Merry Christmas!

Hi everyone! Well, okay... Hi Fish. I'm sure you are the only one who checks regularly. Actually, I have to take that back. I'm composing this on my Dad's laptop and was pleasantly surprised that he has my blog set as his homepage when you launch explorer. So I have at least another faithful reader!

Anyhow, I just wanted to wish anyone who might check in over the holidays a very Merry Christmas. It's been about a month since my last post, so I don't expect too many visitors. We have been having a wonderful time here at my folks in PEI. It was quite a journey (Karsyn asked if we were going to Bethlehem!!!). 18 hours on the road can take it's toll, but we made it in good shape. We are thankful for the invention of the portable DVD player!

Yesterday was wonderful. We began the day with our traditional reading of the Christmas story and then the wrapping paper began to fly! The kids had a great day, and so did we. Time with family, sharing laughs, singing songs, and reflecting on the greatest gift of all - A SAVIOUR HAS BEEN BORN, HE IS CHRIST THE LORD!!!

Refreshing...

They say that "a change is as good as a rest". As you may have noticed, I'm trying to

"refresh" my blog with a couple of little tweaks to the color scheme. Any thoughts or suggestions on the changes would be welcome!

Speaking of changes, my service at Christian Horizons has been changed. I'm being transferred to another program within the city. Not a major change, but there will be new things - new schedule, new workplace, new protocols, new individuals to serve, and a new team to work with. My current team took me out for lunch today, treated me to a great buffet, and gave me a nice card (I learned today that Karl is jealous of my hair). We had a great time at lunch today, and over the past year and a half we've had a great time together as a team. It was interesting to see how close our team is in a "one-staff program"! To all I served with here at P.11 - David, Frank, Gail, Greg, John, Josh, Karl, Peter, Scott, Seth - whether you made it today or not, thanks for your friendship and for lunch today, it was... refreshing!

A missionary in our midst...

Peterborough paramedics (from left) Bill Martin, Mike Latham, Ryan Maloney, Mark Cameron and Brian Wilkes - with a river ambulance.

One of our own at Calvary Pentecostal Church, Pastor Bill Martin, returned today from a 2 week trip to Cambodia. During his time away, our family committed to praying for Pastor Bill and his team while they served the people in the villages they went to. My kids were thrilled to discover that Pastor Bill is "an ambulance man" as well! They were also pleased to know that when he came down with severe illness after being there a couple of days, their prayers partnered with others and he was back to full health the next day! A great faith-builder for all of us. Please click the link following to see the coverage they received from our local newspaper "The Peterborough Examiner". from Nov.17th (unfortunately, this link will only be available until Nov. 24th)

DON'T CRY...

...over spilled milk. For any family members (or Kirk) who may be reading this - yep, I did it again!!! It seems that I don't go for too long without spilling something and tonight I spilled milk... again.

When I was a kid, it was very common for me to spill whatever beverage (or cereal) I happened to be consuming at the time. Actually, things really haven't changed much. The worst time was when I was about 8 or 9.

The whole family was seated at the table for supper and I went to the fridge to retrieve a new bag of milk. In my exuberance to accomplish the task, I returned to the table kinda tossin' the bag of milk up in the air. Well, this resulted in a simple law of physics becoming all to real for me - what goes up must come down. And down it came, missing my outstretched arms in the "basket-catch" position and hitting the floor with just the right amount of momentum and in just the right way to... well... I consider the factors going into this event to be the requisite factors in creating the "Perfect MilkStorm" because when it hit, it split, and the bag exploded it's white bovine substance all over my Mom's kitchen.

This set my Dad into one of his very few yet very classic fits of rage complete with fist banging and a couple of "bloody-well"'s. This of course reduced me to roughly the same as the contents of the little plastic bag - just a pool of liquid on the kitchen floor. My Mom, though frustrated I'm sure, assured me that all was well, it was just milk and could be cleaned up. Then we promptly proceeded to do just that. We cleaned up the mess.

Tonight when I spilled the milk, my Dad wasn't there to yell at me and my Mom wasn't there to help me clean up. In fact, I was working at Christian Horizons where I support individuals with physical and mental challenges. One of the guys I support started laughing at the spectacle. He quickly stopped and apologized to me for laughing. I said, "nah, man - that's okay. It was pretty funny. Besides, you can't cry over spilled milk!". Confused, he asked what that means. I told him that it just means there's no sense being upset about it because the milk is still spilled. I might as well just clean it up and continue on.

How many times do we cry over spilled milk in our lives? How often do we dwell on things that we cannot change? How much do we berate ourselves over mistakes made, poor decisions, or what might have been? How much guilt do we hang on to when we sin - after asking for forgiveness? I know that it can be really tough sometimes. We've all been in those ruts before - "woe is me", "why did I do that", or "God doesn't love me anymore, I'm no good for him now". We need to just clean up the spill - fix the mistake, ask for forgiveness, determine to do different next time - and move on... "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13,14

What would happen if I just left the milk where I spilled it? Pretty stinky, eh. One thing I had to learn early on is that spilled milk quickly became spoiled milk and that was just gross. If there is spilled milk in your life be sure to clean it up - deal with it so your life doesn't spoil - then look ahead, press on toward the goal... our HOPE in Christ!!!

ABSOLUTELY WONDERIFFIC!!!

I was filling out a form for Karsyn for an activity. After all the age, address, and allergies inquiries, the final question said "any further comments?". I couldn't help myself so I did comment further. I simply wrote this in the tiny space provided - "She's just absolutely wonderiffic!". What can I say? The gleam in her eye and the smirk on her face gives a glimpse into her charm, wit, fun, and overwhelming lovability!!!

The other day, after a particularly long and busy weekend, this 4 year old was able to do something that my wife and mother have thus far been unsuccesful at. She convinced me to take a break! We were driving home from church Sunday night and she asked if tomorrow was a "school day". I said "yes". She asked what I would do with her and her brother at school and mommy working. I replied that I would probably go to the church and do some work. She said, "Daddy - I think you should stay home tomorrow and rest." As soon as she said it I knew she was right, so I did it... and it was absolutely wonderiffic!!!

