tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96384672024-03-06T23:52:05.762-08:00can't find normaljust looking to see if i can find normalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.comBlogger1000125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-23667487346935717102012-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:002012-12-06T10:49:25.084-08:00Spoke too soon...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Remember that whole Golden Boot race? Not that it was much of a race to begin with, but it just got a lot more difficult thanks to noon hour drop in soccer on Tuesday.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It wasn't a completely dirty challenge or anything, although the guy playing goal did not necessarily have to slide at me during a drop in game. But I understand his determination to prevent what I had accomplished just minutes earlier by finding the back of the net. Had he stayed on his feet I would have <span style="font-size: small;">been able to avoid the whole situation.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC_v2m6plbm4CGVQgWenbZu-ugQb7A2wGmXZUVOJttqhxIzv4HT-AF7znDnrntJcRb27cSXV0oP_0BuiWOOxF8-uBw47ttNsVz4m5O7G3U3UUdTWGje9WYOVCgX4CWMiZpImL/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC_v2m6plbm4CGVQgWenbZu-ugQb7A2wGmXZUVOJttqhxIzv4HT-AF7znDnrntJcRb27cSXV0oP_0BuiWOOxF8-uBw47ttNsVz4m5O7G3U3UUdTWGje9WYOVCgX4CWMiZpImL/s200/IMG_1942.JPG" width="149" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, on this occasion, he went to ground and I hit the brakes in order to pull the ball back to my right foot so I could lift it over to my winger who was wide open to slot it home. However, my attempt at a simple quick stop was thwarted once again by the blasted turf that years ago claimed my ACL. The excruciating pain and crunching feeling in my ankle was reminiscent of a play that happened back in July that ended my outdoor season and left me with some ligament damage. (You can check out the wonderful colorful array <span style="font-size: small;">from that experience in the photo.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm off the crutches now, but my foot is turning all sorts of interesting colors. The doctor figured is was more ligament damage. That means more time off. This makes it hard to score goals. This race may officially be over.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll also admit that the thought of retirement has once again entered my mind, but I'm not sure I can give up so easily on a game I love so much. Even though it appears to show absolutely no regard for my personal well being.</span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-40332800579350653642012-12-03T15:07:00.001-08:002012-12-03T15:07:26.341-08:00The Golden Boot Race...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVsNqyL-cAnfzcT42W_HQZ-p_nGD-Tfx9rU6DVc1sY4Dqcxqbtahp2osVi2EHN-6ltTJH0hBLGhJD8jTM3xcY9H2hAQUYIGv35AN2UFr5Go0_07MV-OOG78y7QkKxpOaSlrLq/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVsNqyL-cAnfzcT42W_HQZ-p_nGD-Tfx9rU6DVc1sY4Dqcxqbtahp2osVi2EHN-6ltTJH0hBLGhJD8jTM3xcY9H2hAQUYIGv35AN2UFr5Go0_07MV-OOG78y7QkKxpOaSlrLq/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyone who watches soccer will know that most leagues have a Golden Boot award. The winner is the person who has scored the most goals by the end of the season. I thought a little friendly challenge would be healthy for family life, so I mentioned the idea to Aidan. He was in. And here's what has been happening:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #1: 12-1 win; no goals</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #2: 4-0 win; scores 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #3: 12-1 win; scores 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #4: 17-1 win; scores 4</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #5: 6-3; scores 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aidan game #6: 10-0 win; scores 5</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike game #1: 6-6 draw, 2 goals</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike game #2: 15-4 win; 2 goals</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike game #3: 3-3 draw; 2 goals (Aidan was kind enough to let me count this drop in game since it was high intensity with two very good teams and my goals were stellar. Insert back pat.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Basic math tells me he is up 15-6.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common sense tells me I'm in over my head.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I should also point out that Aidan is finding the back of the net with complete ease. He's not the fastest kid. He doesn't have the best footwork. But he is consistently in the right place at the right time. His goals have come from his left, right, and even his head.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After his 5th game I inadvertently mentioned how to force the other team to make mistakes that would lead to goals. Then he responds with a 5 goal game and one of the best efforts I've seen him put in.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud poppa here.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-4989280503400054942012-09-10T15:22:00.001-07:002012-09-10T15:22:15.555-07:00What Seminary is Teaching Me...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been almost <a href="http://knotter.blogspot.ca/2012/02/one-week.html" target="_blank">7 months since I brought my full-time ministry to a close and began on my MDiv studies</a>. I can honestly say that I had no idea what I was about to get myself into, although I am probably better off that way. It ensures I don't chicken out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm currently in the last leg of three courses that I've been working on over the summer. With all the packing, moving, and unpacking it's been sheer and utter chaos, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This week I have to finish up one last paper, read 150 pages, and write a few short 100 word reflections. In the meantime I thought I'd take a little break to dust off the blog and let you in on what I've been learning these last 7 months.</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Books multiply. I have likely thumbed my way through more books since February than I did in all my college years combined.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Informing people you are working on an MDiv leads either to interesting conversations or blank stares. There is no middle ground.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">America will sell me textbooks for WAY cheaper than I can buy them here in Canada. Unfortunately I am now a 5 hour drive from the border instead of a 5 minute drive.