Helping a FRIEND

This is NOT Jerry.

Recently I met with a new client (he left as a friend) and his story echoes that of so many others who come into FRIENDS Peterborough.

Jerry (not his real name) waited until others in the FRIENDS office had left and then he began to pour out his heart.

His story included the following:

1. He had lost his business.
2. He had picked up some basic food items at the Salvation Army.
3. He is close to declaring bankruptcy...again.
4. He often sleeps in his car if a friend doesn't lend him a couch.
5. His breakfast was a bun (from the Salvation Army) with a couple of slices of cucumber (from his car),
6. He keeps some utensils in his car (to slice cucumbers).
7. He is not eligible for Social Services (OW or ODSP).
8. He didn't share his family situation but I could tell that it's a sensitive issue.
9. His psychiatrist keeps switching his medications.
10. He feels that there's no hope.

All of this begs the question:

Where do I start to help this man?  I could extend two things...which I try to give to all "friends".  A listening ear and a compassionate heart.

Hopefully Jerry will be back tomorrow.  

P. S.  He needs a new pair of running shoes...size 9 1/2

Check out our FRIENDS Peterborough website here.

Depression Thoughts

Often, but not often enough, someone will pen some thoughts that exactly mirror your own.  

You suddenly become aware that you're not the only one with those gut-wrenching emotions.

Warwick Rendell has written about his struggles with depression.

He writes:  

DEPRESSION, IN MY OWN WORDS...

"You can’t explain to someone who hasn’t been there what it’s like to wake up, and the black curtain of storm clouds have suddenly dropped around you. How do you face the people around you, silently mouthing to each other “again?”. How can you explain that the objectively irrational impulses seem subjectively rational? That you understand that you’re not OK, but there’s nothing you can do to change it, while the world goes on making demands as if you still felt “normal”.

Your partner still wants you to be able to be there for her. The kids still want to get hugs from you – and they still need to eat. The boss still wants you to output widgets. The bank still wants you to make payments on the credit cards you used to survive when things went pear-shaped last time. The landlord still wants his rent." 

For the rest of the article, please click here.  It's worth the two or three minutes it will take to finish the story.

PLEASE HELP!

HELP!!! I've pleaded for help with this issue before on Facebook and I've tried every suggestion and nothing works. It's such a simple issue to resolve but I can't overcome this dilemma.

If you can help I will give you a HUGE "thank you" prize.

Here's the problem:

I have a blog for my workplace - FRIENDS Peterborough. The URL is www.friendspeterborough.com This is a BLOGGER hosted blog. I have not been able to post on this site since last June because I can't remember the username or the password. All efforts to either retrieve these or set a new password have failed. I've changed the password several time. Still can't log on. I don't want to give up the URL because it has been advertised in many places. Blogger, as a company, cannot be contacted by phone or e-mail to get instructions. They only have their HELP tab on their site and I still can't get this to work.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help. I need to revamp the FRIENDS Peterborough blog but can't get in. I'm FRUSTRATED!!!

Thanks for coming to my aid!

Won't Load

A new "take" on "the page cannot be found".  Which one are you?

Bookstore Blues

Here I go...flogging a dead horse again! Many of my readers will know how disappointed I was when our local Christian bookstore CLOSED for good. 

Through no fault of their own, Jim and Susan Rose had to lock the door for the last time. Changing times? Different consumer buying habits? Failure of local Christians to support a business that warranted their patronage? All of the above!

Many times since then I've been in the Market Plaza and fondly remembered the good times I'd spent in Emmaus Family Books. Meeting old friends! Chatting with Jim or Sue or their daughters! Buying a CD, book or a card! Often I'd think of someone who needed an encouraging word. I'd drop by the store and pick up a nice Dayspring card...not available anywhere else. Sure, I could order it online or drive to Toronto to purchase a card. But I needed it right away. Sorry...store CLOSED!

Easter will be here in another week. I'd like to pick up some Dayspring cards. Even just one for my mother or my wife or that struggling person I met on the street.

I can drive to Cobourg to visit my friend Paul Wilkinson at Searchlight Books. They are still open...thank God. But driving down there for one card?

Who says Christian bookstores are no longer relevant? NOT ME!

