Scheduling sucks.

Recently I haven't been going to church and I'm to the point where it feels like I'm no longer a leader at youth. It feels weird, and I don't like it at all.

I know that I'm not losing sight of God and the bible. I know I can turn to it when I'm in dying need, but I feel like the friends that I made are slowly disappearing. But like I said, that's how I feel.

And the youth, sigh, I wished my work would understand a bit better that my religion is important to me. If this changed, I'd be the happiest person alive. Right now, I'm not so much anymore. I've been tired and not wanting to do anything.

When it comes to work, I don't get one or the other (aka night or morning), I flip back and forth. And it messes up you're sleeping pattern, and makes you sleepy and grumpy all the time.

And who wants to go to church when your both of those at once.

Over all I'm saying I'm sorry. When Fall hits, I'll be back at church and fixing up what I didn't do in the summer months.

Sigh, I'm glad I got all of that out of me. Thanks for listening.. if you read it. :)

A year of new beginnings.

Well just the other day, my sister graduated from a school that she's been attending for 13 years of her life. Its amazing how gorgeous her and her grade looked. They all looked so grown up! My sister looked like Princess Ariel; no word of a lie.

She had a date, that was one of her friends, not a real boyfriend. Even though all her friends wanted them to get married. Not yet! No! It was a great laugh.

It was a wonderful night though, I enjoyed the evening downtown in Vancouver with my best buddy.

All the girls looked amazing.

All the guys looked handsome.

They have a huge world ahead of them. I know that they are ready to get out there and make their own lives.

I'm excited to hear all their ideas and adventures. But for now, it'll take time to create them and start them up.

We're sisters. We'll always be sisters, throughout everything we do. We can always depend on one another, no matter what the situation is.

Rowell&Hamilton

Summer of 2011 and other years to come, we welcome the next generation.

Dream a little Dream of Dreams

Imagine if one day all of your dreams came true, like everything you ever dreamed of. And what if it stayed like that for a few days or maybe even a year? What would your plans be, if they actually came real? Mine would be ridiculous. So much planning.

That would be totally awesome! I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Life, I think, would feel that much better. It would be like living inside your head, or in your sketch book.

First off, I have way too many dreams to list and I'm sure you do too. But everyone should have at least a top ten. I'll try and narrow mine down.

So here are mine (not in any particular order):

1. Living life in the world of Harry Potter

      -> Everyone who is a HP fan dreams of this. I've always wanted to jump inside

         the novels and just know who Harry Potter is. I would love to meet all

        the characters and visit all the locations. Which is why I'm so excited that

        they made a Wonderful World of Harry Potter. One day, I'll be walking

        down the streets of Diagon Alley and entering the candy store called Honey

        Dukes, or entering Olivander's, the wand maker's shop. And after

        grabbing all my school supplies, I'll heading off towards Hogwarts, to be

        sorted into my house and living life in the wizarding world. Trust me all

        you Muggles, this dream of mine will come true one day!

2. Joining the "Glee Club" aka joining the cast

       -> Before I wasn't a Gleek, and I made fun of it. But once I started

           to watch it and follow it for Darren Criss, I sort of fell in love and

           started becoming obsessed. Oops, oh well!

          But anyways, besides that, I'm a huge fan and would do anything

          to see them live in concert and have a meet and greet. But what

          my dream is, is to be best buddies with the cast (childish I know,

          but deal with it). I've sort of fallen in love with each one of them.

          If I was apart of the cast, I think I would be a happy, happy child,

          like a child entering a candy store.

          That way, if I joined the cast, I'd be famous and I would be able to

          dance. FINALLY.

3. Working on the premises of Disneyland and becoming a Princess

      -> Oh man, this dream is still a dream that I dream for it to be real.

           If I had the privileges to work alongside of Mickey Mouse, I'd be

           speachless. My dream would come true for real. To be a character

           or someone who cleans up the park, or is a waitress in the

           restaurants, or is one of the people who controls the rides, would

           be absolutely amazing. I'm sure anyone would want this dream.

           Plus its Disneyland, you're like walking into a land of happiness.

           Trust me, I've been there several times (aka 7 or 8) and I feel

           it every time. But imagine working, and having that experience

           every single time of you freaking life. I'd be one happy girl

           (again).

4. Traveling ALL around the World

      -> Oh traveling. I'd adore this. If I had all the money in the world,

            I'd do this in a heart beat. I'd visit every city, province, state,

            country, and continent. And another thing with money, I'd give

            it to the needy, helpless, and the homeless. Because that's just

            the heart that I have.

