Current Reads

Tuesdays with Morrie: an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson, Mitch Albom

Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham

Worship Resources

While hunting down the release date of Chris Tomlin's new CD, I stumbled upon a link to a site called 'equip,' a collection of articles and resources from different worship ministries around the globe. Some good stuff.

Something to look forward to

At least for me there is. I just found out that Chris Tomlin and co.'s new CD is slated to come out on September 26, 2006. That's only like 3 months away. They played a couple of the songs they've been writing for the album when they were at YC and I loved them. It'll be worth the wait...and yet we all know how patient I am...not very...

How sweet it is!

So my sister went on a trip to Spain last month. She sent me a couple of pictures of some pretty amazing stuff but today, around lunch time, this is what caught my eye. I think I have more than a sweet tooth - I have a gummie tooth, a chocolate tooth, a licorice tooth...

Through the speakers

Franz Ferdinand

Sean and Cheryl, thanks for the introduction.

Squashed!

A friend of mine - and my unofficial squash instructor- and I finally got back into the squash court after a looooong hiatus. I'd forgotten how fun it is. We played for over and hour. I pretty much made him keep playing until he'd let me win. For the record, it took 3 games. Perhaps one day I'll be able to beat him without the significant handicaps he lets me take! Arg.

I think I need to play more often though 'cause today my arm is killing me!

Rockin' and Rollin'

In the midst of, well, life, I've been reminded again and again to trust that God is good, that He cares for His children, that the faithfulness He has shown in the past is the faithfulness He will continue to show, that He never changes yesterday today and forever and, most importantly for me right now, that He delights in His children, loving to care and provide for them in ways beyond their greatest imagination, just wanting to be with them.

Psalm 107:23-32

Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters;
They have seen the works of the Lord,
and His wonders in the deep.
For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths;
Their soul melted away in their misery.
They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,
and were at their wits' end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
He caused the storm to be still,
So that the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they were quiet,
So He guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people,
And praise Him at the seat of the elders.

Whether the boat is rockin' and rollin' on the waves or resting quietly in the calm, God is faithful. His love endures forever. Today, my plan is to hold onto that and to live today with joy...that's the plan.

Funny little sidebar...this morning, one of my coworkers brought me a prayer that she'd written for me this morning (love that!). Part of it read like this and I thought it was both accurate and fun: "Your holy discontent is so big it could choke a whale. Take it and begin to make it holy contentment." Isn't that great!?

Current Read

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling

The stork has arrived with a new little bundle!

On Friday morning around 1am, a new little friend arrived on the journey. Proud parents, my friends Andrew and Jessica Midgett, welcomed Katie Elizabeth to their family. At just over 7 lbs and 21 inches long, she fits right into the Midgett family.

My first question to Andrew when he phoned was, "Is she cute or does she look like you?" It's a good thing that we're friends and he understands me! He quickly replied, "Nope, she's lucky. She looks like her momma!"

Welcome to our world, little one.

Hopefully we'll have pictures soon!

Thoughts for Monday Morning

It's Monday morning. You feel like you need two days rest to get over the weekend you just had. You've hit snooze for half and hour (or more) before realizing that you have to get up and face another work week. You feel the stress building as you pour your morning coffee and get into the car. You get to the office and you sit there, staring blindly at your computer screen and wishing you could boot up as fast as your computer does but somehow it just doesn't compute...

How's that for painting a joyful, Monday morning picture!!??

Well, here's a laugh for you. Check it out. It's a list of things you want to say to your coworkers. I've read it before and had forgotten about it until I read it on Tim's blog this morning.

Just in case you're wondering, I recommend reading them and chuckling...not actually using them. That would be a bad idea.

A whole new world of possibilities

Today I got a little sidetracked from what I was supposed to be doing and downloaded iTunes onto my laptop. Now I need to figure out how to use it! Yikes. This is like a whole new world to me. Can anyone out there help me!? I found a few podcasts that I want to listen to. Erwin McManus is going to join me on my trip to Lumby, I think. Now to find an iPod to listen to them on!

