A Walk Down Memory Lane

So I went up into my attic today in search of a disc to play frisbee golf with later this afternoon. My attic is full of everything you can imagine, and I stumbled across some of my work from when I was 7 years old. Here is an excerpt from my journal:

Wed Oct 28, 1992 I would like to be and rtist wen I growe up. then i can do ale things rtists can do.

Now I admit my spelling has not changed too drastically since those days, but an artist? I found a bunch of drawings and multi-media work I did around the time, most of which were drawings of the USS Enterprise from Kirk's day. Man its been quite the afternoon, sitting here and remembering. I actually have the "Official Star Trek Fan Club of Canada Badge".

Its cool to think that the Lord has a plan for this life, and He has designed it so intricately and minutely, all for His own name's sake. One entry that caught my attention was this one:

Wed Sept 9, 1992 I wood like to have a turtle a little turtle.

Now I think I want to be a turtle. Swift to listen, slow to speak, slow to wrath, as James puts it.

Someone go dig up something of your past and share, I'd love to here how well you spelled back then, and what some of your hopes and dreams were.

Todd

Another Chapter...

Today I felt the presence of that ever quiet, ever secret mood which declares far and wide the ending of another page in life, and another chapter with it. I am now truly finished my first year of Trent University, having gone out with style and panache which only Calvin might muster. I felt it appropriate this year to finish my greek exam in costume, and after rising to the occasion by wearing ski goggles and a 'toy story' cape I passed on part of the attire to Heather, who found it quite enjoyable to super-hero her way out of University. After a windy game of frisbee golf and a fine supper, we proceeded to bake a 'Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake' for our fellow bible-study-leader comrade. It ended up that Lauren and cheese cake are not the best of friends, so we all travelled to the Stephensons to enjoy it. Good times.
However, another chapter is slowly ending, the door cracked open enough for me to glance back and remember what the Lord has done, and how I have been changed for his glory. It is crazy to think about how different things were at the close of my year at KLBC, when compared with this year. And how similar.
I am currently reading a small biography on Hudson Taylor after which I promise I will go down to braidwood and finish off "Holy War". These missionary biographies really wrench my heart, so that I am much in thought about missions, and Pakistan. The Lord has in store for me a journey I could not dream up with all the imagination I have been blessed with. I need to read some more biographies this summer. I should talk with Levi, he'd know some good ones.
Pray that I would discover the Lord's will this summer. My heart is full, and has much to think and dwell on. Peace and Shade to you, until tommorow...

(Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret p34)

"A little while: 'twill soon be past!
Why should we shun the promised cross:
Oh let us in His footsteps haste,
Counting for Him all else but loss:
Then, how will recompense His smile
The sufferings of this little while!"

Max in my guitar case. I love this cat, she's so cute!

Internet on the roof!

Jammin with my bro.

The Days Are Just Packed

Listening to some Jars. The Valley Song is rockin my heart.

Why is it that I find myself so restless in the face of such a full and abundant salvation.

In the famous words of Our Lady Peace:
'I'm bleeding by myself, but I'm Ok, yeahh'

---no, I'm not, but Christ is working things out---

Superman

A song from this weekend's night shifts. Enjoy

Superman

You were superman, wanting to fly so high.
Well you bombed out, just like Icharus you fell.
And you lay here, uncontrollably yourself.

If it wasn't for that rotten mind
You'd be alright, perfect infact.
But you, you wallow in pity and pride.

So pick up your mat, blind man
Open your eyes, walk in the light
You were meant for this life
So go on start living it!

Picture frames brace the walls with hero's and things
A little book, dusty with age, gets a look.
And you lay here with the knowledge of your fall.

This superman who wanted to fly so high
Found himself chasing after only the sky
But now he's changed, He has heaven written on his eyes.

Spelunking

I had a good day today. I no longer have a bathroom, as it has been completely destroyed, luckily I was able to help (sledge hammers are fun). I went on an adventure today (as if I don't everyday), and wound up visiting a few of the friends I have made through TCF bible study this year. Good people, who have lots of good insight into life and Christ. After a tidy meal (pretty much a hunk of cheese I sliced off at the start of the day with some five-alive) on the river by Trent I chased the sunset all the way home.

