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!

"Blogging - taste it again, for the first time"

Those who know me really well know that my favourite cereal is Kellogg's Cornflakes. In my formative years of the 80's and early 90's, the ad slogan was, "Kellogg's Corn Flakes: Taste them again, for the first time." Many a morning found me at our kitchen counter enjoying those crispy flakes of corn. I would lazily stare into the bowl, look up at the box, take a bite of my beloved flakes while waiting for the right time to sneak an extra spoonful of sugar as my mom busily worked around the kitchen preparing lunches.

Sitting here at the computer composing the first post on my blog in this new year reminded me of that slogan. It feels as though I am taking my first stab at this blogging thing after being M.I.A. for about a month! You skaters may relate if you think about those first few tentative strides you take in October/November after being off the ice since march/April. However, I'm starting to feel it again so hopefully I'm back and will be more regular. Speaking of that, and having already stolen one product slogan, I couldn't help but think that I could really use some specialized Exlax for Bloggers - "For regular bloggers who sometimes aren't." (that's my favourite tagline of all time BTW)

Seriously now, for those who have faithfully looked for a new post this past month only to find that I have been unfaithful in posting - I apologize. I do want to thank those who have asked for more or who even looked (thanks mom, thanks dad! [just kidding]) I actually know of at least 6 people who are after me for more - pretty encouraging!!! But alas, I still did not login and begin.

One of the things that finally got me going was an unsubstantiated premature report of my blogging death. (Now I know what the "Beatles" went through with that whole "Paul is Dead" thing) Check out this article on David Fisher's blog. This post I am presently composing is designed to do 3 things: 1. Prove to David that I still exist in cyberspace, thus assuring him that his mentoring efforts are not in vain; 2. Put something fresh up for my faithful readers (hoping to get into the double digits in '06!); 3. Get myself up in front of a computer and writing something... anything, to get going!

Please check out David's blog, linked above. That post is very punny. In fact, he has some great puns in several posts this week. Be sure to peruse in order to be amused! See ya again soon... promise.

This Week's Scripture and Quote

The scripture goes along with my previous post encouraging all of us to seek out Christ this Christmas season. The Quote is simple common sense. I failed to follow that sage advice once - but only once. Never again, boy was that messy...

Is God Getting Your Attention This Christmas?

I caught this thought on the radio the other day - I don't know what I was listening to, so I can't give proper credit but at least you know it is not completely original! It is however, well worth considering.

Think a moment about that evening in the pasture where the shepherd's were. Here they are doing their job with no knowledge that this seemingly ordinary night is about to change their lives. I imagine them sitting not far from the flock, leaning back against a rock. Eyes are getting heavy, some may be dozing. Suddenly, they are called to immediate attention - what is it? An angel. An angel. A cute little cherub with chubby cheeks and loin cloth fluttering about with a harp? Hardly. Not if the shepherds reaction is any clue. They were terrified! This was not what we so often picture when thinking of the angel's appearance. This was an impressive specimen, a heavenly creature that brought fear to the hearts of these men. The angel quickly allays their fear, but when God wants to get our attention about something - He can certainly make a great impression. You might say it is unforgettable.

That night Christ was not received with great fanfare in many respects. He was born to humble parents, away from home, in a dirty barn, surrounded by beasts created by his very voice. However, He is still God - the King of the universe and Lord of all, and someone was gonna hear about it and acknowledge it as such! Heaven made sure of that with the angelic announcement.

In the same way today, Christ is often regarded with little fanfare. However, He is still God - the King of the universe and Lord of all, and God still makes sure that is acknowledged. Has He gotten your attention lately? Have you seen the little signs? Have you been too busy to even notice a heavenly host? Be sure to take the time this Christmas season to allow God to reveal Himself to you. Then respond the way the shepherds did, seek Him out and worship. Seek Him, you will find Him. As with the shepherds, it will change your life!

Come on now, tell me what you really think!

She may be a very silly, beautiful, brilliant 3 year old with an irresistible impish grin, but my daughter sounded more like a child suffering from the onset of premature teenage angst this morning. In the spirit of Lindsay Lohan's "Confessions of a Broken Heart (daughter to father)", in which Lindsay truly heartbreakingly shares her hurt over their poor relationship, Karsyn sang me a song.
Karsy at her brothers b'day party.
Look at that smile - see what I mean!

