We Are The Reason

that he gave his life...

A clever slip up..

The other day I was in the office with my sister Joy and she asked me, "how does that saying go again..? Something about why we celebrate Christmas... oh yah... 'We are the reason for the season'."

I laughed so hard... but it also struck me immediately that it was a completely accurate slogan. It sounds really pompous but it's true that if we didn't exist there would be no Christmas, there would be no reason for it. Christmas celebrates the fact that Our Reedemer was true to His word, He came and He saved us. We celebrate Jesus, but we are the reason that He came. We were lost without Him. So in a very real way... "We are the Reason for the Season"

We Were The Reason - David Meece

As little children

We would dream of Christmas morn

Of all the gifts and toys

We knew we’d find

But we never realized

A baby born one blessed night

Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason

That He gave His life

We were the reason

That He suffered and died

To a world that was lost

He gave all He could give

To show us the reason to live
As the years went by

We learned more about gifts

The giving of ourselves

And what that means

On a dark and cloudy day

A man hung crying in the rain

All because of love, all because of love

I’ve finally found the reason for living

It’s in giving every part of my heart to Him

In all that I do every word that I say

I’ll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
He is my reason to live

What to do..what to do...

I got this email from an old schoolmate that seemed fairly informative so I thought I would pass it on...

Last night I attended a workshop on the state of the Canadian Economy. There was some very interesting economic data presented that supports the forecast that Canada will only suffer a “Technical Recession” (no growth in GDP for two quarters) and that we will be able to hold our own and weather the world economic “crisis” you are reading and hearing about. This is very good news for Albertans who see unemployment at 3.9%, the lowest since they started keeping track, and Canadians (not just the West) who saw 9500 new jobs created last month).

Then there was discussion on the current Coalition Government (Liberal, Bloc and NDP) “bloodless coup” that is in the works right now. The outlook was not pleasant. Right now Canada’s economy is poised to lead the world out of the recession. Should this coup be allowed, it would decimate all investor confidence in Canada and deter investment capital. This would significantly affect the future of our country as it would not only eliminate the word “Technical” from our recession status, but it would also make Canada look like a joke globally. This political fiasco is nothing but a butting of egos and these three men are seriously endangering the stability of our country.

This does affect you. We have jobs, a stable economy, a strong dollar, low inflation and we are a leading nation in a global time of need. If this government coup is allowed to be executed it will surely mean rough times ahead. I only send you this as the coup will definitely affect your bottom line. I encourage you to educate yourself on this and take action. You can sign an online petition at the following website:

http://www.canadians4democracy.ca/

It only takes a couple of minutes but it could be instrumental in saving Canadian Democracy. Please take 15 minutes of work time today to read up and choose (Bill it to 1168 under the heading “Canadian Democracy”.


The Liberals and NDP seem poised to form an alternative government by joining forces in a coalition -- supported by the separatist Bloc Quebecois. This unholy alliance is saying they simply want to spend more money to stimulate the economy, but when asked for details, they don’t have an answer. Apparently they’re prepared to take the "ready, shoot, aim" approach to spending and sign blank cheques to bail out industries in financial trouble without even knowing what will actually help specific industries, without knowing what Barak Obama has planned, and without working in concert with the other G-20 countries. It's a recipe for a fiscal disaster.

More importantly, it's a democratic disaster. During the campaign, Liberal leader Stephane Dion said he would not and could not have a coalition with the NDP, because their policies would destroy the economy. Apparently that principled position has now gone out the window. Now we have the prospect of the Liberals (with 77 seats) joining with the NDP (with 37 seats) to unseat the democratically elected Conservatives (with 143 seats). Of course, the only way to do that would be with the support of the separatist Bloc Quebecois, who bring their votes to the table in exchange for their separatist agenda. The three left-leaning parties in Parliament are willing to risk it all in order to gain power through the back door, power that was denied to them in a general election.

An organization called Canadians for Democracy has put together a petition urging Members of Parliament not to change governments without an election. Given the speed at which the Liberal/NDP/ Bloc coalition is moving towards their goal of overthrowing the duly elected Government of Canada without an election, the petition should probably be addressed to the Governor General. But the coalition is moving very quickly and I urge anyone who would oppose the potential coalition to sign this petition:

Bloodless Coup?! How dare they!

It seems like three losing parties bandied together to decide that Canadians don't really need any democratic process and have decided to mutiny and take control.
How dare they even suggest this has the support of the people?

Would someone voting NDP have voted for a coalition party with Bloc Quebecios? or the Liberal party for that matter?? What about someone voting BQ? Wouldn't they have viewed their party as 'selling out' to the Libs?

In case you are as in the dark about all this as I was yesterday (I was travelling for 6 days, no tv, or internet and came back to hear that our newly elected government has a bunch of bullies trying to take over and position Dion [most of whom considered to be an inept leader, even within his party] as Prime Minister!!) here is part of an article from CTV.ca news to get you started.

Heritage Minister James Moore said Canadians are shocked by the recent developments, which follow the Conservatives' election win less than two months ago.
"I think Canadians are pretty stunned that Stephane Dion, a guy who entered politics in a byelection in 1996 fighting against Quebec separatists, is now prepared to hand over power to Quebec separatists to become the prime minister of this country after Canadians and his own political party rejected him," Moore told CTV's Canada AM.
Under the accord, Dion would serve as interim prime minister until May, when the Liberals will elect a new party leader who would then become prime minister.
Moore said the Conservatives "still have some options left on the table" but wouldn't go into details of what those options are.
CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reported Tuesday that Prime Minister Stephen Harper may try to prevent the vote from happening by forcing Parliament to take a break.
"There's very little wiggle room for the prime minister but what he could try to do is to prorogue Parliament before Monday's vote and bring it back with a throne speech and a budget inside that, and take his chances after a bit of a cooling-down period and hope maybe this coalition will fall apart," Fife said.
Harper is also likely to step up the public relations campaign in an effort to rally Canadians against the coalition. There is word of demonstrations in support of Harper taking place outside 24 Sussex Drive on Tuesday morning.
"The other thing he can do, and I believe he will do, is make an address to the nation this week to try and appeal to Canadians to put pressure on the gang of three," Fife said.
Additionally, there is a slim chance Harper could ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call another election.
The coalition is "strange to say the least" Fife said, pointing out the Liberals have always opposed the NDP's financial policies, and Dion has always fought against separatists. But now the three parties have banded together to form a common front.
It's the first time since 1926 that Canadians face the possibility of changing governments without an election.
"I'm pleased to announce we are ready to form a government," said Dion on Monday, adding that the new alliance will "effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times."
Dion said the coalition will include a pared-down cabinet with 24 ministers plus the prime minister. Six of those spots will go to the NDP.
"Canadians elected 308 members of Parliament in October, not just Stephen Harper," said Dion, noting the new government would "promptly" implement an economic stimulus plan.
Dion was clear that he would step aside when the Liberals elect a new leader in Vancouver on May 2.
Layton said the agreement represented "enormous optimism" and represents a new way of governing, where parties can put aside their differences for the greater good of Canadians.
"I think it's likely to produce very good government. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here," he said.
On Monday, Liberal leadership candidates Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae and Dominic LeBlanc met and agreed unanimously that Dion would act as interim leader of the coalition until May.
"We are at one, the three of us, that the only person who can lead the party is the duly elected leader of the party Mr. Stephane Dion," Ignatieff said.

Scary - wouldn't you say?

