Ok, I'm a pretty proud pappa now. I took Erik outside today, the weather was really nice. We took his bike out of the garage. Last fall, we took his training wheels off, and he's been trying it once in a while, but not really sticking to it. He could ride, but can't start on his own. He needs a push. He can brake, but most of the time, when he stops he drops the bike and crys for a bit. He so very much wants to ride, that when it doesn't work out he gets mad, upset, and sad. So I figured all he needed was total immersion.
We got suited up with our helmets, and went out for a ride. I have to give him a push to get started, but then he's pretty good after that. I explained that when we get to a road (we were riding on the sidewalks) you have to stop and walk your bike across. Erik wanted to do it right, so he'd stop about 50 feet from the road and walk to it first, then across, then he'd wait for me to get to the other side so I could give him a push start again. Anyhow, I was kinda feeling out how much he could handle, but he got into it really quick. We ended up riding just over 3.5 kms! Erik did a great job. He still can't start on his own, but he loves riding now. It won't be long before he's riding all on his own. I'd love to take him out on some trails once he's ready. That won't be long either. I'll finally have a riding partner. It's so very cool. I'm one very proud pappa.
06 April 2008
26 March 2008
News from the world of Classic Rock
I heard some news on the radio today. If you havn't heard, the lead singer for the rock band Boston died last year. Appearantly he had been suffering from severe bouts of depression for most of his life, and it finally got to be too much for him and he committed suicide last year. The band was still very interested in continuing to tour, and so the search for a new lead singer started. Today, they announced who they had hired. They actually hired two people. The first was someone they found on MySpace.Com. Tommy DeCarlo posted a couple of Boston covers that he recorded just for fun. They liked it so much, they gave him a call and started some interviews. I can just imagine, the phone rings and Tommy picks it up: "Hello", and a voice answers "Hi, this is Tom Scholz." "Yeah, right, who is this?" "It's Tom Scholz" "No, for real, who is this." "This is Tom Scholz, and we've heard the covers you did and we'd like you to join the band." "Oh Crap..." (then you hear a thud as he passes out).
Anyhow, the other person they hired? Michael Sweet. If you don't know who that is, he used to be the lead singer for the band Stryper. He's done some solo work on his own for many years now. At a tribute concert for Boston's former singer Brad Delp last summer, Sweet filled in and sand with the band. A clip that I have heard, he actually does Boston justice. I have yet to hear Tommy's version of Boston. I just thought it was interesting that Boston somehow got hooked up with Michael Sweet.
Another interesting tidbit: Can anyone guess where Boston is starting their new tour? New York? Los Angeles? Toronto? Vancouver? London? Nope, they will be kicking off their new tour in Thunder Bay!
Anyhow, the other person they hired? Michael Sweet. If you don't know who that is, he used to be the lead singer for the band Stryper. He's done some solo work on his own for many years now. At a tribute concert for Boston's former singer Brad Delp last summer, Sweet filled in and sand with the band. A clip that I have heard, he actually does Boston justice. I have yet to hear Tommy's version of Boston. I just thought it was interesting that Boston somehow got hooked up with Michael Sweet.
Another interesting tidbit: Can anyone guess where Boston is starting their new tour? New York? Los Angeles? Toronto? Vancouver? London? Nope, they will be kicking off their new tour in Thunder Bay!
16 March 2008
Mental Dents (Impressions of a trip)
OK, so I'm back. I've actually been back for a couple of weeks, it has taken some time to think things through. I was also waiting on a detail or two to work itself out. So now, the answers to the questions I mentioned before are coming. But first, some details of the trip.
