The Prosopography of Jamie

On the road to . . . .

2011-05-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I like to do a lot of things - and I enjoy them all. Here I sit, thinking about which exit I would like to take on this traffic circle of life. It is with this sense of purposeless-ness that I propose a question to you: what unique capacity or characteristic do you see in me that I could use as a focus for my life?

I know that I loooove working with and being around people. I know that I love music - listening, playing, singing, enjoying . . . .

I wish that I could say "I've always wanted to be a _______" but I can't recall ever knowing what I want to do with my life.

The adventure is never over . . .

2011-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

After waiting a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time to hear about Ireland I decided to draft an email. I didn't really want to send it for fear of sounding like a broken record but in the end I did hit the 'send' button. It wasn't a very long email - simple, and to the point; "It has been awhile since I heard back from you [Stephen - the contact fellow] and I am wondering the status of my application." Being that there is a 6 (?) hour time difference between the two countries I received an email early the next morning; "We postponed application processing until the current DTS is over." It was a little more wordy, mostly with an apology of being negligent in responding, but I left that bit out - I think it's more dramatic this way!! So, the short version is that they only began processing applications this week which means I could still hear about going to Ireland. Although this doesn't seem to give me much time to raise funds and prep myself I feel that I shouldn't quash God's timing if this is where He wants me to go.

One dilemma I have about going to Ireland is that I don't want to go, I want to be sent. I know God called/told people to go without a church family behind them but I totally feel empowered just by knowing that I have a church family supporting me fully. I know I have a church family but I feel like an absentee member because I haven't been there much since I've moved to Regina; and I don't really have a church family here. This is constantly perplexing me and I think it's funny that this is bothering me more than the fact that I would have a HUGE amount of support to bring in if I am accepted to go. Prayers on this one would be great!!

I have started something new in my life. I bought a gym membership for the first time ever!!! I had my consultation yesterday morning before work and although it wasn't a true workout (more a demonstration) I still had my butt handed to me on a platter. In a few short minutes I will be going for my first workout and assessment and I may be filleted with a meat clever - yeah, I know, not a pretty image!! I don't think my life is ever boring and since a gym moved in basically next door I now have NO excuse but to look like the poster boy for Calvin Klein - and I'm not referring to Matthew McConaughey, although . . . Seriously though, in a few short months I hope to be half the man I currently am . . . at least in looks! Here I go for a challenge of my short life and I really hope I survive to see tomorrow.

I know it's not Facebook but I sure do like comments on what you think about my life, I can't always sit and have coffee with you but I still like to hear what you have to say. BTW - I'm not posting before/after pictures, only after . . . . when I challenge Matthew!! haha

Winter Adventures

2011-01-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well it's been awhile since I've blogged and so I figured I would to an update before I go to bed for the night. I have had some pretty remarkable weather to drive through this past week. First I drove to Medicine Hat; the driving lane was clear (for the most part) but the passing lane was snow covered ice. Which I only saw after dark when headlights were glancing off of it. Mid-week I drove to Calgary and the roads were great . . . a little damp but great. On Friday I thought I would be smart and drive back to the Hat before a storm hit - only to drive into the storm. After 3 hours to Brooks I stayed the night (mostly because I couldn`t see) which gave me a fresh start in the morning and only one hour to drive . . . what was I thinking!! It was an hour and forty minutes to the Hat because of icy conditions and fog. Fog so thick I could`ve cut out a cube and put it into my car for a keepsake. It was not nice to say the least. But I am sitting in a warm house getting ready to drive again tomorrow - back home. The forecast is good but that doesn`t mean a thing in this country!!!

It has been about 4 months since I applied to the Ireland DTS and I am taking the silence as God telling me that`s not where he would like me to go. I don`t necessarily like this but I am accepting it. I have, in the meantime, come up with an awesome budget which will see me pay off my car, almost pay off my student loan and put away a NICE chunk of moolah away for school. I`m leaning towards the piano technology program at the UWO in 2.5 years time and as it`s an ``ivy league`` price I`ll be able to go this time.

I had an awesome discussion over lunch with some friends of my parents - yes, I know they`re not my age but it is people like them who give me food for thought!! We discussed a lot of things but it was all oriented around our job from God and transitions. As you know - two things I find myself constantly thinking about these past few months. Well, I`m off for the night but enjoy life to the fullest - He wants it this way!!!

Utter Confusion

2010-12-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

As I wait to hear about the Ireland DTS I ponder what I would like to do with my life. Because I don't know what I want to do I have compiled a list. What kind of list you ask? Well let me tell you! It's a list of things I'm interested in and thus could be come a potential career.

