Monday Morning Thoughts

Had a fantastic weekend. I spent Saturday observing the honouring of a few people.  Sharon Ens (mother of Christy W.) is now with Jesus and we got to celebrate the Good News of Jesus by the reality that death is simply a promotion to an eternity with our Creator and Savior.

On Saturday night, the Lambert's celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family. What was cool about this celebration is that the celebration centered on the grace and power of Jesus in their marriage, not on their ability or self-righteousness. Their testimony of the change Jesus brought to their lives and marriage is simply awesome!

We had a great gathering on Sunday morning. The Humphrey's welcomed and served us with breakfast, Chad lead us in worship, and Dave blessed us through the Word. I got to serve our Grade 4-6 students in Sunday School and the opportunity blessed me so much.  It had been too long since I got to serve Jesus in this way. I enticed my class with a $5 reward for each one that comes to me next Sunday and recites their memory verse. They thought I was crazy, but I'd be crazy not to take the resources God has given me and invest it in them for their blessing and the blessing of others. I hope to have an empty wallet this Sunday.

Sunday afternoon we went over to the Friesen's for a bonfire. It was nice to relax around the fire, chat about various things, and watch some of the skinnier guys try to climb on Jon's stucco. The kids rode bikes and played road hockey. I hate how busyness and life circumstances sometimes creates great gaps in time between meeting up with good friends.

Towards the end of last week we got news back from Angela's last CT scan. The scan reported that there wasn't any sign of new cancerous growth. We are pretty excited about that news. Tomorrow, Angela goes in for a stomach scope, which is the most accurate test. Her stomach is 'ground zero' for the cancer and the scoping tool should be able to take a tissue sample for biopsy. The doctors consider the situation hopeless, but we are asking God to do the "impossible".

My mom sent me this verse this morning and I was encouraged by it, "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." (Psalm 112:7).  No one but God knows what this week will hold.  No one but God is worthy of my complete trust.  To Him, I give my life, my wife, my family, and this week.  Through Jesus, the best is always yet to come!

Merry Monday

Merry Monday to you!  I hope you had a good weekend where you were able to find rest so that you can do the good works God has prepared just for you.

Angela begins her fifth round of chemo today.  This round will be four weeks long as we're taking an extra week off from chemo for Easter.  That means that there are only seven weeks left of chemo before we take a significant break and do some more tests.  At that time, Angela will get a scope (camera down her throat) and a PET scan (indicates places of significant cell reproduction). The last CT scan revealed that there hasn't been any new growth (at least that they can see with this kind of scan), so that's been good news for us.

I didn't end up going on the mini-retreat with students from the College so I got some other work done while Angela was away with the kids at her parents.  We played hooky from Church yesterday and while we missed being with our Church family, it was good for us to challenge our external religious tendencies.  We slept in (I'm a big fan of 'Fall Back', but I hate 'Spring Ahead'), had brunch at ABC, went to Walmart and picked up Ruby's new car seat (she's been a good eater and is finally at 40lbs), popped into Ikea and bought a few things, then caught 'The Lorax' at the theatre.  We came home, ate some leftover pizza (tried out the new Ricardo's by the Church building... not too shabby), bathed the kids and put them to bed.

I'm watching the kids today.  It's not even mid afternoon and we've already built a tower taller than Charlie, fed the neighbour's goats a few apples, rode our bikes, spilled hot chocolate all over the kitchen, and watched a few episodes of dinosaur train.

Strange Rite of Passage

In a spontaneous moment of parenting, Angela and I decided that our kids wouldn't be allowed to taste pop or gum until they were five.  It was created as a joke, but then stuck around to become an official rite of passage.  Ruby turned five yesterday and experienced the bubbles of Coke and sweetness of bubble gum.  She enjoyed both.

In addition to this new experience we hosted our first birthday party at McDonald's.  Due to Angela's energy level and the hyper nature of five-year-olds it made for a perfect venue.  We also discovered the beauty of Rhoda.  Rhoda is an elderly lady who works the lobby at the Mission McDonald's and she really knows how to host a birthday party!

Today we gathered with our Church and it was awesome.   I love our Church and I love what God is doing in and through us.  I was encouraged through the conversations I had with a few people at how God is doing His good work.  One reported on a couple family members that are coming to faith in Christ.  Another on a ministry that blends their passion/hobby with people that don't yet know Christ.  And then another with a young man that is seeking to find answers to tough questions so that his faith and his answers would be solid for his friends at school.

