I'm at Redeemer University College today on behalf of World Vision and I just need to say that, despite all of the terrible things you hear in the news about teens and young adults, I can't say enough good things about how great these kids are. I've heard story after story about their involvement in fundraising, child sponsorship, their concern for the poor, and their commitment to justice. Frankly these kids are way ahead of where I was back when I was 19 or 20.
And it's not just the nice Christian kids at this school either. Teens from high schools all over the country are pumped about the 30-Hour Famine and supporting humanitarian causes of all kinds. If you're one of those "kids these days" curmudgeons, I suggest you talk to some of these kids. Sure, there are bad things going on, but for the most part today's teens give me hope for a bright future.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My PoV
For roughly the last three months I've been taking photos from my doorstep every morning at 8 AM. It was an easy enough project while I was unemployed, but now that I'm working again it's not going to be quite so easy to keep going. Not to mention that it was getting a little boring seeing the same view every day!
As of January 1st I've started posting the point of view from wherever I am at 8 AM. The daily photo will be exactly what I'm seeing from my PoV at exactly 8 AM each day. If I'm still at home and haven't quite started the day I'll just keep shooting a photo from my doorstep, otherwise, look for a new photo every day, likely posted later in the evening.
Just click on the Deivox Images link in the left-hand menu to see life from my PoV!
UPDATE: Okay, so this little venture exhausted itself pretty quickly. Probably because I've been exhausted. So, now that you've read the above post, you can totally ignore it. Until further notice Deivox Images is on hiatus.
As of January 1st I've started posting the point of view from wherever I am at 8 AM. The daily photo will be exactly what I'm seeing from my PoV at exactly 8 AM each day. If I'm still at home and haven't quite started the day I'll just keep shooting a photo from my doorstep, otherwise, look for a new photo every day, likely posted later in the evening.
Just click on the Deivox Images link in the left-hand menu to see life from my PoV!
UPDATE: Okay, so this little venture exhausted itself pretty quickly. Probably because I've been exhausted. So, now that you've read the above post, you can totally ignore it. Until further notice Deivox Images is on hiatus.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Quote(s) of the Day
"Out of necessity, the black church rarely had the luxury of separating individual salvation from collective salvation. It had to serve as the center of the community's political, economic, and social as well as spiritual life; it understood in an intimate way the biblical call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked and challenge powers and principalities. In the history of these struggles, I was able to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death; rather, it was an active, palpable agent in the world. In the day-to-day work of the men and women I met in church each day, in their ability to 'make a way out of no way' and maintain hope and dignity in the direst of circumstances, I could see the Word made manifest. (Pg. 207)
It was because of these newfound understandings - that religious commitment did not require me to suspend critical thinking, disengage from the battle for economic and social justice, or otherwise retreat from the world that I knew and loved - that I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity United Church of Christ one day and be baptized. It came about as a choice and not an epiphany; the questions I had did not magically disappear. But kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side of Chicago, I felt God's spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth. (Pg. 208)
After all, the problems of poverty and racism, the uninsured and the unemployed, are not simply technical problems in search of the perfect ten-point plan. They are also rooted in societal indifference and individual callousness - the desire among those at the top of the social ladder to maintain their wealth and status whatever the cost, as well as the despair and self-destructiveness among those at the bottom of the social ladder. Solving these problems will require changes in government policy; it will also require changes in hearts and minds. (Pg. 215)
From: The Audacity Of Hope, Barack Obama.
It was because of these newfound understandings - that religious commitment did not require me to suspend critical thinking, disengage from the battle for economic and social justice, or otherwise retreat from the world that I knew and loved - that I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity United Church of Christ one day and be baptized. It came about as a choice and not an epiphany; the questions I had did not magically disappear. But kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side of Chicago, I felt God's spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth. (Pg. 208)
After all, the problems of poverty and racism, the uninsured and the unemployed, are not simply technical problems in search of the perfect ten-point plan. They are also rooted in societal indifference and individual callousness - the desire among those at the top of the social ladder to maintain their wealth and status whatever the cost, as well as the despair and self-destructiveness among those at the bottom of the social ladder. Solving these problems will require changes in government policy; it will also require changes in hearts and minds. (Pg. 215)
From: The Audacity Of Hope, Barack Obama.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Operation Christmas Child
Last night we spent three hours sorting through boxes that had been donated to Operation Christmas Child for distribution to children in need around the world. As I inspected the litany of dolls and balls, clothes and crayons, toys and toothbrushes, I was struck by two things: the amount of care that went into purchasing and packing some of the boxes, and secondly, the absolute lack of thought that went into others.