            Plus, I'd have the perfect camera to take the perfect shots. Oh

            traveling how you seem to catch me every time.

5. Create my own/ be in a music video

      -> I love music and for some reason, being in a music video would be

           crazy. Just being in a video keeps that memory real.

           I guess this sort of goes along the same line of Glee.

           Just to be involved in a song/video would be absolutely awesome.

           :)

6. Design my own house

      ->I've always had the creative mind of making my own dream house.

          I even have pictures to prove my creativeness. Except they are

          unrealistic, so unrealistic its quite funny to look back at them. For

          the longest time, I wanted to be an interior decorator, because I

          love the fact of making my own designs in houses. Who wouldn't

          want to design their own house? Like if you had the money and

          the opportunity, I would and I would enjoy every second of it.

7. Go on a date with each one of my celebrity actors/musicians (Toooooo many to list, I'm deeply sorry)

      -> This is pretty self explanatory. Not much needs to be said here.

             ;) And trust me, those dates would be marvelous. We'd go everywhere and do

             everything and make that a night to remember. Bam.

8. Involved in a Movie

      ->K, seriously! Being in a movie would be epic! Imagine that, dude,

          everyone would want that. And no this is nothing like my second dream.

          This is pure epicness, think about it. Being involved in Harry Potter,

          Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings,

          Star Trek, etc... DREAM COME TRUE. I can't say much more, it's

          just so epic. Too epic to even think of.

9. Living life successfully

      ->I know this sounds silly, and kind of common. But think about it.

          Wouldn't you want this? I think you would, because it wouldn't

          be fair for yourself.

          I know this sounds so broad, but think, you need a job & attend

          college/university to get you to where you want to be.

          Then you would want to find someone right for you and start a

          family, and continue to live life successfully.

          It sure is a dream of mine. Obviously, I won't have any of the

          other dreams that are listed above. But maybe one day a few

          would happen and I would need to think realistically. Make them

          all realistic. I guess, thats the difference between:

          real life & inside your head

10. Meeting Jesus

      ->This has been a dream ever since I was little. He has helped me out

          so much in my life and I thank Him for everything. But meeting Him,

          for sure, will come true. I know that our relationship is strong and

          that it will grow day by day. Jesus rocks, and I love Him to death.

          And I'll love Him forever and always. I'm excited to live with Him, 

          once I move into the Kingdom of God.

K, I literally had to think very, very hard for those 10 and give a small description too.

This has no meaning, just the fact that everyone has dreams and would love to live them. And you can live those dreams, it just doesn't come that naturally. You just have to work your butt off to get to that position. Sometimes it won't come that easily, but if you work your way towards that dream, it sure can happen, even if they aren't realistic. :)

Trust me, it'll happen one day.

So tell me, what are your dreams?

A Life Ahead of me.

This year my church hosted the Women's Conference. We had amazing speakers and an amazing team that put this entire thing together. I couldn't believe how beautiful it turned out to be, so many people, the church was packed and the speakers really knew what they were talking about. I learned a lot; it was pretty powerful. God was there the entire time. I loved every minute of it.

At first I had a moment where I thought that I shouldn't be there and I wanted to go home so badly. There was a lot of things that happened that day (which I'm not going to name) and I wasn't too pleased. But I got passed the fact that I was depressed and moved onto much more greater things. And I learned about it the entire women's conference. Thank God I didn't give up. I kept going, and I went every day.

He's done something in my life and has given me a passion.

Since there was many Australian speakers, I have given the thought of going there for a visit and maybe even school. I just feel like that is where I'm supposed to be. And if not school, then to find myself in God, and become closer to him in many ways. Every time I think about it, it makes me excited. And I've never felt like this for school, or a trip by myself before. I hope it works out.

The conference was amazing, and I feel that I learn something every year.

I can't wait for next year,

Life Women's Conference 2012, here we come!

   "Stand up in the challenge, and don't fall back" - Helen Burns

   "Have Courage to get up and get back at it again;
      When you are focused on the why, courage takes place and grows" - Holly Wagner

   "As long as we are in company with one another, we can stand up together" - Dr. Robi

   "Don't lose sight of the big picture of your own life" - Dianne Wilson

Life's Obsessions.

You've got to admit it, everyone has an obsession and that's no lie. You, me, and every one of your friends.