Lately, I've been working on living life closer to my priorities and not happen stance.  It has resulted in more exercise, more prayer, more reflection on Scripture, longer conversations with others, and more apologies to my wife.  It has been really good.

I will be around the College this week and then away with some students for a weekend retreat. Catherine is preaching on Sunday from the next part in Acts.  I hope you have a great week, living not by sight, but by faith!

 
 

We had our Annual General Meeting yesterday and it was our best attendance to date.  Hopefully you didn't find it too painful.  The highlight for me was watching the 2011 video annual (see above).  I've watched it four times and it chokes me up every time.  If you want to watch it, email me (clint@parksidechurch.ca) for the password.

Angela wasn't feeling very well today so I stayed home and played Super Dad.  I made some killer pancakes and fruit smoothies for breakfast.  At lunch I made some fine 'beans and wieners'.  Catherine brought us a delicious dinner.

I'm not sure what the rest of this week will hold.  I am looking forward to studying Acts some more as we approach Sunday.  I am looking forward to teaching at the College on Wednesday.  I am not looking forward to Ruby's birthday party on Saturday.  I'm excited for her turning five, but I don't enjoy the birthday party thing.  I am looking forward to many moments of being in His Word and talking with Him.

I hope you have a great week.
 
 

Bikini Season for Christians

In a few months, magazines at our local check-outs will begin to feature their seven tips and nine steps to getting our bodies ready for summer.  Similarly, with today being Clean Monday and Ash Wednesday's arrival on Wednesday, this is the season where traditional Churches begin an emphasis on the virtue of penance (through Lent).  It is a 46 day spiritual bootcamp in preparation for Easter.  I call it bikini season for Christians.

There's an aspect to this that is simply religious motion and is almost humorous.  Yet, how can saying no to sin and yes to Christ be a bad thing?  I don't like being a Hallmark Christian and I don't want our Church to become a Hallmark Church, but I do want a relentless love for Jesus and His Gospel to be my/our hallmark.  If Holidays and traditions help this, I am all for them.

I also find it interesting, and in an anecdotal way, coincidental, that in a season where the traditional Church prepares for a formal pursuit of holiness, our non-traditional Church has been experiencing the same emphasis, albeit less formal.  Perhaps there is wisdom in the traditions.  Perhaps God graces us in working through both vehicles.

In regard to our gathering yesterday, I am of mixed emotions.  In preparation for the message that was shared, I began the week with a stronger than normal desire to seek God's direction on a message that wasn't just informational, but transformational.  God gave me a word to share that was hard, but assured me that it was the right word for the time.  I often wrestle with a critical nature and so anytime I am in a position of speaking bluntly or of rebuke, I struggle with the veracity of its source.  I knew it would be a hard word, but I was confident that it came from a place of love and not fear.

Following the message, I wanted to run to my office and cry, but felt that doing so would be an easy out.  I knew that some people would love what was shared and others might of hated it.  I can stand the critics, but I am very uncomfortable with praise.  I know what a sham I am and that I am never worthy of praise.  If anything good comes from my mouth it is completely a gift from God.

My hope yesterday was that it was received in the way that it arrived.  My hope for today is that we would now be faithful to respond in obedience to what the Word and the Spirit said to us.  If you missed our gathering last Sunday, you can listen to the message at www.parksidechurch.ca/podcast.

On the homefront, Angela is going through her fourth round of chemo today.  Her sister will keep her company and my mom is with us for the week to help with Angela and the kids.  We actually got to go out on a date last night!  We went for dinner and a show.  It was a nice time because it felt normal.  This week I'm working at the College and getting ready for our Church's AGM.

I hope you have a great week!  The text that was an inspiration for this bikini season came from:

Joel 2:12–17 (ESV)

Return to the Lord

¹²  “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, 

“return to me with all your heart, 

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 

¹³  and rend your hearts and not your garments.” 

Return to the Lord your God, 

for he is gracious and merciful, 

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; 

and he relents over disaster. 

¹⁴  Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, 

and leave a blessing behind him, 

a grain offering and a drink offering 

for the Lord your God? 

¹⁵  Blow the trumpet in Zion; 

consecrate a fast; 

call a solemn assembly; 

¹⁶  gather the people. 

