Reflections

My holiday has gone quite well and was overwhemled by the gifts I received from both my family and my girlfriend's family. More importantly, I got to spend to spend some quality time with family and got to see a little of area I used to live. I also got to reflect on the reason for the season and to explore more Christian spiritually. I have been studying the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament as well as some New Testament letters.

As the year draws to a close I look back and I feel very blessed. The move was successful and have adjusted quite well. I found a job within six weeks and even though it was very from enjoyable it kept me afloat and helped me explore my "sweet spot". I am also dating a wonderful woman and we heading very close to one year of dating. More importantly, my faith was rejuvenated this year and I seek a greater relationship with the Lord.

What does next year hold for me. I am jobless right now but it is probably for the best as I get to explore some options. I also get to continue my walk with Him and find out His will for my life. I am nervous yet excited to see what 2007 holds in store for me. I will be an interesting road to travel.

Some Poetry

I found this one is Our Daily Bread:

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung
It came, a Floweret bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-spent was the night

Author Unknown

Remember The Reason For The Season

Here is a couple of verses to remember for this Christmas season:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

My Holidays So Far

I'm back home for the holidays with my girlfriend. We will be going to see her parents on Christmas eve and Christmas day. I already received a couple presents with one being the movie The Passion Of The Christ. The weather has been unseasonal as it feels a lot like spring. Anyways, I'm enjoying myself so far and am loking forward to Christmas.

A Word On Family

This is part of an e-mail I received recently:

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind the story? Do you know what the word


FAMILY means? FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

The Latest in Life

I have been busy lately as I went to a wedding last Saturday and went back home last weekend. i also went to my girlfriend's work Christmas party which went well. Work has been boring and I'm waiting for the ax to fall as the season is almost over. In the meantime it looks like it will be a busy time as we get to Christmas with our respective families. There shall be some good times ahead.

This Past Week zZZZZ

This was a rather boring week for me. I work four days and during those four days I had little to do. My girlfriend was out of town as well. I defintely have to find some hobbies to keep myself busy and get out of the winter doldrums as well.

On Global Warming

About a week ago I saw a film on global warming called An Inconvinent Truth with former US vice-president Al Gore. It is a documentary with Gore giving a lecture to a group of College students on global warming and it's effects on the planet. Of course it is filled with news footage and clips showing the effects.

Among some of the findings are the increase in natural disaters such as hurriances,typhoons and cyclones. The polar ice cap is melting and the country of Greenland faces danger of literally dividing and drifting into different parts of the ocean. Bodies of water such as Lake Chad evaporating and mountain areas turning into desert. Not to mention how much green gas are in the air.

I'll admit with it being a political figure giving this lecture I took it with a grain of salt. I also took into account that there is a political agenda involved. However, a lot of statements and facts found made complete sense. I also have to admit I have been somewhat environmentally conscious for some time.

Even if half the stuff in the film is true it serves as a wake-up call. I'm not ready to become a treehugger but it is made me more aware. I also recommend renting the movie as it has some good points and answers quite a few questions especially about weird weather patterns that we get these days.

The Good And Bad

It has been a good few days as we have been getting mild weather up here. I also been busy at work and Christmas is around the corner. I have gotten most of my shopping done. I am nervously awaiting winter but in the meantime I'll enjoy the mild weather.

On the filpside I did a bonehead thing and wrecked my cellphone when I included it in a load of wash. I also had some car problems a while ago but like the saying goes it is bad but it could be a lot worse. It has also known how I have been strength as these would have cause me to be fit for a straight jacket but I took the approach that s@$% happens. At least I'm alive and well.

I hope with reduced hours at work I can keep this blog up more often. Oh well time will tell.

A Few Words To Live By

Never think that God's delays are God's denials.

Hold on ; hold fast ; hold out. Patience is genius.

Count de Buffon

Take A Moment

Today is Rememberance Day where we remember the soldiers who died for our country in war. It seems to become less meaningful to the younger generations as many of our veterans age and pass on. However, we must never forget what they did for us as without their scarifice we would not enjoy the freedoms and lifestyles that we are able to have. We must we thankful that many of us have never and will likely never go to war. Also, we must remember our troops fighting in Afghanistan. Wheter you agree with the war or not they are giving their lives for this great nation. I ask that we take the moment os silence today and remember all this.

The Latest News

There is not much going on other than I'm going to visit my parents this weekend and see my grandmother who is back from the Ukraine after a two month visit. Work is busy again after a slow October. I'm still figuring out the future but with the Lord's guidance I will get there. I'm starting to get ideas about where I'm going. The weather up here has been nice for a change as it is actually comfortable outside. The best part is no white stuff right now. I will hopefully have more to share in the weeks ahead.

Time Is Not An Ally

I'm learning that with trying to update this blog that time is not an ally. I find that even with my work hours being shorter that I can't get to this blog as often as I want. Then again it could just be writer's block. Either way I could make myself a promise to try and up this up to date as much as possible. Anyways, enough rambling on and I will get back on track soon.

A Pea Story

Here's an e-mail I got recently which I found heartwarming:

Babs Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me."Hello Barry, how are you today?""H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. Sure look good.""They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?""Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.""Good. Anything I can help you with?""No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.""Would you like to take some home?""No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.""Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?""All I got's my prize marble here.""Is that right? Let me see it.""Here 'tis. She's a dandy.""I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?""Not zackley, but almost.""Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble.""Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller."Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps."I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering.Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very professional looking.They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket."Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.""We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho "With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

A Word About The Weather

There was more snow on the ground this morning but most of it is gone now. It is hard to guess what kind of winter we will have. It would look like it will be a long one but I have seen it where it hits early than becomes mild halfway through. Granted that is when I lived further south. I just hope winter is not a long one. At least right now it is raining so fall is still here.

