Feelings of Elation...

Elation... I should really look up the word in the dictionary to make sure I'm using it properly. But I think I know the meaning and I match that definition with a feeling. Almost the lifting and bouncing of my heart(hey, I'm trying here, ok?? haha); or an out of breath excitement! It's not an average feeling for me. It comes by surprise in rare moments. I wouldn't say it just comes in times of complete happiness. But it's the kind of feeling where alot could be wrong but it doesn't matter at that little speck in time. It doesn't matter because all of a sudden happiness means something bigger. It means looking out a window overlooking a lake when the sun is setting beautifully across from you. It means an early morning chill that doesn't touch you because of the warmth created by your own jogging. It means the chirping of birds on a still morning before the world comes to life. It means the pure sound of a voice echoing in an empty room.

Elation... I got this feeling the other day. I got up from working at my laptop and looked out the window and it hit me. I felt like skipping around the room! I felt like running to the open field and spinning in circles before lying on the ground and gazing up at the clouds!

However, I did none of these things and walked slowly back to my seat, a little disappointed to lose the feeling. I popped another yogurt-covered pretzel into my mouth and realized my error as the feeling hit me again!

Wow. Those were good pretzels.

Humility

I like things in black and white. I like to understand why things are the way they are and why people act the way they do. I like to be able to say without a doubt that something is right or wrong. But the world often doesn’t work that way. There are many grey areas and people are comprised of layer upon layer. My mentality really doesn’t stand a chance! J Yet I continue to think and try to figure it out anyway and come to SOME sort of conclusion, often by bouncing ideas off people.

That being said, on to my actual topic… although maybe I shouldn’t say “topic” and should just pose this as a question. What IS humility? The world tells us to stick up for ourselves and not to let people walk all over us. Even the Bible seems to give a mixed message. We are to humble ourselves, “turn the other cheek”, and allow ourselves to be persecuted (something that we, in North America, likely know very little about). Yet, I think the Bible also teaches that we are to be bold and to approach people with confidence. (This is where I should likely back this up biblically… but I’m feeling kinda lazy:P). I often get so confused. I am part of situations and witness other situations and feel torn about how I should react. My sinful nature (I guess) wants to stick up for myself and say “don’t even think about trying to take from me. I’m not an idiot! I’m not weak!”. But has this idea been completely fed to me by the world? And how much am I responsible to others? There are times when, by giving in to people, I’m only feeding their own sinful nature. So, where is the line? When do I stand up and when to I give in? Ahhh! hahaJ

I read a story about a guy who had an employee accuse him of withholding $2500 of his pay. The employer had not done this and had complete proof of this. He could have easily just pulled out the papers and sent the employee on his way. Instead, since he had the money in the bank, he chose to just give him the money instead. This is incredible to me! I think I would really struggle with that. The bad guy wins? We don’t want the bad guys to win, do we?? (haha) Anyway, I love this story and hope that my pride wouldn’t get in the way if I was ever put in a similar situation.

Perhaps I’ve just got the wrong focus on this humility stuff. Maybe I’m making it too much about ME and that’s why I struggle with it. Maybe I’m putting the emphasis on myself and my own feelings instead of where it’s supposed to be. The Bible says, "We do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). It’s not about me and bolstering my ego. It’s about my service to Christ and loving others. How I long to be truly humble and not care if I am made to look weak or like a fool! All I say and do should be a reflection of Christ and His love for all people. I should care more about how I make my Savior look than how I, myself, look.

I have yet to really wrap my mind around this… but for now, my head hurts! :):P

Alone and Lonely in 209.

Twas a sad day on April 20, 2007. Janet... okay I'll just speak in first person... I had sadly watched as Jacquie and Chantal drove away from me the day before. I had even chased them a few paces, hoping that maybe they would recant and stay a couple more days. However, it was not to be. Even though I kept reappearing in the hallway thinking I was hearing Jacquie's voice... it was all in my head. They were gone and I was left in the silence.... left to remember all the good times... left wishing I could close my eyes and have the next four months fly by so we could be together again. I couldn't feel the "Quad" or the "209" because the room itself isn't what gives off the love... but those who occupy it...

haha! I love you girls! I miss you and I'm already excited for next year!!

