Relationships will end

A quote I read today...

"The dearest human relatinohsips must some day come to an end;

it is only the joy of heaven which lasts for ever,

and if we have it in our hearts,

nothing can take it away."

Wow, that is a tough idea to grasp - at least we don't want it to be so. The reality is that unless Christ comes back during our lifetime, one day, we will all die. At that time relationships as we have known them come to an end. Of course, we still love that person who has "passed on" and we have many memories.

For me... that means... enjoy the relationships I have and treasure the people with whom I have a relationship.

Update

I guess it is time to update what I am up to...

Yes, I am serving as associate pastor at Zion Church in Didsbury, Alberta, Canada. My primary responsibilities include overseeing the Worship and Life Group (small groups) Ministries. I also oversee the Newcomers ministry and the Adult Sunday School.

In a way, it is refreshing to be able to spend time with the worship ministry because I get to be involved in music - which I love to do. I lead a worship team, but am training someone else to take the leadership and I am moving more towards playing guitar and singing backup. It gives me a chance to work on my guitar skills. I also play guitar on another team where I get to dabble with playing lead guitar.

Recently, our worship team performed the Imperials song "Water Grave" at our church on the Sunday when we had a baptism. Watch the video here:

We've Moved!

On July 1st, Debbie and I moved to Didsbury, Alberta. On August 1st I will begin serving as Pastor of Adult Ministries at Zion Church in Didsbury. As much as we will miss British Columbia, we are looking forward to this new challenge and chapter in our lives.

Name Change

I decided to change the name of this blog. Seeing as it basically contains my ramblings from time to time and is not necessarily directly related to our church - Heritage Mountain Community Church, I may as well reflect my thots, not those representing the church :).

We are about to enter a New Year. That can be exciting. Although nothing has changed, except the last digit in our year, we tend to look at life differently. It is a time when we "turn over a new leaf," "start a new page" or whatever we want to call it. It certainly does help us make a fresh start from time to time - and we need that.

We also need a time when we look back and get rid of some baggage. Anywhere from forgiving those who have wronged us, to forgiving ourselves, to seeking forgiviness from others - and God.

I am looking forward to a new year.

God Knows

I wonder who watches the video I posted on Youtube?

I logged on to Youtube this morning and noticed that this video has surpassed the 1,000 times being viewed. I could not help but think of all those who had watched the video. Why do people watch it? What drew them to it? Who are they? What are they going through? What are their joys? Their struggles? What are their hopes for the future? What are their dreams?

Then I thought, God knows the answer to all those questions. He knows exactly who logged on at what time - and why. The Spirit of God is there with them as they watch the video - which is a psalm of praise. God was, is, and will be there as they watch. What an amazing thought. Even more, what an awesome experience.

So today, wherever you are, take comfort and courage from the reality that God is with you wherever you go. He is there to guide you into reality and truth. He is there to bring comfort. He is there to challenge you to grow. You likely cannot SEE him, but if you look around, you wil lfind Him! Enjoy!

Psalm 100 video

Good Gracious!

God is amazing! And surprising!

Many of us think of God as One who draws a line in the sand and you had better not cross it - or else! Crossing that line is called sin. The problem is that we have a hard time differentiating between the line that God draws and the lines that we as people draw. Is something wrong because God said so, or because we say so?

During the time of the Kings in Biblical times, God had laid down some pretty clear and specific rules for the people to follow. Among them were rules for how people were to prepare themselves to enter the "sanctuary." During the time of Hezekiah the people of Israel had been crossing the line God had drawn for them. The people began to return to God but due to the fact that they were unclean - according to the rules - they could not present their lambs as their sacrificial offering before God.

In 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 an unusual thing happens. Hezekiah took a bold step and prayed to God and said "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God - the LORD, the God of his fathers - even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And Good, Gracious - God "heard Hezekiah and healed the people."

When you have crossed the line, God is still gracious.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.