In my life...

Hey team,
I can't believe there are so many of you that I have hardly talked to since kaleo ended! There are times when I miss it so much. I miss praying with you guys, the chapels, the late nights, the foosball tourneys and the drives to Duncan. But I love what I learned during kaleo. What i learned from the Lord, from the profs, from our leaders and interns and from every one of you. I love you guys.

Anyways, now that I've got that over with I can fill you in on my life. After Kaleo ended I came home for 10 days and then headed back to Qwanoes on April 31st and was there all the way through the summer. Being a counselor at camp all summer was something I couldn't really picture myself doing, but I loved it. I had some of the raddest guys ever in my cabin and the Lord worked through me in unbelievable ways. By the end of it I was ready to move on though. I hadn't really been home much for a year and I was beginning to miss it...

Since being home it's been awesome to recconect with friends and meet tons of cool new people, but it's been so difficult to keep the Lord in the center of everything that I am doing. Last week at church the pastor who was speaking mentioned how when he was in India he was invited into a man's house and the man showed him the room where they would worship. There was a shelf with all of that family's idols on it and the man began naming those gods. As he came to the end of the shelf the he out the last two gods who were Jesus and Mary. I feel like this is exactly what I have been doing with Jesus. He is just another god that I've placed on the shelf. Rather than infultrating every area of how I live he himself has become just another part of my life. Lately I've been blessed so much in gatherings with other believers but on a personal level my walk with the Lord has been lacking and I have not been pro-active in serving him. I have simply been recieving, rather than giving what I have to others. Honestly I feel like I'm in limbo right now. It's like I'm in an in between stage between camp and, well, whatever comes next. My plan right now is to be overseas serving somewhere as soon as I possibly can. But so often I feel like I want to go overseas to serve simply because it's easier to follow the Lord when I have one mission that I am focused on, rahter than trying to find different ways to serve the Lord daily. I suppose if I am serving and walking in a manner worthy of the calling which I've recieved then there wouldn't be anything wrong with simply joining with some missions team in India (or wherever), but I feel like it's the easy way out. If it were up to me, I would not be in Maple Ridge right now but I would be in India or Africa, or even down town in some big city where I was daily involved in missions for the Lord. I don't know what else to say. I want to be involved in full time ministry, but I do not kow where the Lord wants me or when I should go, or if the Lord is truly calling me to do this, or if it's just me taking the easy route. I want these answers from the Lord, but I'm not finding them because i haven't been spending time with him lately because I've put him on the shelf with so many other gods and he's probably the most dusty, neglected one of the bunch.

it's funny, as I started this blog I had no idea what I wanted to blog about and this came out. It's probably incredibly random but that's what's on my heart and mind lately. I wish I could end this by saying that I pray for all of you often, but that just wouldn't be true. I do think of you often though, and I hope I will begin to pray for you more.

PS. I try and blog often here: paulalexanderrobinson.blogspot.com

Hey guys,

So really to be honest I am feeling kinda sick right now, and I have been putting this blog off for a while now, for no real reason other than procrastination. But Im pretty excited to share my heart with you guys. I feel really good right now at this point in my life. I almost feel like God is lifting off the veil of discipline that was over me ever since my stumbling in Korea, and Im not sure if I mentioned that in my testimony but there was a week or two in Korea where I fell into sin a few times but the effects were very devastating and it just feels like I am coming out of that discipline now, and praise God that I feel stronger than before that time when I did stumble. I feel that fire in me that I remember saying I was longing for in that chapel one time when we were singing "Consuming fire". And I really wasnt sure if I was ever going to get back to this point again, but he is very faithful!

I have a praise report for him on another subject tho, Kaleo was 15,000$ and I found out that I got a scholarship from the government for having good grades the whole year. I took over 10,000$ in loans and out of that I only have to pay back 500$!