Some boxes contained notes with greetings such as, "My Dear Little Boy..." or "Precious Daughter of God...", often including family photos of smiling mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and the occasional family pet. It quickly became obvious that these were packed with much care as a family project to help another family in a less fortunate part of the world. More than likely a lesson about the importance of giving to the needy was included as part of the process. My heart was warmed as I thought of the child in Senegal, El Salvador, etc. receiving their package with such sincere Canadian greetings inside not to mention the valuable lesson that would be learned about giving from our abundance.
And then there were the other boxes...
There weren't many of them, but I did come across boxes filled with used toys and ancient, half-used notepads, not to mention the stuffed animals with grey, dirty ears. In my indignation I pulled the toys out of the box and showed them to my work partner. We just shook our heads and groused about how anyone could do such a thing and that it would be better if they'd sent nothing at all. I can be awfully good at righteous indignation.
It wasn't until the drive home that the thought occurred to me that it's possible these boxes were packed with every bit as much love as the pristine, new boxes, but that they came from families who had nothing else to give. I certainly don't know this for a fact, but maybe, just maybe, that well-loved rabbit with the dirty ears or the chipped toy cars were the last toys that a child had to give. And just maybe, in giving those toys away, he or she gave away something far more valuable than the dollar store finds in the other boxes.
We so often give from our abundance but not many of us are required to truly sacrifice in our giving. But isn't that what Christmas is all about? Jesus was born in a stable under filthy, stinking conditions. It was no place for a baby to be born, let alone the Son of God. But God gave everything, in a shoddy package no less, for us all. It was a sacrifice not made from abundance, this was after all His "only begotten Son," but from His immense love. And every day, if we will only take the time to slow down and listen, we can still hear the words:
My Dear Little Boy...
Precious Daughter of God...
This Christmas, won't you take the time to listen?
Some boxes contained notes with greetings such as, "My Dear Little Boy..." or "Precious Daughter of God...", often including family photos of smiling mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and the occasional family pet. It quickly became obvious that these were packed with much care as a family project to help another family in a less fortunate part of the world. More than likely a lesson about the importance of giving to the needy was included as part of the process. My heart was warmed as I thought of the child in Senegal, El Salvador, etc. receiving their package with such sincere Canadian greetings inside not to mention the valuable lesson that would be learned about giving from our abundance.
And then there were the other boxes...
There weren't many of them, but I did come across boxes filled with used toys and ancient, half-used notepads, not to mention the stuffed animals with grey, dirty ears. In my indignation I pulled the toys out of the box and showed them to my work partner. We just shook our heads and groused about how anyone could do such a thing and that it would be better if they'd sent nothing at all. I can be awfully good at righteous indignation.
It wasn't until the drive home that the thought occurred to me that it's possible these boxes were packed with every bit as much love as the pristine, new boxes, but that they came from families who had nothing else to give. I certainly don't know this for a fact, but maybe, just maybe, that well-loved rabbit with the dirty ears or the chipped toy cars were the last toys that a child had to give. And just maybe, in giving those toys away, he or she gave away something far more valuable than the dollar store finds in the other boxes.
We so often give from our abundance but not many of us are required to truly sacrifice in our giving. But isn't that what Christmas is all about? Jesus was born in a stable under filthy, stinking conditions. It was no place for a baby to be born, let alone the Son of God. But God gave everything, in a shoddy package no less, for us all. It was a sacrifice not made from abundance, this was after all His "only begotten Son," but from His immense love. And every day, if we will only take the time to slow down and listen, we can still hear the words:
My Dear Little Boy...
Precious Daughter of God...
This Christmas, won't you take the time to listen?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Seven Shores Cafe
I had one of those Eureka! moments today when we stopped into the Seven Shores Cafe & Market in Waterloo for a coffee this afternoon. Anyone who knows me well is aware of my efforts to buy fair-trade coffee as often as possible as well as my absolute love of the Eggnog Latte that Starbucks serves at this time of year. Well Starbucks, there's a new kid in town...
This was, bar none, the very best eggnog latte I've ever tasted! Not only that, but it was made with fair-trade, organically grown coffee from Costa Rica and Guatemala. As if that wasn't enough, they serve the coffee in eco-friendly bio-degradable cups, and serve hand-made food using ingredients from local producers. There is also a small market area with fair-trade products from around the world and a cozy sitting area to relax in. These guys are doing everything right!
So if you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, give these guys your business. Whether you want to endorse their fair-trade efforts, you want to support a local business, or you just want one of the best cups of coffee in the area, you can't go wrong at Seven Shores on Regina street.
