it looks really interesting.

I have made a few tenitive resolutions this year. Tenitive so I don't feel bad when they don't happen but none the less. I am resolving to eat better this year and in doing so limit myself to only eat out once a week. I am resolving to treat school like a job and do only school work between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in an attempt to free up my evenings and weekends a little bit and to get a jump on my work... but I am already behind... never takes long.

So how do I plan to keep these? Consistency!!! This is the one key to all New Year's resolutions. Be consistent and you will succeed! If you go to New Glasgow you will find out more about this on Sunday (I'm preaching), if not... read Revelation 3:14-22.

out

T'is True T'is True

Well well well, what they say it true. On the fourth of December I asked my girlfriend to be my wife, and wouldn't you know it she said yes! I was and am totally pumped! We're certainly not wasting any time on the planning either. We've already started looking at reception locations and her mother is talking about flower arrangements. Unbelievable.

WOW! I will tell you something else, all of this stuff is stinking expensive. I cannot believe how much all of this stuff is going to cost. I'm already broke just from the RING!!! But it will be well worth it in the end. I love her and she loves me so there ya go.

And here we are 3 days form Christmas and I am excited but to my lovely fiance, you will understand that there won't be much under the tree from me, but if that gets you down just look at your finger.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Another Semester Gone...

Well everyone, I probably won't be posting again for a while. Shocked and faithful reader says: But Dan! You are always so faithful to put up new, interesting and entertaining blogs so often! Mom says: Oh well, you'll be home. And Mom is right! Today I have two exams, pardon me for a moment... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Alright, I'm ok. Tomorrow however, I am homeward bound and it is about time! I cannot wait to see my family and my girlfriend and my dog! It will be nice just to be able to spend some time in good ol' Burtt's Corner.

Well I better jet, my first exam is at 8:00. Merry Christmas everyone and in case I don't blog until then, Happy New Year!

Read Luke 2

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

When I say that I really do mean it. If you have ever read my blog before or know me at all, you know I love Christmas. I love the music, I love the decorations, I love giving people things and I don't mind getting a few nice gifts either. I love to talk about the birth of Jesus Christ too, and all the reasons he came to earth.

But right now the phrase, "It's the most wonderful time of the year" can't help but have at least a hint of sarcasm for the next two weeks. You see it's what the British call "crunch time" and consequently us too since we speak the same language. I have more papers to write and assignments to do and exams to study for than I don't know what. Stress city!

But you know what? Right or wrong it will all be done in just a few weeks. Then I will be able to relax for a while and prep to do it all again. Oh the bliss, and good thing about all the stress now is... well... I BET I KNOW MORE ABOUT HOWARD E. COOKE THAN YOU DO!!!

yeah well...

The REAL Drummer! Ha Ha Ha! 

The Band 

The Dynamic Duo! Me and my Bro. 

Dave's Christmas Card 

Decorating the Float! 

Setting the Sound 

This is the first Pic of the parade. More to come... 

The Santa Claus Parade!

Well we can all remember when we were little kids how we used to long for the Santa Claus Parade. It was always something to look forward to. There were usually marching bands, sometimes rock bands, and lots of decorative floats passing out candy. It didn't bother you that you couldn't feel your feet anymore as long as you passed your letter to Santa to one of the mail carriers and then you got to see Santa himself!

Well now I am 20 years old and I still love the Santa Claus Parade and yesterday I had the opportunity to be IN it. I must confess that organizing everything and getting stuff ready to go was not as so joyous, especially the organization part. This however had no baring on my mood yesterday. You see, for the past few years I have wanted Maritime Christian College to put a live band on a float, but the trouble is that it has rained every year that Charlottetown has hosted a parade... (cue movie trailer voice) until... This winter... (suspense builds) We finally got to do it. It was awesome and I was totally pumped. We got the float rigged for sound and the students of MCC decorated it and made it look great.

I had an absolute blast and I could not have been more pleased with how everything went. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get some but in the mean-time you can check out at least one picture and a VIDEO on MCC's website @ http://www.maritimechristiancollege.pe.ca then click on student life. Thanks so much to everyone that helped. If nothing else, you made my day!

Hey everyone, this is a picture of me from the last time I was in New York. My photographer Allyson took it for me. I forgot to put my mask on so don't tell anyone who I really am ok? 

Is That Helpful?

