Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Music

As we approach the big day, the lights, excitement, and music is all around us.

Even if you are not a big fan of Christmas music, we all usually have at least one or two favourites.  Here are a few of mine:

Steven Curtis Chapman - Love it when someone can use an acoustic guitar and make it sound like this!



Matthew West - So many Christmas songs are slow.  Here is one that is fun and upbeat!



Relient K - So much fun...enough said!




Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Church Christmas Programs

How much do we love Christmas?  We love it so much that many churches will spend weeks and sometimes months planning a Christmas event to reach out to their community.   My church held one such an event last weekend (Calvary Community Church in Barrie).  From an insider's perspective, it is fun to see hidden talents come alive.  These are people you stand beside in church every week.  Who knew they could play the saxophone, or act, or sing?  Our a/v department is also very creative tracking down videos to add some fun to the night.  This is just one that has been making the rounds for a few years at Christmas programs, but it is fun to watch each year, enjoy!


Monday, December 2, 2013

The Case of the Missing Air Conditioner Cover

We thought we had it all together.  The leaves were raked, the flowerbeds were cleaned, lawn furniture put away, and the air conditioner was covered.  We were officially ready for winter!  

That is until we discovered that someone had stolen our air conditioner cover early last week. 

 

You think you're a patient, relaxed, calm person until you have a crisis on your hands.  Ok, I know this isn't exactly a crisis...but it is very annoying.

I don't remember praying and asking for patience, but I must have.  My first instinct was to write a scathing post on Facebook (I know that'll scare 'em ;)

Next, I wanted to talk about it on the radio...that'll really teach them.  

Finally, I settled on my blog.  But the blog I am writing now is much different than the blog I wanted to write when it first happened.  Why is it so different, because just a few days earlier I read about what the Bible says about anger and where it can lead.  Look at this:

Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

James 1:19-20 ESV

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV 

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 15:18 ESV

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I know some people hate it when Christians pretend that nothing bad ever happens.  Sure, bad things do happen, but how do we as Christians react?  That is what should be different.  Our perspective on everything in life should be different.  While we go through struggles we have God to walk with us.  When those struggles come, we need to lean on Him.  That is the only way He can become real to us and strengthen our faith...even when your air conditioner cover is stolen :)








Thursday, November 21, 2013

To Do Lists

Do you use a to do list?  Some people cannot go through a day without having a personal, work, and play to do list.  Simply put, it takes the stress away from remembering to do something.

I am no productivity guru, so I will turn this blog over to the experts.  I am a big fan of Michael Hyatt.  He always has something interesting to say and I usually learn something too.  In this case, Michael posted someone else's blog, Benny Hill Jr.'s.

Even if you normally don't read productivity blogs, this one is worth the read.  Enjoy!



http://michaelhyatt.com/to-do-lists.html

Friday, November 15, 2013

Speak Life

It's kind of funny to realize that the older you get, the less you know.  Learning is truly a journey, not a destination.  The other day my almost 3-year-old taught me another life lesson.  He is talking much more now and repeating what we say.  It catches my wife and I off guard.  We are especially noticing his use of what we call, adult phrases.  The other day he walked upstairs and noticed the lights were off.  Just a few weeks ago he would have said, turn on the light please.  But this time he said, "It sure is dark upstairs."  Where did he hear that?  One of us or another adult must have said it before.  It reminded us how careful we need to be around him to make sure he only repeats what we want him to.  

Then it hit me.  I am very concerned about my child learning and using kind and encouraging words.  But what about me?  Am I careful with my words?  Do I only use words that are kind and encouraging...even when my son isn't around?

The Bible has many references to the tongue.  God knows how easy it is to be hurtful.  That's why He felt the need to remind us over and over and over again.

Thankfully, we have some other help to.  Thanks toby!

  

Friday, November 8, 2013

35th Annual Covenant Awards

This year was the first time I took in The Covenant Awards in Burlington.  The awards recognize the best in Canadian Christian Music.  There were lots of great performances including up and coming bands like Anthem For Today and Mat & Nicole Crisp.   It is always nice to see more established artists too like Tim Neufeld and country superstar Paul Brandt.

