Sorry for my tardy post but I only reestablished my Internet connection yesterday afternoon. That's right - we are all moved in and excited to be here on Parkview Crescent. Thanks to the help of a number of family members and friends we moved basically everything from McKenzie to our new residence on Thursday. Admittedly, my fear of cardboard boxes remains which may explain why unpacking is still pretty slow.
Chelsea is enjoying her new room and toy room in the basement. We absolutely love our kitchen although we still have not installed our microwave yet. Our school of tetras have found a new home for their aquarium at the base of our stairs in the basement. Still some finishing touches to the house are necessary but very livable.
I'll maybe make another post tonight and throw some pics online as well.
I believe it's supper time!
G
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Moving On Over...
Yep - we're literally less than 10 hours from moving our possessions from 512 McKenzie to 47 Parkview. It has been quite the task getting all our stuff together and boxed. But tomorrow we start our lives aimed at a new part of the city & one very close to work & recreation at the park. Has it been worth it? I'll let you know in a month. Right now - I just want to be there with all our stuff unpacked & relaxing on the couch snoozing or listening to some Diana Krall.
My team is doing well in the Eurocup - Go Netherlands! But I've barely had time to watch the replays of the games. At least we are in the quarter finals after a win over Latvia.
Well, I can see already this post is not going to be a horribly profound one. More of a catch your breath & get ready for some more hard work kind of a post.
Well gotta get back to last minute packing (other wise known as the "stuff-into-boxes-we'll-sort-it-out-later" approach)
Got to love it!
My team is doing well in the Eurocup - Go Netherlands! But I've barely had time to watch the replays of the games. At least we are in the quarter finals after a win over Latvia.
Well, I can see already this post is not going to be a horribly profound one. More of a catch your breath & get ready for some more hard work kind of a post.
Well gotta get back to last minute packing (other wise known as the "stuff-into-boxes-we'll-sort-it-out-later" approach)
Got to love it!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Patience
It's tough to be patient isn't it? This whole housebuilding thing hasn't helped with my patience. We're fortunate that we've only been delayed by about a week. I heard of some people's whose houses were supposed to be finished in July and still haven't had their basements dug due to all this wet weather we've been having here.
I believe the dictionary definition of patience equates it to long-suffering. Well - we may be a little stressed & frustrated by delays but we definitely have not been tortured. In fact - we have much to celebrate about. The great thing about a new yard is that there will be no grass to cut this year! Well - I guess there are two sides to that coin to but fortunately we are near the park.
I'm not sure how familiar people are with whitewater kayaking but I'll try a little illustration on for size. I love paddling whitewater and one of my favorite things is surfing a stationary wave. It is similar to surfing on an ocean wave - you need to cut back and forth - and it is all about balance and weight transfer.
Some waves are steep and need to be surfed hard & aggressive. Other waves are so stick you just have to turn your head to do a 360. The biggest challenge of waves usually is not the actual surf but actually getting on the wave to begin with. Many waves you can only hit going downstream, others have guardian waves which you have to paddle through like mad to actually get on to the sweet spot, and you guessed it - it is all about patience.
Once you are on the wave though - it is pure joy! I've sometimes paddled like a madman to get on a wave - gotten on it - and seconds later the wave spits me out because my bow dunked down or something silly. All that work & effort for a few seconds of pleasure.
I'll never forget the first time I got on the biggest wave of my life - it happens to be on the Winnipeg River at a place called Sturgeon Falls. The wave is ironically called Surfers - not maybe the most creative name but it is a monster wave that is probably one of the biggest safe waves to be on. Flat spinning by simply looking left or right! I got spit out once and missed my roll & ended up a 1/2 km down stream because of the massive wave train...
Anyways - yep you guessed it - back to packing & back to long-suffering...
Surfs up!
G
I believe the dictionary definition of patience equates it to long-suffering. Well - we may be a little stressed & frustrated by delays but we definitely have not been tortured. In fact - we have much to celebrate about. The great thing about a new yard is that there will be no grass to cut this year! Well - I guess there are two sides to that coin to but fortunately we are near the park.
I'm not sure how familiar people are with whitewater kayaking but I'll try a little illustration on for size. I love paddling whitewater and one of my favorite things is surfing a stationary wave. It is similar to surfing on an ocean wave - you need to cut back and forth - and it is all about balance and weight transfer.
