LIFE ON GOD'S TEAM

2008-12-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

"Yes, I am coming Soon."
- Revelation 22:20

WoW! It has been a long, long, long time since I have updated this blog. One could say, it may have been long awaited. But at the same time I doubt that I am that popular :) Just to give you an update, now is my final year of college and I could not be more excited to graduate then right at this moment.
This semester was really hard to start out. I felt like perhaps I came back to school in September ready to graduate, because I had such a wonderful and relaxing summer. Which for the most part I did. It was definitely busy at times, but it was also fulfilling in ways as well.
So back at school overwhelmed by the list before me, I trudged on and eventually adjusted. I think God is mainly to thank for this, but I believe God certainly sent me some encouragement. I definitely thank God for that everyday.
Looking at the scripture above, I think sometimes we as Christians can be too comfortable and get stressed out about the task before us. This is why I think a little encouragement here and there is important.
Then as we press onward towards that goal, in which case is graduation for me in school. We can move with much more confidence and hope for the life in front of us. Pressing forward in this way gets us excited for when things approach and we appreciate them so much when they come to be.
Knowing that we as Christians have this promise of anticipation from Christ, should also press onward toward the goal. That goal is far greater than the goal I wish to attain in graduating from Maritime Christian College, in fact that goal is beyond anything in this world. Because pressing toward this goal means that we can have an eternity to look forward to in our savior Jesus Christ.
In everything I do, I pray that I will continue to pressforward in his name.
Praising God and saying come Lord Jesus
All thanks to Him
Amen!

Reality Check

2007-09-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Hockey Season is quickly approaching and I can hardly wait. Especially now that I have returned to MCC, I yearn for the Return of Hockey. Looking forward to all things Hockey. Getting on the ice for pickup Hockey on Fridays and watching the Leafs games Saturday. The two big highlights to life on Prince Edward Island.
As the NHL Season approaches I can only hope my favorite NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs are taking this time for a reality check. Pre-season is an excellent time for any team to look back on how they stunk in the previous season and how to improve the next. The question is, will the reality of their previous defeat be shown to them? Or will they neglect the obvious and continue on with a similar trend this year?
These are big questions in my mind. Hey, why not compare this concept with our Christian walks. As Christians we know that mistakes are so easy to make, but how often do we take that time to reflect on the defeats we have had in life, so that we may excel, for the cause of Christ.
I believe we should all have a grasp of reality. Without a grasp on the obvious, its so very hard to press onward toward that goal the Apostle Paul speaks of, that prize which is found in our heavenly father Jesus Christ.
May we all take time today to look in the mirror and find the reality of who we are, and who we want to be for our savior.

BayView Christian Camp

2007-07-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Camp is an awesome time really. I remember my youngest memories at this camp and could even name a couple of camp crushes over the years. But beyond the camp crushes and the fun at camp, I remember most of all the things that I have learned that have brought me closer to knowing God.
I just finished doing my first camp of the summer at Bayview Christian camp and will be returning for another and the final camp of the summer on Friday. I am still homesick from the first camp, because I find when camp comes around, it becomes like home. It just feels good to be in constant fellowship with those who are at camp and that memory just gives your butterflies inside.
After coming home from camp on Friday after councelling alongside Murray Spencer, Pam Gilbert, Jillian Walker, Tara Pugh, Justin Mitchell as well as Jess and Colton. I have never missed a crowd more. Coming home from camp I felt so weak, realizing for the first time the greatness of this ministry.
Now I am filling a little better, but coming back to things at home I feel fear, but know God is with me in all situations. I don't think that I have ever felt more strong both physically and spiritually as I do this summer. Maybe this summer has a purpose afterall and I hope it serves you the same purpose. No better type of excercise then excercising ones Faith. We could all use some of that fine tuning sometimes. I am looking forward to getting in shape for Christ.....Are you up to the Challenge?

Oh The Tribute to the Best!

2007-06-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well I have said it many times and will say it again. The Ottawa Senators can never win a Stanley Cup, until they defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Playoffs. Their Curst is getting closer and closer to the finals each year and choking... well they did it again. Hope you enjoy the video.
In respect to both teams I must say it was a good series that could have went either way. I really did not care who won this series, thats why I call this video my personal "Tribute" to the Anaheim Ducks who are Mighty, despite what anyone says and the Ottawa Senators, who are a team of toughness and grit, who were just beaten by a team that was better this season.
Good season to the Senators (as hat is removed) and as well the Ducks (as hat placed back on head) If anything this playoffs was a showing of the excitement of the Game of Hockey and how I love this game. Something this great can only come from God.
Thank God for the great fun which comes from Hockey!

Traits of a Hero

2007-05-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

A little while back I had read a blog post by Dan Foreman about how in God's kingdom as much as we try, we can never be heros and it hit me. I understand that we can never be heros, which is awesome. The wonderful thing is though, that we have a hero in Jesus Christ that we can use as a role model. Growing up I remember always watching cartoons like Dragon Ball Z, Spider-man, X-men and the list goes on and all these shows had heros who showed a great passion to save people. Their acts of self-sacrifice were very motivating to me to watch.
The reason I put some thought into this is because, lately in different things I have done, there has been a lot of talk about being servants and about serving. The other day actually, Murray Spencer approached me about speaking at Camp this summer, concerning Biblical heros and in light of our conversation I examined serveral heroic traits of different people accounted for in Biblical history.
Its amazing the people who served, made risks, showed loving affection, foretold Glory and demonstrated greatness in the Bible. In life we have many role models and we ourselves are role models. I have had the best of role models and those role models I see, as I saw those cartoon heros as a child. These people, which there are many, are to me heros for the sake of Jesus Christ.
I believe we all have potential to be heros, by not being served in life, but serving as Heros on behalf of Christ. Demonstrating His love in our lives. At times it can seem that any efforts are meaningless, but its really tremendous the effect we have on people and to see someone grow in God's love is the greatest reward any Hero could receive. Being a Hero is all about serving and helping people to safety and as Christians we have the oppurtunity to help as many people to safety as possible.
In the process of finding ideas for my camp messages, I came across this little test and out of personal interest, evaluated what superhero I might be if I was a Hero. lol enjoy!

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man		80%
The Flash		75%
Superman		65%
Iron Man		65%
Supergirl		55%
Catwoman		55%
Green Lantern		50%
Wonder Woman		45%
Robin		45%
Hulk		20%
Batman		10%

You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.

My Church

2007-05-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

Last Year at Hockey Night In Burtt's Corner
Its been a while since I made a post to update you, with concerns to my Team and I think its time for that update now. As I have mentioned several times, my family far extends the boundaries of Burtt's Corner, but I am telling you it is great to finally be back in B.C.
God has truly blessed me and taken me far, by His plans over the last year. Last summer I left Burtt's Corner, not expecting to return to them and certainly not expecting as successful of a year as I had. My Blessings certainly have fallen like rain over the last year. Starting with the support of my Church family in B.C. as well as those who supported me first semester after I fell ill to the Kidney stones.
God's People are very generous and loving, which makes me even prouder to be on God's Team in Christ.
Second semester was also a blessing. Meeting week after week, with Joel and James in the library. Those two really taught me a lot over this semester and I hope that they can say the same of me. Ultimately if it were not for them and their support, I may not have passed this year. Aside from that the encouragement I received and concerns of my classmates whenever I may have been down.
When it seemed the semester stunk, I was still being blessed and have'nt thought about it that way, until now. Hey! I am the Foozeball champion too, which is an honor lol... not really, but it was all in good fun.
I appreciate all of the prayers of the many people who have been behind me and supported me. My words could not express my Joy, as a result to your generosity.
There were two names mentioned, but that list extends. Beyond Burtt's Corner, beyond there Maritimes, but to the entire world of believers who complete the Church. If all the Church was as encouraging, everyone would know the word of God.
This summer Hockey Night In Burtt's Corner, I hope will be established as a Church. Because I believe that believers should always meet in a common likeness and love for the Lord... encouraging one another to serve.
God has Blessed me big time, but all of His Blessings have been Demonstrated through the Love of God's People.
I wish that same love to those who have not heard and those who know, Jesus Christ as the Captain of this Awesome Team!

