Monday Morning Thoughts

I thought yesterday was my best sermon ever.  However, I may be biased. :)  Some people from Sunday may be thinking, "What?!  I thought it was horrible."   Ahhh.. the joys of our uniqueness and diversity.

The reason I thought it was my best, wasn't because I delivered it well (in fact, I am an amateur orator), but I thought it was the most prophetic sermon God has ever graced me with.  Not prophetic in the sense of telling the future or concerning the future, but prophetic in the sense that Scripture and the human experience/reality were lined up against each other in a very clear way.  In other words, God's Spirit enabled me to take the lens prescription of Scripture to bring greater clarity to the vision of our present situation.

My hope is that people heard what God impressed upon my heart, because I believe those words will be one of the most impacting and relevant words our Church will ever hear for the season that we live in (before Christ's return).  The core issue of this message addresses the reality we face every day.  Realities, like how do I raise my kids in such a corrupt and fallen world?  Or... I hate how our country allows abortion, how do I save those lives?  It's ultimately a question of light and darkness... how are we to advance the Kingdom of God in a world that seeks to aggressively extinguish our light?  Yesterday we talked how the flesh advances the light (through motives of fear and how fear is rendered in many different faces/strategies).  Next week, we will talk about how the Spirit advances light!

If you want to listen, click here: http://www.missionfoursquare.com/index.php/resources/sermons.html.  The sermon doesn't begin until 10 minutes in, but I encourage you to pray along with the prayer at the beginning so that you can join with our Church in praying for the things we prayed for.

In other news... we had a good weekend.  Saturday was busy and good... although the power went out again at 6:30... what's up with all the power outages?  We've had three in the last two weeks.

After our gathering on Sunday, Ruby and I went to A&W with a few others and enjoyed our mama and teen burgers.  They were short staffed and so the average order was about 15 minutes.  Other patrons were verbally aggressive in their impatience.  We were able to put the Spirit to work and exercise patience and extend grace to the stressed/overworked staff.  It was good to catch up with Josh P. at lunch... he's been studying/commuting to BCIT for the last two years.  He and Renee's determination and perseverance to get through this season of life is nothing short of amazing.

Sunday afternoon we did some yard work.  Angela and Ruby planted their vegetable seeds and then vacuumed 5 pounds of raisins and cheerios from the car.  I got to mow the lawn and wash the car.

On Sunday night we had some friends over for a wiener roast in the backyard.  It was a good time of relaxing and chatting.  You can see the last bit of smoke in the photo above.

This week I get to work at the College, attend a few meetings, and cheer on the Canucks.  I hope you have a great week.  "This is the [week] the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps. 118:24 NIV)
  
  

Prayer Focus This Week

Church Family

• Shaela Warkentin (that her sight would be renewed and she would adjust well to being at home)
• Zain Krikau (improved Health)
• A friend of someone in our Church that is fighting leukemia
• A friend of someone in our Church that has an undiagnosed lump.
• Jim Moses (recovering, but still in need of a lot of healing especially in his leg/foot, heart, and lungs)
• Two families outside of our Church that are facing marital separation.
• Mike K. (neck injury)

Foursquare Family

• Northgate Foursquare Church (Gold River, BC); Campus Pastor Sam Alescio.
• Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)

Other Churches

• Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Slave Lake residents and town
• Flood and tornado areas in US and Canada
• BC & Canada
• Vancouver Canucks :)
• Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen, China

Road Rally & Garage Sale

Wow! What a day.  We had a ton of stuff to sell this morning at the garage sale and then a ton of fun at the Road Rally.  The Clark's did a great job as always organizing the sale!

Nelson Nation (Me, Ruby, Silas, and Christian) came 9th (out of 10 teams).  We got bombarded twice by hooligans loaded with toilet paper, silly string, dish soap, toothpaste, and bubble gum ice cream.

Below are some photos from the day...

Will Someone Please Stand Up

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 4)
Will Someone Please Stand Up (Acts 2:14)
May 29 - June 4, 2011 
 
PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Acts 2.  Continue to read Acts to get more comfortable with this part of our history.  We encourage you to make time to sit down and read all of Acts in one sitting at some point... the context of everything really hits home then.

DISCUSS
How do you respond to people that mock you and your faith?  Have you ever experienced mocking... why or why not?  What are the qualities of Peter’s speach that turn mockers into believers?  How can you apply Peter’s example to your life  and in our current setting?