Some waves are steep and need to be surfed hard & aggressive. Other waves are so stick you just have to turn your head to do a 360. The biggest challenge of waves usually is not the actual surf but actually getting on the wave to begin with. Many waves you can only hit going downstream, others have guardian waves which you have to paddle through like mad to actually get on to the sweet spot, and you guessed it - it is all about patience.
Once you are on the wave though - it is pure joy! I've sometimes paddled like a madman to get on a wave - gotten on it - and seconds later the wave spits me out because my bow dunked down or something silly. All that work & effort for a few seconds of pleasure.
I'll never forget the first time I got on the biggest wave of my life - it happens to be on the Winnipeg River at a place called Sturgeon Falls. The wave is ironically called Surfers - not maybe the most creative name but it is a monster wave that is probably one of the biggest safe waves to be on. Flat spinning by simply looking left or right! I got spit out once and missed my roll & ended up a 1/2 km down stream because of the massive wave train...
Anyways - yep you guessed it - back to packing & back to long-suffering...
Surfs up!
G
Monday, June 21, 2004
Boxed In...
Boxes, boxes & more boxes - I am beginning to feel a little claustrophobic in my office. Reminds me of a Smashing Pumpkins tune - I hear Billy Corgan's straining voice yell out, "despite all my rage i am still just a rat in a cage" from Bullet With Butterfly Wings. It is amazing what I've all put in boxes these past weeks - everything from important tax documents to stories I wrote in grade school to artifacts from Ethiopia & Kenya. I was tempted to call this blog entry "Knicknacks & Artifacts."
I have a kosher grape juice bottle from Israel on my desk that I refuse to throw away. Why you ask? Because it for some reason has sentimental value to me. I went to Israel in 1991 for a college class together with some friends and my grandfather. The bottle contained the juice we used to celebrate communion together in the Holy Land. It's now simply an empty glass container with a Hebrew scrawled label that identifies it was produced by Eliaz Binyamina in 1991. But other than that it is just a bottle that you might find washed up on the shore of Galilee.
For some reason, I've thought a lot about my grandfather this week. I'm not sure why. I still miss him even though he died ten years ago. His impact on me was significant though. My beliefs and passions are largely influenced by his example. He was a man who not only read the Bible but spoke its message to all he met. We shared a common pet peeve. People who said they had faith but did not nothing with it.
Faith without action is dead. I love this quote from Rev. 3:16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. `So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." or how Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message - "You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit."
Back to boxes - we love to put people in a box don't we. We classify people as pessimists, feminists, environmentalists, liberals, charismatics, new agers, partiers, etc. Ironically - the only real box we can place a person in is a coffin. What categories have you been placed into? What is worse is that we often place God in a box as well. It reminds me of a skit we once did with some junior highers during youth. McJesus. What kind of Jesus do you want? Buddy Jesus - who hangs out with you on Sunday and you put him in your closet the rest of the week. Or do you want a Condemning Jesus - who sends all those people you don't like to Hell!
The God I know cannot be put in a box. He keeps surprizing me and appearing in the the oddest places. I once found Jesus at the bottom of Red Rock Lake. I was snorkeling along the coast in late Spring and swam near the dock and so something very curious below me. It was a picture of Jesus? So I reached down and pulled a picture of Jesus with Psalm 23 written on the back of a plasticized card. Later that summer I was sharing with a good friend about how I had found Jesus at the bottom of Red Rock. It turned out she had lost that card the previous summer while doing devotions on the dock.
I love the show Joan of Arcadia as it is all about blowing up the boxes we place on God. The basic premise of the show is that Joan, a quirky teenager, can talk and see God. God appears to her at the oddest times and with the oddest appearances. He sends her on little missions or tells her to get a job - and amazingly each of her actions affects other people. Some of these actions seem simple but in the end impact someone amazingly. God is present in this world - often in what scares us the most. I'm constantly amazed by how often God plays a role in today's culture - in music, in movies, in books, in conversations, even in blowing up boxes!
What if God was one of us?
Still packing,
G
I have a kosher grape juice bottle from Israel on my desk that I refuse to throw away. Why you ask? Because it for some reason has sentimental value to me. I went to Israel in 1991 for a college class together with some friends and my grandfather. The bottle contained the juice we used to celebrate communion together in the Holy Land. It's now simply an empty glass container with a Hebrew scrawled label that identifies it was produced by Eliaz Binyamina in 1991. But other than that it is just a bottle that you might find washed up on the shore of Galilee.