Happy Christmas friends... we shall dance for you!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Fair Warning

I have this plan for my holiday shopping this year. I want to only buy presents that also benefit charities. I thought it would be fairly easy because there are already quite a few charities that I support that "sell" some very cool items. However, just because I find something cool, doesn't mean that everyone will. It has taken quite a bit of time, but I'm happy to share a few with you, in case you are in the same place I am... wanting to show love to friends and family with gifts "a small token of my affection", but realizing that we already have so much, and wanting to benefit those that have not...

World Vision Gift Catalogue is pretty fanatastic but I also always want to give a little extra to the person... well here are the sites I found that let a person give twice in one fell swoop.

Invisible Children - is working primarily in Uganda working alongside to children to provide them with education and a hope for the future. Check 'em out, a worthwhile charity with some very cool duds.

Ten Thousand Villages is committed to selling fair trade items and have all sorts of interesting and unusual items and food stuffs from around the world.

Watoto - you may remember them because of the Watoto Childrens choir that came to Cold Lake last spring. They are an organization specifically reaching out to Orphans and widows. It's worth checking out there story, and this link to their web store, which features very cool t-shirts, hand crafted jewelry, and instruments etc...

Tearfund - an organization based out of the UK has something similar to world visions gift catalogue called living gifts, they also have a large "tearcrafts" site which sells quality ethical products. "Now here’s a novel and sensible way to give a gift to a friend or family member, and at the same time express our love and concern for someone in the developing world. A Tearfund Living Gift voucher really could result in changing someone’s life for the better. It’s a great idea and I wholeheartedly recommend it!" - Sir Cliff Richard.

That should get you started if you are interested...

Let's make a difference, shall we ! :D

Wisdom

I've been reading in Proverbs lately and these verses have compelled me to hold my tongue and let God move in some frustrating and hurtful circumstances.... so I am posting them here to keep them fresh.
Proverbs 22
3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it

Proverbs 20
3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 19
2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way

Proverbs 18
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.

Proverbs 17
7 Arrogant [eloquent] lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! (Makes me feel secure in the knowledge that God can vindicate me)
27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue

The Beauty of the Bomb Shelter.

I recently was listening to a sermon online that was attempting to make a point about the need to live sanctified lives that still are a part of your cultural context. This is something I have wrestled with as a missionary in a foreign land, but also as I returned to my homeland.

Is it really right to try and fit into a culture of a place, knowing full well that life as a Christian is alien to the unbeliever. Do we need to “know the language” to effectively reach the people?

To be honest I had just as many successful discussions before I understood the language and culture of my foreign home, as I did after language and culture study. I believe this is because God’s Holy Spirit in me could testify truth effectively no matter my weaknesses. I would go so far as to suggest that those conversations may have been even more effective because they were seasoned with much more prayer and much less of myself than, later conversations , when I felt I had a grasp on the language and the people.

As I thought about this, a picture came to mind that I wish I could paint. Hopefully my words will paint it for me.
Imagine a New York from above. Moving closer toward the crowded streets you see masses and masses of the living dead... “Zombies” to the lay person. Scattered amongst them here and there are perfectly healthy people. Color in their cheeks and a spring in their step they walk with purpose. Some of them however, not as easily noticed, are imitating the strange and halting lumbering of the zombies. Some are applying make up, dirtying their clothes and painting themselves to look like the dead around them. Some are so successful that they are almost indistinguishable from the dead but for the eyes, that just can’t quite look that vacant.
I’m sure you can already see where this is going. We are alive in Christ! He has transformed us, we are no longer “dead men walking”. Why would we then would we feel it’s right and acceptable to dress up and act like the rest of the world... even in part?

As a missionary in a foreign country it was my differences that attracted a crowd. I could show up in a village and get swarmed by people. Why was I there? Who was Jesus? Opportunities arose because I stood out from the crowd. Opportunities that believers in those tiny villages had longed for... but they were so much like everyone around them that their voices were often not heard, or even appreciated.

I’m reminded of the missionary Nate Saint. Maybe you know of him. He went as a missionary to along with 4 others (Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCulley, and Roger Youderian) to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Sure they attempted to learn the language, they thought or ways to reach out to these tribes. What eventually worked to reach them? Their martyrdom.

These men were killed by the very tribe they were hoping to eventually reach for the gospel. God chose to use this tragedy for his own glory, and as these men died the tribesmen report seeing someone that could only have been an Angel, amongst them. God worked in the hearts of the killers. God transformed their lives. God spoke conviction and truth into their hearts before the missionaries even reached them in person.

Okay, let’s look closer at the zombie painting shall we? There just in the corner, on a side street – Zombies doing what they do best, swarming the healthy man, and attacking ferociously... further down the street, is that a baby? Still in diapers? Crawling through the dirty streets toward the ferocious mob?

There is an unhealthy push in the western church to make friendship evangelism the only viable form of reaching people in our society with the gospel. I’ve seen youth not only encouraged but pushed to spend as much time as possible with their non-believing friends. With the question ringing in their ears. “How else will they hear the gospel.” I felt the same pressure while a teen... I must witness, I have no idea how, but I must. I was a strong believer, since the time I was a baby I believed with my whole heart and soul that Jesus is God, that God loved me. That I could have eternal life and a relationship with the Creator of the Universe... all that separated us was my sin. I could repent, and be his child. It was simple and I embraced it. I have not looked back.

God has been my best friend, and most trusted parent for as longer than I can even remember. I had an intense desire to share this with my peers (it was easier in Kindergarten than it was in High school, but I never gave up.) That said it was incredibly challenging, there was temptation from all sides, despite “strict” and involved parents. By Jr. High my friends already were dealing with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and pregnancy scares!! I was abnormal I stood out. Already by Jr High, I had teachers that would call me “idiot”, “goody two shoes,” under their breath, because of my Christian beliefs and I didn’t even have classes with them! Once when I challenged a teacher in gr. 7 for speaking about Jesus in a derogatory way, my church attending classmates looked embarrassed by me and only one person, a non-believer, stood with me to say that these are not things that should be taught in the classroom. It was an incredibly lonely time, I thank God that we had a strong and healthy youth group by that point, but was it enough? I daily walked through all sorts of temptations. I would liken that time of my life to the baby crawling up to those attacking Zombies. I had so much to learn still about who God is and just what he is capable of. I had a lot to learn about how "God would fight for me, I need only be still." (ex 14 vs 14) I was fighting to fit in while still retaining my relationshipt to the Saviour. Very confusing for a 13/14 year old. Even one that had already been walking and talking with God for a decade.

I thank God for parents that chose to protect me as much as they could from what really is an increasingly depraved world. I am astounded now (although at the time I thought they were more normal than my own) by parents that willingly let their children attend parties with non-Christian friends? Do they feel there is an acceptable amount of temptation for their children? Don't they realize that, at these parties, no matter how nice their friends are, they will be faced with temptations to drink excessively, or smoke, or do drugs, or engage in heavy petting, or watch pornography, or .... fill in the blank.

Even parents that let their children go to movies without checking the rating surprise me. Is it alright for them to be exposed to so much sex, violence, and vulagrity? Are they really so much stronger than the common person, that these things will not stay with them in their minds? How much temptation should we willing embrace!?

Those same parents of my christian friends were okay with their children experimenting a little, after all, everyone does, don’t they? So how much sin is appropriate for the Christian? How much baggage is good to carry into your marriage?

