Dan Ponsen

Christmas Time

2011-12-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

we celebrate Jesus.

not because it’s a holiday.

we celebrate him because he is God.

and because his love for us is immeasurable

and unfathomable.

redemption is the ultimate picture of that love—

Jesus chose to die so that we might live with him forever.

and not in this forever.

but a forever in a world without pain, loneliness, hunger, death, and tears.

this Christmas, our hope and prayer is that we all might fall on our knees

and experience Jesus as our redeemer

as our Immanuel

and know his goodness

and perfect love.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Feliz Navidad Everyone!

Flying Time and New Beginnings

2011-11-17T17:12:00.007-05:00

Well, well, well. It's been almost 3 years since I have last posted on my blog. Where has time gone? Let me explain to you briefly what and where my life has gone and then I will get into the 'nitty gritty' of the new and very exciting stage of life that I have just started recently. After I went out west to Edmonton, I finished my schooling at Redeemer and graduated in the spring of 2009 with a BA in Religion/Theology(Youth Ministy) and a minor in Sociology. That summer/fall, I worked for 2 different landscaping companies and soon realized that I was bored and wasn't being challenged in landscaping the way I would've liked so, as a result of being layed off for the winter, I went on EI(unemployment). That winter, I started to ride around in a tow truck with someone I used to work in landscaping with because this is what he does now. I rode around with him that whole winter and decided that I could drive a tow truck. They had an opening and sure enough, I got the position. I was now a Tow Truck Driver. I was paid via commission and I spent ALOT of hours in the truck, more than what I thought I would. When people ask me how I liked my job...my response was always, "enjoyed the job but not the hours." I found it to be very stressful at times because the job took up so much of my time. I often said that between towing and volunteering in youth ministry at the church, they almost equaled 2 full time jobs.

While at Faith CRC, I spent 3 years volunteering with their youth group. These were 3 wonderful years with the youth. I loved every minute with them and they taught me so much. I went on my first mission trip with them, we had many fun activities, and we learned about God, ourselves, our neighbours, friends, and family. This little shout out is to all of you and Thanks for all that you have done and who you are. I wish you all the best!

This past summer, my sister got married. She and her husband, Shane, decided to have a destination wedding in the Dominican. Unfortunately, not a lot of people came but with those who did, we had a great time! I was blessed with having one of my best friends, Tim Dykstra, come. This was both of our first time down in the Carribbean and the weather did not disappoint. It was hot most days, with mainly sunny skies. I was able to partake in several adventures like scuba diving, going on a guided tour of the local area, and snorkeling.
The resort, The Majestic Colonial, also didn't disappoint. They hosted a beautiful ceremony for my sister and Shane and they took care of us. Our rooms were all right by the pool and everything was well within walking distance. It truly was a great experience.

This all leads up to what has happened to me over this past fall. In May 2011, I had a phone interview with a church called Dixons Corners Community CRC. I was shocked when the Pastor called me later that evening and said that they would like me to come and meet everyone in person and see the church for a weekend. I couldn't believe it. I went and met lots of people and was thrilled with the whole experience. Long story short, and after a couple interviews, I am now the new Youth Director of Community CRC! Very exciting! Life as a new Youth Director. Well, this is what I feel that God has called my life to, a life of Ministry and more specifically, youth ministry. I can't say too much as I have just started but so far, so good! Everyone has been so helpful with the transition of settling in to the new area. The church community has been a true blessing. The Youth Leaders here are so passionate to help the youth and their walks with Christ and just being there with and for them. Love it! I am excited to see where God will take me, the leaders, the youth, and this ministry. So, as I start this new adventure, I hope and plan to keep this blog updated more between fun events/adventures, Biblical posts, and whatever subjects just come to mind.

God has been SO Good! I am thankful for His many blessings and for the people He has placed in my life and how they have supported, blessed, and prayed for me over the years and even during this whole process. So, it's a long post but what do you expect when I haven't blogged anything for 3 years.

Cheers!

Banff Day Trip

2009-02-20T00:12:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was another amazing day of travelling around Alberta. I have been so blessed this whole trip with weather that has been nothing short of spectacular. My friends Chris and Sarah live in a town about an hour south of Calgary so I went to go visit them. We then went to Banff for the day.
Banff is a real tourist friendly town. When I first arrived, I thought that I would feel awkward taking pictures in the town but it didn't take long until I saw other people doing the exact same as me. I just love the placement of the town because no matter where you look, you are surrounded by the beauty of mountains. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to wake up every morning and be reminded of God by way of seeing the mountains. I am intrigued by how each peak is completely different from another.
After lunch, the three of us took the gondola up Sulphur Mountain to the top. I felt like I was on top of the world. Seriously, on top of the world! I was short of breath while hiking to the old weather station which was on the top of the peak. The view was spectacular! I don't even think that the word spectacular can describe it. I really couldn't believe what I was seeing. I could see the TransCanada highway heading towards Lake Louise, the Bow River snaking through the valleys of mountains, the tree lines that never ended at a specific elevation but at very different spots along the mountains, the clouds running their course through the mountain peaks, it was all very breath-taking.
Well, I did do more that day in Banff. The three of us saw the Banff Springs Hotel. It's massive! What I didn't know is that it was built by the CP Rail. When I heard that, it made sense to me as of why it looks like a castle-sized CP Rail station which is essentially what it is. We then went to the hot springs. There is a strong, strong scent of sulphur but apparently the minerals in the water are really good for the skin and some have gone as far as to say that they have been healed because of the water.
I have once again been struck by amazement of God's creation and the thought and effort he put into it. I am thankful to have such a love for the outdoors and all that God has created.

