It was a long and blustery day outside. The sky was painted with dark clouds and showering rain. It rained all day, I believe that some of the Florida in me has rubbed off on the Canada weather. Today, I was outside helping Andy with some lumber work concerning the infamous tree. We were clearing the driveway off where the tree that almost fell on Andy's car was two days ago. I had some time to think to myself and I couldn't believe what God was speaking into my life. I don't know about you or most people but I think that God can speak to us in the quiet moments of our life.
Anyway, Later today we went to Starbucks and I had a brownie and talked to Isabelle and then we went back to the house. I went down to the basement where me and Isabelle watched a movie. I'm not going to say what the name of the movie was for obvious reasons and I would hope that no one tells. It was a good experience for me and Isabelle as well as when Luc and Olivia piled into the couch. I felt like I was right at home with no space to myself and everyone else next to me. Gen made some awesome Guacamole after the movie it was oh so good!
Then, we left and ate at Moe's. I had the nachos with jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, and beef. It was excellent as well as the white macadamia nut cookies. Anyone that's the report for today. Over and out till tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
An Interesting Thought
Today, was like any other day. I was reading through my Bible and discovered some fascinating things about wisdom. In 1st Corinthians chapter one it speaks about unity and a little bit about wisdom. It says that God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom and God's weakness is stronger than man's strength. In other words, true wisdom comes from God. If we are to be wise and knowledgeable we must rest in the power of God. The I AM is the I AM of knowledge and wisdom. What a fascinating concept that truly amazed me.
As I walked through the day and later that night, we went to Bridges over at the Bronson Center in downtown Ottawa. Andy preached on Genesis with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah speaking specifically on walking with God and God's justice. God is not slow in justice and doesn't delight in dealing death, His goal is repentance and redeeming relationships with Christ.
As the night came to a close, Andy and me had an interesting discussion involving the things happening in Canada specifically Ottawa. It seems to me that people are more willing to accept Christ due to the ignorance and lukewarm Christianity in America. America is like the Jew in Christ's day, the hear the gospel but Christ becomes a stumbling block to them. Everyone else in the world seems to listen better like the Gentile. Why should we preach to the Jew when the Gentile will listen? America needs to wake up!! We are getting too comfortable in our homes where we are overfed with the Bible and not sharing it with others. We drive our cars, listen to music, and live in ignorance of the wickedness and poverty of the world! Where is the christian church with issues across the world?
A Line from a great song by U2 called Sunday Bloody Sunday "We eat and drink while somebody else dies." This speaks so truly to the heart of America.
It was amazing to me how willing and able people are to share Christ with everyone and anyone willing here in Canada. It's my prayer and hope that I can be an encouragement to the people here. God is definitely moving in the area of young adults ministry. We just started the group last week and already 20+ people are coming every Saturday.
As I walked through the day and later that night, we went to Bridges over at the Bronson Center in downtown Ottawa. Andy preached on Genesis with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah speaking specifically on walking with God and God's justice. God is not slow in justice and doesn't delight in dealing death, His goal is repentance and redeeming relationships with Christ.
As the night came to a close, Andy and me had an interesting discussion involving the things happening in Canada specifically Ottawa. It seems to me that people are more willing to accept Christ due to the ignorance and lukewarm Christianity in America. America is like the Jew in Christ's day, the hear the gospel but Christ becomes a stumbling block to them. Everyone else in the world seems to listen better like the Gentile. Why should we preach to the Jew when the Gentile will listen? America needs to wake up!! We are getting too comfortable in our homes where we are overfed with the Bible and not sharing it with others. We drive our cars, listen to music, and live in ignorance of the wickedness and poverty of the world! Where is the christian church with issues across the world?
A Line from a great song by U2 called Sunday Bloody Sunday "We eat and drink while somebody else dies." This speaks so truly to the heart of America.
