Firecracker or Dynamite?

Here's a devotional thought that I discovered in my archives today. I wrote it several years ago but the message applies as much today as it ever has...maybe more.

“We preach a dynamite gospel but live a firecracker life.” - source unknown

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens violently erupted after being dormant for 123 years. Incredible power was unleashed. The cloud of ash literally turned day into night. Communities were virtually immobilized. 26 lakes, 154 miles of trout streams and 195 square miles of wildlife habitat were destroyed. Powerful !!! 1,200 feet were ripped off the top of a 9,700 foot volcano.

From the time dynamite was first produced in 1867 by Alfred Nobel until now, we have witnessed incredible demonstrations of power but we’ve only seen glimpses of what the “real” power behind this universe is like. The truth is that we haven’t begun to comprehend the limitless power of an eternal God. Each year on Easter Sunday we celebrate a display of God’s power when Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. That same power which raised Christ from the grave is now at work in the lives of those who are followers of Jesus. – Ephesians 1:19,20

The apostle Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” – Romans 1:16 The same power that raised Jesus can save us from our sins. It is the power of God. The word “power” here, is derived from the Greek work, “dunamis” from which we get our English word, dynamite. Human power is limited but God’s creative and saving power is limitless.

The apostle Paul’s prayer was, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings…“ (Philippians 3:10)

The great preacher from the 19th century, Charles Spurgeon, once said, “If Niagara could suddenly be made to leap upward instead of forever dashing downward from its rocky height, it were not such a miracle as to change the perverse will and raging passions of men. Conversion is a work comparable to the making of a world . . . all other labors are child’s play compared with renewing a right spirit in the fallen nature of man.”

Yes, the gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful, it’s dynamic, it’s life-changing but that same power that transformed us from a sinner to a forgiven, child of God is available to us as Christ’s followers to enable us to live holy, meaningful, fruitful lives.

Too many Christians are sputtering through life when we have the resources to live abundantly.

As Christians, we have the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to equip and enable us to live victoriously. He gives us power to:

FORSAKE our fears.
FLEE the temptations that seek to trip us up.
FACE the trials and disappointments that are a part of everyday living.
FULFIL His calling to be Spirit-filled followers and disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

Like the apostle Paul, we should not be ashamed of the life-changing gospel that transforms mankind but we should also live daily . . . empowered by the Holy Spirit who enables us to live dynamite lives . . . not firecracker ones.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS !!!

The Centrality of the Cross

This morning I had the pleasure of leading the communion service at our church. The Lord had been challenging me recently about the centrality of the cross and I shared several thoughts with our people on that topic.

Here is an A-Z listing of a number of things that transpired when Christ took our place at the cross, securing our redemption:

A – His AGONY & ANGUISH provided for our ATONEMENT
B – His BLOOD, His BRUISING and His BROKENNESS provided BLESSING and eternal BENEFITS
C – His CRUCIFIXION brought CLEANSING and a CLEAR CONSCIENCE
D – His DEATH gave us DELIVERANCE
E – His EXCRUCIATING death gave us ETERNAL life
F – Through the FOOLISHNESS of the cross we received FORGIVENESS & FAVOUR with the FATHER.
G – His GRIEF brought us GLORY. Our GUILT was replaced by His GRACE
H – His HANDS gave us HOPE and HEAVEN
I – His INFINITE loss became our INDESCRIBABLE gain
J – Instead of being JUDGED we were JUSTIFIED
K – He was KILLED but I became a child of the KING through His death
L – His LOVE gave us LIFE
M – His MARRING (Isaiah 52:14) brought us MERCY (Mercy there was great and grace was free)
N – His NAILS brought us NIGH and made us NEAR to God
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)
“Near, so very near to God, Nearer I cannot be; for in the Person of His Son, I am as near as He!”
O – His ORDEAL gave me OVERCOMING power
P – His PAIN provided PROPITIATION, PARDON & PEACE
Q – His QUEST to do His Father’s will led to my QUICKENING (new life)
R – His REJECTION led to REDEMPTION, RECONCILIATION, REST & RIGHTEOUSNESS
S – His SUFFERING, SHAME & SUBSTITUTIONARY SACRIFICE provided SALVATION & SECURITY
T – His THORNS lead to TRIUMPH
U – His UNDYING commitment to His Father brought us into UNION with the Godhead
V – His seeming VANQUISHING defeat turned into VICTORY
W – His WOUNDS led to our WORSHIP. Instead of God’s WRATH we became WORTHY in and through Him.
X –
Y –
Z –

Here's your homework! Let me know what to use for XYZ. Thanks and remember to thank Him for the cross!