LIVE
Take time this week to ask yourself... Ask yourself what part of your life you need to get more mature in: 1) integrity/conviction; 2) submitting and fellowshipping with the Church; or 3) operating in the power of the Spirit instead of my flesh.  The Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to do... follow His leading and empowering.

 

Friday Mashup

Funerals always get me pumped!  Yesterday, I attended Don Mundy's (Lynn Beisel's dad) memorial service.  I had never met the man, but I left inspired, challenged, humbled, and focused.  He was a great man because of the way Jesus had changed his life and the way in which he then followed Jesus into his family, friends, and community.  I heard the descriptive phrase, "He gave to a fault" four times during the service... yet, I bet if we had the chance to ask him now from his clearer view of Jesus, Don would have even given more!  It makes me ask the question, am I living with the temporary in focus or eternity?

After the funeral I returned to the Church office and saw Mr. & Mrs. Deer (see above). My first thought was, "mmmmm..... deer sausage!"

Last night I met with some of our ministry leaders and was encouraged with their updates.  Our Church is blessed to have men and women who sincerely love Jesus and then give of their talents and time to lead others back to the treasure they have found in Christ.  We spent some time debriefing on past events, planning for the Summer, and praying for one another and our Church.

Today, I'll be attending a couple meetings, studying for Sunday, praying for the Skatin team (Calvin Williams and crew are doing a weekend trip), and then preparing mentally for tomorrow's Road Rally.

Tomorrow, I'll pop by the Garage Sale to bless someone with my junk from our garage.  Then it's off to compete in the Road Rally.

This Sunday we continue in Acts... every week I get more and more pumped to study Acts and share it with our Church family.   I'm also pretty excited to see this Sunday's Newsletter... it's a good blue colour and features a picture of our latest missions team who recently returned from their ministry in the slums of BC. :)

Have a great weekend and I hope to see you Saturday and Sunday!

Monday Morning Thoughts

Happy Victoria Day!  I don't know how you'll celebrate the late Queen's birthday, but I'll be heading over to the Church to finish some of the landscaping ties at the front entrance and then over to Richmond for dinner at the in-laws.

We had a great service yesterday.  About half the Church was away on a field trip where they experienced a foretaste of the destiny of those that don't know Jesus.  On a more serious note, Tony lead worship with just an acoustic guitar and it was fantastic.  I love Tony's heart because he reflects the grace and love of Jesus.  Val and Lois gave an update on Shaela Warkentin (she goes in for surgery on Thursday at UCLA to see if they recover any amount of site in her one eye) and then we prayed for her.  To find out more about Shaela go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shaela.  We then looked at Acts 2:1-13 and saw the miracle that is the gift of the Holy Spirit... to know that God would dwell within us is an honour, blessing, and awesome responsibility.

Sunday afternoon we had the Friesen's over to watch the Canucks game.  They brought us Wendy's so it was quick and easy.  The game had a great outcome, although I wish the ref's would just let both teams play!  The last two games have been atrocious officiating (on both sides).

Last night we had our neighbours over for a wiener roast in the backyard (that's my kind of camping).  It was great to catch up with them and share life.  I then went over to their house and helped them move a couple couches.  On the way back I noticed that someone driving by our house through a large packet of mustard out their window and some of it splattered on my car.  So, out came the hose and I prayed for the punk that did it.

This week, I have a few meetings, work at the College, garage sale, and road rally!  It will be a busy and fun week.  I hope you have a good week and that you make time to be with Jesus (it's the most efficient use of our time).

  

Prayer Focus This Week

Church Family

• Shaela Warkentin (that her sight would be renewed and she would adjust well to being at home)
• Zain Krikau (improved Health)
• A friend of someone in our Church that is fighting leukemia
• Jim Moses (recovering, but still in need of a lot of healing especially in his leg/foot, heart, and lungs.)
• Two families that have faced to loss of a loved one.

Foursquare Family

• Northgate Foursquare Church (Campbell River, BC); Campus Pastor Matt Delblanc.

Other Churches

• Mission Hills Community Church (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Slave Lake residents and town
• Flood and tornado areas in US and Canada
• BC & Canada
• Nations of Libya, Syria, and Iran

Look Who Blew Into Town!

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 3)
Great Expectations (Acts 2:1-13)
May 22-28, 2011 

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.  

