Do You Recognise It?

This week was a week of discovery, truthfully a week of re-discovery. Tuesday night was the first time in many years that I was able to observe the splendour of the Northern Lights. It was fantastic watching the colours change and light up the evening sky. I could not help but to think what an amazing phenomenon we have. Thanks to God.

I was perusing Facebook before departing Calgary this morning (Thursday) and my friend Laurie posted a picture of her daughter Alison. Simply, it brought a smile to my face. Isn't it amazing how the most unsuspecting people can brighten your day. Another young Facebook friend, Heather, posted a bible verse Exodus 14:13-14 which I swear she posted for my benefit, it was exactly what I needed this morning. Even more amazing is how God uses people for your benefit. Thanks Lord!

This morning (Thursday) while flying to Edmonton and witnessed a fantastic sunrise. An awesome start to my day before I sit in meetings all day. Thank you Lord!!

On the plane I was listening to a song (Calmer of the Storm) by Downhere and was quickly reminded how I can rely on God to help me through my challenges. Despite my challenges I also realised how insignificant they are in comparison to others. My extended family, Dave, Diana, Christa, Jessica and Alicia are all having to deal with Dave's battle with cancer. The reality is that there is no way for me nor anyone to understand the difficulty of dealing with cancer unless you experience it. Lord strengthen them and cure Dave. Thank you Lord, for the realisation that rather than fretting about my challenges I should be lifting others to you.

So, after sitting in meetings all day (productive meetings) I drive to the hotel and as I get out of the car a man approaches me asking if I could help him obtain accommodation at the local hostel this evening. Basically he was asking for cash. You could easily see that he was not proud of having to ask. I gave him what cash I had in my pocket and he was very greatful as it put him very close to getting a room for the evening. I couldn't help but to think of how fortunate I am that I will have a full belly and a warm and comfortable bed this evening. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to help this man.

Why do I tell you all this? Well, it's my personal realisation of how we all to often miss or overlook the simplest things that God blesses us with. What did you miss today? Will you recognise it tomorrow?

Did You Remember?

I did.


Every year for the last, I don't know how many, I have always remembered my grandfather. I guess it is because I have seen pictures of him in his army uniform. The old black and white pictures that show their age, tattered and wrinkled. Nonetheless, I can't help but think what it must have been like.... back in the day. WE have it all so easy today. Day in and day out I go to work, working with some great people, never really giving much thought to those who serve our country.


They seem to be so far removed from us. We only hear about them as they are being sent off to other country's and rarely hear about their return. The only returning soldiers we hear about are the ones our country lose in combat. The ones who gave their life for you and me. The ones who, not by choice, have left behind sons, daughters, husbands and wives.

Canada has paid a price, a small price compared to the Soldier's families. I ask, did Canada pay a big enough price? Why is it our veterans and their families have to fight our government, you and me, for deserving Veteran benefits? If we are willing to pay $10 Billion for new planes, which I fully support, why can't we spend more on Veteran and family benefits? It's the right thing to do considering what has been sacrificed for you and me.

Today, as my Remembrance Day activity I observed the raising of the flags on Memorial Drive in Calgary. It was not a big show. Just a small number of Veterans and a few other participants. Men and women who are proud to have served their country and essentially still are by participating in events such as this. I am quite happy that I did, it truly was a day of remembrance.

God bless you Grandpa, and Thank you!

Mexico Mission: Day 9, Saturday April 18th

Wow, slept in, two days in a row. Our flight is at 4pm so we took our time getting ready, packing, and cleaning the vans. My van was rather clean; however Joel’s van was beginning to smell. I guess his crew didn’t shower as frequently and I heard that they had a few more accidents with their food and beverages.

We had one pit stop on the way to the airport and that was at the Crystal Cathedral. I have seen this place on TV and from a distance on previous trips to Anaheim but never up close until today. This is one amazing structure.

The cathedral contains the fifth largest pipe organ in the world and is located in four different areas with in the sanctuary. The entire structure is enclosed in crystal and has sections of the walls that can open to the outside. You really have to see this structure to appreciate it.

Well, it’s off to the airport. Our last few hours together as a group. Once again I have been completely impressed by the leadership that these youth have demonstrated. Their devotion as Christians in carrying out Gods work is truly an inspiration. Not only have they touched the lives of many children this past week they have also been touched and encouraged by those that they have served. For the youth of this group, I am sure that God is smiling and very proud of the work you have done this week and may you take all that you have experienced and use it to continue to impact all others you come into contact with. Joel and Amy have guided and coached you through out the week. They are great Christian leaders that you should be proud to be associated with. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Mexico Mission: Day 8, Friday April 17th

Today was our day at Disneyland. For some reason I agreed to start the day with a ride on Splash Mountain (obviously a momentary lapse of reasoning) followed by breakfast in the sun trying to dry out. We hit all the great rides through out the day and were treated to a great dinner by Joel and Amy, two amazing young leaders. A great day was had by all as the tired ones turned in at 10pm and the die-hards closed the park at midnight. Yeah, I was a tired one this year.

Mexico Mission: Day 7, Thursday April 16th

Our last morning in San Felipe, we served breakfast to the community again. The numbers were similar again with most of the kids hanging around to say good bye. Many of the church members showed up this morning to see us off. It was certainly a pleaseure to work beside our brothers and sisters this past week. There were a few tears shed as we appreciated all that they had given us.
This is the GANG. All of the kids that the youth had worked with this past week. A great group of happy kids. All of them are great football players. They enjoyed the games and smoe of them also helped out in cleaning up from breakfast. It sure was hard saying good bye. At one time I had let a some of the kids use my camera to take a few pictures. They loved it. These kids love having their picture taken.

Our drive to Anaheim was rather quite. The lucky ones were able to catch up on some sleep however some of us had to wait. I enjoyed a soak in the hot tub and then turned in for the evening.

Mexico Mission: Day 6, Wednesday April 15th

I was up before dawn again and enjoyed another hot shower. The main purpose of getting up early was to capture the sunrise. This photo isn't the greatest, only becasue I forgot to change the settings on my camera from the day before.
I drove into town and parked at the beachfront. Much to my surprise the beach had a number of people sleeping in tents, tents that we didn’t see the previous afternoon. As I walked to the water I came across a lady sleeping in blankets with her son, no tent, just sleeping on the sand. I have no idea if these people are homeless but it certainly made me wonder how great the need in San Felipe is. The church we are working with (La Gran Comision) is certainly trying to do their part. The heart is there however the funds are limited. As with most projects it takes a number of people and all kinds of resources to ensure success. I consider myself very fortunate these past two years in lending a helping hand.

Mexico Mission: Day 5, Tuesday April 14th

Woohoo!! I was up first and had a hot shower!. Had to get up at 4:45am but it was worth it. I sat in the dark before sunrise, making a few notes this morning. It was nice and quiet for about 45 minutes and then the dead started rising. Tomorrow morning I am going to use the video camera to capture the morning action. You should see some of the rats nests that the girls wake up with (sorry no pics, I wanted to survive this trip). Marin, you win by far.

Breakfast was another success. Many families came out to enjoy eggs and chorizo sausage in a tortilla.

The afternoon was spent at the beach front where the youth were challenged with stretching their comfort zone. They had an opportunity to perform their dramas in public and were successful at attracting a crowd.
As much as they were challenged with the public performances they were very encouraged by the fact that they were successful in attracting some attention and able to spread the word of God through their performances. In particular one local gentleman and his family were touched and provided each of the youth with handshakes and hugs.