I would suggest that to allow ourselves to fit into "our culture" makes us lose our real selves. We lose sight of the masterpiece that God is working on. We have to admit, that as Christ followers our western materialistic, sexually charged, self serving, independent culture doesn’t fit... it can’t fit. When we are clothed with Christ, it’s a perfectly tailored ensemble, there isn’t room under there for the world.

After several months of living in a foreign land, things changed for me. A lot of my friends that had been from North America had left back home, and I had found new friends amongst the locals. I really loved it. I loved the people, I loved the land, I loved the work... but there was something missing. People that knew and understood me, without interpretation.

I could have looked for more friends from North America, but that was hard work. I had friends that I enjoyed being with and that enjoyed being with me. I was surprised to find loneliness increasing. I came to a point where I was so desperately lonely, I warned God that I would do something incredibly drastic and He wouldn’t like it!! I was tempted during that time, like you couldn’t believe... It was incredibly dark. I felt lost. I didn’t know who I was and my understanding of who God is, was getting a shake up as well.

God in his mercy met me where I was at, saved me from that loneliness and provided me with friends that could speak to me in my native tongue. That could understand me because they understood my culture!

Christians have a culture... some think of this as something that hinders the spread of the gospel... that it could be offensive to non-believers. But guess what!! The gospel, which is the good news about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and his redemptive power... is offensive!! It’s part of the battle we are in. No matter what words we dress it up in, and no matter what media we now use to present it, the gospel in and of itself can offend. How many times I tried dress up the gospel to fit the culture and was shocked to find that depite hearing the truth and being interested in Jesus they were content to carry on just as they had been. But why was I surprised, I hadn't offered them anything really different!
Our culture, believe it or not, is fascinating to those that are searching!

Have you seen the movie ‘I am Legend”? In it, Will Smith’s character is living a solitary existence. He is the only healthy man amongst a city of diseased, zombie like, people living in darkness. Will’s character lives in the light. He travels around in the day, gathering supplies and making a plan of attack. He created a bomb shelter and lab in his home and works diligently in a cure. He is at war... not against the zombies, but against the disease that is ravaging them. He would not effectively have found a cure if he had decided to move in amongst them. In fact when he does venture into their “home” in order to rescue his dog that ran towards them the entire audience holds their breath knowing he is in danger every moment he stays in that place. The danger is becoming one of them.

Which brings me to the title of this, somewhat lengthy, blog. Bombshelters.
In this same online sermon the pastor preached about the danger of Christian’s who are so focused on Christ’s return that they are in effect say “to Hell with everyone else”. He called them bombshelter Christians, those that build walls around themselves to keep the world out. But wait a minute. Isn’t a bombshelter a good thing?? Doesn’t it protect us from certain death! I lived in a country full of bombshelters. You were foolish to build a home and not consider incorporating the safety of a bombshelter. Are we not supposed to live lives that are focused on Christ? Are we not supposed to live with an expectancy of Christ’s return?

I have found that the more focused I am on Christ’s return the more eager I am to share my faith, the more aware I am that the life I live now is not for myself but for Christ. The more I recognize my sanctification, that Christ has set me apart with a purpose, the more I devote my thoughts to searching after God, my love for the lost INCREASES! The opposite is true when I embrace our western culture. The more I live like those around me, the more selfish and self centred I see myself becoming.

Many times in my life I have had to separate myself from my non-believing friends because I was allowing sinful thoughts and temptations to have my attention. I needed to build walls, as this pastor put it, in order to refocus and once again strongly desire their salvation. His point was that the walls separate us. I find that the lack of walls, the increasing lack of boundaries create a separation between myself and God. Which is more dangerous, a seperation from God and an understanding of Him, or a seperation from this culture and an understanding of it?

I was reminded of Ezra and Nehemiah... the work of building walls to protect the city of Jerusalem had come to a stop. Marauders were stealing and breaking in, carrying off treasures from the temple. God placed in on their heart to see that the work of rebuilding the wall was finished and that the law was restored to the people. As they built these walls the people turned back to praising God, they turned back to prayer. Was there opposition? Yes! From within and without! But despite the opposition they carried on. What rejoicing there was when the wall was in place and the city began to be returned to it’s former glory. It pleased God and the people knew it. The temple and the city could now be repaired without the risk of their enemies stealing and destroying it. The walls lead to a security and to a country finally returning to the people promised it. It allowed for MORE peace within the walls and even with the people OUTSIDE the walls.

Is it wrong for us to build some walls to protect our churches, our families, our children, ourselves??

Is it wrong of us to embrace protection?

But we always try and figure things out for God in the context of the culture we understand don’t we?

I was reminded of Lot... he welcomed the Angels, sent to rescue him and his family into his home. When the townspeople came beating on his door, demanding he turn over these “men” so that they might have sex with them, Lot in an attempt to protect these messenger’s of God and still appease the townspeople instead offered up his daughters to be raped by them!! I believe Lot’s heart was right. He was trying to honour these men and honour God, but in the context of the culture he lived. He could offer up his daughters and that would be a little less loathsome. Did God need Lot to do this? Of course not. In fact, in the end none had to be given up to the lustful desires of the townsfolk. None of them were expected to give themselves over to the depravity of the town.

Have we done this? Do we give ourselves over to a little depravity in order to appease people and protect God’s good name? Do we find that we do embrace an “acceptable amount of sin”?

Even if only in our thought life and conversation? Jesus didn’t.

He says that we should be one with Him even as He and the Father are one. It is by this unity that people will know we are his disciples. Our likeness to Christ and difference from the world, will be enough to bring those that are seeking, to question us... and it says that we should then “always be ready to give and answer for the hope that we have.”

It will also be enough to invite persecution... I don’t know about you, but when the bombs are dropping I’m happy for a bomb shelter – which in this case I would call the full Armour of God! The armour is our protection and our weapon is the Holy Spirit.

Obama Claims He's Visited 57 States

That Obama - such a smooth talker

More THINGS THAT FASCINATE ME in random order.

1. Dentures: ever since I first saw my grandma take her teeth out...and even today - what would it really feel like to have absolutely no teeth in your mouth?? Not that I want to know just yet.

2. Plastic and Metal - can make such a large variety of amazing things. Computers - plastic and metals, Telephone -plastic and metal, Toy car - plastic and metal. See what I mean? But the WAY that it's used makes a huge difference in what it can do.

3. Restaurants that still put a small glass vase and a fake flower in the center of the table.

4. Fire

5. The feeling of excitement and anticipation that comes from opening a new journal and writing that very first word in the pristine pages.

6. Contact Lenses - a piece of plastic you put in your eye that can make you see better than 20/20. The craziest part is that they all look pretty much alike size-wise, but if I used my brother or sisters contact lense instead of my own I woudn't be able to see properly. How did they know to make adjustments in such tiny increments!

7. Birth - in my imagination it is a very long journey (probably because it can take such a long time) but in reality, they travel less than a foot... crazy.

8. Time

9. Brains

10. Communes - I love the idea of them. I like to think of what would be the perfect commune... (basically just good friends living in the same community and sharing resources) and if it existed how could we keep out the people that would turn it into something weird. As we know communes tend to attract weirdos.

11. Digital- digital everything!

12. Language - that sounds and squiggles, facial movements, gestures etc. can be given meanings so that when repeated with "agreed upon" rules and patterns we can understand one another clearly. I also wonder how dependant thought is on language... how would we think if we had no "words".