It was amazing to me how willing and able people are to share Christ with everyone and anyone willing here in Canada. It's my prayer and hope that I can be an encouragement to the people here. God is definitely moving in the area of young adults ministry. We just started the group last week and already 20+ people are coming every Saturday.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Small Stones make Big Waves
Sunday May 25th, 2009
It's truly amazing to me how God uses the smallest and humblest of things to radically impact people's lives. Many of us think of David and Goliath, or Moses who frees the people of Israel from Egypt. Yesterday, We went to Church and heard a great message by a man named Jason Mills. I like this guy, he starts of the introduction by saying " Most traveling speakers are great for pastors to get a break but usually they stir the pot a bit with some controversial topic." "So today, I'll be talking about demon possession, " he said sarcastically. On a serious not he had an excellent perspective on the Prodigal Son. He brought up a passage in Ephesians chapter 4 which talks about us being an heir to the throne of God as we are no longer slaves to sin. I've heard the same message four times and every time it gets better for me.
Later, I went over to Johnny's House and we had a barbecue with Christian and someone new named Daniel from the National House of Prayer. It was a feast!! Burgers, Coleslaw, and Baked Beans. Afterwards, we sat around like fat bloated Canadians (1 American). We then headed out to the YMCA to do door to door ministry to people that are in need of the gospel of Christ.
Lastly, we called Corey who has been clean with drugs and alcohol for over 20 days. Praise God!! It was his birthday and we wanted to do something special for him. We didn't know what to do so we kinda played it by ear. Needless to say, the Holy Spirit was telling me that he needed a Birthday Cake. After a while of walking down the street, I couldn't find any place that had what I needed. I started praying that God please let there at least be one place so I can bless Corey. About 5 minutes later, I asked a man at a gas station if he knew where I could find a cake, and he said "oh yeah, about two blocks there's a bakery that specializes in cakes." I couldn't be more overjoyed. I bought, got some candles and sneaked it into the house.
At the end of the night, It was incredible Cory was blown away by the Cake and couldn't believe someone went out for him and got him a cake. It's so awesome how Jesus uses the smallest unbelievable things to demonstrate his love and mercy. I was so happy to just be in the presence of God's work within people's lives.
It's truly amazing to me how God uses the smallest and humblest of things to radically impact people's lives. Many of us think of David and Goliath, or Moses who frees the people of Israel from Egypt. Yesterday, We went to Church and heard a great message by a man named Jason Mills. I like this guy, he starts of the introduction by saying " Most traveling speakers are great for pastors to get a break but usually they stir the pot a bit with some controversial topic." "So today, I'll be talking about demon possession, " he said sarcastically. On a serious not he had an excellent perspective on the Prodigal Son. He brought up a passage in Ephesians chapter 4 which talks about us being an heir to the throne of God as we are no longer slaves to sin. I've heard the same message four times and every time it gets better for me.
Later, I went over to Johnny's House and we had a barbecue with Christian and someone new named Daniel from the National House of Prayer. It was a feast!! Burgers, Coleslaw, and Baked Beans. Afterwards, we sat around like fat bloated Canadians (1 American). We then headed out to the YMCA to do door to door ministry to people that are in need of the gospel of Christ.
Lastly, we called Corey who has been clean with drugs and alcohol for over 20 days. Praise God!! It was his birthday and we wanted to do something special for him. We didn't know what to do so we kinda played it by ear. Needless to say, the Holy Spirit was telling me that he needed a Birthday Cake. After a while of walking down the street, I couldn't find any place that had what I needed. I started praying that God please let there at least be one place so I can bless Corey. About 5 minutes later, I asked a man at a gas station if he knew where I could find a cake, and he said "oh yeah, about two blocks there's a bakery that specializes in cakes." I couldn't be more overjoyed. I bought, got some candles and sneaked it into the house.
At the end of the night, It was incredible Cory was blown away by the Cake and couldn't believe someone went out for him and got him a cake. It's so awesome how Jesus uses the smallest unbelievable things to demonstrate his love and mercy. I was so happy to just be in the presence of God's work within people's lives.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Full
Today, has been a great day although last night was very late and arduous. Yesterday, we were coming back from the Pastor's Conference in Maryland by car. When we reached the border my brother had a hard time with border control and we were delayed for a while. By the grace of God we were able to get Jesse a 1 year visa to stay in Canada, and the issue was resolved at around 10'o clock. Joel Bernard was there to also smooth things over and had smoked an amazing beautiful Romeo Julieta cigar. We were driving home and stopped for some Tim Hortons and came home pretty late.
