Raccoon Raucous

Hello my friends who might end up reading this oft neglected blog :) It is my intent to write here about my adventures this summer to keep people informed who might be interested. If that's you...welcome.

I arrived at CanAdventure Education just outside of Sayward, BC on Vancouver Island 4 days ago. Coming to a new place with all new faces is always a bit nerve wracking and involves some psychcing up of my people skills! It's always funny talking to those new faces later becuase everyone is always in the same boat with that! The ferry crossing to the island was kind of symbolic in a way because it really felt like I was crossing to a new place physically but also emotionally and was a time to get ready for this new chapter.

This place is great so far! It is very accepting and a place where unique individuals are free to be themselves and develop themselves. These first two weeks have been staff training and involve a few people who wont be staff but wanted to learn about doing experiential learning with youth at risk. We've been participating in and leading different activities that are involving us with nature and leadership and looking inward. Lots of reflecting and speaking about what's going on inside as far as learning.

The people around me are fantastic unique individuals and a few have the same passions of the outdoors and counseling so it is awesome to network and share dreams and visions about what we are thinking. The life experience is amazing! ok, the food has been amazing as well!

I want to put some pictures up soon too...but one quick story. So we all have a place that we've picked that we can go to, to sit and think that is sort of our spot. We went our separate ways one day to find something in nature that represents us. I was looking around and heard a low growl...instantly i think cougar...so i freeze and listen really carefully and hear it again. Then i hear a scrambling up a tree and a huge raccoon is climbing the tree right next to where I'm standing! It climbs really high when i see a second one already in the tree. they then have this huge brawl in the tree falling from branch to branch and screaming. Haha! it was kind of neat to see and i decided that it represented the fighter in me sometimes :) What represents you in nature? I'm interested....

YYOooouuuu & MMmmmeeeee

I am not self-made. I love this statement becuase it reflects how much we NEED each other! I used to think I could live by myself on the side of a mountain and be completely happy. In the past 10 years however that has reversed dramatically...well not the living on the mountain part, but the by myself part :) I need people!! and if you are reading this, I probably need YOU! thanks for being a part of my life.

The great I AM

The Lord gives and takes away...

Why is this so hard to understand sometimes and so hard to accept?

Some people focus on the give, and when they sing this or think about it they are filled with thankfulness or prayerful desire, where as some focus on the take and try really hard to still bless the name of God in their pain...maybe most have been in all of these places at different times or together at the same time.

I have thought on this statement mostly in terms of the giving and trying to understand why God sometimes gives and sometimes does not give (different than take away). I mean why doesn't He give in the first place? Then one day I realized He chooses to give or not give(according to His plan) and He chooses to take away or not take away (according to His plan). It's not one or the other, its give / not give AND take away / not take away in his timing...Oh, ok then.

This still leaves questions however, like "But why God would you give or not give, take away or not take away?" becuase "I want that" or "I had that and want it back" or "please take this from me"

(This Job series in church is really making me think)

As I was singing these words today, "you give and take away" I was struck with a new thought or God whispered something new (probably the latter),

It went something like this:

"LET ME GIVE AND TAKE AWAY ALREADY!!!!"

It ceased striving to be: "ok Lord I will accept that you are choosing to give this to me now or not give this to me now...i guess...

And it was more of a whisper than a yell.

Let ME....He said. Accept my giving, Accept my taking, Accept Me for Me, because I AM.

The end of a great old poem says:

So would I love thee dearest Lord
And in thy prasie will sing
Soley because Thou art my God 
And my most gracious King

Adventures of 2010 at a Glance

Some highlights of the past year in the life of Renae:

1. Graduating from Thompson Rivers University with a diploma in Adventure Management/Guiding
2. Sea Kayaking around Quadra Island and becoming a certified guide
3. Sailing in the Gulf Islands
4. Sea Kayaking in the Broken Group Islands 
5. Traveling to Spain and France 
6. Hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies
7. Solo camping in Hecla Island Provincial Park with beach time, reading and "hiking"
8. Plett family camping reunion in Okotokes
9. Rock climbing and rafting in Squamish, B.C.
10. Being a bridesmaid in the wedding of two wonderful friends
11. A fantastic Christmas filled with family, love, friends, rest, and snowshoeing


When I read this list I am reminded of how adventurous a year I have had!! I love it!! There are more adventures to come for me and may your days hold many as well! Happy New Year!

purpose

“A ship in a harbour is safe – but that is not what ships are made for”

                                                                ~ John A. Shedd

If life is just a bunch of controlled experiences to enjoy….we have missed the point.

