A Life Colour Blind

In the Dark Light

2010-02-20T12:32:00.001-07:00

absence

2010-02-06T22:30:00.002-07:00

It's been a while..

"He comes to stand for us in the presence of the Father, when in our failure and bewilderment we do not know how to pray as we ought to, or forget to pray altogether" - J.B Torrence

Beautiful..

-D

Not my will but Yours be done...

2009-03-30T01:28:00.005-06:00

My life is not my own... This is something I do not understand fully, yet it makes sense to me. I understand that God is in control and that His will for my life is perfect and just. I just sometimes try and do everything on my own strength to manipulate what he wants for me or is calling me to.. You know it's actually quite easy to fall into a habit of doing that.. Sometimes we receive gifts in our lives or just simply good things are happening according to what we think is good... And even in such times we pray and say thank you God for these blessings, we say things like.. this is a good thing because "I like it" and therefor can't really be bad in God's mind. I always tell myself I don't want to put God in a box and limit Him to the things in my life.. but honestly I realized today that God has a plan for me, and that sometimes I try and turn or manipulate things that I think are good to reflect "God's" will.. yet His plan definitely will prevail no matter how hard I try and alter it to meet my needs. I have been reading in my Bible, doing a study of the gospels and this weekend read the part where Jesus walks into the garden with his Disciples and asks them to pray.. Then He prays as well and says to God "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done"Luke 22... huh.. and even though I read that scripture I still said yeah.. "Lord let Your will be done..." but what I really felt is this... "Lord let your will be done in my favor" or "let Your will be done so that I am rewarded" I guess that's really the same thing twice over, however it identifies my struggle it a little clearer. A recent event has challenged me with this "God's will" thing in my life... I don't need to mention details or anything, but an aspect of my life needed guidance.. and so I prayed and prayed and prayed... and asked God to show me clarity... And I read the bible and read the bit about "your will be done..." and like I said, even though I read that.. in my conscience I was thinking.. "Well God likes me and wouldn't hurt my feelings... so basically if I ask Him to favor me in this matter... "His will would be done"... BUT NO!! Okay so maybe my thoughts seem scattered but I realised and actually needed somewhat of a kick to realize this... but I realized that God's plan or will for my life is HIS... and when I hear Him calling or presenting me with a situation, the outcome or answer is there... however, this is the hard part.. the answer He has or the outcome we know He has for us is not always what we want.. and so my selfish desire kicks in and "twists"and tries to conform what I'd like into what I then tell myself must be God's will... Well here's the truth.. God's plan hurts! But it doesn't have to hurt if I am obedient and following him everyday. Then I will see His plan/will for me clearly and be so very content and happy. I think if we weren't challenged sometimes by His will that we would not be serving him... or we'd have no need for a God...what I mean by that is, if we are constantly or at least manipulating God's will to conform to our own selfish desires... then we create this fickle sense of temporary happiness. This is not how you know God's will is actually His will. God's will for me is real.. when I am challenged against my own selfishness and called to a higher more purposeful calling from Him. I am sorry for this combustion of scattered thoughts.. but I think I finally get it.. When I was baptised one of the elders at my church read me a verse of encouragement and it was the psalm about "delighting yourself in the Lord...Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"... Well... I guess that's just it. that is what I need to do.. I am looking forward to the challenge of seeking God's true will/plan for me in my life always/daily, not just for the future but for now too.. I can no longer try and create my own sense of what His will might be for me because of my feelings or desires... He knows best. I think sometimes we just loose ourselves in what we think is good for us, when God has so much more in store, and in if we wait upon Him for His timing and are faithful.. delighting in Him we will see this truth a reality. God's time is perfect.. wait upon Him.

My prayer is this for me and for all: "Lord let all my selfish and worldly desires be gone and be made knew in your strength. So that this will or plan I seek for me is of You! May my thoughts be pure and concise, and my new desires line up with Yours undeniably. May I seek first Your kingdom Lord in order to receive and understand the joy of knowing I am Yours and that in You I am safe. Let me do this before I seek to reap the benefits of my own strength.. that ultimately lead me to destruction...Help me to be dilegent while I seek Your will for me, remind me that Your time for matters in my life is always better than that of my own understading.
AMEN

Cold place

2009-02-26T05:27:00.004-07:00

It's ridiculously cold, I long for the summer to get here.. Yet in this cold place I am grateful for now, life is good after all. Listen to music - it's awesome. -Dan

Drive... a dream I once had

2009-02-24T05:01:00.007-07:00

Forward - © Dan Nel Photography 2008

Its early morning on this beautiful and crisp summer day,

the sky is open, no clouds in sight, only the road, and the guy ahead of me

the guy I have been following for seems like a decade...he drives slow!!

I have my tunes playing in the background, and I am enjoying the smooth summer breeze

flowing through my windows whilst I sing my heart out to my favorite songs…

My mind wonders at times about the matters I face everyday: work, money, food, education… I wonder when I will finish my degree; I wonder how I will pay for it.

In the midst of all this day dreaming I am still only following the guy ahead of me,

The one whom I feel has been in the lead for quite some time. I feel strong with him in front, I feel like if anything would happen to me he would see me in his rear view mirror and stop, turn and come to my aid. I feel at peace with this guy ahead of me.

As I look to seat beside me I noticed a cell phone, and it was ringing.

So I did only what most people would do when they see a ringing phone…

“Hello? Hello… is anyone there?

“Yeah I am here; I was here and will always be here… Listen I need you to keep

Following me, we are heading for our destination, and we are making good speed okay… try not to fall behind…” Click!!

Putting the phone down I realize the voice on the other side sounded very familiar,

I knew this voice, I have heard it before. It was the same comforting voice, that lead me

to come on this trip…

So… we drove further and further, we even drove through a few storms, in one we actually had to pull over because the wind was so strong…It was here I was able to buy

a drink and a snack for the road, and you know, use the facilities… As the rain died down

I grabbed a coffee and hit the road again, by now the sun was coming out behind the thick black clouds and I could smell the rain through my air conditioning vents.

Ahhh the smell of rain… One of my favorite smells…

Ring…Ring, I picked up the phone and once again it was the guy I had been following, only this time he was behind me, I had left too quickly at the road stop and he had to catch up… He said this isn’t a problem, but he felt he needed to be in the front as only he knew the way to our destination. Okay… I said with a smirk on my face… “Why can’t I lead I said… I know how to drive… It’s not like I can get lost on this straight road…aaaahhh whatever I said frustrated…

As the drive went on I turned on the radio and listened to this weird guy talk about

how it’s important to let other people in on what’s happening in our lives. “Don’t let

The sun go down on your anger… stuff like that…” I’m not angry! I thought about how I just don’t like telling just anyone what’s wrong or why I am sad or sometimes depressed. It wasn’t like no one knew me I just didn’t open up to people easily; it had a lot to do with trust and bitterness towards others. I was just thirsty… I needed to open that drink I bought at the road stop… Ahhhh how satisfying. At that moment we drove past some people camping or having a pick nick, and there it was, a camp fire and I could smell the smoke for miles…and that is another one of the best smells in the world…

The smell triggered memories from when I was a child; I remembered how my family always sat around the fire as we camped, and how my grand parents would sing songs in

Harmony… my mom would always join in and my dad’s eyes lit up with enjoyment. Perhaps those times were a part of what lead me to love music and harmony, and the fellowship one could have singing together. Oh family is great… I continued to day dream about my child hood and the things I missed the most, it was rather nostalgic… like swimming all the time and playing cricket in the back yard with my older brother. And the watermelon we ate a Christmas. We would get so sticky from the water melon juice that the cold crisp pool water would be the only thing to save us from getting stuck to the plastic garden chairs, and of course getting stung by bees…The memories of life as a child continued to flow one after the next, at times I would laugh so loud tears rolled down my cheeks.

As we continued down this long road that seemed never ending we drove past this

Huge field that was so beautiful, the entire field was golden yellow, and reflection the sun cast made it look like a sea of gold…Im not sure what exactly was growing there but it seemed like that farmer had a good crop this year.

As I started thinking about reality and my surroundings, I think the word crop

Triggered a thought in my mind… “money, school, work…” and once again I was left of with stressful thoughts from earlier, how am I going to pay for school, or how was it possible for me to afford rent” I was stressed out and I needed some more of that beverage… mmm at least it tasted good.

We drove and we drove and I kept following this guy… I started to wonder why.. and honestly, couldn’t he go a bit faster… I wanted to get where we were going soon…not in 20 years…I sighed and sat back in my seat unclenching my fists on the steering wheel … “it’s all right just relax” said a voice in my head… there is no need to rush anywhere. The sun was setting in the distance so I figured it was probably a good time to turn my lights on, I was seriously starting to get tired though… real tired, and fast.

