Contact Jim by email at jguskjolen@paoc.org or cell phone 1-306-683-9673 (no area code if calling within Saskatoon) to contact him directly in Central America.
October 8, 2008
I’m perfect! (thanks for telling me). Sometimes you just have to be told.
I am the perfect husband. Colleen has never told me this. But I know she feels this way.
I am the perfect father. Joshua has never told me this either. But I know he feels this way.
I am a perfect Christian. I think people are just too shy to tell me this though. But I know they feel this way.
I am the perfect missionary. Missionaries are shy about such things too. But I know this is what they’re thinking.
I am the perfect grandparent. Taija-Lynn is too young to speak but if she could I know she wouldn’t be too shy to tell me.
I was/am the perfect son. Are my parents responsible for this or was I born this way?
I have have a long list of my perfections. But I’m too humble to share them all with you. I know you would like to see the list. But, go away.
Did you notice something about this list?
It is absolutely ludicrous! There is no way these statements are true. Anyone who has been around me for even a few minutes gets it. I actually am not perfect! At least, no one have ever told me I am. I don’t see anybody lined up to tell me either.
So, what does this teach me?
1. I do not need to get too uptight about stuff that happens. Nobody’s perfect, right? If that is true why do we get uptight when others “fail” our expectations of them. Relax. They are no different then you or me. People fail us. Get over it, James!
2. I do not need to get wierded out when I mess up. Remember, I’m not perfect. Why would I not expect to mess-up from time to time?
3. I have a long personal “to-do” list. It’s quite large actually. In fact I have kept a list of what I need to work on and I check it regularly. Somedays show more progress than others.
4. I need the Holy Spirit always and in all ways because I am incapable of making the deep changes that need to be made. But I can make them when He is giving the directions.
Am I perfect? You know I’m not. But one day I will be. You will be, too. We all will be. Heaven will be a wonderful place.
October 4, 2008
I know you were wanting to ask. So here’s the answer: yes.
The clock (see September 10th blog) is still sitting on the floor beside me. Still in the box. Still with the same time on its face. Is this situation likely to change much? I really don’t think so.
So there the clock sits. Me mocking it and it doing what angry clocks do to people who don’t use them for what they were created to do. What angry clocks actually do to people who don’t use them for what they were created to do has never yet been noticed.
Am I afraid of what it could do to me as one of those people who don’t use clocks for what they were created to do? Not one bit. Clocks are only dangerous when you let them start ticking. Keep them quiet and they are no problem. And life is easier. I think.
Last night we were driving home in a traffic jam. Actually, it was more like we were creeping. Move 2 car lengths. Stop for 10 minutes type of deal.
Our city is small geographically but large when it comes to the numbers of cars. There are about 1.2 million people and about 350,000 cars and way too few streets. Evenings are a disaster if you have to get somewhere in a reasonable time frame (there’s that clock thing again).
After sitting and idling far too much our car decided to quit. Just like that. No warning. Just quit! And in the middle of an intersection! Nothing we could do but listen to the horns pleading with us to get going. The traffic was so congested we could not even roll the car out of the way. So we sat. Colleen was relaxed. Me? I was instantly immersed in sweat. I mean I was soaked in an instant of time. And embarrassed.
We contacted a friend who was not able to help us but he gave us the number of a mechanic. Hooray! But he couldn’t get through the traffic. So we sat. And listened to horns.
Do know how many different horn sounds there are? I should have kept track. My mind when to the possibilities. If I wanted to, and if I were a musician which my friends assure me I am not, I thought I could actually develop an orchestra of horns. If they could be organized into one cohesive group imagine the sound that could be made! Imagine. Perhaps, when someone got mad at you instead of using an angry tone you could turn on the Symphony of Horns. That’d help.
September 16, 2008
Some things are just stupid. I just don’t get some things. Maybe there is nothing to get.
I read about Damien Hurst the other day in Time magazine. He is an artist, apparently of some repute. Most of the reason he is famous, as far as I can tell, is he does “weird art”. Now, I know. most famous artists who go down in history have been viewed as being a little “strange”.
I don’t think Damien is strange. I think he is brilliant. In fact, the people who buy his works are the strange ones! I am of the opinion Damien understands how weird some people are and has developed a form of art they could somehow relate to. He is a modern day P.T. Barnham of Barnum and Bailey fame who is reported to have said, “There’s is a sucker born every minute.” (He wasn’t the one who coined that phrase, though. But that is for another blog). In fact, the piece I’m talking about is “designed all at once to beguile, flatter and parody” those bidding on it. In other words, Hurst is mocking them! Yet they buy it! How do you spell “stupid”?
So far his worth is estimated, prior to the auction, at $364 million. The auction is reported to have brought in another $127 million. Weird is expensive.
Anyway, it was reported that on September 15 and 16th (today!) Damien Hurst put 54 pieces of his art up for sale at Sotheby’s in London. One particular item, according to Ann Curry of TODAY, sold for $18,000,000.00. This is quite a significant amount of money. What did it buy? A genuine, though dead, white bull in formaldehyde! Now, granted, this was a special bull. It was put in a special case on a nice special stand called a “tall marble plinth” for nice special people. And, did I mention, its hooves and horns were covered in real 18 karat gold! As Time said, this “bull is truly a cash cow.” Hurst calls it “The Golden Calf”.
Like, I want that in my living room!
Of course, I suspect a lot of farmer/rancher types are out buying up the formaldehyde they can get their hands on. Forget oil! Formaldehyde is where it’s at! It might be a good idea to buy formaldehyde stock.
$18 million for “The Golden Calf” and a bunch of formaldehyde.
I’m sure you have a few questions about that.
September 10, 2008
I am sitting at my desk. On my left there is a window that gives me great view of much of downtown Panama City. Beneath window sits a clock. It is still in its box. THe time always stays the same: 10:10. It is not an expensive clock. I think we only paid about $10.00 for it. I say “I think” because I can’t remember what we paid for it.
The day be bought it we brought it home and put it beneath the window. It has stayed there. It only moves when I pick it up in order to sweep the floor. Then I put it back down in the same spot. I a clock had a heart and a mind it might be bored by now.
We have often said, “We need to put that thing up on the wall.” Our response is always the same, “I know.” Yet it stays on the floor proudly displaying the only time it has ever known: 10:10. At least it is consistent.
The clock looks good. It has an off-white face with black numbers. I like numbers on a clock. It takes the guess work out of telling time. It also features lines signifying minutes. You know the little dashes. It has a brassy, goldy, browny rim around the face.
The box it sits in is nice, too. I thought it was a pretty heavy duty box for an inexpensive clock. It’s very sturdy. It’s a taupe color. The company has its name on it. Something to do with Home Trends. Maybe I’m onto a new trend of not letting a clock rule my life.
Why don’t I put the clock on the wall? One reason really. I don’t want it to run my life! You see, as soon as I let those hands start their circular orbit I have to pay attention to it. Well, I don’t have to but that’s what happens when a clock is in the room. We look at it and govern our days by it. I prefer not to “owned” by a clock. These days I follow the rhythm of my body. When I need a break I take it. The clock doesn’t tell me what to do or when to do it. I kind of like it like that.
Right now I own it. It does what I tell it to do. Which is nothing. If it had a mind to tell me it might say it doesn’t appreciate my attitude. But so what! I’m the boss. I sit at the desk. It sits on the floor. I sit in a cushy chair. It sits on hard ceramic tiles. In a box. Doing nothing except reminding me I don’t want it running my life.
Will we ever put it up on the wall? I don’t know. It’s always 10:10. Besides, I enjoy life a lot more without the tyranny of the time clock.
August 29, 2008
I’m trying to figure out what my favorite thing is. You thought this was easy? Maybe for you it was. But for me, well, that’s a whole other ball game!
I started with hot dogs. All beef. Cooked really well. Dark, almost burnt, on the outside. I like them for a snack. I like them for breakfast. Loaded with ketchup, onions and cheese and potato chips on the side. They’re good anytime. When I was a teenager, I ate 15 at one sitting. And didn’t get sick of them. But sometimes, I make other culinary choices. So maybe hot-dogs are not my favorite.
I thought about reading. I love to read good books. I am particularly fond of history and biographies. It is my opinion I have become a bette person because of the books I’ve read. But sometimes, I choose not to read a book. So maybe reading may not be my favorite thing.
I thought about driving. I enjoy the activity I witness when I drive. People in their yards, animals in the fields. I love looking at the old farm houses and imagining what they were like in their heyday and how they represented the dreams of the occupants. But sometimes, I’m tired so I choose not to drive.
I thought about hanging out with friends. This is always a ton of fun! I really enjoy the laughs good friends can enjoy together. I like the fact good friends can share from their hearts and still be friends. I look forward to being with friends. But sometimes, I like to spend time with myself. Vegging. Doing nothing. Maybe watching a ball game.
I thought about sports and hobbies and a few other things. However, “But sometimes” would always seem to factor into the equation.
I still don’t know what my favorite things is. Maybe I will never know what it is. But I do know this: I love the search.
Maybe that’s my favorite thing? Just the search.
August 23, 2008
A jolt back to reality is good.
I have really been enjoying life lately. Lots to do. Enjoying doing it. Lots of laughs. Looking forward to the next thing. Satisfaction. This could last forever and I might not complain.
But then I read a quote from David Shields. That’s Shields with a “d”. He brought me back down to earth with a dose of reality.
He said, “The thing about life is we’re all going to die.” Now, we all know that that life is terminal. It is. Really.
