The last day with the four female theologians was a good one...we all hiked down to the village to Bugaboos for cinnamon rolls. Then Deb and I took a long mountain hike that involved berry eating and drinking from fresh mountain streams.
Then took the girls down to Vernon for a sincerely scrumptious Thai dinner that included some of the best Pad Thai I have eaten anywhere. We celebrated Lindsey's birthday since she is going to be in Long Beach without us on September 6.
Spent some time in Acts and marveled at the actions of God in smiting Ananias and Sapphira...sure they lied to the apostles and consequently to God...sure they conspired in such a way to make themselves look generous...sure their pride and reputation was more important than the gift they were giving...sure this was the start of the NT church and God wanted to set a standard of holiness....sure God wanted to endorse the apostolic authority in such a way that led to respect for the offices that Jesus had established...sure God wanted the NT church to be purified...BUT all that said I have to admit..."whoa! pretty strong action from God. You lied? BAM!"
So here's my take...1) Don't mess with God...we want to think we can put God in our little nice warm fuzzy boxes...God is love but God is God and can take whatever action He deems appropriate...It's His game, His rules, and He's the referee...we don't live in a democracy but a theocracy...2) We don't know what's behind the scene. God will always act out of love and justice and when we don't understand part of the reason is that we only see our side of the picture.
3) Ask God when you get there...but to judge God now only hinders your heart and limits your living...Don't feel bad about having questions but don't let those stop you from TRUSTING God now and trusting you will understand later.
Sometimes our God is the God of "BAM!"...His prerogative.
August 28, 2008
August 27, 2008
August 26 - Kids and Church
Today my "pastor" and friend Stuart and his 5 Kids (ages 4 to 13) met us at the lake...but it was cool, blustery, and cloudy...the water white capping...it was a bummer to stand and look at the lake dressed in our sweatshirts....the kids all ready for swimming, boat rides and a fun time...but to no avail.
So we loaded back up and drove all the way back up the mountain...after treating the whole gang to lots of sugar at the campground grocery store. The kids hottubbed, hiked, watched movies, ate goldfish (the crackers!) under the watchful and fully involved supervision of Lindsey and Deb. (I love the McKnight kids...so I enjoyed myself too!)
Meanwhile Stuart (pictured above) and I solved the world's problems and talked ministry. Talked about how the church must get beyond what happens on location and be the church during the week in the neighborhood.
The discussion fit well with my journey into the book of ACTS today. I am struck again at the vibrancy and sacrifice of the NT church. Their commitment to the Christ, the mission, and one another is a high bar which I believe we fall so far short of. How do I as a pastor\leader model and lead in a way that keeps LLCF from being a "religious organization" and helps us be "a true community of love that is working together for the mission"? We can look at other churches and say, "hey we are doing a great job!" but then I look at the church in ACTS and it's like "whoa...we need to take it up ten notches".
Lord help us at LLCF be the BRIDE, the ARMY, the HEALERS, the FAMILY that you desire.
August 26, 2008
9-25 The Gospel according to John, The Shack and Rugby
Spent much of the morning with John...not in the John but with the Apostle John as he unfolded the majesty of Jesus...who is my life, my door, my shepherd, my vine, my truth, my gate, my bread, my King, my grace -giver, my light, my creator, my Messiah, my teacher, my friend, and ALL THE OTHER WONDER-FILLED ATTRIBUTES that John reveals about Jesus!
Also spent time reading and finishing "The Shack"....powerful and controversial book. I personally was refreshed by it...afterwards I read praises and critiques of the book by Christian leaders I admire. My opinion? A good book to help people relate to God more personally and less religiously. A poor book to derive some of your theology from. It's FICTION and must be read like fiction. If it was a theological work my concerns would be on matters of "revelation, scriptural authority, trinitarian accuracy, universalism, and undermining of the church".
On to more serious matters: RUGBY...I had hardly heard of the game...but my "PASTOR" in Vernon is convinced on the 8th Day God created RUGBY. So after spending 3 days with 4 female theologians I fled to the "city of refuge" for a testosterone fix... went to Pastor Stuart's house to watch RUGBY...South Africa vs. Australia with 50,000 people in the stadium...I learned a new foreign language including "scrums" and "trys" (why would you score a goal and call it a "try"? It's quite confusing because if you score you are not "trying" you are "scoring".)
Searching for theological revelation in rugby may seem a far fetched effort...but I did receive a vivid illustration of what some days of ministry feel like..."a scrum with Satan". Also I began to see how whole segments of people can miss the gospel....here I am, a world traveler, highly educated, YET the revelation of "rugby" was completely foreign to me...I had heard it, had a clue about it...but had missed the powerful truth of the gospel of rugby!
After the sacred time, we retired to the living room for some more "ordinary biographical updates and more common theological discussion...including "The Shack"...Pastor Stuart is a bright theologian and sharp leader from Scotland. His friendship sharpens my life.
Also in the afternoon I rode my bike all the way to the top of Silver Star mountain. Some real mountain biking! What a work out but what a view from the top!
August 25, 2008
Yikes, I am First Time Visitor!
Note: During Sabbatical this is a personal journal that briefly shares a diary of my day with a few thoughts...don't expect good writing or profound wisdom.
Got up early to spend intense time with Jesus. Primarily focused in the end of Luke and the first 8 chapters of John.
Went to Grace Bible Church of Vernon...interesting church...just had merged with another church and the Associate Pastor Bob Cowert was preaching his farewell sermon and sharing about his relocation to Honduras. The message was on the importance of gathering together from Hebrews 10:19-25 with an emphasis on small group gatherings....he wanted to encourage the people to devote themselves to one another. It's a church trying to transition from the 90's to 2008. It was 90% full (300 seats) and seemed to have a buzz...75% of the church was over 60 years old...but to their credit the whole worship team was under 35. So I believe this church will turn the corner and flourish because it opening itself up to the next generation.