Jasper National Park

2009-02-17T02:13:00.007-05:00

Today was an amazing day! In the past, I have heard about the rockies and how majestic they really are. The snow, the tree lines, the animals, the villages, etc. but pictures can only do so much justice. I, like anyone else who has seen the rockies, suggest that you go see them because they ARE just as beautiful as any one person can describe.
I went today with my Dad's cousin Ron and his wife Monique. They took me to Jasper for the day to see the mountains since I have never seen them before. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. They were beautiful. So tall, so jagged, each cliff took on a different shape from another, and so...well, WOW! I felt 100% completely in my element. I am surprised my neck isn't more sore from me constantly turning my head to look at the consistently different cliff sides.
Oh how great and majestic are you Lord! I am left with a consumation of aweness at your beauty.
Psalm 95:1-7a
"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

Flying

2007-07-04T19:54:00.003-04:00

I had a moment. Correction, several moments. Just this past Friday, I flew to Edmonton to visit some relatives and friends in Calgary. I must admit that I was as nervous as could be about flying because it's been so long (or at least felt like it) since I last flew. I boarded the plane from the tarmac and found my seat and sat down. I was lucky enough to have an empty seat beside me and a nice older man at the end of my row. We talked a little and I found out he was an accountant from Edmonton running a seminar with his daughter. Well, once we got in the air(taking off is such a cool feeling), things slowly started to look smaller and smaller. I then had my first moment.
How amazing it is that God created me and can number each hair on my head when ALL of this creation is under His superiority. How amazing the whole earth must have looked from his perspective after He created it. How amazing it must have been for Him to see how humanity has progressed over time. I am but a small human being in such a massive place and here I am flying over the earth. I got a view (though it was night) of the earth from a birds perspective and was completely humbled by it. God cares about each one of us. He calls for his children to come to Him despite our failings, He loves us for who we are. I have found that as I risk my life day in and day out whether it be driving, flying, or climbing cliff edges that I shouldn't be, I am learning more and more each day to put my complete trust in God. All of me, all of who I am, is His. For without Him, I am nothing. As the Apostle Paul writes, it is continually time for the old to leave and for the new to come out; put to death the old self and all the new self to be born again.
All this from a flight...it's amazing how God communicates with us

Beating the Brutality of Boston's Blizzard

2007-04-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

Alright, so it wasn't that bad, but it was pretty brutal when I checked the weather for the day of the Boston Marathon at 10 am. The Boston local broadcastors were saying that there were 50 mile an hour wind gusts, and heavy rain at times. It wasn't looking too promising for the 111th Boston Marathon runners. According to one runner, "It was amazing. God was there! The rain stopped, the wind died down, and it was 16 degrees(celsius) out. Perfect running conditions". That runner was my dad.

My dad is a 44 year old father of two children(my younger sister, Felicia, and I) and is married to Teresa. He has been running for approximately 8 years now and last year he was finally able to achieve his goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. What you have to understand here is that the Boston Marathon is one of the 'big kahuna' Marathons in North America. In order to run this marathon, one must qualify for it.

I would like to say my congrats(and show him off) for his long awaited accomplishment. This years Boston Marathon hosted just over 20,600 runners. They were split up into 2 waves, the first wave which included the elite athletes and the fastest runners to make up the first 10,000 runners. The second wave included the second 10,000+ runners. My dad was blessed to be a part of the first wave of runners as his time qualified him to be in it. He started off really good at the beginning of the race but due to an aggitated knee, he slowed his pace down a bit but still finished the 42.2km race in 3:28:50. No matter what, it's still a great time to finish with.

Here's the rest of the stats to help show you how well he did. Overall, he finished the race in 5229th place. For his gender and then his age bracket(40-44yrs old) he finished in 4479 and 1640 respectively. His placing does two things for him. First, he can say that he finished in the top 25% or 1/4(which ever way you want to look at of all who ran the race. Secondly, because he enters a new age bracket for next year, he's already qualified for the 2008 race. So my kudo's goes out to you dad and a job well done on all that hard work that you have put into this. I'm proud of you and your great accomplishment!

New Style to Help Save the World

2007-04-19T23:55:00.000-04:00

Well, it's about time! Yes folks, it's true, Linkin Park is finally coming out with their newest album May 15. As some would know, I am a huge LP fan for some time now and I've been waiting in anticipation for this album to come out. Now, I knew that this album was supposed to be a new style for them but I never expected to hear what I did. I did figure that it wasn't going to be as 'loud' as their previous albums. I am really shocked(and not necessarily in a bad way)that their debut song is about the world and almost one of those 'what can we do to help save it' types. Honestly, I never really saw this coming from them of all groups. It is apparent in their video that the message getting across here is that we need to fix our mistakes of the past to make a better future. I am now really interested to hear what the rest of their album is going to sound like.
So if you haven't heard it yet then without further adue, here is their video and I've posted the lyrics underneath it for your pleasure. Let me know what you think(P.S. No smart comments there, eh anonymous!).