Remembering Remembrance Day

"THE BATTLEFIELD"

"THE BRAVE SOLDIER"

Check out these pictures made by my 7-year-old, Dawson. The neat thing about them is that they were not part of a school project. We were just sitting watching CBCÂ’s coverage of the the Remembrance day service in Ottawa. Dawson was asking me questions about war and soldiers and what not and he drew these pictures.

The first one, "The Battlefield", shows a battle. The green thing in the middle is an airplane dropping bombs, there is a really big bomb falling out of the sky at the top, then the soldiers on the ground are shooting each other. The ones on the left are the Good Guys while the ones on the right are the bad guys who are losing.

The other picture "The Brave Soldier" shows a field where a good guy was shot and killed so we could be free (Dawson's words). Obviously it shows a tombstone, poppies, and a bright clear day. I thought it was all pretty neat.

Both Dawson and Karsyn, our 4-year-old daughter, were very interested in the ceremony on TV. Karsyn asked if we had one here in town and I said yes, but it was already started and we couldn't be there. Well, that started about a half an hour of crying because she was missing our "Remembrance Day Fair"! We tried to explain that it was not a fair, but to no avail. Anyhow - it was a good teaching moment before the crying started!

Starting Off Sloooowwwwwwly

I thought this would be a good way to get back in the swing of things - share someone else's writing instead of my own!!! I received this in an email from Pastor Frank Patrick at Calvary Church Peterborough. The author is one of my sisters favourites, and apparently one of Oprah's favourites as well. It's good stuff...

"Christian" by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin.
"I'm whispering "I was lost,"Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

~Maya Angelou~

I am Here, and I am NOT Silent - "Return of the Blogger!"

That's me on the left and David on the right!










Yeah yeah, okay David - I'm back! My good friend and blogging mentor David Fisher has been going uncharacteristically easy on me since my last post on September 11th. However, in recent days he has turned up the heat and now today has publicly called me out on his blog. He is hoping for a response, so I'll give him what he wants! He is absolutely right - it is no longer "the first day of school" and almost 2 months without a post is way too long, not to mention almost certain blogicide. (there's a new one for your glossary of blogging terms David - "Blogicide: Allowing an inordinate amount of time to lapse between posts. This results in your readership losing interest and no longer stopping to check for new material, thereby virtually killing your blog".)

So, I need to build my blog back up! How do I do that? Well, one way is for David to announce to the world that I have new material. However, that is an unfair favour to ask after 1 post in 2 months. Instead I will ask him to give me 2 weeks to show that I can consistently post new material. 2 weeks from now, if I have 6 new posts, I think I can assert that I'm back and David can share the news with the world via Pilgrim Scribblings.... I know that is not close to David's prolific posting rate (which is more like 6 a day!) but that's as good as you'll get from me on a consistent basis.

I do have great fodder for new posts - anecdotes from the kids, Mom & Dad and sister Jilly visiting for a couple of weeks, thoughts and humour, new pics - Karsyn's first year at school, Dawson's hockey, Robbin's beauty, Calvary staff/board retreat, family visit etc. Lots going on, I'm just not taking the time to share it! Well, now I'll try... check back daily to see how I'm doing!

First Day of School

Here is Karsy starting her first day in Junior Kindergarten. She was very nervous and anxious the day we went to meet her teacher, but this day was nothing but excitement! After these pictures, she went in her lineup, started talking to a friend and basically forgot her mother and I were even there! We had to get her attention for a kiss and hug goodbye and then we were off, and she began her academic career... I hope she has enough crayons!

WARNING: Listening to Nicole C. Mullen's "Redeemer" while driving may be hazardous to your health!

...but good for the soul!

I discovered this when the song came on the radio this morning while driving to church. As her powerful voice passionately sang even more powerful lyrics, the reality of the words hit me deep in the chest and spread throughout my whole body. I could barely contain myself as I belted out the familiar words. By the second chorus the tears welled up in my eyes, filled them to the brim and quickly overflowed to my cheeks. This was a good thing, because the welling blurred oncoming traffic.

I encountered the second hazard soon after this as I could no longer stand it and had to raise a hand in praise to God. I wasn't slow to return both hands to the 10 and 2 positions while driving through a light drizzle that made the roads slightly slick.

Finally, the last danger was seen as the speedometer crept towards 70km. Thankfully we live pretty close to the church so I made it just fine.

Afterwards I reflected on the beauty of the moment - those few moments alone in my car when I was touched by God through the music and truth of the lyrics. It made me wonder why I don't have more moments like that and I realize it is because of me! Pastor Lewis Massarelli reminded us this evening how much God wants to be in relationship with us - more so than we want relationship with Him. It it is up to me to take the time to allow Him to connect with me on that deep level, to be moved spiritually, challenged actively, stimulated mentally, and touched emotionally.

Have you taken time recently to have those "moments" with God? Can you say "I know that I know that I know that I know... - God loves me - God is with me - I am going to Heaven - My Redeemer lives!!! I hope so - if not, listen to the song "Redeemer" on this link (click on the song title when you get there) not because there is anything "magical" about the song or the music - but the words are from God's Word and they proclaim God's truth and that brings you into an encounter with God. Just don't listen to it while you're driving!

Lyric sample from "Redeemer" by Nicole C. Mullen

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and There's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, I know my Redeemer I know my Redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know He lives he lives yeah yeah
I spoke with him this morning
He lives he lives, the tomb is empty,
He lives I gotta tell everybody

Do you know where you are?

This is the driveway leading up to the back bush at Nana and Poppa's

We were having a great time. Beautiful surroundings, enjoying each other's company, feeling good about the activity - but slowly these things were gradually replaced with unfamiliar surroundings, getting on each others nerves, and wondering if we should have done this after all.

This was the experience we had when Dawson and I took a walk in the back bush on my Father-in-law's property. Dawson asked to go exploring so we left the familiar trail and made our way into "uncharted territory". Before long, I didn't recognize the area and wasn't exactly sure how to make our way home. Our tummies were rumbling as it neared dinner time and Dawson realized that we were going in circles! He said "Dad, are we lost?". Trying to put a slight spin on the situation I grinned and replied, "no Bug, we just don't know where we are!!!" After almost an hour stumbling and circling ourselves, we finally spotted the familiar trail (to my great relief!).

