For the past couple of months I have been going to a bakery/cafe in the town close by. I usually go there in the afternoon and take books along to do some studying, or preparing. It is a nice little place that has pretty good treats and good coffee. Usually every day at 4, there is a group of guys that come in for coffee. Now, I dont usually talk with them, but one time I introduced myself to some of them at one point.
Last week, I was sitting there preparing for one of my sermons and they came in again. What was so funny was as I was sitting there you can sort of hear what they say, but its not like I am trying to listen in. But, one guy, was saying something and he used the "F" word to describe something. When he did this, I heard someone else kind of shush him. He was like what!? The guy whispered something, and I think he was informing the man that I was a pastor.
The reason I find this funny is it isn't like I am their pastor. But, the fact that they know that, they tried to quiet one guy from swearing. Anyway, I find that amusing.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One of my Prayer Warriors
One of the founding members of my home church, Art DeJong Sr. passed away on Tuesday. This is significant to me because of who he was to me the last 10 years or so. I never really had much contact with him growing up. He was my friend's grandpa, and that was about as much as I knew about him. He was an elder in the church many times and I knew he would lead a lot of Adult Education classes at church. That is all I really knew about him.
Until I was thinking about going into Seminary. While I was away at College, he had talked with my dad about the possibility of me attending Seminary. When I got home, he contacted me to talk about this, because he was the Classis Treasurer and said there was some funds available to help me. So of course I was interested. In the interview with the committee he was very wise. I had not yet decided on what seminary I would attend. One of the committee members was not in favor of me going to a particular one, and he stated it. So Art asked him to share with me his reasons. It was very insightful.
Now, I dont only appreciate Art for his financial assistance. What I really appreciate about Art was the fact that he was one of my biggest supporters. When I went through a tough time personally, he encouraged me. While at seminary, I had to send my grades to him all the time. He constantly encouraged me. Often times while I was home, he would ask for prayer requests for me as I was studying for ministry. Knowing that he was so supportive and knowing that he was praying for me really meant a lot. I felt that every time I was home, I should talk with him to let him know how I was doing.
Art will be missed by many people. I know for a fact that I will miss talking to him when I go back to my home church to visit. One thing that I know for certain, the Lord has called him home, and I am confident that he has said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Until I was thinking about going into Seminary. While I was away at College, he had talked with my dad about the possibility of me attending Seminary. When I got home, he contacted me to talk about this, because he was the Classis Treasurer and said there was some funds available to help me. So of course I was interested. In the interview with the committee he was very wise. I had not yet decided on what seminary I would attend. One of the committee members was not in favor of me going to a particular one, and he stated it. So Art asked him to share with me his reasons. It was very insightful.
Now, I dont only appreciate Art for his financial assistance. What I really appreciate about Art was the fact that he was one of my biggest supporters. When I went through a tough time personally, he encouraged me. While at seminary, I had to send my grades to him all the time. He constantly encouraged me. Often times while I was home, he would ask for prayer requests for me as I was studying for ministry. Knowing that he was so supportive and knowing that he was praying for me really meant a lot. I felt that every time I was home, I should talk with him to let him know how I was doing.
Art will be missed by many people. I know for a fact that I will miss talking to him when I go back to my home church to visit. One thing that I know for certain, the Lord has called him home, and I am confident that he has said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
God knows
Last week for me was a difficult week. Personally I struggled with some things and just had a tough time. As I was preparing for Sunday, I questioned a lot of things. Yet, I still had to get ready for Sunday. As I was preparing, I also had an image from a movie stuck in my mind. So, I just had to play the clip in the sermon (What, gasp...) I didnt know how this would go over. So, I was a bit worried about it.
After the service I didnt really hear any feedback, so I figured, no news is good news. Not only that, I was really blessed during the worship service. Throughout the service I thought God was using it to speak to me. It is really neat to be able to experience this. That afternoon, I was really encouraged by a number of people about the morning service. It was something that I really needed. Many people really liked the clip even.
As I was thinking about this, I was thinking about the week leading up to Sunday. I was struggling and not sure what to even pray for. But I was reminded of Matthew 6:8 where Jesus says, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." This was so true. God knew what I needed on Sunday and he lifted me up. We truly serve an amazing God.
After the service I didnt really hear any feedback, so I figured, no news is good news. Not only that, I was really blessed during the worship service. Throughout the service I thought God was using it to speak to me. It is really neat to be able to experience this. That afternoon, I was really encouraged by a number of people about the morning service. It was something that I really needed. Many people really liked the clip even.
As I was thinking about this, I was thinking about the week leading up to Sunday. I was struggling and not sure what to even pray for. But I was reminded of Matthew 6:8 where Jesus says, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." This was so true. God knew what I needed on Sunday and he lifted me up. We truly serve an amazing God.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Chair Lift
Due to popular demand, okay, there was only one request for me to post about the chair lift episode that I wrote about in the previous entry, but here you go.
