Well it's been a year since Luana and I moved our family up to the other Tdot. It's been a fun and hard and fast paced year.
And 2011 is looking awesome. There are so many new opportunities coming into view that I really can't wait to explore.
But today i'm enjoying sitting in my kitchen with a cup of tea and thinking about the year gone bye. I supposed I could talk about what happened in ministry or the adventures with our house but the story that's striking me today is that our fridge is slowly filling up with the pictures of new friends in Thunder Bay.
It's taken the better part of a year, but our lives are literally filled with fridge worthy friends.
If you're one of them and i don't have your picture, better send me one soon or you might end up on the dishwasher :)
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
P90X Workout
A bunch of us at Redwood have started p90x.
I'm not going to lie to you, it's going really well.
I'm not going to lie to you, it's going really well.
Ghosts
Me: But there's no such thing as real Ghosts?
Esther: maybe we just say that cause they're all hiding in abandoned churches?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Esther's story
OK before i get into it, You should understand that it's September.
That means that there are a million more things to do than normal.
Kids need new clothes, supplies, shoes etc in time for school, cross country, church whatever.
And all of the programs at church are kicking off.
I'm in a state of eternally playing catch up.
This week i skipped the day off cause i was in Southern ontario serving on a district committee. Got home tuesday night and jumped right back in on Wednesday with a full day of meetings.
This morning i was planning on ticking a lot of boxes because next week we're on Staff "retreat" on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and i need to get some stuff off my place so next week when we're back, i can be in message prep mode as i've got two assignments approaching. Instead i spent the morning spending some really good time with a fellow staff member who i needed to connect with. Good time, but no boxes ticked.
I checked the email before rushing home to watch Esther while Luana goes to School, and my inbox was full of new boxes.
I got home and Luana, who had been working like crazy all morning greeted me with a list of things i needed to do so she could jump right back in when she gets home with her list.
I wolfed down a bite and fed Esther lunch and started working my way through the honey do list when I noticed that Esther was talking to me and had been for who knows how long.
I paused from loading the dishwasher to hear her story.
"There was a girl named mary who had a sister" And Mary's sister was busy getting ready for lunch because God came over. but Mary listened to God instead.
And God said, you don't have to be in such a rush."
To say i was rattled a bit is an understatement. I didn't know what to say. I sat down next to her and pulled on onto my lap and gave her a hug so she wouldn't see me cry. I asked her how she got so smart.
She reminded me she goes to school.
I need a say a couple things now.
I need to say thank-you to Heather and Mark and the whole team in Children's Ministry at Redwood park for helping my daughter get so smart.
I need to tell you that i love pouring my life into people so that they can learn to hear from God and take steps of obedience and purpose and spend their lives walking with him.
I know that everything i do at Redwood is really important. So if i haven't gotten to something i said i would do or something you hoped i would do, i'm sorry. I really am. I've just been reminded that there's something really important i need to do right now.
That means that there are a million more things to do than normal.
Kids need new clothes, supplies, shoes etc in time for school, cross country, church whatever.
And all of the programs at church are kicking off.
I'm in a state of eternally playing catch up.
This week i skipped the day off cause i was in Southern ontario serving on a district committee. Got home tuesday night and jumped right back in on Wednesday with a full day of meetings.
This morning i was planning on ticking a lot of boxes because next week we're on Staff "retreat" on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and i need to get some stuff off my place so next week when we're back, i can be in message prep mode as i've got two assignments approaching. Instead i spent the morning spending some really good time with a fellow staff member who i needed to connect with. Good time, but no boxes ticked.
I checked the email before rushing home to watch Esther while Luana goes to School, and my inbox was full of new boxes.
I got home and Luana, who had been working like crazy all morning greeted me with a list of things i needed to do so she could jump right back in when she gets home with her list.
I wolfed down a bite and fed Esther lunch and started working my way through the honey do list when I noticed that Esther was talking to me and had been for who knows how long.
I paused from loading the dishwasher to hear her story.
"There was a girl named mary who had a sister" And Mary's sister was busy getting ready for lunch because God came over. but Mary listened to God instead.
And God said, you don't have to be in such a rush."
To say i was rattled a bit is an understatement. I didn't know what to say. I sat down next to her and pulled on onto my lap and gave her a hug so she wouldn't see me cry. I asked her how she got so smart.
She reminded me she goes to school.
I need a say a couple things now.
I need to say thank-you to Heather and Mark and the whole team in Children's Ministry at Redwood park for helping my daughter get so smart.
I need to tell you that i love pouring my life into people so that they can learn to hear from God and take steps of obedience and purpose and spend their lives walking with him.
