The Friendly Driver

Open The Windows Of Heaven-" Part 4- Where's Your heart"

2010-02-17T02:28:00.002-05:00

I really can't say it better than this.

http://www.livechurch.ca/?p=1405

THE SERMON ON THE AMOUNT?

2010-02-08T01:07:00.002-05:00

I would like to thank Pastor John for all of his hard work taking the time to study ALL the scriptures on this subject so he could share the real purpose of this aspect of our Christian life. For his knowledge and love for history that illuminates the scriptures. For not being afraid to answer difficult questions and using a positive approach rather than attempting to use guilt and fear or threat of curses to somehow force more giving out of people. For taking the time to read Graeme Carle's study on the subject and not be fearful of commenting on it. Very refreshing and enlightening. People that are secure in what they know and believe need not fear those with honest questions.

GENESIS 14

1. God's Plan For Giving- Before Moses
Genesis 14 - Abraham goes to war
Genesis 28 - Jacob wrestles with God

Question : Why 10%
Answer: 10% was symbolic of giving ALL.
When you read the scripture in verses 18-20. Abraham was so thankful to God for being delivered from his enemies he gave 10% of everything to Melchizedek. Nobody told him to do that. This was not just an arbitrary number he pulled out of the air. It was understood at that time that the number 10 symbolized giving ALL to God. When you think about it the number 10 is important to God. He gave us 10 fingers and ten toes and our metric number system is multiples of 10. Makes sense!

Three Important Observations:
1.) Tithing occurred before the law
2.) It was not commanded
3.) It was a symbol of completeness

2. God's Plan for Giving- From Moses to Jesus
a. The Levites Tithe ( Numbers 18:21,24)
This was for their service in the temple
Purpose: To care for the needs of those who served " full-time".

New Testament Application: 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

b. The Festival Tithe ( Deut. 14: 22-24)
Purpose: To stimulate reverence and devotion to God

New Testament Application: 2 Corinthians 9:12; Philippians 4 :18

c. The Benevolent Tithe ( Deut 14:28-29)
Purpose: To help the needy

New Testament Application: James1:27; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

3. Freewill Giving
a. First fruit giving ( Numbers 18:12-13)
b. Freewill offerings ( Exodus 25:1-2& chapter 35)

New Testament Application:
To establish principals to live by

Matthew 6:21 " For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

As Christians we give because we love the Lord, to look after those that labor full time on our behalf, as a form of worship bringing it before the Lord in reverence to him, and to look after those in need. God owns everything, he gave us a portion of it, we need to be good stewards of what he gave us. We give 10% because that symbolizes giving our ALL back to him. It's a tangible way to say: " I love you Lord, more than anything else in this world". We don't give in order to get anything back in return.

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Leading By Example

2009-07-05T20:09:00.002-04:00

I have just been blown away by the number of people that are being saved as a result of the outreaches that are going on in my church. I've never personally witnessed so many salvation's. Just this past week our youth group under the leadership of Shawn Symons, lead 4 young people to Christ at Jackson Square in downtown Hamilton. To my knowledge this is the second time they have been there. There were seven baptized today, four of whom were giving their life to the Lord for the first time as a result of others witness and friendship. When someone gives their life to Christ at my church, a candle is lit at the front of the church. There haven't been very many weeks since I started attending last October when that candle hasn't been lit. I asked myself why? Why is this happening? The answer I received was because there has not been one week go by when the Word Of God and the Gospel has not been preached from the pulpit. God's Word is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. Now our church is going out door to door throughout this city to bring the gospel to people in their homes, lead by the senior pastor. Wow! That's leadership by example. This is exactly the example Jesus himself and his disciples left for us to follow. It's so exciting to be part of something that you know is in the center of God's will lead by the Holy Spirit.
A growing church is a healthy church.
I'm just so thankful for what the Lord is doing and allowing me to be a part of it.
Praise God!

LEADERSHIP TIPS

2009-07-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

I was looking for something to read today before starting my shift, anticipating a slow day, since nothing was open and the strike halted all Canada Day celebrations. That amounts to people not travelling around and a holiday for the bus driver. Lot's of time to read at the end of the line. Nothing was open, so I picked up this free magazine from a stand at Royal York Subway Station called " Fifty Five Plus Magazine". Surprisingly, it had some interesting articles in it. The first one I read was about a retired Major-General Lewis Mackenzie, who is retired from the Armed Forces and is now speaking on leadership and racing cars. He is very highly respected and in much demand as a public speaker and lecturer. What caught my eye was some tips on leadership taken from his book " Soldiers Make Me Look Good". I thought I would like to share them with you. These tips come from pages 231 to 248 of his book.
Here they are:

Definition: Leadership is getting people to do what they don't necessarily want to do, and having them enjoy the experience.

Tip:

-be yourself

-Lead by wandering about: your primary responsibility is the people who work for you.

- Listen: pay attention and pick up good ideas.

- Set difficult but achievable objectives: determine how much is enough to be proud of and how much is too much to ask.

- Accept responsibility, even when you're not responsible. Accepting responsibility frequently makes the problem go away much more quickly.

- Be an actor. This means be consistent. A good leader does not exhibit moodiness.

- Think outside the box. Step back and think about the problem. Don't just tinker with the status quo.

- Strive for ethical decision-making. Imagine that someone you love is looking over your shoulder when the decision involves an ethical issue. Then you will do the right thing.

- Have the courage to disagree. It's a leaders job to create an atmosphere in which honest disagreements are aired.

- Prepare and train your subordinates.

- Be approachable.

Good advice from someone with over 35 years experience and has spoken to over 1,ooo,ooo people. He also wrote a best seller in 1993 called " The Road To Sarajevo".
He is also humble enough to say; " I'm not an author". He'd rather be known as a race car driver. He does that very well too!

Very Interesting.

JESUS A GANG LEADER?

2009-06-17T01:10:00.002-04:00

I was watching 100 Huntley Street this morning and they were talking on the subject of gangs and why young people are joining them in the big cities at an alarming rate and have been doing so for the past 15 to 20 years. There were two testimonies, one from a young Muslim man in Vancouver's east side, who was in a gang from a very young age. He had a twin brother in the same gang who murdered somebody and ended up in prison. This tragedy along with his parents converting to Christianity was the catalyst that led to his conversion. His life was totally changed and now he has dedicated his life to helping educate students and street kids against joining the gangs. He stated that the purpose he joined a gang was because he had a deep desire to have some kind of identity that would give him a sense of belonging and self worth. He found this identity in Christ. A peace he did not know existed.
The other guy is a politician from Alberta, who used to be a gang leader. I can't remember his name, but I'm going to find out because he wrote a book I want to read. His first name is Serge, I think. His position is Secretary in the penal system( to do with jails in particular). He is very knowledgeable about gang life and what needs to be done to correct the problem. He too, stated that it is an identity problem in young people that leads them into gang life. The cause of this identity crisis comes from many sources. Partly due to the break up of the family, the introduction of left wing Humanist values in our society, and the taking of God out of the schools and political systems. The thing that interested me about his testimony was how he first saw Jesus when he read the bible for the first time. He was in jail doing time for drug manufacturing and got a hold of a Gideon new testament for something to read. He read the story of Jesus and his disciples and could totally relate to it. He said; " Jesus the gang leader had 12 members, one of whom was a snitch who handed him over to a rival gang and took over his turf and killed him." He could totally understand the story from his perspective as a gang leader himself. The thing that got him though and ultimately led to his conversion, was the fact that after Jesus died, the scattered members ( disciples) came out of hiding and were willing to die for him. This really touched him. Then when he read that Jesus also died for him so he could live. He totally got it. He is now dedicating his life as a politician to bring prison reform in to our penal system.
I thought that was such a cool way to look at it. Jesus the gang leader who was willing to die for his members, then and now. It worked for him!
I'm going to find out his name and the book title and I'll let you know what it is. Should be good.

THIRSTY?

2009-05-24T23:36:00.002-04:00

The sermon today was based on John Chapter 4: 1-30. It was a short one because we had 7 baptisms, but as always, a good one. It's the story about the the Samaritan women at the well. You know the story. Jesus is talking to this women at Jacobs well, which was a no no for a Jewish man to be doing that. As we know Jesus was no normal Jewish man, he was God in the flesh. I've read this story many times and as usual, when Pastor John tells it, I see something I have not seen before in the scripture. The conversation starts out about water, because Jesus was thirsty after a long journey, but then very quickly turns into a spiritual lesson. We need food and water to sustain our physical bodies. What Jesus was offering this women was not physical in nature. He was offering her "living water". Jesus pointed out to her that the water from the well only satisfies for a short time and then you keep needing more to be filled. The water he was offering satisfies forever and even creates a spring from within that keeps on filling the emptiness within. Each person has an emptiness and a longing and a thirst for this spiritual living water. We don't necessarily know what it is other than an emptiness that needs to be filled. Before we knew Jesus, we would fill this void with all kinds things. Careers, hobbies, sports, alcohol, drugs,sex, and anything else we liked. But it is never enough, we always need more to keep trying to fill that void. There is only one thing that can permanently fill this emptiness and that is the living water Jesus talked about. Plain water is still. Living water is moving and pure and alive. There is only one thing that keeps us from receiving this water and that is the sin in our life. As he pointed out the women's sin by all the men she had been in relations with, was keeping her from this living water.
So. if we want that deep emptiness within us to be permanently satisfied and filled, we need to deal with the sin in our life and receive the living water Jesus offers us.
Then the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.

Talk 10- The Manifesto Of The New Sexual Revolution

2009-04-30T00:36:00.003-04:00

This is the conclusion of this series, Sex And The City Of God. This topic is a passion of Pastors John's and is something that has been burning in his heart for some time. It has revolutionized my thinking on the subject of sex, particularly as it relates to Christians and answered many of my unanswered questions and has given me a whole new perspective and understanding of the Word Of God as it relates to our sexuality. One of my questions which was answered is; : Why have so many Christian leaders and churches fallen into sexual sin in recent times?

If you are interested in watching this series it is all recorded and you can see it at www.westhighland.org. It would be an excellent teaching series for a church on Sunday evenings or for a bible study discussion group. CD's and tapes of the whole series can be ordered for a nominal fee.

This lesson is based on principal #5- The Glory of God.
When we sin sexually we are hurting the Lord God.
God's displeasure can be seen :
1) As a Law-Giver- It was God that gave the law through Moses and the Ten Commandments. When we break the law, we do wrong to the giver of the law.
2) As a lover- We can see in scripture that God loved King David. He chose him to be King. When we look at 2 Samuel 12:7-9, we can see how God was talking about suffering a personal wrong. He was telling David of all the good he had done for him from the time he was a shepherd boy to the time he was made King of Israel. God gave many gifts to David and even provided for his sexual gratification. In verse 9, we read the words of a heartbroken lover. It was these words that devastated David and put him on the road to repentance. Psalm 51:4 is really not accurate, because David sinned against many others, not just God. Bathsheba, Uriah, his family, and himself, just to name a few.
The root of sexual sin is spiritual, not physical. Sexual sin is committed not because we lack anything, but usually happens in the midst of great blessing. We want what we can't have. The forbidden fruit. Satan would like us to think this will bring us freedom, but only results in bondage and judgement. His strategy is to get us focused on what we can't have so we forget all the blessings we have received from God. He would have us think God is deceiving us, not him. We think, If I don't act on my own I won't get what I want. When we believe Satan's lies and take matters into our own hands we do great harm to God.
The real fuel that drives sexual passion is not physical, it is spiritual. Sexual sin is the result of Idolatry, greed and covetousness. Sexual sin is rooted in Idolatry. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah. This is a prime example of sexual sin that flowed out of a self centered idolatrous lifestyle. The scripture mentions the sin of Idolatry much more than the sexual sin itself, although it was evident that was the result.

The generation that grew up in the 60's and 70's was willing to lead and to rebel over a cause. We could see that with all the riots in the Universities in the U.S. during that time period. Our current generation, unfortunately has very few leaders. Many would rather follow that lead.
Jesus has given us a cause to rebel against the status quot.
He is to be the center of our life, not only the savior that saves us from hell, but to be Lord of every aspect of our life which should revolve around him, including and especially our sexuality.
We should have the attitude; " I will die before I sin against him"
This is a radical way to live.
We should want not only to live well for Christ, but we should want to finnish well!

At the conclusion of the talk, Pastor John called for all the men who wanted to join the New Sexual Revolution to join him at the front of the church to make a public commitment before God to be leaders in our homes, and our society and to live a life of sexual purity for Christ. Hundreds of men got down on their knees and made that commitment.
I was one of them.
Thank you Pastor John for your courage and your obedience in teaching this series and may God richly bless you.

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS!

Talk 9- The Manifesto Of The new Sexual Revolution

2009-04-24T01:42:00.003-04:00

Whether it be a church or a nation, there needs to be a firm foundation upon which to build. Jesus said in Luke 6:48, that a wise man builds his house on a firm foundation. Ideas and philosophies have consequences. For example, look at Marxism or Nazism. They both collapsed. Our current Post Modern Society is the consequence of Freudian Philosophy that goes back 150 years. Freud thought every Human behavior is an expression of their sexuality. Guess what is dominating our society today? Foundations are very important.

So how do we avoid the inevitable consequences in a society that is patterned after Freud's philosophy?

Let's take another look at King David in 2 Samuel. David offered an innocent man ( Uriah) on the alter of his own reputation. Why? To try and cover up his sin. That's what happens with sexual sin. It puts in motion a whole bunch of other sins to try and cover it up. Lies, deception, murder, jealousy to name a few. It creates subterfuge. To deceive through a strategy to conceal the truth. We are so sinful we need to know the potential depravity of our hearts. David was a believer when this took place. No Christian should ever say " I would never do that!". A very dangerous statement. We don't even know how evil our hearts can be. What we should be saying is " I need Gods grace so that won't happen to me. " There is a deeper repentance that needs to take place than for just for the sexual sin. We tend to compartmentalize our lives which diminishes the seriousness of sexual sin. We may say to ourselves, " I have a good prayer life and I read the bible every day, I have a good job and am honest with my customers, so If I messed up in this one area, I'm not that bad off compared to some others I know." In 1 John 1:5, it talks about light and dark. Light is that which reveals, dark is that which conceals. Light is God's nature. Truthfulness must be our approach to God. Honesty is required. What do you find when you lift up a slab of rock? A bunch of bugs and worms running around looking for a hole to crawl into. Why? They can't stand the light. They have been exposed. It's the same with our sin. It's honesty, not holiness that's the basic requirement in our relationship with God and with others!
Just so we don't forget, yes God hates sin, but he loves the sinner and because of that he is merciful and willing to forgive our sin and give us hope, thanks to the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
In 2 Samuel 12:14, we can see that David was forgiven, restored and reconciled "but" there was still consequences to his sin that God did not take away. Why? Because if you look in Hebrews 12:4-12 God loved David enough to discipline him. God's hand was heavy on David. He reaped his sexual sin and murder through his children. This was God's loving discipline to remind David of his own sin, so that he could see the seriousness and harm it caused to others. He wanted to make David pure and Holy.

David finally did repent and got honest with God, himself and others. He accepted the consequences of his sin, he didn't try to excuse his actions, he accepted the responsibility. This is why God called him a man after his own heart.

That is the destiny of every believer. To be Holy, as he is Holy.

So, let's get honest with God, ourselves and others, so we can get on that road to Holiness!

Start building a firm foundation. On "The Rock". Jesus Christ!

Watch the final talk # 10. This coming Sunday at 6:30pm at www.livechurch.ca

Talk 8 - The Manifesto Of The New Sexual Revolution -Principal 2- Love Your Neighbour

2009-04-10T00:24:00.003-04:00

In Talk # 7 the discussion centered around a truth about ourselves and the dishonour done to one's own body when we sin sexually. This talk is centered around the wrong done to others.
In our culture we have tried to diminish the seriousness of sexual sin by calling it by other than what it really is. Instead of adultery, we say " affair", or instead of homosexual we say " alternate lifestyle" etc. God, on the other hand, takes this sin very seriously, as we can see in scripture.
Let's take a look at King David in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. From reading this scripture and others like it in the old testament we can conclude that when God is displeased, he always responds. His actions and the timing of his actions are determined by his own sovereign will. When King David sinned with Bathsheba, he knew he was doing wrong, but deceived himself into believing it wasn't as bad as it really was. When God sent Nathan the prophet to David who told him the story about the poor man and his sheep to show David his own sin, David was outraged by the story, not knowing that Nathan was talking about him. Here's a man that committed both Adultery and Murder, but still had a proper sense of justice. That teaches us that people can be deceived about their own sin and still maintain a sense of justice as it relates to others.( even church leaders).

So, what is the wrong in Adultery?

It is one of the most calloused sins you can commit to another man. It's like murder and steeling rolled into one. It can bring out a jealous rage that can lead to murder. You steel another man's spouse and it kills the relationship. Not only between the spouses, but other family members as well. Children, parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, you name them and they are affected by this sin. It's not just the two people involved in the sin. It's effects are devastating and permanent. Even though God is full of mercy and grace and can forgive this sin, there are still consequences that nobody can escape. In King Davids case he ended up losing his sons, who were heirs to his throne, to the sword.

What is the wrong in pre-marital Sex ?

1. Misleading occurs- people tell each other things they don't really mean just to get what they want.
2. Pressure to go against conscience- people have an inner sense that they are doing is wrong but feel the power of peer and social pressure and not wanting to look like a wimp if they say "no".
3. Beginning of a slippery slope- once you start and cross the line it is harder and harder to resist.
4. Rob yourself ( and other participant) of the most precious gift you can give your future spouse. Your virginity is the one gift that you should give your spouse that is not shared by anyone else. That's what makes the wedding night so special and unforgettable.
5. Destroys the foundation of future marriage stability- if you have had multiple sexual relationships prior to marriage, you bring a piece of each person into the marriage making it very difficult to give all of yourself to your spouse.

The good news is there is forgiveness for sexual sin and counselling available to help us cope with the consequences, however just like King David we cannot escape the consequences.

Wouldn't it be better to love our neighbour as ourselves? Love does no harm to a neighbour.

We are our brothers keeper!

There will be no Lesson this Sunday night due to the Easter holiday. The next lesson , Talk #9- The Manifest Of The New Sexual Revolution- Principal 3 - Walk In The Light( Honesty)- Principal 4 - Pursue Holiness will tale place on Sunday night, April 19th at 6:30pm. Join us at www.livechurch.ca

This Sunday night join us for "The Sacrifice" musical and drama Easter special at 7:00pm. See www.westhighland.org for more details!

God bless you and have a great Easter!

HE IS RISEN!