I have been unemployed for a month now, and I have to admit I quit my last job, and I have to question my character on that front. The guy I was working with completely hated me, and I am quite sure it was persecution because I was going out of my way to be really nice to him. But what Im questioning is if I should have had thicker skin, maybe you guys can give me some input. I mean i worked there for two months, and from the get go I felt so much oppression every day I went in there to work, at the end of it I was just so burnt out and I felt like I could not do it anymore. I just wanted some rest, you know.. A little sleep a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. And know look, my life is a living testimony to proverbs 24:33-34. I felt like I was humbled but anyway please pray for me, I am trying to get my taxi license and drive taxis! I want to work very much so at this point.

Besides that I have a mens group at my apartment every week and I feel very blessed by it, if feels just like God would want it to be, not to corporate but very grass roots. But yea Im looking forward to the next wedding so we can all meet up again! So yea I miss you guys, God bless. Thanks again guys Im really happy that I spent that year with you all!

We're all just taller Children

I had some witty intro to this blog revolving around the title, it involved Lego sets, Tonka trucks, and astronauts. But after reading it over a couple times I decided it was as good as Sara Watkins solo album (for those of you who have listened to it understand that that isn't very good). So I nixed it all and went in a different direction (which is what i think Sara Watkins should do).

I decided that a blog was necessary as multiple things have been and will be happening in my life that I could use some prayer for. I recently acquired a job working at the MEC here in Winnipeg (praise God!) it is one sweet job, I sometimes wonder whether it would be possible for me to do it for the rest of my life...cheap gear and cool people, I don't think I can complain about it. The part of this job that I am worried about is that I didn't quit my previous job of painting, so I am currently working two jobs which seems to be working out, but I fear that I might burn out working 6 sometimes seven days a week. On top of those jobs I am trying to work on a Briercrest DL course, balance a social life, and prepare a sermon (I was asked by my Pastor to preach one Sunday this December, please pray that God would speak to me and I can in turn relay that message to my Chruch). So as you can see I am a little stressed out (most of which I did to myself) but some extra oomph right now would really be helpful and the ability to discern what I can cut out of my life and what needs to take priority (relationships, Devo's, prayer,...etc).

I think this next prayer request a number of us might share. We have an opportunity to return to India and I have no clue whether this is something that I should commit too. I can't stop having these doubts in my mind of how Short Term missions don't do any good. I can pray for the people of India here just as much as i can there, but then at the same time that is such a lie because it is so different when the people you are praying for are in your presence, argh! So much confusion in my mind right now on the topic of this India trip. Please pray that God would reveal to those of us who need to go a sign (a letter or email would be pretty nice too).

Well those are my happenings (my struggles).

Side Note: Amelia pictures from Kaleo should not be allowed they hurt too dang much!

Missing you guys...

Hey K6!

I was just looking at pictures on my computer, and I came accross some of these. I miss you all! I'll try and update soon.

Blessings,

A.

Thanks Jake

Hey guys,
I guess I realized while reading Jake's post that I had not posted in a long time, and that that sucks. I love reading this blog, because I feel like I am at home a little bit. I miss you all, we all miss each other, so I am going to work on posting more regularly here.
First things first, this is my situation:
I just moved home from Qwanoes, so I am staying with my Dad in his pleasure castle in one of the richest neighborhoods in Victoria. Him and I get along alright, as do I and his common-law partner. My mother lives across town and I should be able to see her regularly. Lauren lives fairly close so I should be able to see her pretty often too, except that she is working now, and perhaps soon to be working two jobs. Soon I should be working too. The Lord has brought people I know to me to tell me to apply at a place called the Cridge Center for the Family. It is a Christian organization apparently (when I went there for daycare as a child the only Christian thing I remember was singing Pharoah Pharoah and watching Veggie Tales as our parents came to pick us up). So my mission right now is to finish my resume and get my butt down there.

