Waking up from Hibernation

After getting called a pumpkin on Sunday, I guess it's not much of a stretch to call me a bear.  I woke up this morning at 4:45am ready to go for the day... this is normal for the fall, but not the summer.  I guess fall is coming early this year and my summer hibernation is over.

One of the reasons I write on this blog is to communicate the reality that being involved in formal/vocational ministry is a lot of fun and that just about anyone can do it.  While there are definitely difficult moments and seasons full of personal and family sacrifice, the joy and privilege that it is to serve in this capacity is simply awesome.  This is the reason that I often write about the personal side of my life and add some reflection about our Church.  This morning, however, I feel the need to communicate more of God's written Word (not just today, but into this new "year").

I was reading Psalm 149 this morning when the phrase 'he crowns the humble with salvation' jumped off the page.  As someone who often errs on the side of self-confidence/pride, I need to be reminded of this daily.  I think know this is the reason why I am often brought to tears in worship on Sundays, in my morning commute, and at random times when the grace of God hits me in a new way.  It is in these moments that I realize the foolishness of my arrogance, self-righteousness, and self-reliance.  It is in these moments that I realize the graciousness of our God.  Grace found in the form of patience, provision, health, family, friends, a Church family, and most importantly, salvation through Jesus Christ.  God has been been so good to me and to think that I often believe that the things which are good in my life are the result of my own doing or good fortune!  This brings me to the second reason for tears... shear gratitude. From gratitude God then moves me to action.  I know that God has blessed me not just so that I might praise Him, but that I might taste the fruit of their fulfillment as the goodness and greatness of our God is experienced in those who cross my path.  God said it best when he said that we are blessed to be a blessing.  My limited experience has taught me that the greatest blessing to me personally doesn't happen when I am blessed, but when I give that blessing away.  The fulfillment and pleasure that comes from seeing God's grace bloom and bless others starts with that place of humility where salvation is found.

If you're feeling confident in your self and self-made this morning, I hope that the power of the cross humbles you and that your confidence is replaced with what Christ has made you (this will render you grateful and not deserving/self-entitled).  If you're feeling beat-up this morning, I hope that you will see that the power of the cross builds/heals you and that your wounds are replaced with the love and hope we have in Christ.

That's what we're about and I guess in some ways, it's kind of like waking up from hibernation.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I'm surprised that the police didn't knock on my door Friday night.  Earlier that evening I got some plants given to me that I needed to dig up, transfer, and then plant that night.  By the time I got home it was pitch black, so I pulled out a work light to help me get the plants in the ground.  There I was, in the middle of my backyard digging a hole at night.  There were even a few points where I had to use an axe to chop out some roots.  I laughed pretty hard one time when I raised the axe above my head only to see my shadow (three times larger than life) cast on the back row of hedges... it was a perfect silhouette of something you'd probably see in a horror flick.  After some sweating scrambling around I was able to get them all in and watered by midnight.

We woke up at 6am on Saturday to head over to Victoria for my nephew's birthday party.  It was a long day, but so good to see and hang out with family.  On the way there, Ruby asked me cynically... "Dad, will there be any good food?"  Angela and I started laughing because she's only four and she already has my values and attitudes... 'cause it's not a party unless there is some good food'.  We were fortunate to be welcomed by lots of great food!  We feasted on fresh fruit, salmon, Ice Capp's, and cake pops (a delightful cream cheese chocolate cake mounted on the end of a stick and coated in icing).  We raced home with heart burn and were able to get home around 10pm.

Sunday was a fun day too.  Chad did a fantastic job of leading us in song to worship Jesus.  Aaron was rocking it in the sound booth.  The Chapman family served a great breakfast.  Eugene & Catherine survived the Freedom Sessions training seminar and gave us a short intro to this program.  Our faithful and generous team of Children's helpers and teachers did a phenomenal job as usual.  We read a huge chunk of Acts and we were inspired by Stephen's faith.  Angela attended a family friends memorial Sunday afternoon so I watched the kids.  We napped, made pizza, and played in the back yard.

It was a full and good weekend.  This week is another busy week.  However, I will be challenged by Stephen's example to not just fall into default mode, but to live dynamically in the Spirit following His voice.  I hope you have a great week!

Friday Mashup

It's Friday already?!  There are weeks that fly by and then there are weeks that just disappear.  This was one of those weeks.  Too much work and too little week.  I had some good meetings this week and got a lot done at the Bible College.  This morning I taught Isaac how to swing a pick axe and the rest of today is administrative stuff and sermon preparation.