For some reason, I've thought a lot about my grandfather this week. I'm not sure why. I still miss him even though he died ten years ago. His impact on me was significant though. My beliefs and passions are largely influenced by his example. He was a man who not only read the Bible but spoke its message to all he met. We shared a common pet peeve. People who said they had faith but did not nothing with it.
Faith without action is dead. I love this quote from Rev. 3:16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. `So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." or how Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message - "You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit."
Back to boxes - we love to put people in a box don't we. We classify people as pessimists, feminists, environmentalists, liberals, charismatics, new agers, partiers, etc. Ironically - the only real box we can place a person in is a coffin. What categories have you been placed into? What is worse is that we often place God in a box as well. It reminds me of a skit we once did with some junior highers during youth. McJesus. What kind of Jesus do you want? Buddy Jesus - who hangs out with you on Sunday and you put him in your closet the rest of the week. Or do you want a Condemning Jesus - who sends all those people you don't like to Hell!
The God I know cannot be put in a box. He keeps surprizing me and appearing in the the oddest places. I once found Jesus at the bottom of Red Rock Lake. I was snorkeling along the coast in late Spring and swam near the dock and so something very curious below me. It was a picture of Jesus? So I reached down and pulled a picture of Jesus with Psalm 23 written on the back of a plasticized card. Later that summer I was sharing with a good friend about how I had found Jesus at the bottom of Red Rock. It turned out she had lost that card the previous summer while doing devotions on the dock.
I love the show Joan of Arcadia as it is all about blowing up the boxes we place on God. The basic premise of the show is that Joan, a quirky teenager, can talk and see God. God appears to her at the oddest times and with the oddest appearances. He sends her on little missions or tells her to get a job - and amazingly each of her actions affects other people. Some of these actions seem simple but in the end impact someone amazingly. God is present in this world - often in what scares us the most. I'm constantly amazed by how often God plays a role in today's culture - in music, in movies, in books, in conversations, even in blowing up boxes!
What if God was one of us?
Still packing,
G
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Valedictory Address
I have this article from Prov's Eyewitness publication linked to my personal site & thought why not preserve it in blog format?
"He Combines Adventure with Academics"
The Eye Witness — Spring 2002
Student Profile & Valedictory Address
Garth Friesen loves whitewater adventures and has been able to combine his love of the outdoors with a graduate education. There is very little white water in the placid streams of southern Manitoba, but Garth Friesen somehow has it in his blood. A born adventurer, this Morris-area native has been involved with outdoor ministries for much of his life.
It began with an involvement at Red Rock Bible Camp in the early 90s while he was a student at Providence College (he graduated in 1995). In 1998, Garth came across the Medeba Adventure Learning Centre in Ontario and spent 10 months completing their Leadership Development program. It was a life-changing experience for him, and when he returned to Manitoba, he came with a vision of integrating Medeba's outdoor adventure program with Providence's academic program, a process that was completed in the fall of 2001 with an agreement between the two institutions.
Garth returned to Providence in 2000 for an M.A. in Educational Ministries. This spring, his fellow students honoured him by selecting him to represent them at Graduation as their Valedictorian. The following is the Valedictory Address that Garth presented during the Graduation ceremony at the end of April.
Chancellor Eichorst, President Konkel, Board of Directors, Faculty, Staff, Distinguished Guests, Family, Friends, and of course fellow graduates.
I would first like to thank both the faculty and fellow graduate students for allowing me the honor of making this valedictory address. Graduations are unique in that they reflect on the past, consider the future, and celebrate the present. We are in celebration, as we have accomplished much. But it has not been easy or without struggle. If there had been no element of struggle, a Master's degree would not have the worth it does today.
Why are we here today fellow graduates? Probably a question we asked often climbing the four flights of stairs to seminary. We have survived countless assignments, research, and read hundreds of books. We have survived through faith and God's providence. God drew each of us here for a specific reason. We desired growth as individuals, to develop skills and knowledge in our area of focus, to learn how to minister more effectively, and to ultimately be used by God.
What are we leaving Providence today with? I sincerely hope it is more than a title or a piece of paper. We have been changed in all areas of our lives. Hopefully, our character has grown from our interaction with fellow students and professors. We have experienced community with a body of believers in a unique academic setting. We have embraced God in communion, drawn close to Him in times of peace and times of struggle. We also have heard the call, the commission to go forth from this institution and make disciples of Christ.