                                  ~ Me

Inner Workings

“Only he who gives thanks for the little things receives the big things.

We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measures of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good.

Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experiences that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious.

We pray for the big things, and forget to give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed, even where there is no great experience, no discoverable riches, but much weakness, small faith, and difficulty;

if, on the contrary, we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty, so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in Jesus Christ.”

                                        ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer , “Life Together”

Two thoughts from psychology:

1. anger and frustration most often comes from unfulfilled expectations

2. happiness is usually subject to comparisons of present to past and ourselves with others.

Thoughts on those thoughts:

If only God knows the future and we put our trust in Him, the expectations of life should be secure in His hands and not subject to frustrations.

If happiness is dependent on subjective comparisons only…how is anyone ever happy? In God’s kingdom the last shall be first..this is foolishness to the world (and psychology). Can we be happy in humility, in poverty, in disgrace? Can we be happy if we are demoted? Or in a lower socioeconomic position than the people around us? I think the answer is a resounding YES! So if I bring this closer to home…can I be happy if my life in comparison to the past and others around me, isn’t where I expected or wanted it to be right now? again a resounding YES, if I listen to Bonhoeffer and simply give thanks for the experience i have had, am having, and for the Christian community in which I have been placed and which God wants to grow. No matter where or when we are in life…God has plans for a future!

Re______.(fill in the blank)

Sometimes life requires a hot bath, candles, and great wine.

Epic Rap Battle!

These guys are actually pretty funny! They also do a facebook song that's been viewed a lot! It's got a few good bits too. enjoy!

Muskrats & Beavers & Geese oh My!

Nature…I wonder what this word makes you think of? What comes to mind when you hear it?

A specific place? A certain event? Maybe something of a natural sort like trees or mountains, or maybe human nature?

Nature really encompasses many different aspects of life and I believe that is because we were created by God who created all those facets of nature itself. I love the natural world…I would love to be known as a naturalist; as someone who studies the natural world, believes in its usefulness, and seeks to conserve its resourcefulness. It’s interesting that “naturalism” as a philosophy removes the supernatural from its theory and believes only in the existence of nature itself. I don’t know how anyone as they observe, let alone understand, the intricacies and awesomeness of both the tiniest and most majestic of nature, does not sense the presence of creator God.

It is while I am experiencing the natural world that I feel most ALIVE! It is as if my being is more real, my senses are heightened and I am full of the joy of life. I really feel like anything is possible when I am in nature and it is these feelings that drive me to want to share it with others. Everyone is different in what makes them come alive, but I do believe all of us as created beings connect with creation on some level. I believe nature can bring people back to their center of being if they allow it to envelope them and open themselves up to its life force, that is God. I think nature can teach us about wellness and balance and shape our character and help our relationships.

Everyone needs it, you need it!

So go out and experience it, even if it just means finding a tree in the city and giving it a little pat to say hello and thank-you for the oxygen it is providing. Then thank God for creating it and for giving us lungs in which to breathe IT IN! breathing in and breathing out…that is another amazing thing! (maybe for another post)

This weekend my good friend teresa (whom I call tree) came and we explored nature. Here in Red Deer we walked around the Kerry Wood nature center trail. If you live in Red Deer and haven’t done this I highly recommend it! We saw deer, muskrats, beaver, geese, and ducks. It was a little hike in the woods, in the city. Then we were able to drive out to the mountains west of Red Deer and do a great hike that gave a magnificent view. It was a needed time for me for the above mentioned reasons and really rejuvenated my spirit. I hope something you do soon will feel the same for you!

