josh_fraser's Xanga

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:58:22 GMT

I haven't been on here in months...mainly because nobody really reads it except for a select few, but thats ok :P

So pretty much to catch everybody up with where I'm at right now, I finished my first year of university in April and moved back to Morden where I am gonna be living for awhile...maybe til about October. I'm working at Decor Cabinets full-time to make a bit of money, but I also volunteer at church to help with the youth group there. I am kind of partners with the current youth pastor there. I absolutely love that work and it seems to be a passion of mine. So besides work and church I pretty much spend every single weekend I possibly can with Leah. So that means alot of money spent on gas, but money definitely well spent ;) haha ya the vothman comes home at the end of the month so thats really cool. I'm excited for that. Silly people and going away to far off lands for months at a time :P

So I'm in the process of figuring out a lot a lot of stuff that will be happening in my life in the next year or so so prayer is definitely appreciated. Just everything from relationships with people to work and just to know where I am going to be called by GOD to do HIS work.

Hope all is well with you. GOD BLESS

Monday, February 26, 2007

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:40:08 GMT

Well Mid-terms are all done and over with so now it seems I am on the last stretch of my first year of university.

It's pretty crazy how the time flew and it seems as if I should have a long time to go yet

I am really excited for summer! I made some friends from Morden/Winkler and it will be great to be able to all hang out and do summery stuffs together...

I am really liking this "warm" weather these past few days and if the sun would start shining it would make it even better

I am feeling pretty optimistic the past few days and kind of feel refreshed in some way...it feels good

I have a couple of classes this afternoon and then I think that Leah and I are gonna watch some Mary Poppins...not 100% sure but maybe...I am pretty good at playing things by ear

This is entirely random because I am wasting time before class just listening to some music...

I can stop wasting your precious time...but chances are if you are on xanga in the first place you don't have much to do anyways...haha

Anyways...have a gooder. I know i will :)

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:09:56 GMT

Hey there :)

It has been what seems like ages....alot has happened over this month of Febraury. Alot of good and also alot of the seemingly not so good. This is the first month since I have graduated that time is not seeming to just fly by. It is rather slow and I am not sure what to think of it. Here are some tid-bits (nice word) from my month thus far:

-Well I met the youth pastor at the church that my family has become involved in at Morden Alliance Church at a youth event I decided to go to one weekend that I was there. In talking with him, to make a long story short, I am going to be leading a youth church service every other Sunday evening. It will consist of about an hour of worship music that is good and loud to appeal to the children and give them something other than the usual that they get at church. Not that the usual church is bad, but youth need something specifically for themselves once in awhile. After that hour of worship either me or the youth pastor there will give a 15-20 minute talk and lead back into another 45 minutes or so of worship music. I had the chance to talk to a few of the kids there that night and I managed to really connect with a few. This is really encouraging to me and it seems that things are falling into place for me for the idea that I want to be a youth pastor. This will be a great experience and I look forward to it very much. Prayer would be appreciated for sure as I try to minister to the youth of Morden and I will definitely be learning lots too.

-I had "reading week" last week...minus the reading. I hung out with friends, went home for a few days, and had an incredible last weekend. It was tons of fun cuz I got together with some friends from university down in Morden. We had a blast! Until about 1:00 on Sunday morning when Tyler was driving Destiny back to her house with my car and had...well we can say a bit of an accident. He hit a parked truck really hard and completely smashed the front of my car. It is a complete miracle that those two are alive nevermind injury-free. Both of them are alright. Sadly I can't say the same for my poor car. It is definitely totalled so I will be without wheels for an indefinite amount of time. Definitely until the end of the semester so that kind of messes up going to Church at Pine Ridge and I guess I will be bussing it to work.

-All in all it has been an eventful month full of joy, harships, sadness, and most of all, lessons learned. I am glad to say it is almost over and life looks like it is slowly getting back to somewhat of a norm. But then again, what is normal anyway..haha. Anyways I should get going cuz I have class earlier than usual tomorrow. Good ol' History :)

God Bless

(p.s. there are a few new pics from the coffee house that FHElectric played at)

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 22:32:00 GMT

I FIXED MY XANGA!!

BLOGS ARE BACK ON HERE NOW :)

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:24:06 GMT

Well it's been awhile since I have been on this thing hasn't it?... Hmmm, what's been going on in the life of Josh?... Let's see if I can do this in a somewhat list form (yes I have been writing alot of papers and the more short-cuts the better):

-I think I got a job today! It's at the Red Lobster across from Polo Park. I have had two interviews and they seem really enthusiastic about having me work there. So I will be praying that if that is where I am supposed to be then it will work out. I sure hope I can get it soon...Valentine's day is just around the corner after all ;)

-This second semester has been a good one! I have some good classes some not-so-good classes and then those classes where somedays I feel like it is the best thing for me and who knows, the next class it my be my least favorite one... I can get like that..haha

-So as scary as it is I have really realized that I am grown up and nothing has really had that effect on me so much as when I got the letter that said for me to decide what I wanted to do with my schooling. With much prayer and deliberation I have decided to be a youth pastor. I am really excited for this and it kind of feels like a new chapter in my life is opening. Pretty exciting. Scary but exciting.