Those of you that know me well are aware that I am a lover of adventure. Nothing gets me grinning more than kayaking down a whitewater river. For some the sport of kayaking is simply not reasonable, as the risk seems too great. However, it should be remembered that it is a risk that has been calculated. I have developed experience, skills, and knowledge of what my limits are in the sport. Competence counteracts the actual risk. There is both a perceived risk and a real risk to everything we do. However, our skills and abilities lessen the actual risk experienced.
The same is true with graduate studies. God has given each of us abilities, endurance, and the knowledge to deal with the situations that He has placed us in. Risks are still present but they are calculated and understood. But to further ourselves we have pushed those limits.
That is essentially what adventure sports and I believe graduate studies are all about. Pushing and establishing our boundaries. We do the same thing in our faith journey - we continue to explore who God is, what he is doing, and what we can do through his strength. Part of taking any risk involves faith and is that not what the Christian life is all about? We receive salvation by stepping out in faith and trusting in Jesus to save us. I look to my fellow graduates and I see people who have taken a step of faith. We each have added pressure to our relationships, our families, our finances, by simply choosing to go into seminary.
There is a story told about a cabinet meeting in Britain during some of the darkest days of WWII. It was at a point when France had given up and been taken over by Nazi Germany. Winston Churchill outlined the situation to his cabinet and revealed the fact that Britain now stood alone against the enemy. The effect was obvious, people were somber, there was clearly despair written on everyone's faces, some seemed to have given up. Mr. Churchill was silent for a moment and then looked around to his discouraged company. "Gentlemen," he said, "I find it rather inspiring."
Yes, struggles will come to us as graduates; ministry guarantees it. Fellow graduates, I find it inspiring that God has a plan for each of us, and despite struggle, we can be inspired by a hope in Christ that nothing can discourage. Christ is alive and brought freedom to us who were captive. None of us were worthy of grace but through faith we have received a gift that brings not only salvation but also joy, peace, and power to endure.
Romans 15:13 says, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
"He Combines Adventure with Academics"
The Eye Witness — Spring 2002
Student Profile & Valedictory Address
Garth Friesen loves whitewater adventures and has been able to combine his love of the outdoors with a graduate education. There is very little white water in the placid streams of southern Manitoba, but Garth Friesen somehow has it in his blood. A born adventurer, this Morris-area native has been involved with outdoor ministries for much of his life.
It began with an involvement at Red Rock Bible Camp in the early 90s while he was a student at Providence College (he graduated in 1995). In 1998, Garth came across the Medeba Adventure Learning Centre in Ontario and spent 10 months completing their Leadership Development program. It was a life-changing experience for him, and when he returned to Manitoba, he came with a vision of integrating Medeba's outdoor adventure program with Providence's academic program, a process that was completed in the fall of 2001 with an agreement between the two institutions.
Garth returned to Providence in 2000 for an M.A. in Educational Ministries. This spring, his fellow students honoured him by selecting him to represent them at Graduation as their Valedictorian. The following is the Valedictory Address that Garth presented during the Graduation ceremony at the end of April.
Chancellor Eichorst, President Konkel, Board of Directors, Faculty, Staff, Distinguished Guests, Family, Friends, and of course fellow graduates.
I would first like to thank both the faculty and fellow graduate students for allowing me the honor of making this valedictory address. Graduations are unique in that they reflect on the past, consider the future, and celebrate the present. We are in celebration, as we have accomplished much. But it has not been easy or without struggle. If there had been no element of struggle, a Master's degree would not have the worth it does today.
Why are we here today fellow graduates? Probably a question we asked often climbing the four flights of stairs to seminary. We have survived countless assignments, research, and read hundreds of books. We have survived through faith and God's providence. God drew each of us here for a specific reason. We desired growth as individuals, to develop skills and knowledge in our area of focus, to learn how to minister more effectively, and to ultimately be used by God.
What are we leaving Providence today with? I sincerely hope it is more than a title or a piece of paper. We have been changed in all areas of our lives. Hopefully, our character has grown from our interaction with fellow students and professors. We have experienced community with a body of believers in a unique academic setting. We have embraced God in communion, drawn close to Him in times of peace and times of struggle. We also have heard the call, the commission to go forth from this institution and make disciples of Christ.