Worship was sincere but much too quiet and unenthusiastic for my tastes...but that's me...and it didn't stop me from worshiping with delight in my God.
I love to experience what it feels like to visit a church for the first time....I am a professional church guy and it is a bit INTIMIDATING for me to visit for the first time. It impressed me with three things....ONE...it's so important for friends to bring friends to church...then they don't have to feel alone on their first visit...TWO...it's so essential for the "regulars" to go out of their way to enthusiastically welcome newcomers. Pastors must make the first timers their priority, greeters must be genuine and outgoing, and the general church must take it on themselves to be God's heart extended...THREE...the good-byes are as important as the "hello's"...what's the last impression as a newcomer walks to the parking lot....between the arrival and the departure you are safe in your chair...but the arrival and departures are essential because that's when the guest is wondering...will I be accepted here?
Lord, help LLCF be "the people loving place"...not in word but in deed!
Came home and read, and Deb and I went to coffee shop in village (Bugaboos) and talked with the owner, master baker Frank, then hiked, and picked raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries...all wild. All delicious...got drenched from the rain.
Came home, had a long talk with mom on the phone (going through chemo) and had dinner with the girls (the 4 female theologians) and had a good talk.
Read "The Shack" and went to bed.
Got up early to spend intense time with Jesus. Primarily focused in the end of Luke and the first 8 chapters of John.
Went to Grace Bible Church of Vernon...interesting church...just had merged with another church and the Associate Pastor Bob Cowert was preaching his farewell sermon and sharing about his relocation to Honduras. The message was on the importance of gathering together from Hebrews 10:19-25 with an emphasis on small group gatherings....he wanted to encourage the people to devote themselves to one another. It's a church trying to transition from the 90's to 2008. It was 90% full (300 seats) and seemed to have a buzz...75% of the church was over 60 years old...but to their credit the whole worship team was under 35. So I believe this church will turn the corner and flourish because it opening itself up to the next generation.
Worship was sincere but much too quiet and unenthusiastic for my tastes...but that's me...and it didn't stop me from worshiping with delight in my God.
I love to experience what it feels like to visit a church for the first time....I am a professional church guy and it is a bit INTIMIDATING for me to visit for the first time. It impressed me with three things....ONE...it's so important for friends to bring friends to church...then they don't have to feel alone on their first visit...TWO...it's so essential for the "regulars" to go out of their way to enthusiastically welcome newcomers. Pastors must make the first timers their priority, greeters must be genuine and outgoing, and the general church must take it on themselves to be God's heart extended...THREE...the good-byes are as important as the "hello's"...what's the last impression as a newcomer walks to the parking lot....between the arrival and the departure you are safe in your chair...but the arrival and departures are essential because that's when the guest is wondering...will I be accepted here?
Lord, help LLCF be "the people loving place"...not in word but in deed!
Came home and read, and Deb and I went to coffee shop in village (Bugaboos) and talked with the owner, master baker Frank, then hiked, and picked raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries...all wild. All delicious...got drenched from the rain.
Came home, had a long talk with mom on the phone (going through chemo) and had dinner with the girls (the 4 female theologians) and had a good talk.
Read "The Shack" and went to bed.
August 24, 2008
S. #27 Grace, Peace and Girls
Lindsey and two of her girlfriends from seminary arrived at 2:30am. Praise God for their safe arrival. Lindsey had been in Alaska with TJ and flew back to Seattle and then used my mom's car to drive the 7 hours to Silver Star.
Spent time with Jesus in Luke for much of the morning. Then had a great talk with Lindsey and Deb about her future and her time in Alaska.
Then Deb and I went to the boat. Weather has been less than desirable for boating on the lake. Deb and I swam and I skied. The 3 girls came down from the mountain and Linz wakeboarded and skiied. Then we taught Molly to wakeboard and then read, swam and skiied some more.
I am reading the hugely popular book "The Shack"....it is also controversial in the Christian world so I thought I would check it out for myself.
Went to church, Saturday evening service and had a good time of worship. Jeremy the youth pastor brought the word...although it was apparent that he was nervous and new in the pulpit, I appreciated that a church as large as Vernon Alliance would allow him to get the experience. His message was on "Grace and Peace" and the fact that so many of the NT letters open with that salutation. His text of Philippians 1:1-14 is a great passage. I asked the Lord to allow me to soak in his grace and peace in new ways so that I can give it away in new proportions.
Came home and bbq for the girls...me and 4 girls (Deb, Lindsey, Molly, Kristina) and they are all SEMINARY TRAINED THEOLOGIANS! So it's fun to hear their life stories and their calling and their dreams.
Watched a little of the Olympics and watched the anchor of the USA women's 4x400meter relay team come from behind to catch Russia and redeem her personal 400meter failure. (she had been picked to win but came in 4th. Her failure didn't sink her, it only gave her greater resolve.
God I pray that this may be the case in my life as well...let me receive your GRACE and PEACE in my failures and come charging back with greater resolve for YOU!
Spent time with Jesus in Luke for much of the morning. Then had a great talk with Lindsey and Deb about her future and her time in Alaska.
Then Deb and I went to the boat. Weather has been less than desirable for boating on the lake. Deb and I swam and I skied. The 3 girls came down from the mountain and Linz wakeboarded and skiied. Then we taught Molly to wakeboard and then read, swam and skiied some more.
I am reading the hugely popular book "The Shack"....it is also controversial in the Christian world so I thought I would check it out for myself.
Went to church, Saturday evening service and had a good time of worship. Jeremy the youth pastor brought the word...although it was apparent that he was nervous and new in the pulpit, I appreciated that a church as large as Vernon Alliance would allow him to get the experience. His message was on "Grace and Peace" and the fact that so many of the NT letters open with that salutation. His text of Philippians 1:1-14 is a great passage. I asked the Lord to allow me to soak in his grace and peace in new ways so that I can give it away in new proportions.