My Dad arrived to take me to the airport, and somehow I felt I needed to check on my flights again, so I went online and sure enough, my first flight was cancelled! Four hours before departure, and they cancelled the flight. I quickly called United to find out what is going on, and turns out that Chicago was in the middle of an ice storm. I was supposed to catch my flight to Europe from there. I told the rep at United that I was supposed to catch connecting flights, is there something they could do so I won't miss my flights? After being on hold for 5 min. the rep came back and said that they could offer me the same flight schedule, only one day later. I told them that this option was no good, I had meetings and appointments lined up that I had to be at. I asked if there were any other flights on any other airlines within the Star Alliance (which they are a part of) with which I could get to Estonia on time. The rep said that the supervisor was working on that, and that she would check and see. After another 5 min. on hold, she came back with the words "You must have an angel on your shoulder!" If she only knew! There was one option for me to fly to Washington DC, then to Frankfurt, and then on to Estonia. I would leave at the same time (I now had to hustle to the airport) and I would end up arriving in Estonia an hour ahead of schedule! In the end, everything worked out great. I got a lot of stuff done fast in the first day (having a rental car really helped that out) which left some extra time to catch up with some friends and a lot of family. That was really good. Coming back everything was as per schedule, with no problems. I was able to bring some stuff back that we just couldn't when we moved to Canada, one of the things being my mountain bike (a Kona Blast if anyone cares) which makes me particularly happy.
Some of my impressions? In meeting some of the people that I had worked with in the Estonian Pentecostal Church, I was interested in seeing how things had developed over the past three years. Just as we came to Canada, the leadership of the church was handed over fully from being missionary lead to having totally their own leadership. I don't want this to sound negative in any way, but it has taken them the past three years to shake off that previous mantle and get their own. Not that what happened before was bad, but their own identity had to come our from the influence of those missionaries and become it's own. It was a natural and immensely important step. The church is now forming it's own face, and it is doing it quite well. That was very good to see. It was great to get together with friends and see how they are doing. So many people, so many places. Some changes but for the most part things are the same.
It was so very good to be immersed in Estonian as a language again. It just felt natural and good. The country as a whole seems a little more mature. People don't seem to be worried as much about whether or not they are going to make it. Things seem calmer, which is a good thing. Most of the roads still need some fixing, it still rains a lot, and the beer is still very good.
When I left, there were questions about when we should go back to Estonia, how much longer are we going to be in Canada, and most of all, what does God have for us? Every time people in Estonia asked when we are coming back, I went into this little schpiel I had prepared, and each time the schpiel would change a bit, and through that God began to show me something. When we first came to Canada, we were concerned about what kind of church would we find to attend. The first church I visited was the one we now attend. God impressed on us that He was about to start doing something there, and that we needed to be a part of it. As I related this story, I got the distinct feeling that leaving Canada now would be to go before the going got good. The church has gone through three years of growth and development in preparation for whatever is going to happen. If we return to Estonia now, we would be leaving before this thing actually happens. We feel we need to stay to be a part of this thing. So we talked about it the day I got back, and decided to stay until God says we can go. The next day, our pastor calls, and mentioned that while I was away, they had taken nominations for the board of directors for the church. I had been nominated, would I let my name stand. I prayed about it, and decided to let my name stand. It would be a fleece of sorts to see if God really wants me involved in what is going to happen. If I'm involved, it might as well be right up there with the decision makers! Well, today we had our annual meeting, and the final vote was cast for the two vacant positions. Now I need to explain something, the vote wasn't to see who would be on the board, but just an affirmation of position. There were 18 people nominated, the selection committee took that list and chose 6 names that they felt met the requirements of being a board member according the scripture and the laws of the land. Of those 6 people, two of us allowed our names to stand, and the other was a present board member that was up for reelection. So by default, the vote was to affirm that we would be the new board members. It was unanimous. My first thought was that "Hey, I'm only in because no one else wanted the job." But then the words of the Pastor reminded me of the fleece I had thrown out. I am in this position because of the providence and appointment of God. There was no other option because this is the way it has to be. We are here for a reason, and we are meant to be right in the thick of it!
I realize, that this position comes with a lot of weight, responsibility, pain, sorrow, sweat, and heartache. But these are all things I will gladly bear because of the trust that the church and God has in me to be capable and able to fulfill those duties.
And so, the next chapter begins. I am a deacon, and board member, a person of influence and responsibility. I will accept the office I have been given and will discharge the duties implied therein to the utmost of my ability.
To say the least, this scares the shit out of me.