Check out the Man in the Chef outfit!

2007-04-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Am I seeing double? I don't remember that?
Heres "THE Scoop"
Things in my life only seem to get more and more exciting lately, especially upon the completion of my exams. Unfortunately, last night was the last youth group meeting that I would attend during this semester at Central Christian Church. This congregation treated me well, while I have attended here and my thanks goes out to all who attend there.
On a side note, the article you see above is what looks to be a picture of myself cooking dilegently in a Holland College kitchen. I found this article sitting in Dale Eynons pulpit and after showing numerous people the article, discovered that the figure in the picture is me... or at least looks very much like me.
Frig its funny how we can all be so different and yet look the same. My friend James Stevenson is always going on about how lots of people have my look. He said that there are some past students of the college with my look, The drummer from Three season Ant has my look and if I dare say... well lots of people have asked if I intend to look like Elvis intentionally and clearly he has my look.
In conclusion, I may claim that I am uncool, but really that would be lying because everyone wants this face lol. Just kidding, but its funny how so many people would choose what I have properly entitled, "The Darrell Look."
I would be honored if you to joined the look. If more people had my look then it would'nt be so hard to find beautiful people. You would just need to look at me.
Just kidding really and I may be conceded, but not that conceded. Really I am glad that God has made us all different.
As many people that have my look, I don't think they have my personality. Not sure what people think of who I am, but I don't care. I have chosen to put God first in my life and I apologize if my personality is at times a plague, because I know that through Christ, it can serve as a blessing.
Anyway, thats my Rant!

I am such a Geek...

2007-04-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Finally crowned Foozeball champion after winning the final series of this seasons foozeball playoffs against Robbie Sevilla.

Sometimes I laugh
Well during my time with MCC I helped in beginning a Foozeball league here at the college to generate some excitement and bring the students together. Last season I fell to Randy Thurlow in the second round of Playoffs, so unfortunately I had to wait a whole year to wait for the chance to compete for the Foozeball cup again.
The geeky part of me is that when the league was created the prize became a coffee cup with duct tape around it and with a golf ball glued to the top... oh yeah!
But you know, no matter the prize, man it is so fun to have some competive fun with friends.
For me the oppurtunity to play this game with friends is what makes this game so fun. As much as I would like to say Foozeball is the greatest thing since sliced bread, I guess its not, but I really have lots of fun playing the game. My main reason for loving the game though is not because I win, because I do not always win, but I like the game because it allows me a chance to get to know people and have fun with them.
Over the last year, it seems that something in me has come to make me want to find unity with my friends, which is not in a competive nature, but in a way that I can get to know them and become closer with them, as to develop a relationship with them in unity. Foozeball is fun don't get me wrong, but the victory of winning this duct tape cup as great as it is, is really nothing compared to the fellowship with Christians while playing.
My hat is off to Robbie Sevilla for the fun we had in the Finals, it was a blast. Through the whole competition we joked with oneanother and I loved it. The real victory I believe that we can find in anything is to become closer to oneanother as Christians.
The semester has had some tough times, but I believe that if it were not for how close we have all grown to oneanother, then we would never have made it. This is likely what will help us survive the tour upcoming. Looking forward to the fun.
Anyway thats My Rant for Today! And Woot!
THE CHAMP IS ME!

Facebook... Cult? or Blessing?

2007-04-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

Facebook is the latest fad or trend, whatever for people now... are you part of this or not... should you be part of it? Thats for you to Answer.

Is Facebook a Cult or is it a blessing?
Well it is April 22nd and it just so happens to be my second day on Facebook. For about a month or more now people have sent me numerous emails to join this, what I called a "Cult" and I tried to avoid getting caught up in this thing. There was a group of us in my friend Ben Foreman, Ryan MacNeill, Dave Marshalland a couple others who were Anti-Facebook at one time. Now only Dave is yet to give into this "Facebook," but I believe its only a matter of days until he gives in.
This "Fad" as I would call it has captured the attention of hundreds of millions of people across the world and it has not even been around a year yet. Its amazing how fast the next big thing can grow. It was the same at one time with blogs. Blogs have proved to serve a meaningful purpose for me.
In the same way, perhaps so will Facebook. Is this trickery from a devilish cult? Well I would like to think that it may be, but as much as I may deny the sense in being part of Facebook... it has some perks. Many of my friends both past and present are part of it, but its not for that reason that I would join something like this. Actually for my Final in Homiletics I am preaching from 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, which speaks of Paul running a spiritual race.
Paul in running this race stops at nothing to get to the level he needs to be, to help in saving as many lives as he can for Christ. Jesus Christ is an excellent reason to join facebook I believe. In fact, there are so many people who are on Facebook that perhaps I have known or never met, that perhaps Facebook will help, if effectively used in ministering to many. This upcoming summer I intend to begin an evangelistic sports ministry and on Facebook I have helped in setting up groups for interest in learning about God in Sports. Also this Facebook will help me to push this idea through to everyone I know.
I disagree with Facebook... In fact I hate Facebook because it pushes more about having relationships with people online. I believe we should be able to communicate one on one. But you know, I really take to heart what Paul said in 1 Corinthians about getting down to the level people are at... finding out whats big and becoming part of it for the Cause of Christ. The Church should really get into this stuff and stop at nothing to minister to those who have not heard... even if it means buying into the next big fad.

CHURCH COMPLETELY CANCELLED IN PEI ON EASTER SUNDAY!

2007-04-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

THE LORDS WORD PREVAILS THROUGH THE SNOW STORM
This started out looking like the worst Easter of my life, but ended the best. First, Church got cancelled, then the Leafs lost their playoff spot. Really how could the day have gotten worse.
The thing is though, to be in recognition of this days true meaning, brought light in the darkness. I really felt that my mind was selfish in this day, especially thinking as I had been. What turned this day around is when those of us Maritime Christian College students, decided to hold Church just randomly, during the Hockey game.
At first I did'nt think they were serious, but they were. Attending was Katherine McLean, Laura & Valerie Osbourne, Sarah Harding, Robbie Sevilla, Rebecca Hankinson and myself. Lets not forget also, the Glory of God, which I believe proved to fill this place, which proves that Christians can worship at anytime. Robbie and Valerie led songs, Rebecca Hakinson did prayer. Then I prepared a sermon in fifteen minutes, which God definetly had a hand in. This sermon challenged my thinking and brought me to recognition of the truth about Easter.

My chosen scripture was from Matthew 12:32, which says
"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living"

Then the points of the sermon were the three most important things of easter, which are first the resurrection, second our faith in the resurrection and then third the triumph which comes from our Faith in the resurrection over the power of Sin, which is from Satan.
Something we must remember most about easter is that God has never gave up on us and He never will. God loves us and has given the means of triumph to us in Christ. If we shall accept this, what a glorious day it will be! When we join with Jesus one day in eternity.
All I have to say now is, "Oh How I Love my Hope in Jesus. Thank you God, for your Son" Amen.