I'm wondering today, do you know where you are? Dawson's question made me think of the familiar christian terms that describe people who are followers of Christ and people who are not. Followers of Christ are often referred to as "Saved" while people who do not follow Christ are said to be "Lost". Problem is, "Lost" people often don't even realize their own dire situation! Before they get to a point of utter despair and realize that they truly are lost without Jesus in their life they might feel a slight dissatisfaction, a little something missing, or just general uneasiness in life. If you don't quite "know where you are" with God, I want you to know that you can! We can know where we stand before God and where we will spend eternity because God has promised that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our Heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved!

Don't wonder if you are lost - be sure of where you are...

We were there for a good time, not a long time!!!

Well, we just finished our week of holidays. We had a great time. A nice visit with family from PEI for a couple of days started the week off perfectly. It was nice to see them again - the last time we were together, their 11 year old daughter was my Son's age! (7)

After that, we went to the sandbanks (just like Fish suggests... click here). That was an adventure! The original plan was to stay in Belleville overnight then spend the next day at the sandbanks in the sun and surf. However, when we entered the hotel a sign was posted saying their pool was out of order! That was disappointing seeing that we booked that one because of the pool for the kids. The staff were helpful though and suggested a nice economical resort right on the sandbanks. We called, made the reservations, and were off. After only 3 wrong turns we made it!!!

We all had a nice refreshing dip in the pool, checked out the beach, skipped stones, and went for a walk to explore. After supper from our cooler, we played tennis - all 4 of us! Dawson and Karsyn each made a great ball boy and girl and Robbin discovered that she actually enjoyed tennis! I'm gonna get us racquets and take it up. Dawson had a lot of fun as well. After tennis we were all tired out and went to the room for sleep to be rested for a big day at the beach. It proved to be a beautiful day. We swam at the pool, then took our picnic lunch to the beach for some fun in the sun. This was a short trip, but it was very relaxing and enjoyable.

I will post more soon - I promise!!!

Blog or Bust!

Wow - I think I'm trying to break my record for blogging futility! I thought I should check in with my vast readership and let you all know that I am having a great summer. I suppose I could have documented that with a few posts along the way... but for a quick recap - we hosted a spanish studend for the month of July; I was involved in our VBS Daycamp at Calvary Church; and our family has invaded the pools of all our friends! Our kids love it and our friends seem to as well. Actually, the one who enjoys it the most is probably Robbin.

The last part of summer has a few things to look forward to as well. My cousin from PEI will be stopping in for a visit with his family next week. It will be good to see them - after 4 years! Then Dawson will be attending a hockey camp that we are both very excited about. In between that we are hoping to squeeze in a quick get-away for the 4 of us. And maybe, just maybe - I might be so moved to post something interesting on this thing. As for now, this will just fulfill my requirements to maintain my blogging credentials and retain a spot on the prized 'links' column in "Pilgrim Scribblings..." (I hope "Fish" didn't fall of his chair and hurt himself, or pass out when and if he saw this!!!) Keep writin' David - you are a blogging maniac!!! - you've produced your best stuff in months these past few weeks!

Hillary Who?

I certainly do not consider myself to be an expert in pop culture, but I could not help but smile at this little anecdote. Our 4 year old daughter recently attended the birthday party of a 6 year old friend - who it should be noted, has older siblings and cousins. This was her first "on her own" party as mom dropped her off and picked her up when it was finished. Later on, over dinner, Karsyn was telling us about the party and said she really liked the music they were listening to. I asked Well... they're both cute! her what it was and she said "Hillary Duck". My wife and I looked at her, looked at each other, and quickly stifled our laughter with comments of "how nice", and "that's wonderful". It was pretty funny though. I wonder if Miss Duff has ever been mistaken for a duck before!

What Will it Matter 92 Years From Now?

Note: This post was originally saved as a "draft" on May 19th, and just re-discovered today. I have done basic editing, but this is the essence of the original draft.

Like most law-abiding Canadians, I recently filed our 2006 Canadian Census. It was quite a painless process - no big deal, just a few questions to answer and away we go. One question stood out though. It asked if we would give permission for Statistics Canada to make public these confidential files in 92 years. There were 2 circles: "Yes" or "No". I wondered who would put an X in the "No" circle. After all, what will these not-too-personal queries matter to me in 92 years?

When people make a big deal out of something that my Dad feels is unimportant, he has a habit of saying "What will it matter a hundred years from now?". In other words - it doesn't make any difference, really. I couldn't help but feel the same way about my personal census information being released in 92 years. I certainly don't plan on being around to care about it - I hope the Lord takes me either dead or alive by then!However, between now and then, what DOES matter?

I have had some pressure lately by a certain well-meaning mentor, relatives, and friends regarding my outdated blog. One anonymous comment suggested that I was too wrapped up in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to post anything new. While that may be part of it, truth is we recently had the pleasure of hosting my folks for almost 3 weeks, and I guess I just got out of the habit. Excuses aside, I do find myself in a very busy period of life right now. So, the question is begged, what really is important? What really matters? What deserves my attention? What can I give my time, effort, money, and energy towards that will have a lasting effect, that really WILL matter 92 years from now?

Now, I know I am no different than most people. Everyone is busy these days. For me, 2 part time jobs and a young family cause me to constantly answer that question. There are many times that I need to adjust my time-spending habits. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have hobbies, recreational time, down time. We need those, but we need to be careful we are in control of them and they don't control us. For me, I can easily lose myself in sports (in any form) and television. I am a hockey nut and I have a few favourite TV shows, but who will care who won the 2006 Stanley Cup or Memorial Cup 92 years from now? Will I really be concerned about missing the season finale of "24" or seeing if Taylor can get more votes then Katherine in 92 years? I think not.

What will really matter in 92 years are the things that will last. It will matter that I worked my jobs with integrity and effort. It will matter that I treated people well. It will matter that I was a faithful, reliable, and loving husband. It will matter that I was a loving, patient, and involved father. It will matter that I followed my calling to teach God's Word. It will matter that I lived my life on this earth to His Glory.
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:8
That is what will REALLY matter in 92 years.