Last week we had a great time at Fernie B.C. The thing is, I am still very much a beginner. As a result, I pretty much stayed on one lift the whole time. It is the deer lift for anyone who knows. Well, this chair comes in behind you really, really low. I mean, it is hitting me in the back of the boots it is so low.
Well, on Wednesday I went by myself most of the day so my wife could actually have some fun. I was doing pretty good, and I thought I would get one more run in before lunch. Thankfully it wasnt very busy, and I was going to sit on the chair by myself. As it came in, I got on okay, as we start to go up the hill, it kind of sways a bit. Somehow, I really dont know how it happened, as it happened so fast, my left ski tip caught the ground. Next thing I know, my ski is off, and I am not far behind it. The people running the lift, werent paying that much attention, but were able to stop the lift, and then help me get up.
When I got back in front of the chair, I said to the girl running the lift, "THAT's not embarrassing!" I told everyone at lunch. After lunch, the same girl was now at the top of the hill and she was giving me a hard time about falling off the lift. But the best part of it all, that night my wife's uncle told me he had the same thing on that lift, only he managed not to fall. His ski caught and he started to go down, but he grabbed his wife and the chair and managed to stay on. But here is an expert skier, and he almost had it happen too, so I didnt feel that bad!
Last week we had a great time at Fernie B.C. The thing is, I am still very much a beginner. As a result, I pretty much stayed on one lift the whole time. It is the deer lift for anyone who knows. Well, this chair comes in behind you really, really low. I mean, it is hitting me in the back of the boots it is so low.
Well, on Wednesday I went by myself most of the day so my wife could actually have some fun. I was doing pretty good, and I thought I would get one more run in before lunch. Thankfully it wasnt very busy, and I was going to sit on the chair by myself. As it came in, I got on okay, as we start to go up the hill, it kind of sways a bit. Somehow, I really dont know how it happened, as it happened so fast, my left ski tip caught the ground. Next thing I know, my ski is off, and I am not far behind it. The people running the lift, werent paying that much attention, but were able to stop the lift, and then help me get up.
When I got back in front of the chair, I said to the girl running the lift, "THAT's not embarrassing!" I told everyone at lunch. After lunch, the same girl was now at the top of the hill and she was giving me a hard time about falling off the lift. But the best part of it all, that night my wife's uncle told me he had the same thing on that lift, only he managed not to fall. His ski caught and he started to go down, but he grabbed his wife and the chair and managed to stay on. But here is an expert skier, and he almost had it happen too, so I didnt feel that bad!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Time alone with God
Last week we were on vacation, or holidays as they say here in Canada. We went skiing at Fernie B.C. It was a good time. While I was there, I was able to have a lot of time alone with God. This was made possible because I am such a beginner, I didnt want to hold anyone else up, so, I was able to go by myself for most of the day Wednesday and part of Thursday. Everything went well, with the exception of falling off the lift, whole other story, you will have to ask me to share...
Anyway, while riding up the lift I found I could have some real quiet time with God. It was amazing to look at the scenery and think about his creation.
While this time was good, I found that yesterday I was able to have some real quiet time with God. There was something that was really bothering me yesterday, so I needed to get out. So, I did what I havent done in a long time, I went for a drive. I havent done this for obvious reasons. Now that gas is lower (even though oil prices drop and gas prices went up here in Alberta, I dont understand), I felt I could go for a drive. I went up into the mountains and had some real quiet time with God. I listened to one CD for a while, then I shut it off and rode in silence.
If you have never done this, I recommend it. I know for me, it allows me to think, it allows me to pray, it allows me to sit in silence. I found a restaurant and had coffee. I sat there and read and thought about a lot of things. On the way home, I again rode in silence for most of the way.
After I got home, I realized how much I needed that time. A colleague of mine shared with our local group that he has been trying to do a lot more with prayer, and meditating on God's word. I see what he was saying. It is really refreshing to spend some time alone with God. I know most of my days are alone with God, but I mean some serious time alone. No computer, no phone, nothing to distract me. I realize that I need to do something like this more often. It was really a refreshing time for me.
I encourage others to do the same. Maybe driving isnt your thing. But find something where you can spend some serious time alone with God. Time where you can listen to what he has to say to you. Time to pray and meditate on his word. Hopefully you will find it as refreshing as I did.
Anyway, while riding up the lift I found I could have some real quiet time with God. It was amazing to look at the scenery and think about his creation.
While this time was good, I found that yesterday I was able to have some real quiet time with God. There was something that was really bothering me yesterday, so I needed to get out. So, I did what I havent done in a long time, I went for a drive. I havent done this for obvious reasons. Now that gas is lower (even though oil prices drop and gas prices went up here in Alberta, I dont understand), I felt I could go for a drive. I went up into the mountains and had some real quiet time with God. I listened to one CD for a while, then I shut it off and rode in silence.
