How goes it everyone? God has been blessing me lately. Just with peace and happiness, minus church history. I am not really a fan of studying history. The paper is not horrible, just not my favorite subject. Everything else is going well though. God is awesome. He is always with me. When times are good and bad, even when I think he is far away, he is near. Classes are going well, homework is going well. Tomorrow is a day of prayer and it should be good.
This weekend is Alumni basketball and should be a good weekend. Seeing friends, and watching basketball. Then the weekend after I am out in Weyburn, then I am home for a weekend to preach, then back out to Weyburn, then out to Frontier for a wedding. Man, March is busy, and in like 2 months school is done. But I am going to work on some more homework. Blessing on ya.
Dan Van
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Holding On When It Seems Like Nothing Is Left.
I know, second post in one day. This one is justified by the shortness of the other. Today was a hard day. I have been wrestling with God. I want to take my life back over. It is so hard right now. I got myself thinking something may happen with a person, knowing that I should be waiting, and realized that God didn't want that for me. I am still carrying a lot of baggage from my relationship with Cassie. I need to deal with that. It is so hard sometimes, I want for things to get better, but find myself easily following my own way. I do not want to go into a relationship for the sake of being in one. I feel like so many times I am constantly banging my head against the wall. For so long I had someone to be close to, I long for that. I want to have someone to go to, at any time. It still sits in the back of my head, how badly I want an emotional connection with someone.
God gives me strength to make it through. I don't have any idea when I will be ready, I have no idea when the next bad day will come. No clue where the hand will come from then, but I know God will provide one. It's days like today when I feel weak, when I just want to drive until my money or car gives out, get away from the world. Then I think what good would that do? When will I get pulled out of this rut, when will this hurt of being lonely leave? Will I ever feel ready to open up to someone? Yesterday, I felt like I had went so far, now, it feels like my world was shaken just the other day. 3 months, I am happy to be out. Don't get me wrong, I needed out, but days like today still make it hurt even more.
Blessings,
Dan Van
PS. One of my classmates from last year was diagnosed with acute leukemia this weekend. Please pray for him and his family. They are still running a lot of tests on him to see what the best plan of action is.
PSS. Few posts ago, I asked for prayer for fellow Millarites to be able to get into Haiti. This past weekend, the prayers were answered and they got in. Please pray now as they do work in this country that was different then expected when they first planned on going.
God gives me strength to make it through. I don't have any idea when I will be ready, I have no idea when the next bad day will come. No clue where the hand will come from then, but I know God will provide one. It's days like today when I feel weak, when I just want to drive until my money or car gives out, get away from the world. Then I think what good would that do? When will I get pulled out of this rut, when will this hurt of being lonely leave? Will I ever feel ready to open up to someone? Yesterday, I felt like I had went so far, now, it feels like my world was shaken just the other day. 3 months, I am happy to be out. Don't get me wrong, I needed out, but days like today still make it hurt even more.
Blessings,
Dan Van
PS. One of my classmates from last year was diagnosed with acute leukemia this weekend. Please pray for him and his family. They are still running a lot of tests on him to see what the best plan of action is.
PSS. Few posts ago, I asked for prayer for fellow Millarites to be able to get into Haiti. This past weekend, the prayers were answered and they got in. Please pray now as they do work in this country that was different then expected when they first planned on going.
A Magnet on a Fridge
This past weekend, I was out in Weyburn. It was a good weekend working at the YFC Drop-in. The biggest change of my mind was eating a cookie in the house I was billeted too. It said, 'Be still and know that I am God'. Little thing, but massive statement. I want to get things in my life moving, do it my way, at my pace, and my comfort. I slow easily forget this. I need to just let go and let God.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jones and Grits
Good Evening,
So tonight I was suppose to meet up with a friend and start working on project for my Theology class. We have been given an opportunity to use our gifts more in this class. So we are working together on writing songs. The first one is on what it means to be human. I have a couple of ideas on where to go, but want to see what God has been laying on Karmyn's heart. The funny thing about all this is Karmyn is trying to get me to sing. I might try, but not sure about that one.
So instead of letting the evening going to waste, I caught up with a friend and talked about what was going on in life. It was a good night of story telling, and poking fun. So it has been a overly good day. I miss being home. Few things going on there that just make me want to be there. I know God is testing me. I love my family, but Millar is where I need to be. I get to go home in a few weeks, so until then I will rely on God to keep my loved ones safe.
So today, was a double whammy on the headache. I am lessening my caffeine intake and I already had one. So classes where a little harder than usual, but made it through. After I did my bike ride (on stationary) I felt a little better. Then this afternoon, I showed up at my mentor's place and he had coffee made. Declining a cup of coffee is just a disrespectful thing to do. So I had 2 cups of good coffee. So on day 2 of this little experiment, 3 cups of coffee and not horrible bad. I may start off my day tomorrow with my usual coffee, or try one more, with even less coffee. Maybe not, I think that is crazy talk.
God Bless,
Dan Van
So tonight I was suppose to meet up with a friend and start working on project for my Theology class. We have been given an opportunity to use our gifts more in this class. So we are working together on writing songs. The first one is on what it means to be human. I have a couple of ideas on where to go, but want to see what God has been laying on Karmyn's heart. The funny thing about all this is Karmyn is trying to get me to sing. I might try, but not sure about that one.
So instead of letting the evening going to waste, I caught up with a friend and talked about what was going on in life. It was a good night of story telling, and poking fun. So it has been a overly good day. I miss being home. Few things going on there that just make me want to be there. I know God is testing me. I love my family, but Millar is where I need to be. I get to go home in a few weeks, so until then I will rely on God to keep my loved ones safe.
