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.

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.

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).

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.

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...

Monday, November 24, 2008

Friday, November 21, 2008

While You Wait

My article "While You Wait" has been published on The Ooze. Click here to check it out.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tiger Woods Golf

On Tuesday I had minor surgery to correct some foot problems that I've been having since I broke my toe earlier this year. So this has been a week filled with lots of down time for me, but I've found something to occupy my time: an addiction to Tiger Woods Golf on my xbox 360.

I've had this game for months, but I've really gotten into it over the past couple of days. Maybe it's because the game is filled with summer images and it's so cold outside. Maybe it's because I wish I could really drive the ball over 350 yards in real life. Or maybe I'm just sick and tired of TV. I don't know. But what I do know is I'm loving it.

Off to spend more time on the links...

Monday, November 10, 2008

Wisdom from Saint Frances

"Lord, make me a channel of thy peace
That where there is hatred I may bring love,
That where there is wrong I may bring the spirit of forgiveness,
That where there is discord I may bring harmony,
That where there is error I may bring truth,
That where there is doubt I may bring faith,
That where there is despair I may bring hope,
That where there are shadows I may bring thy light,
That where there is sadness I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather
To comfort- than to be comforted;
To understand- than to be understood;
To love- than to be loved;
For it is by giving that one receives;
It is by self-forgetting that one finds;
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven;
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life."

Saint Frances of Assisi

Monday, November 03, 2008

Moment of Truth

So tomorrow is the moment of truth as we'll witness who the American people choose to be their countries next leader. Now while a change in leadership can be a good thing, I am a little concerned over what is going to happen after the results are read out tomorrow.

Why? Because not only is this election going to be a very close one either way, it also is one that all voters have been submerged in for quite some time. Sides have been chosen. Positions have been staked. And someone tomorrow is going to lose, leaving nearly half a country full of people who didn't get their way or their leader.

So will they still be willing to follow? Will they still be willing to set aside their differences a move forward with a candidate who they might not believe in, but can come to respect as a person in a position of authority? Only time will tell, but in the meantime we all should be praying for unity whether the next person in the White House is a democrat or republican.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Ch Ch Changes

So earlier this month I posted about seasons of change and since the decision has been finalized and announced to those who need to know, I can tell you one of the things that I was talking about.

Starting in this week I've decided to shorten the length of MAD down from four-hours to three-hours. Now I know to most people you might think what's the big deal? But I've been doing a four hour show for nearly seven years and it's something I enjoyed doing, but just like seasons change, the time for a show that long has come and gone and it's time to move onto something else. Something I believe will be better.

By not having that last hour to host, produce, and prep for every week I'm hoping to have more time to invest in the rest of the program. And even though this is only week one, I'm already noticing a difference. Where normally I come up with contests at the last minute, I've already got the Christmas contest and other details relating to holiday programming planned and ready to execute.

Change can be good and it can be refreshing in many ways. I guess it all depends on how you look at it and how tightly you hold on to the way things were once done.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Day of Decision

Today we Canadians are heading to the polls to decide who's going to lead our country during these turbulent times.

There has been a lot of criticism about the timing of this election and whether or not it really needed to be called. And to that I say absolutely! In our current state, the power cannot be this divided. If all of the parties were willing to work together to do what is best for Canadians it would work, but when that's not happening, something needs to change.

In these economic times, the reigning government needs to be able to have the power to act in order to prevent problems across the country. While the idea of a minority government is nice in theory, it's just not working for our country. When more time is spend arguing than acting, you know there's a problem.

So today I'm voting and hoping for a majority government who can lead us with integrity into this next stage of our countries history.

Let's get out there and vote!

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Changing Seasons

Well fall is in the air and I'm still stunned at how fast the summer flew by.

I spent last weekend at my aunts cottage. As I was canoeing across the lake and watching the leaves blow across the surface of the water, I was reminded of how the seasons change in our lives.

Sometimes the change in seasons come unexpected to us, not always as predictable as something that can be recorded on a calender, but they do come nonetheless.

At the same time though I was reminded that while a change of seasons might bring change into our own lives, change isn't always a bad thing. Without fall, there would be no preparation for winter and without winter there would be no blooms of spring.

Change is inevitable but I'm learning to be okay with that.