It is spring time in the lower mainland. This year we had such a mild winter that spring truly started in February. This past week it has started climbing to 20+ Celsius. Even though I get a touch of hay fever this is my favorite time of year. Everything is growing and blossoming! The ducks and other water fowl are multiplying as are the bunnies.
I spent the better part of the afternoon shopping for and planting my annuals. I just feel blessed to live in such a wonderful place. Plus I have the means to enjoy it and splurge a little on my hobby. God is good!
A welcome break from my work life. I changed companies within the last year and really enjoy my new position but it has its moments. Gardening and beautifying gives me a chance to put it in perspective. We are experiencing a renewal at my work too. Right now we're probably just starting to grow after rearranging some of the plants. Kind of like 2 years ago when I moved my roses. They were doing okay before I moved them but now that I have them better positioned they are going to be spectacular. What we're doing at work is going to be good after everyone settles in.
I have also re-positioned myself at church. I had to drop out of a ministry for the most part because it just was too hard to involve myself there with my new work schedule. So I'm finding other places to fit into the plan. Meeting new people and getting better acquainted with others I've known for years.
I'm starting to look into travel plans this summer. God willing I'm going to do a west coast trip to the island and north coast.
I know God has more good things in store for me this year. Some may not look like it at the time but he knows what is best for me. Spring is in the air and I love it!
Blessings to you!!
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Cutting the grass and other random thoughts
Hello,
It has been a while since I've logged in and even longer since I've posted anything. I have gone through some major changes in the past few months. It is an interesting period in my life. I am having a lot of fun even if my version of fun is a little(alright maybe a lot!) different than others.
I've been learning and continue to learn new computer systems and company procedures. Reworking my life schedule. Meeting new people and learning a lot of names! Finding new areas and opportunities for networking/fellowship. It is an adventure and I find my comfort zone tends to be in the new.
This brings me to the realization that I really enjoy new stuff. It energizes me even if at times it also tires me out. Where I really need to work hard at is in continuing to build on the relationships I already have relationship that are healthy and beneficial to me(even if on the surface they don't always appear to be of benefit to me). As I strive to be more like Jesus I know that he tended to reach out to the downtrodden. There is much beauty to be uncovered in this murky world we live in.
I guess that brings it around to the title of this post. I was sitting in a room of fellow believers talking about how the study and companion guide/devotional we are working through was impacting them. There were stories of how God spoke to them through this date or that date. I have to say the devotional has been rather troubling for me. Not that it convicts me but rather that it feels rather simplistic and kind of like Christianity 101. Most in the room had been following the Lord much longer than I yet there impact was profound and mine was mostly affirmation.
Now I'm not saying I'm some super spiritual Christian and that I'm superior. I look at some of things I do to this day and am thankful for grace. That being said I have daring faith I guess and most others aren't there yet. I'm a thinking man, not a drone spewing off Bible verses or spinning trite tales, and God has made me this way. A critical thinker and a Christ follower are not a paradox.
Anyway, I'll get to the point I was trying to make.
During the discussion time which I zoned in and out of one person spoke up. He started telling a tale about a man of great faith who was mowing the lawn. While he was cutting the grass God spoke to him and announced Jesus would be returning to earth to gather up his children in 5 minutes. Once the man had heard from God he continued mowing the lawn because he had done everything he was supposed to do.
There was what appeared to be a lot of agreement in the room. This made me a little angry, actually a lot angry. I stayed calm though and spoke up. I said I would be calling everyone I could who I know are not following the Lord to give them 1 last chance before it was too late. There wasn't a lot of agreement in the room or at least that I could sense. It was like I was at a very conservative closed door type of gathering instead of being among Evangelicals.
The story was so pompous and what helps make Christians unlikable. Smugness is not one of the gifts of the spirit or not in any version I've read. I'm sure that statement wasn't supposed to be that but nevertheless it was..I am not the orators judge, that is between him and God. I know I have been extremely pompous at times and God still loves me.
Side point: Ironically I really love cutting the grass so it would be hard, really hard for me to give up my last chance to finish it off. I wish that was a joke but if you know me, you know that to be true.
So I'm praying for my brothers and praying I can be graceful and loving even if I don't feel like it when we get together next week. If anything interesting happens there I'll write a follow up or post script.
Blessings to you, whether you have daring faith or faith as little as a mustard seed! Peace out
It has been a while since I've logged in and even longer since I've posted anything. I have gone through some major changes in the past few months. It is an interesting period in my life. I am having a lot of fun even if my version of fun is a little(alright maybe a lot!) different than others.
I've been learning and continue to learn new computer systems and company procedures. Reworking my life schedule. Meeting new people and learning a lot of names! Finding new areas and opportunities for networking/fellowship. It is an adventure and I find my comfort zone tends to be in the new.
This brings me to the realization that I really enjoy new stuff. It energizes me even if at times it also tires me out. Where I really need to work hard at is in continuing to build on the relationships I already have relationship that are healthy and beneficial to me(even if on the surface they don't always appear to be of benefit to me). As I strive to be more like Jesus I know that he tended to reach out to the downtrodden. There is much beauty to be uncovered in this murky world we live in.
I guess that brings it around to the title of this post. I was sitting in a room of fellow believers talking about how the study and companion guide/devotional we are working through was impacting them. There were stories of how God spoke to them through this date or that date. I have to say the devotional has been rather troubling for me. Not that it convicts me but rather that it feels rather simplistic and kind of like Christianity 101. Most in the room had been following the Lord much longer than I yet there impact was profound and mine was mostly affirmation.
Now I'm not saying I'm some super spiritual Christian and that I'm superior. I look at some of things I do to this day and am thankful for grace. That being said I have daring faith I guess and most others aren't there yet. I'm a thinking man, not a drone spewing off Bible verses or spinning trite tales, and God has made me this way. A critical thinker and a Christ follower are not a paradox.
Anyway, I'll get to the point I was trying to make.
During the discussion time which I zoned in and out of one person spoke up. He started telling a tale about a man of great faith who was mowing the lawn. While he was cutting the grass God spoke to him and announced Jesus would be returning to earth to gather up his children in 5 minutes. Once the man had heard from God he continued mowing the lawn because he had done everything he was supposed to do.
There was what appeared to be a lot of agreement in the room. This made me a little angry, actually a lot angry. I stayed calm though and spoke up. I said I would be calling everyone I could who I know are not following the Lord to give them 1 last chance before it was too late. There wasn't a lot of agreement in the room or at least that I could sense. It was like I was at a very conservative closed door type of gathering instead of being among Evangelicals.
The story was so pompous and what helps make Christians unlikable. Smugness is not one of the gifts of the spirit or not in any version I've read. I'm sure that statement wasn't supposed to be that but nevertheless it was..I am not the orators judge, that is between him and God. I know I have been extremely pompous at times and God still loves me.
Side point: Ironically I really love cutting the grass so it would be hard, really hard for me to give up my last chance to finish it off. I wish that was a joke but if you know me, you know that to be true.
So I'm praying for my brothers and praying I can be graceful and loving even if I don't feel like it when we get together next week. If anything interesting happens there I'll write a follow up or post script.
Blessings to you, whether you have daring faith or faith as little as a mustard seed! Peace out
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Tax time
Well it is almost the end of February and in Canada that means this is your last chance to get RRSP's enrolled to use against last years taxes. I've written about this before but it is important. I don't really know that much but I'll share a few things I am aware of.
What is TFSA, this has zero to do with RRSP's. A tax free savings account is simply a shelter against tax on the interest accrued in the account. If you do not have a TFSA at present I strongly suggest you get one. Every year you are allowed to put x amount into an account of this type. Currently it is 5500/yr, a few years back it was only 5000/yr. However this is cumulative, so since they were introduced in 2008 until this current year you could theoretically have as much as 36500 in deposits. While most, including me, won't be anywhere near having that amount at present, so long as you make a deposit of any size into this type of account every year you continue to build up how much you can have in this type of account. I plan on utilizing this more and more as I approach retirement and back off on the RRSP portion of my savings plan. Also TFSA accounts are not limited to simple interest bearing accounts but can also be used for Mutual fund and commodity trading among other things. Once at retirement age the Gov't will force you to start changing your RRSP's in RIF's but have no control over what you take or don't take out of a TFSA. If anyone wants a little further clarification there are many good internet sources on the subject, just Google it.
What is an RRSP. In layman terms these are a tax shelter. You are deferring tax payment to down the road. The theory is you will pay less tax on the money until later because you are taking your top wage dollars for this year and putting them into a lower tax bracket down the road. For instance, if you made 50000 last year you would be in the 29% bracket. However if you dropped 5000 into an RRSP that would be roughly 1500 in tax savings. In retirement lets say your income was 40000. Then you would have to repay those savings from earlier but you would be in the 22% bracket now. That is a savings of 350 dollars roughly. Plus you have the 1500 to invest in the interim so potentially you could end up making enough money off compound interest to make the entire 1500 dollars double or triple depending on the time frame and how your investments do.
Now even if you are in a lower tax bracket already RRSP's are still good to invest in. Especially if you see a future potential of an increased income. When you take out an RRSP you do not have to apply it in that taxation year. You can defer it for as much as 7 years before you use it. If you made only 35000 there really is no advantage to using your RRSP against that amount. You are already in a low tax bracket so it is revenue neutral. Even though you would get a bigger tax return this year, in the long run you are better off to defer it. It is really easy to do and when you get your Assessment from CRA it will list your unused RRSP contributions at the bottom. I did that a couple of years back and it was a shrewd move.
