Too Much Information

Here are some tidbits about me. Why? We had a partner appreciation week last week at work where each of us listed something about ourselves that other partners may not know. I thought it would be fun to throw a few up here starting with what I posted from work.

• I lived in Bermuda for three years. In fact, both my sons were born there (my daughter was born in Mississauga, ON Canada).
• I was born with a club foot. As a result, my left foot is 1 cm shorter than my right foot, my left leg is an inch shorter than my right leg & my left leg is smaller than my right leg (most noticeable when I wear shorts & my calves are exposed).
• I sunburn easily & badly. I've had blisters on several occasions & once spent time in the hospital being treated for second degree burns from the sun.
• I don't wear deodorant. I'm not sure what it is about my body but when I sweat it doesn't smell. I can play hockey, workout & run for 5 kms yet I don't get BO. However, I will occasionally wear deodorant for the scent. Put it this way, I haven't opened the deodorant stick Leslie put in my stocking this past Christmas because I'm still working on the one she put in my stocking the Christmas before last Christmas.
• I love the smell of skunk spray. Leslie doesn't even know this about me. The scent reminds me of the best summer of my life. Reason is because that first summer I started going out with Leslie (June 3, 1989) there was a skunk problem at the camp we were working at. The camp director was a hunter & so he set traps for the skunks. I'd help him check the traps and dispose of the skunks. Funny thing about the mind and associations!
• I was security for Rod Stewart. This leads into another, I was a member of 723 Comm Squadron in Halifax, NS as part of the Canadian Forces Reserves. During that time, Rod Stewart was visiting town to do a concert on Citadel Hill. We were called in to be security.

I could go on...maybe another time, another post!

HEAD

The Dream

Making omelettes for breakfast with Jake
Sitting in a cold rink on a hot day watching (with the other parents) as Joel & the kids play 3 on 3
Listening to God, as pointed out by Julia, in a Hannah Montana song (who knew?)
Walking a young couple through marriage prep over dinner
Spending the evening playing Trivial Pursuit with our friends while the kids play Disney Scene It

Does church get any better than this?

Press Play

A 3 minute sample of Head's first track Flush off the upcoming debut is available on his myspace page. The full length song will be available on itunes 07/08/08 with the album coming out 09/09/08. I've been chomping at the bit for this one - can't wait!

Lately my ipod play consists of:

• Aerosmith - Big Ones & Permanent Vacation
• System of a Down - Mezmerize
• Ozzy - No More Tears
• The Black Crowes - Warpaint & Greatest Hits
• Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA
• KISS - Alive

I've finally gotten past the 4000 song mark on my ipod. The thing is crazy - I haven't even filled it 1/4 & I have tons of other stuff on it. I've thrown a bunch of audio books on there for the kids for our trek camping in Montana this summer - Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl and of course, Dr. Seuss. We're all looking forward to the end of school next week & the beginning of the camping season - woo!

Does Organized Church do More Harm Than Good?

Jim recently made a post by the above title. If you have a few moments it's worth checking out here (don't forget to scan the comments). In this first post he answers that yes, organized church does do more harm than good.

He follows up the first post with a second post here. In the second post he responds with the comments of people who feel organized church has had a positive impact on their lives (again, don't neglect the comments).

Happy reading!

Full of life

I know I've said it before yet I'll say it again, life is full, good & full.

- Joel was selected to take part in a hockey school in July at no cost to us! It's a Calgary Flames camp & he'll be spending a couple of hours at the Saddledome on tour of the Flames dressing room, etc. He's pretty stoked as are we for him!

- Julia lost her two front baby teeth. I'm watching her grow up before my very eyes and it both excites me and scares the heck out of me. In some ways I want her to continue to be my little girl forever.

- Jake & I have had some great talks as of late. These are cherished moments. One night he was asking me about drugs because a kid on his soccer team (while they were both on the sidelines together) asked him if he knew what getting high meant. Another time, during a drive we were taking together, he was telling me how left out he sometimes feels because kids have seen movies that he hasn't. Austin Powers was the movie in question and he wanted to know why he hasn't seen it yet.

Parenting is such a huge responsibility. I love it and don't love it (hate is too strong a word to use coz I wouldn't take it that far). It's not about my kids - I love them, there is no question. I'm more concerned with messing up and messing them up. I'm concerned with them rebelling against me and not wanting to speak to me when they get older. I'm concerned with them leaving our family to begin their own and not needing me anymore.

God has given them to us in trust for a time. That's hard. I know it and I will deal with letting go when that time comes. For now, every moment is precious as I get to be a part of their growing up.

My Girl

Julia lost her two front teeth this week - one on Wednesday & one yesterday (Friday).

My little beauty is growing up!

Wi-fied into the Kingdom of God

I'm rereading Jim Palmer's book after having read it for the first time over a year ago.

Excellent book. Pick it up and also check out his blog - he's a great storyteller, relatable and a great mind.