OPERATION MELANCHOLY

2007-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

What is Operation Melancholy?
Thats a good question, what is operation Melancholy?... All I know is that it was Nic's idea, and he is a youth from my youth group at Central Christian Church. His plan was to use this, to take over the world, but really there may be a deep meaning to this operation Melancholy.
Really its a great idea if you consider the definition of Melancholy. Melancholy can be defined as:
1. a feeling of thoughtful sadness
2. a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed
Is it possible for Christians to be Melancholy? Sure it is possible, but really should there be Melancholy Christians... I myself have had Melancholy moments, but for what reason do I live to be a Melancholy Christian. I do not live to be a Melancholy Christian, I have no reason to believe that I should be Melancholy. Its funny, because I tease my friend Dan Foreman, back in Good ol' Burtt's Corner about his having a horse shoe up his butt... well if I follow through with operation Melancholy, I will help shove horse shoes up everyones butt. To not be Melancholy, means to recognize the reason for living to its fully potential. I am truly a blessed man and I am pulling horseshoes out of me, every day and I should not be Melancholy for the truth and reality behind my being blessed.
Philippians 4:4-5 says:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

I know that scripture I have used before in posts, but its so true. Christians should not be defined as "Melancholy" Christians, but as Christ would have us be, people who are seeking to comfort the Melancholy. As members, part of the body of Christ, we should reach out with open arms to seek and save those who are hurt and lost. Operation Melancholy is all about lending that horseshoe to those around us and if we did that everyday. I guarantee, we would no longer have a Melancholy world and there would no longer be "Melancholy Christians."

We Gotta Win

2007-03-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well as a Loyal Leaf fan that I am, I must say, despite the Leafs performance during my March Break... they will win the cup. Actually my March break was excellent. Had the oppurtunity to catch up with friends, work with my home Church a bit and also play and watch the greatest game on earth. Wednesday March 21st would be my last game of Ice Hockey of the year and unfortunatly I never got 1 point... but I had a ton of fun, just being with all of my friends who I have missed dearly. I finished this years Hockey with 5 Goals, 25 Assists in 17 Games, which I am quite proud of, only going pointless in two games. This was a good year for me and I am sure will continue to be. Last year playing Hockey I only had 10 assists, so I have definetly improved.
Hopefully this will be the case with my Leafs too, as they are only 4 points back of a playoff spot, with 2 games in hand. They have some fighting to do, but Mats Sundin, the Leafs faithful captain has promised he will win a cup in Toronto. Friday night was likely the worst game I have ever watched of the Leafs, as I fell to the ground and almost cried... over a Hockey game, which I have no part of. Weird! but I want to see the Leafs win and thats what they did Saturday as I got back to PEI, just in time to see the Leafs defeat Buffalo, just as they should have that Friday. If they can keep their intensity, they may just pull it off.
One thing I know though, being a Leafs fan over the years... you really gotta have Faith to cheer for a team like the Leafs... Have Faith!
Go Leafs GO!

Walking a lonely road?

2007-03-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" By Greenday
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone...
Alone in the Shadows
Well an interesting Saturday evening for me, as I sat down contemplating thoughts during the Leafs vs Sens game, which woot we won! After the game I then decided on going for a walk, because there were lots of things on my mind. Seemed on this evening that I thought of the things having to do with the people around me that I had never noticed before.
Sometimes I wonder if perhaps I can be too loud to realize that there are those around me who are hurting. Thinking about some of these people on this fine evening, I began walking randomly through the UPEI campus and then walking through Brown's Court (Party Central), not considering how dangerous it is on a Saturday evening in that area, but I obviously lived to tell... therefore I can tell you what I continued to think about as I saw a random streaker run by me... awkward!!!!.
Anyway, so I ended up by a small body of water close to the Rural Highschool here on the Island.
This is a place that I don't intend not to revisit. I sat down on the spray painted seats and then I looked up at the sky. I questioned the thought of how these people could feel as they do, and I myself began to break down and become lonely, considering the awww! of the universe. I again wondered if I were to loud before to recognize the wonders of God around me and began to feel a tug at my heart.
Its been a very long time since I have felt that tug.... I almost came to the point of tears at the tug and I recall actually doing that, when I accepted my first love into my life. We have been going through the book of Revelation in a class I am attending this semester and I seen myself at that very moment in perfect representation of the Church in Ephesus.
God was there, He was in my heart, but I had not thought seriously about my relationship with Him for a long time until now. I seem to be having a hard time this semester staying into God's word as a way to grow closer to God, which should not be. I completely disagree with this song by Green Day, especially if we have been able to find God. There are times though, like Saturday when we are literally walking down that lonely road, with only our shadow behind us seemingly.
The reason I believe, that I have experienced this and walked through Brown's Court on party night, living to tell about it, is because I was not alone, but God was with me that whole time, comforting my thoughts and my heart. He even protected me from a skunk that ran by me, which I found in a way humorous, looking to the sky and laughing.
Anyway, thats my rant.... I really pray that God is able to work in the lives of those around me, and at the same time, help the Faith of everyone I know, including me to become strong, so that we may minister to those who walk alone.

Before I face another Day... How can life Go on?

2007-02-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Facedown By. Matt Redman
Psalm 5: 3, NCV Says:

"Every Morning I tell you what I need and I wait for your answer."

During this week I woke up one morning and looked at my spiritual life and my relationship with God. As I contemplated my walk with Christ, I took one knee and then began to look at my identity in Christ and what my relationship had come to be.
I have a friend back home in Burtt's Corner, an older man; who I know makes a habit to roll out of his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. In fact I am convinced he likely does this more than once a day, its amazing.
Personally, I don't get that far. I will be honest, with my head still on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer sometimes to God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is not lengthy (Like my posts) and far from formal. Depending on sleep I got, it sometimes isn't even intelligent or thought about. Often it's nothing more than "Thank you God for this day, let it be over quick so I can make up for lost sleep." Prayer is crucial to our spiritual walk.
I recall my grandmother who set the example. When I was younger this 81 year old women would get on her feeble beaten knees and put her hands together, leaning over her bed and prayed. My grandmother died of Cancer at 82 and I recall that even then in the face of this illness, she never neglected her time with God. I think it is fair to say, my grandmother is still talking with God now.
I look at this older man I mentioned earlier in the post and my grandmother, I think of how strong their Faith became and I become jealous in one way or another. Why would I be jealous? I think the reason is because, I fail to see that God has allowed me to have the same relationship with Him.
Prayer is very important in our walks with Christ. As I entered this week, I have spent more time with God then ever before and I will testify to the truth, that God will allow us to grow, if we allow Him and put Faith in prayer. I encourage those who read this: "Before you face the day, fall face down and come to recognition with your personal relationship with God"
Ephesians 6:18 in the NLT says,

"Pray at all times and on every occasion"

Change is scary, but do this. Change your definition of prayer. Think of your prayers as less of an activity for God and more as an awareness of God. Seek to live through Christ in prayer. Acknowledge His presence everywhere you go.
Take time today, maybe even right now... humble yourselves as unto the Lord, like Jesus did. Fall Facedown.

I am the "Commish" and I guess its my job to advertise

2007-02-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

MCC Foozeball Updates
MCC Foozeball History and Stats

Robbie Sevilla and I having what was the final game of the Season for Foozeball at Maritime Christian College.
Foozeball At MCC
Foozeball has been an awesome contribution in one way or another to the fun factor and fellowship at the college. This is my second year being commishoner of the league and I must say it has been interesting. Games played went up by 25% this year, so the interst went up, but I guess one could factor in that there are more students this year too. I guess thats why this years playoffs may be more intense than last, although there were some occasions last season when we did'nt like eachother much after we lost to eachother. I.E. Me losing to Randy Thurlow, but it was all in good fun and God Bless him and his ministry as he now attends Lincoln Christian College... and is married,who could forget.
Other than foozeball the fun continues for me in Hockey as well, with my season improving by the game and I believe that any skill that maybe contributing to my success this year is from God. I thank God for my Blessing on and off the ice, because I have lots of reason to be inspired to move on, which leads to the final topic of the day.
Valentines Day Is Coming
I could probably list off potential valentines, but the truth is that anyone who is currently in my life is like a valentine. God as I mentioned has given me these people, which when it comes down to it... Love is good with another person, but I will not count myself depressed for not having that person yet, because I have God. God has assured me that all works out in his timing and I have faith in his timing, just as I will encourage that someone to have faith in, and keeping God in their mind first and foremost. Valentines day is supposed to be about Love and because it is tradition, this year I will share my Love with God, knowing I am His valentine.
God showed his love in this:
For God so Loved the world, He gave His ONLY begotten son, for whoever believes in Him Shall not Perish, but have eternal Life.
Thats one reason to Love, Its a even greater Reason To Live... Let us live in the Love of God. God Bless!