13. The three ear bones.

14. Emotions and their origins...

15. Miracles

Weezer - Pork And Beans

youtube favorites al la Weezer

An Excerpt.

I am currently reading a book called "Speaker for the Dead" by Orson Scott Card. Maybe you know it?

In it there is a story shared by one of the characters that I found fascinating. Maybe you would too.

"A great rabbi stands teaching in the marketplace. It happens that a husband finds proof that morning of his wife's adultery, and a mob carries her to the marketplace to stone her to death. (There is a familiar version of this story, but a friend of mine, a speaker for the dead, has told me of two other rabbi's that faced the same situation. Those are the ones I'm going to tell you.)

The rabbi walks forward and stands beside the woman. Out of respect for him the mob forbears, and waits with the stones heavy in their hands. "Is there anyone here," he says to them, "who has not desired another man's wife, another womans husband?"

They murmer and say, "We all know the desire. But, Rabbi, none of us has acted on it."

The rabbi says, "Then kneel down and give thanks that God made you strong." He takes the woman by the hand and leads her out of the market. Just before he let's her go, he whispers to her, "Tell the lord magistrate who saved his mistress. Then he will know that I am his loyal servant."

So the woman lives because the community is too corrupt to protect itself from disorder.

Another rabbi, another city, He goes to her and stops the mob, as in the other story, and says, 'Which of you is without sin? Let him cast the first stone.'

The people are abashed, and they forget their unity of purpose in the memory of their own individual sins. Someday, they think, I may be like this woman, and I'll hope for forgiveness and another chance. I should treat her the way I wish to be treated.

As they open their hands and let the stones fall to the ground, the rabbi picks up one of the fallen stones, lifts it high over the woman's head, and throws it straight down with all of his might. It crushes her skull and dashes her brains onto the cobblestones.

"Nor am I without sin," he says to the people. "But if we allow only perfect people to enforce the law, the law will be dead and out people with it.

So the woman died because her community was too ridgid to endure her deviance.

The famous version of this story is noteworthy because it is so startlingly rare in our experience. Most communities lurch between decay and rigor mortis, and when they veer too far, they die. Only one rabbi dared to expect of us such a perfect balance that we could preserve the law and still forgive the deviation. So, of course, we killed him.

- San Angelo, Letters to an Incipient Heretic, trans. Amai a Tudomundo Para Que Deus Vos Ame Cristao, 103:72:54:2"

from Chapter 16, The Fence, 'Speaker for the Dead', by Orson Scott Card.

Shana Tova - here's to a blessed new year.

It's Rosh HaShanah.... did you know? I thought I knew a fair bit about the holiday, but today as I was teaching about it in School one of my students asked me answered a question I should have asked :D

Rosh Ha Shanah, the new year, starts with the sound of the shofar - someone blows a ram's horn at sundown and the people are instructed to listen and then come together to pray. The holiday is supposed to remind us of creation when God called the world into existance. It's a time for celebration and reflection... time to repent and determine to live differently... better. I was thinking how similar it is to our own New Years Celebration. We often have a big party and blow noise makers and make noise to welcome in the new year... in my family we also took communion together, which also reminded me of their welcoming the Jewish New Year with prayer and repentance.

Rosh Ha Shana is also a time to look at God and worship Him as King.... now here's what I learned today as I was talking to my students about Rosh ha Shana. I asked, why do you think they blow the ram's horn, it was my youngest student that was eager to answer and explained. Well it's to remind us that Jesus is coming again!

I don't know why I never made this connection before. Of course, the Jewish holidays are ripe with Messianic prophecy, but I'd never thought about this as pointing to Christ's return. BUT the Creator of the world will return as King, He will come in glory and to the sound of trumpets.... ushering in a whole new age.

Kinda of a cool connection don't you think? I love when I learn something new about God and in an area I thought I was familiar with.

Shana Tova!! I pray God abundantly blesses you and keeps you from evil in this New Year!

The Garment of Praise for a Spirit of Heaviness

It's been a tough week - a very tough week emotionally, and as one that doesn't "do" emotional I am always surprised to find how physically draining it is. Anyway, this week it seemed like one thing after another was bombarding me (not just me of course but also those around me); sorrow over the loss of old friends which then also reminds me of past losses and past grief, job stress, illness, more job stress, someone trying to charge something to my credit card I had never authorized - also known as money worries... etc..etc.. all of it combined has kept me on the verge of tears... and yet, God gently bekons me to the crook of his arm, to be protected from this latest storm and to know comfort. This morning in church they sang "blessed your name", just as they did at the funeral on Wednesday. It reminded me of the horrible time when Faye passed away and I was sitting in airports trying to get home... and God kept asking me to praise Him and "Blesses Be Your Name" became my anthem. As I praised my understanding of His love for me grew. As I chose to offer a sacrifice of praise... the heaviness eased. I am constantly surprised that no matter what state my emotions are in, when I choose to praise God and focus on His attributes, there develops a deep and abiding peace. I don't know why I'm surprised, it's exactly what He says will happen, but it still surprises me. To steal from C.S. Lewis, I guess you could say, I'm "surprised by joy". How, when grief and hurt are still strong; can peace and contentment, love and hope also be dwelling in my heart? Tonight, my younger sister sent my mum to talk to me... it was nice. I am so used to just taking everything to God, and trying to shelter those I love from my own pain, that I can forget that they want to be a help and comfort. My mum, who has not had they easiest of weeks either, shared what God had given her at the beginning of all the trouble. So much like myself she quoted the verses, that I always remember from the old song....

He gives us beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

It's so true. I know it may sound strange... but I find there can be a certain poetic(?) beauty in grieving the loss of a friend, and I have experienced joy in the midst of mourning, and I can testify that Praise releases me from feelings of heaviness.

And so once again...

Blessed be His name when I'm found in the desert place, though I walk through the wilderness... blessed be His name.

And blessed be His name, when the sun's shining down on me, when the world's all that it should be, blessed be His name.

Life Cycle

I wrote a blog a couple years ago... I could probably write the same one word for word today... "Life Hidden in a Tent"... the particulars match almost exactly. A friend of the family for many Years (in fact since I was a baby), Bud Elford passed away a couple of days ago... the next day (yesterday) a friend gave birth to her first daughter, today another friend of the family, Lorraine Scott passed away...

it reminded me so much of 2 years ago that I thought I would post an excerpt from that blog as kind of a reminder of what God was teaching me then...

"A couple of days ago a friend from church had this lovely little baby girl, early... she'd come for a visit and we'd been talking to her ealier in the day, and that evening she delivered their daughter. What just amazes me every time is how the space of a day changes your life so drastically. Just that day, a man we have known since I was a baby passed away, his funeral was today. His life will never be the same. In a good way :D

One life, I have just met, she was hidden from view; although no less alive the day before birth than the day after. The other one has since left the tent/body he was dwelling in and is now more alive than he had been while here, although I can no longer see him he is in fact more alive today than he was the day before.Fascinating don't you think.At the funeral today, the pastor was talking about our body being a tent, it is imperfect, and it is only temporary. That instilled in me so much hope. I started thinking about all this mess with whatever is causing me pain - that obviously isn't my appendix! And I thought about all those little aches and pains you can feel (...after bowling, which we did last night) - and then about how quickly a body heals and how much it can stand up against. I got really excited (in this funeral, hahaha) to think that if this is the temporary body, the shelter not built to last. That although knit together by God in the womb, is not anything close to what he has been preparing for me in heaven. Well that's just incredible don't you think. Also, just as I was thinking about writing this blog, that verse came to mind (that I haven't looked up, and don't know off the top of my head where it is). Our life is hidden with Christ in God!! It reminded me how this baby was hidden. Her life was there but hidden... and the real living begins outside the womb. Right now my life is hidden with Christ in God. I am living, definitely - but this life compared to the one lived in heaven when I shed this "tent" (maybe almost like a womb)is not really living..."

