Whoever dreamed this photo stunt up wasn't too brilliant. Part of me doesn't believe it was even a photo shoot because no one in their right mind could think that flying a plane that low over New York City with two fighter jets at its side would be a good idea.
Those poor people on the ground (and in the buildings) deserve more than just an apology.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dreams
Have you seen the video from Britain's Got Talent yet? If not, view it here.
It is so refreshing to see someone who hasn't given up on their dreams succeed. It just goes to show you that no matter what our dream is and no matter what obstacles are in our way, we should never stop believing. Because one day that door of opportunity is going to open and when we walk through, our lives could be changed forever.
It is so refreshing to see someone who hasn't given up on their dreams succeed. It just goes to show you that no matter what our dream is and no matter what obstacles are in our way, we should never stop believing. Because one day that door of opportunity is going to open and when we walk through, our lives could be changed forever.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Effects Of Adversity
"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love." (1 Cor. 16:13-14)
I've been privileged to know quite a few pretty amazing people in my lifetime. People who look and act like Jesus and make me want to do the same. As I've gotten to know some of these people very well, I've noticed that they all have something besides their faith in common and that they have all faced times of adversity and come out on the other side stronger.
The struggles have come in different forms and in different times but they have all produced the same result. People who have forsaken the worlds definition of success and instead wholeheartedly pursued only after the things that advance the kingdom of God.
I don't think we can ever fully understand how adversity effects character, but what we can know is that it does have a huge effect on a persons life. The way you and I respond to trials and tragedy literally can change the course of our future and the shape of our character.
Knowing that then, shouldn't we change the way we respond to adversity? Instead of viewing adversity as something to get through or get over, maybe we should view it as an opportunity to become the people that God created us to be. The kind of people who love God and love people with a passion and inspire others to do the same.
So how can this be accomplished? By exercising patience in times of waiting. By looking to God for strength when you are at your weakest. By sticking to your morals even when the cost is great. By loving your neighbor when it would be that much easier to hate. And by breathing, living, and walking your faith even when the world is telling you to throw it away.
By doing all of these things we open a door to growth and change in our lives, even when the storms are at their fiercest. And it is in that place that God can truly transform us into the kind of people He wants us to be. As Billy Graham once wisely said, "Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has."
I've been privileged to know quite a few pretty amazing people in my lifetime. People who look and act like Jesus and make me want to do the same. As I've gotten to know some of these people very well, I've noticed that they all have something besides their faith in common and that they have all faced times of adversity and come out on the other side stronger.
The struggles have come in different forms and in different times but they have all produced the same result. People who have forsaken the worlds definition of success and instead wholeheartedly pursued only after the things that advance the kingdom of God.
I don't think we can ever fully understand how adversity effects character, but what we can know is that it does have a huge effect on a persons life. The way you and I respond to trials and tragedy literally can change the course of our future and the shape of our character.
Knowing that then, shouldn't we change the way we respond to adversity? Instead of viewing adversity as something to get through or get over, maybe we should view it as an opportunity to become the people that God created us to be. The kind of people who love God and love people with a passion and inspire others to do the same.
So how can this be accomplished? By exercising patience in times of waiting. By looking to God for strength when you are at your weakest. By sticking to your morals even when the cost is great. By loving your neighbor when it would be that much easier to hate. And by breathing, living, and walking your faith even when the world is telling you to throw it away.
By doing all of these things we open a door to growth and change in our lives, even when the storms are at their fiercest. And it is in that place that God can truly transform us into the kind of people He wants us to be. As Billy Graham once wisely said, "Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has."
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Wake Up!
"Even if everyone around you chooses to sleep, you must resist the temptation to join their slumber. Wake up! Get out of bed. God wants to change the world through your life if you'll only just do something." (Erwin McManus, Chasing Daylight)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
On Our Level
A few years ago we got a dog that we named Gracie. She's a poodle/schnauzer mix, so she's quite small; in fact she can only reach my knee if she's on her hind legs and stretches right out.
