The Prairie OC

Another Year Past

2009-04-22T08:36:00.003-06:00

Another year passed and what have we learned? For many of us it has meant countless hours of reading massive amounts, writing papers on existentialism, Pauline theology or a host of other topics, and studying hard for pop quizes and exams. We have learned to walk beside one another in community, eat about a thousand meals, and braved the harsh winter of Three Hills. As we come to the close of another school year, I am reminded of the importance to press on towards the goal. Paraphrasing the apostle Paul, it is imperative that we strive to run the race for Jesus: to be disciplined like a soldier, to train hard like an Olympic athlete and to persevere like a farmer. It is only in this light that we can run the race set out for us.

Tinsel, Egg Nog and Nursing Homes

2008-12-15T14:33:00.007-07:00

Yes, once again, the tinsel, eggnog and shopping malls have their place in our lives. But wait, could it be that perhaps we are missing the real holiday cheer in a nursing home. No, I have not been sucking on lead painted toys from China that you can buy in the dollar-rama. I am speaking about a paradigm shift of Christ-mas. Yesterday I was privileged to attend my children's Christmas concert. I was greatly surprised that the scene was not the infamous nativity with crooked haloed angels and a really fake baby in a manger. Rather, the performance centered in a nursing home played by 14 year old actors with spray painted gray hair. The story itself was about aged folk in the nursing home and their real experiences of loneliness and isolation. My favorite part in the concert was watching a grumpy old lady with dark humor, who despised life and everyone around her, shower everyone with discouragement. I came to the realization that there are people out there like that. Yet the quiet love of a Sunday School choir, the gentle visit from a grandson and the authenticity of the real story of Christmas broke through her hardened heart and all was well in nursing home-ville. Could it be that the parties and the tinsel and the eggnog are really garnishes on the real feats of Christmas, to love one another as God has loved us. Let's not forget that love is about action-maybe even visiting someone in the nursing home this Christmas.

Merry Christmas Off Campus!

Simple Thanks

2008-10-09T13:11:00.007-06:00

This time of year with papers and exams right around the corner, the tendency is to gripe and complain. Stress gets in the way of truly thankful times. Often our best intensions are shadowed by anxiety, sometimes depression and just void of energy.

I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the church: "be thankful continually." That is an extremely hard thing to do, when a paper is due the next day and you haven't even begun your research.

The other night our family sat around our fire pit in our backyard. As we sat there I had a God moment. My God moment was a flash of inspiration in which God wanted to speak to us as a family. I knew I had to obey. I asked for each of us to go and get a piece of wood from our firewood box. With each person holding a small piece of wood, I asked them to gave thanks to God for one thing. It was amazing to watch and listen to my elementary aged children to go around, Our middle daughter began: "I am thankful for today and for my family." It continued... "I am thankful for God and my family, and my friends.", "I am thankful for this fire, food and dad and mom and my sisters, buddy and slipper (our dogs), our fish and my bed." Then as an act of sacrifice, we all threw our thanksgiving stick into the fire. There was silence that ensued. As I looked at my children, simple tears welled up in my eyes because my children caught it- they were simply and authentically being thankful to God. It reminded me that the simple things that we sometimes overlook are precious in the eyes of children.

Jesus reminded us that we wouldn't see the kingdom unless we demonstrated simple faith. This simple faith relates to being thankful in simple ways: "Thanks for the sunrise today God.", "Thanks for fresh clean water to drink.", "Thanks for food on our table.", "Thanks for a warm bed.", "Thanks for the opportunity to study at Prairie.", "Thanks for friends.", "Thanks for my Family.", "Thanks for this term paper." I wonder sometimes if God can't wait for thanksgiving because we often neglect being thankful at other times of the year. I can see God, pulling up to the table and saying I can't wait to hear my kids give thanks. It is beautiful. May this thanksgiving be a truly beautiful time of year to share our simple faith with God and others.

Student Family Potluck and Chili Cook Off

2008-09-24T08:37:00.008-06:00

I woke up this morning, put the coffee on, and headed for the shower. The air in our bathroom was a little "chilly" to say the least. I thought to myself, it is only September so who turned the heat off. I grabbed a hot coffee and got ready for work. While backing the car out of the garage, I noticed the frost was sitting on my grass. I can't believe how chilly the air is getting even outside my house. I guess winter is right around the corner. Speaking of right around the corner, we are have a "Student Family Potluck and Chili Cook Off" happening on Sunday October 5 @ 4:30 p.m. at the ARC. For those of you who have been accustomed to great food from our Off Campus Families, we once again have our famous "Chili Cook Off." It never ceases to amaze me how our families come up with delicious recipes for some "down home smoking chili." So put those crock pots on and come and join us Sunday October 5 @ 4:30 p.m.