I woke up and had some breakfast and had a chance to talk to Gen about the week and to chat about what was said and etc. Now I am trying to catch up to all the blogs that I have been conveniently forgetting to send and write. I will try my best to capture it all but it is a lot. It's my sincere hope that you'll continue to read my posts.
I woke up and had some breakfast and had a chance to talk to Gen about the week and to chat about what was said and etc. Now I am trying to catch up to all the blogs that I have been conveniently forgetting to send and write. I will try my best to capture it all but it is a lot. It's my sincere hope that you'll continue to read my posts.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday May 6th
Revive
I woke up rather late this morning due to the wear and tear of last night. Emotions can cause a lot of tiredness and can make you feel a little bit miserable. I was physically miserable, not emotionally, and definitely not spiritually. I felt so much compassion, and love inside of myself. I woke up and had some breakfast at the table. I believe it was pancakes with real Canadian maple syrup, oh it was good! I then proceeded, to play with Olivia, who is quite a little persuader when it comes to getting you to do what she wants. It’s harmless, but very cute to see as she is not quite grown up and still has a lot of life to go through. We went downstairs and watched a Barbie movie and let me tell you I snoozed better than watching any biology movie or listening to any Chuck Smith tape. I woke up after the movie had stopped due to technical difficulties and moved on to another great snoozer movie with some theme of “princess.” After my naptime was up Andy was going to go to the store via bicycle. I decided to tag along and ride bikes to the store for some monotonous items and the joy of riding. I needed some chap stick because my lips were hurting real bad. We came home had some sandwiches and cookies and I went down for about a three-hour nap. I woke up real refreshed and decided to get my things ready for living at the discipleship house that Jesse is at right now.
As I got my things ready, Andy went out to get some food for dinner. He made an excellent choice of shawarmas and garlic potatoes. I boasted to Jesse later today about how I had two shawarmas within the last two day. Anyway, we finished the meal and Andy took me up to a mall outlet and Vicki Ruby took me the rest of the way to the coffee house. Vicki was very welcoming and genuinely sweet, she was very easy to talk to and get to know. We had a fun time finding a parking space near the coffee shop because everyone likes to park, I guess. I went into the coffee shop and saw Jesse. He looks great, I think he’s lost some weight and is looking real sharp. Got to meet Paul, and his kids Brendon and Nathan, they were all very nice and good to meet. I was super-impressed with how great of a message Paul delivered tonight. It was on the prodigal son and how we all are either the younger brother or the older brother. One thing we have to remember is that Jesus is waiting with open arms running to embrace us. Yohannes was very energetic and a joy to be around. I felt surrounded by the Holy Spirit when he would talk. He had the enthusiasm of something out of this world. Tonight, Corey came in and went boldly and received Christ into his life and was blessed by those around him. As soon as I saw him stand, I stood and clapped till I thought my hands would bleed for the joy of Christ in his life. I went up and hugged and told him that I was proud of him for taking a stand and being a man. I then headed straight for the cookies that I believe are baptized in sugar, butter, and love. They were Awesome!! They crumbled in your hands and were sooooooooooooooo good!!!!! We ended the night with worship by Randy. We then closed with all the lines of Amazing Grace, the old hymn not the Chris Tomlin edition, the approved Baptist Version with shouts of amen and everything!
I then grabbed my things from Vicki Ruby’s car and took a ride from Paul and was in the backseat with his two sons. Jesse was in the front seat and it was great to get to know some new people and also talk to Jesse. We were heading to a town called Perth, which is still inside the province of Ontario and is about 60 miles southwest. We stopped on the way at Harvey’s, which has really good fast food such as: hamburgers, fries, that kind of stuff. In Canada they have what they call putsin, which is fries with cheese curds and gravy on top; it is excellent and it is a delight. I would put my recommendation that if you’re ever in Canada you must go to Harvey’s and have some putsin. Paul was kind enough to welcome me and also offer a free coffee and I gladly accepted his gift. On the way I got to hear a message by this man called Joe Foscht it was on Romans chapter 12 and he had an interesting way at looking through the Bible. When we got to the Discipleship house where Jesse is living we went up the flights of stairs and had a nice chat for a while about life and where God has put him at this time. Afterwards, I couldn’t sleep, probably the coffee, but I just felt like I needed to blog and end my night.