Keeping Up Appearances

2007-02-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well isn't the guy in the picture above a handsome lad!

Appearance does matter or does not matter?

Things have been absolutely busy here at the college as of late, with working hard applying to Churches in preparation for the summer to papers, exams and life in general.
It has been a while since I posted, so I figured thats would be something fun to do. Everyone around Maritime Christian College will understand what I have to blog about today. Its funny, even before I ever attended MCC, I loved to dress up.
I was never sure why, but I remember one occasion which perhaps formed this into me to wear a suit every Sunday and dress up on Chapel days.
In grade 12 things were happening quite fast in my life and more by the day I became more of a attention getter in school. All throughout middle school I strived to be in the "Cool" crowd and I was never there and was picked on lots. When I reached Highschool I played Football and became quite popular and more outspoken and known, at least throughout the school. What I was known for at that time, perhaps people got the wrong impression because of the crowds I hung out with.
It was around Grade 12 when I began to play a bigger role in my Church as well, I was serving communion, working with the youth and even leading in the schools YFC program.
In grade 12 I was removed from the YFC executive because I allowed Football higher priority for my attention, but that is not the purpose of this blog. I remember goign to school one day wearing this T-Shirt which said Good, Better, and Best on it and it was one respect innapropriate for me to be wearing. Under the good was a man alone, then teh better section a boy and a girl, then under the best section it showed two girls clinging to this one guy.
There were a couple instances that Christian friends talked to me about this shirt and I talked then moved on. I recall one Sunday when I was called on to serve the emblems and this is the tear jerker.
I was wearing this shirt and was in front of my entire congregation serving these emblems and on this particular day I noticed my Dad as I gave him the communion emblems, I can recall his face to this day. My Dad had told me not to have this shirt and I disobeyed, which on this day I proved my rebelliousness, but for what gain.... to profess myself a Christian, in favor of immorality!
Thats not really what I thought and I to this day am against such things, but as a young Christian in highschool, I did not realize the message I was sending to those around me.
I know God would never condemn me based on my clothing, but the reason I believe that I truly choose to dress up on Sundays and now chapel days is for the sake of respect. This respect is not for the old people of the congregation, nor is it the people my age who say... why do you dress up?. But it is the respect which I owe to Christ Jesus, for His sacrifice for me. If anything I want people to notice, it is not why I am wearing a suit, but who I am wearing a suit for and most importantly, who I wish to stand for. As I notice more of my colleagues joining me in dressing up for Chapel, I note the influence one person can have on society.
But it is not about me, nor is it about you... but it is about the influence that God can make through each and everyone of us, even if it is through how we dress.
Let us make known we are Christians, if not by how we dress, but by our behaviors... Let us Stand united for what Christ wants and for His Glory!Amen!

Settled in for Semester 2 and My fresh Start

2007-01-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well I can't believe that my break is over already, but you can only sit on your butt for so long, before you just go crazy. Good to be back in my dorm room at Maritime Christian College, for yet another semester and in a New Year.
I have not posted yet in 2007, until now. Today is my birthday and I sit here in my dorm room at 10:15 pm, reminessing over the days to come and the days which have passed. We all have moments where we look at where we have been, where we may have been and where we are.... we have all looked to where we want to be.
As much as a person often stresses, come the crunch of a semester about how much they hate school and as much as a person says "I can't wait to graduate," it makes a person wonder why they keep coming back.
God has blessed me so much and for me to sit here and look at the past, future and look back to where I am, thats one thing that I overlook and as I return from my process of thought, I realize that I miss the Blessings. I have'nt really made a resolution, although while I was home, I preached at the Dorn Ridge Road, about a resolution to keep..... Perhaps its time for my resolution and I think that, for my resolution I will undertake the same resolution, I have strived to achieve from the moment I realized the need.
My resolution is not a resolution really, but a solution, Jesus Christ has become that solution, to the problems I need to resolve for my life. This is why, I Hope that in this next year that people may find Christ around me, that I myself may grow closer in a firm relationship with God. Really with God for me, who can be against me? Nobody! and my life is proof of this.
There have been hard times financially, physically, mentally, emotionally and I have come through them all by God's Grace and Will, thats why I want my will to be God's in the New Year, because God has given me a freedom that I want to preach about and learn more about in my day to day life.

Home Sweet Home

2006-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hockey back home at the KVMS Arena

Well I must say my time home has been exceptionally awesome so far. My family has given me an awesome time back, and a lot of thanks to my little brother for entertaining me in he not so exciting hours. The only disappointment in the vacation, Thus far was arriving late to Hockey, which is one of my major motivators and weekly highlights while at MCC. I find that Hockey helps me to not feel as lonely, for me it is an oppurtunity to really feel a part of something, but this week arriving late there are plenty of downslides. Not only did I arrive late, but as I picked my Hockey bag out of my van, my impatience awarded me with a smuck in the face. This is something we all need sometimes. I have come to the positive of showing up for the last 10 minutes of Hockey tonight. Postive one is finally playing on Murrays team....postivie two is I guess getting to have some fun with Dan at the same time, who was in the opposing net.
I recorded 2 assists on the night which bring my season stats too a high of 4 goals, 10 assists in 8 Games...Not to shabby I must say, considering not scoring at all last season, I guess that there is more motivation from somewhere to play this year.
Also one of my old friends Dana Budivich shot the puck from the point and hit me right fair in the rear end, which was funny but did not feel very good. I will get that guy one day, perhaps by shoving my... never mind, its Christmas, good will and gentlmainly conduct to your fellow man.
It was all in the fun of Hockey. Despite being late though and having perhaps what seems to be a bad day, perhaps I should look to the positive, which is being with my family once again. I will see you guys soon enough, when I am home, I really feel an empty spot which comes from missing my friends elsewhere.
My friends from Maritime Christian College, I love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas! See you all Soon! That same Christian Love I extend to my whole family in Christ Worldwide, God is Awesome!

I'll be Home for Christmas

2006-12-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Time is just ticking down now and as the days go by, my anticipation rises, as well as bordom. Something for me to be thankful for is that I am a powerful negotiator and I negotiated my way out of a couple exams and now with a week to spare, it seems like a year as I must write one more exam to finish the semester. Why this exam must be Friday and cannot be another day, I do not know.
I am sure that you can relate to me in the sense of the anticipation that this gives. Christmas has got to be my favorite time of year, it is certainly the most romantic in the sense of the gushy feelings it gives off, but it is also Joyous in light of recognition of what Christmas stands for.
I cannot wait to go home for Christmas, be with my family and to see friends that I have not seen for a long time. As I feel this, I know that with leaving my home here at Maritime Christian College, will come the feeling of missing another group of tremendous individuals, great friends.
I will be Home for Christmas, but in recognition to the season, my Home is everywhere, with all who are part of the Family of God. God's family reaches the far points of this universe and is the biggest family of all. Most importantly in respect to the Christmas season, we can recognize that with the birth of Jesus Christ came the establishing of a great hope, peace and truth, which established the biggest home, which one day we will all live together.
I cannot wait to go home for the Christmas Holidays, but God's people have been great and to recognize their role in life, is amazing, because they are members of the most Loving family ever. I extend a person Merry Christmas to all of My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus.
I will see you at Home!

Crunch Time Has Arrived!

