Looking the Part

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Break Forth Canada conference in Edmonton. It was a great time to go to some seminars as well as attend various worship services and concerts. On the last night, we were able to attend a Michael W. Smith concert. It was a great concert. It was opened up by Lincoln Brewster, also very good. Lincoln Brewster is also a pastor, I think of worship of a church in California, (I believe that is what he said.) Anyway, one of the people I went with said to me that she could not believe that he was a pastor, based on his appearance mainly.

Anyway, On our way home, we got into a discussion about this. (I am sure one of them might even read this as it is posted on Facebook.) We got into a discussion about "looking like" a pastor. Both of the ladies riding with us said that I didnt look like a pastor. But other ones we talked about they said did more so. So this got me to thinking about this. What does it mean to "look like" a pastor. If I dont look like a pastor is that a bad thing? Should I be dressing differently? Should I be acting any differently?

I am really wondering now, what does it mean to look like a pastor? If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear what other people think about this. For those who know me, or knew me in High School, or earlier, is it surprising to you that I am a pastor? Do you agree with what the two ladies said that I dont look like a pastor? I hope that some would respond, either here or on Facebook, because I am curious to find out what people think a pastor should look like.

Vacation

So, as you can tell, I am glad I didnt make the resolution to have daily blogs. But, in my defense, the Monday after the last post, we were able to go on vacation. We left Sunday afternoon, we had soup and bun lunch and our second service at 1:15, so we could finish packing and headed for Calgary. It was hard to believe, but everything was beginning to melt before we left. We stayed at a hotel overnight, and then headed to the airport at about 7:30 am on Monday. Our flight didnt leave until 11:00 or so, but we had to be there early because of the new restrictions on those flying to the states. No carry-ons were permitted, except, purses, diaper bags, camera cases, so that is what we took on. But, doing this meant we had to have all of them searched by hand. We went through the metal detector, then we all got patted down, including our 4 month old baby! We couldnt believe it. But we made it through, and were on our way.

We made it to Los Angeles a few minutes late, but no bid deal. We dropped my mom off at work, and had to go to In-N-Out for lunch! That night I went and played basketball with my brother and some old high school classmates. That was a blast, except I always had to guard my brother who is a lot stronger and who is bigger than I am.

Tuesday was pretty much a blur, I dont remember what we did. Wednesday night we were able to meet up with some friends for dinner, which was really good. It has been a year and a half since seeing them, so it was long over due. Thursday we left for Palm Springs. We met up with a friend and his wife. It had been three and a half years since we had seen him. When they came to the condo we were staying at, someone made the comment "who would have thought at the last time you saw each other, the next time you would see each other, he would have a wife, and you would have a baby!" It was a lot of fun hanging out with them. On Friday we went up the Palm Springs tram and looked around up there. You go from about 2000 feet to 8000 feet in 10 minutes. It was quite a view from up there. Friday night we said goodbye to them, and the rest of my family joined us at the condo.

Saturday, the guys went and played golf. I am happy to say, that my brother and I tied but, most importantly, we beat our dad! Ha ha ha. Sitting by the outdoor pool in January, was awesome.

Sunday we went to a large church out there. It was a really good service. The only sad part about going to Palm Springs for the weekend was the fact that we couldnt go to my home church to see a lot of people that we missed seeing. We spent Sunday afternoon by the pool, it was a relaxing weekend. Monday we left and hit the downpour that all of California was experiencing.

Tuesday Brenda needed to shop, so she did! She was very successful, I guess...BUt it was fun trying to get the stroller out and in the vehicle in the pouring rain. I was wearing shorts for the principle of the fact we were in California. It was raining so hard that when a car drove past me rather slowly, it splashed enough water on my legs to soak my feet.

Wednesday we got up and went for breakfast with my Mom, Dad and Grandma. THen we left for the airport. We had great flights both ways. Our daughter did really well, and slept most of both flights! It was a much needed vacation as it was very relaxing. But it is also good to be home.

New Years Resolution: Daily Blogs!

Ha ha ha, Gotcha! Like that would actually happen. I am still trying to get in the routine of writing my thoughts down on here. I dont know how many people actually read this anyway, but it is a good practice at least for me to get some of my thoughts down. One of the problems with this is the fact that there are things that I dont know if it is good enough to write down. Another is that I havent completely thought them through all the way. I will try better at updating this, perhaps weekly. I did alright there for a bit, but then life got crazy busy and I just stopped writing.

Something that I have been thinking about lately has been the season of Christmas. This is a busy time for my colleagues and myself. I was very grateful that my church didnt give me any extra services. I mean we had Christmas and New Years day, but then we canceled the evening services on the Sundays after both of them. That has helped me a ton. I feel for my colleagues who have something like 8 services to plan in just over a 10 day span. It is challenging for myself, and maybe other pastors to really try to enjoy Christmas. It is a busy time and so much pressure it is hard to actually listen to the story yourself and hear the Gospel.

It is also hard for pastors and their families, (I know at least for us it is difficult sometimes) because Christmas is a time to be with family. We are not close to any family at all, and people ask, "So are you going home for Christmas?" Or they ask, "Is anyone coming to see you for Chrismtas?" The answer generally is no. We were fortunate enough at American Thanksgiving to have both of our families up here for our daughter's baptism. It is difficult to be away from family, but we know we are called to be here and to minister at the same time.