Younger people, listen up! As much as I am building up a fund now I do surely wish I had started younger. The earlier you get going on this, the more it will become. It is the Snowball effect as your money rolls over and accumulates. I started in my 20's and cashed them in before I was 30 and never got serious about it again until I was 40. I am fine, God is good, and whether I have much or little I will persevere. That being said I can see the folly in the younger me. I can't reach him but maybe I can reach you. Please start today.
Please learn how to do your taxes on your own. For most people they are not that complicated but these tax service companies will charge you a fee and often miss obvious deductions that you will not receive because they just aren't that good and the people that work there are only in it for a pay cheque. If you have a real problem with math or reading all the rules and regulations get a trusted friend or family member to help you. If you know me outside of my blog I would gladly help you. I'm not an expert but can read a few lines in the tax guide as well as anybody.
Lastly, please do not believe it when people say I don't want too much overtime because it costs me money. It is simply not true. On 1 particular pay cheque it is possible but even that is unlikely. If you made enough money to jump ever so briefly into the next higher bracket it could cost you a few dollars on that particular pay. However at tax return time that money would be recouped. Making more money always means making more money in our taxation system as it is today. It may or may not have been true at one point in time but that was ages ago and it is certainly not true today. If you make more money, it means you make more money, period, end of statement.
Thanks for paying attention. You have about a week to make another RRSP contribution so get on it!
Blessings! :)
What is TFSA, this has zero to do with RRSP's. A tax free savings account is simply a shelter against tax on the interest accrued in the account. If you do not have a TFSA at present I strongly suggest you get one. Every year you are allowed to put x amount into an account of this type. Currently it is 5500/yr, a few years back it was only 5000/yr. However this is cumulative, so since they were introduced in 2008 until this current year you could theoretically have as much as 36500 in deposits. While most, including me, won't be anywhere near having that amount at present, so long as you make a deposit of any size into this type of account every year you continue to build up how much you can have in this type of account. I plan on utilizing this more and more as I approach retirement and back off on the RRSP portion of my savings plan. Also TFSA accounts are not limited to simple interest bearing accounts but can also be used for Mutual fund and commodity trading among other things. Once at retirement age the Gov't will force you to start changing your RRSP's in RIF's but have no control over what you take or don't take out of a TFSA. If anyone wants a little further clarification there are many good internet sources on the subject, just Google it.
What is an RRSP. In layman terms these are a tax shelter. You are deferring tax payment to down the road. The theory is you will pay less tax on the money until later because you are taking your top wage dollars for this year and putting them into a lower tax bracket down the road. For instance, if you made 50000 last year you would be in the 29% bracket. However if you dropped 5000 into an RRSP that would be roughly 1500 in tax savings. In retirement lets say your income was 40000. Then you would have to repay those savings from earlier but you would be in the 22% bracket now. That is a savings of 350 dollars roughly. Plus you have the 1500 to invest in the interim so potentially you could end up making enough money off compound interest to make the entire 1500 dollars double or triple depending on the time frame and how your investments do.
Now even if you are in a lower tax bracket already RRSP's are still good to invest in. Especially if you see a future potential of an increased income. When you take out an RRSP you do not have to apply it in that taxation year. You can defer it for as much as 7 years before you use it. If you made only 35000 there really is no advantage to using your RRSP against that amount. You are already in a low tax bracket so it is revenue neutral. Even though you would get a bigger tax return this year, in the long run you are better off to defer it. It is really easy to do and when you get your Assessment from CRA it will list your unused RRSP contributions at the bottom. I did that a couple of years back and it was a shrewd move.
Younger people, listen up! As much as I am building up a fund now I do surely wish I had started younger. The earlier you get going on this, the more it will become. It is the Snowball effect as your money rolls over and accumulates. I started in my 20's and cashed them in before I was 30 and never got serious about it again until I was 40. I am fine, God is good, and whether I have much or little I will persevere. That being said I can see the folly in the younger me. I can't reach him but maybe I can reach you. Please start today.
Please learn how to do your taxes on your own. For most people they are not that complicated but these tax service companies will charge you a fee and often miss obvious deductions that you will not receive because they just aren't that good and the people that work there are only in it for a pay cheque. If you have a real problem with math or reading all the rules and regulations get a trusted friend or family member to help you. If you know me outside of my blog I would gladly help you. I'm not an expert but can read a few lines in the tax guide as well as anybody.
Lastly, please do not believe it when people say I don't want too much overtime because it costs me money. It is simply not true. On 1 particular pay cheque it is possible but even that is unlikely. If you made enough money to jump ever so briefly into the next higher bracket it could cost you a few dollars on that particular pay. However at tax return time that money would be recouped. Making more money always means making more money in our taxation system as it is today. It may or may not have been true at one point in time but that was ages ago and it is certainly not true today. If you make more money, it means you make more money, period, end of statement.
Thanks for paying attention. You have about a week to make another RRSP contribution so get on it!
Blessings! :)
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Is following Jesus as easy as pushing a button?
Well intended as it may be, is having people say the sinners prayer at the drop of a hat a cop out? The evangelist in me has always desired to lead people in the sinners prayer. I have done so on several occasions. I really and earnestly thought I was doing God's will and had played a small part in God's plan for saving people from eternal damnation. Looking back I would say sometimes it has saved people and sometimes it has not.
Well, do a few words make the difference? We'll follow it up with saying things like, now Jesus has entered your life and everything will be different. Kinda like pushing the Staples easy button and poof your office supplies just appear. Is it really as easy as that? If it was then how come some of the people I've led are not visibly transformed? In fact they seem exactly the same as before.
Now, I do believe the sinners prayer is an important step in you connecting with God in a profound way. It has nothing to do with saying the words aloud but has everything to do what is in your heart when you say it. The well meaning benevolent ministry I work with HAS saved people. However I believe many more have been cajoled into saying the words not because they hope to spend eternity with Jesus but because they hope to receive a grocery voucher. I often wonder how many people get baptized because they feel pressured into it by their friends or family. How many people in my Church are just there but do not know God or they know God but don't implicitly follow him? They are in so deep that they feel there is no way to admit that they are frauds. I am certain that every church has some or Jesus would not have the parable of the Sheep and the Goats or the the Weeds sown into the wheat field. I'm at a large church so we could be talking about quite a few people. I'm reasonably sure that by and large my congregation are Christ followers but I'm even more sure that some are not. I don't mean I can name someone in particular at my church I know is not saved but as a generalization with a large enough sampling there must be some. Possibly more than I think but since we are a Bible believing Christ preaching church I have a fair bit of confidence that most are saved in my congregation.
Just admitting there is a God is simply not enough. As Jesus said even a demon can do that. In the literal sense I never said the sinners prayer myself. I have said and repeated the apostles creed many times and meant it each and every time. My baptism was only symbolically important and a public confirmation. Saying the sinners prayer and baptism in and of itself has never saved anyone. God only cares about what is in the heart of the person doing those rituals. I love Jesus and that is why I was baptized as an adult. I didn't think it would save me in and of itself.
I heard it said by many including myself that once saved, always saved. I do believe that to be true but I have to wonder when people walk away from Church, backslide into their past bad behavior and stop doing the things Christ followers usually do. Is it that they've lost their salvation or did they ever really have it. Were they following Jesus or was it just a human perception of Jesus. Only God knows that answer for sure.
I also wonder about the people I've had a part in leading through the sinners prayer. I talk to them a week later and ask how it's going. They will say things are good. Then I ask if they've read any of their Bible and they say oh yes. I ask them what they are reading and they give a vague answer. I know what that means. And that's only the ones I see a week later or a day later or whatever. I wonder about the ones that I never see again. Are they now hanging out at another benevolent ministry trying to get another few crumbs of bread from the table. Is dangling a meal or a gift card like a Carrot on a stick leading the horse. I really don't know a better answer but to feed the hungry and to help the poor even if they are just there for the food. Jesus didn't tell his men to feed the 3000 that believed the message but to feed the 5000. He didn't say to take care of the widow and orphan but only if they follow me.
I'm looking for fruit though. I'm tired of trite sayings and half baked sentiments. I want a big harvest but I want quality fruit because my LORD will only accept that. I may have to offend some of my fellow harvesters or we'll have a lot of very leafy plants that have fruit that never ripens.
Deeds don't matter with no love. Love doesn't exist without deeds. May you be fruitful and multiply. Some food for thought.
Blessings!
Well, do a few words make the difference? We'll follow it up with saying things like, now Jesus has entered your life and everything will be different. Kinda like pushing the Staples easy button and poof your office supplies just appear. Is it really as easy as that? If it was then how come some of the people I've led are not visibly transformed? In fact they seem exactly the same as before.