Came home and bbq for the girls...me and 4 girls (Deb, Lindsey, Molly, Kristina) and they are all SEMINARY TRAINED THEOLOGIANS! So it's fun to hear their life stories and their calling and their dreams.
Watched a little of the Olympics and watched the anchor of the USA women's 4x400meter relay team come from behind to catch Russia and redeem her personal 400meter failure. (she had been picked to win but came in 4th. Her failure didn't sink her, it only gave her greater resolve.
God I pray that this may be the case in my life as well...let me receive your GRACE and PEACE in my failures and come charging back with greater resolve for YOU!
August 23, 2008
S. #26 Wild Strawberry Juice
Authors note: During sabbatical this blog is a daily semi-personal journal of activities and insights.
Spent the morning in chores and in the Word and the early afternoon in study and reading.
Deb and I took a long mountain hike. It was a good work out, it was beautiful. Saw deer. Spent a lot of time picking and enjoying wild blueberries and wild strawberries.
Standing at 7500 feet, in a clearing with pine trees surrounding, with sparkling fresh air filling our lungs, feasting our eyes on a hundred miles of mountains, trees, and lakes; with the tingling taste of wild strawberries dancing on our tastebuds, and blueberry juice dribbling down our face, with our hands clasped together in a mixture of friendship and romance, with our hearts light & free & happy, with our eyes lifted to our Father in heaven...truly one of those moments to capture, savor, and remember.
Creation floods my spirit with the presence and goodness of God..."Thank you Jesus for the intricate works of your hands".
Watched two of Lindsey's former classmates compete in the Olympics. Bryan Clay was with her at APU...he won the gold in the decathlon...and Tony Azevedo was with her at Wilson High School and he led the water polo team to the gold medal round.
Lindsey and two friends from Fuller Seminary arrived at 2:30am.
Spent the morning in chores and in the Word and the early afternoon in study and reading.
Deb and I took a long mountain hike. It was a good work out, it was beautiful. Saw deer. Spent a lot of time picking and enjoying wild blueberries and wild strawberries.
Standing at 7500 feet, in a clearing with pine trees surrounding, with sparkling fresh air filling our lungs, feasting our eyes on a hundred miles of mountains, trees, and lakes; with the tingling taste of wild strawberries dancing on our tastebuds, and blueberry juice dribbling down our face, with our hands clasped together in a mixture of friendship and romance, with our hearts light & free & happy, with our eyes lifted to our Father in heaven...truly one of those moments to capture, savor, and remember.
Creation floods my spirit with the presence and goodness of God..."Thank you Jesus for the intricate works of your hands".
Watched two of Lindsey's former classmates compete in the Olympics. Bryan Clay was with her at APU...he won the gold in the decathlon...and Tony Azevedo was with her at Wilson High School and he led the water polo team to the gold medal round.
Lindsey and two friends from Fuller Seminary arrived at 2:30am.
August 22, 2008
S. #25 Happy Wife, Happy Life!
Spent time with LUKE...that is a the gospel of Luke and I felt like Theopholis (see Chapter 1).
Helped Deb and Shelley prepare for meeting with our new caretaker of our homes at Silver Star. This new venture of going out on our own after have had a property manager for the last 12 years is scary. We (the Pauls and us) have to market the homes for ski rentals and run the business at a whole new level. But we really have no choice and we believe we can do it much better than what it's being done. To see the homes visit our website at wishuponasilverstar.com
Deb is running lead on this and doing a super job. She is a Proverbs 31 lady for sure....thanks God for a great wife who is very sharp, good looking, and loves you and me greatly!
Took Shelley to Kelowna airport and ran errands with Deb...then we just spent some good couple time. I love my wife!
One of the most well known Christian speakers just chose to have an emotional affair and is separated from his wife. What a tragedy! The announcement is rocking the news last week. My motto in marriage is "Happy Wife, Happy Life!" If I can serve DEB and lay down my life for her she will go out of her way to be a blessing to me and we will grow closer as the years go by.
Marriage before Ministry!! That's part of what this sabbatical is about...taking some great time to just go deeper with DEB...she is my first ministry.
Met with Don Kassa (our Canadian realtor) about selling our property since construction prices have become prohibitive.
Came back up to house and ate big healthy salads and watched Olympics.
August 21, 2008
S. #24 The Agony of My Dream
Matthew, Mark, Luke....finished Matthew, read through Mark, and started Luke. Good morning in the Good Book...God's word is like fresh water pouring over my body, soul, and spirit. Cleansing, renewing, refreshing, reinvigorating.
Deb is in Long Beach until tonight so I have the day to invest.
One dream I have had for the last 15 years is to ride my bike from the top of the mountain at Silver Star to the town of Vernon in the valley. So I said, "why not today?" I knew it would be tough...I knew it would take some time....but "you only live once!"
So under cloudy skies and a cool day, I jumped on my bike and coasted downhill at speeds up to 30 miles an hour...it was so fast it was scary. 4,000 feet in 12 miles!
But "what goes down must go up"...so the 4,000 foot, 12 mile climb began and it was intense...about 3 miles up it began pouring rain...I was drenched from sweat and now I was drenched with rain...it grew harder to ride. Trucks were blazing down the hill and there is no shoulder on the road so in a spray of water they would go by me.
I stopped and drank but I had no calories with me. I rode on in increasing pain and exhaustion. About the 10 mile mark I was so out of fuel and the terrain so steep that I walked the bike for at least a mile...willing myself forward step by step. LIVING DREAMS OFTEN INCLUDES AGONY.
Finally, 3.5 hours after I started down the hill...I arrived at our house...Praise Jesus for his strength and help. Although my legs were cramping and throbbing...my heart was filled with victory and satisfaction...the dream in all it's glory and struggle had been lived!
I ate tons of calorie, jumped in the hot tub, crashed on the sofa and recovered.