Renae Plett: A Short History

well I was thinking today as I was painting that I feel like I've done so many different things over the years and been in so many different places that I find it hard to keep track of myself never mind other people keeping track of me (if any do). It never fails that when i go somewhere like church or meet someone out and about that somebody will come up to me and ask me where I am living now or what I am doing....after about 10 years of this it gets tiring trying to answer. It's tiring partly becuase I dont know half the time what my next move is, mostly becuase i have so many thoughts about what to do that I can't pinpoint anything. Believe me this gets tiring on its own, never mind all of the people asking...I ask myself everyday and tire myself out!! I thought just for kicks I would recap my post high school years on my blog and look for trends and consistencies and also maybe just see where God was working and possibly get a glimpse of where He is taking me next. So whether this list is for you the reader or me the writer, i'm not sure, but here it is:

1997: graduate from Heritage Christian School in Calgary
1997/98: paint
1999: Student at Caperwray Bible School New Zealand
2000: Staff at Capernwray doing office assistant work and Adventure Bible School leadership/food prep
2001: paint
2001-2003: Student at Red Deer College - Kinesiology: adapted physical education
2003: paint
2003/04: Student at Alberta Institute of Massage
2004: Work as a massage therapist / take pilates training in Ottawa
2005/06: massage therapy/ pilates instruction and training/ Instruct anatomy and physiology at massage school
2007: massage/pilates/instructing A&P /  Missions to Kenya for 3 months
2008: paint
2009: missions to Paraguay for a month
2008-2010: Student at Thompson Rivers University - Adventure Guiding & Management
2010: paint / Student at Canadian University College - Adventure Based Counselling

So here I am in 2010 with all of this behind me. It's been great! I have really enjoyed everything I have done and look forward to what is ahead. Currently I am painting (it seems to be the recurring theme) and I am going to school for Adventure Based Counselling. What is this you ask? good question. Well, It involves using adventure activities as a counseling format. Instead of typical sit in an office type counseling, it would be taking people outdoors and working through issues via using the activities and what they may metaphorically or directly bring forth. For example: A couple needs to work on communication. Put these two people in a canoe together and give them a task. During and after there are certain things that need to be talked through and a goal can be accomplished in the end. Much for fun than sitting inside right?? I think it could work...what about you? 

There are days when I still ask myself if I am on the right track; heading in the right direction...days when I'm not happy, not satisfied, unsettled and discontent...maybe I'm impatient, but more likely it is those days I am not trusting and resting in the one I know who leads with purpose and a plan unique to me. :)

Dress and Hair

 Beautiful Bridesmaids! Can you believe this is October 9?? It felt like the middle of July (although in Alberta that's not saying much actually) Obviously that guy in the background thought we looked better from the other side :) He's one of the photographers.

How my hair ended up...I like it, but our stylist either had her own agenda or wasn't listening becuase both of us who had her didn't really get what we wanted, although it ended up nice.

Altogether the day was great! A lot of fun with fantastic friends and I was so honored to be a part of the union betwen to amazing people like Blayne and Janell!

Sorry I dont have more pics, this is just to show you what I was wearing :)

letting go

I think I have a habit of holding on to things when I should really just let them go. It's sort of this compulsive fear that If I let it go it will never come back, so I have to just hoard it so I get to keep it, even if its just a possibility of something, and not even reality. Like hoarding the idea, becuase if i don't, it wont come true. This really leads to a lot of worry about things not happening becuase the idea just sits there and nothing ever happens!

From experience, I would advise not doing this....its not fun.

But tonight I expereinced a little bit of letting go and realize that the more I simply give to God the more I'm actually ok with present circumstances and feel free of having to have my own ideas becuase I know there is a master plan. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking of letting go of dreams or ambitions and I still think moving ahead in action towards those dreams is important, but its the release of being chained to them, of thinking life isn't fulfilled without them, and of believing its your own resposibility for making them happen.

Our resposiblity is pretty simple really. Give over responsibility to God. He's got it covered.  