This sounds sad. But I don’t think it is. You see, I’m not looking forward to death. I am looking forward to what comes after death! I’m even looking more forward to what comes after this life than I am about what is going to happen in this life. I am convinced that the life I now live is nice but it is not even worth comparing to the life I will live after I leave this mortal body. The future holds so much more promise. If this is the only life I was to to live that would be sad. If that were the case, to borrow a word from the Apostle Paul, I would be “pitied”.
I think the thing I hang on to in this life are the relationships developed over the years. You know, friends and family. Even the sentimental things like special days, dates, favorite vacations, pets and dreams of what I want to do in the future have a way of making me hang onto this life. Maybe hanging on a little tighter than I should.
I know I’m hanging onto things a little tighter than I should when I get angry as I consider the potential of losing them. That can apply to anything or anyone.
David Shields has helped me to reconsider life. As I have mulled around in my mind what he said I have to consider what I am living for. So, what am I living for?! Like really living for!
I don’t know if I appreciate that question. Primarily because I may not like the answer. To paraphrase the old Fram oil filter commercial: we can deal with it now, or deal with it later.
August 18, 2008
Moments are big deals. Moments are short. They are quick.
Moments change lives.
Moments just happen. Unannounced. They are serendipitous things.
They just happen.
Sometimes they don’t just happen. Sometimes they are not serendipitous.
Sometimes moments are planned. Ask Michael Phelps.
Phelps is the record breaking American swimmer who has set 7 new world records and won 8 Gold medals in the Olympics this month.
He has worked hard for these moments to happen. Setting goals and being driven enough to reach them. Years of determination and practice. I cannot imagine the sacrifices involved.
He almost didn’t set the record for the most Gold medals won.
It happened in the 7th race. The 100m Butterfly. On day 8 of the Olympics. If he did not win this race there would be no record of 8 Gold medals. He had to win this race if he was going to have a chance at 8. As a side bar: if he won 7 Gold medals the company who sponsors him was going to give him $1,000,000.00!! He could secure the cash with a win. There was a lot hanging on this one race.
As the swimmers were coming to the end of the race Phelps was trailing Milorad Cavic. It looked like Phelps was going to lose the race, the chance at the record of 8 Gold medals and maybe even the cool million dollars.
But in an instant, just the last few feet, he changed his stroke and his pace and won by 1/100th of a second. That equals about 3/4 of an inch or 2 cm. Not much of a difference between having a great Olympics and having the greatest of all time. 2 cm represented just a moment in time. But it was everything to Michael Phelps.
But this moment. None of Phelps’ moments came by accident.
He worked hard. Trained hard. Someone reported that in a week he would swim about 17,000 meters in order to accomplish these moments.
The thing I can’t get out of my mind though is that 2 cm. That was the difference between being great and being the greatest of all time. 2 cm.
What separates us from our goal?
The only difference between Phelps and Cavic that day was this: Cavic glided into the finish. Phelps, on the other hand, changed the strategy. Rather than gliding which would have cost him the race he took a couple of shorter faster strokes. That was the difference. One chose to stroke. The other chose to glide.
Is there “2 cm” of something keeping us from success?
Are we stroking? Or are we gliding?
And the “Moral of the story” is...?
July 23, 2008
John Francis is an interesting character. I was first introduced to him on flight from Dusseldorf Germany to Miami. Our conversation was mainly one sided as I was in seat 22H and John was featured in an article in the AmericanWay magazine. But I had to listen to what John was saying. And what he said was quite interesting. You learn a lot when one is forced to sit and listen (or just read).
John mentioned that he had been on a fast from speaking. For 17 years!!! He said it all started on his 27th birthday. He thought he would not speak for the day as a “gift” to himself and the town. He didn’t speak all day. He liked it so much he did it for a week. Then he stretched it out for 17 years. He says he slipped up only three times in those 17 years. It should be noted that during those 17 years he also earned a Master’s and Ph.D degrees. He even did T.V. interviews about his silence. Apparently he did not learn sign language. He was completely silent. Imagine no email. Just listening. No talking.
The over-all lesson he learned was he learned more when he was silent than when he was always engaged in conversation. Through the art of listening, John had discovered that he really had not been a good listener.
Now, I’m a preacher and am not even going to consider a 17 year vow of silence. Though I could start with 17 minutes....
I’m back. I’m waiting 17 minutes before I continued this conversation. It seemed like a long time. But during those 17 minutes I thought silence is not a bad thing. In fact, it might even be a good thing. The old Puritans thought so, too. They would engage silence as one of their spiritual disciplines and be silent for a specified period of time. It was felt they would be better able to hear God and to understand each other. You see, in listening you can’t get a conversation to center on you. It has to center on the other person. In listening you give others a sense of value and worth and they, in return, honor you for giving them undivided attention. The deal is this: in silence you often end up with the attention you’ve always craved. But it is positive attention. Not the negative “I want to avoid a conversation with him” type of attention.
Will I ever commit to a long stretch of silence? I don’t think so. But John gave me pause to consider how different life would be I listened a little more and talked a lot less.
And I can commit to doing that.
July 20, 2008
Just thought I’d get it off my chest.
I’M A LOSER!!
Always have been and always will be. One Big loser. I don’t know if I deserve to be on the reality series or not but I am an acknowledged loser. At a pastors conference the other day I introduced myself the following way: “Hello. I’m James G. and I’m a loser”.
And this does not depress me! Not in the least. In fact, to acknowledge this openly has only served to make me relax.
Before you start giving me tidbits of advice and offering up phone numbers of competent counselors let me say this: I am not depressed. I am not going to go to a counselor about it. And I am going to continue to feel this way. Because I chose to! So there!
What I am talking about may be slightly different from what you are currently thinking.
I’m talking about being like Jacob. Remember when he wrestled with God? He lost and yet he won. All at the same time. He was a huge loser!
I need a few more losses like that. You see, in God’s house of statistical data a loss is a win and a win is often a loss. IE. when God gets His way with me I lose and yet I win. When I ignore God and do my own thing or think my own way I win but ultimately lose.
Finally, I am beginning to learn these lessons. After almost 28 years in ministry. And 49 years of life. It’s o.k. to be a loser! To give into God and His design for me. Like Jacob did. As Carolyn Arends wrote, “Defeat at the hands of God is magnificent.”
So, in case you forgot who I am let me remind you. “I’m James G. and I’m a loser.”
July 14, 2008
It has been a while since our last chat.
Colleen and I have been in the country of Slovakia ministering to a gathering of Pastors and their families. We have had a great time and have learned to appreciate, once again, cultural differences. Some of these leaders we have known for a couple of years but most we were meeting for the first time.
At this conference it was thrilling, also, to talk to some about their experiences while their nation was still ruled by communism (prior to 1989).
I was elated to visit, for the first time ever, castles from the middle ages! This was very cool. I’m glad I live in these days. The “olden days” don’t hold much allure for me other than to analyze.
We are now spending a few days in Vienna before heading home to Panama. I am really missing our home. In the past two months I have only spent about 2 ½ weeks there.
It is quite strange to think of going home to Panama and not home to Canada. Strange. But loving it!
I could probably write a lot more but I find I am a bit tired from all the travel and preaching so am not as creative right now. However, contact me and ask me a question or two or make a comment and I’m sure my creative juices will start flowing again.
Talk to you in about a week.
June 11, 2008
I must be getting acclimatized. It was 31 degrees with high humidity and I thought it was a very pleasant day and cool enough to keep the A/C off.
It is good to become acclimatized. But not all acclimatizations are good. For instance, getting acclimatized to the ways of society is not always good.
I was reading where we are living in a “Post-Truth” era. Albert Mohler describes our time as the “Age of Dishonesty”. To use a boxing metaphor one writer said “honesty is on the ropes.” Another writer said, “It is a creeping assumption...that there are things more important than truth.” Really?
What has happened to us?
These days it seems as though we rationalize our lies so we don’t feel guilty. And because we don’t want to appear unethical we “devise alternative approaches to morality.”
Think of recent terminology. We don’t tell lies. We “misspeak”. We “exaggerate truth” (How can truth be exaggerated? If it is exaggerated then it is no longer truth. It is simply a lie). When confronted, people have said, “we exercised poor judgment”. I even heard one person describe deceit as simply putting a different “spin on truth”. Another said, when confronted, that they were simply expressing an “alternative reality”. Another coined phrase was “nuanced truth”. Years ago even before lying was cool the great Winston Churchill got into the act. He called it “terminological inexactitudes.” Cool terms. But in and of themselves devoid of truth.
I wasn’t aware that truth could have several spins. I though truth was a rather simple thing. No more apparently. Using fancy terms, though, does not nullify the facts. A lie is always a lie. It cannot be spun or nuanced away. And if lying is normal does truth become abnormal? Apparently. Certainly society seems to seems to approve this new morality.
Without honesty is society safe (think of any number of recent scandals)? If people aren’t truthful how can we trust anyone. If the lines between true and false are blurry then where can we find some clear vision?
As for me? I’m going to do the “Jesus thing”. I’m going to live in such a way that people can trust me. God help us all if we don’t.
June 8, 2008
I just have a simple thing to chat about tonight.
We’ve heard it said many times, particularly by those who are offended by my assertion that there is only one way to get to heaven and that way is through Jesus Christ.
Their argument goes this way: “all roads lead to Rome” or “there is more than one way to heaven” or “Christians are intolerant because they believe Jesus is the only way”. You’ve heard various renditions of the same theme. But these arguments seem to have an inherent flaw build into them.
