As a "B-Plan" in the event that the federal government's intended review of the same sex marriage legislation fails, there are measures being prepared to protect pastors and churches from law suits if they refuse to marry same sex couples. The "Defence of Religions Act" is seen as a response to what many have come to see as an over-aggressive gay agenda that lables anyone who speaks against homosexuality or same-sex marriage as "homophobic".
I'm hopeful that this step will provide the church and it's leaders the freedom to say "no" without fear of legal action. While not everyone will agree with me on this, it's no secret that morality cannot be legislated. Morality comes out of our personal decision to yield our will to a greater moral authority. The choice to yield cannot be forced upon anyone who knows their own mind and is determined to follow it. (If you're not sure that you agree, ask some parents who have teenagers at home...)
While I certainly don't agree with same sex marriage on a personal level, it may be that the "Defense of Religions Act" is the best option for our nation, if for no other reason than it will avoid an enormous social and political backlash.
The great irony in this discussion (which was on the front page of today's (Oct 4, 2006) Globe and Mail) is that constitutional experts are already saying that the act itself would violate the constitution and that protection provisions already exist.
If the current federal government fails in it's effort to reverse same sex marriage legislation (and it's a virtual certainty that it will...) my hope is that this proposed Act would quickly and easily pass. If not the election posturing would be fascinating to say the least ...
By the way - I've changed the comment requirement and you no longer have to login to post yours so ... fire away on this, I'd be very interested in what you have to say!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
School Shootings
I groaned out loud when I saw the news of the shooting at the Amish school. I'm not sure why this particular shooting is as bothersome to me as it is. Maybe it's the fact that this is at least 3 in a row over a relatively short period of time. Maybe it's because I have a daughter and in the last 3 shootings, it's been young women who have been victimized. Or maybe it's because this seems to be more than an attack on just children and females.
The Amish by choice lead a very simple and intentionally separate life. They have conciously chosen to look and live differently than the rest of the world. The "one-room schoolhouse" where the shooting occurred is an expression of there chosen lifestyle. The irony is that their choice to educate their children in that context as a means of protecting them from the world, really put them at greater risk, because there was no where to hide when the shooter entered the room.
I hate the fact that violence penetrates the world of the innocents so often and with such impunity. I hate the fact that people who are powerless are far too often the chosen targets of people who are choosing to make their own twisted and dark statements with guns and bombs. I hate the fact that "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy" as often as he does. It makes me angry that there are parents with empty spaces in their homes tonight that weren't there this morning just because one man's inner world collapsed because of the work of the thief. It makes me angry that there is a widow who had nothing to do with her husbands actions but now faces her own valley of sorrows as she tries to cope with her own loss and the horrific actions of her husband.
I'm tempted to write about hope, redemption and sovereignty, but instead tonight, I just want to pray for those whose hearts are broken and whose lives are shattered.
The Amish by choice lead a very simple and intentionally separate life. They have conciously chosen to look and live differently than the rest of the world. The "one-room schoolhouse" where the shooting occurred is an expression of there chosen lifestyle. The irony is that their choice to educate their children in that context as a means of protecting them from the world, really put them at greater risk, because there was no where to hide when the shooter entered the room.
I hate the fact that violence penetrates the world of the innocents so often and with such impunity. I hate the fact that people who are powerless are far too often the chosen targets of people who are choosing to make their own twisted and dark statements with guns and bombs. I hate the fact that "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy" as often as he does. It makes me angry that there are parents with empty spaces in their homes tonight that weren't there this morning just because one man's inner world collapsed because of the work of the thief. It makes me angry that there is a widow who had nothing to do with her husbands actions but now faces her own valley of sorrows as she tries to cope with her own loss and the horrific actions of her husband.
I'm tempted to write about hope, redemption and sovereignty, but instead tonight, I just want to pray for those whose hearts are broken and whose lives are shattered.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
There's Bears in them there hills...
It's been an interesting few days around here. We have a green belt a block from our house where we take our dog for a walk. It's also the place where bears pass through on their way to wherever it is bears go...
Yesterday, Britt and the boys took the dog for a walk through the park. Tyler climbed up the hill to a rope swing that they like to play on. Zack was at the bottom of the hill with a friend when they noticed two bears (a mom and a cub) sitting on the branch right above where the rope swing is attached to the tree. Thankfully, no one panicked and the bears weren't overly interested in a mid-morning snack, even though Tyler said that the "big one was watching me with his mouth open..." Truthfully, the boy has multiple guardian angels as one would hardly be enough.
Today, Britt was walking down the trail to meet a friend when she and the dog encountered another one. Not a lot of details on this, other than she walked around a corner and a bear was there looking back at her. Apparently Zoe (the dog) just stopped, took one look at the bear, tucked her tail between her legs and did a quick retreat back up the path. About the only people that she barks at are our neighbor and me when I come in late.
I enjoyed a great morning at Clearwater New Life Assembly today with Pastor Dan and Joan Daase. God is doing some great things in their church and they graciously had me there for the morning. God was present in so many ways and I was very blessed for being there. In keeping with the bear theme, I saw one cross the highway on the way home from Clearwater.
Someone once told me that hitting a bear with your car would be like hitting a pig. Not sure if it's true, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out...
Yesterday, Britt and the boys took the dog for a walk through the park. Tyler climbed up the hill to a rope swing that they like to play on. Zack was at the bottom of the hill with a friend when they noticed two bears (a mom and a cub) sitting on the branch right above where the rope swing is attached to the tree. Thankfully, no one panicked and the bears weren't overly interested in a mid-morning snack, even though Tyler said that the "big one was watching me with his mouth open..." Truthfully, the boy has multiple guardian angels as one would hardly be enough.
Today, Britt was walking down the trail to meet a friend when she and the dog encountered another one. Not a lot of details on this, other than she walked around a corner and a bear was there looking back at her. Apparently Zoe (the dog) just stopped, took one look at the bear, tucked her tail between her legs and did a quick retreat back up the path. About the only people that she barks at are our neighbor and me when I come in late.
I enjoyed a great morning at Clearwater New Life Assembly today with Pastor Dan and Joan Daase. God is doing some great things in their church and they graciously had me there for the morning. God was present in so many ways and I was very blessed for being there. In keeping with the bear theme, I saw one cross the highway on the way home from Clearwater.
Someone once told me that hitting a bear with your car would be like hitting a pig. Not sure if it's true, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out...
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Ordinary and Extraordinary
I was preaching about Moses and the burning bush this weekend and had an "aha" moment that I wanted to share with you. Most of you who read this are familiar enough with the story that I don't have to go over the whole thing with you, but I want you to think about something. From the moment that God started talking to Moses all He did was make promises and declarations. "I have, I AM, I will.. Etc, etc.." From the time that Moses started talking to God, all he did was make excuses. He kept telling God all the reasons why he couldn't do what God was asking him to do. I started thinking about this and then the realization of what I was pondering hit me...
"Our excuses keep us ordinary."
A recurring theme in the bible appears when God invites people to participate with Him in something significant and supernatural and they give him a list of excuses as to why they can't follow through. Gideon was too small, Jeremiah was too young, Moses couldn't talk and the list goes on and on... It was only after they came to the end of their excuses that they were able to participate in the divine adventure that God had for them.
And so I concluded that "my excuses keep me ordinary". If God is calling me to do and be something bigger than what I am, it must only be because He SEES that I can do it and that He's already made provision for me to see it happen in and through my own life.
If my excuses keep me ordinary, it must also stand to reason that saying "yes" to what God has for me moves me into the realm of the extraordinary. There is an "excellent adventure" to which God invites us to participate in on a daily basis and the way to get there is to quit making excuses, get past our fear, doubt or whatever and move towards the greatness of what He has for us.
"Our excuses keep us ordinary."
A recurring theme in the bible appears when God invites people to participate with Him in something significant and supernatural and they give him a list of excuses as to why they can't follow through. Gideon was too small, Jeremiah was too young, Moses couldn't talk and the list goes on and on... It was only after they came to the end of their excuses that they were able to participate in the divine adventure that God had for them.
And so I concluded that "my excuses keep me ordinary". If God is calling me to do and be something bigger than what I am, it must only be because He SEES that I can do it and that He's already made provision for me to see it happen in and through my own life.
If my excuses keep me ordinary, it must also stand to reason that saying "yes" to what God has for me moves me into the realm of the extraordinary. There is an "excellent adventure" to which God invites us to participate in on a daily basis and the way to get there is to quit making excuses, get past our fear, doubt or whatever and move towards the greatness of what He has for us.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Embracing My Pentecostal Inner Self...
I have wrestled with being Pentecostal for a long time.
Sometimes I want to downplay the whole thing, become more sophisticated and strategic and just be part of the broader church as it just seems to have less "baggage" associated with it than what Pentecostalism brings with it. (Especially with our "nuttier" members of the family... I just get tired of explaining flakiness...)
It seems that while Pentecostal culture may be slowly and subtly infiltrating the broader church, it appears that Pentecostal Power is missing in action among our own ranks. Adopting/Embracing the best parts of our culture is easy, because we have some very good things going on. Our culture (in theory) is participatory, energetic and enthusiastic, but none of these things on it's own will change the world. Let's face it, the devil doesn't run and hide just because you raise or clap your hands when you sing. He doesn't freak out if you dance a little jig and he really doesn't tremble just because you become emotional at times. Pointing to the infiltration of Pentecostal culture as a sign of our success is at best desperate and at worst pretty lame. Pentecostal culture is okay, but it's not what has set the world on fire time and time again...
There are other times, in my life (like now...) when I think the answer is just to be a "holy ghost guy" and let God take care of the details. I'm not elitist at all. I don't think I'm better than any other believer because I am coming to terms with my "Pentecostal Inner Self".
I confess that I'm attracted to spiritual power. I love the thrill that comes with prophesying, praying and preaching in a Pentecostal context. I love it when GOD shows up in a prayer meeting, church service or altar service and absolutely takes control and sets my plans on their ear. I'm not an elitist by any stretch of the imagination. All I'm saying is that Pentecostalism in it's truest form fully expects that GOD is VERY INTERESTED in being SUPERNATURALLY INVOLVED in EVERY PART of our lives. There's an expectation that "God Moments" or "God things" can happen at any moment and there's something about that paradigm that works like a nuclear reactor inside of me generating both spiritual passion and spiritual power.
My favorite ministry memories are driving home after church saying to Barb - "Can you believe what happened tonight?" Did you see what God did??
Anyway - bottom line - I'm happy that the church is embracing Pentecostal culture.
My prayer is that it would be overtaken with Pentecostal Power!
Check back later, you might find my "I AM PENTECOSTAL" rant!
Sometimes I want to downplay the whole thing, become more sophisticated and strategic and just be part of the broader church as it just seems to have less "baggage" associated with it than what Pentecostalism brings with it. (Especially with our "nuttier" members of the family... I just get tired of explaining flakiness...)
It seems that while Pentecostal culture may be slowly and subtly infiltrating the broader church, it appears that Pentecostal Power is missing in action among our own ranks. Adopting/Embracing the best parts of our culture is easy, because we have some very good things going on. Our culture (in theory) is participatory, energetic and enthusiastic, but none of these things on it's own will change the world. Let's face it, the devil doesn't run and hide just because you raise or clap your hands when you sing. He doesn't freak out if you dance a little jig and he really doesn't tremble just because you become emotional at times. Pointing to the infiltration of Pentecostal culture as a sign of our success is at best desperate and at worst pretty lame. Pentecostal culture is okay, but it's not what has set the world on fire time and time again...
There are other times, in my life (like now...) when I think the answer is just to be a "holy ghost guy" and let God take care of the details. I'm not elitist at all. I don't think I'm better than any other believer because I am coming to terms with my "Pentecostal Inner Self".
I confess that I'm attracted to spiritual power. I love the thrill that comes with prophesying, praying and preaching in a Pentecostal context. I love it when GOD shows up in a prayer meeting, church service or altar service and absolutely takes control and sets my plans on their ear. I'm not an elitist by any stretch of the imagination. All I'm saying is that Pentecostalism in it's truest form fully expects that GOD is VERY INTERESTED in being SUPERNATURALLY INVOLVED in EVERY PART of our lives. There's an expectation that "God Moments" or "God things" can happen at any moment and there's something about that paradigm that works like a nuclear reactor inside of me generating both spiritual passion and spiritual power.
My favorite ministry memories are driving home after church saying to Barb - "Can you believe what happened tonight?" Did you see what God did??
Anyway - bottom line - I'm happy that the church is embracing Pentecostal culture.
My prayer is that it would be overtaken with Pentecostal Power!
Check back later, you might find my "I AM PENTECOSTAL" rant!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Knowing His Plan
I have more "favorite verses" than I can tell you about, but the one that comes to my mind today is from Jer. 29:11. "For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God's plans are established by his declaration. In the beginning "God said let there be ... and it was as He had declared it should be. The same is true with our lives. In the beginning, as he knit us together in our mother's womb, God said, "Let there be prosperity, peace, hope and a future" over our lives. I'm well aware that there are many who believe that God wouldn't or doesn't do stuff like that, but everything I see in the Bible tells me He does.
As a dad, I want the best for my kids. I see them being successful, prosperous, happy and healthy. If I can believe these things will happen in the lives of my children, how much more will a Perfect God want those same things for me and for my kids? Jesus said, "If you being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."
I had a moment this evening when I was talking with a friend who is very likely moving to Ottawa over the next few weeks. The last time we talked, neither one of us would have known it was happening, but over the last few weeks, God has been putting some things together. I'm excited for him. He's a wonderful person and will be a tremendous blessing in our capital city. He's very aware of the vision that burns within me to reach our leaders with the love and life of Jesus. As we talked about his upcoming move, we both realized the divine implications as God was ordering both his steps and mine toward the same place at some point in the future. It was an "aha" moment that continues to burn inside of me. God is up to something much bigger than anything I would have dreamed of.