Toddlers Online

This article amazed me! It's a US study, but seeing as we sort of follow our southern neighbours it is probably amost the same in Canada. Kids are growing up having their lives documented in cyberspace. Somehow I sort of think this is an invasion of their privacy and rights. I guess kids have to trust their parents until they choose to put their own voice on the internet, which is happening at a younger and younger age. I mean there is social networking sights for 5 year olds! Yes they are "friendly" but there is no mental strainer when you are that age to know what to put on there or not! I just have such mixed feelings about it all. What do you think?
92% of U.S. Toddlers Have Online Presence

a fresh beginning

I've accepted that I probably wont write here every day, but I feel like my life is taking another turn and there is some new stuff happening so a fresh look and renewed commitment to sharing might actually happen! hopefully!

I guess the newest is that I've started attending Canadian University College in Lacombe Alberta. I like Lacombe...its a small city but retains a cute town feel. I'm in two psychology classes, a sociology class, a history class, and a international health and wildreness first aid class which is great! So far we've mostly talked about bodily excretions due to parasties and bacteria. yum!

Well, more to come....really ;

Literary Surprise

I recently finished reading the "Millenium Series". If that name doesn't ring any bells, it might help if I say "the girl with the dragon tattoo" books. I was introduced to them on a recent trip to europe; my traveling companion was reading the first one, as was another random airline passenger in the row next to us. I figured it was another New York times best seller that I probably wouldn't read. But, then I read through the book I brought along with me; a small paperback I haphazardly pulled off my parents bookshelf without really being interested in it, but that looked like the right size for a backpacking trip. So when my travel partner was done that dazzling yellow book and I had watched her enter rapturously into its pages, hardly able to come back into reality, when in some of europe's most amazing cities, I thought maybe I'd start it and see if it was worth my time. And, whatever, I had some train time I needed to fill anyway...

A trip to Paris from the south of France was never so short! After a laborous first chapter, this book and the next one and the next one held me in a sort of trance. In fact, they held me like a tractor beam, past Europe and back home for two months, that was so strong it was like living in altered reality. I couldn't not finish these books. I borrowed the first one, bought the second one, and read the third one entirely in the book store! Except for once when I purchased it only to return if a few hours later after reading in a coffee shop for the afternoon. The content affected my emotions considerably with a range from interest, to wonder, to happiness, and even outright fear. Some nights I didn't want to turn my lights out in fear of the pictures swirling in my imagination. It wasn't until I finished the final chapter in the series that I could see the progression of content, and the progression of how they were supposed to make me, as a woman actually FEEL. You see, these books are primarily about women. Strong women. I would almost venture to say feminist, but not directly. Instead it is a celebration, in a sense, of the characteristics that comprise a women who will not let herself be dominated, held back, trod upon, humiliated, subjugated, used, manipulated or thought less of.

It is this progression that makes these books so amazing. It is a journey through the pages, of hopelessness at first; yes, hopelessness and disgust and anger at what you're reading about used and abused women, and it makes you want to cry and scream and just stop reading (and not turn your lights out). But the story continues and the strength grows, and in the end the lead female character prevails in all her imperfectness. But its not only her struggle and triumph that speaks to the strength of woman. Each and every female character in these books is strong and in many ways triumphant in their own roles. Each exudes independence, confidence, and an uncompromising attitude of self-assurance among male counterparts.

I am interested to know why these books were written; if there was a greater purpose or desired outcome for readers than literary enjoyment. I am also interested in what will come of them when the pop culture craze and hype and even movies are finished. Will they be a forgotten new york number one, or will their message be enough to make them classic? I don't think so, I think most people will read them because of the hype and then forget them while moving on to the next popular read. What I hope people don't forget; what I hope people get from these books and hold on to is this notion of persistent, unbreakable strength of character embodied in the uniqueness of who people are. What I also hope is that women will be celebrated. It is a sad reality that these books speak of. Women continue to be abused and thought less of all over the world, when it is woman who time and time again are the backbone, glue and heart of communities. People speak of empowerment and voice. Yes!

I am not a feminist, but I am a women and I am strong, I also know the need for man. I also believe in love and respect across genders where, as people, we accept and understand gifts and roles that are divinely given. So i'm probably missing some great revelation that these books give, and maybe i'm sucking out of them what I want to hear, but even if its not in there, this is a message our world needs.

the blog that hardly changes

i'm trying to make a decision....

do i keep this blog? and commit to being a little more faithful to it...

