Sometimes I wonder who came up with the concept of time, but here we are, ruled by every hour and minute of the day. Suddenly everyone is saying, "What happened to January?" and it's true, it did seem to go by in the blink of an eye. I am still trying to figure out how the days seem to go by so fast without knowing what had been accomplished. How sad is it that days and months and years go by, often without anything to show for it.
And as time ticks on, we get older, and suddenly grandparents are turning 86 and 88 and we wonder what happened to the energetic grandparents we had when we were kids. The truth is, we're not kids anymore, and 20 years has passed, and the bodies grow tired. Last night I made a surprise visit to the grandparents', cookies in hand, and even though it was a long drive on a dark night, it was 4000% worth it. I just think of all the warm memories of cookies and visits, and all that was given to me by two grandparents who shared amazing love among so many family members. Isn't it worth a trip to see the smiles on their faces, and a tear in their eye? That is time well spent, and a moment to cherish. These moments aren't going to be there much longer, and need to be savoured before we blink and another year has gone, and we wonder where the time went.
The time is now - what are we doing in this very moment to define our earthly purpose?
Not another minute can be wasted.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Answer
Well, last night's adventure to the downtown church was nothing short of an awe-inspiring, miraculous, God-in-action evening. The roads didn't end up being too bad, and so I arrived at the church at about ten to six. There was no parking in front, so I had to drive up 96th street to come around and park on the block before the church.
But let me backtrack a little bit. A few weeks ago, I had a dream about the downtown church people, which made me realize how much they had worked their way into my thoughts. In my dream, I went down an alley to give a man some money, and he returned the favour by demanding more, and I looked around for help, but there was just a building, and nowhere to go. I ended up running towards a soup kitchen.
So last night I drove up 96 street, past the Mustard Seed, where dozens were waiting to get in for Sunday dinner, turned onto 107 avenue, and then south down 95 street. I thought that if I turned right on 105 avenue I'd end up at the place I wanted to park. So I turned right, and it was a dead end...by a building....and I yelled out loud, "THIS IS THE PLACE FROM MY DREAM!" and it was. Over beside the building were some people and shopping carts, and as I hyperventilated and my brain tried to comprehend the scene, I spun the car around and headed back to the street.
I finally returned to the street on which I could park my car, and all that I could think was "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real". It was going through my head over and over again. I went into the church, invited by a fellow FPU leader, thinking that the revelation of my dream was the reason I was sent last night. But there was more to come.
I walked into the sanctuary and the band was practicing, playing lines from "Knocking on Heaven's Door". It was a welcoming church, and I just sat and took it all in. The band played for an hour or so, very upbeat, lots of dancing and flag waving, and true joy expressing itself through music.
The first speaker was a pastor from Sylvan Lake, who didn't impress me much as the first thing he did was demand that every make an offering so that they could be prosperred. Hmmm....that didn't quite sound right. He then spoke about some of his visions and what they meant to the church in 2010. My head was trying to decide how I was going to make a graceful exit. The second speaker was much better, and had a great message on fire, God being a consuming fire, needing to have the fire within us to reach those outside the church, and being salt to flavour the secular world. He was a great speaker and we ended singing a song that had been written by the founder of the Salvation Army. As we sang the song, I thought that I would leave soon after.
After the song, the entire congregation was invited to the front to receive prayer and to receive the fire. I was happy to just sit in my seat and watch everyone else, and Franca (the fellow FPU leader) asked if I wanted to go out to receive prayer. I reluctantly joined the crowd, feeling slightly uncomfortable as people started falling on the floor. The pastor from Sylvan Lake approached me, and I raised my arms up as he touched my neck and yelled, "FIRE!" My hands dropped to my chest as my knees buckled, but I stayed standing, and he returned as my eyes were closed and again touched me and yelled, "FIRE" and I had to grab a chair to keep from falling. I stumbled downstairs to the washroom, completely lightheaded, drained, like I had been zapped by an electrical current.
I came back upstairs and sat in my chair, repeating to myself, "Do you believe, do you believe, do you really believe that what you believe is really real."
Church in Devon felt different today. I decided to start my own Sunday School bible study on Genesis because I like Genesis, but heard a voice telling me to instead study Isaiah, and so I am tackling that massive book for what is currently an unknown reason. I gave with thanksgiving, giving back to the Lord, knowing that it is all His to begin with and I gladly give my tithe to Him. The sermon spoke volumes as it discussed Ephesians 4 and how we should carry ourselves in this world. Everywhere I looked I saw opportunity to give and to help and contribute to The Kingdom, and I'm not sure where I will be next, but I prayed fervantly and will continue to pray tonight.
Finally I can answer the question, going against all logic.
Yes.
But let me backtrack a little bit. A few weeks ago, I had a dream about the downtown church people, which made me realize how much they had worked their way into my thoughts. In my dream, I went down an alley to give a man some money, and he returned the favour by demanding more, and I looked around for help, but there was just a building, and nowhere to go. I ended up running towards a soup kitchen.