Consecrate the congregation; 

assemble the elders; 

gather the children, 

even nursing infants. 

Let the bridegroom leave his room, 

and the bride her chamber. 

¹⁷  Between the vestibule and the altar 

let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep 

and say, “Spare your people, O Lord, 

and make not your heritage a reproach, 

a byword among the nations. 

Why should they say among the peoples, 

‘Where is their God?’ ”

A Great Christmas Day

Following our Christmas Eve service, we went back to our house and shared a nice evening of appetizers (three cheers for the oriental party pack) and opening presents with/from my in-laws.  Ruby started us off by unwrapping a Barbie wardrobe thing.  Then Charlie opened a toolbox that came with a ton of little boy tools (by the end of the night our coffee table looked like a beaver had been snacking on it).  Angela opened up her gift to unveil an iPad.  She was pretty overwhelmed and very grateful.  By the time it came to me I was actually getting excited.  I unwrapped my gift and discovered three pairs of socks... ahhh the life of a Dad.

Ruby was up until midnight playing with her Barbie when she finally fell asleep.  I then awoke to her banging around in her room with her toys at 3:00am.  I couldn't fall back to sleep so I laid awake until 5:00am and headed down to the Church building.  I prepared the continental breakfast for the service then returned home at 7:00am to wake up the kids and open more gifts.  Charlie was up and ready for it.  Ruby needed some convincing to get out of bed.  We opened gifts from my parents.  Ruby got a princess wardrobe.  Midway through Ruby's gift opening she shouted, "I KNEW I was on the nice list!"  It's funny how kids pick things up and wonder about such things.  Charlie got a kids' tool bench.  Angela got cash.  I got more socks...

Our Church service attendance was small, but our audience remained the same :)  We enjoyed cinnamon buns, oranges, candy canes, yogurt, apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea.  Tony did a great job leading us in worship.  We prayed for Angela, Christy's mom, Diane's mom, Lavonne W., and the Vanson's (they leave to serve for three months in an orphanage in Mexico on Wednesday).  I rambled on about the secrets of being a great gift giver (from John 3:16-17).  Tony & Alison were rock stars this weekend.  For both services they were there early to set-up and stayed late to clean-up.  Their love in this way was a huge blessing to our family.

Sunday afternoon, we headed into Richmond to be with Angela's family for Christmas.  It was a really fun time.  Our brother-in-law was like Martha Stewart (in a manly way).  He pumped out great appetizers followed a huge turkey and ham dinner with tons of sides.  We opened gifts, played with toys, and took a ton video and photos.

Tomorrow, we head over to the Island for a few days with my parents.  Angela was feeling much better today (less tired).  Her hair will start falling out tomorrow... so that will be interesting.  Her immune system will be at an all time low this week as well so we'll be washing our hands like crazy and sneezing into our elbows.

I hope you have a great week.  Did you know that you can enjoy the gift of Jesus year 'round?!

Foolish Expectations

Even though I never really know what a week will hold, I naively begin each week thinking the opposite.  I'm embarrassed at how arrogant and ignorant I can be when it comes to thinking that I know the future and that I control the future.  It amazes me how much security I draw from things that aren't guaranteed.  I rely on my day planner, my "smart" phone, normal weather, good health, money in the bank, friends, family, and my own strength and understanding.

Yet there are very few things that are guaranteed.  In fact, the only things that are guaranteed are those established by God.  Because God is just, sin will always result in chaos/destruction/death.  Because God is good, He will always extend his forgiveness and righteousness to those that simply follow Him in faith.  Because God is truth, His word and His way will always be the reality.  Because God is victorious, He will always bring healing. Because God is faithful, He will return and render the completion of all these things.  Of these things we can be certain.  Upon these things we can base our day and our week.

I write these things as Angela receives her first chemo treatment.  We are experiencing a sobering moment of the reality of sin and the grace of God.  For the first time in a long time, I don't have any clue what this week will look like and for the first time in a long time, I'm okay with it.  Our situation forces us to simply roll with the punches and do nothing except turn to God and open our hearts more fully to His voice and His touch.

My prayer today is, "O, Lord, bring your healing touch now.  Move in power.  Teach me your way and your will.  Thank you for all that you have done, all that you are doing, and all that you have yet to do."

If you could join with us in this prayer, we would appreciate your time and your heart in this matter.  Thanks again to all those praying, helping, and loving us.  We are overwhelmed (in a good way) with the gift that you are to us. 

