24: In the wake of episode 6, season 6

So I missed last week and apparently I missed some major links to this puzzle. Seriously, how much can happen in one hour?

What's with Jack's family anyway? I seem to remember hearing something about the sin's of the father catching up with the generations to follow but this is something a little crazy...spoiler alert if you haven't been following...his dad and brother behind last season!? What's their role in this now? Graem...grrrr...If I had to choose sides between the two brothers, I know who's side I'm on. And what's with that weasel that President Palmer II has for an assistant? I don't trust him...he's up to something. I just don't know what!

Why do I have to wait a whole week to see more!?

On another note, for some Bauer-esque motivation, check out these motivational posters.

Breakforth 2007

This past weekend I went to Breakforth Canada in Edmonton to represent the ABC. It was a full weekend - the biggest conference ever hosted in the Shaw Center! Here are a few highlights:

• spending time with some great friends: Tim, Robert, Sheryl, Jon, and several other college recruiters. Talking with my mom this weekend, I pointed out that these are some of my closest friends. We spend so much intense time together when travelling on the Christian College and University Fairs that we get to know each other pretty well...and spending time with good friends like that is always fun! And I loved the WokBox!
• Casting Crowns. Not only are they good musicians, but Mark Hall, the lead singer and a youth pastor, shared some great words. It was more than a concert. It was a worship time/teaching time/refreshing time.
• Tony time...at least that's what we dubbed the session with Tony Campolo. Not only did those of us recruiters that went have a good time of fellowship and worship, the words that Tony shared couldn't have been more well timed. He spoke, essentially, about the greatness of the children of God when they are filled in the Spirit. "There is therefore no condemnation." He looked at the things that we can do as children of God, the things we should do, in the world around us. The statement that stuck with me the most is this: "How can you claim to love the God you cannot see if you cannot love the needy around you that you do see." Hmmmm....
• Robin Mark. Not only is he a passionate worship leader and musician, he's got a great accent!
• Losing my voice. Not necessarily a highlight, but worth mentioning. First of all, I sound funny! Second of all, talk about humbling. My job is to talk and here I was not able to. I guess that's when you have to get creative. At time of worship through song, I could not sing and yet I was able to find a voice to worship with.
• Last but not least, staying with my family. I love opportunities to see them, even if it is only briefly...and even if they do make fun of me when I sound funny 'cause I've lost my voice. Love my family!

See...a full weekend. Now to go get some rest and see if I can get my voice back!

Current Read

Reaching For the Invisible God: What Can We Expect To Find?, Philip Yancey

Parenting 101

2007: In the Boxoffice

'Shrek,' 'Spidey,' 'Pirates' and 'Potter' lead cast of Hollywood's big summer. It's going to be a big year at the movies...so much to see!!! I might just have to get out a little more than I did in 2006!

Got My Baby Back

...and I'm happy about it. Me and my little Sunfire have been reunited. Living without it has been a humbling experience and I've realized just how dependent - and thankful - I am for it!

When the Wheels Fall Off

On Monday morning, Duncan and I were talking about ABC, the students, our mission and the task of equipping students for ministry in light of what God calls us to be. He said, "What Jesus is really concerned with is how you react when the wheels fall off."

After my little car accident on the weekend, that was a particularity apt statement and I began to assess how I really did react (when the wheels nearly fell off) and how deeply Sundays service at Journey had, in fact, affected my outlook on my situation. There is no denying that on Saturday, even Sunday morning, I was frustrated and angry, not just about the inconvenience or even the cost of the accident but at the whole pattern of crappy events that I seem to be living in the midst of. Why can't something go right? Why am I here? Why me? I was frustrated and discouraged.

Going to church on Sunday, though, helped me put it all into perspective. Three main truths stuck out to me:
1. God is big, I am small.
2. He is worthy of praise no matter what my 'issues'
3. Life in community is better than life alone...and there are people at Journey who care for me.

Those things were important for me to hear. My car seems like a small thing when I think of all God sees. Even my finances, which seem like a big deal to me, really aren't that big a deal to him. In spite of all the stuff, he is still worthy of my praise and adoration. He is big and though I am small, I am not out of His eye.

So, when the wheels fall off, sometimes literally, I can respond in light of that, with that awareness. I can move with much more grace, peace and, yes, even joy, than I had initially started out with. I can find strength I didn't know I had - perhaps didn't have - and can move forward. When the wheels fall off, I can still move forward with Jesus because that's the way I proceed when the wheels are on! By setting habits like that when life is moving along smoothly, I can move forward the same way when the road is rough.

24:Season 6

So here's something to be happy about! The season premiere of 24. What are they going to do with Jack this season!?

Yes, now you know where to find me on Monday nights...that's right, hanging out with Kiefer!

One of those days...

Ever have one of those days where you feel like you just shouldn't have gotten out of bed? Today was one of those days...following a few of those days. You know how it is. Piles of little things just keep, well, piling until you're just frustrated. Discouraged. Angry. That's me. Things have to turn around somewhere, right?