Welcome Back

2008-08-23T13:38:00.004-06:00

We wanted to take this opportunity to say, "Welcome Back- from the Spiritual Formation Division"; especially, the Off Campus Student Development Team! We know what it is like being an off campus student (single or family) moving to a new place, meeting new friends and going to a new school. Questions like: "Will I fit in?", "Will I and my family make friends?", "Will I feel welcome?" and many others are all common questions and part of the experience. We (Donna Fletcher and I) want to make sure that you are connected, welcomed and feel part of the community at Prairie. Please know the Assistive Resource Centre (2nd floor Imbach) is open from at least 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. We are here to answer any questions, concerns or just share life. We want you to know that our job is to be here for you. We are also available by phone 24/7. So, welcome back and we hope that all of you will join us for our first Hot Dog Roast for Families (Friday September 5 @ 5:30 p.m.) and Hot Dog Roast for Singles (Saturday September 6 @ 5:30 p.m.). Both events will be held at the north end of the campus at the fire pit (north of the mail center). See you there.

Thinking about summer, so are we.

2008-06-03T08:43:00.004-06:00

Summer- I love the word. Picture for a moment green grass and trees, bright and colorful foliage, people outdoors, camping, hiking and the like. It is a chance to finally clean out my garage, get the outside of my place in shape and connect with friends for BBQ's, parties at the lake and enjoying the outdoor living to it's fullest. "Now wait a minute", you might say, "I enjoy the outdoors any time of year." This is entirely true but there is just something about life in Canada regarding not wearing a ski jacket, winter boots and mitts that excites me.
A number of students I know are enjoying a much deserved break from studies (unless of course you are loaded with Distance Ed. courses). If that is the case, the change of a new summer environment lends so some creative thinking. Sitting outside at a picnic table with a glass of ice tea and a cool breeze does something for our creative process. Thinking about summer, so are we. As we sit in our non-air conditioned offices waiting for that special note on our calendar that pops up and says, "summer holidays begins today."

The Last of a Long Line...

2008-04-16T16:03:00.002-06:00

And so it came to pass that in the year of our Lord two thousand and eight the program of the off campus students came to an end for the summer. For four months, the fair students of Prairie who lived on the fringes of the town would wander off into the wilds, ne're to return until the rising of the September sun. Some would return joyously, others not at all. However, there was a light, a fair luminescent orb on the horizon... the Off Campus program lived on! To some, it would be a new adventure, to others it would be a change of fate. The program ne're looked the same as it had before, but it still lived on in the hearts and minds of those students who chose to make the town of Three Hills their home... at least for the next few months.
All of us here in the Off Campus office want to thank you guys for making this inaugural year for the program one of the best. You made our job easier with your willing attitudes and servant-like hearts, and for that we thank you. May God continue to bless you richly as you travel from here for the summer, and in many cases for the rest of your life. Please remember your time here fondly, and know that we all wish you well on your journey.
Off-Campus Interns

A-maze-ing God!

2008-04-02T15:03:00.002-06:00

Just today I was completely stressed out, again, about papers, finances, graduation, old news, big projects, etc (And thanks to Andrea's honesty, I now know that I get wrinkles whenever I'm stressed out). Yet God chose today to show me His magnificence by relieveing myself and a few others of some unneeded tensions. God really is amazing, and I can guarantee you that if you choose to rely on Him over the next few weeks (and years), things won't neccessarily become easy, but you will have a ready listener, and a gracious heart to guide you through it.

OC Un-Masked!

2008-03-07T15:38:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone in the Off Campus environment! This is just to let you know that the upcoming March event will be... (drum-roll please)... a costume masquerade party, with the theme of "When I grow up, I want to be..."! I'ts going to be a blast, so mark it on your calendars, Sunday, March 30th, 8:00 pm. Hope to see you all there!!!! (or not, since we will all be wearing masks ;-)

Welcome to March...