Linkin Park - "What I've done"

In this farewell
there's no blood
there's no alibi

coz I've drawn regret
from the truth
of thousand lies

So let mercy come
and wash away

[chorus]
What I've done
I face myself
to cross-out what I've become
erase myself
and let go of what I've done

Put to rest
what you've thought of me

Well I clean this slate
with the hands of uncertainty

So let mercy come
and wash away

[chorus]
What I've done
I face myself
to cross-out what I've become
erase myself
and let go of what I've done

For what I've done
I start again
and whatever pain may come
today this ends
Im forgiving what I've done
I face myself
to cross-out what I've become
erase myself
and let go of what I've done

What I've done

What I've done

Forgiving what I've done

Roadtrips

2007-03-11T19:43:00.000-04:00

Do you ever go on a road trip and in your gut you can feel that something is bound to go wrong? Well, that seems to be the ongoing case for Rob and I. Whenever the two of us go on a road trip, it never fails that something is bound to go wrong. Let me go back a couple years ago...say September 2003.

So I am working up north at a beautifull park called Obatanga Provincial Park and I have no way to come back down to the civilization of the GTA so Rob comes to pick me up. It's my last night up there, and Rob's only night there; the car is loaded and my foreman, Rob, and I chill around the last campfire of the season (park is now closed up and we are the last ones there...creepy, maybe just a little but I got used to it pretty quickly). Rob and I get up early and I start the trip off with driving. Now, one thing to realize is that we have a 10hr. trip ahead of us, so we drive down to Sault. Ste Marie and everything is all good, and then down to Sudbury and by this time it's around lunch time. We are just entering the greater Sudbury area and Rob realizes that...he forgot his very expensive watch(it was a gift) and we absolutely had to go back to get it. Now, I am not impressed cause I just want to go home! I try calling the park and my foreman is gone, and I can't remember the sister park's staff house phone number(it's unlisted). So as much as I want to go home, I say fine, let's go back to get it. I then take Rob onto a back logging road that cut off about an hour or so off of our drive and we make it up to the park. It's all closed and locked up, no one is around and neither is his watch where he accidentally left it. We then drive another hour up north to the sister park, White Lake Provincial Park and all the guys there couldn't believe that we drove that much to get this watch. They offered for us to stay for the night but at that time I just wanted to get home and go to a church service so I said thanks and we were on our way. It's early morning and we are both tired. We make our way down and we finally make it past Barrie and...Tire blew! We pull off right away(gotta remember this little VW golf hatch was packed right up with my stuff) onto the shoulder and unpacked the car, take out the spare, switch tires and repack the car all in a matter of 15 min. Unbelievable! Alright, time for our home stretch, and yes we do make it safely at like 5am or something around there; we make it to my house with my dad getting up to go for a run, crazy guy;).

Alright, time for adventure #2 for Rob and Dan. Two weekends ago Rob and I are going on a little trip(about 3hr. drive) to see our friend, Anthony. He is currently at a school called Summit College. My car is loaded, fresh oil change, winter tires on, ready to go. We head off and I decide to take the 407 because it's much faster than taking the other highways to get to the 400. We enter Vaughn and something happens to my car. I am pushing the gas pedal and my car is backfiring and I am getting no power from my engine. I pull over onto a shoulder on a bridge. Great start to another road trip! I check under the hood of my car and I see that something is glowing bright red so I tell Rob that we need to get out ASAP and get everything out as well. We do. He's now on the phone with his brother in law and Rob gets us a rental for the weekend. The glowing dies down and everything is alright and I call CAA, they have a tow truck coming. Next, a cop pulls over and says that where my car is parked is an absolute hazard and tells us to get in the back of his Suburban cruiser(ya, we were in the back of a cop car). He calls for a tow truck(now I have to cancel CAA and send the bill to them from the tow truck that arrives) and literally 3 sec. after the cop is off of his radio, there's the truck. Turns out he deals with Robs brother's company and they know the same people and we managed to swindle him down to less than what CAA would've charged me. WOOT! We get the rental and have a great time up to Huntsville area. Nothing goes wrong throughout the weekend, we have a fun time until it's Sunday morning and Anthony thought he forgot something in the van (What you have to understand is that Anthony had to leave early to go on a winter camping trip); both Rob and I are asleep(I remember hearing something about keys but not clueing into anything at all...). Anthony gets the keys and goes on his way. It's several hours later and I get out of the shower and dressed and come out of the washroom and Rob is just waking up and asks me where the keys are. "I have no clue" I answer and then I realized what happened; Anthony forgot to bring them upstairs and he still has them. We search high and low for them hoping he left them somewhere, check once then twice in the van and still nothing. I finally decide to call the gatehouse at Algonquin where they are going and hope that maybe they are actually at the gatehouse or haven't come by yet and it's then that Anthony calls and tells us that he has them and his leader is bringin them back. It's an hour back to Summit and then another back up to the park and the leader will cross-country ski back in by himself. Wow! It works out and we get the keys and we think everything is great, until we reach Barrie and I try to call my Dad. No one is home, so I try the cell and nothing. Hmm, I try again later and still nothing and again and again. Crap, we are now stuck in Mississauga where we have to drop off the rental. Karen can't come, and we can't get ahold of my dad, so we go to McDonalds and pretty much spend our afternoon there until I finally get ahold of my dad, only to find out that he ran a 1/2 marathon(21km) to prep for the Boston Marathon coming up that he qualified for(42km in 3hrs 19min)! They then drive an hour to come pick us up and drive us over to Ancaster and have some tea/coffee at Rob and Karens which made it worth it for them. Thanks again Dad and Teresa! So...this has been another one of our great adventures.