The flaw is this: “If all roads lead to Rome” why is there a need for religion at all? For that matter why would we need Jesus? Specifically, what would be the point of Christianity? What would be the point of any religion?
The argument of the naysayers is that all religions are right. If that were, indeed, true then nothing is wrong, as all things would be, by definition, right. That being the case there is, then, no need for religion.
But there is a need for religion. Everyone has one. We follow something or someone or a philosophy. We are all seekers. We all want ultimate truth. We are born with this need. It is not just a part of our upbringing. It is a part of our inner being; It seems to be a part of our creation.
Some religion has to be right.
I simply believe Jesus is that ultimate truth. He is my road to heaven. And He is yours too.
June 4, 2008
I’m calling the cops!!! I don’t know what they’ll do but I’ll have made a statement. I’m calling the cops, on God!
Why?
Because He disturbs my peace!
I have a question. Why does it always seem I am being tested? Just when things are going smooth, the waves haves calmed and the sky is blue something happens that disturbs my peace. Do you dislike that a much as I do?
There is no question, God disturbs my peace! I learned it is seldom the devil who does it. The devil has to much to loose by disturbing my peace; like my spiritual maturity.
Why does God feel it so necessary to use obstacles to grow me? Are you like me and think there has got to be a better way? Given my propensity as a human to only grow when presented with an obstacle I have to admit there is probably no better way.
God still disturbs my peace.
Even when I seem to do everything right. Do devotions. Pray. Exercise the fruit of the Spirit. Don’t kick dogs or cats or flush fish...
God has a way of disturbing my peace.
Of course, if “my peace” doesn’t deepen me spiritually then it is a good thing God does disturb my peace. If “my peace” inhibits my spiritual growth then I suppose I should rejoice when He disturbs my peace. Ouch! I really would rather not rejoice at those times. But rejoicing does seem to be a proper biblical response. Double ouch!! The times when God disturbs my peace really reveal the depth of my spirituality. Lately, I have had to face up to how selfish and self-centered I am. No wander I would rather not have my peace disturbed.
What else have I learned from having my peace disturbed?
1. I have learned life is not about me and my peace. It is about God. His peace. And Him being glorified through me. And if the best way to reveal His glory is to disturb my peace then so be it!
2. If I handle it well I really do become a better and stronger christian and person. IE. He doesn’t do it to torment me but to grow me.
3. I learned it is seldom the devil who does it. The devil has too much to loose by disturbing my peace; like me maturing spiritually.
4. Colleen says I even become a better spouse. (All I can say is, she better not be asking God to do this! Two can play that game.)
There is no question God is into disturbing my peace. For His purpose to be fulfilled in me. I may not like it at the beginning but I like the result.
I won’t call the cops after-all.
To God: Keep disturbing my peace.
May 21, 2008
There are lots of them: integrity, compassion, tenacity, drive, respect, responsibility, commitment, people person, humility, caring, generosity, honesty, optimism, sense of purpose, high standards, leadership, fairness, enthusiasm...
We’re not done yet: work ethic, perseverance, good judgment, intellectual curiosity, risk taking, creativity...
Just a few more: empathy, team player, sincerity, sense of humor, determination and...
Finally: focus.
What is all this about, you ask? Maybe you aren’t asking but I’ll let you know anyway.
These words are excerpted from comments made by men and women who we would view as being among the top “movers and shakers” in our nation this year according to Toronto’s Globe and Mail newspaper. They viewed these personal character traits as being key to their success. I do not know how many, if any, of those interviewed are Christians but their thoughts provoked me.
What I find fascinating about this list is that these character traits could have been taken right from the pages of the Bible. The Bible talks about these all the time. Read a biography of a biblical character. Peruse Proverbs. Scan Psalms. Glance at Ephesians. Or Philippians. Everywhere you look you are captured by these traits.
Might this mean the Bible still has a lot to teach us about success?
Might it be wise to spend some time, each day, digesting what God says about life?
I am of the opinion that once the teachings of the Bible get into our spirit we begin to automatically live by those principles. The result? Success at life. In relationships. In business. Emotional, intellectual and spiritual health.
How do you start? Pick up the book!
April 18, 2008
Every now and again I start to wander about things. Here are todays wonderings:
I wonder if there is a correlation between the size of our mall parking lots and the size of our landfills?
I wonder if the friends we think we have are really the friends we do have?
I wonder if there is a direct correlation between frustration and waste in our lives?
I wonder why if we should spend more time dreaming our own dreams and less time dreaming others dreams?
I wonder why we pursue, so hard, that new “thing” when we know it will get old fast?
I wonder why we spend so much on something that we will sell at a garage sale?
I wonder why only 9% of evangelicals give 10% when 100% are supposed to?
I wonder why we strive to “keep up with the Jones’”? Do they care? Then who does?
I wonder what would happen if we spent less time worrying and more time thinking?
I wonder if blaming someone is worth it? Would simply solving the problem be better?
I wonder how much Adam and Eve spent on their wedding? Just thought I’d throw this in.
I wonder why we have to spend so much to celebrate something?
I wonder if I realize that I am the best in the world at something?
I wonder why we get so annoyed at difficulties when they are the very things that make us stronger? And better? And wiser? And...
I wonder how we can balance meeting our needs and meeting the needs of others?
I’m done for now.
April 12, 2008
I thought you might get a thrill out of knowing my daily schedule. No?
I’ll tell you what it is like anyway. Of course, it is totally different when I am away from home in a different country. At those times I have to yield to different schedules.
Here it is:
6:26--Wake up. This is a most pleasant exercise. Sometimes. I’m really not a morning person. Nor am I a night owl . I’m not really an afternoon person either. Perhaps I should just stay in bed. Colleen kicks me. I know it is time to get up. I do.
6:45----I pull on my de”stink”tive (it’s a stink I’m proud of though I find Colleen rubbing her eyes a lot when she is around me. I didn’t know stink had that kind of impact. I’ve thought of taking her advice and washing it from time to time. But I’m waiting for her to do it. She is waiting for me to do it. Who is going to blink first?) gym apparel, walk out the front door (actually our only door. But most morning I see two of them. Then I rub my eyes.) and take the elevator to the gym. Why not walk down? Walking is exercise, right? I am of the vaunted opinion that I get enough exercise just by thinking about it. Do you know how stressful it is to think about exercising everyday? And do you know how guilty one feels when you don’t do it? Of course you do. You don’t like to do it either. And you feel guilty when you don’t. That’s why I do it. To get rid of the guilt. If it wasn’t for that I’d have the right build that would have me in serious contention for the “Couch Potato Pageant” title.
8:00--Breakfast. This has to be good! Best meal of the day. My jaw needs exercise too. I am a preacher you know. But the exercise has drained me. I have never ever experienced that feeling of exhilaration from exercise. Where are those irrepressible endorphins that you are supposed to have running around in your system when exercising? I’ve never been introduced to them. In fact, I’m not convinced they exist! I want to go back to bed. Colleen has a “word” for me. I quickly emerge from the fog. I wonder what other people eat.
8:30--Prayer and the Word. This is what I look forward to. But like you, there are days when I struggle to remain alert. I enjoy my prayer list. I go through it systematically and also pray through various passages of scripture. Then I begin to systematically read through the scriptures. This is where I get energized. This is where I find those elusive endorphins. Maybe they’re Christian endorphins. Without this regimen I think I would really struggle in life. This is what gives me bounce. This is what gets me amped up. This is what drives the joy I am able to express. This is what drives every decision I make and gives me the confidence that I have made wise ones. This is as integral to missions as anything else I do. It might be the most important aspect. It is in this time I gain clarity from God and receive wisdom for the various situations I find myself and our missionaries confronting.
10:00--Now comes the thrill that everyone seeks. It is the beginning of the administrative day. I stretch out my fingers. Limber up my lips as I prepare to engage the activities of the day. Emails. Phone calls. And letters. Mapping out priorities and action steps.Touching base with churches. If an emergency occurs then everything gets left till the afternoon and, if necessary, tomorrow. Like me, do ever pray for an emergency? You see, reacting to an emergency doesn’t carry with it near the guilt of procrastination. Besides, handling an emergency well gives me a rush. There are those endorphins again! They are there hiding in the shadows somewhere. I just have to be involved in the right thing to get them charged up.
Noon--Lunch. This is another profound time. Really. It is one of those moments the Lord has given us to relax. To take a break. To enjoy a mini sabbath in the middle of the day. i don’t think it was an accident that we are made to desire food about this time of day. Even if one is not hungry it is important to stop anyway. Enjoy this moment. Yes, it arrives every day so it is easy to take it for granted. Don’t. Make it whatever you need it to be besides work. And don’t feel guilty about it. It is yours. Use it well. I don’t always do that. But I’m trying.
I’m getting tired about writing about my day. You’re probably getting tired of reading about it. So let’s call it quits. I’ll fill you in on the rest another time. I only have about fourteen hours to get psyched and excited about exercise. That isn’t long enough but it is all the time I have.
See you later.
April 10, 2008
We live in an interesting world. Not just due to the scenery but in how we engage it.
For the most part you would think we’d be happy taking our next breath, taking one more step, chewing down good meal prepared with love, having a comfortable home and enjoying good friends and family.
But no. I know we say these things content us. But no. I not not think they do. If we did find contentment in them, why do we change jobs just because we are offered more money? Why are most decisions we make governed by money? Why do we keep accumulating stuff? (We all know stuff doesn’t make us happy. We’ve all been there. Done that.)
Some of the most common statements I hear from people who have been on Short Term Mission trips are these:
• “I need to learn how to appreciate what I have”
• “I am angry. We have so much and others have so little.”
