Where The Toasted Liquid Seeps

Back To Bubble

2006-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

It seems like in the world where games like Halo are a common household staple... I miss the day where the simple games were sometimes the best. Nothing against the new stuff....I think it's great, but I tend to be an old school guy in that department :) I have to say I think my all time favorite would be Bubble Bobble! Here's why - the story is simple, so are the graphics.. and the music is...well...pretty original..enough that you start humming the chorus before long whilst spitting bubbles at the monsters and bursting them into oblivion ;-) I think the reason I like this game so much, is for me (as I don't play much computer games at all) it is a "getting back to basics" kind of reprieve for me - it's so simple and uncomplicated. Sometimes life gets pretty complicated and things come up that just either don't make sense... or don't seem fair. As many of you know, a girl in our church was in a serious car accident and is right now in critical, but stable condition. Like the rest of the church - it both shocked and shook me because we don't usually think when we say goodbye to someone in the evening, that it "could" be the last time we talk - this side of heaven!

....how do we uncomplicate things?

I was in Spain recently for my brother's wedding... it was amazing.. the wedding was wonderful...and everything about the trip was different. The concept of "stress" doesn't exist in Spanish culture.. everything is relaxed.. even their work day! They work in the morning till around lunch time.. then businesses shut till around 3pm... (for their afternoon siesta) then re-open and later close in the evening. They then have dinner around 10pm!!! Sounds weird? Of course! Our North American culture wouldn't hear of it... and yet... when we were there it made so much sense and I found myself asking myself over and over.. Why on earth don't we operate this way? It wasn't just about having a nice relaxed lifestyle, but about having a healthy one. I don't recall seeing a single overweight person, and everyone seemed very calm. Tourist observation? Perhaps... But it made an impact on me that's for sure!

So as I ponder the world that's buzzing around me I'm so aware of relationships around us.. some doing well.. others not. Funny how life is like that.. pits and peaks some say! The news is screaming with all kinds of things.. from North Korea's trigger happy stance on Nuclear stuff... to another fallen leader in the church. I should mention by the way, that I'm really saddened by the news of Ted Haggard, but indeed it is another wake up call for the church I'm convinced. Anyways.. in the complexity of things going on around us.. and daily musings about life and friends...church and relationships... I find that perhaps we just need to be still sometimes... and wait ... and listen for that still small voice of the one who actually does know all things.. and let Him assure you that HE is in control..

New Record

2006-08-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hello out there!!.........

Yes I set a new record for myself, no... not the longest period since I blogged last (although that could also qualify), but rather for the longest sleep ever! My wife and I got back from Scotland last night.... and I slept a total of 12 hours!...Anna actually slept 14 so she beats on that one!!! Had a great time in the home land... forgot how beautiful the highlands were! The only thing I really hated on the whole trip was Heathrow airport... don't wanna be mean, but I just can't stand that place! Anyway... we stayed in the most beautiful manor house.. as seen below, and I wish you could find architecture like that here.

Truly though... there is no place like home!! What's weird is being out of touch in the blogging world for so long I've noticed a lot of updates on blogs everywhere and it's amazing to see the changes God is doing in peoples lives. Of this I am completely convinced... God is intimately involved in the details of our lives! And this is a truly amazing thing when you think about it! Funny... I don't have a whole lot to share at the moment, but at least thought I would post something to signal to the world...I have indeed returned to the planet.

Peace out.

Downpour

2006-05-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Good grief...what a weekend it's been!!! I was sick a good part of last week, then we had after some brief renovations in our place, an old pipe decided that now was a good time to burst!!! So what started (as I observed) as a healthy drip coming out of the ceiling.. turned into a watery mess which continued to pool itself on our floor.. and then got adventurous and made it's way under the laminate floors in our kitchen, dining room... and yes.. bathroom!

To quote the medieval expletive.. ODS BODKINS!

Word from the wise.. (or aspiring wise)... to those of you out there considering the wonderful world of home ownership - I beg you .. have insurrance!!!! This is what it is for - the great unexpected =)

So here I sit.. at home...using work vacation time awaiting the insurrance adjuster (who sounded very nice on the phone) to call...and subsequently knock at the door to tell me how much they will replace! Yes... my friends.. it could be worse, and I know that God always has a way of working these things out for the better! Already miracles have happened... starting with the emergency plumber we called after-hours when we first observed the waterfall that night. On the phone he said it would be time and half... but when we spoke to him the next morning - he said.. and I quote "I won't charge you..."