I guess I haven't blogged in a while eh? Sorry about that, I have been over my head in work for the past month or so and I just haven't had time. Not that I really do right now but hey, what can you do? Right now, I feel like I am up a creek without a BOAT, but in a few weeks right or wrong it will all be done and Christmas will be here. So things are looking up.

The point of this blog is however is to emphasize the point of being helpful. This has kind of been my slogan of the month so far. You see, when certain situations come that are not enjoyable or when conflicts arise, it is overly tempting to let blunt sarcasm take over but this is not helpful. The right way to handle such matters is to be patient, tactful and make sure that the things you say and do are helpful to the situation and not hurtful. This is exceedingly difficult to exercise and I am well aware that no matter how much care and tact are placed in your words, sometimes the truth hurts. We cannot, however, take glory in the hurt of others. Instead we must do our best to be helpful and build them up in such a way that we would want for ourselves.

So the next time you find yourself frustrated with life or another person or whatever, before you act ask yourself this question: Is that helpful?

Matthew 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. "

James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Testing the Mur-Man

Wow, am I technologically inclined or what!? I figured out how to post a picture all by myself. Man I'm smart... Anyways, that's me on the right and that's my good friend Murray on the left. He was my youth minister when I was in middle school and high school and the recruiter of MCC (where I attend college) for my first two years. Anyways he moved away this year and I really miss him a lot. He is an awesome guy who has impacted my life. If it wasn't for the way God used this guy in my life I probably would not be at Maritime Christian College training for ministry.

Anyways, I thought I should write something rather than just leave an ambiguous picture. Maybe by next time I will be able to put them both in the same blog...

The Amazing Spider-Dan alongside of the Mur-Man 

INTERNET AT LAST!! Thanks Dave (Part 2)

Well well well. I think this is really it. Internet at my own computer for more than just 2 seconds. My buddy Dave has done it again and this time I think it's going to stick!

I just got back from a 5 day weekend and I am pretty tired. It was really nice to get home and see my family and my dog and my girlfriend's family and my church family and my beloved youth group from BC. It was great. I ate some good meals, I went bowling and I saw Latter 49 which is an excellent movie. Good times.

Now that I am back to good ol P'en Yi (PEI) I have started putting my Christmas decorations up and reading and doing homework like a mad man. But it's all good. It has snowed a few times over the past few days which I am really pumped about. I love the snow.

Well it appears that writing on my blog is not going to get my Romans questions done... stink! Gotta jet

Have a BIG day!

To Be + Or Not To Be +... That Is The Question

You always have a choice... Always. No matter what happens to you in life you must decide what you will do and how you will be. You see no one can make you do anything, no one. Your friends cannot make you do anything, the Devil cannot make you do anything, God... Well God can do anything he wants but he will not make you do anything. The only person that can control you is you and you are the only person you can control. You will never be able to control your circumstances and you will never be able to control how people treat you but you always have a choice.

The choice in question is to be positive or negative... and the answer is this: Be positive! I don't care how grim the situation looks there is always something positive that can be found. Now before you get upset and become "negative" and start throwing inanimate objects at your screen hear this. It is not always easy. In fact it can be painstakingly hard. It is always easier to be negative, I mean just have a look around... Our world is a mess. It's hard to be positive but well worth it in the end.

Don't be negative! Negative people just bring you down... I mean I was at the beach this one time and this guy was out in the water and he was like, "I CAN'T SWIM! I CAN'T SWIM!" and I was like, "Well geez man, I can't play the guitar but I don't go on about it"... ahem. Anyways, work hard and look for the good. If you look hard enough you'll find it.

Man I sure did this (...) a lot eh?

Not to be negative... yeah

MMHMM

Well the new Relient K album came out yesterday and just like their previous two albums I was the first person on PEI to own one. The name of the album is MMHMM and it is awesome. I would definitely recommend that you pick this one up.

In other exciting news I have been swamped up to my neck with homework lately. Assignments, papers and midterms have been my life over the past week or so. It's all good though.

Finally, I am totally EXCITED for Christmas! I have already had the music out since thanksgiving. I know, I'm just like a little kid but I love it. I can't wait for snow, and lights, and candy canes, and Chisrtmas carols on the radio. People just have such a great spirit about them around Christmas time and I don't mind if it comes early.

MMHMMerry Christmas!