• “I’m going to learn to live on less.”
• “I am committed to giving more.”
The point is not missions. Nor is it practicing simplicity. Both these are good. And we need to be engaged in them. My point today is more personal. It is this: (and I wish I could remember who it was who said it, but I don’t.) “The more you get, the less you are.”
Think about it. “The more you get, the less you are.” You see stuff takes the focus off our inner life. In fact, we can make a pretty good argument of the fact that stuff helps us avoid confronting our inner lives. All the focus is on “me”. The outward “me”. The idea is that if the outward “me” looks good then the inner “me” is also good. We all know this to be a fallacy.
It is my opinion that “the less we have, the more we are.” I am not advocating a return to poverty or its exaltation. Far from it. I don’t think any of us should desire to live in poverty. But I say this because in having less we are unable to avoid confronting ourselves. We are unable to hide behind the mask that stuff so adroitly, and almost imperceptibly, puts on us. Maybe this is why the church fathers believed in living lives of simplicity, silence and solitude. It was a way to get the focus off stuff and onto God and the depth of our inner life.
I think the world would be a lot more interesting if we really would be happy to take our next breath, to take one more step, to enjoy every meal, to accept the blessing of your home and enjoy your friends and family.
“The more you get, the less you are.”
“The less we have, the more we are.”
Quite a pull. Which is going to win. One of them will.
April 3, 2008
“The good I want to do I do not do.” Those are familiar words. The Apostle Paul spoke them. I live them. Now before we all get too worked up and melodramatic and you spend these moments waiting to read some juicy bit of gossip about my life just understand this: I’m not talking about sin here. I’m talking about my lack of consistency with my blogging.
Blogging is a good thing. I even enjoy it. So why don’t I do it more often? There are a variety of reasons I suppose. But none of them are, necessarily, good reasons. Though at the time they seem good enough. Be that as it may, I’m back!
I actually should have blogged last week as it turned out to be a great week.
It began on Monday. It continues even today.
It all started when I thought [more specifically God planted the thought in my mind; my mind is fertile after all!] it would be a good idea to report to the Canadian Embassy that I am now living here and to give them my contact information. You do this in case something bad ever happens and they need to contact you. Like if a meteorite was ever to crash into Panama City and destroy it they would know I was a likely victim and they would search for me under the pile of rubble that currently looks very similar to a building and is my home. You see, there are practical reasons for our government to know where I am. Our government is a bit like a parent who wants to know where we are going, how long we are going to be there and what we are going to be doing when we are there.
Three times I tried to find parking in the building in which the embassy is housed. Each time I was turned out and each time I thought I should just go home and continue on with my normal work day.
But I kept sensing this inner compulsion to keep trying. So around the block I would go. In this case the block is huge and it would take about 15 minutes to get back to the embassy. I was making a serious commitment of time to this endeavor.
On the fourth effort, with still no parking, I decided to park in a spot that required me to walk a significant distance to the embassy. I didn’t mind as I felt compelled to be there. It really was an almost overwhelming sense. It was as though God had me on a mission. Indeed He did.
I noticed a couple on a motor cycle and they seemed to be in some degree of angst. I thought I would try to help them out if they were still there when I left the embassy. With complete calm I walked into the embassy only to find that motor cycle couple already there!! How that happened I do not know. All I know is that I should have been there first and I wasn’t. Maybe God did one of those fancy transporter moves that Philip experienced in the book of Acts chapter 8. It was very cool.
I listened to the conversation they had with the embassy people. No, I was not eavesdropping. It was a small room where everyone could hear everyones conversations. I hate those kinds of rooms. Ottawa should spring for some cash to make bigger rooms in our embassies. That’s what I think.
I discovered that this couple had lost or had stolen their passports, credit cards and money. They had lost everything of value. Being thousands of miles away from home they were in an unenviable spot.
To make a long story even longer I invited them to our home so they could make contact with their families back in Quebec and to contact various agencies to get the necessary documents to gain new passports and credit cards.
Jean Luc and Emelie, who are from Quebec, turned out to be a blessing for me. I was able to show them the kind of hospitality Jesus would show those in tough situations. Jean Luc admitted over diner one night that he is on a spiritual journey. What a privilege to help him along his journey by sharing my own journey of faith. For an entire week we shared and laughed and discussed.
I am so glad the Lord compelled me to go to the embassy that day.
This taught me, again, that little inconveniences are often part of God’s bigger plan. Now when an inconvenience happens I might want to remember not to get uptight or I might go home and miss God’s appointment. In missing His appointment for me I would also be causing someone else to miss His appointment for them. This would not be good.
Good morning cousin Lisa. I hope you have a great day with an inconvenience or two along the way.
March 20, 2008
I am not lying. I am not prone to lie. And I don’t care for those who do.
Here is my story.
I got home last Sunday in the early evening. I had been gone for about 9 or ten days and was eager to get home. All went well till I left Houston, Texas to go to Panama.
The trip began innocently enough.
I settled into a seat beside a 20-something brother and sister who were going to meet up with the rest of their family in Panama for Spring Break. All was good. We enjoyed each others company and had a few good laughs. We would have more.
Then we got our meal. Now, normally, meals are rather uneventful occasions on an airplane. Sometimes I eat. Sometimes I don’t. It depends on the mood and how long I’ve been sitting throughout the day. The ambience wasn’t good but the company was great. The food you ask. It was airline food. No need to expound more upon this “delightful” subject.
I looked at the platter jiggling on my fold-down tray in front of me. It looked reasonable. I thought I would indulge in the pleasant past-time of nibbling on airline food.
This is where the problem began.
Again, normally, I don’t play with my food. Moving it around on a plate and mixing it all together does not count as play! That is known as “plate couture”. What does that mean you ask. It just means I like to put a little pizzazz onto the plate before me. I like mixing colors and textures. I’m a bit of an artist when it comes to food. Not.
However, on this occasion, I was a bit bored with the food so I grabbed the container of yogurt. I do not even like yogurt. I learned not only that I don’t like it but I don’t know much about it either.
I figured I’d try it. I thought how bad could it be? It was a blueberry yogurt. I like blueberries. This was not the problem.
As I was pondering what to do with this gruel that poses as healthy food I found my self shaking the container of yogurt. I liked how it felt in my grasp so as I talked to my friend in the next seat I kept shaking it. I shook it a lot.
My friend feels the same way about yogurt so he was shaking his, too. As it turned out we shook our containers of yogurt quite a bit more than we should have. I didn’t know! He didn’t know! I never eat yogurt! Neither does he!
Now, I’m not much of a chemist. I had no idea how bacteria might react to my shaking it for so long. They never taught me what not to fool with yogurt in school. I don’t even remember having it back then.
I decided to dig in.
I took the container firmly in my left hand. Here is where the lesson began to take hold of me. I should have left that shaken container of heath food on my fold-down tray. I should have left it alone! I should not have shaken it! I should not have opened it! But I didn’t know that yet! Nobody had ever taught me how to deal with yogurt.
I continued in a state of ignorance.
With the container firmly in my left hand I took hold of the little aluminum tab on the lid. You know the kind. It’s there to help people open the lid and get at the yogurt.
There was no warning label.
Why would yogurt not come with a warning label? Other things have warning labels. I stopped at a bridge the other day with a warning clearly marked on it. It said, “Warning. Do not jump off this bridge.” I looked down about 150 feet. “Warning. Do not jump off this bridge.” 150 feet down! “Warning. Do not jump off this bridge.” No kidding! Hello! I did not need that warning!
But why is there not a warning label on yogurt containers?
I gripped the tab firmly. I peeled it back. As the seal was broken a trillion (give or take a couple hundred) bacteria bugs assaulted me! I felt like Gulliver in the land of the Lilliputians. As least my shirt was blue. Just like the yogurt. I was covered in critters that cannot be seen but are seen by everyone (this would make a good riddle)! I proceeded to wipe off my shirt. I shouldn’t have wiped. I should have dabbed. Anyway, I was a mess. As it dried the blue mess had become a white mess? I looked like a slob. Nowhere to hide.
My friend was still shaking his yogurt.
Apparently he knew even less about the chemistry of bacteria and yogurt than I did. As he leaned in my direction, He said how sorry he felt. It made me feel less embarrassed but not less foolish. It couldn’t happen twice.
He reached for his yogurt tab. BOOM! Microbes on both of us. This time I dabbed. He wiped. We both offered condolences.
Sometimes life’s like that.
I found life is a lot more fun when you live it with others. We walked off the plane proud. Smiling in fact.
Have fun with life. It’s worth it.
By the way, don’t shake yogurt!
March 18, 2008
I’m nervous. Confident. But nervous. No doubt about it.
The reason is the huge vision we have received from God regarding Latin America and Caribbean. It is so big that God has to be the one to do it. The fact God has to be involved is good. But it is also so far beyond me that the whole enterprise makes me nervous.
Don’t confuse nervous with fear. I’m not afraid that the vision will not come to pass. My concern centers entirely on me. I know I do not have the ability to “pull it off”. It may sound trite but I am totally dependent upon God for the outcome of the vision. And that is uncomfortable as He may “do the vision” a bit different from the way I would. Only He can deliver the process and the product.
I suppose I’m nervous because it is totally out of my control. Do you ever feel nervous when something is out of your control?
But isn’t this the time I should be most calm and confident? You ask, “Why?” Because when I am out of control God is in control. When I am weak He is strong. Seems we have heard that somewhere before.
So, I’m nervous. What will the next fews years look like for us. But, I suppose, what it looks like to us is not as important as how it looks like to God.