Insights From Jonah

I recently read the Book Of Jonah in the Bible and found how much it shows the theme of wrestling with God. The book is a narrative of a man named Jonah who is called upon by God to preach to the people of Nineveh so they would repent of their sin or face His judgment. Jonah refused and instead boarded a ship headed Tarshish which was in the opposite direction. God sent a storm that hindered his trip and he was tossed in the sea to stop the storm. He then is swallowed by a big fish for three days and three nights before being spewed out unto the land. He preaches to the people of Nineveh and they repent and god withholds His judgment from the them. But this doesn't please Jonah as he had an apparent hatred for these people and wanted the city gone. God prepared a gourd for Jonah to rest under when he was in the heat and then got a worm to kill it to show He has the final say of who survives or incurs His wrath.

It is easy to come down on Jonah for running from God but we all have at some point in our lives. We fear we will ask us to go somewhere we don't want to or do something we may feel uncomfortable or overwheling. We may not board a ship and go in the opposite direction but we may tune out His voice or push our own agenda through instead. We often disobey His will for our lives and often miss out on the blessings that go with it.

It also touches on deep seated prejudences that we all have. Jonah didn't like the people of Nineveh and that's why he refused to go. We let our prejudences get in the way of obeying God's will. It may not be limited to skin color or ethnicty. It may be something like not sharing the Gospel with co-workers because we can't stand them or not ministering to others becuse of fear. We also might not what to go where God wants us because it is different.

There is also a picture of Christ as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish just as Jesus sent three days and three nights in the tomb. Also, the belly of the fish can also be seen as a trial we may have to endure in order for God to get our attention. We have to sometimes be in the belly of the fish to grow in our walk with God.

Lastly, there is the gourd which God shows how he can give and take life. Also, how He can provide us shelter when we need us and that He is involved in all our affairs in this life. He gives all who are willing to repent and obey him and a second chance.

There's No Education Like Adversity

The title is actually from a fortune cookie I got awhile back but it rings so true. I can say that you certainly learn what you are made of when you going through trials. You also learn who you can count on and what is important to you. I can also say from my own experience you learn how much you need to depend on God for day to day living.

First Snow Sighting

Well we got our first taste of winter up here. Even though the snow is now gone I still say it is why too early for the white stuff especially since October isn't even halfway over yet. It could be worse though as other parts of Ontario got up to 30 centimeters. I just hope it doesn't make an appearance until much later.

What Are You Thankful For?

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada which is a day we usually take time to remember the things we are thankful for. I personally can name a few such as being thankful for good health and here are some others:

I'm thankful for the great friends and family the God has placed in my life.

I'm especially thankful for the great woman He has placed by my side.

I'm thankful that I live in a country where I'm free to worship God as I please.

I'm thankful for a roof over my head and the food I eat.

I'm thankful for household pets.

I'm thankful for the lessons we learn in life even through they are sometimes painful.

There are many others that I can't think of offhand. As this day closes I will pose the question What are you thankful for?

Another Update

It has been choatic lately. Between the 12 hour shifts and other things going on. I haven't been able to do too much. I'm going away for the long weekend to London for my girlfriend's cousin's wedding. It should be good and I hope I can squezze some much needed rest time in between. I hope to catch up on a few things this weekend as well.

Risks

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to another is to rsk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is
to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow, or live.
Chained by the certitudes, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.

-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Summer Is Over

Well it is official it is the last day of summer. However, judging by the weather it ended two weeks ago and the leaves are changing up here. At least I get to enjoy my first autumn in Muskoka which will be nice as I will see mulitcolored trees for miles on end. However, the dreaded winter is around the corner.

Missing In Action

Just to let everyone know I'm still around. It's just time has not been an ally of mine lately. I hope things will slow down a bit at work so I can keep this blog up to date. In the meantime I'll do what I can.

The Latest

As Charles Dickens once wrote "It was the best of times and the worst of times". I had a very tough week at work even as it was a shortened one. I had a relaxing weekend as I spent the weekend at my girlfriends' parents cottage as we celebrated her mother's birthday. It was a great time. However, I have been feeling very tired lately and I'm hoping to be 100 perecent very soon which will be unlikely as I have another long week ahead of me. I just hope to survive and continue my quest to find my "sweet spot".

Just The Latest

I had a great long weekend it was seeing my family again. The weather was bad but overall it was good. This week however has been weird. At work I haven't really (or at least I feel) done anything productive. I just dug holes for road signs and the day before rode in a truck all afternoon. I shouldn't really complain since it is nice to get an easy time at work but I am someone who likes to be doing things. Not to mention there is always the fear the hatchet will fall because there isn't enough work. The weird part is I feel tired still. Anyways, at least the weekend is around the corner.

End Of Summer Is Around The Corner

The Labour Day weekend is here and it looks like summer is ending. It certainly went by very fast. I could defintely say I have learned some lessons this season especially in living in faith and taking a big step in life. Things are going well and I'm kinda of looking forward to fall. Meaning I love the fall but I don't like what comes after(winter yuk). Anyways I'm going to enjoy my long weekend here as I'm back home visiting family. Hopefully the weather will improve as it was very rainy today.

God Knows

Here's another poem I found online as I'm struugling with a mild case of writer's block.