Being so small, Gracie has a different perspective of our household. She can't see what's on the countertops in the kitchen or the end tables in the living room and as much as she'd love to lick our faces, they are more often than not, completely out of reach.
That said, while Gracie loves a good game of fetch or a long walk, nothing gives her more pleasure than a little routine her and I have developed. Nearly every night I get down on the floor and sit there with Gracie. Where once I was out of reach, now I'm down at her level. She'll nuzzle her head on my side. Jump up and try to paw at my hair and her favourite- climb up on my lap and sit there pressed against me. Gracie simply finds pleasure being with me.
The other night as I was down on the floor with her the thought occurred to me of how my experience with Gracie parallels our experience with God. Like Gracie, we've all been created with a need to love and be loved. And as much as we search to find things on this earth to fill that hole in our hearts, we come up empty. But the good news is we weren't left to wander down here alone. Instead God Himself came down. He got down on His hands and knees so to speak and entered our world. What was once inaccessible and unavailable to us all was placed right in front of us through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection- the curtain that separated God from mankind was torn down.
God Himself came down and He waits for us to turn to Him. On days when we're lonely. During times when we're troubled. And even throughout times of great rejoicing. He comes down and He seeks to share these moments with us. Whether we need a shoulder to cry on or a friend to laugh with, God is there. And unlike in human relationships when we only make ourselves available to others at certain times or when we feel like it, God is there 24/7/365.
So will you turn to Him? So often we get so wrapped up in our worlds and our problems that we forget that we've got a friend waiting on us. But He is there and He promises that when we call on His name, He will be there. So will you call on His name? Will you stop going through life alone and instead take this friend with you for the highs and the lows?
He is waiting. His offer of love stands. The question is whether or not you'll accept.
Being so small, Gracie has a different perspective of our household. She can't see what's on the countertops in the kitchen or the end tables in the living room and as much as she'd love to lick our faces, they are more often than not, completely out of reach.
That said, while Gracie loves a good game of fetch or a long walk, nothing gives her more pleasure than a little routine her and I have developed. Nearly every night I get down on the floor and sit there with Gracie. Where once I was out of reach, now I'm down at her level. She'll nuzzle her head on my side. Jump up and try to paw at my hair and her favourite- climb up on my lap and sit there pressed against me. Gracie simply finds pleasure being with me.
The other night as I was down on the floor with her the thought occurred to me of how my experience with Gracie parallels our experience with God. Like Gracie, we've all been created with a need to love and be loved. And as much as we search to find things on this earth to fill that hole in our hearts, we come up empty. But the good news is we weren't left to wander down here alone. Instead God Himself came down. He got down on His hands and knees so to speak and entered our world. What was once inaccessible and unavailable to us all was placed right in front of us through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection- the curtain that separated God from mankind was torn down.
God Himself came down and He waits for us to turn to Him. On days when we're lonely. During times when we're troubled. And even throughout times of great rejoicing. He comes down and He seeks to share these moments with us. Whether we need a shoulder to cry on or a friend to laugh with, God is there. And unlike in human relationships when we only make ourselves available to others at certain times or when we feel like it, God is there 24/7/365.
So will you turn to Him? So often we get so wrapped up in our worlds and our problems that we forget that we've got a friend waiting on us. But He is there and He promises that when we call on His name, He will be there. So will you call on His name? Will you stop going through life alone and instead take this friend with you for the highs and the lows?
He is waiting. His offer of love stands. The question is whether or not you'll accept.
Monday, March 09, 2009
So I've finally joined the twitter revolution. You can follow along at twitter.com/kristenmcnulty!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Today's The Big Day
U2's new album finally drops in stores! To say I'm excited is an understatement.
A little preview for you:
A little preview for you:
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday Thoughts
Why is it that usually those who have the most to complain about complain the least?
Could it be that they've learned a lesson that would serve us all to learn? That strength really does become perfect in weakness. That character is only truly refined in the hottest fire. And that God is close to the broken-hearted.
