Lost In the Prairies.....Found by God

When you move, you not only move from your friends, but also another important person in your life:  your hairdresser.  A hairdresser, doesn't just cut your hair.  They are counselor, fashion assistant, confidant and friend.  I had a great hairdresser back in Saskatchewan - Mr. Gerald (the kids added the Mr.).  He was awesome.  I trusted him and was never let down.  I was always happy after getting my hair cut, whether he cut my hair short or highlighted it blond.  Gerald also worked with me in being able to cut middleman's hair.  After a horrible experience at a children's salon, Gerald patiently worked with Thomas for over a year to be able to get him to sit on the chair and allow his hair to be cut.  Gerald had a great personality and we could solve the world's problems in the two hours it took to highlight my hair.

Now I have moved and I no longer have Mr. Gerald.  I went to see another hairdresser this summer.  James had no personality and gave me a trim.  He did not layer my hair the way I liked it, even though that is what I asked for.  He didn't even really talk to me.  I was not really happy and didn't go back.  I checked out some of the other salons in town and couldn't believe that it was going to cost more than $40.00 for a wash and cut, let alone highlights starting at $90 before cut.  

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Earlier this month I was so desperate I dyed my own hair (after quick research for the best at-home dye on my Blackberry) and then I cut my own bangs.  I didn't think I did such a bad job, but I have to admit that some of my gray didn't take to the colour as much as I would have liked it too.  

Today, I finally said enough was enough.  I was tired of my hair.  It was long and straight and needed to be layered badly.  It just fell flat and wouldn't keep up the volume no matter how much backcombing and hairspray I put in.  I went to one of those chop houses.  You know the cheap hairdressers.  I have lucked out a few times before and found great hairdressers through them, however, I have also had some crappy hair cuts thanks to them.  This time I lucked out.  Karlee was great.  I told her what I wanted and showed her some pictures.   In 20 minutes I had a great hair cut and had some great conversation.  

I love my new cut and will definitely be going back to see Karlee and the chop house even takes appointments, not just walk ins.  I finally think I'm starting to get the hang of this move.

Muslim extremists destroy church building, homes
Sources: Compass Direct

A group of hard-line Muslims attacked a church building in Upper Egypt on September 30, torching the structure and then looting and burning nearby Christian-owned homes and businesses. The 3,000-strong mob of Muslims gutted the Mar Gerges Church in the village of Elmarenab in Aswan province, then demolished much of its remains, multiple witnesses at the scene said. The mob also razed four homes near the church and two businesses, all Christian-owned. Looting was also reported.

The Mar Gerges burning is the third church in Egypt in seven months to be burned down by a mob. No casualties have yet been reported in the attack. The tension in Elmarenab started the last week of August, when Muslim extremists voiced anger over renovations taking place at the church. They also opposed any Christian symbols that could be seen from the outside. To force the Christians to acquiesce to their demands, the Muslim extremists blockaded the entrance to the church and threatened believers on the streets, in effect making them hostages in their own homes.

Please pray the government will do all they can to protect Christians from this kind of violence.

Pray the Christians will not lose heart but continue to take every opportunity to meet together to worship the Lord and provide encouragement to one another.

May the Lord use the conduct of Egyptian Christians to act as a witness for the gospel.

This past year I have been in a season of trial and perseverance.  I have been truly humbled and literally broken.  I still feel very broken.  I don't know what the future will be and it worries me.  I don't know how I can get through this time as a whole individual.  

I have heard the song "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson before.  This weekend while driving home from a workshop this song came up on my iPod.  I listened.  I played it again singing as loud as I could.  I am trying to dare to believe.  It is hard.  I dislike the dark.  I always have (funny for a night owl to say this).  It's the unknown.  It's about fear.  But after the dark is the sunrise.  The light and hope.  I will press on, trusting in the one who has great plans for me.

Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you?
If there's a God who loves you
Where is He now?

Or maybe there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday, somehow you'll see, you'll see

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing?
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you're going
You just don't know how you'll get there
So say a prayer

And hold on
'Cause there's good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time, but you'll see the bigger picture

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing?
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning

Yeah, yeah, before the morning
Yeah, yeah

Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory, memory, memory, yeah

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing?
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing?
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

Come on, you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
'Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the hurt before the healing

Oh, the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning
Yeah, yeah, before the morning
Yeah, yeah, before the morning