What is next...

I am SOOOO sorry I have not written in so long. Sarah yelled at me at church the other week because it has been so long. Her exact words were "Taryn I will kill you if you don't start blogging again" and THEN she threatened to take me off her link list...the nerve... haha just kids Sarah...Anyway so I have been thinking lots about trends in internet sites. Allow me to explain...

So I have been observing the obvious trends circulating amongst many of my friends. Does anybody remember ICQ? It was so cool to have when I was in high school. Everybody had...everybody but me. My mom refused to let me have ICQ, she allowed me to have MSN but not ICQ. I used to get sooo mad because I felt as though I was missing out on so much.
After a couple years however the cool thing to have was MSN. (So was I extremely ahead of the times or just a complete dork?) Needless to say I loved that I was right in the middle of things. I wasn't behind but I was sitting sweetly where all the cool people were. MSN was pretty big for a long time, and to be honest I still spend way too much time on it.
Towards the end of my last year at Briercrest, the cool thing to do was to create a myspace. So I went all out. I created the cutest myspace that you could. I have music playing, a sweet background and began adding my fellow band wagoners to my "top friends". I began becoming consumed with my "myspace" (it really is an awkward name when paired with the right noun) I checked it everyday, and would become very sensitive about being moved down the list of my friends "top friends".

Then when I moved back to halifax, everyone I talked to seemed to be doing this blogging thing. So of course following suit with everyone else, I definitely started blogging, and with that of course reading everyone else's as well. I began to not only stalk people on my space, but I also began to stalk them on blogspot. It began to get a little out of hand. I used to know all sorts of stuff about people I had never really talked to. Anyway, the more I speak about it the creepier I sound so I will stop now.

The next big fad is one I am currently addicted and obsessed with is FACEBOOK!! Sarah I noticed you got one...jumping on the bandwagon are we?? I am fully and completely addicted to facebook, and I could spend hours a day looking up old crushing...(finding new ones...mind you I will never talk to them...creepy) joining groups and seeing who has more friends than whom. It is ridiculous. Although, I did however get reacquainted with a great friend from my elementary school days. That has definitely been the highlight for me.

As for MSN, blogging, myspace and facebook, I have nothing against any of them. I love them!! I have just been finding that instead of spending quality time with friends, I read their blog , or look at their pictures, and then I feel like I know what been going on in their lives. Thus, at least in my life, it seems to minimize the amount of communication I have with people. Interesting, programs that are intended to bring people closer together actually distance people. So what do you guys think? Do you agree? What trend are you obsessed with right now??

The good ol' NCG

I've loved the Lord for a long time. But I can't seem to perfect the art of what the church expects me to act like as a Christian woman. Ever feel the same way? Let's see if there's any hope for us.

Christian Girl?

I am not a Nice Christian Girl.

I'm not cruel. I am definitely a Christian. And I am female. But I am not a Nice Christian Girl.

Sometimes I wish I were. Sometimes I think I should work harder to become one. But alas, I am not. And I don't think I ever will be.

Beauty and the Taryn

I suppose I should explain myself before my family and friends form prayer groups for my salvation.

... I have met many Nice Christian Girls.... They are beautiful, sweet and almost all of their conversations have something to do with the Lord and what He's doing in their lives.... Then there's me.

In the 18 years since I first confessed Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life, I have met many Nice Christian Girls. (1) In all honesty, they are truly impressive. They are beautiful and sweet, and almost all of their conversations have something to do with the Lord and what He's doing in their lives. These girls are cautious about what they say, they are sensitive to the needs of others and they would never even think of saying something sarcastic. These lovely ladies are well-liked by everyone, because there's nothing not to like about them. I admire them, because they have perfected the art of making other people feel comfortable and accepted.

Then there's me.

I say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Gentleness and kindness fell off of my Fruit of the Spirit Tree a long time ago, rotten and crawling with worms. Sarcasm and I are best friends. My voice is not sing-songy or sugary-sweet, and I do not bake my own bread. The Proverbs 31 woman probably thinks of me with disgust as she gets up before the sun to sew extravagant garments for her family. Then again, she may not even know who I am — we've never actually crossed paths since I'm usually sleeping in until noon.(2)

If At First You Don't Succeed ...

So, why am I not an NCG? It's not for lack of trying. I've realized that they do a lot of things correctly (and their sweetness usually seems to attract the boys). So in an attempt to be more Christ-like (and attract the boys), I have made an effort to morph myself into one of them.

I think the first impression I give off to people might fool them into thinking I'm an NCG. When I'm new to a group, I'm usually quiet and sweet. I don't speak up too much, and I keep my humor to myself. But once I've warmed up to people, it's all over. The real Taryn shines through, sarcastic and lacking in grace.