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am not an academic, but this is good process for me. I'm learning lots and it's pushing me into areas I would have otherwise not ventured into.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I really should have focused more in college. I found my old GPA when trying to apply for a scholarship. Apparently age will make you a more diligent student. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I actually know so little. I've occasionally been guilty of "knowing it all", so this learning process has been a good reminder to keep a proper perspective.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I miss the world of full time ministry. I miss the ins and outs of weekly ministry life. I miss the people. I just miss church life.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I could not do this without my wife.</span></span></li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-64306896593206152012-08-25T20:00:00.002-07:002012-08-25T20:00:24.499-07:00Blur...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One week ago we made our way from Abbotsford to Calgary with most of our worldly possessions crammed into a moving truck and a rental SUV (long story on that one...). I'll admit that it's a little humbling sleeping in a rest stop parking lot to begin with. But when all your stuff is in tow, it's hard to get any decent amount of sleep. (I've heard that serial killers frequent these places.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Since our arrival it's been a blur unpacking boxes, painting rooms, and just trying to get acclimated to life in a new place that isn't our home. I'm sure it will be...eventually. But for now everything feels upside down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is going to be one of the biggest adventures our family has embarked upon. Stay tuned to see what happens.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-15724709158726019642012-07-08T16:57:00.003-07:002012-07-08T16:57:49.777-07:00Long time no see...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the countless hours spent reading theology and writing papers for school I haven't really felt like blogging was much of a priority...or even an enjoyment. But let's get you caught up with what happened since the last episode of "Can't Find Normal".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We sold our house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Erin graduated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Erin got a job. (In Calgary!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Summer finally showed up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That pretty much sums it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's starting to dawn on me that this departure will be unlike any that we have experienced in our married life. This place has a lot of memories. (And it certainly helps that so many of those memories are good ones!) We are leaving WAY too many friends behind. (Although you are all welcome to join us.) And at some point in November I will be complaining about the snow and cold like a true-blooded BCer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Five things I'm going to miss about Abbotsford:</span></div>
<ol style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">People (I will refrain from picking favorites, but if you read this just assume it's you!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Football (coaching and playing the soccer variety!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">The view from our backyard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Quick trips to the USA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Summer</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Five things I'm looking forward to in Calgary:</span></div>
<ol style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Friends I haven't seen in a long while</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Family I haven't lived close to in years</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Skating without having to pay</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Affordable (hopefully) hockey games</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Shorter drives to Caronport for class</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yeah...I had to dig deep for a couple of those. I'm sure Calgary will grow on us. But it's sad to say goodbye.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-29960716480746254292012-05-14T09:45:00.001-07:002012-05-14T09:45:39.945-07:00The love-hate relationship with football...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As Manchester United missed out on the title yesterday I am reminded of a few things:</span></div>
<ol>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this sport. It came down to the final 5 minutes on the last game of the season to determine the champion for this year. I don't care what you say, that is entertaining. I had both games on split screen on the laptop.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hate this sport. Watching QPR fight so hard for 2-1 only to allow 2 goals in the final 5 minutes, and knowing that Joey Barton's epic freak out and subsequent sending off could have made all the difference in helping hand the title to United, leaves me gutted.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this sport. We're going to do this all again next year. A year has not gone by since I started following United that I was not excited for the next season.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hate this sport. I have to wait until fall for this to start again. (And no US tour for United this year.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love this sport. Euros, Olympics, MLS, and summer rec leagues for my son and I will carry us through.</span></span></li>
</ol>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-33238194586604483582012-04-24T10:03:00.000-07:002012-04-24T10:03:09.781-07:00Glowing in the Dark...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsSqWiB8aKbmCnKHGnOwMakR7u9m4_3MTZfEfTnbRkJkNt9H7SpH2jnXJ8k0UWHpp4xXo4ki_wH5g4ZHXjoDVnEDLzVPqeHtIp7CZEjOvE81v-pRQW7vWsoYtc3kKv_cJTcJa/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsSqWiB8aKbmCnKHGnOwMakR7u9m4_3MTZfEfTnbRkJkNt9H7SpH2jnXJ8k0UWHpp4xXo4ki_wH5g4ZHXjoDVnEDLzVPqeHtIp7CZEjOvE81v-pRQW7vWsoYtc3kKv_cJTcJa/s200/IMG_1796.JPG" width="200" /></a>Took my lovely wife to Coldplay on Friday. The tickets were her Christmas present, and in true Knott fashion our seats were phenomenal. And by "phenomenal" I mean last row in the nosebleeds.<br />
