Emerging Trax

New blog-ish

2009-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

So I'm making a little switch so I can post via mobil. Blogger is a little clunky that way and I wanted to be able to though out some short quotes or thought from time to time without needing to post anything to long. Anyway, if you'd like to connect with some of that swing by.

http://davezimmerman.tumblr.com/

Home Again

2009-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well I was up at 4:30 am and tossed until 6am in which I couldn't stay in bed, maybe because it's 9 hours later in London. Staying in bed until 3pm isn't too bad even if I technically wasn't asleep until 4am London time. Anyway, time to get back at it.

You can see more pics here:

Africa

Istanbul

2009-05-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

2009-05-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Transıtıon

2009-05-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone sorry ıt has been a lıttle whıle. We just haven´t had the same opportunıtes for the net as İ dıd the fırst trıp. Anyway last sunday was great. We celebrated wıth everyone at the ADPP compound, handed out cırtıfıcates for ordınatıon, lıscencıng and class partıcıpatıon. We fınıshed up by celebratıng communıon ın the courtyard. Monday we were able to clımb the ¨Old man¨ wıth a pastor from Malowı and spend more tıme wıth the kıds at the orphanage. To say the least ıt was a remarkable day. Agaın sorry I dont have any pıctures off hand I wıll try to down load some soon. And sorry about the Spellıng ım on lımıted tıme and the spellcheck ıs ın a dıfferent language.

More of the same

2009-05-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

We've been going a little later into the evening this week, and getting into some great conversations with the leaders.

To clariffy yesterdays comments, if we could only harnes the raw energy of Mozambiquens into somthing productive it would be increadable. For examble the guy who delivers Maze to the orphanage pushes a wagon well a cart like thing with full sized car tires about 5km with over 200kg of Maze down a road that swallows cars whole. (Seriously we couldn't travel over 10km in the land cruser) and he does it for $5. Sure thats good money here, but its a lot of work a whole lot. You can't speak of laziness around here, cuz its just not true. Typing "cuz" instead of because is lazy. Anyway, my head still spins.

conflicting

2009-05-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

africa is full of paradox, somtimes i think they should be rulling the world because of their hard work and resourcefullness and somtimes I think well... they shouldn't at all.

2009-05-13T12:22:00.001-07:00

Sad News

2009-05-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

So i just learned the other day that as one of the district overeseares was on his way too the conference here in chimoi, he fell ill and they admitted him in a hospital. well, they made an announcment that he past away. One of the 58 who were going to be arriving! People were concerned, but not shocked. Death is so much a part of life here.

2009-05-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2009-05-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

What a fun day today, we (pastors and leaders from the conference) visited one of the local churches. We fit 189 people in a 15’x35’ mud/stucco church. (church is the building at the back.) Don’t let the picture fool you, we had to duck down to go through the door. But wow! You get that many people jammed into that small of room, as soon as you start singing you get a glimpse of what heaven will be like. All the nations praising God. Oh and by the way, its already decided that it wont be either contemporary or traditional songs sung their, only African. Harmonizing, clapping and dancing…absolutely amazing. Anyway, I figure when we start discussing church plans we might want to consider this church especially the washroom facilities. Not quite as much privacy as you would like but quite cost effective.

Anyway, back to work tomorrow things are still slow going, but if it is taking this long to move through it you know it is new material for most here.

Hope all went well yesterday,

Blessings.

This Past Week

2009-05-11T07:39:00.001-07:00

So we had a chance to visit Mark and Andrea’s orphanage this past week.

It is only a “day” orphanage something like world vision or compassion would do. The children come for a breakfast and lunch, they get help with school and have Bible studies, and actually get to be kids a little bit. Many of the kids are actually children who are now being raised by an ante or uncle because their parents have passed away, or they are from single parent homes. Most will be second place to the original children. Not only was I immediately smitten by their infectious smiles and warm greeting. I was impressed that as we arrived unannounced the group of younger children were in a circle singing and the older (pre teens) were in the chapel studying. I was expecting a bit more chaos, but Mark said he is quite fortunate to have a staff (local run) that is very trustworthy even with finances. I’m picking up that it is a little difficult to find people who don’t need to be heavily monitored.

Anyway, they seem to be doing some great work. You can pray for them though it looks like Mark and Andrea will be loosing their vehicle some time next week, and they are a little concerned about that as they also have 2 children. It’s not that easy to move around and run a orphanage without one. So pray that God would provide a vehicle, Mark would even go with a motorcycle although Andrea’s thinking that would still be difficult to do an emergency run too a hospital if needed.

Life in Chimoi

2009-05-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned yesterday, we made it without any real problems. It’s been quite warm during the day around 23, but it does cool down during the night. We arrived in Beara stayed the night and headed to the game park to meet the locals… of the animal kind, which was a nice start to the trip and it gave us a bit of time to get our feet under us rather than jumping straight away into teaching.

We met the pastor and leaders yesterday all 58 of them. Most of them men and 4-5 women who are leaders for the Women of the Church of God. We jumped into teaching which is taking a bit longer than I was planning. One of the Translators is speaking in one of the local tribal tongues, but isn’t that proficient in it, so there is lots of pausing as he clarifies in Portuguese especially when dealing with Biblical concepts. Lots of fun though. Again the singing is a huge treat. It’s great! One leads out with a line and is answered by deep harmonies, clapping and dancing, the leader then responds and is answered again by the rich sound of the people. Quite amazing. They wanted myself and the other Pastor (Dave Van Roon) too sing for them and I had to explain there is a lot wrong with that request (as most of you know.)

Tammie Tregellas the missionary from Malawi who is taking us around is great. She knows what she is doing and works really hard. She has organized this whole event which is quite an accomplishment since the church in Mozambique has never all met together at one venue before. It is the first time many of the pastor have actually met one another. And they have never had a General Assembly. It is quite an honor to be a small part of that.

We’re staying with a wonderful couple Mark and Andrea Pavkov. They are doing work for some of the local orphanages in the area. They’re great hosts and have treated us really well, and are wonderful laid back people (which clashes with my personality…me with my attention to detail and organization). So all is quite well.

Over the next 2 week not much will be changing in our schedules we will get up, teach come home, eat, sleep. So not a lot of excitement going on, Chimoi probably isn’t the best place to vacation, not a lot of sites to see or necessarily the safest, so we wont be venturing too far from home. But we are truly enjoying the all the people around us, the Pastors and leaders at the school as well as the missionaries.

Till next time.

Im still alive

2009-05-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

hey, eveyone they didn't frisk me at the boarder so i am offically in... well i have been for a couple days now. Met with the Pastors and leaders today, it was great...jsut as much enthusiasm and excitment for learning as last time. Im sorry I havn't been able to connect online and I really don't have too much time right now, however i think tomorrow I will be able to connect a write some more.

Blessing on you all hope all is well.
Dave

I am alive

2009-02-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

So I wanted everyone to know (everyone meaning me... the only one looking at this page), Anyway, if by chance you have been checking in periodically Im looking to restart shortly, but I think under Wordpress, just checking out a couple options. Anyway, please stay tuned and I will get the word out once I land on a decision. Sorry about it all, but there have been a couple things pulling me in different directions and none of them toward the blog.

Great weekend

2008-11-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, thanks so much for the great time this weekend. I wasn’t expecting to come back with only 2 pieces. Its great to see people enjoying the work. For those of you who happened to miss out on a piece keep checking back as I will be adding the new work.

New Stuff

2008-11-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

This Month I will be showing some of my work at the community Christmas sale. Come on down and support the local community Nov 15-16. I will be located at the Redwood House in Redwood Meadows

A-Man

2008-09-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

Couple of interesting thoughts about our good buddy Adam, the every mans man, the guy we love and hate all at the same time. Paul makes a clear connection between Jesus’ resurrection state and that of Adam, the New Adam the perfect One Man. We have traditionally seen Jesus giving us a new humanity a more perfect one, one redeemed and Justified, free from sin and death in right relationship with God and rightly so. All this is good and can shed insight into salvation and have some proper applications for our lives today, but as I was studding this morning, its interesting that the Adam theology that Paul is working with in the 1^st century has a narrowed view of Adam. The intertestimental Rabbis and writing always equated Adam with the eschatological hope of Israel, not a new humanity. They saw Israel as called to pick up where Adam dropped the ball, a getting it right after his foolish meltdown. And then when they speak of him there is a reference that Adams responsibilities and domain fall to Israel. This comes from the all the echoes of Adams commission in Gen found in the future cov Gen 1:28, 12:2, 17:2,6,8, 22:16, 26:3, 26:24, 28:3, 35:11, 47:27, 48:3, They would see the hope of Israel aligned with Adam in a kingly role, Israel having domain over the Gentiles as Adam did of the beasts, or Adam paralleled with Davidic kingship etc. And we can see as they would look in Isa and some of the other prophets they would easily come to the conclusion. As Israel is restored out of exile so she will become the new Adam, undoing what was done and taking up his rightful calling and dominion.

And so here is a couple of things to maybe tickle our minds, or put us to sleep. If Paul was speaking from this context of the day, his references to Adam especially in Romans begins to really makes sense with his greater push. God is fulfilling his covenant to Israel in that the restored Adam, Israel is actually fulfilled in Jesus. Where they couldn’t and wouldn’t be faithful He is (sinless). Jesus is the right and faithful representation of Israel and in Him we are justified, He is the New Adam. And all of the promises and commissions are found in Him. That’s why we see Paul plead with everyone, but especially his countrymen that to reject Jesus is to reject the very things they were destine for. A righteousness from God before God, a covenant faithfulness and the commission to be the light unto the world, to undo the sins of the past. (PS Im just following Paul's lead with the run-on sentences) It isn’t that they are rejecting the new, rather the fulfillment of the old. You can see why Paul then gets a touch cranky in Galatians saying to have “Jesus plus…” is to deny the gospel. Jesus then isn’t Lord, the faithfulness isn’t found in him, Torah isn’t fulfilled in Him. He is adamant that what is true of Him is true of them, but only if He is sole Lord. SO WHAT! Or SO WHAT? Or SO WHAT!?! What does it mean to be part of the New Adam, a new creation? Does it just mean we just get a fresh start with God? Or is He the true people of God and as we are found in Him so we become that, with all of its promises and responsibilities?

The end of Days

2008-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

So this morning we prayed for the kids and commissioned them off to school. Not sure if Jonah is all that excited, in fact I know his nerves are getting the best of him, because as I finish writing this they are still not back which means T has had to spend some time doing the warm up with him. Please pray for these guys and their year, this is such an important intersection, pray for their friends and their families. May God bless all the families and draw them closer to Him.

Anyway, we had a good end of the summer yesterday. We headed to my church planting buddy Nicks for lunch and nice a gentlemen's game of croquet and a not so gentlemen's game of bumper boats.

So we are officially back at it and its time to get our minds thinking about everyone we will be crossing throughout the day. May God keep our eyes open for God appointments rather than our own agendas.