Now I'm not saying that I'm completely tactless and cruel. I have my share of friends, and as far as I know, I haven't made too many people cry — at least not recently. It's not that I am evil or wrong. I just don't seem to be able to do things with as much compassion and gentleness as the NCGs.

Christian Cloning

I have felt a lot of pressure to be like the NCGs — mostly from myself. However, I think there is also some subtle insistence from churches and families that Christian girls are supposed to be mild and smiley. They are supposed to be obsessed with marriage, and want lots of kids. We girls should always present our best face — no matter what we're really feeling. And once we girls turn into moms, that's when we begin wearing embroidered vests and decorating our kitchens with chickens or apples. While not often vocalized, these ideas are engrained in us, where they quietly help us form judgments about the women around us.

The most important aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman — of all of us women — is our relationship with the Lord.

The NCG is an interesting concept we have come up with, especially since it's not necessarily a biblical idea. Of course, the Bible does tell women to submit. Gentleness is indeed a fruit of the spirit. I wholeheartedly agree with those things. However, all women do not fit into one personality mold. Just look at the women named in the lineage of Jesus, for goodness' sake!

Tamar was bold enough to make sure she had a child, no matter what it took. (She slept with her father-in-law — not something an NCG would do. Actually, not something I would do either. The NCGs and I are very similar in that matter.) Rahab (a prostitute) lied in order to hide Israelite spies. Ruth was pretty wild too. She hung out all night with a man who was not her husband. And we all know about Bathsheba (wink, wink). Then there's Mary, who vocally praised the Lord for her pregnancy, even though there was probably plenty of talk around town about her "encounter with the Holy Spirit."

Those are just the ladies in Jesus' lineage. God has used all kinds of women (and all kinds of personalities) to glorify himself. And He continues to do so.

My Spiritual Gift is Bluntness

Recently, I have given up on trying to be completely like the NCGs. Part of my decision may have to do with the fact that I'm a hopeless cause. But I think some of the reason also stems from recognizing who Christ made me to be.

According to the Bible, God created our inmost beings; He knew us before we were born (Psalm 139). God delights in us (Psalm 18:19, Psalm 149:4). He also has blessed each of us with different spiritual gifts in order to serve Him and others (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12).

If all these things are true — and if I choose to believe what the Bible says — then I don't need to be exactly like everyone else; in fact, I was not made to be. The Lord knows the strengths of my personality. He also knows where it fails. Thankfully, I have His word and the Holy Spirit to help me correct my faults and to point me to the truth.

That Kinda Girl

I have often thought that the Proverbs 31 woman and I would not get along. She's busy being perfect, and I'm often preoccupied with caring way too much about myself. However, since I believe that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV), I decided to revisit Proverbs to see how God's Word could improve my attitude. (I'm a glutton for rebuke.)

What I discovered is that the woman mentioned in Proverbs 31 is amazing. And not just in an NCG way…

The woman in Proverbs 31 — the wife the Bible says has noble character — is strong and opinionated. Her husband is fully confident in her as she runs around town buying tons of fields and working hard. She has compassion for the poor, and her children and husband have oceans of respect for her. While she does the traditional things we think of women doing (sewing, cooking, housework), the Bible says she speaks her mind with competence. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (vv. 25-26).

This woman has characteristics of each one of us, ladies. Whether we prefer baking or making people laugh, writing encouraging notes or debating the issues, we are all unique women created in the image of God.

Most of us have heard the following verse before, and if you're like me, you've repeated it a thousand times singing along with an old dc talk song. The most important aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman — of all of us women — is our relationship with the Lord:

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (vs. 30).

Personalities aside, our pursuit of knowing Him better is what we should truly long for.

NCGs + Taryn = BFF

The Lord has blessed all of us with different personalities and gifts. Mine may not be encouragement or service (although that does not give me license to avoid those things). My gifts may be speaking truth or leadership. And that's OK. The body of Christ is made up of many parts. We all have different jobs and abilities, each of them important. "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).

I like the NCGs. I admire them. I love being friends with them. But I don't want to be exactly like them. To emulate them would be, in a way, denying part of who the Lord has created me to be. Hopefully, as the Lord teaches me to be more like Him, I will improve on the godly qualities I see shining strong in others.

Nice Christian Girls and I can learn from and teach each other, as the Lord draws all of us closer to Him in order to glorify Himself.

This article was written and taken to fit me...what did you all think?

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Notes

1. 
   
Writing Nice Christian Girl over and over again is giving me carpal tunnel. Therefore, I may sometimes refer to them as NCG.
2. 
   