Girl's Night Out!

There's something about beautiful weather that makes "one" (in this case, me, Chantal and Jax) long to be out in it! haha! I suppose that goes without saying... Regardless, this past saturday we decided to take advantage of the fact that it was absolutely beautiful and go walk around downtown Moose Jaw. We soon realized that almost everything closes at 5 and that MJ really doesn't have an abundance to offer and so found ourselves at Deja Vu, an enjoyable little cafe that sells every flavour of chicken you can imagine! Of course we had to try a few flavours... and get milkshakes!! I'm pretty sure mine was most favourite... Mint... sigh... I need not say more. You may think this picture portrays our happiness at being together. However, I'm fairly sure my thoughts were something like.... "I'm so glad this picture involves not taking our straws out of our mouths... this is delectable!" or "Wow, I should find a way to talk them into coming for milkshakes on a regular basis" or .... haha! Just kidding! I love my quadmates!!

Anyway, this isn't a particularly interesting post, but we had a grand time!!

Just need an url...

I MADE HER BECAUSE I LOVE HER

I made her... she is different. She is unique. With LOVE I formed her in her mother's womb. With LOVE I fashioned her with great joy. I remember with great pleasure the day I created her. (Ps. 139: 13-16)

I LOVE her smile. I LOVE her ways. I LOVE to hear her laugh. And the silly things she says and does. She brings Me great pleasure... this is how I made her. (Ps. 139:17)

I made her pretty, but not beautiful, because I know her heart, and she would be vain. I wanted her to search out her heart and to learn that it would be Me in her that would make her beautiful... and it would be Me in her that would draw friends to her. (1 Peter 3:3-5)

I made her in such a way that she would need Me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be... only because I need her to lean and depend on Me. I know her heart, I know if I had not made her like this, she would go her own chosen way and forget Me... her creator. (ps. 62: 5-8)

I have given her many good and happy things.... because I love her. (ps. 34:11 and Rom 8:32)

Because I love her I have seen her broken, hurt... and the tears she has cried alone. I have cried them with her, and had a broken heart, too. (ps. 58:6)

Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone only because she would not hold My hand. So many lessons she has learned the hard way because she would not listen to my voice. (Isa. 66:2)

So many times I have sat back and sadly watched her go her merry way alone only to watch her return to My arms, sad and broken. (Isa. 66:2)

And now she is mine again...I made her and then bought her... because I LOVE her. (Rom 5:8)

I have to reshape and remold her... to renew to what I had planned for her to be. It has not been easy for her or Me. (Jer 29:11)

I want her to be conformed to My image... this goal I have set for her... because I LOVE HER! ( 2 Cor 2:14)

(not sure where this is from... but I really like it so I thought I'd share it!)

Fragmented Journal Entry....

I have absolutely nothing to offer and I am nothing without Christ.

I am a selfish person, scared to look beyond me; scared what God might ask me to do for others...

I don't read my bible enough because I'm scared of failure... I don't think I can do it well... yet in not trying, I'm failing anyway....

I want to be broken and to live solely for Christ, but I'm scared He might ask too much of me.. more than I can give...

I long to be genuine... but I'm scared what others might think of me....

I long to surrender fully to God, but I'm afraid of losing control....

I desire the TRUE joy that is only to be had in making Jesus the center of my life! ....but I'm afraid of losing the happiness I already have...

I want to let God change me into the person He wants me to be, but I'm scared of losing who I am now....

Wow. I am full of ridiculous fears. Where is my faith?

Isaiah 41:10 - So 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 hand...

One Would Think....

Here is a little ode to my name change. I just changed it cause I got bored with the old one... and this one amuses me! By the way, in case of future confusion, the "one" who's thoughts are posted on this blog in the future is me(Janet).... haha! Just in case you got it in your hear that it actually meant the generic "one" :P

• One would think that if we(girls) think paint(nail polish) is attractive on our nails, we wouldn't think it messy and unattractive when on our clothes or slopped on our hands and arms.


• One would think that if pineapple and oranges and honeydew melon are gross in a chef salad, so are apples. (directed at my mom and Amy!:P)


• One would think that if we enjoy a lemon or an orange on our glass of water, we might like other fruits there... like pomegranates... or maybe a chunk of steak?