STUDY
Read Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.  Continue to read Acts to get more comfortable with this part of our history. 

DISCUSS
What is it about the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost is encouraging to you?  Have you been amazed and perplexed lately by the power of the Spirit?  If not, why not?  How do you handle rejection by others.

LIVE
Take time this week to get together with other Christians and pray.  It could be in your family, your small group, or a group of friends.  Simply wait upon the Lord for direction by His Spirit.  If the Spirit leads you to pray for certain people or situations, do that.  If the Spirit leads you to certain actions, follow up on them.  Doing something like this may be new and scary to you, but it will result in the life you created to live.
  

Camping Hate & Friday Mashup

Love this time of year!  There's a whisper in the air that is filled great expectations of summer.  The sun is out and the temperature is perfect.  If the weather were like this all summer, my productivity would double.  Unfortunately, it will get get hot and I shut down in the heat.

Not only do I not like heat, but I don't like camping.  One of the worst feelings is waking up in a tent that is either damp or baking (if you've ever slept in a tent at Creation in George, WA you know what I mean).  Combine the humidity or heat with a horrible sleeping surface (either a little foamy, blow-up mattress [that always deflates at 4:00am], or nothing) and you've got a "great" start to the day.  To make matters worse, you not only planned for this experience, but you used up holidays/weekends, and you paid for it!

"That's why we got a travel trailer!" You reply proudly.  To which I reply, "Yeah... you paid $5,000 - $50,000 for the honour of having a depreciating trailer park in your driveway for 359 days of the year... sign me up!"

You can obviously tell that I dislike camping.  If you know me well, you also know that I hate lineups and crowds.  That's why I don't understand people that go camping on long weekends.  It's the perfect storm.  That's why this weekend you'll find me smiling from ear to ear... I'll be thinking of those poor suckers who are stuck somewhere between Hope and the Port Mann at 5:00pm this Monday evening.  I'll be thinking of those people with aches in their back.  I'll be thinking of those people who have to spend Monday evening repacking a tent, wiping out coolers, throwing loads of clothes into the washer, and putting cream on their sunburns.  The smart ones will sleep in their own beds this weekend :)

I find a lot of people that love camping, love it because they get to get away from their life... they get to escape.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to escape my life.  My life is ordered by God and I wouldn't trade it for anything... especially camping.

Anyways... today I'm working at the Church office and will mow the lawn (love it!).  Tonight is Canucks!  Tomorrow is yard work and errands!!  Sunday will be Church and puttering.  Monday will be yard work at the Church and then a family dinner.

I hope you have a great weekend.  If you are going camping, I hope you have a great time (I really do) and I admire your ability to consider it pure joy when you bring trials on yourself. :)
 

"Monday Morning" Thoughts

I survived!  Both kids are alive after a weekend alone with their dad.  Angela even came home to a clean house!  I was able to vacuum, sweep, clean-up the garage, eat through leftovers (I'm usually a leftover snob), and build a garden bed.  I honestly don't write that to brag, because I am so far from being a perfect Dad or husband.  There is nothing in and of myself that would ever do those things... it's only by the grace of God and and His grace extended through Angela.  So, I brag about the work of the cross in me, as I (slowly) transform into Christ's likeness by His power and grace.

Dairn preached a great sermon yesterday on the grace of God.  It felt like everyone released a collective sigh as Dairn explained the good of the Good News.  The sigh came when He explained that salvation isn't earned, but that it is a gift for anyone who simply dies to self.  When we lay down our life for Christ, we share in His death AND His resurrection!  Even today in our Church and culture it is easy for us to think that we have to do certain things to win God's favour, but His favour is found in and through Jesus (His work, not ours!).  When we get that, it changes how we live.  Our faith no longer becomes burdensome or filled with guilt and shame, but it comes with an amazing freedom and life.  I still don't think the majority of Christians even really believe the Good News, because our actions and attitudes usually say that we are striving to earn His favour.

Yesterday afternoon Ruby and I watched The Wiggles in "Wiggle Bay"... wow, is that ever painful.  Later, I got to go watch the game at Mission Springs with some friends... that was much better.

Sunday ended up much better than it started.  I was up between 2:00am and 4:00am with Charlie (he thought it was 9:00am).  I remember at one point in the night praying, "Lord, you shut the mouths of lions, please shut the mouth of my son."  He was crying up a storm.  At one point I brought him into my bed where he proceeded to poke my face and say, "Hi, dada!" over and over.