2006-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

When God seems the closest, Satan is nearer
This could be a depressing post, I will tell you this upfront. This has probably been one of my more, up and down weeks. Things this semester have been great, awesome even. Things have had some bumpy edges though. Something in ministry I have known to realize is that when God seems like he is as close to you as possible, Satan with his big "Temptation Pizza" shows up on the door step.
I suppose that you can all relate to my situation, although I have almost become numb to the pain of my hurts, my emotional aches and scars. This is where things are sad. Classes this semester have been great, friends are awesome too and everything new and most of all you are looked to for once.
All great, but here are the disadvantages....It seems that things can be easily used as distractions or temptation to forget the purpose you are out to achieve. This week has been a real test of Faith in my life. There are things on my mind about my home situation, friends that are sick or maybe even dying, dreams that have allowed me to wonder, compiled emotion of tension, challenges which have made me ask the question... Why am I here?
This semester I have been told on a couple of occasions, that I am considered innocent....sure I will take that, but perhaps I am not. Satan has taken me when God has been closest and tried to distract me.
There is truly a spiritual battle at work in our lives, especially when we find God and have Him closest. Satan will try his hardest to get a foothold on us, but we must not allow him in to make our faith waiver. Satan will try throwing failing papers at you, he will try making you curse at a neighbor, he will try putting things in your face that will make you think falsly of someone or about someone.
When God is close, Satan gets closer.... Let this not scare you though.
1 Corinthians 10:13

13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

God will not allow Satan to tempt us beyond what we can bear. I recall an occasion when Jesus was tempted, after His baptism. He was taken to the dessert and put face to face with Satan. Satan challenged Jesus' Faith, offering Him all of the kingdoms of the world, along with other things, if He had fallen to the will of Satan. Christ did not give in to Satan, but He knew God was there, He knew what God's word taught and He knew that the power of God would overcome all.
We are a fallen people and no matter how hard we try, we will be tempted by Satan, but we must remember this:
Ephesians 2:1-8

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

We were dead in our transgressions and God made us alive in Christ. When we are tempted, let us remember that we our God's people, that God cares for us and when we are hurt inside or falling on hard times, that we are a fallen people, who are serving a risen Lord! I can endure through all, from the knowing that Christ is here for me, in my life, through all things. God Is Good.
James 1:1-7

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

Sorry Dave, its another Sermon, but I feel that the words must be said. In closing, let us not let our Faith linger by temptation, let us not be dead in transgression, but let us, be Alive In Christ Jesus, and endure, as His Love has endured to Us. Amen!

Merry Christmas Brothers and Sisters In Christ

2006-11-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Note the Extra Wise Men in this Picture...

Much Deeper Meaning
What an exciting time of year this has been and will always be for me. I love Christmas, there are so many fond memories I have from Christmas. I remember making a teddy bear in grade 8 and giving it to a girl I had a crush on for years, as a gift of friendship to her. I remember a gift of beauty in itself, which was presented by the Church, as a gift to my family. Then there are fond memories of last year, my first year at Maritime Christian College and the great atmosphere here, which has carried through to this year. Maritime Christian College brings me memories of the parade and also the much anticipated yankee swap! at Tom Marshall's house and lest we forget Christmas Chapel.
Through seeing these things, sometimes we forget about the much deeper meaning of Christmas. I used to forget this through anticipation of a man I just found out was a petifile...Santa Clause.... lol, right Rebecca!. Anyway, Christmas is much deeper than this. Christmas is much deeper than the giving and receiving of gifts.
Allow us remember this Christmas, the greatest gift and the reason for the Christmas Season in Christs birth. Jesus is the deepest reason and one to rejoice in, it brings pure Joy to celebrate this season, because Jesus has given me a gift that is irreplaceable by His Loving Grace, this is a gift, that all are given. Don't take your time opening it!
12 Days Until Christmas
Do you all remember the 12 days before Christmas song, that song is so cool, but not as cool as a song, a friend of mine at MCC has sang to me on numerous occasions called the 12 days after Christmas. This song is hilarious, which it brought me to thinking about what the original 12 days before Christmas had been written for. For those who are curious about the significance of this song, this extra bit to my post is for you!

People often think of the twelve days of Christmas as the days preceeding the festival. Actually, Christmas is a season of the Christian year that begins December 25 and lasts until January 6th - when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the magi.
From 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. It was during this era that someone wrote 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas' as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.

3. Three french hens stand for faith, hope and love.

4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.

5. The five gold rings recall the Torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament.

6. The six geese of laying stand for the six days of creation.

7. Seven swans a swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.

8. The eight maids a milking are the eight Beatitudes.

9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5).

10. The ten lords a leaping are the Ten Commandments.

11. Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful diciples.

12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

There you have it...the hidden meaning of the Twelve Days Of Christmas and the secret behind the song. I had never heard this before, and I thought maybe alot of you haven't either. Now the song has so much more meaning when I do hear it.
I pray that this post has influenced you to look for the deeper meaning in things. This is such a funny song, especially the 12 days after Christmas, but from now on, through my laughter, I may now see the meaning that is Christ.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season! this is not a saying, but the deeper meaning is that it is Truth!

Whats that Smell?

2006-11-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

November 18/2006 Whats the Significance?

It is Friday and I just got back from Hockey with Dave Marshall, actually forgive me its actually Saturday, November 18. I think that my forgetting the date and the day has something to do with the hit that Dave gave me tonight, he hit me silly, I am seeing Stars, reminds me of Eric Lindros. Talk about stink too, Samara and Katherine will attest to this, they were spectators tonight, and ran from my hugs, which they usually love to have.
Lots of fun playing Hockey, one of the funnest things I do in the run of the week. Tonight as I make this post, I would like to have a time to reflect, as the significance of this date to me is a reminder of my confession of Faith through Baptism to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is AWESOME! a date that I look forward too every year to remembering, and one I try my best to remember Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf.
Allow me to contrast my two greatest loves in dedication to my savior.
I play Hockey once a week and I work, work and work to score goals, in fact tonight I promised a certain individual that I would score a goal, but as much as I tried and tried to score that goal, I could not put that tiny puck in that net. This led me to disappointment. At the same time though, it served as a reminder to me.
My life before Christ was like me working and working, trying to score the goals which would lead me to my eternal destiny, in the process though, my stench built up, just like in Hockey tonight.
It took me about Thirteen years to realize that I was a stench before God, working to score the goal on my own, trying to live life to the full while stinking that bad. Because of that life, people ran from my hugs, they wanted nothing to do with me, life was good at times, but the reality was that I was living in a stink. God could not stand the site of my stench and fled from my stench, as horrible as that may sound as a reality to some.
The truth is, I could not score that goal tonight, I know exactly why too... That goal dwelled on my mind the entire night, I would go in on my own and take shot after shot, ending up on the ground flailing like a fish out of water. My end result would be sweat, and exhaustion, I just could not complete my plays, I had no follow through.
Folks, if you are still with me, I want you to know, that you are me! when we do not have the reality of our need to have Christ in our lives, we try and do things on our own, just as I did tonight...this leads to failure, disappointment.
When we finally come to that reality that we need Christ in our lives, He reduces that pressure in our lives, He gives us room to "pass the puck around," He keeps us from getting hit from the play and most of all, He makes us clean from that awful stench.
I Belive that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, this realization has opened up the ice, it has helped me to focus on that goal, which Christ has scored!
Thank God for putting His son on the ice, that we may realize that there is no I in team, there is a me, but God in me is what makes me strong, God in me is what makes me Clean.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

-Hebrews 9:14

Let us not forget that we have Christ there, waiting to receive the pass and that goal you were trying to score, He has already scored, and He did it on our behalf.
But keep in mind that the work here is not done, we must be on guard and out of Love for the one who has scored the goal, keep playing out life, let us see that Jesus has made room for us to have an assist in the play....

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

- Mark 16:15

Let us keep on our oppurtunities... And God's People said "____." I will let you fill in the Blank!
Dave I guess that hit you put on me hit some sense into me brother!