That is what I need to remember today, as we say goodbye to these friends (for a time)... Their real living has just begun! What a comfort when the pain of missing loved ones threatens to close in. Someday we'll be reunited with those that went before us and enjoy a life more abundant that one could ever dream.

On a day like today...

Today

I remembered..

God is Good.. and He loves me very much.

I'm his little girl :D

*sigh*

I needed that

Just For Laughs - Demetri Martin

one for the ladies... Ladies.

The King of Voice Over

so long Don LaFontaine... "I'll miss your face."

The Salesman and the lady

Once upon a time, as the summer sun was just beginning to warm our cold northern surroundings, and birds where once again chirruping in the trees, a friend asked a favor of me. To return a rather costly item to a little local business. The hadn't intended to buy it really... it just sort of happened. This friend a notorious sucker to clever salespersons, just couldn't face returning said item so soon after purchasing it, and begged to employ me - the calm callous shopper to take it back and get their refund.
I set out, self assured. No matter how good this salesman was I would not bend! I would return the item and demand the refund.

I entered the store and along with my brother (who came along to carry the large cumbersome item), marched right up to the counter and rang the bell, as per the sign request. Slowly, very slowly, the bent form of an older man came to the counter. "I am here to return this - it was all a mistake, _______ doesn't really need this, nor can they afford it just at this time."

He wasn't pleased. He was borderline angry in fact, "Return it? Why? Have you even tried it?"
"That's not the point." I countered, holding strong, "it is an unnecessary expense at this time, and I need to return it."
"But it is very good quality!" he insisted.
I realized at this point that honey rather that steel was needed to make this return.
Changing veins I asked, "Your accent, is it Scandinavian, or German, or..."
He paused for just a moment.. "I'm from Norway orginally.."
"Norway, how nice, it's so beautiful there, a good friend of mine is from Norway, I went to her wedding there it was so nice."

It worked; his posture changed, a smile lit his face, making him, quite possibly, one of the cutest old men you'd ever lay eyes on. We chatted comfortably about his latest trip there, my trip there, what he'd seen, what I'd seen. His home town that I had happened to visit. After a while he sighed and said, "well I better try and refund this for you then, you have the receipt?"

I did and I produced it promptly... and offered up my friends debit card to credit back the amount of the purchase. He took it awkwardly. Not awkwardly in the sense that he was loath to give a refund, but awkwardly as if debit cards were wholly unfamiliar to him... almost with a sense of awe attached. He shuffled closer to the machine and lifted his glasses to try and see the small screen. "Now let me see, if I can figure this one out.." he punched random buttons to no effect. He pulled out the user guide.

The callous part of me wondered if this were a stall tactic... an attempt to make me say - 'oh this is too much trouble never mind.' I waited.... he adjusted the book trying to focus on the small print. "I just got this machine, this week, " he smiled, "so I'm still just a beginner." I melted a little. My brother John, who was there watching this whole exchange, melted a little. "Do you know anything about these kind of machines?" He asked me helplessly.
I assured him I had used them before and I could possibly help. so he handed me the user guide, which i quickly read, and showed me his passcode (again my armor weakened) and I completed the refund transaction... all the while dying inside to think that I quite possibly took away his big sale for the week. He stood there partly in awe of my technological wizardry, and partly pityingly... "it's such a shame... it was such good quality. It's what I have at home... it is the very best... it's just so sad." I could have cried at this point. Gone was the angry old man in his place was a sweet man, who pitied me and my friend... we couldn't afford it... maybe someday...

John and I left that tiny, quiet store heads down, shamed... intent on someday going back and buying 3 of the very best, top of the line, quality pieces. I was so glad now that we could at least leave him a little money for his trouble... but I wished I could have wrapped him up and put him in my pocket, and care for, cook and clean for, him and his wife (who I can only assume is equally as old and sweet as he). By the time we got home we were in agreeance. He is quite possibly the best salesman in the world. By the end of the visit, I, a stingy and careful shopper, almost walked out with an item I couldn't afford and didn't need. If he isn't a millionare it can only be because there is a lack of foot traffic in his tiny shop... because John, myself, and our friend are all agree... it is nigh impossible not to want to buy something from the cute little man in the shop around the corner.

Airport hotels exist only in the State of Limbo

There are over 2 million people flying commercially everyday. You would think that the odds of having your flight delayed overnight would be relatively small...right?? Well, the odds change considerably when you travel with my sister. She just can't seem to leave Britain on her scheduled flight - so as I was joining her....
It was interesting though. I really didn't mind the delay that mauch - at least not compared to some people. The last time I had delayed flights I was flying home for a funeral, and I was so alone. It was almost a pleasant experience in comparison. So they put us up at the Hilton - which as it turns out is no great shakes. We had a nice dinner - I enjoyed an incredibly lengthy hot shower... and woke up at 4 am to catch a flight to Glasgow (where we ran into the Celtic's FC - oh yes we did) and then waited around for 6 hours until our next delayed flight :D
really could have been worse. Oh sure we had to get the horrible seats right next to the toilets so everyone hangs out at your seat and dead cat like smells ocassionally waft in our direction... but again, I've had worse flights. And sure they broke the wheels off my new suitcase, and made us pay for extra luggage only after they also made us check carry-ons - but again, I've had worse flights.

At least all our luggage arrived in the end. It didn't on our flight from Rome to the UK. It seems that whenever I fly mine is the luggage that gets lost. So poor Christina, travelling with me had hers lost as well. It's always something.

Yep, over 2 million flying commercially everyday, and somehow we get all the adventures... ever feel like that?
Here's the other thing I noticed...Airport hotels... are the same the world over, as are airports. Once you are inside you could be anywhere, and nowhere. Spending so many days in an airport reminds me of that man that lived at the Airport - you know the one they based the movie the terminal on... what a life. What a strange world it would be to live your life in. It's so intense and so dull all at the same time. Crazy.

Italia!

I just got back from Venice a couple of hours ago... back to Lido di Jesolo, not Canada or England. (of course)
It was amazing! Hot and steamy and crowded and... just amazing. How does one live there? How do we not? I've been to a lot of ancient places. Have felt awe at the sights and wonders, but somehow Venice was very different. Like being on the set of a movie. how can it be real life. How do people REALLY live there? What would it be like to grow up in this place and that be what is normal to you! It's fascinating.
It was so nice being there with family too. Dave, John, and Joy, joined Christina and I in Jesolo and we all travelled there together by water bus. I love that I have people that are really a part of my life, that I could share that with. I already have too many memories that are mine alone. My goodness - I can't even explain to you the blessing. But here are a couple pictures, worth thousands of words!