Eph 3:20 tells us that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we are able to think or ask or imagine. I'm starting to see it happen and can hardly wait to see how it all plays out over the coming months and years!
In case you're wondering, God does play favorites. And you're one of them. We are all "favorites" in His eyes and He is constantly looking for ways to show His favor to us!
Enjoy the ride!
God's plans are established by his declaration. In the beginning "God said let there be ... and it was as He had declared it should be. The same is true with our lives. In the beginning, as he knit us together in our mother's womb, God said, "Let there be prosperity, peace, hope and a future" over our lives. I'm well aware that there are many who believe that God wouldn't or doesn't do stuff like that, but everything I see in the Bible tells me He does.
As a dad, I want the best for my kids. I see them being successful, prosperous, happy and healthy. If I can believe these things will happen in the lives of my children, how much more will a Perfect God want those same things for me and for my kids? Jesus said, "If you being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."
I had a moment this evening when I was talking with a friend who is very likely moving to Ottawa over the next few weeks. The last time we talked, neither one of us would have known it was happening, but over the last few weeks, God has been putting some things together. I'm excited for him. He's a wonderful person and will be a tremendous blessing in our capital city. He's very aware of the vision that burns within me to reach our leaders with the love and life of Jesus. As we talked about his upcoming move, we both realized the divine implications as God was ordering both his steps and mine toward the same place at some point in the future. It was an "aha" moment that continues to burn inside of me. God is up to something much bigger than anything I would have dreamed of.
Eph 3:20 tells us that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we are able to think or ask or imagine. I'm starting to see it happen and can hardly wait to see how it all plays out over the coming months and years!
In case you're wondering, God does play favorites. And you're one of them. We are all "favorites" in His eyes and He is constantly looking for ways to show His favor to us!
Enjoy the ride!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
22 Years Ago
It scares me that I can write about anything that happened 22 years ago, but today marks 25 years that Barb and I started going out together. We'd been out on at least one, maybe two dates, but this was the night when it all became official.
We were at at a city wide youth meeting that night that was hosted at her church. She was leading worship, wearing a dark blue sweater that made her platinum blonde hair sparkle. All I remember is her looking out and smiling at me during worship. I was smitten before we started, but that certainly put me over the brink.
After the meeting was over, I had to get my youth group back to the church and then make sure everybody got home. After that I phoned Barb to see if she wanted to go out and get something to eat. While she was waiting for me to call she was doodling "Barb Schindel" on a scrap piece of paper that still exists somewhere in our crawl space.
Being the romantic guy that I am, I took her to a drive thru (Burger Flame) ordered two burgers, fries and a couple of drinks and proceeded to drive to a place where we could view the lights of the city. This is easier said than done in Moose Jaw, because it's in the prairies...
After some driving and subtle suggestions from Barb we found a place near a Senior's Care Facilty that had a great view and afforded us some privacy. (It was the place where her great grandma was and so we "visited grandma" a lot after that.... While we ate our burgers (complete with fresh onions) we talked about a lot of things, but nothing really important. As the night went on, we began to identify various landmarks in the city and pointed them out to each other. In a coy move that ranks among the best I have ever done, I managed to pick out something that she couldn't seem to find without following my finger to where I was pointing. When she looked back to ask if she'd found the right place she turned to look back at me and kissed me. We've been kissing ever since...
We were at at a city wide youth meeting that night that was hosted at her church. She was leading worship, wearing a dark blue sweater that made her platinum blonde hair sparkle. All I remember is her looking out and smiling at me during worship. I was smitten before we started, but that certainly put me over the brink.
After the meeting was over, I had to get my youth group back to the church and then make sure everybody got home. After that I phoned Barb to see if she wanted to go out and get something to eat. While she was waiting for me to call she was doodling "Barb Schindel" on a scrap piece of paper that still exists somewhere in our crawl space.
Being the romantic guy that I am, I took her to a drive thru (Burger Flame) ordered two burgers, fries and a couple of drinks and proceeded to drive to a place where we could view the lights of the city. This is easier said than done in Moose Jaw, because it's in the prairies...
After some driving and subtle suggestions from Barb we found a place near a Senior's Care Facilty that had a great view and afforded us some privacy. (It was the place where her great grandma was and so we "visited grandma" a lot after that.... While we ate our burgers (complete with fresh onions) we talked about a lot of things, but nothing really important. As the night went on, we began to identify various landmarks in the city and pointed them out to each other. In a coy move that ranks among the best I have ever done, I managed to pick out something that she couldn't seem to find without following my finger to where I was pointing. When she looked back to ask if she'd found the right place she turned to look back at me and kissed me. We've been kissing ever since...
Friday, September 08, 2006
Meeting the Challenge
This came from one of our board members today. Please follow through to the end for my comments.
Peter Marshall's book, "The Light & the Glory", records a prophecy given by Puritan Reformers around 1776 when the British Empire Loyalists turned north to settle in Canada in order to remain under British rule. When zealous Americans sought to persecute them because of this decision, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through their prophets saying:
"Do not hinder these people. Let them move to Canada. Do not seek to incorporate the land of Canada into America. I am in the independence of America from Britain, and will mightily use this country. But Canada has been reserved by Me for the last days for a special work."
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Yonngi Cho's prophecy delivered October 1975 at Evangel Temple, Kelowna, BC:
"When I came to Canada, the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart, 'Son, you have come to the place which I chose. This country is the country I chose to fill the gap.' "Being a Canadian is now a welcome hallmark throughout the whole world … You have the welcome open door like the Philadelphia church in Revelation, you have the finances, well-trained personnel, and a good Church. God calls you to rise up to meet this challenge before Christ comes. A clear-cut clarion trumpet sound is coming to Canada. Rise up, Canada! Meet the challenge.
"God wants your young men and young women to rise up and give their lives as living sacrifices. God needs your money, your businesses, your homes, your lives to be dedicated to Him … God is depending upon you … I know that you will do it. I know that you are well able to do it."
At a 1984 church growth seminar in Sackville, Nova Scotia, Dr. Yonngi Cho reiterated the earlier prophecy, adding to it:
"Five years ago I visited Canada and travelled from Montreal to Vancouver by car. I was preaching from town to town, and while I was speaking, I felt somewhat depressed. The Canadian Church seemed so small.
"But wherever I went, the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart that God was going to raise up tremendous churches in Canada and that Canada would be used as a missionary sending country, and that Canada would open the way for Jesus Christ to return to this earth.
"I was afraid to confess that but when I was praying … the Spirit of the Lord would impress my heart to say it. I was afraid because I already thought that America was far greater than Canada. If ever God would use any country, He should use America instead of Canada because America is a … country with greater resources and more population.
"But again and again God spoke to my heart that He was going to use Canada, so finally in Toronto, with great inner faith, I prophesied as the Holy Spirit anointed me.
" … I really believe that God is going to bless Canada and the Canadian Church is going to rise up once again and go to the four corners of the world and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to pave the way for His second coming."
Originally published in Spread the Fire, March/April, 1995.www.tacf.org/
Tim's thoughts: Some 30 years after the fact, I remain convinced that God still has a plan for our nation and that what Peter Marshall wrote about and what Yonngi Cho spoke about are in the process of being fulfilled. There are very encouraging signs from Ottawa and elsewhere that we are beginning to embrace our destiny. This confirms the vision that burns in my heart to influence those who shape the climate of our nation. We need to go and we need to go now.
Have a good one!
Peter Marshall's book, "The Light & the Glory", records a prophecy given by Puritan Reformers around 1776 when the British Empire Loyalists turned north to settle in Canada in order to remain under British rule. When zealous Americans sought to persecute them because of this decision, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through their prophets saying:
"Do not hinder these people. Let them move to Canada. Do not seek to incorporate the land of Canada into America. I am in the independence of America from Britain, and will mightily use this country. But Canada has been reserved by Me for the last days for a special work."
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Yonngi Cho's prophecy delivered October 1975 at Evangel Temple, Kelowna, BC:
"When I came to Canada, the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart, 'Son, you have come to the place which I chose. This country is the country I chose to fill the gap.' "Being a Canadian is now a welcome hallmark throughout the whole world … You have the welcome open door like the Philadelphia church in Revelation, you have the finances, well-trained personnel, and a good Church. God calls you to rise up to meet this challenge before Christ comes. A clear-cut clarion trumpet sound is coming to Canada. Rise up, Canada! Meet the challenge.
"God wants your young men and young women to rise up and give their lives as living sacrifices. God needs your money, your businesses, your homes, your lives to be dedicated to Him … God is depending upon you … I know that you will do it. I know that you are well able to do it."
At a 1984 church growth seminar in Sackville, Nova Scotia, Dr. Yonngi Cho reiterated the earlier prophecy, adding to it:
"Five years ago I visited Canada and travelled from Montreal to Vancouver by car. I was preaching from town to town, and while I was speaking, I felt somewhat depressed. The Canadian Church seemed so small.
"But wherever I went, the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart that God was going to raise up tremendous churches in Canada and that Canada would be used as a missionary sending country, and that Canada would open the way for Jesus Christ to return to this earth.
"I was afraid to confess that but when I was praying … the Spirit of the Lord would impress my heart to say it. I was afraid because I already thought that America was far greater than Canada. If ever God would use any country, He should use America instead of Canada because America is a … country with greater resources and more population.
"But again and again God spoke to my heart that He was going to use Canada, so finally in Toronto, with great inner faith, I prophesied as the Holy Spirit anointed me.
" … I really believe that God is going to bless Canada and the Canadian Church is going to rise up once again and go to the four corners of the world and bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to pave the way for His second coming."
Originally published in Spread the Fire, March/April, 1995.www.tacf.org/
Tim's thoughts: Some 30 years after the fact, I remain convinced that God still has a plan for our nation and that what Peter Marshall wrote about and what Yonngi Cho spoke about are in the process of being fulfilled. There are very encouraging signs from Ottawa and elsewhere that we are beginning to embrace our destiny. This confirms the vision that burns in my heart to influence those who shape the climate of our nation. We need to go and we need to go now.
Have a good one!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Turning Back The Clock
I got a phone call from our church today. They needed an "onsite pastor" to attend the youth meeting tonight and just be there. Our youth pastor left a few weeks ago and we are in between pastors at the moment and no one else could be there....
Well, after 14 years away from youth ministry this was a bit of surprise for me and considerable stress for Britt as she was going to be there. When I got home from work, I put on my most "youthy" type clothes - multi colored striped shirt, jeans, and my coolest shoes. After I got there, I discovered that what might be cool for 40 somethings, doesn't cut it with 15-17 year olds. So there I was, looking positively out of place among 130 "happening" kids. Fortunately, the lights were off, the music was loud and most of them were dancing up front so I didn't stick out too badly.
It was a great night! One of they young leaders preached and did a great job. The band was happening and they had a great response to the altar. All in all a lot of fun.
The funniest moment was when a girl came forward for prayer. She had a plugged ear and wanted us to pray. Now you've got to picture this, a band playing at full volume, a drummer really going for it and a bass sub behind us. We pray for her and then ask her if she can hear anything... You would have to be stone deaf, not just have a plugged ear not to hear anything where we were standing. I guess that's one way to ensure a miracle!! :-)
All in all, it was a lot of fun being there. IGNITE is a great program led by people who really care about students and know how to create an atmosphere that allows God to work and move. I told Britt I was going to volunteer for youth staff, but first I'd have to dye my grey hair blonde, get a few piercings and a couple of tattoo's...
Well, after 14 years away from youth ministry this was a bit of surprise for me and considerable stress for Britt as she was going to be there. When I got home from work, I put on my most "youthy" type clothes - multi colored striped shirt, jeans, and my coolest shoes. After I got there, I discovered that what might be cool for 40 somethings, doesn't cut it with 15-17 year olds. So there I was, looking positively out of place among 130 "happening" kids. Fortunately, the lights were off, the music was loud and most of them were dancing up front so I didn't stick out too badly.
It was a great night! One of they young leaders preached and did a great job. The band was happening and they had a great response to the altar. All in all a lot of fun.
The funniest moment was when a girl came forward for prayer. She had a plugged ear and wanted us to pray. Now you've got to picture this, a band playing at full volume, a drummer really going for it and a bass sub behind us. We pray for her and then ask her if she can hear anything... You would have to be stone deaf, not just have a plugged ear not to hear anything where we were standing. I guess that's one way to ensure a miracle!! :-)
All in all, it was a lot of fun being there. IGNITE is a great program led by people who really care about students and know how to create an atmosphere that allows God to work and move. I told Britt I was going to volunteer for youth staff, but first I'd have to dye my grey hair blonde, get a few piercings and a couple of tattoo's...
Monday, September 04, 2006
Lessons From the Fair
We did our annual visit to the IPE (Armstrong Fair) this weekend. We had a great time, although my feet are still sore from the hours of standing in line so that the kids wouldn't have to wait as long for their next 60 second ride. We had a great time with my parents and Barb's aunt and uncle watching the rodeo and cheering on the competitors.
This might not be profound for some of you, but it keeps coming back to my mind so I've decided to pass it on to you. As you can imagine, parking was insane on the Saturday of the Long Weekend at the fair. Without exaggeration, there were cars parked everywhere. On sidewalks, boulevards, and in clearly posted no parking zones. As we walked up to the main gate 4 police cars pulled up to oversee the towing of about 10 Harley Davidson motorcycles. It looked like something out of a movie. When we left to get something to eat, we saw the same tow truck working on a group of cars that had double parked and blocked people in. My guess is that there were some pretty unhappy people at the end of the night when they were trying to get home.
You are undoubtedly wondering what I might have seen in the removal of improperly parked vehicles that could have spiritual implications, so here it is... I keep thinking about the Sovereignty of God in this simple illustration. Sometimes we "park" ourselves in places where we think it's just not going to matter in the grand scheme of things or maybe we "double-park" because we think we can get away with it. Sometimes it's a matter of being rebellious, sometimes it's just a matter of becoming stale and stagnant. Whatever the case, I see God getting involved to move us to where we are supposed to be. I don't see this as punitive or even judgmental from God's perspective as much as I see Him moving us to the places that we need to be to fulfill His purposes for our lives. This is an expression of His love for us and an illustration of His commitment to:
A) Work all things out for our good and
B) To continue the good work that He has begun in us until the day of completion.
