A legacy well left…

A friend and former colleague of my stood face to face with her Lord last night.  She has valiantly been fighting cancer for as long as I’ve had the priviledge to know her.

Almost 2 years ago, she went through some pretty radical surgery that altered her eating habits forever.  She went through all the necessary treatments, and eventually having come through that, her hair grew back, and she was back to work.  Not so long ago, the cancer came back, yet she never wavered in her determination to fight.

Another thing that never wavered was her faith.  She repeatedly assured those around her that God is in control, and that He would be glorified through this.  Connie’s family will have many great memories of her, of their life together, and today begins the journey of adjusting to life without her smile or hugs.  Connie was an extremely proud grandma too.  He face beamed when she spoke of her grandson, and she loved to love on him.

One of the things that stands out to me, is the legacy that she leaves.  Connie lived the adage that “faith is caught – not taught”.  Her relationship with Jesus was an integral part of her everyday life, and her family saw that.  Jesus wasn’t someone who only got talked about on Sundays.  She walked with her Saviour 23/7, and as a result, the most precious thing she leaves her family is that example of a vibrant, everyday faith.

What will you be leaving your family?  Will it be homes, cars, jewels, stocks?  All of those will pass, but walking a faith that points people to Jesus is an eternal gift.  Remember, “In 100 years from now, the only thing that will matter is someone’s relationship with God”. 

We’ll miss you Connie…Welcome Home.

Fearless – new from Max Lucado

My very favourite books by Max Lucado are the ones where he takes a very specific passage of scripture and breaks it down passage by passage.  I must admit, I was hoping he was carrying on with that pattern.  Not the case, but, I was not disappointed.

The new book – releasing today – is “Fearless”.  It’s a sad reality in America (and here, north of the border) that many people are living in fear.  Fear of the unknown, of having to live with not enough resources, of not knowing how to care for loved ones who are sick, of the evil that is throughout our society…

Each chapter names the very things that cause us to live in fear, and then, as only Max does, he presents personal examples of how he faces the very same thing.  His stories are touching, some times funny, sometimes heart wreching, but always making him ‘real’ to each of us.  Then, he beautifully brings the Truth of scripture into the equation.  Using examples of God’s own penmen for His Word, among them being Jeremiah and Paul, we see that even those chosen to bring us the very Breath of God, faced fears.

Through their words, and examples, we see how to face those fears – and walk more closely to the One who calmed the sea, and carried the culmination of all that we fear (say “Sin”) to the cross.  I love the way he summarizes this at the end of chapter 7 - ” He’s the commander of every storm.  Are you scared in yours?  Then stare at him.  This may be your first flight, but it’s certainly not his.  Your pilot has a call sign too:  I Am Here.”

Fearless will not disappoint.   If you or someone you care about is facing great fear - this is the book for them.

She Still Calls Me Daddy – Robert Wogelmuth

Being the youngest daughter, I understand the bond between father and daughter.  I well remember the day that my mom reminded me that “your dad still needs to know you need him”.    I was taken right away with the book, as Robert talks about the feelings that he had as he walked his daughters down the aisle.

Using the running metaphor of remodelling a house – Robert candidly shares his emotional process in “letting go” of his daughter, as he faces the reality that as she married, she became part of a new team. He needs to ”renovate” his expectations of being a dad, a dad with a daughter who is now a wife.    Seeking counsel from a Rabbi friend, he is reminded of Jethro needing to know that Moses would take care of his daughter.  A perspective we don’t often think of, it’s usually Moses in the story – not the father-in-law.

I found the book insightful.  To some of the things that changed quietly with my father after my marriage.  He also shares the importance of recognizing that as a married couple, it’s an adjustment that must be successfully made – returning to be a couple again, outside the role of active parents.

While I wasn’t the target audience for this book, I appreciate the opportunity to understand some of the emotional stuff my dad went through after my wedding.  I would highly recommend it as a wedding gift for the Father’s of the Bride.

What’s He Really Thinking

Having always been struck by the seeming lack of understanding between the sexes, I’m always up for a good book that helps to give insight to this quandry.
I recently finished “What is He Really Thinking”, by Paula Rinehart, published by Thomas Nelson.

I was taken right away. She begins the book, not in an overly technical pschological way, but by telling women just how wonderful the designed differences are.   By showing the difference in the basic generalites in characteristics of men, she sets the stage to point out how these different qualities impact the women in thier lives.

I was impressed by the fact that right off, she points out the fact that men may have parts of a few or many of these generalities, something other “insight” books have failed to do.  No one person fits into any one “category”, and we must be careful not to pigeon hole. 

Without being overly technical, the author gives us a glimse into what make our men tick…how they feel, process and react to life situations.  She then offers ways for us to respond to the men we love.  Perhaps the one I resonate the stongest with is the focus on Respect.  Aretha Franklin craved it so much she sang a song about it – and in watching many friends and their relationships, it’s something that is greatly lacking.

I highly recommend this book for women who are struggling to get into the heads of the men in their lives, as an insight for young women who are just beginning to see the influence that the other sex will have in their life…it would be a great book for a small group discussion as well.

Charming addition to my children’s story collection

I was excited to open the package holding the newest book to my children’s storybooks.  The I Believe Bunny is the first in a series by Tish Rabe and charmingly illustrated  by Frank Endersby.

This charming book is written in easy flowing poetry – which will quickly engage even the youngest of readers.  It’s focal Bible point is from Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  Such a great verse for all of us to remember, and what a gift to introduce it early to little ones.

Bunny’s not having a very good day…it’s raining and Bunny has had enough.  He turns down an invitation to play with his friends, because he’s waiting for the rain to stop.  But, when mouse gets caught in the river, Bunny knows just what to do…and although he’s not sure he has the strength to save her, so he stops and prays.

Just then – God sends the solution.  A very important lesson and a model for our children.  If we pray before facing any situation, God will hear, and we will be ready to face it.

I’m truly looking forward to what comes next in this series – it is definitely destined for our local Church library.

Feed My lambs

During the week of July 6, St. Giles Kingsway hosted 57 munchkins for our annual Kingsway Adventure Camp.  It was a blast, and the church building was alive with laughter, shreiks of fun, and tons of singing and activity.

Our week focused on the life of Peter.  During the Bible times, each class looked at the passage in John 21: 15-19, where the Risen Christ has a conversation with Peter.  Remember, Peter (who’s given name was Simon and Jesus renamed “The Rock”), denied Jesus 3 time during His trial – just as Jesus told him he would.

Peter’s response was that could never happen.  He could never deny who Jesus is.  Yet, during Jesus’ trial – Peter did just that, denied that he was a friend of Jesus 3 times.  And as soon as the third denial happened, Peter heard the rooster crow, just as Jesus said it would.  Peter, we are told in scripture, wept bitterly when he realized he had done exactly what Peter vowed wouldn’t happen.

After the resurrection, the angel at the empty grave, told the women to go tell the disciples and Peter.  Not just “tell the disciples”, but specifically added “and Peter”.  The risen Lord needed him to know that he was still part of the circle.  He was still an important part of Jesus team.

Then, in a very personal conversation, the risen Christ asks Peter if he loves Him.  Each time Peter responds, yes, you know I do.  This question is posed 3 times – exactly the number of times Peter denied Him.  I love that, just as frequently as we mess up, Jesus reminds us that he love us, and asks us to do the same.  With each of Peter’s answers, Jesus gives and instruction.  At first, it seems the same, but is it really?  Jesus tells Peter to “feed my sheep”, “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep”.

Okay – so we, you and I are Jesus sheep, his flock, those he came to take care of.  Peter was being told to take care of the entire flock – the sheep (the adult) and the lambs (the youngest of the flock).  See taking care of just one side, or the other of the flock, is contrary to Jesus instructions.  We can’t just focus on the adults, and expect the children to be okay.  On the flipside, if we pour everything into the children, the adults are properly cared for.  It has to be the total package.  We learn from each other, we need each other.  I learn true, uninhibited faith from children, and I learn total unwavering faith from those who have lived more life than I.

That’s my prayer for the church today, that we will learn that we need every part of it.  That we will learn that each part of the flock has something unique to teach the other parts.  And through our learning, we can reach beyond ourselves and care for flocks in other parts of the fold.

Boomerang Express successfully launches

Yesterday marked the beginning of one of the favourite weeks in my year.  We began our Adventure Camp at St. Giles Kingsway (it’s our VBS).  This year, we are travelling around Australia with the Boomerang Express.  All week, our kids are learning with Peter, that “it all comes back to Jesus”.

It is amazing how 53+ kids can bring such joy to an entire building.  The halls are full of happy sounds, the grass on the field is flat from all the games that are being played.  The auditorium has become a hall of creativity, and the walls are ringing with the sound of the songs being sung.

Our gatherings begin and end in the space where we hold “The Well” (check our http:\\www.drinklife.ca), each Sunday.  It is so fantastic to look at the doorway as we end each day, and see the parents so happy to see their kids so engaged.

It is always a priviledge to see volunteers who are with us, because they desire to see the kids come to know Jesus in a very real way – no matter what job they do.

I love our team (although I always happy to have it expand).  From Heather and her registration team, to Jan and Kay in the kitchen.  Or Elizabeth and Barbie in crafts,  Big Al and her gals on the field,  and to top it all off – our teachers and helpers, none of this would happen without them.  It makes my heart happy to see so many people at once pouring themselves into the kids.

Best of all, is the kids.  We have more than I have ever had in my time at the church, and this year, we have families I have never met before.  What an honour.  That these families would choose to spend time with us, and to let us get to know their kids, and let us tell them about how much Jesus loves them.

This year, one of the new things I hope to share (and I’ll post it here too), is a follow up family engagement – all to help keep the concepts of  week alive through the summer. 

Right now – I’m tired, not as tired as I’ll be on Friday to be sure, but it’s a good tired.  To be about God’s work is always a good and blessing filled thing…

A “Must Read” book…thanks, Andy

I finished a book that I wish I had read many years ago.  Andy Stanley’s “Principle of the Path”, provides wisdom gleaned from a very simple principle.  To paraphrase – where you end up is determined by which path you choose.  What an obvious conclusion, yet one that so often eludes those on a particular journey.

Andy shares some vivid examples of his own not great decision making – especially the driving into the Piazza in Italy…and then dives into the lessons learned from these.

I found myself having “aha” moments all the way through the book.  One of the stories Andy shares is of a gentleman who came into his office quite upset with God for sending him so far into debt.  Andy helps us (and him) ponder the point that if we track our spending and savings patterns – we set ourselves on this path, why would we expect any other outcome.  God’s Word shows us a better way – when we choose not to follow his directions, we head out on our own path and the ending is inevitable.

For me though, it was the final chapters looking a David and his “Jerusalem” moments, that was the most poignant.  David – King of Isreal and great, great…great grandfather of Jesus, had watched as the last of his dreams die.  After many bad choices (if you’re not sure of David’s story, check out 1Samuel 16 – 2Samuel 24, it will take a while, but you’ll know the author of the Psalms so much better, David is watching as his own son prepares to wage war on him.

In an effort to save the city he loves – he prepares to leave it behind.  Without bitterness, yet sadness he says “Let him do to me whatever seems good to him” ( 2Sam 15:26).  That him is God.  David cries as he leaves, but accepts the future God has planned.  David had dreams that because of varing circumstances never came true, and now he is prepared to leave them all behind and trust God with his future – “whatever”.

I have had dreams that have never come to pass as well.  Some were fairly easy to let go, others – not so much.  Yet the life God has led me into has been so much more than I could have ever imagined. 

Letting God mark and prepare the path is so much easier, than when I try to do it alone.  Things tend to fall in place, just as they should.  “Whatever” is a much better place to be in, so much so, that I have a “whatever” wall hanging in my office.  It’s a good reminder to me, when I’m not having a really good day.  I could have a hanging that echoes David’s words, or even the words that Jesus cried out to His Father in the garden – “not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42).

Letting the principle of God’s path work in my life – that’s a much better way to travel.

“…we will come out better.”

I am not one to publicly comment on reality shows.  In fact, I rarely watch them.  But I have been completely captivated by a TLC reality show – Jon and Kate plus 8.  I have gotten caught up in the development of all the children, and have for a long time,and have not wanted to believe the tabloids.

What first caught my attention was the fact that Jon and Kate were quite open about their church involvement and the faith that they are teaching to their children.  To have watched the kids at the Creation play, and hearing Alexis sing praise songs to herself – made me want to applaud this family as they raise their children in Godly ways.

Yet, tonight, as I write this – they have announced that they have filed court papers to dissolve their marriage, just less than one year after they made a huge production about renewing their vows, “to show our kids that we will always be together”.  My heart is very heavy – these are not actors, the children are not living out a script – a family, a very public family – is falling apart.

I cannot begin to imagine, nor will I pass any judgement on the reasons for the dissolution of the marriage.  I have not walked in their shoes, nor do I have the ability to see inside their lives.

What bothers me most the fact that those who seek to discount faith in the God of Scripture and the Christian Church, will be able to point another finger of blame, and reason to not trust in God.

It is my prayer for this family – as well as all families – that they will (they may have already) seek Christian counsel with their pastor.  That they have bathed this decision in prayer, and that they will seek to show their children God’s love through all of this.

For all families – I know that life is hard, and can only imagine how difficult it is to be a couple and parents at the same time.  Know this – God planned designed family, and no where in scripture do we see a flawless example of parenting.  God uses our story to show the proof of His grace, and is redemption.  The family is what He uses to show the world, unconditional love.  Even when words and behaviours have hurt us deeply, we are able to move beyond it, only through showing the Grace that He first showed us.

It is also my prayer any church that has a family going through this kind of trial, will rally around them.  Too often the Church is far to quick to back away from a dissolving family, instead of supporting all the members.  That support means prayer, shoulders to cry on…whatever they need.

And that would be an Orange response to a breaking family.  For the church to come along side the family, and be the light to all the members of the family.  There will always be families in crisis among us – God calls us to love them just the same, if not more tenderly than anyone else among us.  Will you extend them the Grace He has showed you?

What are you fighting for?

I love getting an opportunity to spend time listening to Reggie Joiner share his passion for the Orange Strategy.  I did just that this afternoon. I popped in the DVD “What If” and  spent 78 minutes with him teaching leaders to answer that question.

I took many notes, and often nodded in agreement to concepts I have heard him present in other gatherings.  He told a story that particularly caught my attention today.

Reggie shares the account of a time he was having a very loud discussion with his daughter.  Without giving specifics, he described the exchange as one of getting louder and more intense.  Then something happened that he hadn’t seen coming.  His daughter, in a way that only a daughter can do, lobbed a statement that took his breath away.  It was a wounding statement, and Reggie reacted.

He did not yell, he didn’t ground her – he simply turned, walked out of the room and went out to the garage.  Then he got in the car, and drove away.  After about 15 minutes of driving, his daughter called him to apologize, and then made this statement:  “Why did you walk away?  I need to know I’m worth fighting for.”

What stuck me about this, was that our families need to know the same thing.  When ministry gets tough, we tend to pull back on the things that seem to run themselves – or don’t show up as crisis driven things.  I fear that in many churches, we figure that the family will still be there “tomorrow”.  But statistics show us that they just walk away – not angry, or loudly – just quitely go because no one is fighting for them.

In the Old Testament we find the book of Nehemiah.  He was the king’s cup-bearer – this was the man chosen and trusted to bring the wine (after tasting it) to the king.  The job of  cupbearer was one of highest honour, and truly fitting of Nehemiah.  Although he was one of the most trusted men in Persia – his heart was in Jerusalem.  When he learned that the Temple was being rebuilt, he grew concerned because he knew there were no walls left to protect it.

Nehemiah, trusting God’s direction, asked the king for leave of his post to go and help rebuild the wall.  Many people were against this, including those who sought to take over Jerusalem for their own purposes.  But Nehemiah followed his instinct and did what they told him to do.  So, in Neh 4:13, we read his solution to keep the situation safe.

“So I put people behind the lowest places along the wall – the open places – and I put families together with their swords, spears, and bows.  Then I looked around and stood up and said to the important men, the leaders, and the rest of the people: ‘Don’t be afraid for them.  Remember the Lord, who is great and powerful.  Fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes“.

Wow, if ever a passage of scripture jumped out from a message for me – it was this.  I constantly stand in awe at how God’s Word speaks to situations today.  Our children are being attacked by the Enemy in the open places – at school, through T.V. ads, competition for their time on all fronts – to keep their focus off meeting the Living, Loving God of Creation.   If we don’t stand in the gap, by strengthening families - we will lose this generation.

The Body of Christ, must together position ourselves to show families that they are worth fighting for.  Nehemiah reminded the faithful in Jerusalem to trust the Lord, because He is great and powerful.  We, too, must do the same thing.  Sometimes it feels like it’s a losing battle, but the victory will be God’s – if we truly trust Him to do so.

Churches for too long have thought that if we “allow” families to just be among us, encourage them to be busy for Christ, and let the Children’s Ministry instruct their children – all will be fine, and we will produce Christ followers out of the children who come through our doors.

We are now seeing just how wrong we are.  Church, we were never given that job… nowhere instructs the Children’s Pastor to teach the foundations of faith.  It was designed to be done in the family setting.  To be passed from generation to generation.   Oops!  We have generations who have never been taught the stories of our Faith.  To see the power and tenderness of the God of the Universe.  We have generations who don’t know the touch of the Father who gave His only Son to pay our penalty,  all just to bring us into relationship with Him.

Who am I fighting for?  Every family who is trying to see that their lives matter, that their child’s eternity is at stake, and don’t know where to find the answer.  The Church needs to fight – through prayer, resources and love – to come alongside our families and outfit them to stand at the gap for their children and protect the generation from destruction.  Are you willing to stand with me?