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It reminded me of a Jets/Habs game I went to in the old Winnipeg Arena where my dad and I sat behind the net and at the top with brick wall behind us.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDYeJVMNGTB3NngN3aAaq2c5aQAUq_7gQcsIoVrMPlu3Pb9G3mY2PybYM5m67fa_KgA6cgyNLR3HtZ3rFaLMP3SxwC-1vX9OOSM3BCtJZwICEXl0_BWD3OWa0mm-eoh_u54_e/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDYeJVMNGTB3NngN3aAaq2c5aQAUq_7gQcsIoVrMPlu3Pb9G3mY2PybYM5m67fa_KgA6cgyNLR3HtZ3rFaLMP3SxwC-1vX9OOSM3BCtJZwICEXl0_BWD3OWa0mm-eoh_u54_e/s200/IMG_1798.JPG" width="149" /></a><br />
Regardless, this was a great show as soon as they got past the opening acts.<br />
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If you haven't seen all the hoopla over Coldplay's recent shows, you need to know that they give you a wristband that almost looks like a digital watch. You put it on your wrist and then wait for something interesting to happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z4SvvoR6BNjw7yJDc-0qPKgopoOwdryTSnEy8PMWY3yNvAgvS4WV1XmCeSDfOzUMlICnCsiO6Bpx66TfgSMC-0-fs9tOS3mw8Yu_MESuz2UwidWQ-qbfb9EnAKqfJkEJNdlj/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z4SvvoR6BNjw7yJDc-0qPKgopoOwdryTSnEy8PMWY3yNvAgvS4WV1XmCeSDfOzUMlICnCsiO6Bpx66TfgSMC-0-fs9tOS3mw8Yu_MESuz2UwidWQ-qbfb9EnAKqfJkEJNdlj/s400/IMG_1826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Quite a spectacular gimmick if you ask me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddINgm92tTnsbnzTfsg2N2OD4-ybHv2T7f1BpN9OJGNFLjRMLvU-ZtROM_7D735RfddHiDDIM0FK6i7r6xtNgoctlolqpLLI7GNyZ260MJxI9FTw9FmB4JOLJVxGxnKp_BSND/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddINgm92tTnsbnzTfsg2N2OD4-ybHv2T7f1BpN9OJGNFLjRMLvU-ZtROM_7D735RfddHiDDIM0FK6i7r6xtNgoctlolqpLLI7GNyZ260MJxI9FTw9FmB4JOLJVxGxnKp_BSND/s200/IMG_1823.JPG" width="200" /></a>And it was fairly effective for getting the crowd into the show. It was the same effect that happens when the crowd immediately recognizes the guitar intro of a song and they let out that collective cheer.<br />
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One thing I know, is that any time I go to a good concert I am left wanting to go to another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ua39-o54vGq1BHFc1KO4HGLzR44z7Y4PO8r-yyZjGzZoeGjn3m6a4WhidYQJJBZbUcOWXwgrrZf6JP-_ba7n3OPOZHmMi1jeG_BmaN6nZgJXcTk16zCzZhFxINeNOuwbtlh7/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ua39-o54vGq1BHFc1KO4HGLzR44z7Y4PO8r-yyZjGzZoeGjn3m6a4WhidYQJJBZbUcOWXwgrrZf6JP-_ba7n3OPOZHmMi1jeG_BmaN6nZgJXcTk16zCzZhFxINeNOuwbtlh7/s200/IMG_1816.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X9UiUUjZ0a8RPmlZqlRVCof6VxCPOKx1WxeTyZ_ipQWg6JZkVLO2yidCfO_6j4cKKhE4u3LOHV_7uu5EIoSrgulBX0j1ntKuYfR4TG9IN3iEWFMuv56MoOaCybMaqbHYmOJb/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X9UiUUjZ0a8RPmlZqlRVCof6VxCPOKx1WxeTyZ_ipQWg6JZkVLO2yidCfO_6j4cKKhE4u3LOHV_7uu5EIoSrgulBX0j1ntKuYfR4TG9IN3iEWFMuv56MoOaCybMaqbHYmOJb/s200/IMG_1828.JPG" width="200" /></a> So, Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in September...anyone in?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-39986399875834696172012-04-13T10:43:00.001-07:002012-04-13T11:01:18.964-07:00What's Playing...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few tunes that I've been enjoying lately.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What are you listening to these days? </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d712Th-4y0Q" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b3Ps-fytO1Q" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LdTF_M-h1J4" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GZ-kXZsUa_w" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vlo1O2B6j7A" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-29298341460126092972012-04-08T16:59:00.000-07:002012-04-08T16:59:02.162-07:00Easter Randomness...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Lacking any ability to provide you with depth or thoughtful provocation, here are my random musings from the Easter weekend thus far:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">With the sunshine comes more house showings...yet we still lack an offer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">For a good Friday service, playing "Nothing But the Blood" to the tune of Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into Me" should not be considered creative. Nor should it ever be done publicly. (And this is from a DMB fan.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">My sunglasses have wandered away. I've searched everything twice. I will likely find them sometime after I purchase a new pair or after the sun disappears.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What is the deal with Easter hats?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Is it "paska" or "pascha"?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Anyone want to watch "Close Encounters of a Third Kind"?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">I gain great joy from watching Man City implode as they chase United for the title. We are now 8 points clear with 6 games remaining. At one point we were 8 points behind them I believe.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">I must write 5+ pages tomorrow. </span></li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-16871784412596561462012-03-29T11:24:00.001-07:002012-03-29T11:24:15.558-07:00Convenience trumps theology...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I cannot remember the context of the conversation, but one little off-the-cuff remark during a class has been constantly replaying in my head.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"Today, convenience tends to trump theology."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It makes me start to wonder about what parts of my faith are driven more by what's convenient to me rather than my theology. Maybe it's due to under developed theology. Maybe it's my upbringing. Maybe Hollywood did it. Maybe it's a little bit of everything.</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">We want a church service time that works best for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">We want an environment that makes us comfortable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">We want small group on nights that work around our other events.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">We read our Bibles when we have extra time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">We eat crackers and drink a thimble of grape juice for Communion.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Can you add to the list?