Like the people who came out looking for their towed cars on Saturday night, we're not always taken with the expression of God's sovereignty in our lives. Sometimes we don't understand it and sometimes we don't even like it. But further into the journey, we are able to look back and see WHAT HE HAS DONE and WHY HE HAS DONE IT!
In that moment, we can simply stop and say "Thanks!"
This might not be profound for some of you, but it keeps coming back to my mind so I've decided to pass it on to you. As you can imagine, parking was insane on the Saturday of the Long Weekend at the fair. Without exaggeration, there were cars parked everywhere. On sidewalks, boulevards, and in clearly posted no parking zones. As we walked up to the main gate 4 police cars pulled up to oversee the towing of about 10 Harley Davidson motorcycles. It looked like something out of a movie. When we left to get something to eat, we saw the same tow truck working on a group of cars that had double parked and blocked people in. My guess is that there were some pretty unhappy people at the end of the night when they were trying to get home.
You are undoubtedly wondering what I might have seen in the removal of improperly parked vehicles that could have spiritual implications, so here it is... I keep thinking about the Sovereignty of God in this simple illustration. Sometimes we "park" ourselves in places where we think it's just not going to matter in the grand scheme of things or maybe we "double-park" because we think we can get away with it. Sometimes it's a matter of being rebellious, sometimes it's just a matter of becoming stale and stagnant. Whatever the case, I see God getting involved to move us to where we are supposed to be. I don't see this as punitive or even judgmental from God's perspective as much as I see Him moving us to the places that we need to be to fulfill His purposes for our lives. This is an expression of His love for us and an illustration of His commitment to:
A) Work all things out for our good and
B) To continue the good work that He has begun in us until the day of completion.
Like the people who came out looking for their towed cars on Saturday night, we're not always taken with the expression of God's sovereignty in our lives. Sometimes we don't understand it and sometimes we don't even like it. But further into the journey, we are able to look back and see WHAT HE HAS DONE and WHY HE HAS DONE IT!
In that moment, we can simply stop and say "Thanks!"
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Faith Raising
I've spent a lot of time over the last few months thinking about faith and trust and have come to some interesting conclusions that have been very liberating. Ultimately faith in God is connected to trusting God. Trust is an interesting concept because it requires us to be vulnerable to the whims and actions of others. What complicates things is that we often interpret the negative things that happen to us and around us as being God's failure to hold up His part of the trust relationship. The result is that we begin to create limits on what can realistically expect God to follow through on. That translates into taking control for those parts of our lives into our own hands. In the beginning, this seems like a very good idea as it seems "safer" than trusting God who may or may not take care of things. Like every other lie that we begin to believe this too leads to death. Death shows up through spiritual and mental exhaustion, a negative attitude and broken relationships. We are left spiritually bankrupt and broken while we frantically try to control and manage our collapsing world.
Trust needs to be rooted in a very basic understanding of God's love for us. Jesus said, "if you, being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in heaven give ... to you..."
While I'm still on an enormous journey, I've come to the following conclusions:
1. God's love for me never fails, in spite of what I may see happening to me and around me. He is a good Father.
2. I have never gone without when I have trusted God. I have experienced pain and disappointment when things didn't work out as I had planned, but my needs have always been met.
3. God has consistently worked everything together for my good. While I have not always enjoyed the journey on which He has taken me, the longer I live, the easier it is to see His hand at work in the moments and details of my life.
4. Finally, I MUST feed myself on God's Word, if for no other reason that it increases my faith. There are many other reasons, but this one alone would be good enough. Understanding that the promises are all for me, my family and to any who are willing to believe keeps me focused on the reality that Jesus never fails and that He is constantly working out His purposes in my life.
Learning to Lean...
Trust needs to be rooted in a very basic understanding of God's love for us. Jesus said, "if you, being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in heaven give ... to you..."
While I'm still on an enormous journey, I've come to the following conclusions:
1. God's love for me never fails, in spite of what I may see happening to me and around me. He is a good Father.
2. I have never gone without when I have trusted God. I have experienced pain and disappointment when things didn't work out as I had planned, but my needs have always been met.
3. God has consistently worked everything together for my good. While I have not always enjoyed the journey on which He has taken me, the longer I live, the easier it is to see His hand at work in the moments and details of my life.
4. Finally, I MUST feed myself on God's Word, if for no other reason that it increases my faith. There are many other reasons, but this one alone would be good enough. Understanding that the promises are all for me, my family and to any who are willing to believe keeps me focused on the reality that Jesus never fails and that He is constantly working out His purposes in my life.
Learning to Lean...
Monday, August 28, 2006
Bringing God Back Into Public Life: Financier
Excluding Religion Leaves Us Vulnerable, Prayer Breakfast Told
Jennifer Green, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Friday, June 02, 2006
Published: Friday, June 02, 2006
Canadian leaders ought to be ashamed that they demur from mentioning Christ in what is, after all, a predominantly Christian country, says Tom Caldwell, a prominent investment strategist.
"Spiritual vacuums don't exist. We all believe in something. The question is, what are we going to believe?" Mr. Caldwell told the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Parliament Hill yesterday.
When government erases all mention of God, it leaves space for more dubious faith in money, fame, even otherwise worthy goals like self-sufficiency, he said.
Later, in an interview, Mr. Caldwell that the public memorials for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Swissair Flight 111 were disgraceful because clergy were specifically asked not to mention Jesus at all. He called the Parliament Hill ceremony after Sept. 11 "pathetic."
If Muslims and Jews might be offended at invocations of Christ, "so what?" he asked. "Anyway, they usually aren't offended." If anything, people of faith are usually more bothered when God is not mentioned at all. "My Jewish friends are the only ones who will wish me Merry Christmas."
Most people know Mr. Caldwell through the business pages, where, by any measure he is one of Canada's most successful men. Most recently, he made his clients a $100-million profit by snapping up seats on the New York Stock Exchange. He is a member of the Order of Canada and New York's University Club, the Toronto Club, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. So how does he square such worldly success with his Catholic faith?
"It's the love of money that is wrong, not money itself." He says he stays in business because he provides a service ensuring the fiscal well-being of clients and their pensions.
To the MPs, senators, various clergy, and other interest groups gathered at the breakfast in the West Block, he talked about his Christian faith and how it grew stronger in the darkest, least successful times of his life.
Growing up agnostic in a tumultuous family, his closest contact with religion was the Catholic church where he regularly pilfered the alms box so he could afford to go to the movies.
It wasn't until his professional and personal life fell apart in his 30s, that he became Christian. He later paid back the church -- with interest -- for the change he took.
It wasn't until his professional and personal life fell apart in his 30s, that he became Christian. He later paid back the church -- with interest -- for the change he took.
The National Prayer Breakfast started 41 years ago as an outgrowth of the weekly prayer breakfast held for MPs and senators on the Hill. This year, it included a dinner on Wednesday, with speaker Chuck Strahl, a Conservative MP from Chilliwack, B.C.
He was diagnosed last year with cancer and told the crowd that faith had helped him get through he worst days.
Yesterday, Liberal leader Bill Graham, NDP leader Jack Layton, and Conservative House leader Rob Nicholson delivered Bible readings. Various senators and Carlos Miranda, dean of the diplomatic corps, also spoke or read prayers. © The Ottawa Citizen 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Staffs and Serpents
When I resigned from the church, I was determined to "re-invent" myself. Great concept because there were a lot of things that needed to change, but there was a problem in my thinking. I had forgotten that the clay doesn't say to the potter, I'm going to shape myself into what I want to be. God had another plan, and I'm glad that He did, because while I continue to be in the process of being re-invented, I see a lot of things much differently than I did a year ago and those who live closest to me will tell you that's a VERY GOOD thing!
In the week before I decided to resign, I heard a devotional at a ministerial group. The message was built around God's challenge to Moses to "throw down his staff". When he did, the staff became a serpent and when God told Moses to retrieve it, it became a staff again. What's interesting about this whole story is that the purpose of the staff changed dramatically.
Up until that point, the staff had only been used to shepherd sheep. In the 40 years that Moses was a shepherd, he would have used his staff to rescue sheep, protect the sheep and guide the sheep. After the encounter with God, the staff was never used for those purposes again. After the God encounter, Moses staff was an instrument of miracles. Over and over again, God used the staff (something that was familiar to Moses) as an instrument through which something supernatural took place. The staff was central in the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, bringing water from a rock, in military battles and many other places.
God used what was familiar, common and ordinary and did something miraculous over and over with it. None of it makes any sense in the natural, but there aren't many places in the bible where God does something amazing that makes a lot of sense.
To the widow who is starving he says, feed my prophet and there will always be enough for you, and He sustained her for 3 1/2 years.,
To the childless senior citizens, He promised an heir and at 90 Sarah delivered her first born. When Isaac was 16, God tells Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice and their God revealed himself as the God who provides.
To the terrified king, God sends a young boy to slay a giant with nothing more than a sling and 5 stones.
To a virgin, God says, you're going to have a son, to a disciple he says, walk on water, to the pharisees he says kill me and in 3 days I will rise again.
None of it makes any sense at all, but God was in it all and made all of it work!
The same is true with you and me. God is constantly calling you and I to things that make no sense, and yet that is where is He is waiting to show Himself and His great power! In fact it may well be that the key to seeing God do the kinds of things we see Him doing in the Bible in and through our lives is simply to listen and risk more.
The easy thing to do is play it safe and hold on to the "staff" in our life and keep doing the same thing in the same way. The exciting thing to do is to step out and go for it and watch God step up to the plate and do something amazing!!
In the week before I decided to resign, I heard a devotional at a ministerial group. The message was built around God's challenge to Moses to "throw down his staff". When he did, the staff became a serpent and when God told Moses to retrieve it, it became a staff again. What's interesting about this whole story is that the purpose of the staff changed dramatically.
Up until that point, the staff had only been used to shepherd sheep. In the 40 years that Moses was a shepherd, he would have used his staff to rescue sheep, protect the sheep and guide the sheep. After the encounter with God, the staff was never used for those purposes again. After the God encounter, Moses staff was an instrument of miracles. Over and over again, God used the staff (something that was familiar to Moses) as an instrument through which something supernatural took place. The staff was central in the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, bringing water from a rock, in military battles and many other places.
God used what was familiar, common and ordinary and did something miraculous over and over with it. None of it makes any sense in the natural, but there aren't many places in the bible where God does something amazing that makes a lot of sense.
To the widow who is starving he says, feed my prophet and there will always be enough for you, and He sustained her for 3 1/2 years.,
To the childless senior citizens, He promised an heir and at 90 Sarah delivered her first born. When Isaac was 16, God tells Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice and their God revealed himself as the God who provides.
To the terrified king, God sends a young boy to slay a giant with nothing more than a sling and 5 stones.
To a virgin, God says, you're going to have a son, to a disciple he says, walk on water, to the pharisees he says kill me and in 3 days I will rise again.
None of it makes any sense at all, but God was in it all and made all of it work!
The same is true with you and me. God is constantly calling you and I to things that make no sense, and yet that is where is He is waiting to show Himself and His great power! In fact it may well be that the key to seeing God do the kinds of things we see Him doing in the Bible in and through our lives is simply to listen and risk more.
The easy thing to do is play it safe and hold on to the "staff" in our life and keep doing the same thing in the same way. The exciting thing to do is to step out and go for it and watch God step up to the plate and do something amazing!!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Praise, Miracles and Leading Influence
We were back at our home church on Sunday morning for the first time in what felt like a month. It was good to be home. The worship was fantastic and there was a very clear sense that God was present and at work. During worship there was a prophetic word about miracles happening as we worshipped. Specifically, the word was that "some of you will go home today to discover that things have changed while you've been out." I believe in miracles and that God is always active so none of that is a stretch for me, but I didn't really expect that much would be different when I got home...
Just before lunch, I got a call from our ministry "accountant". She was calling to tell me that we had received our largest donation to this point on Sunday morning which effectively doubled our bank balance! We still have a long ways to go, but this is a great faith and financial boost for us. There was some other money as well so things are looking up for us.
Included in the envelopes that she got yesterday morning, was our first donation from a church. I want to acknowledge the Victoria Miracle Centre and Pastor Dan and Susan MacLean (www.miraclecentre.com) for their vision and generosity. What's most incredible to me is that we have never met or spoken to each other, but that they responded to what they heard about this vision which says to me that these are "go for it" people who are full of faith and vision. I'm looking forward to meeting them the next time I'm in Victoria!
Also, I just confirmed our first public presentation today. I'm very excited to be able to present the ministry to a local church. I've been planning towards a fall speaking schedule to give churches the chance to get past the summer slump and fall kick off events. This invitation came out of the blue and I'm looking forward to preaching after being off for almost a year.
Check out the website to see where it is. I might be seeing you on Sunday!
(www.leadinginfluence.com)
Just before lunch, I got a call from our ministry "accountant". She was calling to tell me that we had received our largest donation to this point on Sunday morning which effectively doubled our bank balance! We still have a long ways to go, but this is a great faith and financial boost for us. There was some other money as well so things are looking up for us.
Included in the envelopes that she got yesterday morning, was our first donation from a church. I want to acknowledge the Victoria Miracle Centre and Pastor Dan and Susan MacLean (www.miraclecentre.com) for their vision and generosity. What's most incredible to me is that we have never met or spoken to each other, but that they responded to what they heard about this vision which says to me that these are "go for it" people who are full of faith and vision. I'm looking forward to meeting them the next time I'm in Victoria!
Also, I just confirmed our first public presentation today. I'm very excited to be able to present the ministry to a local church. I've been planning towards a fall speaking schedule to give churches the chance to get past the summer slump and fall kick off events. This invitation came out of the blue and I'm looking forward to preaching after being off for almost a year.