Big Night For Little Fish

Big Fish (me) just got home from Ottawa where I watched Little Fish (Mike Fisher) have a big game against the Senators' rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. They whitewashed them 7-0 and have now outscored the Leafs 23-2 in their last three meetings.

My friend David Kennedy and I watched from the Senators' Alumni Box as my nephew went in alone on Ed Belfour and lifted a shot over his outstretched body. What an exciting game! It was the first time I'd seen Mike score an NHL goal in person.

CONGRATULATIONS, Mike! On Friday I conducted a chapel for the Sens and had a great response from the guys.

Mike Fisher had a strong game for the Senators, scoring two goals and an assist during a 7-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Scotiabank Place. With 16 goals now, Fisher is just two off his career high of 18 set during the 2002-03 season. Photo: Freestyle Photography/OSHC

Stay In The Secret Place

Every morning I receive an e-mail devotional taken from one of A. W. Tozer's books. Here is today's offering:

"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." -Psalm 5:3

Retire from the world each day to some private spot, even if it be only the bedroom (for a while I retreated to the furnace room for want of a better place). Stay in the secret place till the surrounding noises begin to fade out of your heart and a sense of God's presence envelops you.

Deliberately tune out the unpleasant sounds and come out of your closet determined not to hear them. Listen for the inward Voice till you learn to recognize it. Stop trying to compete with others. Give yourself to God and then be what and who you are without regard to what others think.

Reduce your interests to a few. Don't try to know what will be of no service to you. Avoid the digest type of mind--short bits of unrelated facts, cute stories and bright sayings.

Learn to pray inwardly every moment. After a while you can do this even while you work.

Practice candor, childlike honesty, humility. Pray for a single eye. Read less, but read more of what is important to your inner life.

Never let your mind remain scattered for very long. Call home your roving thoughts. Gaze on Christ with the eyes of your soul. Practice spiritual concentration.

Taken from "Of God and Men" - pgs. 128-129

"Lord, I need all of these practical suggestions. Direct me today to those things that would most enhance my walk with you, and enable me to serve You better. Amen."

Blogger Found Dead

Sad news indeed! When I arrived at work last night I found that my blogging buddy had died! Sure, there was a pulse, but no post. The guy who used to write such profound things had fallen off the bloggin' wagon. Poor thing! Tomorrow I'm conducting a funeral for the guy unless, of course, he comes to life and posts something before I give him the last rites. Come on Brodie! Get writing! It's wrong to hide that talent!

Your blogging mentor,

Big Fish

Check out Brodie's blog at http://www.hopeofhiscalling.blogspot.com
Hopefully he'll get back to his calling!

What Road Are You On?

"I took the road less traveled by and

that has made all the difference."

- Robert Frost

How's Your Vision?

How is your vision? Do you care?

What about those who have never

heard that Jesus loves them?

Who will tell them?

Will you?

Will I?

A Pun(y) Attempt

A pun(y) attempt to be punny...

Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot his whole life, which created an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from very bad breath. This made him.... what?

This is so bad it's good...

- a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.


And finally, there was a person who sent 10 puns to some friends in hopes at least one of the puns would make them laugh.

Unfortunately, no pun in ten did. Get it? No pun intended!

Sorry friends, I just had to share these.

Patricia's Prayer

Recently one of the young men on the Peterborough Petes lost his special aunt to cancer. I attended the pre-funeral visitation where I picked up a memorial folder concerning this wonderful lady. The following prayer was included. As we've begun another year, my desire is to make this prayer my own as I grow closer to Abba, the God who loves me relentlessly.