I think anyone and everyone who knows us and knows about our travelling together has come to the realization that if and when we go on road trips together, to expect the unexpected, not worst but just unexpected. We never know what's going to happen but can guarantee that something is going to happen, it appears to bring adventure into our lives haha. We say this not only because of these two larger trips, but because we have had many, many fun adventures in the past while driving together. It's always a good time driving around with Rob!

Jays Spring Training Camp

2007-02-26T00:52:00.000-05:00

So while I was in Florida, Joel, Ryan, Tim, and I went to the Toronto Blue Jays spring training opener. It was great to be there to see both the young, up and coming trying out as well as the stars of Reed Johnson, Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, and Frank Thomas hitting some balls to warm up for the season to come. We were among maybe 50 other Jays fans to see them come out for the first time this season. What a blast it was to see the talent Toronto has invested in, especially in the 'Big Hurt' of Frank Thomas(man that guy is huge!). So while we were there watching, we ended up meeting up with Hugh from City TV news. He's the sports analyst for the 6pm news. Hugh Burrill is probably my favourite news sports analyst out there(besides actual sports channel's news). After chatting with him for a bit, he decided to do an interveiw with us. It ended up that we actually made the 6pm news on Friday February 23, 2007. This is the link for Hugh's whole segment about the Jays and we are right in the middle of it. Enjoy!!!

S.A.D.

2007-02-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, for those of you that don't know what that stands for, it's for Singleness Awareness Day. So for those of you who would like to read a great blog or two about it, go to Tim Dykstra's Blog. Woot to S.A.D. !!!

Asher and I

2007-02-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it's been a while but really I haven't seen, heard, or had anything interesting happen in my life as of recent. As of lately, I have been busy with basically schoolwork, sports(hockey fri. mornings and Indoor soccer thursday nights), and volunteering at the Living Rock. The Living Rock is a great place where I love going every Tuesday night to get away for myself but more importantly, where I can go and serve and help the staff there in whatever way possible but also I am able to create relationships with the youth there. I love seeing their smiles and how much of a great time they have being there, in a safe place where they can have a meal and enjoy the fellowship.

Today though, I went over to Rob and Karen Ennema's to see them, Judah(who has grown so much!) and their new baby Ashur. If you don't know the story about Asher, he was born prematurely and has been in the hospital for around 2 months or so and just last Friday he was able to come home. When I first saw him a couple days after he was born, his head was as small as my fist. He was so tiny and he was in an incubator. So cute!!! Today, I had the opportunity to be able to hold him, and he was so good with me, it was awesome(In case anyone doesn't know, I am known as Uncle Dan :) ) Today, he gave me what was probably his first high-five, it was so cute. There's nothing like holding a little baby in your arms and seeing him smile and open their eyes while holding them. It really is just so great watching these little bundles of life grow up, I mean, it feels like it was just yesterday when there was a huge snow storm and Judah was born; now he's 2 years old and running around and saying my name when I come over. Anyways, it was good times but now it's time to prep for a french test tomorrow. YEESH!!!

Line Rider

2007-01-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

I have recently been introduced to something that has possibly been around for quite some time now. It's a great little online game called Line Rider. Line Rider is a simple drawing program that allows the user to create a track for a guy on a sled to ride. An individual can make the track as simple as having a jump in it and watch the guy crash or do flips in the space of nothingness or go on a loop and land it. Try it out, it creates many possibilities to procrastinate and have fun creating a track. Here is a great example of a track. Oh, as much as I wish I could, I can't take the credit for this track, I found it on You Tube

Worms 3D

2007-01-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I spent my New Years Eve at Tim and Sam's last night. It was a nice and relaxing evening spent with Tim, Sam, Natalie, Jason Bergsma and his girlfriend Janice and myself. It was an evening of socialization and watching the ball drop in New York City as well as me trying to pop off the plastic cork from a bottle of sparkling wine(champagne). Apparently my face was priceless(you can ask any one of them about it if you would like...). It was a good night! Today though has been so nice and relaxing. I rented a game for xbox called Worms 3D. If anyone knows about the old worms game, it is pretty much the same but...in 3D. It has that nice variety of guns and missiles as well as the fire chop, sheep, and for the semi less violent a baseball bat. So, Tim and I have been preocupied with battling the computer and ourselves in this stress relieving game. The only problem is that we have to use one controller for the two of us, we haven't figured out a way to use two controllers. This is a mild problem for us as we just shared it from turn to turn. To the guys in the dorm, I'll still have it when I get back on Wed. so if anyone is interested in playing it, it'll be around. I hope everyone else is having a nice relaxing break as well, see all you Redeemerites on Wed. or later!
45 days until my dorm is going to Florida, can't wait(so excited!!!)

