HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S MAY YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT 2010.

Reflections

As I look on the year that is past I look at the things that have happened and what may be ahead
in 2010. I had the big move early in the year from Muskoka to Haliburton. Have taken courses towards another career in Accounting (I hope to find a job in it in 2010). Spent my first full year of marriage with a very lovely and attractive whom I'm still very much in love with. Got to see the birth of 2 new nephews. Had a political conversion of sorts (see my Blueman Blog for more details) and have learned how fast time really goes by.
So if I have any New Year's Resolutions in 2010 it may be summed up as Carpe Diem (Seize The Day). I hope to really enjoy my time and not let it slip through my fingers.

A Christmas Message

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!

Just A Quick Word

It is Remembrance Day in Canada and I just want everyone out there to take the time to remember what our soldiers have done for us both past and present.

Book Review

I finished reading Speaking My Mind by Tony Campolo a couple weeks ago. Actually, I read in one day and finished it the same day I purchased it. It was very challenging in that he brought up a lot of issues that I tend to avoid or have approached from another angle.These include the future of mainline denominations, sexism,racism ,science,anti-American and the future of the evangelical church to name a few as the author speaks his mind on these topics. His views on Islam and homosexuality are way different then those of the norm in the evangelical Christian world. He actually helped convict me in those areas as I'll admit I have towed the "party line" in those areas which I could say was not very pious and rather intolerant.
Having read other books by the author in the past it was very thought provoking but this one did lag at times(especially the chapter on science and the fear displayed by evangelicals). I also felt that there was optimism and pessimism and the same time. As the evangelical community is just seen as a right-wing Republican supporting sub-culture. But there is the reminder the amount of social reform the church has been involved in over the years. Not the author but work but is food for thought and can either challenge or anger you depending on your view worldview.
I guess the back of the cover says it all it will either fill you with hope or scare you to death.

Some Words To Live By

What you are is God's gift to you; what you make yourself is your gift to God.

George Washington Carver

Busy,Busy,Busy

Nothing really new going on except I have been very busy at my job and the part of my contract is coing to an end next week. In the meanwhile it looks like I will be busy.

Letter From God

I found this in Calvin Miler's book Jesus Love Me:

Dear Friend
How are you? I just had to send you this letter and to tell you how much I love and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with friends. I waited all day hoping you would talk to me also.As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, a cool breeze to rest you, and I waited. You never came. Oh, yes, it hurt me, but I still love you, because I am your friend.
I saw you asleep Last night, and I longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.
You awakened late and rushed off for the day-my tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times, too, but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet, green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and the trees, and give it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams, and give the birds to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans, and bigger than the biggest want or need you have.
We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on this earth, I really know...
My father wants me to help you too....He's that way, you know. Just call on me, ask me, talk to me....But if you don't call, you'll see...I have chosen you and because of this, I will wait...beacuse I love you.
Your friend
Jesus
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Something Different

Something that has got my interest or should I say an interesting perspective of the faith.


en.wikipedia.com/Red-Letter_Christian


This is no means a new movement but puts my walk with the Lord in perspective.

A Brief Message

A Happy Civic Holiday to you all !!!

It's Been One Year

I got to celebrate my one-year anniversity with my wife this past weekend. We went to Toronto and stayed at the Holiday Inn and did some shopping. As we both reflected on the time we both couldn't believe that one year has gone by so fast. It seems like only yesterday that we were making the trip to the altar. It has been a great past year and not to mention transtonal as I have not only have had to adjust to married life but have moved three times in that period. i look forward to many more.

A Story About A Moose

I had an interesting morning yesterday as I got to see some of the wildlife of cottage country. After seeing a deer and an otter on the road. I got to see my first close encounter with a moose as I was driving to work. I had thought that it was a deer or a horse until I got close as it was in the opposite lane from me until I got up close and saw it was a moose. I came to a complete stop and after seeing me it ran away. I defintely feel that the hand of the Lord was with me and it serves as a warning even in the bush you have to play close attention to where you are driving.

