New Look + New Post

Well, I have a presentation on Monday for my computer class, and I'm teaching the class how to use Blogger. In particular, I'm trying to teach them how to use it in the classroom to assist with group work and other assignments. It'll be interested to see how it plays out. While preparing my presentation, I decided to play around with the template as I know they have been coming out with a lot of upgrades, but I was still using my old template and design. So, here I am, with a new design.

I've been meaning to blog for the past couple weeks, but the days seem to be coming and going so quickly that when I do have time to spend on the computer, I kind of forget about blogging. Oopsie. Remember when I used to blog like all the time!? I still have just as much on my mind, but I guess not as much time to put towards writing it down online. I also wish there were a Blogger application for blackberry's. I would be posting like crazy if that were the case. I hear there is one for iPhone's...but sadly I don't have an iPhone...yet!

So, a few weeks ago, I headed to Toronto to go to ATF (Acquire the Fire) with my youth group. Joel Johnston was there...I would highly recommend listening to Joel if you get the chance - he is such a motivational speaker and really preaches the gospel well! Anyway, at one point during the weekend he started talking about how we are a masterpiece at work (get ready for the analogy...it won't come across as good as Joel spoke about it, but you should get the idea!). The overall theme of the weekend was "Normal's Not Enough" - and Joel was speaking on changing identities (in a sense) and used this analogy I'll try my best to explain!

He was saying how we are God's masterpiece, the actual drawing/painting (ie. Canvas). God is the Master painter, and he is trying to paint a masterpiece in our lives. We, as people, have the ability to change the "frame" of the master piece to our liking. He discussed different ways that society tries to get us to frame our beings, and that God really wants you to showcase his masterpiece, as opposed to hiding it behind a frame that is less-than-desirable. In the same way, Joel discussed that we have to learn His techniques at the master painter to allow the best way to show off our frame.

I'm sorry, I don't feel like I'm doing this justice at all. But I hope you get my point. It has been a few weeks since I heard him, but this idea really stuck with me.

One thing in particular really hit home for me. Joel said that when we die, our masterpiece will still be left behind - and it's up to us to showcase that masterpiece to all of God's glory. This idea reminds me of the whole idea of "what will people remember you for?".

So, now it's our chance to show the world how God is the master painter in our lives and how He is working to create a master piece out of us.

Love to all :)