If you still have a Christian bookstore...SUPPORT IT! PLEASE!!!

Keep Calm

Be Strong

Understanding God

Yes, sometimes I struggle to know what God is really doing.

But I know..."as for God, His way is perfect"...so I continue on, knowing that He will explain later.

Trusting Him can be difficult but He really does know what is best for me...and for YOU!

Fall back into His everlasting arms today and leave your struggle with Him.

He has already assured us that the battle is not ours but His.

He is more than capable!  He is the everlasting God.

Knuckleball Review

I've just finished reading R. A. Dickey's book, "Whenever I Wind Up - My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball."

I'd glanced through the book before the Toronto Blue Jays signed Dickey, last year's National League Cy Young award winner, but after he joined Canada's team, I thought I should get acquainted with this highly touted pitcher.

Dickey chronicles his sexual abuse as a young boy and relates how the experience often came back to haunt him in later years.  Dickey's upbringing was far from "normal" but through perseverance and determination he was able to overcome the demons in his life and become one of the top pitchers in the major leagues.

As I read the book I found myself getting frustrated, along with the author, as he repeatedly was given chances to secure a spot in the pitching rotation of several big league clubs but was shipped back to the minors time and time again after brief appearances in the "bigs".

After struggling for years to succeed as a pitcher using the usual arsenal of  fastball, curve, slider, change-up, etc., Dickey took a shot at being a knuckleball pitcher, following in the footsteps of knucklers like Hoyt Wilhelm, Phil Niekro, Charlie Hough and Tim Wakefield.  Finally...success became a reality, not a dream and R. A. Dickey has put together several seasons as a remarkable pitcher.

If you're quick to give up on someone, you might put the book down after Dickey had been sent back to the minors countless times but if you're a cheerleader who pulls for the underdog...you'll stick with R. A. 'til the end.

The book was especially meaningful to me as the author mentioned several baseball men who helped him along the way, men who impacted my life as well during my years as chaplain to the Toronto Blue Jays.  Reading the book resurrected fond memories of encounters with these men.

R. A. Dickey's vibrant faith in Jesus Christ undergirded him during his rise to the top.  Without divine encounters with a living God, Dickey's struggles personally, in his marriage and in his baseball career would certainly have brought him down.

Of the many sports biographies and autobiographies that I've read over the years, this one ranks right at the top.

As the title suggests, Dickey was seeking truth and authenticity.  After exposing his flaws and warts for the world to see, I sense that this man is now authentic and real.

Buy the book and be challenged and encouraged.

HUGE Losses

Paul Wilkinson from Thinking Out Loud wrote the following lament and I agree 100%.  Paul has been a Christian bookstore owner for years (and I was too).

I know that many readers will argue with me but my position remains firm and unchanging.  When a Christian bookstore closes its doors forever...it's HUGE loss.

Paul writes:

With electronic devices, the proliferation of online ordering, and a general lack of reading taking place, it’s easy to know the why of what happens when a community loses a Christian bookstore.

But in the process, the community also loses its Christian music store and its Christian DVD store and its Christian greeting card store and its Christian giftware store and its Christian apparel store and its outlet for tickets for Christian events and its church supplies store and its Bible store and its place to meet up with other Christ followers in a non church setting.

Instead: The church community loses a marketplace presence.

Instead: The community at large loses the effects of the church being in that marketplace.

Maybe, even though they don’t own the businesses in question, local churches should be standing side-by-side with the remaining stores and fighting for their survival.

Blessed Brokenness

When I saw this graphic, "God restores the broken" i knew I had to post it here on Pilgrim Scribblings.

How encouraging to know that the One who made us is ready and willing to "fix" us when we've been hurt, damaged or broken either by our own choices or by the instrumentality of others!

His grace is sufficient to meet our every need.

It's not "fun" being broken.  It's not the path I would choose.  But, when we find ourselves in that condition, the God of all grace can restore and use us again.  I'm so glad!

As the psalmist said, "Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:1,3 (NIV)

Football Faithful

Another excellent poem by my friend Greg Asimakoupoulos:

The Lord's Day vs. Game Day

A new look at Sunday worship

by Greg Asimakoupoulos - January 11, 2013

Every Sunday football's faithful
robed in sacred color schemes
chant their praises to the pigskin god on high.
In cathedrals (domed and open)
these devoted fans converge
raising arms (as if in worship) to the sky.
 
