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I have had some pressure lately by a certain well-meaning mentor, relatives, and friends regarding my outdated blog.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!!!