Now, I do believe the sinners prayer is an important step in you connecting with God in a profound way. It has nothing to do with saying the words aloud but has everything to do what is in your heart when you say it. The well meaning benevolent ministry I work with HAS saved people. However I believe many more have been cajoled into saying the words not because they hope to spend eternity with Jesus but because they hope to receive a grocery voucher. I often wonder how many people get baptized because they feel pressured into it by their friends or family. How many people in my Church are just there but do not know God or they know God but don't implicitly follow him? They are in so deep that they feel there is no way to admit that they are frauds. I am certain that every church has some or Jesus would not have the parable of the Sheep and the Goats or the the Weeds sown into the wheat field. I'm at a large church so we could be talking about quite a few people. I'm reasonably sure that by and large my congregation are Christ followers but I'm even more sure that some are not. I don't mean I can name someone in particular at my church I know is not saved but as a generalization with a large enough sampling there must be some. Possibly more than I think but since we are a Bible believing Christ preaching church I have a fair bit of confidence that most are saved in my congregation.
Just admitting there is a God is simply not enough. As Jesus said even a demon can do that. In the literal sense I never said the sinners prayer myself. I have said and repeated the apostles creed many times and meant it each and every time. My baptism was only symbolically important and a public confirmation. Saying the sinners prayer and baptism in and of itself has never saved anyone. God only cares about what is in the heart of the person doing those rituals. I love Jesus and that is why I was baptized as an adult. I didn't think it would save me in and of itself.
I heard it said by many including myself that once saved, always saved. I do believe that to be true but I have to wonder when people walk away from Church, backslide into their past bad behavior and stop doing the things Christ followers usually do. Is it that they've lost their salvation or did they ever really have it. Were they following Jesus or was it just a human perception of Jesus. Only God knows that answer for sure.
I also wonder about the people I've had a part in leading through the sinners prayer. I talk to them a week later and ask how it's going. They will say things are good. Then I ask if they've read any of their Bible and they say oh yes. I ask them what they are reading and they give a vague answer. I know what that means. And that's only the ones I see a week later or a day later or whatever. I wonder about the ones that I never see again. Are they now hanging out at another benevolent ministry trying to get another few crumbs of bread from the table. Is dangling a meal or a gift card like a Carrot on a stick leading the horse. I really don't know a better answer but to feed the hungry and to help the poor even if they are just there for the food. Jesus didn't tell his men to feed the 3000 that believed the message but to feed the 5000. He didn't say to take care of the widow and orphan but only if they follow me.
I'm looking for fruit though. I'm tired of trite sayings and half baked sentiments. I want a big harvest but I want quality fruit because my LORD will only accept that. I may have to offend some of my fellow harvesters or we'll have a lot of very leafy plants that have fruit that never ripens.
Deeds don't matter with no love. Love doesn't exist without deeds. May you be fruitful and multiply. Some food for thought.
Blessings!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Aging, is it a good thing?
I'm 46, in my mind I don't feel 46. If I'm walking through a mall I'll encounter people and I'll see someone and I'll think, geez look at that old guy and then the realization comes that he's very close to my own age. Then I'll think, how can that be? Where did all the time go? I've been robbed!! Who is this middle aged man I see in the mirror?
Anyway, there are pros and cons to everything. I have very little to complain about. My health is good. I have a good vocation. I have been traveling several times the last couple of years. I have very little overhead and live a simple home life. My stress levels are always good. I love my imperfect church. I love my imperfect family. I love my imperfect life.
On some levels I wish I had a larger circle of close friends. On the other hand I do not like to be committed to so many activities that I don't have sufficient downtime. I enjoy alone time, and I mean enjoy it. If I don't have time to zone out and ponder then I am not happy. I guess that's to ages advantage, not trying to be something I'm not.
I am no longer trying to fit into a box that's not me, that I don't fit into. At one time if I caught a displeased look from a person I used to explain my actions and justify what I was doing in some vain attempt to please and/or impress other people. For the most part what other people think or don't think of your actions means nothing and comes to nothing. Most people have a slightly better attention span than a Nat and even if you did explain a situation they would only remember their first impression of the situation anyways so your words are wasted. So I save my breath now unless I am asked questions and someone is actually interested in hearing what I have to say. Discretion really is the better part of Valour!
So age has its advantages. Or at least I feel that way. I take more pleasure away from the simple things. I am not living my life in a way to please others. I am trying to live a God honouring life even if I do fall short from time to time. In certain ways I probably play it safe too much. However taking chances can have dire consequences. I believe I have a level of wisdom(not trying to be boastful because I know I have a lot still to learn) that age has afforded me. I have peace in my soul.
Now that being said. I have a lot of life left to live. I need to keep striving for more knowledge. I need to utilize the gifts God has given me for his purposes. I need to keep setting goals. I need to get a deeper connection to Jesus(10 years in and really I've barely scratched the surface). With wisdom and knowledge I do need to keep putting myself out there. Playing it safe is not what those of great faith do.
However levels of contentment and satisfaction are not necessarily bad things. Being happy is good. In fact in Ecclesiastes it is written: Being happy in your lot is a gift of God. So thank you Father for the gift my life is and thank you also for the adventures that await me. Even the ones I may not enjoy at the time.
Blessings!
Anyway, there are pros and cons to everything. I have very little to complain about. My health is good. I have a good vocation. I have been traveling several times the last couple of years. I have very little overhead and live a simple home life. My stress levels are always good. I love my imperfect church. I love my imperfect family. I love my imperfect life.
On some levels I wish I had a larger circle of close friends. On the other hand I do not like to be committed to so many activities that I don't have sufficient downtime. I enjoy alone time, and I mean enjoy it. If I don't have time to zone out and ponder then I am not happy. I guess that's to ages advantage, not trying to be something I'm not.
I am no longer trying to fit into a box that's not me, that I don't fit into. At one time if I caught a displeased look from a person I used to explain my actions and justify what I was doing in some vain attempt to please and/or impress other people. For the most part what other people think or don't think of your actions means nothing and comes to nothing. Most people have a slightly better attention span than a Nat and even if you did explain a situation they would only remember their first impression of the situation anyways so your words are wasted. So I save my breath now unless I am asked questions and someone is actually interested in hearing what I have to say. Discretion really is the better part of Valour!
So age has its advantages. Or at least I feel that way. I take more pleasure away from the simple things. I am not living my life in a way to please others. I am trying to live a God honouring life even if I do fall short from time to time. In certain ways I probably play it safe too much. However taking chances can have dire consequences. I believe I have a level of wisdom(not trying to be boastful because I know I have a lot still to learn) that age has afforded me. I have peace in my soul.
Now that being said. I have a lot of life left to live. I need to keep striving for more knowledge. I need to utilize the gifts God has given me for his purposes. I need to keep setting goals. I need to get a deeper connection to Jesus(10 years in and really I've barely scratched the surface). With wisdom and knowledge I do need to keep putting myself out there. Playing it safe is not what those of great faith do.
However levels of contentment and satisfaction are not necessarily bad things. Being happy is good. In fact in Ecclesiastes it is written: Being happy in your lot is a gift of God. So thank you Father for the gift my life is and thank you also for the adventures that await me. Even the ones I may not enjoy at the time.
Blessings!
Monday, November 3, 2014
My rant for tonight
I wrote the following to a popular local news program. I am so tired of being pigeon-holed as some right wing dullard.
As a Christian I am a little offended at us always being painted with a big C conservative brush. I have never voted for a PC, Socred, BC Liberal, Reform or Conservative candidate in my life. Jesus was not a right wing thinker. Just read the accounts of his life and his words. In fact the early Church, or The Way as it was referred to, was more left leaning than anything else IMO. Let me remind people that Tommy Douglas was a Baptist preacher before he became a left wing political icon.
Unfortunately the Right wing movement has swept up a lot of Christians and a lot of Ministries in its whirlwind. I get offended by my own Church at times too. I am a Christian but very much still an individual however I do believe Gay/Lesbian living is sin. I am also against abortion. Killing a baby is killing a baby no matter how you want to portray it. These are sins according to the Bible. In this post modern world that we live in such notions are portrayed as antiquated or old fashioned or whatever other catch phrase is popular this week. They are sin just as much as murder and gambling and drunkenness and promiscuity and theft and and and.
There are many Churches today that have taken a poor stance on some of the above. They are picking and choosing what to follow from the scriptures. It is easy to be led astray. The world has a lot of influences and pop culture that says:
You deserve it
It isn't hurting anyone
Just a little is okay
This is how I am oriented
I am also not condemning others for their sinful acts. We all fall down, we all can get back up again. I am sure in my Church family there are people living in sin. There is room in heaven for us all if we accept that fact. However if my Church was run by leaders who were openly living a sinful lifestyle I would have to find a new Church. Nobody in my Church is perfect but we are striving for perfection. Grace and love are more powerful than judging and condemnation. My love is imperfect but Jesus has so much love that he loves everyone and loves everyone equally. However living in sin and teaching others to do likewise is terrible and has consequences for the teacher as well as the student.
I believe the tide has turned. People judge the Church and Christians much more so than the other way around. The whole case against allowing Trinity Western University to have a Law school is not based on Law but on personal feelings. You would think Lawyers would be more objective but I guess people are people.
I am not telling people how to live their lives in my day to day life. I work under, with and over people with radically different views but am not their morality monitor. That is one of the things I truly cherish about being a Canadian. I am free to live my life the way I desire to with very few limitations.
That's my rant for today. Thanks for reading it through and God Bless.
James
As a Christian I am a little offended at us always being painted with a big C conservative brush. I have never voted for a PC, Socred, BC Liberal, Reform or Conservative candidate in my life. Jesus was not a right wing thinker. Just read the accounts of his life and his words. In fact the early Church, or The Way as it was referred to, was more left leaning than anything else IMO. Let me remind people that Tommy Douglas was a Baptist preacher before he became a left wing political icon.