My Dad arrived to take me to the airport, and somehow I felt I needed to check on my flights again, so I went online and sure enough, my first flight was cancelled! Four hours before departure, and they cancelled the flight. I quickly called United to find out what is going on, and turns out that Chicago was in the middle of an ice storm. I was supposed to catch my flight to Europe from there. I told the rep at United that I was supposed to catch connecting flights, is there something they could do so I won't miss my flights? After being on hold for 5 min. the rep came back and said that they could offer me the same flight schedule, only one day later. I told them that this option was no good, I had meetings and appointments lined up that I had to be at. I asked if there were any other flights on any other airlines within the Star Alliance (which they are a part of) with which I could get to Estonia on time. The rep said that the supervisor was working on that, and that she would check and see. After another 5 min. on hold, she came back with the words "You must have an angel on your shoulder!" If she only knew! There was one option for me to fly to Washington DC, then to Frankfurt, and then on to Estonia. I would leave at the same time (I now had to hustle to the airport) and I would end up arriving in Estonia an hour ahead of schedule! In the end, everything worked out great. I got a lot of stuff done fast in the first day (having a rental car really helped that out) which left some extra time to catch up with some friends and a lot of family. That was really good. Coming back everything was as per schedule, with no problems. I was able to bring some stuff back that we just couldn't when we moved to Canada, one of the things being my mountain bike (a Kona Blast if anyone cares) which makes me particularly happy.
Some of my impressions? In meeting some of the people that I had worked with in the Estonian Pentecostal Church, I was interested in seeing how things had developed over the past three years. Just as we came to Canada, the leadership of the church was handed over fully from being missionary lead to having totally their own leadership. I don't want this to sound negative in any way, but it has taken them the past three years to shake off that previous mantle and get their own. Not that what happened before was bad, but their own identity had to come our from the influence of those missionaries and become it's own. It was a natural and immensely important step. The church is now forming it's own face, and it is doing it quite well. That was very good to see. It was great to get together with friends and see how they are doing. So many people, so many places. Some changes but for the most part things are the same.
It was so very good to be immersed in Estonian as a language again. It just felt natural and good. The country as a whole seems a little more mature. People don't seem to be worried as much about whether or not they are going to make it. Things seem calmer, which is a good thing. Most of the roads still need some fixing, it still rains a lot, and the beer is still very good.
When I left, there were questions about when we should go back to Estonia, how much longer are we going to be in Canada, and most of all, what does God have for us? Every time people in Estonia asked when we are coming back, I went into this little schpiel I had prepared, and each time the schpiel would change a bit, and through that God began to show me something. When we first came to Canada, we were concerned about what kind of church would we find to attend. The first church I visited was the one we now attend. God impressed on us that He was about to start doing something there, and that we needed to be a part of it. As I related this story, I got the distinct feeling that leaving Canada now would be to go before the going got good. The church has gone through three years of growth and development in preparation for whatever is going to happen. If we return to Estonia now, we would be leaving before this thing actually happens. We feel we need to stay to be a part of this thing. So we talked about it the day I got back, and decided to stay until God says we can go. The next day, our pastor calls, and mentioned that while I was away, they had taken nominations for the board of directors for the church. I had been nominated, would I let my name stand. I prayed about it, and decided to let my name stand. It would be a fleece of sorts to see if God really wants me involved in what is going to happen. If I'm involved, it might as well be right up there with the decision makers! Well, today we had our annual meeting, and the final vote was cast for the two vacant positions. Now I need to explain something, the vote wasn't to see who would be on the board, but just an affirmation of position. There were 18 people nominated, the selection committee took that list and chose 6 names that they felt met the requirements of being a board member according the scripture and the laws of the land. Of those 6 people, two of us allowed our names to stand, and the other was a present board member that was up for reelection. So by default, the vote was to affirm that we would be the new board members. It was unanimous. My first thought was that "Hey, I'm only in because no one else wanted the job." But then the words of the Pastor reminded me of the fleece I had thrown out. I am in this position because of the providence and appointment of God. There was no other option because this is the way it has to be. We are here for a reason, and we are meant to be right in the thick of it!
I realize, that this position comes with a lot of weight, responsibility, pain, sorrow, sweat, and heartache. But these are all things I will gladly bear because of the trust that the church and God has in me to be capable and able to fulfill those duties.
And so, the next chapter begins. I am a deacon, and board member, a person of influence and responsibility. I will accept the office I have been given and will discharge the duties implied therein to the utmost of my ability.
To say the least, this scares the shit out of me.