At 9:30pm I went to pick up Deb and Shelley at Kelowna Airport.
Deb is in Long Beach until tonight so I have the day to invest.
One dream I have had for the last 15 years is to ride my bike from the top of the mountain at Silver Star to the town of Vernon in the valley. So I said, "why not today?" I knew it would be tough...I knew it would take some time....but "you only live once!"
So under cloudy skies and a cool day, I jumped on my bike and coasted downhill at speeds up to 30 miles an hour...it was so fast it was scary. 4,000 feet in 12 miles!
But "what goes down must go up"...so the 4,000 foot, 12 mile climb began and it was intense...about 3 miles up it began pouring rain...I was drenched from sweat and now I was drenched with rain...it grew harder to ride. Trucks were blazing down the hill and there is no shoulder on the road so in a spray of water they would go by me.
I stopped and drank but I had no calories with me. I rode on in increasing pain and exhaustion. About the 10 mile mark I was so out of fuel and the terrain so steep that I walked the bike for at least a mile...willing myself forward step by step. LIVING DREAMS OFTEN INCLUDES AGONY.
Finally, 3.5 hours after I started down the hill...I arrived at our house...Praise Jesus for his strength and help. Although my legs were cramping and throbbing...my heart was filled with victory and satisfaction...the dream in all it's glory and struggle had been lived!
I ate tons of calorie, jumped in the hot tub, crashed on the sofa and recovered.
At 9:30pm I went to pick up Deb and Shelley at Kelowna Airport.
August 20, 2008
S. #23 The BIBLE and TV
Helped get the group ready to leave...Deb is doing a quick trip back to Long Beach to deal with the matters created by the theft of her wallet...primarily DMV but other issues as well...thank God for a friend like Shelley Pauls who works for Alaska and is using her vacation to fly down with Deb so that the flight is free.
Spent most of the morning and afternoon in God's Word...it's so rich and invigorating just to fill up with the truth.
Took a long mountain hike and spent some quality time in prayer...ran some errands for Deb in the valley. Read some more and watched Olympics.
While I am greatly enjoying having a TV for the sake of the Olympics, I am reminded why I am so GLAD that we don't have a TV in our HOME! The commercials alone are enough to introduce all kind of evil into a home. So many homes are soaked in the atmosphere of sex, violence, greed, pride, sarcasm, lust, anger, pleasure, slothfulness, all because their TV's spew the garbage into their family room day after day.
Praise God for the WORD that declares His paths...they are enlightening, empowering, and embracing of the SHALOM of God. That's the atmosphere I want permeating my home!
Spent most of the morning and afternoon in God's Word...it's so rich and invigorating just to fill up with the truth.
Took a long mountain hike and spent some quality time in prayer...ran some errands for Deb in the valley. Read some more and watched Olympics.
While I am greatly enjoying having a TV for the sake of the Olympics, I am reminded why I am so GLAD that we don't have a TV in our HOME! The commercials alone are enough to introduce all kind of evil into a home. So many homes are soaked in the atmosphere of sex, violence, greed, pride, sarcasm, lust, anger, pleasure, slothfulness, all because their TV's spew the garbage into their family room day after day.
Praise God for the WORD that declares His paths...they are enlightening, empowering, and embracing of the SHALOM of God. That's the atmosphere I want permeating my home!
August 19, 2008
S. #22 God and Gold Medals
Spent time in the Word...plus reading...plus some insightful spiritual conversation with the group of family and friends who are here in Canada with us.
Went to Lake and spent an afternoon of reading, skiing, boating, swimming, laughter, and theological discussion with the group. I began reading "Loving God with Your Mind" by the great apologist, J.P. Moreland...excellent read.
Had a special last supper with the group, followed by watching the Olympics. I reflect on how the apostle Paul used the games as a metaphor for his own spiritual development and for the crown of victory that is available to all of us.
Nastia Lukin, of the USA, tied for the gold medal in uneven bars, but through a crazy computer calculation, the Chinese girl was awarded the gold and Nastia received the silver. I am so glad that God's scoring is "grace based" not "performance based"....that God's scoring hands the gold medal to all of us who "tie" by "being found in Christ, not depending on our own greatness but on the righteousness of Christ, HIS greatness".
Grace does not mean I don't train for God's Olympics...as Dallas Willard writes and as I read from Moreland's book yesterday, "Grace is opposed to EARNING but not to EFFORT!"
I can never earn a Gold but I receive it by grace through faith, BUT I need to train daily to live in a way that pleases God...a truly "golden" life of becoming more and more like Christ!
Went to Lake and spent an afternoon of reading, skiing, boating, swimming, laughter, and theological discussion with the group. I began reading "Loving God with Your Mind" by the great apologist, J.P. Moreland...excellent read.
Had a special last supper with the group, followed by watching the Olympics. I reflect on how the apostle Paul used the games as a metaphor for his own spiritual development and for the crown of victory that is available to all of us.
Nastia Lukin, of the USA, tied for the gold medal in uneven bars, but through a crazy computer calculation, the Chinese girl was awarded the gold and Nastia received the silver. I am so glad that God's scoring is "grace based" not "performance based"....that God's scoring hands the gold medal to all of us who "tie" by "being found in Christ, not depending on our own greatness but on the righteousness of Christ, HIS greatness".
Grace does not mean I don't train for God's Olympics...as Dallas Willard writes and as I read from Moreland's book yesterday, "Grace is opposed to EARNING but not to EFFORT!"
I can never earn a Gold but I receive it by grace through faith, BUT I need to train daily to live in a way that pleases God...a truly "golden" life of becoming more and more like Christ!
August 18, 2008
S. #21 Worship in the Park
A brief daily journal with personal thoughts meant primarily for my own consumption.
Spent time with family and friends from Seattle who are at the house. Did some reading in the Word.
