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.