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts... God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish... God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by... God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call... God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn... God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated... God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope... God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for... God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe... God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow... God hasopened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are orwhatever you are facing... GOD KNOWS

What I Believe

This is a sequel to my last blog:

I believe in God who is represented in three persons Yahweh the Father,jesus Christ the son and The Holy Spirit.

I believe that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man and His earthly mission was to reunite mankind with their Creator.

I believe man is born with a sinful nature and the only remedy is Jesus' death which was the atonement for our sinful nature.

I believe in an afterlife and our destination is of our own choosing and wheter we heed God's word or not

I believe that each man,woman and child is given a God-given purpose to fulfill on Earth.

I believe the Earth will come to an end someday and will be recreated as a" new Earth and a new Heaven"

These are just the core of my spritual beliefs as well as worldview.

My Spiritual Journey

As you can probably tell from my previous entries that I am a Christian of the "born-again" camp if you will. I have had a long and exciting journey walking with the Lord. I have always believed that man (by that I mean mankind) has a soul and the idea of an afterlife.

The Beginning
I was baptized in the Ukrainian Catholic church as an infant. By parents weren't overly religious but wanted to my sister and myself to have a concept of faith taught to us at an early age. We attended a Roman Catholic primary school where religion was one of the subjects taught and we had to attend mass every first Friday of the month. I found this rather boring and the studies just seem to go in circle as I just learned that Jesus was born,was crucified and rose again. I learned a little of what He taught and said. But I don't recall learning much about the Bible.
During this time however we seldom attended church on Sundays and didn't have much if any religious instruction at home. It mostly represented boredom in my life.

Teen Years
I went to a public High School and was not really into spiritual things. I was mostly into partying, hanging out with friends and occasionally getting into trouble. I still believed in a deity but saw Him as impersonal in the lives of humans.
When I got older I started seeking and asked for a Bible for Christmas. I tried reading it but I couldn't get into it. However,this is where I believe the seeds were planted in me.

Born-Again
When I reached adult I had questions about life and death. I started working at a warehouse after I finished high school. It was there that I meet a guy who I later became close friends with. who was a Christian. We started talking and he invited to see Billy Graham who came to Toronto. Dr .Graham was sick last night and Ralph Bell spoke that night. It was there I came forward and gave my life to Christ.
I started reading the Bible again and got into it. I finally understood who Christ was and what we stood for. Also,why He came to Earth and why He died for us. I also got to learn the origin of man and read the Old Testament for the first time in my life.

Pentecostalism and Bible College
I started attending a Pentecostal church near my home which I became a member of . It wasn't hyper-Pentecostal where there was faith healing or anything like that. But tongues were spoken and interpreted (the later is important to remember) but for the most part it was pretty conservative.
I also decided to possibly enter ministry and enrolled in a Bible College in Toronto. I would have to say it was great experience for the most part as I got to meet different people and learn about theology. I completed my studies and looked forward to taking what I learned into practice.

Fundamentalism
I never found a position and was kind of drifting. I soon left the Pentecostal church and started attending a new Fundamentalist Baptist church that set shop in town here. It was way more conservative than the last church and I found it way too legalistic. I got to the point where I was just going though the motions.
There concept of salvation seemed to be how much you are able to avoid the evils of the world and you were made to think that you were never good enough. I was often made to feel I was guilty of something and wasn't living right no matter what I did. I soon found myself in a rut going through a dry period.

Purpose Driven Life
I started dating my current girlfriend earlier this year and as a Valentine's day gift she gave me a book called Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I was cynical at first but as we read it together I changed my view. The central theme of the book is that each of us is created by God for a purpose.
My faith was rejuvenated and began to live for Him again. I start seeing my faith in a more positive light. Yes I was a sinner but I was chosen by God for a purpose. I didn't have to earn His love but it was really given to me by grace. I don't have to follow the motion but can accomplish great things.

The Rest
I started attending a Christian and Missionary Alliance church that is pretty modern with casually dress, a worship band and a generally informal atmosphere. I also got to attend a young adults study group on a couple of occasions.
However,I have relocated to another part of the province very recently and I started attending a Baptist church in town here(not a Fundamentalist one though). I'm in a transitional mode right now but I feel with God by my side and with a renewed faith the best is yet to come.

The Past Week

I had quite a week. I found a job finally and actually worked somewhere else for a day beforehand and had two interviews. I'm working as a flagger for a construction company which is the person who holds the Stop/Slow sign for traffic while roadways are worked on. So I guess it was inevitable that I found work but I can honestly say the Lord's hand is in this as the timing was perfect. I can finally breathe a bit easier.

I went with my girlfriend to London to visit her grandmother and had a good time there. It was nice to meet more of her family members and we got to go to the Outback Steakhouse with her aunt as well. The food was great and the company was even better.I also got to visit a Christian book store called the Upper room and one of the books I bought was titled How to Ruin your Life by 40 by Steve Farrar. The titled itself sparked my interest since I seem to be on course lol. But really I hope in can help me get to where I should be in life and how to avoid the pitfalls that many make and to help me not repeat my many mistakes.

Anyways,I will work my first full week with this company I hope to survive. I also will continue my quest to find my "sweet spot" and hopefully be able to move forward finally. It the meantime I will continue to press on.

Thoughts To Ponder

I have nothing to write today but I came cross some wise sayings on the net:


Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord." Psa 1: 1-2

If there is no wind...row!

Get up- Get over it- Get going!

People seldom improve when there is no other model but themselves to copy!