Praise God!! So below is two lovely pictures of the first signs of the ensuing flood... I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

New Beginnings

2006-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

After a formal reprimand from Jaime, it seemed high time to write a new post! The good news, is that I have had one brewing..

So far this year has been full of exciting changes. We bought our first home - a lovely townhouse in our favorite place in the world. It's been a little stressful at times, moving and painting, renovating, but the very thought that it's ours, and we can do things to it without needing permission - is a grande feeling indeed! It hasn't totally sunk in yet.. but it's weird because I'm realizing there are so many first's in our lives. The first date.. the first kiss..etc.. and the "first home" seems to be one of the big milestones. It's no wonder people have been hinting about kids to us as of late - ods bodkins!!! That actually excites me, since I know God has the timing for all that in hand :)

All that aside.. I've been finding myself asking the question lately.. "So..what's next?". It's a great question to ask I think.. as long as we know the answer from above may not come right away, or in the way we think it'll happen. Wild..to look back at even at even a year ago - God has answered all our prayers.. most notably us being able to buy our first place at last! It gets me to thinking though... since he knows the secret things in our hearts that we don't ask.. and since I have no idea what comes next... what do I do now? I totally relate to a blog I read recently that was along the same lines. I find I am always looking to the next thing. The next event, the next obstacle, the next thing I have to overcome in order to enjoy life, the next job, the next home, the next...[fill in blank here].

The truth is.. I'm not ungrateful - on the contrary I thank the Lord almost everyday for the things he has given me. But, I think I'm perhaps at a new place where I need to be content to not know what's coming next. I know he's stirring things in my heart... new things... things I haven't felt before.. passions.. emotions..kindgom.. but I just don't know what to do with it. I know he'll show me.. it's just that for me it feels... new. Like I haven't been here before.. uncharted waters.... Perhaps that's the point.

The Reason For The Season

2005-12-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much I'm wrestling with this at this very moment! I had to write this down otherwise it's very possible I will burst.. or never write it down and perhaps some need to hear this...

Every year the radio's dance with Christmas songs ranging from Peanuts.. to Burl Ives.. and the traditional sacred ones like Away in a Manger, O Holy Night (my personal favorite) and the like. I just finished reading Saint's Christmas story which I encourage one and all to read. It takes the reader into the true Christmas story from an entirely different perspective and, for me, reiterates the whole point of this season. It didn't end with the birth, it began! Anyways, it made me wonder what people think of the whole Christmas season. There's so much banter about removing "CHRISTMAS" from the holiday season branding and simply using the term "Holidays" instead to make it more generic and less religiously offensive. That's a whole other issue, but I even witnessed Jim Carey address that on Ellen yesterday... it was comical but his point was strong that it's simply ridiculous.

So pondering that and listening to all these Christmas songs.. I wonder.. Oh.. do I wonder, how many people realize when they sing such songs as O Holy Night.. if they realize what they are singing ACTUALLY happened!! Or how about Angels We have Heard on High? If that magnitude of angelic visitation happened to a mass of people today, perhaps CNN might cover it (or not).. but such a sign and a wonder would be quite amazing. And yet, a significant part of the world, be it agnostic, church-going, non-church going, atheist or whatever.. sing these songs casually right up there with Jingle Bells and I wonder.. do they have ANY IDEA what they are singing about? And that what they are singing about is TRUE?

I recall some years ago attending a Christmas service with someone very close to me.. and the song in the set being sung was "Go Tell it on the Mountain" - yes, that is a Christmas song :) This person was all excited and singing jubilantly "....that Jesus Christ is born!!". And yet, this person is very clear that they are not a Christian and seems to tend on the side of agnostic. So I've been asking myself.. what does the rest of the world think they are singing about in such songs?

*sigh*

I guess for the first time in years.. it's my honest and heartful prayer that people will think about all these songs and ask themselves ".... did all this really happen, or is it more fairy tale stuff?". Can this Christmas be different then years past? Why not! Perhaps we need to read renditions of the true story of Christmas (like what Saint wrote) and not keep it limited to Ralphie and his Red Rider BB Gun and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

I love all those movies... don't get me wrong. But I'm feeling burdened that many of us need go back in time to look at what "actually" took place all those years ago.. if weren't for that event.. we'd have no hope in eternity.