Check out the website to see where it is. I might be seeing you on Sunday!
(www.leadinginfluence.com)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
God and Change
What's harder for God to do? Move a mountain or move you?
Isn't it interesting how we are very keen to see God move a mountain, but often very reluctant to have God move us?
Generally speaking, I'm very in favour of change, especially when I am in control of the agenda and know where it's going. When that's the case, change is fun, exciting and part of the very big picture. When I'm not in charge of the agenda, change isn't nearly as much fun. Then I become impatient, frustrated and generally restless.
I was talking with a friend last night about how we will grow this ministry. S he relayed a story that she heard from someone earlier in the day. He was arguing with God about how things were going to happen. (Ever do that? Did you ever win? Did God ever let you think you'd won...?) Finally God says to him, "it's easier for Me to provide all the money and resources you need than it is for me to change you into the person I need you to be!"
It's nothing for God to release money, because money is inanimate. It goes where He sends it and does what it is told. Of everything in all creation, we alone our able to "drag our feet" and yet God is forever gracious and patient with us. He initiates, continues and completes what He starts in us so that one day, we are fully conformed into who He wants us to be.
"Being CONFIDENT of this that He who BEGAN a good work in you will CONTINUE it until the day of COMPLETION." Phil 1:6
Isn't it interesting how we are very keen to see God move a mountain, but often very reluctant to have God move us?
Generally speaking, I'm very in favour of change, especially when I am in control of the agenda and know where it's going. When that's the case, change is fun, exciting and part of the very big picture. When I'm not in charge of the agenda, change isn't nearly as much fun. Then I become impatient, frustrated and generally restless.
I was talking with a friend last night about how we will grow this ministry. S he relayed a story that she heard from someone earlier in the day. He was arguing with God about how things were going to happen. (Ever do that? Did you ever win? Did God ever let you think you'd won...?) Finally God says to him, "it's easier for Me to provide all the money and resources you need than it is for me to change you into the person I need you to be!"
It's nothing for God to release money, because money is inanimate. It goes where He sends it and does what it is told. Of everything in all creation, we alone our able to "drag our feet" and yet God is forever gracious and patient with us. He initiates, continues and completes what He starts in us so that one day, we are fully conformed into who He wants us to be.
"Being CONFIDENT of this that He who BEGAN a good work in you will CONTINUE it until the day of COMPLETION." Phil 1:6
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Counting the Days and Making them Count!
We are returning home to our future. Establishing and launching this ministry is something that I've been looking forward to for a long time and our return from vacation marks the beginning of the next steps in moving it forward.
There have been some surprises on the journey. Some disappointments, some pain, some rest and a lot of reflection. This has been far more work than what I thought it would be, but then again, the only time that success comes before work is in the dictionary. Laying an organizational foundation, a relational foundation and building a network of supporters has been harder than I thought it would be. In the end, this will be worth it and the price paid in order to make it happen will be very rewarding.
Joseph, Daniel and even Esther spent a lot of time getting ready to fulfill what it was God was calling them to do even though they didn't know it. In the last few days, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the value of now. Fleetwood Mac sang "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow" and that's important, but seeing the value in now is priceless too.
I saw a great sign yesterday that said "Don't count the days. Make the days count." It reminded me to get focused and stay focused on the things that matter most in every part of my life.
Hope it inspires you too!
Tim
There have been some surprises on the journey. Some disappointments, some pain, some rest and a lot of reflection. This has been far more work than what I thought it would be, but then again, the only time that success comes before work is in the dictionary. Laying an organizational foundation, a relational foundation and building a network of supporters has been harder than I thought it would be. In the end, this will be worth it and the price paid in order to make it happen will be very rewarding.
Joseph, Daniel and even Esther spent a lot of time getting ready to fulfill what it was God was calling them to do even though they didn't know it. In the last few days, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the value of now. Fleetwood Mac sang "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow" and that's important, but seeing the value in now is priceless too.
I saw a great sign yesterday that said "Don't count the days. Make the days count." It reminded me to get focused and stay focused on the things that matter most in every part of my life.
Hope it inspires you too!
Tim
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Vacation Comes to an end
We've been away from home for nearly two weeks so it's feeling a lot like it's time to come home. It's been a great time away. Everyone has had a great time and got to do some pretty cool stuff.
Britt:
Made some new friends, spent hours in town at the mall, stayed up late, thinks she could live in Moose Jaw except that they start school in August which she doesn't like at all! She's had an excellent summer with a bunch of birthday parties. We're very happy for her and glad that she was able to spend a month here. Next year, she'll probably try to be here as soon as school is out!
Zack:
Learned to shoot:
gophers (3 kills) and pool (very good at it!)
Played golf with Dad and UNCLE RODGER
Drove and rode the quad, went tubing at the lake and had a lot of fun with Tyler
Saw Grandpa's Grey Cup ring
Tyler
Beat UNCLE RODGER at the Saturday Sports tournament. (This was just a fun day at Rodger and Brandon's but it might have been the Stanley Cup.
Learned to shoot:
Gophers (2 kills) and pool (learned all the pool shark tricks)
Drove and rode the quad
Went tubing at the lake
Established a cult following with all of his little cousins - they think that he walks on water! Sidney thinks the sun rises and sets on him...
WORE Grandpa's Grey Cup ring. Looks at the pictures of grandpa holding the Grey Cup. Dreams that "one day it will be me.."
This has been a great time to relax and reconnect with family. We've been blessed to be here! We are looking forward to returning home, seeing Zoe and getting ready for school and a return to our own beds.
Tim
Britt:
Made some new friends, spent hours in town at the mall, stayed up late, thinks she could live in Moose Jaw except that they start school in August which she doesn't like at all! She's had an excellent summer with a bunch of birthday parties. We're very happy for her and glad that she was able to spend a month here. Next year, she'll probably try to be here as soon as school is out!
Zack:
Learned to shoot:
gophers (3 kills) and pool (very good at it!)
Played golf with Dad and UNCLE RODGER
Drove and rode the quad, went tubing at the lake and had a lot of fun with Tyler
Saw Grandpa's Grey Cup ring
Tyler
Beat UNCLE RODGER at the Saturday Sports tournament. (This was just a fun day at Rodger and Brandon's but it might have been the Stanley Cup.
Learned to shoot:
Gophers (2 kills) and pool (learned all the pool shark tricks)
Drove and rode the quad
Went tubing at the lake
Established a cult following with all of his little cousins - they think that he walks on water! Sidney thinks the sun rises and sets on him...
WORE Grandpa's Grey Cup ring. Looks at the pictures of grandpa holding the Grey Cup. Dreams that "one day it will be me.."
This has been a great time to relax and reconnect with family. We've been blessed to be here! We are looking forward to returning home, seeing Zoe and getting ready for school and a return to our own beds.
Tim
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A Family Visit
I had a family visit this morning. It was very unique because I visted people I've never met and they didn't even know I was there...
Now that I have your attention, I'll tell you what happened. Last week we were at the church camp where Barb spent a lot of time when she was growing up. While we were there, I met a second cousin that I hadn't seen in a long time. We spent some time catching up over lunch and the conversation turned to the death of my younger brother. He was killed in a car accident when the car was hit by a drunk driver. It happened 25 years ago this spring. He was 6 months old, I was 18 and just completing my first year of Bible College. Needless to say it rocked our world in a number of ways. I haven't thought about James for a long time, but the conversation stirred a number of memories and emotions so I decided that while I was in the area (Melville, SK), I would visit his grave. I've only been there twice. Once on the day he was buried and one other time, so I was due for a visit...
I spent last night at my aunt and uncle's and told them what I wanted to do so before 8 this morning, my uncle and I were hiking around the cemetery. He knew where it was so it wasn't long until we were standing at his grave. At that moment, it felt like it was yesterday. The emotions flooded back, I shed some tears and my uncle and I just kind of stood there. It was awkward, painful and good all at the same time.
I spent a lot of time today thinking about how someone who lived for such a short time so long ago, could continue to have such an effect on my life? It brings "The Purpose Driven Life" to a whole new level of meaning. Sometimes our greatest purposes are fulfilled after we are gone and God continues to use memories to move us towards what He wants to work out in us and through us.
That wasn't my only visit. Because we were there, we went to visit my aunt's grave (his sister) and he showed me where he and my aunt will be buried. That was kind of strange, but there's a lot to be said for planning ahead. As we walked, I began to notice names of other people that I had met or knew because of my summers on the farm near there. Some were relatives, some were neighbours, some were family friends. We stopped and stood at graves of people he knew and that I had met. We went to my grandparents grave as well. It was a very rich experience.
Before we left he took me to the vetran's section. I have a great uncle who was killed in action in France in August of 1944. He is buried there, but there is a headstone to mark his life here too. Initially, the headstone was at a cemetry in the country. When the cemetery was eventually abandonded, the headstone was brought into the city cemetery. For whatever reason, it was just placed in the row of headstones and stayed there until someone needed the spot where it was. After that there were no other places left in the vetran's section. There is an archway that you walk through to access the vetran's section and my uncle's tombstone is placed on one side of the arch facing another in the opposite position. They look like sentries guarding the way in to the area. In the light of what's happening in Afghanastan and Lebanon, the whole thing was very poignant.
Most of the people that I visited live even though their bodies died years ago. I am confident that while I live out my life here, they are cheering me on along with many of my other heroes. One day, I will see them again (and meet some of them for the first time!) It will be amazing and overwhelming all at the same time.
I can only imagine...
Now that I have your attention, I'll tell you what happened. Last week we were at the church camp where Barb spent a lot of time when she was growing up. While we were there, I met a second cousin that I hadn't seen in a long time. We spent some time catching up over lunch and the conversation turned to the death of my younger brother. He was killed in a car accident when the car was hit by a drunk driver. It happened 25 years ago this spring. He was 6 months old, I was 18 and just completing my first year of Bible College. Needless to say it rocked our world in a number of ways. I haven't thought about James for a long time, but the conversation stirred a number of memories and emotions so I decided that while I was in the area (Melville, SK), I would visit his grave. I've only been there twice. Once on the day he was buried and one other time, so I was due for a visit...
I spent last night at my aunt and uncle's and told them what I wanted to do so before 8 this morning, my uncle and I were hiking around the cemetery. He knew where it was so it wasn't long until we were standing at his grave. At that moment, it felt like it was yesterday. The emotions flooded back, I shed some tears and my uncle and I just kind of stood there. It was awkward, painful and good all at the same time.
I spent a lot of time today thinking about how someone who lived for such a short time so long ago, could continue to have such an effect on my life? It brings "The Purpose Driven Life" to a whole new level of meaning. Sometimes our greatest purposes are fulfilled after we are gone and God continues to use memories to move us towards what He wants to work out in us and through us.
That wasn't my only visit. Because we were there, we went to visit my aunt's grave (his sister) and he showed me where he and my aunt will be buried. That was kind of strange, but there's a lot to be said for planning ahead. As we walked, I began to notice names of other people that I had met or knew because of my summers on the farm near there. Some were relatives, some were neighbours, some were family friends. We stopped and stood at graves of people he knew and that I had met. We went to my grandparents grave as well. It was a very rich experience.
Before we left he took me to the vetran's section. I have a great uncle who was killed in action in France in August of 1944. He is buried there, but there is a headstone to mark his life here too. Initially, the headstone was at a cemetry in the country. When the cemetery was eventually abandonded, the headstone was brought into the city cemetery. For whatever reason, it was just placed in the row of headstones and stayed there until someone needed the spot where it was. After that there were no other places left in the vetran's section. There is an archway that you walk through to access the vetran's section and my uncle's tombstone is placed on one side of the arch facing another in the opposite position. They look like sentries guarding the way in to the area. In the light of what's happening in Afghanastan and Lebanon, the whole thing was very poignant.
Most of the people that I visited live even though their bodies died years ago. I am confident that while I live out my life here, they are cheering me on along with many of my other heroes. One day, I will see them again (and meet some of them for the first time!) It will be amazing and overwhelming all at the same time.
I can only imagine...
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Saskatchewan Vacation
It's not quite like the Griswold's "European Vacation" but it's been quite a week here in "Big Mosquito Country". We spent the week at a church camp (Keddleston) with Barb's cousins and their kids. It was a lot of fun connecting with cousins and meeting old friends as well.
Here are some of the highlights.
1) The lake turned GREEN! Hard to believe but true. One day the lake was blue, the next day the lake was green. You might think I'm kidding, but it looked like that green drink that Barb gets at Starbucks. What's most remarkable is that people continue to use the lake like it's normal.
2) The Blood Donor Clinic. All right it wasn't really a blood donor clinic because I didn't know I was donating until the next morning. Apparently my feet and ankles have tasty blood because they were covered with welts where the vampire mosquitos were having a banquet while I slept.
3) Old Friend/New Friend. On our first night there, Barb met someone we knew from Vancouver Island. She spent her summer at the same camp that we counselled and led at in other years. Louise is married with 3 sons. She lives in Regina which is a long way from Port Alberni and owns a funeral home business with her husband Miles. The great thing about old friends is that they usually bring new friends. Miles is a crazy man! I think we'll have a lot of fun together.
If you're thinking of dying any time soon, call Paragon Funeral Services in Regina. Miles and Louise will take great care of you.
4) Driving the Combine. Sorry I don't have any pictures on this, but the boys and I went for a ride on the combines with Barb's dad and brother. For the uninitiated, combines are harvesting machines that farmers use to bring in the crops. Yesterday they were harvesting lentils, next week they'll do peas and then probably birdseed, before they go on to do wheat and barley. There were 5 combines, 2 semi's and one 5 ton truck working the 200 acre field that we were at yesterday. They were done in about 5 hours. It's a pretty impressive operation. The cabs are all airtight and airconditioned. Each machine needs 4 computers to run the various processes involved so it's pretty complex. Here's a link to tell you more about what they are like. http://johndeere.com/en_GB/iCombines/9880i_sts/sts_index.html
5) Family Time. Because we are spread out from Victoria, BC to Moose Jaw, SK, the opportunity for everyone to be together is pretty rare. Last night we had a family birthday party for Brittany, Barb's sister (Rhona) and our niece (Sidney). They are all August babies and all born within about a week of each other which is kind of neat. The guys watched the Riders lose to the Stampeders as part of the evening. It was a memorable event.