Boxing Day Explosion

2006-12-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

Advertising has such a huge impact on our lives. We see that prices are going to be chopped and we rush to those stores to hopefully save a couple dollars here and there and in the big picture, hopefully save lots by the time our shopping sprees are done. In the States, their busiest shopping day is known as 'Black Friday' and here in Canada, Boxing Day is probably one of if not the busiest.
I need a harddrive for my laptop so I thought that maybe, just maybe I would be able to get some sort of deal for one if I got up early for the early morning boxing day sales. I decided to get up early and check out the local Future Shop and Best Buy and see what deals there were out there. It's 6:15am and I get up to leave(both future shop and best buy are open at 6 but there was no way I was getting up that early...). I get dressed and hop in my cold car and pick up a Timmy's coffee cause, well, it's stinkin' early. I arrive in the parking lot and it was full...naw, full doesn't explain it, it was packed! I couldn't believe my eyes, this early in the morning and people are even more crazier than myself. I walk in and anyone person would have thought that the store was giving away their stuff at blowout sale prices with how busy it was(remember, 6:30am), the harddrive I need was sold out even though it wasn't on sale so I left. As I was leaving, I was walking through an isle and in the next isle over, is a long line for a cashier near the computer stuff. One guy was actually getting overly frustrated because the line wasn't moving, he actually was freaking out, it was really funny! I followed this guy to take a couple back roads to the best buy. This guy was insane; he was driving like a maniac to make it to the Best Buy. He must've been on a mission to get something before the next Joe would get it before him. He was speeding and he just barely made a light that turned red to get onto the main road that the Best Buy was on and by the time I stopped at the red light, he was turning into the parking lot.
Best Buy was not as busy as Future Shop but it still was amazingly busy for it to be that early in the morning. At the Best Buy, CH 11 had two trucks parked outside, I am guessing that they had a morning broadcaster talking live from there. Ok, I go inside and check things out and find out that what I want isn't on sale so I decide to not stand in an hour(+) line for something that is not on sale and as I was about to leave, paramedics were walking up the isle to the back where someone was hurt. Yup, it's that insane there that someone got hurt in the Best Buy. I leave and there is now two CH11 trucks, a firetruck and an ambulance, what a sight haha. I wish I had a camera with me to take a picture. I drive up to a store called Factory Direct in Hamilton(I only live in Burlington near Brant st. so it isn't far to the Hammer) and after waiting in an half hour line outside I hear someone talking about the person who got hurt in the Best Buy and apparently he dropped a penny and accidentally got kicked or something and then was hurt. This just proves how busy it really was there. I couldn't help but to chuckle inside; not at the person getting hurt but at the idea that someone did.
Well, moral of the story, Don't go shopping at 6 or 7 am on Boxing Day, it isn't worth your time or effort unless you are willing to fight off 200 other people after the same sale item as you.

Snowing

2006-12-04T18:56:00.000-05:00

Let me one of the first to tell this wonderful story...It's December 4th and it's snowing quite well outside, nothing like what BC got last week but that's alright. Hopefully this is only the beginning of what's to come this winter. Lots of people on campus have long been waiting for this for a while; we now get have fun in the snow.. SO SWEET!!!

Prayer

2006-11-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

This is a prayer that was layed on my heart when I was going through a hard time. Everything now is fine and dandy. I'm just about to prep up for exams as they start next week, so do pray for all of us students and our exams that are to come and that we may do well on them.

Lord I will trust you. I come to you broken and hurt. I am frustrated and confused with events happening in my life but You call us to give everything to You and so for that I will try with all I have left cause I know that what I am experiencing and going through, I can't do it on my own. Lord, You are good, even when I feel like my world is falling apart, You are still there, guiding and leading me on Your path. Psalm 119:76 asks God that His unfailing love will be a comfort; and I ask God for that same comfort, that His love will surround me. In all I experience, in everything that happens, I am still called to be an example of Christ and I only pray that I may continue to be that example again in the parts of my life where I haven't been.

Only in you, Lord will I find peace again!

On campus

2006-11-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, if you are living on campus here at the RUC, I realize that some of my icons are not working because of the network, I use photobucket for some of my images and for some reason the network doesn't like this site, so it doesn't allow you to view my site in it's fullest form. I am going to talk to the techies soon and see if that can change somehow cause it's really stupid.
Have a great weekend,
Peace!

Will it blend

2006-11-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Well if you haven't heard of it yet, there is a video series called "Will it blend". This guy uses a 3 horsepower blender to see if different things will blend. He tries anything from 40 pens to rake handles, marbles, golf balls and much more. If you want to see more, go to YouTube and search 'will it blend' and you'll find lots of videos to watch.