If you have no clue what I’m talking about when I make this distinction between me and the Nice Christian Girls, I am truly sorry. I promise my next article will be less about my specific shortcomings, and more about something that more of you will be able to relate to.

Some pics of stuff thats been going on and I have not been blogging about...

Sorry I deleted my other slide show because it was just too big, hopefully this one works...

Wow I look like fat monica...

Anyway, I have not had any time to blog lately. After wednesday I will blog like crazy for the 2 people who actually read it...anyway but this hertiage face thing was to good to pass up. I saw it on Shelley's website and decided to give it a try with my post jaw surgery pictures. I got some pretty fantastic responses...man how do I always look Asian when I am full blood German. Nothing against it (I love you Josh and Deb) but honestly, my Saskatchewan lisence everyone thought I looked Asian too...mind you I am pretty dang cute looking Asian in this picture...please no one take these comments the wrong way...just enjoy the fatness...hopefully it will never be like that again...

I am so in the right profession!!

I am so in the right professiong...the quiz says so!!

Your Learning Style: Competent and Cooperative

You have a great head for facts and figures. You can remember and use any fact you've read. You Should Study: Dentistry Education Environmental Science Finance Nursing Nutrition Science Medicine Law

What Should You Study?

Dwayne Ugie

Well this is the president of my former school. Dwayne Uglem. Well he was here visiting Nova Scotia, and was actually staying with very good friends of my parents. So Monday night (after my horrific hitchhiking escapade) we heading over to the house for a four course meal prepared by master chef Mike. (Side note: It was fabulous by the way starting off with pumpkin soup, and then loin roast of some kind filled with cranberry stuffing, and crisp for dessert...ah it was awesome) Anyway so it was a pretty sweet nite, finding out what God is doing there (although he could not remember for the life of him what the theme of the college was...some president...JK!) The people around the table consisted of my parents, Mike and Julie Chaisson, and Kay and Lisa Franklin. So inevitably we also started talking about our church Temple and where it is going and why things are the way they are. In the end our questions were not answered (perhaps a future blog I will spew out my thoughts on the issue, as of yet they are not completely put together) And then we ended up praying as a group for temple and for briercrest. It was awesome. Although the myspace someone has made for him is quite hilarious (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=71379227) he is an amazing godly man, who is truly seeking the Lord in the direction the school is taking. He is so humble and soft hearted. I was truly comforted to know that the Lord has placed Briercrest in such amazing gifted hands.
So that is all for now...Jenn Spen and I are constantly thinking up things to write in our blogs, but when we actually sit down to write, we forget all our ideas or we don't take pictures. Oh well, sooner or later I will find my camera and have it on me all the time, so i will be the best blogger I can be...but until then, everyone reading (thanks Blako) will have to do with crappy pictures...Until then...
bye

The Hitchhikers guide to Halifax!!

Well, I really should be studying for my physiology exam right now, but I finally have something to blog about. This whole weekend was awesome but there has been nothing that I really want to share with the world in my blog. (world being 3 people) But this morning has been nothing but adventure. So Monday mornings on my way to school I usually pick up Jon Bryant. So nothing is terribly unusual as of yet except I am late as per usual. John and I are groovin' to some sweet gansta music in a huge traffic jam and poof, my clutch decides not to work. I can not shift my gears whatsoever. We had just passed a big accident with police and ambulence and my gears just aren't shifting. So I pull over to the side of the road, with tons of traffic close behind, and of course almost start to freak out. I call my mechanic (who thankfully is on speed dial #3 on my cell) who is not at the shop yet. (its like 8:00am) Ah! So then I call his cell phone...nope not there either...and then I try his house phone...yes I do have all three numbers...my car and truck break down alot. Finally I reach him at the office and arrange for a tow truck. Mean while Jon and I both have 8:30 classes. AHHH!! So Jon and I do the only logical thing....hitchhike. Well Jon hitchhiked and I walked beside him refusing to believe that I was hitchhking. Needless to day we were picked up by two great guys name Scott and Chris who were on there way to DAL as well. Praise the Lord!! I eventually made it to class although I was a tad late. So thank you to all those who pick up hitchhikers that break their clutch. I have no idea what I would have done without Jon there...probably would have sat in my car and cried...so thanks Jon! Jon always viewed it as an adventure...and alas I guess it was. so that is my story, I wish I would have had my camera, I would have documented it all for my blog, because I am not the greatest story teller...oh well, this will have to do...hopefully I will have more blogging moments in the near future.!!! Thanks for reading!!

