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)
Monday, August 21, 2006
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
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