I know some argue that Christians should not be handing out and receiving awards because they are, "doing it for the Lord."  I think I get what they are trying to say, but after seeing the look on the faces of the nominees and winners, I see their perspective too.

The Canadian Christian music industry is a small one.  Not many of them are "rich" like so many other entertainers. In fact, many of them have full time jobs on the side.  Others are full time and work very hard to book gigs, spend a lot of time on the road away from their families, and are certainly not millionaires.

I realized that the Covenant Awards are less about bragging rights, but exist to encourage.  It is not easy to be away from your family every weekend, to play in front of 50 people for a love offering (which is likely less than you think it is).  By receiving an award, these artists are given some much needed encouragement for following the call that God has put on their lives.  We all need that.

A special congratulations to all of the nominees.  It is a cliche to say that, "just to be nominated is an honour." Thank you to all of the artists for following God's call on your lives so they rest of us can be encouraged and challenged by your gifts.


  

Friday, November 1, 2013

What I Have Learned Being A Parent

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, people used to say, don't worry about what you don't know, you'll figure it out.  The truth is, they were right.  When Aiden was an infant, sometimes he would cry :).  I know, your child never cried.  But sometimes Aiden did.  As parents we tried to figure out if he was hungry, hurting, sick, or just wanted to be held.  Somehow, we always figured it out.  

I have also learned how selfish I must have been before I had a child.  Whenever there was a problem, I would think about me.  If I was hungry, I ate.  If I was bored, I found something to do.  I was always first.  After you have a child, it's crazy, but you don't care about eating until your child is full.  You don't care about your own safety unless your child is safe.  

Sure, this bear may not look intimidating now, but you should hear him roar!



Once again, I am humbled by how much our God loves us (1 John 3:1 How Great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God).  Sometimes we think that God is trying to teach us a lesson or at the very least make us wait for what we want.  When in reality, what we eat, our joy, and our safety are most important to Him.  It's not easy to understand, but if you're having trouble, think of what you will do for your own children.  It will make sense.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Dish Time

How do chores work in your house?  Does everyone have their daily/weekly responsibilities?  When I was younger, my brothers and I knew that we were doing the dishes...especially after church on Sunday.  We always had a delicious meal and since our parents did the cooking, we had to do the cleaning.  We even had responsibilities within the responsibility of doing dishes.  My brother washed, I dried, and my younger brother Tim put the dishes away.

I wish that I could say that dish time was a special bonding time that we cherish to this day.  But it wasn't.  Our purpose was to get the job done as quickly as possible even if that meant one brother telling another brother how to get the job done faster thus resulting in a massive argument.  Maybe if we had just relaxed a little more and done this, it would have helped.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

That's Impossible!

That's impossible!  Most of us have heard that before.  Maybe from a parent, a friend, a co-worker, a boss, etc.   That challenges some of us to work harder to make it happen, but others simply give up.  Before we get too crazy, we should point out that we can't do everything.   If you are small, you probably won't be an offensive lineman for a professional football team.   You might be on the team, but in another position.  So let's be realistic.  Sometimes we want to do something, but it doesn't necessarily fit our abilities or skill set.

However, you will likely have many people say, you can't, throughout your life.  Be careful to not let their words beat you down and discourage you.  But, also be listening to those with wisdom.  Those who can help us develop those abilities and skills we have been given.    Who can help?

First, start with the book of Proverbs.  Leadership expert John Maxwell challenges leaders to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month.  He says it will change your life.   That is what I have been doing for the past few days.  It is amazing what you can learn again for the first time when you read the Bible with a new perspective.

Oh, and since I am a hockey fan...and an Edmonton Oilers fan...here is a goal that helps us realize that it is never too late, even when it seems impossible.




Friday, October 11, 2013

How Thankful Are We?

We are all set to head into another Thanksgiving Weekend.  .

The definition of thankful is, "Expressing gratitude and relief, a thankful prayer."   A couple of synonyms would be grateful and appreciate.

When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind?  Ok, I'll go first (turkey, long weekend, time with family, travelling, etc).  I'm kind of embarrassed to say that being thankful did not make my initial list.  

My point is not to discourage, but to remind you, and me, to take time to be thankful and give God praise for all he has provided and done for us.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

You Never Know

So I have something to confess.  My wife and I are singing reality show junkies.  Over the years we have watched, The Sing Off (acapella), American Idol, X-Factor, and the Voice.   Part of the fun is seeing where singers come from followed by their huge opportunity on the big stage.