On the field a reenactment
of some ancient sacrifice
calls to mind the gladiator's brute and gore.
With vicarious allegiance
those who look-on feel the pain
as they pray the pigskin god will fix the score.

It's religion pure and simple.
There's a liturgy observed
by the priests with whistles clad in black-and-white.
And the banners they're unfurling
call to mind transgressions made
making clear the cost of penance in plain sight.

The conversion rate is stunning.
New believers fill the seats
as they flock each week to find community.
It's a fellowship like family
where nobody feels alone.
That is why it is their faith's identity.

What was once a fun amusement
has become idolatry.
Even pastors cancel church for play-off games.
Yes, the Lord's Day has been tackled
and then sidelined (left for dead)
and the worst part is it's happened without shame.

CHRISTmas Greetings

We wish you God's richest blessings as you celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son...JESUS.  

May you know His peace this Christmas in the midst of whatever is going on in your life.  

He is in control and He loves you.

Happy Soul

Over the years I've been blessed and encouraged by the hymns written by Fanny Crosby, the blind poet and composer.

This poem, penned by her early in her life, has always been so powerful in my own life.

What a contented woman she was!

Oh that I might be able to have that same attitude.

Thank you, Father, for Fanny Crosby!

Sick Children

Our granddaughter Victoria sent us the following account of her day (placement) spent at a Children's Hospital. She is attending the University of Guelph. We are SO proud of her and her story brought tears to our eyes. She is mature beyond her years. Grab a kleenex and spend a few moments with Victoria and Zach, the little boy she cared for.

Note:  The child in the picture is NOT Zach.

Victoria writes:
 
Here is a little story about my day at a Children's Hospital and what God's been teaching me:

This story is about Zach, a beautiful brown eyed babe with the longest eyelashes I’ve ever seen. He is 10 months old and was born to a 16 year old illegal immigrant. I do not know her name, her situation or his in fact but what I do know is that she never visits him. Maybe she’s scared, maybe she’s hurting or maybe she doesn’t care but whatever the reason my heart broke not only for Zach but also for his mom. I was trying to figure out why she wouldn’t visit. Why someone wouldn’t want to spend all their time with this sweet child but then I began to realize that she herself is merely a child. A child that still needs loving and a child who may not have been ready for a baby of her own. Not only did she have a baby at 16, but she had a sick baby and so I am sure that she is scared, anyone would be.

Zach is the sweetest little boy. Picture this: 10 months old, light brown hair that sticks up on end, chubby pink cheeks, the longest eyelashes you've ever seen, huge brown eyes and a smile that could melt the hardest of hearts. He reminds me of a little froggy, the way he kicks his legs. I have seen him before but today was the first day I was allowed to hold and snuggle him and the moment the nurse placed him in my arms I was stolen away. I tickled him and made him smile, careful not to tug on his central line and tubes. I listened to his little voice babble away and I sang songs to him. Not long after I got there he fell asleep in my arms. I wasn’t going to put him down to sleep on his own in his crib, no, I was going to sit right there and keep snuggling. The nurse came in abut half an hour later and insisted that I turn on the tv so I wouldn’t be so bored but what she didn’t understand was that I wasn’t bored. I was mesmerized by is beauty, by his oh so chubby rosy cheeks and his wild hair. My eyes were locked on him and I rocked him and held him close while he slept. As I was sitting there I was praying. Praying over this precious little life who was facing the world alone. I could have sat there all day holding him. He woke up from his nap with a smile on his face and looked up at me with those big eyes and I felt they were saying “You’re still here? You stayed with me even though I was sleep?” How much this relates to us and our Father. We are never left alone, even when we may not need Him He doesn’t leave and more importantly, when we do need Him He is there.

Many times I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, loving enough, helping enough. I came to realize today that every bit counts. The 1 ½ hours I spent cuddling this precious little baby is something. I know I can’t fix his problems, his sickness and his family but I can love him for the short time that I am with him. I can cuddle him and show him that he is loved. And loved not only by me but by our Heavenly Father. So today even though my heart broke, I felt peace. Peace that even in my weakness and my inability to fix things I have confidence in knowing that I have a God who can. A God that is bigger than all of our problems and a God who loves us unconditionally no matter who we are or what we do. While snuggling with a precious little baby today, I came to understand that we are not in this struggle alone and even when we might not be able to feel God we can rest assured that He is still right beside us because He isn't going anywhere.