Those of you that know me well are aware that I am a lover of adventure. Nothing gets me grinning more than kayaking down a whitewater river. For some the sport of kayaking is simply not reasonable, as the risk seems too great. However, it should be remembered that it is a risk that has been calculated. I have developed experience, skills, and knowledge of what my limits are in the sport. Competence counteracts the actual risk. There is both a perceived risk and a real risk to everything we do. However, our skills and abilities lessen the actual risk experienced.
The same is true with graduate studies. God has given each of us abilities, endurance, and the knowledge to deal with the situations that He has placed us in. Risks are still present but they are calculated and understood. But to further ourselves we have pushed those limits.
That is essentially what adventure sports and I believe graduate studies are all about. Pushing and establishing our boundaries. We do the same thing in our faith journey - we continue to explore who God is, what he is doing, and what we can do through his strength. Part of taking any risk involves faith and is that not what the Christian life is all about? We receive salvation by stepping out in faith and trusting in Jesus to save us. I look to my fellow graduates and I see people who have taken a step of faith. We each have added pressure to our relationships, our families, our finances, by simply choosing to go into seminary.
There is a story told about a cabinet meeting in Britain during some of the darkest days of WWII. It was at a point when France had given up and been taken over by Nazi Germany. Winston Churchill outlined the situation to his cabinet and revealed the fact that Britain now stood alone against the enemy. The effect was obvious, people were somber, there was clearly despair written on everyone's faces, some seemed to have given up. Mr. Churchill was silent for a moment and then looked around to his discouraged company. "Gentlemen," he said, "I find it rather inspiring."
Yes, struggles will come to us as graduates; ministry guarantees it. Fellow graduates, I find it inspiring that God has a plan for each of us, and despite struggle, we can be inspired by a hope in Christ that nothing can discourage. Christ is alive and brought freedom to us who were captive. None of us were worthy of grace but through faith we have received a gift that brings not only salvation but also joy, peace, and power to endure.
Romans 15:13 says, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Relationships & Communication
Well - today is father's day and I was treated by my daughter with a plea to come to breakfast. Yep, Wendy made me a breakfast of eggs complete with a card from her and a card from Chelsea. We've had a stressful week but this weekend has been a wonderful break from packing. We are all looking forward to being moved into our new house and if all goes according to plan - this Thursday the big move commences! Hopefully we get some help from others as we've definitely got a lot to move!
I'm in the process of researching & prepping for a new class I'm teaching this September. The course is called Interpersonal Processes and I'm becoming more excited to teach it. I love exploring who people see themselves and how they see other people. Is it not interesting how we communicate to certain people differently than others?
The two course texts I am considering include The Art Of Speedreading People and The Interpersonal Communication Book. The first book utilizes self-discovery of "personality typing" and devised the art of "speed reading" people as a powerful tool for quickly and accurately identifying key personality traits for effective communication. The second is more of your standard textbook type of book (it is a good one) but the price tag on it is enough to give students epileptic seizures.
I taught a course called Leadership Development this past Spring and my students confirmed to me that many had no idea who they really were, what their gifts were, & what their passions were?! As a class we examined what leadership skills they had, how their particular personality type affected how they led, & discussed potential occupations or callings where they could see themselves best used.
For my interpersonal processes class I'm thinking of doing something similar although focusing more how each personality type communicates differently & interacts with other personality types. I'm also considering making a online blog a part of their assignment as well. It is definitely an interesting way of communicating with others.
Life is all about relationships - our relationships with friends, with families, with coworkers, and even with God. Relationship is all about communication isn't it? That's why we email, we phone, we pray, we talk, we video, we write, we read, we blog, etc. God calls us all to communicate the good news about His desire for relationship with us. And that the relationship He intended right from Eden can be restored through grace!
Our God is a relational one! Many think He is an impersonal judge who sits on His throne and zaps people when they do bad things. I see the opposite - I see him as having a more sensitive nature. Yes - He is holy and can have no part in sin but he still is compassionate and loving. None of us are deserving of a salvation from the sins we commit daily. Even small ones separate us from holiness. Yet God created a way to bridge the gap - the ultimate sacrifice for our sins - Jesus death on the cross. That's what grace is! We simply accept grace to experience salvation.
But unfortunately that is all some of us do - accept grace and keep it to ourselves. Grace & love are unique in that both must be shared in order for them to function properly. Without loving others, without forgiving others, without sharing grace - we keep pounding nails into the wrists of Christ. My challenge for myself is to be more of a grace giver instead of just a grace taker.
Happy Father's Day!