At times I flashed my high beams at buddy in front of me to pull over, because his number came up as private caller so I couldn’t call him back… I guess that didn’t really get his attention. I knew though that sooner or later we would have to stop for gas…

About an hour later we pulled over in this small decrepit little town. Wow I thought to myself, I hope I leave here alive… the guy at the gas station had a few teeth missing and huge beard… there was mustard stains all over his face and some tomato juice in his beard. Would you like to fill up son? “uh, yes please sir… regular please…” Okay he said…

As I was waiting, the phone rang… guess who… “Hey, are you okay to drive a few more hours, or do you need sleep? Hmmm well sleep would be good except I’d rather not stay here, these people creep me out. “Sounds good “son” (mocking the station attendant) hahah, we’ll keep going. There is a bigger town an hour and half from here. Sound good I said, with some relief that I wouldn’t have to sleep anywhere near Santa clause with the mustard stains. So I grabbed a beverage from the machine beside the gas pump and hit the road again.

As we drove I noticed some stars in the sky, I wondered how far away some of them were, and that my family was pretty far away too… I hadn’t seen them in a while. I wondered how they were doing, some of my cousins got married a while ago and I wasn’t able to even make there weddings… It made me kind of sad that I missed that. If I only had more money… and time away from work and school… oh there we go again… the burdensome thoughts. Soon after getting semi depressed we arrived in this town… wow there was actually a building with more than one floor… Sweet! This will do, this will do I said…

Phantom boy ahead of me pulled in to the parking lot of this motel and just pointed at the office and then turned of his ignition. I parked in front of the office and got me a room, I was tired. I asked the guy if there were any take-out joints in town that I could order some food from. Sure, in you room there is a card with a few places on it, here is your key sir, have a good night.

Room number 7, nice I thought, I always liked that number as it was the number of one of my favourite Beatles tunes on the second disc of the Beatles red album “nowhere man”…I don’t know why I remembered that, it has been a while since I heard that song, or even thought about it. I got to my room ordered some pizza and turned on the TV. Great the only thing that was on worth watching was a rerun of CSI… an episode Im sure I’ve seen at least twice. Oh well I was more interested in the pizza and beverage then the dialogue of the show or the body that was being dissected by the coroner (It always seemed to happen right when I was eating). After I ate grabbed my toothbrush from the car and noticed “buddy” was still in his car… he had a jacket pushed against the window and was reading with a flash light… Did he not want a room? Should I invite him for some pizza perhaps the floor in my room to sleep on… Whatever, Im sure he would have called if he wanted my company. So I brushed my teeth and hit the sack.

The next morning I got a wake up call from the Motel front desk saying, “Good morning, this is the front desk calling to wake you up as you requested… Have a great day!” Thanks! It’s 6 in the morning; this must have been the handy work of the mystery man… So I got up had a nice shower and grabbed myself a muffin and an Orange Juice after I paid the Motel folks… Buddy already had his engine running, so I ran to my car and hit the road again… Now at this point I was really starting to wonder, who the heck this guy was and why I hadn’t stopped following him all this time… I immediately realized that I knew him and have for a long time and that I should keep on driving behind him. So I put on my sun glasses and we started heading east.

Around noon we drove into a bigger town with a couple of malls and taller buildings, population...um, I wasn’t sure. It is here were the clouds started to form once again… The cell rang and I didn’t hear it as I had my music too loud trying to impress the girls walking about… after all I did have my sun glasses on. I saw a strip mall and I pulled up beside a convenience store, I needed some food and a drink. Buddy did not stop… he kept on going… I figured what ever he’ll pull over or wait for me outside the town on the highway… As I walked into the store I saw a familiar face… It was someone from my past, someone I had tried to disassociate myself with. This person’s voice was not so nice, nor was it peaceful; it reminded me of a bad time, a place I wished I’d never visit again. They started asking me questions, showing me things I did not want to see, making me do things I would regret things fro the past… I was ashamed that I stayed so long to visit my old friend or should I say nightmare…I was mad that I didn’t just go in there to buy a drink and some food… I was mad that I didn’t answer the cell and that I had to try and be someone that isn’t me to make people like me… I was ashamed, and now I felt lost. I bought my drink and grabbed my food as quick as I could, and left… hours had past since I last saw the guy I was following for what seemed like ages… hours had past since I had driven behind him… Where could he have gone, has he been waiting for me… The clouds seemed thick and dark, the lighting was heavy in the distance, but I could waste anymore time, I had to catch up, I had to find my way, the way back to the driver. As I drove out of the town, it started to pour I thought all heavens was coming down. I thought this was the end of this trip; maybe I should go back to the town and wait there with “nightmare” until the rain stopped… No said the voice inside my head… NO keep on driving… Keep on Keepin on!!! So I drove endlessly it felt like I was getting no where I could not see more than 10 feet ahead of me as the rain was so thick… I felt sick to my stomach, thoughts of debt, scandal and lust streamed through my head… I did not know the way out this time… I did not see, I could not see… Where was I going? I didn’t know the answer. After what seemed like a few hours the cell rang…

“Hey man… how’s it going over there? It’s probably raining as the weather forecast said on the news…I can hear it through the phone… Are you okay? I tried calling you, but you pulled over, I tried a few time but you didn’t listen for the call… It’s okay, just take it slowly, we will get through this. It’s only a storm. “I am afraid, I don’t even know where I am, you were leading before and you are the only one who knows the way… how I am I supposed to get to you? Listen “son” referring back to Santa with mustard stains…there is a road map in the pocket behind your passenger seat… take it out, relax and you will find me, I am waiting in the next big town. Just pull over collect yourself and go over the map, find a place to figure out were you are then find it one the map, you will find it. This map has everything important on it.

After the leader dude called to calm me down, I reached behind my passenger seat in the pocket and grabbed the road map… I wouldn’t have even thought of this hadn’t he called, I was so panicked and was definitely freaking out. I drove past a sign with a name of a town and pulled over. And there it was I was only a few hundred miles away from the next big town, the next chapter of this road trip the place that he was waiting for me the place where I would once again be with the man who lead the road. I felt safe.. Life is good.

The greatful and good...

2009-02-19T22:59:00.004-07:00

Praise - © Dan Nel Photography 2008

A day like today... well aside from the massive amounts of rage caused by things at work, and the fact that I feel like I'm getting sick again...I really have to admit that things just really aren't all that bad. Life is good... it really is. We have a Creator that loves us deeply and that will draw near to us as we draw near to Him. He is always with us and we are in His presence. I think it's funny sometimes that as Christians, during times of worship we might say "we invite you into our presence Lord" Wait a sec.. He is God! He is omnipotent... He is everywhere all the time. Just thought I'd mention that...So how can we say "join us" Always did wonder about it.. Maybe it's a symbolic thing, that we are welcoming Him... but still should we not be saying "Thank you Lord for letting us meet here with You today"... Maybe I'm wrong.. Perhaps you could explain your thoughts about this..
Anyhow back to Life being Good.. I have a roof over my head.. I have a car, a family, some awesome friends an amazing girlfriend. And I have a God that wants to have a relationship with me. Who forgives me and provides me with healing when I break.. that is pretty amazing. God loves me for who I am, and he is shaping me daily to want a more Holy life.. the quest for sanctification... He blesses me with gifts of the spirit that encourage me and others. He walks side by side with me in good times and in horrible times.. Yet He never changes, He is always my God and my friend.

For this I am greatful..

-Dan

Somwhere...

2009-02-16T22:31:00.004-07:00

Fast lives - © Dan Nel Photography 2008

A new song brings me here tonight... as per my last entry I mentioned I felt something like a new song brewing.. Well it brewed and it's different than anything I've written. I feel like I'm discovering a new way of writing music... and that really excites me. Can't go without saying that I think David Gray (my fave) has some influence on that. I have been listening to this man for the better part of 5 years now and I must say I am really into his stuff. He is by far the best song writer I have listened to ever. Anyhow so I think he has inspired me, through his work to write in a new way. Try to anyhow.. I think it's working.
This isn't all that interesting however, it is a huge breakthrough for me.. if you are someone who writes music or anything, then you might understand. It's like you get to a certain place in your writing where you feel like it's mundane and not getting anywhere. Anyhow, I just broke free from that. It feels nice.. Perhaps you might understand.
Life is good... Valentines weekend was great.. Spent time with my lady, it was great. Also got to see my family on Sunday which is always great to have everyone together.. Well, the 6 of us anyhow.. oh 7 actually can't forget to include psycho Jodi, our dog... hehe she is another topic all together. I love her though.

That's all for now folks... -Dan

Awake...

2009-02-13T00:05:00.007-07:00

I hear it...

RED SKY - © Dan Nel Photography 2008

Under the light of this faint lamp I sit strumming faintly on the strings of my guitar. A familiar place, I have been here a lot. I find myself listening for Your voice.. I haven't focused deeply for a while..A new song brewing in there somewhere, I can feel it, even hear it in the depths of my soul, the melody is humming in my head. I know it will come in moderation.. and then it will be finished. I look forward to this new season I am in, I am able to breathe a little deeper, and let go a little further of this grip I feel holding on to me. I am healing.. I am learning and I know. I am thankful for the people who have entered into my life, the new place of worship I can finally feel like I'm home. I am certain here is where You have me. I am certain that "things" will never stay the same.. but You will and that is enough for me.

Music and a girl

2009-02-11T21:11:00.007-07:00

Here in the Rain ©Dan Nel Photography 2008

Truly it has been a while since this blog has seen ink flow... or should I say (e-ink) whatever that looks like...

I was contemplating whether or not to delete this blog, and then I realized that would be utter craziness!