Current Read

Choosing to Cheat, Andy Stanley

Immersed, Rivers of Worship

Just an FYI...Robin Mark, worship leader and song writer from Belfast, Ireland, will be leading an open worship celebration at Rockpointe Church, 255024 Lochend Road, NW, here in Calgary this week.

Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23, 7pm
Worship Leader: Robin Mark
speaker: Paul Reid
Free will offering
Everyone welcome

Check out more information at the Rivers of Worship website.

I'm not the only one

No, it's not some deep, dark secret that I've been hiding for years. In fact, I've been quite open about it. I love to cook. More specifically, I love to bake. Apparently, according to post-gazette.com, there is a rising trend among twentysomethings to make this one of their favorite past times. Who would have thought? Anyone have any good recipes to share? I'm game.

Bible Warning Label!?

Are you kidding me!?

I was reading Dan Kimball's blog, author of all sorts of emerging church stuff and pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA, and he's got a post about a Bible Warning Label. Seriously, who are these people that write these things!? Sure some of the content is a little R rated but you've got to look at the whole story of Scripture. There's something to the verse that talks about the message being foolishness to those who do not understand (aka the Greeks). It makes me sad...

**Another post of Dan's that I really like is "Why I look forward to the Da Vinci Code more than Narnia." Perhaps a little controversial - which I seem to like more and more lately - and says some interesting things about evangelism.

Proud to be a Northern Girl

Somewhere back in May I said it and now I'll say it again. I am proud to be northern girl and a fan of the Edmonton Oilers...albeit a dissapointed one. They may not have won the cup but the fought hard right until the end. They came in as the 8th place team and fought all the way. There is no way that anyone could say that this was an easy cup win for the Hurricanes. In a word, relentless. Pisani, Rolie, Markkanen, Maureau, Smitty, Torres, the whole bunch of the boys in blue...they are MY Edmonton Oilers.

Congrats to Cam Ward, winner of the Conn Smythe trophy, playoffs MVP, and a good ole' Canadian boy. He was outstanding. Perhaps even brilliant. This is not the last award for this boy...gold medal for team Canada, perhaps?

I'm already looking forward to next season! Go Oilers Go!

The Gospel According To Superman

One of Canada's most loved superheroes (did you know the movies were filmed here) is making a comeback and, with that, has come some new interest in the character. Several are seeing many similarities between the character, Superman, and the Gospel's depiction of Jesus. Today's Calgary Herald ran an article titled "Superman Powers up Next Religious Debate,' citing a new book by American author, Stephen Skelton. Check out Stephen Skelton's abbreviated version in his articles, The Gospel According to Superman and the Second Coming of Superman.

On to game 7...

'cause they won again!!! The 8th place team in the Western Division is going to game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals after winning - no, dominating - game 6 by a score of 4-0. Jusi got his shut out - even after scaring the, well, you know, out of pretty much everyone (if you saw the play, you know what I mean!!), They scored on the power play, they banged bodies, played unbelievable defense (18 blocked shots in the first two periods!) and they shot the puck. All the elements of a winning game.

Congrats to tonight's 3 stars:

#3 Spacek
#2 J. Smith
#1 the home town hero, Pisani

Smitty, in my books, should have been in there somewhere but I suppose they have to pick just three. Of course, you could probably just call the whole team tonight's heroes as it was a definite team effort.

Stanley, we'll see you on Monday!!!!

Current Read

The Mermaid Chair, Sue Monk Kidd

All About Priorities

There's not even really a question about what major sporting event I'm watching tonight! It's game 6 for my boys and so far they're dominating. One more period to go.

There is another game that begs to be mentioned - Calgary Stampeders hosting the Edmonton Eskimos. If it weren't for the hockey game I might even be at that game but for today, I'll catch live updates via the website and catch them for the next game.

Elvis Presley

topped Forbes' list of dead celebrity money makers. He made $52 million last year alone, or at least his estate did. What on earth (excuse the pun) is he going to do with it? There's something about not being able to take your treasures with you...