-I have been playing for worship a ton over the past couple weeks and it is a lot of fun to have that opportunity to serve while doing music. Over a two week span I had led about six worship services so I am definitely getting some good experience for when, Lord willing, I work in a church someday.

-At this point I am really wanting it to be summer. I have so many great ideas for things to do, but they definitely can't be done when it's as cold as it is right now... -40 with the windchill! All of the kite flying, picnics, sitting under big trees and having sing-alongs, rodeos, and just generally outdoorsy type things to do. I think that I may get cabin fever if I don't have a chance to get out soon..haha. I am sure I will be fine, but it would be nice to get out and enjoy myself. Skating has been pretty good this year though so I can't complain. I am glad Leah likes to go skating cuz I hadn't in years and since we went one time I have always been wanting to go. My skating skills that I had as a young lad have returned. I don't think I will be trying out for the Edmonton Oilers any time soon though...lol

Overall it has been a good few weeks. I look forward to some warm weather and good times with friends and family. Take care of yourself wherever you may be at today. God Bless.

joshua.william.john

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:08:10 GMT

"But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, [which are] before thee, to seek out a man, [who is] a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring [him] to me.

And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him." -1 Samuel 16: 14-17, 23

That is one of my absolute favorite passages from the Bible that I stumbled across during my devotions recently. Being a musician I of course am biased to this certain excerpt from the incredible life of David. Music can have such an effect on people through both their emotions and it can even be a spiritual experience for some. We are a spiritual people. We must feed on things that will nurture us and edify us. Music is a tool and a resource that can lead us into greater depths of intimacy with God and build our faith. It's power goes far beyond what we can see and hear because it has a tremendous effect in the invisible realm as well. It is not bound to any form of language or dialect. It is a universal language that everyone can experience at equal opportunity. I would really like to reach people with my music and lately have had a very strong feeling that I should be headed towards some sort of ministry. I think that music ministry would be right up my alley. I also love youth though too so if I combined both of my loves I could get a good thing going. Hmmm.. I am just kind of figuring as I type here so I guess you get an insight into my mind for a bit..haha.

I had better get going, but I hope you have a fantastic day. God Bless.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 02:10:03 GMT

Well it has been quite a while since I have been on this dealy. I have been pretty busy over the past couple of weeks, but things are finally starting to slow down again and it feels good. The last week of classes were brutal with all of the papers that I had due, but they all worked out and it feels great to have them done. I only have one more exam to go on Thursday and then it's off to Morden for a bit. I am looking forward to just be able to relax and take it easy for a while. Ummm in case this blog is totally random and is written terribly I must say that I have been awake for 35 hours now and my mind is not really in this world. When you get this tired your emotions go crazy. This last day has been a rollercoaster ride and I think I just need to go to bed.

This past week was great!... I had Tuesday through Friday off and i just did random things with my favorite people. On Tuesday Leah and I got together and watched Funny Face here at CMU. It was really enjoyable. Even though she may be bitter that I beat her at Skip-Bo..lol... And then wednesday we hung out again and watched Elf. I absolutely love Will Ferrell. He is one of my favorites. On Thursday Scott, Becky, Rachel, Tyler and I went to Polo Park and did a little bit of christmas shopping. My venture was not so successful as I came out of it with no presents and a new shirt for myself. Haha, that is the way those things seem to go.

Well, I had better get some rest because tomorrow I am getting together with Leah and I had better be in a good enough condition that anyone will want to see me. Have a great night, day, week, or wherever you are at, make it fantastic.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 20:10:12 GMT

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown

I am in a smiling kind of mood today....

Let's see...The semester is almost over and I am in my last week of classes, It is snowing outside and everything looks so beautiful, I got my guitar back from the repair shop, and Christmas is just around the corner. Sounds like life couldn't get much better....I had the flu, or something like it, over the past weekend, but I still managed to enjoy myself. I went back down to Morden for the weekend to see my family and just relax. Although I may have been "couch ridden" because of being sick, it was really nice to be home for a bit. On sunday I got back into the city and when I arrived back at CMU, one of my best buds from Portage, Derek was out and we hung out all afternoon before we were off to the King's Head for a typical Sunday night of my mind being completely blown over the incredible house band that they have. On our way out, I got to talk to the drummer of the band and he was a super friendly guy. I was pretty happy about that...lol. Wow I am pathetic, but o well.