Drops of Rain

2006-11-15T01:16:00.000-05:00

Last week Wed. night I went back up north(well I guess what we would consider north from here...) to Mactier which is about 1/2hr. south of Parry Sound for a deer hunting trip. I stayed at my relatives cottage which they are renovating it to be winterized; they are now living there all year round!
When I got to the cottage at 10pm, everyone but my cousin was asleep already. During hunting season, we are up at 5 am, in the bush by 6:15 and at our stands by 6:30/6:45am. Hardcore...you betcha, we gotta to give ourselves a chance against the deer. So, on this trip, I did not end up shooting anything, most people will be happy to hear that, as I have not fired a gun at an animal yet. I will admit that I was tempted to shoot a couple squirrels and chipmunks for barking at me when I was at my stand, but...they are too cute!

For me, this is what it's like in my deer stands. Sitting at the stand allows me to think a lot, sometimes too much... So, it's 6:30am, and we all get out of the vehicle and get out our gear and carry our guns in our socks/covers. We head into the dark, eerie forest towards our individual stands. I follow my cousin to his and he shows me where I have to go. I walk with the help of the night sky and my adjusted eyes and go between trees and dodging through seedlings, all to get there. So here I am sitting on my stool, looking into the shadows of trees in the darkness. It's slowly starting to show an essence of light out and.. I feel a couple drops of rain. I quickly open my bag and put on the rainpants and sit back down. It is still slowly getting more and more light out by the minute(s). I'm sitting on the stool, rifle in my hands, in full anticipation of the slight possibility of seeing something, always looking over both shoulders, in case that deer has snuck up on me. My senses are at full strength, eyes wide open and ears listening for a crack of a branch or the crackle of leaves as a deer walks past and I hear the sweet sound of the rain in a distance falling and creating one of my favourite sounds of it hitting trees and leaves. Without being able to see anything in full detail yet, I can't even make out where the rain is and how long I have before it hits me and it was only a couple seconds before I was engulfed by the rest of the falling rain. It wasn't too long afterwards that the forest became alive for the day. As the light continued to brighten the day, birds came and sang songs while the squirrels and chipmunks barked at me and each other as well as have little quarrels between themselves for territory. This is what it is like while sitting, wishing, and waiting!

All I Need is You

2006-10-29T17:53:00.000-05:00

All I Need Is You
by Hillsong United
album: Look To You (2005)

Left my fear by the side of the road
Hear You speak
Won't let go
Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to pray

Got every reason to be here again
Father's love that draws me in
And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of You

All I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is You Lord

One more day and it's not the same
Your Spirit calls my heart to sing
Drawn to the voice of my Saviour once again
Where would my soul be without Your Son
Gave His life to save the earth
Rest in the thought that You're watching over me

All I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is You Lord

You hold the universe
You hold everyone on earth
You hold the universe
You hold
You hold

More will come soon when I have time, it's gonna happen soon, I PROMISE!!!

Live from Redeemer

2006-09-05T21:42:00.000-04:00

Well hello everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well! I am currently back at Redeemer for my first full year and so far things are going well! I was surprised when I originally heard that I had a roommate. I was really nervous since I have never had a roomie before in my life and I didn't know what to expect either. Turns out we are both in school for youth ministry, and we both have lots in common, Praise God! Looks like the two of us will get along quite well! I start classes tomorrow morning, so from there the fun begins...ahh, classes again! It has been great to see everyone again, friends met last year and everyday I am still meeting new people which is great. Well, that's all from me for now,

Enjoy what you do,
Do what you enjoy,

Dan

heat wave

2006-08-01T22:35:00.000-04:00

It's stinking hot outside!
That's all,
Dan

Pocket Bikes

2006-07-30T13:20:00.000-04:00

ahh pocket bikes, how they would be so much fun! I actually saw a guy riding one on the lakeshore trail a little while ago and asked him how fast it can go, and he told me it can go up to something like 100km/hr. This just goes to show what a little engine can do...enjoy the clip!

Poolside

2006-07-22T22:27:00.000-04:00

Well hello from the dungeon!
Tim was over a little while ago at my house and he was assisting me with cleaning my pool. I was vacuuming while he was skimming the top. He made a comment and I came up with this:
5 Ways to use a Pool Skimmer

5. Might as well get the most obvious one out of the way...to use it for it's original and real purpose, to actually skim the top of the pool and collect the dirt and leaves and whatever else is floating around in the pool.

4. Instead of using an actual butterfly net to catch butterflies, the skimmer will work just the same. And on those nights where the pesky mosquito's or black flies are out, you can just swing the skimmer on the pole all around you and I am sure you'll either distract or net a whole bunch of pesky bugs.

3. Since it's on a telescopic pole, you wait till your neighbor has people over and they all go insided for a minute, you can then extend the pole to it's full length and use the skimmer to net some free drinks and maybe even food from your neighbor, one can only hope they may even have a couple cold 'unopened' brewskies there too!

2. Instead of trying to 'permanently borrow' from your neighbor's, you could actually have some fun with them. This would require of them to have a pool or have at least a pool skimmer (why they would have one without having a pool is beyond me) and the two of you could play catch with a tennis ball over the fence while you are both in your separate pools. To take this a step farther, each of you make water balloons and have piles of them around your separate backyards. The skimmers are then used as your catapults and you try to get each other over the fence without looking through or over it, sorta a battleship type of game but you can do continual rapid fire at each other until you are both soaked.