A lot has been happening in my heart as of late. I have felt, at times, the fervour of when I was first converted. The urge to look for what is good, have an eye for the righteous, think of what is pleasing to God. I have fallen prey to only seeing the worst in people, places, things. My heart has become more malleable, and a good thing that is, because there is a lot of change that needs to happen. I had been looking for excuses not to love people, rather than reasons to love them. This, naturally, hurt the people around me. All of this started, oddly enough, after an excursion into the study of the Doctrines of Grace. Normally thought to be a reason to argue and fight, the Doctrines spurred me on to love more openly and more aggressively. I have a good set of sermons by Archuro Azurdia. I'll send them to whomever asks for them over skype.

And the future? Well, I like to leave that in the Lord's capable hands. I would love it if you were in prayer for my family, Lauren and I, my hunt for work - especially at the Cridge, and this growing fire in my heart. I love you, Kaleo

economic sanctions in vietnam.

I was going to suggest that this blog post is born entirely out a desire to share my heart with you guys (which is mostly true), but i would be lying if I didn't acknowledge the part of me that simply doesn't feel like writing a 12 page essay on economic sanctions in vietnam.

Speaking of lying. I would be lying if I said that everything is sweet right now, that I am finally settling in and feeling wholeheartedly content with where I am at in ottawa. I would also be lying though if I said I haven't seen God work in unexpected ways - I have.

I was listening to a sermon on the train the other day and my boy Francis Chan said this, "Sometimes I pray to God as if He was stingy...as if I have to talk Him into something."

And I think that was really true for me. Sometimes I picture God being this uninterested barista at some dive coffee shop who will probably give me a junk americano unless I get back there and hound them until my espresso is just right. Does that make sense? As if God has a budget and anytime I come to Him with something he replies with an Office Space, "Yeaaa...abouut that..."

Craziness.

This is what I know: that God desires for me to be so intimately in community with Him, His spirit. That I have been given everything I need to love others, and when I feel like I don't I can come to a source of infinite resource.

If I know those things - then why the heck don't I live like it?

A little while ago Jess called me out on the person I was becoming. Selfish, arrogant, sought worth in everything but God, pretty much an idiot (to put it lightly). I remember that one chapel where I just started bawling because of how the ways of the world had seduced me, blinded me.

Except this time I didn't cry. For some reason, even when my sin lay right there in front of me, exposed for what it was, something was saying "so what, in the real world people suck." I knew it was a lie then, and I know it is a lie now. Yet for some reason my life, my fruit, remains rotten (if any).

I'm really not sure what motivated this post - or what I hope to be revealed to me through sharing this. I know that I love you guys though and could appreciate some prayers.

It's weird - this whole trying to still love each other thing across thousands of miles. I wish I could be in a lot of places; at Shan's waiting for a kick from the little baby, hitting up an oilers game with Leila, or sitting in the Holy of Holies with the boys.

I will say this though: for you people who haven't posted, that sucks. Maybe your busy (a hello will suffice), maybe you don't think you've get anything to say (not true), or maybe your embarrassed at where your at (don't be).

cool. as daneille once said on this very blog, "(we) would sincerely chase after him and love him and experience his love in a new way is really (our) prayer for myself this year and I'd love for you to join me in that."

peace and grace.

jake.

Moving to edmonton!!!!

Hey Kaleo


Where to even begin, lets just say that the past month I have been living in hell and have lost sight of God many times though trying to find him again I keep on slipping. This past month has been filled with pain and suffering. After realizing that I cannot seem to afford to live alone I had to decide what to do. I had about 5 options. I contemplated then for about a month before finally deciding. My original plan was to move back home until I saved up enough money to have as emergency money and then I could go back out on my own. Seems all good and fine right...my dad told me that my step mom refuses to live in a house with me, that I am a dirty pig and am immature and eresponsable (cant spell). I cryed a lot, got angry, then realized that that was not the way to act so I went home the next day to confront both of them (since my stepmom wasnt there when my dad told me this the first time) so I got there and was attempting to act normal and as I sat down my stepmom got up and left the room, she later told my dad that she didnt even want to be in the same room as me. That has crushed me. After realizing that I cannot be around them anymore without having a fight I realized that my place was not here in victoria but was to go with my fifth and final idea....move away and go live with a friend in edmonton. Though I am leaving a few friends behind, I am gaining I know a few of you who live a few hours away, as well as a close friend and her kids and her family which is like a second family to me, and my 2 step sisters.