Went to an outdoor worship event sponsored by our church in Vernon. A great night of praise at the park that reminded me of our Long Beach Church Without Walls. Had good talks with our Pastor here, his executive pastor, and a guy who is just coming to know the Lord...he owns a sporting good store that I have gone to for years. We ended the worship time with a "How Great is God" under a beatiful Okanagon sky in a gorgeous green park with a stream flowing through it.
After worship in the park we came back and played a new dice game and I lost big time.
Lord, I read more in the "Who am I and What Do I want" book and am asking you to focus my energy, to help me to know what my "holy no's" should be and what my "holy yes's" should be. Grant me insight as I seek you on this matter!
Spent time with family and friends from Seattle who are at the house. Did some reading in the Word.
Went to an outdoor worship event sponsored by our church in Vernon. A great night of praise at the park that reminded me of our Long Beach Church Without Walls. Had good talks with our Pastor here, his executive pastor, and a guy who is just coming to know the Lord...he owns a sporting good store that I have gone to for years. We ended the worship time with a "How Great is God" under a beatiful Okanagon sky in a gorgeous green park with a stream flowing through it.
After worship in the park we came back and played a new dice game and I lost big time.
Lord, I read more in the "Who am I and What Do I want" book and am asking you to focus my energy, to help me to know what my "holy no's" should be and what my "holy yes's" should be. Grant me insight as I seek you on this matter!
August 17, 2008
S. #20 Beauty and a Broken Boat :(
Authors note: During my sabbatical I am using my blog as a brief personal journal of activities, happenings, and learnings. Others are welcome to read but expect simplicity, not profundity.
Shared time with my sister Brenda, partners and friends, Dwight & Shelley Pauls, and Bonnie and David Carpenter. Walked to the village (Silver Star) for cinnamon rolls at our friend, Frank's bakery. Gorgeous day. Walked through the car show they were having in the Village.
Went to the valley to the lake and skiied, swam, laughed, picnic(ed). I read a book by Mick Uklejwa (former pastor and now acquaintance of mine)...entitled, Who Are You and What do you Want? Good insight into understanding yourself and your sweet spot.
That evening we boated to the Blue Heron, a waterside cafe. After a delightful meal, we cast of for our 10 mile voyage back on a full moon stunningly beautiful night at 9:45. Guess what?
The boat broke down (overheated) and we were stranded...finally flagged down a boat and were towed back to the dock....we hit the bar not for a drink but for tools...one friendly guy, Craig Edwards from Canmoore helped us out with tools...Dwight and David worked on it for an hour and were able to fix it! Thank you Jesus! Finally got back to the marina where we are keeping the boat and where the cars were. Got home at 1am and fell into bed.
What's going on? Everything we do, something challenging happens. It's making it hard to relax and rest the mind and spirit. But God is bringing us through trial by trial. "Help me to learn step by step. I trust you Lord and I refuse to fear the power of the one who hates me!"
Shared time with my sister Brenda, partners and friends, Dwight & Shelley Pauls, and Bonnie and David Carpenter. Walked to the village (Silver Star) for cinnamon rolls at our friend, Frank's bakery. Gorgeous day. Walked through the car show they were having in the Village.
Went to the valley to the lake and skiied, swam, laughed, picnic(ed). I read a book by Mick Uklejwa (former pastor and now acquaintance of mine)...entitled, Who Are You and What do you Want? Good insight into understanding yourself and your sweet spot.
That evening we boated to the Blue Heron, a waterside cafe. After a delightful meal, we cast of for our 10 mile voyage back on a full moon stunningly beautiful night at 9:45. Guess what?
The boat broke down (overheated) and we were stranded...finally flagged down a boat and were towed back to the dock....we hit the bar not for a drink but for tools...one friendly guy, Craig Edwards from Canmoore helped us out with tools...Dwight and David worked on it for an hour and were able to fix it! Thank you Jesus! Finally got back to the marina where we are keeping the boat and where the cars were. Got home at 1am and fell into bed.
What's going on? Everything we do, something challenging happens. It's making it hard to relax and rest the mind and spirit. But God is bringing us through trial by trial. "Help me to learn step by step. I trust you Lord and I refuse to fear the power of the one who hates me!"
August 16, 2008
S. #19 Accidents and Awesomeness
Cleaned house and washed windows for a few hours before meeting a long time friend who has been our property manager for 13 years. We have ministered to him through the dissolution of his marriage and sought to be an influence for Christ. It was good to be with him, share our love and God's with him, and on top of that it was a good business meeting as well.
Went down to town in the valley...I had to slam on my brakes for a guy making a sudden left turn, behind us was a 22 year old driver following too close, going too fast and BAM!! He smashed into us. I jumped out and the entire front of his car was smashed in but he was ok. We were ok....I had a bit of whiplash but nothing major...His car had at least$2500 of damage...ours had damage to the paint and a displaced bumper...he hit our trailer hitch and that spared us a lot of damage.
We couldn't believe it!! Is the devil trying to ruin our sabbatical or what? Deb and I just shook our heads. We thanked God no one was hurt and that we had no more damage than we did.
We went to the boat and just relaxed and read and swam and I waterskiied. Our friends and partners in our boat, Dwight and Shelley, our long time Seattle friends and pastor of children Bonnie and David Carpenter, and my sister Brenda all flew in for the weekend.
We took a long mountain hike as the full moon was rising...the AWESOMENESS of God was present...and stayed up til midnight laughing, sharing old stories, and praying together. It was a rich time. During prayer they specifically asked that God would shield the rest of our sabbatical from Satan's destructive attacks.
Deb and I had decided to laugh in the devil's face....not out of disrespect for his power...but out of the certainty of our victory in Christ! The devil can't steal the joy and goodness of God in our lives. Sabbatical is not an escape from the reality of spiritual warfare but a space where we can reflect on our victory in Christ!
