All in Perspective

Friday was graduation day at Teen Challenge. In the morning, there was what is called 'Phase Promotion', which celebrates students who pass from one phase of the program to the next phase. Staff are encouraged to attend and I really enjoyed being apart of what is 'actually' going on on the farm and hearing the story of the 2 students who had successfully finished their first 4 months.

That evening there was a graduation ceremony at a local Church, where 2 students were celebrated for completing the program. Again, hearing their stories and how Teen Challenge has been used by God to transform their lives and their relationships with the Lord, was absolutely amazing.

These students, their stories; this is what it's all about. This is why I go to work every morning. This is why I sit at a computer and update spreadsheets and make source payments to the government. Their stories put everything back into perspective, remembering why I'm here and why I'm doing what I'm doing.

There is definitely nothing like seeing 50+ recovering addicts, young and old, singing songs of praise to the Lord with lyrics like - "I called, You answered, and You came to my rescue". Praise God for the transformations He brings through Teen Challenge.

What A Miracle

Well, I still feel like this is all so amazing. I can't believe that I'm here living and working. Man, am I happy. Sometimes I get a little lonely in my apartment, but then I just remind myself where I am and what I'm doing and then I remember how incredibly thankful I am to be here.

I did have one bad day this week. Wednesday I woke up with aches all over my body, something I haven't experienced in weeks. Everything hurt and it was so much work to simply lift up my arm. I went in to work anyway and Jason, the person who is training me, was very gracious and let me do some easy tasks that day because I told him I wasn't feeling well. After work I tried to go and get my B12 shot at a walk in clinic (I of course don't have a doctor here in London) but the ones close to my place all closed at 3 on Wednesday, so I just went home. I called my parents and told them and asked them to pray as I was so scared this would be the beginning of a downward spiral again. And then I went right to bed.

Thursday I woke up and it was all gone.

And I know its because of all my family and friends praying for me. I know my parents called some family that night and asked them to be praying. I dont understand what caused the bad day, I can't figure it out, but I know that God took it away, and it just reminded me of how thankful I am to be here. So even when I get lonely, I'm going to hang onto the truth that I am sure of - that God is with me and He has brought me here, and so there's no better place to be.


Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God, Our God

-Chris Tomlin, Our God

My First Week Back to Work:

I want to thank everybody for your prayers for me this past week. My first week at work went pretty well, lots to learn but thats always the case with a new job. Honestly, it feels really good to be back serving the Lord. Sometimes I can hardly believe I am actually here working full time after how my health was only a few short months ago.

The only real frustration of the week is my energy level. I manage to get thru the work day but unfortunately I am very very tired by the end of the day and I do absolutely nothing after work except eat, rest and sleep. And on Friday, I was really dragging. I was expecting this so it isn't a surprise. I am hoping it will get better as my body adjusts to a regular work schedule, and hopefully in time I will be able to have some energy outside of work.

Thanks again for all your prayers. They are sustaining me.

Trusting the Lord with more than Tomorrow

So tomorrow is the big day; my first day back at work since my year off dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is a big step, and that probly only makes sense to those who have had similar experiences. Its scary, so I decided I wanted to share some Bible verses that have really been helping me as I trust the Lord with my health and my future.

Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusts and I am helped.

Jer 29:11
I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Romans 8:28
And we know all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

I've Moved!

Well, well, after months and months of recovering and dealing with life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I am heading back to work. God has opened the door for me to serve Him here in Ontario at a Christian ministry as the senior bookkeeper. I moved into my new apartment on Thursday, and am starting work on Tuesday. I would really appreciate all of your prayers as I am very nervous and scared to be heading back to work full time. I know I have to take very good care of myself and trust the Lord that my body will be able to handle all that is to come. I am going to miss my family and Chewie, but I do believe this is the right move at this point in time. I'm excited to see what will happen! Here is a picture of my "new" used car!

Family Vacation

On Tuesday, we returned from our family vacation to Northern Ontario. We spent time at the lake and at my brothers. It was a really special trip because of all 9 of our immediate family members were able to spend the weekend together. This rarely happens anymore - only at Christmas basically - so it was so nice to have the time together as a family. As well, we all got to enjoy the newest member of the Smith family - baby Evan - who is already almost 4 months old. On top of everything else, I got to spend some special time with our puppy Chewie before I moved away. Here are some photos!

The entire Smith family including Chewie, plus 2 Grandparents!

Chewie and I enjoying the lake.

A beautiful mother and a beautiful baby.

Awwwwwwwww

Evan continues to learn how to play the family game of Wizard haha

Chewie and I overlooking the lake after hiking to the top of the mountain.

Yes! Alternative Medicine

Well, I'd just like to share an update regarding these alternative medicine treatments I've been getting. First, I would like to say, I'm not one to jump on board with something unless I know it's for real. I too have wasted money on treatments and natural medicines that didn't work so I understand the skepticism.

I've had 4 treatments at New Life Allergy.

And these treatments work for me.

That's the bottom line.

I have been getting stronger and stronger, and getting more and more energy and less and less symptoms. I can hardly believe it. But I'm gonna shout it out, these treatments have been making a big difference in my life.

I am aware that sometimes a treatment may work for one person and not another, so I can't say with certainty that it would be helpful to you specifically, but I can say with absolute certainty that these treatments are helping me live with and cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Yay!