Summer Dreamin'

The Lord works in mysterious ways...
So a couple of months back I remember thinking, I would LOVE tofigure out a way to have a bit of a summer holiday and get to England again, and visit Italy and... well the usual. But it seemed a bit beyond me financially, just a beautiful dream.
Well.. here's a funny thing. I'd forgotten who my Father is and what he can do. Around that time I got a second job, so now I was bringing in almost twice what I did, although this still leaves me far from wealthy it definitely opens up a few avenues of opportunity. THEN, I find that a course I need to take this summer is offered in Venice. VENICE!! How amazing is that. In a relatively short time my whole summer was planned for me, and wouldn't you know it.. it includes going to England and Italy - and as the icing on the cake, a good friend I haven't seen in years will be in England at the same time, and planning a trip to Caperwray AT THE EXACT time I had been planning to travel there.!! AMAZING. I still can't get over it. I leave tomorrow for Calgary and fly out on Wednesday. All very exciting... and such a gift.

Here's a real answer to prayer. Just before all this started, I had been thinking about the prayer of Jabez... and I know everybody has all sorts of opinions about it... but I think there are things in it that ARE good to pray. We should ask for God to bless us shouldn't we? And we should ask that he keeps us from sinning against him, against others...etc... and is it wrong to ask him to Expand our territory?
Well, I had just prayed these things for my family and within a few days we had this huge job opportunity that will allow us to work all over the province and hopefully be a blessing to a lot of parents. People started stopping by the school during lunches for a bit of a chat, a bit of encouragement, which also blessed us.
The Watoto Childrens Choir was something that blessed my entire family to be a part of, as God did something amazing in our church and community through it. The list could go on and on. We are busier than ever, but in a good way. It's exciting to be included in something grand that God is doing.
So... I hope to see some of you this summer :D
those of you in England, Italy and beyond!
xx's Grace

it's been a while

I love stupid quizzes

Which Office Character Are You?
	You are part Jim. You are personable, easy-going, and always socially aware. Your great sense of humor and impishness soften the blow of what might otherwise be a dark, cutting cynicism.
	You are part Pam. You are sweet and likable, but your shyness makes it hard for you to express yourself sometimes. Regardless, you are always there for your friends and will usually come out of your shell to help anyone.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

one word

What one word embodies you?
	I am the embodiment of Beauty. You are a person that views the world as this magical place, finding beauty in almost everything. You find beauty in the most simple and fundamental things, as well as in more complex things such as people. You're not one to look for beauty, you just see it. You understand things for what they are, and expect nothing more.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

The Cat's In the Cradle

RULES:1. Put Your iTunes, WMP, etc on shuffle
2. For each question write down the title of the song that is playing, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS, this is no joke...this works out amazingly!!! (for most)

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? "East of the sun and West of the Moon"
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? "Miami"
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? "Rock DJ"
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? "Fragile Eyes" (that is so funny, allergies have made my eyes hurt so much today! Prophetic? You decide!)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? "Seekers and Dreamers"
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? "The Sound of Laughter"
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? "The Fool" - *sigh*
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS? "It's all in the Game"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN? "Port of Lonely Hearts"
WHAT IS 2+2? "Low"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? "Funks Your Brother"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? "I Need a Man" - hahahahaha
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? " When You're Next to Me"
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? "You Think it's a Joke"
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? "Oh, Lonesome Me"
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? "The Ketchup Song" - very romantic.
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? "Polk Salad Annie"
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? "Rockability"
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? "Since U Been Gone"
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? "Hurting Each Other"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? "Fell For It"
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? "Cat's In the Cradle"

(p.s. The other one of these worked much better....)

PASSION

I went to Y.C. for the first time this year. It was really interesting actually. It was just what I had expected in some ways, but my reaction surprised me.

Firstly, I had goosebumps; sitting in that auditorium, gazing out at the masses. 16,000 (ish) people gathered in a single large room. The main lights were out, and only the stage lights, spot lights and glow necklaces highlighted the many shapes of humanity. Many with arms outstretched, heads bowed... waves of people moving with the rhythm of the music... it was somehow really beautiful... awesome... and literally sent shivers up and down my spine to think that not one of these thousands could escape the mention of Jesus. Each one has now, very definitely, been introduced to him and is without excuse.

One thing that frustrated me no end, however, was the choice of speakers. In this place with thousands upon thousands of ears listening and eyes watching, I saw the 1st speaker manipulate God’s word... taking things out of context, misquoting, and in the end manipulating an emotional response from the audience. It seemed very much like the purpose of his talk was to pad his “speaker” credentials. (I gave a talk at Y.C. and thousands upon thousands of youth stood up and responded to the alter call. I would estimate 80%) After the heinous “alter call” he quite unabashedly hocked his book. ( a great deal just for us. $30, instead of the regular $50). I can’t tell you how upset that made me and maybe even a little afraid for him, after all he has to give an account for that to the one with whom it really matters.
Various speakers throughout the weekend seemed to fall victim to this same temptation. I wished someone organizing the event would have been bold enough, and strong enough to call them on it, right then and there. To apologize and set things right. To say to them “be quiet, be still” and stop that mighty “wind”. Really that’s what it seemed to be, a lot of smelly hot air, dressed up as a prophetic word, or a timely sermon.

Today, I was reading in Jeremiah (ch.28) and it reminded me of the YC situation.
...Hananiah ... a prophet from Gibeon, confronted Jeremiah in the Temple of God in front of the priests and all the people who were there. Hananiah said:
2-4"This Message is straight from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel: 'I will most certainly break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Before two years are out I'll have all the furnishings of God's Temple back here, ................ God's Decree. 'Yes, I will break the king of Babylon's yoke. You'll no longer be in harness to him.'"

5-9the Prophet Jeremiah stood up to prophet Hananiah in front of the priests and all the people who were in God's Temple that day. Prophet Jeremiah said, "Wonderful! Would that it were true—that God would validate your preaching by bringing the Temple furnishings and all the exiles back from Babylon. But listen to me, listen closely. Listen to what I tell both you and all the people here today: The old prophets, the ones before our time, preached judgment against many countries and kingdoms, warning of war and disaster and plague. So any prophet who preaches that everything is just fine and there's nothing to worry about stands out like a sore thumb. We'll wait and see. If it happens, it happens—and then we'll know that God sent him."
10-11At that, Hananiah grabbed the yoke from Jeremiah's shoulders and smashed it. And then he addressed the people: "This is God's Message: In just this way I will smash the yoke of the king of Babylon and get him off the neck of all the nations—and within two years." Jeremiah walked out.
12-14Later, sometime after Hananiah had smashed the yoke from off his shoulders, Jeremiah received this Message from God: "Go back to Hananiah and tell him, 'This is God's Message: You smashed the wooden yoke-bars; now you've got iron yoke-bars. This is a Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's own God: I've put an iron yoke on all these nations. They're harnessed to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They'll do just what he tells them. Why, I'm even putting him in charge of the wild animals.'"
15-16So prophet Jeremiah told prophet Hananiah, "Hold it, Hananiah! God never sent you. You've talked the whole country into believing a pack of lies! And so God says, 'You claim to be sent? I'll send you all right—right off the face of the earth! Before the year is out, you'll be dead because you fomented sedition against God.'"
17Prophet Hananiah died that very year, in the seventh month.
Scary huh? What Hananiah said sounded, like something God might say or do... but it was false. He wasn’t listening to God. It seems to me like he was looking for a way to gain fame and recognition and to do so credited God with his own words.
I am happy to report that most of our youth (and the youth from various churches where I know the leaders) were particularly bored during these particular speakers talks and didn’t listen overly well anyway... but what a shameful waste of an amazing opportunity to just speak clearly the truth of God’s word. Who are we to dress it up, and act as if it isn’t enough on it’s own.
AND ... praise God for those brought in to lead worship. Tim Hughes was excellent, and his workshop on worship was so good. Really blunt, real truths, real life examples and testimony. The crux of it being, who are we to lead public worship, if we fail to engage in private worship.
Leeland also had some really good things to say about our need to worship and give God our focus ... food for thought; and a welcome reprieve from all the stale air wafting from the stage.