Congrats to the 'Canes

Full marks go to the Carolina Hurricanes for their big win last night. I look back on the The Stanley Cup is in there somewhere... I think!

whole playoffs and think of what could have been... Montreal had this team on the ropes in the first round up 2 games to none but couldn't finish them off. If Koivu hadn't suffered a serious eye injury, maybe he would have been snatching the cup off the table before the commish could even present it like Rod Brind'amour did last night! If the Sabres defence hadn't been decimated the way they were maybe they could have been cup finalists. If goalie Dominik Hasek could have played, maybe he would have led Mike Fisher and the Sens to the Cup. If Roloson hadn't torn up his knee in game 1 of the finals, maybe the outcome would have been different.

coulda, shoulda, woulda...

if only...

Then again, the 'canes had to deal with things too. A #1 goalie who suddenly forgot how to stop a puck at the most important time of year, missing Erik Cole - one of the games premier power forwards - for all but the final 2 games, injuries to key players - aaron ward, doug weight, kevyn adams, bumps and bruises to all the players. But the 'canes found a way to deal with these things, persevere, and triumph.

Just like in life - it is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens. We all have difficulties, rough spots, trials, and the like. Do you lose faith, or do you persevere? Don't lose heart - rather look up and live life like a champion. The bible says that we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom.8:37).

It is amazing how our perspective can change when we keep our eyes on the prize - for the 'canes it was the Stanley Cup. For us, it is the Hope of His Calling, our eternal home in the presence of the Lord!

Daycare, Storytime, and Hell...

Today I arrived at the school to pick my daughter up at daycare at the usual time. I was greeted by her teacher and she complimented me on what a lovely girl Karsyn is, very endearing and very polite. I knew all of this of course, and thanked her with a big proud smile on my face. She then proceeded to tell me about the storytime that day. The book used at storytime today contained the subject of a grandparent dying and going to heaven. Karsyn used this opportunity to share with her fellow pre-schoolers some thoughts on life after death. She said that God made heaven for people who love Him. She then said that God also made hell and that Jesus would throw the devil into hell and anyone who does not love God would go to hell too.

Now, I don't know if the teacher was telling me this just to make small talk, or if she was wanting me to be aware of my daughter's bold proclamations and potentially frightening statements to the other kids. I do know however that she has never talked to me before other than a polite "hello". Regardless, I just smiled and responded - "well that's great, it's good to know she has her theology right!".

I know we can be quick to talk about Heaven, but we also need people to know that the alternative is Hell. It is easier to talk about heaven - that's the nice part, but hell is bad news. Keeping hell in our consciousness helps to maintain an urgency of evangelism. People without Christ are not lost to nothingness, they are lost to an existence of everlasting torment. But we have the Good News! We can preach Christ crucified, sinners sanctified, believers satisfied, and saints glorified. Now there is a story we need to be telling - go on get out there, it's storytime!

Care Bears, MegaMen, and Heaven...

Christians often talk about "the hope of heaven". What exactly is it we are hoping for? Heaven, yes I know, but what about heaven? What will be so great about it? What will be there? What will we actually be doing there? The other day my kids were talking about heaven and my young 6 year old theologian was trying to explain the finer points of heaven to his 4 year old sister. It began with Karsyn saying she wanted to take "sharebear", the care bear given to her by Aunt Jill, wherever she went. "I'm even going to take her to heaven with me!" she exclaimed. Dawson suppressed his laughter and exchanged a knowing look with me before sharing with his sister some sage wisdom that he learned himself not many months ago. "I'm really sorry Karsyn", he began, "but you can't take sharebear to heaven with you. We won't be taking anything at all!" She said, "really? Not even our clothes?". They had a good little giggle about that, then Dawson went on to talk about not taking anything because God was making it so we wouldn't need anything. She didn't really like this answer and whimpered, "but I want Sharebear". Dawson in his attempt to empathize with his sister told her that he can't take his Megaman with him either. He said everything that will be there will be way better than anything we could ever want to take with us.

I wonder, what is it that you might be holding onto? What is it that seems more important than eternal life to you? Maybe you're not clutching sharebear to your chest and hanging on for dear life, but I would submit that many of us hang on to other things. Is it money, your job, relationships, power, entertainment - or simply satisfaction with the status quo?

I don't know about you, but I am certainly not hoping for an eternity of sitting on a cloud singing and playing a harp. Don't get me wrong, times of worship, reflection, and relaxation are wonderful and I'm sure will be a great part of heaven. But here on earth once I've had a nice little rest, I'm ready to do something man! I really think heaven will be far more active than many perceive it to be. I've read some authors like Randy Alcorn, Ted Dekker, C.S. Lewis, and others who have suggested that we will indeed be very busy in our eternal state. It will be a continuation of that "full abundant life" that Christ has come to give us. Will you join me in living that out - forever... even without carebears and megamen?

Peterborough Pete's Pastor Gets Carried Away in Moncton

My good friend David Fisher (aka "Ontario's Ambassador to PEI" - see previous post) accompanied the Peterborough Petes to Moncton for the Memorial Cup. David, or "Fish" as he's known to the players, is the chaplain for the Petes and has had a tremendous impact on many young players who have come through the Petes organization in his 10 years of ministry with the team. This trip to the memorial cup is a great opportunity for David to continue to minister in meaningful ways during one of the most memorable events of these players young lives. It is also apparently an opportunity for him to sample some of the Maritimes prime snacks!

As I listened to the game on 980 kruz radio, play by play announcer Pete Dalliday spotted David in the crowd during a stop in play. He called what he saw with the same detail, and almost the same excitement of calling a Steve Downie puck control play along the boards with a pass out front to the high slot on to the stick of Jordan Stall. The following is a very close transcript of Dalliday's call of David Fisher in the stands:

"The whistle goes on the icing play... well, a lot of familiar Peterborough faces

making the trip to Moncton for this tournament. There's Petes Pastor

David Fisher with an ice cream cone in one hand and a

Timmy Horton's in the other - double fisting it now David,

you better be careful, getting carried away there!"