Fall Colours...and Other Stuff

2005-10-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it seems I've now joined the elite few... and received one of those "anonymous" messages that dubbeth me an absentee blogger!

Uncle I say! I have no excuse... but alas, here I am and here are a few thoughts about things I really love right now.

- I love the colours of fall... and the feeling of the coming winter

- I love the rain (yes I really do!).. especially when the wind comes along to dance with it

- I love the pumpkins everywhere

- I love the smell of the woodsmoke in the air from ye olde fashioned wood burning fireplaces

- I love driving home from work.... the anticipation of just being home..seeing my wife and our sweet golden retriever...while braving the windy rain, and watching the colours of fall and the mist hopping the trip tops while whiffing all that lovely wood smoke.

Ah yes... tis a grande time of the year!

Wine Country

2005-08-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my wife and I are taking off for a few days to see family in the Okanagan. It's been a pretty busy last couple of months, and I'm definitely looking forward to some R&R. Interestingly, I have mixed emotions in my heart about our time away. We spent two years in the Okanagan in what I will describe as the first real wilderness experience that the Lord took us through. When we left the island for the Okanagan back in early 2003, we thought we were going to the promised land. After being there for 6 months the Lord showed us that we were just passing through and that it was a stepping stone. Our love for the island grew stronger and stronger and we kept laying it down before the Lord -- wanting and desiring ONLY His will and purpose. It was a very enriching time for us, but also one where we hit rock bottom in many ways and wondered and sometimes screamed when will it end....??

HE..was so good to us, giving us the grace and patience to hold onto sometimes only a single thought -- knowing He was in full control...at all times, all places. We had to rediscover ourselves and who we were... Why did we believe? What was it all for? We got few answers..but strangely there was a silent comfort knowing that we didn't need to know what the answers were, and that He would not forsake us. It's almost like God said more to us in the silence, then could be done with words. Through a series of events, and (I will call them miracles) the Lord led us to where we are now - the next step of the journey... here again on the island -- our beloved home... in progress! God is so good. I stand amazed at what He has done -- He opens doors that man can't!

My heart is mixed because of course we haven't been back there for almost 6 months, and the Lord has in so many ways changed us, what we think, who we relate to, and how we relate to Him. Slowly the Lord has pulled back parts of the veil to show us what He is doing -- much is yet mostly a mystery. Going back, even for a few days is going to be an emotional roller coaster...seeing what we left behind, and seeing all the amazing things the Lord has done. He is such a big God -- it's overwhelming all the details of His plans... it's easier to let Him take care of business rather then do it ourselves!

Wow... as I write this, I'm warmed by the thought of the relationships He has given us, and the desire we have for Him in our hearts.. and wondering what it will be like to step out of the picture, even just for a few days.

Maybe, we'll bring back some wine :)

Choices

2005-08-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of my bible (The Journey) in Genesis 3 there is a blurb on some of the important things to note and the author of these littles sides approaches them with the basis that the reader is going to be asking certain questions in and of themselves. At the end of Genesis 3, he answers the question that most of us have likely thought of at one time or another to the effect of: "Why would God put two trees in the garden -- especially knowing what we would choose?" The author submits...

"He didn't put two trees in the garden because we would choose, but because we could choose..."

That has stuck with me for several years now since I initally read that -- and upon reflecting on where I am at in my spiritual journey, it is being driven home in my own heart over and over. I have become so aware lately that we make choices daily both without thinking about it and by conscientiously, and sometimes tediously, doing so. Having said that, I had an epiphany recently that in area's of spiritual matters, that the power of choice is substantial. God has given us so many tools and gifts...varying from spiritual armour (the real weapons of mass destruction - of the evil one's plots) to words of life that the Fathers gives us for others, and gifts of the Spirit etc. In all of these however, they are so often preceded by a choice to use them, or even more importantly a choice to be obedient. For us guys, we are all too familiar with the wiles and schemes of the enemy with the temptations of the flesh. I have met few who do not face this on a daily basis. We know from James 1:12 that the testing of our faith in such area's leads to victory...

