revelation in a kids movie

Okay so I know this is lame, I'm fully aware. BUT as some of you may know I did not grow up in church, that being said I fully choose to believe what I do. By fully I mean my family would most likely prefer that I not be Christian, I make life (especially holidays) awkward, just by being me. So when I'm at church and an old hymn starts and everyone (but a few other "first generation christians") knows it, I'm left feeling a little less than smart. Same goes for old testament Bible stories that "everybody" knows, I've been known to nod and smile and google it when I get home.

So when I was away and one of our speakers was going to play a veggie tales movie, I didn't know what to think, the only veggie tales I had ever known was from babysitting, and teaching sunday school. But I kid you not when I say this movie for children helped change my perspective. If you have the time (about 13 mins) please watch part 1 & part 2. Its all about your identity in God. And it warms my heart.

I hope this means something to somebody :)

-Julie

just a few favourite things

As it is reading week and I am on my break from classes, even though I am working full time I find that all of this free time is just lovely. I thought that since I have time to enjoy some of my old and new favourite things I would share some of them.

1. TOMS shoes/ other companies that care. (and yes i'm aware that people love to criticize others who step out in trying to do some good saying "they could do more" but at least they are seeing a need and trying to help fill it.) PLUS they are cute and I can't wait until it is warm enough to wear them all the time.

2. Listening to sermons online from Mars Hill; this one The Cost of Discipleship was just what I needed to hear this morning

3. Two new worship albums aftermath from hillsong united and be lifted high from bethel church. Both of which are amazing; hillsong favourites include "Like an Avalanche" and "Nova"; bethel favourite songs if I had to chose would be "Forever and a Day", "Furious" and "One Thing Remains"

4. Having delish lunch at Stellas on Osbourne while checking out beautiful artwork & catching up with my brother

5. Having slow mornings, in which I can drink coffee in my pjs and not have to rush anywhere

6. surviving off of my favourite diet of chips and salsa, starbucks pastries and chocolate milk because if you can't eat whatever you want on "vacation" then when can you? hah

Happy february everyone, I hope its a good one for you as well!

-Julie

being home

So my return to Winnipeg has been a little crazy, and now that my "adjustment time" is coming to an end, its back to the real world (I start work next week.) I figure I should write this all down before I get too busy. My first weekend in town was spent a little out of town actually, at the Niverville Fair! It was a great to see all my little peoples smiling faces again and get to spend the day with some of my favorite families. Though I'm not one for rides myself, I do love the ferris wheel, watching everyone do crazy things and of course taking pictures.

I was also very excited to meet Joels new little cousin Azalea who was born right before I got home. She is absolutely beautiful and has two amazing brothers to look out for her :)

My wonderfully talented sister has been practising all of the things shes been learning at hair styling school on me. Which is why I am now somewhat blonde and have a new little stud in the top of my ear. I will also be her before and after model for her total makeover competition in July which I am super excited for (I havn't got my haircut since september, its getting kind of weird.)

Other than all of that I have just been trying to enjoy my time off. Get to all of my favorite restaurants that I've been missing, see peoples new places, see everyone, go through the mountain of photos I've taken over the past 5 months, and get my tummy issues diagnosed (it still might be a parasite, I'll keep you posted.) Last night Joel & I finally went to the BDI the best ice cream place in Winnipeg which happens to be in walking distance of my house. Despite the mosquitoes it was a beautiful night.

As for whats next in my life, as I said I start work next week. I'm back at the sbux and could not be happier, I love to be busy. My church is moving buildings, so I have a new neighbourhood to explore. This summer looks like its going to be a pretty great one. Thats all for now.

-Julie