Here's Pat's prayer:

Jesus, my Savior, Friend and Lover...
I pray You will gift me with...
Diligence to seek You,
Wisdom to find You,
Understanding to really know You,
Fidelity to follow You,
Friendship to embrace You,
Intimacy to be profoundly in love with You,
Discernment to make life-giving choices with You,
Inner freedom to go anywhere with You,
Commitment to do any ministry with You,
Poverty to be poor with You,
Chastity to love You,
Obedience to do Abba's will with You,
Willingness to suffer with You,
Courage to die with You and...
Happiness with Abba, with You, and Your Spirit
in the fullness of life and love without end.
AMEN

Three Granddaughters

Here's a shot of three of our granddaughters taken between Christmas and New Years. From left to right, Carissa, Daynica and Victoria. Ris and Dee (as Nicole refered to them, belong to Tim and Nicole), Victoria belongs to Brad.

Twin Groaner

I couldn't resist posting this crazy pun. Hope you get a laugh!

A woman has twins then gives them up for adoption. One goes to an Egyptian family and is named "Ahmal" The other is sent to a Spanish family and is named "Juan". Years later, Juan sends his birth mother a picture of himself. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. He replies, "They're twins for Pete's sake!! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal!"

Look Out, I'm Back

Look out! I'm back to the blogosphere from Orlando, Florida where our family spent a wonderful week, compliments of a very generous Christian family. Pictures to follow later.

I've missed my blogging buddies and I've been surfing the net to see what you've written. I've also had to sift through over 350 e-mails. One of those e-mails pointed out the craziness of our English language.

Here are some examples:

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present!

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Crazy eh!

Have a great weekend! It's good to be back!

Bye Bye Blogger

Just a brief note to let you know that Pilgrim Scribblings will be taking a brief time-out for about 9 days. The pilgrim (or the scribbler) or both, has not been well and I'm taking a much-needed rest. Thanks for your prayers, fellow pilgrims. May you sense the Shepherd's leading and His goodness as you follow Him.

Be back soon, dear friends!

David

Great Guests, Sick Host

Our son and daughter-in-law visited us on New Year's Day. It was good to see Tim & Nicole and the kids again. We were with them between Christmas and New Years but I spent most of that evening laying down on a bed at my brother Jim's house.

On New Year's Day I wasn't much better. Several times I had to go to our bedroom to have a rest. Tim had brought me home from the hospital the day before after spending a couple of days there with a skin infection on and in my head...cellulitis.

Tim and Nicole gave us this great family picture for Christmas. Josiah (left) and Daynica (right) are twins. Carissa, between Josiah and Tim, turned 10 last month. We love our kids and grandkids and thank God for them.

God's Best In 2006

Dear Friends:

What a year we had in 2005! What an adventure! What a trip! What a venture into the unknown! But God walked with us every step of the way and showed Himself strong, mighty to save and able to keep. We praise Him for revealing Himself throughout the journey. Many times He used friends like you to point towards "home", take our hands and encourage us along the way. What a mighty God we serve!

Carol joins me in wishing you God's best as we launch out into another year. May you know the peace of God and His wonderful provision in ways you've never known before. May His Son, Jesus, become more precious as you trust Him more!

David's Health Update...

As I mentioned in an earlier update, I've spent much of the last week in the hospital. Carol took me back in to Emergency early Thursday morning. The doctors determined that I have cellulitis of the skin (around my face) and treated me agressively with antibiotics intravenously. They admitted me Thursday morning and I was able to come home yesterday (Saturday) around noon. I'll continue to take the antibiotics for another week. Thanks for your prayers over the next few days. I'm still very weak and tired.

While laying on my hospital bed the other morning the Lord gave me a brief poem of praise. I was grateful for the protection of God's angelic hosts who attend to Christian believers in our time of need. Here are the lyrics:

Holy, Holy, Almighty God
Enthroned in glorious splendor on high;
From whence He gives His angels charge
To guard and keep us in all our ways,
For this we offer our endless praise
For this we offer our endless praise.

May you trust Him more as we move into a brand new year.

Gratefully,

David

Imposter?