Went down to town in the valley...I had to slam on my brakes for a guy making a sudden left turn, behind us was a 22 year old driver following too close, going too fast and BAM!! He smashed into us. I jumped out and the entire front of his car was smashed in but he was ok. We were ok....I had a bit of whiplash but nothing major...His car had at least$2500 of damage...ours had damage to the paint and a displaced bumper...he hit our trailer hitch and that spared us a lot of damage.
We couldn't believe it!! Is the devil trying to ruin our sabbatical or what? Deb and I just shook our heads. We thanked God no one was hurt and that we had no more damage than we did.
We went to the boat and just relaxed and read and swam and I waterskiied. Our friends and partners in our boat, Dwight and Shelley, our long time Seattle friends and pastor of children Bonnie and David Carpenter, and my sister Brenda all flew in for the weekend.
We took a long mountain hike as the full moon was rising...the AWESOMENESS of God was present...and stayed up til midnight laughing, sharing old stories, and praying together. It was a rich time. During prayer they specifically asked that God would shield the rest of our sabbatical from Satan's destructive attacks.
Deb and I had decided to laugh in the devil's face....not out of disrespect for his power...but out of the certainty of our victory in Christ! The devil can't steal the joy and goodness of God in our lives. Sabbatical is not an escape from the reality of spiritual warfare but a space where we can reflect on our victory in Christ!
August 15, 2008
S. #18 CSI and the Right Heart
Spent time in the word...loving Jesus and receiving his love for me.
Helped Lindsey get ready to go to Alaska.
The four of us walked to the ski village and had a late breakfast at Bugaboos
Then drove to airport and saw the kids off.
Went back to the parking lot where Deb's wallet was lost...spent the next hour and half looking for the elusive wallet....searching dumpsters...talking with people...offering rewards...talking with the police...I kept thinking it's going to be here...it's going to be there...praying fervently....trying to listen as if God was going to show me exactly where it was....but I got no word of knowledge, no vision...just sweating under the sun playing CSI...but to no avail and to great disappointment.
We came back up to the house, read, watched Olympics, and hot tubbed.
God, you can teach me through these trials....help me not to waste the frustrations but to learn what you want me to know...I love you, Jesus and these small trials are an opportunity....keep my attitude positive and my mind focused on you.
Helped Lindsey get ready to go to Alaska.
The four of us walked to the ski village and had a late breakfast at Bugaboos
Then drove to airport and saw the kids off.
Went back to the parking lot where Deb's wallet was lost...spent the next hour and half looking for the elusive wallet....searching dumpsters...talking with people...offering rewards...talking with the police...I kept thinking it's going to be here...it's going to be there...praying fervently....trying to listen as if God was going to show me exactly where it was....but I got no word of knowledge, no vision...just sweating under the sun playing CSI...but to no avail and to great disappointment.
We came back up to the house, read, watched Olympics, and hot tubbed.
God, you can teach me through these trials....help me not to waste the frustrations but to learn what you want me to know...I love you, Jesus and these small trials are an opportunity....keep my attitude positive and my mind focused on you.
August 14, 2008
S. #17 Birthdays and a Very Bad Day
We were celebrating Lindsey's birthday today since we won't be together on September 6.
We got up early and did a long mountain hike...followed by mom's special German Pancakes...then off to the Lake for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Lindsey tore it up on both and so did TJ. I had my best day skiing also.
Then we took them to Turtle Bay Marina and rented a SEADOO for them for an hour...while they Seadoo'ed Deb and I chilled at the outdoor cafe.
But then the trouble started. We drove back to Bagel Lane for Lindsey to eat at one of her favorite places in Vernon. When we got there...we could not find Deb's wallet! We searched high and low and determined it must have been left at the Seadoo place because she paid. She quickly drove back the 30 minutes one way to the spot...NO WALLET! She left numbers in case anyone turns it in. No one is fessing up yet. Our whole lives are in her wallet.
Near panic was setting in but we had tickets to the incredible outdoor theater called Caravan Theater so we had to go...it was spectacular evening in the Canadian hills...miles from anywhere...and the acting was good although none of us cared that much for the play this year.
But because of the wallet it was a somber night. TJ and Lindsey fly out to Alaska tomorrow to spend time with TJ's family and Deb may have to fly home for a few days to handle stuff if the wallet doesn't show up in the next few hours. This is hard...help me Lord to know how to minister to Deb...teach me in the tough times to be a rock and to trust you.
We got up early and did a long mountain hike...followed by mom's special German Pancakes...then off to the Lake for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Lindsey tore it up on both and so did TJ. I had my best day skiing also.
Then we took them to Turtle Bay Marina and rented a SEADOO for them for an hour...while they Seadoo'ed Deb and I chilled at the outdoor cafe.
But then the trouble started. We drove back to Bagel Lane for Lindsey to eat at one of her favorite places in Vernon. When we got there...we could not find Deb's wallet! We searched high and low and determined it must have been left at the Seadoo place because she paid. She quickly drove back the 30 minutes one way to the spot...NO WALLET! She left numbers in case anyone turns it in. No one is fessing up yet. Our whole lives are in her wallet.
Near panic was setting in but we had tickets to the incredible outdoor theater called Caravan Theater so we had to go...it was spectacular evening in the Canadian hills...miles from anywhere...and the acting was good although none of us cared that much for the play this year.
But because of the wallet it was a somber night. TJ and Lindsey fly out to Alaska tomorrow to spend time with TJ's family and Deb may have to fly home for a few days to handle stuff if the wallet doesn't show up in the next few hours. This is hard...help me Lord to know how to minister to Deb...teach me in the tough times to be a rock and to trust you.
S. #16 Silver, Sinking, Risking
Spent extended time in the Word...went to lake with Lindsey, Deb, and TJ. Skiied hard...TJ slalomed and did great for a first timer. BBQ'd ribs at the house. Watched Olympics.