Have a great day and a great week responding to the real certainties of life.

I have found the following Scriptures sobering and encouraging today...

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)  "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"

Proverbs 22:19 (NIV) "So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you."
 
Job 31:2-40 (NIV) "2 For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? 4 Does he not see my ways and count my every step? 5 "If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit-- 6 let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless-- 7 if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, 8 then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. 9 "If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door, 10 then may my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her. 11 For that would have been shameful, a sin to be judged. 12 It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest. 13 "If I have denied justice to my menservants and maidservants when they had a grievance against me, 14 what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? 15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? 16 "If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, 17 if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless-- 18 but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow-- 19 if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, 20 and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep, 21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, 22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. 23 For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things. 24 "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' 25 if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, 26 if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, 27 so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, 28 then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. 29 "If I have rejoiced at my enemy's misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him-- 30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against his life-- 31 if the men of my household have never said, 'Who has not had his fill of Job's meat?'-- 32 but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler-- 33 if I have concealed my sin as men do, by hiding my guilt in my heart 34 because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside-- 35 ("Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense--let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. 36 Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. 37 I would give him an account of my every step; like a prince I would approach him.)-- 38 "if my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, 39 if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, 40 then let briers come up instead of wheat and weeds instead of barley." The words of Job are ended."


Psalm 9:10 (NIV) "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Romans 5:8-11 (NIV) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

One Life To Live

On Wednesday, Angela and I received word from the specialists that she has gastric cancer and that there is no proven or man-made cure.  Without chemo treatment they gave us a timeline of three months to two years... with chemo, double the time.

We were/are in shock.  It's a difficult thing to wrap your head around.  It all seems so surreal.  There are moments where we cry and yet many more of laughter and great delight in God.  I was standing in a Tim Horton's line on Thursday and just started crying.  Then, as quickly as it came, I was back to "normal" and ready to order a double-double.  I suspect there will be many moments like that.  I know it is the same for Angela.

We're still hoping and praying for a miracle.  However, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Ro. 8:28).  So if God has other ways to work in and through this we are at peace with His wisdom and plan.

We're taking the next few days to get more of a grasp on the situation so that we know how to proceed in this next season of life.  We are praying for wisdom and discernment.  We've talked about holidays as well as spending time loving others.  Angela has a huge heart for people that don't yet know the life and love of Christ.  Jesus means the world to both of us and we are more heart broken over the thought of people missing out on the delight and hope we have in Him than we are in our current trial.

It is the reality that the majority of our city doesn't yet know Christ that drives us in our life.  It's why we live in Mission.  It's why we give up our weekends and evenings to either love the searching or disciple those that have found Him.  It's why we live with less and take jobs that earn less money.  We only get one crack at life and even still there's no guarantee that we'll live to be a 100.  Add to this the reality that Jesus could come back at anytime and it makes every day and every life an amazing opportunity to enjoy living in the life and love of Christ.

It's the reason our Church family put a stellar float in our city's annual Candlelight Parade!  Everything we do should be a living sacrifice of worship to our Creator and Savior.  We had many gracious, gifted, and generous people offer their lives as an offering of worship with the float.  Josh P. saved my butt by building the risers, installing them, then helping with the trees, construction, and tear down.  Greg P. cut and delivered all the trees.  Katy H. and Monica M. did a phenomenal job with prepping the decorations and outfits, then decorating the float.  They went through 25 cans of flocking, 5,000 staples (my guess), 20 bales of batting, and a few hundred feet of Christmas lights.  Cindy W. and Alison O. helped out with the decoration on the day of the parade. Willy and the Wannabees, accompanied by Karin O., did a great job serving through music.  Then Gabby, Taylor, Chris, Katy, and I got to walk alongside the float and hand out candy.  Carmen H. watched kids.  Mark H. secured the trailer and truck.  A friend of mine from Surrey, Mark Hunt, came out and set-up our lighting and hazer... he did an amazing job (see his company's website at www.productionelements.ca). Then the Lambert boys helped with clean-up.  It was a busy, but very fun and rewarding couple days.

The float was so much more than just fun.  We did it for a number of other reasons: 1) to be engaged and present in our city (about 10,000 come out for the parade); 2) to bless our city with a beautiful float for their enjoyment; 3) help communicate that our Church cares about our city; 4) let our city know that we care about them and are here for them; and 5) let our city know about our new name.  If you'd like to see more photos, check out our photo album at www.facebook.com/parksideonprentis.