Suffice to say, David is enjoying the tournament - wins, losses, sight-seeing, snacks, and all! David is keeping an online Daily Diary of his time there. Click on the link and see the Memorial Cup in Moncton from his perspective.

Ambassador Greets Island Residents

Ontario's Ambassador to Prince Edward Island made his first official visit to the province today. David Fisher's itinerary included a tour of an authentic Island Beef farm, taking in the view at "Anne of Green Gables" in Cavendish, visiting Province House - "The Birthplace of Confederation", and dining at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. The Ambassador also called back to the Ontario office and was instructed to visit to the home of Harvey and Lorraine MacLeod (my parents). This visit was the highlight of the day for all parties involved and Mr. Fisher was quoted as saying he would be sure to be back! Amidst all of these official activities, I am sure the Ambassador found time to visit the local Christian Bookstore!

... Hope you had a good day David - I know my folks only complaint about the visit is that it was too short! This one was for you, Fish - more to come soon, I promise!

Sibling Revelry - Part 2

The idea for a series comes from my good friend David Fisher's blog "Pilgrim Scribblings". Check out His Site for a great series of pictures showing beauty in the seemingly dull, called "Attractive Drabness". The first link takes you to his latest installment, this second link takes you to a previous post which shows more pictures.

This is a second installment of what may become a series of pictures that show the wonderful side of sibling relationships. I know I treasure my siblings - my older brother Scott, and younger sister Jill - tremendously. These pictures remind me that my own kids really do love each other too! Click on the following link to see the first "Sibling Revelry" post.

Dawson and Karsy enjoying breakfast, beautiful art, and bonding

AND THE GOLD MEDAL GOES TO...

My son Dawson's hockey team, The All Saints Tykes, finished the year strong and ended up winning the playoff tournament to take home the Gold Medal! Dawson proudly shows off his gold at the year-end hockey banquet. His whole team was very excited to win a "Gold Medal"!

God and Lemonade

You've heard the saying, "when life gives you a lemon, make lemonade". I subscribe to that sort of mind set. In fact, I was thinking as I started this post that life itself is actually a lemon. Think about it, the Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We begin our lives in sin - now that is a lemon! The quintessential "lemon" is that car that is always breaking down. You get it with great hopes and dreams to drive in style, or at least get from place to place, and it ends up disappointing you. Just like life, we are born and there is great hope surrounding a new baby. As we grow up we are dreaming of what we might do - after school, on the weekend, in the summer, when we grow up, when we get a new job, when this debt is paid, when this habit is kicked, when this relationship is repaired, and on and on and on. The lemons, or bad things in life, the results of our sin and the sins of others start piling up. Pretty soon, we become jaded and the hope is gradually replaced with hopelessness. Ah, but there is lemonade to be made.



A couple of weeks ago, my daughter wanted to have a lemonade stand. It was the first really nice day of spring, and she got this notion. We both worked together and set up a stand complete with a giant jug of lemonade, disposable cups, chocolate wafers for a treat, and a little ceramic "doggy bank" for any donations. I had forgotten something inside and told Karsyn that she needed to come in with me. She first said that she would stay outside by herself and I said no. When she protested, I reminded her that I needed to keep her safe and couldn't leave her alone outside. Remembering our "street safe" talks, she quickly came in with me. As we headed back outside her exact words were "Nobody will take me now Daddy, because when they see you with me they will know that I belong to you." I was struck by the simplicity and the truth of the statement, and by how the very same thing could be said about us and God. "When they see you with me they will know that I belong to you". If you are a believer, do people know that you "belong" to God? Do people see God with you everywhere you go? That is our witness to those around us. That is what shows others who our allegiance is pledged to. When we put others ahead of ourselves, people see God in us; when we give sacrificially and cheerfully, people see God in us; when we show faithfulness through difficulty, people see God in us; when we share in others pain and hurt, people see God in us; when we welcome others into our home with hospitality, people see God in us; when we share the truth of Christ's love and the power of His death and resurrection, people see God in us - and know that we belong to Him!

Then God can make the lemonade. He takes the lemons (our lives) and makes something wonderfully refreshing, sweet, satisfying, and altogether different then what we had before - the lemonade - or, our new Life in Christ! Have you allowed Him to have your lemon and make lemonade? Have you given Him your life and asked Him to make all things new, to make it full and abundant, satisfying and rich, complete and compelling, exciting and eternal? He will - He did it for me, he's done it for others, and He can do it for you - whosoever will... Those are my thoughts on God and Lemonade.

Take care of the little things!

Have you ever noticed how the big things so often are actually just little things that got out of hand? Here is a great example. No, this isn't our car - but it got your attention, right?!!!

The other day, my wife had an appointment at 8am. She got into the car at 7:45 and soon discovered that the car would not start. There was just no sound when she turned the key. On top of being late for the appointment, Robbin couldn't bear the thought of yet another seemingly all-to-frequent vehicle expense. Flustered and frustrated, she got out of the car and made her way to the house to get my help. By the time she reached the front door, she realized her mistake. She turned around and realized that she had forgotten to put the car in gear and put the parking brake on. She knew this because our car was rolling down the driveway, and she watched it cross the (busy) street, hop the curb, and settle on the neighbour's lawn with the back end sticking out on the road! After calling a cab to take Robbin to her appointment I waited for CAA and couldn't help but wonder why she didn't remember to put the parking brake on.

When the CAA guy came, he started it up with a battery charger and tested it out and felt that everything looked good. I told him what happened and I have to say that I just gave him the facts - without complaining about "women and cars" 'cause that's just not my style. But, he did get the message that my wife did this. When I asked why it happened he explained it could be anything. He had a quick look around and discovered the interior light was switched to the on position. He looked at me and with a wry grin asked who had the car last night, to which I sheepishly admitted was me! I left the car light on all night and killed the battery! If I had taken care of a very small thing, we never would have had the car on the neighbour's lawn!

Well, the CAA guy had a good chuckle at my expense but it got me thinking about how many "big problems" could be dealt with easier, reduced, or avoided altogether if the little things were taken care of. I want to offer a little word of advice when it comes to our faith and relationship with God - Take care of the small stuff, and you will be entrusted with even greater tasks. Be faithful in the little things, and it will just be natural for you to be faithful with more important things. Exhibit integrity during the easy times, and you will persevere in tough times. Most important, be sure to say one small prayer of repentance, acceptance, and surrender and the biggest thing of all - eternity - will be taken care of! The Bible describes hell as a whole lot worse then jumping a curb and landing in your neighbour's yard...