• One would think that, since clearly we Canadians need more exercise, we would put more stairs in our airports instead of having our stairs and pathways move for us.


• One would think...ok, I don't feel like thinking of more... I'm done for now....

"We" - Joy Williams

She's independent and beautiful
Wish I could be like her
She's got the girls and the boys
So wrapped around her finger
Rumor is, she's some kind of dream
Nobody knows she cries herself to sleep

We are not that different from each other
We just want somebody to discover
Who we really are when we drop our guard
That love has gotta start with you and me
We

He's on the top of the social scene
He's stylish, cool and clever
He's gotta cool attitude that screams
He's got it all together
You'd think he's addicted to himself
But he wishes he could be someone else

We are not that different from each other
We just want somebody to discover
Who we really are when we drop our guard
That love has gotta start with you and me
We

Gotta come together
You know you never ever have to be alone
You gotta hand to hold

We are not that different from each other
We just want somebody to discover
Who we really are when we drop our guard
That love has gotta start with you and me
We

Blogging out of boredom

So... just waiting to take off to visit family... which was supposed to happen about 45 minutes ago... so now I have nothing to do and apparently eveyone sleeps the morning away these days... haha Ok, maybe not... maybe they just don't hang out on msn waiting to see if I need to be entertained while I wait for my family.

Anyway, here's a cute picture of bored kids. I especially like the little guy with his yawn and double chin. Is anyone still reading this? haha! It's funny how I just might possibly think people CARE if I'm bored! I think I'm important enough that everyone will read my "bored" blog... haha! Ok, I'm done now... Have a good week!

Boxing Day Sales....

I don't even know where boxing day comes from or what it means... but whoever turned it into a day where everything is much cheaper, was really smart! What other day would absolutely everyone in North Bay head to the malls simultaneously, as soon as they opened?! Ok... maybe not everyone... but a good chunk of the population! I mean, I had plans to go. As a student, how could I not go shopping on the one day that you can get things for so cheap?!

However, my plans changed. I just happened to be reading the chapter on money in "Blue Like Jazz", which totally ruined my intentions of hitting the sales! I might regret this later, when I buy things full price. But, how could I really justify buying things I don't need? I always wish that I had more money so I wouldn't have to thinkk twice about having enough for school. But when reading the book last night, I realized that if I had more money, I'd then still want more money. I pictured myself with a grea deal of cash and wondered what I'd do with it... if I thought about it honestly. To be completely honest, I'd probably start with myself... pay off my student loan, buy a new wardrobe... I don't know exactly... but I'm starting to think that maybe God has given me a gift by leaving me with only just enough. I have be spared some difficult decisions as a Christian. I haven't become materialistic because there hasn't been the opportunity! I have grown up without being spoiled and really appreciating smaller things in life. God has also given me the opportunity to develop faith! Instead of worrying about money coming in, I can choose to totally put it in God's hands and have the certainty that He will always come through for me! There has never been a time when I didn't have something I needed.

So yeah... I'm glad I read that chapter when I did.... even though I was a little annoyed with Donald Miller for awhile....

Today's the Day!

That we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! You know, it's hard to remember what this is all about. It seems that even as we try to focus on Christ, it still seems like the world has taken over and taught us that this is all about presents and junk! But really... yeah... anyway, I don't feel like saying much right now,... you all know what Christmas is supposed to be about. It has something to do with keeping the capital C on the holiday! well, I made that up kinda... well, it's from a song.. but I think I messed it up.. ok I'm done. haha!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!

Home!

Home at last! And loving it! Even though it's been so long, I can't find my way around the kitchen and I have no idea how to use the microwave here! I mean, one would think it's pretty explanitory. You press the button of the thing you're putting in sometimes. But who needs their food so hot that it takes 2 minutes and 40 seconds?! And how do you know what power level to put it on if there's no button labelled with the name of the food you're putting in? Like... um... hotdog... how much does a hot dog need? Why is there not a hot dog button?? haha!
Anyway, I'm happy to be home. Hopefully I'll keep up with this... I hardly know what to do with myself! So much time! So much to do! Ah!!