Check this excellent quote from the book:

"For most of my adult life, I have been seeking after God in church. Now I'm starting to understand that I'm already wi-fied into the kingdom of God through the Spirit of Christ living in me."

I love that, "wi-fied into the kingdom of God through the Spirit of Christ living in me."

Hope of a Better Past

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why they call it 'the present.'"

Great "fortune cookie" type line from Kung Fu Panda. The kids got out early from school yesterday so we took them to see it (we're all big fans of Jack Black - he's the man!)!

Loved the movie!

That line stood out for me because it holds a lot of truth for me in this period of my life.

My spiritual director told me some months ago that his impression of me (as he was listening to me speak) was that I seem to be stewing over past regrets, consumed with future fears and missing out on the present moment.

Six weeks ago I went to a weekend 'personal growth' workshop in the city of champions. That weekend another similar statement hit home "I finally gave up hope of having a better past."

The present moment truly is a gift. I'm not saying don't learn from the past and don't prepare for the future but when they both consume (like they sometimes do with me) the moment passes and I've missed out.

I'm still learning...

19

..and counting!

I love my boys!

Jake was telling me about his prayer a couple of nights ago and how he was praying for a family in our community who was going through a tough time as the result of a hit & run DUI that killed a woman. He went on to say that he prayed for the Penguins (his team) to beat the Flyers (my team).

I said, "Jake, do you think God cares about hockey & who wins the cup?"
He said, "No, but I know He cares about me & I care about hockey & who wins the cup."

Geez, I wish I had the faith insight & God capacity that I once had as a kid.

*** *** *** *** ***

Joel & I were heading into the Y to volunteer tonight when he saw a couple of high school kids dressed in football gear heading to or from a game/practice.

Joel said, "When I grow up I'm going to either be a football player, hockey player or a coal miner."
I said, "Joel, do people still coal mine?"
He said, "Oh yeah! They make like one thousand seven hundred dollars a year!

I'm not sure which book & from which era he had taken his research but to him it seems like a good paying job!

Top Shelf

Jake got his first goal of the soccer season yesterday as he received a pass, went in on the left side of the goal and kicked the ball over the keepers head into the top left corner of the net! His team went on to win their first game of the season 5-2!

We're very proud of Jake, he's doing great in his first season of an organized sport (I'm still trying to figure out all the rules of soccer)!

From a Distance

Life is full but God seems far. He says He's not but I'm not feelin' Him.

I tried to have a conversation with Him about it this morning but, as so often, He didn't say anything.

I spoke at a friend's church in Cochrane this morning so I had 45 minutes each way to hear from "Abba". Nothin'.

How much time does He need!?!

Like the mind of one who's grown up in the church, my mind told me that I need to read my Bible to hear...right.

Shouldn't the God who creatively spoke the galaxy & the mosquito into existence be creative enough to speak to me without me doing the work of looking into a book that sometimes comes across as repetitive, stale and uncomprehendable!?!

I'm at a loss for words - I wish He had some.

Post #150

Had dinner with Darrell, our friend from the Halifax/Dartmouth days on Wednesday night. It was great to catch up. We hadn't spent time together since 1999 when he came to visit in Bermuda.

Found out on Thursday that a girl I work with is getting married by a mutual good friend who will be visiting Calgary on the May long weekend to do the wedding!

Thursday night Berkley & I met up with a new friend, Eric as we moshed it up at the As I Lay Dying show. August Burns Red also played and kicked ace. The venue was small & tight - Berk & I threw a few guys up to crowd surf - it was a good time!

Came home Thursday night & had a short visit with Karen, another visiting friend before Leslie left @ 1 a.m. to take her back to her hotel for an early morning flight. I got to sleep at 1:30 a.m. and got up three hours later for an opening shift.

Friday I carried burdened thoughts over a friend in ministry. I fear there are those in pivotal positions of leadership within my denomination that are concerned more with the brand & distinctives of the denomination than they are with Jesus & His non-conformist creativity. I'm not puzzled and questioning why youth are leaving our denomination - I think it's obvious. More to follow... ..

Friday night hockey with Joel...Saturday morning Soccer with Jake...Saturday evening hockey with Joel...THE FLYERS KICKED MONTREAL'S ASS & OUSTED THEM FROM THE PLAYOFFS - BOOYA!!!

Winding down with a wee post..

Mature Choice

Picked this tidbit up at work this morning:

Growing old is mandatory,

Growing up is a choice.

~Unknown

Life is full

I thought I'd squeeze in a post or two in what has been a very full few days (with little breathing room on the horizon).

sup?