Talk 7- The Manifesto Of The New Sexual Revolution

2009-04-02T00:37:00.003-04:00

The question remains, how do we, in The City of God, live in a sexualized culture? From examples in the Old testament we have concluded that we have three options:
1. Jonah - avoidance
2. Esther - Accommodation
- Assimilation
3. Daniel - Separation
- Activist
From the last lesson, we concluded that Daniels example was the best one to follow. Daniel was totally immersed in a culture that was hostile to his Jewish faith. The Babylonian culture he lived in, tried to brainwash his faith out of him through education in a total immersion program. They even changed his Hebrew name to one after a Babylonian God. Him and his three Hebrew friends. If you have trouble remembering their names, just think of " my shack", " your shack" and a "bungalow". The Babylonians tried to totally change their thinking and their way of living. Daniel drew the line at eating the Kings Food, because he believed God's word and did not want to defile his body because he knew this would destroy his faith. This was the one thing he knew he must not do, in order to keep his faith in tact while living in this pagan culture. He could learn their culture, even be called a name after one of their god's, but he must not defile his body by eating food that had been dedicated to their Gods, which by the way were all sexual Gods. As we learned last week, our Kings Food is our cultures sexual ethics. We too, in our culture, must keep our bodies from being defiled in order to maintain our faith. Look at 1 Corinthians 6:18. " Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." You see, sexual sin is much worse that other sins because of the total damage it does to our whole psyche. It has adverse effects on our whole being. Our sexuality is so closely related to our emotions, body, mind and spirit. Cameron Diaz said it really well in the movie Vanilla Sky. She was so engrossed with Tom Cruise she was stalking him, because she couldn't get over the fact that he didn't want her any more after their brief, but intense sexual love affair. She said to him " Your body makes a promise, even if you don't." Imagine that! Cameron Diaz saying what Paul the Apostle said In 1 Corinthians 6:18!

So what can we conclude from all this? How was Daniel able to stand up to the pressures of Babylonian culture?

1. Influence of the Believing Community

Daniel was around 9 or 10 years old in 622B.C. It was during this period after the reign of an evil king , that the Jewish temple was re-opened after being closed for 70 years. There would have been great revival of faith during this time. The Jews were once again on fire for God, and was this influence on young Daniel that shaped his religious convictions that carried him through the tough times during the exile.

2. Influence of Godly parents

Nothing is mentioned specifically about Daniels parents, but we know through familiarity with Jewish culture of that time that Hebrew parents gave their children names that meant something. Daniels name means " God is my judge". we can conclude therefore that God was very important to his parents and they wanted his name to reflect that fact. They must have raised him to be a God fearing young man.

Psalm 78: 4-7 " We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."

Pastor John invited us to a New Sexual Revolution. One that would honour God by honouring our bodies and keeping them pure according to his word in order to maintain our faith in our paganistic society. We must pass this down to future generations.

Next week Talk # 8 - The Manifesto Of The Sexual Revolution- Principal # 2 Love your Neighbour. Watch live at 6:30pm, www.livechurch.ca

TALK 6 - THE NEW SEXUAL REVOLUTION

2009-03-26T00:26:00.007-04:00

Our society has moved from Modernism, which didn't believe in anything spiritual. The high point of atheism and the "God is dead philosophy" to Post-modernism, which believes in everything spiritual providing a Psychic or Astrologer/Tarah Card Reader on every corner. Because of it's spiritual nature, post-modernism was able to infiltrate the church faster than the rest of society. It was like a dark spiritual force that was able to change minds. Spirituality was affirmed, especially in relation to sex. It gave birth to a Neo Pagan Spirituality. The highlight of this paganistic sexual revolution was really manifested in " The Clinton Factor". You remember the U.S. President Bill Clinton and his friend Monica Lewinsky? First he denied any wrong doing. His wife Hilary said in order to protect the sanctity of the Presidential office he would have to resign. Then after he admitted guilt, everybodies mind seemed to mysteriously change and what he did turned out to be not that bad after all. At least not bad enough to resign. In fact the media made it out to look rather tame in nature, not that wrong, and almost like it was normal behavior for a president under those circumstances. What a turn around! We went from a sexual revolution to sexual Anarchy!
If you study the history of past paganistic societies, they teach a "Salvation Through Sex" philosophy. Many of the pagan temples had temple prostitutes and part of the worship of that pagan God was to have sex with the prostitute in the temple.
That is where we are now in our society.
So, how do we live in the midst of a pagan culture?

Take a look at three Old Testament examples:

(note: You can look up and read the stories for yourself.)

1. Jonah- he was called by God to be a prophet He was proud of his distinctiveness as a Jew in a paganistic culture, but was asked by God to prophesy to that Pagan society. He fled and didn't want to engage that culture. He took a " leave me alone" attitude.
Obviously not a good example as to how to live in a pagan culture.

2. Esther- She was a beauty queen that was very much into how she "looked" to others. It was disclosed that she was a Jew, but she wanted to fit into and blend into the paganistic culture she lived in rather than stand out. She wanted to be liked by everyone.
Obviously not a good example.

3. Daniel- He was living in exile as Jew in a paganistic society which was hostile to his Jewish convictions. Daniel 1:8, he wouldn't eat the Royal food because it was dedicated to the Babylonian God's first. Him and his jewish friends would only eat vegetables and their health flourished. They stood by their convictions and would not bow down to the pagan Gods and were delivered from the fiery furnace and the lions den.
He is obviously the best example of how to live in a paganistic society.

Our " Kings Food" is our cultures sexual ethics.

Our Christian witness depends on staying pure and not indulging in sexual immorality.

WE ( in The City Of God) HAVE BEEN CALLED TO EMBRACE HOLINESS AND PURITY AND SEPARATE FROM OUR CULTURE AND TO GO AGAINST THE FLOW TO A NEW SEXUAL REVOLUTION!

See the tape of this teaching at http://www.livechurch.ca/. Watch Talk #7 " The Manifesto Of The New Sexual Revolution" next Sunday live at 6:00pm.

Talk 5- Lessons On Romance, Sex, And Coveneant Love From The Song Of Songs

2009-03-17T07:56:00.007-04:00

The Song Of Songs reveals that it is OK to desire sexual love and passion and to express them within a covenant love relationship according to God's definition of a covenant love relationship. The churches attitude over the decades has not been a positive one in this area, leaning more towards avoiding the issue and hiding the truth. This has not only been unhelpful to those within the City of God, but has left it up to the secular world to offer instruction to our youth and married couples about sex and sexuality. If you want to know the truth, we are all sinners because we live in a fallen world. That's not something people these days want to hear, but true none the less. Because we are sinners, our fallen nature expresses itself through our sexuality resulting in each one of us being sexual perverts. The good news is, we don't have to remain in that state, once we know the truth about sexual expression of covenant love and begin to express it according to Gods will.
There are three principals for cultivating passion: a) Be attractive- people have a tendency to let themselves go after marriage, and not attempt to look their best for their mate like when they were dating. Maintaining this practice can help to maintain the passion in the relationship. b) Be available- If you take a look at 1 Corinthians 7, it explains how the husband and wife are one flesh and their bodies belong to each other. The only reason to withhold sex is on mutual agreement for prayer and fasting. Otherwise Satan may bring temptation into the relationship. c) Be anticipatory- Our brains have a tremendous effect on our sexuality. It is possible to think sensual and erotic thoughts within a marriage and keep them pure and holy.
Covenant love has three elements to it: 1) It places a seal on the relationship that goes beyond the sexual act to a commitment of the whole person. Is your husband or wife the most important thing in the whole world to you? 2) Strong as death- this love is as fierce and unyielding as the grave. It is jealous towards that one and only person. It is powerful and final. 3) Flame of the Lord- This love is fueled by divine power. God stirs up love in your heart for your spouse. We become stewards of the love we have covenanted to our spouse. If it dies, we are held responsible by God, because we have not been good stewards. Covenant love cannot be destroyed. Only good sex can happen in a covenant love relationship. It is not a right, but something to protect.
The world has made sex their icon.
We, in The City Of God, make long lasting covenant love relationships, such as those who are celebrating 40,50, 60+ years of marriage our icon.
We have to live and love just like Jesus Christ did.
If we are truly following him, It's not a burden, but a joy!

This is the last week on the Song of Songs. Next week will begin to look at the societal attitudes that have been formed over the decades. and how that effects us.
Tune in, 6:30pm Sunday evenings at http://www.livechurch.ca/

Special Note: There are those who have suffered sexual abuse and may find some of this information confusing or hurtful. Our hearts go out to these people and they may require special attention and counselling to help them through their understanding of this subject.

Sex And The City Of God- Week 4

2009-03-10T08:43:00.008-04:00

My wife said I should make my posts more personal and tell more and about myself. I think that will come later. Right now I feel compelled to report on these messages, because I think people, mostly Christians, the people of The City Of God need to hear this message. I see Pastor John like a modern day Moses trying to lead Gods people out of Egypt. Just like those people of old, I'm sensing a resistance to follow him. They didn't want to leave their slavery into the unknown land of promise God was offering. People! Pastors! Listen up! Jesus said: " MY sheep hear my voice and they follow me!" Let me repeat myself. There is no other message like this one being preached out there. When Pastor John consulted his good friend about preaching this message, the friend said " don't do it!". Pastor John said " I have to !" This is an original inspiration of the Holy Spirit. A relevant prophetic message to the church! HELLO!!! God is speaking. Are you listening? Pastors and churches should be letting their pride down and grabbing hold of this message for the sheep in their congregation. This is not a competition, it's a campaign against evil. Will you join with us? This assault of sexual propaganda is destroying marriages in our churches. The word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. Let's use it to remove the evil from among our people. As Moses said to Pharaoh, " Let my people go!"

This week we looked at The Song Of Songs and learned what romance is really is all about. Essentially romance is about intercourse. Not sexual intercourse. Verbal intercourse. Any strangers can have sex. Speech and sex are closely related. This week the emphasis was on the man in the relationship . (next week will be on the women). The Song Of Songs is a poem. A lost art in today's society. A verbal exchange between two lovers, in the context of marriage. Words are powerful. They can give life or they can kill. This exchange of words in poetic form, between the man and the women, create an erotic atmosphere, which is perfectly OK in a marriage and even encouraged by God in order to experience that love and intimacy that a husband and wife are supposed to have. Marriages that are on the rocks, have lost this art of communication, lost the intimacy and are headed for divorce court. The man, after the marriage, has failed to romance his wife with his words. Bitterness and anger take hold, and unless they are taught how to communicate effectively, the prognosis for the marriage is not good. But I do believe that it is the man who is responsible for initiating romance and then the women will follow. Romance is meant to be a growing reality, not a diminishing memory. The key is carefully composed words. A mans excuse when he gets home for work for not talking to his wife is that he is tired. The truth is we are just being selfish and lazy. Before we touch our wife's body, we need to touch her heart and mind. How we speak to our wife makes all the difference in the world as to how she responds to us. The Songs Of Songs gives a good example of how to do this. It is verbal foreplay. A model that allows us to feel and articulate sexual passion which is perfectly OK in a marriage. It is good and esteems this kind of talk in marriage to encourage sexual passion. Women are wired through what they hear. Men are wired through what they see. God wants a Christian husband to communicate sincere, carefully composed words to his wife. These can be of a sexual nature, but honoring, wholesome and pure and encourage and initiate a natural response in her.
This lesson really hit me between the eyes.
I need to go back to the time I was romancing my wife with my poems during our courtship. The very thing that captured her heart.
I dropped the ball, but I'm going to pick it up again and get back in the game!
Thanks Pastor John. This lesson is just as good as marriage counselling!

P.S. Let me make this clear, that all of the aforementioned commentary, are my words and not Pastor John's. I am just summarizing in my own words my understanding of what was said. If you have any questions you can contact him through the churches website at www.westhighland.org, or email: sex and the city@westhighland.org. The first paragraph was totally me. He didn't say any of this. That is my picture of what is happening.

Watch live Sunday evening at 6:30pm, or download recordings at www.livechurch.ca

Sex And The City Of God- Week3

2009-03-01T23:24:00.002-05:00

This week was very interesting. I heard some things I have never heard before. Most teachings and commentaries on the book Song of Songs says that is just allegory and is over spiritualized. Pastor John has stepped outside of that box. He believes this is about what it says it is about, sexual love. Only he believes this is God's way of teaching us how to do it right. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: : " All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." God created us to be sexual beings, and sex is his gift to us, not only for procreation, but for pleasure. So would God give us a gift and not provide a means for us to learn how to use it? Would he leave it up to the world through TV sitcoms, movies, advertising, with their "Sex In The City" mentality to teach us? No! God provided instruction in the bible, called the Song Of Songs to give us a picture of what real sexual love can be like in the confines of a monogamous, safe,committed marriage relationship.

Once again, you need to listen to this whole teaching, which you can do by tuning in live at www.livechurch.ca, or go on the site and watch a download that has been recorded.

The one thing that stood out to me in this session was the "Narrowness of marriage". As part of the City Of God, once you become married, that's it, you have forsaken all others. No more exploring the ocean for other fish. You are with that person until death do you part. That is Gods perfect will for marriage. Yes, there is forgiveness and restoration for sin and mistakes and other things that happen beyond our control, but these things still leave a scar that will last a lifetime. The thing is though, that although it appears to be narrow and restrictive, it opens up a whole universe of discovery in that one person, that you could not achieve any other way. A fulfillment and a joy and a growth and a depth, that cannot be attained through multiple relationships.
God is a God of pleasure and he wants us to enjoy sex the way he created us to enjoy it. That is why he chose it to be expressed in the confines of a marriage. Waiting for marriage to have sex actually increases the pleasure. It's the anticipation. Sharing that one thing with that one special person that gives the power to the expression of it. In other words the pleasure of sex is much greater within the confines of a loving marriage relationship than if you indulged in lots of sex with multiple partners. God wants us to maximize our pleasure. The enemy on the other hand wants to decrease our pleasure because he hates God and the gift God has given us. His strategy is to create " an ever increasing craving for an ever decreasing pleasure". For example, those that have indulged in making porno films, have been so overexposed to sex, they find it harder and harder to become sexually aroused. For them, the pleasure is almost completely gone.
What a shame!
Next weeks continues the study in the Song Of Songs.
Want to learn more about romance? Stay tuned!

Sex And The City Of God - Week 2

2009-02-15T22:09:00.005-05:00

This is a continuation of week 1- Orienting All Of Life To The Glory Of God. There is so much to this teaching I'm not sure I can do it justice in a short blog. I will just highlight what stood out to me and once again, you can watch this live at www.livechurch.ca. There will be a break next week due to a musical concert, so the teaching will resume two weeks from tonight.
I would like to add, I don't think there is another teaching out there that is more relevant than this one. We need to hear this!

Knowing Christs supremacy Guides, Guards and Governs our sexual lives.
Knowing the supremacy of Christ enlarges the soul so that sex and it's little pleasures become as small as they are.
The root of most problems with sex is that people, Christians included, really do not have a passion or desire to go deeper with God. Non Christians, who have rejected God completely, have been given over to their own lustful desires as described in Romans Chapter 1. Christians who have become complacent and comfortable in there relationship with God, with no desire to go deeper which causes their souls to stop growing, can be deceived and led astray into finding intimacy in sexual perversions. This is the reason many Christian leaders have fallen into sexual sin. God created us to have an intimate relationship with him and we have everything we need for Godliness through knowledge of him. See Colossians 3:10 & 2 Peter 1, 3-4.
Christ needs to be the center of our lives and everything that we do. Just as the Sun is central to our universe and holds all of the planets surrounding it in a gravitational pull giving order and life to the universe. Should something happen to the sun, everything else would be affected and we would die. If we do not make Christ supreme in our lives, it affects every aspect of our life, particularly our sexuality. Little souls give sexual lusts great power. Your soul was made for Jesus Christ, nothing else will make little lusts lose their power.
Knowing The supremacy of Christ saves our sexuality from sin by empowering us to suffer.
Unfortunately, we are prone to avoid pain and maximise comfort. Yet as Christians, we are called to share in the sufferings of Christ. see Mathew 5: 27-30. Better to suffer in this life, than to spend eternity in hell.
Whether we give in to sexual lust or decide to follow Christ, we are going to suffer either way.
Take a look at the lives of Joseph who ran away from Pottufers wife. He resisted temptation and look at all the trouble he suffered as a result. King David gave in to his lust with Bathsheba. Look at all the problems he suffered in his family as a result.
The question remains: are we willing to suffer in order to make Christ the center of our life?
The irony of this is, that if we do, we will experience more pleasure and freedom than we could ever imagine.
The next talk we look into the book of the Song of Songs. All that is in the bible about sexual love is not negative. Here we will learn how God shows us the sexual pleasures that can be experienced in a right relationship.
To be continued..............................

Our Cities Cry To You, Oh God

2009-02-15T14:43:00.002-05:00

Lyrics: Margaret Clarkson (c) 1987 Hope publishing
Tune: English melody: "Kingsfold"

Our cities cry to you, O God, from out their pain and strife; you made us for yourself alone, but we choose empty life.
Our goals are pleasure, gold, and power; injustice stalks the earth; in vain we seek for rest, for joy, for sense of human worth.

Yet still you walk our streets, O Christ, we know your presence here, where humble Christians love and serve, in godly grace and fear. O word made flesh, be seen in us, may all we say and do, affirm you God Incarnate still and turn sad hearts to you.

Your people are your hands and feet to serve your world today, our lives the book our cities read to help them find your way. O pour your sovereign spirit out on heart and will and brain: inspire your church with love and power to ease our cities pain.

O healing savior, Prince of Peace, salvation's source and sum, for you our broken cities cry: O come Lord Jesus, come! With truth your royal diadem, with righteousness your rod, O come, Lord Jesus, bring to earth the city of our God.

This was a new hymn we sang in church today. I loved the lyrics so much, I wanted to share them with you. It's like a prayer!

Getting To Know God

2009-02-10T08:52:00.002-05:00

This post is an added thought that came out of the teaching of the last post. I have been thinking about this allot. There is a passage of scripture in the bible found in Matthew 7:21, that has always puzzled me and disturbed me at the same time. I finally think I understand it as a result of the teaching " Sex And The City Of God".

The scripture says: " Not everyone who says to me " Lord,Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, " Lord, Lord," did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, " I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!"

When the bible uses the word "know", God is using that sexual language to describe the type of intimacy we need to have with him in order to "know" him and to do his will. In the passage above he was speaking to people who thought they were Christians because of what they did, yet the Lord said, " I never knew you". It is a bit scary to think we can go through our whole Christian life thinking we are serving God and doing his will when in fact we could be rejected by him on judgement day because we just didn't get it. Just saying the words " Lord, Lord" in other words " I believe in you" obviously is not enough. The bible says even the demons believe, yet are they going to heaven? NO! Even Satan believes God exists, yet he hates God. Is he going to heaven? NO!

So, what does it take to get to heaven? We must "know" God in an intimate way so we are able to "know" what his will is and do that!

If that is not the focus of your ministry, then I would suggest you re-evaluate your motives. I believe everything else will come out of that relationship with the Lord. Follow Jesus, and all the other things will follow you.

I have mine and that is now going to be my focus; getting to "know" God.

I want to hear those words from Jesus: " Well done good and faithful servant!".