The thing that has really helped my wife and I is the fact that our Church Family is so hospitable. There has never been a lack for an invitation to someone else's family celebration. This year was the first year for me as a dad. It was really special to celebrate with my wife and almost 4 month old daughter. But it was also really special to really feel as if we belong as family to so many people in this church. There are some really wonderful people here!

Next week we look forward to some time down in California with my family. It will be a much needed break, at least for me. We are really looking forward to relaxing and visiting with family and friends.

God's Promises

This past Sunday was a very special Sunday for our little family. Brenda and I were able to present Irena for baptism. It was amazing to be able to hear the form read and to hear all that God promises in baptism. I have heard that form for my entire life and also have read it during other baptisms. But sitting there and hearing it read and knowing that it is applying to my own daughter was something else. It was a special gift to be able to hear these promises.

It was also very special to be able to baptize my own daughter. It was a very special moment in our families life. It was awesome to be able to share this with our immediate family as Brenda's parents as well as my parents, brother and grandma were all able to come. It is also very special to be able to answer the questions, and then to hear the congregations response to their promise of support in helping to raise our daughter! It truly speaks to the family of God! What an amazing Sunday!

Dirty Knotty Blankie

This past Sunday I had the day off. I did not have to preach at either of the services. In fact my neighbor said to me that I am becoming a part time minister, I mean, I didnt even have to work the 2 hours a week that I normally have to work! :) (This coming from a neighbor who is a self proclaimed AAA Farmer, April, August and Arizona! Meaning they only work two months and then spend time in Arizona! That made me laugh!) Anyway, it was very refreshing to have Sunday off.

We had a guest minister who I have never heard preach before, but have heard his reports 2 times a year for the last 2 years. He is the Chaplain at the University of Calgary for the CRC. It was refreshing to be able to listen to good preaching. (Someone else said to me, "That is what others in our church were saying! ha ha ha). In the morning service though, he really tied in neatly with something I had talked about a couple of weeks ago.

A couple of weeks ago, I had done something pretty scandalous...I wore jeans and a t-shirt with a devilish looking skull with a cross going through it to church. I was talking about "By Faith alone" and how we all agree it isnt by our works, but but faith in Christ alone that saves us. The point I was trying to make was the fact that we agree with this, but how many people in our churches would accept someone coming to church dressed in this way? Every single person that morning had some thought in their mind about what I was wearing. It really helped to prove my point.

Sunday we heard about the fact that Jesus was hanging out with Prostitutes and Sinners! (gasp!) The pastor shared with us from Phillip Yancey's book "What's So Amazing about Grace" a story of a prostitute who needed to employ her 2 year old daughter. She said something along the lines of, "Why would I go to church? They just make you feel so bad." The pastor went on to talk about the fact that it was people like her, that Jesus hung out with. It wasnt the people in the suits, which we could almost associate many "Church people" as the modern day pharisees.

He used an analogy that was very moving. He talked about his kids and their blankies and how important those blankies are to his kids. The most important thing to take on any trip is those "dirty, knotty blankies." We are like the dirty knotty blankies to Jesus. He rejoices over us, like when he finds his lost sheep. He finds us and celebrates over us. The pastor's point, how do we react over the "lost sheep" are we part of the 99 that dont need to be saved? Do we accept the prostitute at our church? Or do we make her feel bad? It really tied in with my point of my friend who designed the shirt I wore to church that one Sunday.

The afternoon was equally was refreshing. I could go on and on about that here. It is amazing to me to see how a day off like that can really energize me and refresh me. I really needed that, especially as we head into the Advent/Christmas season.

New Hobby

I am finding that the more I try new things, especially new sports, I really like them. My latest thing that I found to be really fun is fly fishing. A few weeks ago I went with someone on a Monday evening. We got to the river about 4-4:30. We had to hike down to the river from the road. It was a place where the guy I went with said, "We will catch fish." Not many people go there since you have to hike down hill a bit. He also said to me, "I dont want to scare you, but I have bear spray just in case." I thought to myself, "good to know!" He said he has never encountered a bear, but he doesnt want to be caught empty handed if one did come on him.

But I tell you what, that was something I really enjoyed. We spent about 3 hours in the river fishing. By the end my feet were frozen! It is a sport that requires a lot of attention. Afterward I said I could see how a bear could sneak up on you. You are so focused on the fly and the river that you lose almost an awareness of your surroundings. It was absolutely amazing to be out in the mountains, in God's creation just enjoying his creation. It was extremely relaxing, yet not boring at the same time.

I like regular fishing as well, but after trying fly fishing only this one time, I think I might prefer it. You are constantly doing something as you fish. And it takes some skill. So, for my birthday last week, my wife bought me one of this guys fly rods and reel set up. I am excited to try my new hobby more and more...but unfortunately I have to wait until next season! Oh well, Ski season is right around the corner!!

Oh yeah, we did catch a bunch of little fish, but we let them all go.

Time Flies

I cannot believe that 5 weeks ago today, our daughter was born. It is just amazing how fast time goes these days. As I look at my blog, I notice it has been a month since I posted last. It isnt that I havent had anything to write about, it just isnt something I had as a priority I guess.

One of the things that I am finding is that it is difficult to focus while at work. I know this sounds like a familiar theme as of late, but now it is hard because it would be so nice to just be upstairs with Brenda and Irena. I need to really get myself to focus and get my work done. It isnt always an easy thing to do. I am glad that I have support from the church, and they have been really gracious to us in this time. We feel right at home here.