Though my friends at home are quite upset, I know that it has to be done. this will alow me to have a job that pays better than in victoria, as well as live out of my house for cheaper than living alone. Its quite challenging to decide what would be the best thing to do, and this is what I have. I hope you will pray for me and the transition that this will be for me as it will be a huge challenge and a step of faith. And I really hope that I will be able to even see some of you like Jon or Daneille or malayne at least I think she lives in alberta somewhere. Oh and the transition begins in January. So yeah, this is what is ahead for me and I am scared and I dont know what to expect but I hope to see great things happen through this. Love you all!!!!! I hope to hear back from some of you, have a good week!

Back to highschool?!

Hey Guys.

So. I am currently running around these days with a million things flying my way.
I have finally figured out what I want to take at school. I wanna take Kinesiology! and then maybe in the future turn it into physiotherapy after my 4 years of kin.
I wanna help people get back on their feet. recover from an injury. smile again and be active! I just think its one of the coolest things ever. So we will see if I stay on this path or if God has different plans. Who knows right?!

Well calling universities in Ontario and figuring out if my requirements matched...I found out that my math requirements are not high enough if I want to go into the science degree of KIN (i can do the arts but not the higher science degree). So ...this means....IM GOING BACK TO HIGHSCHOOl....ahhaha all my dreaded LUCK! well actually I am kinda excited. This way I get to re-learn some math and not be so hectic when I go to university. On top of that I have to take two more courses if i want to go to this school. So i'll just bump up my science and maybe take some Canadian history. I need to know that stuff:) but I have yet to decide and yet to be accepted into a semester style highschool.
So prayer about getting into a semester highschool, while juggling a night job. If that could all work out...it would be AMAZING! so please pray about that.

So yah ...thats my funny 411. nothing like finishing highschool, going to school with all you guys...and then going back to highschool. kinda weird eh? oh well. at least its free! :) and I'll have a better chance of getting into good schools here in ontario with this math credit.

Nothing else new...I am playing soccer (indoors) every friday. Love it and hate it. All the other teams have coaches and all know each other. My team is completely new. So ....its hard to get them to know what to do with the ball:(

I am currently trying to start up a young adults bible study. OH MAN i need discipleship and community!

and what else? everything around toronto is getting really christmas'ed up. its kinda cool.

oh and probably my non-christian moment of the week. I yelled at a man:(
So he was taking garbage out of the garbage bin and just throwing it all over the road.
me with my loud voice..rolls down the window and says "WHAT THE HECK....PICK THAT UP!! COME ON MAN! WHAT THE HECK" the whole block plus more stops and looks at me.
HAHAHHAH oh man it was so exuberating! so then the guy looks at me and flaps his arms like a chicken and walks away. i was so mad. so we kept driving.

love you guys.
Hope you are all doing well.
prayer would be great!
HUGS
FISH

IT'S A GIRL!!!!! :D

We just found out this morning that we are going to be having a baby girl :D But it isn't always 100% so there still is a chance that it could pop out a boy..lol.

But if it is a girl she sure is going to have on heck of a soccer kick, the way she's been kicking about these last few days!

Love and miss you all!

BABY ON BOARD!! PICTURES!