Sex And The City of God - Week 1

2009-02-08T20:40:00.005-05:00

If you would like to hear the full teaching you can download it from the website. It may take a few days to there though. There is a Linc at the top right hand side of this blog entitled West Highland . You can actually see it live each week on line.

The first part of this teaching is about " Orienting All Of Life To The Glory Of God".
The title of this series came from a combination of the title of the TV sitcom " Sex In The City" and a book written by some dude ( St. Augustine?) called " The City Of God". Hence " Sex And The City Of God."
What Pastor John is attempting to reveal is the clear biblical distinction between the worlds view of sex and sexuality verses God's view of sex and sexuality as explained in scripture.
As you probably know the TV show " Sex In The City" is about four divorced women living together who are attempting to find true love and the ultimate relationship through experiencing the ultimate orgasm. All they ever really find is heartache and problems. The writers of this show and other TV shows of the same type are creating propaganda that will affect us, the viewing public and try to influence our thinking to theirs as being a societal norm, when in fact it is not. Their world view of sexuality is "people oriented".

Conversely, Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, are part of " The City Of God" and our view of sexuality as described in scripture is "God oriented". God created sex in order to demonstrate and have a language that would allow us to understand the kind of intimacy we can have with him. Our purpose in expressing our sexuality then becomes, as 1 Corinthians10:31 says, " So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do (including sex), do it ALL for the GLORY of God."
If you want to see an example of the kind of language God uses to describe his relationship with Israel, just take a look at Ezekiel chapter 16 and tell me if this does not sound like sexual language? Sexuality then, is designed by God as a way of knowing him through Jesus Christ more fully. Going back to the book of Genesis God outlines the parameters as to what this relationship looks like, between a man and a women, two very distinctly biologically different genders, in a loving covenant relationship called marriage. Any other variation or deviation from this model causes us to sin by creating an idolatrous relationship as described in Ezekiel 16 and keeps us from knowing God! As Hosea said in chapter 6:3 ( he was the prophet that married the prostitute) " Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises. he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." In other words Gods favour will restore us.

Tune in next week for a continuation along the same theme.
Apparently week three gets really juicy!..... as we get into the Song of Songs which is all about sexual love.
I can't wait!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PROTESTANTS!

2009-01-18T21:44:00.006-05:00

This year is the 500Th anniversary of the protestant reformation of the church. There seemed to be a few people that were not in agreement with the beliefs of the Roman Catholic church. Imagine that? Rebels in the church. Trouble makers. Satanically induced backsliders upsetting the status quot. The likes of Calvin and Martin Luther. Amazing what people think when their authority is threatened. It must be the devil! Yeah right!
As I recall, isn't that what they thought about Jesus too? His teaching appeared to be a threat to their power and authority. They called him the devil and did end up killing him. I guess he was seen as a bit of a rebel too against the church of his day, and he was God! The Word made flesh! I think we need to be really really careful before we start throwing out accusations like that shouldn't we?
There seemed to be a dispute over the doctrine of Justification By Faith Alone ( Sola Fide), and over Biblical Authority ( Sola Scriptura). It seems the Church of the day believed that the apostles ( The Pope being the successor of Paul) had the ultimate authority over the written word (bible), because it was the apostles that created the scriptures. The reformers(rebels) on the other hand believed the bible was "the" inspired word of God delivered through the apostles and was the ultimate authority over anything or anybody else. The Pope had a contract out on the life of Martin Luther. Do you think he felt his authority was threatened? Here's a quote:

" Unless I am convinced by Sacred Scripture or by evident reason, I will not recant. My conscience is held captive by the word of God and to act against conscience is neither right or safe."
Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms

He apparently was delivered through a set of strange miraculous circumstances, from death. Maybe God was on his side?

I think some Protestant Christians and churches today have come full circle and believe they have more authority than the inspired word of God. Some have strayed so far away from the bible, I don't even know why they call themselves Christian. Others have so misinterpreted the scriptures they have become cults. Being involved in such a church would not be right or safe.
Maybe it's time for a protest against the Protestants? or at least some kind of new awakening? Maybe a Revival? A Resurrection? Something has to happen to get the strayed churches back on track!
Let's get back to our Reformation roots and make the bible, "the" inspired word of God the Ultimate Authority. Let the word of God be fully known.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-31T21:57:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! HOPE YOUR 2009 IS FULL OF ALL GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-22T03:01:00.008-05:00

My blog is going to be prorogued until after Christmas. Like Kim, I don't have enough time, and I don't have a little baby to look after! Enjoy your family celebrations and don't forget the reason for the season, the Birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ!
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

Decisions

2008-12-15T02:20:00.003-05:00

I've had to make a few big ones lately. Knowing this, my wise father gave me a book to read written by Haddon W. Robinson called " Decision Making By The Book". Don't you love it when a bible scholar puts in print exactly what you have been thinking. Confirmation is a very comforting phenomenon. Here's his thoughts on "Avoiding Disagreement" amongst decision makers:
" One decision danger zone we sometimes fall into is surrounding ourselves with "yes men" and "yes women". In other words our decisions sometimes fail because when we are sure we are right, we refuse to listen to someone who thinks we are wrong.
Dissent keeps you from believing you are infallible. Pastors who feel comfortable with only church board members who admire them and are overly concerned with pleasing them may not be well served when it comes to decision making.
People who are free to disagree put alternatives before the group that minimise the risks inherent in every important decision. Dissenters help us see the unforeseen negative consequences that may be invisible to us because of our happy unanimity.
Loyalty to a group does not mean that we go along to get along. It means that we state our viewpoint openly and clearly. The responsibility falls on leaders to create the environment for this kind of freewheeling honesty. Disagreement forces us to check our facts and state the basis for our decision.
But then, when a decision is made, loyalty requires all members of the group to do everything possible to make the decision succeed.
Disagreement does not mean that God is not working. Unanimity is not unity. Dissent can stir the imagination and force us to consider uncertainties in the decision-making process."

AMEN TO THAT!!

What In The World Is Going On?

2008-12-12T00:55:00.003-05:00

That is the title of a book I just recently read written by Dr. David Jeremiah. He is a very knowledgeable bible teacher and scholar and has written many books and devotional guides. The book is based on the question many people are asking these days as they see all of the strange and seemingly unexplainable things going on in the world. The economic crisis around the globe, the quest for oil, the alignment of nations and political alliances taking place, etc. etc. I know I have asked that question and others like: " Why is the Christian Church on the decline in North America when it is growing like gangbusters in third world countries?" Dr. Jeremiah uses 10 biblical prophetic clues that we cannot afford to ignore to try to answer the question.
If I can come away from this book with one nugget of knowledge it would be this: Christians do not have to worry. We are not going to experience the worst of what is to come. We won't be here. Also the devil, who many Christians think works independently, is very much under God's control. He does not do anything that God does not allow or permit and always under restriction, and even in his rebellion fulfills Gods will and purpose in the world. God will use Satan to carry out his judgement , on individuals, groups and nations. So, no matter what side of God you are working on, whether rebellion or obedience you are, knowingly or unknowingly going to carry out Gods will. God's will, will be done, period, end of story. Amazing eh? So the next time you think you are under some kind of Satanic attack, instead of trying to rebuke it, I would suggest you stop and take a very good look within and ask yourself and God what the purpose of it is. You may be praying against God's will to steer you in another direction. It could turn out to be a blessing in disguise! God may be trying to tell you something or bring some discipline into your life to strengthen you or place you on a different course. Embrace it! But rest assured , as a believer in Christ, you are in Gods hands and no harm can come to you through Satan or anybody else, and even if it does it was ordained by God to fulfill his purpose and plan for your life. I mean the worst that can happen to us is we die and go to heaven! We can't lose can we? We know the end of the story, and God wins and so do we if we are in Christ.
I recommend you read the book. It will encourage you.

Descrimination or persecution and to whom?

2008-11-25T09:14:00.004-05:00

I had a rather eye opening discussion with two of the clerks at the division where I work, yesterday, while they were out for a smoke break and I was waiting for my bus. They were telling me of their frustration that morning of having 22 crews to fill and no drivers to fill them., especially when there was a termination of overtime. Apparently out of absolute necessity that ban was lifted, and they were eventually, after a hair raising ( I wouldn't know about that) few hours were able to fill the empty crews. Then they started to tell me of their frustration with all the new drivers coming on board, 99.9% of which are visible minorities, and how they absolutely have no work ethics. They are constantly late for work, take time off when ever they feel like it and are belligerent towards any kind of authority. They simply don't care and nothing seems to be done about it. It makes it very hard for a clerk who is responsible for all those kinds of things to do their job. Then the one clerk, who has over 20 years on the job said to me " Doug, if you are white, male and a Christian, you are (and I quote): " F#@*^&"( with a capital "F"). Interesting he added that last characteristic. Then he said, " if you are a Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim or some other religion, you get all your "religious days off" and the company supports this. If you are a Christian you get ZIP. What do you think of that? This is happening now, and very close to home, I might add.

Then on the way home in the car, I hear that Denmark, is in the process of enacting a law that would ban circumcision on infants. What effect do you think that will have on out Jewish friends?

Then when I get home, on the TV NEWS at 11, there is a discussion between a Christian minister and a Gay activist, whereby the Gay activists are actively pursuing in the courts a law that would prevent any religious organization from discriminating against sexual preferences. That would make it illegal for a Christian minister to preach from his or her pulpit from the bible, that homosexuality, or other forms of sexual behavior, is a sin and people should not engage in such activity. What do you think of that?

LISTEN CHRISTIANS ! WE BETTER START SPEAKING UP OR WE ARE GOING TO LOOSE OUR BATTLE FOR OUR RIGHTS!! NO MORE MR./MRS. TOLERANT NICE GUY! WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS?

THE SQUEAKY WHEEL IS GETTING THE GREASE AND IT'S NOT CHRISTIANS!

WE NEED MORE THAN JUST PRAYER, IT'S TIME TO SPEAK THE TRUTH AND TO ACT!

DOES THIS DISTURB ANY OF YOU LIKE IT DOES ME?

That leads me to my next post: " What In The World Is Going On"

In Your Head

2008-11-23T07:28:00.002-05:00

This is a daily devotion taken from " Our Daily Bread", October 28, written by Joe Stowell. I liked it so much I wanted to share it.

Read: Galatians 1:6-9

I love the prayer that begins, " God be in my head." When I first heard it, admittedly I thought it sounded a little weird. But then I got to thinking how unfortunate it is if in our efforts to get closer to Jesus we focus on our emotional experience of Him and check our brains at the door. Without his truth ringing in our heads, we're bound to get off track.
Just look at the early Christians, False teachers filled their heads with misinformation, saying that salvation and spiritual growth could be attained only through keeping the requirements of the law. When Paul heard of it, he was astonished at how quickly they had gotten off track: " I marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ" ( Gal. 1:6)
It's not just false teachers who lead us astray. Our world is full of twisted thinking like, " if it feels good, do it," or " The one with the most toys wins." Let's face it, you and I can't afford to check our brains at the door. In fact, intimacy with Jesus begins with getting to know him, and it's the facts about him that make us want to get close to him.
So, strange as it may sound, if you want to stay on track with Jesus, start each day by asking him to be in your head!

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking.- Sarum Primer

TO STAY ON TRACK, LET GOD GUIDE YOUR THINKING.

The Funny Drunk

2008-11-21T23:34:00.002-05:00

I have this guy that comes on my bus. He is usually three sheets to the wind and can hardly stand up. He stands beside me and tells one joke after another. Some of them are funny, some dirty, actually most of them dirty, so I'm not going to repeat those, but I did remember a couple of them, maybe because they were dog jokes, and I love dogs. I know from my counselling training, that he is hiding his insecurity behind the humour. My guess is he had an abusive parent, probably his father, who probably was also an alcoholic and whom he could never please or receive any kind of encouragement or affection from. In my spirit I discerned he is starving for someone to say to him; " You're going to be OK and I love you son". It's amazing the change that a few words like that could do to a man like this. I'm on this route for a few more weeks so I'm hoping for a God appointment to do or say something significant in this mans life.
Here's a couple of jokes I can share:

1. What do you call a dog with no legs?
Answer: It doesn't matter, he can't come anyway! Come on now, that was funny!

2. What do you call a dog with two front legs and two wheels on his rear end?
Answer: Sparky! hahahaha!

That's all I can remember for now!

Here we go again!

2008-11-15T00:35:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling that need for a fix again! I need another dose of Ariana. Hopefully, we can see her for a few minutes this Sunday. I also need some more favorite pictures. This is one of my favorites. Not because of me, cause I hate my picture, but because of the good memory of spending some quality time with my granddaughter. Next Sunday she gets dedicated and we will get together with the whole family. I'm so thankful her parents are bringing her up to know the Lord. That is a generational blessing that will be passed down to future generations. She has three grampas and three grandmas. Figure that one out!

We're having 20 baptisms at our church this Sunday. That will be exciting. Every week we have attended somebody new has given their life to the Lord. I loved what Pastor Alan said a few weeks ago. " It's not about the building and it's not about the programs, it's about helping each individual become mature in Christ." That is what church is supposed to do. Take new converts and disciple them to maturity so they in turn can effectively impact their world with the love of Jesus and produce more good fruit. That can only come from good teaching of the word of God. We need to be able to digest the "meat" of scripture rather than just be satisfied with "milk" like a baby does. About three weeks ago, about 800 people came forward in response to Pastor John's call to join him in his dream of reaching the City for Jesus. I believe it's going to happen. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for this City. Revival is on the horizon. But, it starts in us first. My life seems to be a series of new beginnings. I like change. It's refreshing and challenging. Isn't life grand? For me it's grandpa! lol

NEW CONTRACT

2008-11-09T19:25:00.003-05:00

Well, after six months of arbitration, a plethora of meetings eating up tens of thousands of dollars in wages and expenses, we finally have a contract. It is almost identical to the one we were offered and that we turned down. I personally didn't turn it down, because under our current economic circumstances, I thought it was pretty good. A reasonable wage increase of 9% over 3 years and an increase in our benefits. How can you beat that? I am very thankful I have such a good secure job, that I love doing. We really are taken care of and I believe properly compensated for our work. I feel bad for those in the auto industry that are facing lay offs and termination of employment. I hope they are able to be placed in other jobs or get retrained for something else. If not, we are all going to feel the consequences . The benefits alone, I figure, must be worth at least $10/hr over and above our hourly rate.
The big debate now is should we be made an essential service. I think we all know the real answer to that, even though City counsel voted down ( lost by one vote) approaching the province to ask them for it. I think the fact we were ordered back to work only 1 1/2 days after going on a legal strike, says it all. WE ARE an essential service, or they would not have done that. The reason they are hesitating to make it official, is traditionally, it will cost them much more money to run the service, which they are trying to avoid like the plague. I guess you can't blame them really. It is costing more than they have funding for now. Why should they, when we will just get ordered back to work every time we go on strike. It kind of makes striking redundant. That's OK with me, since I think striking is counter productive in this day and age when we have arbitration already available to us through the current system. I am happy with the outcome.
I'm praying for those men and women who's jobs are in jeopardy, while being very thankful for mine.
One day, the economies of the world are going to fail. That has been prophesied. Those unbelievers who have not been reunited with Jesus in the rapture will be subject to the dictates of a Satan possessed world leader.
That is why my faith is in Christ and not in the security of a job or in a government which are sure to failure.
Ephesians 2: 8-9. " For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."
That is the message I desire to deliver today.
Will you join me and have real security for life?

Have you seen an angel lately?

2008-11-02T11:58:00.005-05:00

Hebrews 13:2 " Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Kim asked on her blog if babies could see angels. I think they can. Babies, because of the nature of their condition, have no fear, no prejudices, and have the innocence that produces faith. They haven't learned these things yet, so doubt is not part of their conscious thinking. In fact, I'm not sure they even have the ability to think. They just accept whatever comes their way, because they don't have much other choice. They can't make decisions. So I think God, in his wisdom, places a special protection around babies. Even if something bad should happen and they die, I think he takes them straight to heaven. Kim's blog got me thinking of my own experiences. I believe I have seen angels on about 5 different occasions, the most recent being 3 nights ago. How do I know for sure? Well, who can be absolutely certain, unless of course they introduce themselves as such and prove it somehow. I just believe they were. Why? Because they seemed to me to be out of character for the surroundings that I was very familiar with, they would look straight at me, give an approving sort of hand gesture and when I looked back to see where they had gone, they had disappeared never to be seen again, that's why. I just knew in my knower, that it was an angel. It left me with a sense of satisfaction as if God was saying " everything is OK, I see what you are doing and I approve of you." That was a comforting feeling. Not spooky or unusual in some way. That seems to me to be like in God's nature to leave someone feeling that kind of comfort from a mere sighting of what looked like just another human being. They look and I might add, feel just like we do. How do I know that? I had the opportunity to shake ones hand the other night. You see after thinking about Kim's blog post, I said to God; " I haven't seen an angel for a while Lord. I think it's time for another sighting." Guess what, that night I saw another angel. It took me totally by surprise. He looked like a derelict. I was doing the Royal York North route which is a very high class route. I don't think there is a house under $1,000,000 on the first part of the route and there are several that would exceed the $5,000,000 range. I've been doing this route quite often for the past 10 years and this guy was out of character to be seen on this route. I thought he was drunk at first, because he was being very loud and rather overly friendly with all the other passengers. It was a very busy day and I was a bit stressed out. I didn't feel like handling a drunk. My fear is I would get angry with him and do some damage if I lost my cool. I do not like doing that. Before leaving the station I said a little prayer; " Lord I don't feel like dealing with this guy, please give me the patience or get him off my bus". We left the station on time. About 5 minutes after departing, the guy comes up to me and asks; " are you going to Lakeshore?" I said; " No, that is in the other direction you need to get off this bus and get the one going the other way back to the station and take the 76 south." Another passenger hearing his question told him the same thing. As he stood beside me, he looked right into my eyes. I realized at this point he was not drunk. He didn't smell of alcohol, and believe me I know when somebody has been drinking, and his eyes were as clear as could be. No signs of inebriation of any kind. Before he exited at the stop he said to me; " who is your best friend?"
I hesitated for a moment, because I knew my answer, but I was conscious of the passengers on the bus. We don't usually express our faith at work unless specifically asked about it, which rarely happens. As public service we normally remain opinionless and neutral on these matters unless , as I said, if pressed I would not deny my faith. In this case, I needed to give my honest answer. I said;" JE". I no sooner got the first syllables out of my mouth, when he , at the exact precise moment said the same thing, just as if we had practised this in harmony for hours,
" J E S U S ! " I knew at that moment, this was no derelict. He smiled, stepped off the bus, turned and gave me that tell tale hand gesture, this time a thumbs up! In the past it was a salute. I knew, that I knew, that I knew this was no man, it was an angel sent by God to give me that comforting feeling and sense of approval. He disappeared, and I did not see him again. God had answered my prayer from earlier that morning. I had another encounter with an angel. The closest one I have ever had. So be alert. You may entertain an angel without knowing it. He may not look or act like you expected either. Be nice to what appear to be street people! There might just be an angel among them. I had the privilege of knowing.
Want to see an angel? Just ask God for the opportunity, watch, and believe. He may answer your prayer! Thank you Lord!