Today we are just hanging out, playing pool and going out to shoot some gophers this afternoon. Nothing like "Big Mosquito Country" to bring out the killing instincts in you...
Have a good one!
Here are some of the highlights.
1) The lake turned GREEN! Hard to believe but true. One day the lake was blue, the next day the lake was green. You might think I'm kidding, but it looked like that green drink that Barb gets at Starbucks. What's most remarkable is that people continue to use the lake like it's normal.
2) The Blood Donor Clinic. All right it wasn't really a blood donor clinic because I didn't know I was donating until the next morning. Apparently my feet and ankles have tasty blood because they were covered with welts where the vampire mosquitos were having a banquet while I slept.
3) Old Friend/New Friend. On our first night there, Barb met someone we knew from Vancouver Island. She spent her summer at the same camp that we counselled and led at in other years. Louise is married with 3 sons. She lives in Regina which is a long way from Port Alberni and owns a funeral home business with her husband Miles. The great thing about old friends is that they usually bring new friends. Miles is a crazy man! I think we'll have a lot of fun together.
If you're thinking of dying any time soon, call Paragon Funeral Services in Regina. Miles and Louise will take great care of you.
4) Driving the Combine. Sorry I don't have any pictures on this, but the boys and I went for a ride on the combines with Barb's dad and brother. For the uninitiated, combines are harvesting machines that farmers use to bring in the crops. Yesterday they were harvesting lentils, next week they'll do peas and then probably birdseed, before they go on to do wheat and barley. There were 5 combines, 2 semi's and one 5 ton truck working the 200 acre field that we were at yesterday. They were done in about 5 hours. It's a pretty impressive operation. The cabs are all airtight and airconditioned. Each machine needs 4 computers to run the various processes involved so it's pretty complex. Here's a link to tell you more about what they are like. http://johndeere.com/en_GB/iCombines/9880i_sts/sts_index.html
5) Family Time. Because we are spread out from Victoria, BC to Moose Jaw, SK, the opportunity for everyone to be together is pretty rare. Last night we had a family birthday party for Brittany, Barb's sister (Rhona) and our niece (Sidney). They are all August babies and all born within about a week of each other which is kind of neat. The guys watched the Riders lose to the Stampeders as part of the evening. It was a memorable event.
Today we are just hanging out, playing pool and going out to shoot some gophers this afternoon. Nothing like "Big Mosquito Country" to bring out the killing instincts in you...
Have a good one!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Going to Saskatchewan...
So we left on vacation on Saturday afternoon with a fully loaded van and pointed it east. Destination - Keddleston Camp on Last Mountain Lake in Sunny Saskatchewan. It's been a few years since we've been back but I'm happy to report that absolutely nothing has changed here. The sky is still big, the ground is still flat, the highways still look they belong in Beruit and the mosquitos are ever abundant...
Here's some highlights from the trip thus far.
Saturday Night
We stayed in Golden at "Mary's Motel" - (Trust me Barb, it's a great price and how bad can it be??) I should listen to my wife!! The place was a dump and there were several parties going on in the courtyard. This must be at least a -5 Star hotel! Tell all of your enemies to stay there!! :-)
Sunday Morning
We left at 7:00 which was an hour later than we had planned and about 3 hours after I finally fell asleep due to the social gatherings taking place all around us. After a quick stop at Tim Hortons, we proceeded towards our destination. Tyler asked if we could drive by the Saddledome in Calgary because he's a huge Flames fan. Normally, I would have given him an excuse but I decided that in light of the journey before us, 15 minutes out of our way wouldn't be the end of the world.
It was well worth the detour. We pulled up in front and he had to get out and "touch" the building, look in the window and just "be" there. Nice little diversion for the day.
Family nearly gets hit by Greyhound.
That should have been the headline on Monday morning. I cut off a Greyhound with about 100m between us when I pulled out in front of it. There was a semi turning left and the bus was in it's blindspot. When I pulled out, there was no where to go. Thankfully we made it with a bit of room to spare. It was close enough that I probably should have stopped to change my shorts, but I chose not to and just blamed the kids for the smell... Too close for comfort, but THANKS GOD!!
Driving in a war zone
With no exaggeration, I thought we were in Beruit when we drove into Sask. What had been a nice wide, smooth highway became the worst piece of road I've ever seen. I think they only mark the really bad ones because they are still looking for the vehicles that fell into them. I'd take pictures, but you'd think I was using a moon shot because the craters are so big!! Needless to say I'm not in a hurry to drive here again. it was pretty bad!!
After 13 hours we are almost at our destination. This is after Tyler and I talk for an hour about how straight the road is (no curves for miles...) and how flat the land is. The name of the place we're going to is "Last Mountain Lake". I asked him why he thought they called it that. He said "that's probably because we saw the last mountain 10 hours ago..."
The other "Tylerism" of the day came yesterday afternoon. We are staying at a spot where all of Barb's cousins are also staying. There's 9 kids under 10 on the site. Barb's cousin has one of those "Slow! Children at Play" signs because we're near the road. Tyler pulled me aside and asked "Dad, does that mean "Slow Children at Play" or that people should go slow because there's kids playing. After rolling on the ground, I told him that it was really about people needing to drive slow because there are kids playing and that none of his relatives are "challenged".
Daugher reunited with Family
Britt met us at the van with a big hug. She's been away for 3 weeks so we were quite happy to see her. She's made some new friends and has had a great time here. This week is family camp so she's having a lot of fun enjoying "Late Night" after "Mug Up"
Life is Good on Vacation! I should get to post again in a few days. Until then, don't smile to broadly when you're running down the street, the mosquitos really show up on your teeth!
Tim
Here's some highlights from the trip thus far.
Saturday Night
We stayed in Golden at "Mary's Motel" - (Trust me Barb, it's a great price and how bad can it be??) I should listen to my wife!! The place was a dump and there were several parties going on in the courtyard. This must be at least a -5 Star hotel! Tell all of your enemies to stay there!! :-)
Sunday Morning
We left at 7:00 which was an hour later than we had planned and about 3 hours after I finally fell asleep due to the social gatherings taking place all around us. After a quick stop at Tim Hortons, we proceeded towards our destination. Tyler asked if we could drive by the Saddledome in Calgary because he's a huge Flames fan. Normally, I would have given him an excuse but I decided that in light of the journey before us, 15 minutes out of our way wouldn't be the end of the world.
It was well worth the detour. We pulled up in front and he had to get out and "touch" the building, look in the window and just "be" there. Nice little diversion for the day.
Family nearly gets hit by Greyhound.
That should have been the headline on Monday morning. I cut off a Greyhound with about 100m between us when I pulled out in front of it. There was a semi turning left and the bus was in it's blindspot. When I pulled out, there was no where to go. Thankfully we made it with a bit of room to spare. It was close enough that I probably should have stopped to change my shorts, but I chose not to and just blamed the kids for the smell... Too close for comfort, but THANKS GOD!!
Driving in a war zone
With no exaggeration, I thought we were in Beruit when we drove into Sask. What had been a nice wide, smooth highway became the worst piece of road I've ever seen. I think they only mark the really bad ones because they are still looking for the vehicles that fell into them. I'd take pictures, but you'd think I was using a moon shot because the craters are so big!! Needless to say I'm not in a hurry to drive here again. it was pretty bad!!
After 13 hours we are almost at our destination. This is after Tyler and I talk for an hour about how straight the road is (no curves for miles...) and how flat the land is. The name of the place we're going to is "Last Mountain Lake". I asked him why he thought they called it that. He said "that's probably because we saw the last mountain 10 hours ago..."
The other "Tylerism" of the day came yesterday afternoon. We are staying at a spot where all of Barb's cousins are also staying. There's 9 kids under 10 on the site. Barb's cousin has one of those "Slow! Children at Play" signs because we're near the road. Tyler pulled me aside and asked "Dad, does that mean "Slow Children at Play" or that people should go slow because there's kids playing. After rolling on the ground, I told him that it was really about people needing to drive slow because there are kids playing and that none of his relatives are "challenged".
Daugher reunited with Family
Britt met us at the van with a big hug. She's been away for 3 weeks so we were quite happy to see her. She's made some new friends and has had a great time here. This week is family camp so she's having a lot of fun enjoying "Late Night" after "Mug Up"
Life is Good on Vacation! I should get to post again in a few days. Until then, don't smile to broadly when you're running down the street, the mosquitos really show up on your teeth!
Tim
Friday, July 28, 2006
15 Things to Do at the Mall
I don't suggest doing this at your local mall, but if you were out of town and kind of bored....
The following letter was sent to a long time patron of a local Target store. After receiving this letter, she vowed that she would NEVER take her husband shopping with her again! ! !
12 January 2006
Re: Mr. Bill Fenton; Multiple Complaints
Dear Mrs. Fenton,
Over the past six months, your husband, Mr. Bill Fenton has been causing quite a commotion in our store.We cannot tolerate this type of behaviour and have considered banning the entire family from shopping in any of our stores. We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment.Three of our clerks are attending counselling from the trouble your husband has caused. All complaints against Mr. Fenton have been compiled and are listed below.
15 Things Mr. Bill Fenton has done while his spouse is shopping:
1. 15th June: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. 2nd July: Set all the alarm clocks in House wares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. 7th July: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.
4. 19th July: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in house wares..... and watched what happened.
5. 4th August: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on lay-by.
6. 14th September: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. 15th September: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.
8. 23rd September: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. 4th October: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
10. 10th November: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are.
11. 3rd December: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
12 . 6th December: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.
13. 18th December: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"
14. 21st December: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the foetal position and screams "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"(And; last, but not least!)
15. 23rd December: Went into a fitting room, shut the door and waited a while; then, yelled, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"
The following letter was sent to a long time patron of a local Target store. After receiving this letter, she vowed that she would NEVER take her husband shopping with her again! ! !
12 January 2006
Re: Mr. Bill Fenton; Multiple Complaints
Dear Mrs. Fenton,
Over the past six months, your husband, Mr. Bill Fenton has been causing quite a commotion in our store.We cannot tolerate this type of behaviour and have considered banning the entire family from shopping in any of our stores. We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment.Three of our clerks are attending counselling from the trouble your husband has caused. All complaints against Mr. Fenton have been compiled and are listed below.
15 Things Mr. Bill Fenton has done while his spouse is shopping:
1. 15th June: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. 2nd July: Set all the alarm clocks in House wares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. 7th July: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.
4. 19th July: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in house wares..... and watched what happened.
5. 4th August: Went to the Service Desk and asked to put a bag of M&M's on lay-by.
6. 14th September: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. 15th September: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.
8. 23rd September: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. 4th October: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
10. 10th November: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are.
11. 3rd December: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
12 . 6th December: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.
13. 18th December: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browse through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"
14. 21st December: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the foetal position and screams "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"(And; last, but not least!)
15. 23rd December: Went into a fitting room, shut the door and waited a while; then, yelled, very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!"
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Let this be said of me!
John Gill (as I've learned this week) was a great preacher/theologian/writer from the 1700's. Quite an inspiring epitaph! I hope it lights a fire in your life.
In this cemetery
are deposited the remains of John Gill, D.D.
are deposited the remains of John Gill, D.D.
A man unblemished in life;
An ingenuous disciple of Jesus;
A distinguished preacher of the Gospel;
and, of the Christian faith, a strenuous defender,
who embellished with mind, learning and devotion,
and ever unwearied amid the severest labours
more than fifty years,
strove with zeal perpetual and glowing,
to fulfill the precepts of the Lord,
To advance the prosperity of the church
and to seek the salvation of men;
In Christ he fell calmly asleep on the 14th of October, 1771, aged 74.
Monday, July 24, 2006
I Just Wanna Testify ....
Sorry for the delay, but it's been pretty busy around here in the last little while. There's a ton of stuff to tell you, the challenge is knowing where to begin...
The Britt Update:
Britt is in Saskatchewan getting her fill of cousins, aunties and new friends. She is having the time of her life. Apart from a bit of home-sickness while she was at camp, she did very well (with the exception of tearing some ligaments in her knee.) She's recovering well but did some time on crutches. The best part of the story is that she was well enough to spend a day at the mall with Aunt Sharon who just had hip surgery. I would have loved to see the two of them (Sharon on a scooter and Britt in a wheel chair) going through the mall.
The Vehicle Update:
We got a new vehicle for which we are truly thankful! We really appreciated the MX-6 (2 Dr. NO AC) that got us through the winter, but it really was time to do something. We opted for a Grand Caravan Sport. The AC works, it has a DVD player and Satellite Radio so all is VERY GOOD! Barb will enjoy her freedom today and was making plans last night about where she would go and what she would do today.
The Weekend Update:
We have some very kind friends who own a suite in a hotel at Sun Peaks who generously made arrangements for us to have a weekend there. To make things even better, the Kamloops Symphony was doing "Music in the Mountains" this weekend so there were concerts going for most of Saturday and Sunday. Most of them happened in the village and right in front of our hotel so Barb was very blessed. The boys and I weren't far from the ice cream store so we escaped a few times to get some ice cream and amuse ourselves in other ways.
The tempature in Kamloops this weekend was into the low 40's so getting to where the temp was only in the low 30's was very nice.