1. Does everyone remember the Kraft Dinner commercials where the two guys in the dorm turn up the heat in the dorm they are in(I won't mention the reasons as of why they do it...). Well, an addition to that would be a pool skimmer. "How?" you ask. Well, after cooking their noodles, they need a way to drain out the boiling water, so all they have to do is pour them in the pool skimmer and since it is on a telescopic pole, open up the window and extend the pole outside and air out the noodles quickly. My suggestion for this is to make sure no one is below you because I doubt it that they would enjoy the ambulance ride to the hospital or the burning sensation on their skin.

That's all from the pool side,

Peace!

Been A While

2006-07-22T17:34:00.000-04:00

Well hello again!
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I know it's been a while since I've been out blogging. I guess you could say that I've had a dry spell of ideas, and well, there really have been no real exciting events that have happened in my life as of recent, unless you consider eat sleep work exciting?!?!

Alright, time to start back off with some humour. I recently had a couple friends over at my house and the three of us were just relaxing in the pool until we got the idea to start whipping each other with pool noodles. It truly was quite funny to see two guys attack and whip each other as hard as they wanted with the noodles(realistically it doesn't hurt that much to be whipped with the noodle). I am sure you had to be there to see it, but Rob, Anthony, and I were deffinately able to get rid of any aggression we had stored up that night, good times!

So I started playing hockey again 3 weeks ago, that's right...ice hockey in the middle of the summer! I do have to admit, it's kinda wierd but so cool(no pun intended;) ) going to the arena in summer clothes and not all bundled up in a winter coat like I probably would in the winter. I also splurged and got a new pair of skates. Now if you ask anyone who plays hockey, they'll tell you that a good pair of skates can assist in making your game. These skates of mine are awesome, so comfortable and better than my old used up pair from...the early 90's?!?!, who knows when. I truly have been blessed to have been able to purchase them. I've played 3 games and have 2 assists, so it's a good start with getting back into playing the game I love the most!

Umm...work. Now there's a topic I just love to talk about(really, I can't wait till the sumer is over). Some of you know that I have struggled with a couple people I have to work with on the same crew. Well, as an update, the guy who was really slow had a family emergency and isn't coming back( I do continue to pray that things are ok with him and his family, but he just wasn't cut out for landscaping so we are glad that he is gone although his circumstances are unfortunate..) so my boss hired another new guy from another company. This guy is amazing, he's fast, learned the sites quick and is a really nice benefit to our crew. God has really blessed my foreman and I from both going crazy babysitting the other guy and now having this super fast one who took his place.

Well, that's my update for everyone. I really am going to try and continue back on with the blogging thing again, I am currently in the middle of editing my template, so I can inspire myself to write more!
That's all for now,

Peace!
-thanks to everyone who has the countdown going until school starts
-and yes the blue is a very close match to the TML blue

Baby Squirrels

2006-05-25T23:27:00.000-04:00

So today at work, our crew was at our last site and I am pushmowing with another guy named John. John and I split up and I go to help him finish up the area where he was cutting, and he tells me about these two baby squirrels and how Steph picked one up and took it away for the time being and he picked up the other one and it bit him. Now, I know this isn't the most legal thing here, but it's only once.(I know, I know, it's no excuse...)After he tells me about this, I ask him about where the second one is and he points to it, so I go and pick it up. He's very cute and furry and such and eventually I put him back down to let him go. He stays in a tree bed while I keep cutting and then tries to commit suicide by almost running underneath my lawnmower...it's a good thing I saw him and was able to stop in time. When we were done, John runs back to the truck and brings the bucket that the first one was in and somehow gets the second one in there as well(I tried to get the second one a second time as well but he kept playing peak-a-boo with me underneath a car). So after all this hype, John shows them to someone who lives on the court and she let them go free, together, as brother/sister, sister/sister, or brother/brother, which ever, doesn't matter, they are together again! Well, that was the excitement for our day, and yes, these are the type of random things we do on our grass maintenance crew that keeps us entertained!!!

Have a great weekend,
Dan Ponsen
P.S. If you are graduating this weekend, congrats to all!

Family History and BC Eagles

2006-05-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings to all who are reading this. I hope everyone had a great long weekend. Mine was nothing special, but still relaxing!

Now, I know this really has nothing to do with anyone but my family, but I thought I would share it anyways. I had a little fun and entered my name on google and did a search. I came across stuff from me, but apparently there is a Daniel Ponsen in Holland playing in the Dutch basketball league, I am still trying to look further into that. Anyways, I came across something else really cool; apparently some distant relatives of mine made a family tree online from my Oma Ponsen's side of the family. It's really cool because it goes all the way back to the 1700's. It's really neat to see this. If you are really bored you can go to the website and try to find me and my family on there. For me, it's so sweet to see my family going that far back, I love it!!!

On another note, I was informed about a different website yesterday. It's called Eagle Eye. It's a site that's based out of British Columbia and what they have done is set up a live camera on an eagles nest. This has supposedly been going on since the young were still in the eggs, and people around the world have been watching the mother come and sit on the eggs and they could see them hatch etc. Now the young just basically eat sleep and peck at their wings?! I haven't seen the mother yet, but I am sure that if I wait around long enough I'll see her sometime. I find it to be kinda addicting, just sitting and watching the birds and wait for them to do something. Does this remind you about a movie at all??? 5 points to the one who can answer that question! Well, have yourself a great rest of the week,
That's all from me for now,
Dan Ponsen
Go with God!