Who is this bearded man? An imposter? It's either Santa or Spurgeon. Spurgeon has given greater and more valued gifts than Santa could ever imagine. If I encountered this man in the mall I'd discuss many pivotal issues with him, like...where did you get that red and white lid?

As we bid Christmas "goodbye" for another year, sleep in heavenly peace, dear friends!

Some Of My Boys

Recently we enjoyed our Annual Christmas Banquet with the Peterborough Petes. Following an excellent meal we played several rounds of Scattergories (this has become a Fish/Petes tradition) and I read Luke's account of the Christmas story.

From left (showing the back of his head) to right are: Jamie Tardif, David Shantz, Fredrik Naslund, Trevor Hendrikx and Trevor Cann. 13 other players joined us for that special night.

JESUS...His Name

Christmas Joys...Our Boys

This photo of Matthew (left) and Nathan was taken at their school's Christmas program entitled Three Wise Men and a Baby. Having these guys around over the Christmas holiday makes the festivities more special than ever. We shudder to think where they might have been had we not adopted them into the Fisher family as toddlers.

In the same way, I wonder where I would be this Christmas night had not the King of Glory stepped into time in the form of a baby, grown to maturity, allowed His blood to be shed for me and then willingly adopted me into His family. Tonight I'm God's child through faith in His Son. I'm an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ.

Tonight Matthew and Nathan are ours forever! Hope you had a blessed Christmas with family and friends.

Father, I pray that those without family, those who don't know the joy of true friendship, those without a home, those who have been alienated from society, those who've been estranged from loved ones...would know the depth of Your love. Father, somehow, touch their lives (through me if you choose) and let these dear people know that they are not without hope. Through Your Son Jesus I pray, AMEN!

W in Christmas?

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations...extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season fora six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room.

Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment...songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love", I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row - center stage - held up large letters, one by one,to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas", a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love".

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"CHRISTWAS LOVE"

And, I believe, He still is!

The Incarnation

"He, through whom time was made, was made in time; and He, older by eternity that the world itself, was younger in age than many of His servants in the world; He, who made man, was made man; He was given existence by a mother whom He brought into existence; He was carried in hands which He formed; He nursed at breasts which He filled; He cried like a babe in the manger in speechless infancy -- this Word without which human eloquence is speechless!"

- Augustine of Hippo

God Incarnate

Dear Fellow Pilgrims:

On the eve of the day we celebrate the incarnation of our Mighty, Holy God, I send warm greetings to you and heartfelt thanks to the Father for the gift of your friendship and love.

May you know Abba's wonderful peace this Christmas season as you fall back into His everlasting arms and tender, loving embrace.

He is Lord of all, Master of every storm we will ever face and He will bring us safely "home" at journey's end. Hallelujah, what a Savior and Friend!

My life has been enriched by your partnership and friendship! Thanks for journeying with me!

Sleep in Heavenly Peace...tonight and every night until we see His glorious face. O come let us adore Him, Jesus Christ, the Lord!

A fellow pilgrim, stumbling towards the lights of "home",

David

(Carol and the children (Matthew & Nathan) and our granddaughter (Victoria) join me in greeting you tonight!)

FOOLish Thoughts

No Holiday for Atheists...

An atheist complained to a Christian friend, "You Christians have your special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate their national holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. But we atheists have no recognized national holidays. It's unfair discrimination."

His friend replied, "Why don't you celebrate April first?"

Dozing Gient

What a week it's been! I think I've been running on nerves for the last little while and I'm trying to wind down but can't seem to accomplish it. Maybe it's because I haven't finished writing my Christmas cards. Even though I use the internet and e-mails a lot, I've made a commitment to myself and to the Lord that I will always write personal notes and cards as long as I can use my hands and my fingers.

Yesterday afternoon I was writing cards at my office. I only had about 4-5 hours sleep on Sunday night so I was pretty bushed. Around 2:30 p.m. I could hardly keep my eyes open. Finally I dozed off. When I awoke a few minutes later I went to finish signing the card I was working on. To my horror, amazement (or whatever) I had signed the card, "David & Goliath" instead of "David and Carol". I knew then that it was time to quit.