But more than once, we see a familiar face or are reminded of a story.  That happened earlier this week on The Voice.  Preston Pohl got up to sing.  He talked about touring and recording with a Christian band.  Hmmm...my curiosity had peaked.  I Googled his name and this is what I found.  Remember this band?  Look at the guitar player.


Ok...now listen to him on this week's edition of The Voice



I might be the only one who is not surprised when I see yet another Christian artist performing well.  Many of them have likely been singing and playing in church for a long time.  It is fun to see them on a big stage showcasing their talent.  It sounds like the past couple of years have been tough on Preston and the guys in Story Side B.  One of their members passed away and Preston even gave up music for a year to try and deal with his friend's loss.

This is a big change for him.  Pray that God would continue to lead and guide his life.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Luxury

There's no place like home.  Those are the words many of us speak on our way home from vacation.  Sure, we love to get away, but after awhile, for most of us, the cottage, the tent, and the hotel rooms get old and we long for a good night sleep in our own bed.  However, the "stars of Hollywood," often enjoy luxury we could only dream of.  Do you think you could, "rough it," in some of these trailers?



Friday, September 20, 2013

Little Things Matter

Opening a door for someone and shovelling snow for an elderly neighbor seem very simple.  You do not necessarily think they will bring you any kind of a reward.  But you don't care.  You are not doing it for the reward.  You are doing it because it is the right thing to do.

We never know how God is going to use us.  Here's proof...


Monday, September 16, 2013

Unbelievable Voice

In my position, I get to listen to a lot of music.  Whenever you hear an album, mp3, etc you are hearing a song in its "perfect form."  If the producer is good, all of the imperfections are removed.  Sometimes, that means you can be very disappointed to see a live performance.  You hear the band mess up, the lights don't work, or the lead singer misses a few notes.  I'm not criticizing at all, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be, "on," every night.

Maple Noise 2013 was Friday night at Timothy Christian School in Barrie.  Kevin Max is the new lead singer of Audio Adrenaline.  I was a DC Talk fan from back in the day and figured out that Kevin is an amazing vocalists.  He never misses a note.  So I was curious this time to see if he had lost anything over the years.  He lost nothing.  His range, dynamics, and presentation is unbelievable.  He also shared a bit of his testimony.  It sounds like God has been doing a real good work in his life.

If you couldn't make it, too bad.  Kevin and the rest of the band put on a fun show.  However, if you did miss it, it sounded just like this:


Friday, September 6, 2013

Smoke Detectors

Have you noticed that smoke detectors always let you know that the battery is low between midnight and 6am?  That shrill, loud beep, along with some loud instructions in French, let us know that our battery was low earlier this week.  My two-year-old even got caught up in the action by letting us know he heard a noise and people talking outside his bedroom.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the reminder, but I wonder if they could get more creative and "quiet" on future units.  When there is a fire, I want the beep to be loud and shrill. Whatever it needs to be to wake us up.  But a warning?  Why not a rapid flashing light?  Why not the soothing sound of ocean waves lapping up against the shore?  Or what if you could program it to play your favourite song?  It may not wake us up in the middle of the night, but the gentle reminder would be just as helpful...and might allow us to get the few extra hours of sleep we need.

To all of the smoke alarm companies...my suggestions...free of charge.  You're welcome!


Saturday, August 31, 2013

Back To School

One of my favourite things about the end of August was Back To School shopping....seriously.  I loved shopping for new books, pencils, pencil cases, lunch kits, etc.  I would do my best to track down supplies featuring my favourite super hero or favourite sports team.

But I do wonder how much better supplies are now?  Here's the proof.  Were these available when you went shopping back in the day?

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/cool-school-supplies-00100000063508/index.html
 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Treat

This video is for anyone who is a big fan of:

  • An upbeat fun tune
  • An acoustic playing guitar clinic
  • A classic tune from Steven Curtis Chapman



It is also pretty cool to see Steven play with his sons.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Piano Lessons

I grew up as a pastor's kid.  What is something that all pastor's kids have to do for at least a short period of time in their childhood...take piano lessons.