Since I began this blog, there have been so many stories and events that it would be a shame to delete and forget all the moments depicted here. Some of the memories are vibrant and some are just plain distressing the sort of “bedrock” of my life over the past 5 year. I have been absent from exchanging thoughts or words since late 2007... Yet so much has happened since then. So instead of starting a new blog and obliterating what was left behind on this one, I am going to revive its life... A new look and perhaps a few other changes will do some good. It’s odd actually, Blog’s used to be such a big thing a few years back, I suppose they still are, however I think with applications like Facebook and Myspace, I think maybe they have lost some of their admired flair. I don’t really care if others come across mine or read my entries, it’s really something that I like and enjoyed for a long time... and it’s great reading back about 2005...

Anyhow since late 2007 some things have happened that impacted me greatly... I had been working on songs in order to put together an album since I moved to Calgary in summer of 2004.. Little did I know then that in February 2008 my dream would play out.. I recorded an album with Slyngshot records in Calgary Alberta and released early August 2008. In October I entered into a cross Canada music competition and came 2^nd place in the performance category... so that was great to experience. Since I have been playing shows in western Canada and just loving it. It’s hard being an indie artist, working and playing music on weekends when you can, but you keep doing it for the love of the music. So if you like my MUSIC you can add me to facebook HERE and keep updated with when I play shows and what not. I haven’t been at school since January 08’.. it gave me an opportunity to work on the music project. 2008 flew by, it was a good year. So here we are in 2009, music going well and truly entering into a new chapter in my life. Over the last few years I have not dated anyone, in fact my mother referred to my “love life” as a “golf cart on NASCAR” lol.. Frankly I found myself lost with what I wanted kinda like running around like a chicken with my head cut off.. I decided that this year I’d stop looking for “Miss right”... And then... Boom a girl comes along. So yeah, interesting how that works out. You always hear people say “I wasn’t looking and then I found her”... that actually happened. I am stoked about her and what is in store for us, she is great and I love being with her.

Anyhow... wanted to start with this and make an effort to write more on here...

Here’s a little something I wrote a couple days ago... some thoughts...

enjoy...

-Dan

Flowers and Honey - Dan Nel 2009

I couldn’t comprehend, my voice too young to feed the fire

Fortunate! On the side of the fence with the bees and running streams

An ally so sweet, an innocent calloused actuality

Behind the sharp steel, you learn to think

A place reserved, your place of bliss

Sheltered by grace, and good virtue yet separated by race

A chasm so deep, a mind of a child, scared by ghosts in the dark

Tall tales of deceit, broken promises and a lash from those who teach

Outside was our comfort, out here we were lost, outside was a home

Nothing could be a bother, run free, fall hard push on! such a rush

When the door was open, the sun so warm dried the floor

Clothes hung out to dry, pinned by wood fresh in the wind

A splash in the distance, a cold summer pool. A mind refreshed

Stay in the shallow, slowly advanced.. find it in the deep

Feel it, Find it ,embrace it

Step out on the ledge.

It’s raining

change

2007-12-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

My light has turned on... things are making a little more sense, things about life that is. Things about today and what I seem to have control over tomorrow. Ultimately God is in control over everything now, later and what our past. Live for today and dream about tomorrow, but It's time to realize that life is not a fairy tale or some planned out set of events by us as humanity. I have realized that by living a future centric life I haven't been able to full enjoy "today" and be who I am to the fullest. But that change is underway it has taken my life by a storm, and it's scary yet feels amazing, like a new challenge or season should feel. I have butterflies in my stomach and feel excited to take on change, accept change. It is good.
here is a song that says it beautifully...

If you knew that you would die today,
Saw the face of God and love,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that love can break your heart
When you're down so low you cannot fall
Would you change?
Would you change?

How bad, how good does it need to get?
How many losses? How much regret?
What chain reaction would cause an effect?
Makes you turn around,
Makes you try to explain,
Makes you forgive and forget,
Makes you change?
Makes you change?

If you knew that you would be alone,
Knowing right, being wrong,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would find a truth
That brings up pain that can't be soothed
Would you change?
Would you change?

How bad, how good does it need to get?
How many losses? How much regret?
What chain reaction would cause an effect?
Makes you turn around,
Makes you try to explain,
Makes you forgive and forget,
Makes you change?
Makes you change?

Are you so upright you can't be bent?
If it comes to blows are you so sure you won't be crawling?
If not for the good, why risk falling?
Why risk falling?

If everything you think you know,
Makes your life unbearable,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you'd broken every rule and vow,
And hard times come to bring you down,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would die today,
If you saw the face of God and love,
Would you change?
Would you change?
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you saw the face of God and love
If you saw the face of God and love
Would you change?
Would you change?

By: Tracy Chapman - "Change"

Anyhow, change is good folks... embrace it and love it.

-Dan

Beautiful sight...

2007-10-23T21:45:00.001-06:00

all along it was He...

2007-10-06T23:25:00.000-06:00

I came home from work tonight after having a rather uneventful night or day at work... Things were kinda slow... I was totally just stressed out though today and just thought of all the work I have to do and the papers I have to write...so on and so forth...
There is just so much on my mind these days, I sometimes wonder if God is feeling overloaded by the plethora of issues I have laid on Him in the last week... and that's just me what about the rest of the world... Last night I went out with a whole bunch of people to see a concert that was great... It helped with clearing my mind a bit... we at least temporarily. When I woke up this morning it seemed nothing has change and I was back to square one... Work came and work went and then I went home. Man! as soon as I set foot into my house I felt the Lords presence so genuinely it was a blissful moment. I sat down at my desk and checked my e-mail and what not... and then It hit me... I wasn't sure what it was but I couldn't say it nor could I grasp what this feeling meant, I have never experienced this. I spoke to God and asked Him if he was with me, and if He wanted to speak to me... I know it was a little scary and my heart was pounding... but there was no response just a immediate desire to play guitar... I know! kinda strange.
I picked up a guitar and just prayed and wondered if God wanted me to write a song. And yep I did, I wrote a song for God.
It talks about God's calling in my life for Mission work. It's written in the song... It's a song of thanks giving...

aaaaa (sigh)

God is great,
Good night friends and enjoy your thanks giving

Your Bro in Him,
-Dan Nel

Worship, reading and one crapy movie!

2007-09-16T19:42:00.000-06:00

This week has been great, I was doing worship on the worship team at my church, and it just felt great being able to serve again. It feels like ages has gone by since I last served at church, perhaps this is because I hadn't really found a home church until now. I took a while I guess... However now I am attending a great church with some awesome people and not to mention my family goes there too...this means a lot to me. So today was the day we played at church for two services so it was one early morning for me to get out to the church's location, but the drive alone is enough to feed me spiritually if you know what I mean...
Here is a pic of what you see when coming into the town... It's beautiful...
Aside from being able to play on the worhip team this week I have read a lot. Mostly for my classes though, there isn't much time for leasure reading when I'm in school, it kinda sucks. But other than that school is going well.
I went and saw "Mr. Woodcock" a new Billy Bob Thornton movie... it was so bad that we left the movie 20 minutes in. Oh man it was terrible. That's enough said about that though... I have just realized that I don't really wanna watch crappy movies anymore... I feel like I waste my life away when I have to sit there for two hours watching a crappy movie... so from now on I guess I'll try to do a little research before just going to see any movie... At least we got our money back hahah.
Anyhoo life is good and I'm thirsty so I am off to get a drink...

Have a good week people...
His
-Dan Nel

Back to the grind...

2007-09-09T17:14:00.001-06:00

Summer is over and I am going back to school. The past 14 or more months of life has flown by, since April 2006 when I finished school until now it seems unreal. It doesn't feel like that much time has passed, nor do I feel like too much has changed around me. Well thats not entirely true, good friends have returned from far places and they are an easy phone call or visit away. My brother has moved here and it has been great hanging out with him. I have had a great job with some good opportunities that have come may way and a family that supports me all along the way. I guess the biggest change I faced over the last year has been in myself. I have noticed a need in my heart for a stronger, deeper and closer relationship with God. And throughout this journey I have been taught to be less harsh on myself when I screw up, becuase God loves me and He always picks me up. He has taught me to rely on Him more then I did before, and He has helped me grow up... "play time is up" ya know, been there and now it's time to seek knowledge and wisdom from Him and learn from my classes instead of sleeping through them because I was hurt and angry and confused. But this is a new beginning a new start to be who God has called me here to be. Missions and full-time ministry... where ever He leads I will follow...

Classes will be good this year, and this relationship with God will be a great Journey forever...

Seek first His kingdom...