The glass is half full - of course.

I realized just the other day, as I was faced with the new challenge of learning and presenting some material on mediated learning, that I am a definite optimist. I rarely think something can't be accomplished with a little bit of effort. I might not always want to exert the effort, but if I do, I assume I will be successful. Maybe you think this is being arrogant... but I can promise you it's just optimism. I would assume the same about you. Sure you could probably do it, if you gave it a try, why not?

In fact I am surprised when I try something and don't succeed! Like golfing, I was pretty sure, by observing golf for a short time, that I could in fact be a pretty good golfer, if I tried... I was horrible. :D Granted, I have only tried once, but a couple things got in the way of "success" and I am positive they always will. hahaha ;)

So now, I am to learn all about "mediated learning", which is fascinating, and I encourage everyone and everyone to look into it. Mediated learning teaches learning processes, alongside traditional subjects. It creates bridges between real life and text book study. I love it. It has enabled so many people who were considered to be disabled, letting them function at higher levels than were thought possible. One of the first things they teach in mediated learning is to create an atmosphere of optimism. Focusing on areas of ability, rather than failure. Something I have unconsciously done most of my life... Of course I can. Of course I can make this artichoke dip... of course I can paint my own Mona Lisa... of course I can learn to speak farsi. Well, you get the idea.

Prof. Feuerstein, the man who developed Mediated Learning, has this motto for living.

Have faith, because there is hope.

Have Faith, because there is hope, is a very Christian attitude wouldn't you say? With God, nothing is impossible. So... Have faith, because there is hope.

I don't know what that means for you. Areas you feel a failure in, or tasks that seem beyond your capabilities, or circumstances you have no control over... but you can choose to hope. To lay aside fear and frustration and admit, because of God this is not an impossibilty.

I have faith because He has given me hope.

p.s. the picture is Prof. Feuerstein with one of his students... isn't he just the cutest old man??

Summer day dreams

from here...
to here...

and then to here...

wouldn't that just be marvelous?? *sigh*

April 22nd 2008

Three days ago the snow was all melted and summer looked like it was on it's way. The weekend before last we hit 20C ...today... we are off school for a snow day, just like we were yesterday. It's delightful :D I don't mind because I know it won't last forever and the break is just what I needed, but I'm sorry for those that are made miserable from it.
Believe it or not Cold Lake was the hardest hit in all of Canada - crazy huh?

It's that time of year.

Happy Passover or Chag Pesach Sameach!!

I feel sad we haven't celebrated the Passover yet... but hopefull this week will be less busy and I can get my act together and we can celebate the Passover maybe together if you're around.

After all... the Passover is for everybody!

I knew it was coming...

I thought it last night. Things are going really well. I can see God working in and through us... it seems like me and the people around me are really refocussing and are seeing such growth and change and blessing. So the obvious conclusion... get ready for some trouble. It seems we are really on track right now, which means a bit of spiritual opposition. Sure enough, it's been a really difficult day, with seemingly all sorts of things going really wrong. But somehow, knowing it was coming changed my reaction to it. I can rejoice... because it really does mean that we have been following God in obedience and it's showed. So I trust that God will care for me and my friends and family right now, and carry us through to the other side, where victory awaits.
Anyway... feel free to pray for us if you think to. We need it. There's a lot going down.

And have it to the full!!

It seems like there is a lot going on right now. Life is getting busier, but somehow less stressful at the same time, which makes me think that it has to be God's hand at work, bringing all these things together. School is almost three quarters of the way through and some courses are wrapping up, and tests are imminent, which means preparing them. BUT at this point in the school year, it seems like the students are all alot more open than they have been previously. Some trust has developed, shich has allowed a lot more ministry oppourtunies with them, and it makes me really excited about what Gos is doing in their lives, and humbled that He chose me to be a part of it.

At church we've had a number of new people come lately, and it seems like those of us that have been there "forever" have this new drive to be welcoming and hospitable, then we were previously. It's been so nice to get to know new people and see how God is able to use us to show what unity in the larger church is about. Also in the church we are planning to have the

Watoto children's choir come (http://www.watoto.com/) and I'm excited to see different people wanting to get involved in fund raisers and outreaches in order to bring their story to as large a part of the towns population as we can. I love that because of this, we have a great opportunity to take care of the "widows and orphans in their distress", just like Christ called us to.

Also with the girls in my small group, I have been able to see such growth and there is a bond growing that is special and so encouraging.

In our photography business, my brother John and I keep getting work, even though we aren't at a point where we have started to advertise. Which is fun, and exciting - now if we could only find a way to really make it pay, so we could invest in equipment faster :D

there's so much more, but this post would become a novel.

Basically, I just want to say... God is good, and I am greatful that He has pulled me out of my self induced funk, and into this light of hope.

AND.. spring is on it's way, I can tell because I've been sneezing. Isn't that great?

OOPS!

I'm obviously too believeable, and not everyone looks at comments... that was all a ruse, an April Fools Joke, but now I see people believed me, and didn't see my comment... I am the one feeling foolish. :C

I could hardly believe it myself...

I was offered a job. A job I don't think I can refuse. It pays about 40x what I'm making now! Crazy right? I never seem to hold a job for more than a year at a time anyway so I've decided to become a surrogate. Before you get upset or start shouting, let me say, that I've given it a great deal of thought. The couple that first put the idea forward to me, couldn't be sweeter or kinder, and I know they'll make great parents. They are presently living in the middle east, but would move here for the duration and would even let me see the child as often as I want later. Yes, my parents have a bit to say about it. But I think that when they actually meet this couple, they'll understand. Also, this gives me a chance to finally get on my feet financially. Move into my own home. Get my photography business started and all it would really cost me is a year of my life! Well a year of my life and some serious lectures perhaps.

Anyway, that's my big news!!!

Yay, right?

A strange thing happened...

I normally love holidays so much and make kind of a big deal of them. I like to celebrate any and all that I can... but this year, something happened. Starting with last Thanksgiving, they have all kind of caught me by surprise. Easter was no exception.
Most people wouldn't care, or even think it important, I know that... but for me... I kind of need that time. It's usually when I slow down think about what it all means, where God is in it... why it's still good to celebrate.

Although I told myself all through the month of March, that Easter was coming quick, I still felt unprepared. At least on the inside. I know it's probably because I've made myself too busy. I know that I made myself busy on purpose... not that busy is bad, I think it keeps me from watching to much television actually... But I hate, that when it finally comes to a holiday time, I crash. I switch off almost completely and all the stuff I put off until the next school break remains undone. I'm not talking about work... I mean devotion time. I have all these excellent intentions of really taking time to pray and seek God, and read and worship, and somehow that all falls by the wayside... I continue to make myself busy with errands and chores and social life and all sorts of things. AND YES! I know these things aren't bad things either, but really... when I look back on my life, or when I meet God face to face, what will I value most... the time I spent at Wal*Mart looking at electronics (that was for Joy's benefit -LOL), or the time I spent investing in my relationship with Him.
The thing is, every single time, I have purposed and set aside for God, have been quality. Many of them life altering in fact. So after these holidays have come to an end. ( Just like they do tonight) I feel a bit like I robbed myself of a really special gift. Kind of a horrible feeling. *sigh*
anyway.... it is now 1:30 am and I should probably go to bed, I've got work in the morning.

something for our good friday service.