I would like to say that I played hard, practiced hard, and now travel the world showing off my skills. Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Like so many, my biggest challenge was practicing.  Maybe, just maybe if I had been able to use my feet more often on the keys I would have enjoyed it a little more.  Here's what I mean:


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Surprises

You may be a big fan of a song or an artist on the radio and because of that, sometimes an artist will surprise you during a live show.  There are so many serious, heartfelt, worshipful songs that tug on the heartstrings.  But before or after the songs they become a stand-up comedian.  Some examples include Mark Schultz, Matthew West, and Bart Millard of MercyMe.  I have no doubt that he is at least one of the brains behind the Cover Tune Grab Bag series.  Do you remember these songs?




Friday, July 12, 2013

"News"

Not sure how often you look at the "trending" feature on yahoo.ca, but my eyes always seem to glance over to see what is getting the most "buzz" each day.  This morning I realized that, "gossip," seems to get most of the buzz.  This morning, 6 out of 10 of the stories trending have no evidence that they are are true.  In fact, all of them say, "the rumour is..."

I'm not bringing this up to warn anyone else but to remind me of the dangers of gossip.  At google.ca I just typed in, "What does the Bible say about gossip?"    There were over 2 million suggestions!

Here are some warnings from the Bible about gossip:

Ephesians 4:29 ESV /


Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 


A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13 ESV / 


Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 


Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV /


There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 109 helpful votes


To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people










As you can see, both the Old and New Testaments warn of the dangers of gossip.  Some of the highlights are: dishonest man spreads strife, whoever slanders reveals secrets (even if you were told not to), the Lord hates a lying tongue...Yikes!!!





As per usual, a song does a much better job of explaining what I'm trying to say. 






Enjoy Hawk Nelson - Words








Friday, July 5, 2013

The Cell Phone

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago I didn't even own a cell phone.  I know what you're thinking.  How did I survive?

I started with a flip phone that could really only make phone calls.  Imagine that!  Now you can make phone calls, email, take pictures/videos, listen to music, watch movies, surf the net, check your Facebook, and I could go on and on.  But...is this a good thing?

I found this online.  I hope it makes you laugh.


Friday, June 21, 2013

Hearing For The Very First Time

***WARNING- IF YOU CRY EASILY, YOU MAY NEED TO GRAB  A BOX OF KLEENEX FOR THIS...Incredible video of a baby hearing his mom for the very first time because of a Cochlear Implant.


Luke 15:7 says, I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

When I watched this video, I thought of my relationship with God.  How often is He waiting for me to speak?  How careful am I to listen when He does?    In our culture there are so many ways to find answers.  Call family or friends, watch tv, google it, etc.  I bet He is so excited when we talk to Him.  Even if it has been a long time, I'm guessing He is especially excited to hear from us again.

If it has been a long time, call out to Him.  See what happens.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Graduation

They say that as you get older the years seem to go by faster.  As I get older, that certainly seems true.  It seems like just yesterday I was accepting my high school diploma eager and ready for an exciting new world.       Congratulations to all of this year's graduates!  If you wouldn't mind, take a few minutes to watch this video and pass it along to any graduates you might know.


Friday, June 7, 2013

The Great Adventure

It was the album that changed my life.  Up until that point I wasn't even a fan of music.  I did not own any cassettes or cd's (stop laughing...cassettes were great, unless you left them in the car on a sunny day.  Then the warble sound would begin).  This guy named Steven Curtis Chapman comes along and changes everything.  Back in the early 90's I was in high school just trying to find my way by asking the tough questions.  Why won't my parents give me more allowance?  Why can't I have the car whenever I want it?  Why do I have to clean my room?  Oh, and then there were the important questions.  What should I do with my life?  What does God want me to do with my life?  In high school, it was the second verse of The Great Adventure that caught my attention:

Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for


At the time, that verse meant that an exciting journey was front of me filled with nothing but fun and happiness!  As I continued to live more life and experience more of life's hardships like loss of a job, loss of loved ones, it was the bridge of the same song that started to mean more.

We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams


Through the years we will experience the joys of life, but the sorrow too.  I don't know Steven personally but I do know he has enjoyed lots of success, but his share of sorrow too.  