So if I'm not talking to some of you in the next few days....Merry Christmas!

True Story

Whatever version you may hear of the following, know that what I am about to reveal is complete and utter truth, lacking no details, straight from my heart. Even this innocent face did nothing to sway them. My encouragement only seemed to incite their wrath all the more. It was a sad, sad night.

It was a slightly breezy evening in Caronport, Saskatchewan... Janet(that's me) was feeling rather cooped up and wanted to get out. However, being a woman of good upbringing, she would never bring herself to actually ask Dave Siverns to the point, as he was who she was currently corresponding with on msn. But Dave kept hinting... saying he wanted to go to the point, yet didn't know what to do there and didn't have any buddies around at that time. So Janet kindly gave him the option of learning the wonderful game we like to call "slaps". Of course she invited Benny along as well, as he mentioned not having alot to do and, he didn't say this but, he was going to miss Janet since she was so soon going home to Ontario. The slaps game began... as did the torment of Janet.

The tormentors came as a bit of a surprise. Dave says he struggles with sarcasm... feels it's too "mean" and Benny... well, can you see Benny hurting anyone? His name is Benny! Yes, I was shocked as well. The games began normally. I won twice, yet they still wanted to continue playing so I accomodated them. Who am I to stop them from learning from a pro? That is when the cheating began. Using "power in numbers" and brute strength, they began to continue in their own form of the game, not heeding my pleas to "be fair" or "stop cheating". They were devious, using scripture out of context(yeah! I was abhorred as well!) just to beat me! I did my best, trying to work around their cheating and cruelty. As they brought me down in order to build themselves up! How they could take such advantage of an innocent slap player was beyond me.

I even found it difficult to be angry since I'm such a laid back person. Despite their threats and complaints and painful slapping that was harder than necessary. I was able to do little beyond smile as cards were stolen from me and thrown in my face time and time again. As my second last night in this place before going home for Christmas, it was rather trying... Benny and David, I will keep you in my prayers over the holidays. Perhaps one day we can play again.....

P.S.-

You all better keep blogging over the holidays!! Oh... and, by the way, do you have any idea how easy it is to do dishes now that you're gone and Ann eats at Darrens?? haha!!! jk

Not full quad, half quad...

Alas, it has finally happened... the first parting of quad. This is a sad experience, considering the three and a half months of joy. However, it's also of mixed feelings the four of us part, as we have been waiting in expectation to be reunited with our sorely missed families.

Jacquie- This bundle of joy departed from us early satruday morning. I believe she woke me up at 5:45am before heading out into the windy death-trap that is usually called winter in Saskatchewan. She called at 7:45am from the ditch, jovially explaining that a tow truack was called and she was still heading on her way to Winnepeg. She finally arrived in Winnepeg 11 hours after her original departure, tired, but excited to be almost home. We will miss her dearly! There is already a hole where she used to be and we keep thinking we hear her in the hall!

Chantal - She left Ann and I on our lonesome at 4:45am. She also very excited to go home, yet her face looking somewhat similar to this picture in which she burned down our gingerbread house. I have no story about her trip, as she has not yet contacted the remainder of the quad. We can only hope that she made it safely to her destination of Moncton, NB.

Personal Note: Chantal! Are you ok?? Let us know! We've been anxious all day! Oh... and Benny told me you cheated at Cranium! I've asked Gwen to give you hours. She said you have to bake the whole floor cheesecakes.. haha We miss you!!

Um... yes... that's me. A portrait of beauty, I know. haha! Anyway, I am the lonely one sitting the the quad missing the others. I've got another couple of days before my plane heads out from Regina to return to North Bay, ON. Bah! I can't wait! I want to go home!! And at 6:40am on Tuesday December 19, I shall do just that.

Christmas... this wonderful holiday that shall consist of FAMILY, friends, food, smallville, sledding, and... um... a necessary haircut? No, Jacquie, I can't see beyond my bangs! And yes, Chantal andLeith, I have two eyes! haha!