I Changed My Mind

2008-10-28T07:18:00.002-04:00

I can do that you know. I'm going to be putting up one post, when I get some time to do some research, and will leave it there. I just won't be posting on a regular basis, and I may comment on yours from time to time. That's what happens when you are being led by the spirit. He's the one who's really driving the bus!

THE BABY IS HERE!!

2008-09-12T10:02:00.005-04:00

Yes, at about 8:43am Friday, September 12Th, this morning, Kim gave birth to baby Ariana Lynn Morrison. Now, I could have the name wrong, because although they knew what they were going to name her before birth, they were reserving their right to change their minds after they saw her, just to make sure her looks and personality suited the name. She is perfect and beautiful and weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 10oz. Everyone is healthy, but tired, and Kim obviously has some serious recovering to do. When God said in Genesis, after the fall, that he was going to increase the pain for a women in childbirth, he wasn't kidding. Ruth was their and witnessed the birth. She said it was amazing. We have after pictures of the baby, and if I ever can figure out how to put pictures on my blog, I will show some to you.
Thank God, everything went OK. The next few days will involve multiple trips to the hospital, so you may not see much of us of over the next week or so, especially since Ruth will be staying at Dan and Kim's for a while until they get settled to help out.
Looks like no one guessed the date right. Dan and Louise were the closest. I knew the baby would have a mind of her own. She takes after her mother in that regard and that's a good thing!
I'll keep you posted and hopefully pictured too!

That was a week

2008-09-08T23:28:00.005-04:00

Have you ever had the experience that things were happening so fast that it was like you were sitting back watching a movie of your life? Absolutely no control over what was happening, yet a sense that it was all good and God was definitely the one in control.
It started with the sale of my car last Wednesday. That was an answer to prayer, especially in this economy and totally unexpected. I had all but given up on selling it. The guy was a very nice fellow, an artist, who writes an article in the Hamilton Magazine. Very interesting person and a new connection I was happy to make. A God moment? I think so. Then tragedy strikes! The free car I was to receive from my in-laws suddenly became unavailable due to the fact it was uncertifiable. Had a hole in the frame. Not repairable. I could have been killed driving down the QEW as it split in two and broke apart at 100km's per hour. I drove this car for a whole month back and forth to Toronto. My plans have been derailed! YIKES! I have no car to get to work next Tuesday and only about 4 days to find one! I might as well have not sold mine, right? Nope, God knows more than I do. Ruth and I had discussed the possibility of getting a van. Lot's of room for carrying people and stuff and since commuting will no longer be an issue, neither will gas consumption. I found one on Kijiji that we liked in my price range. Actually made an appointment to go see it, but that's when I was offered the "free" car. I cancelled the appointment. Four days later, I have no free car. When I learned I wasn't getting a free car, I was about to leave for work and rather panicked that I needed to get one soon. Absolutely no time to look for one myself. I don't know if you have bought and sold cars yourself recently, but it is not as easy as it looks. Their is a few things that have to be in place like certification, e-testing, sales kits, lineups at ministry offices, etc. Time consuming and potentially expensive. What if you buy a lemon? It's buyer beware you know! I called the guy with the van hoping it was still available. I had a good feeling about him. Turns out he is a retired pastor that is involved in a street ministry here in Hamilton. A God moment? I think so. I trusted him and his vehicle. It was absolutely in immaculate condition. Somebody had beat me to it, made an offer on it sealed with a hand shake pending approval of the potential buyers wife, but........ no money had changed hands yet. Not a done deal. Since I had no time, my wonderful wife and great dad went on my behalf to look at the van with my unseen approval that if they both liked it, Ruth was to give the guy some money and buy it, quickly. The potential buyers wife disapproved of the purchase. We were in! Ruth made a fantastic offer on it which was hesitantly accepted! The van was ours! We are the proud owners of a beautiful Toyota van and it runs as good as it looks! God knew that all along. He also knew we needed funds to replace the old roof on our house which has been ravaged by rain and sun this year. Something that was out of the question only one week ago with the loan I had on my old newer car which I don't have (either of) cause I unexpectedly sold it and paid off the loan. Now I have the funds available for a new roof and the roofer who lives in this area with 40 years experience who just did my Grandfathers old house around the corner and did a very good job cause I saw it and his truck in the driveway where I got his name from and my wife also got a good feeling that he was the one and he gave us a price that was $3,500 under the closest estimate........ "breath"............. can you tell I'm excited? My grammar has gone right out the window.
Then, you know the best part of this whole thing for me was the guy who bought our car tells Ruth while they were waiting at the bank for me to pay the loan off that he chose us over other potential purchases because we were so honest and up front in our dealings with him. You know that's something we really strive for is complete honesty. That sometimes can get you in trouble with people. This time it paid off and God allowed us to hear about it. We needed that encouragement from our Heavenly Papa.
The moral of the story. Each morning we give our lives over to God and he is the one running the show. Father knows best. He is in control. His will be done. Thank you Abba!

Plans coming together

2008-09-03T02:30:00.003-04:00

Found a home for the bed, sold my car( on kijiji for free!), getting another one for free, going to sell the couch and get a new one.( Ruth needs one she can get out of, this one is way too soft) I just know everything is going to work out according to plan. God has always looked after us. I love it when a plan comes together even despite those moments of doubt. God is much bigger than my doubt. I have peace. That's worth more than anything. Plus, I'm going to be a grampa very soon. Thank you Lord!
A thought for the day: When God gives you a plan, believe him, step out in faith and follow it, stay focused despite the obstacles that get in the way and he will see you through to the end.

FREE TO GOOD HOME!

2008-08-31T00:52:00.002-04:00

We finally broke down and bought a new bed today. Really nice one made by Sealy. Great deal at The Brick. Our backs are going to love us. Our current bed is going in the guest room and the natural order of displacement moves a very good double bed made by Royal Mattress out into the hall. It's hardly been used and is in excellent condition and includes mattress, box spring and metal bed frame and is free for the taking. So if anybody out there needs a good double bed. Let me know. We may even be able to arrange delivery, thanks to my dads bicycle trailer.
Also up for grabs is a nice beige leather couch and love seat. I need some money for that though. About $400 for both is a fair deal I think. But what do I know. If you wave some cash in my face I might grab it! You can then grab the couch and run! Before I change my mind. Let me know if you are interested by sending me an email. Have great weekend!

Fall Is Coming

2008-08-25T01:19:00.003-04:00

I can feel it in the air. I can always tell, about 2 to 3 weeks into August, something in the air changes and I can sense when September is just around the corner. Even if I didn't have a calender and I didn't know the date, I would be able to tell Fall is not too far away. I don't know why I know, I just do. It happens one day and I go, ahhh! There it is again, that sensation, whatever it is. I love fall. Warm days, cool nights, no bugs. It's the best time of year as far as I am concerned for holidays. That's when I take mine, usually over Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving, especially the dinner part. But, I think we need one good BBQ with the gang, before summer ends. One more week of kids being out of school. My summer bus driving holiday is almost over. I must say I don't miss picking up 80 kids at one stop around 3:20pm. It's been nice and quiet. That is all soon to end. All good things must come to an end. That's what they say anyway. Another summer come and almost gone. Hasn't been too hot either. Tolerable, I would say. I think we live in the best country in the world, with it's changing seasons. I like them all, for one reason or another, but Fall is still my favorite. Always something to look forward to. I like that!

The Real Fast

2008-08-17T11:29:00.003-04:00

As I am convalescing at home, I have been watching some very inspirational Christian Programs on TV. One was a sermon from Peoples Church in Toronto on Paul's letter to the Galatians and the other a request for financial help from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. This was a very moving program. Part of their ministry is to reach out to elderly Jews in Russia and the Ukraine who had to flee from Nazi Germany. They settled in small communities in places like Siberia and have been forgotten and alienated by mainstream society. It is a very cold and harsh environment and many are slowly starving and freezing to death. No food, fuel for heat, medicine and they are lonely and still feel the pain of persecution from the Nazi regime. They are still discovering these small communities that nobody knew existed. Christians have been reaching out to these neglected Jewish people with the basic necessities, most of whom are elderly, sick and dieing. The results have been nothing short of miraculous.
God said in Genesis 12:2-3 in the call to Abraham:

" I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great and you will be a blessing,
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you."

Isaiah 58:6-9 says:

" Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-
when you see the naked to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I."

So would you like to receive a blessing from the Lord and have him hear your prayers?
Do the real fast. Reach out and help the helpless, especially God's chosen people- the Jews.

I've added a Linc to the website to my blog.

Be blessed!

Baby Shower

2008-08-12T17:09:00.003-04:00

Why do they call them showers? There was no water involved other than what was put into the coffee and tea. Maybe because it was raining presents?
We went to Kingsville for Kim's first baby shower this past weekend. Her mother-in-law hosted the event at her restaurant. There was about 30 in attendance including three guys of which I was one, stuck off in a corner where we wouldn't be noticed. But hey, they fed us so I wasn't complaining! Good food too. Done in courses as is Italian tradition. And very good. Well considering she is a cook and makes a living feeding people and is a full blooded Italian. Need I say more. The first dish was of course pasta, followed by some sort of fancy stuffed chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy, followed by a cherry cheese cake that was to die for. The ladies got some kind fruit and ice cream thing in a chocolate cup which you could eat. They must have run out of those. But, again, the cherry cheese cake was so good, I was very contented. I was starving too, after having driven 4 hours most of which was through a torrential downpour. I said to Ruth at one point, I think we need a boat, not a car. It slowed us down considerably. I thought if we left at 10:30am( the shower was at 2pm) we would be on time. I was wrong. Plus we were 30 minutes late leaving. We were 1 hour late for the shower , but luckily just in time for the food and for Ruth to help Kim open her presents. Which she got allot of. I am told that this is not the only shower she is going to have either. Her and Dan are going to be pretty well set when this baby comes.
We stayed the night at Dan's parents( Gary and Louise) house. They are very hospitable people. They even gave up their bed for Kim, to make her more comfortable. Now, that's a good mom and dad. There were so many gifts, we couldn't bring them all in our little car, so Gary and Louise will bring them in the van when Dan and Kim move. Hopefully, Ruth and I can return the hospitality favour at that time.
On the way home, after another professionally cooked breakfast, ( how does she get the eggs like that?) we stopped off at Colasantes. This is a combination of a greenhouse/restaurant/zoo/novelty store/ Christmas store etc. If you are ever in this area this is a must see. I think they just kept adding on over the years until it has become this huge tourist attraction. They are famous for their broasted chicken and home made donuts and apple cider. A real treat believe me. I ate four donuts if that tells you anything. Nothing like them anywhere, especially when you get them warm out of the cooker. Yummmmy! I'll do twice as many push ups tomorrow to compensate. Honest, I will.
I got to feel the baby Kick! WOW! That is so cool. That little life moving around like that. I wonder how they can breathe water? I can't wait to meet her. But if she's anything like her mom and Nana, she'll be beautiful!

Baby Girls

2008-08-04T01:26:00.003-04:00

All my life I've been surrounded by women
Starting with my mother
Then my elder sister
Then another
I once had two grandma's
They loved to feed me their cookin
All fortified I took a walk
Enjoying nature and just lookin
I came across another
And eventually she became my wife
Included in the deal came a daughter
That really changed my life
Now years later my mom and grandma's gone
The circle of life begins again
The roles begin to change
My wife becomes a grandma
My daughter becomes a mom
Because the life growing inside her womb
It's a baby girl we're told
And one day she'll become a women, a mom
And a grandma when she gets old
So what's the moral of the story?
I don't know, but I think I'm blessed
Cause I'm still surrounded by beautiful women
And I think that they're the best!

True Stories of a Bus Driver- Part Two

2008-07-21T11:23:00.003-04:00

Let me tell you about Debbie(not her real name). Debbie was a street worker in an area of T.O. known as the Junction. A short route, 9 minutes long, but a very colorful one, especially after 11:00pm. I would see her standing on her corner at the same time each night. Just like she punched a clock and it was time to go to work. Being a short route I went past the corner several times in a shift, about every 10-15 minutes. She was easy to spot by the way she dressed, displaying her most marketable attributes in the most provocative way possible(even in the cold of winter) in order to attract customers. I could tell when she had a customer, because I would see her actually get into a car or she would disappear for a short period of time. I did this route allot, because being a junior driver, it wasn't a route the senior drivers wanted to do. It was the same thing year after year. It was like she was a permanent fixture on this particular stretch of road at night. She was not alone, there were several of her colleges, but they had their own corner and seemed to cooperate by not infringing on each others territory. She would move around on the Junction. If one corner was not producing, she would move to another. She had her favorite spots and I would usually see her standing at one of them. One cold winter night, she boarded my bus at the end of the line, which was very unusual. She must have been really cold and business was obviously not very good. For the next 5 minutes she told me her whole life story. Do I look like somebody she would trust with this personal information? I don't know, but maybe all the times I saw her, she was seeing me too and I looked like a familiar face and perhaps someone she could share her story with. Sometimes people just need to share their pain so they don't feel totally alone on this planet. I must say, I was a bit nervous and didn't know what to say, which probably was a good thing. So I just listened. She said " Hi, my name is Debbie and I work on the streets". As if I didn't know. I just said, " I know, I've seen you around, how are you?". "Well", she said, " I'm a bit cold and just need to get warmed up for a few blocks, mind if I ride with you?" "No problem", I said. She says, " by the time I was 23 years old, I had six kids. I didn't have a husband or anybody else to help out, but I needed to look after my kids. I was getting welfare, but it wasn't enough, so I had to moonlight, if you know what I mean, to get the extra cash to feed my kids and pay the rent. But somebody squealed on me and they cut me off of welfare cause I was earning other income. Went to court and everything, but lost the case. I ended up with no support, no money, nothing. So here I am. I'm still looking after my kids though. That's why I'm here. Well thanks for the ride, gotta go back to work, I'll get off here." And out she went back to the cold night to make the money she needed to look after her kids. I was a little shocked she was so open with me, but I gained a compassion and understanding I had not had before, or even thought of. I actually gained some respect and admiration for this street worker. Not that I approved of her lifestyle, but her motives were not selfish ones. She was doing this for her kids. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I know one of the things God looks at is motives of the heart. I saw her one Saturday afternoon, she was not working, just walking along the sidewalk talking to people. She had many friends obviously. She stopped to talk with this one girl pushing a baby carriage, stooped down and was making a big fuss over the baby. I knew at that point that what she had told me was true. She loved kids, and this hardened street worker had a heart of compassion when it came to children. I was amazed . Debbie helped me to see her and others like her as people. Not scum, as some would describe them. Real people, in need of love, real love and they still had the ability to give real love to others. Considering the hardships they encounter every day. That amazes me. I haven't seen Debbie for a few years now. I hope she's OK and has found a better way to make a living. Do you think God answered my prayers?
Let's hope so.
This is an added thought. I don't know why, but I started thinking about Rahab the "street worker" in the bible who aided the two spies. She was a descendant of Jesus. Why do you think God would put a "street worker" in the lineage of the savior?

To be continued....................................................

CAR FOR SALE!

2008-07-10T01:16:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm selling my car. Just getting ready for a move. It's a 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 4dr. loaded. Has 71,000 highway km's. It has the balance of a 100,000 km comprehensive factory warranty and comes with a complete set of new snow tires on rims. Krown rustproofed. Certified and e- tested. Great commutor. Great gas mileage. 46mpg highway. I'm asking $11,995. If you are interested or know somebody who is, send me an email and I will give you more details.
Thank you !!

TRUE STORIES OF A BUS DRIVER- Part 1

2008-06-17T00:53:00.003-04:00

It was 10 years ago, April 13, 1998 I became an Urban Transit Operator. That's a fancy name for bus driver. During my first week out on my own, after successfully completing 22 days of intense training, I quickly learned that I had not been taught everything I needed to know. Sometimes, only experience can teach us the practical aspects of our chosen profession. I was working a night shift, which most rookies are forced to do during their early days on the job, which began around 9:00pm until 5:30am the next day. I had finished the first part of my route around 1:30am and then turned into a night bus that services the Bloor/Danforth route after the subway closes. I think I was run 56, which is the third bus across starting from Kipling Station. Obviously, being new, I was being very careful and probably a little slow, because I had not yet developed that rhythm that more experienced operators develop over the passage of time and plus the fact I was not all that familiar with the route. It takes a good year to learn all of the routes stops and characteristics. I knew from listening to other drivers talk at the division that the night bus routes could be a little, let's say colourful, especially on the weekend. I didn't really understand what all that meant. I was just happy I passed all my tests and had good full time employment with which to support my family. I had come from a 15 year background in insurance sales, never even been on a bus before, never worked different shifts. Just 9 to 5 with weekends off. Oh!, what a transition this was ! It was a Saturday night and it was busy. You wouldn't believe how many people are up at all hours of the night in the big city. I can tell you, they aren't going to church services. Some are working, most are partying which included ingestion of every kind of alcohol and drug you can think of. The nick name for the night bus was either " The Party Bus" or " The Puke Express". This is where the rookie driver really learned the ins and outs of the job. The night routes are long. Over one hour one way. We did two full round trips a night which took over four hours to complete. In was on my first run back from the top. In bus terms that means I had completed my first up trip (west) and was on my way back (east). Bus trips are either UP- north ,UP-west, DOWN- south, DOWN-east. I noticed this women standing by the side of the road all by herself on The Danforth right in the heart of the club district. I assumed she needed a ride and certainly should not have been all by herself at 3:00am in the morning. That could be dangerous for a young lady. Since I had just left the end of the route, I only had a few people on board. I stopped, being a gentleman and wanting to save this young lady from the dangers that could be lurking at this early time of the night, and asked her if she would like a ride on the bus. I soon realized I had made a big mistake. This was no lady. I knew by the time she hit the second step, she was very intoxicated. She also immediately tried to sit on my lap and kiss me. Shocked and not knowing exactly what to do, I was trying to push her away while keeping control of the bus. The guy sitting in the idiot seat ( that's the seat beside the driver and I didn't name it that) was killing himself laughing and was not about to offer any advice. He was enjoying the show just a little too much. She wanted to know where we were going to go for our
" date". I tried to explain to her that I was married and wasn't interested in " dating". She couldn't understand why I stopped to pick her up from her "spot" if I didn't want a "date". Finally my message got through and she realized this was not going to be a profitable bus ride for her and she got off the bus. Whew! Close call. My first encounter with a lady of the night. The first of many to follow.
Lesson # 1- Do not pick up people in between stops at 3:00am on a Sunday morning. They didn't tell me that in school! I suddenly realized just how naive I really was!

TO BE CONTINUED...........................................................................................................................

SIX FACTS

2008-06-11T00:47:00.002-04:00

All I can do is give you six facts. I can't figure out the link part nor do I know six other bloggers I wish to tag.