On Saturday, we headed out to McDonald's with some friends and family then hopped on over to the Eco Dairy in Abbotsford.  Charlie loves looking at the cows.  We tasted some delicious yogurt and then I bought a $5 quart of milk.  It was good, but not worth $5.  Saturday afternoon, Josh and I finished the float tear down.

I enjoyed our gathering today.  It was our first official gathering as Parkside Church.  I love being a part of our Church family and getting together each Sunday is a highlight of my week.  If you want to check out our new Church website (parts of it are still under construction), go to www.parksideonprentis.ca.

I hope you have a great week, living in the love we have in Christ.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Isaac - Warming Up from Mission Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Happy Monday Morning to you!  I trust this post finds you ready for another week of living in faith and full of the Spirit!

I was really encouraged yesterday during our service.  Karin did a great job of leading us in worship.  Her soft heart to Christ and enthusiasm is contagious.  Isaac preached his first sermon and did a fantastic job (see the first 30 seconds in the video above).  As Jim O. pointed out, it was way better than my first sermon.  We sold almost all of our kid's Christmas cards.  There are only six packs left!  Kim and Louise made some amazing treats for after the service... the lemon bars were awesome.

On Saturday I spilled peach juice on my laptop and it's no longer working.  It's a good thing I have a warranty and everything backed up.  I'll have to deal with getting that resolved this week.  I normally would have done work yesterday afternoon, but since I had no computer, I went to Starbucks with Angela and Renee.  We took advantage of their holiday happy hour special.  Then Josh joined us and the four of us went out for dinner.  It was nice to spend some time with them.

I got to marry Chad & Ariana on Saturday night.  It was a good evening and now they're off to Mexico for their honeymoon.  They are both exceptional people and I look forward to them growing in marriage.

Today is Angela's surgery.  It will take place around 12:45pm so if you could pray for her we'd really appreciate it.  I'll be with her at the hospital for the next couple days and then she'll come home to recover for the next four weeks.  We've been blessed by the support of our family, friends, and Church family.

I hope you have a great day and week.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Our Church gathering was a blast yesterday.  The Vanson's rocked the breakfast.  The Kim's and Nicole P. lead our kids in a "Christmas card factory".  Dave P. shot some kids camp testimonial videos.  Isaac did a sweet job leading us in worship.  The sound man really had his stuff together.  I was blessed by Eugene's reflection as we participated in communion.  Rob & Donna George shared about their summer of ministry to BC's bikers.  They are the book of Acts in action... taking the life and love of Christ to our world.  I look forward to their example inspiring all of us to follow them as they follow Christ.  I had a couple good conversations with some folks and was encouraged by the life they lead.  Following the service our Elders met to share in a meal and pray.  It was a great morning.

Last night we went over to Hotel Hersey to celebrate Mark's 30th.  Later in the evening, a bunch of us went to TBC Indoor Kart Racing in Richmond and rented the track for an hour.  We raced non-stop for the whole hour (it felt like 20 minutes).  The cars get up to 75 km/h, but that didn't keep you from crashing into one another... there were some good collisions.  My neck and shoulders are sore this morning from battling it out, but it was worth it.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This week we've got the BU Girl event, Remembrance Day, Lenna's Memorial on Saturday, and we're back in Acts on Sunday!  I hope you have a great week.  Follow Jesus and you'll never be lost.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Sorry for yesterday’s sermon.  Ang said she spaced out for parts of it and my guess is that she wasn’t the only one. :)  Don’t worry, Angela isn’t being mean; in fact, it’s hard to get criticism out of her.  I don’t get offended as I’m well aware that I’m far away from being an excellent communicator.   I hope to one day be a gifted communicator and I believe that critical reflection will play a role in its fruition.

In spite of my shortcomings, we had a great gathering.  The Humphrey’s served a stellar continental breakfast.  Tony served us well in leading songs of praise.  Our rarely remembered Sunday school teachers loved our kids. Then some youth and youth leaders served apple pie.  The pie I had was sensational (I’m not exaggerating)!  They raised about $200 for their upcoming youth conference.  Following the service a number of people received personal prayer and throughout everything the body was built up.