Who has the blame? TV, the internet and magazines. TV and magazines has fame, while the internet has twitter and facebook; which means 'make as many friends as you can'. But these have become our social life. It's quite sad to see where this life has gone. I feel it's been like this for a very long time. Way before I was born, let's just say the 30's ish, because that's around when the fame started; acting wise and movie making. If you ask me, I find that quite crazy. And technology has improved a lot since then, which makes us more interested in movies, internet and magazines.

I think Facebook and Twitter are number one on that list. People depend on that to socialize and to have a 'proper life'. When I think that's crap. There are easier ways to make friends, do it the old fashion way, walk up to the person and talk and be yourself. I think what Facebook was made for is to stay in touch with people you might never see again. And for Twitter, that is just a place to update statuses, I know this because I have one. And it's slightly boring, yet addicting at the same time... but that's not my point. It's retarded how this planet revolves so much around those two sites.

People, there are other things to worry about. So what if your house isn't big enough, or you don't own a car when your family has 2, or your friend has more facebook friends than you. There are much bigger things to life than that. People are out in this world struggling. Like for instance, Japan and their earthquakes, kids and family's around the world who don't have anything.

I know I've gone from innocent to serious, but I feel like that's where we go in our own lives. From just a slow and normal liking into a must have obsession. And that's scary, but the truth.

Fasting is appropriate in this situation and it's hard, but it's possible. We need to turn to God and gain everything we can from Him. He will guide us, help us. If you can't hear Him speak, turn to the Bible. It's happened to me before, it's a neat experience.

Life is interesting. Don't get me wrong, I do love life. And everything God has given me. I just think that we need to focus on the things that God wants us to see. Help the helpless, and bring people to Him and His Kingdom. It's hard, yes, I know. I still struggle to this day with bringing people to church. And to talk to friends who aren't christian or who don't want to even look at you when you say Jesus. But it's something that must be done. If they don't want to be apart of it, that's their choice. As long as you try, God will be pleased with whatever you do. He loves you no matter what you do or don't do.

Roller Coaster of Life.

I've been on a roller coaster. And let me just say, it isn't fun. I'm not enjoying it at all. It's a scary experience! And it still is. But it's a moment in life that we all go though.
Life will give us little bumps in the road, but with God and Faith it is so smooth with or without those bumps and roller coasters. No matter what happens, He is with us.
I've learned that! And I'm still learning. I'll have moments that I'll struggle with, and my friends do warn me. But I don't listen, just the other day I jumped into a situation that's unhealthy for me. And I'm still trapped in that unhealthy situation. It circulates. And it really, really, really sucks. But that was my choice.
I have moments of anger and tears, and that happens over and over again. And it hurts. But what got me out of that situation was the help of a few of very amazing friends. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
Friends are so important to me right now. And I'm thankful for them.
But seriously guys, choose the right path. There's paths of good and evil.
Choose. It's hard. But you have a choice, and God will still love you for whatever choice you make.
In my opinion, good is better than evil. And good always wins, no matter the situation. Don't listen to the lame voices in your head, because they are wrong! It's easy to tell who is who. God will never say to you that you're ugly or you're worthless. Genesis 1:27; "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Just remember that.
Isaiah 40. Read it.

I know I jumped out of context. But the main point is to forgive and move on. If you ever need anything, go to God, he's always there. Or talk to friends, they know and understand. But go to the ones you trust! Go to the ones that won't sugar coat it, go to the ones who will tell you straight up. Those are the ones that have helped me. And I love them for that. I really do. And they are my friends that I will trust forever.
Listen, it helps.
Now I ask only one question, what path do you choose in life?

March 26th.

On march 26th, my brother:

Andrew Hamilton.

Got married to a beautiful girl:

Stephanie Senges.

It was a beautiful wedding.

Black dresses and tuxes, yellow accents, white bride. Absolutely stunning. And on top of it all, it never poured with rain. Thank the Lord.

Bridesmaids got with other bridesmaids, and groomsmen with other groomsmen.

Girls got up early to get their hair and make-up done, while the boys had breakfast, chilled, watched a movie and then got ready to leave for the church. Wowie, we're all so different.

The bridesmaids gathering was fun! We helped the bride get ready for her BIG day. Her dress was breathtaking. She looked like a princess; Ivory lace, bows and toole. Wow.

And to complete her dress, she had a marvelous bouquet of yellow flowers. Lily's and roses.

I couldn't believe how amazing we all looked, her mom and my mom, her family and my family, her friends and his friends, we all looked outstanding.