So last night I drove up 96 street, past the Mustard Seed, where dozens were waiting to get in for Sunday dinner, turned onto 107 avenue, and then south down 95 street. I thought that if I turned right on 105 avenue I'd end up at the place I wanted to park. So I turned right, and it was a dead end...by a building....and I yelled out loud, "THIS IS THE PLACE FROM MY DREAM!" and it was. Over beside the building were some people and shopping carts, and as I hyperventilated and my brain tried to comprehend the scene, I spun the car around and headed back to the street.
I finally returned to the street on which I could park my car, and all that I could think was "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real". It was going through my head over and over again. I went into the church, invited by a fellow FPU leader, thinking that the revelation of my dream was the reason I was sent last night. But there was more to come.
I walked into the sanctuary and the band was practicing, playing lines from "Knocking on Heaven's Door". It was a welcoming church, and I just sat and took it all in. The band played for an hour or so, very upbeat, lots of dancing and flag waving, and true joy expressing itself through music.
The first speaker was a pastor from Sylvan Lake, who didn't impress me much as the first thing he did was demand that every make an offering so that they could be prosperred. Hmmm....that didn't quite sound right. He then spoke about some of his visions and what they meant to the church in 2010. My head was trying to decide how I was going to make a graceful exit. The second speaker was much better, and had a great message on fire, God being a consuming fire, needing to have the fire within us to reach those outside the church, and being salt to flavour the secular world. He was a great speaker and we ended singing a song that had been written by the founder of the Salvation Army. As we sang the song, I thought that I would leave soon after.
After the song, the entire congregation was invited to the front to receive prayer and to receive the fire. I was happy to just sit in my seat and watch everyone else, and Franca (the fellow FPU leader) asked if I wanted to go out to receive prayer. I reluctantly joined the crowd, feeling slightly uncomfortable as people started falling on the floor. The pastor from Sylvan Lake approached me, and I raised my arms up as he touched my neck and yelled, "FIRE!" My hands dropped to my chest as my knees buckled, but I stayed standing, and he returned as my eyes were closed and again touched me and yelled, "FIRE" and I had to grab a chair to keep from falling. I stumbled downstairs to the washroom, completely lightheaded, drained, like I had been zapped by an electrical current.
I came back upstairs and sat in my chair, repeating to myself, "Do you believe, do you believe, do you really believe that what you believe is really real."
Church in Devon felt different today. I decided to start my own Sunday School bible study on Genesis because I like Genesis, but heard a voice telling me to instead study Isaiah, and so I am tackling that massive book for what is currently an unknown reason. I gave with thanksgiving, giving back to the Lord, knowing that it is all His to begin with and I gladly give my tithe to Him. The sermon spoke volumes as it discussed Ephesians 4 and how we should carry ourselves in this world. Everywhere I looked I saw opportunity to give and to help and contribute to The Kingdom, and I'm not sure where I will be next, but I prayed fervantly and will continue to pray tonight.
Finally I can answer the question, going against all logic.
Yes.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Anticipation
I'll be heading downtown in just over two hours, on roads that are in poor driving condition and in snowy winter weather. Since I found out about the prophetic conference at the downtown church, I've only been drawn towards the Saturday night service, even though there was one last night and one this morning. Something powerful awaits me there, I can feel it. I just need His hand upon the weather and my car to get me there and back safely, so that I can pray over everything that will happen tonight and do His will in the morning.
He's waiting.
He's waiting.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Oh My God
The church downtown is having a prophetic conference this weekend.
I think I am supposed to go.
I think I am supposed to go.
The New Class
Last night we began a new Financial Peace University class. It was exciting, but a little nerve-racking, as I didn't know most of the people in the class. There were few warm faces of familiarity, and I was constantly wondering what people were thinking. The highlight of the evening was when I told a lady that she had been sponsored by one of our church family members, and I thought she was going to cry. I am hoping and praying that this course will send her in the right direction and lead her out of financial misery.
Next week everyone will be a little more familiar, and by the end we'll all be friends, I'm sure. It's stuff like this that makes me wonder if I'm cut out for this kind of ministry, for it's one thing to be tough with your friends, but another to be tough with strangers.
And oddly, all I want to do is go back to that church downtown. I dream about them now.
Next week everyone will be a little more familiar, and by the end we'll all be friends, I'm sure. It's stuff like this that makes me wonder if I'm cut out for this kind of ministry, for it's one thing to be tough with your friends, but another to be tough with strangers.
And oddly, all I want to do is go back to that church downtown. I dream about them now.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
His Light At Every Turn
Before I write my real post, I'll just let you know the "no TV" thing didn't work out too well. I'll blame The Biggest Loser. What is it about 500 lb people that continues to draw our attention? More on that some other day.
Today is the first Sunday in a long time that I didn't come home feeling full of despair. I can't quite pinpoint where this despair comes from - perhaps returning to a home that always seems chaotic, wondering what I'll do for the rest of the week, but maybe it's leaving God behind and not relying on him every minute of every day. I feel lost in a way, like my friend is back at church and I can't find him unless I go back to that structure.
But today was a day that I didn't feel that despair when I returned home, probably because of all the amazing things that happened today and how I can see the potential in the world - the potential for doing His work.
It started when Pastor Dave asked me if I was ready to speak in front of the congregation, a task which I had completely forgotten about. Even though he said I could do it next week, I said no, as I had important things to say. I prayed during worship that God would send the words to my mouth. So I first spoke about the Christmas Elves, thanking everyone for their generosity, and they were so moved that they clapped for all that we had done for the people in need in Devon. I then spoke of my idea for a hot chocolate/tea drive for the Mustard Seed Church, not sure how people would react, and a lady I didn't even know came up to me after the service and gave me $20 to buy items for the drive. I was then thanked by someone else for doing this work for the Mustard Seed.
It made me realize that people do want to help, but often don't know where to start. Sometimes it just takes one person to nudge people in one direction, and it turns into something amazing. I have spoken to so many "old-timers" at our church (not necessarily old in age, but who have been around for years), and they all speak of the days when our church family would make monthly visits to the Mustard Seed and help serve. I don't understand why it stopped, but it did. Everyone thinks it is such a great idea to help, but the ball never gets rolling.
So maybe when I'm down at the Mustard Seed, dropping off the hot chocolate and tea for the coffee bar, I'll be able to talk to someone about how to get that ball rolling. It's time to get off our hands and use them for The Kingdom.
Today is the first Sunday in a long time that I didn't come home feeling full of despair. I can't quite pinpoint where this despair comes from - perhaps returning to a home that always seems chaotic, wondering what I'll do for the rest of the week, but maybe it's leaving God behind and not relying on him every minute of every day. I feel lost in a way, like my friend is back at church and I can't find him unless I go back to that structure.
But today was a day that I didn't feel that despair when I returned home, probably because of all the amazing things that happened today and how I can see the potential in the world - the potential for doing His work.
It started when Pastor Dave asked me if I was ready to speak in front of the congregation, a task which I had completely forgotten about. Even though he said I could do it next week, I said no, as I had important things to say. I prayed during worship that God would send the words to my mouth. So I first spoke about the Christmas Elves, thanking everyone for their generosity, and they were so moved that they clapped for all that we had done for the people in need in Devon. I then spoke of my idea for a hot chocolate/tea drive for the Mustard Seed Church, not sure how people would react, and a lady I didn't even know came up to me after the service and gave me $20 to buy items for the drive. I was then thanked by someone else for doing this work for the Mustard Seed.
It made me realize that people do want to help, but often don't know where to start. Sometimes it just takes one person to nudge people in one direction, and it turns into something amazing. I have spoken to so many "old-timers" at our church (not necessarily old in age, but who have been around for years), and they all speak of the days when our church family would make monthly visits to the Mustard Seed and help serve. I don't understand why it stopped, but it did. Everyone thinks it is such a great idea to help, but the ball never gets rolling.
So maybe when I'm down at the Mustard Seed, dropping off the hot chocolate and tea for the coffee bar, I'll be able to talk to someone about how to get that ball rolling. It's time to get off our hands and use them for The Kingdom.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Veggin' in the Lord
January 1. Another year has started, and along with it, all of the thoughts of how to make this year better than the last. Not that last year was bad - 2009 was a great year! However, there is always more that can be done, more ways to serve, more time to be immersed in The Word, more time to give to The Kingdom.
I went for a run this morning (-30 with windchill, but I was dressed well) and found myself pondering the upcoming year and how I could find more time to do the important things. Even though I tried to slow down in 2009 by quitting a high pressure job, the time still seemed to get away from me, and the year zoomed by as it always does. I came to the conclusion that by using each hour wisely, and not being involved in time wasters, that the days would be richer and might not whiz by so quickly.
And so I've decided to give up television, the ultimate time waster - we'll see how long I can last. So often the TV is used to just zone out and veg, to forget about the day and all the things that need to be done. It is so easy for two, three, four hours to go by during this "relaxation time", and then the scramble is on to get ready for tomorrow. Maybe, when I find myself needing some solace, I can just sit in the quiet, talk to God, ask for direction, and provide some meaning to that hour or two that I need to be alone.
We'll see how this goes - but when you consider most of us have 16 or 17 waking hours, why can't we give more of those hours to God? It sure is a better use of time than watching The Biggest Loser!
Happy New Year!
I went for a run this morning (-30 with windchill, but I was dressed well) and found myself pondering the upcoming year and how I could find more time to do the important things. Even though I tried to slow down in 2009 by quitting a high pressure job, the time still seemed to get away from me, and the year zoomed by as it always does. I came to the conclusion that by using each hour wisely, and not being involved in time wasters, that the days would be richer and might not whiz by so quickly.
And so I've decided to give up television, the ultimate time waster - we'll see how long I can last. So often the TV is used to just zone out and veg, to forget about the day and all the things that need to be done. It is so easy for two, three, four hours to go by during this "relaxation time", and then the scramble is on to get ready for tomorrow. Maybe, when I find myself needing some solace, I can just sit in the quiet, talk to God, ask for direction, and provide some meaning to that hour or two that I need to be alone.
We'll see how this goes - but when you consider most of us have 16 or 17 waking hours, why can't we give more of those hours to God? It sure is a better use of time than watching The Biggest Loser!
Happy New Year!
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