Our family hit the McDonald’s drive-through on the way home then crashed for a few hours.  Angela sewed.  I read a book.  Ruby did crafts.  Charlie napped.  It was a good Sunday afternoon.

In the evening we went over to Hotel Hersey for dinner and to finalize our plans for the candlelight parade float.  I’m really looking forward to the float.  Lots of great ideas and now to get to work!

Today I’m working at the College (see my view in above photo) then heading home to give out candy.  My philosophy is to give lots so that when they get older they don’t egg your house (something I have “seen” happen as a teenager).

I hope you have a great week and that if you remember anything from Sunday, you remember that God never forgets His promises.  Walk in reality and not the facade of the world.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I really enjoyed our gathering on Sunday.  I got to do the breakfast and realized how much I missed doing it... it's fun to connect, help out the kiddos, and then give latecomers a hard time (although, it's never worth getting in between someone and their coffee).

Alison did a great job leading our Church in songs of praise.  It was nice to sing some new songs too.  I got to lead our Church in prayer then Catherine gave a great message (listen here).  It was one of those Sundays where a more-than-usual amount of God's love and power was experienced (at least it was more visible to my eye/ear).  Please join me this week in praying for those that received prayer.  Pray that the eyes of our heart would be focused on Christ.  Pray that we would choose to believe words of truth and not be distracted by lies.  Pray that God will grace us by His Spirit to do the good works He has planned for us.

Sunday afternoon, we went over to the Moody's for lunch.  Josie cooked a great chili (I told her she better enter it in next year's Chili Cook-off) and an amazing pumpkin mouse dessert thing.  We then checked out the new park across the street from them.  It was good to catch up and chat about life and God.

Sunday evening, we had my sister and bro-in-law over for dinner.  It was a relaxing evening of watching our kids play and interacting with them.  It's really nice having family close by... I only wish I had more down time to do it more often.

Backing up to Saturday, I got to do my run/walk thing with Charlie on the dyke again.  We had a great time together.  We went to Tim's for lunch and we both thoroughly enjoyed dipping our bread into our chili bowl (yes, that's right, I had chili two days in a row... that's pretty good in my books).   Charlie downed his chocolate milk and I sipped back an iced-capp.

Saturday night was a treat.  We had an inter-Church worship night.  Doug D. from North Valley Baptist Church lead us in worship and prayer for our City and Churches.   It wasn't well attended (only 40 people were there)... something we'll have to remedy, but the night was really good.  We sang a bunch of songs I had never heard before and they were awesome!  Things like this are too good and too important to leave to happen-stance, so the next one (happening in January sometime), we'll have to over-communicate. 

This week is another busy week for me and my family.  We'll find out sometime this week when Angela's surgery will be.  We're starting to roll out the steps to the construction of our Church float in the Candlelight parade.  I've got a bunch of meetings and things are hopping at the Bible College.

I hope you have a great week.  May we never be so busy that we can't be interrupted by God.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I swallowed some dog poop this weekend.  Sunday afternoon I felt like doing something fun and so I picked up my weed eater and headed over to the Church.  Halfway through giving the south slope a shave I hit a hidden dog turd (I hope it was dog) and soft pieces hit my glasses, face, clothes, and my mouth.  Lesson learned... don't grin from ear to ear when weed whacking.

Sunday night was much better.  We had a bunch of my family over for a backyard fire filled with hot dogs, hot potato salad, spinach salad, chips, homemade sun tea, hot tea, and homemade ice cream.  The food was great; the company even better.  It is so much fun when your kids get to the age where they just play with one another and have a blast doing it.

Going back to Saturday, we had Charlie's birthday party.  We went to Willow View Farms in Abbotsford and had a great time.  Lots of good food (see photo above) and family.  Charlie got a ton of toys.  At this point our plan is to let him have a new one each month to eek them out over his next year.

Going farther back to Friday, I got to meet Charla Pereau (founder of Foundation for His Ministry).  She is an awesome lady with huge faith.  I found her inspiring.  Their ministry in Mexico is mind blowing.  I picked up her book and look forward to reading it in the near future.  I also plan on praying and planning to see how our Church can partner with this work.

Moving back to Sunday morning, I was really blessed.  I opened the gate to the parking lot and noticed that a weeding angel had visited again and weeded the front beds!  I found the weeding angel later that morning and she told me that her and her son had a great time doing it.  I love it when families work together!

