ignite 'n inspire

a letter to all the teenagers (who I call my kids) who gather in room 12 every Sunday, little do you know that things weren't always like this... 1) little do you know...worship used to be in a tiny room with 10 people, bad audio and untrained music team members. we would sing the same few songs and shine the spotlight on the same cajon, piano and guitar players. there was never any legitimate rotation because there just wasn't enough to make two teams. 2) little do you know... my friends and i got so fed up with the fellowship, we opened a word document and started a list of things that was wrong about the fellowship...but our voices were never strong enough, powerful enough to initiate any sort of change 3) little do you know... fellowship time was never true fellowship. we laughed and ate...but we never got sufficient opportunities to engage in spiritual conversations with one another. we would always serve, serve and serve, but not everyone got sufficient support to k...

      As a child, I remember birthdays being incredibly important. Aside from the gifts, special treatment and cake, it was marked by a new number. As children on the playground during recess, we would have pointless competitions, comparing the ages between all of our friends. If I remember correctly, being older was always seen as "better." However, as people grow up, I've noticed that when individuals reach a certain milestone, they no longer celebrate their birthday or their age...because it's a "taboo." At that point, being younger is always seen as "better."         As I study developmental psychology, I read about all different changes that happen in the body. Most of these changes are rapid decline or gradual loss in everyday functions. When I contemplate about the changes that will happen to my grandmothers, aunts and parents...a shiver goes down my back because I am filled with fear and worry. When my cousins/siblings be able to help whe...

       As the summer draws to an end and my church internship ends, the world celebrates a very special day. August 21st is the day of the great American solar eclipse. As the moon aligns with the sun, it creates totality, 2-minutes of complete darkness. During totality, spectators can only see the corona (the outer layer of the sun). Millions travel to the States to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon, which only occurs in certain countries every 20ish years. For an entire day, people stop their busy lives and become fixated on this special setting. Reporters stop talking about celebrity stories and political drama...instead, they encourage people to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The amount of coverage has been pretty incredible, NASA is more popular than Entertainment Weekly.         Ironically, this event aligns with my church's Vacation Bible Camp theme-- Galactic Starveyors. The motto for the camp was: Searching t...

Diamonds are one of the best-known, popular and most sought-after gemstones. Girls of all ages are mesmerized by the unbreakable gem and its beautiful enhancement to jewelry/accessories. Diamonds are all certified based on 4 distinct categories, also known as the 4Cs (carat, cut, colour, clarity). The quality of the diamond determines its value. As I prepare to lead a bible study on biblical womanhood, I found that the topic is kind of related to diamonds...in a sense, as Christian women, we should strive to achieve the highest level in all 4Cs. Through Proverbs 31, here are 4Cs that can be found in a biblical woman: 1) Committed- I think from early Western stereotypes, we assume that "the ideal Christian woman" is someone who sits at home drinking tea and chatting with her gal pals. However, God does not underestimate the ability and strength of woman. In verses 13, 18a, 19, 24, we see an textile entrepreneur...a noble woman is someone who is actively contributing to th...

Finally....my first 2017 post! I think a tradition I've kept over the past few years of blogging is writing a Valentine's Day post...or at least my thoughts on love during the month of February. This year, I feel inspired to write a post about loving yourself. Over the past several months, I have read multiple facebook posts and engaged in many conversations in regards to individuals/family members struggling with mental health issues. Issues like bulimia, anxiety, depression and high levels of stress have seem to become common plagues in people's lives. I felt compelled to write this blogpost because in today's society, it is really important to learn to love yourself. Remember, no matter how elaborate your life plan is, you can do nothing without a healthy mindset/body. Imagine not being able to sleep through the night or crying uncontrollably for hours in the school washroom...at that point,  what could you do? Could you still get "good enough" grades to e...

(written Nov. 9) Yesterday, I was supposed to be concentrating and studying for a psychology test, but somehow I was really drawn to watching the results of the 2016 US federal elections. Perhaps, it was a historical event that I had to witness as a citizen on the other side of the border. As I saw the map of USA light up in red/blue, I began to experience a sense of fear that Americans may have chosen the wrong commander-in-chief. Before going to bed, it was hard logging off of facebook seeing Obama’s message, friends’ frantic posts and newly published newspaper articles. However, something settled me down…and that was the peace brought upon me knowing that God is in control of this entire situation. He was there right from the beginning and He has a good plan for us. God knew who will win the election from the beginning and He will use His power to follow through with His unique plan. Remember…He is the ultimate One in authority. As Canadian Christians, we can’t do much…but to...

                I don’t know if you could relate, but do you remember those days in elementary school when you and your friends created these complex family trees during recess? I recall I had 3 sisters, 2 aunts and 2 uncles…and a few other cousins too. And for days we would refer to one another by our ‘family name’. Although these identities only lasted for a few weeks, it provided us with such entertainment and happiness…perhaps it was the concept of being so close knit that intrigued us. Because in a true close knit family, one is willing to cry, willing to share, willing to confront and most importantly, willing to love. Although most of my fake elementary school families have dissolved, one particular family seems to hold true and steadfast…until this day. For years, I saw these individuals simply as my Sunday church friends, but several days ago, I sensed that we are more than that…we are family.        ...