What a Day...

2006-05-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I truly have been blessed! At work today I was put onto a different crew than what I am normally with. I was a little apprehensive about it at first, but it all worked out well. We made a morning stop at Tim Hortons and a couple of us go to get a coffee. I saw that they had coconut creme donuts, and they looked good(tastes good too!), so I decide to get one. I tell my order and a lady behind me(I have no clue who she is...) says, "Wait, wait, here have this, don't charge him for the donut". I never get donuts, but for some reason today I decided on getting one and here is this stranger giving me her roll up the rim donut because she doesn't like them. Wow!
So we go on with our day, and I find out on our break that the hospital we are cutting the grass for is having their annual 'Presidents BBQ' and since we cut the grass there, we are considered staff, since the bbq is for staff only. I know they are only small things, but I have been blessed, thanks God!!!

Ok, if anyone is wondering what I am up to for the summer, at the end of last week, I was able to establish a full time summer job with the landscaping company I am helping out. They are the company I was working for before I went back to school, and I have been helping them out for a couple weeks, but God helped me out and again blessed me with knowing that I now have a job for the summer. I am just doing the lawn maintenance, but hey, it's lots of hours, decent pay and I get to be outside all day :) What it has required of me are long days, on average I am working 6:45-5:30/6pm so if I haven't talked to everyone it's probably because I am working, eating dinner or sleeping.

In terms of what else has been happening in my life...not a whole lot. I've started rollerblading more now, and besides that, just working away. Hey, if anyone wants to get together during the summer, let's hook up! Nothing expensive, I'm a Redeemer student like most of you...:)

Well, that's my life in a nutshell,
I hope everyone is having a great summer so far,
Dan Ponsen

Finale

2006-04-13T11:35:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again.
It's the end to another year
the true test to our skill,
knowledge, and our memories
It's a time we are in rooms,
reading notes after notes
studying what is to be and not to be
and memorizing terms after terms
It's the time of bad eating habits
mornings of catching up on sleep and
nights of coffee or tea to stay awake
It's the time of nerves being shaken
and prayer after prayer to keep calm
It's a time of joy after one is done
but the realization of another not far away
It's a time of packing up,
and hugs with saying our goodbyes
and "have an awesome summer!"
with "make sure you keep in contact..."
It's the time when you see others leave,
while you yourself are ready to go,
It's that time of year again.

Pastor Judah

2006-04-02T18:34:00.000-04:00

So when I was at a youth conference several years ago, I basically discovered who my favourite youth pastor is. He is a youth pastor from Seattle and preaches at The Generation Church. He's funny, real, and has great sermons. I was actually able to find him online, and he posts his sermons on the internet. So every once in a while I will listen to his sermons to keep up to date with them. I find that they are amazing, dynamic, and challenging too. Well, if you want to listen to a recommended pastor, I suggest him. I think it'd be worth your time to listen to one of his sermons.
Anyways, Enjoy the weather cause I certainly am,
God Bless,
Dan

Hockey Move

2006-03-31T00:25:00.000-05:00

I've had this video on my computer for a while, and since I have now learned how to blog videos, here it is. This is my ultimate favourite hockey move.
Enjoy
Dan

Many Thanks

2006-03-30T20:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick thanks to Karen Ennema for her help in assisting me with learning about HTML. I now know about how to add a sidebar and...yes, I now know how to add a video footage from google to my posts, oh man this is going to be so much fun!
Well, just like I promised, and now that I also know about the video thing, I shall call her my hero of the week!!!
Thanks again Karen,
You're awesome,
Dan

Not Yet There

2006-03-30T01:02:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a process; I am just talking about learning how to work my blog to it's fullest potential. I am still new to the world of blogging, and more so, to the world of HTML. For now, my site might be a little boring with nothing on the sides or anywhere, but when I find out how to do it, well, I guess you will notice(I may be jumping up and down a little!). Anyways, I am going to try and use this(blogging) a little more often. I have been feeling a desire to learn to be a little more creative and exciting with my writing(and posting) and there's no better way than to practice blogging. If anyone knows anything about this world of blogging and is willing to give me a hand sometime to show me a couple tricks of the trade, you would be my hero of the day!
Cheers,
Dan

Stumbling blocks!

2006-03-30T00:52:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,
I know it's been a while since I have last put up a blog. I was shown a certain website about the Bible. Now, it's not any ordinary Bible site that will allow you to enter in a verse, phrase, or even word to search a specific Bible verse. I would consider it a more...humerous version of telling the story line of the Bible. I actually don't know how old this site is, but hey, I thought it was pretty funny when I saw it and looked through it.
Now, I am sure you are wondering, "what is this site he is talking about?" Well it's called The Brick Testament.
Like I said, I don't know how old this is, but hey, if it's old, there's nothing like bring back what has come and gone. I had to laugh when I first saw this. The Bible done out of lego! Who would've thought to have done this. When you go to the site, you'll find that they actually hit up all the main stories of the Bible from the very beginning of Genesis to the end and the Epistles.
Well, I hope you all enjoy it,
Cheers,
Dan Ponsen