This was, bar none, the very best eggnog latte I've ever tasted! Not only that, but it was made with fair-trade, organically grown coffee from Costa Rica and Guatemala. As if that wasn't enough, they serve the coffee in eco-friendly bio-degradable cups, and serve hand-made food using ingredients from local producers. There is also a small market area with fair-trade products from around the world and a cozy sitting area to relax in. These guys are doing everything right!
So if you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, give these guys your business. Whether you want to endorse their fair-trade efforts, you want to support a local business, or you just want one of the best cups of coffee in the area, you can't go wrong at Seven Shores on Regina street.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Come And Have Breakfast
The following excerpt is from An Alien at St. Wilfred's by Adrian Plass. Read this passage from John first: John 21:4-14
'I have read,' said Nunc, 'how this Peter leaped from his fishing boat and ran through the water when he saw his master on the shore. He did not understand at that time why his master had lived or died or come back to life again, did he?'
'He did not'. I agreed.
'And he had no understanding or knowledge of what the future might hold for him or his companions. Is that not true?'
I nodded.
'Was it not also the case that his three denials had not yet been discussed between himself and the one that he denied?'
'It was the case, Nunc. There was unfinished business between them.'
'Why, then, did he run with such abandon towards his master on that day, do you suppose?'
For several seconds Nunc's question seemed to hang in the air between us, something fragile and essential, as Dick put it afterwards. Hartley and I answered with exactly the same words at exactly the same time.
'Because he loved him.'
'And what was this man whom he loved?'
'He was the son of God,' said Dot.
'He was the saviour of mankind,' said Dick.
'He was the one who made everything,' said Hartley.
Nunc shone like Christmas as he asked his next question. 'And this son of God, this saviour of mankind, this one who made everything - what was he doing when Peter arrived, breathless and dripping wet, on the shore? What solemn and majestic task was Peter's risen Lord engaged in?'
My voice broke just a little as I replied.
'He was cooking breakfast for his friends.'
'I have read,' said Nunc, 'how this Peter leaped from his fishing boat and ran through the water when he saw his master on the shore. He did not understand at that time why his master had lived or died or come back to life again, did he?'
'He did not'. I agreed.
'And he had no understanding or knowledge of what the future might hold for him or his companions. Is that not true?'
I nodded.
'Was it not also the case that his three denials had not yet been discussed between himself and the one that he denied?'
'It was the case, Nunc. There was unfinished business between them.'
'Why, then, did he run with such abandon towards his master on that day, do you suppose?'
For several seconds Nunc's question seemed to hang in the air between us, something fragile and essential, as Dick put it afterwards. Hartley and I answered with exactly the same words at exactly the same time.
'Because he loved him.'
'And what was this man whom he loved?'
'He was the son of God,' said Dot.
'He was the saviour of mankind,' said Dick.
'He was the one who made everything,' said Hartley.
Nunc shone like Christmas as he asked his next question. 'And this son of God, this saviour of mankind, this one who made everything - what was he doing when Peter arrived, breathless and dripping wet, on the shore? What solemn and majestic task was Peter's risen Lord engaged in?'
My voice broke just a little as I replied.
'He was cooking breakfast for his friends.'
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Quote of the Day
"The white man has the watch, but the African has the time."
Courtesy of Ken Creech, missionary in Senegal.
Courtesy of Ken Creech, missionary in Senegal.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Theo Fleury
The sad case of Theoren Fleury has been well documented over the years...
Too small to play in the NHL, he defied the critics and became an offensive force for the Calgary Flames in the 90's, scoring 455 goals in 19 seasons in the big leagues, as well as a gold medal with Team Canada in 2002. Sadly, Fleury's life spiraled out of control as a result of his addiction to alcohol and in the end, was forced out of the league by suspension after suspension.
It seems that Fleury has turned his life around and is well on his way to recovery, giving thanks to God, his wife, and a 12-step program that saved his life. You can read the full article here. Thanks to Bill for passing this along.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lest We Forget
In honour of Remembrance Day and my dad who served in the British Navy in World War II...
Sunday, November 09, 2008
A Crime So Monstrous
A Crime So Monstrous by Benjamin Skinner is a disturbing, motivating book that provides a first-hand account of modern-day slavery around the world. A well researched book that recounts stories of tragedy and triumph about an issue that is not taken seriously enough by governments of the western world, the very ones who can make a difference in the lives of millions of victims.
Get Involved...
Anti-Slavery International
Call + Response
Free The Slaves
Human Trafficking.org
International Justice Mission Canada
Made By Survivors
Not For Sale
Stop The Traffik
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