Current Read

To Be Told, Dan B. Allender

What a shot!

Fernando Pisani's short-handed goal past Carolina's Cam Ward gave the Oilers a 4-3 overtime win, forcing a Game 6 in Edmonton on Saturday night.

Okay, so this is my last post about last night's game...I think. Check out the shot - the actual photo, I mean. I love good photography and have playing a little bit myself but odds are, I won't get a shot like this!

Fernando Pisani...

...is the Molson first star and my hero! Seriously. He scored not once, but twice tonight, the second goal coming at 3:31 shorthanded in overtime to win not only the game but their playoff lives. Seriously! Doing so, he made history. Pisani's breakaway goal was the first overtime, shorthanded goal in Stanley Cup Final history. It also was the first overtime, shorthanded goal that prevented a team from being eliminated.Love it! Yes, Yes I do. The Oilers are alive and well and the series stands at 3-2 Carolina.

I didn't watch the game. No, it wasn't because my heart couldn't handle it - although I don't know what I would have done with the stress - but because I was playing ball. I expected it to be done when we were finished but instead I got to listen to overtime in my car. When Pisani scored I was whooping and hollering in my car. I was sure people on the Deerfoot were going to think I was nuts until I looked over and the couple in the next car were cheering too. There are some smart people in Calgary!

Pisani, Pronger, Raffi, Smitty...ah I love the boys. Sounds like the power play was better and they all came out alive. That's my team! You can bet I'm going to be watching the highlight reel tonight.

After the first game, my prediction was Edmonton for the cup in 7 games, a combined score of 8. I have to admit I was nervous about that prediction but I still believe.

To steal a line from the announcer tonight, they've traveled a lot, they may be tired, they might run out of gas, but they'll never run out of oil (I know, cheesy, isn't it!?).

Put the cup back in the box, we're going back home to Edmonton for game 6...I love the boys in blue!

Jack Johnson

Look what I found..Jack Johnson jams with special guests Ben Harper, Willie Nelson and others for the third annual Kokua Festival for environmental education. AOL has the whole concert on video!

I love that guy...surfer and musician...that's gotta be the life!

From this morning's reading...

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power, His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

God calls us to give ourselves over to His will and with no guarantees - only His promises. And even then He doesn't promise a gold mine in every mountain He calls us to climb. But He does promise that if a mountain gets in the way of His purposed fulfillment for our lives, He can move it!

God never disallows dreams! In fact, He gives them. So He'll never tell us that we can't have dreams, desires, longings, or fulfillment. He only warns us against being controlled by the fear of not having them on our schedule or of seeking them on our own terms.

(from The Key to Everything)

Where's Waldo...I mean, Katie!?

My friend, Katie, has been teaching English in China and is now preparing to come home. She's completely fallen in love with her students. The thing I've chuckled about the whole time she's been gone is how much she must stand out, being the only redheaded white girl in China, I'm sure. This picture made it especially obvious to me. Love you Katie!!!

Current Read

The Church of Irresistable Influence: Bridge-Building Stories to Help Reach Your Community, Rob Lewis

Here's some questions he starts off with to get his reader thinking. Let me share:

Can you imagine the community in which you live being genuinely thankful for your church?

Can you imagine city leaders valuing your church's fiendship and participation in the community - even asking for it?

Can you imagine the neighborhoods around your church talking behind your back about "how good it is" to have your church in the area because of the tangible witness you've offered them of God's love?

Can you imagine a large number of your church members actively engaged in, and passionate about, community service, using their gifts and abilities in ways and at levels they never thought possible?

Can you imagine the community actually changing (Proverbs 11:11) because of the impact of your church's involvement?

Can you imagine many in your city, formerly cynical and hostile toward Christianity, actually praising God for your church and the positive contributions your members have made in Jesus' name?