Victoria

Thought Provoking

Here's something to think about.  I sure did!

Chosen People

It's been awhile (a long while) since I posted anything here on Pilgrim Scribblings.  

Recently I saw this graphic of one of my favourite verses and posted it on my Facebook page.  

Hope you are blessed as you read this wonderful description of who we are...in Christ.

First Class

My friend Paul Wilkinson posted this moving account on his Thinking Out Loud blog today.  It bears repeating!  Who did you or will you bless today?

Sometimes life hands you an opportunity to do something nice for people, and all you can do is stand back and watch it unfold. Barbara and I were returning home from California last week and were upgraded to first class. What a blessing! But that blessing lasted just a few moments before we saw an opportunity to do something even better. Better than first class? You bet.

As we waited to board our flight from Dallas/Ft. worth to Tulsa, we heard our name called over the speaker, requesting us to come to the check-in desk. The agent told us that they would like to move us to first class in order to keep another family together on the plane. I said to the agent, “Alexis, you are our new best friend.” She smiled, handed us our tickets and said we could board the plane. Yep, first class, folks! We’re flying First CLASS!!

I can now tell you that, after spending the previous three hours sitting in the economy section with our backs against the restrooms in the tail of the plane, the first class seats are amazing. They are wide, comfortable leather seats, big enough to accommodate both of us in one seat if we wanted, and leg room for someone and a foot and a half taller. We sat down a little dazed at our amazing luck.

Now it was us who got to feel like rich, important people as the remainder of the poor economy class folks boarded the plane, looking us over to see if we might be a celebrity or a famous sports figure. At least, that’s what I do when I walk through first class.

We were in our seats for less than a minute when two servicemen walked by in their digital camouflage fatigues. As we watched them walk past us to the economy class, Barbara turned to me and said, “That’s not right.” I said, “I know. Wait until everyone is on board and we’ll call the flight attendant over.”

When the aisle cleared, I called over the nearest flight attendant and said, “We’d like to trade seats with those servicemen. They should be in first class.”

“That’s so sweeeeet,” the attendant said as she began to fan her face with her hand. “I think I’m going to cry.”

I said, “We were just upgraded to these seats and those two men should have them.” She looked at us for a moment, called over another flight attendant and they went back and informed the servicemen.

“You’re not going to be able to sit together,” one of the flight attendants told us.

“That’s okay,” I said. “They should have the first class seats.”

After we sat down in our new economy class seats, the man next to me said, “Nice move.”

I said, “Anyone willing to give up their life for me and my country deserves to have my seat in first class.” He nodded his head in agreement.

I must admit that I sat there a little stunned at what just happened. It is not every day that you get to do the right thing, in public, and do it in a way that strangers look at you with approval and admire your actions. I kept thinking about what the man next to me said. “Nice move.” No, I thought, the nice move is when two young men chose to join the armed services of their country when they don’t have to, and are willing to give up their life for their country and our continued safety. THAT is a nice move worthy of both admiration and approval. They are willing to give up their lives for me. All we did was give up two comfortable seats we didn’t even pay for.

A pastor I know likes to say, “You are blessed to be a blessing.” It seems Barbara and I were blessed with first class seats for about four minutes just so we could pass that blessing off to someone else. I encourage you to be aware of an opportunity to bless someone with something you have, no matter how temporary.  You never know Who might be watching and say, “Nice move.”

Relentless Pursuit - A Book Review

Author/Speaker Ken Gire has penned another thought-provoking book which challenges readers to step outside of their comfort zones to interact with “outsiders”.  Relentless Pursuit portrays “outsiders” as the poor, homeless, disabled, divorced, disenfranchised, marginalized segment of society that is often shunned and disregarded.

Gire shares biblical examples of those who could be categorized as “outsiders” including Christ Himself who was “despised and rejected by men, a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief.”  If our Master spent significant amounts of time with the prostitutes, thieves and prodigals of His day, shouldn’t we as His followers do the same?

