Saturday, June 30, 2012

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.

Friday, June 22, 2012

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

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

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.

Sunday, June 03, 2012

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!