feels like it's time for a turning point

Many people would think that surfing at the end of October is crazy. They would probably be right.

I guess that makes us crazy for heading out to Tofino next week to surf.

Our plans to go two weeks ago were dashed upon the rocks due to weather (nice pun)

So we’re gonna give it another shot.

It’ll be nice to get out of the classroom. It was an interesting week. I won’t get into any detail but emotions were running high so it’ll be nice to get away into the open spaces.

On Thursday Justin shared his testimony with the group. It was really encouraging. I’ve met few people who come across with such honesty and transparency as he does when he speaks. I really hope that his openness is contagious to the group this week. We need it desperately. Pray for me that I will be open to the Spirit’s prompting this week. I feel like I’ve been holding back parts of myself from the group or holding back things I have to offer. Pray that I’ll be able to really give myself to this group of people.

Pray also for good weather, and that we would be good ambassadors for Christ in ALL we do.

a Tale of Two Tales

I want to explore a concept in this blog post. To do this I am going to tell you two short stories (they aren’t good stories so don’t get your hopes up) and then try to connect them and bring everything together at the end.

James stepped out of the backseat of the car. He was at a farmers market in downtown Duncan. It was Sunday. He had never been to this place before but he felt safe as he walked through the aisles. The market sold health food. It was a place for people who cared about their bodies. James walked around the store with his friend. They talked, they laughed, and then they left.

James stepped out of the backseat of the van. He was at an old train station. It was still Sunday but it was now dark outside. He felt a little on edge. The park was full of people who were different from him. It had been a while since he had heard some of the words that were coming out of their mouths. The words showed brokenness, brokenness far beyond anything James had experienced or liked to imagine. The only store that was open was the liquor store. It was a place for people who didn’t care much about their bodies. James walked around with friends and strangers, he saw pain and brokenness, but he also saw prayer and hope. James left, but the way he saw the world changed a little as he went.

The concept I want to talk about is seeing the world as God see’s it.

Both of these stories happened at the same location. The market and the liquor store were beside each other.

I found it crazy how two completely different worlds could exist at the same place. And was ashamed that I had ignored one for so long.

I’m starting to feel that how I see people is defined by the place culture has assigned me rather than by what God has called me to.

The world says, stay inside, lock the doors, safe your life

God says, go out, feed the poor, lose you life.

The world says I have a higher place

Jesus calls me to take the lowest one

I’m starting to feel a little bit of what that looks like and it scares me but it also stirs love in my heart. Pray that God will give me his eyes to see the world this week.

A Thanksgiving Post

Father, Every good and perfect gift comes from you.

I thank you that …

I have a loving family

I’ve done the S.A.L.T program at widjiitiwin

I have deep friendships

I’ve jumped out of an airplane

I’ve gone bungy jumping

I’ve been to Middle earth

I’ve worked at Camp

I’ve never been in need

I’ve been to Holland

I’m at Kaleo

I’ve swam with dolphins and sharks

I’ve been surfing

I’ve laughed till I cried

I’ve had coffee with wise men

I was a member of a summer bible study

I’ve learned to read music

I’ve talked with John Piper

I’ve played hockey

I’ve been to Dominican

I graduated high school

I’ve climbed Mt. Albert Edward

I’ve sailed on the Pacific Grace

You haven’t given up on me

You know me by name

You hear me when I speak to you

You can use me in spite of my weaknesses

You are Father, Shepherd, and King

You walk with me daily because of what Jesus did for me on the cross.

… Father, I pray for a continual attitude of thanksgiving.

SET SAIL

So I’m back, but not for long. Tomorrow Kaleo’s going sailing. We’re heading down to Victoria to board the Pacific Grace.

I am really looking forward to this trip. God has been teaching me a lot this year. He’s been bringing me back to the basics of a Christianity I thought I was mastering. My whole life I’ve always thought I’ve had the answers. And in a sense, I did, on a very shallow level.

I feel like I’ve had it wrong my whole life.

So far this year has been a lot of God shaking up the way I approach life with him. He’s been inviting me to come play the game after so many years of sitting on the sidelines. It’s been scary, but after being a spectator for so long I’m falling in love with playing the game.

God walks with me everyday. God’s been showing me what that means this year. He’s been showing me what that feels like, and I’m learning how sweet it is. I talk to Him. It’s such a basic part of Christianity and yet I think I’m just starting to appreciate it.

I can’t wait for a week of sailing with my Father.

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6