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The obvious question I'm left with is whether it is even possible for many of us who have been become convenience addicts to become more theologically minded when it comes to faith and life?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm not convinced that following Jesus was meant to be convenient. (Even though I must admit that I would like it to be.)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But I have a strong suspicion that a convenient faith actually does serious damage to the ability to have faith. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maybe convenience has done more harm to the church than we thought it would? </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-28111752668014852232012-03-26T14:22:00.002-07:002012-03-26T14:22:49.562-07:00Goodbye CD...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While driving the other day it dawned on me that I can hardly recall the last CD I actually purchased in its entirety. I know I received a couple live Dave Matthews Band CD's at Christmas, but I don't remember when I bought one on my own.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Does anyone, besides my brother-in-law, still buy CD's anymore?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">What was the last full CD you bought?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-58633486202986606792012-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:002012-03-21T14:05:40.981-07:00I like TV...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I dislike commercials. They eat up too much time. When you consider the fact that a 30 minute time slot only contains 22 minutes of show time and a 60 minute time slot will contain only 42 minutes, it's obvious that be removing the commercials one could actually watch more TV and thus be more productive. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And by "more productive", I really should add the phrase "at watching more episodes of select TV shows."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As such I rarely watch live TV unless it is for sports or just having some background noise. For the most part TV viewing in our house comes in 3 forms:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Internet</b> - There are countless websites that will provide TV for free via downloads or online viewing. Some provide better quality than others, but for the most part if you know which rocks to look under, you can find most shows on the web.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>DVR</b> - Record it and watch it later. I have even been known to record my favorite sports teams in action so that I can actually get a few more hours of sleep on a weekend. (Some will question whether I am a true fan, but I state I'm a better fan when I'm not grouchy because I've lost precious sleep.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Library</b> - So much stuff for free! The major drawback to this system is that most shows have a waiting list that puts you under a time constraint for actually viewing the whole season. With some proper time management (otherwise known as procrastinating things that you should actually be getting done) you can overcome this complication.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'll highlight just a few of the shows that have received my viewing attention as of late. I'll make the obvious disclaimer that not all of the shows on this list are, um, family friendly. Don't judge me too harshly.</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/" target="_blank">Justified</a> - This is hands down my favorite show of the past couple of years. A US marshal returns to his hometown in Kentucky to battle the redneck criminals. (This is a gross simplification of a fairly elaborate and draw out storyline.) If I had to recommend one hour long show for you to watch, it would be this one.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1439629/" target="_blank">Community</a> - Funniest. Show. On. TV. Witty, original and always good for some classic pop culture references.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead" target="_blank">The Walking Dead</a> - Zombie survival story. How can you go wrong?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533435/" target="_blank">Miranda</a> - A little British comedy of a woman awkwardly looking for love.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-killing" target="_blank">The Killing</a> - A remake of a Danish show, this dark crime drama based in Seattle is an attempt to uncover the complex back story of a recent murder. Season 2 starts next month.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1186356/" target="_blank">Whitechapel</a> - A 3 episode British show about the hunt for a Jack the Ripper copycat killer. I just realized this was only season 1 of 3. Back to the library...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460649/" target="_blank">How I Met Your Mother</a> - This show has been a staple for us but I admit I'm growing restless with their inability to actually progress with the overall storyline. I think they are past due to introduce the actual "mother".</span></li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-85937060233962164442012-03-20T13:45:00.001-07:002012-03-20T14:11:30.168-07:00Youth Pastor Hypocrite...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the questions I'm in the process of asking myself is whether my next ministry position will be with students. I've been a professional youth pastor for almost 12 years and I have immensely enjoyed it. It has brought me great joy. It has challenged me. It has helped me develop as a leader. There never seems to be a dull moment. There is so much to love about what I have been able to do.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But I now find myself asking if it is time for a change.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Aside from a brief dream of working behind the camera in the film industry, I have not imagined doing anything aside from student ministry. A few years ago I was approached by a church who wanted to bring me on staff in a role focused on worship and arts. I was promptly made aware that I was not being released from student ministry. I didn't feel like I was "done".</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I was the guy who said he was a lifer. I gave my buddies a hard time when they moved on from working with students and started taking on different church leadership roles. I cringed every time one more youth pastor jumped ships to the higher paying, more respectable roles of "anything but youth" pastor.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And now I feel like a hypocrite.