G
I'm in the process of researching & prepping for a new class I'm teaching this September. The course is called Interpersonal Processes and I'm becoming more excited to teach it. I love exploring who people see themselves and how they see other people. Is it not interesting how we communicate to certain people differently than others?
The two course texts I am considering include The Art Of Speedreading People and The Interpersonal Communication Book. The first book utilizes self-discovery of "personality typing" and devised the art of "speed reading" people as a powerful tool for quickly and accurately identifying key personality traits for effective communication. The second is more of your standard textbook type of book (it is a good one) but the price tag on it is enough to give students epileptic seizures.
I taught a course called Leadership Development this past Spring and my students confirmed to me that many had no idea who they really were, what their gifts were, & what their passions were?! As a class we examined what leadership skills they had, how their particular personality type affected how they led, & discussed potential occupations or callings where they could see themselves best used.
For my interpersonal processes class I'm thinking of doing something similar although focusing more how each personality type communicates differently & interacts with other personality types. I'm also considering making a online blog a part of their assignment as well. It is definitely an interesting way of communicating with others.
Life is all about relationships - our relationships with friends, with families, with coworkers, and even with God. Relationship is all about communication isn't it? That's why we email, we phone, we pray, we talk, we video, we write, we read, we blog, etc. God calls us all to communicate the good news about His desire for relationship with us. And that the relationship He intended right from Eden can be restored through grace!
Our God is a relational one! Many think He is an impersonal judge who sits on His throne and zaps people when they do bad things. I see the opposite - I see him as having a more sensitive nature. Yes - He is holy and can have no part in sin but he still is compassionate and loving. None of us are deserving of a salvation from the sins we commit daily. Even small ones separate us from holiness. Yet God created a way to bridge the gap - the ultimate sacrifice for our sins - Jesus death on the cross. That's what grace is! We simply accept grace to experience salvation.
But unfortunately that is all some of us do - accept grace and keep it to ourselves. Grace & love are unique in that both must be shared in order for them to function properly. Without loving others, without forgiving others, without sharing grace - we keep pounding nails into the wrists of Christ. My challenge for myself is to be more of a grace giver instead of just a grace taker.
Happy Father's Day!
G
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Never Stop Exploring
Never stop exploring! I believe that is the current tag line for Northface clothing. It is a slogan that captures me well! I have always love to see new places, explore new ways of doing things, taste new foods, meet people from other countries, etc. I definitely inherited a traveling bug and a desire to explore this big blue globe we live on called planet earth.
My wife says I should have been a gourmet chef because I love experimenting with different spices & foods. Give me some meat, some veggies, some spices, a frying pan or a grill and I'll do my best at creative cooking. I'm generally not afraid to try new things and in some ways building a blog is doing exactly that. I just revised my personal homepage & replaced my mega pictures with thumbnails linking to bigger pictures. I'm spoiled by high speed and realize not everyone (including myself) is patient enough to download a picture for 30 minutes.
My daughter Chelsea loves to explore. Today she wandered over to the neighbors yard to make use of their slide. (She has an open invitation to use their slide & swingset which she definitely makes use of! In return - our sandbox has always been available to our neighbors' kids.) Chelsea decided that using the ladder to the slide was too boring. Instead she decided to climb the sliding portion of the slide. Amazingly, after about 15 attempts she ends up accomplishing her challenge! In the words of my precious two & 1/2 year old, "Daddy - look at me! I did it!" She just climbed her Everest!
What are the mountains you want to climb? Why are we so afraid to try new things or face struggle head on? Why don't we stick to challenges like a two year old can?
I recently got back from a backpacking trip on the Mantario trail. It is a grueling 60 km trail that definitely tests strength, endurance & will power. It is amazing what a burden a fifty pound backpack is. Not only do you feel like a packhorse, it throws off your balance and each step has to be carefully placed. But wow - it feels like you are walking on the moon after your pack off after a day of hiking. A person's attitude to the challenge makes such a difference. Time and time again I have seen negativity erode people's ambition & drive.
During the trials we face - it is so easy to despair, to give up, to complain. But once we've passed through - it is so natural to rejoice, to praise God, to experience euphoria & accomplishment. It is the difference between a morning of cold rain and afternoon sunshine!
I remember jumping out of an airplane at 3000 feet - this is absolutely insane was the thought in my mind. What am I doing this for? As I let go of the airplane's strut - I literally dropped hundreds of feet before my chute opened up! I have to admit it was probably the first time in my life when I swore & prayed at the same time. But once that parachute opened up I was praising the Creator! What a contrast - of falling at speeds of well over a hundred miles an hour to that of a leaf dropping from a tree. So peaceful, so calm, so beautiful...