-Dan Nel

New Season

2007-07-24T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today I came to the realization that I have truly entered a new chapter in my life, a new season. I have come to the understanding the life is not all about wondering what to do next or in an other way it's not worth freaking out if we don't know what step to take. I have realized over the last few months that it's okay to not know were the next few months will take you. I have come such a far way from the kid I used to be 3 and a half years ago when I came to Calgary, to now. It's amazing to see how much you grow up when you are living on your own and you have life stuff to think about. At least this way of life did it for me... This past year of not being in school gave me a chance to honestly reflect my life. I was able to find more of me in the midst, of the person I am and will be forever in God. I mean for sure I will continue growing and becoming more mature in my faith and in life... but I have realized that I need to be more serious when it comes to school and life stuff. It's good to have fun and relax, but there is a time for that. I know that the past few years have felt like time wasted at times, but reflecting I can't say that I have wasted all that time. The events of Gerry Hall and school life has been a huge encouragement in my life... Sometimes I wish I procrastinated less and worked harder, but I don't regret the friendships I made during the times I should have been studying, or the life lessons I have learned while I should have been listening to lectures... Now on the other hand I can say that I have been there, and that I have done that and that now is time to bite down and get her done!
I love life and I love the people in my life, God has blessed me with a great family, wonderful friends and a stellar job that I really can't complain about. But I want to go back to school and finish what God brought me here to start. I love learning about Him and being a part of such a beautiful community of people... God is good..
My brother has moved to Calgary and God has already blessed him with a great job. He has been here for just a bit more then two weeks now. I am glad he is here and that our family can be together in the same place. I appreciate this so much because I know the Lord has called me to do mission work and that would mean that I won't always be near my family in Canada. So I guess these moments are very precious and I want to live them to the fullest. I know that there is no rush... but I am so ready to be done school and do what I want to do full-time.
We keep praying... and life will work out as God intends it to.

Anyway people have a good week...
God bless,
-Dan Nel

Stay Tuned...

2007-07-12T00:34:00.000-06:00

It has certainly been a while since I have written anything on this Blog... However a sudden urge let me to revamp a bit and start writing... I want to give a new feel to the bulk of what I will publish on here... I think that I will be creating a photo blog were my pictures can be viewed as well as a blog for my music... So stay tuned as I work on these things... And will keep yall updated as time goes by... But I am still alive and I will start writing again....

Peace be with you,

-Dan Nel

2006-12-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

Life, and all it Encompasses...

I can say that this last week has been great... The weather has been pretty nice and the morning air has been great. My daily routine seems to work for me right now...I do my thing to get ready in the morning..by thing I mean shower and shake my head back and worth to style my bush of hair...Then I go on to prepare a smoothie in the Ole Bullet curtesy of my sister for my b-day...def putting this present to max use... then I head to work 30 minutes early to prepare myself for the day ahead (this is really just a time I like to brainstorm strategies for my day of sales)... Meh.. who knows when I will change that routine ...change is good.Perhaps I will add strawberry to my smoothie instead of bananna... ooooo I have been spending a good amount of time "searching for God knows what"... heheh literally... I love the way I dream at night... my dreams have been so vivid my whole life... In fact if you have been a blog reader of mine you would have read some of my dream experiences over the course of time... Although my writing isn't that great, I have tried to express my dreams in writing... Not all my dreams are easy to explain...

Anyhow the God thing... I love talking to God in the mornings when I just wake up... it's like a little Q & A time for me about my dreams... Sometimes He helps me see the meaning of my dream, and other times I go to work pondering all day... I have decided I am going to start an extensive "dream journal"... I think this is necessary right now... God has shown me to seek first His Kingdom in a dream the other night... Even though... "man" (by man I mean "me") always desires ones own wants and needs. I am gonna try hard to seek first His wants in my life... Who knows perhaps that guy has something awesome planned for me eh... heheh jk... I know God takes care of all things and that He is in control of all things.. He loves me and that is enough for me... I know what He has for me now and that is to seek Him... Then the rest will come... I mean I know some things... like going into ministry and music... But as far as other stuff goes I am pretty stommped... hehehe aren't we all... wow... I need coffee...maybe not... Perhaps just a cold glass of H2O....

One thing I have learned over the past couple weeks is not to hold onto to things or desires unless God is prompting me to seek such things/feelings/desires... you know... Not to be hurt for too long... and I don't mean live cold heartedly but remember God heals our hearts and He forms and molds us daily to who He wants us to be... therefor when we are hurt... by all means cry,vent, be angry... but we must...we absolutely must keep walking in His direction... "keep on Keepin on..." This is something I live by now... Life isn't easy... heck if it was we'd all be at the movies sipping coke all the time... But realistically we are Soldiers in the Lords army.. and therefor our lives are a battlefield... whether we like it or not... We are Christians... who said it would be easy... but we keep walking right... honestly correct me if I am wrong...
A heart for God is a heart for people... Love...

I am sorry if this seems like a pointless ramble... but I am sure someone will understand this post...

Keep on Keepin on...I love you guys...

I know I am weird... sorry.... heheheh

His,

-Dan

Miracle

-John d. Webster

I love the way you touch me, I'm so amazed
Your beauty speaks a thousand words,
And then it takes my breath away
You burn me up like fire,
And then you pour on me like rain
It's truly amazing, like a miracle

Chorus:
I see you in the sun that shines in the sky
I hear you in the sound of the oceans tide
I feel you in this gentle breeze tonight
I try to explain it,
It's a miracle to me

You can move my mountains, you can still my soul
You whisper to me like the wind, but it shakes me to the bone
Your Spirit takes me far away, but I feel just right at home
It's truly amazing, like a miracle

Chorus

Truth be told
I just wasn't one for miracles
Let's just say I've changed my view
Cause loving you I've been awaken
The earth starts quaking
I'm blown away I'm overtaken
By the miracle, the miracle of you

I see you in the sun that shines in the sky
I hear you in the sound of the oceans tide
I feel you in this gentle breeze tonight
I try to explain it
I just can't contain it
It's truly amazing
It's a miracle to me

Out of the dark and into His light...

2006-11-29T02:17:00.000-07:00

I have thought so much lately about going back to school and getting my music recorded. My talks with God are becoming more and more... Lately I have been discussing a few things with my Maker about life and what that encompasses... I know that this year of my life has it's reason for being the way it is...why all is happening the way it is and so on and so forth. I have met some amazing people this year whom have been great to me. My sister is awesome and she has such a strong heart after God... She has been a huge encouragement to me over the last couple of years.
Others I have met and have become friends with are amazing too. WOOOOT
Life is good needless to say with all that is going on right now... Work is going well and I kinda live alone for the time being until I get a new roommate. We will see how that will work out when time comes.
I wrote an song a bout a month ago or so and it primarily talks about sharing a dream... I think too often we have thoughts or ideas or things that hinder us or things that excite us that we don't share with anyone.. we just keep it to ourselves and I have realized over the last few months that it's so important to share things with God... just literally tell Him everything although he probably already knows... It's just great to say "hey God I don't feel very good" or "God.. why is my arm hurting"... those are just lame examples.. God is more sovereign than we think... I know that telling Him things that are important to us... is so great. Then aside from telling the Lord and laying things at His feet we also have the "body" whom we should share things with... "problems, pains, praises, etc..." I have learned that when we keep things in the dark we are going to struggle hard my friends... It's then, when we don't talk about things that our mind manifests it's own ideas about certain things and twists and turns them until the enemy gets a hold of our deepest secrets. It feels pretty bad when you don't feel like you can talk about something with anyone...
Don't let your thoughts or feelings stay bottled up.. Share them...live them
Share your dreams with others...we are an encouraging body of Christ. Share your dreams with God.
He always listens. He is AWESOME...GOD IS AWESOME!

His,
-Dan

2006-11-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

It's cold

Beautiful song...

2006-11-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Music Video:CHASING CARS (by Snow Patrol)

This song is so awesome

Life and things....

2006-11-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

This Last month has been interesting...I have been working at my new job now for a little over a month and I really enjoy it.. the people I work with are awesome and really great. I work with a whole bunch of people from other cultures so when we gather to eat at break we all share foods. It's great... mostly it's been a lot of Indian food which I am in love with. I would say that Mexican food and Indian food are two of the greatest cuisines ever known... at least to me that is.
My grandparents have returned home now and are safe. My dad has also returned safely from taking them back home. This gave him a chance to visit his mother and some of our other family. I think he really enjoyed it. I am thankful that he is safe and back here with us now. South-Africa is not the greatest place when it comes to the safety of the ones you love dear. I pray everyday for my cousins and family still there. Our God is Sovereign and He is in control over all. This I believe whole heartedly.
I want to start looking at some more recording options for a CD soon... Like maybe start working on putting a few songs together that are solid and then recording them as a sortof Demo or something. That would be fun...
My shoulder is starting to heart again... I dunno if you know the story behind "Death Arm" but there is one... I discovered a poem I wrote about my arm last year... and well I think "Death Arm" is still alive.

"Death Arm"..

by: Me the body (Dan)

He is my arm and he is dying. He hurts so much and throbs all day. He is sad and frankly, he does not know what to say. If he had a face, he would have tears rolling down it and if he had a mouth he would say bad words, hurting the stomach. However he is only my arm and he aches day in and day out. Please support him with love and care, Maybe even a prayer. He is my arm and he is throbbing, if he had a brain he could possibly be sobbing. Instead he has me, the body that holds him dear. For even with all the pain I love him sincere. Soon we will go to place, were his pain will be fixed. But right now we wait and we wait. We wait becuase we know, That the hand that molded us will fix us, the ultimate restoration will soon be agian. He is my arm and I love Him to bits!

Not much is going on in my life other then work, music and fellowship... God is ultimate and He is strong. And it is when I am weak that the Lord is my strength.