We, in the Church, can make ourselves so comfortable with the insiders that we lose sight of those who struggle each day to survive.  We must go “outside the camp” with and for Him to listen to and care for those who’ve been forgotten by mainstream society.

Gire reinforces the fact that God is in relentless pursuit of us, all of us, because He created us and desires a relationship with us.  He includes the classic poetic work by Francis Thompson, The Hound of Heaven, which relates the Spirit of God’s pursuit of man and our efforts to shake Him off.  Thompson himself was an addict, an “outsider” who knew the shame of being out of the mainstream.

Gire admits his struggle with the story of the Good Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep who were safe in the fold to rescue the lost one.  Why would He, Jesus, risk losing those who were insiders, safe at home, to find that one “outsider”?  Because of His deep, redeeming love!

In the midst of our hurt and shame, God welcomes us with all of our imperfections and invites us to eat at His table as redeemed “outsiders”.

Those readers who expect a “Systematic Theology” in every Christian book they read will be disappointed.  Detractors will say that Gire shares too many personal experiences and, in doing so, becomes too subjective.  I disagree.  I found myself relating to the author as he opened his heart and became transparent.

If you are content to enjoy your circle of “inside” friends and you’re hesitant to step outside to engage with the less fortunate and those often labeled and “undesirables” you might read a chapter or two then set the book aside.  But, if you are willing to take the risk and obey Christ’s call to go “outside”, you will see how rewarding it is to show love to the unlovely.

I’ve read several of Gire’s earlier offerings but connected with Relentless Pursuit on a deeper level.

David W. Fisher

This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House Publishers". http://www.grafmartin.com/

Everything Needed

Special thanks to my friend Paul Wilkinson over at Thinking Out Loud 

for this graphic and the bliblical truths it portrays.

Don't Worry

When will we ever learn?  When will we ever learn?

Dark Tunnels

Don't jump ship...or the train...or life.  

When everything is dark and uncertain around you...trust the One who knows all about you and "does all things well."  

He is in control and He will bring you through.

Dating Disaster

Not me...it's Napoleon Dynamite

DATE WITH DESTINY

Any guy who experiences his first date as a thirteen-year-old is destined for disappointment. At least that was my heartbreaking introduction to the dating game.

The summer of ‘59 ended and I became a celebrity for a day or two. On Labour Day morning I won the Senior Championship of the Soap Box Derby run on the Hunter Street hill in East City.

My photo graced the Peterborough Examiner on my first day of High School at PCVS. I was a hero or so I thought. That self-inflated bubble was soon to burst.  Things continued downhill from there.

Helen Hotchkiss and I had gone roller skating at the Memorial Centre during the summer but this would be my first venture into a Christian venue with a pretty girl by my side. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

The Youth for Christ Rally in September of ‘59 featured a black and white “Christian” movie entitled Teenage Rock. To encourage other teens to attend I made up some posters and taped them to the side of my Grade 8 graduation gift, a brand new bicycle. Try to picture a tall, skinny, red-haired, buck-toothed Christian geek pedaling around town with hand-made movie posters stuck to his bike. Weird! I was trying to do my part to evangelize the hell-bound, sinful, God-forsaking teens in our city.

The long-awaited evening came and Helen Hotchkiss was going to be paraded before my friends. Yes, I actually had a girlfriend and everyone would be surprised…and envious. Helen and her sisters were going to be on the program at the YFC rally, the much-acclaimed Hotchkiss Sisters Trio. I was dating a celebrity!

I arrived early, anxious to get a seat near the front where everyone would see me. Helen was nowhere to be found. Finally as the Rally was about to begin the Hotchkiss Sisters made their entrance, sat in the front row and the fun (???) began.

This shy, backwards beanpole was too scared to get up from his seat and sit with the girl of my dreams. I sat alone and gazed on this beauty. As she and her sisters harmonized, I agonized. They would sing another “package” before the flick began. Did Helen even remember that I was her date? Did she even care? Did she even know I was there?

The talented trio musically prepared our hearts for the movie and as they descended the PCVS stage, the lights dimmed and we were in total darkness. Teenage Rock began and I sat alone, dejected and broken-hearted.