As Promised

2008-08-20T09:01:00.001-07:00

So I mentioned Sunday I would post some of the Baptism pictures. You can get them here. I know it was over a month ago but there was something special about that day. Everything about it from the statements made in baptism, the gathering time and dedication, the beautiful weather and fellowship in the park. Everything glorifying God and God heaping His glory upon us.

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
       the praise of all his saints,
       of Israel, the people close to his heart.
       Praise the LORD. Psalm 148

B-Day Ride

2008-08-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

So had a great day the 15th.

24 kms

2000m elevation

1 bear

2 flat tires

1 granola bar

lots of water

no vomit

Followed by an evening with my wife and friends eating meat. Yes the Brazilian steakhouse kicks, my plate didn't see anything except brownish red all evening, and I was in heaven. If this is getting old then I'm in.

shabbat (שבת) - cease

2008-08-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, Im back. Rest does wonders for you even though taking a family vacation with 4 kids doesn't include lots of sleeping or reading beside the pool. I remember my family camp trips and I think it is exciting to be creating memories that will hopefully continue into adulthood. However, one of the things I've been thinking about has been trying to connect family (name/ identity) back into the story of God.

Sometimes I think individualism has played havoc with our sense of identity and connection into the story of God. Me, my, Personal etc. has outplayed the fact we are saved into a renewed covenant under the Lordship of Jesus that has been renewed from a checkered, but deep and rich past. And that story become part of our story. This Jew plus Gentile family. And we part of the kingdom of God a kingdom filled with other people with a job to do. So there is a sense of family commitment and obligation not in a sense of upholding some Victorian class system, rather an obligation in the sense of continuing its purpose and identity. So my dilemma is how do I help my children who are part of the Zimmerman/Hoskins clan connect into this rich history and have a sense of purpose/identity from it? The quick answer is... you go to Revelstoke BC. Ok maybe not, I would interested in hearing ways of building this into our identity, however in the mean time you can check out memory building pics here.

Tick Tock

2008-06-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

So I found an interesting article in my girly magazine. OK, its not the type of “girly” magazine you might be thinking of. It Wallpaper, which I call girly because although it is an architect and design

magazine it also will features fashion. I read it because architecture and design inspires much of my art and so I will be looking at some latest, greatest in Dubai and turn the page to see the latest designs in ladies footwear, and I don’t know about you but its kind of hard being all manly while looking at fashion, I feel a touch sissy.

Anyway, one of the latest articles was about a merging of work and life. It was about the current debate around some possible new legislation that protects the 35 hour work week in France. Yes 35 hour work week. I guess I didn’t realize that 1. They did a 35hr work week and 2. That it was protected. They also made comments on the abusiveness of the US work culture from weekly hours too skimpy vacation time. It kind of got me thinking especially in light of the resent sermons around stewardship of our time etc. (wise servant, 3rd soil). At first it kind of got my Mennonite work ethic back hair up in a knot thinking, how do they get anything done working only 35 hrs, and how can you earn a living like that as well? But you can’t help but think about how there is a butch of people that see this as a healthy rhythm of life and work and that as a country have decided to cut back in order to maintain this healthy lifestyle. That means there may be some lack of productivity and therefore maybe a lower standard of living, I don’t know, but to them it is worth fighting for. Now we can debate what is a healthy workload but just think for a moment what would you would do with the extra time? By voluntarily cutting back having a lifestyle change what could you accomplish for the kingdom? Maybe there is something to it, at least worth taking some time to ponder.

Trouble with Literature

2008-06-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I was a little stunted in high school. Not only did I go into English 30 with an inability spell and no desire to read, I ended up having an English teacher who hated men (even though my man hood could have been debated - can anyone say feathery mustache and permed hair mullet) but my teacher also had a hatred for Christians (maybe that could have been debated too - except I was a PK which kind of brands you regardless) However I had trouble with finding connections with themes in literature. So Im having trouble figuring the common theme in these passages. Maybe You can help me out. Take a look and let me know your thoughts.Gen 12:1-3, Gen 26:1-6, 28:10-15, Exodus 19:1-6, I Peter 2:14-10, Gal 3:7-9, 29

So in light of Melissa's posting the other week when we see this thread through the whole Bible does this say anything about our involvement with it? If so, what does it mean? Is this "theme" a little more important than we have thought in the past? How does it affect us today?

Fathers Day

2008-06-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

So I had great Fathers Day, we headed to Banff after Aliyah's nap for some hang'n, eats and to soak in the stew. Lots of Fun! The Kids thought it was the best Fathers Day ever and Brit was saying we should have Fathers Day for 3 more days. I couldn't really disagree with her, I told her to ask her mom. Anyway, yesterday with the morning gathering we talked about how we can be faithful with what God has given (wise servants) Luke 12: 35-48 , and we related it to Fathers and their families. Much has been given much will be expected. On the wider sense we talked about radical stewardship and I thought I would share this great video about our stuff. Sure there are some over statements, but it really causes one to think about our love for consuming and all the injustices along the way from extraction to disposal. Watch it here and let me know what you think.

Used With Permission

2008-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the answers given by Melissa on her bible and theology Exam. I thought she had some good points and since this is one of the key aspects of the faith I thought it would be nice to share.

Abrahamic Covenant

God made a covenant with Abraham and his family to belong to him in a special way. He promised to make his descendants as “numerous as the stars”. The agreement between them was similar to the agreement between a king and his subjects, or a husband and wife. The covenant was renewed at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:5, 34:10), before entering into the promised land (Deut. 30) and through David. Psalm 89:3-4 reads “You said, ‘ I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: I will establish your descendants forever, and built your throne for all generations”.

The covenant, as they understood it, was that God would triumph over the pagan nations, defeat the oppressing enemy forces of Israel and give them glory, honor and blessings. In Deut. 29 God promises those that disobey God’s commandment will bring upon themselves curses, the worst of which will be exile from the promised land. If in exile they turn back to him, then he will bring about the blessings of Deut. 30. He also promises to change their hearts so they can finally keep the law with their hearts. God promises that it is not inacessable, i.e., up in heaven (Deut. 30:12) or across the sea (v.13), it will find them. Once this happened the curse would be over.

In the Pharesitic times, badge of belonging to the covenant was strict adherence to the law and ethnic identity. The felt that they were still living under the curse of Deut. 29, and longed for the time when they could live with a fresh understanding of the law. A question they and many before them wrestled with was “how will Israel know what to do?” Some of the thinkers before the Pharisees thought that this was in the form of wisdom, which God would give to Israel, thus setting them free. Others thought that it was a special set of laws.

Jesus is the fulfillment of that covenant. He triumphed over the enemy, Satan, bringing the people out of exile in their separation from God, and restoring us to the promises of blessings and glory and salvation. In Matthew 26 he says “...this is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and his people.” (v.28), which is a reference to Exodus 24:8, when Moses sprinkled blood over the Israelites, confirming the covenant God made with the people.

In the book of Romans, Paul deals with this issue of the covenant, and all that comes with this new understanding of it. Romans 10:9 says “ For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved”. The Messiah came to them, just like he promised.

So how, then, are Gentiles included in this covenant? The Pharisees and others felt it applied only to ethnic Israelites. God’s covenant with Abraham was always the way He intended to save the world from death and destruction. In Romans 2:25-29 Paul says that a true Jew is a person whose heart is right with God, and circumcision is a change of the heart caused by the Holy Spirit (v.29). Faith in Christ is the badge, not ethnic identity and possession of the law.

In ch. 3: 20, he says that no one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what the law says. So we’re all guilty, Jew and Gentile alike (3:21- 24), which begs the question, what is God going to do? He could either bless a nation that didn’t deserve it (love), or go back on his promise (justice). It’s love versus justice, neither side of God can allow the other to override it. This is a question of God’s righteousness, how do you bless us and punish us at the same time? Israel was given a job (being a light to the world) and they failed. The solution is now part of the problem. They too must be punished, but then how are they blessed? There is one Israelite who would offer God faithful obedience. The faithfulness of the sinless, obedient Christ, who represented us, took our punishment of death. In this way God redeemed the world, faithful to his covenant.

Theologue Notes (Milfred Minatrea) -randomness that stood out

2008-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

"The whole Bible renders to us the story of Gods mission, through Gods people in their engagement with Gods world for the sake of Gods purpose for the whole of Gods creation."

Christopher JH Wright (I think if you have Wright as a last name your automatically smart).

In the Beginning... we see a lot of reacuring themes throughout the narrative of the Bible, but some of the stronger are; God's continual concern for His creation (even with Noah he doesn't start from scratch, rather he preseves what he has created). With that theme # 2 rebellion of man (Im glad that is only in "Bible times" cuz we don't have that problem, we never see rebellion today ). There is also extencive narrative dedicated to the redmptive purposes of God, and finnally the consumation and resotration of a new creation.

He uses people (His creation), who are broken and rebellious too call (bless) other rebellious people back to restoration with Him, and always pointing to that birth of a new day of new creation and covenant. So, how often do you see those themes throughout the Bible? As mentioned Sunday these are "big plank" items. Theses are our themes, our story. These are the things we throw ourselves at first, lest we forget what Paul warns "If God cut off natural branches in order to include unnatural branches to be graphed in, how much easier would it be to cut out that graphed shoot for the same disobedience." (DP aka Dave Paraphrase) So how are we with the story of God? Are we letters of recommendation that God has written as Paul mentions?or have we forgot much of His writing upon this earth and our lives?

Back on the wagon again

2008-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

So, a lot has been going on since the last time I wrote, In regards to the Missional conversation. I have attended 3 different courses 2 MTN days and Theologue which is the COG continual education/ pastoral discussion/ what we thinking about today. Anyway, Theolgue was about the Missional mandate for the Bible rather than a Biblical mandate for missions. When we view scripture we can see a Biblical mandates for particular issues, for instance the Bible has things to say about marriage or productivity or raising kids, however we wouldn’t say there is a marriage mandate for the Bible etc. However, at its source the bible is about Gods redemptive mission in the world. It is the story of God working, the Bible itself is a Testament to this, there is the Great Communication (Scriptures) along with the Great Commission. So we spent the time pouring over God story of mission.

The past 2 MTN’s have been challenging as well. One about creating authentic community around common cause and purpose rather than just care or accountability. The other was about radical stewardship. Both sessions had caused their fair share of the Spirits conviction upon my life. So I figured it would be wise to spread that conviction to everyone I care about. So over the next couple inputs we will discuss some of these topics.

On the Prowl

2008-04-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note. If I happened to have lent you my Jesus and the victory of God, would you let me know. If you have it and read it, reading it, didn't crack it (most likely) not big deal, Im just trying to figure out which direction it went. Thanks...