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

...BUT -- here's the kicker! In the midst of the trial (trials of any kind) a choice is made, and yes, most often in faith! In the situation I mentioned above, the choice is to say NO. In situations of fear, it's to TRUST, and not allow the enemy to continue his pursuit. But very often... the choice is simply to be obedient, to love. In these pressing days I feel in my heart that the Father is testing his children to see if they will love (their neighbour as themselves) -- and if not, then He will teach them to -- if their hearts are willing to be obedient. Love is not forced, but it is so often a choice of obedience - and one made in faith. It's a choice of obedience because Jesus said this to us:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

It hit me also, that Jesus made choices. Yes, even He was faced them! The way I interpret scripture, he was not robot-like doing everything just because that was His destiny. He chose to be obedient to the Father and embrace His destiny, plus He's crazy about us too(John 15:9). But when I say He chose to be obedient, take a look at this:

Luke 22:42
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Remember that very often, someone... is on the other end of our obedience. Can we choose to love despite physical, or theological differences? Can we choose to be obedient in the midst of adversity and trials? Can we choose to say No, when "no" hardly seems an option? Of course we can, but that doesn't mean it is easy-- Holy Spirit lives inside us, just as He did in Jesus so we need His strength to help us make the right choice. So here's where I'm at...I'm reminding myself to ponder carefully what I choose in every situation -- and I'm finding that the "choice" is not necessarily instant! Sometimes the choice takes time, and prayer.. and seeking the Fathers' face.

He didn't put two trees in the garden because we would choose, but because we could choose...

What are you going to choose today?

Rejected By…The Devil?

2005-07-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Since some of us are on the topic of movies lately...I felt this was quite fitting. The latest horror movie coming out, written and directed by Rob Zombie, is called “The Devil’s Rejects”. It’s a movie about a family who randomly hunt down and slaughter people. Apparently it’s said to be quite a frightening movie full of gore, explicit content and sadistic violence.

Good Lord…

I find it interesting the obsession with evil and darkness these days.. true, its always been around and by our fallen, sinful nature we are often curious (too curious at times) about that side of the woods. The movie even advertises one-liners like “THIS SUMMER..GO TO HELL”.. and quick portrayals of hideous slaughter with seductive undertones. The message this is communicating is obviously dark, but one that seems to be surfacing so much more these days that it seems normal. Are we loosing sensitivity?

I salute movies that have a powerful message in them, and can in many ways impact one’s life for the good. Lisa did an awesome blog (Batman Begins) about that very thing. Movies like this one however, remind me of dark portrayals such as Natural Born Killers.. where even one of the actors was disturbed making the movie! This speaks volumes.. and we need to be reminded that there so much power behind movies that is not physical.. The title of the movie implies to me that (in the context of the title) such behavior was not even fit for hell (or maybe they just weren’t bad enough – who knows, I haven’t seen the movie nor do I wish to). My point is that we must pray for more movies like the Passion to be released! Pray for a holy invasion into Hollywood! Even Anne Rice praised “The Passion of the Christ” on her website (albeit for her own reasons).

My final rant on this movie, is that such behavior would be not rejected by the Devil at all..but welcomed. What a joke.

Darkness is drawn to the light, NOT the other way around! If we “Let our light so shine…”, those in darkness will be drawn to us. A pastor friend once explained to me the analogy that (in the natural) when people are truly starving…they will even eat garbage. It’s not surprising in a spiritually starving society that people will feed themselves with whatever spiritual muck is out there.. anything… even garbage. I’ve tasted the dark side..and it’s a lonely, cold place. We need to remember to pray for others accordingly. There are a number of Christian media companies out there preparing and praying for God’s truth to be seen more and more in Hollywood. I can't help but wonder..are our lights shining on the homefront, and what we stand up for? Or what we tolerate? I'm having to examine this myself as to what I recommend or become used to.

Yes, even Hollywood has a destiny in the Lord, but she needs to choose to walk in it. There are more Mel Gibson’s out there – but they need prayer! It’s been a dream of mine for a number of years now to pray for those in the media (music and movies) who are not saved. But recently.. I was reminded that we must cover those who ARE saved in the media world, because they are on the front lines against a principality that does not want to let it’s territory go.. Jesus gave us the authority, let's use it!

Nanaimo - Friend or Foe?

2005-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

They call her the Harbour City.

This is very true as the developing port of the city sits on the waters edge. The city is beginning a boom of development and enterprise and businesses are getting in on the edge of the current markets.

It would seem this edge is bleeding into the surrounding islands near by for there is an item on the news today that is more then intriguing!