Ann- last but not least, we have Ann who leaves later on Tuesday after being a dear and driving me to the airport so early! Thanks! She is, I believe, excited to go home to Abbotsford, BC, which is hopefully warmer than here! She also gets the luxury of travelling with her boyfriend Darren and having such a short flight! Lucky Bum.... I guess that's to make up for being the last one in the quad... which gets quite boring without the four of us together! By the way, Ann, your picture is small cause it wouldn't let me put in the big one! No offence!! It is my pleasure to spend the remaining days here with you! Although, you're not even here... you're at Darren's.... haha Oh well...

So, there you have it. Down to half quad... and soon down to no quad. A sad, but necessary time in which we will enjoy our families and come back ready to start a new semester!! I will miss all three of you!! Keep in touch!!

Tragic Fire Destroys Home

Janet Nicholson

Local News- Thursday, December 14, 2006 - Updated @ 1:56PM

Armed with oven mits, Chantal Gibson rushed to try to stop this disaster from happening. It all began at 3:03PM as Gibson was working nearby at her computer. She had put a piece of the gingerbread house in the microwave to soften it for more functional consumption. Apparently the gingerbread was forgotten until the smoke began rising from the electronical device. When asked what happened, Gibson answered, "I dunno... I just jumped to my feet, ran to the microwave and it was smoking!"

The damages were devastating and the remainder of the house had to be knocked down and carted away, as only the front wall remained standing. Thankfully Gibson sustained no injuries and needed no medical attention. However, the gingerbread owners of the house were not to be found.

He Came Upon a Midnight Cold(-40!)....

... took over our lives, bought me chicken, made fun of me, then had the audacity(yes, I just used that word) to demand a blog in his honour! :) Which I will do gladly...

So, back to the beginning... our friendship (of sorts) began through his wonderful sister. She brought out the family picture(to prove her heritage) and we saw two... um.... how do you say it on msn?..... nice-looking brothers. Of course we(Jax and I) did the extremely girly thing and each picked which one we were going to marry. I hesitate to admit this... but yeah, we definitely flirted with these two boys through his sister... I mean, really, we never expected to meet them. Then Leith decided to visit. Talk about awkward! Haha! But he's great so I quickly got over my awkwardness... and now we're getting married!!! ....... haha! Just kidding! (That was just a little comment to freak out my mother if she reads this).

Ok, yes he DID beat me in slaps!

But we're still friends!

That is... until he started making fun of me again!

But overall, we had some awesome times!

So, there you have it, Leith! A whole bog about yourself! Are you happy now?! haha! We miss you! And we think you should come here next year! :)

How to Alleviate Exam Stress Janet Style:

During this busy time headng into the exam period, I think there are things we can all do to keep the stress levels to a minimum. Here is a list in no apparent order:

1. Eat as much chocolate as possible.

2. Clean your quad/room. This makes studying easier and gives you no excuse not to.

3. Be sure to sing at the top of your lungs at every opportunity.

4. Laugh, laugh, LAUGH!!

5. Laugh more!!!

6. Take wierd pictures of yourself and post them on your blog.

7. Visit the computer guy at school and ask if you can spend 5 minutes watching people on the security camera.

8. Go find a security camera and wave to the computer guy.

9. Walk by every practice room at Briercrest and make faces in the windows.

10. Spend an hour talking to your quadmates about your first impressions of each other.

11. Take up knitting.

12. Avoid asking someone you've never met to the Christmas party.

13. Convince someone you're stalking them... then tell them you're joking(but are you?). :)

14. Go to the point and play slaps.

15. Laugh with your friends!!! (yeah... as you can see, laughing is an important part of staying un-stressed!)

Makes you think....

Rich Young Ruler

(vs. 1)

poverty

is so hard to see

when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town

where we’re all living so good

that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood

where he’s hungry and not feeling so good

from going through our trash

he says, more than just your cash and coin

i want your time, i want your voice

i want the things you just can’t give me

(vs. 2)

so what must we do

here in the west we want to follow you

we speak the language and we keep all the rules

even a few we made up

come on and follow me

but sell your house, sell your suv

sell your stocks, sell your security

and give it to the poor

what is this, hey what’s the deal

i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal

i want the things you just can’t give me

(bridge)

because what you do to the least of these

my brother’s, you have done it to me

because i want the things you just can’t give me