I am so thankful Steven Curtis Chapman followed the call on his life and recorded, The Great Adventure.  Because of that song I developed a passion for music that lead to my career in Christian radio.  Now, everyday I get to play music that spreads the message of Jesus.     It is amazing to think that God could give Steven the music and lyrics to write to encourage him, but also use that same music to encourage so many others too.

Let's bring back some memories and enjoy Steven's video for The Great Adventure.

P.S.  Don't make fun of the haircut.  I have connections and will post your haircut from the 90's in my next blog ;)


Friday, May 31, 2013

Perseverance

I never thought I would learn perseverance from something so...annoying.

I have always been a fan of a lush green lawn.  In my college days I spent time as a landscaper.  Loved the outdoors, loved the sunshine, and loved mowing the perfectly manicured green lawns.  They always look so good after being freshly mowed.  But just like almost everything in life, a green lawn doesn't come easy.

My wife and I bought a house last May and inherited a weed infested yard.  Very little attention was paid to developing that nice green lawn I long for.  My number one enemy in the battle is this guy...the dandelion.


Ironically, as I stared at my evil nemesis the other day in front of my house, persistence came to mind.  I have been reading through the book of Romans lately and Chapter 12 came to mind as I stared at this annoying yellow "flower."  Verse 12 says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."  At least in my yard, these yellow flowers love to rejoice, even after being mowed, and sprayed, and pulled in every possible way.  But still they persevere.

What can I learn from the pesky dandelion?  Sometimes it feels like I have lawnmowers coming at me from all directions.  Just when you think you are in solid ground, the ground moves and you are getting uprooted.

The difference between us and the dandelion is that we have the final line in that verse as an added encouragement.  Mark my words, I will win the battle over the dandelion!  But, no matter what we are going through in life, the lawnmowers or getting uprooted, we can be constant in prayer and know that God is in control.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Hip Hop

Our vision for Slammin Christian Hits is to be a mix of Rock, Pop, and Hip Hop.  Why?  In mainstream radio, those stations are some of the most popular in every market across the country.  This doesn't apply to every mainstream artist, but many of them choose to use lyrics that don't line up with what the Bible teaches. While we still encourage our listeners to pray for those artists, we look for music that sounds similar, but does line up with what the Bible says.

It has been easy to find rock and pop music that fits, but hip hop is a little bit tougher.  However, in recent years, Christian Hip Hop artists have become more popular which is great news for our Slam listeners.  Here's a great article on the Christian hip hop scene.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may/hip-hop-theologians-and-preachers.html

Friday, April 26, 2013

Steven Curtis Chapman - Movie Star?

Ok, that title is deceiving and unfair to Steven.  I'm referring to his acting role in a move that was released on DVD a few weeks ago called Ring The Bell.  No it didn't make it to theatres, it did not bring in millions at the box office, but if you're a Steven fan, it has likely peeked your curiosity.

It is not a movie with big names and a big budget but if you like to keep the movies "clean" at your house, I'm sure this is one that would pass the test.  It also looks fun for fans of Christian music.  Not only is Steven In the movie, but Casting Crowns and Matthew West make appearances too.

If you decide to pick it up, let me know what you think.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

My Poor Car

I spent much of my life living on the Canadian prairies.  Sure, a Saskatchewan winter can bring bitterly cold temperatures often dipping below -40 with wind chills of -60.  Yikes!  However, there is one benefit to the cold temperatures...lack of road salt.  You see (as I pretend to be a science teacher), the colder the temperature, the more ineffective salt becomes.  Too cold?  No ice will melt.  In Ontario, road crews spread salt like a fast food restaurant on fries.  So, if you don't carefully protect your vehicle in Ontario, the salt will literally eat away at the paint and metal of your car.  This brings me to the title of this blog, my poor car.  After another harsh Central Ontario winter and the rust spots are showing through more than ever.  This summer, I will have to do some serious work on the body of the car if I want it to last a few more years.

Lately I've been reading through the book of Ephesians.  This week it was:

Ephesians 6:10-18

New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

For some reason, this passage made me compare me to my car.  The purpose of this passage in Ephesians is to remind us that if we don't put our complete trust in God, we will have flaws that will slowly cause us to fade away.  God made us who we are so he knows we can be strong physically and emotionally.  But He also knows when the waves of life come crashing against us, we are no match if our trust is not completely in Him.  