Bachelor of Education
Piano Technician Certificate
Law Degree
Military Personnel Training & Career
RN
Red Seal as a Pastry Chef
Red Seal as a Chef
Bachelor in Business (most likely marketing/human resources)
Entrepreneur (some sort of cafe)
ARCT (grade 10 piano +)
Bachelor in Ministry (most likely music or youth)
(I'm sure there's more, I just can't remember them all!)

Just a perspective of why I'm floundering . . . argh!

Thoughts?

2010-12-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

I received an email from Ireland today . . . it's neither here nor there . . .

All I know is that my application is still in the works.

On another note, on a suggestion from a friend I started to read Sun Stand Still and have to say that it is a foundation shaking read. I'm only 50 pages in but I recommend it to anyone and everyone! The premise of the book is about asking God and living your life for the imaginable - because as we all know, nothing is impossible with God. I always thought I knew this verse but once you start to read this book you actually know what this verse means. Needless to say, I'm just scraping the surface of this book but if you have spare change pick up a copy and read it!! From one friend to another - I'll buy it for you if you want a copy, it's that amazing!!!

2010-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Life's great!!!
There's no arguing it - honestly. I think I'll list a few reasons why!
   I'm surrounded by awesome people!
                 I have a warm house to live in!
        I have a car, that gets warm!
                            Christmas is coming!
              I'm settling into a church!
I can still play all my grade 8 piano pieces (be it with a lack of technicalities!)
                      God has a plan for me!
           I have not one, but two jobs that fit me!
                  ETC . . . . .

I have to be honest though, I am slightly bummed out because I haven't heard about Ireland yet! :-( I am thinking very hard and this is the only thing that I'm getting hung up on. After a month of waiting, I think I may need to look at another option for next year - at least that's what one of my friends has recommended. But I'm not sure yet - what if I plan for something else, then Ireland comes through, then I need to shuffle my whole schedule to . . . . ugh! I'm not thinking about it. I'm just patiently waiting for word from Ireland.

                            I had this random thought when I woke up this morning, I'm not sure why I can remember exactly what I thought but I do. "Boy, isn't it great to have a bed so big that I can stretch out in!" Like many of you, I find that first-thing-in-the-morning-stretch-and-deep-breath-moment to be pacifying. Intriguing that I didn't think "do I really want to get out of bed" or "ugh, I have all these things to do today."

Life's great.

2010-11-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

These two pictures were taken while I was looking after the farm for my uncle.

They are take less than 10 minutes apart - the sunrise is very quick right now.

(The second picture was taken first - trying to figure out the Blogger edit functions!)

Patience

2010-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

I'm learning all over again what it means to wait!! I forgot what it's like not to have something right this very moment and waiting to hear about my DTS is almost agonizing! I thought I might hear by the end of this past week but since the fellow said "two weeks" on a Monday, and since Friday isn't Monday, then I should probably hear in the next couple business days. Ireland is 6 or 7 hours ahead of us and when they call I'm sure everyone will know!! BUT - I'm not posting it on Facebook, only on my blog.

Away, away!

2010-11-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

"Item successfully delivered." As per the Canada Post website my application has been delivered!!! Yahoo!!! I'm so excited that it's been delivered! One week to the day of when I posted it - I commend thee Canada Post. This means that all of the information has been sent and I have to wait . . . patiently . . . I might not be able to. For instance, I tracked my application every day when I got home from work - I couldn't wait to get home from work to see where it was at. This might sound a little . . . OCD but I wanted to be sure that it was delivered. I've only sent one thing overseas and that was to Rob & Petara when they were in Africa. I can't wait for a reply. I gave them ALL of my contact information - even some of you don't know everything!! This means that if I don't hear anything it's good news . . . I hope . . . it could be bad, maybe they don't want to even want to talk to me because of my application . . . this could go both ways . . . but I know that God has it in control . . . but I'm still constantly thinking about it.

I spent the last couple days fighting a dual ear infection and so I've taken things pretty easy so I stay upright. I had to go to the store a couple times though and I've noticed the season has apparently changed. Don't get me wrong but I love (!) Christmas as much as the next but is it just me or does it get earlier every year? I love decorations, music, snow, music, visiting family/friends . . . I love it all but I'm still amazed at how our society has placed Christmas beside halloween. Hello! There are almost two months in-between!! Wait . . . I have a brilliant idea!!! Why don't companies leave up all of their decorations the whole year and change out the bobbles and ornaments for Valentine's hearts, Easter bunnies, leprechauns and black cats?? This would expedite the whole process and make for a thrilling year knowing that Christmas is only ___ days away. But honestly, why does it have to get earlier? I'm all for the Christmas spirit because of what it means to me but I am okay with not being bombarded with the explosion of 'stuff' the day after halloween. At this point I am ok with seeing poppies (let's not forget what November 11 means!!!), Starbucks eggnog-chai lattes, a skiff of snow on the ground and an occasional ad. This is about it . . . there is so much more to this time of year than the expectation of spending on people I love! But honestly, let me be the first to say I follow society as much as anyone - I'll probably blow my budget on the first person I shop for; only because I love them . . . honestly!! ; )

So let me reiterate - know that if you are reading this blog that I would love to sit down with you and a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and talk about life; but since I can't spend hours talking to you (which we both know I'd do) let my blog fill in the blanks.