I just realized, again, this is a great time to check out if I really do trust God. In all things.
I believe. Confident. Believing. No doubt about it.
March 16, 2008
Life got more interesting this morning.
It started when I read an article asking how we would describe our life if we were alloted the grandiose total of 6 words. Just six words! Think about it. When we think of our life we usually think in terms of a book, a movie or a nap. But never 6 words.
So, if you only had 6 words what would they be. I’m going to muse upon this for a while and see what I can come up with. In using just 6 words can I sum up my life in a way that people will have an understanding of who I am?
Now that I think of it God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit have all done a remarkable job of this.
Any of these ring a bell?
alpha and omega
bright morning star
I Am
wonderful counsellor
prince of peace
comforter
redeemer
Putting it another way: God. This one word kind of sums things up.
Or to put it another way: Jesus Christ. These two words sum things up quite well too.
Putting it still another way: Holy Spirit. Again, a great summation of a grand subject.
It doesn’t take much to describe God. Now, thinking of all the nuances involved in our description of Him is another thing altogether.
Since I am so much less than God I should be able to figure out how to describe my life in 6 words or less.
I’m going to try. It should be a fun exercise.
March 10, 2008
The airport blues. I wrote this “wonderful” tune over the course of 2 1/2 weeks.
Drive. Walk. Stand in line. Wait. Walk. Stand in line. Wait. Walk. Stand in line. Walk. Wait for boarding. Wait for take-off. Sit a long time. Walk. Stand in line. Wait for baggage. Stand in line. Walk. Drive. Strange bed. Weird sounds. Fitful sleep.
As you can tell from the above paragraph travel is exceptionally exciting! Not. If you figure out a real tune for this paragraph let me know. We’ll call it a collaboration and maybe get rich off of it.
Well, apart from the obvious excitement involved traveling does have its joys. I enjoy meeting missionaries I have never known before. I enjoy seeing projects that impact lives. I enjoy seeing how a partnership with churches in Canada works in different countries. I enjoy tasting food that makes you nervous. Sometimes I seem to make the food nervous; it seems to vibrate for no reason. At such times I give thanks (the Bible seems to say something about that), look away from the food, place it in my mouth. Take one or two chews then swallow, hoping I do not feel something march up the length of my throat and then out into the big world beyond my teeth.
Travel is good. It’s fun. It’s beneficial and part of God’s task for me. I am forever grateful for it. Except for the stuff in the first paragraph. But then I am reminded I am to be thankful for everything.
Even the airport blues.
February 19, 2008
For 213 pages Charles Handy, one of today’s great managerial thinkers writes about Myself and Other More Important Matters. Now, I haven’t read the book so I really shouldn’t make any comment but, come on, nobody can pass on a title like that! Of course, the title can be taken a couple of different ways. One view is that he understands other matters as being more important than himself. The second view is that he sees himself as more important than most other matters. Which of these thoughts are accurate depends on which syllable one puts the emphasis.
Again, I have not read the book so shouldn’t make a lot of comments. But I will anyway. “Why?”, you ask. To which I reply, “Why not?” Obviously, with a title like that Charles wants some discussion.
I’m in the mood to be cynical so I choose to believe the second view of the title. That being the case, if nothing else, I like the man’s honesty.
In reality, though, this reminded me of the fact we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we aught. At least that is what Paul said and I tend to believe that Paul got most things right. I find it is hard to live as though others and their issues are more important than me and mine. As usual, I’m trying to get it right. I get it right. Then I fail. Fail again. Get it right. Get it right. Get it right. Fail again. Fail. Get it right again. And again (by my count that is 6-4). As least I’m getting ahead and doing some conquering.
Of course, you know this means everything I do has do be done from the mindset that God actually cares about how I live my life. And He does! Not because He likes looking over my shoulder and criticizing me and the odd time encouraging me. He cares about how I live because the way He wants me to live is the best way to, in fact, live! Living the way He wants me too actually brings me a sense of contentment. You see, when I think of myself in a right manner I’m not worried about “me and mine”. I am more concerned about others and God.
So, it is a matter of where my eyes and thoughts are. Where are they?
February 13, 2008
I am all for learning. Lifelong learning. Stuff that makes you a better, stronger and motivated person.
Some things, though, aren’t worth learning. For instance, today, I learned that it is considered lucky in Venezuela to wear yellow underwear. I was never taught, ever, that underwear could be lucky. I was taught that it should be clean. But lucky underwear. That was never talked about. Not even inferred. If yellow underwear is lucky then I am without a doubt determined to be the most unlikely guy to ever experience this nebulous thing called luck. Lucky yellow underwear. I have learned a lot of stuff that I have not since used. I have learned a lot of stuff that could be termed irrelevant. Only on occasion does one have the privilege of learning something totally useless. Lucky yellow underwear, though, might qualify.
Today we were awoken by lots of shouting and the shooting of tear gas containers. There was a minor riot going on. A small contingent of riot police were there and we were barricaded in our condo. Little damage was done though I am sure there were some frayed nerves. It all took place on the roadway directly beneath our condo. We were able to get some video of it and experience the sting of tear gas in our eyes and noses as the smoke from the tear gas containers rose to the height of our condo. I’ll try to get the pictures downloaded so you can see it and hear my commentary.
One of the good things about getting older is that you don’t eat as much. In my way of reasoning this means that I should not lose weight or, at least, it should be easier to lose. I have discovered, to my chagrin, that this is not the case. This is part of lifelong learning.
Talk to you again soon.
February 6, 2008
It seems to me that bugs are afraid of heights.
I hadn’t really thought of this bit of biological/neurological/psychological bug behavior before. In fact, I never really cared what bugs thought about life.
I was focused when it came to bugs. I didn’t like them! Period. Full stop. Mine was a “can’t be convinced otherwise” kind of dislike of bugs.
They (these bugs) tried to convince me otherwise. They would show their fancy colors. Do cool things that only bugs cold do. But, still, my dislike and disregard held true. I did not like bugs!
My attitude may be changing. Why? Because it appears they don’t like heights. At least, since we moved to Panama this observation seems to be true. And because we live on the 17th floor of a condo complex I have not been bothered by any of them. Nor them by me. Now, though, I feel a bit sorry for them! I still don’t like them. But It seems they do possess a degree of fear. This is welcome news to me. For my entire life it didn’t appear to me that bugs had any fear. Check your windshield on a summer drive through the country. They seemed not to fear a careening 3000lb bucket of bolts, cloth, glass, plastic and steel hurtling itself toward them. They seemed eager to jump up and face this rather large intruder in their world. Fear is not one of the things I had associated with bugs. Think the tiny bedbug. They are barely noticeable yet they curl up beside you, or on you, without the least fear that I could roll over and squash them like a…well, a bug. “No fear”. This was part of a bugs character before it ever became an advertising slogan. “No fear”. That applies to every bug I know. Except now. At least in Panama they seem to have lost some of their swagger. Their self confidence seems to have taken a hit here. Where is their cockiness? I don’t know why they don’t like heights here. All I know is that I am happy for me. And I feel kind of bad for the bugs. But not bad enough to pray fearlessness into them. I kind of like the way things are. I hope they stay this way. Me up high and bugs down low.
This leads me to one more thought about bugs.
I don’t trust them! Do you think this fear of heights thing is just a ruse? A way to get me to relax before the attack? The calm before the storm?
I’ll let you know as time goes on. In the meantime, I am on the alert. For bugs. Bugs of any kind.
February 1, 2008
It would appear that we have settled into our new home in Panama. It took us a while but we are finally in. The only thing we have to do now is set up my office and get a few aesthetic things for the walls. Now, these walls are a bit of a challenge. THey are solid concrete! So putting up a picture is no simple deal. I have to get the right drill bit. Drill a hole. Then get a bigger drill bit and repeat the procedure until the hole is the desired circumference. I had never broken a sweat putting up a picture before. I do now!
The traffic here is a bit much at times, as it is most places outside North America. They are quite courteous but there are so many cars in such a confined space that there is nothing to do but creep along. A simple errand can turn into an ordeal. Right now we are trying to figure out when is the best time to go on errands. Of course, everyone else is doing the same thing so, at the end of the day, it won’t make much of a difference. We just have to get used to it and use travel times as “relax moments”. This may take some effort!
I just got back from Cuba a couple of days ago. While there I met with the national church leaders and laid groundwork for future relationship with them. In just a short time I felt a real sense of compassion for the people as they are still in a nation where it is not popular to be a Christian. In fact, the current leaders have been persecuted for their faith throughout the years. Their perseverance, though, has helped them gain a level of respect from the government that they have not seen since Castro’s revolution in 1959.
It would be wise to keep them in your prayers.
Be alert for some videos and picture I will put on the website from Cuba! I will get them on as quick as I can. I know this is a simple procedure. But remember I am not a technological genius. In fact, I’m doing well to do word processing. How about praying that God would give me great ability as a “techie”. I’d appreciate that.
I have been called to run an errand.
Talk to you again.
January 23, 2008
Still getting the condo ready for our occupancy. It is a lot of work but Colleen really enjoys it as it involves shopping and spending. Those two have become more than passing acquaintances with my wife. In fact, they have become her companions.
It looks like we will be spending our first night in the condo on the 24th! This is definitely exciting.
We are still working on getting a mortgage. Everything, about a mortgage, seems a bit convoluted here. As such, it may be a couple more months before things are finalized. In the meantime...we are still able to live in what will be our condo. Sound strange? Don’t worry about it. It works.