Nerd Fest

2008-04-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

So I paid tribute to Dave old school. A buddy was off to the Comic and Entertainment Expo so I got to go. Unfortunately, I couldn’t track down my Spok ears or any superhero costumes and when I wanted to live my dreams through my children (I thought they would like to wear theirs) T shot that idea down quickly (I guess I need not spread the nerdness). Anyway, a couple of highlights were coming spitting distance from Kevin Sorbo, Smallville’s Micheal Rosenbaum and Sulu. Secondly I didn’t tell Jonah and Nathaniel anything except we were going to the comic convention, aka “comic dump” in Jonahs words. So when Jonah saw the full sized Stormtrooper coming toward him in the crowd the look was priceless. He slowed down and his eyes got as big as saucers, he then totally lost himself as the Stormtrooper walked by. He then turned a gave a “hey, did you just see what I saw” look. It was worth the price of admission. After wandering around dodging Klingon’s, Jedi’s and Manga characters we did get to spend some time along the artist row. Without raising a huge debate on high or low culture, of pop art verses traditional, I have to say there was some great art, some real beautiful pieces. If you want to venture into the question of what does art do? How it speaks to truth etc. My buddy Ben wrote up a article here. Anyway, now that some I got my fill of Nerdness its time for some Old school Dave.

Skilz

2008-04-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

So I finally signed up for a .mac account I know It doesn't give you the massive space Hostpapa or Dreamhost might give but I don't have to ftp anything and everything works smoothly and seamlessly with my Apps. Iweb might not have a lot of frills, but it gets the job done quick while still looking pretty smooth.

Anyway, keep checking up on the fam over at the side under My other Photos or just click here. check back often as we will continue to update.

The Past Weeks

2008-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

So Easter has come and gone crazy to think it was a couple weeks ago. I have been enjoying our Romans bible study even though it has be a hard trip. You think you know something quite well and then someone like NT Wright throws a wrench into everything and makes what is supposed to be a simple little run through a well read book into a complicated deep mess that, well, actually begins to make sense. However running through Romans caused me to see the Resurrection again a little differently and therefore caused me to experience Easter a bit differently as well. Anyway seeing Paul's discussion on the gospel revealing Gods righteousness in light of his promise to Israel by creating this new thing of Jew plus Gentile under Jesus has made this thing a whole lot more tangible and real today. To unpack it a bit more, we see the Good News, proclamation that Jesus is Lord and has been victorious through the resurrection, revealing God Righteousness, Gods plan to 1. fulfill His covenant promise to his people while still 2. punish evil (all evil including the evil preformed by His people not living up to the covenant). So far clear as mud right? So how does He do that, bless His people and punish them as well? Anyway, He did that throughout the atoning work of Jesus, the once for all sacrifice and by creating a new Jew plus Gentile seed of Abraham through faith, In which they can finally live up to Torah and look forward to the promises that go beyond what was expected. Not a national kingdom, with a plot of earth and victory over its oppressors, as they return from exile, rather it is the promise of the world (New heaven and New earth) with victory over sin and death (the source of all the oppression). And a weird kicker is, Israel, its disobedience and temporary punishment was the tool in which God used to bring about this blessing to the world and in turn will be the very thing that also bring them out of that punishment and into greater promises than ever before. So I think I just covered roughly Romans 1-11.

So my Easter was different as I was not ONLY focused on a personal atonement, but rather now how through the atoning work of the the cross and the victory over death (the Lordship of Jesus) I'm now graphed into the covenant faithfulness of God. Part of a people or kingdom (in Jesus' words - one that is eternal mind you, aka never ending even after death) with a job to do, to proclaim this Good News, and reflect that (preset and not yet) future h

ope of Jesus. My vocation now falls in the "you are blessed and are to be a bless

ing to the world". So here's the thing, I can't even begin to explain it on paper without massive run on sentences that are loaded with extra meaning, how do you go about speaking this without making everyone confused (as I have been) or thinking your talking another gospel? Let me just add, when I begin to see this a little different and really begin to think about what it means, the question that hits me is that if this is true then I... we... have been selling everything WAY short. And my per-potion-ate living in response hasn't begun to come close to its

depth. I don't kno

w I get gitty and overwhelmed all that the same time. Love to hear how you wrestle through it as well.

Prayer for the week

2008-03-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

No better way to prepare for the Holy Week than praying the prayer of St. Patrick

Lorica of Saint Patrick

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness  Of the Creator of creation.   I arise today  Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,  Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,  Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.  I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In obedience of angels, In service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs,  In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, In innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men.   I arise today Through the strength of heaven;  Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea,  Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock.   I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me,  God's wisdom to guide me,  God's eye to look before me,  God's ear to hear me,  God's word to speak for me,  God's hand to guard me,  God's way to lie before me,  God's shield to protect me,  God's hosts to save me  From snares of the devil,  From temptations of vices,  From every one who desires me ill,  Afar and anear,  Alone or in a mulitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil, Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,  Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry,  Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.  Christ shield me today  Against poison, against burning,  Against drowning, against wounding, So that reward may come to me in abundance.  Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,  Christ on my right, Christ on my left,  Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,  Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,  Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,  Christ in the eye that sees me,  Christ in the ear that hears me.   I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation  St. Patrick (ca. 377)

Great Chapter

2008-03-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Just some thoughts form a great chapter from Simply Christian especially as we prepare for Easter

“Nothing in all the history of Paganism comes anywhere near this combination of event, intention, and meaning. Nothing in Judaism had prepared for it, except in puzzling shadowy prophecy. The death of Jesus of Nazareth as the king of the Jews, the bearer of Israel’s destiny, the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people of old, is either the most stupid, senseless waste and misunderstand the world has ever seen, or it is the fulcrum around which world history turns.” Wright, Simply Christian, 111

“The time had now come when, at last, God would rescue his people, and the whole world, not from mere political enemies, but from evil itself, from sin which had enslaved them. His death would do what the temple, with its sacrificial system, had pointed to but never actually accomplished. In meeting the fate that was rushing toward him, he would be the place where heaven and earth had met, as he hung suspended between the two. He would be the place where God’s future arrived in the present, with the kingdom of God celebrating its triumph over the kingdoms of the world by refusing to join in their spiral of violence.”

What do Pastors do on days off? - long walks, pray...

2008-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

First it was the Trib (see post below) now we have the video for the swing that goes all the way around, you could call it a 360 swing but that would be wrong. It's kind of neat to still be connected to friends I had in high school, then again, it means we do things that you only dreamt of doing in high school. You can debate if that is a good thing or not. Anyway, the Trebuchet is at it's new home, but I've been told we have visitation rights. The swing however has be dismantled and given away as scrap. I have to admit this one was a lot more unnerving than firing the Trebuchet. I don't know if it was the 300lbs of weight overhead, or the fact that you are strapped in, or knowing the person who designed it. Anyway, I was a touch more cautious this time, none the less lots of fun. Hope you enjoy.

לא-דובכ םירפסמ םימשה

2008-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stood outside maybe on one of the famous BCCC Saturday hikes or maybe it is after a long day at work and you are enjoying a bit of down time on the deck in the evening, or maybe you actually stop long enough on the cross country trail to hear your beating heart, and also look around and see it, It being Kbud (kvod). And have you ever then declared as the Psalmist does “the heavens declared the glory of God…” The glory of God, we not only see it, we experience it. That’s why I think people go out of their way to be able to spend time out where they see the heavens and creation all pointing to the kbud of God. Whether people know it or not there is something within all of us that can’t help but be awestruck and attracted too the glory of God. Now here is the thing, the heaven aren’t the only thing that is to bring kbud. 2Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Do our lives declare the glory of God? Its time to allow God to mold and shape us, by exercising our faith. This weeks challenge is letting your life bless 3 people, just acting on the times when God bring people to mind or across your path. Let me know how it goes.

Tis the Season

2008-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

“Old habits are hard to break, and no one is easily weaned from his own opinions; but if you rely on your own reasoning and ability rather than on the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will but seldom and slowly attain wisdom. For God wills that we become perfectly obedient to himself, and that we transcend mere reason on the wings of burning love for him.”

Thomas a Kempis

After the pancakes tomorrow… Who come up with these things? Not that I mind having any excuse for eating pancakes but if you wanting gluttonous celebration, Shrove Tuesday should be rare steak and Poutine. Anyway, as we prepare for Easter by contemplating Jesus suffering on his Journey to the cross, this becomes a great time to dust off those disciplines that have been hiding in the closet. Maybe it’s something as easy as reciting the Jesus prayer while you breath, (breath in) “Lord Jesus son of God (out) have mercy on me a sinner.” or Post Easter (breath in) “Lord Jesus son of God (out) shine your mercy on me.” Or practicing a wealth of other disciplines The Sacred Way, it’s time to truly consider Jesus’ painful road to victory as we come to know Him by “knowing the power of the resurrection and sharing in His suffering becoming like him in death.”

Missionalize

2008-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

One of the things that came out of the Ottawa church Planting Congress was an opportunity to connect in some of the local church planting hubs. They offered a course where we get together for a day a month (for 6 months) and dialogue about what some of this looks like and share practical experience in trying to get the job done. (like my vagueness? – ya, I think it is the blind leading the blind, but at least when we get hit by the car crossing the street we’ll all be together) Anyway, we had our first day this past Friday and we were asked to take a look at a comment made a while ago regarding the church. The comment was, “The church has to decide how it will serve the congregation.” I found that interesting on a couple of different levels. First off there it was interesting that the “church” and “congregation” where thought of as separate. Secondly, from that separation we see a consumer mentality driving it. The church is an institution that exists to serve its congregation, like a health or country club. If we pointed people to Ephesians 4 we could clear most of the fog. The church is the congregation and within that there are people set apart to equip the church for the Mission of God. Anyway, my buddy Nick had a great comment immediately when we were asked to look at this. He answered “on a platter to the world.” I have to admit I found that extremely fun and profound. It carries right along with what Wright says about the church, “Just as Jesus was to Israel so the church is to the world.” The church begins to be a picture of Jesus selflessly and sacrificially calling people to come out of the darkness of exile and oppression. Incarnating (as Frost says video below) the presence, proximity, powerlessness, and proclamation. And yes part of that includes the church being an example of unity and love, serving and taking care of each other,but it’s existence and purpose is found in the Missio Dei which is Gods heart for the world. How are you being served up today?

A must view

2007-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry I can't send out enough emails to have people watch so I will just post these.
In Frosts final address one of the missional examples (about 7 min in) is right in line with my cousin Andrew and Faith Hoskins (well if they were middle aged nuns that is) anyway they are a must watch - enjoy.

COG Talk Back

2007-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Love to here your comments as to how it is working in your community.

What’s on your Dashboard?