(I'm trying to think of more words to describe this day, and I can't think anymore, there's just not enough.)

God definitely gave us an amazing day that none of us will ever forget. :)

The church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, was beautifully decorated, yellow flowers everywhere. I adored it.

The groom took the grandparents down the isle, along with the parents of the bride and groom. And then it was time for the groom to pause and wait by the alter for the bride. The groomsmen waited a the bottom of the isle for the bridesmaids, as one by one they walked down.

On top of the stage was a band, a band playing 'Only Hope'. It was beautifully done, sounded just like the real group who sang it originally before.

It was the grooms friends from church.

I loved it, everyone did.

Everything was perfect, it was a beautiful happy ending.

Tears of joy, we watched the bride walk towards the groom. She looked stunning, and he had no clue what to say, I think he looked quite stunned himself.

They are so happy, it makes me happy to see my brother so full of joy and love.

The reception happened at Stanley Park Pavillion. Like I said it was beautiful, yellow accents everywhere. The building was ancient, I loved it. Lots of people after the ceremony came out. I felt like there was more people at the reception than there was at the ceremony.

There was speeches from both sides. It was very heartfelt, there were tears and laughs. Definitely a beautiful, disney felt wedding. I loved it. She was happy that her dream came true.

The bride had a Daddy Daughter dance and a First Dance with Andy. It was adorable, I almost cried.

There was a huge dance party, that everyone danced too. 

It's hard to let go of the ones you love, I had to do that multiple times. It's not easy. I hate goodbyes. Saying goodbye to people is only hard if they live on the other side of the world and if they move into another new family.

I had to say goodbye to Tim and Anita Van Egmond. :(

I had to let go of my brother, so he could live happily with his wife, and to live and belong with the Senges. (Not like he didn't before). But it's still hard.

I know I'll still see him, but still... it's hard.

So that's the wedding info, lots to say, and lots to show. It was amazing, and I loved every minute of it. :)!!

Day Ten.

So I completely cheated. By having two tall drinks. BUT they were only steam milks. So no biggy there. Oh well, I kept it healthy. :)
Anyways, I can't stay up talking all night long, I do have to wake up super early. Let's say 6 o'clock, because I need to shower before I get my make up done and also I need to have my hair wet, when I get it styled at 9 thirty. Lucky me eh?
So don't be all bummed out if you don't get a blog that night. Who knows what time I'll be home from the reception downtown.
(Be prepared for a tired Leanna Sunday morning)

Anyways, Anita (Tim's sister; Andy's best man's sister), is here as well. She came thursday. And I clicked in so well with her, I don't want her to leave! She leaves Monday :(
I guess I'll just have to visit her in Australia :) I know she'll be reading this one day.
But I've always wanted an older sister, and I've found out that we're so much in common. And it's awesome. Like I'm happy with the siblings I have now! And I love them to pieces. But there's something about Anita that is totally wicked. Well it might be because she's australian, but other than that, she's also got an amazing heart for God. And who doesn't want someone like that. :) Like come on. I don't know, but I love her. She's definitely made my friends list... oh and family.
Tim is like another Andy, Anita, Lisa, Steph (soon to be, aka in the next couple hours). <--that's weird to say.
Sigh, I don't know where I went with that. It started out as a fast, then a cheat, then tiredness, then family/friends.. yeah I'm tired.

Wish me luck down that isle! (There'll be pictures, trust me.) Church friends, I'll tell you all about it sunday. :)!
And you friend friends, will hear about it soon. I promise you!

But I must say good night! <3

Day Nine.

I've failed you once again. I had a bunch of snacky sweets today. Cookies, cake, a few chips, pop... and even a frappy from Starbs. Can you believe me? I barely lasted a week. Gosh I suck with fasting. I think I remember the one time I lasted a week or something without facebook. Yeah it was amazing. And this was when I was in school too. So proud.
Anyways, today was awesome! At first I was so nervous, but it turned out great. This wedding is going to be totally awesome! "I'll cast some spells, with a flick of my wand. Defeat the dark arts, yeah bring it on! And do it all with my best friend Ron, 'cuz together we're totally awesome!" Sorry, thats a really good play.. Very Potter Musical. Watch it on youtube. Anyways, if you want you can come to the ceremony on saturday... well as long as you know who the bride and groom are, then you can. But if you don't, then that would be awkward for you.
But this rehearsal went great. Better than I thought. And I've got to remember to walk faster than my slower walk. :/ Wish me luck, pray for me... that's better. :)
Yeah, at first I was nervous, it sorta calmed down, but now its back... Oh man, and I'm the first down the isle. And its a pretty big one too. We defs need to space out our walking though, because we have the song all sorted out. It's 'Only Hope' by Switchfoot. And Andy's got Sam Romijn singing it :) and he's doing a fan-tiddly-astic job at it too. He sounds like the real deal. Sam's the wedding singer.
So it went smoothly, and I'm glad.
I'm partnered up with my Uncle awesome... he's totally going to make me laugh.