Afterwards when I got the nerve to ask Helen why she didn’t sit with me she used the lame excuse that she couldn’t find me in the dark. Sure! Likely story! How can you miss a 6’ 5” redhead sitting near the front?

Now, fifty years later I chuckle at the ineptitude and naivete that was “me” as a teen.

Over forty years later Joshua Harris would pen a book entitled “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. I could have waxed eloquent on the subject in the Fall of ’59.

Helen and I never dated again. Ten years later this Pentecostal cutie married another “brethren” piano player, who was just as geeky as I was and moved out of town.

I’ve never seen her since.

I'm still in the dark.

David W. (for weird) Fisher

NOTE:  The names in this story have been changed to protect the guilty. 

ANOTHER NOTE:  If we can't laugh at ourselves we have a problem.  As I recall this true story from time to time...I can't help but chuckle to myself.

Holy Highwire

Nik Wallenda

Greg Asimakoupoulus has penned another great poem.  He writes about two high profile athletes:

GOD ON A HIGH WIRE 

 Did you hear that tightrope walker
as he crossed Niagra Falls? *
Did you hear Webb Simpson doing much the same? ** 
At the foggy U. S. Open or amid Niagra's mist,
you could hear those young men praising Jesus' name.

When your faith is more than prayer beads
that you finger once a day
or the place you spend an hour once a week,
then it has a way of springing
from that well deep down inside
and impacts the way you live and how you speak.

When you love the Lord you're serving,
when King Jesus owns your heart,
when you seek his kingdom faithfully each day,
then your faith's not dull religion
or list of endless rules 
it's a source of joy that shows in what you say.

* For a link to ABC 20/20 to watch Nik Walende's high wire stunt and hear his unedited praise of God go to...  http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=11122

 ** For a link to a Christianity Today article about Webb Simpson's public witness to his faith go to...  http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2012/06/webb_simpson_go.html

Tongue Cheeked

Before you comment telling us how ridiculous this is, be assured that there isn't any such thing as this KJV/Yellow Pages combo.

But, knowing what's on the market these days, it wouldn't surprise me if this showed up soon.

Hopefully you won't see it in Christian bookstores and other retail outlets any time soon.

UNSTUCK...A Book Review

What is your response when asked how your "Christian walk" is progressing? If quizzed on your "devotional life" do you squirm and dig deep for an answer which may not be 100% true but might satisfy the one asking the question and prevent embarrassment to yourself? 

Does God's Word speak to you in profound ways when you read it or do you "go through the motions" because it's your obligation as a Christian believer? Do you encounter God when you read?

Every so often you come across a book that challenges you to the core and causes you to realize that you might be a spiritual "loser". UNSTUCK is such a book! Even though I was challenged to the core, I couldn't put the book down and when I did...kept coming back for more. 

One of the authors, Dr. Arnie Cole, confesses, "At least I know my topic inside and out. I've lived most of my life spiritually stuck. or, as I like to call myself, a spiritual loser." That confession struck a chord with me. 

The beauty of this new book is that the authors, Dr. Cole and Michael Ross, speak in terms that I could relate to. They are transparent, non-judgmental and understanding of the human condition. They know what it's like to feel stuck. 

They speak of Bible "engagement", something that many Christians including me struggle with. We read the Bible, often out of guilt, but God's Word doesn't penetrate to our heart, we don't allow it to speak to us and we read much too casually, not remembering that the Bible is "God-breathed" and is profitable for "doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness." 

UNSTUCK challenges the reader throughtout, not by making us feel guilty but giving us hope that change is possible and a real realtionship with God through Jesus Christ can be a reality not just an expression we use. 

The authors, both on staff at Back to the Bible, don't use formulas to give answers but share over a 45-day period how we can interact with God through His Word and finally get unstuck. Cole and Ross have done their homework having conducted extensive research into the habits and lifestyles of professed Christians. Sad to say, they discovered that many believers have a listless, second-hand faith. They furnish us with positive ways to revitalize our faith, encounter Scripture each day and finally...connect with the God who created us and knows everything about us. 

We can get unstuck and begin to enjoy a meaningful relationship with God. Arnie Cole and Michael tell us how.

This book is a "must-read" for everyone who wants more of God and is tired of being a 'spiritual loser." 

