I realize that I haven't clearly explained the reason why I am living in the North End. Obviously, God has called me to live here. However, it is not fair if I keep it so general. Also I think it would be good for me if I clearly laid it out.
I believe that prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and our relationships with God. To be a Christian, and to not pray is impossible. It is an oxymoron. Some Christians are called to a greater devotion than others in prayer, specifically intercession. I believe God has called me to live the life of an intercessor. Intercession is very simply, praying to God on behalf of others. So one of the reasons God called me to Winnipeg is to be an intercessor, in Winnipeg, for Winnipeg. Whereas sometimes I may be tempted to think that is a boring calling, I am slowly becoming more and more excited about it. I get to be like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus! (actually, all of us have this privilege if we want it). My favourite thing that has been happening since I moved here is the level of intimacy with which God is blessing me. I KNOW this is not limited to certain people but is something God desires to have with all people! Even though I believe I am called to be an intercessor, I am still an infant in this and will have my whole life to grow in this calling. It is so exciting! One of the dangers in my own flesh is a temptation to think of myself with a "holier than thou" attitude or to feel 'special'. Or even to think that I am the only one doing anything of value. God is gently teaching me to recognize the pitfalls of these lies and to be humble and contrite and to keep my eyes on him instead of those around me.
Since coming to Winnipeg God has placed a certain demographic on my heart. These are the homeless people of Winnipeg. This is a new thing for me and I am definitely taking baby steps in learning how to be amongst and interact with those who are less privileged economically. Connected with this is Isaiah 58. A passage that the LORD has magnified in my heart in recent months. I believe that I (especially in the context of intercession) must live out a lifestyle of justice and mercy. Given what Isaiah 58 teaches, I believe that justice and mercy will both be fuel for, and be fueled by, a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. I long to fully embrace such a lifestyle. (if you desire greater breakthrough in your life, grab hold of Isaiah 58 and never let go!)
And finally, I must pursue the first and greatest commandment, to Love the LORD my God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I am on a life long journey of trying to get this commandment into first and greatest place in my life. God has been teaching me the joy of a focused life. The joy of less distractions, less worries, fewer passions and desires. The commitment of one thing, to know HIM, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. EVERYTHING else. Must. Fade. Away. Amen.
-Trenton.
P.S. I have given up badminton. I feel like I have since taken a huge leap forward in the Spirit, as a result. Since I can focus more on that which really matters, Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My New Favourite Workout
So I began a new workout last week. It is far more intense than anything I have done before. It also pays better. It involves climbing over the edge, and then descending down the side, of tall buildings. It's called chair work and is one of multiple different aspects of window cleaning.
The Chair is quite simply a board with a cushion. It is similar to a swing although slightly larger.
As I mentioned Chair work is quite the workout. In one 'drop' you could do just a single window per floor as you go down the building, or you could do more like 3 or 4 windows wide which saves time but is more physically and technically demanding. I did 3 windows wide on the building last week and after each drop my whole body was groaning. In order to do multiple windows wide you need to swing back and forth like a pendulum but once in front of the window you suction cup yourself to the window so you can wash it. This requires a lot of strength to hold yourself there. I was told it would be hard on my upper body but it was also very hard on my core and legs too.
Given the heights, chair work is not for the faint of heart! I have not been higher than 9 stories but I'm sure I'll get to go much higher yet. I am not sure what it is exactly, but I love it! Sure it is a bit scary and quite difficult but I was having a blast up there. When people would ask what I do for a living, the second question is almost always, "Oh so do you go up high then?" Now I don't have to say, "not yet." I can say, "Yes!"
The Chair is quite simply a board with a cushion. It is similar to a swing although slightly larger.