Can you imagine the spiritual harvest that would naturally follow if all this were true? (Lewis, 14)

Imagine that! That's what I want to see our churches become. Michael Regele says that the church's inward focus is a grave illness. I've watched that happen. I've been a part of that happening. We become more concerned with protecting ourselves than with actually defending the faith. We impose our understanding of Scripture on Scripture so that we are comfortable. We spend the majority of our time looking at what's good for the church and developing programs and policies to make sure that everything runs smoothly. It's such a trap...and a distraction from our true call and purpose. Imagine if the church (meaning all of us who believe), came together, putting aside our differences, and learned to love people regardless of their label - christian or non-christian. What if we just loved people because Jesus loves people? What if our lives reflected that both in our relationships and our service? Imagine what we could do.

I'm imagining what this looks like for me. I'm working on figuring it out. I'm glad to be a part of a church, Journey, that is also working on figuring it out. It's important to me and, I think, it's important to our Father who cares more for all of his children than we can ever know.

27

Yes, that's right. 27. Not 24 although that is the name of one of my favorite TV shows. 27. That's how old I turned on Saturday. Yes, Mom, I know that 27 is closer to 30 than 20...we went over this last year! Love you! Anyway, June 3, 1979 is the infamous day that I joined the journey and I don't think I've slowed down since. I figure today would be a good day to recap all the festivities of the day...it's a good thing I've had the time 'cause I've had to re-write this at least, well, too many times due to "temporary maintenance issues" with blogger. Bah. It was probably better last time... anyway, I digress. Back to the real story at hand.

First I went to Shauntelle and Davar's wedding. Congrats guys! It was fantastic. It was such a blessing to see two people come together who obviously share their love for their Savior. Not to mention how amazing it was to be a part of a celebration where two families are godly. There was no question that God was in the center of that celebration or that couple. Shauntelle's cousin, the emcee for the reception, said it well when he said he felt that being a part of the wedding he'd been at church. That's exactly what it was. That's really what it's about folks! God was glorified in our celebration and I pray that He will continue to be blessed by the life and ministry of His children, Davar and Shauntelle.

It was fun, too, to be at a wedding where I was meeting the groom for the first time. That's never been the case for me before and was definitely interesting. He seems fantastic - exactly what I'd have hoped for my friend Shauntelle!

Now, I normally don't get too mushy personal on here but there's more to be said about why I enjoyed the wedding so much. Here's the scoop...it was such a great reminder to me of the way that God cares and provides for His children. Shauntelle and I have often talked about what it's like to be a single woman in the church and in society, having been two of a small few to graduate from Bible College without a "ring before spring." We have prayed about God's provision of a godly man to share life and ministry with. We have talked about what that would be like and how our lives and ministries would be better because of it. We've also talked about how to be content as single women as God would allow. Now God has provided for Shauntelle and man that seems so perfectly matched for her in so many areas...in hobbies (sports for sure), in sense of humor, family backgrounds, ministry passion (he's a pastor too!), and in love for Christ. Plus he absolutely adores her. Shauntelle deserves nothing less. I'm thankful. Thankful for Shauntelle's sake but thankful for mine as well. God does not forget his children and he's concerned about all areas of their lives. Okay, so weddings, particularly weddings on my birthday, make me a wee bit sentimental.

On we go. After that I went out for dinner at BP's with some friends of mine. It was great. Plus, they make this absolutely decadent desert there called the chocolate explosion. It's simply heaven. That was a good treat for a b-day, that's for sure!

Next (yes, there's more! Good thing for early weddings), I went to a benefit event that some friends' band was playing at. It was a fundraiser for breast cancer but let's face it, I was there for the band. Gradenko. That's their name. They were fantastic. The guys played and I hung out with the girls. We laughed, visited, took pictures, enjoyed good music and good company. It was a great evening. I figure the boys should have a gig on my birthday every year!!

All in all, it was a great day. Most of all, I was reminded that God has surrounded me with some great people (you know who you are!!!).

Book Drive

Yes, I love books. I love browsing through used books to see what kinds of treasures I can find. I especially love it when I know that any proceeds will go to a good cause. That's why I'm planning to go to the Calgary Herald 4th Annual Book Drive and Sale this weekend. Here's the details:

Crossroads Market 1235 26 Avenue SE
June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18.