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Kawartha Komets Celebrate

Jory Harold and Kurtis Foster

Catching up on the news

Peter Dykstra getting his food

Part of the assembled crowd

Andrew Avery, proud to wear his Komets jacket

Megan Chatterton with Kurtis Foster

Bailey Gibson

Bobby Murray and his grandma

The Kawartha Komets celebrated another successful season (our 3rd) on Sunday at the Lions Centre in Peterborough.

A crowd of approximately 135 in the Komets "family" enjoyed a delicious meal catered by one of our sponsors, East Side Marios.

All 45 players received trophies to acknowledge and recognize their contributions to the Komets,

NHLer Kurtis Foster was on hand to sign autographs and speak to the group.

Our dedicated team of coaches and volunteers was recognized and thanked for their faithful commitment to the team.

Thanks to everyone who made the 2011-2012 season another successful one.

Blaze, Komets, Blaze!

(More photos to follow later)

Be sure to check out the Kawartha Komets Facebook page from time to time!

Looking Up

Our friends Stephen and Brooksyne Weber posted the following article on their Daily Encouragement site today.  It bears repeating.  Check out their web site here.  You will be blessed.

LOOKING UP...

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto Thee will I pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:1-3).  KJV

Due to the nature of our chaplain visitation we need to get a very early start several days a week. We often travel across the county straight into a beautiful sunrise. Psalm 5 comes to mind: "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto Thee will I pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:1-3). Many years ago as young Christians Brooksyne and I memorized this portion of Scripture assisted by the melody of a song popular in Christian circles at that time.

Today I want to focus on just this phrase in our daily text: "O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."  Most specifically, "I… will look up."

This speaks of a necessary, willful, upward outlook in life. Upon awakening each day we do well to make this our intentional focus. It's easy to get lost and disoriented in the course of the day's activities, planned or otherwise. There are many unknowns. There are scores of voices beckoning us. There are looming questions about what's around the next bend.

As we look up and focus on God, may we hear His voice clearly direct, "This is the way, walk in it."

In one version of the Psalm 5 song a stanza has been added that I do not recall from the original song written some thirty years ago:
 

Look up, hold your head high,
Look up, hold your head high,
Come before the throne with confidence,
You can hold your head up high,
Come with boldness, come with confidence,
Your head held high, your heart bowed down
Come with confidence to worship the Lord,
For He is worthy, He is worthy!

Yes, indeed we hold our head high because we approach the throne of grace with confidence. But we also bow our heart in humility as we recognize our position as humble servants of Almighty God!

Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Kawartha Komets...Changing Lives

Kawartha Komets hockey program having life-changing impact on special needs children and their parents

By MIKE DAVIES Examiner Sports Director

Imagine going to school each day and none of the other children want to play with you at recess.

Imagine being on a sports team and your teammates don’t accept you socially.

Imagine your child has special needs so significant you can’t leave him with a babysitter or grandparent for a rare night out.

Imagine after experiencing years of loneliness, frustration, worry as either the child or parent, you find a group which accepts you unconditionally and identifies with all your struggles.

Meet the Kawartha Komets.

Many in the community may have heard of the special needs hockey team but may not realize it’s much more than a sports team. The hockey is secondary to the life-changing impact its had for children and parents.

The Komets opened a new world for nine-year-old Kaeden Ball who previously had no friends to interact with in school or out of school, says his mother Lisa Mills.

“These are kids who are shunned by mainstream society,” said Mills, whose son is ADHD, has oppositional defiance disorder and mild intellectual and anger challenges. The players have a variety of intellectual, emotional to physical challenges.

By the end of his first night with the Komets Kaeden had friends, boys he could call to talk to, he had teammates.

“It's like a family,” Mills said. “We all care about each other. We're all there to support each other through good times and bad.”

Kaeden’s 11-year-old sister Brianna, who volunteers with the team, says it’s helped her brother open up at school, too.

“I have seen a lot of difference since Kaeden joined the team,” she said. “He started making more friends and talking to his friend Jonathan a lot. It’s been a big change.”

David and Carol Fisher founded the Komets after their son Matthew, 16, played one year of special needs hockey with a team in Don Mills. Instead of travelling each weekend, they created a local team. Their son Nathan, 15, also plays.