Coming soon to "The Hope of His Calling..."

Have you ever had a brush with greatness? Who would you like to meet and get their signature to keep for posterity? Watch for a different take on this in the upcoming post "The Autograph".

An unforgettable kiss

A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to go to our annual church business meeting. I changed my clothes and brushed my teeth after dinner and was set to go out for the evening. I was about to give my wife a kiss goodbye when I decided to plant a real "memorable" one on her. With the kids giggling behind us, I pulled away and Robbin was laughing. She had just moments earlier put "teatree" oil on her lips and she asked how it tasted. Caught up in the moment, I said "it'll take a lot more than that to keep me away" and kissed her passionately once again. I skipped out the door, but by the time I put the key in the ignition the horrible aftertaste of teatree oil assaulted my mouth in full force. As I pulled out of the driveway, I hit the speed dial for home and when Robbin picked up I said into the cellphone, "Man, that teatree oil is potent stuff!!!". Robbin laughed, and I assured her that it was a small price to pay.

Now, that is just a silly little exchange between husband and wife, but don't underestimate the seemingly small stuff. I walked into the church, and while it was a fine, encouraging church business meeting, what do you really think my mind was on - my meeting or my mate?

Our lives are filled with the mundane day-to-day tasks - go to work, pick up the kids, help with homework, get supper, put kids to bed, etc. etc. Don't forget to break into the everyday routine with an exhilarating effort every once in a while. It doesn't have to be a big deal all the time, though that's nice too. Sometimes simplicity is sensational. I could have left with a simple kiss on the cheek, but those final moments of passion and fun flirting at the door with my wife had me on cloud nine for the whole evening. I couldn't wait to get back home and be with Robbin again, although I have to admit, I was hoping the teatree oil would wear off by then! Keep those homefires burning...

The Evangelists

I saw a headline the other day that read, "New Orleans Crusade Probably Graham's Last Sermon". This of course referred to well known evangelist Billy Graham and the declining state of his health. It was ironic that as I was reading this headline on crosswalk.com I could overhear my kids preaching one of their first sermons to a visiting friend.

They were all in my son's room playing "superheroes". They soon began to discuss the various merits of superman, batman, Luke Skywalker, and others. Finally my son said, "well, Jesus is stronger than anybody and he can do anything." Dawson's friend Silas seemed impressed, and agreed that God did trump the other superheroes. My 4 year old was in there as well. After trying in vain to contend that Dora the Explorer qualified as a superhero, Karsyn followed up Dawson's remark with this; "yeah, and did you know that Jesus died on a cross to forgive our sins so we could go to heaven?".

It really is a simple message, isn't it. So simple that humanity's intelligence so often gets in the way of figuring it out. As I eavesdropped on this wonderful exchange, I thought again of the great evangelist - Billy Graham. What successor to the evangelist could possibly have the impact on the world that he has had? Graham was quoted a number of years ago on the subject of a successor. He said, "I don't need a successor, only willing hands to accept the torch that I have been carrying, those who will present the gospel to a new generation,".

I heard 2 kids receive that torch into their hands the other day. My prayer is that this knowledge of Truth would grow in them and develop a passion to present the gospel to this new generation. I had a Bible College professor who's signature phrase to his students was "Keep Preaching!". Well, Dawson and Karsyn - keep preaching!

It's Playoff Time!

At least for the P.C.C.H.L. Tyke division. We lost the first game, then won the second one with Dawson getting a goal and an assist. He deked around the defenceman to get in alone on the goalie, gave him a head fake and lifted it over the goalie's leg - a big deal for a kid who has been working on lifting the puck!

In his practice Jersey, Dawson has his "gameface" on!

Dawson (in the black with yellow and white trim) goes for the puck

Slightly undersized, this All Saints star has speed to burn. When he gets a step, lookout goalie 'cause he has the moves!

Scripture and Quote of the Week Updated...

Both the Scripture and the quote are to do with sibling relationships. The quote can only be ever true if the family referred to is the family of God - believers by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Sibling Revelry

Just when you wonder why brothers and sisters have to fight so much, you are reminded that they really do love each other. Jill and Scott, for all the dirty socks in my mouth, for the punches on my arm that Mom thought would give me cancer (???), for the pushing, pinching, telling blaming, and teasing that we all did, this is what it's really all about. And there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother...

Family Photos

We've all done the "kodak moment" thing, right?!!! It seems that the photographer is more into it then the subjects after a while. Take a look...

Pretty in Pink

My best girls - so far so good!

What can I say - Just as pretty as pretty gets!!!

As you can see - I'm starting to lose them. I said, okay guys, one silly shot, then back to business... Mom is not too impressed!!!

There, that's better - well... good enough, we're done!

Another Birthday Girl

My wonderful wife turned... well, you'll have to ask her - but she had a birthday this month too! We celebrated with our good friends - the Gavin's. Hey, save me some Ron!!!

Robbin (b'day girl), Karsy, Seth, and Ron

Birthday Girl

My darling daughter turned 4 years old last month!!! Here are some some pics of her celebrating with some friends and cupcakes...

Karsyn likes what she put together

Karsy's friend Seth "hams" it up!

Dawson and Luke have "icing beards"!!!

Can you say "Sugar buzz!!!"?

Yummy

I'd save some for ya... but it's too good!!!

Awakening To The Wonderful World of Books

I have always been a great lover of books. I enjoy reading, but I am not particularly good at it. No, I do not have literacy issues. I can read, but I don't read non-fiction regularly unless I have to. I find this strange because in times of "force-fed reading" (such as educational and occupational requirements, etc.) I usually love it. I am often challenged, refreshed, inspired, and otherwise satisfied with being fed spiritually and mentally. I just find that I do not regularly crack a non-fiction book and finish it with the same ravenous reading in which I attack a novel.