Hey gang,

I hope life is well for everyone in all parts of this land. Jon and I are doing well ourselves. Lots of appointments and tests still happening which most likely won't slow down but they aren't too bad. We had our 2nd ultrasound last week! Was really amazing to watch God's child who He has blessed me with move about. The tech's said that he or she (won't know till Monday) was really active and was developing just so beautifully. I've noticed that everytime I lay down on my back the little one starts to kick and I can really feel him/her moving about.

I've finally taken some pictures of my belly and also have a picture of the little one from the ultrasound. So Leila this is your chance, better guess the sex eh?!?!

I love and miss you all! If any of you are down our way we have lots of room, so feel free to come and visit and stay a few days or whatever!

Kaleo re-runs...

vote for phil!

HEY y'all kaleoo!!

so some of you might have received an email from phil's mom about this contest called "Journalism Dream Contest". If not Phil has entered into a contest to be able to be a part of the Globe and Mail editorial team as a guest photographer at the Olympics! For this to happen to him to move further into the contest there is a voting website that will help him out tons!!

So im just forwarding on the message to VOTE :D 

and perhaps phil will have this sick opportunity!

Here is the website to vote on...

Vote everyday from now until November 22 

To vote for Philip use this link :

  http://journalismdream.theglobeandmail.com//entry_photo.asp?id=560

(Every time you vote you too are entered into a contest for a camera and laptop.)

p.s. hope you dont mind i posted this phil!! lol

wahoo!

on a side note:

(sigh) ah i miss you k6 by the way!!!

Love Alivia!! :) :) :) :)

p.s. i got rid of facebook so if you are wanting to get ahold of me you can email me

sun_kist14@hotmail.com or aliviacecchi@gmail.com

AND

i am starting to perhaps write in my blog again...i just wrote in it...take a look if you wish...it is some thoughts i had on my mind as i wrestle with some questions lately 

http://aliviacecchi.blogspot.com/

Missions Trip to Mexico

Missions trip to Mexico, Missions trip to Mexico. Spreading the word common lets go on a missions trip to Mexico.......Oh sorry I was just singing a song to myself.

Well that is the just of the post...but I will elaberate a bit more. Did I spell that right?

Thats right...I am about to take a HUGE financial leap of faith to go with my church during spring break to Mexico to build a house for a family in need of one. You guys remember how every day Ben would go check his mailbox in a hopes that someone, anyone, would give him money for India? Well that's me now. I am beyond broke, I have absolutely NO money to spare as I cant even buy myself food. So what did I decide to do? Like I said, take a leap of faith by trusting that God will give me the money I need for this trip...the probs is I have to pay $350 in 2 weeks....one of those weeks im away and there is no way I can get 350 in a week from anywhere.

This trip means a lot to me as I have been on it 3 times before as a student and this time I will be going as a leader. This really excites me as I dont get much opportunity anymore to become a leader and teach teens about using and showing their faith in a different country by serving and helping others. So being able to go on this trip is a big step for me that I really want to be able to take.

If you guys could please pray for me to be blessed by donations or some form of money so that I am able to afford this trip in march that would be so amazing! As well as prayer that I am used by God to nurture these teens as they go out and serve God through this family that we will meet that would also be great. Can't leave my blog post without pictures, so here are a couple picts from previous trips I have been on to mexico. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Sorry, this pict copied twice for some reason

R.I.P.

Well this blog may not matter to most of you, but it matters to me. I hope that it will touch the hearts of a few of you who know what it is like to lose a loved one.

These past few hours have been ones of mourning and grief, as I accidentally injured my Bodum beyond repair. It was a horrific battle between glass and wood, and unfortunately wood came out as the victor.



From the autopsy I was able to observe that the cause of death was a sharpening blow to the mid-section resulting in a hairline fracture extending from the base up to the top. After the fracture spread there was nothing that could be done, except say good-bye.



Raise your glass with me as we remember many early mornings and late nights that would not have been the same without my Bodum. May he rest in peace.

Two hours later...

I think I have finally moved on since I just bought a new Bodum that is really shiny and pretty.