2008-03-04T19:37:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! It's March now, hard to believe that there's only two months left of school this year?!?!? Where has the time gone? (Or why isn't it going fast enough?) Anyways, just thought I'd let you all know that Andrea, Kelly and I are really excited for this month's activity that we're planning!!! Keep checking the blog for more updates!
God bless as you finish the term,
Ryan

Have A Good Family Day

2008-02-15T14:32:00.002-07:00

It's Family Day this weekend, and even though we live Off Campus now, we still have family. Now I know some people are bummed out because our 'day off' is on a Monday, yet we can still take some time to remember our family and be thankful for them. So, take five minutes and write a letter or email to those back home, or spend some time on the phone listening to what great-aunt Beatrice did with her old false teeth. But make sure that your family knows you care, and I can guarantee that your day off won't feel so bogus after all.

Help! I'm Poor! And Hungry! And in College!

2008-02-08T13:23:00.003-07:00

Feed your Belly.
Stock up!
· Eat – and stock up on – foods that are nutritious and filling. Pastas, breads, protein sources (like peanut butter, cheese, beans and meats) will make you feel full longer while sustaining your energy levels. You’ll be less likely to get hungry in the middle of the day.
Work it!
· Get a job in the cafeteria, they’ll feed you and pay you. If you work off campus, consider a job in a restaurant. Most offer free or discounted food to employees. Even a low-paying job can be worth it if you eat your fill!
Join up!
· Shop with your room-mate(s) to split costs. If you don’t have one, join leagues with other people who are equally room-mate less.
Write it!
· Make a shopping list and stick to it. You’ll be more likely to avoid buying 10 extra things that you really don’t need which saves you $$$. You’ll also save time later by getting what you need all at once. This means more time for studying, or perhaps other less profitable ventures…
Ignore it!
· Buy generic or store-brand food items, instead of brand names. Brand name food items cost more because they have to pay for advertising.

Keep your Moolah
Forget it!
· Don’t impulse shop! If you didn’t know before five minutes ago that you ‘needed’ this item, do you really need it? Can you come back tomorrow and get it if you do?
Find it!
· Three Hills is practically the king of garage sales. Spend a Saturday wandering around town talking to sweet old couples and scoring awesome deals on practically everything. Like blenders for under $10! Just check “The Pole” outside Mac’s for the latest garage sales, and go wild.
Sober up!
· Yes, you are allowed to drink alcohol (within reason and constraint) off-campus. But, its expensive and abstaining will help you keep your monthly budget down.
Team up!
· If you would normally pay X amount for something (DVDs, x-box games, internet, satellite, cable, etc) you can divide that cost, and still get the same enjoyment by joining together with your household, or other friends and splitting the cost.
Stash it!
· Don’t have a toonie to go see the A Sixpence is not Enough show? Keep your change in one place, so that when you are in desperate need of a little cash, you have something to fall back on, like the 13 dimes, 9 nickels and 1 quarter for your admission.

Keep your Sanity
“In short, he so busied himself in his booksthat he spent the nights reading from twilight till daybreakand the days from dawn till dark;and so from little sleep and much reading his brain dried upand he lost his wits.” – Cervantes
Ask any senior student, and they will tell you how they were “this close” to calling it quits, and remaining in a fetal position for the next 6 months. However, burnout is not a mandatory part of your academic career.
Open up!
· Visit Kal Szucs’ office to gather resources on burnout, and to find out how you can combat burnout.
Slow Down!
· Take a Sabbath day, or two. You will be able to work harder and better if you are regularly taking time to slow down and breathe.
Schedule it!
· Study and study hard, but for a time. Studying for over 4 hours a day can lead to burnout. Study for small portions of time more frequently, rather than having marathon study sessions once a week.
Let Go!
· You don’t have to do it all! Let someone else pick up the slack once in a while, you don’t have to be everyone’s hero. Need proof? Check out Galatians 6:2 and 6:5.

BIO: Andrea is a senior, one of the off-campus interns, who enjoys flying kites, reading classic literature and remembers when a certain professor showed “HomeStar Runner” during an 8am class.

Check out these sites for more ideas:
http://www.yourcreditadvisor.com/blog/2007/02/136_tips_for_sa.html
http://mycollegeguide.org/Article.php?ArticleID=35
http://www.successfulacademic.com/webdocs/Avoid_burnout.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/52343/follow_these_tips_to_avoid_a_college.html
http://www.tyndale.ca/counselling/viewissue.php?id=13

Day of Prayer

2008-01-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

So, Day of Prayer is over and done for the year, and for some of us for the rest of our lives. This is not to say we won't participate in one further down the road, but a Prairie DofP will not be on the list. So, with that being said, what did this recent day teach you? What did you learn about or are thankful for? After all, a Day of Prayer is a day spent with God...