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have friends encouraging me to stick it out. They say that I have much to still offer the student ministry world.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have other friends encouraging me to try a new role because of what they see in me. They think I'm capable of something different.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now that I find myself in a perpetual state of limbo (oh the joys of being a student) I thought I would spend some time trying to figure out which direction I would go. I have yet to figure out the answer yet. In fact, it's very hard for me to contemplate life outside of student ministry. But at least I'm asking questions like this:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Where will I grow the most?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Am I doing what's easy and comfortable?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What have I been hardwired for?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What's the best fit for my family?</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Anything else you think I should be asking myself? </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-76600984852651284462012-03-19T11:51:00.003-07:002012-03-19T11:52:14.670-07:00The Numbers...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Summing up life by the numbers:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">35 days of unemployment</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,548 pages read.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">12,210 words typed.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3 papers aced. (Pause to pat myself on the back because I have NEVER done that before!)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 classes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">15 days away from home.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3 Provinces traveled.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 for 9 on Roll up The Rim.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3 movies watched.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 TV series completed.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-77410668903721007002012-02-28T16:53:00.003-08:002012-02-28T16:53:33.671-08:00First Day at a New School...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">School was never difficult for me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Actually, the social part of school was never too difficult for me. The grades took a little work, especially since I suffer from an almost fatal case of procrastination.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Either way I've been on campus for the first class in my MDiv studies for a grand total of 2 days and here are a few observations I have made.</span></div>
<ol style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Coming in halfway through a semester, even though it's a modular format) is a relational disadvantage. So many people already know each other. I feel like I'm trying to play catch up with learning names and who does what and has worked where and has how many kids. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Being away from family is not fun. I love my family and I love having them around. I would joke about how loud it could get around the house when the kids would have friends over while I was trying to study, but I'd give up my WiFi access for it right now.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Speaking of WiFi, I had to sell my soul for a week of access to use it here. And the house I'm staying at can't even get high speed, so they are still on dial up. And the Starbucks in Moose Jaw doesn't have it. What's up with that Saskatchewan?!?!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">The library frightens me. Seriously, I'm always afraid I will walk through the doors and get looked at funny or get lost in the stacks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">College students are still college students. I'm sitting in the cafe right now and I've been privy to some very humorous interactions. And I am trying not to eavesdrop on a pretty important student council conversation right now.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Almost time to change the scenery and head for the silent basement suite. </span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-87215566593848232932012-02-20T09:19:00.001-08:002012-02-20T09:20:49.536-08:00What I Will Miss Most...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I've had a few people ask me what I will miss most about leaving Sevenoaks and taking a break from full time ministry. So now for your reading pleasure, here are a few things I will miss. It's not exhaustive, so please don't judge me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">People</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to miss seeing my friends each week. I'll miss the staff. I'll miss the youth leaders. I'll miss the students. This list could go on for a long time. But I know relationships will look a little different now that I won't be seeing all these familiar faces each and every week.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Preaching</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The fact that a group of people will let me talk at/to them for a determined amount of time about what I've been learning from God and scripture is a privilege I do not take lightly. I have enjoyed being able to develop my skills. I have enjoyed learning and growing. I have enjoyed hearing people talk about how they are learning and growing based on what they have heard. Not knowing when the next sermon is looming will be a strange feeling.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Music</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have had the opportunity to play/sing alongside some extremely talented individuals during my years here. We're talking about people that could, and probably should, be making money with their skills. I always feel like such an amateur when I get to be around them, but I love the time we've had together. I will miss the Thursday night practices. I will miss the early Sunday morning rehearsals. I will miss the pre-service Tim Horton's coffee. And I will miss the creative and musical freedom we have had. I know that not every church provides that.