I woke up rather late this morning due to the wear and tear of last night. Emotions can cause a lot of tiredness and can make you feel a little bit miserable. I was physically miserable, not emotionally, and definitely not spiritually. I felt so much compassion, and love inside of myself. I woke up and had some breakfast at the table. I believe it was pancakes with real Canadian maple syrup, oh it was good! I then proceeded, to play with Olivia, who is quite a little persuader when it comes to getting you to do what she wants. It’s harmless, but very cute to see as she is not quite grown up and still has a lot of life to go through. We went downstairs and watched a Barbie movie and let me tell you I snoozed better than watching any biology movie or listening to any Chuck Smith tape. I woke up after the movie had stopped due to technical difficulties and moved on to another great snoozer movie with some theme of “princess.” After my naptime was up Andy was going to go to the store via bicycle. I decided to tag along and ride bikes to the store for some monotonous items and the joy of riding. I needed some chap stick because my lips were hurting real bad. We came home had some sandwiches and cookies and I went down for about a three-hour nap. I woke up real refreshed and decided to get my things ready for living at the discipleship house that Jesse is at right now.
As I got my things ready, Andy went out to get some food for dinner. He made an excellent choice of shawarmas and garlic potatoes. I boasted to Jesse later today about how I had two shawarmas within the last two day. Anyway, we finished the meal and Andy took me up to a mall outlet and Vicki Ruby took me the rest of the way to the coffee house. Vicki was very welcoming and genuinely sweet, she was very easy to talk to and get to know. We had a fun time finding a parking space near the coffee shop because everyone likes to park, I guess. I went into the coffee shop and saw Jesse. He looks great, I think he’s lost some weight and is looking real sharp. Got to meet Paul, and his kids Brendon and Nathan, they were all very nice and good to meet. I was super-impressed with how great of a message Paul delivered tonight. It was on the prodigal son and how we all are either the younger brother or the older brother. One thing we have to remember is that Jesus is waiting with open arms running to embrace us. Yohannes was very energetic and a joy to be around. I felt surrounded by the Holy Spirit when he would talk. He had the enthusiasm of something out of this world. Tonight, Corey came in and went boldly and received Christ into his life and was blessed by those around him. As soon as I saw him stand, I stood and clapped till I thought my hands would bleed for the joy of Christ in his life. I went up and hugged and told him that I was proud of him for taking a stand and being a man. I then headed straight for the cookies that I believe are baptized in sugar, butter, and love. They were Awesome!! They crumbled in your hands and were sooooooooooooooo good!!!!! We ended the night with worship by Randy. We then closed with all the lines of Amazing Grace, the old hymn not the Chris Tomlin edition, the approved Baptist Version with shouts of amen and everything!
I then grabbed my things from Vicki Ruby’s car and took a ride from Paul and was in the backseat with his two sons. Jesse was in the front seat and it was great to get to know some new people and also talk to Jesse. We were heading to a town called Perth, which is still inside the province of Ontario and is about 60 miles southwest. We stopped on the way at Harvey’s, which has really good fast food such as: hamburgers, fries, that kind of stuff. In Canada they have what they call putsin, which is fries with cheese curds and gravy on top; it is excellent and it is a delight. I would put my recommendation that if you’re ever in Canada you must go to Harvey’s and have some putsin. Paul was kind enough to welcome me and also offer a free coffee and I gladly accepted his gift. On the way I got to hear a message by this man called Joe Foscht it was on Romans chapter 12 and he had an interesting way at looking through the Bible. When we got to the Discipleship house where Jesse is living we went up the flights of stairs and had a nice chat for a while about life and where God has put him at this time. Afterwards, I couldn’t sleep, probably the coffee, but I just felt like I needed to blog and end my night.