21 February 2008
Next week: travelling once again
I won't be around next week, so if you're hoping for a new post then... well... sorry. I will have some limited access to the Internet, but I will actually be trying to ignore the Internet while I'm gone. I know, some of you are saying "What? Dave ignore the Internet? You have got to be kidding!" But it's true.
I'm going back to Estonia for a week. Got some business to take care of, some people to visit, and some things to do. It'll be a very busy week, but somehow I'll fit all I need to get done in. Other than all the business and visiting, there is one major hidden agenda for the trip. We (my family and I) know that we will be moving back to Estonia at some point. The big question is when. Will it be this year? Next year? In 10 years? We don't know, and one of the reasons for this trip is to try to sort some of that out. There are some decisions that we need to be making very soon, and my hope and prayer is that during this trip it would be clear what we need to do. If not, we will be left with doing what we want to do. But that is a can of worms that I will open at some other time. For now, we would really appreciate your prayers as I take some time to figure some things out.
After moving back to Canada, the one thing that we know for sure is that we are meant to be here for a season (whatever that means). Other than that, we don't know much. We don't know why we're here, what we're supposed to be doing, and for how long. Much the same applies to our going back to Estonia, only it's much more vague (if that's possible). We don't know when, we don't know how, we don't know where, and we don't know what. To explain, we don't know when we are going back. That is a very annoying uncertainty. We don't know how we are going back, as missionaries or simply as people looking for a job and a house and a car, and well just starting all over again. We don't know where we will end up going, although we are very partial to going to the island where Alla's family lives. And finally we don't know what we will be doing. As mentioned will we be missionaries? Or will we be going just a people looking for a job and a house. If as missionaries, what will we be doing and with whom? If just as people, what kind of work will I find, and what kind of a house can we get? Simple questions I know. Far too simple. Ones that should have been answered a long time ago, but ones we don't have any answers for.
Maybe you can understand our annoyance and frustration with our situation. Until those questions are answered, the same questions apply here as well. Which means we are living in a state of annoyance and frustration. Most of the people I know who are my age are settled and starting to look forward to retirement... sort of. At least they have their house, car(s), kids, pets, RRSPs, investments, and a good handle on their mortgage. We don't have our own house, we have one old car, we have kids and a cat, no RRSPs or investments, and no mortgage. We started from scratch when we moved back to Canada three years ago. From scratch.... nada... zilch... zippo... point zero. So yeah....
I'm tired of floating, I need direction and movement.
So yeah, if you don't mind keeping us in your prayers, we would really appreciate it.
I'm going back to Estonia for a week. Got some business to take care of, some people to visit, and some things to do. It'll be a very busy week, but somehow I'll fit all I need to get done in. Other than all the business and visiting, there is one major hidden agenda for the trip. We (my family and I) know that we will be moving back to Estonia at some point. The big question is when. Will it be this year? Next year? In 10 years? We don't know, and one of the reasons for this trip is to try to sort some of that out. There are some decisions that we need to be making very soon, and my hope and prayer is that during this trip it would be clear what we need to do. If not, we will be left with doing what we want to do. But that is a can of worms that I will open at some other time. For now, we would really appreciate your prayers as I take some time to figure some things out.
After moving back to Canada, the one thing that we know for sure is that we are meant to be here for a season (whatever that means). Other than that, we don't know much. We don't know why we're here, what we're supposed to be doing, and for how long. Much the same applies to our going back to Estonia, only it's much more vague (if that's possible). We don't know when, we don't know how, we don't know where, and we don't know what. To explain, we don't know when we are going back. That is a very annoying uncertainty. We don't know how we are going back, as missionaries or simply as people looking for a job and a house and a car, and well just starting all over again. We don't know where we will end up going, although we are very partial to going to the island where Alla's family lives. And finally we don't know what we will be doing. As mentioned will we be missionaries? Or will we be going just a people looking for a job and a house. If as missionaries, what will we be doing and with whom? If just as people, what kind of work will I find, and what kind of a house can we get? Simple questions I know. Far too simple. Ones that should have been answered a long time ago, but ones we don't have any answers for.