Lest we Forget

2006-11-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Take the time to Remember and reflect

How can something so beautiful be a symbol of such suffering

I apologize if you are unable to witch this video, I warn that it is very deep, but it is the ultimate display of someone beautiful, derserving of our remembrance.
November 11/Lest We Forget
Its Saturday, November 11/2006 and I started out my day by going to my local senataph with some friends for the local remembrance day service. This moment brought many thoughts to my head, thinking about the sacrifice of these many men, on behalf of us today who have freedom.
In remembering these men, I also remembered another sacrifice, one which was by Christ Jesus, a sacrifice for many, on behalf of us today who have freedom.
I found a contrast here, many men dying for all, and one man dying for all....Both sacrifices made on behalf of Freedom, a fight for peace, reconciliation.
As I stood at this service there were prayers to God, which was respected by me as local ministers came to give prayers on behalf of those who lost loved ones at war.
Through all of this though, there was zero mention of the sacrifice of Jesus, only mention of God who is reigning over us. Where I want to take this, I am not sure, but my thoughts today are, on what bounds did these sacrifices take place?
The sacrifice of the men who died at war were on behalf of freedom, and so was the sacfrice of Jesus Christ. Lest we forget in which context freedom comes.
Would these men who died at war, would Jesus who died on the cross, would they be disappointed in us today who have fallen from the name of God.
The direction that we have chosen to take our freedom to would be one that is disappointing to these men who died at war as well as God above.
Lest We Forget that God sent His son to deliver us from the sins which held us captive, to Satan who opposes God. Lest We Forget the sacrifice of these men who died so that we may live in peace under God.
These men layed down their lives for their friends, family and even those that they did not know. Jesus Christ came to this earth, a man full of righteousness, but would not want you to take His place on that cross for one moment, because He had the oppurtunity to die on our behalf.
Because of this sacrifice, we are filled with God's Grace.
Lest We Forget! Let Us Remember Him!
Today, Tomarrow and until the end of time, just as We remember our War veterans on this November 11th Day.
Lest We Forget! We would Forget a Truth that sets Us Free.

Humility is something Pride Overshadows

2006-11-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Finally, those many Chick flicks girls that I have watched have made me think a bit. Perhaps not in the way, that the ladies responsible for making us innocent guys watch these movies may have wanted us to be effected, but it has taken me in a different way of thought. I am not overwhelmed with emotion, or even falling into one of those gushy Awww! how Romantic moments that often the girls speak of, but its a different feeling, one that one would think cannot come from watching these movies, but it can. Pride has finally been overshadowed by the reality of its evils, it bugs me to consider myself a prideful being.
Humility is something that I long for and I have finally been humbled. I sat upstairs in my room at about 12:00 am on Sunday Evening and thought about the times I have had to sit and watch these movies. In the beginning I was disappointed we were'nt watching some manly movie like Spider-Man or Braveheart, both my favorites by the way. Although the point is not the favortism I have towards certain movies.
My point I am getting at is that I would have never sat down an been abliged before to be asked to watch a chick flick in a flock of girls....I have changed in a humbling way.

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12

I am ashamed to admit, there has come a point in my life, especially now looking back that there has been many times I have been proud. Through those times of being proud, I have become cocky, or arrogant, I am disappointed at the sight of myself.
These humbling experiences are good for me, so I guess the point is that I am realizing that I must humble myself a little bit more.
Afterall Jesus Humbled Himself many times. He humbled Himself by Coming here to this earth, a dispicable place, a disappointment, much like I have been to myself lately. He brought Himself here, He humbled Himself more as to wash the feet of those who followed Him, Jesus came into the town of Galilee on a donkey, not a big strong stede.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!"Philippians 2:8

Most of all, this disapointment which I have been...Jesus humbled Himself beyond what He had ever done before. Jesus Humbled Himself to die for those who were unhumble, so that they may come to a point to realize like I have, the need to be Humble.
Jesus I Thank You for your Humility, because you have shown me that I must become Humble and do whatever it takes to become a great light to your kingdom.

"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

This is the reason that God has put me here is to be a light, He has a similar idea for those who read this blog. We must Humble ourselves and recognize our position on this team. We must not be like the proud, but of the Humble. The Humble are who God uses, the Humble allow themselves to be used by God and for God's Purpose.
God use me, God use my Friends!
AMEN!

Joy that makes God Smile

2006-10-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Family

Reason for Celebration

Luke 15:31-32

32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Luke 15:7

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

In the verses above there is incite into the word of God about the Joy that comes to God when one has been found who was once lost. The first scripture from Luke 15:31-32, this comes from the story of the prodical son, which tells of a boy who leaves the house of his father.
This boy is lost to the life of his father, but one day would return and on that day his father embraced him and clothed him with the finest of garments. We are like the prodical son, we were once lost, away from our Father which is in Heaven and there is reason to celebrate from our return to God.
This post I dedicate to my brother Christian, who is now not only my brother, but the brother of the biggest family in the world, Gods Family.
I am so Glad to be part of the Family of God, its the best Family to be part of, and the greatest team you could ever ask to be a part of and the great thing is that tryouts don't happen, because you are already on the Team. Jesus tried out on our behalf and luckily for us He is a all-around athlete, because He defeated death on our behalf. Welcome to the Family!

Dogs and the Pearly Gates

2006-10-31T11:49:00.000-08:00

A dog with Purpose, Jack!
My thoughts about Dogs and the Pearly Gates

Tuesday, October 31/2006, this is the day a friend of man will leave existance. Today is the day that my dog Jack would be put down after a long life of being with my family. Jack was a dog that was born into a abusive family and eventually moved to another home to be kept with a lady who worked with my mother Marylue. From there after being neglected for a short while, Jack would move in with us where he would settle and bring such happiness to our family.
Jack will be remembered by my family as a dog that was always entertaining, in his early years dancing, rolling over, and scratching the door to go outside, all in obedience to receive a bone. I remember as time passed Jack was still seen as funny in his older days as he went blind and would run into walls and people. All joking aside, this dog was a good little dog.
I bet you are wondering, what does this have to do at all with dogs and the pearly gates, well I cannot really give you a definite answer. This is something that is a very debatable subject and I could not give you scripture to back up such opinions. Although I have a thought and a belief of my own, which I will count towards the most awesome and only God who lives. My thoughts are that God works out everything to His purpose, to His will and God never does anything without reasoning, this is why when we make our venture through the pearly gates one day, we can ask God the questions we have been waiting for.
Heres my answer to the question.... I believe that God has a reason for all and I truly believe that God sends us animals like Jack to us for the one reason of comforting us, of entertaining us, enjoying life and having fun with us. Going for walks and perhaps even talking to when we are down.
There is a reason the dog is known as the mans best friend, and that is what Jack has been to my family, believe it or not, even in his last years he was a good friend. He created much laughter as he slept most of the hours of the day.
God sent us a best friend here on earth which is dogs like Jack, so that we will have someone to be with until we are one day with our true Father in Heaven, our true friend, God. Did you know that dog spelled backwards is God, well the friendship aspect works both ways. God is almighty, He has a plan for all of the things of this earth and they are all part of Gods plan for eternity.
I love this Team lots, part of being on Gods team is acknowledging that God has a plan for everything, sometimes we don't have the answers, but for now, this is the answer I have. Someday I will get the oppurtunity to talk to mans best friend, God and ask Him these questions.