So today, was a double whammy on the headache. I am lessening my caffeine intake and I already had one. So classes where a little harder than usual, but made it through. After I did my bike ride (on stationary) I felt a little better. Then this afternoon, I showed up at my mentor's place and he had coffee made. Declining a cup of coffee is just a disrespectful thing to do. So I had 2 cups of good coffee. So on day 2 of this little experiment, 3 cups of coffee and not horrible bad. I may start off my day tomorrow with my usual coffee, or try one more, with even less coffee. Maybe not, I think that is crazy talk.
God Bless,
Dan Van
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Chills Down My Spine
I dont get these to often when I am listening to music. Today while I was in the library, I got one when I was listening to Backstabber by Disciple. I have listened to this song so many times, and knew the lyrics. This time, it just kind of hit home more. Even though it is now something I can feel like I can relate to, it did not ruin my day, like it would have before. Now, I know that God put me there for a reason.
"Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I feel the new come in
As I shed my skin
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I stand on broken chains
That held this better slave"
This is so true. I like the last line, more of the word slave. I have been working through being a slave to God, his Word, the Gospel Message, sin, friends, girlfriends, family, time, thoughts, stereotypes and many other things. Chains to some, I will hold onto, like there is no tomorrow, others need to be melted down and made into something new, something useful. God has moved me to this point, through hurt and tears, smiles and laughter, confusion and deep thought, not know where I would end up. Well I am not at the end, but at least I'm moving in the right direction.
God Bless,
Dan Van
"Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I feel the new come in
As I shed my skin
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I stand on broken chains
That held this better slave"
This is so true. I like the last line, more of the word slave. I have been working through being a slave to God, his Word, the Gospel Message, sin, friends, girlfriends, family, time, thoughts, stereotypes and many other things. Chains to some, I will hold onto, like there is no tomorrow, others need to be melted down and made into something new, something useful. God has moved me to this point, through hurt and tears, smiles and laughter, confusion and deep thought, not know where I would end up. Well I am not at the end, but at least I'm moving in the right direction.
God Bless,
Dan Van
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Warmth of New Beginnings
Happy New Year (and decade),
I have been back at school now for a week and a half. God is already moving in my life. The one big area that he was worked on was my heart towards myself going into cross-cultural missions. WHAT?!?! I never thought I would be open to it. I always felt like God was calling me to Canada. Little did I know that God might change that. Well, I knew He might, but I didn't want it to happen. So, do I know if I will end up going to a people that are not my own? Let's see where this journey will take me.
God has been awesome, and granted me with some peace with an issue. It took a long time, but I now know, I need to be focused on God, before I can ask someone to step beside me in this journey called life. God has put me in a spot where I can grow, but also consider if God has placed someone in my life that would be a perfect running mate. Someone who will grow and encourage, love and help. God has made that person, I still don't know who. So I will still look for my missing rib (I know lame Bible college joke).
God Bless,
Dan Van
PS. Please pray for those in Haiti. Many have been hurt and lost anything. Pray for 2 students from Millar College of the Bible who are leaving tomorrow to go. They are going to do their intership, and it was planned a while ago. God has a plan for this all, they know this, and peace is in their heart. Please also pray for their families, that God would give them peace and know that they are fulfilling the call on their lives.
I have been back at school now for a week and a half. God is already moving in my life. The one big area that he was worked on was my heart towards myself going into cross-cultural missions. WHAT?!?! I never thought I would be open to it. I always felt like God was calling me to Canada. Little did I know that God might change that. Well, I knew He might, but I didn't want it to happen. So, do I know if I will end up going to a people that are not my own? Let's see where this journey will take me.
God has been awesome, and granted me with some peace with an issue. It took a long time, but I now know, I need to be focused on God, before I can ask someone to step beside me in this journey called life. God has put me in a spot where I can grow, but also consider if God has placed someone in my life that would be a perfect running mate. Someone who will grow and encourage, love and help. God has made that person, I still don't know who. So I will still look for my missing rib (I know lame Bible college joke).
God Bless,
Dan Van
PS. Please pray for those in Haiti. Many have been hurt and lost anything. Pray for 2 students from Millar College of the Bible who are leaving tomorrow to go. They are going to do their intership, and it was planned a while ago. God has a plan for this all, they know this, and peace is in their heart. Please also pray for their families, that God would give them peace and know that they are fulfilling the call on their lives.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
I'm Home for Christmas
Merry Christmas!!!
So at the moment, I am sitting in the living room of my parents house. I am at home, relaxing, enjoying my break from school. Don't get me wrong, I like school. The tree in front of me, music on the television, it is nice to know that I can be here, my life the way it is because of Jesus Christ. With each passing year, it becomes less about how much I open, but what I do. I love doing devotions. God speaks, He really does.
Tonight was the first of the gathers of the season. It was awesome, family, supper, games. Just the blessing of spending time with them. God really blessed me.
So remember, not just think about it. Jesus is the reason for the season. (Even if we have our timing off)
Blessings,
Daniel
So at the moment, I am sitting in the living room of my parents house. I am at home, relaxing, enjoying my break from school. Don't get me wrong, I like school. The tree in front of me, music on the television, it is nice to know that I can be here, my life the way it is because of Jesus Christ. With each passing year, it becomes less about how much I open, but what I do. I love doing devotions. God speaks, He really does.
Tonight was the first of the gathers of the season. It was awesome, family, supper, games. Just the blessing of spending time with them. God really blessed me.
So remember, not just think about it. Jesus is the reason for the season. (Even if we have our timing off)
Blessings,
Daniel
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