Easter weekend reflection

This past Easter weekend, I was reflecting on Romans 8:28.

And it really got me thinking... that even in our times of trials... if our focus is on the Lord, the outcome will be good.  Because He loves us.

I was reminded of all the suffering Jesus went through, all for being a good person.  For preaching, serving the poor, healing, and teaching about love- He was crucified. 

And for Christ- it was a huge trial!!!  The Son of God himself went through pain and suffering.

The prayer he prayed when HE KNEW that he was going to be crucified was:

" Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. "

Christ knew that as the Son of God... God could do anything.... but it was God's will that Christ go through what he did... so that he could eventually show his Resurrection power, when Christ rose from the dead!

It's a scary thought to know that its pretty much guaranteed there's going to be tests and trials in life... just when we think everything is perfect... something disappoints us.  But the moral of the story is to keep looking to God, keep serving him, keep loving others in the name of God.... because God will honour us when we live for Him. That's a guarantee.

"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33.

Sometimes Christianity can seem like a fairy tale ending... that no matter what:  Good wins over evil.  But in Christ, its true.  That's how our faith works.

God is good, all the time. :)  Happy Easter!

Travels in broadcasting

Was just shuffling through some old photo albums this weekend, and thought I'd share a few pix of some of my cross-Canada travels while working in the broadcast industry. 

I truly thank God for all the fun places I've worked at, and for all the wonderful people and co-workers along the way.

I've worked in radio in Vancouver and Northern BC, Calgary, Edmonton,
and for the past 3 years: here in Barrie, and through the Life Street Team
in Newmarket, Huntsville, Peterborough, Owen Sound,  and Toronto!

Here's where my journey first started, at CFML, and then Clear FM in Vancouver...

This was a time when we still used carts to play some commercials,
and even edited some features on reel-to-reel tapes :) haha!
(btw I also thank God that Asian genes offer a fountain of youth.)

Here's a pic I found co-hosting mornings in Edmonton.
It was my co-host then who challenged me to read the entire bible,
so we could reference scripture more accurately during our show. :)

Here's a pic I took while working up in Prince George, Northern BC, for a job at a Rock Station. 
This was the company vehicle I got to take home and drive to work everyday.

And despite the edgier format- I'd have to say that the people here were the friendliest and kindest folks I have worked with. My boss' family even went to the same church as me! :)

Besides that... there was a lot of trees and a lot of snow up there!

I then travelled to Calgary to fly in a helicopter giving traffic reports every morning/afternoon.
That's with my pilot Traffic Tony. Some of my fondest broadcast memories here were seeing the sunrise over the city every am rush hour, and the sunset over the drive home show...

When I moved back to Edmonton to host a midday radio show, I was also a part of a team that shot features and news on Access TV, as well as on CTS TV. This pic was shot during a news watch show on Access. (wondering if I should do short hair again, hmm.)

And finally... after meeting Life's station manager Scott and program director Steve while hosting
  in Edmonton,  God opened a door for a move to Central Ontario... and the rest is history! 3 years and counting...

Broadcasting is super fun. You meet lotsa interesting people, and it takes you to lotsa interesting places!

Happy to provide you with news every morning!  :)

Reading Someone's Text Wrong

Sometimes text messaging can be taken the wrong way.

Here's an example.

Friend 1 on TEXT:  Help! windows frozen and wont open.

Friend 2 on TEXT: Try pouring some warm water on it, then gently tap the frame
with a hammer.

Friend 1 on TEXT: Ok.

10 minutes later....

Friend 1 on TEXT: The computer wont even turn on now :(

Mermaid Classes in Cottage Country?

So there are schools in Quebec, The Philippines, and Germany offering "Mermaid Classes", where for a fee, you get your own "tail" (made out of a similar material to scuba suits) - and you are trained how to swim like a mermaid.  Its apparently a good workout. Is this something you could see ever coming to Lake Simcoe or cottage country?  It's a pretty neat concept! 

Funniest Jobs & Job Interviews You've Ever Had

I'm sure everyone can look back at their resume,
and pick out a few unique  jobs that they've held once in their life...
I've got a few!

And I'm talking about paid jobs, not volunteer ones.
What were they for you?

Here's a list of my Top 7 Most Unique Paid Jobs I've held:

(These are the ones I typically don't mention on my resume, unless asked...)

1. Extra Actress in a Vampire Movie
2. Music Bingo Host
3. Shoe Salesperson
4. Retail Associate for Men's Clothing Store
5. Wedding Emcee & DJ
6. Spanish Professional Telephone Greeter/Voice Prompt Recordings
7. Voice Inside Talking Children's Doll  (yes, I got paid to do this)

How about funny job interviews that you've been on, but you Never got the job?
I've had a few of those in my lifetime as well.
And to be honest, Im kind of thankful that they "passed" on me,
and gave the job to somebody else...

1. Donut shop drive-thru job
2. Door To Door Knives and Cutlery Salesperson
3. Radio Station Mascot

Knowing I've been interviewed for some strange and funny jobs,
and have worked a few unique ones,
makes me all the more thankful for the cool job I have at Life 100.3 today!

What are YOUR most unique jobs and job interviews that you've experienced? :)

My TOP 5 Favorite Winter Sports in Canada

1. Downhill Skiing

2. Snowboarding

3. Ice Climbing (on Frozen Waterfalls)

4. Ice Skating

5. Snowmobiling
(which I did for the first time ever this winter!)

What are your favorite winter sports?

Other winter activities I've never tried but would love to learn one
day include...

Hockey, Ice fishing, Snow Shoeing, Ice Sculpting, and Figure Skating! :)

Pastors Say Shoot Me, Instead of Convicts

Wow. What powerful tweets and statements made by pastors and Christian Church leaders around the world!

Last month, when it was discovered that officers in Miami were using mug shots of convicts for target practice,
Pastors across the globe responded by posting photos of themselves
using the hashtag #UseMeInstead in target practice.

Here's an example of a picture one pastor took of herself and tweeted:

It really brings home some strong messages from the Bible:

"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
- Psalm 9:9

And..

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
- John 15:13

The officers who had used the photos of the convicts probably thought that it was 'ok',
assuming that people-in-jail deserve the worst for their crimes,
and should lose their dignity anyways.

But as the pastors' proved: there's something so forgiving about the grace of Christ.

And its humbling to see that these pastors would post a picture of themselves,
asking officers to shoot their picture,
instead of shooting pictures of murderers, criminals, terrorists, fraudsters, crooks,
rapists, and burglars.

What a profound message of Christ's love and forgiveness, portrayed by these pastors.

Kudos for showing a GREAT example of the Christian heart and God's unconditional love.