Always and forever...
His,
-Dan

80's music and interprative Dancing

2006-10-22T17:30:00.000-06:00

This one's for you sarah....

God+ Music + Life + Bible School Mentality...

2006-10-06T03:49:00.000-06:00

So I have known for a long time that when I am feeling "blue" that listening to music or better yet playing guitar/singing get's me feeling sweet. I love music and people who make/record/produce/write/whatever else you do to music/with music. Music is such an effective way to express/vent oneself.
I recently wrote a song about a time in my life where I was broken. Then it came to me that I have been broken for a very long time. It hasn't just been a while, then I realized how wonderful it is to be broken, and that the very word of God speaks about when we are weak/or feel we suck, God our father is strong/doesn't think we suck. I noticed and "looked back" in the past few months and realized that I have written more music in this time of being broken then ever before. It's like I finally see a little clearer why I a have been in this continueous "rut". I am glad and my tongue rejoices. However, I have spent so much time in the past two and a half years trying to figure out who I am and where I hope to be oneday, that I lost focus on who is goinng to show me and who is going to get me there.
Can you guess? Well his name starts with a capitol G.
God is showing me that I need to rely on Him so much more; and that my little world of discombobulated thoughts is so minute compared to what actually matters to Him. I feel great that I have realized this and that I can say it loud without being embarressed, I am admitting to the fact that I have been living a futuresentric life. Focused on the when more then the now and the how rather then the... who cares. If I strive for a life in God's will everyday then how will I be worried about tomorrow if all I need worry about is today. God will give me true peace about tomorrow and the weeks to come. I mean don't get me wrong, I need to be realistic too, and responsible. But I will have peace. Becuase essentially God will provide me sufficiently with what I need and what I do not. In His will we will be blessed.
Recently I have been feeling rather restles, sleeping too little a night and then being uber tired during the day; but it all makes so much sense now... I have realized that I need to bring this change of daily obedience into my life to God. And that... I will do, and He who is great will foresee the change.

BIBLE COLLEGE (BC) MENTALITY

Going to Bible School has opened my eyes to a mentality that isn't spoken of that much and not too many admit to it out loud (don't want to admit to it, becuase one might cross question ones mottives). Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to be rather a minimalist/discrete thing around the student body. What I am talking about is the fact that many people in BC (Bible College) has this idea that when they come here that they will eventually, but hopefully sooner then later meet someone to "get hitched with"(Many lean towards the sooner then later). Meaning that in the first few weeks of School (litteraly) when all the freshies get to res, it's like "PRIME TIME". I mean "holy crap"(I know crap isn't holy) it's like "speed dating". And then after a month or two the ordeal moves onto... oh yes "Let's get engaged'!!! WHAT! Yes, that is what I said aswell. How much can you really, I mean think hard...REALLY REALLY know about someone you have dated for 2 months and then think about marriage. (Once agian, I realize God divinely segrigates two people for one-another and then when they finally meet they "just know" it is the right thing to get married). I say Congragulations! And it's not a tonne of people who actually get engaged but many desire it to happen fast.
Hey I admit, that I myself was sucked into this Bible College mentality Scheme by just the simple psychological frame of "conforming".
It is so lame... The fact or thing that gets to me the most and please don't get me wrong I am not dissing or judging anyone's descisions in life, I am merely saying that for me looking back and seeing this happen was a bit over the edge. I mean yes I believe that God has created us all to long, I mean truly long for a significant other. Someone who will be our other half, whom presumably will make us feel whole. " I was reading "Searching for God knows what" - Donald miller... And he writes about Adam and Eve in the chapter titled "NAKED"... Miller expresses this whole significant other thing so beautifly. Adam waited for Eve for a long long time... He was alone for a long time... something like a hundred years... Afterall God himself gave Adam the task of naming EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL MADE!!! Miller, after doing some research found out there are like milions of diffrerent spieces af living animals. So yeah it must have taken Adam a long (understaded) time to name them all. And in all that time he was alone...no Eve by his side. Adam then spending so much time naming and studying ll these animals realized their need and reliance on one another. (Mating and so forth) Adam then realized how lonely he was, God knew of Adams longing to have something else or someone. Then after waiting along time God gives Adam his Eve...(but not after taking his rib) It's such a beautiful love story... It's poetic and divine, and ultimately brought about the "fall of humanity". But I guess what I am saying is that Adam waiting very long, in contentment for God to give Him an Eve, and like Miller says we have it easier becuase we are born with that lonnging for another, where Adam kinda had to figure it out himself.
This post is probably the longest I have written in a while, but I felt the need to express those things here tonight... Please don't misunderstand the above writing as an insult to those of you who got Married in a short time, like I said congratulations to you all... and may God truly bless your lives. I just needed to voice the Fact that God instills the feelings in us to want more, something, a life partner... but He wants us to know Him and love Him so we are ready to know Him and Love Him with someone else in the picture. He knows what we long for and what our deepest desires are. He is not foolish, He is JUST. I am so glad that I am still single and that I have come to realize this magnificant truth about God's word... I want to be as greatful with my future wife as Adam was when God gave him Eve... I want to wait untill God is ready to bless me with "her".

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Mathew 6:33...

Friends be patient (and I have to keep telling myself that as well) but Love is divine it is not a game.

1 Corinthians 13:4-10 (NIV)

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

Oh yeah... The Lord is my refuge

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." - 2 Cor. 13-14

Happy thanksgiving
your bro in Him,
-Dan Nel

The return...

2006-09-28T02:21:00.002-06:00

I want to just come out and say it... I have many issues.. I need to deal with them, and don't get me wrong. I am definitely not screwed up, but I just think I am out of the "norm". Dealing with my issues is something I have been doing a lot lately. Seeking God and asking Him where I stand in the whole "Him and I" thing we have going. Thus far I have realized that I need Him in so much more of my life than I actually allow Him. It's like I have created this little cage or box in the past of things I allowed God to help me with, and the rest I tried to tackle on my own. Well..hehe let me tell you how badly I have failed... We can not have everything our hearts desire and God at the same time. That my friends I learned the hard way. However, Here I stand... How far will God take me... Here I run... How far will God go with me... It's when I fall broken before His feet that He says, okay lets get up and try again.
Friends, God is so good even if we sometimes fail to see Him in our lives, or when we are so weak that we think we are worthless to the world. We are merely beings of God shaped by Him to accomplish His will.
I will seek Him for the rest of my life, and I will learn new things about myself for the rest of my life too. When I am weak God is my Strength...

I am nowhere near where God is taking me... But I say "bring on the journey". Because it's what lies at the end of the road that I am most excited for.

I love you guys...
-Dan

In the stream...

2006-09-24T02:19:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know me, I have been a little distant lately. I do apologize for having been this way. Life and all the things it beholds has been hard for me for the past years. Well since January... 2006. I am not going to get into details, but I do want to say that I feel low. In a sense I feel abandonment from the deepest love in my life (God). I know that He is there and that He loves me dearly... I just, well I can say that I am seriously going through the "motions". I am to a point where even hanging out with other people sometimes seems to be a burden to me. I wanna be alone all the time and separate myself from all that is relevant.
However being the person God made me I fight hard against the desire to long for deep friendships or even a "relationship". I feel I'm just going to end up hurt or regretting people I get close to. I should be alone... I shouldn't be alone... This I contemplate. But I have God... But I need community. Oh well... I dunno what to say... I am stuck in this rut.. and I feel like there is no way out of it this time. It's been to long. Plus I haven't really had anyone to talk to about life and issues... I mean yes I have vented a little but ultimately I have laid myself down infront of God and have pleaded for help!! Yet.. I still dwell endlessly in desperation for a new "something". I want to read this book I am borrowing from my sister... I don't know why I am borrowing it, cuz I barely ever read... but I want to.. I desire too but It never comes around.
I don't write to nag or to cry about life... I just felt a need to express... Even though this "expressing" myslef on this blog right now feels like a Glacial understatement. I am not asking for sympathy, that's the last thing I need. I am just tired of being on the wrong side of the wall, or climbing up the wrong ladder... ya know enough of that...

Karyn is leaving tomorrow. I will miss her a lot. Pray for her safety and that God will use her in Honduras. She is gonna be away for six months. Pray that God will provide her with everything she needs to be provided with... (kinda vague but I mean everything)
Sarah is in Indonesia... Pray for her too...
I am in Calgary... I need prayer... (it's kinda sad I know)

Well folks that's all I got for this one...
Keep on keepin on'
His,
-Dan

Rain on...