The Story:
A young girl in one of the neighboring islands had a lemonade stand put up on the sidewalk to raise money to go and see an IMAX movie in Victoria. Alledgedly a complaint was filed against the girl and the city of Nananimo issued a ticket to the girl (via an commissionaire). In an response to this outrage, the IMAX theatre in Victoria offered the family free tickets for the show, and a hotel in Victoria got involved and offered the family free accommodation during their stay in response to this heinous act by City of Nanaimo.

I couldn't help but chuckle in hearing the remarks by the radio DJ's in the car in my morning commute. That said, there is indeed always two sides to every story. Read on...

The Truth:
As a result of all the bad press, bad mouthing, and just plain bad media towards City of Nanaimo for committing such an injustice to a little girl running her stand, less then 10 years old... the city has spoken out in defense! City of Nanaimo expresses that in no way were they trying to ruin her efforts. What "actually" transpired was a far cry from the media swarm. The girl had set up a lemonade stand on the sidewalk (municipal side) which was obstructing anyone walking by (or anyone on a wheelchair or mobile assistance device for that matter). Someone contacted the city as she was obstructing the sidewalk. A commissionaire went to the house and found no girl was even there, nor was there lemonade (at that time). Just a small stand so a note was left on the front door -- NOT A TICKET.

At some point, this was referred to the media, and everyone jumped on board.

My Conclusion: Nanaimo is a pretty good place! One where a boom is coming, and the real estate market is not only good - but very tempting. Certainly not a place where heinous acts of removing makeshift lemonade stands and appropriating all forms of lemonade from said stand, whilst ticketing a young girl for more then her allowance could cover, take place! The media on the other hand, at embellished times, can leave much to be desired.

And now you may go back to whatever it was you were doing before reading... =)

3000...A Nice Round Number

2005-06-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Firstly, let me apologize to all my high paying subscribers, friends, and cafe guests that I haven't written for a while! I find with blogging I typically write when I'm inspired by that one moment in the day where something gets my attention or catches the eye...be it something shiny, or an epiphany that comes clear out of the blue. Anyway, I have returned but today my inspiration is in the form a nagging pain in my forearm.

Allow me to explain...

For the Canada day parade in our town, our church is doing a float. That in itself is a miracle, and what better place to get peoples attention then to have them all staring at you and thinking "hey..that's pretty cool for a church to do that! " and at the same time be a part of the whole excitement of celebrating our great nation. Anyway, many of us are walking by the float donning red and white and giving out sucker's (lollipops for those who shudder slang) with little tags on them. These tags have our church website on it, and the cartoon for our summer vacation bible school for kids.

It is these tags and suckers that draw me to the pain I'm experiencing at this very moment. Several of us sat at the table yesterday for several hours and applied these tags to approximately 3000 suckers! Now consider for a moment that the average kid probably gobbles down a couple of these a month. I would guestimate this since there are more exciting confections then mini suckers these days so I think it is a reasonable wager. So if the average kid does two a month, that's 24 a year. That means that we tagged enough suckers yesterday to last a person the entire span of their life (at a rate of 2 a day) until they are 125 years of age! ODS BODKINS!

This morning upon entering my office I realized that though I didn't suffer any nightmares of evil suckers chasing after me in a fleeting panic, my right forearm is experiencing the throbbing benefits of the labour accordingly!

So, for all you enchiladas out there who like suckers, this one's for you =)

It Happened At Thrifty's

2005-05-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, just before the weekend I was heading into Thrifty's to get a few items for din-din. As I walked into the store and observed the vast array of food and people, I walked purposefully toward the dairy section. Amidst the clanging of carts, kids screaming, and people who don' t know when to move out of the way, I somehow (without thinking about it) managed to filter everything out except the music playing on the speakers in the store. I knew the song all too well, but it took me a second before I realized what it was. Interestingly enough it was none other then Christian contemporary artist Stacie Orrico with her song "More To Life" and it dawned on me that it was playing in Thrifty's! I swam in some shock for a moment or two.

Some of you might be thinking, yes.. that's on a lot of the secular stations. But I'll give more of an example of where I'm going with this.

When we lived in the interior of BC, I'll never forget the day I walked into Save On Foods one evening to hear "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe playing on the store speakers...I was stunned. I even stood still and waited for the line "..will I dance for you Jesus...or in awe of you be still.." and true enough they didn't cut it out! I couldn't believe it. I've heard of them playing that song on some secular radio stations where we lived, but I still couldn't believe my ears since this was a store that isn't playing the radio (stores like this have set corporate stations they tune into).