Tuesday May 5th Connections Part II
Connections Strike Back (The Sequel) Coming Soon the Lunchbox or the Flamethrower
We came home after the coffee and I was getting ready to go to a Bridges Meeting. Andy and I were able to talk a bit as we were driving through to downtown Ottawa. It was amazing how beautiful the clouds, how I wished that I had a camera to capture it. All the colors of the rainbow were present starting with a purple to a blue, and then a bright red/orange and it was so captivating. It absolutely could have token someone’s breathe away, God is such a brilliant artist. I know if it was me it would look like three turds in a punchbowl. Anyway, Bridges is a ministry for people who mostly have either psychotic, drug abuse, alcoholics, or other various needy people. I met up with Corey there who has been sober in the Lord for five days and I’m just speechless at the work God has put into his life already. I got a chance to catch up with him and offer some encouragement, and speak some affirming words to him. I also had a chance to talk to Christian and offer some advice and he was also able to pray for me and we had a good bonding. There’s something about a good message, good food, and a bunch of men at a table together that makes you feel the love!
Then Andy and me went home and talked a bit about some of my testimony and life and it was great to give me some experience in sharing my life. It was astounding how similar my story is when held in light of Andy’s. We arrived at home and I went down into the basement and started to do my devotions and blog. As I was blogging I decided to start writing another letter to a loved one of mine that really blessed me in a time that I needed it so bad. To make a long story short as I was writing some wounds of my past came up and I couldn’t finish my letter. I was so filled with emotion from the letter. The level of love I felt left me in a state of nothing but the absolute love of Christ. Another night I will not forget and will definitely turn me closer to Jesus.
We came home after the coffee and I was getting ready to go to a Bridges Meeting. Andy and I were able to talk a bit as we were driving through to downtown Ottawa. It was amazing how beautiful the clouds, how I wished that I had a camera to capture it. All the colors of the rainbow were present starting with a purple to a blue, and then a bright red/orange and it was so captivating. It absolutely could have token someone’s breathe away, God is such a brilliant artist. I know if it was me it would look like three turds in a punchbowl. Anyway, Bridges is a ministry for people who mostly have either psychotic, drug abuse, alcoholics, or other various needy people. I met up with Corey there who has been sober in the Lord for five days and I’m just speechless at the work God has put into his life already. I got a chance to catch up with him and offer some encouragement, and speak some affirming words to him. I also had a chance to talk to Christian and offer some advice and he was also able to pray for me and we had a good bonding. There’s something about a good message, good food, and a bunch of men at a table together that makes you feel the love!
Then Andy and me went home and talked a bit about some of my testimony and life and it was great to give me some experience in sharing my life. It was astounding how similar my story is when held in light of Andy’s. We arrived at home and I went down into the basement and started to do my devotions and blog. As I was blogging I decided to start writing another letter to a loved one of mine that really blessed me in a time that I needed it so bad. To make a long story short as I was writing some wounds of my past came up and I couldn’t finish my letter. I was so filled with emotion from the letter. The level of love I felt left me in a state of nothing but the absolute love of Christ. Another night I will not forget and will definitely turn me closer to Jesus.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A Day of Connections
Today, was a lot more calm compared with yesterday's agenda. I started my day in a bit of a rush, I was still feeling a bit tired from blogging last night and also had a bit of trouble sleeping in Andy's basement. It was great until I somehow managed to push all the covers off my body and robbed myself of warmth. Anyhow, I woke up and had a great breakfast and headed into downtown Ottawa via Bus. After some reading on the Bus and some time went by we were greeted by Scott Ivay, and Matt at the nearest Starbucks in downtown.
Scott was very cool, laid back and very welcoming and Matt was also very comfortable to be around with. When we got inside Scott's car it was very fun and better than any cable show on TV. for sure. It was like watching beavis and butthead go at it.