2006-09-13T22:27:00.000-06:00

So today I was to start this new job that I went for an interview for on Monday. I get there and the guy who hired me and told me to come today wasn't there. So I was like okay.. Good start. Then I waited for like 15 minutes and this guy with the name "Ret" shows up... I know I have never heard such a name. But apparently the male character from Gone with the wind or something is called Rett. Moving Ret came to me and told me that he was to be my crew leader and such. I was satisfied with that and thought to myself, good... We can go on. Then he told me t go sit in a room and make myself comfortable for a while as he was to make a few phone calls. Soon after that he returned and he got me set up with some "gear" which were saftery glasses and a hard hat. Hehehe. He then told me that I'd have to fill out the paper work on a later day because Maury the guys who hired me wasn't there. So once again I was like ooookay... Why not. LOL
We then proceeded on to a site close by the mustard seed that we where working on. I started breaking some pillars down to the beams. As I was working away curiosity hit me and I thought to myself "I wonder what their benefits are like" the benefits Maury told me I would have after a while and that I specifically asked him about during our interview and he told me that I would get some after a while of working there. So at lunch break I went to the "Ret" and asked him about these sweet benefits... Hmmm he said followed by a giggle... Yeah "Maury just tells people that so they would start working here heheh" I was like what are you kidding me. What a joke... So the boss of the company, the guy who hired me lied to my face. ARRRGGG as you could imagine..Yes I had a little rage inside, so I called Maury and asked him about these wonderful benefits, and he completely denied that he told me that... SKETCHY I thought... I then proceeded on home. And that was the end of that job... Weird man I tell you.

Anyhow other then that today was a great rainy day... And I don't say that sarcastically, I love the rain. I whish that it rained more often some days. I had a sweet nap and got well rested. I then woke up and ate some delicious steak. mmmmmm

alright that's it for today folks, ya'll have a good thurs/fri...

Lates,
-Darius....

Such a Mystery ...

2006-09-12T02:20:00.000-06:00

In the process of revamping my Xanga, I came across this very disturbing picture of me heheh... I believe I was trying to imitate a Raptor. Yes a dinosaur hahaha. I am sure the sound comes very close to that of the original Raptor "attack noise"... In fact I am willing to wager money.
Sometimes we just do strange things... I hope that answers your question about why I'd be doing such weird things as imitating a Raptor. Or on the other hand maybe you have always thought that I've been a raptor incognito. Who knows...
Beauty is all around us folks, it's just a matter of looking hard enough to see what's really beautiful. The truly amazing stuff.
I once read in a book that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that is absolute bollox. Beauty can not be in one's eye, unless you have like really nice eyes like Rori Gilmore heheh. Better yet I believe Beauty is found in the anthropomorphic cranium. The "human mind" where we think and dream and hope. The eye is just what the brain uses to see. The heart however, is a mystery...

Good night...

Beautiful

2006-09-11T01:00:00.000-06:00

And so it Goes
Billy Joel

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretence
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

Lights all around...

2006-09-06T23:12:00.000-06:00

I truly have a thing for lights... City lights, highway lights... It all depends on the surroundings too and often time the music Im listening to in my head or on my mp3 player. But I love taking pictures of lights.
They make me wanna dance and sing heheheh.
They are beautiful.
I can't wait to save enough money to buy a digital SLR camera... It's going to be sweet!!
Somedays I just like walk by things and sit there wishing I could snap like a bunch a pictures... oh man... It's so relaxing.

This picture is one I took from a balcony downtown.
in the back you see a the red or green colour (sorry I'm colour blind) is actually a store sign and the white lights are street ligths and cars passing... Aint it so beautiful...
Anyhow... it's almost weekend and I need serious sleep...

Have a good night and sleep to dream friends...

Yet another move under my belt....

2006-09-03T12:11:00.000-06:00

Last night at about 1:00 am I hung up my "moving cap" and decided I was done. All my boxes or most of them have been unpacked and our place is feeling like it could be my home for the next year. I love my room and the fact that I have my own bathroom too. I think that I will be able to have some good solitude in my room. It's definitely spacier than my old room so that I am fan of and is totally kief. It felt nice to sleep in today and I was able to get a nice rest for once. I even feel a lot better health wise too. I think the medication the doctor gave me for my bronchitis is working well. I think I am going to watch some Gilmore girls and eat some cereal.
Other then this move being over life is fairly good, I can't some I'm excited to go to work on Tuesday, but at least I get labor day of and that's greaaaat. I stopped by the rez last night to check in with the "Gerry hall" boys and Freshies... Oh it was nice to see some old faces and meet some brand new guys as well.
Anyhow, This year is going to be a huge challenge for me and I need a lot of prayer...please.
Thank you...

Im a out... Enjoy the rest of you're weekends
-Dan

Almost tomorrow...

2006-08-29T23:29:00.000-06:00

My recent discovery of a "sweet" something new has gotten me hooked. I am not at all imbarassed to say what it is either. Gilmore Girls is a great show and I started watching it right from the start today. Episode 1 thru 5 hahah yes five hours. It seems a little intense I guess, if only I could do that with a good book and read for five hours. Reading more is something I really yearn for. Anyhoo this show (Gilmore Girls) is awesome. The characters are great and the neigbours are weird, however they remind me of real people.
Today I went by my sisters house to grab some boxes for my move on Saturday and ended up talking with a couple of Merissa's roomates. I then proceeded home to continue my 5 hour streak of what I am now hooked on. Before I got home I thought about what I read last night at a bible study. I realised that God is so just... He has so much reason and is so powerful in making things happen. I thought about my situation about not being able to go back to school for a year and how I am scared about what this year is gonna have instore for me... I wander about my sanity at work... and the music that I have written and what to do with all the descisions or goals/plans that stream through my head. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that only God knows what will happen with all those things... Only He has control over the outcome in the end.
I seek Him daily and lift problems, praises and issues up to Him becuase He will help me deal with them. It's just a little frustrating to know that I won't be going to school. And I am trying to except that He has a reason for this year... I am just ansy... Oh God knows... He does.

I need more time for me, alone time away from work, and life stresses, but where does one go or what do you do to find such a place or a time to have peace and quiet... In His word? I get distracted with stuff... I need to find a place of solitude. I will succeed... Only with Him guiding me though...

Work is 7 hours away I need sleep, I need to dream.
Listen to the Father speak...

Good night all,
Dan

OJ and Pannekoek

2006-08-27T01:44:00.000-06:00

Yes... It's been a long time since I have taken the time to write or rant on this particular blog of mine. I only have two hahah. Anyhow... Today opens the door to a new Era for this Blog and will once agian be awoken from the long slumber which it resided in. My life and anything you've missed since the last blog I wrote can be filled in here on my Xanga.
But for now I will intrigue you with this "Kief" new ERA of BLOG.
What inspired me to do this were a few things or people ...
1. Meghan who uses Blogger
2. My sister who uses both blogger and Xanga
3. My old post from this blog... so crazy reading stuff from back then
4. yeah that's it... I think

So I will write on both, but this one will have different posts then the Xanga, so if you read my Xanga, and can't leave a comment but you reallllly want to and you are a Blogger then leave a comment on this page and vise-versa for Xanger's who read this blog leave a comment on the Xanga.

Now to explain Ye O'le title to this blog...
I came home after an awesome evening at Merissa's place were her roomates( Julie, Nicole , Meghan) and I and a few of my friends (Adam x2 and steph) had a time of worship and just a genuine good time in fellowhip.... It was "kief"( a South-African slang term - kiff, kif, kief - (adj.) cool, neat, great, wonderful (from Arabic, kayf, meaning enjoyment or wellbeing...
I came home and was really wanting pannekoek ( shown in the pixture above). So I made some and drank a sweet glass of orange juice with extra pulp. MMM I love extra pulp.
Now I am full, now I am ready to go to bed and sleep to dream...

I am heading home with Merissa tomorrow to visit our "Rents" and then coming home for a Bible study and time of prayer... God is good and life is singing along...

Have a good night world and sleep to dream...

Blessing,
-Dan

New Web-Blog Allert!!

2005-05-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

Hi guys.. How's it going. I have decided a few days ago to start a new web blog with Xanga. I did this becuase I find Xanga a bit more user friendly and I just like it better. ANyhooo I am still gonna have this web-blog I just won't update it as much.
Anyhoo my new Weblog can be found @

http://www.xanga.com/Dans_brainthoughts

So yea come check it out and leave a comment if your feelin it...

So yea thats that...

Peace out!!
GOd Bless all

Dan

Back In Cowtown!!!

2005-05-07T18:31:00.000-06:00

SO i've moved back to Calgary for good now!!
Im staying here for a while untill im redirected in some other direction by the All Mighty.
SO I'm in the process of finding a full-time day job so I can try working day's, and working at the restuarant at night. To make the mooola!
I hope this summer is filled with some wicked adventures and not just work stories like normally. hahah although we all know that work stories can get pretty funny sometimes!!
I Love telling them!!!
My new roomie moved in a couple of days ago he is a cool guy. His name is Rob and he is the brother of a girl a went to school with last year. He love's his music albums!!!
ANd apparently he has alot. ANd its all coming soon in huge boxes yippy!! We have so much room lol Not!! hahah it's all good it's all part of the Bachelor life "poorness" Experience hahaha.
I started watching 24 the series with Kiefer Sutherland. It's AWSOME!! Ok so many people where telling me about it and I never got a chance to watch it. I finally got around to it on my break when i finshed school... and man was I entertained!!
SEASON 1 down 3 more seasons to go..
If you have never watched 24 you should, It's an amazing show!!

Im gonna go make so mmmmmmmmm Food now so peace out

THe RHINO

WOOKIEES YEAAA GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

2005-05-07T01:03:00.000-06:00

.

I sorta forget to mention the fact that I love Wookiees.
SO here's an awsome Wookiee Image. My fave hahah
ANyhoo gatta go write agian later..