Karin did a great job leading us in worship.  You've probably noticed, but two Sunday's a month we're going more acoustic in style.  This comes from a place in my thoughts that believes Church should be simple.  Simple is sustainable, reproducible, and clear.  Simple doesn't mean half-hearted or dumbed down.  Simple means focused and effective.  If we have it in our Church culture that to do Church you need $70,000 worth of sound equipment and 40 people to play instruments then we've thought wrong.  I've been in Sri Lanka where they Foursquare Church has planted over 1,000 churches in the last two decades and most of them lead their music with a tambourine.  Painful?  Slightly.  Effective & Reproducible? Yes.

We won't be jumping straight to a tambourine, but I don't want us to head to a place where the stuff of Church detracts from the purposes of Church.  We come to worship Jesus, not hear a good band.  We will pray.  We will hear from God's Word.  We will have opportunity to be with another and make new relational connections.

In other news, last night I gave up reading "The Pastor" by Eugene Peterson.  I got halfway through and then got bored of it.  There some good parts in it, but just too much story/fluff.

I hope you had a good weekend and have an even better week.  We are a people that operate with urgency, diligence, and grace!

Monday Morning Thoughts

I prayed on Friday for God to grace me with strength for the weekend.  I had lots to do and was fighting a cold.  I am here on Monday to morning to say that God provided and then some!  Normally after a weekend like this past one, when Monday morning rolls around I wake up excited, but groggy.  I woke up today well rested and full of energy.

On Friday night, we had a small city serving in our Church building... lots of families cleaning and setting up for Saturday's memorial.  In reflection, a large part of why I feel rested this morning is because so many people helped and I really didn't have to do very much.

Saturday morning and early afternoon was memorial prep and then the service.  Again, a ton of our Church family served so generously and graciously.  I even got to go home in the afternoon hang out with the family for a couple hours before heading back to the launch of our young adult outreach night.  The outreach night went really well.  Ken W. is the driving force behind this ministry and he rolled out the red carpet with an amazing dinner for everyone.  It took all that I had to resist eating more than I would normally.

Sunday morning we had Ken Dyck (Author of Freedom Session) preach at our Church.  He did a great job.  Arnie & Val were able to join us as well for our service and it was so good to see them again!

Sunday afternoon we went over to a friend's house for some delicious soup (wonton soup, baked potato soup, and corn chowder)!  I had some of every kind and they were superb.  We chillaxed there for a bit and then headed home for dinner and relaxing evening.

This week, I'm digging into Acts 9 in preparation for Sunday, working at the college, and meeting with a few people.  I hope you have a great week and that God's grace is experienced in new and powerful ways through Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I really needed what God did in and through our gathering yesterday.  I hope it was beneficial to you as well.  Chad lead us in a united time of worship.  Eugene served us so faithfully with announcements :)  I offered some muddled thoughts.  Renee shared some scripture that God laid on her heart... it was appropriate for our gathering, but in hindsight I didn't respond as thoroughly as needed.   Then we simply humbled ourselves before God through prayer.  I trust that God worked in and through us in spite of our/my limitations.

I've been fighting a cold for the last couple days and it hit my head/sinuses yesterday afternoon... good times!  I'm a huge baby when I get sick and Angela is more than gracious.   Having some down time allowed me to read a book by Jim Collins called "Good to Great".  It's a pop-business/leadership book from 2001 that makes some good observations about companies that went from average to leaders in their industry.  I always get a cheeky smile when the world discovers Biblical truth and then claims like it's new or now credible.

Here's what Jim Collins and his research discovered:

• 10 out of the 11 leaders (CEO's) of great companies weren't hired from outside, but rose from within.
• Those same leaders weren't charismatic or egocentric, but were humble and exhibited an unwavering will towards to the company's goal.
• The great companies were not just focused on what they were about, but paid just as much attention to what not to do and what to stop doing.
• Great companies put the right people in the right spots.
• Great companies stay focused while cultivating an environment of honesty and not sugar-coating reality.
• In the great companies, there was a culture of disciplined people resulting in great performance and less bureaucracy.
• Real and sustainable growth happens from steadfastness, not gimmicks or shortcuts.

I'm taking today off from the College and will hopefully get a bit more rest with the family.  Tonight, I have a meeting with our Church Council... I always look forward to meeting with these men and women and hearing their thoughts and wisdom.

I hope you have a great week!