I know that everything i do at Redwood is really important. So if i haven't gotten to something i said i would do or something you hoped i would do, i'm sorry. I really am. I've just been reminded that there's something really important i need to do right now.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Self disclosure
It's been a while since i've posted so i thought i'd do a little self disclosure.
1. today i'm trying to listen for His voice. I'm feeling off centre. I need his voice today.
2. I finally got my exercise ball inflated again. Goodbye deskchair, hello abs of steel.
3. This afternoon the electrical is coming to my house to inspect the work of the electrician... who overcharged me.
1. today i'm trying to listen for His voice. I'm feeling off centre. I need his voice today.
2. I finally got my exercise ball inflated again. Goodbye deskchair, hello abs of steel.
3. This afternoon the electrical is coming to my house to inspect the work of the electrician... who overcharged me.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wildlife
I mentioned that there is lots of wildlife in Thunder bay right? Well i was at a retreat this weekend and the deer were like squirrels they were everywhere. and on the way home i saw this.
i stopped my car. backed up whilst rolling down the window. and took pics.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
visits
So Oma came to visit yesterday. I picked her up at the airport last night.
It's so nice to have her with us for a week. We've been feeling a little home sick at times so it's great to have a familiar face around.
Hope you have a great week mom.
It's so nice to have her with us for a week. We've been feeling a little home sick at times so it's great to have a familiar face around.
Hope you have a great week mom.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Face plant
Her Olympic dreams overtook her dreams last night.
we heard the scream, then the thump, and found her on the floor with this awesome road rash
not sure if the tongue is a symptom of the fall or something else.
we heard the scream, then the thump, and found her on the floor with this awesome road rash
not sure if the tongue is a symptom of the fall or something else.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Family Day
Our first Family day weekend in Thunder Bay. We woke up today and headed out to the Sports Dome (aka the soccer dome) for a special habitat for humanity family event.
what can i say? They had a pig. Shiloh and Esther love pig. And they had an assortment of jumping climbing and sliding castles.
it was fun.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Waiting
It's been a while since i sent an update. I don't know if i was being superstitious or just too busy. Lots has changed since we last talked.
I accepted a call to join the staff here. That's right. We're moving here.
and since we made the decision to go it feels like we have been constantly rushing and constantly waiting.
Rushing to buy a house, waiting to see if our offer was accepted.
Rushing to sell our own house, waiting for someone to buy it.
about a dozen episodes of amended offers, and counter offers each one with waiting involved.
Since September my wife has been working through the first semester of year 3 of her BA, at UofW.
she goes to school 4 days a week which means that 4 days a week I am rushing to get the kid and wife off to school, and 4 days a week i'm waiting for my wife to get home from school.
Weeks and months have gone by.
we are now just a month from Christmas.
by Christmas most of our Earthly possessions will be on a truck on their way to Thunder Bay.
we will be living out of our cars till Christmas is over and we can join our stuff up North.
it seems like there is a lot to do but i still spend all my time waiting.
waiting for all the paperwork to be done for our houses.
waiting for my chest cold to be gone so i can sleep in my own bed again.
waiting for all sorts of things.
yesterday i realized that i haven't spent enough time waiting on the Lord.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
God has been so good over the last few months.
We got called to join the amazing staff team here. That's right. We're moving here. Amazing.
did i mention that we found an awesome house?
In order to get said house, we had to sell our own in less than 3 weeks. we sold it in a day give or take a few amendments.
Amazing.
My wife is almost done her semester, the kids are getting excited about the adventure we are departing on, and really, God has withheld no good thing.
I'm not American but i am thankful today.
I accepted a call to join the staff here. That's right. We're moving here.
and since we made the decision to go it feels like we have been constantly rushing and constantly waiting.
Rushing to buy a house, waiting to see if our offer was accepted.
Rushing to sell our own house, waiting for someone to buy it.
about a dozen episodes of amended offers, and counter offers each one with waiting involved.
Since September my wife has been working through the first semester of year 3 of her BA, at UofW.
she goes to school 4 days a week which means that 4 days a week I am rushing to get the kid and wife off to school, and 4 days a week i'm waiting for my wife to get home from school.
Weeks and months have gone by.
we are now just a month from Christmas.
by Christmas most of our Earthly possessions will be on a truck on their way to Thunder Bay.
we will be living out of our cars till Christmas is over and we can join our stuff up North.
it seems like there is a lot to do but i still spend all my time waiting.
waiting for all the paperwork to be done for our houses.
waiting for my chest cold to be gone so i can sleep in my own bed again.
waiting for all sorts of things.
yesterday i realized that i haven't spent enough time waiting on the Lord.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
God has been so good over the last few months.