Anyways, we headed out to meeting concerning an event in Ottawa for youth that I'm sure will impact a lot of lives. It will be a great concert and I'm sure lots of lives will benefit from this event. After long deliberations we headed out for some grub. Today it was Lebanese food, and it was three things, a shawarma, this garlic potato side, and some baklava. The shawarma had chicken, turnips, some other greens, and a sauce that's out of this world. We drove then a good distance and stopped at a Starbucks near a bookstore where I was able to spend some time getting to know matt and also to shop around the store. I found a book that I couldn't believe that they still have in print. It was one of my favorite childhood books, one of the first ones I can remember as a kid. It was called Ms. Nelson is Missing. Great book an excellent one to reader to older kids in the range of kindergarten and up.
We then were dropped off at Andy's house where I enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet to take care of some work the Holy Spirit was calling me to do. There was someone that had insulted, torn me to shreds, and attacked my position as a man and God was telling me that He needed love. So I started writing a love letter from God to minister to this man, as I'm writing I also reflected on the prayers that I laid on for him and was really trying to go with the heart of Christ. Then Andy left to pick up Isabelle and we decided to go back to guess where? Wherever, would we go? I don’t know how about Starbucks, again, anyway I like Starbucks but were harking on the practically living there at this point. Anyway, I stopped and talked with Isabelle and asked her about her day, but mostly it was good for me to just be there for my niece.
I hate to leave you all on a cliffhanger, but there is just not enough time in the day for me to finish my blog right now. So I'm going to leave you where you’re at and I'll finish the story plus more when I get to it tomorrow. Hope you've enjoyed Part One of the Series. After you have read this message it could self-destruct if you do not ready every single line or if you make fun of my work. Anyway the best is yet to come so stayed tuned for the next exciting blog!!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Busy Bee Day
Today, was very fast-paced and somewhat crunched. In the morning, Andy and me went to drop off Isabelle at the Catholic French School. Afterward, we enjoyed a some coffee at the Cafe Latte Cino and I was working on some of my testimony as well as other creative works. At around 11 we headed downtown to see Joel Bernard,. and I had a chance to get to know him better. We eat at a great Indian restaurant called Ceylonta. It was Awesome, so spicy and the chicken literally feel of the bone! Joel is a really neat guy to meet; a man after my own heart. I believe the quote was " I would feel fine sitting at Clearwater beach in the Sun with a cigar. I don't know about you but he's talking my language.
After lunch, we headed down to Second cup, to get a second cup of coffee. I had a wonderful biscotti with lemon poppy seeds. After we said our goodbyes we then headed to the discipleship house in Ottawa to pay John Ruby, Johnny, Jason, and a whole bunch of other great guys a visit! I felt right at home walking in and didn't feel at all uncomfortable. Johnny's a great guy and got to know him a little better today. I got to pound the payment around downtown Ottawa with him. I got so excited I forgot to tell Andy that I had run off with Johnny and failed to mention where I was going. In essence, I told Andy that I pulled a "Jesse." It's an inside joke ask me about it and I'll tell you what it means.
When then started home, and ran into a bit of traffic but made it safe and sound at Andy's house. I got to play with the kids for a little while while Andy and Gen had some time to themselves. When the kids fell asleep Gen played a beautiful song and it really blessed me to hear Gen sing again. I also had the chance to play some music on the piano for Gen and Andy. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my music, so hopefully I'll get a chance to get some music to play all the way through for them.
Well now I've used all my words and it is time for me to see the sandman.
Sunday March 3rd, 2009
Well, this is my first blog about my trip so far through Canada. I had some trouble coming into Canada when I went through customs at the border on Friday, but praise God I made it through safe and sound. Today I had the pleasure of experiencing a church service at Calvary Chapel in Ottawa and listen to awesome worship music and a great message from the Lord. I remember the topic it was Bump, Set, and Spike. We should bump our lives to God and be ready to set our problems before him so He will Spike the ball of our lives forward. Later, I went to Jericho Road Ministries to see firsthand what ministry for these men. These are real people going through some real issues in life with drugs and alcohol and they are recovering from these things in their life. It is really something to see God move through these people's lives.
Lastly, tonight my brother and me went to Colin's house for some fellowship and as well as some in depth Bible study. We had some great conversations about salvation, faith, and prayer. It was a big summation of how to grow through the example of Christ and to set that inside our hearts.
Anyway A Great Day and what a way to Spend a Weekend, Eh!!!
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