God uses people who make mistakes because there aren't any other kind around.

That which does not kill me makes me stronger.

Always be an encourager!

A man is not finished when he is defeated: he's finished when he quits!

The character of a man is seen, not in the time of well being, but in the time of misfortune!

Trust in the Lord with all thy might and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy path.

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul!

Never quit until a good deed is done!

What you become will be determined by only two things - the friends you have and the books you read!

Look At This Picture

The longer you look at this photo the more images you will see. I found this on the web.

A Word About Grace

I have started reading a book What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. The topic is of course God's grace. But the book also talks about how little the church not only talks God's grace but shows it as well. Sure many preach on what Jesus did on the cross and why He did so. There is often the teachings of the do's and dont's of the Christian faith but there isn't nearly as much teaching on grace and the meaning thereof.

Yancey uses several stories in his book to illustrate the grace of God and what it means to the individual who receives it. It got me thinking how we as the church really take it for granted and it is so easy to fall into an us and them mindset as a believer. When really the only thing that seperates Christians from non-Christians is they accepted the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ which is given to mankind by the grace of God.

I have to admit I feel convicted about this especially since I didn't do a thing to earn my salvation but it was a free gift. Also, that I haven't shared this gift too many others who need this salvation. It is easier for us to get into an activist role in the church on political issues such as abortion, child poverty, same-sex marriage, world hunger and in the process forget how whole reason for being the church in the first place. Which is to be a spiritual hospital for the spiritually sick.

It is a grace that offered to all people. From the atheist to the life-long church goer, from the Marxist to the archconservative, the wealthy businessman to the beggar on the street. It also knocks down racial,national and even religious barriers that exist. I can't even begin to understand why the creator would offer me and everyone this grace. I must remember never ti take it for granted and remember to look at others as God sees them.

Lost In Transition

Since the move I have been trying to find my feet. I have had a few setbacks here and as with every move I have had to make a few adjustments. As a result my devotional life has suffered as I find I'm getting distracted easily by other things. This is weird since I have more time on my hands than usual. I hope I can finally settle in completely and get to "business" with God.

A Lazy Weekend

I had what is called a lazy weekend. I went up to my girlfriend's parents' cottage for the weekend. We didn't end up doing much except a little paddle boating and just hanging out. I did however get to cook for them and learn to master a propane BBQ. It was nice but I spent the weekend fighting a cold which I managed to get despite it being sumeer.

It is a "civic" holiday today but I wouldn't really know it as my girlfriend has to work and I have a job interview today. I don't know if I'm too kean on this position but I am going to leave it in the Lord's hands. Besides if nothing else this is good practise for me in the future. The weather should be good as well.

The Bible in 50 Words

I found this on the web and got a kick out of it:

The Bible In 50 Words

God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plaqued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peaked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread

God remained

About The Weather

The weather today was bit cooler but that is not saying much. It has been so hot lately that it had to cool down sooner or not. Not to mention there was a major storm here last night and there were tornados nearby. I can't believe how hot it has been lately and I'm sure we broke some records this year.

But I can't really complain. Yes, it's been unbelievely hot for this region but I just think of two things. One, I haven't really had to work in it like years. Another is I know I will be begging for thia in six or seven months from now when there are sub-zero conditions out and there is a foot of snow to go along with it. Also, summer just seem to fly by as this one has. I will sit back and enjoy (and do by best to avoid the heat).

A Couple Passages From Psalms

I came across a couple of Scriptures for those who struggle with anxiety(like myself):

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why do you refuse
to help me or even to listen to my groans? Day and night I kept on
weeping,crying for your help, but there is no reply....The praises of
our fathers surronded your throne; they trusted you and you
delievered them. You heard their cries for help and saved them;
they were never disappointed when they sought your aid.... O Lord
don't stay away. O God my Strength,hurry to my aid. Rescue me
from death; spare my precious life....I will stand up before the
congregation and testify of the wonderful things you have done...
I will say He has not despised my cries of deep despair; he has not
turned and walked away. When I cried to him,he heard and came.
Psalm 22:1-5,19-20-22-24 TLB


When I am afarid, I will trust in you. In God,whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid....You have delivered me from
death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in
the light of live.
Psalm 56:3-4,13 NIV

Sunday

I had a pretty good day today. I decided to stay here for one extra night and I got to my friend Ken who I haven't talked to in a month. He is doing well but he has got a lot on his plate. I get the feeling he misses me more than my family as he tired to encourage to move back closer to Richmond Hill if not move completely back here.

I have to say I do miss my friends and it is a shame that I didn't have the time to look any more up. But I could save that for another time when I visit. It was nice to visit this time to reflect on old times and get refreshed for the road ahead. But I must remember allergy medience has they were acting up big time this weekend. I blame the Toronto air but there are other factors and I must be prepared.

Tomoorow I head back and I get to see my main squeeze. It should be good as we get to have a BBQ tomorrow and it will be nice to get back to Muskoka. I just hope I have the energy as it's late and I'm still wide awake.

Here At The Hill

I have home back home to visit my folks and they are doing well. It's great to be back but the Toronto air is affecting me as I have had trouble breathing. I'm hoping the rain holds off so I can walk around and check out some of the parks. The weather keeps changing every hour so it's hard to tell. I hope to maybe look up some friends and maybe see at least one of them.

I have to say this is weird though. On one hand it feels like I never left but on the other one it doesn't really feel like home anyone. It feels like I have genuinely moved on finally.