So, here's where I'm going with this... What an AMAZING blessing it is to hear this music being played, but how much more of a blessing it will be for those who don't know Him. Christian music has had it rough the last 10+ years, and it is so relieving to hear it not only sound really good, but to see it surfacing into the mainstream channels. For me anyway, it's a reminder to keep our Christian artists in prayer and to remember that they too are on the front lines. I for one, hope to hear much more of the truth in grocery stores everywhere. And to think I once questioned why one earth they play music in such places!

Well someone is always listening..

Marina Guy

2005-05-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

The other day I was down at the docks roaming around and for those of you who know me, this is not unusual. I do in fact try to get down to the marinas at least twice a week -- for me it is entirely therapeutic as I dream of being on the ocean with the sails all the way up in the wind!
Needless to say, it is a huge stress reliever for me and I've spent much time in thought and prayer in such places. Anyway as I was roaming around it started to rain, so I decided to head back to the parking lot since I didn't have much reason to get wet that day. As I ventured back I heard a guy call from behind me in my general direction:

"Are you heading into town? "

I said nothing since I figured he was talking to someone else and continued walking up the dock -- only to my mild shock he repeated himself and this time there was no mistaking he was referring to me. There is a point sometimes when everything stops around you, and you realize that you are about to be put into a situation that you don't want to be in, and all at once options start running through your mind. By the time I had one option come to mind I found myself responding to him:

"I live here actually... "

I wish to point out that my response was intended to ward off any thought on his part that I might give him a ride, since I knew what he was getting at. As I don't make it a habit to give strangers a ride I was thinking how I could avoid such a venture. Whilst thinking this he then responded: You live in the marina? So I replied... No, I mean I live in town.

He pressed on..."Well I was going to ask if I could get a ride into town with you..."

At this point I took an appraisal of whether or not I was in danger and after a quick scan I actually felt sorry for him, and indeed some compassion. He was probably in his 60’s, was roughly dressed and had two bags with him, one of them a Molson bag. So I casually replied as if I was used to this type of thing:

"Sure..."

As we walked up the docks to the parking lot, he immediately went into his own world and started reeling sentences on his experiences sailing. When I actually put his bags in the trunk, and he climbed into the passengers seat the thought rang in my head “Lord, what AM I doing?”

So off we went, and he continued with his thoughts and opinions on sailing, life and politics. Whilst barreling along the highway I noted a wedding band on his finger, and listened to him more then spoke. As I pondered the predicament he was in (it would have been a LONG walk) a thought came to mind, and it sat with me for a while:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.." Matt 25:35

As I thought about this I asked him again where he wanted me to take him, and although he said I could drop him off in town and would walk home, I offered to take him to his final destination. I was wanting to do this for him, and at the same time I had a real curiosity to see where he resided.
After about 10 minutes, we pulled up to his house and wouldn’t you know it is a lovely little house looking right onto the ocean. He continued his verbal ponderings until we reached the top of the driveway, and closed our little excursion with standard small talk.

As I got out of the car and gave his bags to him, there was a moment when we caught each other’s glance for the first time. He said nothing at first...and after a second or two he smiled brightly and thank for me for the ride. Just as he turned I told him he was welcome and asked him his name, realizing I had no idea who my brief passenger called himself. He said he his name was Brian.
In truth, I may never seen Brian again – but then this is a small town and you never know. As I got back in the car, and rolled down the driveway I pondered what just took place.

Let me be the first to say I don’t encourage people to go out and give strangers rides at random. I believe however, God used this experience to speak to me, and I hope it speaks to you in some way.

Aside from the colourful metaphors he used amidst his opinions I was definitely reminded of this…

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it..” Hebrews 13:2

Freshly Brewed

2005-05-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings all,

After much pondering, deliberation and a convincing best friend, I've decided to finally display some of the inner-most thoughts and workings of my heart and mind onto this place. As I write this, the thought occurs to me that it is in fact conceivable, though perhaps improbable, that the thoughts and "pitherings" I relay here may in fact reach, teach or even touch people on the farthest reaches of our blue planet!

Hmmm...

And then again, it may simply be a mild form of textual entertainment for the rest of us as we seek to glean from one another, and perhaps learn a thing or two in the process. So on that note, let the games begin!

And thank you one and all for reading...I do hope you enjoy your stay, and if you have time feel free to make a fresh cup of toasted liquid (java of course) and make yourself at home.