Tomorrow we're hanging out with some of my family then on Sunday we get to worship God and dig in to Acts!  That's about all I have time for today.  I hope you have a great weekend.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I decided on a morning tea. Angela gave me a hard time about my process... but I am making a decision that will impact me every day for the next 40 years.

On my morning commutes to the college I take the best travel mug money can buy (Starbucks porcelain mug that I got for my birthday). Angela has been buying a President's Choice brand of tea that just doesn't taste good. I finally thought to myself, "why am I drinking such bad tea?  Surely there is a better tea at a comparable price?"  So, on Saturday night I went to the local grocery stores and bought one of every brand of orange pekoe.  I came home and set out the mugs, measured my milk and sugar, and began steeping. In the end I decided on the Overwaitea brand.

Even though that was a big decision, much more important things were accomplished this weekend. I went on a date with Angela (long overdue). Thanks to Renee for watching our hooligans. On Sunday we had Rev. Deo share and that was cool. Then on Sunday night we went over to Jordan and Steph's for a bonfire.  We also got word that two of Angela's friends from highschool had a parent succumb to cancer. We will be praying for their families as they respond to this loss.

This week I've got lots of meetings, a day trip to Victoria for my nephew's birthday party, and a ton of prep work for the fall season. It will be a full and fun week.

Prayer Focus

Church Family

• Friend of Rob G. who is fighting cancer.
• Co-worker of Rob G. who was in a serious car accident.
• Friend of Angela N. who is fighting cancer.
• Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer.
• Shaela Warkentin (eyesight)
• Zain Krikau (Health)
• Mike K. (Health)

Foursquare Family

• Living Waters Foursquare Church (Princeton, BC)
• Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)

Other Churches

• Zion Christian Fellowship (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Premier Clark & MLA's
• Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
• Norway, Somalia, Afghanistan, India, UK

Post-it Notes & Fruit

This week was a preview for the next five weeks of my life as things are ramping up at the Bible College for the Fall semester.  What did this week and what will the next five look like?  16 hour days, a gracious wife,  and a smile on my face.  I love this time of year... people are returning from holidays and getting ready for another school year; I get to meet a bunch of new students (many of whom are called to vocational ministry); and the weather is perfect.

Yesterday I golfed for the second time this week (I know that it's a stretch to call that work) at the Foursquare Invitational.  I enjoyed golfing with some good friends and we raised around $4,000 for scholarships and youth camp.

Today I'm working on stuff for our gathering tomorrow.  I'm really looking forward to Rev. Deo coming to share his testimony tomorrow.  Deo is from the DR of Congo where he works with Foursquare and ICM.  His dramatic conversion from Islam to faith in Christ is a great story of God's power to save.  If you're in the area tomorrow make sure you come out at 10:00am to hear him.

In other news, my office was bombarded with post-it notes.  I think it was Jonathan C. and few of his cronies.  My suspicion is still be to be confirmed.

I was reading Hebrews 13 this morning when verse 15 jumped off the page (I think due in part to Dave's message a couple weeks back)... "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name."  It made me ask the question, what is the fruit of my lips?  Are my words centred around me or are they centred around the Good News and Work of Jesus?  That then lead me to ask myself the question, if praise for Jesus isn't consuming my speech perhaps I'm spending more time focused on myself then following and relying on Him?  These words were an encouragement to realize again the need to follow Him in every moment... if I do that, praise will come naturally and joyfully.

Embracing Growth

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 15)
Embracing Growth (Acts 6:1-7)
August 14-20, 2011

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Savior and Lord. Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His. Invite Him to search your heart and make Himself known.

STUDY
Read Acts 6. 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
What does a healthy Church look like?  What does healthy Church leadership look like?  Have you ever tried, either directly or indirectly, to stop growth?  Have you ever embraced growth/change?  What are/can you do to embrace health and growth for our Church?  Why is/isn’t this important?

LIVE
Take time this week to consider what your place/calling is in our Church.  Let our Church leaders know what your calling is so that it can be weighed, affirmed, and activated.

Prayer Focus This Week

Church Family

• Friend of Rob G. who is fighting cancer.
• Co-worker of Rob G. who was in a serious car accident.
• Friend of Angela N. who is fighting cancer.
• Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer.
• Shaela Warkentin (eyesight)
• Zain Krikau (Health)
• Mike K. (Health)

Foursquare Family

• Westbank Foursquare Church (Westbank, BC)
• Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)

Other Churches

• West Heights Gospel Chapel (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Premier Clark & MLA's
• Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
• Norway, Somalia, Afghanistan

Friday Mashup

The Mission Foursquare Church Geyser has been stopped... thanks to the quick work of John C. the parking lot was dug up and the leaking pipe repaired all in a day!

This week... I worked at the Church for a bit on Monday then weeded in my backyard a bunch.  Tuesday evening, I met with Eugene & Catherine D. to talk about our plans for the Fall in running Freedom Sessions.  The more we talked the more we got excited about the good things that will happen in and through this program.  On Wednesday night I worked on our bathroom renovation (yes, it's still in progress).

Today I've got lots to do at the Church.  The Justice Festival starts tonight and runs this weekend.  The Chili Cook-off is this Sunday.  The Skatin Team leaves on Sunday too.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I was about to head into PLBC today when I received a call from Isaac saying that mini geyser has been discovered in our parking lot.  Looks like we have a leak in our water line.  City workers are here trying to find the water shutoff.  This will be my excitement for the next couple days!

Yesterday was an interesting service... in hindsight, I would have structured things a little differently, but that's looking at things with 20/20.  It was nice to have Chad back leading us in worship.  The Vanson's rocked the breakfast.  Dave preached a challenging message on not being ashamed to speak Christ's name.  And we had some special guests from California... the Warkentin family.  We've been praying for Shaela Warkentin and her family for the past five months as she was involved in a horrific car accident and lost her sight.  Yesterday, Shaela and her three sisters sang a beautiful song.

Following the service a number of families went out to Hayward Lake and enjoyed perfect weather for a picnic at the beach.   It was sunny with a warm breeze.  We built sandcastles, went swimming, relaxed on blankets and chairs, and enjoyed good food.  I enjoyed getting to know a couple people better by hearing some of their life's story.

This week is our second annual Chili Cook-off.  I am really looking forward to this year's event... it's going to be even better than last year!

Prayer Focus This Week

Prayer Focus This Week

Church Family

• Friend of Rob G. who is fighting cancer.
• Co-worker of Rob G. who was in a serious car accident.
• Friend of Angela N. who is fighting cancer (only one week to live)
• Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer.
• Friend of Laurie C. whose family was in car accident.
• Shaela Warkentin (eyesight)
• Zain Krikau (Health)
• Mike K. (Health)

Foursquare Family

• Harvest Church (Kelowna, BC)
• Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)

Other Churches

• The Crosscurrent (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Premier Clark & MLA's
• Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
• Norway, Somalia, Israel, Haiti, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen

What Persecution?

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 14)
What Persecution? (Acts 5:17-42)
By David Parsons
August 7-13, 2011

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Savior and Lord. Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His. Invite Him to search your heart and make Himself known.

STUDY
Read Acts 5 and Luke 9:23-26. 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
What is persecution? Have you personally faced persecution because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so share that testimony with someone this week. Why do you think that the North American Church does not experience the level of persecution that other Christians do? Is it because we live in a free society or is it because we have already lost our voice.

LIVE
Consider how your life would be different if you daily shared your testimony and witnessed that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Ask God to give you the wisdom and the power to be His witness every day and everywhere.

Friday Mashup

I never thought I'd watch 15 hours of Robin Hood in one day, but that was my Wednesday.  Beginning Tuesday afternoon I felt my body lock up with aches in my joints and so I left the College and slept at home for 12 hours.  I woke up the next day still feeling horrible, but not able to sleep so I watched 15 hours of Robin Hood on Netflix (we're trying out the free month).  I slept for another 12 hours the next night and woke up on Thursday morning feeling okay.  I'm not sure if it was a flu or what, but it wasn't fun.

Last night was awesome.  I got to hang out at Hotel Hersey with good friends and enjoy their cool new place and good food.  We drove a sweet go-kart, chased frogs, and learned about gates.

This morning I've got three energetic and passionate interns sitting in my office.  Isaac, our faithful intern, and two missionaries/interns from Northridge Foursquare Church.  We'll be going over a bit of what I do on Fridays, showing them the beauty of Mission, and giving them an opportunity to put their servant's heart to work.  Isaac is a lucky man.

Tonight I'm going to a Lions' game with my brother-in-law.  I'm looking forward to stealing my boss' (at the College) free parking spot before he gets there.  Tomorrow I'm hanging with my in-laws in Port Moody... always good to spend time with the fam'.  I hope to get to my lawn tomorrow as well (parts of it are a foot tall).

On Sunday, Dave is preaching from Acts... it's a really good passage so I'm pumped.  Following the service we're heading over to Hayward Lake for a picnic.   You're all welcome to join.

I'll leave you with Isaac's infamous dance at his sister's wedding: