For a servant of God to have authority in every sentence he utters, he must first suffer for the message he is to deliver. Without great tribulation, there is no great illumination.

John Sung, 20th-century Chinese evangelist

How is the church of today viewed outside of the Christian bubble? CBC video. Sorry I tried to embed it but can't get it to work. As the ambassadors of Christ and part of the body what can we as Christians do to aviod such a miss representation of the gospel message? I once bloged or replied to a blog about how there should be a difference between a Christian organization helping people and a non-Christian organization, however I am starting to find that too often the most self-sacrificing people looking for no self gain are those that do not belong to the church. Stories like this one break my heart, but I know that there are Christians out there giving up everything to glorify God. I hope that in those moments of choice I will also be one that stands for Gods gain and not my own. In my life thus far I have found far more joy in giving what little I had than pushing people aside so I can gain more. True joy comes from God and all the pleasures of this world can't compare with being filled with true joy. We must let go of what we have for God's glroy.

Peace

I know I don't usually blog but I figure it is my turn.  Lately I have been very convicted about how I take care of our planet.  I feel that as a Christian I should be setting the example.  God put us as over seers of the earth (Genesis 1:26-29).  I feel that means I should be a leader in recycling, using chemical free/ environmentally safe products.  Plus doing such things as driving cars that pollute less (but doesn't pollute more to make).  For eg. our wonderful jetta is a deisel (that was for you Lee) or walking more.  Of course some of these things have other great side effects to them also.  Things like saving money, being healthier, and the best being more child friendly. 

We are very blessed and in our new condo we have curb side recycling provided by the condo company.   It's amazing how much you can reduce your garbage  when you recycle.

If any of you are interested in Chemical free/ environmentally friendly/and child safe products for cleaning house, make-up,  personal care and other such things please feel free to give me a call I have found a few great products.   Or just look around because you can find things out there like this.

I have been asking my self lately why it is that non-Christian's are leading the way to a cleaner planet?  Perhaps we should get on board and step up to the plate.  I know I sure fall short but any effort is better than nothing.   Perhaps since we live in such a rich country we could spend a little extra time and money and make sure there is a planet for our children's children's children. 
So I sound like a bit of a tree hugger but you know what it's just as important to do your part for the enviroment as it is to feed the starving kids in Africa and around the world.  I guess I just truly believe in taking care of the planet in all aspects. 
Blessings to you all and I hope if nothing else this blog inspires you to recycle a little more. 

In the eyes of my three year old I am a superhero. I stand between her and whatever scary thing presents itself to her. When she is frightened she runs to me. She thinks that no matter what, I will be able and willing to protect her. Tina bought the newest Casting Crowns CD, the Altar and the Door, for me at Christmas and I can't stop listening to it. One of the songs on the disc, East to West, and a discussion I had with a couple co-workers have me thinking about fear.

Watching my girls you can see a big difference in how fear works in there lives. One is fearless and the other is fearful. Right now Chloe's biggest fear is talking to strangers. When someone comes over she hides behind our big chair or behind me, but will I be there when her problems are bigger? Will my fear drive me to run or will I fight for what is right? Will I protect others or will I protect myself?

When Samuel was young he heard the voice of the Lord calling to him during the night. Thinking that it was the high priest Eli, Samuel ran to his side. The Lord kept calling to him and each time a confused Samuel went to Eli. Eli realized what was happening and told Samuel that the Lord was calling to him. Samuel grew up living in the temple. He participated in all the rituals and learned from the torah everyday, yet he did not recognize God's voice "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him" (1 Samuel 3.7). Reading this makes me ask the question of myself, "Do I know God? Do I know Him in a way that when He calls me I will lay aside all my fears and doubts?" I know I am called to an area of full-time ministry, but I also know that right now is not the time. When God calls will I go or will I stay in what I know and where I am comfortable? Do I know that he has a better plan for me and my family? This fear that I have scares me. It calls into question my very relationship with my Father. Yet, I need it.

My fear helps my listening. I don't want to rush into something that is not of God. It also helps me to "test everything" (1 Thessilonians 5.21). Fear can control passion when kept in check. However fear can also stop passion from developing into something tangible. Like so many things in life fear must have its place and we can not allow it to be more or less than what it is. Moses' fear had him argueing with God whether he was the right man to lead Isreal (Exodus 4.13-14).  He came up with all sorts of questions and reasons why he wasn't the man for the job instead of having faith and trust in God. When we die to ourselves completely God's plans seldom leave us in a place of comfort. But I am learning as I take small leaps in that direction that great joy and peace can come from scary fear-filled places.

I know who I was. "Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been come rising up in me again" (Casting Crowns lyrics from East To West). The journey that God has us on is one that can be scary, but trusting his perfect plan (Jeremiah 29.11) will make us better in the end and more importantly bring glory to God.



Peace

Last Sunday we went to ahub's hockey game against olds. The girls only made it through two periods but it was still fun and we all enjoyed it. Andrew is #2, Chloe like the Zamboni, and Chara walked around with a pen and paper pretending to take notes (it's her new thing to do).









Peace