Could it be that they've learned a lesson that would serve us all to learn? That strength really does become perfect in weakness. That character is only truly refined in the hottest fire. And that God is close to the broken-hearted.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wisdom from Twain
"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." (Mark Twain)
Saturday, February 07, 2009
25 Things About Me
I finally filled this "25 Things About Me" thing out on facebook and I thought I'd post it here as well:
1. I love to travel, but I've not yet been outside of North America. My favourite place that I've visited thus far has been Chicago.
2. While I watch quite a bit of movies, I seem to miss out on many of the big ones. I have still not seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies, any of the Chronicles of Narnia, and most of the Star Wars films.
3. I only got my first cavity this year.
4. I have lived in the same town all my life and show no signs of moving anytime soon (for the record, I actually like it here!)
5. I dislike shopping with other people. I want to go in, get what I want and get out.
6. I wrote one book and had it published. I have another one finished that's waiting to be published and ideas for two more.
7. Growing up, I would play hockey with my brother all the time. We had a rink outside, I was on a hockey team that played Saturday mornings, and in the summer we would play with rollerblades on in our unfinished basement. If that wasn't enough we developed our own version of mini-sticks called "hallway hockey" that we would play in the house. Yet with all of this obsession with hockey, I rarely watch it on TV and don't keep track of teams or stats.
8. During the year 2007 I slept only 3 to 4 hours a night and survived, although I wouldn't recommend it!
9. I own a copyright.
10. My nickname as a kid was "the memory elephant" because of my excellent retention skills. Fast forward to the current day and while I can remember useless bits of information, I can barely remember what I did two days ago.
11. I own a cell phone, but I barely use it. I'm "plugged in" when I'm at home, but when I'm out, I want to be disconnected.
12. Not only do I have a huge love of reading, but I adore books. I have three bookshelves that are packed full of books and it's a struggle for me to pass a bookstore and not go in and buy something.
13. I love news, current events, and politics. I visit various news sites multiple times a day and actually subscribe to MacLeans. If we had cable tv or satellite, I'd never get anything done.
14. If I get sick, it's rarely a "normal" sick. I've been told more times than I can count by doctors "I've never seen this before" or "this shouldn't have happened". Yes, I'm unique.
15. I've developed a love for photography and terms like aperture, shutter speed and ISO have become a part of my vocabulary.
16. When I'm tired I have a hard time pronouncing certain words. Not good for someone on the radio.
17. I refuse to eat seafood of any kind.
18. I've worked at a few different places, but I've never been on a job interview.
19. I've set foot in all of the Great Lakes.
20. Although I wouldn't consider myself I poet, I did win a poetry contest once. I got some pretty sweet prizes too.
21. I have 3/4 of a university degree and while I'd love to finish it, that doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.
22. I own both a PC and a mac- let the battles begin!
23. I rarely get surprised. I usually have a sense of how things are going to turn out or what's going to happen before they actually do.
24. My way of unwinding is playing Tiger Woods Golf on my xbox 360.
25. The best thing in my life is hands down my relationship with Jesus. I don't know where I'd be without His strength and grace.
1. I love to travel, but I've not yet been outside of North America. My favourite place that I've visited thus far has been Chicago.
2. While I watch quite a bit of movies, I seem to miss out on many of the big ones. I have still not seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies, any of the Chronicles of Narnia, and most of the Star Wars films.
3. I only got my first cavity this year.
4. I have lived in the same town all my life and show no signs of moving anytime soon (for the record, I actually like it here!)
5. I dislike shopping with other people. I want to go in, get what I want and get out.
6. I wrote one book and had it published. I have another one finished that's waiting to be published and ideas for two more.
7. Growing up, I would play hockey with my brother all the time. We had a rink outside, I was on a hockey team that played Saturday mornings, and in the summer we would play with rollerblades on in our unfinished basement. If that wasn't enough we developed our own version of mini-sticks called "hallway hockey" that we would play in the house. Yet with all of this obsession with hockey, I rarely watch it on TV and don't keep track of teams or stats.
8. During the year 2007 I slept only 3 to 4 hours a night and survived, although I wouldn't recommend it!
9. I own a copyright.
10. My nickname as a kid was "the memory elephant" because of my excellent retention skills. Fast forward to the current day and while I can remember useless bits of information, I can barely remember what I did two days ago.