I was reminded the other day about the Tommy Tenney book which was published a number of years ago. You know, the one called Pursuing God, or something to that effect. That title still bugs me. Especially when I stumble upon Psalm 46:10 when enjoying my devotions. I’m not sure God is always into us pursuing Him. The whole pursuit thing, though, certainly appeals to our generation: go, go, go, don’t stop till you get what you want, when you get what you want keep going and get something else, etc. Our generation doesn’t seem to be into the contentment teaching. It is all about pursue, pursue, pursue!
But, on the other hand, I think we need a rear end collision with God from time to time! What do I mean? Just this. We need to learn to stop! To stop short! To stop on a dime! To stop now! After a lifetime of having to chase us our “stop!” might surprise God enough that He runs into us. He is kept so busy chasing us that He might not notice when we stop abruptly.
On the other hand, (how many “hands” are there? I promise this is the last.) I actually don’t think God is taken by surprise in anything we do. And He certainly isn’t klutz enough to run into us! You know what I think? Do you want to know? No?! Well, I’ll tell you anyway. I think He does watch us. He sees our pursuings. And He just watches and waits. And He invites. Invites us, when we get tired of all our pursuings, to come to Him and rest. To let Him handle our lives for a change. Actually, hard as it is to believe, He is a lot better at it than we are. How am I doing this? I try to deliberately stop and pray and/or read the Bible when I feel as though I am overwhelmed. Why do I do this? Because, it is “reckless” decision to simply trust God. It is saying, I am not in charge. But God is. Does this actually work, you ask? Only if I let it.
That’s something I have been relearning the last while. Eventually it will sink in. I hope!
I’ll talk again soon.
January 16, 2008
Colleen and I are sitting at the Saskatoon airport awaiting the call to board. The last couple of days have been the quintessential "agony and ecstacy". We have said all our good-byes to family and friends which was really hard as we don't really know the next time we will be with them. Then last night we said good-bye to our kids and our new granddaughter. My heart was in my throat all evening long. It was a very emotional time for all of us. Though I think it is good for our son, Josh, to finally be free from our "shadow". Are we ever going to miss them!!!!
It was cool, though, being in our last Saskatchewan blizzard yesterday. I enjoy blizzards and will actually miss experiencing them. Will I ever experience another one? I hope so.
The boarding call has been heard. See you in a few weeks.
January 13, 2008
Remember this one thing: death is always fatal!! I’m not sure where that came from but it can’t be original as I’m not quite that bright. Go ahead and think about it for a while if you like. If you don’t like it, it won’t hurt my feelings.
Today was a great day. I had the privilege of dedicating our grand-daughter, Taija-Lynn Arvada to the Lord. It is a wonderful privilege to dedicate any child to the Lord but it is especially poignant when it is one’s own grand-daughter. After the dedication I was able to hold her for most of the rest of the regular service. She is precious and I enjoy coddling her.
Finally!!!!! We are leaving for Panama on Wednesday morning. It has been a long wait but we are really excited about it and are eager to get into our new home and paint it and fill it with furniture. We have to buy everything as we are only bringing two suitcases each to start our new life in a strange nation. We actually think this is kind of exciting. We will find certainly find out if this is the case. Now we just pray that there are no surprises when we get there.
All this means, of course, is that you get a reprieve from my ramblings on this blog. I suspect it will be a couple of weeks before we can get hooked up to the internet in Panama. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to pray for us. We really appreciate the effort you put forth in this area and we do not take it for granted.
Now it is time to get back to choosing what to bring and what to leave behind. If it won’t fit into the suitcase it isn’t coming! This has really helped us to simplify our lives. It is interesting how little you actually need when you are limited as to how much you can carry in a couple of suitcases and carry-ons.
We have been staying with good friends while in our period of transition. They have been very kind toward us, as have their children. It must not have been easy to have their personal space invaded for such a long time. You don’t know their names but pray that God would bless them abundantly for their selfless sacrifice.
Tomorrow night we say good-bye to our family. Certainly everyone has been preparing for this inevitable moment, but it is still hard. I’m not sure what else to say about that. It is just hard.
I’ll talk to you from Panama!
January 7, 2008
I think I was a good son the past 10 days. You see, my Dad wanted to go out to Kelowna, B.C. to visit his oldest sister. She is losing her memory and Dad wanted to see her while she is still able to carry on a reasonable conversation. I didn’t feel comfortable with Dad driving through the mountains so I volunteered to be his chauffeur.
I had never spent this much solo time with Dad ever! It turned out that we had a good time together. We didn’t harm each other and we still like each other. I am glad I took this time or I might have lived to regret not doing it.
The result was that I had a great 10 days with my Dad. And with some cousins I hadn’t visited with for many years. I discovered it is a good thing to get in contact with family. Even if we haven’t been together for years. I regret not making more of an effort to connect with my extended family when we have been in their neck of the woods. I think I have missed some significant growth moments because of it. Don’t we all wish we were better in this area. Or maybe I’m the only one who feels this way. But I doubt it.
Well it looks as though we may be able to fly to Panama sometime in the next 7-10 days. We can hardly wait. Please continue to pray that there would be no more delays as it imperative that we get there.
I got a “Grandpa fix” tonight! It felt good to hold Taija-Lynn in my arms and have her relax and then fall asleep. These are great moments and quite difficult to explain. All I know is that, like the old Tim McGraw song, “I like it, I love it, I want some more of it”.
Life is cool! I’m glad i’ve got one. See you later.
December 29, 2007
Did you enjoy Christmas? I did. I found it relaxing. But I didn’t find it to be refreshing. I was hoping it would leave me feeling more energetic but, I think, with all the other issues swirling around us right now--moving, waiting on authorities in Panama to furnish documents, etc, etc.--feeling refreshed was only an ideal that is slightly out of reach right now.
Having said that, though, it was great being with family and friends. Lots of laughs and moments of seriousness.
Christmas eve was wonderful as we engaged in our traditional fondue with our son Josh, our daughter-in-law Tyla and grand-baby Taija-Lynn Arvada. Part of the festivities included transferring a family heirloom to Joshua. The heirloom is a ring which is to be given when the firstborn has their first child. I had the good fortune to have had it for 22 years. I had written a letter, which is part of the ceremony, describing the importance of this ring and the significance attached to it. I found it all quite moving.
Finally got some word from the Panamanian authorities yesterday. It looks like everything regarding immigration and housing should be finalized by the end of next week. This provided me with a great sense of relief! Colleen and I can hardly wait to get going in order to set up our own home once again. We are excited about painting and decorating and furnishing the condo. It is as though we are starting fresh as we have nothing to put in it at this time. Thankfully, we had put aside some money from the sale of our other furnishings so we have money to purchase the new stuff. It would be a real pain to move to a new country and have nothing to put into our new home.
I leave tomorrow with my dad, Bill, for Kelowna B.C. His oldest sister is not doing well and Dad would like to visit with her for a few days. Since I don’t feel comfortable letting Dad drive through the mountains at his age and at this time of year I thought it wise to take him myself. It would appear that life has progressed to the point where we children have to begin to give practical care to our parents. I am looking forward to this trip as Dad and I have never spent this much time together. I hope we still like each other at the end of it.
Thank you for praying for us. We know your prayers are effective and we cherish them. Please continue to pray that our transition would be smooth and the cause of much joy.
See you in a few days.
December 21, 2007
I’m a bit nervous today. We are still waiting to get things all together for our move to Panama. This process has been a bit frustrating to say the least. Our cultural context says we stay in contact until every thing is finalized. On the other hand, their cultural context says: don’t worry about it. It will all get done in due time. I would suggest they are equally as nervous and frustrated by me as I don’t always wait for them to get back to me. So we’re even.
This is called the Class of the Cultures. While it makes me a bit nervous and creates a little bit of frustration it is also the thing I like about working in a foreign culture. I appreciate the differences that exist between “us” and “them”. I find it fun to engage another culture. In saying that I am not insinuating that I would desire to abandon, completely, my culture as I kind of enjoy it. It is what I’m used to. “What I’m used to” is what makes my culture attractive to me in the first place. There is a certain comfort in “same old same old”.
I just think it is good to get stretched a bit from time to time through the simple act of engagement with another culture. I have found in doing this I have an ability to look at life from a different perspective; it helps me to engage the little things along the way.
Culture is a good thing. It is also a bad thing. It is good in that is gives us our moorings but it transgresses when we make it “Lord”.
I am not at all sure why I got off on this topic. I was going to say something nice and Christmasy. But that would be cultural.
I wonder what life would be like if we did one thing per day that was outside our cultural norms.
You can ponder that over Christmas. Enjoy unwrapping your gifts!
By the way, today is the Equinox, isn’t it? Every culture recognizes this.
See you soon.
December 20, 2007
Hey, welcome back!
I heard a phrase the other day that got me thinking. It was this: “…that was the last thing on my mind.” It compelled me to ask myself the question, “What if the last thing on my mind was really the last thing, literally, on my mind?” Would it embarrass me? Would it honor my family, friends. Forget about them! Would it honor God?!
God gave us an incredible mind. Do I want to live as though the last thing on my mind was “fluff”? Now, I’m certainly not wanting to subject ourselves to living lives that would imply we go around with dour looks upon our faces. The envy of every sour pickle.
I believe God also created us to enjoy fun. And a lot of it. He does say in one of the Proverbs that laughter does good like a medicine. We need to “pop” some of that stuff into our systems in a hurray! But having fun, laughing and enjoying life is not “fluff”. It’s the stuff God wants in our lives. It is part of His imagine. I believe God is fun. But I also know He is pretty serious. I feel God made fun to be serious business. IE. He wants us involved in it!