Afterwards, she was very clear that if this was going to be made public, I had to be careful to do it exactly the way she did. So, here is Karsy's song as best I remember it - a truly original and unexpected composition:

Chorus

I love my Daddy

for many years and many days,

I love my Daddy

for many years and many days,

I love my Daddy

for many years and many days

Bridge...

Sometimes he gets really mad!

I laughed - she wasn't too happy about that, but I quickly assured her that I loved it, praised her for her creativity, timing and pitch and then told Robbin. Funny thing is, for those of you who don't know me, I rarely get "really mad" - honest! But, I guess I have made an impression. Notice though what impression is greater... love. She sings about love 3 times as much as she sings about anger! Still though, don't you just love surprise endings!

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

Check back soon to see the invisible man in the post: "Mr. Nobody"... well, I guess you can't see him but you can at least read about him!!!

New Features on "The Hope of His Calling..."

Looky looky to your righty. I've added a scripture of the week and quote of the week. This weeks scripture, being the first, happens to be my first "favourite" verse. I now have many favourites, but this one became my first favourite verse during a particularly frightening thunder and lightening storm in which I was home alone at the age of 12.

The power went out while I was watching a hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs that I had taped the night before (I wasn't allowed to stay up in those days!). Reed Larson had one of the hardest shots in the league for the Wings, and I think that Glen Hanlon was in goal. There was a young kid the announcers were raving about named Steve Yzerman. For the leafs, the starting goalie was Ken Wregget, the blueline was anchored by Borje Salming, and P.E.I.'s Rick Vaive led the charge with a kid named Wendel Clark who hit everything in sight!

Anyway, back to the storm... yes, it was the middle of the afternoon but it was still scary! When the power went off and everything was grey, flashing and booming outside, I went to my room and opened my Bible. I went to the back and looked up "fear" under topics and one of the verses was the one I posted. It has stuck with me ever since...

As for the quote, I thought it went along well with my recent post on procrastination. Enjoy, don't be shy to comment, and check back frequently for updates!

Digging In: Thoughts on Spiritual Consumption

As promised, here is a post that was inspired by a sermon series I heard from Pastor and writer, Chuck Swindoll. He is one of my favourite preachers for both his conversational style and studied content, and I find I always glean something from his messages. This series was no different.

He spoke for several days on the importance of God's Word. Many things stood out to me, but the biggest impression I was left with was the need for all Christians to independently and intentionally study the scriptures for ourselves. Many of us I'm sure have and hopefully use some of the innumerable daily devotional publications that are out there - "Our Daily Bread", "My Upmost for His Highest", "Quest" (!!!), internet offerings, and more. These are great tools that augment our study of scripture, but they cannot be a replacement for looking at the actual Word of God for ourselves.

It is so easy and convenient to allow other believers, often great scholars with far more impressive credentials than our own, to do the study, the work, the chewing for us and then consume the pureed product set before us. Again, there is nothing wrong with these tools when used to assist us, But Rev. Swindoll implored all believers to dig in for themselves. Bite off a piece of succulent meat, the biblical kind, and chew it up for yourself. Enjoy a juicy mouthful allowing the flavours to titillate your tastebuds, then swallow and let the food digest as you gain every advantage the morsel has to offer. Let the vitamins and nutrients enrich your soul. Then, when you are ready, dig in for another bite.

Deut. 17:18,19 gives instruction for the king of Israel. These instructions are appropriate for us all:

Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom,

that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book,

from the one before the priests, the Levites.

And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life,

that he may learn to fear the Lord his God

and be careful to observe all the words of this law

and these statutes

I've been tagged!

I am currently engaged in a game of "cyber-tag". After ducking underneath the first swipe, then deftly spinning away from another attempt, David finally got me when he wasn't fooled by my head fake and quick juke to the left. He does have a significant reach advantage. Anyhow, he tagged me for some answers to these following questions:

1. What comes to mind/what is your heart's response when you think of or hear the word..."CALVARY"?

2. What would you like to have inscribed on your tombstone?

3. Which attribute of God do you find yourself revelling in the most?

You will find my answers here. Check out the rest of David Fisher's excellent blog "Pilgrim Scribblings..." for more answers to these questions and many other posts that are well worth the read.

Procrastination Assassination

Up until today, I went over a week and a half without posting anything new to my blog. I guess I fell victim to the dreaded "P" word. This is not an unfamiliar problem to most people - in a quick "google" of procrastination, most websites concur that up to 70% of people procrastinate while 25% of them are chronic procrastinators.