11. I own a cell phone, but I barely use it. I'm "plugged in" when I'm at home, but when I'm out, I want to be disconnected.
12. Not only do I have a huge love of reading, but I adore books. I have three bookshelves that are packed full of books and it's a struggle for me to pass a bookstore and not go in and buy something.
13. I love news, current events, and politics. I visit various news sites multiple times a day and actually subscribe to MacLeans. If we had cable tv or satellite, I'd never get anything done.
14. If I get sick, it's rarely a "normal" sick. I've been told more times than I can count by doctors "I've never seen this before" or "this shouldn't have happened". Yes, I'm unique.
15. I've developed a love for photography and terms like aperture, shutter speed and ISO have become a part of my vocabulary.
16. When I'm tired I have a hard time pronouncing certain words. Not good for someone on the radio.
17. I refuse to eat seafood of any kind.
18. I've worked at a few different places, but I've never been on a job interview.
19. I've set foot in all of the Great Lakes.
20. Although I wouldn't consider myself I poet, I did win a poetry contest once. I got some pretty sweet prizes too.
21. I have 3/4 of a university degree and while I'd love to finish it, that doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.
22. I own both a PC and a mac- let the battles begin!
23. I rarely get surprised. I usually have a sense of how things are going to turn out or what's going to happen before they actually do.
24. My way of unwinding is playing Tiger Woods Golf on my xbox 360.
25. The best thing in my life is hands down my relationship with Jesus. I don't know where I'd be without His strength and grace.
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?
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
"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.
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).
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).
Sunday, December 21, 2008
God With Us
"All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)." (Isaiah 7:14)
God with us.
One of the most stunning truths about the Christmas story to me can be summed up in three words: God with us.
The same God who was the mastermind behind creation confined Himself to a baby's body. The same God who ruled over creation was content to be brought up by human parents. The same God who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was willing to humble Himself to die for those very beings who refused to worship and obey. God with us.
When we're tired. When we're discouraged. When we don't feel like we can make it through another day. God with us.
I can see evidence of God with me everyday. I see it in the sunrise that streaks across the sky. I see it in the music that moves my soul with every note. I see it in the people He sends across my path just when I need them. I see it in the circumstances He orchestrates into a brilliant set of events, otherwise known as my life story. God with us.
Not just today. Not just tomorrow, but forever. No matter what life events arise. No matter what our days hold, we've got God with us and that fact changes everything.
It puts the hope in the hopeless. The peace in the turmoil. And the love in what otherwise would have been lonely. God with us.
That's the Christmas story. Not just sheep and wiseman, but what the birth set in motion. Events that had been contrived by the ultimate God of love. A gateway for all mankind to enter that would allow them to once again fellowship with the Father. The ultimate story of Redemption.
This Christmas as we laugh, eat, and exchange gifts, let's remember God with us. Not just today, but for all eternity. We're not alone and never will be and that eternal presence of God is worth recognizing and celebrating.
Merry Christmas.
God with us.
One of the most stunning truths about the Christmas story to me can be summed up in three words: God with us.
The same God who was the mastermind behind creation confined Himself to a baby's body. The same God who ruled over creation was content to be brought up by human parents. The same God who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was willing to humble Himself to die for those very beings who refused to worship and obey. God with us.
When we're tired. When we're discouraged. When we don't feel like we can make it through another day. God with us.
I can see evidence of God with me everyday. I see it in the sunrise that streaks across the sky. I see it in the music that moves my soul with every note. I see it in the people He sends across my path just when I need them. I see it in the circumstances He orchestrates into a brilliant set of events, otherwise known as my life story. God with us.
Not just today. Not just tomorrow, but forever. No matter what life events arise. No matter what our days hold, we've got God with us and that fact changes everything.
It puts the hope in the hopeless. The peace in the turmoil. And the love in what otherwise would have been lonely. God with us.