Birthday and Baptism

I got to spend the past weekend at my in-laws cottage where we celebrated my niece's fourth birthday on the Saturday which went very well. It is scary how old my nieces and nephews are and how fast they are growing. On Sunday we had an afternoon church service at the cottage which saw three people(two teens and a young adult) get baptised in the lake. In spite of a brief rain shower all went well. It was great to see these three make a commitment such as this and reminded me of my baptism and the significance behind it as it was a public declaration of faith. All in all it was a good weekend.

Thoughts On Jackson

With the recent death of pop icon Michael Jackson and the big memorial service that will be held for him today. I figured I would give my two cents here. While tragic it was it is disturbing seeing the amount media coverage already. That fact that there is more publicity for him more than when most world leaders die is sad. He was a great entertainer but his personal life left a lot to be desired as he had those allegations of child molestation not to mention he was an alleged drug abuser. The last image more me was when he dangled his baby of a balcony for all the world to see. Putting the life of his own child in danger like that made me question his sanity and wheter he did other things to endanger his children. I also don't see the point of a huge memorial service as it should be a small affair with family and friends. I guess it is a commentary on people we look up to in society.

An Early Greeting

I know this is a day early but HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!!!

My Past Weekend

I just spent the weekend with my family and had a very good time. It was nice to see my sister and her husband again as well as everyone else. It was also a great meal that we had.The only problem I had with it was it went by to fast as it always does. I also went to a Presbyterian church on Sunday and meet a nice man who introduced me to other members of the congregation. He is originally from indonesia and I got to talk to him for a while.I also got to stay for lunch and had a good time. I almost felt bad that I had to leave to return home but it was a great experience.

A Year Older

Today I turn the age of 34 and while not exactly old I'm not amazed how fast that time goes by. I guess this quote is true.
"Life goes by very fast and if you don't stop and look around once in a while you will miss it"
Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Heatwave Coming

Just looking forward to the heatwave coming our way next week as the weather is very sunny here. Also, looking at another weekend of work.

Finshing Well

I did a message last Sunday on this topic and it got me thinking now easy it is to start in the faith but is much more difficult to continue in it. Like the parable of the sower Matthew 13:1-9 many receive the seed which represents the word of God but it either takes no root or if it does take root it withers up and dies quickly. Only a few of these seeds take solid root and grow into healthy plant life just as a small amount of believers grow into productive and faithful servants right to the end. People get sidetracked into the cares of this world,liberal theology or just neglect Bible reading and prayer and fall by the wayside. It is said that less than 1% of people who commit their lives to the Lord at a Billy Graham crusade become committed Christians for life. It makes wonder has the church failed in it's teaching or has a secular world blind many from the truth and have stirred others in the wrong direction.
There is the story of John Stephen Aquara a marthon runner from Tanzania who was injured in running a race in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Despite, he injuries which left him barely able to walk let alone run he continued in spite of having on chance to win. When asked why he continued he said" My country sent me here not to start the race but to finish it".
Are we here to start the race or finish it.

Killing Time

Not a whole lot going on except summer is finally here at least today and I'm just killing time between shifts. I would like to work closer to home but right now it is good as I find on this library computer that I can focus more than I would at home. Anyways, I promise my next blog will be more exciting.

Busy,Busy,Busy

The title says all as I am doing a shift today and working at the factory tonight. Then I go to my in-laws for a Birthday bash for my nephew and father-in-law. I will be staying the weekend there and then I will be preaching Sunday night. At least I get a few days off and it may not seem like a lot but time doesn't seem to be an ally of mine.

Waiting For Summer

There is nothing new going on except that I am home today after having worked the weekend looking at the gray (or is it grey) weather outside. I am anxiously for summer to arrive and the weather that comes with it.

My Return To Blogville

I'm back. Part of reason I haven't posted in so long is that I have had minimal access to the interest until now as I haven't had Internet at home for a long time. I have also moved twice in the last six months. So things have been chaotic lately but now that I am settled in I hope to finally post here more often.