I will close this post with the wise words of Dr. Suess....
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!"
G
My wife says I should have been a gourmet chef because I love experimenting with different spices & foods. Give me some meat, some veggies, some spices, a frying pan or a grill and I'll do my best at creative cooking. I'm generally not afraid to try new things and in some ways building a blog is doing exactly that. I just revised my personal homepage & replaced my mega pictures with thumbnails linking to bigger pictures. I'm spoiled by high speed and realize not everyone (including myself) is patient enough to download a picture for 30 minutes.
My daughter Chelsea loves to explore. Today she wandered over to the neighbors yard to make use of their slide. (She has an open invitation to use their slide & swingset which she definitely makes use of! In return - our sandbox has always been available to our neighbors' kids.) Chelsea decided that using the ladder to the slide was too boring. Instead she decided to climb the sliding portion of the slide. Amazingly, after about 15 attempts she ends up accomplishing her challenge! In the words of my precious two & 1/2 year old, "Daddy - look at me! I did it!" She just climbed her Everest!
What are the mountains you want to climb? Why are we so afraid to try new things or face struggle head on? Why don't we stick to challenges like a two year old can?
I recently got back from a backpacking trip on the Mantario trail. It is a grueling 60 km trail that definitely tests strength, endurance & will power. It is amazing what a burden a fifty pound backpack is. Not only do you feel like a packhorse, it throws off your balance and each step has to be carefully placed. But wow - it feels like you are walking on the moon after your pack off after a day of hiking. A person's attitude to the challenge makes such a difference. Time and time again I have seen negativity erode people's ambition & drive.
During the trials we face - it is so easy to despair, to give up, to complain. But once we've passed through - it is so natural to rejoice, to praise God, to experience euphoria & accomplishment. It is the difference between a morning of cold rain and afternoon sunshine!
I remember jumping out of an airplane at 3000 feet - this is absolutely insane was the thought in my mind. What am I doing this for? As I let go of the airplane's strut - I literally dropped hundreds of feet before my chute opened up! I have to admit it was probably the first time in my life when I swore & prayed at the same time. But once that parachute opened up I was praising the Creator! What a contrast - of falling at speeds of well over a hundred miles an hour to that of a leaf dropping from a tree. So peaceful, so calm, so beautiful...
I will close this post with the wise words of Dr. Suess....
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!"
G
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Floored
Okay - I have yet to post a really profound post as we are all caught up in this whole "building a house" and "moving" thing!
Well, the good news is that the hardwood laminate flooring is in! Thanx' to my feeble efforts, my dad, brother Kyle & bro-in-law Rolf it is looking pretty good. Admittedly there are a few flaws and we had a few set-backs due to all the corners in our kitchen but all in all - I'm pretty impressed. I have come to the conclusion thought that ideally laminate flooring should be installed in a normal square room - at least when it comes to speed and ease of installation. The warm montpelier maple flooring looks great in contrast to our natural maple cabinets.
Oh - the bad news was that I installed flooring on our anniversary! And we ended up not doing much that evening other than chatting the night away discussing all those details that need to get done this week. We will do something once we are all moved into the pad to actually celebrate our 8 years together.
Chelsea has been acting up before bed for two nights now - not sure if she has moving jitters too but it definitely hasn't made our evenings very relaxing. She is a sweety and for the most part an angel but occasionally she definitely is a two-year old!
Well, I should be packing up more stuff...
Later,
G
Well, the good news is that the hardwood laminate flooring is in! Thanx' to my feeble efforts, my dad, brother Kyle & bro-in-law Rolf it is looking pretty good. Admittedly there are a few flaws and we had a few set-backs due to all the corners in our kitchen but all in all - I'm pretty impressed. I have come to the conclusion thought that ideally laminate flooring should be installed in a normal square room - at least when it comes to speed and ease of installation. The warm montpelier maple flooring looks great in contrast to our natural maple cabinets.
Oh - the bad news was that I installed flooring on our anniversary! And we ended up not doing much that evening other than chatting the night away discussing all those details that need to get done this week. We will do something once we are all moved into the pad to actually celebrate our 8 years together.
Chelsea has been acting up before bed for two nights now - not sure if she has moving jitters too but it definitely hasn't made our evenings very relaxing. She is a sweety and for the most part an angel but occasionally she definitely is a two-year old!