A few months ago I decided that I needed to develop this discipline of reading for my own personal and professional growth. The results have been somewhat mixed. In spurts and starts, I have read with a proficiency that falls somewhere in the middle of the Canadian Women's hockey team's total dominance and the men's team's utter malaise. In other words, I am not completely hopeless but I am not exactly a world-beater yet in terms of reading.

I decided to start things off with an author whose fiction I really enjoy. Ted Dekker is an amazing suspense/thriller/action novelist writing from a Christian worldview with a clear message of hope and faith in his work. So when I discovered his first foray into non-fiction, I picked it up. In fact - this book inspired the title of this blog, the hope of His calling. In reading it, you quickly see signs of a fiction writer's first non-fiction work manifested in 2 clear elements. First, it is very much "story-centric". Dekker loves to tell a story and often does to get his point across. The other element is that because of the "story-centric" nature, the book is more inspiration than information.

The sub-title "awakening a passion for heaven on earth" really states the purpose of the book succinctly, and the author does a fairly good job of achieving his stated purpose. Dekker was preaching to the choir though as I really can't wait for heaven. Essentially, the message is for many of us (me included sometimes) who just get so comfortable living our life here that we forget we are not here for here. We are here for heaven!

One aspect that Dekker deals with exceptionally well is the whole concept of the "wrongness" of pleasure. Many believers are wrongfully taught or mistakenly think that pleasure is bad. Ever hear someone say, "if it feels good, it must be a sin". So not true. Here is a quote from the book, "While the children of our culture play noisily about the yard and swim in so many pleasures and eat from lavish spreads, we often feel like the ugly stepchild, confined to our closets, starved of the pleasures that call to us."(p.165) He goes on to discuss how we are really meant to enjoy the pleasures the creator has made for us, but sinful nature distorts and perverts pleasure to the point of turning it to sin. Then on p.167 Dekker returns our focus to eternity, "When one is enamored with the bliss that actually awaits, he actually finds more pleasure here on earth, not less."

I have run into some believers who are uncertain of heaven, even scared because of the unknown or dreading it because of what they think they know. This book is a great start for those who have misconceptions of eternity. Randy Alcorn (who wrote the forward for this book) also has great stuff on the topic of eternity.

This was a good book, inspiring a passion for eternity and instilling a desire to enjoy the "foretastes" in the meantime while serving the One who provides it all. Check out Dekker's site on the link above (click on highlighted name) for more info on the author and his work. Very good stuff.

Well, that was my first - and I've read three others since, so I am improving! I'll have another review soon. In the meantime, I would recommend you pick up this book whether you need to be awakened from a slumber, or inspired to continue on in the journey to our eternal destination. And then the fun begins.

The Best Ever!!!

There has been a lot of TV watching at our place the last couple of weeks due to the wall-to-wall Olympic coverage. We have even temporarily lifted the usual "before school TV ban" to watch those early morning events. With all the coverage comes the endless commercials. Some are "Gillette fusion"

clever (the Bell beavers), some are cool (the weird water/metallic dripping off the vehicles on the fashion runway), some are silly (Ronald McDonald ski jumping), some inspiring (the child athletes with famous athlete's voice-overs), and some are just the same old stuff you always see trying to sell product. See - I told you we have been watching too much TV!

Anyway, the one I'm talking about is one of those generic "say your product is the best" ads. The first time my 6 year-old son Dawson saw the Gillette Fusion commercial, he turned to me and said with wide eyes, "Dad - did you hear that?!! You've gotta get it - they just said it will give you 'the best shave ever'!!!". He was completely serious. I'm sure if he had stubble, he would have walked right out the door to the nearest store to pick up this product. Now, I have nothing against Gillette - in fact I use one of their older products, but how many things claim to be "the best"? How many products make claims that they cannot follow through on? I have a cousin who bought an electric razor because it promised a shave as close as a blade or your money back. He got his money back. It could not deliver on the promise to shave as close as a blade. It was not as good.

So what is this all about? I'm just trying to get us thinking about promises, new things, and what is really the best for us. No, I'm not endorsing a particular razor, electric shaver, or your local barber - I'm endorsing something that is billed as the best ever - a new, better, superior way of living.

The book of Hebrews repeatedly shows that Jesus came to establish a new and superior covenant with God's creation. Hebrews 11 lists a number of people, centering them out for their faith while under the old covenant. However, it was still not perfect. They were only saved based on their faith retroactively under the new covenant. "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Heb. 11:39,40)

The old way was not sufficient. "The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God." (Heb. 7:18,19)

We needed something else. "If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come?" (Heb. 7:11)

So what is the difference between the old and the new? What makes the new way superior? "Therefore he (Christ) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever." (Heb. 7:25-28)

Now we have been promised a better way, the only way (John 14:6), a superior way. "But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises." (Heb. 8:6)

And how do we know this? How can we be sure of these promises? What is the guarantee? "Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." (Heb. 7:22)

I love the feel of a good close shave. It feels soft and smooth, then you slap the after shave on and you feel clean and refreshed. That is what the blood of Jesus does to our lives. It removes the "stubble" of sin in our lives, it cleanses us, it refreshes us, His blood frees us.

I am not sure if I have had the best shave ever, but I know that Jesus has provided the best life ever, and I plan on continuing to live in Him. Now that is an advertisement worth paying attention to. That is something that I could endorse! Would you consider doing the same? Do it with that same child-like faith exhibited by my son, accepting God's word that it is indeed - "the best ever!!!"

Change is Overdue

Boy, that scripture and quote of the week are from Christmas! I was trying to decide whether to keep them there until next Christmas or if I should update - I've decided to update. The Scripture goes with the recent post "The Vanishing Stain". "It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and jupiter and mars. How loving and patient He must be, 'cause He's still workin' on me".

Coming Soon to "The Hope of His Calling..."

Have you ever had a brush with greatness? Who would you like to meet and get their signature to keep for posterity? Watch for a different take on this in the upcoming post "The Autograph".

The Vanishing Stain

I had a wonderful Bible College Professor, John Stephenson who greeted every class with a cheery, "Good morning, Saints!". This served to remind us that we are no longer sinners lost in this world, rather - we are the redeemed, bought with a price and are seen by God as Justified by Christ.

what does it take to wash the stain?