Okie Dokie. So if I don't blog saturday, give me a break. Because, I have to wake up at like... early. My make-up appointment is at 7:30... and I need to have clean hair for my appointment afterwards. So shoot me? Lucky me. Woo hoo.
But who knows, you might get a post at like 2 in the morning. Hahaha, anyways have a great night/morning :)

Day Eight.

Well today I totally cheated with my co-worker. Oh well. At this point I don't really care, haha. It's only a couple more day's till my brother's wedding anyways. And I'm so stoked for it too!
Soon enough I'll have another sister in the family (if you don't include her own siblings).
Oh the joys of weddings. :) Getting all dolled up... and looking your best. Sigh. One day that'll be me.. but not for a long long time....
I like how I went from cheating to weddings. Aren't I grand?

Dat Seven.

I'm going to keep this one short and sweet.

No Starbs today! Absolutely nothing. And I worked in the store too.

Making my own tea from David's Tea. Forever Nuts. :)

And I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this morning... hehe. Love HP. <3

Day Six.

Ok, so I worked today. And I was SOOO tempted into drinking starbs, but I didn't. Congrats to me!
Except it was a closing shift, and I didn't bring any dinner with me, besides an apple, an orange and some crackers. That right there didn't cover me for the night.
Sadly I had to buy some food... But all is well, I had a yogurt and a bagel, not too bad, not too bad.

Today was rather boring. Except, my co-worker and I had fun in drive-thru as always. At first he looked a little gloomy and sad, but once he started working with me, it was like he was all cheered up. :) And that's a good feeling. He said we're like best friends. Wooo.
Definitely a good feeling.
Sigh, whatta night.
Missed Life Group again... sadly :( we need to change the day... or something... I think I need to get Sunday's and Monday's off.... Hmm, I'll see. I'll make it work. :) It'll work, I promise!....I hope..
K, I'm getting tired. Goodnight y'all!

Day Five.

Today was rather interesting. There was no sweets, besides home made apple pie :) but don't worry, it was a small piece.
It was Andy and Steph's Dinner Rehearsal. It definitely went better than I though. Speeches were awesome!
First, the preparations before hand were splendid, even though it was rather boring. We got everything ready to go, and that's what helped out through the night. Everyone pitched in and made the night wonderful.
There was a family tradition, where we cradle (meaning pick up so they're floating) family members to a song (a slow one..) and we just let them know that family and friends are supporting them no matter what. So we did that to Andy and Steph.
Also we prayed for Steph's mom because she's having chemotherapy after the wedding. So we got around her in family support and prayed. There were also some tears.
Oh and by the way dinner was marvelous! We had home made cabbage rolls, salad, and last but not least perogies. Mmm, and those perogies were amazing! I had five... what? I had no lunch...
Just so you know... there is left overs... lots of left overs. Wicked!
And towards the end of the night I did end up with a starbs drink. BUT it was only a tea, so nice try. And it got cold, so I threw it out. :)

Before I started off my day, I read Psalm 139, both the NKJ and MSG bible. But I have to say, I understand the Message Bible ten times better than the other one.
Anyways, I was a little upset that I couldn't go to church. I just had no ride. But I had to calm myself down (or else it would've ended badly), so I opened my journal and wrote down my thoughts, then I pulled out my bibles and began to flip through. And found Psalm 139. It calmed me down more than I did to myself.
The bible is one of the best places to go if you're feeling down, or stressed or anything. Because God shows you where to look, and tells you to be calm. He's always there for you in tough situations.

And plus I had a feeling that there was going to be a reason as to why I wasn't at church. I later found out that  my cousin Jenn needed to talk to someone. And she came to me. So I was glad that I was able to meet up with her earlier-ish to chat. God had a reason for me, and I found out what it was.
Even though I would've loved to be at church, cause I heard it was a great service, but my cousin needed me and I was glad to be there for her. :)

xoxo

Day Three & Four.