Monday Morning Thoughts

I was sad to miss out on our gathering this Sunday, but proud of everyone who served and lead our Church in the worship, instruction, ministry, and fellowship of our God!  I'm looking forward to hearing the message given by Catherine.  I heard the Skatin Team did a great reflection of their time too.

I was away with Pacific Life Bible College at their annual Fall Retreat weekend.  Dave P., Isaac D., and Chris K. from our Church were there as well.  It was a good weekend filled with rest, worship through music, and encouragement through the Word.  Russell Schlecht (Pastor of Living Word [a Foursquare Church in Oak Harbor, WA]) shared some great thoughts for young leaders.

One thing that Russell said this weekend is that a leader's approach to training and equipping leaders needs to done with an attitude of diving down under others and holding/pushing them up rather than reaching down and pulling others up to "our level".  The latter is done with arrogance, the former is done with humility.  I like this illustration... it serves Church leadership well in that it is consistent with the heart of God.

I got home last night around 5:00pm and was exhausted... I fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm and then stumbled into bed at 8:00pm.   I got to see my family for a bit, but was too tired to be "present"... I'll have to make up for that tonight.  The first year of pastoring I was quite diligent in my scheduling and did a good job of loving and serving my family.  That slipped a bit in the second year, so as I begin my third year, I'll have to fight for that time.  I've been amazed at Angela's strength and grace... when most people would lose both, she has increased in these areas.  This renders me humbled and grateful.

I trust you had a good weekend and that you are looking forward to this week.  When you follow God, the best is always yet to come!

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

When I pulled up to our parking lot on Sunday morning, I couldn't help but notice the recently weeded garden beds!  It turns out a weeding angel, Kim N., stopped by on Saturday and weeded the front entrance garden beds and the bed alongside the East side of the Church!  Thank you Kim!  When I asked her if she had fun her response was, "I normally don't like weeding, but I put some worship music on and it actually went well."  I couldn't help but think that the tough jobs in life go way better when we do them as an act of worship.

On Friday night we had our College opener and it was really cool (see pictures above).  Things have gotten much better since I was a student there.  Every year the College trains more leaders and gets even better at doing it.  I enjoy being a part of what God does through our Bible College.  You may not know this, but you are huge part of our Bible College too! Our Church gives 1% of our income to the College each month. This goes to help subsidize student's tuition which helps them graduate debt-free and ready for low-paying and/or volunteer positions.

On Saturday, Angela was at a funeral, so I go to watch the kids.  I always feel like I'm a substitute teacher because Angela does so much and I am a foreigner to the mid-day routine.  Even though I love my kids, I really didn't want to spend the day with them because I had so much on my list.  In the end it all worked out... I had fun with the kids and wasn't too worried about what wasn't being done... and I was able to get all the "critical" stuff done. I took the kids to Northridge Foursquare's (Maple Ridge) annual September carnival.  It's a free event they have to bless their neighbourhood and it has been a great outreach to their community.

I thought today's service was good.  I really enjoyed hearing Diane's heart for our kids and seeing all those moving on to new classes this fall.  We rarely give our teachers and helpers enough recognition, yet they have one of the most important responsibilities in our Sunday gatherings.  We'll need to work on this!

Following our gathering, our Elders met to pray, reflect, and plan.  We also ate soup and pie.  It was a good meeting and I am grateful for their love for Jesus and His Church.

I think I'm going to treat myself to a movie tonight although I will pay for it tomorrow... 4:30 comes early.  I get to start my weekly carpooling commute with Isaac to the Bible College tomorrow too.  It will be a busy, but great week.  Once this next weekend is over, things will start to get into routine for the school year.

I hope you have a great week and that you find yourself in many situations where you need the Holy Spirit's power and gifts.
 
 

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

I had a great time with our Church family today and I hope you did too.  The Vanson's rocked out the breakfast.  Seyoung and Diane lead our Children's ministry.  Tony lead us in worship. Dave shared a moving report of kid's camp.  I got to reflect on Acts 8:1-4.  Then a bunch of us headed over to Centennial Park for a picnic and disc golf.  Jayson A. took home first place with a score of 22 (par was 27).

This week is one of my favourites of the year... it's back to school week! I love the excitement that comes with the beginning of new and old routines.  I hope you have a great week. Remember to not just live a typical week, but seek God and His ways every day.

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!

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.