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">My office</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have a massive office that I enjoyed spending time in. Sure it was a little messy, but I found it easy to work in my office and get things done. I'm going to miss having my own office space. And I will certainly miss the shelving. Right now the storage room is full of boxes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Getting Paid to Do What I Love</span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This may sound so shallow, but it's true. Many times over the years I've stopped and thought to myself, "Somebody is paying me to do this?!?!" I've probably taken this for granted too. Shifting to life as a student for a while is probably going to highlight this fact.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-9783746826598172122012-02-08T11:11:00.002-08:002012-02-08T11:11:43.423-08:00One Week...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One week from now I enter the world of unemployed student. I have yet to pack any boxes in my office. My desk is still a disaster. My computer desktop is still cluttered. The only hint that something is slightly askew is the pile of empty boxes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I still remember getting that email in January stating: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am pleased to inform you of your <b><u>ACCEPTANCE</u></b> into the Masters of Divinity: Youth and Family Ministry Program, congratulations!</span></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I honestly did a little dance of joy in the living room. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I tried to do this once before. It was after my first ministry experience. But I kind of got sidetracked by one phone call that came completely out of the blue. I ended up completing one class before I started my time here on staff.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, now I'll try again. And since that email on January 20th life has been a blur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I vaguely remember college being full of late nights, time with friends, soccer, and completing most of my assignments in the early morning hours before the due date.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I suspect that this will be different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Trying to get everything in one area of life wrapped up while simultaneously trying to get everything in another area of life started is a bizarre experience. I had once hoped that I could maybe take a little time after my last day to catch my breath, but as they say "Life is what happens when you're making other plans"...or something like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">With that said, I am as convinced now as I was in October that this is the right thing to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And now I will get back to the list of 1001 things that need to be completed in a week.</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-9579901542020589192012-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:49:04.086-08:00A long walk...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The left coast obviously doesn't get much snow. And every time the fluffy white stuff falls from the heavens I find some minor entertainment in watching how the entire Lower Mainland deals with it. Here are my observations from our most recent wintery adventure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Cool Truck Guy</span></b></u></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yes, I can see your truck. Everyone can see your truck. I'm fairly certain it can be seen from space with the naked eye. It is big and impressive looking and all of the rest of us half-lifes bow in awe. We are well aware that your tires, which are larger than our cars, will not be held back by any road conditions. But last I checked honking your horn at me will not cause the vehicle currently stopped in front of me to magically float up into the heavens and clear a path for you.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Minivan Mom</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes, it is definitely a good idea for you to not brush the snow of your windows. Yes, you will make it up that hill that everyone else is failing to advance on. Yes, you have the inner conviction that is stronger than the other 3 vehicles that are presently turning around. Yes, if you apply more pressure to your gas pedal when attempting to climb that hill you will make it. What? You didn't make it? Oops. My bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Snow Chains</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can't remember ever seeing a snow chain in all my Prairie days. And I know full well that we don't have to contend with all the hills, so I will concede that fact. But here it seems like the magic solution to moving a vehicle is to just put the chains on. Stuck on a hill? Put chains on. Driving across town? Put the chains on. Only 1 inch of snow? Put the chains on. I kid you not, two years ago I saw someone driving around town on snow-free roads with chains on! That being said, if I get stuck at the bottom of the mountain, I'll be wishing I I had chains.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Is it really snowing?!?!</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Kids</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you can convince your parents to keep you home from school, then you rule!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Parents</span></b></u></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you keep your kids home from school, then you also rule! But just admit it. It's not for their personal safety. You just want to play in the snow. How do I know? Because that's where I would rather be! And I'm looking forward to getting home and snow-suiting it up.</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-83695134170695777132012-01-14T19:23:00.001-08:002012-01-14T19:23:22.621-08:00Watch this...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">An old soccer teammate from my college days posted a link to this video on Facebook and it was too good not to share.</span></div>
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<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="270" id="mporaplayer_5Pgs2slxu" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://video.mpora.com/hdep/5Pgs2slxu/">
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<embed src="http://video.mpora.com/hdep/5Pgs2slxu/" bgcolor="#000000" width="480" height="270" name="mporaplayer_5Pgs2slxu" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object><br />