“Never to be forgotten”

Yeshua Me Natsaret
Of the Tribe of Judah,
Of the House of David
Beloved son, brother, friend and teacher

“He was lead like a lamb to the slaughter, and like a sheep before the shearer is silent, so He did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7

Yeshua Ha Mashiach Me Natsaret ,
(known as Jesus by his English speaking friends)
Leaves behind
his mother, Mariam, also of Nazareth
His half brothers and sisters & many close friends and disciples
He is predeceased by his adoptive father ,Joseph of Nazareth & his cousin John, also of the Galilee region.
Funeral arrangements have been delayed until after the Pesach “Passover” Shabbat.
This memorial, will continue on in the upper room, where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and stories of how
Yeshua has touched their lives and changed them.

Communion
I take the bread as you tell me to
I think as I eat it, of what you did do.
My heart feels to me, like it’s tearing
Can people see that in the face I am wearing?
I can still almost see you hung, dying there,
and see Your face, loving, my heart fills with despair
I know it’s because you did it for me.
My heart blackened by sin, you cleansed and set free.
In a moment upon yourself, you took sin
And then your pure soul became troubled within
Once innocent of evil, and pure of heart ,
You lost this innocence by doing your part.
The bread’s a reminder to all who believe
That You bore our sin, to this truth we must cleave.
I take the wine as you tell me to
I think as I drink it of what you did do
A shiver of joy flows over me
And I rejoice that your death wasn’t Satan’s victory.
I’m reminded in Communion of not only this
But also, as I put the cup to my lips
You live! And you have triumphed over sin
You gave me real life and now dwell within
You broke your body for me, oh please Lord, use mine
And the blood that you shed was more than a “sign”.
The life blood of Jesus was given to me.
The life of Jesus, now lived in and through me
The Life of Yeshua Me Natsaret
Yeshua was born in Bethlehem of Judea. His parents, Joseph and Mary moved with him to Egypt while he was still an infant to escape the Herodian order to kill all the Jewish male infants in that day. They returned from Egypt after Herod’s death, a short time later, moving back to Mary’s home town of Nazareth where

Joseph continued his work as a carpenter.
Yeshua excelled in his studies, often challenging the thinking of his Rabbi. He stayed at the top of his class and surprised everyone when he didn’t immediately take up the role of Rabbi and teacher. It had become clear to everyone that Yeshua was no ordinary young man, but it wasn’t until he was entering his thirties that he embraced the life of a Rabbi, teaching, instructing and gaining a wide following. His ministry has been marked by controversy. Healing the blind, the deaf, the lame, the demon possessed, calming storms and raising the dead, many have wondered where his power and authority have come from. But we, his disciples and friends acknowledge that it is from God and that Yeshua is the one who was promised to us. The very Messiah the Prophets foretold in the Scriptures. Many of us have witnessed with our own eyes Yeshua performing “wonderful works”, Miracles! It’s safe to say that if we compiled a list of all the miracles of Yeshua during these three years of his public ministry , we would not be able to manufacture a scroll long enough to hold it!
Shortly before coming to Jerusalem, and this recent uprising against him, Yeshua predicted his death. He has also promised to return from death. So in this memorial let us remember his promise. Let us live with the hope that more prophecies will be fulfilled in this Son of Man. Let’s pray with expectation of an answer.
Many of you gathered here today may have witnessed the inscription above his head on the cross. “Yeshua, King of the Jews.” God will work all things together for good, for those that love Him. So have faith, The King of the Jews, will return, just like he said.
Let’s not forgot the Prophecies:
The Messiah will rise from the dead!! (Ps 16:10; Mk 16:6; Acts 2:31)
Ascend into Heaven (Ps 68:18; Acts 1:9)
Will sit down at the right hand of God. (Ps 110:1; Heb 1:3)
Born of a virgin (Is 7:14; Matt 1:21-23)
A descendant of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; 22:18; Matt. 1:1; Gal. 3:16)
Of the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10; Lk. 3:23, 33; Heb7:14)
Of the house of David (2 Sam 7:12-16; Matt 1:1)
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matt 2:1; Lk 2:4-7)

Taken to Egypt (Hos11:1; Matt 2:14-15)
Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Is11:2; Matt 3:16-17)
Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist)
(Is 40:3-5; Mal3:1; Matt 3:1-3)
Would preach good news (Is 61:1; Lk 4:14-21)
Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matt 9:35)
Would minister in Galilee (Is9:1; Matt 4:12-16)
Would cleanse the Temple (Mal3:1; Matt 21:12-13)
Would first present Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to

rebuild Jerusalem (Dan 9:25; Matt 21:4-11)

Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zech 9:9; Matt 21:4-9)
Would be rejected by Jews (Ps 118:22; I Pet 2:7)
Die a humiliating death (Ps22; Is 53) involving:
rejection (Is 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48)
betrayal by a friend (Ps 41:9; Lk 22:3-4; Jn 13:18)
sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12; Matt 26:14-15)
silence before His accusers (Is 53:7; Matt 27:12-14)
being mocked (Ps 22: 7-8; Matt 27:31)
beaten (Is 52:14; Matt 27:26)
spit upon (Is 50:6; Matt 27:30)
piercing His hands and feet (Ps 22:16; Matt 27:31)
being crucified with thieves (Is 53:12; Matt 27:38)
praying for His persecutors (Is 53:12; Lk 23:34)
piercing His side (Zech 12:10; Jn 19:34)
given gall and vinegar to drink
(Ps 69:21, Matt 27:34, Lk.23:36)
no broken bones (Ps 34:20; Jn 19:32-36)
buried in a rich man’s tomb (Is 53:9; Matt 27:57-60)
casting lots for His garments (Ps22:18; Jn 19:23-24)

Anderson Cooper Charlie Rose Punch UP!

Okay so I was watching Anderson Cooper interview Barak Obama the other night and noticed he had a scratch or something under his left eye. Odd, I thought, that they didn't or couldn't cover it with makeup. Unusual really.

...Well! About an hour later I was flipping through channels and stopped on Charlie Rose, and his face was all beat up, big black eye and a bandaged cut above it. Weird right? I immediately jumped to the conclusion that perhaps the two were connected. what are the odds after all that both would have damaged faces on the same night.

I ran through to the boys room, to verify with them and make the suggestion, that there was perhaps an accident, or even a fight. If it came to fisticuffs, I am pretty sure Anderson could take Charlie...

Curious right?!

Anyway, I just couldn't let it go, I just had to look it up.

According to a representative of Charlie Rose, "he tripped on a manhole while holding his new MacBook air." It was a choice between saving face or saving the computer... he of course chose technology. Then I looked up Anderson Cooper and found this little tidbit...

On his blog, the “Anderson Cooper 360” host revealed he had a “small spot of skin cancer” removed from his face.

“I’ve been off for the last couple of days. I had minor surgery on Monday. A small spot of skin cancer was removed from under my left eye. I hadn’t planned on mentioning this, but I still have stitches and you’ll no doubt notice them tonight,” Cooper wrote on his blog.
Cooper, who has also been on the campaign trail with Sen. Barack Obama, ended his blog post with a jab at one of his fellow TV personalities.

“Don’t want you to think I got into a fist fight with Charlie Rose,” Cooper joked.

... really!! how did he know?! Hahaha