2007-12-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

I'm have to say I am enjoying figuring out the Mac thing. Basically it just mean unlearning everything PC and then just doing what comes naturally. Anyway, part the Mac fun it the dashboard A flick of you finger out to your hot corners and you receive instant eye candy relating to news, weather, flight info, latest art, whatever you need or like. I think it would be interesting to see what people have on their dashboard because it probably points too some of the things we hold to be important. And I would venture to guess that for many of us our dashboards are probably filled with things we really don’t need, that in fact are a distraction from what is really important. What I think has been kicking around in my brain and not letting go is a need for a radical change in life style for most of us. I think we have been buying into the western lie for far to long and running after its promises which has caused us to be more busy, less satisfied and not on mission for God. I honestly don’t think the sacrificial part of the gospel isn’t focused on the actual event aka,“I need to be sacrificial and dish out soup in a soup kitchen -ewe soup kitchen.” I think the sacrifice starts way back in actually cutting back on the business of our lifestyles we have created (Our pictures of success in family, work, etc) in order that we might have time to be on mission. I think one of the greatest issues in living on mission the way God designed is that we don’t have time for mission we have been side lined. Most of us would love to work the kitchen, mentor someone, help a neighbor out, thats not the hard part, the hard part means we wont make as much because we voluntarily are cutting back at work, our kids wont be involved in events as much because we have limited their participation to one two events. The sacrifice is the slowing down and the cutting back!! Which is hard because the things we need to slow down and cut back aren't bad themselves at all. Kids participating in things is a good thing!! It’s not as clear as knowing we need to cut back on the crack habit in order to be more effective on mission, no the things we loose are common, even healthy activities. Its a little scary to me. This is truly appropriate as I am entering the Christmas season, parties, school functions, more parties, Christmas eve service etc, etc. We complain about getting rushed with all the tinsel and flash that we don’t have time to really ponder what we are celebrating. But the reality is that this season reflects our greater lives, too busy form mission. Time to clear the dashboard and rethink this whole thing.

Disciple That!!!

2007-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

I know for many of you this is old school news. Sorry for hitting 1000 year old headlines. Anyway, I really don’t want to stand in a long line of criticism, it it is easy to attack and critic the big players from a distance. And the reality is that Willow Creek has done a lot of great things for the kingdom. They seemed to have the “urban modern” reaping tool down to a science, however we all realize that nothing is perfect. On the flip side we need to realize small doesn’t mean we’re disciplining any better.

Hybels confesses:

We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.

In other words, spiritual growth doesn’t happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. And, ironically, these basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage.

What I do like is that I think this will get a lot of church leaders off the prowl for the magic button (however I heard it’s at Staples if you are looking for it). And I hope reevaluate and get back to the basics. As Hirsh points out there is good reason why we see similarities of exponential growth in the early church and China. So focusing our attention from Willow Creek to Bragg Creek (by the way our creek kicks creek butt) It makes me realize we aren’t doing it either. Sure about a year ago we have focused our “Discovery” values toward 1. learning the disciplines and 2. building a hunger for God, however I don’t think offering a class in order to learn them has been the right option. I just don’t think we are going to be able to do the Greek thing with this one at all. It’s going to be one to one. As well it might include some initial education, but it will be practice focussed rather than Theory . I’m still attracted to the BELLS thing of Frost’s community. Its simple (well understandable) and it is a starting point of doing. I think we will be talking more about that later.

trebuchet for testosterone night

2007-11-07T08:25:00.001-08:00

Joy

2007-10-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

Scary Clarity

2007-10-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I've been on this heaven kick as of late, but a couple weeks ago, we began to discover God's relationship to man through the Genesis account. It raises a couple of interesting questions on the metaphysics of God. How does God's space and our space intersect. If we are to look at the biblical account of heaven (the place where God reigns) we see it intersecting with earth in the OT at a couple of places. The temple, tent of meeting, Mnt Sinai, burning bush. And whenever that seemed to occur there was always the reverence, a respect and awe for that physical space because it was holy. (Moses is to take his sandals off in order to not have anything between him and the holy ground.)

However, as we engage our world we seem to combat some prevailing ideas on the relationship between God and man. Two strong ones today seem to be Pantheism (God is everywhere) and Deism (God is distant "out there"). Some of that unfortunately works it's way into some Christina doctrine as well.

However, if we take the Biblical account seriously we begin to see something a little scary. We become the temple of the Holy Spirit once we receive Jesus, what does that say about the intersection of the sacred space (where God reigns) and earth. Well, as we step into common spaces we bring the presence of God and also that sacred space (that piece of heaven). It is also scary to think of the reverence we should be feeling with our very lives and mission.

Today

2007-09-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

Who likes heaven? I do!

Ok, in order to clarify any misunderstanding. (because I do get carried off in my own thoughts or voices in my head). I am pro heaven, what am not too excited about is an escapist mentality, a "lets get out of here while we let the world burn." type of thought. I know that is a gross overstatement, but we are not to be concerned with what is around the corn in the future or other, rather we are to be concerned about what God is doing Today and join with His plan. It's funny that in the book of Hebrews a book speaking about the reality of Jesus fulfilling and completing the new creation, a book full of examples of faith, people looking through the thin veil to a deeper reality, a book speaking of the future day of God making things right. Within this book it's warnings and call aren't about the future, rather about NOW. The, "how is this present day and your current life reflecting that glorious kingdom?" "IN light of all that is and all that is coming, what are you about TODAY?"

12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

If we all lived the mission in the here and now I'm thinking we might be doing thing a little different.

Shivers

2007-09-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

So there was a good questioned that was posed, in relation to recent talk on some gnostic gospels (Thomas, Judas etc.) If Christianity was really about personal spirituality and escaping this world, then why would Cesar have given a flip about a butch of Jewish peasants? The reality was the name Jesus sent chills down Cesar's spine, worse than Mufasa of the Lion King, ("Mufasa" shiver "Ooooh say it again""Mufasa, Mufasa, Mufasa!") because it is a claim for an aulternate way for doing things and an alternate Lord to follow. It's the following that says Jesus, not Cesar is Lord and that His way will truly bring the reconciliation and peace of the world, starting right here and now in this present reality. We might say, "Amen brothers and sisters" and "Down with the gnostic gospels." But... I have a sneaky feeling that some of that thought has crept into our present church language. "Jesus is your personal Savior," and "the hope of heaven is what we strive for" and "this world is a passing fancy." What might be worse is that in our practice of faith we many times by pass, even sometimes contribute to the problems of the here and now, because of our "out their" "sometime later" type of thinking. Now before we break out the torches and head for my house, I understand what these things mean and I don't disagree with them, its just a word of caution that we might be slanting the emphasis of the gospel to the detriment of missing Gods full mission to the world. God does care about the here and now, and he still does have a plan for this world, and we should care about all the anti-gospels the injustices that take place not because it is the test before heaven, but until the Trumpet sounds God's not done with us, the poor, the environment, this world etc. etc. And until that time I will do my job of stewarding this world and committed to His mission and kingdom being revealed. "Ooooh, say it again." So maybe a good question to pose is would Cesar shiver at us today?

Much

2007-09-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back at it school...work... snow (ok, maybe not, I will try not to curse us with that 4 letter word), but it is life back in regular fall routine. However I was contemplating the summer, (really life in general) the other day and I think God reminded me of something. It was the word "Much". And I knew exactly what it meant. I have been given Much! I know looking at our vehicles this past year, you wouldn't really have that word come to mind,.. but the gifts God has so generously given to us, our family, health, our life... We have Much. And I know our minds usually turn to $coin$ when we speak of Much, but even in that are its all relative. We live under a warm roof, our stomachs are well fed (maybe too much) we have 2 vehicles for crying out loud. We have "Much" in that area too!! And the awesomeness of Much is that I have a responsibility to be Much!! To Much is given Much is expected. I understand in the blessed community I live in the financial Much might not be all that needed, but what an awesome responsibility it is to share my family, my friendship, my God with people around me. Things could look totally different, but God has chosen to graced me with this beautiful life. Much should be expected.

Garr…oh…ugg

2007-06-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

9626ft

So there was no last minute helicopter rescue, no “We’ve got a live pastor up here send in the dual prop.” Nothing like that. It turned out to be an incredible day, I met a lot of people actually stopped to talk, (I am chalking it up to taking the time to be sociable, not stopping to keep my legs from falling off.) However, Saturday night was interesting, lots of shuffling not really walking, and most of my communication was done in monosyllabic groans arrrr...oooo…etc. I have to admit there was this interesting sense of community. As people started arriving on the mountain itself, there was this buzz and energy while passing people (clarification: not me going faster “passing”, rather crossing paths). I think on days like that everyone gets a glimpse of Gods gift and grace in community. Everyone was on common task and purpose, both immediate (get to the top) and deeper (raise some money for Camp Horizon). We all had some shared struggle and suffering (some more than others, I wont mention any names, but one writes in a blog from time to time). There was also shared encouragement both verbal and supporting in sharing of goodies. It was a fascinating time. One of the greatest blessings was getting back to the parking seeing Troy, Terry and Bryce and getting met with food from Colleen. What and awesome surprise. And I didn’t even have to worried about the doughnut, chips, tube of lard that I consumed. Let see how many people we can rally up for next year!

Challenge

2007-06-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, couple days to the Banded Peak Challenge and right now I feel like I couldn't hike up my stairs. I received a blessing from Brit in the form of a cold and I am quite excited about it. So hopefully, we can see a bit of a change (for the good) in the next couple days. I feel a little behind physically, I have gotten out on the bike a couple times this last month and noticed I am further behind than what I normally am at the start of the season. (I'm going to blame Aliyah not old age for the problem). Anyway, Camp Horizon is a winner check them out if you want to donate.

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/personalPage.aspx?EventID=11018&LangPref=en-CA&RegistrationID=321645

http://www.bandedpeakchallenge.com/

If you don't see me Sunday just send a Helicopter

Do not Hinder

2007-06-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10

Some interesting entertainment

2007-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago the youth did a video. Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-uyRwiFcBA

The Duracell of Mission

2007-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will be looking at Pentecost. What’s cool is that it is actually Pentecost Sunday. See, I wish I had really planned it that way. We’re looking at Acts in our current series “Awakening up” and well with Mothers day sneaking in (I mean I had T’s gift and day events planned for months but…) well and the May long it messed up my schedule (yes you can stop the snickering, I “mostly” have one). So I added a message about the ascension last week, which happened to be Ascensions Sunday. (If I had been raised in a high church I would have this entire church calendar down, rather it was my non-church going neighbor that told me of it.) So surprise surprise!! Without knowing it we are following a bit of the church calendar Ascension Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. I feel that maybe I already had my lesson on the Holy Spirit through all this.
Anyway, this week is about being powered for mission. What’s cool is Pentecost follows the pattern throughout scripture where when man encounters a brush with God, when sacred space is made known and experienced, it is followed by mission. Form Isaiah to those touched by Jesus to Paul we see peoples natural response to an experience with God is transformation and mission. We naturally have to do and tell!! The Day of Pentecost though signifies a reworking of the world structures where God is now constantly dwelling within his people, which in fact should lead to a constant and continuous life of transformation and mission. I mean God did something new in the world on the day of Pentecost, it is the fulfillment of “God will reside with man,” “I will write the law on their hearts,” “I will be their God and they will be my people”. No longer will God seem to dwell in temples of stone, but there will be a union between us! So, where is the constant, the daily transformation and mission? Well.., I don’t think God has changed anything or moved anywhere. So I guess that leaves…well… Oh ya!
Faith and passion for God doesn’t come from just “wanting” in the cognitive Max Headroom like oh I am getting old). It’s not this Hellenistic idea of faith pistisa “knowledge about”, but the Hebrew emunah “active trust” or “faithfulness”. It’s not the “I meant too…” or “I wish I could…” both of which I am the king of, but passion comes from wanting with our heart that involves sacrifice and commitment (“Christ’s Passion” isn’t Dan Browns ideas on Jesus’ valentines cards to Mary M, no it was something quite different). Daily experiences with God resulting in transformation and mission it comes from the willingness to engage with Him, to open your life up to more sacred space. It involves discipline and commitment, but it is a discipline and commitment to live, to create a Rhythm of Life, a pattern of sustaining and growing as you would with eating, breathing, sleeping. Discipline that becomes you, in order to live. What would our lives look like if we wanted the Holy Spirits power bad enough we were willing to change our lifestyle in order to make room for it? Practice the Disciplines, set up a Rhythm of life (a rhythm for life)! With Him, listen more, breath more, act more, love more. Daily live the Pentecost!

Equipping for the Star Trek Convention

2007-05-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I need to say congrats to my buddy Nick for Gadjiating Saturday from the “Hill” in Cochrane. He now joins the ranks of hundreds others who are wandering around wondering what to do with our acute ability to understand Biblical Hebrew. (Impressing people at parties cuz it sounds like Klingon, Putting it on a piece of Art, or clearing your throat are great suggestions). There has been a lot of discussion as of late in regards to the future of Christian education and seminaries, which I think is under continual change. One of the current criticisms is that it does a great job of preparing a person for church life, and not much else. And to a great extent I would have to agree. In my experience there was this preparation for being able to navigate leading all of the standard church activities. This is good especially when we see the Sunday service as the bottom line in church activities…except that is not. I know it is so hard to get our minds off of it being the base line of everything, I mean what is the second question asked after someone says they attend a particular church?... How many attend…? I do it too! It’s hard to break, a missional church however sees community transformation as the bottom line. “Ya but we have no control over that…” Well…I guess your right to some extent but, and I know it kind of sucks, but the reality is if people are failing all around us we are failing. I know there is personal responsibility etc, but we need to take our mission a little more seriously and take responsibility for the people we have been put in our circles of influence as a gift from God. Anyway, back to the original discussion, to be fair I know a lot of post graduate schools are rethinking things and I think a lot has changed even since I went (I feel like I’m 100 “back in my day”). And I am grateful for my grad studies because they truly equipped me to read and think critically, they gave me the skills to be a continual learner as well as a lot of deeper insight into a variety of fields, right now I can’t imagine myself not having that experience, but preparing me for community transformation… I don’t necessarily see a lot of it in my education. So when I bring that forward into BCCC how are we equipping people, are we helping people succeed in mission? Now hear me I think studying the Word is vital and continually learning is so important… (I know I just contradicted myself, so much for the critical thinking), but I think we are heavy on theory and abstract based education and light on the down and dirty experiential learning, lets not just talk about feeding the poor lets go do it. I love what Melissa is doing with the youth right now. She continually has Bible teaching times etc., but every month there is a lesson in service not out of a book, but in action. The kingdom of God is not lived out by having an abundance of information, (servant burry and protect that talent!) but by living it out (invest it).

Weekend Fun

2007-04-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the shameless self promotion BUT...

Don't forget this weeks Art show

Sat 1-8, Sun 1-5

Come often, buy lots.
I guess I'm not allowed to be apologetic when I do it anyway.
Saying sorry for hitting someone and then hitting them again wouldn't cut it.
So sorry but not really.
See ya there!

Hijacked

2007-04-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well everything has come to a stop in order to focus in around a particular point of shining beauty. We went into the hospital yesterday morning 3ish am in order to start the festivities. We made sure we stayed by the hospital because things have been getting a lot faster as we have added to the brood. In fact this time around we were in the birthing room by 11am and Aliyah was born 11:58. So when its time, it goes quick. You'll have to ask T if speed is worth it or not though. When the Nurse comes in and says that your contractions are working really well. I guess that is a good thing, but comes at a price. Anyway, T did really well, ran through the process epidural free. (Ok, please forgive me ladies for what I'm about to say) If I was to give birth (ok, stop the rolling of eyes I know, i know I'm clueless) Anyway, if that happened I'm sure I would be not only Whining horribly and demanding everything they could throw at me, but I would also be out for days (I mean give me a simple cold and I am on my back like a sissy). But she is in good spirits and doing well.

So our lives, phone calls, conversations, family, work most everything has been hijacked by this little life. And guess what? its pretty cool.
However, check out these 2 responses to the hospital visit. Brit was fixated on her wanting to hold her, but more importantly she was in a state of awe and wonder, the eyes say it all. She was so gentle and had a fascination/concern it's hard to really explain, this look was kind of her look all night. She wasn't scared or not wanting to hold her, just...this take it all in fascination. This is her sister...a new baby...out of moms tummy.

However... I know this isn't fair, Jonah is excited (and he is a lot different today) but this was the typical Jonah response to the whole ordeal. "Sister? cool, I think I like these hospital beds, what do these buttons do?" It made me think, how do we relate to new life? New life in Christ? Weather it is God doing something new in our lives, or someone else being made new for the first time are we embracing it with a careful sense of awe, wonder, excitement, sense of mystery? Or are we, "hey cool, do you got something to eat around here?" New life or newness in life is to be held in reverence and awe no matter if it is a full blown reworking or a small simple act of grace. And sometimes I think we flippantly pass it by, especially if it is small. We end up saying stuff like, "ya but..." or "not far enough," or "but they still believe this..." I don't know about you but any move toward God is a celebration whether it is all the way or not.

And guess what? I celebrate Aliyah Hope's birth, but we didn't leave her there in the hospital. Every day, step, coo, gurgle and pop and so on is a gift from God to be celebrated with joy as she grows and matures. Why can't we do the same with spiritual growth? Anyway, I guess since I didn't get to preach on Sunday something had to come out somewhere. Oh well, Hey guess what?!? I'M A NEW DAD!!!

Easter Newness

2007-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday was fun. I was so excited to see a newness and excitement around the celebration. Everything from dancing to harps there is a freshness in the air, as well as seeing 15+ coming out to help the community center throw a typical family Easter breakfast. What a fun time! Even with the event not being a church program we were able to help reveal the presence of God to the “common spaces”, the 3rd spaces as Frost would say. But what is so cool is the opportunity to live out what the New Covenant brought with Jesus’ death and resurrection which was highlighted at Pentecost, a presence of God and Word of God being lived out in the lives of those following Him. I like what Martin Buber say about the word becoming entwined in people.
A “Zaddik” (righteous person) said about the rabbis who “speak Torah” (ie., who interpreted the Scriptures for others) “What is the sense of their speaking Torah? Man should act in such a way that all his behaviors is Torah, and he himself is a Torah.” At another time it is said “the aim of the wise man is to make himself into a perfect teaching, and make all his acts as bodies of instruction; and where it is not possible for him to attain to this his aim is to be a transmission of teaching and a commentary on it, and to spread the teaching by his movements,”… The people in whom this Torah-nature fulfills itself are called zaddiks, “the righteous,” the law-full. They are the bearers of…teaching, not only as its apostles, but more as its effective reality. They are the teaching.
Wow, isn’t this really what is about? Proclaiming through our movements and actions (as well as by what we say). In fact if our actions don’t match up (or even speak louder) we don’t have anything to say. Guess what? We aren’t the most hospitable, the most loving, the most life-full, most grace giving people around, if we don’t live it out. It’s scary but the message is the medium. Jesus had strong word for the religious rulers who vocally had lots to say, but didn’t seem to connect it with their actions. I think the word was… umm… hypocrite. Anyway, it was good to be part of a movement this past weekend that was proclaiming…that was living Torah.

I'm a poor blogger

2007-03-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have to point people to this essay that Nick (Symbosis) found. I think he has a magic "send me important information" button on this computer, but this is an essay that is a must read because it challenges us right were we are. I spent the weekend at the Board of Directors meeting and "planning thingy" (shows how detailed attentive I am). We were discussing the Missional church and how it effects or should effect the Church of God in Western Canada. We wrestled with a lot of different topics, how do we encourage this Biblical practice in all the churches without it being a heavy handed top down approach? what does Missional look like here? and a variety of other tangents. Anyway, I was able to develop some good brain haze during the second day. But my journey wasn't ended on return to the house, when I received this great Essay The Gospel and the God Forsaken: The Challenge of the Missional Church in Suburbia It is contextualising a lot of what we discussed this weekend. Anyway please read it ant let me know what you think.

PS. I added new Africa photos on Flicker check them out (link below)

2007-03-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

The end of things to come

2007-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

We finished our Lev study this week, much to the groans and tears of so many people. Actually, I think most would agree that it has been a challenging book to wade through, but there has been some wonderfully redemptive messages for the day.
We finished in ch 26 after highlighting 27 because 26 speaks of the charge of blessings and curses for obedience or disobedience. This is found in other passages at the conclusion Torah sections so I felt it appropriate to conclude our time with that same theme. However, as much as you would think that warnings about obedience might be a downer, it turned out to be an exciting time. We ended up paralleling Lev 26 with Duet 30 in our time. Some of what we saw was warnings for obedience with the receiving of blessing, blessings of livelihood (crops and rain), Peace (no “S-words for 200 Alex”, or wild animals), and finally presence (I will camp with you and you will be my people…). The curses were in fact the opposite being played out in great detail.
We also looked at the prophetic voice in Lev 26 (more so in Deut 30), having an exilic and post exilic language, “The land will receive its Sabbath when you are removed…” “Circumcise your hearts…” And by the second Temple, Deut 30 was considered prophecy. By the way
Deut 30 is one of the most beautiful passages of Torah, we see God heart pleading for his people to choose life, please take time to read it. Anyway, one of the fun things that came out was that whenever discussion on blessings and curses come up we always default to “I better be good in order to be blessed”, “I want blessing in my life…” “It’s not working for me I must be doing something wrong” And it’s funny (with tears in my eyes) that this is the level of conversation that we have when discussing it. However, if we remember the covenant in Gen 12 we see God purpose for his people, their mission and focus of obedience is to be blessed and be a blessing. And so we switched our conversation for the morning off of ourselves. Maybe we should be desiring obedience not for blessing, but for being a blessing. The judge of your obedience and closeness to God does not rest on your personal gain, rather on your personal output. And so we should choose life, not for our success and lively hood, but for the lively hood and success of others. We should choose life, not so we can experience peace, but so we can give peace to others. We should choose life, not so that we have a relationship with God, but that we can introduce that gift of relationship to others. This changes things up a little doesn’t it? In fact how’s it working for you? Will you choose disobedience and therefore have a life producing a wake of curses, death and destruction? Or will you choose life and blessings so your life can be a conduit for Gods life and blessing to pass through? What do you want God and other to know you for?

Making bread and cursing

2007-02-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is round 3 in trying to write this. The first time someone accidentally deleted it from his computer, the second was deleted by having the computer turned off, however I did not to it, but was assisted by a cute blond who is attracted by green glowing buttons. (no fault of her own I'm still attracted to green glowing buttons and I'm a lot older than 2). Anyway maybe this one will make it through. We're looking at a couple different topics this Sunday,
Lev 24has both some temple instruction as well as laws around blasphemy. The arrangements of the lampstand and bread have only a couple references in the NT. We see some of the talk in
Heb 9:2 as well Jesus makes reference to David eating of bread in the temple I Sam 12 when he is asked about his disciple breaking the Sabbath Matt 12:1-11 (Mk 2, Lk 6)
As for blasphemy we see both Jesus and Stephen receiving the punishment for the blasphemy they were accused for. I will let you leave your comments on the previous post in regards to capital punishment). None the less blasphemy was considered a serious crime both in the OT and NT.
I'm not sure if there is any reason to these sections in this place outside it being arbitrary instruction. Maybe it is to remind the people about keeping the weekly Sabbath reverent after instruction and emphasis on the other feasts. Maybe it is all introduction to Lev 25 commitment to Sabbath and Jubilee. Well I'm interested in you opinion on it.

Last weeks craziness

2007-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't get around to opening the dialogue on capital punishment from Lev 20. Last week was a little pushed for time due to family day and Western Canadian General Assembly. A couple Scriptures to throw around, Matt 15:4 , Mark 7:10, Jn 8:1-11

Sex and Soup Sunday – Pre Valentine warm up

2007-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well I got a lot of neat comments about our teaching 2 weeks ago. I’m not sure if it was because I was a little concerned about how people would take it and everyone is just encouraging me or maybe we just like talking about sex and leading up to Valentines Day we needed a little boost to the libido. Regardless it’s been interesting hearing comments. A quick recap on our discussion, I’m not sure we need a lot of clarification too Lev 18 because I would think most of us would be in agreement even today about it’s restrictions around sex. I don’t think many would be pushing for incest or bestiality to be cultural or Old Cov restrictions. The main Hot point for some today would be the inclusion of Homosexuality in the list and as we know it can even be a little divisive in some Christian circles. But I think if we really take the whole Bible seriously we see the NT affirming and upholding all of Lev 18 boundaries for sex. One of the things at put perspective to the whole chapter was the look at Creation of man and work back from there. It’s interesting all of the press that the Christian world seems to get is it’s restrictions to sex. We are an oppressive and sex deprived group of people. Unfortunately, some of that is true. I’m going to thank St. Augustine for that one. I know I know he had a lot of great things to say, but he started a bit of a move toward sexuality which seemed to set a pattern for the churches stance on sex for quite some time. And yes, it came out more of… ‘well I guess you have to in order to have children, but it’s still bad.” If we start at the beginning of the book we see sexuality affirmed in creation and connected with the image of God. He could have said, “Lets make mankind in our image.” And leave it at that, but the writers included male and female He created them. Passage link
Genesis 1:26-28 To quote Foster “If Gen affirms it, then Song of Solomon celebrates it.” Not a lot of procreation talk going on in that book (sorry my Catholic friends) just a lot of celebration of love. “What a beautiful window Song of Solomon is into eros as it should be! There is sensuality without licentiousness, passion without promiscuity, love without lust.” Richard Foster
Anyway, this should be the starting point of our theology and if we look at other pagan practices around the Hebrews we see what was beautiful and celebrated turned into depraved, just read some of the practices of Egypt, Canaan, Hittite (well actually the Hittite was always caught in the middle, Incest is mostly bad except in these situations… uh nothing with most animal just these ones…) Not surprising, I just read an article in a “secular” magazine that plain old sex, yes “plain old” reduced stress more effetely and sustainable than any extra curricular sex acts (multiple partner or self pleasure). Maybe God was just looking out for our stress levels. Anyway, If we see God coming across as limiting we would probably be in agreement when we see affirming and celebrating of sexuality in Imago Dei, that man and woman were created for each other in relationship, separate and special from all other creation, sharing each other, not created separate from each other, all of that beautiful picture tossed for these pagan practices with family and live stalk? Anyway, this is becoming longer post then what I was wanting, Hook me up with any thoughts as long as they are not of the chica-bow-bow kind.

Vampires and Englishmen

2007-01-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hey just quickly something that came out of yesterdays message. Where are we at in regards to drinking blood? I'm sure it is on everyone's mind just wanting to get out and have some blood pudding or blood sausage or if you happen to be of the vampire persuasion blood anything. Anyway, CH17 says no no to eating blood Leviticus 17:10-12 .But we know Jesus fulfils the Law and as a result many of the non ecclesiastical laws are set to the side under the new covenant. However, under the new covenant we still see the command given to the gentiles to not eat blood Acts 15:19-20 as well Noah pre-law was required to not eat blood Genesis 9:1-7 . Does this dampen our appetites? Are we still required to refrain from eating it? To hit closer to home, what about the blue rare stake? Or is the eating of blood of a hygienic Law in which passes as we develop safer food practices? I'm interested to know some of your thoughts.

Always writing about food

2007-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

If you were to look over the next couple chapter in Leviticus you probably won’t see a lot of common themes. Much of it seems to have randomness to it. Nick (Symbiosis) said this past week that in fact some of the Law was arbitrary, not necessarily in a sense that God says it so you do it, but that in total it speaks to God being present in every aspect. Everywhere you would turn you would be remind that you are part of a covenant people and that God cares about every aspect of our lives, down to the most random and mundane. We need to also point out that part of the “you are covenant people” is that you are a people who are different. The “Cultic” theory (Gods laws are meant to contrast other religious practices of neighboring pagan nations) seems to have some weight in theses chapters. Both ch17 and 19 mention other religious practices and 18 explicitly says, “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not follow their statutes.” (18:3) and then continues to instruct about sexual practices to be avoided. So again we see a contrast of practices against many pagan nations.
Ch 17 seems to focus on sacrifices and food. Much of the chapter seems to be a restriction on killing animals so that there isn’t a chance of people sacrificing to other gods. Whether or not the restriction of drinking the blood of the animal was attributed to a Canaanite or Egyptian sacrificial rituals, we don’t know, but it obviously was something that people participated in.
We also see some instruction given to the alien living with them. This again reinforces the "you shall be separate" to the point that those who wish to reside within the Hebrew community must not keep there own practices, rather they’re to adopt it’s the Hebrew culture. (interesting how only past cultures wrestle with that, never enlightened cultures of today… Europe). So where are we at in regards to participating in other religious activities? Do we stop with Easter and Christmas because it was a pagan celebration that has been refocused and redeemed with a Christian narrative? How about eating delicious ginger beef? Under the watchful eye of Buddha or how about Malcolm’s favorite curry, unfortunately I have to be forced to carry the burden of meeting up with him (even this week) oh the pains of a pastor. A couple scripture passages you might wrestle with in figuring it out. (Jdg2:1, 1Kg16:29, Matt 6:24, Lk 16:13, 1Cor 10:20-22, Acts 15:29)

Waking up from the MSG

2007-01-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok, I know it has been a while. The craziness of December followed by the hibernation caused by over eating, I am now just jumping back into things. We are also jumping right back into Lev or as most of you know it "the most exciting book of the Bible." Last week we were talking about food and a clean or unclean diet. It was also a chance to see God establishing a people set apart on all fronts, including food. This week we will be covering a couple chapter together 13-15. I know that is a lot, but really we see them following a lot of the same pattern. We see a hygienic emphasis and a commitment to healthcare in all of the Chapters so we will be talking about the mud and the blood and the beer. Ok well not the beer. What do you do if being part of Gods people meant being part of the community, yet you get sick or contagious? Do spread the love, or do you step out for the sake of the community? Again why does God make a deal about childbirth or even sex when he commands it (Gen) and encourages we delight in it (SS)? Some of the interesting things we get to wade through this weekend. Lets get ready for the fun!!

Enjoying Sin

2006-11-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

No it's not what you think. I know it sound seriously foreign, but yesterday was a great day talking about the "S" word. I ended up late for Redwood because of some of the conversation that happened after the gathering. I think when we talk openly and authentically it actually makes things easier to address. Anyway, I think we miss the point and are afraid to address sin and confession when we see it in the structures of religion and guilt, rather than relationship and conviction. Seeing it the previous way causes us to become afraid and believe the voices that say you can live with sin if you marginalize, deflect, justify, dismiss or blame it away. The problem is sin comes with its friend guilt and you can try to mange or cope with guilt but you never really live with it. The values that the Sin offering actually speak too are beautiful, admitting/confessing, receiving forgiveness, and living up to your new calling, make this not only bearable, but also empowering. Being honest and authentic about our "missing the mark" is always better than trying to hide or justify things. Asking and receiving forgiveness is a sign of health and strength rather than living in the weakness of defensiveness. Finally the sin offering goes beyond just be "right" with God, but also creates and calls you into living the way were intended to live to begin with (Offering the fatty portions, the best back to God). This week however deals with what some call the Guilt or Reparation Offering. A better way to describe it is Compensation Offering. Some of the things to be thinking about is a commitment to Justice before God as well as integrity in relationships. It's a step toward making it right.

Long Live BBQ!!

2006-11-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

(Meat sampler 2006 - nonkosher food included snake, alligator, yak and salmon)
BBQ season never ends,it eternal, it just morphs into the cook wearing boots a jacket and headlamp (for the deep winter times). Yes, cooking times will change due to the outside temp but a good BBQ master will always be able to make the adjustments. This is the beauty of the Fellowship/Peace offering mentioned in Ch 3 as well as Ch 7, yes BBQ is in the Torah! It is commanded! The offering included potions to God portions to AaronÂs sons (the priests) and portions to be eaten together. It focus is on Shalom. Shalom - completeness, wholeness, peace. It is Shalom between God and the giver and it is expressed through a communion / shared meal. How often do we proactively join together for a meal, not just because the people we are eating with are cool and they make good food, but because we are making a statement of Gods fellowship (peace and reconciliation in our lives)? Our fellowship and peace with God is reflected by our peace and fellowship with each other. It's interesting to note that it wasn't just the fatty portions given to God that was pleasing, but the eating of the other parts was "accepted" as well. The fellowship between the people was desired and even commanded. How about it? Next time you get together, sit back part way through the meal and become aware of God being pleased with the rich conversation, the wonderful food, the smells, the taste, the laughter, the smiles, kids playing, songs sung, hearts opened up, and know that your God is well pleased. Wow! This is doing church. God caring about life, relationships, being together, I don't know about you, but I think this is one ecclesiastical ritual that I won't get tired of.

My Fragmented life

2006-10-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, Yesterday I felt a little fragmented. My lack of wholeness started around 3 am and seemed to continue to the mid afternoon. When looking at Lev it’s cool to see that these things of health etc. actually aren’t separated in anyway with your “spiritual” life. I think we have bought into the enlightened culture of the day were we say “what does Lev have to do with anything spiritual especially today.” We have these compartments separating different aspects of our life church, family, job, health and they are only vaguely connected. But if anything Lev reminds us that all things are spiritual. Health, food, economics, parties, sexuality, family and the list goes on. All of it is spiritual and how we practice these things in relation to God is our spiritual life. God does give a care about how your health is what you are eating how you are relating to each other.
So how does me being sick a on a Sunday morning play into this equation? I don’t know, I haven’t figure it out yet. However, I’m sure that whatever took place, the message of the day, the relational connections that took place was not a waste and was important. As for me maybe I needed to be absent, maybe I need to refocus on rest and renewal.

Diamond in the rough or diamond under the table

2006-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well last we took a look at the burnt offering and the surrounding pagan cultures that the Hebrews were familiar with, particularly Egypt and soon to be Canaanite religious practices.
I was reading Harrison on the subject of priestly service and he comes up with a pretty neat observation about the difference between Canaanite and Hebrew dedication to God.
“The term ‘holy’ does not mean mere dedication to the service of a deity such as understood among the pagan Canaanites by the use of the word qudsu (‘prostitute’), but by contrast denotes all the high moral and spiritual qualities inherent in the God of Sinai who demands that His people be holy (‘qados’), as he is holy.”
What a difference in pictures! On one hand we see service to God being a transaction that is made and then service is rendered. Yet there is an aspect of violation, invasion and consumption on behalf of the deity, for monetary blessing. But קָדֹושׁ (qadowsh) is unique or pure, non-fragmented. In English we use the word holy because it comes from the old English word “wholly”. It speaks to completeness, wholeness and purity. So to be holy is to be unique, set apart because of its purity. So how does these words play into relationship? I think the Hebrews had trouble keeping the law because they viewed God as the Canaanites did from time to time, (I will be imposed upon in service for favor, a transaction is made.) this stands against what was intended. Pictures of purity, completeness, is picture that relate to marriage. Time and time again God relates to Israel (and then the church) as in a marriage relationship. Not as a transaction with a prostitute. So I think the Law gets a bad wrap because we confuse how people related to it over what it was originally was meant to be. And how often do we do the same today? We still fall into that transaction mindset rather than a holy loving relationship.

Walking in the Shadow of Wholeness

2006-10-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Heb 10:1

Can we learn much from shadows? I think the idea of the shadow is great and it has nothing to do with October, but if we apply it to the direction we are headed we see a couple cool connections. The first is that we will be taking a deep look into the foundations of our faith, what was the scriptures grounded in? The Bible and its practices are grounded in Middle Eastern Hebrew life, when we understand its culture and especially the Torah we see the richness and complexity of our own faith in which we derive from. We also begin to see why Jesus said some of the things he did throughout the gospels. We also recognize the depth and meaning of all the sacrificial language that is connected to our faith. Without some of the understanding of the past we will many times have difficulty in the future. (Just like we are seeing a real problem connecting with today’s culture with the message of Jesus because more and more people are post Christian).
Secondly, if we are true disciples of Jesus, Walking in the shadow of Wholeness gives the picture of walking in the shadow of Jesus (May the dust of the Rabbi be upon you.) And so we never want to be satisfied with just learning about the law, but we want to follow the final expression of it found in Jesus. Hebrews is a great book to be reading along side of Leviticus. It will probably cause a bit of brain dysfunction, but it is worth your time to see Jesus fulfilling and becoming the very essence and reality, of what was intended. As we abide and are found in Him we are also found abiding in the Law.
So can we learn from the shadow? I like what NT Wright says about the glory of God revealed
“To get it right we would have to go back through the Old Testament to the passages which speak of the glory of the LORD being revealed. Sometimes it is in the Temple, as with Isaiah himself, and with Solomon when the Temple was first dedicated. But the most striking time is at the exodus, When Moses begs God to show him his glory, and God declines, revealing himself by hiding himself, letting Moses see only his back.” (For all God’s Worth, 45).
In Christian tradition this is sometimes called the Dark side of God, it is the recognition of Gods “otherness”. There is always more to be revealed learned, and acted upon. And so by looking at the shadow, or better yet the foreshadow, we might just be surprised as to what is revealed.

Lambs goats and skin ailments - I would recommend followtherabbi.com (in the links) to aid you in your study as you read through Leviticus.

Sunny Sunny Day - Almost

2006-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Had I great day yesterday, the boys and I took our first try at mountain biking together in West Bragg. Nate always asks to go when I head out, so I said I would take him out on something he would like. So Jonah on the Trailabike and Nate on his Spidy bike we headed out on some double track. When Nate bailed on a downhill section and was crying Jonah from the back of the trail a bike said "Just talk to Jesus Sano'". It makes me think that our kids program is actually working. Which brings me to our kids program and other ministries of the church. We are having the Ministry Mall this next Sunday highlighting the different ministry opportunities, but I am a little conflicted about it. I could just be going through some PMS (Pastors Monday Syndrome). Check out bobblog for a good example of this pastor inflicting disease. bobblog
But back to my thoughts I'm a little pessimistic that it wont do anything. I was talking to some of the people involved in ministry and I really don't think it is a question of not knowing some life giving ministries to get involved in. I think it is a issue of not caring or greater yet not sacrificing. It's a heart issue not an informational one. And in those cases I get a little discouraged as a pastor. Listen, we have some awesome ministry happening that the church is involved in. And the people who are currently involved are doing great jobs. But if we loose sight of mission we get into a mode of we want... we need... and yet unwilling to be the ones that sacrifice to get things started. We are going through some growing pain right now which is good, but also messy. We have been pruned back to be more efficient and it is time that we step up through the mess and make some steps forward. If we are afraid of the mess or worse yet unwilling to get our hands dirty, then we will never be a church that is succeeding in mission and living up to the people God called us to be. Lets not talk about it anymore and do it. And maybe we should rethink giftedness. God equips us for the ministry at hand, and we/you are part of this community for today not tomorrow. I am not gifted as a brick layer, but if it means being part of the mission God will give me strength, equip me with the gifts and resources to get it done in the moment. So lets jump into the ministry at hand. And as we look at serving through our relationships this Sunday, what is God calling you too or what have been some barriers that stop you from ministry?

Your Nieborhood

2006-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

How much space do you have? A friend of mine is always joking about how he needs to make room in his friend book. For instance he talks about his new best friend and that means the others just got moved down the list. Or he says he likes hanging out with someone he just met and how that means someone will have to go. I'm sure most of it is to keep me a little on edge about the possibility of being dumped. Even though we can have fun with some of that, there is a real concern that some of us have on merging or deepening relationships. Both within families and out side the family unit. (Some are still dealing with deepening our marriage relationship.) If we are called to live in community, true loving community, how do we keep everything in balance? How do we go about deepening and maintaining relationship? When our families are being stretched for time, how much energy do we put to “others” especially in relationship to “and the second is equally important to love your neighbor as yourself.”? What are some of your thoughts?

On a completely different note take a good look at http://www.tapestrycalgary.com/blog/ because it is a great read.Nick gives us some inspiring thoughts about dreaming, the future and breaking out of our mold. in Quotes and Creativity.

Powered by Qumana

On the Lighter Side

2006-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing profound this week. Hope everyone had a great day with family and friends. Well I think we will be starting the fall off a little lighter than what we have been hitting for a while. We will taking a look at family relationships over the next month, it was either that or a study in Leviticus. I’m not quite ready to start that one. I have a bit more to study left to do, but it’s coming (what does laws of skin ailments and sacrifices have to do with today?). Anyway, instead we will talk about the rash that doesn’t leave, sometimes referred to as family. For some of us this actually might be more difficult to work through than the skin diseases of Leviticus, but I hope we can have fun with it. I would love to hear some comments about family. Is family more of a liability to the gospel or a benefit? How do we balance ministry and serving others with being a good steward of our family? Do we struggle with idolatry or neglect in our family relationships? How can we really make it work?
Blessings.

Home Sweet Home

2006-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s nice to be back (with all body parts attached.) No Ebola of anything else as far as I can tell, however Emma and a couple of the leaders got hit with Malaria while we were there. Today is a bit of a decompression time, there is a bit of a haze floating around in my head. And I need to get my legs working again. Even when you stand up and walk around stretch etc, 20+ hour of flying still mess you up. Anyway, the airport here was a highlight. It’s nice to missed and to be cuddled by Brit all the way to the van is one of Gods blessings that I can’t be expressed with words. Oh I look forward too wading through 1000 emails oh the joy.

Wrapping Things up

2006-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am off tomorrow and I am current looking at trying to get everything back home. We’ll see how creative my packing can become. Anyway, Sunday was a lot of fun and kind of sad at the same time. I was able to bring the message to the leaders and the local church which was exciting. It was well received, I felt really honored to be a part of encouraging the church forward. It was a little sad as well, because I said my last goodbyes to many of the people I had been spending so much time with.
Today I ran errands with Tammy our host missionary who works entirely too hard. She has been putting together this leadership training here in Zambia from scratch. She is teacher, administrator, food organizer, registrar, accountant, really she does everything and doesn’t stop. She is part of planning and building some new facilities across the road which will be both leadership training as well as vocational school. If that isn’t enough, she has also served as the host for George and I for the past weeks. She is driven and focused, yet she has not lost her sense of humor or warmth, I have been really impressed with the ministry she has been doing. (If anyone is looking for a good excuse to visit Zambia I am sure she would welcome any help you’d like to give.)
Anyway, tomorrow I enter a different world and I have really appreciated all you prayers. Look forward to see you all and sharing my experience.

Finishing up

2006-08-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

I figure we needed a bit of a pick up since my last posting, sorry I left it for so long without writing anything else. I think God had just been working on me for a while and I needed a bit of an outlet. It’s good for us to have a bit of a shake up and some time to rethink some thing.
Well, we are done (for the most part) I’m preaching Sunday. We handed out certificates for everyone’s participation in the classes and everyone was excited about that. Part of that reason was because the certificates had their picture on it.
George (the other teacher) and I were given gifts form the national church. One of the most touching things was that the women pooled their money together for some gifts for our wife’s. It was really hard for me, to know how little these ladies have and how thoughtful they are to do something like that. Anyway, I look forward to spending some more time with the people here without the teaching component. I also look forward to sharing with all of you some of the experiences. I’m still around till Tuesday until I fly back in time to all of you. Talk to ya soon.

Second week of teaching

2006-08-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, well it is business as usual. We are well into our second week of teaching. I can’t express how diligent everyone is in learning. We still are trying to balance the language and education barriers, but by no means is this group not smart or quick learners. I have fallen in love with many of them, such sweet spirits. However, I keep catching myself and realize that we are worlds apart in many regards. I can’t explain the feeling of seeing how much we share in common and yet many live in conditions that are so foreign to us. And it has nothing to do with lack of work or anything like that. Most everyone I talk with here are such hard workers and very resourceful, many are doing business while on their trip here in Lusaka, but an average wage here is $3 US a day.
I struggle on 2 fronts, 1.When I see injustice by an atmosphere of broken promises and corruption and 2.When there is needless pain from fixable problems.
I talked with one of the ladies who has over 200 50kg bags of maze that her and her husband have harvest by hand and the promise from the government to buy and redistribute hasn’t come through and they aren’t allowed to sell across the boarder because of the restrictions by the same governments. So there is only so much maze one can sell when everyone has excess and those who need it can’t get it.
And if there is a child who doesn’t have a meal I get frustrated, because that just doesn’t need to happen. I’m not worried that many of these people live in mud huts or don’t have chairs or stoves. Sure that would be nice for all to have well built homes full of wonderful things, but I don’t need to impose my ideas standard of living on them. And you know what? People are very resilient especially the children and many of them haven’t known anything different, so it’s not even an issue. But simple medicine, or a cob of corn for a meal, there just isn’t an excuse. Anyway sorry to leave you with a little bit of depression, I think I needed a little outlet, there is still hope and God has and will continue to do amazing things.