The Ministry Update:
I got a call on Friday from a friend in Victoria. She's part of a group of people who have been praying for government leaders for a long time. She shared the vision of what it is that God has called me to do and they were very excited. One of the people who was there (a pastor's wife) said that God had spoken to her in a dream the night before and told her that this groups was to take up an offering when they got together. When she heard about the ministry and what I'll be doing, she knew that the offering was for us. The total was over $600 which is a pretty cool blessing! This is a huge encouragement to me and reminds me that God's name is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. We've sent out some letters and seen some response, but to have this come out of no where just reminds me that "on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." Over the next few months I'll head out on the road on weekends to begin visiting churches, building a profile for the ministry and fundraising. I'm believing that I will see many more provision miracles as that begins to happen.
The Church Update:
I love our church and our pastor. After pastoring in the same city for 11 years, it's kind of neat to be a part of my friend's church. Pastor Andrew is really amazing. On a hot summer night, he hit the ball out of the park. We had a powerful service, marked by the presence of God and miracles (yes - miracles!). He is such a huge supporter of what we are doing and where we are going. I am so glad that God planted us in Bible Truth. This has been a wonderfully refreshing and empowering time. I am rediscovering spiritual truths and values that I had forgotten about for a long time and there is a fire burning deep inside that is fresh and exciting.
Mostly I am inspired afresh by the vision that God has a plan for our nation that goes beyond what we see in the natural. We might not have "In God We Trust" on our money, but we do have "His Dominion shall be from sea to sea" written on the Peace Tower" Jesus is Lord over every part of our nation and His kingdom is coming!!
The Britt Update:
Britt is in Saskatchewan getting her fill of cousins, aunties and new friends. She is having the time of her life. Apart from a bit of home-sickness while she was at camp, she did very well (with the exception of tearing some ligaments in her knee.) She's recovering well but did some time on crutches. The best part of the story is that she was well enough to spend a day at the mall with Aunt Sharon who just had hip surgery. I would have loved to see the two of them (Sharon on a scooter and Britt in a wheel chair) going through the mall.
The Vehicle Update:
We got a new vehicle for which we are truly thankful! We really appreciated the MX-6 (2 Dr. NO AC) that got us through the winter, but it really was time to do something. We opted for a Grand Caravan Sport. The AC works, it has a DVD player and Satellite Radio so all is VERY GOOD! Barb will enjoy her freedom today and was making plans last night about where she would go and what she would do today.
The Weekend Update:
We have some very kind friends who own a suite in a hotel at Sun Peaks who generously made arrangements for us to have a weekend there. To make things even better, the Kamloops Symphony was doing "Music in the Mountains" this weekend so there were concerts going for most of Saturday and Sunday. Most of them happened in the village and right in front of our hotel so Barb was very blessed. The boys and I weren't far from the ice cream store so we escaped a few times to get some ice cream and amuse ourselves in other ways.
The tempature in Kamloops this weekend was into the low 40's so getting to where the temp was only in the low 30's was very nice.
The Ministry Update:
I got a call on Friday from a friend in Victoria. She's part of a group of people who have been praying for government leaders for a long time. She shared the vision of what it is that God has called me to do and they were very excited. One of the people who was there (a pastor's wife) said that God had spoken to her in a dream the night before and told her that this groups was to take up an offering when they got together. When she heard about the ministry and what I'll be doing, she knew that the offering was for us. The total was over $600 which is a pretty cool blessing! This is a huge encouragement to me and reminds me that God's name is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. We've sent out some letters and seen some response, but to have this come out of no where just reminds me that "on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." Over the next few months I'll head out on the road on weekends to begin visiting churches, building a profile for the ministry and fundraising. I'm believing that I will see many more provision miracles as that begins to happen.
The Church Update:
I love our church and our pastor. After pastoring in the same city for 11 years, it's kind of neat to be a part of my friend's church. Pastor Andrew is really amazing. On a hot summer night, he hit the ball out of the park. We had a powerful service, marked by the presence of God and miracles (yes - miracles!). He is such a huge supporter of what we are doing and where we are going. I am so glad that God planted us in Bible Truth. This has been a wonderfully refreshing and empowering time. I am rediscovering spiritual truths and values that I had forgotten about for a long time and there is a fire burning deep inside that is fresh and exciting.
Mostly I am inspired afresh by the vision that God has a plan for our nation that goes beyond what we see in the natural. We might not have "In God We Trust" on our money, but we do have "His Dominion shall be from sea to sea" written on the Peace Tower" Jesus is Lord over every part of our nation and His kingdom is coming!!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
"I've Never Failed At Anything I've Done..."
People say ridiculous things. I had the radio on as I was driving to work today and heard a candidate say "You should vote for me because I've never failed at anything I've done..."
What a remarkable (if somewhat delusional) statement. I think it speaks volumes as to his self awareness. I don't think I could vote for someone who had never failed. They wouldn't know what it was like for the rest of us!
Failure is never fun, but as John Maxwell wrote, there's something to be said for "failing forward". I was able to attend EXPO 2005 in Japan last summer and visited the American Pavillion. It was dedicated to Benjiman Franklin. Benjiman Franklin couldn't say he had never failed, because he failed a lot! Like Abraham Lincoln, his failures far outnumbered his successes, but they are both celebrated as individuals who shaped their world significantly.
"It's better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all." If failure is something that you're unfamiliar with, maybe your life has become too comfortable and predictable.
Failure gives us the opportunity to learn and grow if we're willing to admit that we've failed and able to learn from our mistakes. Failing to learn from our mistakes is the biggest failure of all.
What a remarkable (if somewhat delusional) statement. I think it speaks volumes as to his self awareness. I don't think I could vote for someone who had never failed. They wouldn't know what it was like for the rest of us!
Failure is never fun, but as John Maxwell wrote, there's something to be said for "failing forward". I was able to attend EXPO 2005 in Japan last summer and visited the American Pavillion. It was dedicated to Benjiman Franklin. Benjiman Franklin couldn't say he had never failed, because he failed a lot! Like Abraham Lincoln, his failures far outnumbered his successes, but they are both celebrated as individuals who shaped their world significantly.
"It's better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all." If failure is something that you're unfamiliar with, maybe your life has become too comfortable and predictable.
Failure gives us the opportunity to learn and grow if we're willing to admit that we've failed and able to learn from our mistakes. Failing to learn from our mistakes is the biggest failure of all.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
"There's No Such Thing As Business Ethics"
While there may have been many redeeming qualities about his life, Kenneth Lay will be remembered as the convicted former Chairman of Enron who oversaw the largest deception of regulators, shareholders and employees in the history of business. He experienced a colossal ethical failure that cost him his reputation and the shareholders and employees of Enron millions of dollars. For whatever reason, he began to believe that his business ethics were separate from his personal ethics and that his decisions at work would not affect his life away from the office. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ethics are the moral boundaries that we choose to govern our lives by and our personal and professional credibility is defined by how well we hold to them.
While it’s easy to find fault with Mr. Lay and others who have failed ethically, the reality is that ethical failure is not limited to the rich and powerful. At some point in time, everyone fails ethically. We fail personal ethics tests for at least one of several reasons.
1. We do what’s most convenient.
Most of us fail personal ethics tests because we don’t think we’ll get caught. We tell ourselves “it’s just this one time” or “it’s really not who I am” and we convince ourselves that it’s okay to step outside of the normally accepted rules of doing business.
2. We do what we must to win.
We’ve come to believe that we have two choices. We can win by doing whatever it takes, even if it’s unethical or we can have ethics and lose. Many people believe that embracing ethics would limit their options, their opportunities and their very ability to succeed in business. Few people set out with the desire to be dishonest, but nobody wants to lose.
3. We rationalize our choices with relativism.
Joseph Fletcher was a professor of theology at Harvard University when he coined the term “situational ethics”. Situational ethics might sound appealing until the situation isn’t in your favour. When we begin to function personally or in business using relativism as our moral compass, things can get murky very quickly.
How do you find your way to ethical behaviour?
1. Submit yourself to an external authority.
Choose a moral standard that you will adhere to and stick to it.
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
Rotary 4-way test (www.rotary.org)
The Golden Rule (www.teachingvalues.com)
2. Tell others what you do.
Make your standards public. Publicity holds us accountable to ourselves, our customers and those around us.
3. Have a high personal standard.
Don’t compromise on the truth. Don’t take short cuts. Keep your commitments and do what’s right even if it’s unpopular.
4. Have integrity.
Align your priorities with your values. Know the things that matter most in your life and live your life towards them.
5. Confess when you’ve made a mistake.
Everyone makes mistakes. Admit yours quickly and easily. People are forgiving and trusting when we confess and ask for forgiveness.
6. Stand firm when the pressure is on.
Who you are when no one is looking is who you are. Character is defined by what we do, not by what we say we do.
While it’s easy to find fault with Mr. Lay and others who have failed ethically, the reality is that ethical failure is not limited to the rich and powerful. At some point in time, everyone fails ethically. We fail personal ethics tests for at least one of several reasons.
1. We do what’s most convenient.
Most of us fail personal ethics tests because we don’t think we’ll get caught. We tell ourselves “it’s just this one time” or “it’s really not who I am” and we convince ourselves that it’s okay to step outside of the normally accepted rules of doing business.
2. We do what we must to win.
We’ve come to believe that we have two choices. We can win by doing whatever it takes, even if it’s unethical or we can have ethics and lose. Many people believe that embracing ethics would limit their options, their opportunities and their very ability to succeed in business. Few people set out with the desire to be dishonest, but nobody wants to lose.
3. We rationalize our choices with relativism.
Joseph Fletcher was a professor of theology at Harvard University when he coined the term “situational ethics”. Situational ethics might sound appealing until the situation isn’t in your favour. When we begin to function personally or in business using relativism as our moral compass, things can get murky very quickly.
How do you find your way to ethical behaviour?
1. Submit yourself to an external authority.
Choose a moral standard that you will adhere to and stick to it.
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
Rotary 4-way test (www.rotary.org)
The Golden Rule (www.teachingvalues.com)
2. Tell others what you do.
Make your standards public. Publicity holds us accountable to ourselves, our customers and those around us.
3. Have a high personal standard.
Don’t compromise on the truth. Don’t take short cuts. Keep your commitments and do what’s right even if it’s unpopular.
4. Have integrity.
Align your priorities with your values. Know the things that matter most in your life and live your life towards them.
5. Confess when you’ve made a mistake.
Everyone makes mistakes. Admit yours quickly and easily. People are forgiving and trusting when we confess and ask for forgiveness.
6. Stand firm when the pressure is on.
Who you are when no one is looking is who you are. Character is defined by what we do, not by what we say we do.
Celebrating The Vision
I love the look that comes when people "get it" when I tell them about where God is taking me. It energizes me, inspires me and lifts me out of the doldrums that happen when I speak with people who don't "get it". It's interesting to see how it works. There's an "aha" look that comes when they see what God has put in my heart and how the fruit of that can literally change our nation.
My pastor says it best. We've spent millions of dollars working in the back alleys of our cities and towns at the expense of ministering to the leaders of our nation. I celebrate those who support the poor, the widow and the orphan and give to a ministry that does that in my city. I honour those who work in that world because it's a place that I know is difficult and challenging.
At the same time our leaders need a ministry directed to their needs and culture. Everything flows from the top down and unless our leaders are encouraged and supported to govern with righteousness and integrity, our nation cannot realize the fullness of the destiny that God has established for us. Righteousness exalts a nation and without it our future is bleak.
A friend asked me a good question today. "What exactly are you going to be doing Tim?" Here's the picture as I see it. Fundamentally it's all about building relationships so that at the right time, the right seeds can be sown that will make a difference in the big picture. Coming back to the examples of Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Joseph and others, presence and timing were everything. The same is true with this. By building relationships and networks, the possibilities and opportunities to influence those who shape policies and make the key decisions in our nation are endless.
My friend and I spent a lot of time talking about things today and I think he "gets" it. I hope you do too!
Have a good one!
My pastor says it best. We've spent millions of dollars working in the back alleys of our cities and towns at the expense of ministering to the leaders of our nation. I celebrate those who support the poor, the widow and the orphan and give to a ministry that does that in my city. I honour those who work in that world because it's a place that I know is difficult and challenging.
At the same time our leaders need a ministry directed to their needs and culture. Everything flows from the top down and unless our leaders are encouraged and supported to govern with righteousness and integrity, our nation cannot realize the fullness of the destiny that God has established for us. Righteousness exalts a nation and without it our future is bleak.
A friend asked me a good question today. "What exactly are you going to be doing Tim?" Here's the picture as I see it. Fundamentally it's all about building relationships so that at the right time, the right seeds can be sown that will make a difference in the big picture. Coming back to the examples of Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Joseph and others, presence and timing were everything. The same is true with this. By building relationships and networks, the possibilities and opportunities to influence those who shape policies and make the key decisions in our nation are endless.
My friend and I spent a lot of time talking about things today and I think he "gets" it. I hope you do too!
Have a good one!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Zack's pictures!
Here are the pictures of Zack's excellent weekend!
MVP Medal
Here comes the pitch....
The Presentation
WAY TO GO ZACK!!
My boy's gonna play in the big leagues...
The title works best if you're a Tom Cochrane fan...
Forgive me for boasting but this past weekend marks an end to Little League Season in our house and I need to applaud the success of Zack and Tyler. Zack was named MVP in his Friday game. He pitched the last 2 innings of the game (final inning is open) and did a great job. With the help of his team, he held the AAA Riverdogs to one run in the 4th and no runs in the 5th. His team was defeated, but they were playing against kids that were 2nd or 3rd year players in their division. He was on a AA Rookie team.
Zack has had a great year. This was a big stretch for him this year as everything happens a lot faster in Mosquito than it does in Tadpole, but he grew into the role and will have a great year next year as a "vetran".
Tyler finished off his Tadpole career in true Tyler fashion. He was a strong asset to his team, usually getting at least a double each time he was up to bat. I missed his last game, but he told me that he slid into home for the winning run in a come from behind victory. He didn't have to slide, he just did it because he could! Nothing says you've played the game like dirt and grass stains on your pants! He played 2nd, Shortstop, First and Catcher over the weekend and absolutely loves it. Here are few photo's from Tyler's weekend as well. Tyler is second from the left with the batting helmet on. He's waiting for his medal.