This week, I've got a few meetings and will be preparing Sunday's message.  If you didn't create an opportunity to wait on the Spirit this week, please make time to do so this week.  It will be the best use of your time.

Prayer Focus This Week

Prayer Focus This Week:  Shaela Warkentin (that her sight would be renewed and she would adjust well to being at home); Zain Krikau (improved Health); a friend of someone in our Church that is fighting leukemia; Jim Moses (on life support after a major heart attack and it looks like he'll lose his leg); Mission Hills Community Church (Mission, BC); Northgate Foursquare Church (Gold River, BC).

Friday Mashup

Having the sun out is great!  It's perfect weather right now.  Although with the weather comes mowing the lawn.  It seemed like the grass grew about 6" this week.  I mowed my lawn last night and I plan to mow the Church lawn this afternoon.

You'll notice in this Sunday's Newsletter that the Mission Foursquare Lawn & Garden Society is now processing applications for new members.  New members will get to ride a lawn mower, weed whack, weed, and trim.  I know it sounds crazy, but yardwork is probably my favourite thing to do.  If you gave me the choice between a week in Hawaii and a week in my yard, I would choose the yard every time.

I haven't got a chance to build my garden boxes in my back yard, but I hope to pull it off while watching Charlie and Ruby tomorrow.  Angela is away this weekend with a bunch of ladies from our Church in Whistler.  I hope they have a fantastic time (and that they're home in time for me watch the game in peace and quiet).

I hope you have a great weekend and that I get to see you Sunday!

 

Update on Shaela Warkentin

Even though Shaela lives in California our Church has a very close connection to her.... Shaela's Grandma, Aunt and Uncle, and cousins attend our Church.  I've met Shaela a couple times on family visits to Mission and she is a great girl!

We have been praying for her constantly (and will continue to do so) since the car crash.  Her faith is inspiring as you can see in the following clip:

Grace-Based Parenting

When Terry Janzen (Port Coquitlam Campus Pastor of Northside Foursquare Church and a former youth pastor of 20-some years!) recommended "Grace-Based Parenting" (by Dr. Tim Kimmel) to me a couple years ago as one the best books he has read on parenting (and he's read a lot), I knew I needed to read it.  It's now the book we give out at baby dedications and I highly recommend every parent read it (in addition to daily reading of Scripture).

I read parts of back then, but I made time to read all of tonight... and it is even better than I remember it (perhaps because parenting has become even more relevant to me with growing kids).  :)

Dr. Kimmel does an excellent job of marrying sound theology with practical application.  He describes the big picture well and then gives practical scenarios (in the real world, not the Christian bubble) that put flesh on God's truth.  The thrust of the book is that if parents are being parented by God then they'll be great parents.  In other words, if we raise our kids in the way that God raises us, things will be okay (if we don't trust that then we fundamentally don't trust God).  The author is not one of those guys where grace is a license to do whatever we want, but he argues that grace is the culture and attitude where truth can be planted and take root.  Dr. Kimmel believes that every child has a fundamental need of security, significance, and strength.  He follows that up with comments that all three are answered in love, purpose, and hope (and then describes how to live those out in the real world).

It's a refreshing read.  One that I plan on reading again in a couple years.  I'll put a couple copies in the Church library for circulation.  If you want to have your own, you can buy it at Amazon.
 

 

A Tale of Three Kings

I finally made time to read Gene Edward's, "A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness".  It's a quick and brilliant read.  You can get it on Amazon, but I'll put a couple copies in the Church library for circulation.

Gene colourfully reflects on the differences between King Saul, David, and Absalom by creatively (and quite accurately) filling in gaps to the story.  His writing has a Max Lucado style.  It speaks to the difference between a king that is suited for the Kingdom of God and and earthly king.  One seeks the approval of man and rules like a dictator, the other seeks the approval of God and rules like a servant.  This process of becoming a servant is found in how we respond to the things that try to break us... do we take matters into our own hands or do we humbly trust God?

It's a must read for anyone in Church leadership and it's a must read for anyone that has been (or is presently being) hurt by Church leadership.  I found it convicting and inspiring.