What I’m trying to say is that I just don’t want “fluff” to dominate my mind. And I certainly would not desire it to be the “last thing on my mind.”
I am going to guard my mind just a little closer in the future.
December 16, 2007
I am sitting in the cabin of a good friend. It is snowing outside, cold and barren. It is a melancholic type of day. But I get to watch a ton of football which seems to me to be a worthwhile situation. Why would people not want to watch football? Only a true football fan understands this question.
Of course, you may be wondering where I have been the past couple of weeks or so. I made the promise to myself to keep up to date with this blog. However, as good as my intentions have been it, obviously, has not happened. To begin with (enjoy my excuses, as poor as they are), I am still distracted with this whole grand parenting thing. It is easy to procrastinate when the choice is doing a blog or holding a grand-baby. Secondly, we have been travelling a bit but that really isn’t a good reason. Thirdly, last Monday I was admitted to the hospital for major surgery and am in recovery mode. This is why we are at our friend’s cabin. It is the first time I have had major surgery and been under general anesthetic. I was not ready for how long it actually takes to recover. I thought I would be “back at it” in just a couple of days. Was I ever mistaken! Thankfully, the Christmas season is not too busy for me. Mainly I just feel weak.
I am a bit frustrated in that some of our paperwork still has not been completed for our transition to Panama. I’d appreciate if you would pray that things would get sorted out quickly so our arrival in Panama would not be to any great degree. I know, from experience, that the legal machinations go a little slower than we are used to in Canada. I am continuing to learn patience. This seems to be a life-long pursuit for me. (It seems you are involved in a similar pursuit as you patiently await the writing of these blogs).
Meanwhile, in between plays I am looking outside at the snow falling. It really is a pretty day.
Talk to you soon.
November 26, 2007
It’s all about the money! Missions that is. This sounds like heresy and, if taken out of context, it is. People are the real issue. But the reality is simple. It takes money to do missions. It would be great if it didn’t but that is not anywhere close to reality.
As I go about fundraising this money thing is an issue.
It costs to feed the poor. It costs to clothe people. It costs to dig wells. It costs to do training. And it costs to put missionaries on the ground.
Is there anything we can do without money or some kind of exchange mechanism? I’m not sure there is. If you find something let me know about it.
Money is a big deal. But people are a bigger deal. That is why I don’t struggle in asking for money to accomplish the task to which God has called Colleen and me. Money is simply a means to accomplish holy ends for a holy God.
Of course, there has to be a compelling reason for people to commit themselves to giving. I think we have one. In fact, when you look at our website I think you’ll see a number of compelling reasons. Look over our seven priorities and ask us to answer any questions you may have. We’d be happy to take the time. And I also believe people give when they know the money they give is handled with integrity. I’m grateful for the built-in checks and balances the PAOC has put in place for us.
So, I’m asking you to be involved in our ministry through your generous financial giving and prayer. You would be surprised how much can be accomplished when people respond to the urging of the Spirit. Thanks for taking the time to consider what God would have you do for Him and for His people.
In the meantime, keep being a vessel of grace.
November 24, 2007
In a moment of revelation I piped up, “I’m not a supermodel”! I know this be somewhat surprising to many of you. In response, my wife, Colleen, curiously said, “Really?” (you should have seen her quirky grin) I get what she was (or wasn’t) saying. Now I’m thinking my wife is supposed to be my greatest supporter. I told her so. But she retorted, “I can’t lie”. I told her I’m not asking that she lie. She gave me a quizzical look and I figured I best detour from the conversation. I told her she could have boosted my ego by saying, “Oh, but you are. You are my supermodel!” Actually, that wouldn’t have worked as I know she’d have been faking it. But I digress.
My statement was all taken out of context. I meant I wasn’t a supermodel. IE. I model Christ. I model the fruit of the Spirit. I model being a father and a husband. But my intent was to say that I’m not the best at it. That I fail. I struggle. One moment I’m on the top of my game, the next I’m in the midst of a disaster of my own making. I suppose I’m better than some and worse than others.
Anybody find it stressful being a consistent model of Christ? It could be said it shouldn’t be stressful as it is the normal way to live a life that is under the control of the Spirit. That may be true. In fact, it is true. But it can be stressful to live in constant vigilance of my conduct and attitude. Wouldn’t it be easier to have a care-less attitude? To not care who you offend? It might be easier but it wouldn’t be good. I think I might offend so many people I’d not have many friends. This would be a real disaster! We need friends. I need friends. In fact, I kind of like friends. They have tendency to add value to my life I otherwise would not experience.
It is stressful trying to live the life of a supermodel. And I may not be, very often, super at it. But I am a model. I know people look to me for insight, not always in what I say but in how I live my life. People look to me as an example. And why not? After all I do claim to be a follower of the Christ. So they have a right to expect something of me and I have a corresponding responsibility to show them something concrete about what a Christian looks like.
The end result of my stress in being seen as a supermodel is this: I tell myself, “Suck it up, princes!” The Christian life is not a call to a shallow life based upon what is comfortable or easy for me. It is all about being Christlike. It is all about being a supermodel. Sure, I fail but my goal is to be super. Isn’t this modeling thing a Call? Isn’t it a response to the gift of life Christ gave us when we received Him into our lives?
The deal is this: I often feel stressed about being a supermodel when my eyes are on me. On the other hand, when my life is centered upon Christ I find it is a privilege to emulate the Christ. Stressful? No. Tough? Sure, because my human nature makes it a stretch at times.
I don’t condemn myself anymore for faltering. Neither do I wish to be released from the privilege and responsibility of being a supermodel. My task is to be the best imitation of Christ I can be. Let’s help each other out.
Talk to you in a few days.
November 21, 2007
My life has changed! Increased actually. Exponentially. It all happened yesterday at 5:02 a.m. in Saskatoon at the Royal University Hospital. Taija-Lynn Arvada Guskjolen came into the world! As you remember from my last blog I wasn’t sure how I would respond. I knew what I was supposed to feel from what others had said. Well, I was surprised at how emotional I was when our son Joshua gave me the call. I got all choked up!
I was in Ottawa so I got the earliest flight back. Colleen picked me up at the airport and hustled me off to the hospital. When she picked me up at the airport I said, “Hi Grandma.”This was so cool. When I got to the hospital all I could do was stare at and hold Taija-Lynn and say, thanks, to Tyla and Josh.
Of course, Taija-Lynn is gorgeous!
One of the shocking thoughts that came into my mind as I held Taija-Lynn was this: she does not belong to Colleen and me. She is part of our legacy but she is not ours. Our responsibility toward her is simple: to cherish and to mentor. We are looking forward to this privilege. May God help us to do it well.
We are now going back to the hospital to spend the day as a family. Wish you were there! Actually, not!
Talk to you again in a few days.
November 17, 2007
Got word yesterday that Tyla, our daughter-in-law will give birth to our 1st grandchild on Monday. To use an old word that is familiar to some of us who lived through the 60’s and early 70’s: this grandparent thing is “groovy”. I know that makes me sound like a nerd but big deal, grandparents get to be goofy from time to time. In reality, I don’t really know what to think of being a grandparent. I know what I’m supposed to think and feel because others have told me. But I don’t know. I’m guessing that when I hold the baby for the first time something “deep” will happen and then I’ll know what every other grandparent means when they say it is the greatest thing in the world. I’ll let you know in a few days how things go.
There are two things I’d love to be able to do: 1) sing very well and 2) be a comedian. But there is no chance! So let’s stop the discussion now and move onto something with a measure of realism attached to it shall we. Thank you.
Is it just me or do you feel the same thing, too? I’m talking about a mixture of confidence and insecurity. One time I feel confident. The next I can feel insecure, and for no apparent reason. Why is that? I know one thing: it bugs the daylights out of me. (How about that phrase!? Thankfully, we know what it means because we have grown up using slang phrases like that but think of the poor immigrant who hears that phrase. I can just imagine them getting out their English dictionary and try to figure it out.) I suppose I have to grow in the confidence that God has uniquely gifted me and I don’t have to be shy or nervous when I know He has something He wants to say through me. It bothers me that I am 48 years old (I’ll be 49 on January 1st) and still having to deal with this stuff.
I think life is good! And I’m glad to be a part of it.
I’m going to hit the hay (another phrase to drive immigrants crazy).
Talk to you again.
November 8, 2007
Good intentions. Bad results. I’m talking about my original intentions of maintaining my blog 2 times per week. I have failed miserably. Part of the difficulty is that I’m driving a ton of miles and staying in places with no connection to wireless. Often when I have time it is late at night and, by then, I’m way too tired.
This week I’ve been meeting with friends and leaders all through northern Alberta. People have been really receptive of our ministry and many have decided to support us. This is great news as we are leaving for Panama at the end of next month.
The Lord is building our ministry even though we are not yet in Panama. Various aspects of our 7 Priorities (you can see them on our homepage) are already coming together. Connections with many other ministries are being made. We are developing relationships with leaders in both the spiritual and secular realm. This is exciting news!
Let’s get something straight. As in the last paragraph most of us talk about work as being secular or spiritual. I think we have to change that way of thinking. It is my belief that everything we do whether “secular” or “spiritual” is holy. We do it as unto the Lord. Therefore, our work, whether we are in vocational ministry or working in a secular context is always spiritual. How would it affect us and our workplace if we really believed we were doing spiritual work in a secular context?