More <a href="http://video.mpora.com/surfing/">Surfing Videos</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-9857828697386660512012-01-11T12:30:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:30:00.991-08:00The Irresistible Church (Review)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-P3aCoKp2KZ2-pGm3K6G5IfAusK-YfmQkhiHgR7ILzISH4mNYwNsTx4xcIyzTZChmx9Z2mOxBUcIOgUMTGSyhA5VpkulwMRAN-skOW1_e9y5YuBslRJL2yTXE1jKi1ailSU/s1600/irresistible+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-P3aCoKp2KZ2-pGm3K6G5IfAusK-YfmQkhiHgR7ILzISH4mNYwNsTx4xcIyzTZChmx9Z2mOxBUcIOgUMTGSyhA5VpkulwMRAN-skOW1_e9y5YuBslRJL2yTXE1jKi1ailSU/s320/irresistible+church.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Can I admit that I have developed some terrible reading habits? In reality I could probably say that I have just failed to develop proper reading habits, but either way the end result is that I get a book, read a chapter or two and then it spends an inordinate amount of time on the bookshelf until I remember it is there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This is one book that broke the pattern, mostly due to it's alignment with a teaching series we were working on at church, but also due to the fact that once I started reading it grabbed my attention. In the end I ended up reading the book fairly quickly (by my standards) and our pastoral team used the book as one of our references for a teaching series last fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Irresistible Church has a slightly misleading title as one begins to think this is a book about how you can make your church irresistible to people. I admit to thinking that this was going to be another book telling me how to "do church properly" and what our church could do to attract more people to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Instead this was a book focused on what character traits churches should foster so they can create a place where God would want to show up and do His thing each week. It is not just for the sake of making your church the next big draw in town and getting people into the pews, but rather for preparing your church to get out into the world and make a difference for Jesus. Wayne Cordeiro says it best with this statement:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"The point of an irresistible church is never to simply see its members attend church each week and then do nothing. It's to attend, be equipped, and then go out and live purposeful lives for God. A church must be a place where disciples gather--and then scatter." (pg 22)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cordeiro has a very straight forward style of writing in which he can clearly articulate with an apparent level of humility what he has learned over he 30 plus years in ministry. He never comes across condescending or arrogant and His personal stories of how he has come to discover that each trait is important shows a man who is letting God do a work in Him. I never once felt like I was being berated into some gimmicky quick fix. Instead I felt genuine words of compassion with some very straight forward action statements like "seek the presence of God".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This book speaks a great deal about what should ultimately be the heartbeat of the church. He paints a picture of a church that actually hungers for God's presence, a church that places a priority on people and relationships, a church that is committed to learning and a church that actually takes the time to come up with a plan. A healthy mix of heart and practicality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed this book and found it was an inspiring read that had me identifying with the picture he was painting and thinking to myself, "I'd love to be a part of a church like that!"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">FYI, I had previously read Cordeiro's "Leading on Empty" and enjoyed it a great deal. I think it's a book that every pastor should read!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-4605283979349183852012-01-09T15:28:00.002-08:002012-01-09T15:29:15.946-08:00Don't cry...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I held the front door to the church open as the older gentleman stepped out of the car and made his way into the building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"Good afternoon. How are you?", I inquired as we shook hands.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The hand shake was a long one as he carefully chose his words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I watched his eyes slowly fill with tears. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Fine," he said. "But we are sad that you are leaving us. We appreciate you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And with that he carried on his way as I went on mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">.......................</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm kind of gutted from that. It hurts to know my leaving causes tears.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-32229906401429006432011-12-20T16:23:00.005-08:002011-12-20T16:23:59.488-08:00Feeling loved...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I try to remind my students each week that they are loved. It seems to be sinking in because they are returning the message. This note was floating around yesterday in the mailboxes of the rest of the pastoral staff...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7zVYEGiL2dvZKu0-ctZC3C_lCluHWnVKjM1b11-4kmqkU06TsQBoa31Ku6rsEOic06DlqD_DRBcbBwJ9SYcXO4TTxyQ0pQH6I2hDpVIVmeX50iCL3P-uuaWwb72tCDHYmiL8/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7zVYEGiL2dvZKu0-ctZC3C_lCluHWnVKjM1b11-4kmqkU06TsQBoa31Ku6rsEOic06DlqD_DRBcbBwJ9SYcXO4TTxyQ0pQH6I2hDpVIVmeX50iCL3P-uuaWwb72tCDHYmiL8/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-12325642724118240362011-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:002011-12-13T16:00:00.419-08:00Student Ministry Christmas...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At Christmas we hit the brakes with our student ministry. We give everyone three solid weeks off. No midweek Bible studies, no big events, no New Year's lock-in, no small groups. Nothing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Personally, I have never been a fan of cramming more events into the Christmas season for our students and their families. It is already busy enough. Christmas concerts, work parties, traveling, family shindigs, exams, longer work schedules, shopping trips...do I need to go on?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I also believe that the break is healthy for us, and here are the main reasons:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>It allows our leaders to rest.