Let me give you an example. Today, I'm on my way from spending my Saturday morning at work, moving slowly since it's one of those snowy, messy sort of days, turning a corner when I hit a patch of ice...and slide...right into (and over) a curb. My poor little Sunfire just isn't a fan of things like that...most cars aren't. Of course, it couldn't just be a little bump or something, right? Nope, this is bend the rim, bust the hubcap, potentially bend the control arm and tire rods kind of bump...and I wasn't going that fast. I'm frustrated. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I think it is. And here's my question, why aren't tire shops open on Saturdays?!

BUT...it could have been worse. The tow truck driver was very helpful. My dear roommate came and saved me. I'm not hurt. There were no other cars involved...and it's not as bad as the next guy that was victim to the patch of ice. He hit it so hard he blew his tire, bounced back to the other side and hit that curb, doing damage to both sides of the car. Still...I'm frustrated. Maybe next week will be better...

...and to make matters worse, Edmonton lost to Calgary tonight...of all teams, it had to be the Flames...

Okay, that enough whining for me. Now to work on being a little more...mmm...sunshiny.

Catching the baby bug

Well, I'm a little delayed in this post but that doesn't mean I'm any less excited. Two dear friends of mine have recently let me in on some fabulous news...they're going to be mommies!!! My friends, Kelly and Al, from Abbotsford are going to be parents this summer. Shortly after, Karl and Dayna Chu are going to join them on the adventure. I have to confess, I did a little happy dance after I got off the phone with Dayna. I'm so excited for both couples and can't wait to meet the little bundles! Congratulations guys!

Need a challenge?

Check out mental floss, touted as the site where "mental junkies get their fix." Some, um, interesting stuff!

How Do You Deal With Conflict?

The God-man Equilibrium...is there such a thing?

As I counsel students in making life decisions and personally go through the process, I often come up against questions about God's involvement.

How much does he have planned? How much of what we do (vs. who we are) is he really concerned with? Does he have one plan for me? How much is he going to show me? How much do I have to find out on my own or decide on my own? What is my role in the thing? I don't think it's a matter of balance. It is definitely a dynamic relationship and yes, we do have a role to play. I can't sit back and expect God to run the show or expect God to live by the Nike slogan, "just do it." Neither can I just jump in and move ahead on my own. There's something about trust and seeking His guidance. Oh the dilemma.
In reality, the question is probably something like "at what point does God give up His sovereignty so that we can have free will?"

Recently, I read this:

Go over this Jordan...to the land which I am giving...Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you.
Joshua 1:2-3

The promise is pregnant with divine possibility, yet integrated with human responsibility. Clearly the Lord was saying to Joshua (1) He had already gone before with a plan and by His power, but (2) the "possessing" was Joshua's part: "Reach out, and take it." God knew what Joshua's tomorrow would hold, but He made Joshua responsible to stride out - to possess the tomorrows of divine promise. (Taking Hold of Tomorrow)

Where in all of this, then, is the God-man equilibrium? Where is the place that we meet? How do we know?

Next question:"How does God speak and how do we expect the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives?"

Last week's hockey highlight #2: The Gold rush continues

Proud to be a Canadian!!

Last week's hockey highlights

I haven't had time to post this yet but really have to. I don't think I've ever been so shocked and then laughed so hard watching a hockey game. Yes, the good guys lost in the shootout but it never should have got to that point. Still this is defintely a play for my highlight reel!

Superhero Week

Thanks to Tim, this week has apparently become superhero week.

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman 90% Supergirl 90% Spider-Man 80% Wonder Woman 75% Robin 60% The Flash 55% Iron Man 55% Green Lantern 50% Catwoman 30% Batman 25% Hulk 25%

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Your results:
You are Apocalypse

Apocalypse 62% Riddler 58% Magneto 54% Poison Ivy 53% Mystique 53% Dark Phoenix 50% Dr. Doom 49% Lex Luthor 44% Catwoman 42% Juggernaut 41% The Joker 40% Kingpin 35% Green Goblin 33% Venom 31% Mr. Freeze 29% Two-Face 13%

You believe in survival of the fittest and you believe that you are the fittest.

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

My holiday in pictures...in no particular order...

On boxing day a whole bunch of the Sparshu family got together - always a good party with lots of food. Here I got to share dessert with my cousin's little guy, Owen. We even packed a doggy bag!
Little Hope, a family friend, all smiles.

Dutch blitz with good friends.

Just the three of us, under the Christmas tree...yes, after all these years, brother and sisters can get along.

A rousing game of dominos at Mom's parents' house...fun for the whole family.

You'd have to know my family to realize just how fun this was...we got trifle for breakfast on Christmas morning. My dad was pleased!

Christmas Eve candelight service at Journey.

Sitting on Santa's knee in Cranston. Thanks Santa...you came through again this year.