If you have never done this, I recommend it. I know for me, it allows me to think, it allows me to pray, it allows me to sit in silence. I found a restaurant and had coffee. I sat there and read and thought about a lot of things. On the way home, I again rode in silence for most of the way.
After I got home, I realized how much I needed that time. A colleague of mine shared with our local group that he has been trying to do a lot more with prayer, and meditating on God's word. I see what he was saying. It is really refreshing to spend some time alone with God. I know most of my days are alone with God, but I mean some serious time alone. No computer, no phone, nothing to distract me. I realize that I need to do something like this more often. It was really a refreshing time for me.
I encourage others to do the same. Maybe driving isnt your thing. But find something where you can spend some serious time alone with God. Time where you can listen to what he has to say to you. Time to pray and meditate on his word. Hopefully you will find it as refreshing as I did.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Celebration
This was our second Christmas here in Alberta. Last year we were invited to a family's house to celebrate Christmas with them. Last year, we were by far the youngest people there. It was still a lot of fun as we were out at the ranch. This year we had a few more invitations from other people. It is always hard to say no to someone. But, we decided to go back to the ranch for Christmas.
This year however, their entire family were able to be home for Christmas. It was a really neat experience. Around Christmas time we miss our families in Ontario and in California. We would love to celebrate with them. Since that is not possible, it was really nice to feel as if we were a part of the family for Christmas.
My wife and I said we weren't going to stay too long, because we wanted to have time alone and open our gifts together. Well, we were having such a good time, our plan of not staying long didn't work. We had a really good time and we felt welcomed as if we were a part of their family. What a neat way to celebrate Christmas this year!
This year however, their entire family were able to be home for Christmas. It was a really neat experience. Around Christmas time we miss our families in Ontario and in California. We would love to celebrate with them. Since that is not possible, it was really nice to feel as if we were a part of the family for Christmas.
My wife and I said we weren't going to stay too long, because we wanted to have time alone and open our gifts together. Well, we were having such a good time, our plan of not staying long didn't work. We had a really good time and we felt welcomed as if we were a part of their family. What a neat way to celebrate Christmas this year!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Program
Last night we had the annual Sunday School program. It was a lot of fun to watch the little kids as they recited their lines and sang different songs. For me it is really neat to see the kids excited about being up front and singing. At what age is it no longer cool to stand up front and participate?
Anyway, my last post I said I was going to maybe push the limits a bit. Well, I think it went over pretty well. What I did was at the beginning of my meditation, I had someone call my cell phone. At first I looked out like whose phone is that? I should have let it ring longer to make people more uncomfortable as they looked for theirs, but I didnt. Anyway, I answered the phone and acted embarrassed that my phone would ring in the service. Then I reacted all excited about something happening right then and there. So, I ran out of the sanctuary. I came back in after a few minutes talking about how amazing it was to see a brand new baby.
The point I was making was how would we react to an important message like the birth of your own child. Or even more, if it was the birth of the Savior. The Shepherds left their work to go and see what the Angel had told them about. They returned glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. The shepherds were excited about seeing the savior. I wondered then with the congregation if we too share in this excitement? Or are we too tired and worn out from all the busyness of the season? At one point when I asked if we are just too tired, one of the kids answered out loud, "YES!" It shows he was listening, and it shows how honest he was, and how we might need to be more honest with ourselves.
The story is the same story each and every year. For many people it is old and tired. But the excitement of the savior being born should never leave us. We should want to share it with everyone! God himself became flesh to dwell among us! He came to redeem his people. What could be any more exciting??
Anyway, my last post I said I was going to maybe push the limits a bit. Well, I think it went over pretty well. What I did was at the beginning of my meditation, I had someone call my cell phone. At first I looked out like whose phone is that? I should have let it ring longer to make people more uncomfortable as they looked for theirs, but I didnt. Anyway, I answered the phone and acted embarrassed that my phone would ring in the service. Then I reacted all excited about something happening right then and there. So, I ran out of the sanctuary. I came back in after a few minutes talking about how amazing it was to see a brand new baby.
The point I was making was how would we react to an important message like the birth of your own child. Or even more, if it was the birth of the Savior. The Shepherds left their work to go and see what the Angel had told them about. They returned glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. The shepherds were excited about seeing the savior. I wondered then with the congregation if we too share in this excitement? Or are we too tired and worn out from all the busyness of the season? At one point when I asked if we are just too tired, one of the kids answered out loud, "YES!" It shows he was listening, and it shows how honest he was, and how we might need to be more honest with ourselves.
The story is the same story each and every year. For many people it is old and tired. But the excitement of the savior being born should never leave us. We should want to share it with everyone! God himself became flesh to dwell among us! He came to redeem his people. What could be any more exciting??
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