So next time you see the rust on your car (or think of mine if your car is awesome), think of your own life.  Are you being strengthened everyday by putting on the armour of God, or is the rust starting to show?


Friday, March 22, 2013

Hello

I'm sure that you've noticed that the older and older you get, the smarter your parents are.  As a teenager, nothing would have been further from the truth.  But as you get older, work a full time job, raise a family, you  find yourself calling your parents about what to do with sick kids, a leaky faucet, a car that makes strange noises, and maybe even questions about your spiritual life.  

The reason I bring this up is because the older you get, the less you seem to know.  When you're hit with that reality, it can be very easy to look at your life and feel discouraged and defeated.  The good news is that you're not alone.  Most of us feel that way at some point (at least once) in our adult life, including Matthew West.  His latest song is Hello My Name Is...and it is meant to provide that encouragement you need to know that you are not only meant to do great things, like your parents likely said, but that God will be there to encourage you too.  Need that shot of encouragement, listen to this:



 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Waiting

Waiting has to be one of the most frustrating things in the world to do.  Seriously, how many things do you  enjoy waiting for?

For the doctor to see you?  Nope.
For the car in front of you to start moving because the light has been green for five seconds?  No, that is rather annoying.
For your prayers to be answered?  Now that's a tough one.  Your friends say, "God's timing is perfect,"  "He is always walking beside you even if you don't hear an answer right away."  Those answers are great until they (your friends) need an urgent answer to prayer.  Then they start to get frustrated too!

What does the Bible say about waiting?  More than you might think...here's the proof:

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Habakkuk 2:3 "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Psalm 62:5 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him."

Psalm 33:20 "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."

Hopefully by reading these verses it helps us realize that "waiting" is nothing new.  And even more importantly, it's nothing new for God.  He has promised and commanded us to be patient and to trust Him.

Everything is always easier to understand when put to music.  Hopefully this song helps you too.  It's from the movie Fireproof, which challenged married couples, but the lyrics can work for any situation.  Enjoy!






Friday, March 8, 2013

Need A Laugh?

Life can be so serious sometimes...so we need to laugh as often as possible.  I'm not the only one who things that way:


A day without laughter is a day wasted. Charlie Chaplin

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. Mark Twain

You have as much laughter as you have faith.  Martin Luther.




If those quotes don't help...hopefully an interview with a Guinea Pig will:



Friday, March 1, 2013

Oprah

Oprah Winfrey is one of the best known personalities on tv.  Her show remained popular from start to finish...and then she started her own cable tv network (OLN).  I was never a regular viewer of her daily tv show but she started something on the network called, Oprah's Lifeclass.  She brings guests on the show that   will hopefully encourage and challenge her viewers.  On Sunday, I watched her interview with Rick Warren in front of a live audience.  Here is a short version of Pastor Rick explaining the 5 things that Shape a person.



And...remember this story?


Friday, February 22, 2013

Favourite Song Friday

Since AJ The Wonderdog has been off for a couple of days, I thought I should step up and post some of my Friday Favourties...specifically, songs.

I am a melody guy.  The melody is the first thing that attracts me to a song.  If I don't like the melody, I find it tough to get into the song.  But, if I do like the melody, then I listen to the lyrics and most of the time like the song even more.  So, without wasting anymore time.  Here are some of my favourite tunes:

Have you heard the new one from The Afters?  Lots of fun!


Group 1 Crew - His Kind Of Love


Audio Adrenaline - Kings & Queens.  I love that Kevin Max is in a band again.


Everyday Sunday - Calculate


tobyMac - Steal My Show  "My life, my plans, my heart, my dreams, my fears, my family, my career.  It's all yours God.


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Bold

So I'm watching American Idol this week and this girl, who has been very good, walks on stage to do a solo in front of the judges.  The purpose of this round is to stand out and show the judges what makes you special.  I should say, what makes your voice and your personality special.  Take a chance, take a risk, but don't go overboard.

You know like Angela Miller did.  She went overboard. She went up on stage and showed why she is unique, that her voice is amazing, and then she took two risks that she probably shouldn't have.  She sang an original song (yikes) and sang a song about Jesus (double yikes).