Sunday fun

2006-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is Mailesi she is the national leader of the Zambian church. She’s a great lady and is overseeing 400 churches. She is very smart, and does a great job of administrating and working with the leaders of the different regions and districts.
This Sunday we spent a couple hours (3 to be exact) worshiping in the church here in Lusaka. Again it was nice to see worship that wasn’t westernized, but very much African clapping, drums and dancing. You would think that things would be a little chaotic or out of control, but everything moved along nicely with wonderful expressions of genuine joy.
We ended the morning with a land dedication ceremony across the road where they are beginning to build a wall around the property. It will eventually be turned into theological training and vocational school. It currently hosts the football field for the neighborhood.
Today was also exciting because I got to spend time with the Lusakan church not just the leaders of the Zambia. So many wonderful people just doing life in community, loving God and each other. Anyway, another great day, blessings on everyone.

Another Day in Africa

2006-08-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a picture of one of our youngest students. They start them young when it comes to learning about spiritual disciplines. It's so cool.
This is Nshima. It is corn meal and it is the staple. When it is prepared it comes out looking like mash potatoes only stuck together kind of gelatin like. It also really has no taste by itself, probably a lot like paper match. In fact they quote the scripture Jesus is the Nshima of life. The custom is to break small amounts off and roll it into a ball in your hand. Then you make a cup/spoon like thingy out of it and use it to scoop whatever else you are eating. Anyway this is our lunch usually accompanied with cooked cabbage and some kind of meat. Also we eat with our hands and use the Nshima for the spoon. However I do get to live my childhood dream of eating with my hands.
Anyway, this is Emma she is visiting Tammy the missionary we are staying with. She is the most gracious, loving, kind, humble person with the cutest most innocent laugh. She is from Kenya and has been a blessing to spend time with. Ok well, we'll talk again soon.

Students

2006-08-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today was the 3rd day of classes and we are having a good time. I think everyone is settling in to the rhythm. I needed to make some adjustments in the speed of the teaching, both in how fast I was talking and in keeping concepts and terms as simplistic as possible. Even though everyone can speak English for many it is their 3rd or 4th language (and as you know I write and talk as if its my 3rd or 4th language - "I gots ungood grammar"). So when it goes beyond common speech and into any technical language we have a bit of a challenge. The reality is that most of these leaders are very sharp and on the ball. So because they are smart it doesn't take long to bridge any gaps.
Most of the leaders are made up of men, however we have about 10 women out of the group involved. (As well as a couple babies a long for the ride). We also have a handful of leaders from a couple other countries. Many have traveled 100's of km over a couple of days to come and it is so encouraging to see everyone's enthusiasms and desire to learn. Everyone is so grateful to have this opportunity and always come ready to learn, full of joy.
Yesterday after class I had and opportunity to go and sit in on choir practice. Again this was a very moving experience for me. Oh the sound! no instruments, no mics. I know I am a bit of a sissy from time to time, but I had to stop listening as I was about moved to tears. Needless to say when I get to heaven I think I will be hang'n in the African section quite a bit. However, I think there is a good possibility the music I have been hearing might be the music everyone will be singing when we arrive.
The work camp from Mill Creek was able to bring some extra money in order buy each leader a bag full of clothing and some blankets. Everyone was so grateful. We heard that the ladies of the group were up to wee hours in the night talking about the gifts they had been given. One in all serious said she is going to request she be buried with the blanket because it is a gift from God. These gifts are so little according to North American standards and they are met with so much gratitude. Anyway, hope all is well talk to you soon. Dave

A couple more pics

2006-08-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

picture of the locals

2006-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay, here are a couple pictures that I haven't been able to upload.

Meeting the locals

2006-08-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone sorry about the time gap. I guess we had a few days before all the students would arrive so we took a couple days to see the sights before putting our noses to the grind stone. This was actually really good for me because I was able to connect with the culture and geography before jumping right into teaching.
Friday morning we headed to Livingstone(5yr drive), where we checked in at a local lodge and went to Mosi-o-tunya National Park. Wow! I ended up having a pretty surreal experience my second day into the trip. I’m sitting on the top of our Land Rover snapping pictures of the wild Locals. Elephants, Rhinos etc. No fences, no daily feedings or baths by caretakers, just the odd vehicle cruising around. Nobody got upset and tried to scare us off by a good charge, so we had a good experience.
Saturday was spent at Victoria Falls. You really don’t need to ask why it is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is as if God carved a line with His finger along a flat plain and had all the water of the Zambezi drop off the edge. Incredible! So huge, so inspiring, a wall of water. The heaven declare his glory the mountains speak of his handy works.
Today we ended up going to a church in Mukuni village. Met some wonderful people and a fine pastor full of love and caring for his people. We went to the new sight of the church being built with stone, the last one had the grass roof give way and collapse. So we worshiped in the school and the three young boys drumming were incredible, all in all the music was great.
Tonight we get ready for our first day of classes. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and spending time hearing there stories and encouraging them. Sorry for the rushed point form overview, I just have too much to write about to put it down here at this time. Hope everyone is doing well. Well talk tomorrow.
Dave.

Day Whatever...

2006-08-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I guess it's Thursday, thanks for your prayers. I took off at 7:15pm Wednesday from London, landed in Lusaka and was immediately asked about the terrorist plot. I guess I had just missed this issue by a thin margin. No delays, no getting stranded in an airport bathroom with only the clothes on my back. Regardless of CNN these are a few picture of my experience in London. I had 7 hours of layover so I headed in on the tube to see Westminster Abby.

I arrived this morning Thursday, at 7:00am after 2 days of travel and hit the ground running. We spent all day running errands for the camp, so to say the least I am somewhat delirious with lack of sleep. I am sorry I have literally had no time for pictures of my spot here, only of London.
Pray for everyone still stranded at the airport in LondonYou can pray for me in regards to catching up on some sleep. The great thing is that I am not really getting worked over with Jet lag, throughout the trip I had no idea of the time here or at home and I am so tired that it isn’t going to be an issue. I’ll sleep well tonight and be ready for tomorrow. Take care, I’ll write more later and maybe tomorrow things won’t be as surreal.

Mixed Emotions

2006-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in full circle of God’s blessing and resurrection power. We celebrated new life, both in a new birth and a dedication of a child to God. We celebrated new ministry and finally a life that was transformed by Jesus and served as an example to all who came to morn our loss as well to celebrate her home going to the one she loved.

Last night we arrived at Tara’s parents and I think this was the first time to really relax and allow myself to really think about losing Sandy’s immediate presence. Only one other time when I was trying to put things together late the night before did I have a chance to really morn. And today I feel like I have a bit of an emotional hangover. (I shall wait for the coffee to kick in.)

We are celebrating the 2^nd birthday of the 2^nd most beautiful woman alive (and of course there is no bias).

Even thought the official date is the 12^th of August, we won’t be together on that date so we decided to do it today.

I’m down to one more Sunday, here in the Creek before I am off and it’s a final push of wrapping things up. I have been asked if I am ready by many people, which is hard to answer. Yes, I’m ready as in excited and no I’m not ready as in prepared. 26 one hour lectures is on the schedule and I still have a few more I have to prepare.

This week I am keeping the same passage Philipians+4:10-23 because we had a break in our schedule. However, we will finish the passage to the end. So same questions for this week. Let me know more about contentment, how do you keep a balance of enjoying God’s blessings verses feeding the machine of wanting more? Last week we had a comment about the Amish and their community development etc. I wonder if we are seeing community developed right here in letter form as the church in Philippi and Paul are in that “limenal” space? Paul will he or won’t he survive? Who will carry on this loving leadership of the church? If limenal space, the in-between, rough and uncharted times creates community, real community, then there is a good chance all of Philippians is part of that development for that church. It’s also puts a bit more perspective on our last week doesn’t it? As we walk through loss and difficulty together it is in these times that we are built up together, deeper, and more unified. Let’s remember to allow this aspect to be part of the journey as we move forward through these events.

Sunday in the deep south

2006-07-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Even though I baked my brain in the sun the last 2 days, yesterday was a great day of celebration. I felt like a southern pastor, all I needed was a hanky and a booming voice. And despite the laughs over my preaching only taking a couple of minutes, in good southern style I should have gone on a couple hours in the hot sun. But anyway all was good and how can you go wrong with Chili? It was nice to see a great picture of “communitas” as everyone didn’t seem to be a hurry to eat and run, but actually took the time to sit and enjoy each other. I don’t know, I think the Amish back in IN have one thing going for them, when they gather it is a full day of worship/fellowship and greater family events. It’s hard to rush in and rush out with a buggy. We can critique their missional approach another day, but I think they got community deown pretty good.
Anyway, this week we are looking at Philippians 4:10-19
That word “content” it’s a tough one. What do you think is the right balance of being content? Richard Fauster writes about the trying to have the ability to truly enjoy something without owning it, as well as buying only what is needed not the “upgraded super size of extras”. Anyway let me know some of your thoughts.

Back to "normal"? life.

2006-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am officially back from my “Rest and Rhythm”. A great week of laughs and running around with our good friends from the states.
We appropriately ended our week with a meat sampler. An accidental tradition we started a few years ago. And as is the custom my friend Andrew again went over board with Rattlesnake. This years menu rattlesnake, Alligator, Yak Ribeye and Salmon (for the ladies not too excited about the exotic meat). Anyway everyone has left and its catch up time from a week away from mail and other busyness. It seems quiet and empty this morning. I think that sometimes this is how we feel after we have been too busy for God in a while and try to get connected again. When we return to “spend time” we enter restless because it’s too quiet, too empty and we struggle because it doesn’t feel like relationship.
I also realize it is 3 weeks until my Africa trip and I am feeling a little anxious because I still need to get things done and we have Bragg Days and some more family time between now and then. I think I will need some good rhythm to make it work without stress. Nothing like going to teach on spiritual formation and disciplines anxious and tired from stress. And they call us hypocrites.
So this week if you are interested we are looking at Philippians 3:17-3:21
I would love to hear some comments on what you think about the passage as I continue forming my thoughts throughout the week. What does it mean to be citizens of heaven? Who is he talking about, the enemies of the cross? Are they waiting to be rescued up to heaven or Jesus rescue them on earth? What example are we to follow? So there is some fuel for thought, see you next week.
Dave.

Rest and Rhythm

2006-07-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

I’m on vacation (mostly) I do have a speaking engagement for Friday and Sundays normal message stuff, but as for everything else I am off. So I am in a current relax mode (as relaxed you can be with 6 kids 7 and under) with some company up from the states. Hopefully I will be able to work on my bogs a little more to figure out how to get them to do what I want them to do without becoming a HTML wizard