new life

it's amazing how time flies and how much can happen while that time is flying! In the 2 months since my last entry I've had much to celebrate. This past weekend we experienced very moving and meaningful Good Friday and Easter services. Retrospective analysis can be easy when the story is already written but I wonder if I would have acted any differently or if I too would have shouted out "crucify him"? I realise that my actions today are just as much a part of why the cross had to be endured. What always strikes me is that while we remember the pain and suffering of the cross Easter is really about new life and the hope we now have that death and pain no longer have a hold on us, and praise God for that gift. I've also experienced new life recently more closer to home... I mentioned in a previous blog about my good friend who was seriously ill, well, 2 months later and he is doing remarkably well and we praise God for that gift of life too. And then there is my new grand daughter, who is 2 months old next week and I dare say is the most beautiful little girl on the planet! I'm amazed at how much of a profound effect she has had on me already and I am truly surprised how emotional I was about it all. Holding her in my hands and all the feelings I had when holding my own daughter for the first time came rushing back. I thank God for the gifts of new life given to me these past 2 months and I pray you can find ways to celebrate the life He has given you! peace, m

one voice

I have been truly amazed at the out pouring of generosity for the Haitian relief effort. Canadians have given the most on a per capita basis then any other country. Just this past Sunday I was able to participate in a benefit concert that was aptly named "many hands, one voice" and I was impressed by the talent that was assembled for this concert and how they all gave of their time so freely. For many our first instinct in a crisis is to step up and help, and this is a nation that really needs our help. The concert raised almost $9500 for World Vision work in Haiti and just the week ealier our church collected a special offering of $13,000 for the CRWRC work in Haiti... amazing. But you know, I hope we don't forget this feeling of generosity next week, or next month, or next year... because there are always people in need around us. Needs that may not be a result of a devastating earthquake, needs that aren't shown in graphic detail on the TV news, but needs none the less. Let's keep up with many hands and one voice in helping those around us whether they are a half a world away or right next door. peace, m

life is precious

It's amazing how much I take for granted. Like having a job... which I complain about, but it provides my income. My home... where there is always something to fix or maintain, but it gives me shelter. I have a car... which is also in need of repair, but I can get to where I need to go anytime. In the evening I complain there is nothing to eat in the house but I have a refrigerator full of food, I have an endless supply of clean fresh water which I let run down the drain while brushing my teeth. I live in a free Country, my health is good, I have a wife who loves me, my children are doing well and I even have a grandchild on the way! I have it really, really good and yet... sometimes I can still complain about not having enough when I compare myself to others who live in this very affluent society. But life is precious. When I compare myself to the poor in Haiti, when I see the devastation and suffering there... I dare not complain because life is precious. I have a dear and close friend in the hospital right now fighting for his life against an illness that has suddenly stricken him, and I'm reminded that life is precious. I pray God will heal my friend, and I have faith that He will... I pray that God will bring peace and relief to the people of Haiti, and I believe that He will. We who have so much need to remember that life is precious and give to those with so much less. peace, m