1. When I was about two years old, I was helping my father hold the door open while he was cleaning out our septic pump. He was carrying buckets of sewage into the back yard of our house in Aldershot. He tripped, and a whole bucket of sewage went over my head. He called my mother to come and help. They stood and looked at me wondering what to do. My dad said," I think it would be easier to make a new one than to clean this one up!"

2. I was about two or three when we got our first dog for Christmas. My parents got her from the Burlington dog pound. She was a purebred boxer. I still remember how huge she seemed, as my head just came level to her back. We had her for twelve years. Her name was Cindy. Needless to say, boxers are my favorite dogs and I have owned two others in my life time. Plus a Standard Poodle.

3. My first car was a 1966 AMC Rambler, 3 on the tree. I bought it from my mom for $25 and fixed it up with parts from the car wreckers. I drove it for three years and sold it to my buddy for $150.

4. When I was nine we were cottaging up North at a place called Mazinaw Lake. While walking through the woods to the dock one day, I stepped in a wasps nest that was at the base of a tree. They swarmed all over me and I received about 30 stings. My father was walking behind me. He had no idea I new all those swear words. He was shocked. Go figure!

5. On that same holiday, while out fishing in the boat in the river area, I hooked into a huge fish. I just had a kids rod and reel, but managed to fight the thing to the boat. My rod was bent right over. I got it close to the boat and saw it was a beautiful Pickerel. My dad, in his excitement, rammed the net into the water and subsequently knocked the fish off my hook. Oh well, better luck next time!

6. My best time for going up North fishing from Hamilton to Parry Sound was done in 60 minutes flat. Impossible you say? Not if you're flying in your friends Cessna Airplane! All you can see North of Orillia is trees and water. I asked my friend, " what if the engine conks out?" He says, " Well, you climb as high as you can and look for a place to land." I said, " There is no place to land!" He says, " we either find an old road to land on or we can do some fast trolling in one of those lakes down there!" Very comforting. Next time I'm not going unless the plane has two engines.

Scriptures Come Alive

2008-06-04T09:31:00.004-04:00

I just want to acknowledge publicly, the effect the sermons at my church are having on me. Many of the scriptures that are being preached on I have read many times before. These scriptures are being presented in such a manner, that I am able to see them from an angle that I have not considered or seen before. As a result, they seem to be coming alive and are applicable to my life today, even though they were written thousands of years ago. Cool! For example, the most recent sermon this past Sunday was on Acts Chapter 3 vs: 6-8. Peter and John were on their way to the temple and came across this crippled guy. Peter said, ( the Message) " I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" Peter gave what he had and did not dwell on what he did not have. Both Ruth and I have a deep desire to serve God. So many times I felt guilt when faced with an opportunity and did what I could but felt it was not enough, or didn't act at all because I felt I had nothing to give to that circumstance and did nothing resulting in a missed opportunity.

ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GIVE WHAT I HAD, EVEN IF THAT WAS JUST A PRAYER !

I FEEL LIBERATED! THE GUILT IS GONE AND SO ARE THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OF SELF DOUBT AND INADEQUACY.

I am not going to miss another opportunity to serve because of these things.

I CAN GIVE WHAT I HAVE AND IT WILL BE EXACTLY WHAT THAT PERSON NEEDS AT THAT TIME BECAUSE GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES BY BRINGING US TOGETHER AT THAT PRECISE MOMENT.

Thank you Pastor Patti for your perspective. May God continue to bless you and protect you and the vision he has given you in the scriptures.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2008-06-04T01:03:00.002-04:00

Ruth and I just celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary. I almost said today, but today is already tomorrow because of the time I am writing this. The date is June 3rd. That was my grandmother Spratts birthday too. My moms mom. I had to work today, so we won't actually celebrate until next Monday. Maybe a trip to the Falls, a nice dinner at the Keg and some mini golf. We did manage to get out for breakfast this morning and I was able to send Ruth some Roses to enjoy while I was at work. One of the things I like to do is write poetry. I need more time to think in order to do that. I'm working on the time issue.
I want to say being married to Ruth has changed my life. If you knew me before during my single years before I met Jesus, you would not know me. It was not a pretty picture. I'm not the person I used to be. It has been a growth experience. We really are suited for each other and compliment one another. It's like iron sharpening iron. We are a " Team". I didn't think any women could possibly love me. Ruth did, despite all my flaws and rough edges. I don't know who else could have done that. She did, and miraculously still does. Thank you for loving me. I love you too!

Too Busy

2008-05-29T01:10:00.001-04:00

Life is too busy this time of year and I have nothing to blog about that I can think of. Anything you want to know about? Suggestions?

BLOGGING

2008-05-22T01:40:00.005-04:00

My wife cut out a comic from the paper yesterday that was me to a "T". It was the ADAM comic.
There are four picture frames:

1rst picture: Adam is at the keyboard of his computer and thinks to himself; " I love blogging. It's a great way to stay in touch."

2nd picture: hands at keyboard, eyes skyward, thinking, thinking

3rd picture: eyes still skyward, still thinking, thinking, thinking.

4th picture: click, click. click, click, " I have nothing to blog about today!"

That's me! Good one Ruth! You made me laugh and made my day and gave me something to blog about! Blogging about having nothing to blog about. That's new one!

PS: I came across a great web site for the Creation verses Evolution argument. Science supports the Creation story! The author says that in two generations the Evolution theory will be nothing more than an intellectual joke. Why? Because the kids these days want examples from their teachers of species that are in the transitional evolutionary stages and they can't come up with any so the teachers are stopping teaching about it! Take a look at: http://www.fishdontwalk.com/.

WEEKENDS HERE!

2008-05-18T01:25:00.003-04:00

It's the long weekend, for most people, not me though. Just a regular weekend with Sunday/Monday off. I get paid for my day off. That's easy to take. An extra 8 hours pay for not getting an extra day off. That's OK with me, I'd rather have the money. I still get to take in the festivities of Victoria Day. There are fireworks at Christie Conservation Area tonight. If it rains it will be Monday night. We'll be there, I think. Happy Birthday Queenie! How old is she anyway, and why do we care? I guess you have to be British to fully appreciate the Monarchy. We were going to have a BBQ this weekend, but we have too much work to do outside in the garden, and I need to put grass seed down. Sorry guys! We'll have another one.......promise. The weekends seem so short, and I don't have holidays until October. There is much to look forward to, with a grand baby on the way. This next year is going to be an interesting one full of new challenges. I like challenges and changes. It makes life interesting. What are you doing this weekend?

NICE WEEKEND

2008-05-12T21:17:00.003-04:00

I had a really nice weekend with Ruth. Sunday we got together with Ruth's Family to celebrate mothers day. Had a really good brunch at the golf course in Dunnville. They're a fun bunch of people. Love to laugh and have a good time. We got most of our chores done after we got home, and I even snuck in a nice afternoon nap. Today we went shopping in Toronto for some bargains. Went to the Sears Outlet store on Islington Ave. near the 401. I got a pair of jeans for $8.99 and some summer dress pants ( Arnold Palmer's) for $14. Then we continued on, after a nice sandwich combo at Tim's to the Dixie Outlet Mall. Ruth got some really nice sandals and a new purse and wallet at the Naturalizer outlet. Really good quality stuff for a fraction of the price you pay at a regular store. Then on to good old Walmart where she got a nice new spring jacket. Then on to Fortino's for our weekly grocery top up. Had a nice coffee and muffin at the cafe there. Ended up with some take out Chinese food and are settling back chilling on the couch with our favorite TV shows. Starting with Dancing with The Stars. It was just a nice casual day of shopping together. We accomplished a lot, and didn't break the bank! Tomorrow we get back into the routine and look forward to our next weekend adventure. For most people it's a long weekend. Just my normal two day weekend with Sunday/Monday off for me. At least I get the Monday off so we can enjoy the festivities. Fireworks! I love fireworks. Too expensive to buy, so the display down by the bay is worth the effort. BBQ season is here! Mine is gassed up and ready to go.
Continuing to follow the healing revival. I was watching the God TV on my computer last night. There was a live worship/intercession service in Jerusalem called " The Call". Then they went to one in Egypt. This is an amazing phenomena. You can watch live TV all over the world and see what Christians are doing. There seems to be a building anticipation towards something big that is about to break loose. It's exciting times we live in. Who would of thought, even 50 years ago, that this was possible? It truly is a global community we are living in.

He Is On The Move

2008-05-05T00:20:00.005-04:00

Tonight we went to HCF to listen to the live web cam of the healing revival from Lakeland Florida led by Pastor Todd Bentley. This began about 30 days ago with 700 people. Tonight involved 30,000 people and is spreading across the world like wild fire. This is a healing revival that is going to end all revivals. Whole cities are going to be healed and come to the Lord. Paul Cain gave a very powerful prophetic word. In fact this revival, was prophesied by him in the 1970's and they played that word for us to hear. Paul prophesied that this revival is the return of the Elijah spirit on the church, not any individual, that will usher in the return of Jesus Christ. Many people are being healed and so far 2 have been raised from the dead. This is going to get stronger and more powerful as thousands soak in the presence of the Glory of God and people being raised from the dead will be a daily occurrence. This is the real deal. The one thing that I heard in the spirit tonight is " He is on the move". Meaning Jesus is on the move. I saw him in the spirit stand up from his thrown and take a step forward. I have had many visions dreams and prophetic words over the past 15 years that have accumulated in my conscience that point to this revival as being true and a real move of God. One thing that has come out of this revival is how God is going to move on the children. Those that have clean hands and pure heart will be anointed with the glory of God to pray for healing. There will be another meeting at HCF on Wednesday night at 7:30pm if you are interested and I am putting a Linc to the web site on the blog if you care to watch it at home on your computer. The meetings in Lakeland Florida will be running every night , live, at 7:00 pm. Are you hungry for revival? This is it! Come Lord Jesus.
There is a bus going down to Lakeland from Crossroads at the end of May and also in June if you care to go there.
This is Jesus and everything that happens in this revival will point people to him, and HE will get all the glory. He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Be ready and Believe.

Gators and Cravings

2008-05-04T00:42:00.007-04:00

I heard on the radio today there is a school down in Colorado that will teach you how to wrestle Alligators. Yes that's right....... gator wrestling. For $150 U.S. you can learn how to take down an alligator, unless he takes you down first. You start off with small ones about 4 feet long, then work your way up the the 600lb 12 footers. The trick is, you have to go in quickly from behind on the gators back and hang on for dear life around his neck. He will try to eat you. They teach you all the techniques. You have to learn how to not let him drag you into the water where he has a great advantage and 60 other friends that would like to eat you too. When he is tired and the ride is over you have to get away as quickly as you got on or he may try to eat you again. Sounds like fun eh? Where do I sign up? The teachers 7 year old daughter has been doing this for some time with great success. If the guys get scared, he gets her to demonstrate and they quickly get their courage back. Amazing what a little girl and a lot of male ego will do to motivate and bring on the courage. I might try getting a group from church to go down and give it a try, Whoever is left over, no pun intended, can pay the bill!

I've had a craving for KFC lately. I get this about once a year. Everyday I drive by a KFC outlet, the smell is so good, I'm just wanting to pig out on a large bucket of that succulent, greasy, delicacy. Anybody that is the least bit health conscious, knows KFC is just about the worst junk food that could pass your lips. It is chock full of unhealthy fats, salt and other chemicals and the chicken probably has next to zero nutrients due to the processing and cooking methods. But!, boy does it taste good when you're really hungry. Usually, I will indulge my craving. Completely satisfied after licking my fingers, then get this queasy uneasy feeling in my stomach, then the heartburn, and then I vow I will never do that again. Until the next craving about a year down the road. It used to be when I was younger, that KFC and A&W was the only take out food available. We didn't have much money, so going out to eat at one of these places was a rare treat that only happened, maybe, about once a year. Do you think? No. Could it be? Maybe, this is just a continuation of a childhood habit formed by my parentals? I should consult a shrink and find out.
What cravings do you have?

One of those days

2008-05-01T01:13:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days where stuff goes wrong. Twos weeks ago I bought one of those Water pic water filters for our tap. We had been using the pitcher you put in the fridge. I thought the tap one would be more convenient, which it is. After one week I had to take it back, because it kept coming off the tap. I know I installed it correctly. Thought it must be a defect in the thing that screws on the tap. I exchanged it for another one. Today, one week later the same thing happened with the new one. Now I'm getting frustrated. Think I'll get my money back and go back to using the fridge pitcher. I don't need the aggravation. I'm rushing to leave for work at noon. Go to clean my glasses and the nose pad falls off my glasses and I can't find it! I need my glasses for work. Can't drive without them. I take the one off Ruth's glasses and lose that one! Now she has no glasses thanks to me. I get one off an old pair and that works, after much sweating and panicking. Get home from work at night, looking forward to a Breakfast Pita with peanut butter ( PC Just Peanuts smooth- new jar) and the seal is broken! NO peanut butter! This is getting desperate. Thank goodness my father is also a peanut butter junkie and bails me out with a large scoop of his. Now I have to return a water filter and a jar of peanut butter and a pair of glasses. They say things come in threes. I hope that's the end of it. Things could be worse. Somebody always has it worse....... right Pastor Patti?

Back To Work

2008-04-27T21:08:00.005-04:00

The provincial legislature had a special meeting today at 1:30pm and passed bill 55 which legislated TTC union workers back to work. This was accomplished in a record time of 31 minutes. Imagine what could be accomplished if we had this kind of unity in government on other issues. Normally, it takes months or years to get legislation passed, if ever sometimes. Amazing! The system will be up and running Monday morning. Not that I'm disagreeing with this, but I'm just wondering, what is the point of having the right to strike if we can get legislated back to work so quickly? Don't forget, this was a LEGAL strike. Our contract expired April 1st and there is no legal requirement to give any notice to the public. They did that last week as a courtesy. Basically they are saying we don't have the right to strike, but are not willing at this point to make our service essential. Aren't they saying in effect, it is essential?
I have to say I did not agree with the way in which the union pulled the plug so quickly on service Friday night. They should have allowed the drivers to finish their shifts and make sure everyone got home, then cancelled Saturday service. I think that would have been more responsible and better understood by the public than what happened.
What happened? Why was the offer voted down?
Basically, the operators got a good deal. The maintenance people and mechanics feel they did not, and many drivers voted NO in solidarity with them because they have supported us in the past when we did not get a fair shake.
The issue with them is not about money, but job security. What was happening is that with all the new buses the TTC have been purchasing, they have been bringing in mechanics from the factory into our shops to repair them under warranty, threatening our mechanics job security. Also cleaning work has been threatened to be contracted out, putting those jobs at stake. Also they were not included in a new clause called " The GTA clause " which states that TTC operators would always be the highest paid among all the transit services in the GTA. They wanted to be included in this clause too. The result was a division in the union executive and among union members.
An arbitrator will be appointed by the government IF the two sides cannot agree on a contract, which at this point looks like what is going to happen. There will be time limit of 90 days for the arbitrator to dictate the terms of the contract.
I am wondering now if we will be asked to work to rule. What is that? Basically enforcing all the rules of the TTC. What will that do? Basically shut the system down again. How? Somebody pays $2.00 instead of the $2.75 fare. WE have a fare dispute which can tie a bus up for an hour. If everybody does this, the system doesn't move and we are just doing our jobs. We will get assaulted, drivers will be off on compensation. No drivers, buses don't move.

Silly isn't it? Let's hope things get back on track soon. No pun intended.

STRIKE !

2008-04-25T23:22:00.002-04:00

Make a long story short. The contract was voted down by 65% of the membership. We strike in about 37 minutes or midnight tonight. Probably will be out over the weekend and possibly into next week until we get ordered back to work. There are going to many unhappy people. This has never happened before in the history of the TTC. Essential service here we come!

VOTE TODAY !

2008-04-25T00:56:00.004-04:00

The new agreement gets voted on later today. I honestly don't know how it will turn out. The Maintenance workers are not happy with it. The operators part looks good to me. Unfortunately, I'm hearing negative comments all over the place. City council is meeting next week to discuss if they will go to the premier and ask him to make us an essential service. The mayor was on the radio and made the mistake of admitting that if we are made an essential service that our wages will go WAY UP just like it did with the police. Now the membership want us to become an essential service. Isn't that a little weird? We have to go on strike to have the right to strike taken away permanently. I didn't have this problem when I was in the insurance business. Although it made just about the same amount of sense as this does at times. Oh well. Gas is going up to $2.25 per litre by the summer of 2009. The HSR is looking better and better every day. One tank of gas would make up the difference in wages, minus the hassle of the commute. I think I will just close my ears and enjoy the ride. It's clearly out of my hands.
................................................................................................................. to be continued.

NO STRIKE !

2008-04-20T23:32:00.003-04:00

We were able to avert a strike. A tentative agreement has been reached. It just has to be ratified by the membership with the recommendation of our union executive. In the agreement we will receive a 3% wage increase per year for the next 3 years. There were no concessions made. We gained some ground on benefits as it relates to work related injuries. That's all the details I have, but it looks fairly good on the surface. Praise God! I'm sure there are many relieved commuters. As far as TTC being declared an essential service, that remains unknown at this time. The premier is in favour of it. I'm not sure about the commission. Everybody knows it is an essential service in Toronto. I think eventually, in time, it will be made official. It has to, because striking, in my opinion, is really no longer an option, and I think everyone, including the union, recognises that fact. TTC? HSR? TTC? HSR? The jury is still out on that one too.

STRIKE !

2008-04-18T00:02:00.003-04:00

Well, it looks like we will be on strike come Monday morning at 4:00am if we do not have an agreement by 4:00pm Sunday. It's unfortunate we have to play these silly games to try and manipulate the other side. Both sides are equally guilty of this. It's almost like this thing has a life of it's own and is on automatic pilot or something. I have a funny feeling we will have a contract before the deadline. Why does it take a threat to get the other side to do something? It's like let's not fix the thing until it's broke. Haven't they heard of preventative medicine? I think the only thing the public really cares about is getting to work or school or wherever they are going and being able to afford the ride. They really couldn't give a rip what we are paid or what benefits we have as Long as the service is working. Do you blame them? I don't. If I wasn't involved, I wouldn't give a rip either. I think if we do go out, it may be good in that the upper levels of government will have to do something. Either come up with more subsidy or perhaps make us an essential service? Let's hope so. Then the threats can stop and we can get on with our business.

Bulletin Bloopers by Anonymous

2008-04-05T09:49:00.007-04:00

Taken from the book " Help, I Can't Stop Laughing"

* Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!

* This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

* Tuesday at 4:00pm there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

* Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing " Put me in My Little Bed" accompanied by the pastor.

* The service will close with " Little Drops of Water". One of the ladies will start quietly and the rest of the congregation will join in.

* The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

* The Lutherans men's group will meet at 6:00pm. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread and desert will be served for a nominal feel.

* Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

* The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

* At evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be
" What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

* Today........ Christian Youth Fellowship Sexuality Course, 8:00pm. Please park in the rear parking lot for this activity.

* The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7:00pm. The congregation is invited to join this tragedy.

* The associate minister unveiled the church's new giving campaign slogan last Sunday:
" I Upped My Pledge- Up Yours."

* A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honour of his wife.

It's going to be a great sunny weekend! Have a good one. BBQ Time!!
What is your favorite food cooked on the BBQ? Mine is steak, potatoes, corn on the cob and roasted vegetables ( onion, red and green peppers, carrots and zucchini) YUMMY!

The Real Indiana Jones

2008-03-29T01:54:00.004-04:00

Take a look at the new Linc I have about this fellow Vendyl Jones. Very Interesting. Yes, the movie Indiana Jones was made based on this gentleman's life's work. He was interviewed live on Richard Syretts talk show on 1010 Talk Radio CFRB. You can look up their web site at www.cfrb.com. Vendyl Jones is a highly educated Christian. He studied the Torah and is close relationship with high ranking Jewish authorities belonging to the Sanhedrin. He has dedicated his life to uncovering biblical artifacts that prove the historic accuracy of scripture and disprove many Jewish myths and beliefs. Here are some interesting facts I learned in the interview as my memory will allow:
- Israel was reformed as a nation in 1948 in fulfillment of prophesy. At that same time, a natural disaster uncovered half of Noah's Ark which is located in Turkey.
- Vendyl is in possession of The Copper Scroll, and Marble tablets. The information in the Copper Scroll lead him to the location of The Ark Of The Covenant. The Silver Scroll which is a commentary on the Copper Scroll has not yet been located, but he believes they will find it with the Ark.
- He is in the process of raising $88,000 needed to excavate the Ark Of The Covenant. He will not accept any government money, as he believes the Ark belongs to the Jewish people.
- When he uncovers the Ark, it will be given over to the Sanhedrin, handled only by Levitical Priests who have undergone the cleansing process and moved to the Dome Of The Rock, in Gilgal?
- This will be in fulfilment of prophesy in Amos 9: 11-15.
- It is believed this will spark world war III, as the Palestinians believe they should have the Ark.
- There are many groups that claim to be in possession of the Ark or know of its whereabouts. He said they are all "liars". He doesn't pull any punches.
- The result would be the second coming of Jesus.
- This will take place in the next few years. There was a year 2012 that was mentioned as a possible time line.
- There are also other key artifacts that he has uncovered. You can see these on his web site. It was the discovery of these that lead to the location of the Ark of The Covenant.
- He mentioned that although he was not personally involved, he believes the Shroud Of Torin is real and authentic.
I believe in my spirit this man is the real deal. I think he is right. You know how you just know? I have always known in my spirit I would be alive when Jesus returns.
It is exciting times we live in.
What do you think?
We are to be doing the Lord's work until he returns.
Come Lord Jesus!

To Strike or not to Strike?

2008-03-24T10:55:00.003-04:00

Well, it's that time again. It happens every three years. Our contract is up with TTC at the end of March, we rejected their first offer, which we always do and are waiting for next one, which will also get rejected. Don't you hate predictable games? I do, with a passion. It's the same game many of us play in our relationships. I don't play well. I guess I'm too honest, which is a real turn off to some people, refreshing to others. I am learning to be honest with out hurting peoples feelings. It is a balancing act of tact, wisdom, patience and knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Fortunately, I do learn from my mistakes and am always looking for self improvement. I wish the TTC and the Amalgamated Transit Union would do the same. It is not a good relationship. I've never understood how organizations with the name "Union" in them can create so much "disunity". It's all about the money. They want to spend less, and we want more. Quite frankly, I would be happy if they just left everything the same and just gave us an inflationary increase. They want to take away things we already have. That is not acceptable. Being a bus/streetcar/train operator is not as easy as it looks. If driving large vehicles in bad city traffic was not stress full enough, we also get abused and assaulted by the public in every way imaginable, just for doing our jobs. We get spit on, punched, kicked, sworn at, stabbed, and shot. Mostly just for asking people to pay for their ride and sometimes because we work on the streets of an increasingly dangerous city and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We've had two drivers shot in the past year and have lost their careers as a result. On top of that, due to poor management planning we are short of equipment and there are not enough buses on the road to carry all the people that want to ride them. On any given day we have 10 to 20 drivers sitting in the division with no bus to drive. Imagine what that does to the other drivers on the line and the customers who need to get to work. Talk about everyone being frustrated. They waste money like it was water by opening a multi-million dollar division, then deciding not to use it. Spending millions of dollars on another and then closing it down. But, they don't have any money? If they would give us more responsibility by allowing us to communicate with each other by installing a two way radio system, we could run the lines much better than a supervisor sitting in his office looking at an outdated computer system asking questions like " where are you?". Aren't they supposed to know. When you treat people like a bunch of idiots, what do you think you are going to get in return? Thank God I carry a cell phone. We could do with half the management staff and save TTC millions of dollars and the customer would be much happier. IT works for Toyota, why not TTC?
I think stikes are stupid. They have outlived their purpose. Transit in a big city has become an essential service. Stop the games and make it so. IF we can't agree on the terms of the contract, get a disinterested third party to decide in arbitration what is best for everyone.
I would agree to that.
I might be moving to HSR anyway. Closer to home. Hamilton. Closer to God too I think.

HAPPY EASTER !

2008-03-20T12:34:00.003-04:00

This is really the biggest Christian celebration. It gets a little over shadowed with all the commercialism of Christmas. It's great to celebrate the birth of our saviour, but the whole message of that event is wrapped up in Easter. " HE HAS RISEN" and to those that believe,
" SO SHALL WE RISE".

1Corinthians 11: 23-26

" For I passed on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, " This is my body, which is given to you. Do this to remember me. In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, " This cup is the NEW covenant between God and his people- an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again."

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? -- Watts

NOTHING SPEAKS MORE CLEARLY OF GOD'S LOVE THAN THE CROSS.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody. This is a time for reflection, sharing with family and friends, a time for forgiveness. Let's be ready for when Jesus comes.

THE YEARS'S BEST HEADLINES

2008-03-19T09:27:00.002-04:00

by Anonymous

* Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

* Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted

* Iraqi Head Seeks Arms

* Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

* Eye Drops Off Shelf

* Teacher Strikes Idle Kids

* Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax

* Plane Too Close To Ground, Crash Probe Told

* Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

* Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counters

* If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile

* Cold Wave Linked To Temperatures

*Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

* Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

* New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

* Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

* Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

* Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy

* Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

* New Vaccine May Contain Rabies

* Hospitals Are Sued by Seven Foot Doctors

* Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case

* Prostitutes Appeal to Pope

* British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands

* Stolen Painting Found by Tree

* War Dims Hope for Peace

Hope you had at least one good laugh!

Goodbye Claudio, Rest in Peace

2008-03-15T02:40:00.006-04:00

If you read my post for March 2ND entitled " Life can be Bitter Sweet", I told you about my co-worker being sick and dieing in hospital. I was on holidays and out of touch with what was going on at work. This was the day of his funeral. I just found out tonight, Yes, he died. 42 years old, leaving behind a wife, 9 year old son and 3 month old daughter. A group of drivers took a bus and drove it to Brampton where the funeral took place. I missed it. I had every intention of visiting him in the hospital, because he was so close, Hamilton General. I wanted to talk to him about Jesus and pray with him. I don't know if he knew the Lord or not. We talked about a few things at work, but not our faith. I missed my opportunity and I'm not feeling very good about that right now. In fact, to say I'm a little ticked at myself is an understatement. I have missed a few opportunities in life to be a blessing to someone, and every time I say I won't let that happen again, my life gets in the way, and I miss it again. To show you what kind of man Claudio was and how he cared about people, about one year ago, while driving his bus, he came across a single car accident, where the car had hit a tree. There were two ladies trapped inside. He stopped, got them out of the car and then went back to get their purses! The car was smoking. He was being recognized by TTC for bring a hero. He died February 27Th, two days before he was to be presented with the award. They gave it to his 9 year old son, who still doesn't really understand what happened to his dad, but he does understand what he did for others, those two ladies. What a way to be remembered! To go out as a hero. He didn't see himself as a hero. He just considered it part of his job. You know there are some people in life you just connect with? Claudio was one of those. He would spend time excitedly telling me about his trip to the Ukraine ( his wife is Ukrainian, he is Spanish) meeting his father-in-law and brother-in-law for the first time. He told the story several times and I listened to it every time. Maybe that's why he talked to me, because I liked to listen to his story. I'm really sad he is gone and I won't get to talk to him or listen to him anymore. I feel very sorry for his wife and his children. He was too young to die and had too much to live for.
Sometimes, life just is not fair.
Sometimes, I think there is no justice in this world.
I know differently, because God is all about fairness and justice.
The day is coming when we will finally have these two things.
I hope.

Dedicated to my friend. Claudio Infante. May you rest in peace. My hero.

Time To face Hard Reality, Not Fantasy

2008-03-13T02:04:00.004-04:00

I came across this scripture today. It hit me between the eyes. It came alive for me and was as if God was speaking to all of us. Very humbling and I think relevant for today. What came to mind was sweet and sour/ sweet and salty. I love sweet and sour meat balls and sweet and salty desert. I think grace and judgement is like that. They go together well and balance each other out. I think God intended it that way.

Amos 5: 18-24 The Message

" Woe to all of you who want God's judgement day! Why would you want to see God, want him to come? When God comes it will be bad news before it is good news, the worst of times, not the best of times. Here's what it's like: A man runs from a lion right into the jaws of a bear. A women goes home after a hard days work and is raped by a neighbor. At God's coming we face hard reality, not fantasy- a black cloud with no silver lining.

I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religious projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund raising schemes, your public relations and image making.

I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want?

I want justice- oceans of it.
I want fairness- rivers of it.
That's what I want. That's all I want.

Question: Would we need grace if there was no impending judgement hanging out there?
What keeps us honest?

My Prayer too for Me Today........ For You!

2008-03-10T10:11:00.003-04:00

A Prayer©
By Jacquline S. Meyndert

I pray Lord that you'll restrain me
When someone lashes out to hurt
Don't allow me to bid revenge
But teach me to avert

Teach me to love unconditionally
Teach me always to care
Teach me to teach good things
Things that will always be there

I pray for the wisdom that will bring peace,
I pray for the understanding that will bring love,
I pray for heavenly blessings that will come from our Father above

Bless me with the faith,
Oh Lord To make this prayer come true
Bless me with the strength,
Oh Lord To follow after you

Amen!

INSURANCE CLAIMS ----- SHORT RESPONSES

2008-03-08T11:16:00.002-05:00

BY ANONYMOUS:

* Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.

* I collided with a stationary car going the other way.

* A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.

* I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached an intersection, a hedge sprang up, obscuring my vision, and I did not see the other car.

* To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.

* My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.

* An invisable car came out of nowwhere, struck my car and vanished.

* I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the curb when I struck him.

* I was thrown from the car as it left the road. I was later found in the ditch by some stray cows.

* The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out of its way when it struck the front end.

Quotes of the day:

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." - Victor Hugo

" The cheerful heart has a continual feast" - Proverbs 15:15

" It is God's giving if we laugh or weep" - Sophocles

Double Post

2008-03-06T07:53:00.005-05:00

I started off with a Post inspired by Patti's blog, but came across this in the paper, so I decided to do both Posts in one.

Post# 1

Headline on Page 1 of The Hamilton Spectator:

"One coffin holds so much life unlived"

This is the story of the 22 year old mother and her three children that died in the house fire on March 1st. Tragic! This story was going through my mind when I wrote my last post.

Headline on Page 3

" Lord, we have questions"

This was the statement from Reverend Jan Huijgen who did the funeral.

We all know the theologically correct answer to this statement. You know, this was not God's original purpose and it had to do with original sin, bla bla bla. It just doesn't seem to further our cause by being theologically correct at a time like this. This is one of those times when it is safe to say that there are times when life just stinks! Why Lord? They were so young and innocent and had so much life ahead of them.
I've been told the best thing you can say to grieving people is NOT " I understand", or " they are in a better place". It is simply " I"m sorry for your loss", and just be there with them in their grief and , maybe do something practical like make a meal and drop it off. People don't have time or desire to cook or eat during times like this, but they have to. Be available after the funeral, when ,most people forget, because the grieving process can be a long one. As Christians, I believe we need to be there for hurting people. That's my heart.

AND............ We can learn from this experience. Within your sphere of influence, if you have friends and loved ones, make sure they have working smoke detectors and if they don't , get them one. Those few minutes of warning can be the difference between life and death. This tragedy could have been prevented. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year if not more often!

Post #2

Patti's blog post on "meat" inspired me to share a Chili recipe I recently tried, which is very simple and very good!
Do you have a favorite "meat" recipe you would like to share?

CHILI CON CARNE

Ingredients:
- 1lb (450 g) ground beef, I like extra lean
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped onion
- 2 tbsp ( 30 ml) chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, sliced or minced
- 1 can ( 15 oz) ( 425 ml) kidney beans, undrained
- 1 can CAMPBELL'S condensed Tomato soup ( note: it's their recipe, but it really is better than no name, no kidding.)
- 1/4 cup ( 50 ml) water
- 2 tsp ( 10 ml) vinegar
Hot cooked rice or baked potato optional.

* In 10 inch ( 25 cm) skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion, chili powder and garlic until onion is tender and beef is thoroughly cooked and NO pink remains, stirring to separate meat. Spoon off fat.
* Stir in beans, soup water and vinegar. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* serve over rice or baked potato if desired.

To microwave: Into 2-quart ( 2L) microwave-safe casserole, crumble beef. Stir in onion, chili powder and garlic. Cover with lid; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring halfway through cooking to separate meat. Spoon off fat. Stir in beans, soup, water and vinegar. Cover; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until bubbling, stirring halfway through cooking.

Makes 5 main-dish servings.

ENJOY!

Celebrating Life can be Bitter Sweet

2008-03-02T21:53:00.006-05:00

We have been celebrating allot of birthdays recently. Ruth just had a big one. Dan had one a few days ago. We celebrated my mother-in- laws 75th today. Although hers is the same day as mine which is actually March 4th. I like to call it March forth for Jesus. We have many other birthdays in the family around this time of year, all important, because each of us are creations of God put here for a purpose and I think that is worth celebrating. My dad will have his 85th this year. WOW! He seems to get younger every day. Now a new grandchild on the way.

With all this celebration of life going on, I have never in my life had such a strong sense of my own mortality. I am not going to live forever on this earth. I know that sounds funny coming from a dedicated Christian. It has really hit home to me that any day my life could be snuffed out by disease or by accident. I ask myself, " am I ready to go home and meet Jesus?". I have so much I want to do and haven't accomplished yet. What would I do if I learned I only had a few weeks to live or if I died in a car accident on the way home from work on the QEW one day. It happens almost every day. I have a co-worker in the hospital right now dieing of some weird disease I've never heard of before. A great guy age 41, with two beautiful children, one of which he has never seen because she was born while he was in a coma, and a beautiful dedicated wife. Why him and not me? We never think it could be us. Somehow, I escaped thinking of the reality of these things. Perhaps I thought I was invincible. I now have come to the realization that I am not. I don't even know why I am thinking of these things at this point in time. I want to be ready for when it happens and I want to feel good about it if it does. It's good to celebrate life, but I also think it's good to think about our death and our resurrection to new life.
That is supposed to be a Christians ultimate celebration.

I know God is always good and he created life which is also good, but sometimes life stinks. It can be bitter sweet.

We need to hang on to hope and remain thankful for what we have.

Philippians 1:21: " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

IS THIS TRUE OR FALSE?

2008-02-29T13:21:00.004-05:00

I think it's much easier just to stay a kid for the rest of your life. Life is so much simpler. First Santa Clause, now the Easter Bunny! I saw this in Readers Digest.

What is the origin of the Easter Bunny? by Rahman Mohamed of Toronto.

" Easter, which is observed by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, is also the name of the pagan festival and goddess of spring and offspring. Eastre. Many Christian holidays are based on pagan astronomical roots. Easter, for one, coinsides with the spring equinox and today is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the occasion.
The earthly symbol of the goddess Eastre is the hare. The custom of the Easter Bunny in North America dates back to the 18th century and the arrival of German immigrants, although the celebration of the holiday did not become widespread until the 19th century, by which time the Eastre hare had been replaced by the Easter Rabbit- or Bunny. Exchanging candy and chocolate Easter eggs is a 20th century invention, but exchanging real eggs is an ancient, springtime custom that predates Easter. The egg, as symbol of birth and rebirth, has a long tradition in many cultures, including Egyption, Roman and Greek. In the 2nd century AD, the Catholic Church combined the ancient tradition of the egg with legend of Simon of Cyrene, who is said to have placed a basket of eggs on the ground so he could help carry Christ's cross. Upon returning to his basket, he discovered the eggs were a rainbow of colours."

I've never heard that Simon of Cyrene story before. I have heard something about the pagan holiday coinciding with Easter.
I'm not sure what the truth is.
What do we do?
I still want a chocolate bunny for Easter!!

Holiday Time!

2008-02-22T02:02:00.003-05:00

One more day and I have two weeks of paid vacation! Nice. No routine. We're not doing anything special, just getting some things done I can't do while I am working. I may take a blogging holiday too. This thing can be addictive. So I may or may not be commenting too much. OK, you can stop cheering now. Maybe I'll be a lurker, like some of you are! Or maybe not. One day at a time.

Quote for the day:

" God never threatens; the devil never warns." Oswald Chambers

We sometimes use the words "threat" and "warning" interchangeably, but chambers saw a principal that suggests a distinction. Threats are used to get people to do what is in our best interest. Warnings are issued to get people to do what is in their best interest. In other words, threats seek to preserve power whereas warnings serve to protect people from danger. Satan wants us to think of God's loving warnings as mean-spirited threats, but he is wrong. According to Chambers, " A warning is a great arresting statement of God's, inspired by his love and patience."

In loving relationships, people warn one another of the inevitable consequences of foolish behavior. In unhealthy relationships, people threaten one another with punishment if they fail to live up to unreasonable demands.
As we interact with others, it's good to consider the nature of our counsel and commands. Do we use ultimatums to preserve our own well being? Or do we lovingly warn others to keep them from harm?

WARNINGS ARE AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE; THREATS ARE AN EXPRESSION OF CONTROL.

Great questions, great thoughts. TRUTH!

Read Deuteronomy 4:32-40.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK EVERYONE!