I've often been called "The Gentle Giant" but I didn't realize that Goliath was my partner. I better quit writing this post before I doze off again.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

The Blogger Is Back

I'm back! Yes, I'm still alive! This is the longest I've gone without posting something! I've just been too busy getting my Christmas newsletter written and mailed. I'm still not done but...

I read a great quote from Charles Swindoll on my desk calendar today and had to share it with you.

Chuck writes:

"Consistent, timely encouragement has the staggering, magnetic power to draw an immortal soul to the God of hope, the One whose name is Wonderful Counselor." (from Encourage Me)

AMEN!

Slip Away Into His Arms

Further to the last "post", I asked Mark Price if I could have one of his father's books just before he passed away. 

Keith chose The Secret of Communion With God by Matthew Henry for me. He wrote this inscription inside the cover. His choice of words has always moved my heart. "My love in Jesus as I slip away into His arms." - Keith Price Wow! What a blessed hope!

Shortly afterward, Keith was finally "home", safe in the arms of the One he loved and served so passionately.

Uninterrupted

Several years ago I had the privilege and honor of spending a couple of hours with my mentor, Keith Price. Keith was in hospital in Victoria, BC and was not expected to get better. He went to be with the Lord shortly after my visit. I flew out on a Saturday morning, was picked up by Keith and Rosemary's son Mark, and taken to their home for lunch.

After lunch, Mark drove me to the hospital for my planned visit with his dad. When I arrived at Keith's room, the door was closed but this sign was taped to the door. The nurse told me that Keith was waiting for me and I was ushered to his bedside and the door was closed again. Keith positioned me so that he could see me without strain and he held my hand for almost two hours. He told me that in past years he had helped me to understand how to live but now he was passing along his counsel on how to die. Those moments were priceless. I'll never forget them and I'll always keep this handwritten sign as a reminder of those moments with my friend. 

As I was reminded of that special day, I thought our Father. He longs to spend uninterrupted time with us, His redeemed friends. But we rush in, quickly offer the obligatory prayers and speed off to our various and sundry "important" engagements. Why can't we quiet our hearts in His presence and just enjoy him. Allow Him to take our hand and speak truth, grace and love to our troubled souls. "Father, teach me just how deep and vast your love is for me. Thank you for desiring my fellowship. Forgive me for hastily rushing off so quickly. AMEN!" 

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day by Matthew Fisher

There are many signs, stories and words I think about on Remembrance Day, like poppies and flags and words like veterans, peace and bravery. I have heard stories too.

People used flags in the war. There was a picture of a man holding a flag and soldiers around him. Also, poppies are a sign of the people who died. We wear a poppy to remember the ones who died.

The veterans are people who have lived through the war. The veterans have a ceremony and they tell about the war. They do not want us to forget the ones who died.

Many people could help in the war by helping soldiers who were sick. Little kids collected things like bottles and metal and women helped to keep factories open.

During the war brave people fought to keep our country safe. There was a man who flew over an enemy ship and dropped bombs but, as he left, one of the bombs killed him. He was brave.

Peace is important because now we can go where we want and we can say what we want. We can talk about God.

These are the things I think about on Remembrance Day.

Check out this earlier "post" regarding the prize Matthew won for this submission.

Crushing Blow

Silo, Silo, It's NOT to work I go,
My dreams were crushed
Dad's car was mushed
Silo, Silo.

I better get my insurance inspector friend, Paul Mackay, to check this one out. He works for Farmer's Mutual out of Lindsay, Ontario.

Sorry, friends, I'm feeling a bit silly on this December Saturday morning. I just had to "post" this.

Have a good and godly weekend!

Pilgrim Man

Overheard on an Elevator

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

J. P. Talks

Blue Jays' GM, J. P. Ricciardi has seen more than his share of media mics over the past few days as a result of the A J. Burnett,
B. J. Ryan and Lyle Overbay acquisitions at the Winter Meetings in Dallas.

I eavesdropped on this conversation and pass along J. P.'s comments made to The Fan 590.