2006-10-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

The beloved pose... it is completely nothing to do with this blog outing, other than to be a ploy. How ironic though that I am blogging about the ploys in my life.
Have you ever masked yourself, I have many time, now that I think about it, with Halloween coming up it goes with that too.
This weekend at Exalt! it was great...Probably the most enjoyable one I have had since being at Exalt as a youth. It was the first time that I saw all of my friends all interacting together as a body, as a Church for Christ. God's Presence was known. There were tears shed, people broken but put back together, and most of all God's presence was there.
My mind has been plagued with worries of many things, such as will I be alright to go back to things when this is over, will I have the strength to talk to people about feelings that I have, will I express them.
Sometimes I wonder if intentionally a hide things on my mind. With God's help, finally I got lots off of my mind this weekend and because of that I have reason to rejoice!...Seems like everytime I blog things come back to God, or somehow they always come to rejoicing.
This is something that is on my mind too, through all that happens, and boy do I love God. God has worked in those around me dramatically and it has truly been amazing to see both the influence they had from me and the influence of them to others.
The conclusion I came up with of why my worries, problems, and all that I keep from the world always come back to God or rejoicing is simply because if you combine the two you have a duo that creates truth, the truth being that if you have God "why should we not rejoice?."
I am not always happy, although at the moment circumstances that probably should have made me depressed, angry or even discusted with God... They have only drawn me closer to His word. I praise God for all that He has worked in me to do. The conclusion I have drawn is that with a healthy relationship with God, also comes a healthy relationship with others. I have also realized that God works all out to His will and because He works in this way I am Happy!.
My prayer life has been terrible as of the last couple of months or so, but I am beginning to realize that I need to become closer to God, therefore it is my decision to at all costs put Christ first, and by putting Christ first I will be making the greatest decision I could ever make.
Prayer is great, anyone reading this post that needs prayer, I will pray for you, it is my prayer that you will keep me in yours...And in doing so grow closer to the one who Loves all, and has shown a clear image of His Love for us in His Son Jesus Christ.

2006-10-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Lifes Rough, Wear a Helmet!

Well, there is always something to be said thats for sure. If you want to know what is on my mind you sometimes get good things, but then there are the bad, which are'nt so great to hear.
I find things really hard... I don't know why, just do? I think sometimes I make things harder than they have to be, I let them get me down. There are so many struggles it seems going on with my life right now and I just let them piece by insignificant piece rip me up inside.
This may not be enough to be ripped apart emotionally, its also physical, the pain that I experience, its one that is unsharable, yet at the same time, it is good to share. Prayer has been big for me as of late with this.
Illness has plagued me for nearly a week, I still have not fully recovered from kidney stones, yet I keep this to myself, I feel the pain, but do not want pity!
This is something that I only put here so that people can relate, then maybe perhaps see that there is always a solution. The solution that we are told often in society is not the solution that we should turn to.
When contemplating your future, its not good to boggle yourself with pointless worry have faith.
When facing the pains of peer pressure have faith.
While suffering inside from different things that are going on in life, have faith.
If your down and out, lying in your bed, feeling that you could breathe your last, that you will not make it this time, have FAITH!
"Next to faith this is the highest art -- to be content with the calling in which God has placed you!!!" This was a quote of Martin Luthor.
My Faith Is in what God has in store for my future, this one I will hand over to God.
I could definetly find more time for God in my life, I did that finally today, I went to a confined place, and I prayed.
This was a time of devotion, not with others, which is good to have too, but it was a time for Just God and Me, and believe me you will get know other friend than that.
Spending all that time with God helped me to pick the postive from all negative. The feelings I feel are ones as a result of bordom that sometimes arises, but with that time I spend bored, I don't know why I don't invest some of that in God.
Anyone who reads this, again, don't take pity on me, don't feel sorry...But Please take example, realize for yourself the great Faith God provides to you.
Spend time with God in prayer...I miss family more than anything, I get bored a lot... But I am on a team that cannot be Boring, I am on Gods team and I lift His name up to you. His Glory reigns supreme and will get you through anything.

2006-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

A Truly Unbearable Pain

Something so Small, that can do much Damage!

Recognition Of the Cross In Painful Times
This world can truly be known for throwing life lessons at a person. Wednesday, October 11/ 2006, I woke up to some rather scary news from one of my best friends Dan Foreman, he had been driving and was in an accident. Thoughts quickly crossed my mind of whether or not he was okay, or what I could possibly do being miles away from him.
There was really nothing I could do. Pain began to approach me, a pain that began to become more and more unbearable as time went by. I went downstairs to the lounge, but this pain would not leave me, at first I thought the pain I was feeling was over my worrying, but it was'nt that.
Before I knew it, Class was'nt looking like something I wanted to do on this day and I went to the secretary at the college I am attending to take me to the hopital.
This pain haunted me, it began to increase more and more by what seemed like the minute, one cannot even begin to imagine the feeling unless they experienced this themselves. Finally, I was rushed to the Hospital, where I would wait....
When in the Hospital I had to register myself to be looked at, then wait around to be tended to. The wait overwhelmed me, the pain made me feel like I was being ripped apart from the inside out, like there was someone with a spear on the inside, chipping his way out.
All thoughts left my mind, all thoughts were gone, but the thought of the possibility that I may not make it through this time clouded my thoughts. The waiting seemed to make the pain worsten. Finally after waiting a person who had been waiting longer than me stood up and told the nurse enough! somebody help this boy.
Obviously, I made it through...I am alive today, living to tell my story of my suffering and that story I will tell with gratitude to the God who got me through my agony. Through this whole time I was having a God please tell me why moment.
I found out pretty quick why? I had problems with Kidney stones in the past, and I had fallen from the instruction I was given to avoid such problems, but I never listened.
Thinking to the suffering I went through, I look back on the morning, where I received some bad news about my friend, through all of this, I never did once think about him or any of my other friends, the pain was enough to think about.
But then I think about Christ, whom God sent for us, who died on that Cross.
He lived as we have, He died as some die, but today He is a risen God who has overcome death. The most amazing thing through all of this is that during that suffering that Jesus went through, never once did somebody stand and say enough! as that women in the hospital room did for me. When Jesus endured the suffering He had, the severe beatings, there was no Mercy shown at all.
Must we forget, that through all that Christ endured on that day that He was Crucified before the people, through all of His suffering, the one thought on His mind was His friends. Through all that Jesus went through He took the Fall and Thought of Each of Us above all.
Life is a journey and there is lots that we can learn in life if we open our eyes to what God has shown us and today He has shown me something beautiful and that is His Mercy, His wonderful power, While I was laying in agony on that Hospital bed, my first thought was my pain, but Gods first thought was me.
God puts us first, let us put Him first!

2006-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Toronto Maple Leafs V.S. Ottawa Senators

A Battle Far Great
Training and Application

Tomarrow Night, October 4/2006 is a day that many Canadians I know for a fact has written on their Calendars for sure. I know that any Canadian people who are Leafs or Habs fans alike will be watching this game, because the opening game for the Leafs on this night is scheduled as the Ottawa Senators.
The Ottawa Senators team has gained many enemies over the last couple of years, they have become the one force uniting rivalrus fans....These fans being Habs and Leafs fans.
This is not the topic of this blogging though. Something significant has just been completed by these Hockey Players, this significant thing was an oppurtunity for many to fight for their dreams. In the NHL the pre-season has just been completed.
This is something that required much training for those picked to be on teams, something that took tons and tons of sacrifice, countless evenings practicing, dedication to the game itself, Hockey!
Without a doubt it would be worth it, making Hockey a #1 Priority, how fun it would be, how great it would be to reap the rewards and for many young players finally touch the golden stage of the NHL.
As Christians we are part of the ultimate team there is to be a part of, the best part being that if we make truth our #1 Priority, we are automatically part of this team, simply because the sacrifice has already been made, the time put in!
The Priority, Truth, Being God! and then the Sacrifice being His one and only son Jesus.
Knowing what sacrifice these players in the NHL have put thru to their success, they don't stop, but keep on going to pursue the ultimate prize, that being the Stanley Cup.
Our Ultimate Prize is eternity with God, Heaven, promise that because of Jesus we will never again be alone, never again be let down. This is why for the sake of the Sacrifice of Christ, we don't quit now that our training has paid off, now that we are on the team....Let's Tell others about this Team!
In pursuing a college education at Maritime Christian College, I have had to make sacrifice, some that I have regreted, but much of these sacrifices I would not take back for the world, because Christ made the sacrifice first. He took the fall, He endured all, and thought of me, thought of you above all things.
Let us not just sit around, let us live for Jesus.
Let us be Gladiators for His name...Amen!