As I mentioned Chair work is quite the workout. In one 'drop' you could do just a single window per floor as you go down the building, or you could do more like 3 or 4 windows wide which saves time but is more physically and technically demanding. I did 3 windows wide on the building last week and after each drop my whole body was groaning. In order to do multiple windows wide you need to swing back and forth like a pendulum but once in front of the window you suction cup yourself to the window so you can wash it. This requires a lot of strength to hold yourself there. I was told it would be hard on my upper body but it was also very hard on my core and legs too.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Six Months
It's kind of crazy to think that I have been living in the North End for 6 months already. It certainly doesn't feel like it has been that long. I have also been washing windows for 5 months and that doesn't feel right either.
Looking back, for the first couple months of city life, everything was new, I felt like a kid on an adventure and everything was fun and exciting, like my first time on a city bus, I got off at the wrong stop, and then had to go on foot for half an hour cause I was partially lost and not sure where to go, but I loved it! And going shopping on my own, for my own food, that I was going to make for myself, in my own place, that I was paying for. It still feels weird... I am so thankful for friends and family who have helped me along, like letting me borrow a bike after mine was stolen (I thought it would be stolen much sooner than it was :). There have been many ups and downs, joys and stresses, adversity and prosperity.
The most wonderful things though are what I have been able to learn.
- I have learned a trade (window cleaning)
- I have learned how to prepare food (Today for lunch I had blueberries, strawberries and banana in a tortilla with yogurt and peanut butter. It was delicious and healthy, try it some time).
Of the things I have learned, the most awesomely wonderful are what God has been teaching me. He has been teaching me about His love, He has been teaching me about myself, He has been teaching me how to be more disciplined. He is teaching me to have faith, to believe what He tells me. I am much more comfortable around people that I used to be really uncomfortable around. He has been teaching me to praise Him all the time, in plenty and in need, through trials and through joys. That joy is not dependent upon any external thing. He has been teaching me many things about the words that come out of my mouth, some of it is difficult to learn. I think perhaps one of the best things God has been teaching me is to live with an eager hope and expectation of things to come.
Perhaps you are wondering what I am doing now that is different. Well I am not working with youth and I was before I moved. I have played more badminton since I've been in Winnipeg because there is easier access to it. I hang out with friends as much as I used to, only different friends now (most of whom I knew before I moved). I have a real job. I make my own food. I pay my own bills (it feels so weird...thanks Mom and Dad! for the nearly 23 years of looking after me, not that you don't/can't anymore, but it's different).
Looking back, for the first couple months of city life, everything was new, I felt like a kid on an adventure and everything was fun and exciting, like my first time on a city bus, I got off at the wrong stop, and then had to go on foot for half an hour cause I was partially lost and not sure where to go, but I loved it! And going shopping on my own, for my own food, that I was going to make for myself, in my own place, that I was paying for. It still feels weird... I am so thankful for friends and family who have helped me along, like letting me borrow a bike after mine was stolen (I thought it would be stolen much sooner than it was :). There have been many ups and downs, joys and stresses, adversity and prosperity.
The most wonderful things though are what I have been able to learn.
- I have learned a trade (window cleaning)
- I have learned how to prepare food (Today for lunch I had blueberries, strawberries and banana in a tortilla with yogurt and peanut butter. It was delicious and healthy, try it some time).
Of the things I have learned, the most awesomely wonderful are what God has been teaching me. He has been teaching me about His love, He has been teaching me about myself, He has been teaching me how to be more disciplined. He is teaching me to have faith, to believe what He tells me. I am much more comfortable around people that I used to be really uncomfortable around. He has been teaching me to praise Him all the time, in plenty and in need, through trials and through joys. That joy is not dependent upon any external thing. He has been teaching me many things about the words that come out of my mouth, some of it is difficult to learn. I think perhaps one of the best things God has been teaching me is to live with an eager hope and expectation of things to come.
Perhaps you are wondering what I am doing now that is different. Well I am not working with youth and I was before I moved. I have played more badminton since I've been in Winnipeg because there is easier access to it. I hang out with friends as much as I used to, only different friends now (most of whom I knew before I moved). I have a real job. I make my own food. I pay my own bills (it feels so weird...thanks Mom and Dad! for the nearly 23 years of looking after me, not that you don't/can't anymore, but it's different).
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