Unfortunately the Right wing movement has swept up a lot of Christians and a lot of Ministries in its whirlwind. I get offended by my own Church at times too. I am a Christian but very much still an individual however I do believe Gay/Lesbian living is sin. I am also against abortion. Killing a baby is killing a baby no matter how you want to portray it. These are sins according to the Bible. In this post modern world that we live in such notions are portrayed as antiquated or old fashioned or whatever other catch phrase is popular this week. They are sin just as much as murder and gambling and drunkenness and promiscuity and theft and and and.
There are many Churches today that have taken a poor stance on some of the above. They are picking and choosing what to follow from the scriptures. It is easy to be led astray. The world has a lot of influences and pop culture that says:
You deserve it
It isn't hurting anyone
Just a little is okay
This is how I am oriented
I am also not condemning others for their sinful acts. We all fall down, we all can get back up again. I am sure in my Church family there are people living in sin. There is room in heaven for us all if we accept that fact. However if my Church was run by leaders who were openly living a sinful lifestyle I would have to find a new Church. Nobody in my Church is perfect but we are striving for perfection. Grace and love are more powerful than judging and condemnation. My love is imperfect but Jesus has so much love that he loves everyone and loves everyone equally. However living in sin and teaching others to do likewise is terrible and has consequences for the teacher as well as the student.
I believe the tide has turned. People judge the Church and Christians much more so than the other way around. The whole case against allowing Trinity Western University to have a Law school is not based on Law but on personal feelings. You would think Lawyers would be more objective but I guess people are people.
I am not telling people how to live their lives in my day to day life. I work under, with and over people with radically different views but am not their morality monitor. That is one of the things I truly cherish about being a Canadian. I am free to live my life the way I desire to with very few limitations.
That's my rant for today. Thanks for reading it through and God Bless.
James
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Hit the road...Jack!
This is more of a journal entry than a life lesson I think. I haven't written it yet so you never know but that is how I feel. Read on at your own peril :)
In less than a week I will be going on what likely will be an epic road trip. At least that is my hope. I am looking forward to an adventure. The idea first spawned a couple of months back. You see I've lived in BC my entire life but have never ventured very far north. I'm a city dweller through and through but have an appreciation for natural beauty. I realize driving on the highway north will barely scratch the surface of what really is up there but it is what it is. I have never back packed in my life, other than the heading up well beaten trails I'm not a hiker. I prefer to stay in Hotels rather than tents.
Anyways, since the idea hit me I've started making plans. I knew I had 2 weeks off in July months ago and didn't want to waste it hanging around home. I wanted to do something home grown. Spend some money where I make it. Also being it is summer time the temperatures up north are going to be hot. I like it warm. I would never consider a trip like this anytime of year but now. If I go somewhere in the winter for leisure it either going to be big city or tropical and by air.
So I have been making plans. Checking out possible routes(really there only is one route) and destinations for stop overs. I figured out a round trip which takes me into northern Alberta because I have no desire to retrace my route back. Also I have been looking for attractions to view along the way. I am leaving room in my travel for unexpected treasures. I'm going to do a fair bit of driving each day but don't want to simply blow through the province but actually take it in. It is not a commute but rather a journey. It may be my one and only time to do this so I want to do it right. I left the possibility open that someone could join my on this adventure but it appears this is going to be mine to do alone, well, me and Jesus, which is fine with me. This way I won't have anyone else's agenda clogging up my plan.
Other than a couple of nights in the Yukon I haven't booked my hotels. I'll take my chances. I have my hotel app and if need be I have a car I can stretch out in and will bring provisions including a sleeping bag and pillows just in case. Also it is a very sparsely populated area so in case of emergency supplies will be on hand. I have a great and reliable car but anything can happen. I must be ready for the unexpected. My car is in the shop right now getting the once over as a precaution.
I have calculated my route. It is going to be over 5000 KM of driving. I'll be gone a minimum of 11 and up to a maximum of 14 days. Assuming every goes according to plan.
Earlier this year while I was out of town working I started getting this bucket list mentality that really never was part of me before. While I was in Southern Ontario I did basically every thing I ever wanted to do there with my very limited free time. Something to do with age I think. I am fit and able to do everything now but at 46 I realize my full capability could reduce in the years to come. I mean God forbid because I know many 80 year old's that are still very able and am hopeful to be one of those but I can't guarantee that. Also it is a feeling of carpe diem. Of seizing the opportunity when it is available. When I'm available. Of not living in regret of what I could have/should have done but actually doing it. It is something God has really instilled in me of late. Some things come around again but some things are now or never. I desire to live in the now but not in a reckless manner. I believe God has some kind of mission in store for me along the way. I don't necessarily mean on this trip but I don't dismiss that possibility either.
It is exciting to have stuff to look forward to. Upon returning I promise to post about it.
Have a great day, don't let it slip away but grab a hold of it!!
Blessings
Edit: It seems upon my return I totally forgot my promise. The trip was epic and well worth it. My planning paid and I had a fantastic time. Maybe someday I will post about my experience but no promises :)
In less than a week I will be going on what likely will be an epic road trip. At least that is my hope. I am looking forward to an adventure. The idea first spawned a couple of months back. You see I've lived in BC my entire life but have never ventured very far north. I'm a city dweller through and through but have an appreciation for natural beauty. I realize driving on the highway north will barely scratch the surface of what really is up there but it is what it is. I have never back packed in my life, other than the heading up well beaten trails I'm not a hiker. I prefer to stay in Hotels rather than tents.
Anyways, since the idea hit me I've started making plans. I knew I had 2 weeks off in July months ago and didn't want to waste it hanging around home. I wanted to do something home grown. Spend some money where I make it. Also being it is summer time the temperatures up north are going to be hot. I like it warm. I would never consider a trip like this anytime of year but now. If I go somewhere in the winter for leisure it either going to be big city or tropical and by air.
So I have been making plans. Checking out possible routes(really there only is one route) and destinations for stop overs. I figured out a round trip which takes me into northern Alberta because I have no desire to retrace my route back. Also I have been looking for attractions to view along the way. I am leaving room in my travel for unexpected treasures. I'm going to do a fair bit of driving each day but don't want to simply blow through the province but actually take it in. It is not a commute but rather a journey. It may be my one and only time to do this so I want to do it right. I left the possibility open that someone could join my on this adventure but it appears this is going to be mine to do alone, well, me and Jesus, which is fine with me. This way I won't have anyone else's agenda clogging up my plan.
Other than a couple of nights in the Yukon I haven't booked my hotels. I'll take my chances. I have my hotel app and if need be I have a car I can stretch out in and will bring provisions including a sleeping bag and pillows just in case. Also it is a very sparsely populated area so in case of emergency supplies will be on hand. I have a great and reliable car but anything can happen. I must be ready for the unexpected. My car is in the shop right now getting the once over as a precaution.
I have calculated my route. It is going to be over 5000 KM of driving. I'll be gone a minimum of 11 and up to a maximum of 14 days. Assuming every goes according to plan.
Earlier this year while I was out of town working I started getting this bucket list mentality that really never was part of me before. While I was in Southern Ontario I did basically every thing I ever wanted to do there with my very limited free time. Something to do with age I think. I am fit and able to do everything now but at 46 I realize my full capability could reduce in the years to come. I mean God forbid because I know many 80 year old's that are still very able and am hopeful to be one of those but I can't guarantee that. Also it is a feeling of carpe diem. Of seizing the opportunity when it is available. When I'm available. Of not living in regret of what I could have/should have done but actually doing it. It is something God has really instilled in me of late. Some things come around again but some things are now or never. I desire to live in the now but not in a reckless manner. I believe God has some kind of mission in store for me along the way. I don't necessarily mean on this trip but I don't dismiss that possibility either.
It is exciting to have stuff to look forward to. Upon returning I promise to post about it.
Have a great day, don't let it slip away but grab a hold of it!!
Blessings
Edit: It seems upon my return I totally forgot my promise. The trip was epic and well worth it. My planning paid and I had a fantastic time. Maybe someday I will post about my experience but no promises :)
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Grace, peace and love. When did they become bad things to aspire to?
In fact you could add a few sub-traits to that list. Obedience, humility, temperance, kindness, respect, etc.
I am growing increasing tired of being slammed for my Christian beliefs. Truthfully for the most part it happens online as people seem a lot braver to berate those with different beliefs from behind their laptop keyboard. People post half truths or things that are totally incorrect and when I point out the flaw in their logic I get attacked. If I say anything about creation the evolution theorist mock me even though it takes a lot of faith to believe the myth that they do. Far more than becoming a Christ follower in my opinion.
I understand what is behind it. People don't want to face up to the reality that their sins will be reckoned one day. It is easier to say there is no God and we are all some cosmic accident. That way you live however you want to with no transcendental consequences. You have no one to answer to but to yourself. I tired of living that way.
God interceded on my behalf. He was calling me for a long time but I wasn't listening. I had the odd(and common) notion that IF indeed there was a God he would know that my good outweighed my bad therefore I could just live as I wanted. Truth is I wasn't that good. I wasn't a murderer or a rapist. I didn't rob banks or snatch purses but I was pretty selfish. I succumbed to fits of rage especially on the road. I cheated and I lied. The bad side of that scale was getting mighty weighty indeed. I cannot think of any truly good acts I was doing that didn't benefit me in some way and that was the only motivation that permitted me to do any good. What's in it for me.