Hurricane Noel was really devastating. I can’t imagine living through something like that. Having to scramble to higher ground or climb to roof-tops is beyond my understanding. I’ve never had to do it. Nor do I want to. My heart goes out to those who experienced this devastation and are now working at unscrambling their lives. I’ve been in contact with some of our contacts who lived in the path of the hurricane. They say we can’t imagine the devastating effect it has had on the population. They are telling me it will take months to recover and get back to some sense of stability. Pray for their efforts and for those who have, quite literally, lost everything. And they have no way to replace it. What would it be like to literally lose everything?
I read a statement a few years ago that continues to impact me. The pulse of the statement refers to my relationship with those who live in poverty. The statement is simple: “Their Reality is Our Reality.” I have mulled that statement over many times and I keep coming back to the truth that what happens to others is my responsibility. I am “my brother’s keeper”. I am learning that what happens to the disenfranchised is something I need to deal with. This is hard because I don’t always find that easy. I probably never will. But I do know this: what I do to, and for, the disenfranchised I also do unto Christ. Another question: How am I going to live if I really believed: Their Reality is Our Reality”?
Till next time, be a vessel of grace.
October 22,2007
Is busy good or bad? Maybe it is neither. But one thing I know for sure is that busyness seems to be here to stay and it doesn't really care what we think about it. Why am I discussing busyness? Because I think I have been busy the past while. In fact, this past month I spent almost 2000 minutes on the phone and several weeks on the road. I felt like a real road warrior! Rather than feeling weary it actually energized me in that I was able to talk to people about my burden for missions and minister to many of their needs as well. It was good to give and to receive. What a privilege to share in the work of the Lord.
I also felt grateful for the family of God. I caught myself thinking that no matter how far I was from home I was never far away from people I could count on. You see, in driving around I was glad for all the churches I saw. Why? Because if something went wrong and I was stranded I knew I could call on somebody and receive help. This makes for stress free travel! I discovered that when a Christian is stranded they are never really stranded.
We continue to focus on fundraising and all that entails. Some days seem to surpass our expectations. Others seem somewhat less than exhilarating. But in them all we feel the very real presence of Jesus as He directs our steps and gives us favor with those we talk to.
Colleen and I are getting really excited about moving to Panama. God has given us a clear understanding of what He desires to do through us (see our home page and our 7 priorities) and we are thrilled to simply be vessels of His grace to the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. We keep finding out about missionaries who might desire to partner with us. This is exciting as we believe partnering with other ministries actually makes the Kingdom stronger. That is why we are excited about you partnering with us in prayer and financial support. With you we are stronger and better equipped to accomplish that to which we have been Called. You see, in the act of supporting us you are spiritually partaking in the activity in which we are engaged. It is similar to what Paul said when he spoke that while he was physically separated from his friends He was present with them in spirit.
Thank you for joining us.
Talk to you again.
October 19, 2007
The world passes by and so does life. The past few weeks have seen a few changes none of which have involved me. But these changes have involved my memories. In particular, they focus on the lives of people that I grew up watching and listening to.
First, there was Alice Ghostley. You probably don’t remember her by that name. You might remember her as Esmeralda on the old sitcom Bewitched.
I relate all this because it reminds me of facts. People die. We are supposed to. The question I live with is this, “what have I done in the meantime”?
Another person I grew up listening to (primarily because I was told to) was Rex Humbard. He was a tele-evangelist when it was cool to be one. Rex seemed to accomplish something that few others did at the time. He gave millions the chance to hear the gospel and respond to Christ. In his time he was as big as Billy Graham. He did something “in the meantime.” His impact has been long-term.
Then there was Marcel Marceau the great pantomime that we would all recognize if we saw a picture. He never really impressed me much. My wife Colleen enjoyed his theatrics. He just looked goofy to me. I don’t know if that says more about her or about me. And I don’t know what he did “in the meantime.” I suppose he gave some people a measure of enjoyment. Personally, I’d have enjoyed a sandstorm more. But that is another story for another time.
And then I learned about Lois Maxwell. She is one of the world’s most recognized yet least known actresses. I find it interesting that in one particular sequence of 14 movies she spoke less than 200 words and had less than 60 minutes of screen time. And this was over the course of 23 years. Yet her role and movie name became one of the most well known in movie history. You would remember her as Miss Moneypenny of James Bond fame. Other than her most important role beginning with Dr. No in 1962 I don’t know what she did “in the meantime” either.
All this stuff has left me thinking about my personal “in the meantime”. What am I doing that really matters? Maybe, as our brochure says, you would like to join Colleen and I in “the change of a lifetime.
I’ll let you mull over that for a while.
Talk to you next time.
September 15, 2007
Since I left you hanging about my lousy week in my last miniature tome I should probably fill you in a bit more.
The last few days have been marginally better but a great deal of anxiety has still attached itself to me as we have had to cancel/shift and remake plans. Originally, Colleen and I were scheduled to leave for B.C. this past Tuesday in order to promote LAC Ministries. These plans have been totally obliterated.
However, when plans change we have to assume God is up to something; this is our assumption. Of course, it would make for a rather nice day to understand exactly what it is that He is up to. But this isn’t the case so we continue to trust in His sovereignty.
One of the great things, though, to have come out of all this is that Colleen and I will be spending about 10 days at a friend’s cabin somewhere within this hemisphere. It will be great to relax, kick up our feet and get a ton of personal and romantic time that we’ve not had for quite a while. In fact, during this time I may not take my cell phone or my computer. I only hope the world can survive without me.
I have come to believe that:
1. God is always in charge of our lives.
2. He allows certain circumstances to develop without which we might never get to the place He wants us to be.
3. God’s ways always end up being better than what we had planned for ourselves.
4. I am not needed as much as I would like to think I am
5. God loves to bring us to points of change. Why? So we are reminded that we need to trust him.
6. My webmaster is great!
Thanks for walking with me. We’ll talk again.
September 12, 2007
My week has been lousy. How’s that for transparency? I have never had one like it. The tragedy of it all is that I have no one to blame but myself. It makes things a lot easier if you can get mad at someone else but in this case I can’t. One thing about this week is that I have been humbled and it has become ever clearer that God has to rule my life. Only His rule and reign will bring real joy to my life and that of my family.
I won’t go into it all, of course. Actually, I won’t go into any of it. But I will tell you this: when you are desperate you sure hope God is control. And this is the test. I have to get out of control and let God take the driver seat put His hand on the wheel. I’m in a place where I have to do exactly the opposite of what I want to do. And this is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good thing! Because the way I am having to be now, is the way I should be always. This is the tough part. I have to change and as we all know this is extremely difficult to do.
The result is that, even in the most difficult time, God is using it to change me and make me into the person He desires me to be. Do I like this process? Not on your life! But without it I’m not sure I’d get to where He desires me to be as a person.
So, I suppose I’m supposed to be joyful because of the end result. That may be true and one day will be. But right now, if you were to see me you would not see the joy you would expect to see in someone who is having an experience with God. You see, God meets us in all kinds of circumstances. He even orchestrates some of those circumstances. Remember, He is a Father and Fathers have the right, and the responsibility, to discipline those who need it.
So, I trust Him. That about sums up the Christian life doesn’t it. Trust God. Trust His love. Trust His sovereignty. Trust His ability to put us back together again. He is definitely not like the incompetent “kings horses” and “kings men” that Humpty had to deal with. Nope. God can actually solve the problem. That is His responsibility. Trust is mine. The question is this: will I rest in trust?
I’m trying, but it sure is hard.
I’ll talk to you again.
September 4, 2007
It has been a rather inconsistent month in terms of communicating through this blog. I’d love to apologize for that but I won’t because the truth of the matter is that I have been exhausted. The experience of transitioning from one ministry to another is much more draining than I had anticipated. On top of that is the responsibility of raising all of our own support which we have never had to do. So, by the time I have the time to settle into writing my mind is mush and I lack the drive to blog. No doubt, as I settle into the task before me my mind will be less like mush and, once again, become rapier like (quick and sharp; though I suspect this may only have ever been only a dream). I envy those people with sharp wits. I know we aren’t supposed to envy but the fact of the matter is that I do. Is this classified as a confession of sin? And am I now absolved?
I read the other day, I think it was in Business Week magazine that Americans (and I suspect it is, proportionately, also true of Canadians) spend 41 BILLION dollars annually on their pets! The writer claimed that was more than the GDP of 64 countries! Now, I’m all for loving our pets and taking responsibility for them. But 41 BILLION dollars seems to take us beyond loving and into the realm of worship. Do we idolize our pets? I think that is a good question and is one that needs to be answered. I could go on but it would turn into a rant.
I got a new Mac today. My first impression is that it will help me accomplish my ministry effectively and efficiently. The problem is that the setting up of a new computer is intimidating to me. Transferring my stuff from the old PC. Setting up email. Learning a new system, etc., etc. Thankfully, I have some friends who can help me.
Friends are a good thing! Seriously, where would we be without friends who are actively engaged in our lives? Friends pick us up when we’re down. They correct us when we’re wrong. They laugh with us, and sometimes, at us. You can think of dozens of reasons why friends (and, therefore, you) are so valuable. Friends make the world a kinder, gentler and much more fun place to be. The challenge is to be a good friend. I’m not so sure I always succeed at that but I’m trying.
Talk to you in a few days.
August 28, 2007
We haven’t chatted with you for about three weeks. (I hope you noticed). During that time we spent one week in Panama, then 11 days in Toronto and then the past number of days in Manitoba. Up till this past weekend, which we spent with some good friends at their cabin, we were exhausted. In fact, the past few months since we put the house up for sale