Thursday, January 29, 2009

Embracing Life

Lately I've been learning to treasure every day, every moment. Not waiting to live, but embracing the miracle found in each moment here and now.

I'm allowing myself to dream, opening my heart and mind to the possibilities that exist and the God who is the ultimate dream-giver. In Him all things truly are possible and it's only in Him that abundant life is found.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

Too many times in the past I've let the thief steal moments from me, content to just let life take it's own course, but no more. I've been grabbing the reigns and not just letting life happen, but going out there and creating my own life story.

Going to Chicago. Spending time in God's creation on my own- canoeing and reflecting. Seeking out friendships. Buying that Hemingway and actually reading it. Playing hockey and giving all I have until I can barely stand (oh they joys of sleep troubles). And this weekend: travelling to a province that's right next door, yet I've never visited, for a hockey and ski adventure.

Life is a gift and gifts are meant to be opened and used. How have you been living lately?

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Washed By The Water

As part of my job, I research information about different songs out there and find the stories behind them, which is really interesting work. Recently I was trying to find out where Needtobreathe's "Washed By The Water" came from and I was challenged by the story.

"Washed By The Water" was inspired by a situation where the lead singers father, who is a pastor, came under fire by a group at his church. The song is a way of the son remembering how well his father handled the experience and says he felt his dad deserved a tribute for his Christ-like reaction to a hurtful situation.

That lead me to think about the way I respond when other people throw darts in my direction. Do I extend the same grace that has been given to me? Or do I hang onto old hurts and look for ways to even the score? Those are important questions to ask and consider, especially during those times when other people don't necessarily agree with everything that we do. Just some food for thought.

Needtobreathe - Washed By The Water
Daddy was a preacher
She was his wife
Just tryin to make the world a little better
You know, shine a light

People started talking
Trying to hear their own voice
Those people tried to accuse my father
Said he made the wrong choice

Though it might be painful
You know that time will always tell
Those people have long since gone
My father never failed

Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water

Even if the Earth crumbles under my feet
Even if the ones I love turn around and crucify me
I won't never ever let you down
won't fall, won't fall, won't fall as long as you're around me

Friday, January 16, 2009

Real Legacy

With upcoming transition in the White House, we're hearing a lot of talk about George W. Bush and his legacy. And while there is a lot of criticism flying around about the choices that he made in office, I find it interesting that not more people are talking about what could very well be his real legacy: his commitment to turning the tides on the AIDS epidemic in Africa like no other leader of his time.

If you're interested in seeing another side to the man that so many have painted negatively, click here to read the article. It might just surprise you.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

How He Loves

I heard the song "How He Loves" for the first time today and it really impacted it me. The second verse especially blew me away. You can listen to the song on the video below. And if the song alone doesn't do it for you, click here to listen to the story behind the song. All I can say is "wow".


Friday, January 02, 2009

Top 4 of 2008

So now that 2008 has passed us by, I thought I'd take a little look back. And instead of doing a top 3 or top 5 or top 10 like everyone else on the planet, I've chosen a different number. It's going to be my top 4. So here it is:

Top 4 Highlights:
1. Trip to the US, with the top four highlights from that being visiting Chicago, golfing the Bull, having a waterpark in our hotel, and visiting Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
2. Visiting Barrie in December, having the chance to work out of the LIFE offices and attend the staff Christmas party.
3. The growth of MAD. In this past year I've seen a lot of new stations sign up for the show and it's been an exciting journey.
4. Spending a Sabbath weekend by myself at my aunts cottage. No TV, no internet, no telephone. I did a lot of thinking, reading, writing, and canoeing.

Top 4 Books I Read in 2008:
1. The Shack (William Young)
2. The Sacred Echo (Margaret Feinberg)
3. Half-life/Die Already (Mark Steele)
4. The Almost True Story Of Ryan Fisher (Rob Stennet)

Top 4 CD's of 2008:
1. The Glass Passenger (Jack's Mannequin)
2. Drive It Home (Paul Alan)
3. Do You Feel (The Rocket Summer)
4. Something To Say (Matthew West)

Looking forward to in 09:
1. Possibly seeing my second book published.
2. Reading through the whole Bible again (yes, that's one of my goals for the year).
3. Traveling somewhere this summer. Not exactly sure where yet, but I'd love to head back out to the East Coast if the rest of the fam is up for the journey.
4. Learning how to take better pictures (another goal for the year).