Fridays - 12 noon to 7 pm
Saturdays - 9 am to 5pm
Sundays - 11am to 5pm

Admission $2.00

all proceeds go to the Servants Anonymous Society and CanWest Raise a Reader project.

I heard somewhere that it's $2 for hardcover books, $1 for softcover and $.5 for kids' books...all for a good cause.

Through the Speakers

Both Sides of the Gun, Ben Harper

Current Read

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, J.K.Rowling

YC in hindsight

Okay, so everybody keeps asking me about YC. I might as well just write it all down and get it out there!

It was ok. Yes, just ok. I was a little disappointed with the speaker's sessions. I felt that they were more showy than the concerts and was concerned at the impression of being followers of Christ that the students were getting. I don't like to be critical about stuff like that but let's just say the theology was a little sketchy. Can I say that? I feel like as the "grown up" in the crowd I should be the supportive one but, man, it was just sketchy! I've said it now. That's how I felt. Deal with it.

That sort of clouded my weekend I think BUT it gave me opportunity to feel totally okay about skipping out on the Saturday night session to catch a rather important hockey game. Here's the irony of it all; I'm sitting in the parking lot of Rexall place, home of my Edmonton Oilers, and listening to the game on the radio in my car. You've got to be kidding me!!! Even so, there was a ton of energy. Horns blasting when they won, even after playing the last couple minutes 6 on 3. Talk about some stress for this fan (the 6 on 3 hockey, not the horns)! And no, I wasn't involved in lighting the fires or hanging off trees on Whyte Ave although I think it would have been an adventure! All weekend long, artists and students were cheering on the Oilers. It was really cool to hear "let's go Oilers" being chanted in the stands in any pause in the activity of the weekend. Ah, so good to be around people with good taste! So good to cheer for a winning team. After a 14 year wait, it's good to be going on to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 7th time in their 27 year history (side note: On Saturday, I'll be as old as the Oilers!!The team, not the players. Most of the players are younger than me. Crazy, huh!?).

The view of Rexall from my car where I listened to the game!

I wasn't going to write about hockey but about YC so let's get back to it. Highlights other than Edmonton winning:

• seeing the Panic Squad perform. They're funny, perhaps even funnier, every time I see them. Seriously, everyone needs to see them perform at least once in their life, I think. Plus, I just love the guys so much so it was great to visit with them!
• Hanging out with my recruiter friends from around the country. I realized that that is one of the greatest blessings of my job is my good friends. I may not see them often but I've learned to love them all dearly. Perhaps it's that we share so much and can understand the frustrations of the lives we're living as recruiters that we bond so quickly. It's just like family!

• Chris Tomlin. Seriously amazing. What else do I say but that? It was awesome to hear him sing the songs that I listen to on CD in my car - plus he sang some new ones. Yes indeed, the next CD promises to be another winner! When he sat down at the piano for "How Great is our God" my jaw nearly hit the floor. Goosebumps on this piano player! I want to be that talented!! (Adrian figured we should find out if Mr. Tomlin is married considering the way I reacted except that he's really short!) And then, when he finished it with "How Great Thou Art" I nearly cried. Gah! One of the best things about his whole show was that it didn't feel like a show. There were times where he'd just step away from the mic and let the crowd sing the songs...and they did. 16000 people singing away. Awesome. That's how he finished too. Here's 16000 people singing the chorus of "How Great Thou Art" with Chris Tomlin playing piano. He stops playing. Then he stops singing. Then him and the band walk away. The rest of the people keep singing. It was one of the most holy moments of the weekend, I think. I look forward to hearing the heavenly choir - and to being a part of it - one day 'cause it will only be better.
• TFK. Just fun. As far as concerts go, it was just a fun show. Phenomena.

Tee hee

So this is just a taste of my lunchtime humor. Deal with it!

In commemoration...

of two more cities going smoke free. Calgary will get there. In the meantime, maybe this will be some motivation for all the smokers around to butt out. It would be for me!!