OR

do i end this attempt at online expression...

I'm torn. I'm terrible at decisions...especially when it means black or white, yes or no, where there is no compromise with another choice...i'm realizing I tend to want all options, and often try a lot without pursuing a lot to complete ends. What does this mean for my relationship with Jesus? Am I living for Him completely? Do I pursue Him above all else? When it comes to deciding against another option in a situation that tears at me...will it be black and white, yes or no with no compromise?

I want it to be...I fiercely want it to be.

Its my decision.

pies from end to beginning...

My pride and joy. A beautiful cherry pie.

The runners' up, pumpkin 1 and pumpkin 2 (although these were the winners according to my family)

These are just empty shells of their former selves... (teehee)

oh the dough.

And finally what makes it all possible...LARD.
Yay for the most fattening of all substances.

my mission should I choose to accept it...

I'm about to embark on a VERY serious mission...

...I am...

...about to make this years thanksgiving dinner pumpkin pies.

If you didn't already know this about me...i don't like pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is the one holiday where dessert doesn't tempt me in the least. I am happy to make the pie though. It's funny how thanksgiving is so much about the pie, but I guess no more than Easter often becomes about the chocolate. This year I am thankful I am able to be at home to spend this holiday with my family. I am also thankful for other pie fillings...like cherry..and since I am making the pies I will include one of those as well :)

It's a big world after all

Suddenly, as the rope coiled around my body, the spikes strapped onto my feet, and the bug eyed polarized glasses went onto my face....I felt like a mountaineer. Amazing. I was learning how to survive on the ice, climb the ice, move on the ice and in the process love the ice. Despite the numb toes, then the thawing toes bringing on what's descriptively called the "screaming barfies", and the exhaustive climbing we were accomplishing goals and it felt great!

The glacier has a mind of its own...it moves, changes shape and forms beautiful patterns in response to the shifting weather. It's a playground and yet it also has no mercy, a fall off the "monkey bars" will usually mean more than a scraped knee. Every move needs to be thought out, intentional, firm...every step secure.

At certain moments I would look back down the valley and marvel at God's majesty! He formed these huge masses of rock with His hands, and made it possible for me to enjoy them...created in me the capacity to love them and love Him through them. What a gift!

I was happy and content perched precariously on the edges of cliffs...

...knowing I was safe in God's hands and feeling free.

Nearing the end

Well I have one more week in Churchill...and after three months am feeling pretty comfortable here already. I think I might have city shock when i head south..all the people and cars everywhere. I can just hear all of the stores calling my name.."reennnaaaeee...spend your money, you haven't shopped in tthhhreeeeee months, it is time you had new things...come innnnn, you neeeeeeed this."

Must not listen, must not go in...MUST RESIST!

I have realized up here little habits like stopping and getting a coffee somewhere, or a snack for the hec of it are pretty unnecessary to do multiple times a week. I haven't gone out for coffee in three months! Actually that sounds a bit sad, as it is one of my favorite things to do, but it has saved me money that's for sure. Also in a place where there is no form of entertainment to be found you have to be resourceful with your time...it makes you creative...or lazy...or a workaholic..but over all its economical.

The north is a great place to think. With less stimulation from noise or people or city options you just have time to experience your surroundings, which are beautiful. I guess its still a matter of making the time and consciously taking it all in, but there are some instances where it feels like what you are seeing or doing is just forcing its beauty on you and yelling at you that you are in some place special, like no where else. I mean where else can I go out on a sea-do and have beluga whales swim right under me, or quading and drive by polar bears lounging on the rocks?! I've seen herds of grazing caribou, arctic hares, countless birds and the most amazing sunsets blazing their brilliance off of melting sea ice...

I've swam in the Hudson's Bay...with the sea ice...and been to places where first contact was made between Europeans and Aboriginal people in the 1600's. crazy!

I've also been introduced to some great people...but at the same time missed my family and friends....

I sort of forget why i started this post, maybe just to reminisce a little bit over the last three months....to say that out of the 9 things in my previous list (number 8 is still a mystery) I have accomplished 8 of them. I will miss Churchill for sure, but what's next is about to begin and I am excited for that!

see you soon :)