Going Home

In a couple of days I will be going home for the weekend to visit my family and maybe a friend or two. I miss them but I don't miss Richmond Hill that much as it is not the same place I grew up. If anyone asks me if I'm homesick I will say yes I have been for the last five or six years. It has changed that much. On a more positive note it will be nice to check out one or two of the parks(hopefully the weather is good). Plus there is the novelity of "going home" something I haven't had the chance to do in life. I'm looking forward to it.

Midnight Madness

Last night me and my better half went to the street sale in town here known as ' Midnight Madness '. It wasn't as big as I thought it was as there only seemed a handful of vendors and the live entertainment hasn't started yet. Then again we went pretty early which was probably just as well as we avoided the pub crawlers. But it was nice to see a community get out for something like this and to see what the town buisnesses have to offer.

As for today my girlfriend is working for part of the day so I have a quiet day at home. I do have a few things to do so it should work out quite well and I get to BBQ tonight so I have to grab some supplies. The weather looks promising today so it should be a fun time.

A Prayer by Tozer

Here's a prayer I found by the late great theologican A.W. Tozer:

Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, "Speak, for Thy servant heareth." Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking. Amen.
A. W. Tozer

Living In Faith

I'm certianly getting a crash course in living through faith. I have had two job interviews in two very different professions. I don't know what direction to go but I have to rely on His guidance. I know He has been with me through this and will see me through it. I just have to rely continue to pray and trust Him. If nothing else this has been an adventure this far.

Settled In

I have basically settled in my new place. I have an interview scheduled for Thursday which looks somewhat promising as I have gotten tired of being jobless. I will continue searching and sending resumes as well.

On Sunday I got to go to Toronto. My girlfriend's company went as a group to the Jays game which was very good as the Jays beat Seattle 4-3 in extra innings. But it happened to be one of the hottest days of the year and our seats while very good(the 12th row from the first base line) put as under the sun. We both have felt the sun as we both have sunburns despite using 45 sunblock. Not to mention that we have both felt tired.

Last night,there was one of the worst storms to hit southern Ontario in a while. I thought there could have been a risk of toronados but it was just the humidity catching up to us. The good part is the rain has cooled everything down and it is actually comfortable to walk around outside. At least for now.

I get to go to my girlfriend's nieces 1st birthday party tonight at her parents cottage tonight. It should be a good time but I doubt she will be fully aware of wants going on and she will remember much if any of it. But it will be nice to have a get together at the cottage. Anyways,it's business as usual and I hope to get the final piece of the puzzle very soon.

Don't Quit-The Poem

Here a great poem I found wriitten by Edgar A.Guest:

DON"T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you are trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must-but don't you quit!


Life is queer with it's twist and turns,
As every one of us sometime learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow-
You might suceed with another blow....


Success is failure turned inside out-
the sliver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you are hardest hit-
It's when things get worse that you mustn't quit!

Edgar A. Guest

Not Much Going On Just An Update

I'm still recovering from a whirlwind week. I think I have had enough excitement to last me the year. Still on the hunt for a job and am still a bit shaky but with God's help I know I will pull through.

On a lighter note, I cooked for my girlfriend for the first time. It was nothing fancy just a basic chicken dinner. It went rather well as we were both happy. I hope to get completely on track very soon and get more insightful again. In the meantime I will do my best to adjust to my surrondings.

The Week That Was....Whew

Just finished what was one of the biggest and busiest weeks of my life. Did the move last Saturday. Got a new job Monday night working in Landscaping as the guy called me 9:30 at night out of the blue to work the next morning.(I did talk to him before the move briefly) I had to get settled in my new place and go out and buy things. Then to top it off I was told Friday afternoon that my services weren't needed anymore by this employer. But it is just as well since I kind of knew from start this was not a job I would like. At least he had the smarts to pay me off right away. I could go into detail but I just want to put this episode behind me and chalk it up as a learning experience. Anyways,I'm in Richmond Hill for the weekend just to get a few more things to take home and tie up some loose ends. I hope things will get back to "normal" next week.

The Skinny

To all inquiring about my situation here's what is going on. I relocated very recently from Richmond Hill (suburb of Toronto) to Huntsville in the Muskoka region in order to be closer to my girlfriend. As well as finally get out on my own. I got a job working with a landscaping company and am renting a small room in a house. I have the comforts of home here Internet,TV and a small patio. It has taken a while to settle in but I'm getting there. Anyways, I have to say this is a lovely area and am glad to be here. I hope to be completely on track by next week.

Happy Birthday Canada

Today my country the nation of Canada turns 139 years old. I firmly believe that it is the greatest country to live in and has some of the most breathtaking scenry that one can ever view. Granted the political climate leaves a lot to be desired but I think just about every nation has this problem. It is also amazing how we take our freedoms for granted and it is sad to see them slowly fade away one by one. But it is all the more reason to work for change and to help improve on what we have.

It is sad also that so many who live here don't really appericate what we have here. After all we have the freedom to worship the way we desire and can speak our minds at least to some degree. Not to mention many of us can earn a decent living here as well. All in all I'm saying is HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!!

Muskoka Bound

I'm spending my last night in Richmond Hill and will be moving to Muskoka tomorrow. To paraphase Gordon Lightfoot:

Muskoka Bound
Muskoka Bound
It's good to be Muskoka Bound
Muskoka Bound

My U-Turn

I just started reading a book God Allows U-Turns by Allison Gappa Bottke which is a bunch of stories mainly about people who have made a 180 in their lifes after following God or have strayed from the path and are now back on course. I about to do this with making a fresh start with my own life. I have strayed off course over the last few years from where I should be and from what I should be doing. I'm looking to get back on track and fulfill the mission God has given me in life. In other words I have to stay on track.