It's been a while...

2005-04-14T11:42:00.000-06:00

Well... School is almost over and the summer Work season will begin. I have to work my but of this summer to pay for school in September. ANyway Ii havn't blogged in a while becuase I moved appartments over the last few weeks so i didn't have internet. But im hooked up now and good to go. I am going home for like 10 days at the end of April to visit my family and to say my final goodbyes before I leave back here. I will be living on my own in downtown Calgary untill my parents move out here in June. When I get back from ontario I am going to start helping out at a new church I found and I really like called Dalhousie Community Church. It's not too far from where I am if I take the C-train. I am pumped to start helping out at a church agian. I missed it so much, and I havn't really found a church over my last school year. Hopefully this is the one, I really feel GOd calling me there. So yea I am gonna go there after I get back on May 4th.
I have three exams coming up tommorow and two next week. SO it's hardcore STUDY time... If you know what I mean!!
Anyhoo My dad is coming to town for business so I get to see him for a couple of days that will be fun. We are going to eat at the South-African Restuarant tommorow night. YAYH!! It will be a hoot!!
Im signing of getting ready to study...

Peace Out,
THE RHINO!!

Music of my mind

2005-03-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

SO yesterday I worked at this Wine convention thing downtown Calgary for Wines of South-Africa and it was awsome. THey paid me good cash and I got to learn alot about wines. Plus at the and they gave me 5 botlles of awsome wine. It was a fun day; except now my issue is that I gotta store the wine somewhere becuase I cant have it in my schools residence where it is right now. So hopefully I can fins some altrenate storgae somewhere else untill the summer. It's my dad's birthday tommorow and I cant be there but I guess a phone call will do for now untill I go home at the end of April. I love my dad he is my hero.
This whole year I havnt really been very pumped about this summer coming up becuase I have to work my butt off for school. "If youv'e read my last blog youd understand". But I love my job at JABULANI and hopefully I can find another job aswell that I can work at part-time while working at Jabulani. I have faith that the Lord will provide me with an excellent job just like he did last year. I have like so many paper and things due these next few weeks and I cant wait untill it's all over becuase then I get to go home for a week. YESSSS I cant wait to see my dog. She is so freakin CUTE and my mom says she is getting so smart and just cuter daily. She is so little and freaking adorable. ANyhoo I gatta get back to my work,
I will blog agian later...

Peace Out

DAN

My oh My ...

2005-03-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a long and boring day. Except I started playing some Counterstrike on my friends computers and that was kindoff fun.... I am probably hooked. Everyone who plays that game gets hooked hahahha. Other then that I am kinda pissed at some things my school is doing. That goes along with alot of other people I know that feel the same way. THe school is hiking tuition cost to like almost eight hundred dollars compared to the know almost seven hundred per class. They are also saying that they want to start giving out more bursuries...$500 dollar bursuries... WOW so they are taking more money from everyone to give some people their money back. If you think about it, some wont be gettin $500 bucks back so really what their doing is taking money from the kids who dont do well or great and giving it to the people who are really succeeding. That sounds really SKETCH to me... It is not fair. If this is not where the money is going than where is it going.
Next teusday we have this meeting that the students can go to and hear what they have to say, that call it their "proposal" Except we all know they have allready made up their minds.
Tution at this school is allready so much and just to add to it I feel extremely sorry for the souls who have to stay n rez like the first year students. Rex is another huge rip-off. For a one bedroom appartement with a super small fridge and a microwave oven that is on "crack" they squish 2 more into the living room with a sorta devider wall with no door. SO you have four guys living in a 1 bedroom apartement and each pays almost over three thousand dollars a semester to live there. We are here about 7 and a half to 8 motnhs. If you do the math that is like between 14 and 16 hundred dollars a months. For a really small room. And plus it's not even a really nice building. With that kindoff money between the four of us we can rent a Penthouse Condo in a really sweet building probably closer and in the heart of Downtown Calgary.... I dunno if you ask me I think we are getting gipped off.
I don't want to sound like I'm wining but it is true and trust I am not the only one who feels this way about stuff.
"My oh my"
Well these are my thoughts.
Respond if you want to all I'm saying is if you go to this school and don't like these descisions being made come to the meeting on tuesday the 22 of March.
And lets hear this "Proposal"

Anyhoo Im doing allright, it's crunch time of the year alot of things due and exams comin up, oh my oh my....
The life of Dan... and others....
Im going to bed im tired
forgive the spelling it's late...

Peace out
DAN

Talking Drunkin gibberish

2005-03-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

I had a few days of school becuase we have like this prayer day on tuesday, so no one has classes. Plus i dont have class on monday. So yea it has been a nice ,little long weekend so far, I have done some homework and worked and slept. That is pretty much it; oh yes and of coarse eating...
I did alot of thinking too this weekend and I ended up breaking up with my girl friend... She is an awsome girl and we had a alot fun together, I just didnt feel right about our relationship, it has been hindering me for a while.. Anyhoo we still talk and I think and hope that everything will work out fine and that we can continue to be awsome friends. She is definitaly an awsome girl.
Other than that eventfull night I am doing pretty good, I am eager to go home for a week at the end of APril to say the final bye to my friends and Church. My parents move to Calgary in June so I will be here waiting for their arrival. I have some school papers to write and three final exams to study for so I'll be pretty busy untill I go home, but when I do it will be a nice little break.
I think we are having a poker game tonight, that should be pretty fun i think
Anyhoo
enough said .
I'll blurb agian later
Peace out ,...
DAn

Jabulani

2005-03-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Allrighty then... So I started working at this restuarant on 17th Ave. Downtown Calgary Called Jabulani South-African Restuarant. I am thrilled that I got the job there, it is just such an awsome place to work at I must say. All the staff members are awsome and very kind... And the best part is, most of them speak my home Language Afrikaans. I started working there on Wednesday of last week and it has been going great. I love the restuarant atmosphere and I absolutely love the fact the a ton of the customers are also from South-Africa. It is also great to see others cultures come in too. It shows you that not everyone is boring and only stick to their own cultures food. THese people come out and they want to experience a little South-Africa for them selves. With the huge selection of wines and South-African beers, who wouldn't want to not come experience it for them selves. Not to mention the freshly made by the owner's Biltong and Droe Wors, an awsome South-African treat for anyone. Then we get to the amazing main coarse meals and awsome desserts, wow.... I am drooling. They serve Boerewors and Oxtail and Cape Malay Curry, Lamb potjie and One of South-Africa's main dishes Boboti. THere are just so many more I can mention but lets go on to the amazing dessert menu. Koeksisters, yes thats right freshly made koeksisters by the head chef, and also Milk tart(Melk tert) they also serve Bannana Samousas smothered in chocolate sauce and frsehly wipped cream this is definitaly a customer favourite.
It is an awsome restuarant and I really think if you are in the Calgary Area you should look it up and come in for some South-African food.

Anyhoo I Am heading off

Peace out...
THe Rhino

A new Song written....

2005-03-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a song I wrote after writing a paper for one of my classes. The paper was on Sanctification and while I was researching I stumbled across this cadence written by Isaac Watts. It is the first verse in the song. I thought it was so beautiful so I was inspired to write a song with it. I hope you like it oh and please do comment.

SANCTIFIED

Written by: Isaac Watts (Sweet is the Work, my God, My King Psalm 97) and Dan Nel.

Music by: Dan Nel

Sin (my worst enemy before)
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more;
My inward foes shall all be slain,
Nor Satan break my peace again.

Sweet is the work, my God, my King,
To praise Thy Name, give thanks and sing,
To show Thy love by morning light
And talk of all Thy truth at night.

We need to be sanctified like the Holy one
To become like our King
Set apart from the wicked things
To be Holy and live eternally
Sanctified, sanctified

Sweet is the day of sacred rest,
No mortal cares shall seize my breast.
O may my heart in tune be found
Like David’s harp of solemn sound!

When darkness falls we rest our heads
The dreams of Zion in our beds
The trumpets blow a crashing sound
God‘s zealous love In which were found

We need to be sanctified like the Holy one
To become like our King
Set apart from the wicked things
To be Holy and live eternally

Sanctified, sanctified
Let us be, oh sanctified

Brain thoughts....

2005-02-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

Since my last post I have not done much. However I have been stressed out a bit over some discisions for next year and where to work over the summer. My parents are moving to Alberta about 30 minutes from where I am, they moved an offer on a house this past week. No they are just waiting for there house to sell things can be finall. With them moving here it leaves me the option to live with them next year during the school year. It will definitaly save me alot of money and the commute is not that long. That does take away from living in res though and being part of the community, so it is a tough discision but i have to some thime to think about it I guess. I also need to work my but of this summer to pay of my line of credit in order to renew it for the next year. It should work out I just need to get a good paying job. I leave all these things in GOd's hands all I can do is apply at places and have Faith.
I have alot of school work and my last midterm next week, not to mension the assignment I have due for tommorow and the reading I need to do. But hey that is the life of a student hahahaha. After this semester is over I will stay in residence with a couple of guys for the summer and then decide wheter to move in with my parent or stay here. SO many things to think about.
THis year so far has gone by really fast. I have had some real dissapointments with my performance in school first semester atleast I didnt fail anything though. This semester I have definitally been working harder and I hope to bring my GPA up huge.
If you read my blog often please forgive the spelling english is my second language. I am south-african and moved to Canada in 1997. So my first language is AFrikaans.
Anyhoo I am gonna hit the books and get working...