 

Monday Morning Thoughts

How was your Mother's Day?  The photo above is a picture of the moms in my life.  I always feel for Angela on these days because I am out the door early and don't get to do the traditional stuff with the family.  However, we are working towards changing the way things are done within our Church so that Sunday morning service prep doesn't land fully on my shoulders.  Having one person do the same thing over and over is not healthy or sustainable.  At our Church we don't use people to get the job done, we use the job to get the people done.

I thought yesterday's service was good.  Karin did a great job of leading us in worship.  A few of the lines from some of the songs that we sung are still rolling around in my mind... "And we can see that, God, You're moving.  A mighty river through the nations.  When young and old return to Jesus. Fling wide, you heavenly gates.  Prepare the way of the risen Lord."  I think it's reflective and prophetic of where we are and where we are going.

I thought the words I shared yesterday were a bit boring at times (in their presentation), but Angela liked it, so that's a great thing in my mind.  I've posted the message online at http://www.missionfoursquare.com/index.php/resources/sermons.html.

On Saturday I enjoyed a nice lunch with Jim & Karin Olsen.  I always find my time spent with them encouraging and inspiring.  They are a modern day Brady Brunch and their lives testify to God's faithfulness, generosity, redemption, and blessing.  We went over some details for the upcoming Road Rally and a few other events.  Our Church family is blessed to have them!

After lunch, we headed to a one year old's birthday party and it was a lot of fun (really).  The food and punch was good.  Good conversations took place and the Canucks game was on in the background.

I was a bit moody on Saturday night at the end of the Canucks game (they lost).  I don't know why, but whenever people come in the room and say, "ohhh... they're not doing very well." it irks me.  Casual fans bug me... but I'm working on learning to love even them.

After Church, I picked up Subway and brought it home and we had a relaxing afternoon.  My sister and bro-in-law came over for hamburgers.  The food was good and the company was even better.

This week, I've got a few things on the go... working at the College, building some raised garden beds for Angela and the kids to plant some vegetables, a few meetings, watching the kids while Angela's away at the women's weekend, and some gardening.

I'm looking forward to next Sunday as we have a guest speaker, Dairn Peters (Associate Pastor at Kingsway Foursquare Church in Burnaby).  I hope you have a great week being open to the Spirit's leading and empowering!

Prayer Focus This Week

Prayer Focus This Week:  Shaela Warkentin (that her sight would be renewed); Zain Krikau (improved Health); a friend of someone in our Church that is fighting leukemia; Jim Moses (on life support after a major heart attack); Mission Evangelical Free Church (Mission, BC); Sri Lankan Foursquare Christian Assembly (St. Laurent, QC).

Great Expectations

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 2)
Great Expectations (Acts 1:9-26)
May 8-14, 2011

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Acts 1; Matthew 28:16-20.

DISCUSS
What do you do when you are waiting for the Lord for direction?  What did the early followers of Christ do?  What crosses your mind when you hear that the Church started with 120 followers?

LIVE
Take time this week to get together with other Christians and pray.  It could be in your family, your small group, or a group of friends.  Simply wait upon the Lord for direction by His Spirit.  If the Spirit leads you to pray for certain people or situations, do that.  If the Spirit leads you to certain actions, follow up on them.  Doing something like this may be new and scary to you, but it will result in the life you created to live.

Now What? Week: 1

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 1)
Power to Be My Witnesses (Acts 1:1-8)
May 1 - 7, 2011

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Exodus 24-25 and Acts 1-2.  Take time to reflect on the significance of these two events.  What similarities do you see?  Pick apart the words in Acts and figure out what they mean (www.biblestudytools.com is a good place to start).

DISCUSS
What is the primary purpose of the Church?  Is that your primary purpose?  What role is the Spirit of God to play in our life?

LIVE
Ask God to baptize you with His Spirit (each and every day).  Pray and look for opportunities for you to meet a need.  When God prompts your heart with something you need to do, don’t be afraid, but step out in the power of the Spirit and do.

Friday Mashup

Well, I only got poop on me twice more since Sunday's diaper change.  My kids and I had a great week at Nana and Papa's house.  We ate lots of good food, went for walks on the beach, cheered on the Canucks, watched election coverage, and played with all of the different toys a new house provides.  Angela got to sleep in for the first time in about four years.  I even did some dishes.

I got to have some good chats with my parents about the "Sandwich Generation".  I'm looking forward to putting some more thoughts towards this unique aspect of our culture.  I'm not sure who coined the term, but the Sandwich Generation people who are taking care of aging parents while also supporting their own kids or have grand kids.  There are a lot of unique dynamics with this demographic and it has many interesting implications for our society and the Church.