EVENT!!!!!

2008-01-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hey faithful bloggers! This friday, 7:00 pm in the ARC is an Off Campus games night put on by Bethany Campbell's IMPACT group!! Come on out for some exciting rounds of Phase 10 and Rook!

Next Semester

2007-12-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi to all our Off-Campus Tribe:

This semester has been a whirlwind. I can't believe it is already past. It seems like yesterday that I was talking with many of you about midterms and all the assignments you had left to write. I was reminded of all the work that I still had left for this semester. Yes, we do work in Student Development (contrary to popular belief). Now I look across the campus and it is empty and void of all of you. I think I saw a tumbleweed roll across campus yesterday. I can't wait to have you all back next semester. So my two bit advice for you this Christmas, please take some time over the holidays to sleep in, get lots of rest and visit your family and friends. I was reminded of a devotional a week ago which talked about "Selah" the ending to many of the Psalms. The word selah means "silence" or "rest." I pray that your Christmas may filled with "selah moments" for you, so that you will be ready to go next semester.

Selah,

Kelly

Updates

2007-11-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just a note that the Healthy Eating Seminar is tomorrow in the ARC @ 7:00 pm.
Also, there is a December activity on Friday Dec. 7th in the ARC @8:00 pm. Bring a $5.00 gift or a Tilly find ;-) and a jolly laugh. It'll be good times.

Reality Cheque

2007-11-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when reality handed me a cheque for four years experience at Prairie. Seriously though, it hit me today that I have been here for almost four years, and I have almost four months left. Four months?!?!? It seems like no time at all since I was a scared, confused little freshman (sorry to those first years reading this) and now I'm looking through a cap and gown!
What are your guys' (and gals') thoughts on being a senior/junior? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind? Let us know...
Ryan Thiessen
OC Intern

Missing Information

2007-11-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all you faithful readers! Just a heads up; we the OC staff are missing several pieces of contact information from several of our constituants. So, if you could email your Student ID, ox number, Birthdate, Phone number, and address, that would be great. Don't worry, this isn't a scam ;) Anyway, please send it to prairieoc@yahoo.ca
Thanks,
Ryan T
OC Intern

Off Campus Potluck Sunday

2007-10-31T14:17:00.000-06:00

Hey all you faithful readers...
Just a reminder that there is the Off Campus potluck on Sunday, 1:00 pm, at Bethany and Anju's place...
Hope to see you all there!

Are you really thankful?

2007-10-05T08:08:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, it's thanksgiving weekend. A time to gather with family and down pounds of "fair trade" turkey. It has occured to me more times than once, that often the weekend blows by and we have gained 10 pounds and had lots of laughs. But actually how much time was spend really in thanksgiving? I don't want to slap a downer on you but wouldn't it be nice even once a year, to really set aside some time over the weekend to be truly thankful; to take even a few minute of silence and thank God for all his goodness to us. To thank God for his grace and mercy, his love and forgiveness, his tender compasssions, his spectacular sun rises and sun sets, his provision in our lives, clean water and good food, a roof over our heads and a place to rest our weary bodies. Paul writes to the Ephesians church: 5:15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I hope this thanksgiving that you and I can set aside some time in the midst of fun and family to be thankful to God for everything. What a great way to have a great thanksgiving. So from our family to yours, have a great thanksgiving, and hey, take it easy on the Turkey!

Kelly

Men's Breakfast

2007-10-03T14:18:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
We are having an OC Men's breakfast on friday, Oct. 12th, in the ARC. Doors open at 7:30 and it goes till 9:00. If you have a class but still want to grab a bite to eat, stop by. The cost is $2.00 or a dish (potluck-style). Pancakes and drinks will be provided.
Hope to see you all there. If you plan on coming, it would be awesome if you coment on the blog or let me (Ryan) know. If its a last-minute descision, your still welcome to attend!