There are times though when we feel more like sinners than the saints we are supposed to be. Why is it that, though sanctified by the Holy Spirit we still sin? Though set free, we go back to jail - even if we are "just visiting"? Though justified, at times we think "Just-if-I'd" do this / not do that - no one will notice, it's really no big deal. We already have been made right in God's eyes, but not yet do we always do right.

This past week I had the opportunity to lead our church's mid-week children's program. I love doing this; I enjoy the interaction with the kids, my heart melts as they worship Him, and my heart is ignited while teaching them the truths in God's Word. This week, one of the teaching tools was an object lesson intended to show the power of forgiveness. I practiced this small "experiment" prior to the lesson, but was largely unsuccessful. It involved a glass of water, red food colouring, and bleach. As I spoke about our lives (the glass of water), I mentioned the decisions we make, the things we do that are sins that change our lives, staining us and making us dirty. I let a drop of red food colouring splash into glass and it slowly distorted and stained the water. Then came the moment of truth - I poured in the bleach as I talked about Christ's work on the cross. His shed blood that takes away our sin, his forgiveness washing out our stain. Problem was, the food colouring was still there. A little muted perhaps, diminished by degrees, but definitely there. I quickly transitioned focus from the experiment to the truth of God's word and moved on to the next activity in another room. 15 minutes later, we came back to the main area where the object lesson was and one of the kids ran up and held up the glass and said, "look, it's clear!". I was reminded of the truth of what we already are, but have not yet realized. The bleach was already poured in, but it's effects were not fully realized until later.

Yes, there are times when we fail, fall, and come short of the mark. There are times when what God sees because of Jesus' work on the cross is a gross misrepresentation of what we really are. This whole "Already/Not yet" tension can be frustrating in many ways, but I am thankful. We are already justified, but not yet glorified - already purified, but not yet perfect - already sanctified, but not yet impeccable. I cannot wait for that day when the corruptible is made incorruptible, mortality will be clothed with immortality on that glorious day of His appearing! Grace is truly amazing, totally undeserved, and abundantly poured out on whosoever will believe. Thank you Lord for the vanishing stain.

Explaining My Month Long Absence

I know I've been gone awhile, and I made my return last night. However, I do feel I owe the readers an explanation so here it is:

Well, It's Like This, See...
Santa Clause kidnapped me a week before Christmas because he was behind in productivity. My jail-like cell was near his workshop where he drove me like a slave, forcing me to work almost 20 minutes every day.

When I wasn't at the workshop I could be found sample tasting macaroons, willowcrisps, rosebuds, and slowpokes, safety testing xbox 360's, watching the world Jr. Championships on the big screen HDTV's, or shopping at Walmart. But apart from that, I was in my cell at all times.

The cell was enclosed with steel-enforced candycanes and I was fed only milk and cookies for 4 weeks. I finally made my daring escape by painting a lightbulb red, securing it to a battery pack and tying the whole contraption around my head so the bulb was on my nose. After several futile attempts at using Jedi mind tricks trying to convince the guards that I was in fact Rudolph the red-nosed, wrongfully-deposed reindeer, I repeatedly banged my head against the wall. Oblivious to the pain, I smashed the bulb, causing the tiny shards of glass to make my nose look like it had been inserted into my mom's cuisinart on homemade bread day. This led to the elves transporting me to the North Pole Regional Health Centre (busy place). Following my recovery, they had pity on me and released me after reminding me to be good for goodness sake. Thanks Santa - thanks for ruining Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Nobody

Who did it? Mr. Nobody of course! There have been a series of infractions at our house recently that have not yet had anyone take responsibility for. These have been relatively minor, but the more serious problem is that the perpetrator is not "owning up" to these transgressions. It does not require the deductive skills and forensic expertise of Horatio Crane or Gil Grissom to determine who in fact is the main suspect.

The first offence took place when the Christmas tree went up about a month ago. As the decorations found their way to the branches, it was shaping up quite nicely. Surprisingly however, the decorations began to find their way OFF the branches! Our youngest was trying to "help" decorate the tree. Problem is, these decorations are made out of a glass-like material that shatters when pressure is applied. Thus, when I stepped on a Christmas tree ball it shattered into 4 333 333 shards of lethal weaponry. After cleaning up the mess the conversation with my daughter went like this.

Dad: (calmly) "Karsyn, how did the decorations get on the floor"
Daughter: (innocently) "I don't know, Daddy"
Dad: (slowly, still calm) "hmmm. Well, how did these 7 balls all get hung on the same branch here by the floor"
Daughter: (a feigned innocence with a slight guilty insistence) "I don't know, Daddy"
Dad: (sternly) "Karsyn, you put these here didn't you"
Daughter: (confidently, knowing she's committed and now has to sell it) "No I didn't. It was Mr. Nobody." (as if she's solved the mystery)
Dad: (trying to hide a smile, needing to maintain paternal discipline) "Karsyn, it wasn't Mr. Nobody. A real person moved those. You and I were the only people in here and I did not move it. Did you move these decorations?" (attempting to get the confession for teaching purposes rather than admissible evidence)
Daughter: (past the point of no return, bold face lying) "No Daddy"
Dad: (Very stern, with a slight increase in enunciation, decrease in pace, and increase in volume) "Karsyn, you moved those decorations and now you are lying"
Daughter: (lip quivers, eyes cast down, nose wrinkles, and she is reduced to melting in a pool of her own tears) "whaaaaaaghhhhhh"

There have been several other situations which found the initial finger being pointed Mr. Nobody's way. How convenient that would be in real life wouldn't it? Who did that? - Mr. Nobody! Who didn't do what was supposed to be done? - Mr. Nobody!

We must be people who are willing to take responsibility for our actions - and our inactions. Matt.25:31-46 describes the final judgment. We best take heed of that scripture and these comments from Keith Green in his song, "The Sheep and the Goats": "And my friends, the only difference between the sheep and the goats, according to this scripture, is what they did, and didn't do!!"

Don't blame your mistakes and woulda/shoulda/coulda's on Mr. Nobody. Whatever you do, be a Somebody and make a positive difference with your life!