Peace out
THE RHINO

"This is my desire"....

2005-02-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

This last week that just past was an awsome experience. I went to a silent retreat centre in the foot hills of the Rocky mountians in Alberta. The place is called Kingsfold retreat centre. THe reason I went was becuase I was attending a spiritual discipline seminar for the week there. Our instructor was Marylin Martin a spiritual life director from Ottawa Ontario. She was really kool and had a real genuine spirit for God. During the week we were able to experience a number of different things. We did communion everyday and practiced certain disciplined ways to pray. We learned how to set up a "rule of life" for our selves. This week was great we were able to go for long walks in the foothills of the mountains and just see the beauty of this amazing site. One day of our week there we fasted and had a day of silence where we did not speak or eat. It was pretty interesting not to talk , however I did not find this day to be difficult. THe Lord was definitaly working in my heart. Over all I would say it was a good get-a-way week and it was nice to just be away from the city and alot of school work.

THe Lord taught me alot of things about myself during my times of sollitude , I have realiized that my life needs to Focus on Him in everything I do. There are too many things here at school that I focus on and it's hard to have a clear mind to truly engage in a good time of prayer and genuine relationship with Christ. SO I have come back and I need to make some changes in my life. I realized how much I need GOd in this time in my life and how little I actually give Him. I need to discipline myself and start living for my God. Over this week GOd has taught me alot about humility and that I need to put othere ahead of me. But I cant do this untill I start to live everday for Him by giving Him all I can and have. It's gonna be tough but I know God will help me get there.
It's just aout actually wanting it... ANd I do...
My prayer is that God would Humble, break, strenghten and grow me in Him.
He is the Love of my Life, He is what I need to Live, He is the bread of my Life.

I love GOd with all my heart...
I am going to make it my atmost effort to work on my spiritual life for the rest of this semester. I want to change for my GOd and be how he wants me to be.
This will be my Goal and the next challenge in my life.

Peace out....

His,
DAn

Yay for All-nighters....

2005-02-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Wow... one whole pot of coffee and and mind working like a steam engine later, I have a theology paper on the "Humanity of Christ". It really wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Sometimes when you procrastinate just all of a sudden decide not to. I mean i though this paper would take me like an hour or two and then I got into the research and I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this info is. I might publish my paper on my blog tommorow so ya'll can read it but remember im no writer!! Haahah i just got my paper back from my girlfriend who proof read t for me. I told her to make sure her pen still had ink left in it. HAHAHAH. She is awsome and I really appreciate that she stayed up till well pretty much 6 am to finish proofing it for me. Talk about an awsome girl ....
Anyhoo yea So I won some money in poker tonight here with the boys it was totally fun. Poker is for sure a fun hobby. If you have never played well... Get to it!!! My eyes definitally sting right now and my spelling skills are degrading as the clock ticks haha. So maybe it is time to sign off and yess
I will try to write some more tommorow and i will publish my paper...
Maybe...right...
Anyhoo

Peace out
THE RHINO!!

Mafia, Poker and Papers...

2005-01-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

Today was an eventfull day atleast for oneday... I did not go to Church today. . . I wanted to listen to James MCdonald speak online on Walkintheword.org except I slept untill 2 pm. So I had a good sleep. After I woke up I started going over some work for my group assignment that I had a meeting for at 3 pm. The meeting was rather brief leaving us with some more reading and another meeting time for Tuesday. After this meeting I read for 2 hours for my theology paper due on tuesday. Tommorow is definitaly paper day... After that a friend came and got me to go play mafia with them... SOunds rather sac religious in a way. Hahah but it is actually probably one of the best group games I have ever played. If you have never played mafia write me a comment and I will explain it to you... All i can say is that it doesn't envolve alot of anything except for people and like a few playing cards. It is truly awsome, After playin mafia I made a nice dinner for some friends and then we had a nice long amazing Jam session. I have realized once agian how amazing acapella music melts me. hahha that was cheese!!! It is very true though, After singning with an Acapella group for 2 years and recording a cd, it makes me melt when I hear beautifull voices harmonize.
Our jam session was amazing and followed with another time of fellowship with my boys from 3rd floor in an awsome poker game. Ahaaahha Today was great, I got school work done and got to hang out with amazing people.
Except for one little thing I didnt Listen to James Mcdonald and I really wanted to today... So after my poker game I went online to James' website and spent some time listening to an awsome message on " Teaching sound doctrine" and not being false teachers. It was pretty good and I enjoyed it alot. YOu can hear it to if ya want, just go online to walkintheword.org

ANyway I am about to go to bed and have a good rest before I tackle that paper tommorow.
Always remember not to let God slip out of your day like I almost did today. He gives us everything and blesses us with all we have.. therefor we need to give Him credit for everything in our day...
THank you God!!!

Peace out!

p.s. - "Do it" for Him

Dream Big...

2005-01-29T01:20:00.000-07:00

Fog, Fog and more Fog, this weather is nasty but atleast it's not freezing cold. I kind of wished I could be somewhere warm right now working for God and I wish I could be done my schooling and missionary training and just be out there working passionately for Him. I dont like money, as a matter of fact I hate it. I don't know how one can become so money hungry and just run and strive for money and all you ever care about is running after material things and having a nice life. I dunno I guess not EVERYONE sees life the same way as me, and therefor it's not worth explaining myself. It's hard to keep ones thoughts in when in doing that you hide your true dreams and your true calling from God. I dunno what else to say about that, all I know is that one day Lord willingly I will be a Missionary with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and If it is God's will for my life I will be the best missionary I can be.
Anyway it's foggy out but monday's seventeen degree weather forcast will make up for today. I went and saw Ray tonight, It was an awsome movie. I never new much about the life of Ray Charles , and I dont know how accurate this movie was but i enjoyed it. THe music in the movie was great and very entertaining, it even gave me some insparation. I love music and love performing myself, I dont think I'll ever be Ray charles but I hope that I can write music that would influence others.
So I guess what I am saying to you all out there who are talented and have dreams. Don't throw them away becuase something is dragging you down, cut what ever it is that is dragging you down and strive for your dreams. "Do it" You will see , just remember however to give God all the glory and all the credit for your life success. And one more thing don't be selfish share your gifts and traing and love and passion with others who cant dream big becuase they dont have opportunities like we do in Canada. SHare with them and help their dreams come true. And while you're at it share the truth about GOd with them as well.

Enough said....
It's time to go play some poker with my boys... AUC guys your'e the bomb!!

Peace out...

After hours...

2005-01-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I told you about my day and my interview and stuff except not about the guy's car I had to back up into a spot. This is halarious.... So I'm walking home from the interview and yea this guy get out of his that was sort-of wedged I guess you could say between other cars and he says " Excuse me sir!! Do you know how to back in a car?" I was pretty flushed but i said yes and then he asked me to back his car into a spot. This guy was like thirty five.. I hope he doesn't read Blogs... that would be ironic and funny...however I would feel kind of bad.
After my little occurrence with the man and the nice car , I went up to my appartment wanting to take a sweet nap, except as an alternative I just sat down and started to play some online poker, had a nice cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin. Following that I read a chapter in my Philosophy text on William James. He is cool, he says "There can be no difference anywhere that does not make a difference elsewhere." What are your thoughts about that??? If you have comments feel free to intrigue me... I would like to hear your thoughts on that quote.
Well I am sitting here now, thinking about how quickly this day went by, and I dont really feel like I have done anything yet, all day. Except for the fact that I actually have done a fair bit of things. I think when you do stuff sometimes you dont take into account the time that goes by becuase maybe you like what you are doing... but then that doesnt work in some sense becuase normaly you remember something that was fun and that you like doing. So I guess I could say that I had a very dull non-exciting day that wasnt fun except for the man and the car incident. I just mean this day weangt by fast without memory. It's like another day gone without a lasting memory. Or maybe this Blog will remind of it. Time truly flies by....before I know it I'll be an old man. All I want is to do something memorable in my life that will be remembered by people. And most importantly want it to be something that glorifies God my Father. After all he formed me and he has something instore for me. "I'll just have to see where His lyrics take me.

Write me a comment and tell me about a memorable moment you have that is important to you. Then if you want tell me if you think your moment was significant to others, and why it will be remembered...

Anyway enough of me....
Write away...try to be creative
Peace out

His, Dan

Today was a good day...

2005-01-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a rather good day, although I only had three and a half hours of sleep. I woke up this morning and got ready for my interview with Enrollment... The interview was almost two hours and I definitaly think I did well. I hope I get the job it will be really good for me and it will help me to organize and discipline my life. Last night we played poker for a while it was fun but it definitaly wasn't in the cards for me last night. Oh well ya win games and ya loose games... I have to do a good amount of reading tonight and tommorow, im just glad we dont have class today or tommorow, gives ya a little space to breathe...
Anyhoo, that is what's happening today... From now on I am going to try living each day as it comes instead of thinking about tommorow and a year from now.
Peace out...

His, Dan