That's the Christmas story. Not just sheep and wiseman, but what the birth set in motion. Events that had been contrived by the ultimate God of love. A gateway for all mankind to enter that would allow them to once again fellowship with the Father. The ultimate story of Redemption.
This Christmas as we laugh, eat, and exchange gifts, let's remember God with us. Not just today, but for all eternity. We're not alone and never will be and that eternal presence of God is worth recognizing and celebrating.
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Prayer
In preparation for the ever so quickly approaching Christmas day, I thought I'd share a prayer with you that I found online. It was written by Henri Nouwen. He prayed:
"Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
As I look at the packed calendar, busy stores, and crazy next couple of days as I travel out of town, that prayer is on my heart and my mind. In the busyness, I truly desire to seek quietness and I pray that in the midst of all the distractions, we all can see Him clearly this Christmas season.Monday, December 08, 2008
City of the Year
GQ has named Chicago it's City of the Year. I couldn't agree more.
I've always been somewhat fascinated by the city and after visiting Chicago this past summer, that fascination has grew into a slight obsession. I cannot say enough good things about the city. The people, the scenery, the parks, the architecture, the food, the shopping, I could go on and on and on.
Out of the places I've been to, it's by far my favorite city and I'd love to go back. In fact I've already started giving subtle hints to the rest of the family that I think we should go back there this summer. I can dream, can't I?
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Politics, Politics
Politics can be a dirty business, but I don't think that I've ever seen as dirty of a move as what's been going down in the Canadian parliament these days.
We just had an election in October. The Canadian people had spoken. The Conservatives were given a mandate to be the leading political party. And now three other parties are crying foul and deciding to go through the backdoor in an attempt to grab power.
A lot of things bother me about this situation and what it says about democracy, but one of the things that bother me the most is the lack of respect being shown for the voters choice. Not to mention those who voted for the Conservatives, but even for those who voted for the NDP and the Bloq. They voted NDP and Bloq for a reason- they had different beliefs in what's best for the country than the Liberals or Conservatives do. But in one swift move, the leaders of those parties are trying to take the votes that were given to them and are trying to hand them to another party. That's essentially what is happening.
What does that say about democracy? When we went to the polls in October, all voters knew that whatever party had the majority of the seats would lead our country. The voters gave the Conservative Party the most seats. Love them or hate them, that's what happened. So now to go and try to reverse that at some attempt to align parties that couldn't be more opposite looks like nothing more than a desperate attempt to grab power.
As much as I would have said a few weeks ago that I wouldn't want another election, I really believe that's the only option we have if we hold democracy dearly. But that choice belongs to the Governor General. And whatever the Governor General ends up deciding, I do believe that this is an attempt that in the end will backfire. Anyone who voted NDP or Bloq will probably think twice about voting that way in the future because look what happened to their vote.
Oh the messes we make...
We just had an election in October. The Canadian people had spoken. The Conservatives were given a mandate to be the leading political party. And now three other parties are crying foul and deciding to go through the backdoor in an attempt to grab power.
A lot of things bother me about this situation and what it says about democracy, but one of the things that bother me the most is the lack of respect being shown for the voters choice. Not to mention those who voted for the Conservatives, but even for those who voted for the NDP and the Bloq. They voted NDP and Bloq for a reason- they had different beliefs in what's best for the country than the Liberals or Conservatives do. But in one swift move, the leaders of those parties are trying to take the votes that were given to them and are trying to hand them to another party. That's essentially what is happening.
What does that say about democracy? When we went to the polls in October, all voters knew that whatever party had the majority of the seats would lead our country. The voters gave the Conservative Party the most seats. Love them or hate them, that's what happened. So now to go and try to reverse that at some attempt to align parties that couldn't be more opposite looks like nothing more than a desperate attempt to grab power.
As much as I would have said a few weeks ago that I wouldn't want another election, I really believe that's the only option we have if we hold democracy dearly. But that choice belongs to the Governor General. And whatever the Governor General ends up deciding, I do believe that this is an attempt that in the end will backfire. Anyone who voted NDP or Bloq will probably think twice about voting that way in the future because look what happened to their vote.
Oh the messes we make...
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