Yet Another Poem I Found

I have a case of writer's block today but I found a decent poem to share:


We can walk without fear,full of hope
and courage and strength...waiting for
the endless good which God is always giving
as fast as He can get us to take it in.

George MacDonald

Northward Bound

Had an awesome weekend. I got to see the surrondings of the area I will be moving to. Minus the bugs it is beautiful. I spent part of the weekend at my girlfriend's parents cottage north of the Muskoka region. We celebrated both my girlfriend'd father and my birthday's which was fun. I even got a few presents which I wasn't expecting at all. I got to see the lake which was beautiful and the weather was great.

Unfortunately,I didn't see the sunrise(I slept in) and I can't see the sunset from there but I defintely have to catch both on camera. It makes me all the more look forward to the move and I'm getting closer each day. In the meantime there is still a lot of work to do. I mustn't let the euphoria of the weekend keep me off focus.

Insights From Esther

I just finished reading the book of Esther. It is a unique book in that God isn't mentioned through the book and there are no references to worship or devotion to God. However, you can see God working through the people in the story and that He is in control of human history.

The story is about a Hebrew woman named Eshter who becomes Queen of the Persian Empire after the King named Ahasuerus deposes of his wife Vashti after she disses him. After which he searches the land for a new queen holding a huge party and comes across the attratctive Esther. She hides her Jewish hertigae from the King but is soon forced into action. Her uncle Mordecai who serves in the King's court draws the ire of Haman who is promoted in the King's court as well when Mordecial refuses to bow to him.

As a result Haman plots the extermination of the Hebrew people and builds a gallows reserved to execute the people. Esther and Mordecai get wind of this plot and attempt to intervene. Esther helps save the genocide of her people. She sets up a banquet where Haman is invited. Haman after being unwittingly caught in a comprising position with Eshter is executed on the gallows he build. After this the decree is reversed and Mordecial is given Haman's position in the Kingdom.

This book shows how God sometimes will work through the most unusual circumstances and through the least likely of people to accomplish His will (In the Persian Kingdom through a couple of Hebrew exiles). How He will intervene when His anointed are threatened and punished the wicked. But most importantly how while we don't see in our lifes or don't feel He is there that He is actually working in each of our lifes.

I saw this book as an example of God will work in our lifes in an indirect way and He will not always do ways the way we want but will get us to where he wants us. Also, how He has a use for each of us regardless of our background and where we are in the world if we allow Him to do so. He has a plan for our lives we just have to listen and obey.

Happy Birthday To Me

Today I became a year older 31 to be more exact. As I get older I just hope I'm becoming wiser as well through life experience.I feel older but I still have a long road ahead of me which wil be exciting. Anyways,I'm playing hokey from work and going to spend the day with my girlfriend which should be good. The weather outside looks very nice so it should be a great day.

Peace Over Panic

I think the impending move is strating to sink in as I feel at times that I'm going in about millions directions at once. Not to mention that worry (the old foe) is working in full force tonight as well. I still have a lot packing to do plus I still have to find a job for when I get there. Also, I want everything to go really smoothly.

However I got to spend some quiet time with the Lord and the closer I get to Him the more I feel this is the right decision for me. I just have to put my trust in Him and remember these words of Jesus:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let
it be afraid. (John14:27)

So Close Yet So Far

The Edmonton Oilers lost last night meaning the Stanley Cup is in Carolina. It is a shame since oilers had an awesome run. Hopefully, the Stanley Cup will go to a Canadian team namely Toronto next season. Anyways,I guess it's back to business as usual.

Go,Oilers,Go

The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to make history tonight. The can become the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup in 13 years and be the first team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to comeback from a 3-1 series defict to win a Stanley Cup final. I'll admit I have only watched games 1 and 6. But just as it looks like they are done they come right back.
They have an amazing playoff beating Detroit who was heavenly favoured and beating San John as well as Anaheim who are two strong teams. Will they beat the Carolina Hurricanes tonight I hope so but I will defintely be watching. it would be nice to have The Stanley Cup back in Canada for a change.

The Weekend Past

I got to go up north again this weekend to visit my girlfriend and her father. It was a little get together for Father's Day. I helped out her father at the cottage on Saturday help getting the place ready by helping put in the dock and mowing the grass among other things. The view across the lake where the cottage is breath taking. You can basically see for miles around and a good part of the lake. The only drawback were all the bug bites I got which I seem to find more and more of on my body.

The more I see the area the more I'm glad that I will be moving up there even with the bugs and all(I hear you get immune to them after awhile). Besides, they are mostly in the bush and not in town where I will be living. It will be an interesting time between now and the time i move there. But Iwill tell myself no fears, no worries. Until then,I will just stay the course with the help of the Lord.

Another Poem I Found

Here's another poem I came across very recently I think it ties with finding my sweet spot:

Remember that you are a part of a limlitless love
and you will find strength you never imagined

The combination of your faith and God's power
can achieve things beyond your wildest dreams

Allow His love into your soul and let Him guide
you along the path you were always meant
to follow

Trust that things will turn out as they were
meant to be
God has brought you this far, and He will
always be close by your side

by
Jason Blume

A Weird Day or Just A Weird Mood

It was one of those days. Nothing bad happened but I felt like I was in frenzy mode most of the time. After work had I had to run across town to mail a couple of things and then cut my grandmother's lawn. The mower didn't have a good chute so I got grass everywhere. The weird part is I wasn't really overwhemled with stuff it just felt like a had to do a million things at once.
I'm guessing it is anxiety about my possible move.
Needless to say I don't feel like myself but I'm ok now. I just will trust the lord to guide me to where I need to go and draw my strength from Him. There will be a few changes in the next few weeks but mercifully He never changes. I just hope to get back to feeling normal again. In the meantime I will just take it easy tonight and not think about it too much.