The best part of the story is that it all paid off.  She moved on to the next round and is in the Top 20 girls category. 

I guess the more important thing to take from this performance is Angela's boldness.  She has an amazing voice and could have easily picked a song that everyone knew and breezed through the round.  Instead, she took a couple of minutes to spread the message of Jesus to millions.  Now that's being bold about your faith.

If you missed the performance, here you go:

Friday, February 8, 2013

Exercise

Here we are a month into 2013.  How are you doing with your resolutions?  So many of us want to be healthier, maybe lose a few pounds, and look and feel a little bit better.

It's not as easy as it sounds.  Have you noticed that everywhere you go you see what you know you can't have?  Chips, cookies, pop, etc...and that's just at your small group!

Maybe we've got it all wrong.  Comedian Jeff Allan has his own thoughts on exercise and dieting.


Friday, February 1, 2013

Bible Reading

Ever have a tough time reading your Bible?  Ok, don't worry, you don't have to admit it out loud.  When you read through Genesis, for example, it's hard enough to try to pronounce all of those names.  Forget about trying to understand why they are even in there!  

I am a big fan of Michael Hyatt.  He writes blogs about productivity, leadership, and personal development.  Last summer he wrote a blog about reading the Bible.  It was such a good read I want to pass it along.  Enjoy!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Authority

So, I have never lived in Toronto but for some reason I know a lot about Mayor Rob Ford.  He made headlines around the world when he was removed from office for what was considered to be an abuse of power.  The mayor appealed the ruling and was allowed back in the mayor's office today.

Most of us have an opinion of what went on simply by what was reported, including me.  But as I saw the mayor with a huge look of relief on his face today, I thought of 1 Timothy 2:1-4:


I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

As the decision was I made, I realized how little I had prayed for Rob Ford.  Even though I saw his face in the news over and over again, his name was rarely said in my prayers.

Then I started to think about my mayor, and provincial and federal leaders, and the prime minister.  How often do I pray for them?

Maybe you pray for government leaders daily.  If you do, I'm sure they appreciate it.

If you are like me and forgot, good news, we can start today.  Pray today, in fact pray now.

   

Friday, January 18, 2013

NHL - Do I Care

After a lengthy lockout that lasted from September to early January, the NHL will kick off a shorter regular season tomorrow.  Ever since I was a youngster, I have watched and looked forward to a new NHL season.  In those early years, I couldn't wait to watch Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers try to win yet another Stanley Cup.

As you get older and assume more responsibility, you get more protective of your free time.  The media kept suggesting in the summer, "if the NHL and NHL Players don't get a deal done early this time, they risk an apathetic response from lifelong fans that would be very dangerous."

I thought, c'mon, hockey fans will always come back in Canada.

So, here I am on the eve of the new NHL hockey season, and I realize that hockey will not be a priority for me tomorrow.  I may watch, I may not.  Can you believe it, I have become apathetic.

Was the lockout worth it for the league and players, only time will tell?

I am very happy that those people who work at the rink and sell the popcorn will have their jobs back.


Oh, for old times sake, look at this video of Glen Anderson of the Edmonton Oilers scoring a goal to help the team with the Stanley Cup.  If you don't want to watch the entire video, start watching from 5:12.  Do you think fans will get that excited this year about hockey?

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Sometimes You Just Need To Smile

There's enough in everyday life that can bring you down.  Sickness, car and house repair bills, problems at your job, no job.  Sometimes it takes more time that you want to figure these things out.  I think that's why videos exist.  Some are entertainment.  Some are informational, and some just make you smile.  I have very few videos saved, but this is one I keep going back to because it always makes me smile:

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Cold/Flu

I can't believe how many people have had a cold or the flu over the last couple of months.  I don't know a family who has not been effected this year.

The cold/flu talk always brings out the unique remedies.  When the doctor says, "you just have to fight it off," you start looking for anything that might help. 

Here are a few suggestions.   I was a pre-med student in University at one time, but then again wasn't everybody :)  I am by no means a doctor, but if you've had the cold for a few days/weeks, you'll try anything right?

My favourite is number 3.  Who knew there was a right way to blow your nose!

Enjoy!

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cold-remedies