Blessings!! JT

It's Happening!!

2010-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! It's going to happen. I'm going to send it. I've got the last paper, now it's leaving. That is to say my DTS application it being sent today! I'm soooo stoked!

I spent the weekend visiting with family which was super fun! On Saturday night I drove through uber thick fog to have bbq ribs out at the farm! What is normally a 30 minute trip was more like 45ish but I figure I'd rather get somewhere in one piece; especially since I could only see 4 dashes ahead of me on the road! Sunday I went up to Saskatoon to visit with my parents who were staying at my aunt & uncle's. While driving up there I realized that I've never driven there I've only been driven there. I thought it unusual that since I've had my license that's one place I've not visited! I guess that opens up another place for me to go!! I'm off to tackle my Monday and whatever it brings.

Perplexed

2010-10-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have had one of those weeks that seems to fly by! Whether you like it or not, here is a summary of my week:
- met my new doctor and set a physical (never had! *cough, cough*)
- went to the chiropractor twice to put my dislocated rib back into place
- had a dentist appt
- started my running clinic (3 nights a week - I've improved from the first already!)
- worked my regular shifts
- began my 2-nights a week blueprint reading course
- dinner (x2) and a movie with a friend (went to RED - was pretty decent)
- went to the farm for a BBQ steak dinner (yum!)
- went to church this morning (have I mentioned that the music at the Ap is freaking amazing?!?!?!)
- and just finished a nice dinner with the family of the people I live with (my part was making fresh buns, and helping wherever).

Basically, I've had a very full week which seems odd for me because I haven't been this busy since I moved from Medicine Hat. It's odd to say but I think I was a hermit for the last year. It was definitely weird not being busy but I didn't mind it - I had loads of time to spend at the cabin, back in the Hat or visiting my parents. Having jumped in full tilt this past week I can say that I missed being busy!!

Update on the DTS front - I am waiting for a few papers to come back from my references and then away it goes! I'm super excited and I feel more and more that I need to do something like this. One of the questions on my application was "Please describe your reasons for doing this particular DTS." This question has made me think (I actually haven't answered it yet on paper but I've been formulating my response). If you have been to the website of the Dublin DTS you will see that this will be the first time a DTS has been run in Dublin and that they are wanting to take it from a missions standpoint to being a community focused group by having a prayer room and coffee shop available for people. As you know, the coffee shop aspect is right up my alley having worked in such as setting for around 2 years and my heart for hospitality/serving others. Even as I sit here and write this I have to wrap my head around going across the world to proclaim the Word of God. At church this morning they blessed another girl who is going on a DTS - to Sweden, I think. (This detail wasn't what caught my attention). What grabbed my by the scruff of the neck was when the pastor said that the church was going to send her - anyone can go but not everyone is sent. This makes me think about biblical instances where one church sends someone to another church/place - they were sent. In other words, they had the commitment and prayer power of their church - they weren't going on their own. This has caught me because I don't want to go, I want to be sent. Having been away from my home church for a year and only just settling into the Ap - who will send me? I know God can send me but I need to know that I am supported at home to do the Will of God. Perplexed.

Applying Oneself

2010-10-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

This week is where I start a few things - a learn to run class, a blueprint reading course (the actual material), and the biggest loser challenge at work (which I'll probably win!!). I'm going from having almost nothing to do to having most evenings full!! I am jumping back into having to apply all energies to what will be going on. It's been too long since I've had to go full tilt and I hope that I will enjoy it as much as I previously did. The only hindrance will be my back - seems that I threw it out today doing who knows what! I'll have to get into the chiropractor before too long because it hurts to do just about anything. I think that a hot bath and a solid night in bed will help a lot though!!

On another note - I will be completing my application to the DTS this week. I have to send off a few forms to get filled out by some references but then it's clear sailing! Prayers are much appreciated on this front because I feel that this is something that I have to do!!

Listening

2010-10-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Listening is very important. For instance, I hear my air purifier working, a car off in the distance (most likely on Arcola), a random hum from the water heater and the click of my keyboard. What does this all tell me? I am breathing clean air, although it is later evening there is still traffic, I just had a bath and used hot water, and I'm blogging. Now, if only it was that easy to hear God. I definitely know that He is speaking to me but I'm only hearing snip-its which make it a challenge to put 2+2 together. I know one thing for sure - now that I have my passport (yup, took 1 week + 1 day) I will be applying to the DTS in Ireland! Yay!!