After the first couple of days with no new post I thought I had writer's block. Then I remembered one of my favourite authors (Ted Dekker) saying there is no such thing as "writer's block", that it is just something writers say when they don't write anything. Whether true or not, I thought of what else it could be. I thought, maybe there is nothing going on in my life. Well, that's not true - 2 jobs, 2 kids, 1 wife, the upcoming Christmas season - things are busy, there is a lot going on! Then I thought, maybe I've just been too busy. Well, there was that hockey game I found time to play, and the Grey Cup I found time to watch - surely there would be enough time to post something. Well, I guess that leaves one thing - plain old procrastination.

Uh oh - not good! Many of us do it, but it never produces positive results. Think about that the next time you put off any task. My wife is wonderful at this and I am learning much from her. She gets so much done just because when she thinks of it, she does it! In the same time it takes me to decide which task to tackle, Robbin tackles something, finishes it, then starts the next task before I even begin the first! Or, I tend to think of something, say to myself - "hey, that's a good idea I'll have to do that..." soon/tomorrow/ sometime/eventually - it is an undefined time frame, and undefined time frames are just asking for trouble. Plan what needs to be done, and put a due date on it. Make it realistic, but do it or it could slide out of your conscious awareness and just not get done. We all know that we shouldn't put off to tomorrow what can be done today, but that is so often the case. Let me encourage all of us to commit procrastination assassination and do the tasks set before us in a timely, responsible fashion - whether that be family responsibilities, job duties, other commitments, or... blogging!

Recent Family Pics

Two and half weeks ago, I posted Birthday greetings to my Mom, Lorraine (left), and her twin sister, my Aunt Linda (right). Here they are together (as usual) at a family baby shower. Click on the links to view the original birthday messages.

Here is a picture of my Dad (left) and my Uncle Eddie (right). No, they aren't twins!

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

Watch for this coming post: "Digging In -Thoughts on our Spiritual Consumption as inspired by Chuck Swindoll"

...Eat Fresh

Ever bite into something expecting a nice, crisp, crunchy burst of flavour only to get a soft, mushy, tasteless mouthful instead? I Dawson and the aroma of Nanny's fresh homemade bread
have. It leaves much to be desired. Instead of a fresh tastey morsel, you get a face-twisting, slow chewing, uncooperative swallow of something barely worthy of the description "food". For this reason, I am drawn back to my blog.

I have allowed it to sit out here exposed to the elements of cyberspace unchanged for the past week and a half. So, in the words of my blogging mentor David Fisher, it is getting stale, old. I know when I go to my favourite sites, I look forward to new thoughts, new stories, new posts - some fresh food to chew on!

It is time for something fresh. So, what have I to add? What witty comment, catchy phrase, intellectual quote, revealing anecdote, or fresh insight can I share with you today? Well - I'm not sure there is anything to be honest. However, if not for your benefit then at least for my own, I am writing something. Check back soon for another thought on what we consume that I heard recently from Chuck Swindoll. Until then, to steal the advertising jingle from my former employer, "...eat fresh".

Bad Humour

Short jokes, long jokes, corny jokes, knock-knock jokes - there are many things that make us laugh, and not all are jokes, but I love all kinds of jokes. I am not a joke teller myself, but I am a comedian's best friend because I love to laugh! The greatest "joke" tellers I've met are my uncle - Ed Doiron, and my former Pastor and family friend - Bob Gallant. The funniest people I know are my brother -Scott, my good friend - Brian Lachine, and my mentor - Kirk Goodman. Anytime I spend with any of these people, I am usually doubled over with laughter. But when it is my turn to be funny, I rarely get the laughs I hope for!

The other day, I was trying to be funny but in a really unfunny way. I was being sarcastic. A good friend of mine, Ray Jones, says that sarcasm is the lowest form of humour - and, next to sexual jokes, I would have to agree. Unfortunately, it is the form that many of us resort to because it is so easy to poke fun at others expense. I did this recently while visiting a friend. I noticed a picture on a shelf of him and his bride on the day of their wedding. They were sitting in the limo, about to be whisked away to their romantic honeymoon. I not-so-wittily remarked, "look at her face, she's thinking, 'oh no, what have I done!'". My friend laughed politely and I smiled to myself thinking, "how clever am I!". However, I was immediately pricked in my spirit. "Marriage is to be honored by all..." Heb.13:4. I quickly apologized and he assured me no harm was done.

It made me think though. We need to be making every effort to encourage, lift up, and support everyone we interact with. Again from Hebrews, "Let us encourage one another..." (10:25). My good friend has a great post called, "Body Language" that exhorts us to do this. Please visit David Fisher's Blog to read it! In the meantime, lets not resort to sarcasm and potshots to get a laugh. It only makes for hurt feelings, sour relationships, a poor reputation, and bad humour.