Two great loves

So I basically have two great loves. And really neither can be compared with the other. They are too completely different to even compare. My two great loves are....who you may ask, but the question is really where? My loves are Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. Although these two pictures do not even do justice to the beauty of either province. But at least it will give you an idea of why I feel the way I do. This picture on the right here was taken right out side my house...the colours are so amazing. so bold...and these aren't even half of the colors. The picture on the left is of the beautiful saskatchewan sunset, that is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. They both have there amazing beauty, some may not agree but I see so much amazing things in both. So I guess they are equally as beautiful...just different.
So right now, I am applying to school in Saskatchewan and here at DAL. Not really sure where God wants me so I figure I can apply to both and give God the reigns. The only scary part is...what if I get into both programs...oh well I will probably blog about that too. Right now I will just be content with where God has me right now. So those are my thoughts for the day...oh and happy thanksgiving!!

Nails...and Hockey??

Well I don't think I would classify myself as a complete and udder "girly-girl" however I can have my moments. Feel free to leave your own comments about that. ;-) Anyway I went up to the valley a bit ago with a friend and while I was there I got my nails done. Here is a couple pictures of the beautiful finished product. And I am going to be completely honest, I wasn't sure how I felt about them at the beginning but...I kinda like having them, they kinda make my hands feel pretty and feminine. I know, I know I am a big dork.
So to balance the scales I am going to talk about hockey. I would just like to point out that my habs won last night in an amazing shoot out game against the worst team in the NHL....the leafs. It was pretty awesome, I was so proud of them for winning especially because the night before I was getting completely and utterly razed at a friends house. His whole family seems to be leafs fans, I was completely outnumbered but would not back down on my habs. So the habs winning last night was merely icing the cake!! Needless to say I was pretty stocked to watch them win!

So that I guess is enough about that...although I was pretty stocked to watch Hockey: A People's History on TV tonite. But I am heading to bed, but I hope to be more consistent with my blogs in the future. And let me know how I am doing with the blogs I am new at this...

This is a song I wrote almost one year ago when a someone very close to me was seeing his mom very sick. I had almost forgot that I had written this song, however an old friend reminded me of it and how it had spoken to her while she goes through much of the same thing. I was so touched and humbled that Jesus could use this song to bring him glory. Praise Jesus!

I get on my knees

It’s the only thing I can do

When my world seems to crash and burn

I can only turn to you

This world is full of tragedies

Things that don’t make sense to me

Why do people have to suffer

do children have to cry

I feel so insignificant

I want to question why

I know you have control of it

I have seen your hand before

the one thing that you ask of me;

the one thing I avoid

I should know that prayer has power

so on the floor I move

I get on my knees

It’s the only thing I can do

When the world around me crashes and burns

I can only turn to you

Its easy to pray for others

Its hard when its close to home

whatever way it is to go

how many tears I cry

I pray your will be done in me

I pray to be refined

I want to weep in grief right now

and I want to ask you why

In my head I know your faithful

but my heart is crying out

Where are you Lord I need your love

come meet me on the ground

I get on my knees

It’s the only thing I can do

When my world seems to crash and burn

I can only turn to you

(c) Taryn Schmuland Oct 2005

My first Blog and already ranting

Well this is my first blog on this website. I am not terribly good at it. I had the sweetest weekend. I spent the whole weekend outside. Saturday was spent at Queensland Beach with bud Ashley. The ocean water was amazing, so warm, and the sun was beating down real good. The beach itself was fairly packed, but Ash and I found a prime location. After spending the day with Ashley, I went to Nick and Jess' wedding. No not the famous couple, but a couple who is truly in love and actually going to make it.
Sunday was spent on the lake in a sweet boat that could turn on a dime. I got to go tubing and just had a great day over all.
So enough about what I have been doing. I want to get something off my chest. I treat my family awful. I am so mean with my words. I say things I would never say in public. Why is that? There is no doubt that I love them dearly by I certainly don't show it by the way in which I talk to them. At the same time, there are times lately where they have been driving me nuts. Everyone here at home thinks that since I am home now, my stuff is fair game. I know that this is petty and selfish, but it is so hard to let it go. I mean my stuff gets wrecked when placed in the hands of my family. I really have no problem lending out my stuff. I just get frustrated when noone asked and returns is wrecked and stretched. Seriously...there is noone in my family who is the same size as me...and yet they believe they can fit into my clothes. AH!! now I am just ranting...I will stop now. I really want to be free of this bitterness, and am trying to work through it with Jesus, but it is harder than I thought. It seems to have more of a hold on me than I thought.
So this is my first blog, and it is more me whining than anything else. So I apologize, it will be better in the future.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" - James