Well, I should be packing up more stuff...
Later,
G
Monday, June 14, 2004
Love
Eight years ago, I ended my single life and entered the world of wedded couplehood! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I can truly say I am a better man because of it. Wendy truly is the love of my life and I'm looking forward to the new changes in our lives, especially a new addition to our family & settling into our new house!
Friday, June 11, 2004
Up & About
Hey all!
Well I'm pleased to announce that my website is up & about on the web these days! Check out http://members.shaw.ca/gdagger/ - complete with pictures, favorite links, etc. (NOTE: NO LONGER AVAILABLE - DELETED - LACK OF UPKEEP AND FOCUS ON BLOG)
It's exciting to be creating both a new home in Steinbach and a virtual one for all to see. The house seems to be coming along well. They are installing the cabinets today and tomorrow. Next week - my dad & I & maybe some of my brothers will be installing the laminate hardwood - warm maple. So yeah - the goal is still to be in sometime after June 18th and prior to July 1. Chelsea is pretty excited about her yellow room!
Our 8th anniversary is just around the corner - June 14th. Hard to believe it has been eight years but they have been adventure-filled.
Over & out,
G
Well I'm pleased to announce that my website is up & about on the web these days! Check out http://members.shaw.ca/gdagger/ - complete with pictures, favorite links, etc. (NOTE: NO LONGER AVAILABLE - DELETED - LACK OF UPKEEP AND FOCUS ON BLOG)
It's exciting to be creating both a new home in Steinbach and a virtual one for all to see. The house seems to be coming along well. They are installing the cabinets today and tomorrow. Next week - my dad & I & maybe some of my brothers will be installing the laminate hardwood - warm maple. So yeah - the goal is still to be in sometime after June 18th and prior to July 1. Chelsea is pretty excited about her yellow room!
Our 8th anniversary is just around the corner - June 14th. Hard to believe it has been eight years but they have been adventure-filled.
Over & out,
G
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Moving
Well - it's the eighth of June and we are nearing the date of the "big move." We've lived for eight years at our current residence and so it is with fear and trepidation that we pack up our belongings. Why do we keep the things we keep? I admit to being a collector of books, of music, of movies, of pictures, of memories - but I also unfortunately collect knick knacks.
My two favorite collections include a nautical collection of ships, lighthouses, compasses etc. and a collection of coke & other soda company bottles. I also have a small collection of coins/currency from places traveled, pez dispensors, gi joes, rocks & shells... At least I don't collect stamps...
This moving thing obviously has triggered thoughts on materialism and I just don't know why we as humankind like to collect things... It's not like we actually have any real control - a simple flood or tornado or fire could take it all away! Pictures seem to be the most important thing to keep as it triggers memories...
Well - back to packing & packing & packing...
Garth
My two favorite collections include a nautical collection of ships, lighthouses, compasses etc. and a collection of coke & other soda company bottles. I also have a small collection of coins/currency from places traveled, pez dispensors, gi joes, rocks & shells... At least I don't collect stamps...
This moving thing obviously has triggered thoughts on materialism and I just don't know why we as humankind like to collect things... It's not like we actually have any real control - a simple flood or tornado or fire could take it all away! Pictures seem to be the most important thing to keep as it triggers memories...
Well - back to packing & packing & packing...
Garth
Genesis
In the beginning...Garth created a blog. I can't say it is good but it has been officially been created. We shall see what this blog will bring soon enough. Part of my reasoning for this online journal is to develop an creative outlet for processing my thoughts and maybe even trigger someone else's thoughts?
There are three things that amaze me - no four! The way God created each person unique and with purpose - how amazing is that? As well, is it not amazing that each one of us desires to love and also be loved! I love it how God's creation reflects Him & His love and is it not amazing how the laughter of a child brings joy to all who hear!
Who am I? I see myself as a traveler, an explorer - in search of God, of family & friends, of knowledge, and of truth.
Everseeking & Eversearching,
G
There are three things that amaze me - no four! The way God created each person unique and with purpose - how amazing is that? As well, is it not amazing that each one of us desires to love and also be loved! I love it how God's creation reflects Him & His love and is it not amazing how the laughter of a child brings joy to all who hear!
Who am I? I see myself as a traveler, an explorer - in search of God, of family & friends, of knowledge, and of truth.
Everseeking & Eversearching,
G
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