On the eighteenth of march I went downtown with the bridesmaids for the stagette. It was definitely a blast!
I'm not aloud to say as much, because the bride said no pictures on facebook.. yes, it was that bad. :)
So that night I didn't cheat with any sweets or anything. Just a few drinks and a burger, no biggy. Seriously, I was fine, I remember everything.
It was a late night and I forgot my Pajamas at home... so I slept in jeans at the Westin Hotel on Robson street. It was a grand hotel, so beautiful.
But anyways, thats besides the point (if that made sense), the next day, aka today, we went for Tim Hortons. It was either that or Starbucks, but I told them I couldn't because I was fasting. And plus its not very breakfasty. So this morning I had a french vanilla (which is coffee) and a bagel (That I totally regretted).
I'm sorry guys! I cheated! :( I felt so bad to eat that bagel and drink that coffee. But after I finished the drink, I was happy. Why? Well because I won a free doughnut. Woo woo!
Sorry Paula..
I'd share it with you, but I've already tried giving it to someone, and Lisa was like, "No that's ours."
So there you go.
Bam.
Thats my two days.
Oh yeah, and later tonight, after the worship night at my church, there was dinner waiting at my uncles house. So I had pizza and dessert aka a very thick pudding called mousse... I'm sorry! At least I'm not drinking Starbucks... right?

....
Sorry guys! I'm really trying my best to say no... and I was brought up in a business where I have to say yes.
Siiigggh... why does life have to be so difficult?

Day Two.

Well guess what guys, I survived another day. I'm just so proud of myself.
I was downtown today, by myself, and I saw people with Starbucks in their hands.... I was so tempted, but I said no. Yes, I said no. Thank-you for believing that. :)
Later today like a couple hours ago, I went out for desert with a friend (Erica). I told her I didn't want to go to Starbucks, because I also told her that I was fasting and didn't want to be tempted. So we went out for White Spot and had milkshakes and desert. I know... I had a brownie, shoot me if you please. WE shared it, so no biggy. I didn't even finish it... I was full, hahaha (Lame excuse)... Well we also had our own milkshakes.. mine tasted like a peanut butter cup :) SOO good. I'm going back for one of those again.

My day overall was good though. I felt so free to be by myself downtown, taking the skytrain, getting off at a station, rushing to get my hair done (cause I was late :/ ). But my hair looks all freshened up and ready for the wedding. So, score on my behalf.
And my brother's best man is here, all the way from Australia. Exciting.
The wedding is coming up so soon. I seriously can't wait for it. Its on the 26 of March. So it's next saturday. :)

Sigh, I have nothing to really post about today. I just wanted to make it sound long... and I think I proved my point. SCORE. :)
12 more days... (I think)

Day One.

I survived a day! Thats a first. Lets see if I can last 13 more.
Today I didn't cheat on coffee, but I was sorta cheated with a cinnamon twist bun thing. And mom got it for me... I did only SHARE half with my mom. So no biggy there.
Sadly, I was this close to having a Blenz coffee... but I didn't.. it is still considered coffee.. that's why I didn't get anything.

But now that I'm home, I've made my own cup of tea and sticking with it.
Except Andy (my brother) wanted chips, so I got myself some chips... darn you junk food!
But I can do this.
No more temptations!... after this chip bag..
:)

Fasting!

So starting tomorrow, I'm going on a Starbucks fast. That means goodbye tea, coffee and pastries (except I'll have tea at home, because I can't go a day without it). I'm only sticking with water, and food from home. Wish me luck, because I know I'm going to struggle.

Let's see how long I can go. I'll definitely let you know if I cheat too.. :/

Friends mean so much!

So here`s the dealie-oh, I have a huge list of friends but there are a few in my life that I adore. And they`ve been there for me through thick and thin.

Erica

Gabbi

Joryli

Julia

Kathleen

Mikaela

Nicky

Paula

Paul

Yaisa

I`ve told them everything, or basically everything. It is a good portion of my life that they know, and they understand, because they`ve been through the same stuff as me.

They know who I am, and it`s grand. I deserve people like this. And some say they deserve me.. how, I don`t know. I guess we`re all strange in our own way.

It`s like my family grew, new brothers and new sisters. :) God is good.

Once I graduated from PA (Pacific Academy), I told myself that I wasn`t going to get any new friends and I panicked. Because I thought that it was for sure going to happen, and ruin my life.

But it didn`t, I finally cleared that thought from my head and moved onto new and greater things.

God gave me a job with great people.

God gave me a new home with amazing family (What I like to call church).