The Weekend That Was

I just got back from Muskoka today. I spent the weekend with my girlfriend and her parents. We had a party for her nephew who turned four today. It was nothing fancy as we had a small BBQ with her family and we gave him his gifts which he enjoyed. Apparently, he is into dragons so needless to say that is what we got gifts with dragons or with something to do with dragons.

I also went searching for a place to live as I plan to relocate up north. The first one wasn't very promising (actually it was a bit of a dump) but the second place was nice and I just may move in. Although I need to sleep on it and I still have to find a job when I move up there. But I'm trusting in the Lord for that and I'm sure it will work out. I just need to trust fully in Him.

But overall the weekend was fun and I look forward to going back up there next week. Until then, I have a lot to think about and pray about.

Looking For My Sweet Spot

Just started a new book today The Cure For The Common Life by Max Lucado. The central theme of the book is finding your sweet spot basically your purpose in life. It is not merely finding my place but finding where I fit in as a child of God and what my role is as a believer. As a result I think I have my top goal in life. I read Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren not too long ago and am still looking for my purpose. At least I know where to start and that to look to the Creator.
I still however would like to find it soon as it is easy to read something and get excited about it. But then you fail to put it into practise like I have done many times. Being at a crossroads in life I am more encouraged than ever before to not only find my sweet spot but to live for Him.

The Study Tonight

I got to go to a cell group tonight connected to Summit Community Church. It was held at a couple's place in Aurora. The group consisted of myself and three couples. We shot the breeze for a while and then we got to the study. The topic was based on some questions asked on a survey taken at Summit. The two mention were who do we go to for advice in making life changing decisions and the fact many in the church find reading the Bible uninteresting. I mentioned for the first I go on a case by case basis as it depends on the situation.
Some of the others mentioned a life decision they had to make. All the people in the group had moved to the GTA within the last couple of years and they mentioned who they sought for advice. I felt a bit left out as I've lived at the same address for 28 years. Not to mention I'm currently considering a move to a different region in the provience.
Anyways, enough ranting. The topic got to how we are to listen for God's voice and to use his word as a guide. Many Christians seem to put little stock in his word and what surprises me is how little of the Bible many believers have read. I think that we often approach God with prayer and it often reads like a Dear Santa letter. We don't take the time to hear him and what He has for us. Ultimately, He knows whats best for us and has our best interests in mind. He wants us dependent on him and to study his word not only for guidance but to know him better. Basically, He is not a genie but the Heavenly Father who wants us to have a relationship with him.

A Busy Day er..Yes and No

You do ever have once of those days where you feel like you are going a million directions at once? I had one today and the strange parts there actually wasn't a lot to do. First,it looked like it was going to be a long day at work but as the day progressed it turned out to be pretty average. Then I was supposed to go across to pick up groceries that my Mom bought earlier but it turned out it was taken care of. I got home and had a few things to do like laundry which I'm doing now and to have dinner. I also wanted to check an address of group I'm going to be going to tomorrow and I got Morty the cat chomping at my heels.
Not to choatic but it sure felt like it and I could probably use the extra excitement. Also, I get to see the first game of the Stanley Cup final where hopefully the cup will finally come back to Canada.(Go Oilers) It could be worse and the day is almost over.

Where Did the Weekend Go?

I'm sitting here wondering where the weekend went? I know they all go by so fast but in this case I swear it was one of those you blink you miss it deals. Saturday went by so fast it wasn't even funny. My girlfriend came down again and we got to spend some quality time together. I also picked up a couple interesting books at Treasure House. One of them is God Allow U-Turns by Allison Gappa Bottke which is compliation of stories defintely something to read since I need to make a big U-Turn from where I've been headed for the last couple of years. And the other is
Anioux For Nothing by John MacArthur which deals with my old foe.
Anyways, Monday is around the corner but at least I still got the rest of this day to enjoy. I just hope the weekends will slow down a bit.

A Little Prayer

Here's a nice prayer I found on a website:

Lord, as I stumble through this life help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me grow so big that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and make them forget all the unpleasant things in their lives.

And, in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: "When you made my people smile, you made me smile."
Amen.

Author unknown

Surviving The Heat

It has been hot outside for the last few days. However, I managed to survive and last night we got some thunderstorms which broke the heat wave we have been having. As much as I love summer I hope it cools down. I have had problems with allergies and my stomach has had a hard time adjusting to it. This has to be the wackiest weather I have ever seen. From a very mild winter to hot and humid days in May. It remains to be seen what summer will be like. At least today will be closer but the forecast is calling for rain.(yuck)