Maybe you can understand our annoyance and frustration with our situation. Until those questions are answered, the same questions apply here as well. Which means we are living in a state of annoyance and frustration. Most of the people I know who are my age are settled and starting to look forward to retirement... sort of. At least they have their house, car(s), kids, pets, RRSPs, investments, and a good handle on their mortgage. We don't have our own house, we have one old car, we have kids and a cat, no RRSPs or investments, and no mortgage. We started from scratch when we moved back to Canada three years ago. From scratch.... nada... zilch... zippo... point zero. So yeah....
I'm tired of floating, I need direction and movement.
So yeah, if you don't mind keeping us in your prayers, we would really appreciate it.
29 January 2008
A Mental Splinter
OK, so it's been a while. I know, I know.
So, lets begin this off with some fun. Maybe it won't be fun, maybe it will.
A friend of mine has a blog, one of the better ones I have read. One recurrent theme of his is the need for more love above all else. Somehow, I have also spent a lot of time mulling over this. It has been a mental splinter for me. You know, one of those ideas that get in your brain and no matter what you do, you just keep thinking about it. There has been a lot of rhetoric and discussion, most of it doesn't really result in anything to be honest. Which is why when this past week, this splinter was implanted, it seemed more than just poignant.
Dunno why, but I started thinking about 1 Cor. 13. You know, the famous "love" chapter. But rather than jump past the first three verses... somehow my brain got stuck on the first three. I guess you could call it meditation, except for the fact that I was sanding some maple at the time while the drone of the dust collection system and a table saw made listening to the radio next to impossible. Somehow in the midst of all that, I had one clear and cohesive thought.
I know the main content of the first three verses reasonable well. The apostle Paul lists off a number of gifts, and explains that if we do these things without love, it means nothing, it produces nothing, it accomplishes nothing. But then came the brainfart: compare that to the main point of Matt. 7:22-23. Using your gifts, even performing miracles... but where does it get you? OK, here we are, that big idea I had: without love we are useless.
U s e l e s s.
Not worthless, scripture makes it very clear that we are never in a state of being worthless. That is one of the most effective lies that the enemy has ever told. Even in our sinful state before salvation, we are worth so much that God sent His Son. Sin has never changed our worth in the eyes of God. It never can change that.
But what can change is whether or not we are useful to God. And amazingly, according to 1 Cor 13:1-3, being saved and actively using our gifts does not constitute usefulness. Did you catch that? Performing miracles, knowing and using our gifts, being active in ministry, all of that does not mean that you are useful.
This one thought floored me, and I can't stop thinking about it.
What really makes us useful?
Do we really care?
So, lets begin this off with some fun. Maybe it won't be fun, maybe it will.
A friend of mine has a blog, one of the better ones I have read. One recurrent theme of his is the need for more love above all else. Somehow, I have also spent a lot of time mulling over this. It has been a mental splinter for me. You know, one of those ideas that get in your brain and no matter what you do, you just keep thinking about it. There has been a lot of rhetoric and discussion, most of it doesn't really result in anything to be honest. Which is why when this past week, this splinter was implanted, it seemed more than just poignant.
Dunno why, but I started thinking about 1 Cor. 13. You know, the famous "love" chapter. But rather than jump past the first three verses... somehow my brain got stuck on the first three. I guess you could call it meditation, except for the fact that I was sanding some maple at the time while the drone of the dust collection system and a table saw made listening to the radio next to impossible. Somehow in the midst of all that, I had one clear and cohesive thought.
I know the main content of the first three verses reasonable well. The apostle Paul lists off a number of gifts, and explains that if we do these things without love, it means nothing, it produces nothing, it accomplishes nothing. But then came the brainfart: compare that to the main point of Matt. 7:22-23. Using your gifts, even performing miracles... but where does it get you? OK, here we are, that big idea I had: without love we are useless.
U s e l e s s.
Not worthless, scripture makes it very clear that we are never in a state of being worthless. That is one of the most effective lies that the enemy has ever told. Even in our sinful state before salvation, we are worth so much that God sent His Son. Sin has never changed our worth in the eyes of God. It never can change that.
But what can change is whether or not we are useful to God. And amazingly, according to 1 Cor 13:1-3, being saved and actively using our gifts does not constitute usefulness. Did you catch that? Performing miracles, knowing and using our gifts, being active in ministry, all of that does not mean that you are useful.
This one thought floored me, and I can't stop thinking about it.
What really makes us useful?
Do we really care?
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