</b></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our leadership team works their collective butts off week in and week out. They show up early, they stay late. They lead small groups. They go for coffee. And this is all in the midst of their own lives of classes, homework, jobs and relationships. One way I can say I'm thankful for them is to give them some time off.</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>It builds excitement for the new year.</b></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Isn't there a saying that "absence makes the heart grow fonder?" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It's a lot like summer vacation when you were in school. You were always happy to have a break, but usually at some point you actually looked forward to getting back to school so you could be around all your friends again. Our break gives us all that more excitement when the New Year finally lands. Instead of being in a rut from routine, we are looking forward to being together again.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>It gives me more time.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Believe it or not, I gain from this too. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. I get a few more office hours to get ahead on planning for the upcoming year. I have space to grab coffee and lunch with people. And I get a few extra nights at home with my family. It's not like I'm overworked with my hours. My church has been great about that. But it's still a nice change of pace to be able to be home for a Monday or Wednesday evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I always imagined that a decision like this would be met with concerns from parents and students. But I have never received much in the way of push back the decision we have made, which leads me to believe that this might be healthy for everyone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(I imagine I'll get an email about it this year now that I've written this...)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-23266793185479359572011-12-09T10:07:00.001-08:002011-12-09T10:09:32.344-08:00Cello...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just watch. And stick around for the part where Darth Vader plays the accordion. Seriously.</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BgAlQuqzl8o" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9638467.post-32898624061160270782011-12-08T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T12:00:08.282-08:00Questions About Resignation...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few of the FAQ's that have been asked since my resignation was made public: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>How long have you known?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is not a decision made overnight and it's been in the works for some time. But I can say that we committed to it on October 29th. My lead and exec pastors were informed after a staff meeting on November 1st. The rest of the pastoral team found out 2 days later. And then it was all a matter of timing about when the news went public on a bigger scale. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Why February 15th?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There's a few reasons for this. First, it will mark 6 years for me here at Sevenoaks.Second, who wants to be saying a bunch of goodbyes during the Christmas season? Nobody. It will give us lots of time once the Christmas season is over to say goodbye and to make sure we have everything in place for our students & leaders before we leave.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Will you reconsider or change your mind?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm amazed how many people wonder if we will change our mind. I'll take it as a compliment. But no, we're not looking at changing our mind on this one. Six figures might get us to consider it though. Just kidding! (Or am I?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(I hope it's not too soon to joke a little about this...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What will you do next?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm not 100% sure, which is a little frightening. I have a packet full of MDiv details to wade through this week. Maybe that. Or maybe start looking for a new ministry position. I did hear of an opening in Hawaii... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Will you still be a youth pastor?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I don't know. This is one of the questions I have about my own ministry fit. I've been working full time with students for almost 11 years. I have not just enjoyed it, I have loved it. I could probably do it again. But I'm not convinced that God isn't going to lead me to do something else. Why? Youth ministry is safe for me. I know how to "do the job" and I have been led to believe that I can do a good job at it. But I also feel God may want me to take on something else so that He can continue to shape me and so that I can increase my ability to trust Him and rely on Him. This is something where I feel I need to at least ask some of the big questions before I jump straight into a new youth ministry position. That said, if God says to keep working with students, I will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Are you moving?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Most likely. We're just not sure when. Our house is up for sale, but believe it or not that is currently unrelated to our resignation. For now, even if the house sells, our plan is to remain in Abbotsford for the remainder of the school year as Erin and the kids need to finish out the school year. Where we end up after that is a complete unknown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Will you still attend church here?</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As of Feb 15 we will be taking some time off. I feel it is important, as much for me as for everyone else, to create some space. We don't expect to be strangers though. Our hope is to be able to visit in the future! And the loving and affirming responses we are receiving from everyone lead us to believe this won't e a problem.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Will the church hire a replacement?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That will be a decision that is up to the board of elders. I would guess that they would probably try to hire someone at some point. But your guess is as good as mine as to when or how that will happen. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you have another question, fire away and I will try to answer it if I can.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630892936483995921noreply@blogger.com2