Last night Mark & Katy came over for waffles, strawberries, and bacon (I am still full as of 10am this morning) and our weekly viewing of American Idol.  We cheered on the Canucks and we must be doing something right because they won again.  Mark & Katy's daughter has the best "blowing kisses" move you will ever see.

Tonight we're going over to the Vanson's house for dinner.  I'm looking forward to hearing about Bernie & Lynda's trip to Mexico and learning by observation how to be great hosts (they are some of the most gracious people you will ever meet).

I'm looking forward to Mother's Day this Sunday.  As lame as hallmark holidays are, they are still a lot of fun.  The kids get to make cheezy crafts and attempt to make a good breakfast.  The real surprise would be if it tasted edible.

Tomorrow I've got a lunch meeting and then a one year old's birthday party.

My planned events for today are to finish the sermon for Sunday.  Get the eNewsletter out.  Pray for a number of difficult situations connected to our Church family and follow up with them.  When you make time, please pray for Jim Moses (he's on life support after suffering a major heart attack) and his family.  There are a number of other matters as well that need our prayers, so if you're not on the email prayer list, please stay in the loop and get added by emailing Peter & Viola Ewert (ewertpv@shaw.ca).

Monday Morning Thoughts

Yesterday was a good gathering.  I really enjoyed our time in worship through music.  I loved hearing about the miraculous healing of an eye. Carmen's testimony was authentic and encouraging.  She hit it out of the park with her song... it should be recorded and shared with the world.  I think that it would be a huge encouragment to millions of people.

Not feeling too hot about my thoughts as I shared them yesterday.  A number of people have given me verbal feedback of how they appreciated the words shared, but I feel I was a bit too harsh at moments.  A sermon should never be a rant and it had flavours of that.   I won't get a chance to hear it again until Friday (it will be posted then) so I'll have to save my final reflection until I hear it again. I've been working on using notes less and spending more time in preparation; perhaps the casualty of less notes (at this point) is accuracy of delivery and therefore fairness to the text and my responsibility.

Following the service I  got to enjoy a great lunch at Mr. Mike's with our Elders.  We have the best Elders in the world.  They are so humble and gracious.  There is no political or religious agenda, just a sincere desire to love and care for others the same way Christ has loved and cared for them.  They are all giants in the faith and I look up to them very much.


On a less serious note, I had a chicken club sandwich at Mr. Mike's and it was awesome.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy their food, so I think I'll have to head back there soon.

Following our Sunday lunch I headed back home to swap car seats (I HATE doing that... my knuckles seem to get cut every time) and pick up the kidlins.  We hopped on the five o'clock ferry and set sail for Campbell River.  I'll be here for a few days with the kids so Angela can have a break from being the world's best mom and our kids can spend some time with their Nana and Papa.  I'll have to watch what I eat because most trips to my parents results in an extra five pounds.

Funny story... as we were waiting to disembark from the ferry, Charlie got that look in his eye and filled his diaper with some ripe smelling poop.  I looked at the vehicle lineup and thought I could change him in time.  So there I was leaning back from the driver's seat, changing his diaper, Ruby freaking out in the background, "Dad!! Poop is going to get everywhere", when the vehicles in front of me start to exit the boat.  I had enough time to wipe his butt clean, but in the process get poop on my thumb.  I launched his bare bum into his seat, wiped the majority of the poop off my thumb, and drove off the boat.  I quickly realized that this particular terminal went right on to a public road, so I had to quickly pull off annoying all the ferry traffic, slap a diaper on Charlie, get both kids buckled, talk Ruby down from here OCD leanings, clean my thumb properly, and merge back into traffic.

I am looking forward to this week.  I hope you are looking forward to yours.  With Christ, the best is always yet to come!  I hope you are 'open for business' this week as you allow the Spirit to lead, empower, and grace you with the gifts and presence that those we come in contact with need so much (Acts 1:8).

 

Prayer Focus This Week

Prayer Focus This Week:  Shaela Warkentin (Accident in California); Zain Krikau (Improved Health); two families connected to our Church going through difficult situations;  Mission Alliance Church (Mission, BC), Journey Christian Fellowship (New Westminster, BC); and the nations of Libya, Afghanistan, and Syria.