How Excited Are You?

No, It's not quite like this - not yet!

More like this - look closely and you'll see the tiny flakes!

I love winter. Call me crazy, but I do. I know there is shovelling, treacherous driving, bitter cold, and wrestling with kids over snowsuits, hats, and mittens. But there is also hockey, outdoor rinks, hot chocolate, tobogganing, Christmas, natural beauty, did I mention hockey, and last - but certainly not least - snuggling with your honey to save on the heating bills!!! I really do love winter. The other great thing about winter is the pure, unbridled joy that kids (and some adults) have for that first snowfall especially.

Our first snowfall this year in Peterborough was the other day. Dawson was at school, but Karsyn and I had our noses pressed to the window. Watching the first tiny snowflakes fall in wide-eyed wonderment, Karsyn whispered "I'm excited about the big ones!".

She recognized these tiny flakes as just a glimpse of what was to come. It was the first true sign of winter and she knew what she had to look forward to. In those moments of gazing at the little flakes, she was anticipating the big stuff - huge snowflakes, big drifts, snowmen, the outdoor rink, snow forts, sledding, playing in the snow with Nanna, and the hot chocolate to warm up. Exciting stuff!!!

So how excited are you? No, not about winter. I forgive you if you don't share our joy for the cold season, but how excited are you about what is to come? Read the last part of 1Cor. 15 and try not to get excited. 1Peter 1:3,4 says "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you". I can't wait to claim that inheritance!

Karsyn didn't have to wait long for the "big ones". They came later in the afternoon, much to my surprise, and we still have snow on the ground a couple of days later. As much as I love the season, there is practical stuff to take care of. I need to get the snow tires on, put the scraper and brush in the car, have the shovels and salt accessible - I need to get ready. We don't know how long we have before our time is up here and eternity begins - are you ready for it? Have you made sure that Jesus Christ is your personal Lord and Saviour? Ask Him to be that for you now.

We get many glimpses of what awaits us in our "homeland". Scripture repeatedly reminds us that this is not our home - our hope, our true home, is in heaven. The "tiny flakes" that give us just a foretaste of glory divine should whet our appetite for the "big ones" that are to come. Some of these little flakes are the beauty that surrounds us, the joy in relationships, the rewards of following Christ, the sustenance of Truth, and the sweetness of God's presence. All are just a glimpse, a snippet, a tiny foretaste. They will be multiplied exponentially in eternity. All I can say is - WOO HOO!!! So, how excited are you?

Mystery Solved Hockey Fans!!!

This post is for my buddies in my hockey pool. I sent them a "teaser" to entice them to check out my blog. We all wondered why the New Jersey Devils were wearing a "JM" patch on their Jerseys this year. Here is the info guys, taken from the New Jersey Devils Website - http://www.newjerseydevils.com Be sure to check out my other posts while you're here - comments are welcome!


DEVILS TO WEAR PATCH IN MEMORY OF DR. JOHN J. McMULLEN
East Rutherford, NJ – In memory of the late Dr. John J. McMullen, the New Jersey Devils this season will wear a special “JM” patch on the upper right-hand chest area of their jerseys, beginning with the October 5 season opener vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. The announcement was made by Devils’ CEO/President/General Manager Lou Lamoriello.
Dr. McMullen passed away Friday, September 16, 2005. He brought the National Hockey League to New Jersey on May 27, 1982, by purchasing the Colorado Rockies, and transferring the franchise to the Meadowlands. Dr. McMullen owned the team until 2000.

Another Happy Birthday

Not everyone will remember their Aunt's birthday. I have 2 good reasons too. First, she is my Mom's twin so it's

My Beautiful Aunt - Linda Doiron

easy! The other reason though is that she really is just like another Mother to me. In a world where so many kids grow up in disfunctional homes and are not sure if they are even loved, I grew up with a "built in" 2nd mom who loves me and affirms me and I'm so thankful for that. Because my mom and her twin are so close, our families were close and my cousins were best friends and my aunt and uncle were another set of wonderful parents! Thank you Aunt Linda - happy Birthday,

Love Brod

Have Some Cake!

Happy Birthday Nanny!

Karsyn wanted to make you a birthday cake so here it is, complete with a soft, muddy middle inside of coarse sand topped with maple leafs for candles. Wish you were here to taste it... or at least see it!