We got called to join the amazing staff team here. That's right. We're moving here. Amazing.
did i mention that we found an awesome house?
In order to get said house, we had to sell our own in less than 3 weeks. we sold it in a day give or take a few amendments.
Amazing.
My wife is almost done her semester, the kids are getting excited about the adventure we are departing on, and really, God has withheld no good thing.
I'm not American but i am thankful today.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Chicken pecked
His smile didn't last.
he's getting better now.
we still haven't found the offending chicken.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Striker
Don't confuse the flirty look for mercy. This girl is a killer. she'll cut through the defence and make you regret running a 4-2-4.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How to get rid of your Pastor
Len Sweet posted this today on Twitter and Facebook.
Richard W. De Haan of "Radio Bible Class" once introduced "4 Ways to Get Rid of Your Pastor." Here are the ones I remember . . . Can you think of any other ways?
1) Look your preacher straight in the eye and say "Amen" periodically. They'll soon preach themselves to death, they'll be so excited.
2) Pat your pastor on the back and brag on his/her good points. They'll soon work themselves to death, they'll be so happy
3) Rededicate your life to the Lord, and ask your pastor for a project to do or a mission to accomplish. They'll die of heart failure.
4) Sponsor a congregation-wide prayer fest for the pastor. They'll become so effective in ministry, some larger church will take them off your hands.
Richard W. De Haan of "Radio Bible Class" once introduced "4 Ways to Get Rid of Your Pastor." Here are the ones I remember . . . Can you think of any other ways?
1) Look your preacher straight in the eye and say "Amen" periodically. They'll soon preach themselves to death, they'll be so excited.
2) Pat your pastor on the back and brag on his/her good points. They'll soon work themselves to death, they'll be so happy
3) Rededicate your life to the Lord, and ask your pastor for a project to do or a mission to accomplish. They'll die of heart failure.
4) Sponsor a congregation-wide prayer fest for the pastor. They'll become so effective in ministry, some larger church will take them off your hands.
Great intro to a pretty complex discussion
The folks at Thomas Nelson continue to put out resources designed to challenge and inspire people in their faith journey.
I've just finished making my way through their study on Faith and Pop Culture
As a small group study resource I was generally impressed.
The study is designed to examine the intersection between faith and the arts and or modern forms of entertainment. The first 4 chapters cover art or entertainment as it comes to us in the form of Movies, Literature, sports, and television. From there the study shifts to ask questions about the moral content contained in various forms, with a chapter devoted to violence. In the second to last week of the study your group can consider the potential of Christians to influence Hollywood. It’s not until the last week that your group asks what may be the defining question of the book; how does this culture of entertainment affects our inner lives.
I was impressed with the length of the studies. There are pages of questions that thoroughly interact with the article that the chapter is based on.
On the design / layout side of things, I think this book specifically, would have benefitted had it’s format reflected a more artistic look. Talk about art is insufficient. Why not design it as a magazine. Give examples of art, modern and historical or classical. Include pages of ads that demonstrate the positive and not so positive potential of visual advertising. Include a DVD or web links to various media clips.
It also bears saying that while this study seems to encourage the assembling of a small group of people to consider and discuss the affects of of various forms of art, media and entertainment on the individual, there wasn’t a great deal of time spent considering how these various forms of media affect us socially or relationally.
All in all it’s a study that my small group and I would probably enjoy and find stimulating.
I've just finished making my way through their study on Faith and Pop Culture
As a small group study resource I was generally impressed.
The study is designed to examine the intersection between faith and the arts and or modern forms of entertainment. The first 4 chapters cover art or entertainment as it comes to us in the form of Movies, Literature, sports, and television. From there the study shifts to ask questions about the moral content contained in various forms, with a chapter devoted to violence. In the second to last week of the study your group can consider the potential of Christians to influence Hollywood. It’s not until the last week that your group asks what may be the defining question of the book; how does this culture of entertainment affects our inner lives.
I was impressed with the length of the studies. There are pages of questions that thoroughly interact with the article that the chapter is based on.
On the design / layout side of things, I think this book specifically, would have benefitted had it’s format reflected a more artistic look. Talk about art is insufficient. Why not design it as a magazine. Give examples of art, modern and historical or classical. Include pages of ads that demonstrate the positive and not so positive potential of visual advertising. Include a DVD or web links to various media clips.
It also bears saying that while this study seems to encourage the assembling of a small group of people to consider and discuss the affects of of various forms of art, media and entertainment on the individual, there wasn’t a great deal of time spent considering how these various forms of media affect us socially or relationally.
All in all it’s a study that my small group and I would probably enjoy and find stimulating.
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