This is Tyler beside his friend Cooper. They are waiting for the MVP announcement. Two other team mates won them, but Ty and Coop both played really well and made an excellent contribution to their team
There's some talk about a parents/kids game this coming Wednesday and I'm already being trash talked... The boys may play each other some time this week as well. The pre-game banter and post-game bragging just might be worth writing about!
Check back for the pictures of Zack!
Tim
Forgive me for boasting but this past weekend marks an end to Little League Season in our house and I need to applaud the success of Zack and Tyler. Zack was named MVP in his Friday game. He pitched the last 2 innings of the game (final inning is open) and did a great job. With the help of his team, he held the AAA Riverdogs to one run in the 4th and no runs in the 5th. His team was defeated, but they were playing against kids that were 2nd or 3rd year players in their division. He was on a AA Rookie team.
Zack has had a great year. This was a big stretch for him this year as everything happens a lot faster in Mosquito than it does in Tadpole, but he grew into the role and will have a great year next year as a "vetran".
Tyler finished off his Tadpole career in true Tyler fashion. He was a strong asset to his team, usually getting at least a double each time he was up to bat. I missed his last game, but he told me that he slid into home for the winning run in a come from behind victory. He didn't have to slide, he just did it because he could! Nothing says you've played the game like dirt and grass stains on your pants! He played 2nd, Shortstop, First and Catcher over the weekend and absolutely loves it. Here are few photo's from Tyler's weekend as well. Tyler is second from the left with the batting helmet on. He's waiting for his medal.
This is Tyler beside his friend Cooper. They are waiting for the MVP announcement. Two other team mates won them, but Ty and Coop both played really well and made an excellent contribution to their team
There's some talk about a parents/kids game this coming Wednesday and I'm already being trash talked... The boys may play each other some time this week as well. The pre-game banter and post-game bragging just might be worth writing about!
Check back for the pictures of Zack!
Tim
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Enabled...
I was reading in Ezekiel the other day in ch. 36 where God says he's going to remove our hearts of stone and replace them with a heart of flesh. Now none of that is really new to me but I just "happened" to catch this phrase leaping off the page... "on the day that I cleanse you, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities."(KJV) Apart from the very obvious (but very powerful) relationship between cleansing and enabling, I couldn't help but think about the additional transformation from "country dwellers" to "city dwellers". It seems that there's a spiritual difference between city dwellers and country dwellers.
City dwellers need some things that spiritual country dwellers don't. City dwellers need favor, authority, ability and supernatural empowerment because of the environment in which they live. City dwellers are surrounded by people who require interaction, leadership and who are able to see and experience the blessing of God.
The enabling shows up in ch. 37 in the Valley of the Dry bones where Ezekiel prophesies to a graveyard and watches the bones come together to form a mighty marching army that changes it's world!
Enabling requires patience and presence. Patience because we need to slow down and wait. Presence because ours must be in God's.
Slowing down to wait...
Tim
City dwellers need some things that spiritual country dwellers don't. City dwellers need favor, authority, ability and supernatural empowerment because of the environment in which they live. City dwellers are surrounded by people who require interaction, leadership and who are able to see and experience the blessing of God.
The enabling shows up in ch. 37 in the Valley of the Dry bones where Ezekiel prophesies to a graveyard and watches the bones come together to form a mighty marching army that changes it's world!
Enabling requires patience and presence. Patience because we need to slow down and wait. Presence because ours must be in God's.
Slowing down to wait...
Tim
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Our first donation
I got some great news last night. We've received our first donation towards the ministry. There are other commitments we've received, but this is the first actual cheque! It's pretty exciting. We're waiting for some other things to happen over the next few weeks, including our first church coming on board, but all in all we're in a good place!
If you received a fundraising letter and are bit confused about the monthly giving option, here's what 's going on. We are in the process of setting up an auto debit option, but we're not quite there yet. It may take us a little while to get everything fully functional so in the meantime, the easiest thing to do might be to send a series of post-dated cheques. As soon as we've got the auto debit option functional, we'll let you know and switch you over if that's what you'd like us to do.
Gotta go!
Tim
If you received a fundraising letter and are bit confused about the monthly giving option, here's what 's going on. We are in the process of setting up an auto debit option, but we're not quite there yet. It may take us a little while to get everything fully functional so in the meantime, the easiest thing to do might be to send a series of post-dated cheques. As soon as we've got the auto debit option functional, we'll let you know and switch you over if that's what you'd like us to do.
Gotta go!
Tim
Friday, June 30, 2006
Way to Go Britt
As I mentioned a few days ago, Britt graduated from Gr. 7 this week. Yesterday was her last day of elementary school. I think she's going to miss it, because she hung around after school was over just to be there. She had a great report card with some very positive remarks from her teacher regarding her citizenship (which I think means a sense of community responsibility) and her leadership (which I'm very proud of!)
She's had quite a week. On Saturday morning, it looked like she was going on a Mission's Trip to Mexico this summer. By Saturday afternoon, that fell through so it looked like she was going to be spending summer "on the couch". That all changed on Wednesday when she was invited to go on "Street Invaders". Street Invaders provides a crash discipleship, evangelism and ministry training course where the students are placed on teams and work with local churches to reach their communities. She's on her way to Saskatchewan which isn't quite Mexico, but provides all of the bugs, heat, travel and adventure, while still speaking the same language. :-)
She's looking forward to getting there and is going to be raising her own funds to make it happen SO ... if you need a baby sitter, weed wacker, housecleaner or a friend you want to hire, please... CALL BRITT! She's mature, reliable and stable. She makes great cookies and KD without the slightest bit of stress. She's never lost a child she was looking after and always brings them home on time after the field trip to the park/mall/woods!
She's had quite a week. On Saturday morning, it looked like she was going on a Mission's Trip to Mexico this summer. By Saturday afternoon, that fell through so it looked like she was going to be spending summer "on the couch". That all changed on Wednesday when she was invited to go on "Street Invaders". Street Invaders provides a crash discipleship, evangelism and ministry training course where the students are placed on teams and work with local churches to reach their communities. She's on her way to Saskatchewan which isn't quite Mexico, but provides all of the bugs, heat, travel and adventure, while still speaking the same language. :-)
She's looking forward to getting there and is going to be raising her own funds to make it happen SO ... if you need a baby sitter, weed wacker, housecleaner or a friend you want to hire, please... CALL BRITT! She's mature, reliable and stable. She makes great cookies and KD without the slightest bit of stress. She's never lost a child she was looking after and always brings them home on time after the field trip to the park/mall/woods!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Walking my dog...
I took Zoe for a walk tonight and had a great "aha" moment. She's a yellow lab who loves to play fetch. We didn't have to teach her to fetch, she was just born to do it and she does it very well... most of the time...
It's been a while since we were out together so she often needs to get focused because she's just so happy to be out in the woods. I threw a few sticks down the hill which she found really quickly, then we moved into more of a treed area. She was so happy to be chasing sticks that she forgot to pay attention to where the stick was going. I threw the stick to the left and she took off full speed to the right. Needless to say, she didn't find the stick on her own.
That's when I had my "aha" moment. It occurred to me that I've been like Zoe on multiple occasions in my life. There are times I've been running one way when the place where I'd be fully satisfied is in a completely different direction. I don't think this a one time lesson, but one that reminds me to keep my eye on the stick so that I can do what I was meant to do.
This has been a great transition period but I'm getting ready to get busy "chasing the stick" that I've been made to fetch. :-)
It's been a while since we were out together so she often needs to get focused because she's just so happy to be out in the woods. I threw a few sticks down the hill which she found really quickly, then we moved into more of a treed area. She was so happy to be chasing sticks that she forgot to pay attention to where the stick was going. I threw the stick to the left and she took off full speed to the right. Needless to say, she didn't find the stick on her own.
That's when I had my "aha" moment. It occurred to me that I've been like Zoe on multiple occasions in my life. There are times I've been running one way when the place where I'd be fully satisfied is in a completely different direction. I don't think this a one time lesson, but one that reminds me to keep my eye on the stick so that I can do what I was meant to do.
This has been a great transition period but I'm getting ready to get busy "chasing the stick" that I've been made to fetch. :-)
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Frying eggs...
Kamloops hit a record 38.4C yesterday. Not sure how hot that is in Farenheit, but it's REALLY Hot in Celsius. Kamloops is rumoured to be one of those places where it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk in the summer. Who knows if it's really true, but it was hot enough to melt ice cream as I walked back to the office.
Anyway, on to some serious stuff. Leading Influence is now an approved ministry of the PAOC. That's kind of nice as it just adds to our credibility. On another note, for the first time ever I've got my own personal marriage register. It comes with the official approval.
I can hardly wait to put it to use so if you know anyone who wants to tie the knot, send them my way. Sonya, you and Gary should get married ... for the sake of the kids...
Tim
Anyway, on to some serious stuff. Leading Influence is now an approved ministry of the PAOC. That's kind of nice as it just adds to our credibility. On another note, for the first time ever I've got my own personal marriage register. It comes with the official approval.
I can hardly wait to put it to use so if you know anyone who wants to tie the knot, send them my way. Sonya, you and Gary should get married ... for the sake of the kids...
Tim
Monday, June 26, 2006
Christmas in June...
I always thought that Christmas was insane until now... We just finished our 12th weekend in a row with at least two baseball games and usually 3. Not to mention practices and weekly games that pretty much consume every other evening of the week. Let's just say that we've made a whole bunch of new friends (marmots) at the park where the boys play ball.
I'm not complaining... much... but the idea of a laid back summer is just an idea. I don't think it really exists because now we're headed off into "Summer Ball". Tyler is on the travelling tournament team and for this year Zack is on the devlopment team. Practices are on opposite nights so that means 4 nights at the park PLUS alternating game times on weekends. (Did I mention the grass needs cutting, the house needs painting and the dog needs to go to the lake??
In addition, Britt is graduating from Gr. 7. Big day for her. She's quite excited and we are quite proud of her. Her last graduation was in Kindergarten so it's been a while since she's graduated. I'm not sure why, but she doesn't want me to chaperone the dance after. Could it be that there's a boy somewhere in the mix that I don't know about??
Stay tuned for more in the life and times. I'll be the guy with the farmer tan...
Tim
I'm not complaining... much... but the idea of a laid back summer is just an idea. I don't think it really exists because now we're headed off into "Summer Ball". Tyler is on the travelling tournament team and for this year Zack is on the devlopment team. Practices are on opposite nights so that means 4 nights at the park PLUS alternating game times on weekends. (Did I mention the grass needs cutting, the house needs painting and the dog needs to go to the lake??
In addition, Britt is graduating from Gr. 7. Big day for her. She's quite excited and we are quite proud of her. Her last graduation was in Kindergarten so it's been a while since she's graduated. I'm not sure why, but she doesn't want me to chaperone the dance after. Could it be that there's a boy somewhere in the mix that I don't know about??
Stay tuned for more in the life and times. I'll be the guy with the farmer tan...
Tim
Thursday, June 22, 2006
When Blasphemy Becomes Boring
If you've read the article in today's National Post (A14), feel free to skip this, but I found Father Raymond J. De Souza's article very interesting to say the least.
As you may know, Madonna is performing in Montreal this week. Her show includes a number where she appears on a cross wearing a crown of thorns. La Presse gave the tour front page coverage with the headline "Madonna L'Icone" and added an 8 page supplement.
De Souza says that most of her audience wouldn't even see the the blasphemy in her actions because in our culture blasphemy has become blase. He says that if Madonna had writhed provocatively over a Koran, the response in La Presse would have been entirely different.
"To blaspheme is to show contempt for the sacred. It means insulting the things of God. And when culture reaches a point where blasphemy is boring, it is an indicator that the sense of the sacred and an affinity for the things of God are severely eroded."
Listen to this...
"That is the implicit diagnosis of the Archdiocese of Montreal, which chose to provocatively drape it's cathedral as well as billboards and posters across the city with some of the more famous Quebecois curses.... What happens when religious faith recedes to the point where the words are only heard in their profane usage but never in the original sacred one?"
The church is undertaking to educate people as to the true meaning of the words that they use profanely as a form of evangelism.
Kind of brings to mind what Jesus had to say about salt... when the salt is no longer salty, it needs to be tossed aside...
Lord... have mercy!
As you may know, Madonna is performing in Montreal this week. Her show includes a number where she appears on a cross wearing a crown of thorns. La Presse gave the tour front page coverage with the headline "Madonna L'Icone" and added an 8 page supplement.
De Souza says that most of her audience wouldn't even see the the blasphemy in her actions because in our culture blasphemy has become blase. He says that if Madonna had writhed provocatively over a Koran, the response in La Presse would have been entirely different.
"To blaspheme is to show contempt for the sacred. It means insulting the things of God. And when culture reaches a point where blasphemy is boring, it is an indicator that the sense of the sacred and an affinity for the things of God are severely eroded."
Listen to this...
"That is the implicit diagnosis of the Archdiocese of Montreal, which chose to provocatively drape it's cathedral as well as billboards and posters across the city with some of the more famous Quebecois curses.... What happens when religious faith recedes to the point where the words are only heard in their profane usage but never in the original sacred one?"
The church is undertaking to educate people as to the true meaning of the words that they use profanely as a form of evangelism.
Kind of brings to mind what Jesus had to say about salt... when the salt is no longer salty, it needs to be tossed aside...
Lord... have mercy!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Things I saw & heard today...
Okay the title sounds boring but it's just been an interesting kind of day as I've travelled through Alberta.
I started in Sylvan Lake Alberta which is a great resort town with it's own lighthouse. Can't tell if you it works, but the town looks like a sea-side resort. Very cool.
I overheard a guy talking about his dying father and his cynical wife saying the only reason anyone cared was so they could get in the will. Hmmm...
I heard about a septic pump truck that flipped over and stopped traffic in Edmonton for an hour. The reporter said that traffic was "overflowing" in that area... (Sorry ... body function humour cracks me up!)