Now I will boast about all the good acts I do... or maybe not :)
Anyway, I made the choice to follow Jesus. I really had no idea what all that would entail. I've given a lot of things up but have received much more.
Grace, when people are critical and attack I resist returning the favour. I am not saying it is always easy and 100% of the time I am successful but more times than not I withstand the attack with God's help. It has opened doors that otherwise would have remained closed. Often leading to opportunities to advance the Gospel which I really love. Grace has been shown to me many times and the least I can do is pay it forward.
Peace, my life is far from perfect but I am content. Of course I desire more out of life and have goals to achieve. I can strive for more without being unhappy where I am. I think back to how I was 10 years ago and my life was full of angst. I was bitter and felt so hard done by. I didn't accept what is, I only wanted what I wanted and if I didn't get it then it was unfair. Sometimes stopping to smell the Roses is a good thing. And good things come to those that wait. Peace offers you a lot of patience.
Love, I love people that don't love me. It is easy to love those that endear themselves to you. Those that are refined and well spoken. Those that have high position and nice clothes. What about the street person who hasn't had a bath in a week. Trust me, it can be difficult but in an Agape way I love those people. The grumpy and hard headed customer service rep at a store can be a challenge but I choose to love that person. Love doesn't mean to agree with or to succumb to but it does mean to treat them as you would like to be treated. I don't return the favour with the cyber bully and hurl insults. I speak the truth in love and ignore some of the derogatory commentary just there to try to disrupt my peace. It feels so good to not sink into the muck and mire. That's what love can do. Love is utterly lovely.
I am far from perfect and my propensity to sin confounds me still. I really thought by now I'd be pretty close to perfect but it seems that goal is a ways down the road. However my temperance has come a long way. I get angry when the situation calls for it. Anger is okay to feel in the right situation however what you do with that anger is often where people get it wrong. If you can keep it in perspective and display it in an appropriate manner the situation can be resolved but a blow up yelling match solves nothing. I do good because it is good and not for personal gain. It often does lead to gains in one way or another but that is not my premise. I respect those in high position but also those in low position. It is not just something reserved for the important. Kindness and respect are inseparable. You can't truly be kind without respecting the person. Obedience is rarely a blind commodity but at times that is a must. I am a faithful servant of God but also my employer and my family and my friends. After what I've just said I don't think I can say anything about humility :)
It all started with Grace, Peace and Love. Not mine but God's on me. He forgave me, the chief of all sinners. His peace fell on me like a warm blanket and let me tell you I was cold. He showed me love in a way I could hardly fathom and still can barely grasp.
Cyber bullies and mockers beware. My God will combat you with his grace, peace and love wrapped up in me. BRING IT!!
Blessings!
I am growing increasing tired of being slammed for my Christian beliefs. Truthfully for the most part it happens online as people seem a lot braver to berate those with different beliefs from behind their laptop keyboard. People post half truths or things that are totally incorrect and when I point out the flaw in their logic I get attacked. If I say anything about creation the evolution theorist mock me even though it takes a lot of faith to believe the myth that they do. Far more than becoming a Christ follower in my opinion.
I understand what is behind it. People don't want to face up to the reality that their sins will be reckoned one day. It is easier to say there is no God and we are all some cosmic accident. That way you live however you want to with no transcendental consequences. You have no one to answer to but to yourself. I tired of living that way.
God interceded on my behalf. He was calling me for a long time but I wasn't listening. I had the odd(and common) notion that IF indeed there was a God he would know that my good outweighed my bad therefore I could just live as I wanted. Truth is I wasn't that good. I wasn't a murderer or a rapist. I didn't rob banks or snatch purses but I was pretty selfish. I succumbed to fits of rage especially on the road. I cheated and I lied. The bad side of that scale was getting mighty weighty indeed. I cannot think of any truly good acts I was doing that didn't benefit me in some way and that was the only motivation that permitted me to do any good. What's in it for me.
Now I will boast about all the good acts I do... or maybe not :)
Anyway, I made the choice to follow Jesus. I really had no idea what all that would entail. I've given a lot of things up but have received much more.
Grace, when people are critical and attack I resist returning the favour. I am not saying it is always easy and 100% of the time I am successful but more times than not I withstand the attack with God's help. It has opened doors that otherwise would have remained closed. Often leading to opportunities to advance the Gospel which I really love. Grace has been shown to me many times and the least I can do is pay it forward.
Peace, my life is far from perfect but I am content. Of course I desire more out of life and have goals to achieve. I can strive for more without being unhappy where I am. I think back to how I was 10 years ago and my life was full of angst. I was bitter and felt so hard done by. I didn't accept what is, I only wanted what I wanted and if I didn't get it then it was unfair. Sometimes stopping to smell the Roses is a good thing. And good things come to those that wait. Peace offers you a lot of patience.
Love, I love people that don't love me. It is easy to love those that endear themselves to you. Those that are refined and well spoken. Those that have high position and nice clothes. What about the street person who hasn't had a bath in a week. Trust me, it can be difficult but in an Agape way I love those people. The grumpy and hard headed customer service rep at a store can be a challenge but I choose to love that person. Love doesn't mean to agree with or to succumb to but it does mean to treat them as you would like to be treated. I don't return the favour with the cyber bully and hurl insults. I speak the truth in love and ignore some of the derogatory commentary just there to try to disrupt my peace. It feels so good to not sink into the muck and mire. That's what love can do. Love is utterly lovely.
I am far from perfect and my propensity to sin confounds me still. I really thought by now I'd be pretty close to perfect but it seems that goal is a ways down the road. However my temperance has come a long way. I get angry when the situation calls for it. Anger is okay to feel in the right situation however what you do with that anger is often where people get it wrong. If you can keep it in perspective and display it in an appropriate manner the situation can be resolved but a blow up yelling match solves nothing. I do good because it is good and not for personal gain. It often does lead to gains in one way or another but that is not my premise. I respect those in high position but also those in low position. It is not just something reserved for the important. Kindness and respect are inseparable. You can't truly be kind without respecting the person. Obedience is rarely a blind commodity but at times that is a must. I am a faithful servant of God but also my employer and my family and my friends. After what I've just said I don't think I can say anything about humility :)
It all started with Grace, Peace and Love. Not mine but God's on me. He forgave me, the chief of all sinners. His peace fell on me like a warm blanket and let me tell you I was cold. He showed me love in a way I could hardly fathom and still can barely grasp.
Cyber bullies and mockers beware. My God will combat you with his grace, peace and love wrapped up in me. BRING IT!!
Blessings!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
I am like the English language
The thing that I love about the English language is all the times it borrows from other languages. That is what makes it so vast and also so difficult to learn but also makes it highly descriptive and fun.
I like to borrow from others when I see something that works better than my way. Friends, enemies, acquaintances, employees, employers, love interests, family and total strangers have taught me lessons. The way I handle money, the way I handle difficult decisions, they way I cut the grass. You name a situation and I can think of how I've adapted others techniques into how I do things. You can also learn how not to do things by watching others. Of course some things I've learned from schooling and others from reading but the most valuable classroom has been the world around me.
Thank you world, you've allowed me to use you to become more complete!
So don't assume you have the best way of doing things. Be open minded and let the people around you make you better.
Blessings
I like to borrow from others when I see something that works better than my way. Friends, enemies, acquaintances, employees, employers, love interests, family and total strangers have taught me lessons. The way I handle money, the way I handle difficult decisions, they way I cut the grass. You name a situation and I can think of how I've adapted others techniques into how I do things. You can also learn how not to do things by watching others. Of course some things I've learned from schooling and others from reading but the most valuable classroom has been the world around me.
Thank you world, you've allowed me to use you to become more complete!
So don't assume you have the best way of doing things. Be open minded and let the people around you make you better.
Blessings
The triangle
I'm back!
I came across a conversation recently. One guy was talking to another about a triangle. As I approached and listened he was explaining that life is like a triangle. He went on to explain his analogy. If your life is 80 years then the first 40 are going up and the next 40 are going down.
What a terribly negative way to look at things. The first thing I said was you can take off the first 20 years as simply development years and that would bring it up to 50 years as the tipping point. Then he interjected saying he was in jail from 20 to 30 so I said then your life really started at 30 making the tipping point 55. We left it at that.
I've pondered it for several days on and off. Personally my life didn't start until I became a Christian at 36 and, in reality, my life began then. At that point is when truly the development years started all over again.I am still in the development stage almost 10 years later. I actually don't see my personal development, or evolution if you like, stopping any time soon. Every day I am changing and growing.
Anyways, the triangle doesn't have to be an isosceles with even sides. If indeed my life is a triangle mine is highly irregular and I believe in the end it will be a quick drop off. If indeed it is a triangle at all. I hope my life is just a straight line going up forever. Whether that be at 80 or 90 or 100!
What is your life? Is it irregular? I sure hope so!
Blessings!!
I came across a conversation recently. One guy was talking to another about a triangle. As I approached and listened he was explaining that life is like a triangle. He went on to explain his analogy. If your life is 80 years then the first 40 are going up and the next 40 are going down.
What a terribly negative way to look at things. The first thing I said was you can take off the first 20 years as simply development years and that would bring it up to 50 years as the tipping point. Then he interjected saying he was in jail from 20 to 30 so I said then your life really started at 30 making the tipping point 55. We left it at that.
I've pondered it for several days on and off. Personally my life didn't start until I became a Christian at 36 and, in reality, my life began then. At that point is when truly the development years started all over again.I am still in the development stage almost 10 years later. I actually don't see my personal development, or evolution if you like, stopping any time soon. Every day I am changing and growing.
Anyways, the triangle doesn't have to be an isosceles with even sides. If indeed my life is a triangle mine is highly irregular and I believe in the end it will be a quick drop off. If indeed it is a triangle at all. I hope my life is just a straight line going up forever. Whether that be at 80 or 90 or 100!
What is your life? Is it irregular? I sure hope so!
Blessings!!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
"It's like I won the lottery"
Many years ago someone near and dear to me had a crisis. In that moment they turned to Jesus for comfort. Being that I was not a believer at that time it really struck me as insane and concerning. The person said to me it was like they "won the lottery" and the person had this peace that was not normal for him/her. Being that I figured this person was just escaping reality in order to not face up to what was going on I did everything in my power to quell this faith fire. In the end I was successful and to this day the person is not a follower of the Lord.
However the event had a profound effect on me and soon after it my faith walk started. As I put out the fire it started to burn in me. You see at the time I was in a crisis of my own. Being that I was most secretive it was not something that others knew. Even those closest to me were totally unaware of the situation that was nearing a boiling point. God used this situation for my betterment. I still pray for the other person to come to the Cross and believe that someday it will happen.
Anyways, just the other day someone made a reference to perhaps winning the latest big jackpot. I don't play lotteries at all myself. I'm happy with where I'm at. I mean yes it would be nice to be able to tour the world and not have to work hard labour to make ends meet. However, as Solomon said, this is my lot and I choose to be happy in it. I don't think more money would bring me more happiness.
I've seen documentaries and read stroies about major lottery winners. While some of the winners live good lives sharing their wealth with extended family most say they wish they could go back to how things were before they won. Broken families are the norm. There is a great deal of lottery winners who end up flat broke with even more broken lives. The love of money is a sickness and greed rears its ugly head when wealth increases suddenly.
I actually believe life with Jesus is better than winning the lottery. My life has much more joy than sorrow. In those times of difficulty I know they will pass. As Job said naked I came into the world and naked I'll leave. God blesses me with possessions and permits me to enjoy them. So I'll take it a step further than my friend in saying Life with Jesus is better than winning the lottery.
It's not what you have but how you use it. My joy outweighs my circumstances. Better days lay ahead for me. Even if at the moment they may not look like it. God is still working out my salvation and has plans for me to prosper. That is his promise and I see that in my life.
Money, possessions, people and circumstances will come and go. In the end it will be you and God. All I desire to hear is "well done, good and faithful servant" because my personal accomplishments and wealth won't mean a thing in His court. I hope you feel the same!!
Joy is better than winning the lottery! God bless you right where you are!
However the event had a profound effect on me and soon after it my faith walk started. As I put out the fire it started to burn in me. You see at the time I was in a crisis of my own. Being that I was most secretive it was not something that others knew. Even those closest to me were totally unaware of the situation that was nearing a boiling point. God used this situation for my betterment. I still pray for the other person to come to the Cross and believe that someday it will happen.
Anyways, just the other day someone made a reference to perhaps winning the latest big jackpot. I don't play lotteries at all myself. I'm happy with where I'm at. I mean yes it would be nice to be able to tour the world and not have to work hard labour to make ends meet. However, as Solomon said, this is my lot and I choose to be happy in it. I don't think more money would bring me more happiness.
I've seen documentaries and read stroies about major lottery winners. While some of the winners live good lives sharing their wealth with extended family most say they wish they could go back to how things were before they won. Broken families are the norm. There is a great deal of lottery winners who end up flat broke with even more broken lives. The love of money is a sickness and greed rears its ugly head when wealth increases suddenly.
I actually believe life with Jesus is better than winning the lottery. My life has much more joy than sorrow. In those times of difficulty I know they will pass. As Job said naked I came into the world and naked I'll leave. God blesses me with possessions and permits me to enjoy them. So I'll take it a step further than my friend in saying Life with Jesus is better than winning the lottery.
It's not what you have but how you use it. My joy outweighs my circumstances. Better days lay ahead for me. Even if at the moment they may not look like it. God is still working out my salvation and has plans for me to prosper. That is his promise and I see that in my life.
Money, possessions, people and circumstances will come and go. In the end it will be you and God. All I desire to hear is "well done, good and faithful servant" because my personal accomplishments and wealth won't mean a thing in His court. I hope you feel the same!!
Joy is better than winning the lottery! God bless you right where you are!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Life by HIS rules, keeping the Sabbath holy
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Life by HIS rules, keeping the Sabbath holy: About 9 months ago my work went from a 5 day a week operation to a 24/7 work place. I was concerned for several reasons but mainly how this ...
Life by HIS rules, keeping the Sabbath holy
About 9 months ago my work went from a 5 day a week operation to a 24/7 work place. I was concerned for several reasons but mainly how this would affect my Sundays as I worship God everyday but in a big way on that day in particular starting early in the morning.
After some wrangling I managed to secure a shift that included Sundays off. This came up for renewal a couple of months later and again was able to stay on the same shift. God blessed me in this time and my ministry opportunities grew as my new shift freed me on a Monday morning too(I work GY shift and had Saturday/Sunday nights off). I built a life for myself around this shift and life was good.
My work has this kind of crazy arrangement IMO where everyone has to resubmit their shift preference every 6 months. I kind of figured it would be difficult to attain this shift again but did my best to try to keep the status quo. It didn't work out but I did attain what seemed to be the best scenario my seniority could afford which meant my shifts were Tuesday night until Saturday night meaning my week would end Sunday morning at 7 AM. This I figured would be difficult with my Sunday schedule and would mean a big adjustment in my early morning routine. That being said I was thankful to get what I did as it was still allowing me to attend my main Church service on Sunday(all be it tired) plus minister on a Monday morning which has become a big passion of mine.
Well I worked last Saturday night and made do with it. I attended Church but everything just felt a little off. As the week went on it just didn't sit well in my spirit. This has become a spiritual battle for me and a question of faith. You see God has always provided what I need and I am fully devoted to him.
But do I truly trust him? You see recently I entered into a relationship that has been life changing and I can totally see building a life with this person and feel a strong desire to provide and be a stable influence. Can I trust God to be the rock or will I turn to my own devices? Isaiah 2:22 which I read the other day provided some clarity for me. I was trusting in my own human reasoning when really all I know for sure is there is oxygen in my nostrils!! I had to turn the situation over to God and trust him.
So On Friday night at work I did just that. I informed my supervisor verbally and by letter that I would not be available Saturday night anymore. I've applied to go part time(in the letter I stated why I can only work 4 of my shifts per week) as there are provisions in my works CBA for part timers but it has to be approved by the Industrial Relations department. I think it will likely be approved but if it isn't I could be in a bit of battle. Even if it is approved it will mean I will have to get by on less in the interim. I'm going to trust in God on this one. He provides for me and has done things in my life far beyond what I was praying for. I'm not saying that will be the case here because the moment I try to interpret what God is about to do in my life he does something I never even thought of.
Regardless, I have the peace of God in my heart this Sunday. I got up at 5 AM but was actually in prayer from about 1:30 and on. I feel God's presence and his kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven. So whatever happens, happens as it is in God's hands now. His will, will be done in my life and in this situation.
So praise the Lord, praise his Holy name. Thank you Jesus, lover of my soul!
There are certain things that should/can be done on a Sunday that are not ungodly or unholy. Certain occupations are necessary on a Sunday but warehouse work is hardly one of them. Working on a Sunday for a Christian is a real hardship and I could not reconcile it in my occupation. I would really rather my work didn't work it at all but just because it does I don't see the need to force a Christ loving Christian to work it just to eke out a living. I trust God to work it out.
Blessings to you today!
After some wrangling I managed to secure a shift that included Sundays off. This came up for renewal a couple of months later and again was able to stay on the same shift. God blessed me in this time and my ministry opportunities grew as my new shift freed me on a Monday morning too(I work GY shift and had Saturday/Sunday nights off). I built a life for myself around this shift and life was good.
My work has this kind of crazy arrangement IMO where everyone has to resubmit their shift preference every 6 months. I kind of figured it would be difficult to attain this shift again but did my best to try to keep the status quo. It didn't work out but I did attain what seemed to be the best scenario my seniority could afford which meant my shifts were Tuesday night until Saturday night meaning my week would end Sunday morning at 7 AM. This I figured would be difficult with my Sunday schedule and would mean a big adjustment in my early morning routine. That being said I was thankful to get what I did as it was still allowing me to attend my main Church service on Sunday(all be it tired) plus minister on a Monday morning which has become a big passion of mine.
Well I worked last Saturday night and made do with it. I attended Church but everything just felt a little off. As the week went on it just didn't sit well in my spirit. This has become a spiritual battle for me and a question of faith. You see God has always provided what I need and I am fully devoted to him.
But do I truly trust him? You see recently I entered into a relationship that has been life changing and I can totally see building a life with this person and feel a strong desire to provide and be a stable influence. Can I trust God to be the rock or will I turn to my own devices? Isaiah 2:22 which I read the other day provided some clarity for me. I was trusting in my own human reasoning when really all I know for sure is there is oxygen in my nostrils!! I had to turn the situation over to God and trust him.
So On Friday night at work I did just that. I informed my supervisor verbally and by letter that I would not be available Saturday night anymore. I've applied to go part time(in the letter I stated why I can only work 4 of my shifts per week) as there are provisions in my works CBA for part timers but it has to be approved by the Industrial Relations department. I think it will likely be approved but if it isn't I could be in a bit of battle. Even if it is approved it will mean I will have to get by on less in the interim. I'm going to trust in God on this one. He provides for me and has done things in my life far beyond what I was praying for. I'm not saying that will be the case here because the moment I try to interpret what God is about to do in my life he does something I never even thought of.
Regardless, I have the peace of God in my heart this Sunday. I got up at 5 AM but was actually in prayer from about 1:30 and on. I feel God's presence and his kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven. So whatever happens, happens as it is in God's hands now. His will, will be done in my life and in this situation.
So praise the Lord, praise his Holy name. Thank you Jesus, lover of my soul!
There are certain things that should/can be done on a Sunday that are not ungodly or unholy. Certain occupations are necessary on a Sunday but warehouse work is hardly one of them. Working on a Sunday for a Christian is a real hardship and I could not reconcile it in my occupation. I would really rather my work didn't work it at all but just because it does I don't see the need to force a Christ loving Christian to work it just to eke out a living. I trust God to work it out.
Blessings to you today!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Life without TV, sane or insane?
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Life without TV, sane or insane?: My church recently concluded a 21 day fast. Now, not everyone can go 21 days without food and while I could I felt it would have made me a l...
Life without TV, sane or insane?
My church recently concluded a 21 day fast. Now, not everyone can go 21 days without food and while I could I felt it would have made me a less effective worker at my job so I asked God to give me something else significant I could fast. Over the last 7 years I've gone on various fasts including short term food fasts. All of them have ended up changing me at least a little and IMO for the better. I don't enter fasts to end up improving myself but to honour God. He just does that as a gift because he is God and God loves his children so much more than they deserve.
Anyways, I gave up TV for the fast and while the fast ended on Sunday night I am still going. I look at my blank TV screen once in a while and think maybe I should throw it on. I mean I have a PVR(cable is included in my rent so not watching TV while living here isn't going to save me anything) and I have 6 hours of Christian teaching to watch never mind anything else I may want to partake in. My TV viewing has changed significantly over the last several years. The stuff I tend to watch more so now is cerebral or socially interactive or a little of both. I like Survivor and Amazing race because I like to see how people think out situations and I can discuss it with friends/family during and/or after the broadcast. I enjoy sports too but more for watching how the players react to stress than just watching the pretty plays.
I think I'll give sports it's own paragraph since I don't have to follow conventional story structure :)
Sports was a big part of my watching. At one time I could watch pretty much anything that was a competition. From Darts to hockey to poker to curling to etc etc etc. I still watch Hockey, a little CFL, some golf and auto racing. Hockey has been king for me in the past. I lived and died with the Canucks. A side of me comes out I don't particularly like when I watch the Canucks. I get frustrated with the bad calls, I get angry at the opposing team players and I act with less grace towards fans of other teams especially when the Canucks are pitted against them. I have lost a lot of my passion for it but it is still there. I mean before coming to the Christ I went through tremendous highs and lows. Sports could make my day good or bad depending on the outcome. It was ridiculous and it now looks absurd to me but I know that ungrateful wretch is still there in my sinful nature. I want to be able to watch a game still but not at any cost. It is something I will hopefully not have to drop entirely but it may come to that. After the fast started I became aware how much Canuck paraphernalia was hanging around my place. I never intended it to be but my place was like a shrine to the hockey gods. Thankfully I wasn't bowing to them but I got rid of half the stuff and am not sure about what I have left. At least it doesn't dominate the suite anymore.
Several significant relationships I am developing are with people who don't watch TV or at least seldom do. A couple of them were developing for months before the fast. The other started soon after the fast started. This most recent one is particularly important to me as it is something that could be life changing(not that all new friends aren't life changing to a certain degree but this one is even more significant I believe). I planned on watching TV on Monday, then on Tuesday and was at my Mum's on Wednesday and she watches it a lot but I asked her not to and so here we are at Thursday and the Canucks are playing the Wings in an hour. I fully intended on watching this game just yesterday but now I am wavering. The question is do I want to receive or give or both. TV is mostly receiving and often not very improving of yourself as opposed to reading non fiction which can lead to wisdom and knowledge depending on what you do with it. I don't have any plans today for a change(I've been pretty busy) and I think I will spend my time reading if nothing else pops up.
I must say one of the huge benefits of not watching TV has been in my visits with my Mum. I see her virtually every Wednesday for dinner(and often one more visit at random times during the week) and these past 4 weeks have been the best visits I've ever had with her and I mean EVER. It has been a huge blessing, God is good! Totally an unexpected benefit and a very welcome gift from Papa.
In conclusion, I can totally see watching TV again but I'm pretty sure it has been placed way further down the priority list than it was just 25 days ago. I love my life with God as my guide. It is always interesting and revealing. I never know what is going to happen but bring it on!!
Sane or insane? You decide for yourself.
Blessings to you and for you!! James
Anyways, I gave up TV for the fast and while the fast ended on Sunday night I am still going. I look at my blank TV screen once in a while and think maybe I should throw it on. I mean I have a PVR(cable is included in my rent so not watching TV while living here isn't going to save me anything) and I have 6 hours of Christian teaching to watch never mind anything else I may want to partake in. My TV viewing has changed significantly over the last several years. The stuff I tend to watch more so now is cerebral or socially interactive or a little of both. I like Survivor and Amazing race because I like to see how people think out situations and I can discuss it with friends/family during and/or after the broadcast. I enjoy sports too but more for watching how the players react to stress than just watching the pretty plays.
I think I'll give sports it's own paragraph since I don't have to follow conventional story structure :)
Sports was a big part of my watching. At one time I could watch pretty much anything that was a competition. From Darts to hockey to poker to curling to etc etc etc. I still watch Hockey, a little CFL, some golf and auto racing. Hockey has been king for me in the past. I lived and died with the Canucks. A side of me comes out I don't particularly like when I watch the Canucks. I get frustrated with the bad calls, I get angry at the opposing team players and I act with less grace towards fans of other teams especially when the Canucks are pitted against them. I have lost a lot of my passion for it but it is still there. I mean before coming to the Christ I went through tremendous highs and lows. Sports could make my day good or bad depending on the outcome. It was ridiculous and it now looks absurd to me but I know that ungrateful wretch is still there in my sinful nature. I want to be able to watch a game still but not at any cost. It is something I will hopefully not have to drop entirely but it may come to that. After the fast started I became aware how much Canuck paraphernalia was hanging around my place. I never intended it to be but my place was like a shrine to the hockey gods. Thankfully I wasn't bowing to them but I got rid of half the stuff and am not sure about what I have left. At least it doesn't dominate the suite anymore.
Several significant relationships I am developing are with people who don't watch TV or at least seldom do. A couple of them were developing for months before the fast. The other started soon after the fast started. This most recent one is particularly important to me as it is something that could be life changing(not that all new friends aren't life changing to a certain degree but this one is even more significant I believe). I planned on watching TV on Monday, then on Tuesday and was at my Mum's on Wednesday and she watches it a lot but I asked her not to and so here we are at Thursday and the Canucks are playing the Wings in an hour. I fully intended on watching this game just yesterday but now I am wavering. The question is do I want to receive or give or both. TV is mostly receiving and often not very improving of yourself as opposed to reading non fiction which can lead to wisdom and knowledge depending on what you do with it. I don't have any plans today for a change(I've been pretty busy) and I think I will spend my time reading if nothing else pops up.
I must say one of the huge benefits of not watching TV has been in my visits with my Mum. I see her virtually every Wednesday for dinner(and often one more visit at random times during the week) and these past 4 weeks have been the best visits I've ever had with her and I mean EVER. It has been a huge blessing, God is good! Totally an unexpected benefit and a very welcome gift from Papa.
In conclusion, I can totally see watching TV again but I'm pretty sure it has been placed way further down the priority list than it was just 25 days ago. I love my life with God as my guide. It is always interesting and revealing. I never know what is going to happen but bring it on!!
Sane or insane? You decide for yourself.
Blessings to you and for you!! James
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Encountering unbottled rage
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Encountering unbottled rage: On Sunday morning I had decided to take my Mum to church. She has only been going to that one for a few months and I just never had the oppo...
Encountering unbottled rage
On Sunday morning I had decided to take my Mum to church. She has only been going to that one for a few months and I just never had the opportunity to check it out. I find it hard to pry myself away from my own church and they meet at overlapping times. The weekend had been filled with missionary stories as I had spent the previous 2 days at missionsfest. Nothing against the people speaking at my church on Sunday but it was a mission related service so I took this opportunity to go across the bridge and check it out. The service itself was a little off the norm for that congregation because the Pastor had become ill last minute and a very young looking youth pastor presided over the service. That being said I enjoyed it very much. We went out to have lunch after the service and had a very nice visit.
So now we come to the incident the title alludes to....
After lunch we headed to her apartment building. The rain had come on quite heavy. My Mum doesn't walk that well or smartly so I decided to drop off at the front door so she would not get wet. As I pulled into the driveway there were a couple of vehicles blocking the driveway and a minivan directly in front of the entrance way. There was enough room behind it for my Mum to get through though the driveway pavement is a little broken up and a large puddle was forming right where she had to walk. The situation irked me a little. Not a lot but a little.
So by the time my Mum had made her way past the minivan the other vehicle had pulled away. I started to draw past the van I was surprised that there was someone in the drivers seat. I paused briefly, made eye contact, mouthed the word why, shrugged my shoulders and pointed forward where he could have been parked temporarily without blocking the door. I went and parked my vehicle on the street and was heading back inside to make my mum a coffee before I took off. As I turned the corner off the sidewalk toward the front door I was surprised the van was still there. I was just forming the thought to say to him why I gestured and what it meant if he was unsure.
Well As soon as he saw it was me he burst out of the van yelling obscenities at me and acting most menacing towards me. He was burly but short, honestly in a fight I doubt he would have stood a chance against me but I had no interest in fighting him or returning his evil. Once his first barrage of verbal insults subsided I tried in vane to explain what I had a problem with. I spoke forcefully but not with anger. I didn't take an aggressive stance but at the same time didn't submit either. I said if he wanted I could call the Police. He backed off but as he got back into his van he yelled more obscenities and in among them he stated he could park wherever he wanted. I didn't like that and I turned around and explained the situation one more time.
Well he burst out the van again and this time ran around to the passenger side and flung open the sliding door which revealed 2 young children in baby seats in the second row. He then said I had embarrassed him in front of his family he then walked to where my Mum had walked through and gestured say there seems to be plenty of room for you to fit through here. He then started to come at me and this time I got my phone out and we ready to dial 911. I really thought he was going to attack at this point. I guess he got a slight grip on himself and backed off at that point. I headed inside and the incident was over.
In review as I like to do with pretty much anything in life a few things come to light....
I felt so bad for those little children and also the realization that he was probably waiting for his wife to come down and she was going to get into a very hostile environment. So some of it I did well and praise God for that but other parts I can truly learn from. I've been praying for the unnamed man and kids ever since. My armour was damaged a little and it took some time to sort it out with God but he repaired it.
If anyone who reads this has some wisdom to share please do. Either leave a comment here or message me via email or FB. It is quite possible I may encounter this man again and I just want to do the right thing whatever that is.
Blessings, James
Edit: I should have added when he revealed his kids I spoke into that. I chastised him for his foul language and that it was even worse doing it in front of his children. I also reminded him that I did not say one curse nor insulted him personally in any way. The things that upset the most about the entire incident was that those tiny ears had to endure that barrage of filth.
So now we come to the incident the title alludes to....
After lunch we headed to her apartment building. The rain had come on quite heavy. My Mum doesn't walk that well or smartly so I decided to drop off at the front door so she would not get wet. As I pulled into the driveway there were a couple of vehicles blocking the driveway and a minivan directly in front of the entrance way. There was enough room behind it for my Mum to get through though the driveway pavement is a little broken up and a large puddle was forming right where she had to walk. The situation irked me a little. Not a lot but a little.
So by the time my Mum had made her way past the minivan the other vehicle had pulled away. I started to draw past the van I was surprised that there was someone in the drivers seat. I paused briefly, made eye contact, mouthed the word why, shrugged my shoulders and pointed forward where he could have been parked temporarily without blocking the door. I went and parked my vehicle on the street and was heading back inside to make my mum a coffee before I took off. As I turned the corner off the sidewalk toward the front door I was surprised the van was still there. I was just forming the thought to say to him why I gestured and what it meant if he was unsure.
Well As soon as he saw it was me he burst out of the van yelling obscenities at me and acting most menacing towards me. He was burly but short, honestly in a fight I doubt he would have stood a chance against me but I had no interest in fighting him or returning his evil. Once his first barrage of verbal insults subsided I tried in vane to explain what I had a problem with. I spoke forcefully but not with anger. I didn't take an aggressive stance but at the same time didn't submit either. I said if he wanted I could call the Police. He backed off but as he got back into his van he yelled more obscenities and in among them he stated he could park wherever he wanted. I didn't like that and I turned around and explained the situation one more time.
Well he burst out the van again and this time ran around to the passenger side and flung open the sliding door which revealed 2 young children in baby seats in the second row. He then said I had embarrassed him in front of his family he then walked to where my Mum had walked through and gestured say there seems to be plenty of room for you to fit through here. He then started to come at me and this time I got my phone out and we ready to dial 911. I really thought he was going to attack at this point. I guess he got a slight grip on himself and backed off at that point. I headed inside and the incident was over.
In review as I like to do with pretty much anything in life a few things come to light....
- It was out of concern for my Mum and others like her that live there but do I really have to correct people
- people can totally misconstrue hand signals/gestures and I'm pretty sure he did here. Perception is reality
- once the incident started I handled it fairly well
- however was it necessary for me to correct him again, did I really think he was going to receive it now or was that just my anger
- what will I do next time
- God protected me big time
- 10 years ago I would have been in a fight 99% for sure
- those poor kids
I felt so bad for those little children and also the realization that he was probably waiting for his wife to come down and she was going to get into a very hostile environment. So some of it I did well and praise God for that but other parts I can truly learn from. I've been praying for the unnamed man and kids ever since. My armour was damaged a little and it took some time to sort it out with God but he repaired it.
If anyone who reads this has some wisdom to share please do. Either leave a comment here or message me via email or FB. It is quite possible I may encounter this man again and I just want to do the right thing whatever that is.
Blessings, James
Edit: I should have added when he revealed his kids I spoke into that. I chastised him for his foul language and that it was even worse doing it in front of his children. I also reminded him that I did not say one curse nor insulted him personally in any way. The things that upset the most about the entire incident was that those tiny ears had to endure that barrage of filth.
A Christ follower living in a secular world: It has been a little while....
A Christ follower living in a secular world: It has been a little while....: My life has been going at a pace I am unaccustomed to. It has been growing in busyness for quite a few months now but since my Church wide f...
It has been a little while....
My life has been going at a pace I am unaccustomed to. It has been growing in busyness for quite a few months now but since my Church wide fast started 23 days ago(it ended 2 days ago yet I'm still going but for how much longer I'm uncertain) I have become very busy. I love it but just didn't have time to sit down and write a blog. I will probably always be a blogger but there will be times I post many and other times I will post few. If you enjoy my blog just check in once in a while. Even though my blogs aren't that long they take a while to write. I don't just want to just blurt out random thoughts(perhaps some of my articles still fall into that category) but actually share what God has taught me.
My life had to be emptied out for a time because I needed to get deeper with God. I went through a season of pruning last spring/summer. It was a good time to reflect on where I had been, where I was at that moment and where I should go next. I needed to get re-equipped for the battles that were ahead of me. Indeed the time spent in reflection was well worth it. My connection to God is very strong and I've never felt closer to him than at this moment.
Since that season I have had ministry opportunities spring up everywhere. I have deepened connections to people I know as well growing my network of friends in and around my church. I let people into my life more openly and share deeply. I am further understanding my role in the body as a prophet. I see things from a different perspective than most people and understand more fully that neither perspective is wrong but just different. Instead of thinking they are wrong and I am right I can take what people say as the truth from where they are coming from. In life there are very few absolutes. There are times my perspective has been the one that was totally off kilter and I am thankful for correction. I never fear God's discipline although at times it has been difficult to go through. Anytime God has told me to put something down or take something up, as straining as it may be at the time, over and over again I have seen how it was for my and/or others betterment. It gives me peace in times of trouble and a lot of enjoyment in times of blessing. He's not done with me and there are going to more trials. I have no doubt of that but my eyes are on the prize.
That prize is honouring God in my daily affairs. The way I treat people and situations. What I prioritize. I seek to glorify him because he loves a wretch like me and you know what, he loves you too!!
Thank you Jesus, leader of my life!
Blessings, James
My life had to be emptied out for a time because I needed to get deeper with God. I went through a season of pruning last spring/summer. It was a good time to reflect on where I had been, where I was at that moment and where I should go next. I needed to get re-equipped for the battles that were ahead of me. Indeed the time spent in reflection was well worth it. My connection to God is very strong and I've never felt closer to him than at this moment.
Since that season I have had ministry opportunities spring up everywhere. I have deepened connections to people I know as well growing my network of friends in and around my church. I let people into my life more openly and share deeply. I am further understanding my role in the body as a prophet. I see things from a different perspective than most people and understand more fully that neither perspective is wrong but just different. Instead of thinking they are wrong and I am right I can take what people say as the truth from where they are coming from. In life there are very few absolutes. There are times my perspective has been the one that was totally off kilter and I am thankful for correction. I never fear God's discipline although at times it has been difficult to go through. Anytime God has told me to put something down or take something up, as straining as it may be at the time, over and over again I have seen how it was for my and/or others betterment. It gives me peace in times of trouble and a lot of enjoyment in times of blessing. He's not done with me and there are going to more trials. I have no doubt of that but my eyes are on the prize.
That prize is honouring God in my daily affairs. The way I treat people and situations. What I prioritize. I seek to glorify him because he loves a wretch like me and you know what, he loves you too!!
Thank you Jesus, leader of my life!
Blessings, James
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Filtering your life.
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Filtering your life.: I posted this some time in March last year. Recent events around me have brought it to my mind a few times of late. I think now is a good t...
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