Injustice of the Worst Kind

2008-02-17T00:32:00.005-05:00

I was listening to CFRB talk radio tonight and heard some rather disturbing news. There was a lady on the show that is involved with human rights in all parts of the world, particularily as it concerns the abuse and wrongfull incarceration and killing of women. This seems to be rampant in Islamic countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc. Apparently, the latest case involves a young women who was raped in Iran. Aparently in the Islamic religion and culture, if a women has any kind of sexual experience prior to marriage, the penalty is death by stoning. She is responsible for keeping herself pure until marriage. This young lady was RAPED! How in the world can that be her fault? Because she was not able to find four men to verify that she was indeed raped, she has been held responsible and has been put in jail on death row and sentenced to death by stoning.So, not only does she have to deal with the trama of being raped, which has to be a violation at the deepest level, she is getting killed for it! Unbelieveable! According to Islamic law, women must have four men witnesses to prove their innocence. It is next to impossible to find four men to vouch for any women. Women in these countries are treated worse than the animals. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.How can people be so cruel? Don't these men have wives, mothers, grandmothers and sisters they care about? What kind of evil religion would condone such violence against such prescious women?
It was obvious Jesus loved women. He was surrounded by them and they were some of his closest confidants.He treated them with the utmost respect, honour and love.
I also have been surrounded by women my whole life. My mother, two older sisters, two grandmothers, my wife, step-daughter and many spiritual sisters. I also honour, respect and love women. I can't conceive of the behavior I have heard about tonight. I'm so angry, I don't know what to do with it.
My protective instincs have been engaged to the max.
How can we stand by and do nothing?
What can we do?
Why does God allow this kind of injustice to continue?
I know, women have had to fight for justice, even in this country, to gain some kind of equality with men. It wasn't that long ago women recieved the right to vote! Women in this country now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, ambitions, education and career goals. The battle is not completely over, especially in the church, but it has progressed a long way from where it was.
In other countries women are being killed for getting raped!
That is Injustice at it's very worst.
That must grieve God's spirit.
It has mine.
I would like to add that the Islamic Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in Canada. We are letting them in this country by the thousands and they are not leaving their fundamental beliefs behind. They are building huge expensive temples. The centre for Canada can be seen in Mississauga on the south side of the QEW, with a large phallic symbol right in front to declare exactly where they stand. I can explain the meaning of that symbol, but not in my blog, due to the graphic sexual nature of it, but I can tell you it is both against women and is anti-semetic.
We are in for a rude awakening unless somebody wakes up soon. Talk about a trogen horse strategy to take over the world. That is their goal.
And the government is removing God from everything public? So as not to offend other religions? The lastest of which is Dalton Macginty taking the Lords Prayer out of parlament? God is the only one who can really protect us against these terrorists.
Do you think the Devil is still alive and working?
Where are Gods people with their gifts of discernment to pray against the strategies of the devil?
Am I the only one that sees what is happening?

A little more humour?

2008-02-13T01:21:00.004-05:00

From the same book.

A visiting minister offered the opening prayer: " Dear Lord," he began with arms extended and a rapturous look on his upturned face, " without you we are but dust..."
He would have continued, but at that silent, awkward moment when he paused for a breath, one very obedient young girl( who was listening carefully) leaned over to her mother and asked quite audibly in her shrill little voice:
" Mommy, what is butt dust?"
Church was pretty much over at that point.........

A women went to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. " What denomination?" askd the clerk. " oh good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the women. " Well give me fifty Catholic and fifty Baptist ones."

Two nuns were driving down a country road when they ran out of gas. They walked to a farm house and a farmer gave them some gasoline, but the only container he had was an old bedpan. The nuns were happy to take whatever they were offered and returned to their car.
As they were pouring the gasoline from the bedpan into the tank of their car, a protestant minister drove by. He stopped, rolled down his window, and said, " Excuse me sisters. I'm not of your religion, but I couldn't help admiring your faith!"

There are four classes of church members: the tired, the retired, the tiresome, and the tireless.
Anonymous

Quit griping about your church; if it were perfect you wouldn't belong.
Msgr.
Joseph P. Dooley

Honest critisism is hard to take, particularily from a relative, a friend, an aquaintance, or a stranger.--
Franklin P. Jones

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
Mark Twain

I have an older aunt who has been married four times-- first to a banker, then an entertainer, a preacher, and a funeral director. When asked why she had married that many times and to such a diverse mix of men, she had a great reply. " One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go!"
Dan Clark

My husband gave me a mood ring the other day. When I'm in a good mood, it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a red mark on his forehead.
Anonymous

Laugh! It's good for you. Have a great day everyone.

DOGS AND CATS: Anonymous

2008-02-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

This story is quoted from a book called " Help I can't stop laughing!" selected by Ann Spangler with Shari Macdonald.

" Adam and Eve said, " Lord when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you loved us."
And God said, " NO Problem! I will create a companion for you who will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unloveable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve, and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, " Lord, I have already named all the animals in the kingdom, and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, " No problem. Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him 'Dog'."
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that and angel came to the Lord and said, " Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks, and they beleive they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved but perhaps too well."
And God said, " No problem! I will create for them a companion who will be with them forever and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know they are not always worthy of adoration."
And God created 'Cat' to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them.
And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat didn't give a fig one way or the other.

Here's one more short one:

The Difference between Dogs and Cats by John Ortberg.

According to received wisdom, there is a difference between dogs and cats. A dog says, " You love me, feed me, shelter me, care for me--- you must be God."
A cat says, " You love me, feed me, shelter me, care for me--- I must be God."

LIVE CONCERTS.THEY ARE NOT ALL CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH.

2008-02-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Ruth and I went to the Rascal Flatts concert at Air Canada Center last night. This was the main part of her 50th birthday present. I like their music. They are very talented musicians. Right now they have THE biggest fan base in the world. That fact doesn't impress me. That's just what they told us. Honestly though, we're not sure we want to go to another concert like this in the near future. Firstly, it is a very expensive evening, but that's not the main problem. It was so loud and so many flashing lights it was uncomfortable. Both Ruth and I wanted to get out of there at one point because we could feel the vibrations in our chest it was SO loud and the base was SO strong and the lights were giving Ruth seizures. We had to fight unbelieveable crowds of rude people. Ruth was having trouble walking and it was a major effort just getting in and out of the place. I would have preferred to listen to a CD in my car. At least I could understand the words. Secondly, the atmosphere just didn't turn me on. Just about everybody around us was getting stinking drunk, including some teenage girls just in front of us. They got into a fight over standing rights with the girls in the next row. Why does everyone have to stand? The ones sitting can't see over them. That means everyone has to stand through the whole concert just to see what is going on. Not comfortable. Security was called and just caused a big unnessesary disturbance. There was a time in my life I would have enjoyed that atmosphere, but not anymore. There are more pressing issues in life, and I just don't think that what was going on at that concert pleased the Lord too much. I almost had a guilty feeling for being there and wondered if the money we paid was good stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. The whole thing was all about feeling good. There were many there that were feeling pretty good that night, but wouldn't be feeling so good the next morning.
We have been to other concerts before and have had a totally different experience and enjoyed every minute and thought it was worth the expense and the effort. The last concert we went to was the Gaithers at Copps in Hamilton.. It was great. No regrets. Not this one.
Am I getting old or just mature or becoming a fuddy duddy? I just don't care about this stuff anymore.
I have more fun in church worshipping Jesus and spending my money helping others.
Weird Eh?

Anxiety or Peace? AND AT WHAT COST?

2008-02-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

I have to to tell you I've been doing allot of thinking lately. Yesterdays sermon that Pastor Patti gave on John chapter 16, really got my thinker going. You see, I've been experiencing some anxiety lately, which is not usual for me, and it has not been a comfortable experience, but I have discovered it has been beneficial, and maybe even sent by God to write some lessons on my heart.
Pastor patti asked two hypothetical questions, that I thought were very profound.
The first was " Where does God turn to when he is feeling worried or anxious? " She came to the conclusion that Jesus, in chapter 16, was very concerned about his deciples because he was telling them about his death and leaving them on their own. He was giving them things to remember and trying to explain what was going to happen so they wouldn't be too shocked when it did happen.
The second question was " what if Judas had stayed at the last supper to the end instead of running out, would he have found forgiveness, even though he messed up big time?"
WOW! I love those questions.
I have my own answers. To the first, I would say firstly, that God is three persons, as we have recenlty been learning, and in that little "family" is a built in support system. They are one God but three individual personalities that could help and support each other in time of need. Many times Jesus went to the Father for comfort. Now that he is with the Father, why couldn't he be a comfort to him if he needed it? Just a thought. The other thing is, does God think like we do? Does he get anxious for himself, or for others? For example, if I say something to someone and not realizing it at the time hurt their feelings,and discover that I did because of their reaction, and I go to that person seeking forgiveness, but I don't receive it, so I keep trying to fix it, but ever time I try I just make it worse, my lack of peace increases with each effort and now I'm out to get peace for myself (selfish) wrather than thinking of what would bring the other person peace. I need to look inside and search for my motives and then act(or not act in this case) in a way that will bring peace to other person.
We have a selfish tendancy, I'm speaking for myself here, to be anxious for us and not so much for others. I have discovered this lately. Through my anxiety I have felt what my wife goes through , just a little, on a daily basis with her seizures. I can now identify a little better with her and perhaps be a little more sympathetic. So you see, not all anxiety is bad, it can lead to writing a lesson on the heart so we can identify better with others suffering, so we can be a real comfort to them.
For the second question, I believe if Judas had stayed, he would have received forgiveness, if he asked for it, and would have ended up in heaven right along side Jesus, even though he was instrumental for his crucifiction. That's how much love and grace I think our God has.
That begs another question. What if we don't recieve forgiveness from others when we ask for it? I have my answer, but I'd like to hear your's first.
Hopefully................................ To be
continued.
PS Ruth, I just want you to know my love and respect for you is growing daily. I don't know how you do it. You are one strong lady, and I know you get your strength from Jesus...... and you keep on smiling! WOW!

Yikes! I'm going to have to edit my Profile!

2008-01-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

Ruth and I are going to be Grandparents!!!!!!

I found out last week from Kim that her and Dan are going to have a baby by the end of this September. Kim and I planned to hold off telling Ruth until her birthday next week. She was going to give her a birthday card that said " Happy Birthday Grandma!" and surprise the socks off Ruth. I was going to warn the manager of Tuckers that there will be a lady screaming at our table, but all is good, she just found out she is going to be a grandmother! Kim says " are you sure you can keep it a secret for a whole week?" I said, " no problem".

Guess who couldn't keep it a secret? Ruth found out yesterday. Kim couldn't wait. Oh well, it was her surprise to begin with.

WOW! I'm too young to be a grandfather! She was just a kid herself a few years ago. She just got married! It must have been that book we gave them. Boy they learn quick.

I think I need a reality check. Maybe an ice cold shower will work.

I like babies. I always wanted one of my own. Now I'll have one to play with. I'm going out to buy him/her a fishing pole. I'm going to be the fishing/ teaching Grampa! Maybe after the shower I'll become rational again.

I'm going to be a grampa!

I'm going to be a grampa!

Did I mention I'm going to be a grampa?

Ruth is going to be a grandma!

She's too young to be a grandma!

Oh Boy! or Girl? Who cares? As long as it's healthy!
We need to keep them in prayer.
Would you join us?

Celebrating 50 Years of Life

2008-01-27T07:39:00.000-05:00

My wife Ruth turns 50 on January 31st, 2008. We had a celebration on this past Friday Jan 25Th at Crossfire( Thanks Pastor Roy & Patti for letting us use the church) which consisted mostly of friends. There were over 40 people in attendance with several who wanted to be there but couldn't. We will have another celebration on on her birthday which will be more intimate and include mostly family members and a few friends. There is a little poem that says; " You count your age by friends not years, you count your life by smiles, not tears." By this measure, Ruth is a very rich lady indeed!
So, why all the hoop law for one person? There are some who would say; " who cares?" It's only another birthday. To those I would say, firstly, Jesus cares, allot, and secondly, by all the friends Ruth has, I would say there are many who care about her very much and many who's lives she has made a positive life changing effect.
You see, Ruth is a very special person. She has a gift that I do not possess. She has the ability to open up her heart and show love to people she hardly even knows. After 15 minutes with her, it is like they knew each other for 15 years. Open, honest, loving giving. She has that same child like trust that most children have. You know what I mean. Children can go up to anyone, without fear, with this child like innocence, without prejudice, and shower love and affection on a complete stranger. Ruth has not lost this child like innocence. Unfortunately, this also makes them vulnerable.
One of the things I admire mostly about Ruth and have since the very first day I met her, is despite her physical limitations, she loves life to the fullest, she loves people, and she never gives up trying and nothing seems to wipe that smile off her face! Her mobility, as she gets older, is making it harder and harder for her to get around and causes chronic pain in her left leg and hip. Years of epileptic seizures and the acquired brain injury from 3 brain operations has taken it's Toll ( no pun intended, that's her maiden name) on her body. Her neurologist just told her this past week, that she will not be able to work again. She said this has brought some closure to her struggle to find work and has lifted a burden she has had to have gainful employment. She really wants to work and contribute to society. That is her heart. But she can't. For periods of time she has tried working at Old peoples' homes, March of Dimes, Walmart, and the last job was Homewell Home care being a companion for an old couple. Even that got too hard for her eventually. I could see her frustration as she fought her physical limitations to try and do her work, but "it" seemed to win every time.

I was thinking at her party the other night, looking around at who was there and listening to the words of those that spoke kindly about Ruth and how she has made a difference in their life. You know what God showed me? All these years, not knowing it, Ruth has been doing God's work.
There were people at the party, that may not have been there, had Ruth not intervened just at the right time under the leadership and guidance if the Holy Spirit. You see, Ruth and Holy Spirit have a very special relationship. They talk to each other. He is as real to Ruth as I am. He is her friend and constant companion, her protector, provider and her leader. I know for a fact that there was one happy family in attendance, with two beautiful children, that would not be there had Ruth not obediently, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, taken this troubled, vulnerable young lady into our home and unknowingly counselled her back onto the right road and provided what she needed to get herself back on her feet again. Candy mentioned this in her words, and acknowledged her thankfulness to Ruth for this. There are many others that have been affected because of Ruth's special relationship with Holy Spirit.

And then there's me! There was a time in my life, I was NOT a nice person. My heart was so hard, I could make Al Capone look like a school boy. Then Jesus got a hold of me and gave me a second chance. Then, I believe Holy Spirit sent Ruth into my life to finish the job. I don't think anybody else could love me like she does and has. I have not deserved it and many times I have not returned it, but Ruth with that never give up attitude has stuck with me and now we are on a road together working as " The Team" under the direction of Holy Spirit.

Ruth, honey, you are working! You are doing God's work loving people and helping to change lives for the better. Keep up the good work!
I believe when you see him face to face, you are going to hear those sweet words from the master; " Well done, good and faithful servant."

I Love you and HAPPY FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY! Celebrating fifty years of fruitful life.

Numbers 6: 24-26
"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

AND MANY MANY MORE..........................................................

BURNS SUPPER

2008-01-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

This has nothing to do with burning dinner. I, along with my dad, Lynn,Bruna and Lynn's friend from her old job, went to the Erskine Presbyterian 7Th Annual Burns Supper. This church is just around the corner from the King St. Baptist church our church would like to move into. In fact, we got to park in the parking lot! Cool. Ruth went to see Mama Mia with her girlfriend who treated her for her birthday. Rabbie Burns was a Scotsman( a colourful one) that lived back in the 1700's. He is remembered because of his poetry and song writing and his life is celebrated by good Scotsman everywhere by eating a good meal that included Steak Pie, Mashed Tatties, Peas, Neeps, Haggis, Cake, Tea, Coffee and Juice. The Haggis is piped in ceremonially by bag pipes. What is Haggis? It's a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, suet and seasonings, boiled in a bag made from the sheep's stomach. It tastes kind of like liverwurst. Not bad. The evening consisted of a tribute to the Immortal Memory of Rabbie Burns, a toast to the Lassies, a toast to the Laddies and the singing of Auld Lang Syne ( Remember New Years Eve?) which he apparently wrote. The entertainment for the evening was by a group called the Scottish Connection. They were excellent musicians. If you enjoy Gaelic music, which I do, you would love this group. My Scottish genes were a dancin'. Let me leave you with a song, that was sung by Deborah Szabo.

THE STAR O'RABBIE BURNS

There is a star whose beaming ray
Is shed on every clime
It shines by night, it shines by day
And ne'er grows dim wi'time
It rose upon the banks o'Ayr
It shone on Doon's clear stream
A hundred years are gone and mair,
Yet brighter grows its beam

CHORUS
Let Kings and curtiers rise an' fa'
This world has many turns,
But brightly beams aboon them a'
The Star o' Rabbie Burns

Anybody want to go next year? I'll be there! Thanks Dad. Another good memory!

Automation for the Nation

2008-01-14T02:57:00.000-05:00

Well, so far this year I have had several buses that are equipped with the new automatic stop caller. This thing is great, cause I hate calling stops. As you may know, it is now law in Toronto that we call every stop just in case we have a blind person on the bus. It's a ladies voice. I would say she was in her mid thirties and smokes a pack a day of players plain by the sounds of her. We have other buttons we can push to ask people to move back, move behind the white line, warn of a short turn, proof of payment route etc. These are a man's voice. Why? I have no idea. I guess they think the man's voice is more like a disciplinarian or something. There may be some truth to this. When Kim, our daughter was younger, if Ruth wasn't getting anywhere with her discipline she would always ask me to interject with my "male voice". She did seem to move a little quicker. We must sound scary or something. In the dog world, it's usually the "B----", I better not use the "B" word (girl dog) that does the barking at the kids (pups). Not so I guess, with people. Although some of you single moms may beg to differ, cause you had to play both roles.
So, before each stop this nice lady calls out the stop for me and then it is shown in writing on a screen as well. Would you believe that people still come up and ask me what the next stop is? I mean really, how dumb can people be? I wouldn't believe it when I first started this job, but after 10 years of dealing with the public, you tend to get a little sceptical. People really don't listen. No wonder psycho therapists are so much in demand. They get paid to listen to us. I think I'm going to need one pretty soon. My stress level has come down a few notches with this device. If you can imagine a bus route that is 45 minutes long one way, it may have over 100 stops and then 125 going the other way, all different names( that's 225 stops on one route) and we were having to memorize over 50 routes. This was next to impossible,cause you had to call the stop well before you got to it, so just reading the street sign wouldn't cut it. It was taking me 3 to 4 weeks to memorize a short route that was 15 minutes one way. This had only about 60 stops both ways. It got to the point that we were so frustrated, nobody was calling stops anymore and if they fired one of us, we were all going to walk off the job. We have to multi-task as it is. Drive a large vehicle in demanding city traffic, deal with difficult people, schedules we have no control over, collect money, answer questions etc. etc. One more task was getting a little too much. But thank God that is almost over. OK enough beefing. I'm thankful I have a job and an automated work spouse to help me out. Here's your laugh for the day.

" After he finished his route, a bus driver had to explain to the supervisor why he was 10 minutes late: " I was stuck behind a big truck."
" But yesterday you were 10 minutes early," reminded the boss.
"Yeah", the bus driver replied. " But yesterday I was stuck behind a porsche!"

Have a blessed week!

What to do??