I saw a horse hobbling along a driveway with wire tangled around it's leg dragging along a broken fence post... couldn't help because it was behind a closed gate and this is Alberta and they don't take kindly to "city folk" messing with their "critters"...
I saw one kid throw another out of one of those inlflatable pools. They obviously spend too much time watching professional wrestling.
I saw the coolest abandonded buildings all along the way. Just old barns, bins and houses. I couldn't help but wonder what happened to the people who used to live there.
I saw 2 F18's fly over. Their "roar" was about 10 seconds behind them.
I saw a town called "Hairy Hill". Do you think they call the residents "Hillites", "Hillers" or "Hairbillies"?
I was near "Two Hills" today but didn't see any hills and now I'm in St. Paul (which is a very unique community....) and ready to have dinner.
What did you see today?
I started in Sylvan Lake Alberta which is a great resort town with it's own lighthouse. Can't tell if you it works, but the town looks like a sea-side resort. Very cool.
I overheard a guy talking about his dying father and his cynical wife saying the only reason anyone cared was so they could get in the will. Hmmm...
I heard about a septic pump truck that flipped over and stopped traffic in Edmonton for an hour. The reporter said that traffic was "overflowing" in that area... (Sorry ... body function humour cracks me up!)
I saw a horse hobbling along a driveway with wire tangled around it's leg dragging along a broken fence post... couldn't help because it was behind a closed gate and this is Alberta and they don't take kindly to "city folk" messing with their "critters"...
I saw one kid throw another out of one of those inlflatable pools. They obviously spend too much time watching professional wrestling.
I saw the coolest abandonded buildings all along the way. Just old barns, bins and houses. I couldn't help but wonder what happened to the people who used to live there.
I saw 2 F18's fly over. Their "roar" was about 10 seconds behind them.
I saw a town called "Hairy Hill". Do you think they call the residents "Hillites", "Hillers" or "Hairbillies"?
I was near "Two Hills" today but didn't see any hills and now I'm in St. Paul (which is a very unique community....) and ready to have dinner.
What did you see today?
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The Prize
I happened to be in Edmonton today and missed the return of the Stanley "Cup-less" Edmonton Oilers by a mere hour. I would have enjoyed seeing them because in my mind they are incredibly successful. I read today that they are the only 8th seed team in Stanley Cup history to make it to the finals, much less to Game 7.
During the presentation last night, Tyler (our youngest son) went to his room and brought out his McDonalds replica Stanley Cup to kiss and parade around the room in the same way the Carolina Hurricanes were doing on the ice. (He's convinced that he's going to play hockey for the Calgary Flames and win the Cup with Jerome Iginla... I hope he does. A hockey career will help considerably with my retirement plans!)
Hebrews talks about running to win the prize and I can't help but think that the celebration in heaven will trump anything that we can create here for a sports championship. The crowd there is made up of every saint that has ever run "the race" and even today they are cheering you and me on to run it well. Max Lucado wrote that when it's all said and done that our Heavenly Father will rise from His throne to join the applause as we cross the final finish line. (If you think about that for too long, it will bring tears to your eyes or keep you from sleeping!)
Tyler may one day be in a Stanley Cup, World Series or Grey Cup championship parade. (Let a dad dream...) but of this I'm sure, the party in heaven when we arrive there will make anything here look pretty lame.
Keep on running! The prize makes it all worth it!
Tim
During the presentation last night, Tyler (our youngest son) went to his room and brought out his McDonalds replica Stanley Cup to kiss and parade around the room in the same way the Carolina Hurricanes were doing on the ice. (He's convinced that he's going to play hockey for the Calgary Flames and win the Cup with Jerome Iginla... I hope he does. A hockey career will help considerably with my retirement plans!)
Hebrews talks about running to win the prize and I can't help but think that the celebration in heaven will trump anything that we can create here for a sports championship. The crowd there is made up of every saint that has ever run "the race" and even today they are cheering you and me on to run it well. Max Lucado wrote that when it's all said and done that our Heavenly Father will rise from His throne to join the applause as we cross the final finish line. (If you think about that for too long, it will bring tears to your eyes or keep you from sleeping!)
Tyler may one day be in a Stanley Cup, World Series or Grey Cup championship parade. (Let a dad dream...) but of this I'm sure, the party in heaven when we arrive there will make anything here look pretty lame.
Keep on running! The prize makes it all worth it!
Tim
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Church and Leadership
This is part of an email that came from a friend...
I got so excited the other day reading "Authority in Prayer" by Dutch Sheets. I read the most interesting thing that I believe is confirmation for this ministry.
He speaks about the scripture in Mat 16:18-19 where he says "Upon this rock I will build my Church". When Jesus used this word in Greek (ekklesia) the disciples weren hindered by our contemporary preconceived ideas as to what that meant. Church is far different from ekklesia as it was back then. To us it is a local congregation of Christians who meet and worship and what not but back then ekklesia was: (get this it is so exciting) an assembly of people set apart to govern the affairs of a state or nation- in essence, a parliament or congress.
To the Romans it meant a group of people sent into a conquered region to alter the culture until it became like Rome. Realizing this was the ideal way to control their empire, they infiltrated government, social structure, language, school etc., until the people talked, thought and acted like Romans. When Jesus said he would build his church, he was without question speaking of a body of believers that would legislate spiritually for Him extending his government rule over the earth.
Tim again: So... What do you think??
I got so excited the other day reading "Authority in Prayer" by Dutch Sheets. I read the most interesting thing that I believe is confirmation for this ministry.
He speaks about the scripture in Mat 16:18-19 where he says "Upon this rock I will build my Church". When Jesus used this word in Greek (ekklesia) the disciples weren hindered by our contemporary preconceived ideas as to what that meant. Church is far different from ekklesia as it was back then. To us it is a local congregation of Christians who meet and worship and what not but back then ekklesia was: (get this it is so exciting) an assembly of people set apart to govern the affairs of a state or nation- in essence, a parliament or congress.
To the Romans it meant a group of people sent into a conquered region to alter the culture until it became like Rome. Realizing this was the ideal way to control their empire, they infiltrated government, social structure, language, school etc., until the people talked, thought and acted like Romans. When Jesus said he would build his church, he was without question speaking of a body of believers that would legislate spiritually for Him extending his government rule over the earth.
Tim again: So... What do you think??
Saturday, June 10, 2006
I AM A CHRISTIAN
I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spiritpower. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. Thedecision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back,let up, slow down, back away, or be still.My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future issecure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smallplanning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundanetalking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions,plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops,recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith,lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor bypower.My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road isnarrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, mymission clear.I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back,deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table ofthe enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the mazeof mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayedup, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause ofChrist. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give tillI drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when Hecomes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me--mybanner will be clear!!!Written by a young African pastor: It was tacked on the wall of hishouse, and found after he died as a martyr for the Gospel!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Accomplishment
I got a great surprise this afternoon when I typed in www.leadinginfluence.com and saw the ministry website appear. After several weeks of building it, tweaking it, re-thinking it, it's finally gone live with the right address. There's a real sense of satisfaction in seeing this come to reality as it's just one more step on the road to fulfilling the dream.
So... feeling as though I have accomplished something today, here's a quote that I came across today. We have but one life here... It pays, not matter what comes after it to try and do things, to accomplish things in this life, and not merely to have a soft and pleasant time.
Theodore Roosevelt
So... feeling as though I have accomplished something today, here's a quote that I came across today. We have but one life here... It pays, not matter what comes after it to try and do things, to accomplish things in this life, and not merely to have a soft and pleasant time.
Theodore Roosevelt
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
If God Were To Have His Way...
"If God were to have His way, what would my ___________ look like 5 years from now? Filling in the blank does something to you, or at least it does to me. It forced me to seriously consider how much freedom I was giving God to work in me and consequently in my future. I mean it's one thing to spend all your time living in the past looking at what God has done, but God is also the God of the future and He wants to do something with mine and yours.
The question is "What does He want to do?" and secondly "How does He want to do it?" Jer. 29:11 "I KNOW PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU" tells me that He constantly has something in mind for me that is bigger than anything I have seen thus far. The second question generally involves cost. God doesn't charge me for a brighter future but in order to go there, I have to be purified, pruned and refined. If I could get to the next step without anything changing in me, I'd already be there. Changing is challenging but well worth the reward.
So... if God were to have His way in your life, what would your life look like 5 years from now?
The question is "What does He want to do?" and secondly "How does He want to do it?" Jer. 29:11 "I KNOW PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU" tells me that He constantly has something in mind for me that is bigger than anything I have seen thus far. The second question generally involves cost. God doesn't charge me for a brighter future but in order to go there, I have to be purified, pruned and refined. If I could get to the next step without anything changing in me, I'd already be there. Changing is challenging but well worth the reward.
So... if God were to have His way in your life, what would your life look like 5 years from now?
Saturday, June 03, 2006
A Case of Mistaken Identity
I read in the Vancouver Sun this morning about two 19 year old women who were both in a serious car accident in Michigan. One was killed in the accident and the other had severe injuries and has just come out of a 6 week coma. The details are amazing. They look a lot alike and the wrong family was told that their daughter was killed in the accident. So, (follow this carefully...)
Girl A was buried by Girl B's family and Girl B was being visited in the hospital by Girl A's parents. Girl A has a tombstone with Girl B's name on it. The way the mistake was discovered was when Girl A's family kept calling her by Girl A's name. Girl B has recovered enough that she knew her own name and kept correcting them.
As a parent, I can't begin to imagine what these parents must have experienced. At the same time, I see a powerful spiritual lesson here. There are at least 3 types of messages that we hear about ourselves that shape what we believe about who we are.
There's self talk - where we are talking to ourselves about ourselves. We send ourselves messages constantly, some negative, some positive, but they are ever constant.
Secondly, there are the messages that we hear from the devil. They are always deceptive, never empowering and ultimately lead to to disappointment and destruction, because the thief comes to steal kill and destroy.
Finally, there are all the messages that God says about us. These are rooted in truth. Full of affirmation, power and life. These are the messages that make a difference in our lives and transform us from death to life, discouragement to hope, despair to confidence. These messages speak to us about who we are, what we can accomplish and what we can be. The words that God speaks over our lives are the words that shape our identity and destiny.
The challenge is to believe the right message, because what we believe about ourselves is what we ultimately become. Listen carefully. Believe only the best!!
Have a good one!!
Tim
Girl A was buried by Girl B's family and Girl B was being visited in the hospital by Girl A's parents. Girl A has a tombstone with Girl B's name on it. The way the mistake was discovered was when Girl A's family kept calling her by Girl A's name. Girl B has recovered enough that she knew her own name and kept correcting them.
As a parent, I can't begin to imagine what these parents must have experienced. At the same time, I see a powerful spiritual lesson here. There are at least 3 types of messages that we hear about ourselves that shape what we believe about who we are.
There's self talk - where we are talking to ourselves about ourselves. We send ourselves messages constantly, some negative, some positive, but they are ever constant.
Secondly, there are the messages that we hear from the devil. They are always deceptive, never empowering and ultimately lead to to disappointment and destruction, because the thief comes to steal kill and destroy.
Finally, there are all the messages that God says about us. These are rooted in truth. Full of affirmation, power and life. These are the messages that make a difference in our lives and transform us from death to life, discouragement to hope, despair to confidence. These messages speak to us about who we are, what we can accomplish and what we can be. The words that God speaks over our lives are the words that shape our identity and destiny.
The challenge is to believe the right message, because what we believe about ourselves is what we ultimately become. Listen carefully. Believe only the best!!
Have a good one!!
Tim
Thursday, June 01, 2006
New Website - Temporary Address
Hi again - I knew there was something that I missed. The website is also live, although the address is temporary because hosting with homestead is a bit "price". I think what they do is prey on people like me who don't know how to build a site. Homestead makes it easy to build a site that looks reasonably good and then you fall in love with what you've done. Once that happens, you're willing to lay out over twice what normal hosting fees are to "keep your site".
The address is www.leadinginfluence.homestead.com until I find someone who can build a site in front page, net fusion or some other application that will allow me to come in and edit easily. Any takers?? No pressure... You've got 23 days to save the ministry $250!! If you want to help (and can actually build a site..., you can get me at ptim@telus.net)
Thanks!!
Tim
The address is www.leadinginfluence.homestead.com until I find someone who can build a site in front page, net fusion or some other application that will allow me to come in and edit easily. Any takers?? No pressure... You've got 23 days to save the ministry $250!! If you want to help (and can actually build a site..., you can get me at ptim@telus.net)
Thanks!!
Tim
Seeing It Happen...
I had another day of firsts today. I picked up the business cards for the ministry today. (This is hardly a big deal, but I felt like I was seeing a baby for the first time...) This afternoon, I picked up the brochures that are ready to be distributed. This has been so long in coming that it feels like what I have seen by faith for so long is starting to become reality. On the one hand it's unreal, on the other hand, it's surreal.
Maybe this is what Abraham felt like when he saw Isaac for the first time. Maybe a bit overcome, with a sort of "how can this be" type of look and at the same time "O WOW!" it's really happening kind of look.
I'm off to a conference tomorrow that I'm very excited about. Peter Wagner is teaching a seminar on Market Place ministry that I'm going to attend for a few days. It will be great and while I really don't want to spend ANOTHER day on the road, this is for a purpose for which I will gladly lay down my life.
I'll tell you more tomorrow when I have a chance to post.
Maybe this is what Abraham felt like when he saw Isaac for the first time. Maybe a bit overcome, with a sort of "how can this be" type of look and at the same time "O WOW!" it's really happening kind of look.
I'm off to a conference tomorrow that I'm very excited about. Peter Wagner is teaching a seminar on Market Place ministry that I'm going to attend for a few days. It will be great and while I really don't want to spend ANOTHER day on the road, this is for a purpose for which I will gladly lay down my life.
I'll tell you more tomorrow when I have a chance to post.
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