Pinch-Hitting Blogger

It's always a blessing when I'm asked to be a guest speaker, to conduct a chapel service for a sports team, to write an article for a magazine, to conduct a funeral (which I did recently) and, yes, to "pinch-blog" for a friend.

When Brodie asked me to write a guest post for him...well...actually I asked him if I could be a guest blogger on The Hope of His Calling because I was getting tired of that same old picture. Not you, Pastor Frank, but the one of Lou Gehrig.

Anyhow, it's a pleasure to put a few thoughts together for my good friend Brodie MacLeod. We had lunch together earlier this week and, as always, we were both refreshed. Encouraging one another is such an important component of the Christian life!

I've teased Brodie, ridiculed him for his inability to post regularly on The Hope of His Calling and been downright nasty with him at times. Let me take this opportunity to tell you that when we met at Christian Horizons House 11 in Peterborough over two years ago, we "clicked" immediately. Brodie and Robbin are a very special couple who I have grown to love and admire very much.

Brodie's heart for God and his willingness to serve Him are so refreshing! His minstry at Calvary Church as Children's Pastor is an ideal "fit" for him. He loves kids and he loves Jesus.

So, my friends, as you read this "guest post" please respond by leaving more comments than Brodie has ever received before. Encourage him to write! Let him know how much you enjoy seeing new posts on his site! He does such a great job when he gets around to it!

Hopefully this mug shot of me, the old guy from Pilgrim Scribblings, won't be the lead photo on this blog for long.

We love you Brodie! Write on!

Pinch-Hitting Preacher

I was given a very unique opportunity this week. I serve as one of the Assistant Pastors at Calvary Church in Peterborough. Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Frank Patrick, was ill this week and under doctor's orders not to do anything, including preach. Other members of the pastoral staff were either ill or away and the task of preaching fell to me. I was quite thrilled to be able to preach to a large crowd in both Sunday morning services. As I was preparing I couldn't help being reminded of legendary baseball player

Lou Gehrig.

The New York Yankee First Base Hall of Famer is well-known for holding the record of most consecutive games played for decades until the great Cal Ripken Jr. broke it in the ’95 season. Lou Gehrig’s streak began in 1925 when he replaced the regular Yankee first baseman, Wally Pipp. Wally Pipp asked for a day off because of a headache, and never played for the New York Yankees again. Lou Gehrig’s consecutive game streak had begun.

This morning I had the privilege of “pinch-hitting” for Pastor Frank while he recuperated from illness at home. I can assure you though, unlike Wally Pipp, Pastor Frank will be back in his familiar position real soon!

5 Year Old Theologian

We are all "Theologians". Oh sure, it sounds like heady stuff, but really theology is "the study of God". We all have our thoughts on the subject. However, some think a little deeper than others. I remember doing a paper during my studies for my theology degree that I found interesting, but never thought I would be discussing with my 5 year old! My paper was on "The Tension Between the Imminence and Transcendence of God". It explored how the One, True, Almighty God of the Universe by Whom all things were made and are held together, the Creator who is so utterly "other" than His creation, how GOD can have a personal, intimate relationship with people who humble themselves and accept His grace to experience His very presence in their lives.

This went on for some 2500 words, or 10 pages. However, my little girl summed it up in this question. "How does God hold the world in His hands and live in my heart at the same time?". Amazing to think about isn't it? How does he do it... well, He just does. He's God, and you either believe it or you don't. The real question for us to consider is this - WHY? Why does he do it? Why does He even care about us? I'm not going to answer that. One reason is that I'm not sure if I can. But the main reason is that I want us all to think about it. He does do it, He does care, He simply... flat out... unconditionally LOVES us. More than that - He wants us to love Him back. Do you?

Wow - a whole year has gone by?!!!

It is now the second month of the "new year" and this is my first post of 2007! Crazy stuff - thanks Fish for not giving up on me. Thank you to all who belong to the Fish "school" of persuasion by inundation with electronic begging. This post is in response to the latest post on David Fisher's Pilgrim Scribblings. Now, I told David that I would write again if 5 people left a comment on my blog. Outside of David's repeated comments using pseudonyms, my last count was up to 4 comments. However - David's creativity has won me over.

The problem with a long wait is that it is usually accompanied with heightened expectations. On the other hand, maybe I've lulled the 2 or 3 readers who might return to this blog into such a comatose state that any jumble of letters appearing on the screen would be a welcome sight!

Whatever the case, I'm back... hopefully for more than just a one-time only appearance. I know Fish will make certain of that!

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!