The disappointment of the USA Women's Gymnastic team, led me to think of the disappointments in life. How we handle disappointments, unmet expectations, setbacks, defeats, even tragedies...determines how we move forward or backward in life. Most people play it too safe out of fear of failure. They know the pain of disappointment is very acute so if they set their goals much lower then they seldom have to face that pain. But if they go for the gold...they have to risk the possibility of frequent exposure to pain.
I had just read of Peter getting out of the boat...walking on water...what a risk...what a thrill...but when he sunk, he was rebuked by Jesus for his lack of faith...but how much more all those disciples who never dared to try something far outside their comfort zone. Peter goes down as the disciple of Faith, even though his career as a water walker failed. He dared to step out counting the possibility of victory as greater value than the possiblity of sinking!
God help me step out when I hear you say, "Come". He will always be there to pick me up when I sink!
The disappointment of the USA Women's Gymnastic team, led me to think of the disappointments in life. How we handle disappointments, unmet expectations, setbacks, defeats, even tragedies...determines how we move forward or backward in life. Most people play it too safe out of fear of failure. They know the pain of disappointment is very acute so if they set their goals much lower then they seldom have to face that pain. But if they go for the gold...they have to risk the possibility of frequent exposure to pain.
I had just read of Peter getting out of the boat...walking on water...what a risk...what a thrill...but when he sunk, he was rebuked by Jesus for his lack of faith...but how much more all those disciples who never dared to try something far outside their comfort zone. Peter goes down as the disciple of Faith, even though his career as a water walker failed. He dared to step out counting the possibility of victory as greater value than the possiblity of sinking!
God help me step out when I hear you say, "Come". He will always be there to pick me up when I sink!
August 12, 2008
S, #15 Learning Nothing
Chores...even on vacations or sabbaticals...there are chores...which I really don't mind that much because as you have heard it said, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"...but "All play and no work makes Jack an undisciplined little brat incapable of deeply experiencing pleasure but habitually looking for the next fun time instead of enjoying all times." Okay maybe you haven't heard the second quote.
After chores...we packed lunches and headed for the lake and spent the afternoon bobbing in the water and swimming and reading and laughing. Came back up the mountain to the house, hot tubbed, made dinner and played "Mexican Train"...a domino game...which Deb won (there seems to be a theme in our family)...and then watched a comedy movie.
I did not learn anything significant today...that I know of...and that is one of my goals is to have a few days where I don't accomplish anything...except enjoy God, my family, my life...and that at the end of that day I would feel just as special and valuable to God as days when I accomplish a lot...OK maybe I did learn something yesterday.
After chores...we packed lunches and headed for the lake and spent the afternoon bobbing in the water and swimming and reading and laughing. Came back up the mountain to the house, hot tubbed, made dinner and played "Mexican Train"...a domino game...which Deb won (there seems to be a theme in our family)...and then watched a comedy movie.
I did not learn anything significant today...that I know of...and that is one of my goals is to have a few days where I don't accomplish anything...except enjoy God, my family, my life...and that at the end of that day I would feel just as special and valuable to God as days when I accomplish a lot...OK maybe I did learn something yesterday.
August 11, 2008
S. #14 Conquering the Cliffs
Spent time with Matthew (the book) and Jesus. Good teaching for my spirit...Jesus was certainly a paradoxical blend of tough and tender...blasting Pharisees one minute, bouncing babies on his knee the next...I was touched by his humanity...when he got news that John the Baptist, his cousin, his hero (none born of women is greater) was beheaded, the next thing he does is go off alone and seek His Father...to me it has grief written all over it...his heart is heavy BUT he knows where to turn.
Since we had gone to church the night before...we packed lunches and headed for the daunting climb up the ENDERBY CLIFFS! Drove the hour there and started up. Of course Lindsey and TJ had boundless energy but Deb and I were huffing it all the way up the steep and strenuous path. It gets so steep at points that ropes are in place to help you up.
Deb felt like quitting several times but was a real champion...cheered on by the rest of the family. Ever since cancer surgery things like this have been more difficult but she refuses to be stopped. After 3.5 miles (one way) and 2200 feet of elevation gain we reached the top! What a view...we praised God!
After the 5 hour hike we were exhausted. But came home, hot tubbed, bbq'd ribs and then we went to a DRIVE IN...yes they still have them...a country drive in...we watched a double feature... Dark Knight (Batman 14) and Get Smart (Be dumb enough to watch it). Got home at 2am. What a FAMILY Day!
Lessons: Because we were committed to getting together to the top as a Family...we all had travel the pace of the slowest person...while it extended the climb time, it made the summit so much sweeter! I am the guy who likes to race to the top regardless of who I leave behind...sometimes it's more important to get there all together...Lord show me when to say, "let's go" and when to say "let's stay together".
August 10, 2008
Sabbatical #13 "My Father's Lap"
Slept in til 7am...got up and made coffee...spent time with Matthew & Jesus...Matthew writes some profound stuff about Jesus...I am struck by the pattern in Jesus' life of engagement and withdrawal, intensity followed by leisure, outflow followed by recharging.
Read the rest of Jim Collins' Good to Great for the Social Sector...key thoughts for me..."Great leaders are ambitous NOT for themselves but for the cause...a blend of personal humility and professional will...a commitment to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission of the organization. When people see you are motivated first and foremost by the greatness of the work and not self-seeking then they are inspired to follow and emulate your example. I believe the Apostle Paul was a "level 5" leader...powerfully ambitious but only for the church and the cause.
It was cold and raining and hailing on the mountain...throughout the day...beautiful and powerful with lightening and thunder. Walked down to Bugaboos in the village, visited with Frank, our Dutch friend who owns the place...he gave us 4 of his famous cinnamon rolls...Lindsey, TJ, Deb, and me enjoyed them. Deb and I took a long mountain hike, eating wild strawberries, the clouds let loose just as we had about a quarter mile to go...we ran the rest of the way and then hopped in the hot tub in the rain!