• Early 4:41 am starts (the last 2 months, this early rise has been a big deal for me)
• A second ministry proposal due for Toronto
• An article due early May (which is taking time now)
• Speaking at a buddy's church this weekend
• Volunteering at the Y tonight
• A conference call tomorrow night
• Jake's first soccer game on Tuesday night
• A network of house church planters in Red Deer on Wednesday lunch
• Dinner with an old pal on Wednesday night
• As I Lay Dying with Berkley & a new bud on Thursday night
• My part in a prayer manifesto is due on Friday
• Social w/hockey parents on Saturday night
• Two years ago I contributed to a book I wasn't sure would ever come to be - I found out today (as I was sent a copy to look over) that it will be going to print very soon!
• Of course, watching my Flyers get in the heads of the Habs
• Just finished Head's book - what an incredible man & story

Good times - please forgive my lack of posting!

Jesus of Suburbia - Jamie's comment

Jamie made a comment on my previous post - his comment is worthy of a stand alone post especially if there may be those that skip comments and could miss it...

As someone who lives and serves in an inner city community, I couldn't agree with you more. I am a very strong advocate for increased Christian involvement in the inner city, but only because that it the context to which I am called and can see the need. However, I am not blind the broader needs.

I have said it many times before, but it is worth saying again: Suburbia is a far more challenging context in which to be truly missional than the inner city in so many ways. While the problems in the inner city are many, they are also largely out in the open for many to see. Further, because so few Christians genuinely engage the community missionally, there is a freedom to explore and experiment with creative ways of serving God and our neighbours.

In suburbia the culture of respectability and privacy means that the very real problems are often hidden behind a veneer of manicured lawns and smiling faces. Further, the culture is less forgiving about innovation in ministry. All this to say that, while many people pat me on the back for living and working in the inner city, my heroes are those who genuinely contend with the culture of suburbia for Christ without abandoning it or compromising within it.

Great comment Jamie!

Jesus of Suburbia

If you haven't heard, our community found out early yesterday evening that someone was found dead in their home between 4 & 6 p.m. that same day. The home is literally a hop, skip & jump from where I live.

As details unfolded today the woman found dead was strangled to death and it's a good possibility it was her husband who did it. It's sketchy but it sounds as though following the killing of his wife he drove out on the highway and took his own life as he drove into oncoming traffic.

Sad but not surprising. Prior to watching the 11 p.m. news last night I joked that people would be saying, "I can't believe it!" "I'm shocked." "Not in our quiet community, others but not ours." "They were good people, quiet, kept to themselves."

Sometimes in the church we're led to believe that real problems & real ministry happens where the obvious, visible issues are - downtown, inner city among the down & out ("that's where Jesus would be"). I don't dispute that there are some real needs among the homeless & the substance addicted, those people are close to Jesus' heart & He would be found among those marginalized. I know too that the greater church community has far too long been much too comfortable, complacent and neglectful of the less fortunate.

That said, there are issues in suburbia. Issues of: substance abuse and addiction, pornography addiction, debt, uncontrolled rage, many kinds of abuse, not the least of which is domestic violence - and the list continues. Add to that single parents, both male & female (but mostly single moms), attempting to raise healthy children without support. Plus the overwhelming sense of loneliness & isolation that many feel especially in a city like Calgary where many have left the comfort of close family support in other parts of the country to seek employment in a city & province bursting with opportunity.

Suburbia has issues that are close to Jesus' heart too. I believe you'd also find him here pulling up a chair at the table in the home of someone in Bridlewood.

The church isn't doing so well in Suburbia either. We live next door to people we don't even bother getting to know. Church is something we do on Sunday & we drive to get to it - away from real life in our immediate community and into the little 'once a week' compartment we've reserved for God, church & something we refer to as ministry.

There's a bigger world out there people. Someone in your neighbourhood needs a friend as much as you do - give it a whirl!

As I call it...

The Flyers owned Montreal tonight, playing very well and providing every assurance that they can win this series.

What happened?

Here's what I saw:

1) an obvious high stick on a goal that the refs chose to count instead of calling it truthfully as a high stick (probably for fear of not getting out of Montreal in one piece).

2) a bogus call with 1:05 left in the third period that put Montreal on the power play (six on four) in the dying seconds. It was neither a kneeing infraction nor a tripping infraction (as was called). Richards put his shoulder into the Montreal player, there was no kneeing motion. And, who calls a penalty in the last minute of a playoff game?

On another note, Bell Centre fans are rude, disrespectful & ignorant. They boo during the U.S. anthem, they boo opposing team super stars, they boo the home team when they are displeased and what's with showering the opposing team with beer when he's helplessly in the penalty box?

What a bunch of clowns!

On the iPod

I have 3500 songs on my iPod, 1 book, a dozen podcasts, 20 talks, pics - and still, it's not even 25% full! Amazing, I love it!

Getting lots of play in the buds lately is SOAD's "Mezmerize" - it has to be one of the best recordings of all time. P.O.D.'s new album is delish as well with the return of original guitarist Marcus Curiel.

I'm getting really stoked about heading to the As I Lay Dying show next week. I saw them a couple of years back at the dome & they were awesome. This time around it will be a smaller venue which always makes for a better show with this kinda band. All of their stuff is getting it's fair share of play also. Good stuff - yeah!