Sheryl Over’s adopted son Quinten, 15, who has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, struggled in minor hockey.

“We tried to put him in the house league and on the ice there wasn't much difference between him and the other kids, his skills are quite good, but it fell apart in the change room. There was no opportunities for him socially because he can't keep up with the other kids developmentally,” she said.

“He can’t process the hitting quick enough so bodychecking is very dangerous for him. He doesn’t see the hits coming and we were afraid he was going to get hurt.”

The Komets changed that, instantly.

“It’s helped him to find peers who have common interests and abilities,” she said. “We so often want our kids integrated and accepted but sometimes they still feel isolated.”

It's also a better environment for the parents, Over said.

“The parents are really accepting, too, because all of our kids have challenges. I don't feel like I have to make excuses for him while he's playing which is really nice,” Over said.

Before the Komets, there were few things special needs children could enjoy together.

“This fills a void that was in the community,” she said.

Lynn Black calls the Komets a support group for parents, too. She and her husband Jeff registered their son Liam, 8, with the Komets last season.

“We always thought ‘Nobody gets it. Nobody really understands what we go through as parents,’” said Lynn.

“We have so many challenges with each of our kids but you go to the arena with the Komets and you’re just another parent. Everybody gets it. You can talk about how rough your week has been and everyone gets it. It’s totally a support group for the parents. As thankful as we are the team is here for the kids, it’s also here for us.”

“You don’t see judgment in the locker room if a child has a meltdown,” Carol Fisher said. “The parents can share and trade resources and information and support one another.”

It’s also a stress reliever for the children.

“They know there isn’t anyone there who is going to bully them or tease them,” Fisher said. “They can relax. There is no pressure to perform.”

Lorne and Wanda Hoehn are thrilled with the benefits their son Will has experienced.

“He had something more to talk to kids about at school,” Lorne said. “He wears his Komets hat to school every day. It’s a big source of pride for him. It’s helped with his self-confidence which is really important for kids who have these challenges.”

Liam became Will’s best friend and the highlight to their year was scoring their first goals within five minutes of each other.

“You couldn’t smack the smile off his face if you tried,” Lorne said.

Carol Fisher said a dedicated group of volunteers, about 10 a year – some with no connection to the players, coach the team.

“We have a wonderful group of very dedicated and committed volunteers,” said Carol. “They have also become like family.”

There were 12 Komets in year one, 22 in year two and 45 in year three including the first two girls.

“It just added another dimension to our team to have the girls and their families involved,” said David Fisher.

Next season they will ice three teams with players of similar ability placed together.

“To see this family grow has been so rewarding,” he said.

mike.davies@sunmedia.ca  

Kawartha Komets in need of sponsors to overcome financial challenges

Program aims to keep fees low for already burdened parents of special needs children

By MIKE DAVIES Examiner Sports Director

It's been an exhausting experience for David and Carol Fisher to pound the pavement each year raising funds to keep the special needs hockey team on the ice and in equipment. They’re about $2,600 short of covering their 2011-12 costs.

Since starting the team three years ago, the Fishers have tried to hold the line on registration costs for the now 45 team members.

David Fisher says their fees are half of normal minor hockey registration in recognition that many families of special needs children have extra expenses for alternative medicine, therapy or schooling, or only one parent earning a paycheque as the other is home caring for their child.
 

“We wanted to be inclusive,” Fisher said. “Anybody with any challenge can come and join the Komets.”

“We’re really hoping to find a corporate sponsor,” said Carol Fisher. “There are so many wonderful service organizations in Peterborough who do such great work and they fundraise like crazy.

“For us, we have to go out to speak to 10 to 15 of these groups each year and that's a lot for us to do and also run the team. If we had a corporate sponsor it would really free us up to do other things. We would really like to grow this team. We know there are people out there who want to play but we somehow have to alleviate some of the work we do with the fundraising.”

She says $10,000 would solve their problems.
 

“We've done that through places which have discounted equipment severely or through donations or garage sales. We're almost out of equipment.”

Fisher thinks it would be a great opportunity for a local business to get exposure with their name on the Komets jersey.

“We are often in the news,” she said.

Anyone interested in sponsorship, donating equipment or coaching can contact the Fishers at 705-750-0655