"The Overbay trade was a great catch and yet I hated to see Gabe Gross leave Toronto. Our Baseball Chapel leader, David Fisher, was devastated when he learned the news. "Fish" has built a strong friendship with Gabe since we drafted him as our #1 pick in 2001.

Fish and I talked throughout the season and he knew that trading Gabe was always a possibility. Gross is a fine young man and will get a chance to prove himself with the Brewers.

But after 29 seasons with the Jays as our chapel leader, Fish knows how to handle the loss of players to trades, free agency, outright releases and retirement. Just this week one of David's long-time friends, John Olerud, decided to "hang 'em up"."

Yawn! I just woke up. I guess that conversation took place in my dreams. This trade has been more like a nightmare and yet I spoke with our Baseball Chapel leader, Wayne Beilgard, who handles the Brewers' chapels and he told me that I'll love the Overbays.

Well, I've seen the likes of Woods, Whitt, Barfield, Moseby, Fernandez, Johnson, Stieb, Eichhorn, Gordon, Parrish, Molitor, Olerud, Carter, Timlin, Williams, Painter, Matheny, et al, ..............move on so I should be getting used to this by now.

Who's next?

Following In My Footsteps

Last night our son Matthew (10) received an award for his essay on Remembrance Day. There were over 300 entries in several categories and Matthew got a 3rd place plaque and a monetary gift for his work. I'll post what he wrote later. You made me proud, my son.

Note: Many thanks to my long-time friend, Verna Windrem, for this photo. Our camera didn't work but Verna came to the rescue. Thanks again, friend!

Something Just Died

Here's the latest news...a death report, no, actually just an injury report! This morning David Fisher's heart took a mighty hit and, if not broken, is badly bruised.

I was up until 1:30 this morning, checking the baseball transactions from the Winter Meetings in Dallas, TX but didn't hear the gut-smacking news until 9:00 this morning that Gabe Gross had been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Murphy's Law still works, friends!

Gabe and I were great friends, soul mates, brothers in the Lord and mutual encouragers. When we'd have our mid-week Bible studies two seasons ago who would show up? Gabe Gross! This season Corey Koskie was added to the mix. I've been following Gabe's career since the Jays made him their #1 draft pick back in 2001.

I had the pleasure of attending Gabe & Kelly's wedding almost two years ago. They were both great friends!

So, now what? We wish Gabe and Kelly all the best as they move on. This season our Baseball Chapel leader in Milwaukee Wayne Beilgard and I joked about Gabe being traded to the Brew Crew. Now the joke's on me. My loss is Wayne's gain. Congratulations, Wayne! You got a good and godly man!

I don't know much about Lyle Overbay, the 1st baseman we acquired in the trade. We'll have to wait and see.

Now all we need to really break my heart is to see Corey Koskie shipped off somewhere. If he stays I can count on one guy joining me on Wednesday afternoons at the Rogers Centre.

Well I must go and take a heart pill!

Ouch!

I'll miss you Gabe! Our friendship doesn't end here. It keeps growing and maturing and we'll play catch in heaven some day. And, by the way, I hope they serve Dr. Pepper in Milwaukee, Gabe, because I know they're famous (or infamous) for something else!

Adios amigo!

P. S. You'll notice that this "post" is black 'cause I'm in mourning.

Alphabet J's

The Toronto Blue Jays have been busy signing up some pretty good pitchers...I hope. Now I know why they're called the J's.

We've got A. J. Burnett
We've got B. J. Ryan

Between the two of them, they'll make over $100,000,000.00 over the next five years.

Now if we could have signed C. J. Nitkowski...

Then add a D. J. and we'd really be spinning to a different tune.

You ask, "Who is C. J. Nitkowski?" He's another pitcher who recently signed on with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I've spoken to C. J. when he has come into Toronto with other American League teams. He's a genuine man of God and would have been a great addition to our Baseball Chapel "team". Check out his excellent web site.

Any E. J.'s out there?










C. J. Nitkowski

Twelve Rules

Friends, if there really were Twelve Rules of Christmas, what might they be? Think about it and let me know your ideas. For example...

On the twelve days before Christmas, read Luke's account of Jesus' birth with your family every evening.