2006-09-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated 25th Anniversary Mom and Dad...I dedicate this Blog to You and to the one who has Truly been the biggest Blessing to your Relationship!

Putting God In your Relationships
About the Relatinship, in your relationship...

This video I compiled for the party that my Family had put together earlier this summer on August 25th for My Mom and Dad's 25th Anniversary celebration, and I had a lot of fun putting it together.
The video itself means a lot to me, but means even more to my parents. But after thinking about why it may mean so much to them and then throwing the idea in the air I wonder,...why is it their relationship has stood the test of time?
Well my Dad would say that the answer is simply that from the beginning he told my Mom, "you either take me or leave me!" and she agreed.
Then I asked both of them and they came to the conclusive answer, which was summed up in one word, which is "God."
In the past, their has been a couple of relationships I have had, failures...practically like an airplane crash, they were that bad, but there is a reason for this. Now your thinking well your going to say that its because God was not there...well that would be part of it.
The other part that in the relationships I have been in, I have hung my stars heavily on the other person, and they would do the same to me. As a result all of those stars get juggled around and what happens, well someone messes up, usually both people. Then all the stars hit the ground.
There has been so, so, many disappointments, but the reason for that is I hung the stars in the wrong place. I never gave them into the hands of one who could hold the weight, but there is one in God that can hold those stars, I know this for a fact, because I know he was the one who physically put stars in the sky, so I know that he is willing to emotionally hold the stars I am hanging.
In a relationship, in even a family atmosphere, God must be the central figure. We must have the strength, the courage to trust in Him.
God is part of a Love triangle, in a triangle there are three central points.
On the left is you, the right your significant other, the only way you can travel is up or down. If you travel down you travel further apart, if you travel towards each other you cross paths.
Think of this,if you travel up, you will meet a stop at the one who is the master of Love, because He is the one who created the essence of Love, thats God.

God is part of the greatest love story of All-Time.
When you meet God in your relationship, your relationship will begin, and thats where the adventure will start.
What are you looking for in a relationship? are you approaching your realationships in the way that is pleasing to God?
God is Love Trust in Him to help you in your relatonships, I have made mistakes in relationships, but I am happy to know that now my triangle is heading towards God...

2006-09-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Called to have joy like a Child!

The Transfiguration

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

Where my Joy comes from...

Some have heard me give testimony to events in my life before, but let me now to those who have not heard, here this truth.
Often times as a people we often to overlook things for what they are, we tend to overlook reasons that we may have to be happy. For example in my life.
When I was born, my family was'nt exactly in a great financial state, they were poor in the worlds eyes. Despite this reality though, we lived life as it had went.
My home had no luxuries thats for sure, I remember at a young age always getting up with my Dad early 5:00 am in the morning, directing my Dad with a flashlight out back of my home to the outhouse, to dump a porta potty.
This practice happened everyday of my life, from about the age of four, until I was about ten.
The Joy for me is that today, things have been accomplished. For another to completely get the full story, I would have to sit down and tell, but I will say that it is because of God that I have an education.
My family which was poor, is now rich, not only in spirit, but financially blessed because of God. God sent his people as a Blessing to my family, they were the reason that today my home has luxuries, that is why I am a student of my second year of college.
There is so much more also I have to take Joy in, Paul explains in Romans 5:1-4:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

There is much to take Joy in, but like I have mentioned, with all we have going on, we tend to overlook the good with the bad, we tend to worry and not trust in God, not seeing the things God has done for us. If we fail to see these things, how can we hold faith? We really can't...
Thats why we must look to the things God has done for us, look at them, reflect for yourself, and you will truly see reason to hold faith in God!
He has given me Joy! more than one could ever imagine...
I am glad and will rejoice in knowing God as Savior and Lord of my life.
Don't let yourself go to spiritual highs, having mountain of transfiguration moments, then forgetting the Joy of the Lord.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord Always! and again I say Rejoice.
These words are Golden, hold on to them, there is reason to REJOICE!

2006-09-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

How deep is the hole?

The first rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging.

Psalm 40: 2,3 NIV
He lifted me out of the slimy pit...he set my feet on the rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

In all sorts of situations we can make matters worse by our own frantic efforts to save ourselves when God is trying to tell us, 'Stand still.' We have gotten ourselves into a hopeless situations, the more we fail to listen, the worse it gets.
Not often enough do we stop digging and pay attention to what God is saying, we panic we get stressed out, we never think of going to the Lord in prayer.

Perhaps it's time to take a pause in your ardent (this is the word of the day) pursuit of a solution or answer that you are seeking. Give God time to do His work, and to speak His wisdom to you. We often say that we are handing our problems to God,but do not put full faith into giving our problems over to God.
We often think, well God has better things to do then pay attention to me...
He has wars and Famines to overlook does'nt he?
Well maybe we should leave that answer to God to decide, and be faithful to God's will.
When we Pray we should do so Whole heartidly, that way we can get out of the Hole.

2006-09-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Feeling So Alone

Sometimes living in a dorm full of people, you can still feel alone...
There have been times that I have went off to do certain events, have so much fun, yet look back at the way things used to be.
I look at the good times that I had living at home and realize the reality that I am not at home anymore, and my heart fills with that sour feeling, alonging for home.
This feeling brings about joy as you reflect back on the good times you have had, and as I can relate, it also brings back memories you would love to forget!
For example the worries of loved ones who have fallen away from God, loved ones past, and yet you can't do a thing about it!
These thoughts cloud my thoughts, and they are something that bugged me for a long time, it was depressing, and made me feel so alone.
So Alone.....
There are so many times I forget.....I really should'nt, something so wonderful, so great, yet I regret to mention despite the reality of my surroundings I forget.
Covering all my problems with books, videogames, and anything else to avoid the thoughts of disappointment.
But then I finally remember the Love.
1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Its mind boggling to me that I could forget such a great love. Yet at the same time, I am happy to know that I can always have Christ there, I am never Alone!
When disappointing times come, when things are not well, Christ is there for me.
It is my Prayer for myself and for all who have excepted Christ or even have not yet accepted Him, to recognize His presence in your lives.
Let Christ be the Centre of your lives, He died so that we may have New Found Life, so that we would no longer need to be burdened by the things that bombard are lives.
May God Bless your lives in Christ Jesus!

2006-09-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

The terms of this Contract are Wonderous

Approximately 6 years ago in November I made the best decision, a person of any age, gender, race, or lifestyle could ever make. I decided to declare Christ as Lord over my life and joining the greatest team I have ever been on.
Many times in my life I have been on sports teams of various different kinds, I love sports. In fact in high school I was named 2 time defensive all-star and entered to try-out twice for the provincial all-stars. There was so much fun back then on that Football team, I love the game.
The team I am on now, I enjoy much more. This team is more of a family, because now I am in my second year a Maritime Christian College and I am realizing more by the day about how great my life has become since receiving Christ into my life.
I truly believe that in terms of importance to place any pro athete above God would be truly wrong. There is much promise having Christs signiture on our hearts.
Gods love toward us is never changing, it is the same today, as yesterday, and forever...God Love is Great! and we all experience His Love it is just a matter of seeing it and showing others God's Love in our lives.
I have written a sermon about how great it is to be on God's team, and why I enjoy his team so...and if you have ever met me, and seen me smile, now you know exactly why its not often that my smile is a frown.
I believe in New Found Life In Christ Jesus...Romans 6:4
Shall I say it, the victory in winning the coveted Stanley Cup is nothing in comparison to the victory which is found in Jesus, through the victory He has won for us through Salvation by His grace from our sins.
This to me is the greatest of trophies that we could ask for, For Jesus has given us more wealth by his Glory than any of the millions of dollars a NBA, NHL, MLB, or NFL player could ask for...
Jesus gave us something BIG!, Jesus Gave New Found Life!
New Found Life Means "victories won"
"a race well run"
and "God's will done"

This offer is our decision to make, and this is one contract negotiation that I am glad I never missed out on!