There was one day I went up to Jaquie, and asked if I could help out at the church. She said for sure, and I got the whole day to help out. It was an interesting experience (in a good way, of course). This was when my whole new friendship began.

A bubbly girl came up and introduced herself to me. Her name is Yaisa. This was when I found out that she only lived up the street from me.

We go on adventures all the time. We went to New West for a Jazz Night, and I met more people. Gabbi, Nicky, Paula and Paul. And I was so glad, because they are so awesome!

Now I go on adventures with all of them all together, usually after church. I`ve basically been everywhere with  them. We`ve been to White Rock a couple of times, Vancouver, New West, Coquitlam (by mistake, but that`s a different story).

Another place, that is apart of the church, is Wildfire. And that has changed me a lot. Spiritually, mentally and physically (I don`t know how, but it has).

All the leaders there are amazing, and I love them. I could name all of them, but I feel that would be useless to you guys. And I`m pretty sure you all know them.

dan.eliza.chub.jo ann.joryli.liz.mia.

gabbi.nicky.koby.jenna.monica.

callum.sam.silas.paula.yaisa.paul.

josh.edmond.edwin.sterling.crystal.rom.

I`m just so thankful that I had this amazing journey of finding new and incredible people. I feel like God just threw them at me and gave me a challenge. A tough challenge, but I worked through it and made it work.

All I need to do is get to know them for who they are too. There are a few who don`t know me just yet, but God has it planned out. Don`t worry the day will come. :)

This church has given me lots of new friends and people I can call family. I`m just so thankful for this eventful life.

I just know that there is many more to come.

All I have to say is:

BRING IT ON, I`M READY!

Shine as the Nations Collide with YOUR Story

Last night was beautifully put together. God is awesome and had a wonderful night standing full inside the Abbotsford Sports & Entertainment centre. He was there, I felt Him in the room, I asked Him to be there, and show Himself. And what did He do? He changed peoples lives.
With my throat sore and my ears all fuzzy, I come home from one of the best memories of my entire life. Hillsong United worship night.
It was so overpowering, it was amazing. Like I'm lost for words to describe this experience. Couldn't believe that I got to share that concert with my friends and family.
There was a song that wept to. 'With Everything', God really showed him here. There was a part where it went silent, but there was an on going voice that started everyone singing. It wasn't the band, or anyone else, but my friend. I don't know why, but it made me weep. Thanks friend.
He made everyone start singing, it was outstanding.
God was known here. He was.
But there was a part where Joel (Hillsong) was saying that Worship isn't about the lights, and words and singing. But its about God, and what we do for him. He wanted that night to be a worship night. And it was, we learned a lot.
There is a quote/interview with Joel that talks a bit about the song, 'Aftermath':

“Normally ‘aftermath’ has a negative, even traumatic, connotation,” Houston says. “At the same time, when I look at the Crucifixion as an event, it paints an extraordinarily negative and horrific picture. But the aftermath of the Cross is hope for all mankind. It’s grace, freedom, peace, life and everything that is good about God. I absolutely love that picture.”

That is basically what he said last night.
And after the concert was over, sadly, Joel said a prayer out to all of us.

I couldn't believe the night, I was speechless and I'm pretty sure my friends were too. Thank-you Jesus for that amazing evening. I won't forget what You've done, and I will never be ashamed of Your name. We will be Your church God. We will, we promised by going to this concert. All the things that Joel and the team said, has stuck to us. There are things that are hard to say, but You know our hearts and You know us. Thank-you Jesus, you're wonderful, and I'll do everything for You, just guide me and I'll follow you.

Amen.

Every Corner has a Story

Downtown is my favorite place to be. All the hype and excitement is just so thrilling, I just love it. I took Yaisa downtown for a birthday day.

First we had to wait for the bus, then we took the skytrain down and rode it backwards. That was fun, we chatted and caught up with each other. After we got there we went shopping, in the rain, at Urban Outfitters, American Apparal, Chapters and True Value Vintage. We bought a lomography camera, a paper camera that takes real photos, a picture book, a few sweaters and a pair of converse. Whatta day.

We even got lost a few times, trying to find streets and stores. But thats how Yaisa and I work, thats how we have our adventures.

We even had our chance of going out for dinner. And boy was it lovely. Moxies, is a great restaurant. We had a fabulous view of Earls, seeing as it was just across the street. There was even a number 5 bus floating around every now and then. Probably was about 10 or so circling around. Anyways, dinner was great, and now we wanted tea. Yaisa treated this time for starbs. Oh man, can`t wait for the next time we go downtown.