This picture of Calvin and Hobbes dancing to music at 78 rpm's sums up the day. My only regret is that I never did make it into a tree. O well, maybe tommorow...

May God bless you richly through his Word.
-Todd

Bikes, Guitars and Commitment

Well today was pretty exciting, and still is. I went to a party geared toward sponsoring NEA www.cyclenea.com in which twin brothers John and Ben shaved their legs in preparation for a bike trip across Canada. The party also included music, fooseball, food, and clips of cycling races (tour de France) on a projector. I had a chance to sing a song about the 4 people involved in the trip, 3 of whom were involved in the small group Bible study I was a part of this year. The song came off a little messy, but I don't mind, because it was fun, and they are good friends. O, and I figured out that I like fooseball, but am not that good. In that regard I should mention that Mr. Yoshiki was very, very good, and along with Heather almost beat out the twins in the first round. As for the food, I mainly stuck to cheese and carrots, because sooner or later this metabolism thing is gonna quit, and I'm gonna wake up fat. (though i did have a couple cookies) (hee hee)

In other news, I think I am starting to enjoy recording music. Josh found me a program which lets me record a track, and then record another piece while the first one is playing. This means I can add in more guitar parts and explore/practice singing harmony. Recently I tested this out by playing 'Beautiful Scandalous Night' (which is a cool song all by itself). I was inspired by how well Luke Bruce and Amy Covert sing it for KLBC choir (thx folks!). Anyway, I will try to keep people updated, but as it stands I might try to compile stuff and plop it on a CD. If you would like to hear some of my material give me a shout. I need to hear some constructive criticism so I can improve.

Lately I've been reading about Joseph in Genesis. That man had character coming out his ears. And one thing I noticed was that he is consistent in all he does, even during temptation. Day after day he is hounded to sin, and he refuses. He made a commitment right from the get-go that he would not sin against God, and he made good on that promise. Stu Webber points out that a man's ability to make a promise and keep it is crucial to who he is. A consistent commitment to the things of Christ is what it is all about.

Time to get back to work! I hope I get to make something cool tonight.

Heart and Sleeve

Recently I have been thinking about direction in life. In re-reading the short book by Stu Webber entitled 'The Heart of a Tender Warrior', talking about life and change with Luke, and pondering the ending of a school year, my mind returns to my direction in this life. Michael W. Smith wrote a song called 'Place in this World', and it is quite fitting in this situation:

The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled

A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems

Feels like I'm
Looking for a reason
Roamin' through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me

Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?

I know my goal is to exalt Christ by cherishing and enjoying Him, but
I think I am longing for some direction in the future, some sign saying "TODD THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD BE". Is that sinful thinking? Is that a lack of trust in Christ? I just feel like I could try so many things in this life: teacher, missionary worker, bible translator, musician (k maybe not the last one :P) Luke also noted that who we know slowly changes depending on what we do and where we go. It is inevitable. And it takes a lot of work to keep friendships going. So how does someone know where they are called to? because this summer I really hope to find some direction for the future. I don't just want direction though, I want a vision for the future, a goal, a quest. Somewhere to lead a family. Hmm. Perhaps there is no vision because I am not ready for it yet. There is much to be desired in my character, things the Lord is continually conforming to his likeness, as well as showing me things I need to experience or learn. So then, I must study Christ, so I might adore him more, and thus desire to be like him and learn from the situations he places me in in the months and years to come. Pray for me my friends, help me keep these eyes on Jesus.

Romans 12:1, Hebrews 12:3

Jacob Joseph

Jacob Joseph opened his eyes today

Fingers stretching for the sky

The cradle rocks him softly back to sleep

A precious life indeed

And I wonder if he will grow to love Jesus,

And marry some girl beautiful and wise

Together they might pray under the trees

Of Africa’s deepest wilds

I don’t know about that baby boy

The days you’ve planned for him

But my job is to trust and obey

Cause’ Lord you’ve been good to me

And when Peter sought the secret will of God

The Lord reminded him of his place

For He does as He pleases with the nations of the earth

And little Jacob Joseph has not been forgotten

So I’ll pray about that boy in his cradle

And maybe God will have mercy

Cause Jacob Joseph is a sinner too

And a precious life indeed