Healthy Eating on a Slim Budget Seminar

2007-09-28T11:07:00.000-06:00

Are you getting tired of always having "KD". Not that there is anything bad with those noodles and sauce but when you have them four times a week, it is probably not a good choice. Your body craves more good nutritious food. In light of that fact, we have some great news for you. On Thursday November 28, a David Thompson Health Region nutritionist Erin P. will be here to give you some awesome ideas for healthy eating on a slim budget. So if you are finding yourself not eating healthy or making poor choices in your food groups this seminar is for you. Just so you know that I will definitely be there. One year at college, we went out for my friend's birthday and I blew one entire week's food budget on supper. So for the next week, I ate animal cookies and drank tea. Yes, animal crackers-I can't stand them now. I have dreams of lions and tigers and elephants- Oh my! Hope you can joins us Thursday November 28th from 7-8 p.m. at the Economics Lab.

OC Visitor Billeting

2007-09-19T13:48:00.000-06:00

Hey all you fine folk! How you all doing today?
Do you have a room that can convert into a spare bedroom in a sinch? Looking to meet new and exciting people?? Want to secretly (or not) be a host/hostess but have no idea where to start??? Well, the OC community needs people like you to sign up to be hosts when a fellow OCer has a visitor coming to see them. Take for example, a person has their boyfriend coming up from Texas to visit them. They, being an all-girl house, would find it awkward to have a boy suddenly in their midst, so they send out a HELP to the OC Billeting hotline (ok, so its an email, not a red phone, what were you expecting?) The friendly person on the other end hooks them up with an all-guys house that has a spare room they can use for their visit. The OC Billeting hotline is also available to people putting out ads for roomates. To contact the hotline, simply type prairieoc@yahoo.ca into your email send list, and subject it OC Billeting. Your email is important to us, and we really want to help.
Cheers,
Ryan

OC Clothing

2007-09-14T14:01:00.000-06:00

Hey all you cool, creative, fun-loving peeps! We are already planning the OC Clothing line for this year (Woot!) What we need is some creative, ubbercool ideas from you for logo design and such. If you have time, please submit your ideas and designs, either electronically (prairieoc@yahoo.ca) or @ our office (ARC room 209). Please submit these ideas as soon as possible, because deadline for entry is Oct. 31st! Winner of the logo contest will recieve the priveledge of knowing their logo is on the 2007 OC Clothing Line!

Dessert Update

2007-09-14T14:00:00.000-06:00

Just so you all know, the dessert auction is tomorrow (Saturday) night at the Prairie Elementary Gym @ 8:00 pm. Hope to see you all there!

Red Deer Shopping Trips

2007-09-12T11:05:00.001-06:00

Right now we are planning a shopping trip to Red Deer within the next month, tenatively on October 13. If you are interested please let us know ASAP, so we can schedule the right amount of vans for this trip. If there is an event/reason that will prevent you from coming and you would like to still go to Red Deer, let us know and we will look into scheduling an alternate date in addition. Comments are the best way to go about this. Thanks!

Andrea Gray
Off Campus Intern

Off Campus Community

2007-09-07T20:44:00.000-06:00

Welcome (back) to the Off-Campus Community!

As the new school begins, this will be the place to go to for information about the activities and services specifically for the Off-Campus Community.

Whether it is praying with and for you, information on what sales are going to be most adventagous in stretching your food budget, sharing heart-to-hearts, appliance exchanges, or putting together a break-loose activity when your semester is going crazy, we as the Off-Campus Leadership team are committed to providing you with the resources and opportunities to make your time in the Off-Campus Community, amazing and enriching.

We look forward to new adventures as we learn to live in community together,
Ang, Ryan, and Andrea

Off Campus Dessert Auction

2007-09-07T20:31:00.000-06:00

Location: Upper Banquet Room
Time: 8:00 PM, September 15
Who: Student Households Living Off Campus
Cost: One(+) Dessert / household

This is a household event, so if you are thinking this is one of those cheesy 'match-making' events where a guy buys a girls dessert, and then 8-10 months later, marries her, you will be sadly mistaken.

This will be a time for you to:
Test out your brand-new kitchens
Bond together as a household making (or buying) a delicious dessert
Put faces to the Off-Campus comunity
Learn about fun things happening specifically for the Off Campus Community.
Eat together with old and new friends, as we catch up on our summers/lives

This is how it'll work.

Together as an off-campus household make, coerce or purchase a delicious dessert to be auctioned off at the event.
At the auction, your household’s dessert will be purchased by the Auctioneer for a packet of Monopoly® money.
This money is to be used to purchase the dessert(s) of your household’s choice.

For more information please contact me by:
Visiting my office in the ARC
Calling 443-2558
Facebook
Email (prairieoc@yahoo.ca)

See you all there!

Andrea Gray