My Greatest Enemy

I talked to my girlfriend over an hour ago and we read a chapter of Come Thirsty. The chapter was on Worry (We don't have to). It is frightening that it is a big part of our society. there is always the worry of a terrorist attack, global warming, natural disasters and the spread of disease. On a more personal level losing one's job, serious illness, violent crime, risk of an serious accident. There is no shortage of things to worry about.
However, as Max Lucado writes it is "unconscious blapsphemy" meaning it is contary to faith. It is also the sin that followers of Christ seldom talk about as it seems as natural as breathing. We read stories in the Bible of those who refuse to let worry get in the way but act in faith. We see Abarham living as a nomad before becoming " the father of many nations ", Moses leading the Hebrews to the Promised Land, Daniel becoming an overseer of the governors of Darius, Paul becoming the missionary of Christ to the Gentile world. These are people who acted rather than worried.
I'll be the first to admit that worry has it's grip on me and it has paralysed me for years and I could say in all honesty that it has probably cost me some opportunities over the years. Not to mention has affected my health to a degree. It was been my greatest foe. I just must remember this passage " So do not worry about tomorrow;it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings."
(Matt 6:34 GNB)

A Hot Sunday

I got to attend Summit Community Church this morning. I have been attending for the past month and pretty much made it my home. The service was good and the message hit home as it was about commmunity. It was part of a series on relationships. The pastor explored the topic from a different angle. Instead of the usual we must unite and be one he used the family illustration. Like how we fight with our family way more than we fight complete strangers. Also, the issue of sin was bought up and how their is a need to confess sin the church in order to bring unity and healing within it. There is the need to remember that we are all sinners and need to welcome those who haven't been saved into the fold.
The weather today is abnormally hot for this time of year but I can't complain as I would rather have six months of this than a single day of winter. Although the humidity can be draining and the haze doesn't look that nice. At least it reminds me that summer is around the corner which I'm looking forward to.
Not really at lot going on this afternoon as I'm just doing some homework and just chillin for the most part. It's one of those you just help but become lazy but at least I've accomplished the things I wanted to for today so I get the rest to myself. As well as keep cool in the process.

It's Saturday But I Still Have To Work

I managed to survive this week but I still have to go to work for half a day today. I don't know if I'm just getting old or what because I feel exhausted most of the time. At least it's a few extra bucks in my pocket. Not to mention the weather is supposed to be excellent, sunny and a high of 23 degrees.
On a lighter note my girlfriend is in town for the weekend which will help the rest of the weekend go smoothly. I will pick up the lastest Max Lucado book which we will read together after we finish Come Thristy. Hopefully, we can take advantage of the nice weather and spend some quality time outdoors. Anyways, I hope the shift isn't too long and I get the rest of day to spend with the one I love.

A Short Poem I Found

Here's a short poem I found from one of the great theologians of all time:


Living a life of faith means never
knowing where you are being led.
But it does mean loving and
knowing the One who is leading.

Oswald Chambers

Last Night and The Day Ahead

I entered an interesting contest last night. Workpolis a job finding has a contest that if you submit a resume on line through their resume builder you can win a trip to Europe. That would be interesting especially if you win. You get a new job and then a few months in you have to take time off you go on your trip. I can see telling the boss " Yeah, I won the trip while searching for this job".
Anyway, after seeing some of the pictures they showed of Rome, London and Barcelona I couldn't resist. Besides, I could be killing two birds with one stone as I'm looking to get out of lawn maintenance and into something more mentally simtulating. I also have been dying to see Europe for some time and I would love to win.
The weather doesn't look to promising today as the clouds are dark. The site we cut today is a big one about a city block and we have to work rain or shine. hopefully the clouds will pass over and/or the day will be shortened. I could use the extra time to catch up on some needed rest.

Simple Words To Live By

A few days ago a friend's mom gave me some words that were encouraging. She said that as a believer of Christ I am favoured of him. That I am special in his eyes and He has a plan for my life. Yes, I have heard this before but it bears repeating as it's so easy to be discouraged in this day in age. It is something that I must repeat in my head. Especially when I am ready to give up He hasn't given up on me and I must stay the course with him as my pilot.

P.U.S.H

Here's an article someone sent me a few years ago about prayer and trusting in God:


P.U.S.H.A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan)decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a Matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done.Now I, my friend, will move the rock."At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.When everything seems to go wrong .... just P.U.S.H.!When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!When people don't react the way you think they should.....just P.U.S.H.!When the money is "gone" and the bills are due ... just P.U.S.H.!When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.!P= PrayU= UntilS= SomethingH= Happens

Insight Into Life and Death

I had a good weekend as Leanne (my better half) was in town. The only bad part is I didn't get to enjoy the long weekend because I had to work Saturday and Monday but at least I got some much needed cash as a result.
We have been reading a book Come Thirsty by Max Lucado and the chapter we read was When Death Becomes Birth which is was very interesting as the basic message was for the Christian was that their death on this planet will be better than their birth. A follower of Jesus should not be afraid of death because Jesus conquered it and that there is a better place for us.
It is amazing how as a society we prepare for how we are going to live but how little people prepare for the inevitable. It is something that is feared by many but is unavoidable. I think the key is not only to be ready but to have idea where you are going. Sadly, many are unaware or uncertain of their destination.
To me it is so much looking forward or waiting for it to happen but realising that very minute in our lives should connect and we are to make the best of our time on Earth. I'll have to admit I have been a little afraid of the other side but the words of Jesus set me straight

" Verily,verily, I say unto you, He that hearth my word, and believeth on him that sent me,
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto
life."
(John 5:24)

First Blog

I have just signed up for this blog and here it goes. I'm feeling tired as it's been a long week at work. Not to mention that the weather is crappy which doesn't help since I work outdoors. I have to go in tomorrow but on a brighter note my girlfriend is coming down for part of the weekend. It should go well and I'm looking forward to it. Anyways, I should get some sleep as I have an early day tomorrow.
Jay