Go ahead! Let me know what those rules might be. E-mail me at dwfisher@nexicom.net or, better still, just leave a comment in the COMMENT box. THANKS!

The Legacy Lives On

The Tunesmiths from West Croydon, England traveled throughout the British Isles on weekends singing the great old gospel hymns and songs.

Although all four men had the same last name, Smith, these old tyme songsters were from three different families and were not related. Delbert Smith (in white in the center) played the organ and occasionally sang with the others. His brother Albert, in the back row, was an excellent baritone who also enjoyed a solo career and often performed at Albert Hall (what a coincidence?). Elmer on the left and Samuel on the right added incredible harmonies to the group.

The group was formed in 1892 and crossed over to France for an evangelistic campaign in 1899 where thousands came to know Christ.

I've been unable to find a CD of The Tunesmiths but their legacy lives on... in my mind at least...for, you see, I just concocted the story because I liked the old-fashioned picture.

Get out your old hymnbooks, friends!

P. S. Sorry, I couldn't resist doing this!

Receptive To Misery?

Early this morning (or late last night) I read the following quote by A. W. Tozer in James MacDonald's latest book, "GRIPPED BY THE GREATNESS OF GOD", published by Moody Press.

Tozer writes (in The Pursuit of God):

"What peace it brings to the Christian's heart to realize that our heavenly Father never differs with Himself. In coming to Him at any time we need not wonder whether we shall find Him in a receptive mood. He is always receptive to misery and need, as well as to love and faith. He does not keep office hours nor set aside periods when He will see no one. Neither does He change His mind about anything. Today, this moment, He feels toward His creatures, toward babies, toward the sick, the fallen, the sinful, exactly as He did when He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die for mankind."

What comforting thoughts to fall asleep with!

Truth Can Hurt

Tonight I read this quote while surfing through the links on my blog which I check daily. How does it make you feel when you read this? Uncomfortable? I think Bono from the band U2 is right on. Jesus likely wouldn't be hanging out at one of our "high-steeple, few-people" churches. "He didn't come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Yes, He'd be with the hurting masses looking on them "like sheep without a shepherd" with arms and heart extended.

Bono writes:

"If Jesus Christ were on earth you'd find him in a gay bar in San Francisco. He'd be working with people suffering from AIDS. These people are the new lepers, just like the turn of BC / AD. Don't touch them, walk away from them. If you want to find
out where Jesus would be hanging out, it'll always be with the lepers." - Bono of U2

The Bud's For Real

Even though the Quinnipiac Bobcats have cooled off a bit (9-9-0 overall) my nephew Bud Fisher continues to shine. He has been in 14 of the 18 games and sports a great goals against average (.266). His save percentage has slipped below .900 but Bud, as a freshman, is playing very well.

I'm proud of you, Bud. Keep up the good work!

Scars

Today I received an e-mail relating the following story. I'm not sure of the source or the veracity of this account but Jesus used parables to get His point across and this story certainly speaks loud and clear of God's tenacity when it comes to His children.

For what it's worth, read this story and revel in the God who never lets go:


Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father.

It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two.

The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms,were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.

In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations not knowing what lies ahead.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins and, if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go. Never judge another persons scars, because you don't know how they got them.

Sanctuary

This morning, while sitting in church, I was thinking of the word SANCTUARY and all that the word entails and signifies. I'll try to wax eloquent on this (if that is possible) but if I don't at least put this much on my blog, I may forget. Please check back for my "deep thoughts" on this word.

In the meantime, please think about what SANCTUARY means to you...and let me know. Remember...there is a place where you can leave your COMMENTS on this blog. I'm waiting patiently to hear from you.

Hope you can find SANCTUARY today from the Tyranny of the Urgent.

Much love in Christ on this Lord's day,

David, your fellow pilgrim at
PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS

The Tiny God in Blogland

My blogging buddy Debra has written a great, from-the-heart post regarding the God we often find in cyberspace...and in our own space (our mind). Check out her blog entitled As I See It Now.