Deb and I went down to the village for the wine festival...not to drink but to visit with friends we have on the mountain...saw several friends.
Then went down to Vernon to go to OUR church...Vernon Alliance Church pastored by our friend Stuart McKnight. He is on a semi break...working 4 days a week and only preaching 2 times a period of 9 weeks. He was there, but not preaching. Had a good time connecting with him and worshipping. Len Frank brought the word and it was perfect for me and for the start of Sabbatical. Detailed the difference between living from a Performance model and living from a Relational model...how we see to gain acceptance from God instead of receiving the GRACE of relationship...the Father's love...he brought the chair that his Father sat in all the time and how he was only allowed to sit in his father's lap a few times and when he was...he sat there tense and quietly until his Father fell asleep...he saw himself as an inconvenience to his Father.
In the worship following the message...God showed me how I had never really experienced "my Father's lap". I was too young to remember my daddy because he died when I was two. I was too old to sit on my step-dad's lap once he came into my life. The Lord seemed to show me that this is one of the reasons I have struggled with "performance" issues...having to establish my value through my accomplishments. God invites me to lean back into his chest, to feel the warmth of his arms embracing...not because I have done something special but because I AM SPECIAL to my Father.
Came back up the mountain and watched a movie with TJ and Linz.
Read the rest of Jim Collins' Good to Great for the Social Sector...key thoughts for me..."Great leaders are ambitous NOT for themselves but for the cause...a blend of personal humility and professional will...a commitment to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission of the organization. When people see you are motivated first and foremost by the greatness of the work and not self-seeking then they are inspired to follow and emulate your example. I believe the Apostle Paul was a "level 5" leader...powerfully ambitious but only for the church and the cause.
It was cold and raining and hailing on the mountain...throughout the day...beautiful and powerful with lightening and thunder. Walked down to Bugaboos in the village, visited with Frank, our Dutch friend who owns the place...he gave us 4 of his famous cinnamon rolls...Lindsey, TJ, Deb, and me enjoyed them. Deb and I took a long mountain hike, eating wild strawberries, the clouds let loose just as we had about a quarter mile to go...we ran the rest of the way and then hopped in the hot tub in the rain!
Deb and I went down to the village for the wine festival...not to drink but to visit with friends we have on the mountain...saw several friends.
Then went down to Vernon to go to OUR church...Vernon Alliance Church pastored by our friend Stuart McKnight. He is on a semi break...working 4 days a week and only preaching 2 times a period of 9 weeks. He was there, but not preaching. Had a good time connecting with him and worshipping. Len Frank brought the word and it was perfect for me and for the start of Sabbatical. Detailed the difference between living from a Performance model and living from a Relational model...how we see to gain acceptance from God instead of receiving the GRACE of relationship...the Father's love...he brought the chair that his Father sat in all the time and how he was only allowed to sit in his father's lap a few times and when he was...he sat there tense and quietly until his Father fell asleep...he saw himself as an inconvenience to his Father.
In the worship following the message...God showed me how I had never really experienced "my Father's lap". I was too young to remember my daddy because he died when I was two. I was too old to sit on my step-dad's lap once he came into my life. The Lord seemed to show me that this is one of the reasons I have struggled with "performance" issues...having to establish my value through my accomplishments. God invites me to lean back into his chest, to feel the warmth of his arms embracing...not because I have done something special but because I AM SPECIAL to my Father.
Came back up the mountain and watched a movie with TJ and Linz.
August 09, 2008
Sabbatical #12 Thistles, Sin, & Servanthood
Got up and spent time with Jesus and Matthew...going verse by verse. I am convicted to be a "2 Mile Christian"...one who when compelled to go one mile cheerfully says "Can I carry that heavy load another mile for you?" That's servant leadership..."Lord, teach me to be a 'go-giver'"
Then pulled "thistles" for part of the morning...if you don't get them pulled up before they flower they continue to multiply...I couldn't help but think about sin in my life and how important it is to pull it out when it is young, new, beginning, before it's roots grow deeper and it begins to spread its poison and spread to other parts of the garden of my heart!
As I was pulling thistles my allergies went off the charts...red bumps up and down arms, sneezing, the whole deal. I pray that I would be that allergic to SIN!
Drove Deb and Lindsey to the airport and we picked up TJ, Lindsey's boyfriend. How weird does that seem to me. My little girl in a real and deepening relationship...next Thursday she is flying to Alaska to meet his family. We love TJ and are so proud of his devotion to Christ and the church.
We took the boat out and all of us went skiing and wakeboarding and had a kick! (my muscles are screaming..."too much fun!") Then came back and grilled steaks and watched some of the Olympics.
Started reading "Good to Great for the Social Sector" by Jim Collins. Insightful for non-profit leadership and based on much research.
The book starts with the question "Are you trying to be interesting, or are you seeking to be interested?" There it is servanthood again.
Then pulled "thistles" for part of the morning...if you don't get them pulled up before they flower they continue to multiply...I couldn't help but think about sin in my life and how important it is to pull it out when it is young, new, beginning, before it's roots grow deeper and it begins to spread its poison and spread to other parts of the garden of my heart!
As I was pulling thistles my allergies went off the charts...red bumps up and down arms, sneezing, the whole deal. I pray that I would be that allergic to SIN!
Drove Deb and Lindsey to the airport and we picked up TJ, Lindsey's boyfriend. How weird does that seem to me. My little girl in a real and deepening relationship...next Thursday she is flying to Alaska to meet his family. We love TJ and are so proud of his devotion to Christ and the church.
We took the boat out and all of us went skiing and wakeboarding and had a kick! (my muscles are screaming..."too much fun!") Then came back and grilled steaks and watched some of the Olympics.
Started reading "Good to Great for the Social Sector" by Jim Collins. Insightful for non-profit leadership and based on much research.
The book starts with the question "Are you trying to be interesting, or are you seeking to be interested?" There it is servanthood again.
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