Update

2010-10-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Update: I had to go and get my passport photos taken and the strangest thing happened to me - they looked good. They look better than my driver's license photo (which isn't hard to beat). But I did have the lady tell me that this almost never happens. The cost to get this photo published is $104.54. I had better get go a lot of places for this to pay off!! As soon as I have it in hand I'll be applying to a DTS which will take me to Dublin, Ireland. Somewhere I've always wanted to go and now I'll have a prime reason!!

I'm off to enjoy some turkey with my Medicine Hat family!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Discovery

2010-10-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling with what I am to do with my life. I know that I need to focus on music but that's about it. I'm told that I need to be in school because otherwise I'll end up as a bum (maybe not those words but the sentiment is the same). Having lived in Regina for over a year now I find myself stalled out even more. I have just recently settled down and started attending a church but until now I haven't surrounded myself with people who are on fire with God. Now, having grown up in Alliance/Baptist churches my perception of other churches was . . . uneducated. I have attended 3 services at the Regina Apostolic church, went to the African Children's Choir, and have given to listening for God and have found myself coming up with the same response time after time. "God has chosen me; He has laid a plan for me; I need to choose this plan - choose Him."

One thing that I have been tossing around is going on a missions trip or a DTS through YWAM. If you will recall, my older sister went on a missions trip a few years ago and I distinctly remember myself thinking "Missions aren't for me. I'm happy supporting everyone from home." If you've ever made God chuckle think about how this made him belly laugh!! I suddenly became the stereotypical church-goer!!

While listening to the message today I was struck with how utterly amazing God is. I mean I've always known, but when God wants me to know - I know! Some of the key points that made me humble before God this morning:1) God shows us kindness and grace so abundantly that he gave his ONLY son as payment for my sins.
2) God has revealed that when he hands down our judgement and we expect to hear "You are guilty." Jesus steps in and says "You are FREE!"
3) God chose me in advance - before he created anything.
4) God has a plan for me - he had me planned out prior to designing the world. (Yes - I can hear you all say that I broke the mold.....haha)
5) God designed me to worship Him just because He is!

Nutshell synopsis: when I feel that I am stalled out in life (spiritual, reality, etc) God has ordained the path that I will take. He hasn't left it up to 'chance'.

So here I am at the intersection of life - stalled out. I think I've been here WAAAAY too long. I don't need any more evidence of what I need to do - I need to step out and grasp God's plan with both hands and hang on for the ride! I will be doing a DTS or a missions trip - this I know, I've been told. I don't know when, I don't know how but God has laid the plan and I'm grabbing it for all I'm worth. I was so overcome with the Holy Spirit today I couldn't even sing my favorite song, "Mighty To Save". The verse wasn't bad but when I got to the chorus - "He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save..." - I just about lost it!! I haven't been so emotionally moved in a looooong time. I'm not stalled out any more - I know what I have to do.

I am looking for people to a) pray for me as I begin to step out, b) check in and be excited with me because it is too hard to be excited on my own. God wasn't creative and promised me the world so that I can hide Him - I am going to shine my light for Him!!

Email works best - jme_tdl@hotmail.com

Jamie

Changes do me good!

2010-09-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't blogged for a couple years on here but I find myself tied to other things that my computer. Having been invited to follow a friend's blog I realize that sometimes it's nice to share things with people that I can't always sit and have coffee with. Thus, I will try to update on a more consistent basis but I make no promises - if a friend wants coffee, coffee it is!! Besides, I can always blog!

Fall is my favorite time of year and what's made it even better is that I am cooking the turkey for our early Thanksgiving dinner this weekend. It's going to be the best turkey ever as long as it gets cooked - it seems that I'll have to put the new oven to a test and see if the auto cook timer works (but I think I'll just get a friend to stop over and turn the oven on). You see, I know I can do lots of things but having to work sure puts a crimp in my cooking style!! I'm also excited for this dinner because it will be like a family reunion which we haven't had for a LONG time!! I find that I really enjoy being in the same room with the extended family even though I could cut the tension with a dull knife! I won't let this be a hindrance to the enjoyment of the event because there is something about having a Thanksgiving dinner while we are harvesting that puts a smile on my face. If you've never been harvesting I encourage you to come with me one day while we are. I don't drive the combine but I do drive the grain truck; and yes, I did get it stuck this year, and yes, it was my fault, and no, I wouldn't want to do it again. Nonetheless, I feel I am an adequate harvest helper and can transport grain without too much of an issue.