2008-01-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

Well...... It's Ruth's birthday on January 31, and she'll be turning the BIG 50. This is one of those milestone birthdays and we who know her, know she loves to party. It's especially big for her, because after three brain operations and one where she almost bled to death, according to her Doctors, she's not supposed to be here. She was also not supposed to have a smile and be paralyzed on one side. But we all see her big smile don't we! They were wrong and she has beaten the odds. That's one of the reasons I fell in love with her, was her dogged determination to never quit, plus her beautiful smile and she was kinda cute too! Problem is, she's always the one doing the planning. I'm not a party planner. I work out of town and have precious little time for planning parties. I like going to them, but not planning them. What do I do? Her birthday falls on a Thursday, which happens to be my off day, so that's not a problem, but she wants like 30 people or more to her party. Who's going to come on a Thursday night? We could have it the Sunday before, after church, but she says she likes house parties, cause not everybody she wants to come can afford to eat out. So how about the Friday before the big event? How do we fit 30 people in our Kitchen/living room to eat? What do I do? She also loves surprises, how can I make this a surprise? What would you do if you were me?
I need all the help I can get.
Any Suggestions?
Anybody want to come to a party?

Tommy's Story by Mark Sanford

2008-01-07T02:40:00.000-05:00

Tommy is a newborn. He misses the warmth of his mothers womb. But no loving arms have picked him up to cradle and rock him. He wriggles, but no one laughs. He coos, but no one coos back. Eventually, he stops cooing. He lies rigidly in his crib, detached. He will grow up with a feeling his life makes no impact, as if he weren't real. He will come to feel hollow, empty, vacant, like something is missing.
Tommy is an infant. He needs to bond, heart to heart. He needs to melt into someones chest. His spirit yearns for that and only that. It is the sum and focus of his life. But mom doesn't hold him. She does not sing to him. She only feeds him, changes his diapers, bathes him, as necessity demands. Tommy no longer cries, nor does he yet have words to express his rage. He has but one weapon- simply to vow, even without words, not to bond with her. Others come who do hug and sing, Grandparents. Babysitters. But Tommy does not melt into their breasts. He is putting up the shield of isolation.
A spirit friend comes to live with Tommy. His name is " Isolation". Tommy can't see him or hear him. But he is there, drawing strength from Tommy's armor. He helps Tommy use it to shield himself from bonding heart to heart. Isolation easily gets past Tommy's parents, for they have placed no protection around Tommy. In fact, they have unknowingly invited him into their home. And isolation brings another invisible friend to Tommy, a friend named " Distrust". If Tommy was aware that he was with him, he would think Distrust was helping him to hold up his faulty shield. In reality, he is shooting poisoned arrows through it.
Tommy will later describe this shield as a sheet of Plexiglas placed between him and the world. It dulls colours. It shuts out beauty and quenches passion. It deadens loving touches. It wraps itself around Tommy like a warm womb which was his first and surest place of refuge. And just as an unborn child hears noises indistinctly, Tommy in times of stress actually hears sounds and voices as muffled and far away.
As he grows through childhood, Tommy is more susceptible than other children to the harshness of the games people play. He takes nothing in stride. If his little friend, Jeffy, spends time with someone else, Tommy won't join them to make a threesome-he must have Jeffy all to himself. In order to stave off abandonment, Tommy takes up the sword of Possessiveness. But it staves off only Jeffy. Now, another invisible friend, " Envy", lays hold of the sword, and he and Tommy wield it together.
As a teenager, when his girlfriend chooses to date someone else, Tommy vows he will never trust a girl. His old friend, Distrust, draws more power from his vow, and begins to whisper in his ear about the traits of women. Tommy thinks these are his own thoughts: " Look at that one; what a gossip she is! And that one- she's so stuck on herself....."
With each choice to withdraw, Tommy's "friends" gain more strength and grow in numbers, until they reach their goal- that Tommy becomes a loner and they his only companions.
Tommy might change his mind. He might one day decide he's unhappy he can't talk with his wife, that a hug is nothing more to him than two bodies making contact, that he is compulsively critical, that he feels deeply alone, way off somewhere, even in the middle of a crowd. But by then his invisible friends, empowered by the arsenal of weapons in his flesh, will be stronger than his feeble resolve to resist them. By then, he will not be able by his own choice to feel some one's heart close to his. He will be completely captive. He cannot escape. He will need someone to carry him out of his prison.
Tommy didn't just walk into that prison- he built it around himself, bar by bar, stone by stone. And in the same way it must be taken down, bar by bar, stone by stone. His counselor must build the trust which his parents did not, and bond him to God in a way Tommy alone cannot. Through the process, he will be led to forgive parents who did not bond with him, friends who rejected him and girlfriends who dumped him.
It may be a cliche, but is very apt, that the layers of the onion must be peeled. Between those layers, Tommy's "friends" will be hiding. As he dismantles his defenses, and the layers are stripped away, those friends will become visable. James 4:7 says, " Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Because Tommy resists, some will flee on their own. Others, more stubborn, will have to be commanded to leave. When Tommy repents of his vow never to trust a girl, Distrust will flee. Isolation will be cast out as Tommy breaks the vow not to bond. He'll repent of possessiveness, forgive those who didn't claim him, and Envy's root will be severed. When at last Tommy is out of prison, he may see colors brighter, hear sounds more clearly, feel for the first time his wife's spirit melt into his. But that is only the fruit of his healing. His counselor must understand the process which leads to it.

Back to the Routine

2008-01-03T00:32:00.000-05:00

After 10 wonderful days off over the holiday. I'm back to the every day grind and work routine. I had all the holidays off this year. First time in 10 years. For a bus driver, that is quite something to get all the holidays off. If you are one you know what I mean. Probably won't happen for another 10 years. Actually, I've been quite fortunate, in that I have only worked one Christmas day in 10 years. I was talking to my union steward today and told him that and he looked rather shocked. I don't think he has been able to pull that off himself. Somebody somewhere must like me. It was a good holiday and ended with a really good party at Gregor and Nancy's. Then Chad's birthday party on Jan 1st/08. What a great way to end and start a year, celebrating with good friends and family. I am blessed. God is good.

First day back and I'm running 8 minutes behind schedule on my route. I'm in a hurry and I get Mr. bottle man at Windermere and The Queensway. This is an old crippled man who collects beer bottles for some extra cash. He can hardly walk and he is carting around twice his body weight in beer bottles. $.10/ bottle he gets, and he must have had 150 bottles. That's $15 by my math. Probably took him 10 hours to pick them up and deliver to the beer store, minus transportation cost of $3.70 round trip. That would be around $1.13/ hour I figure. When I saw him with his shopping cart full of bottles, I could feel this anger rising up inside me, cause this was not going to be quick process. He was going to bury me in lateness. I didn't need this right now, thank you very much. I was tempted to do what many drivers would do and shut my doors and drive away trying to catch up my lost time. The supervisors love you when you do that. But something wouldn't let me. I wonder what that would be? I waited. Suddenly, this peace came over me and this inner sense of wonderment at the struggle of this old man trying to make some cash the only way he knew how. Then another wave of wonderment brought a sense that I should be kind to this man and be patient. Fortunately, there was somebody else getting on the bus who noticed his struggle and helped him with his bags full of bottles. There are still kind people in the world. He thanked me profusely for waiting, as though he had experienced the shut door and take off routine before. He talked with very broken English, but I could tell he was happy to get out of the cold (-12c) and that he was proud of the treasure he was soon to exchange for cold hard cash. A job well done. A good kind of pride. I came to his stop in front of the beer store and was prepared to secure the bus and help him off myself, partly because it would be faster and partly because I was slowly gaining some respect and admiration at his determination and resolve to work for a living, despite his obvious disability. I've met many immigrants that come to this country thinking it is the land of milk and honey, only to discover that not speaking the language and no skills gets you no job and no money. Many of them live on the transit system, just to keep warm this time of year. Again someone else got off at the same stop, saw his dilemma and helped him off with his precious cargo. I didn't have to lift a finger. I thought God made me strong so I could help people like this? I also caught up on my time at the end of the line. Guess who I picked up on the way back? Yup, Mr. Bottle man, minus the bottles. He greets me getting on the bus with the biggest smile and enthusiasm I have seen in a long time, " HI DRIVER!!". He was happy to see me and obviously still thank full I waited. You know what? So was I. I am so glad I didn't act on my first impulse. I could have ruined a God moment with my words and my actions and possibly crushed someones spirit in the process. Thank you God for that moment and for Mr. Bottle man. He kind of reminded me of the widow's mite. He did more in a days work than I think I ever have. He was truly blessed because he was faithful in the small things and was using the gifts God gave him, and he didn't even need my help!
I learned my lesson of humility today. I was humbled. God is good.

Mathew 10:29-31

" Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Well, It's all over for 2007.

2007-12-29T09:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas is all over for another year. It took 2 months of preparation and planning and was over in two days. The meal took six hours to make and was over in 15 minutes. It's the same every year, but I think that just goes to show us that most of the joy is in the process and not just in the end result. Speaking of end result, I have gained 4lbs in two days and I know it's because of all the sweet goodies I ate. I have a sweet tooth. I can't help myself. They are too good to resist. After New Years it's back to the routine and the resisting. I will lose that weight. I will. Really.

All in all it was a great Christmas. It was great to be with all the relatives and friends. We had a few firsts this Christmas. Our daughter Kim, her new husband, Dan, my in laws and Ruth and I all sleeping in the same house. Hokey Smokes! Talk about crowded! Good thing we're a close family. But it was good to see them go! I do love the music and all the festivities this celebration brings. In the midst of all the busyness, it does take some work to keep it all in perspective as to why we are celebrating and to think and do something for those that are less fortunate than ourselves.

My wife spoiled me again. I received allot of great gifts this Christmas. One of my favorites is the complete series of Planet Earth BBC Video series. If you like nature shows, you will love this. Absolutely amazing photo footage. If you like this stuff, let Ruth or me know and we will have you over to watch it with us!

Well, now we have New Years to celebrate. More food and friends ! We're looking forward to it and to the opportunities that the new year is going to bring.
From Ruth and I, hoping your New Year is full of joy, happiness, prosperity, and new beginnings. May God richly bless each and every one of you! See you in 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Why I Love Ontario

2007-12-23T03:02:00.000-05:00

It's winter in Ontario

And the gentle breezes blow

70 miles per hour at 52 below

Oh! How I love Ontario

When the snows up to your butt

You take a breath of winter air

And your nose is frozen shut

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

I guess I'll hang around

I could never leave Ontario

Cause I'm frozen to the ground.

Anonymous

It's All Relative!

2007-12-22T01:59:00.000-05:00

Ruth and I attended her Uncle Doug's funeral last Tuesday. We just made it on time after a
2 1/2 hour drive to Blenheim. We were ushered very quickly into a room off to the side of the sanctuary of the church where the funeral was taking place. This was the " family" room. I felt a little awkward, because I didn't feel like I deserved to be there for some reason. There were probably many people in the audience that knew uncle Doug better than I did. When it was time to start the service, just a few minutes later after some instructions from the minister and the funeral director, we were led into the front two rows reserved for the family. It was a nice service. Uncle Doug was in the choir, so we sung a few of his favorite hymns. The minister gave a good summery of his life and labeled him a " balcony person". Balcony people are down to earth types and historically, back in the days when you had to pay for seating, these were the "cheap" seats because they were the farthest from the heat source, which would have been a wood stove. Uncle Doug stood 6' 6" tall, so his shadow would cover the pulpit where the minister was. There was no grave side service since he was being cremated and the snow from the day before. After the service, there was a reception in the church auditorium, where the church ladies had sandwiches and other goodies for us. Uncle Doug was a farmer in a small town and I think all 400 of them showed up to pay their respects to the family. I knew almost nobody except for the immediate family, which I have only seen about 6 times in the past 12 years. Ruth on the other hand had a longer history after growing up with this family. She had people coming up to her saying " Ruthie, it's been such a long time, do you remember me?" Ruth had no clue who half these people were, but played along very well as if she did, and then she introduced me to them! Like the Farqueson. These are the relatives on Grandma Tolls side ( Ruth's dads mom). I asked to meet Charlie Farqueson, and got a rather dirty look, after finding out the guy who does the comedy stole that name from their Grandfather. They were just kidding though. A fun bunch. All in all it was a bitter sweet time. We said goodbye to Uncle Doug. He is with Jesus now. At the same time, Ruth got to reconnect with family and friends she has not seen for years.

On another subject. I need to take a poll. Who makes turkeys? Every year Ruth and I have this discussion. Her personal preference is " Butterball" and I usually like "PC", because they are cheaper. You know the self-basting ones. The "Butterball" is stuffed though. I actually picked a Butterball this year because it is stuffed and you can cook it from frozen and we got it at the Barn , not Fortinos. She thinks the Butterball is better than the PC. I say "God" makes turkey, not Butterball or PC so how can one be better than the other? All they do is dress it and stick butter under the skin so it melts while cooking, hence the self basting.
Which turkey do you buy and why?
Ruth's says, yes God makes turkeys and I am one of them! lol. ( Not Really)
She says I am her "Butterball"!

Christmas- A New Idea?

2007-12-21T07:08:00.000-05:00

The prophet Isaiah wanted God to " Rend the heavens and come down" ( Isaiah 64:1-3)
In Isaiah 42:1-9 God had a different idea.

" Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I put my spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands( those who don't always play it safe) will put their hope.

This is what God the Lord says-- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it; I, The Lord have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

I am the Lord; That is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

So, God doesn't always answer us the way we think he should or the way he has done things in the past.

He did a new thing. That's why we are celebrating Christmas. Jesus was God's " New Idea".

Has God answered your prayers the way you wanted him to?

Do you think he wants to do something new in your life today?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Bitter Sweet Evening

2007-12-15T01:34:00.000-05:00

Well, we had the first party for this Christmas season. It started out to be a party for those that regularly blogged with each other. Dinner and a movie. My idea was to keep it simple and have pizza. It turned out to be a pot luck ( blessing), and consisted mainly of the usual bunch we like to socialize with. With the exception of Sonja. Yes we met her for the first time tonight. She is the official new girlfriend of Chad's. Very nice girl. She loves God and we think it is quite obvious she is pretty fond of Chad too, and vice verse. I'm really happy for them. They are both good people and deserve to be happy. We never did watch the movie, even though I think there is only one copy of it to rent in Hamilton and I was able to get it yesterday. It's called " Polar Express". Sounds great on surround sound. We played a game called " Cranium". Allot of fun. It's kind of like a combination of charades, pictionary, acting etc. It's a game for your whole brain. I think we laughed so hard and so loud we scared my poor cat into next Tuesday. She'll come out of hiding when she gets hungry. All in all, it was a great evening with great friends and too much to eat. Another good memory created. What a nice problem to have. Let's do something for those less fortunate than ourselves this Christmas and help to supply their need. We are so blessed. I thank God every day for living in this country and for his provision.

The sad part of the evening was Ruth got a call around 7:00pm from her dad to tell her that her Uncle Doug had just passed away. He was Ruth's dad's brother. Nobody knew he was that sick. It happened really quickly. Ruth , fortunately, has many fond memories of her Uncle Doug. He was a Christian, so he will be in heaven now with Jesus. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more sadness, no more tears. Just joy and happiness worshipping the Lord full time!
So, we have a funeral to go to next week. It won't be too happy of a Christmas for certain members of the family. But, as I said in my last post. for the Christian, we don't say good bye forever. We have the hope of the resurrection and that we will see our loved ones again.
So, please take time this Christmas to enjoy your family. Treasure those precious moments, so that when it comes their time to leave this world, you will be left with those good memories that you can take with you to eternity. Love, like your life depended on it. Because it does.

Grief Is Messy

2007-12-12T03:53:00.000-05:00

Bob was talking on his blog about the shooting at the mega church in the states. Just so happens my devotion today talks about grief. The main scripture reference is 1 Thess, 4:13-18, key verse 4:13, " I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those that have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope."

The story used in this devotion had to do with the plane crash on Nov 14, 1970 that took the lives of most of the Marshall University Football team. We recently saw this movie. It is called "We are Marshall". A true story, but like this shooting, the grief can be extremely painful and messy. Two of the people who lost loved ones in the plane crash were Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell. Their story intertwined because Griffens son, Chris, was Annie's fiance. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie in the movie, " Grief is messy".

The whole point of the devotion was to point out that as Christians there is something beyond the tears, pain and loss. There is hope! Loss and death are a part of life, but believers can face them, knowing Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion.

Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph!

Welcome to my New Blog

2007-12-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Well..... It's time to launch out on my own and try this solo. I really enjoy exchanging conversation with my friends and making new friends. This is a great way for busy people to stay connected with others.

Today, I would like to talk about friends. I take my friendships seriously. My friends mean allot to me and I put much time effort and resources into them, including a small piece of my heart. Each of my friends has a special place in my heart. When I lose a friend, it hurts. I don't like getting hurt. It is not a nice feeling, so I try to avoid it like the plague. Sometimes, that is not in our control and it just happens. It is sad when it does.

There are different levels of friendship, just as there are different types of love. My closest friend is Jesus. He is closer than a brother. He is a constant presence. He will never leave me or forsake me. I believe that. My next closest friend is my wife Ruth. We share everything, except for those things that have been entrusted to us by others to keep in confidance to ourselves. We respect each others boundaries. She will always be my best supporter and me hers. As we say to each other " I've got your back babe".
Then I have different circles of friends that I have relationship with and within those circles are people at different levels of intimacy. I have a circle of friends in my biological family, church, and at work. Strangely enough I feel the closest to my church friends which I consider my extended family. We even refer to each other as " brother and sister" on occasion. That to me is more than just a name. We have that spiritual connection to Christ and the love I feel for my brothers and sisters is real and heartfelt. Just like my real sisters, although we share a heritage and an experience that is special and unique. There are times when blood is thicker than water. There is some truth to that. Jesus said in Mathew 10:37, " Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me". My dad also goes to my church so he has a double dose of friendship.

I think a friendship has to be a two way relationship that involves effort by both parties and a give and take on both parts. Just like a marriage, it takes work to keep it alive. If only one person is doing all the giving and nothing is coming back emotionally or otherwise, then that is not a friendship in my opinion. It may be a ministry, it may be calling, it may be a human vacuum, or just a big pain in the butt, but it is not a friendship. In any relationship there is an element if risk, because you are making yourself vulnerable to another person to some degree. I guess our level of basic trust determines how far and how quickly this process goes. I'm willing to take the risk, because the benefits far outweigh the risk to me. Friends make our life richer and much easier and much more enjoyable to share life rather than try to go it alone. No matter what happens or how badly others hurt me, I'll always have Jesus my friend who loves me..... and Ruth and they've " got my back".

So.. I'm looking for friends to talk to, current ones, old ones and I want to make some new ones!
Come, let us reason together says the Lord.
John 15:13, " Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
I want to do that for you! How about you?
I would just ask one thing, if you are going to leave our friendship, please say goodbye before you go so we can bless each other and let me share a lesson I learned recently; watch your words! IT may be the last ones you say to a person. Make sure they are words of encouragement and blessing or you may have some regrets!
Have a great week my friends and be blessed!