Partnering with fellow Christians to accomplish the mission Jesus has given us is always a blessing.  Challenges arise and are overcome through prayer, fellowship, commitment and an active faith in the Lord.  This week the VBS crew is becoming a great example of this which is such a cool testimony to our community and to each of us.  There is joy in pursuing the things of God!

If you're reading this and you haven't yet read the updates in the VBS section please do so.  Christine is posting updates regularly.

In addition to what I've already written I think it is prudent and wise to also tell you that there are some of these VBS volunteers who are remarkably odd.  This is a good thing.  There are strange senses of humor coming together producing laughter and smiles.  Creativitiy is a gift from the Creator and even the most random ideas are being used for His glory.

Today's entry is a shout out to all of the VBS gang.  Even the odd ones . ...

Ever notice how the little things in life can bring you down?  None of them are a big deal and yet somehow they can produce the most animated responses.  Something doesn't happen that should of happened or maybe it's the other way around.  You expect one thing and get another.  Little miscommunications have the same effect as the pebble in your shoe or a mosquito bite right in the middle of your... well you know what I mean.

We know what to do with the big stuff in life.  Tragedy strikes and we're on our knees praying and checking our attitudes.  We gather together and "recognize the battle we're in".  We feel galvinized in our faith and refined in the fire.

That little stuff though, we struggle with that.  We don't even realize how much it's getting to us until we're ready to break, pop, or explode.

I just spent a little time in my own personal journal with the Lord.  It was a good time for me to go there because of those little things.  I needed to be reminded of all the things that are good and wonderful in my life.  I needed to stop just long enough to remember how much I really am blessed.  I had a few small rocks in my shoes and the best way to get rid of those is to stop, sit, untie, dump them out and put the shoe back on.  Such a simple solution to simple problems and yet I think there may even be blisters on my feet from those little rocks because they've been there too long.

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For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

 

Falling in love is one of the things in life that all of us look forward to or reflect on with fondness. Many times we enjoy it so much that when we see others in love it brightens our day. As long as the starry-eyed couple isn’t completely draped all over each other we find delight in their mutual affection. Movies, music, novels and art all point to our obsession with being “in love”.

 

Let me make this a touch more personal. I remember the first time my wife and I held hands, kissed and how my heart thumped and spine tingled as my affection was returned by hers. I remember that incredible relief when she said “yes” and the greater joy as I saw her come down the isle. These are memories deeply imprinted on my mind and for good reason, we were definitely in love.

 

The problem with the emotion of being in love is just that, it’s an emotion...

I thought it would be good to encourage some good old-fashioned, apple pie, boys of summer American patriotism in honor of the 4th of July.  Being the good Canadian that I am I will always have a large spot in my heart for the homeland of hockey (a.k.a. the "True North Strong and Free") but I've also come to appreciate my current home.

I haven't done the research but I'm pretty sure there is no other country that has it's foundations as intertwined in the truth found in Scripture as the United States.  To have a history enriched by God's Word is an incredible heritage even if it sometimes feels like it's only a heritage.  I believe that this country has a lot to be proud of!

So here's the deal.  Spread the word and even let your "non-blogging" friends know that this Canadian wants to learn a little more about what makes you proud to be Americans.  For those of you who can quote actual Scripture found in documents or public places you get big time bonus points.  It's not limited to that though so clue me in on whatever it is that makes you bleed red, white and blue.

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This has been good discussion so far so thanks for jumping in! To follow up with our conversation about greatness I’d like to pick up on the ideas of talent and service. I’ll preface my remarks by saying that I believe the truest evaluation of greatness is the endorsement of the Lord. When we look through Scripture and think about people who are considered great or righteous they are identified as such by the Lord himself. Moses, Joshua, King David, Abraham and others are described as they are because of their relationship with God. Hebrews 11 gives us that beautiful chapter about faith and helps us to see what distinguished people in the eyes of the Lord.

 

In regards to talent I can’t say as I think it has much of anything to do with greatness in God’s eyes. Yes, sometimes talented people are also called to greatness but they are not necessarily great because of their talent. They are great because of their intimate and powerful relationship with Jesus. I had the privilege of challenging the guys...