Derek and I have decided to get an apartment for nest school year! We are pretty excited about this. We had some ideas floating around for quite a while and now he has finally decided that he wanted to join us at CMU so now I will have an awesome roommate and it will be great to have my own stove, fridge, bathroom, and everything else that an apartment has that this silly dorm room lacks. Like the concept of multiple rooms! I am really looking forward to being able to cook for myself and to go grocery shopping and the whole deal. I am one that loves to do that kind of thing...I am not sure why. Either my mother instilled these qualities in me, or it is just my want for control. The first one sounds better. So seeing as Derek leaves for New Zealand on January 15, we are going to have to get this sorted out fairly quick. It should fall together for us though. Through talking with Timthe residence director, and lots of prayer, everything seems to be working out just fine.

I am supposed to be writing my Principles and Paradigms of Youth Ministry paper right now so I should stop procrastinating and get to it.....Have a great day and don't forget to SMILE!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:30:00 GMT

Well I can't sleep tonight and I am not sure exactly why. i am so bored right now. Hmmmm, I have to get up and go to class at 7:30 tomorrow morning...or this morning, however you look at it. Yeah, today was a pretty good day. I managed to sleep until about five minutes to noon, roll over grab the remote, and watch the CTV News at Noon from bed until 12:30. That was really nice. I didn't have class until 2:30 so I just took my time getting ready. I made some tasty Chef Boyardee Ravioli in my $8 MCC microwave. And then just relaxed by listening to the Wailin' Jennys. I was definitely not looking forward to class today, but when I got to my Psychology class I had a sudden burst of energy. My prof definitely cheers me up. He is the best.

I finally got a break from campus life today when the usual crew of mine went out to Polo Park and Music Trader on Osborne. It felt really nice just to get out and see something different than the same rooms and hallways that we get here. I got a new CD today and wow it is good. Jason Mraz is an amazing singer. You can check out one of his songs off of that CD on my audioblog. It is sooooo good.

I had better get some sleep now though. i have that early class and then in the afternoon I am getting together with Leah to see an exhibit of some kind. I have no idea what it is besides something "Christmasy", but when me and Leah get together we usually entertain ourselves with nothing much at all. We have vivid imaginations. Either that or are content with being boring. As long as I am oblivious to it, and enjoy my time, I am happy. Wow, look at me ramble on. I should go. Have a wonderful day/night everyone!

Tonight's song is:

Patrick Park's "Something Pretty"

Here I am, where I’ve been
I’ve walked a hundred miles in tobacco skin,
And my clothes are worn & gritty.
And I know ugliness,
Now show me something pretty.
I was a dumb punk kid with nothing to lose
And too much weight for walking shoes.
I could have died from being boring.
As for loneliness,
She greets me every morning.

At the most I’m a glare,
I’m the hopeless son who’s hardly there.
I’m the open sign that’s always busted.
I’m the friend you need, but can’t be trusted.

At the most I’m a glare,
I’m the hopeless son who’s hardly there.
I’m the open sign that’s always busted.
I’m the friend you need, but can’t be trusted.

Here I am, where I’ve been
I’ve walked a hundred miles in tobacco skin,
And my clothes are worn & gritty.
And I know ugliness,
Now show me something pretty.

At the most I’m a glare,
I’m the hopeless son who’s hardly there.
I’m the open sign that’s always busted.
I’m the friend you need, but can’t be trusted.

At the most I’m a glare,
I’m the hopeless son who’s hardly there.
I’m the open sign that’s always busted.
I’m the friend you need, but can’t be trusted.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 23:15:47 GMT

I am so sick of school. Somedays just seem to drag on and on and on and on and on...... You get the point. Yeah, it's not that I dislike CMU. In fact there is no place I would rather be right now. It's just the monotony of it all. The same thing day after day, another week another paper due. This is an amazing place to live and the community is great, but I definitely need a break right about now.

I was digging through my work that I have been doing throughout the year so far and found this old poem type thing that I randomly wrote. Probably during one of my Prose Fiction Lectures, but it is completely random and is a little insight into how my bizzare little mind works:

I lean back in my chair and breathe a sigh of relief

The paper is done

I can now feel the burden lifted from my thoughts

I ever so delicately move the cursor across the pixelated screen

Select the icon beckoning me

To take the last step in completing the process

To print

I click it

It is as if all of the work I’ve done

All the time spent labouring in thought

Is now insignificant

The paper runs through the machine

One page at a time

I wait patiently as the last page files through

Transformed from a blank sheet

Into a series of letters that now holds my educational destiny

I assemble it in the correct order

Title page

Pages 1.…..2.…..3.……4

Bibliography

I can now get out

Of this chair I’ve spent hours in

Labouring

Opening the top drawer I grab a paper clip

A simple invention really

A silly little bent wire

The clip goes on the papers

Keeping them together

It sits to rest for the night

I go about my sleep

Then day

Before class I pick it up

Still in its resting place from the night before

I am a minute late to class

I hand it in

I now know there is no turning back

It is finished