Vancouver, we Love you!

  

BAZINGA

Jesus, we Love You too!

Late walks and Men with Weapons.

Tonight I witnessed 11 cars after a crazy day of work.
Awesome.
My friends met up with me, and joked around, gave me a great time at work.
How Fun.
In other words gave me a rough time, asking questions here and there.
But that's what friends are for.
I got a ride home with Peter Pan and somehow ended up at Paula's house.
A little magic happened, and POOF I was in Yaisa's pressence. After she just finished talking about me.
How amazing is that.
I feel like family already.
Later when everyone went to sleep, Paula and I wanted food.
I phoned my dad for him to bring over chips... and he did, believe it or not!
But something was missing.
I wanted to blog and play scrabble.
But in order for that to happen for me, I would need my laptop.
So that was pointless of my dad to drop off food, when really I could've walked over there myself with Paula. And we did in the latest of night.
How silly of us. Not fast thinkers.
I counted 11 cars, there and back.
Two best --worst-- parts of all, there was two creepy men. One in a car that drove by and saw us walking. And two, one that walked into the forest (by Paula's house) and back out with a weapon (or what looked like a weapon) aka a log.
Creepy.
I kept looking back to see where he was going, and he went POOF.
It was like magic, but bad magic. Like Dark wizardry, stuff He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (aka Voldemort) uses.
Creepy.
Back to real life, Paula and I played scrabble together while watching Jersey Shore. Why, because she wanted to. I had no choice.
But don't you worry, I'm not sucked into it... I'm not.

B
A
Z
I               ....  :)
N
G
A

But really I'm not.

Headlights on Dark Roads

Oh man, tonight was insane. But God was good and kept me safe.
Why? I guessed right.. because my day was insane.

First it started off great, going to church for the first time by myself. Driving and attending. But I soon met up with Andy and Steph (Brother and soon to be sister-in-law), and it was a great service. I even got to see all my friends afterwards, which I find, is one of the greatest parts of my sundays. :)
Sadly I couldn't stay for both services, I had to go to work right afterwards. Sigh.
So I asked my shift leader if I could hop into drive thru, because I haven't been in there for awhile and I thought I might as well get used to it. But man was I wrong. Sunday was a bad day to choose to be in drive thru. Sheesh, I was ready to drop my head set and book it. So stressfull. Never again will I ask, unless if they ask me (obvs). But today was great, my co-workers were able to help me through the insane times. Thank God.
Sooner or later, it came to the end of my shift. And a group of my friends came to see me at the end trails of my shift. It was pretty awesome, we decided to go shopping for socks at walmart.... and chips.... and surf through the toy isles. Fun stuff, I wanted to buy games, but I couldn't I was money less. Whoopie.

For the last bit of my day, I'll just summerise:
-Paul cut me off mulitiple times, putting Nicky and myself in danger
-Went to Paula's to play Toy Story Uno
-The game just went on and on... non stop
-Paula and Nicky decided to cheat and make me lose, by having the same colour
-Paula and I changed Nicky's password on her phone
-Nicky and I woke up Yaisa
-Paul wanted Paula and I to redue his dancing video; and we did, with Nicky's help
-Drank tea (glitter and gold; sparkly tea)

Bam!

Oh and PS,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YAISA. :)

Bazinga!

It's my Party and I'll Cry if I want to.

So last night I had my party. My 20th party. Not like I had twenty of them, but I guess you could say that I turned 20.
But the whole night was so eventful. There was colourful food, and decorations. I for sure spoiled my friends that evening.
I couldn't believe it, no matter what my plans were, it didn't really go as planned. So much for the dance party... and the strobe lights... and the glow sticks...
But everyone enjoyed themselves, and that's all that really matters.

Cake was interesting. I had to put my gaurd down, not remembering that Paula is the cake master.

She found out a way... but don't you forget. I got her back, and I got her good. Well 'good' in my terms.

Overall I had a blast. Didn't do much, but sit, chill, and talk. We tried to play games, and have a dance... but that didn't go over too well. Oh well.

Ugly Sweater Sisters? I think so!

Ugly Sweater PA buddies? I think so!

Ugly Sweater Buddy Buddies? Of course!

It sure was a great ugly party though.
And I love my friends.
I have no reason not to. :)

BAZINGA. Love you guys. And thanks for that awesome memory!
"We will be friends forever!"