God forgive us for ever having a low, small, diminished, shrunk, or tiny view of the great God of creation, the Lover of our Souls. We err gravely when we bring the eternal God down from His rightful place. We do the same when we don't have a high view of Scripture, God's inerrant Word.

Here's what Debra wrote:

Ever written a post which you know is going to cause some flak? Well, this is one of those posts. But oh well.I love to surf Blogland, but sometimes I'm not even sure why. I mean, most days, the God in Blogland appears positively tiny! And then I come away grieved--especially when in my own blog, I have made Him small, too.

How do you know when you've seen a tiny God?

You've seen a tiny God in Blogland when we question the accuracy of the Bible instead of questioning our own understanding of it.

You've seen a tiny God when we accuse God of what satan is actually doing.

You've seen a tiny God when we think our own plans and dreams for ourselves are better, more exciting than God's plans for us.

You've seen a tiny God when we think our lives are boring when in reality, it's our own attitude about our life which is boring.

You've seen a tiny God when we're living in a rut and we believe God is the one who plopped us down inside that rut.

You've seen a tiny God when we live with a sense of fear and lots of worry every day of our lives.

You've seen a tiny God when we whine about the way things are, yet we sit, feeling helpless to change what is wrong because we're relying only on ourselves.

You've seen a tiny God when you believe He acts like the people who do not know Him.

You've seen a tiny God when we scatter like chickens looking for a thing, a dream, a person, a friendship, a meal or an event to fulfill a desire only God, Himself, can fulfill.

For myself, I'm tired of living with my own tiny God. I am ready to give Him lots more room in my every day life. Then when I get to Heaven, maybe I won't be so shocked at how big He really was after all.

"Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together (let us hold Him in greater esteem or respect)." ... Psalm 34:3

New Road Digs

Wow! Look at these graphics on the Peterborough Petes' new bus that was unveiled today! Hopefully I'll have this bus as the backdrop on a special picture I'm planning on using for a business card. The entire team plus "Fish" would be lined up against the bus. When it gets done I'll post the photo on Pilgrim Scribblings.

Fish Answers Questions

After tagging five blogging buddies to get their responses to three questions, I must let you know my answers. When I posed these questions to you I thought my answers would be quickly forthcoming but I've had to think a lot about my responses.

Anyhow, here they are:

1. What comes to mind/what is your heart's response when you think of or hear the word..."CALVARY"?

The place where the greatest demonstration of love and the most lopsided transaction in history took place. A holy God gave His sinless Son to redeem rebellious, lost, fallen man. It cost God His beloved Son but we paid nothing. The whole course of world and human history was dramatically changed forever...at Calvary.

"Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me.
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary."

2. What would you like to have inscribed on your tombstone?

"This godly, authentic, honest man fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith and is now rejoicing in the presence of Jesus."

Note: I posed this question to my mentor, Paul Collet, and his response was brief but powerful. He would like one word on his tombstone:

FORGIVEN !!!

3. Which attribute of God do you find yourself revelling in the most?

God's amazing, unconditional, relentless love which causes Him to pursue us for Himself...relentlessly. "I scarce can take it in."

David

Cindy Makes It Five

Today Cindy Swanson posted her three answers to my Trinity of Questions on her excellent blog entitled Notes in the Key of Life. That makes five responses from all five blogging buddies that I tagged. Thanks to Cindy, Saija, David, Brodie and Susan!

Here's what Cindy wrote:

1. What comes to mind/what is your heart's response when you think of or hear the word..."CALVARY"?

--Amazing love, grace and mercy of which I am so unworthy but for which I am eternally grateful.

2. What would you like to have inscribed on your tombstone?

--Probably just something like "loving wife and mother." I wish I could come up with something really clever, like Benjamin Franklin's: "The Body of B. Franklin, Printer Like the Cover of an old Book Its Contents turn out And Stript of its Lettering & Guilding Lies here. Food for Worms For, it will as he believed appear once more In a new and more elegant Edition corrected and improved By the Author"

3. Which attribute of God do you find yourself revelling in the most?

--The fact that He is Love...because that's what I need the most. I also love the sovereignty of God...I take great comfort in the fact that everything in my life happens according to His plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise.