Some thoughts on Chris Benoit

Like many, I've kind of sat in a bit of a stunned state over the recent Chris Benoit murder suicide. I'm not a hard-core wrestling fan, but I've seen my fair share of WWE over the past few years. At first I simply didn't believe that he could have murdered his own son. I figured something else had happened, like his son died in a freak wrestling accident, and then Chris took his own life out of depression or something.

It was interesting to watch the tribute that the WWE ran on Monday night, which was before the details of what had happened were known yet. Was it right to run a tribute with all kinds of people saying amazing things about Chris Benoit, when it turns out that he killed his wife and son?

Does that change who Chris Benoit was? In the eyes of some it does. Today in the Journal, some fans stated that they have lost all respect for Chris. I understand why. I'm struggling with that very issue. However I'm actually thinking about the bigger picture and that for me is the WWE. I can't blame the WWE for what Chris did. He made his own choices. He chose to get involved in the WWE and use steroids. But it's also pretty clear that the WWE creates a culture that is quite destructive to many of the wrestlers involved. So can I support that? When we look at the Benoit tragedy, do we put all the blame on Chris, or does part of the responsibility lie with the WWE? I guess I think that the WWE will not change; that the industry will not change, certainly not as long as there remains such a large number of fans who 'consume' what the WWE is producing.

Thing is, I like watching wrestling. I find it a fun, mindless diversion from life. But if what I am enjoying is ultimately destructive to the lives of those directly involved (such as Chris B. and Eddie G.) then what does that mean?
As strange as this may sound, I'm not quite sure of the answer; at least not just yet.

The other big question in my mind right now is about whether or not what Chris did should change our respect of him. It seems pretty easy to judge him for what he did. Some would say, 'well, we don't know the pressures he faced' etc. etc. Does ANYTHING excuse killing your wife and son? Most would say no, but does one horrific act wipe out a person's reputation? Certainly it seems that way in the world of celebrity; look at Mel Gibson and others.
If we say that it does ruin his reputation, then are we 'judging' him? And is that wrong?

Just some of my questions right now....

David's tabernacle (pt. 1)

Well I've been stewing since Sunday about what was, in my estimation, a poor job of communication on a very important topic.

Last Sunday I spoke on Psalm 96 and the occassion it was written for: the beginning of the tabernacle of David. I muddied the waters by not speaking specifically enough on either the content of Psalm 96 or 1 Chron. 15-16.

Here's 3 summary points:

1) Psalm 96 was commissioned by David during the events recorded in 1 Chron. 15-16.
2) Psalm 96 speaks a lot about the spiritual warfare dimension of worship.
3) 1 Chron. 15-16 is the story of the establishment of the tabernacle of David.

I believe that God showed David the reality of worship in heaven, similar to what John recorded in Revelation 4-5.

David understood, from the Lord that he was to have singers, musicians and intercessors minister around the ark of the covenant. This dynamic was the central focus of the Tabernacle of David.

It is an earthly representation of the worship that happens around the throne of God.

We are not to try to recreate or copy the tablernacle, but rather learn from the 'elements' of the tabernacle. It is the spirit (meaning the dynamics) that are critical to us today: prayer, music, and singing, brought together with God's Word. I also realize that these elements are NOT any kind of 'magical' combination that God is waiting for us to use. He's not waiting for us to 'get it just right' and then he'll pour out his Spirit.

So why is any of this important?

In a word, because Jesus wants things 'on earth as it is in heaven'. I'm not pursuing these things because I want to get God's attention; I already HAVE his full attention!! I'm pursuing the dynamics of the tablernacle of David because I believe that the pattern of the worship in heaven is the ultimate, most pleasing, most God glorifying worship that could exist! (that's why it's happening in heaven!)

I'll leave it there for now, but these two passages of Scripture are very important in terms of what God is doing in raising up Houses of Prayer. I will have to post on that topic at another time, so keep watching!

Dan Westfall wins the Conn Smythe!

Check it out!



Okay, so throughout the playoffs I've thought that Scott Niedermayer looks so much like my friend Dan Westfall!

Maybe it's just me thinking that Dan should win a trophy, but it's just too good.
Scott Niedermayer is from Edmonton...hmmm.... just a coincidence? Maybe not!!

Maybe that's why I haven't see Dan in church lately!! (just kiddin')

Rear Window

This past Saturday I had a FANTASTIC time at the Police concert at Commonwealth stadium. I've been a big Police fan for most of my life, dating back to the days when I got their album 'Synchronicity' on cassette tape! I've said for years and years that there are two bands that I would love to see live: Queen and The Police. Of course, seeing Queen will never happen, but The Police seemed pretty much in the same camp until earlier this year.
Pam and I secured tickets in the 23rd row on the floor. Easily the best tickets I have ever had for any rock concert in my life. To say the least, I was pumped.

It was really impressive how they set things up at Commonwealth: once you get to the field level, you don't have to leave. There is food, beverages, merchandise, and most importantly, port-a-johns. As the time for The Police drew near, I began to think that I should use the 'facilities' so as not to have to miss or be uncomfortable during the concert. Pam and I made our way to the back of the field where we began to scan for port-a-johns that had a 'green' slider on the door, indicating that it was available. It didn't take long and I walked up to the door and pulled it open. I'd say 'big mistake', but how was I to know what surprises were behind 'door #1'!!!

I pulled the door open, only to encounter a young man, with blond dreads for hair and now shirt on, with his back to me. Not only was his back to me, but his pants were down around his ankles! I got the full on rear view!
I let the door go instantly and failed to restrain myself from saying out loud, 'DANG' as I walked away, trying earnestly to remove the image from my mind!

The other unfortunate image that I saw that night was when the camera panned over the audience and right in the first few rows a rather large young man with a beard was jumping up and down for the camera, with his arms raised high above his head. What he didn't seem to understand was that what stood out the most was the enormous sweat stains around his arm pits. Thankfully the cameraman soon recognized the need to change the view!

All humor aside, I loved the Police concert! It was 2 of the fastest hours of my life and easily the best concert I've ever been to. I could have listened all night long. Simply incredible stuff. We tried to take some pictures of our experience with the camera on Eric's phone, but most of them didn't turn out very well. After the concert Pam and I decided to avoid the incredibly long lines for the LRT and we walked back to the University, where we had parked. Admittedly, it took nearly an hour and a half, but we had a great time talking and walking together.

So here's to the Police!

Stirrings

It's been a while since I've written here, mainly because I've been wrapped up in getting The Canopy's "30 Days in the Psalms" going. (If you're interested, you can check it out at http://canopypsalms.blogspot.com... there's an explaination in the first post and a way to sign up to be involved)

Anyway, I guess I'm feeling stirred up lately with a renewed yearning for much deeper release of the Holy Spirit, bringing the Presence of Jesus in our region. The problem is that I don't really have words to describe it, so bear with me.

I don't know how to say this without it sounding like a criticism, but when I look around the city, I see so little really deep manifestations of the Presence of Jesus. The problem with saying things like that is that it almost immediately causes people to feel guilty, as if they are inadequate or that the ministry they are connected with is somehow being slammed; they become defensive. And that is NOT my heart at all! Hear me: that's not a slam.

I just can't NOT say this anymore: There MUST be more. There IS more. When I look around the city, even in the big happenin', popular churches that people are flocking to, there's just nothing special going on! It's just a crowd. More programs and slicker video presentations and more choices to choose from, but very little Presence and very little power. I acknowledge that many good things are happening: people being saved, marriages being healed, people finding community.

It's just that I look and wonder if the good has become the enemy of the best. Are people so distracted by the slick and the good and choices that they've become content. Look around. Is there a moving of God anywhere in the capital region that the apostle Paul or Peter would even have a grid for?

In my mind the answer is clearly, undeniably NO. Somehow that doesn't depress me and make me want to throw up my hand in defeat. It moves me closer to desperation, where inside I groan and want to cry out to God in intercession. I want to jump up and say we are going to pray, we are going to worship, we are going to lay hold of the horns of the alter and we are not going to let go until there is a breakthrough!!

Nehemiah didn't hear about the condition of his city and throw up his hands and say it's hopeless. No, he tore his robes, and sought the Lord in fasting and prayer, and then sought the favor of the king to rebuild the walls of the city.

The walls are mostly down in our city.

Today I'm just going around with this groan in my stomach, saying 'O God, have mercy!'

Some will wonder what the point of it all is; what action steps are there.
To such people my answer will undoubtedly seem lack-luster:
I know of nothing else that can be 'done' except for the gathering together of God's people in worship and prayer. I know of no other 'solution' except the reality that we pursue in the House of Prayer. HoPE is not the solution, but the activity that happens there is. It can happen anywhere, but the people of God must come together in worship and prayer.

My own personal encouragement is that I know that the groaning I am feeling is the gift of God to me. Such groanings don't come from my own flesh. Such groanings are birthed by the Spirit.

So in the midst of the groaning, I am comforted by the realization that the very groaning are God's gracious hand on me.

Like men who dreamed...

In the mid 90’s, roughly around 1994-95 I began to spend most of my evening prayer times focusing on the words of the song ‘Let Your Glory Fall’ by David Ruis. I was part of the college and career group at McKernan Baptist Church, where Eric was the intern pastor and I was working closely with him. Myself and several friends had been praying for a number of years for God to move in our midst and between ‘94-‘96 we were seeing a small portion of what we had prayed for.

Let your glory fall in this room
Let it go from here to the the nations
Let your fragrance rest in this place
As we gather to seek you face.

Father of creation
The world has yet to see
The full release of your power
The church in victory

Let your Kingdom come
Let you will be done
Let us see on earth
The glory of your Son

Today I was listening to a cd where David Ruis did a remix of that song. As I paused what I was doing my mind returned to those early days and I remembered so many of those times in my room praying those words and ideas. I think of Psalm 126:1 where it says “we were like men who dreamed”.

Those dreams are still alive in me. As I listened to that song, my heart was stirred again and my eyes teared up. Those words continue to capture the essence of what I have longed for and prayed for over 15 years.

Really, since 1991, I have spent most of my time and energy trying to pursue the reality of that song, and trying to convince everybody around me to do the same.

In the last while it’s become easier for those dreams to drift a bit in my heart. The pressures and stresses of life are powerful distractions for all of us. Somehow today I recognized the Lord calling me back again toward the singular focus that is represented in David Ruis’ song.

Dashin' for Compassion

Yesterday I ran my second ever half marathon, at the 'Dashin' for Compassion' foot race. When I made plans to run the race, I had no idea that it fell on the Mother's Day weekend; it's only fitting that it would, given that it is set up to raise money for the Sorrentino's Compassion House, which exists to provide sanctuary and support for women with breast cancer, who live outside of the Edmonton area.

In June of 2001 my mother died of breast cancer, so I have obviously have special empathy for families who are suffering through the trials of the disease.

But back to the race: it was a beautiful day for a run; there were only about 160 people who ran the half marathon (which is 21 km for anyone who doesn't know) and the course was amazing with a lot of fabulouse houses in the Grandview, Lansdown and Riverbend communities.

I'm still new to this whole running thing, so of course I made a pretty significant gaff in my week of preparations. The final 7-10 days prior to a half marathon you are supposed to taper off your training in order to allow your body to fully recover and be a full strength on race day. You are also supposed to be familiar with the layout of the course so as to be fully prepared for what lies ahead. In my zeal I decided that I would ride my bike along the course on Thursday, 2 days before race day. (Yes, it's the bike that got stolen...see my previous post). Given that I had not riden a bike in nearly 10 months, this was NOT a good idea! Add to that the fact that I failed to eat prior to the bike ride, which caused me to seriously bonk, and you've got real problems.

Problems? Nahh... I convinced myself that I'd recover on Friday and be ready to go on Saturday. After all, how trashed could my legs be?

Well, I got about 9 km into the race, doing a fairly decent pace (for me) and then came the hills. Snow Valley to be exact. It was at that point that I dropped a gear. I just simply couldn't keep the pace up. No strength in my legs. Up to this point I had been running back and forth with a young woman in the race: she would move ahead of me and then I wold pull ahead of her and vice versa. (She was doing 10 & 1's, and I wasn't) This continued up until Snow Valley and at that point she left me in the dust. I spent the remainder of the race trying to recover that gear that I'd lost, but frankly it just never happened.

The struggle was that I was in better condition than I was for my first half marathon and knew that I had the potential to keep up the pace I had started out at. Frustrating! In the end, I finished the race slightly faster than my previous half marathon time, so I can't complain too much; I just learned the hard way how important the tapering process really is!

So the next big race will be the Kananaskis 100 miler, which is a 10 person relay team race, obviously in Kananaskis! It's in June on the Father's Day weekend, (which is also the weekend of the PGA's US Open...booo :(
Regardless, I'm looking forward to it. After that I'll be working towards the ING half marathon which is in August. That's my plan, at least for now.

Running appeals to me on many levels and I continue to enjoy the similarities between running and our spiritual journey with Jesus. More on that another time.... :)

Bike

"I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like"
"Bicycle Race" by Queen

This morning I was taking the kids to school and as we got into the car I noticed that the gate on our fence that accesses the alley was open. I asked the kids if they had left it open, assuming that they had, but they insisted that they had not. When I returned to the house I went over to close the gate and investigate. What I discovered shocked me:

My bike had been stolen!

Yesterday I took my bike out for the first time this year. I had eaten very little prior to going, but didn't think much of it; that mistake, coupled with my overly ambitious distance resulted in my being extremely tired when I got home. In my weiry state I put the bike by the back door of the garage and went inside for a large bowl of cherry yogurt! Soon other activities crowded my brain and I forgot to put the bike in the garage.

So perhaps my stupidity is to blame. However, I still remain shocked that somebody in my neighborhood would open up my gate and walk across the yard to steal my bike! I guess I shouldn't be; after all, cars and bikes get stolen everyday in this city. But somehow it feels different when it happens to you.

I most certainly should have kept my bike more secured; it's a pretty old bike and not worth a ton of money... but it's MY FLIPPIN' BIKE!!!!

So bar the windows, lock the doors, put all your valuables in the car trunk, cause it's not safe out there!!!
(how's that for a depressing thought!) :)

It's not the end of the world, but I'm left, at least for the near future, feeling rather paranoid and somewhat unsafe in my neighborhood, wondering who's watching and lurking around in the shadows.

Part of me wishes I could get a really nice bike to use as bait, then wait to catch the guy and then beat the CRAP out of him.

Oh wait.... I forgot... I'm built like a stick and couldn't beat up scarecrow if I tried...

O well!
LOL :)

Are people insane?

Last Saturday night I went to a movie with my friend Al Seeman. We were one of the very few who were not seeing Spiderman 3. I actually am quite excited about seeing Spidy, but for some reason I just wasn't up to joining the mayhem. Al and I went to see Hot Fuzz, which while initially sounding like a cheap adult video, was indeed quite funny.
At any rate, the showing we saw was at 10:45, which normally would be too late for me to be going to a movie, but hey, you have to live a little, right? As you would expect, the majority of everybody on the planet was trying to see Spiderman 3, and the theatre pretty much had showings of the show every half hour.
Hot Fuzz finished at around 1 a.m. and as Al and I were talking outside of the theatre, suddenly one of the showing of Spiderman got out (hopefully the last one!). What floored me was the number of people who had kids with them, younger than MY kids (which are 4 and 7). I would NEVER let my kids see ANY of the Spiderman movies! It's just not age appropriate. Yet as we stood there, I must have seen nearly 2 dozen young children, from the ages of 7 down to about 2-3 years old!
I admit, I kind of freaked out at the theatre and ranted for a while to Al.
Have people lost their minds? Are they INSANE?

Now I know that we live in a super relaxed society, where we have very few standards of appropriateness, because everybody is supposed to be able to determine what is appropriate for themselves and their own children. But let's get real! Spiderman is simply NOT a children's movie! And it's wrong to take a young child to see it. Just plain wrong. But not only is it wrong to take a 4-5 year old to Spiderman 3 at ANY time of day, it is especially wrong to do it at 11:30 P.M.!!

I need to get this off my chest: These people are STUPID! You don't take a 4 year old to a movie at 11:30 at night.
One reason was immediately evident, as I watched all of these zombie like kids stumble out of the theatre, or being carried out, asleep on the shoulders of their parents.

Some may label me as a uptight, anal retentive, no fun parent. GO FOR IT!!

Parenting is serious business. We're talking about little lives that are in our hands and that we shape and mold.
I've always appreciated the old statement that we live in a society where you need a liscense to drive, but you can be a parent without any training at all!

I suppose what's worse to me is that a lot of the younger kids I saw, most likely didn't ask to go the movie. It was their parents who wanted to go to the movie, so they just took their kids with them. I can't prove that, but I'd bet money on it. Getting a baby sitter is hard and it's often expensive.

Reality check: when you're a parent, you don't get to do all the things you did before you had kids! People need to grow up and accept that. It's reality. To use a quote from Mark Driscoll, "It's a big boy's job!' ('boy' being used in the gender neutral sense :)
There are many times when I have to say no to various things I'd love to do, for the sake of my kids. Does it bum me out? Sure, but sometimes that the reality of being a parent!

So there's my rant for the day!

Psalm 13

Every once in a while, I get fixated on a particular passage of Scripture. Recently that has been Psalm 13.

1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

I think what I've been enjoying about this Psalm is that it's a lament, and basically in our modern culture we don't have any place for a lament. We pretty much live in a 'suck it up princess' culture, and frankly sometimes in the church, that culture is often reinforced. There is not much place for any real lament. Maybe for an hour or a day, but then we expect people to get on with life. Suck it up! Stop feeling sorry for yourself! If it persists, then you must need meds!

Now some will point out that at the end of the Psalm, David does seem to 'suck it up' and ends on a positive note.

My interpretation is that I don't believe that the emotions of v. 1-4 are suddenly gone for David, but that v. 5-6 reflect the truth that David knows in his mind, while at the same time, struggling with a different set of emotions (v. 1-4). The two exist at the same time.

Perhaps that comes out of my own experience. Many times I have emotions that are at odds with truth that I know in my mind. (both related and unrelated to God)

My main point right now is that I believe that we need to re-embrace the 'lament' as a legitimate form of expression. Most of the time that takes a verbal form, but sometimes we can write out our emotions and experiences in the written form of a lament.

As I identify with Psalm 13, I remember that King David wrote it, and I know that I'm in good company!

thoughts from Abbotsford

Recently Eric and I were in the Vancouver area for a conference. Since we were flying in and out of Abbotsford, we stopped in to visit with our good friend Brad Jersak. Brad is the pastor of FreshWind, a church that is unlike any I've ever been to. It was a real treat to attend FreshWind and visit with Brad.
One of aspects of FreshWind that will stand out to most visitors is the number of handicapped people in the community. What impacted me was the extent to which these residents were part of the community, just like anyone else.


On a personal level, this is significant to me because Pam's brother is severely autistic. He has to live in a special home, with round the clock home care. He cannot talk and is a strong, fully grown man, who has the mental development of a 2 year old. He's a good mannered guy, but he can be quite vocal and physically decisive when he wants something. Ever since I met Ian, I have found it a real challenge to interact with him. I simply don't really know how and often feel quite uncomfortable. While I have become more comfortable over the years, I still have a long way to go. I simply cannot imagine being one of the workers in Ian's group home and I have a deep and profound respect for them.

Being in FreshWind stirred up a lot of these feelings again. The lack of "uncomfortableness" among the regular attenders of FreshWind hit me like a brick. Of all the things that make their wonderful church unique, the love, respect and inclusion of the residents was what hit me most. I just don't know if I could do it. I guess the truth is that maybe I like 'my' church a little too sanitized; maybe 'my' church is still too much about 'me' and how 'I' like it.

These days we're talking about being a 'prophetic community' at The Canopy. I found FreshWind to be one of the most prophetic communities I've ever been to. Here's why: if 'the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy', then a prophetic community needs to declare and display the character and person of Christ. Too often I've been more interested in the 'declare' than the 'display' part of the prophetic. The inclusion of the residents into their church community shouted prophetic truth at levels several decibels higher than any other verbal prophetic words; at least to my ears.

Just some initial thoughts. More to come

Some Humor

I came across this today and thought it was pretty funny.
I just got back from the 'Refocus' conference, so I'm full of much more serious thoughts which I'll be working on soon.

Pam and I are scheduled to go to the opera this Thursday night, which has the potential for another post! :) Keep watching!

For now I'll start with this....

Nothing Amazing

I've run into a new problem with my blog: I've wanted to write a post, but I simply can't seem to think of anything to post about! I tend to resist 'diary' style posts, although to be honest, I rather like reading such posts from other people. What do I do when I don't have any 'deep' or 'humor' oriented thoughts? There certainly has been no shortage of things happening in life, but not too many that seem appropriate for the blog.

Here are a few odds and ends lately:

1) I did run a half marathon, but that was while back now. It was cold: about -15 with a brisk wind. I really enjoyed myself, and was pleased with my results. My time wasn't too exciting, but I have to cut myself some slack; I'm just a beginner!

2) The more I reflect on the movie "Amazing Grace", the more impacting I find it. I may have to go and see it again. I would strongly recommend it. Maybe not the most brilliant movie, but the story and life of William Wilberforce continues to stir me and inspire me. Go see it!

3) I'm pretty confident that God is calling me to read more. I've been convinced for years that I need to read more, but to be honest, I find it quite challenging to motivate myself to read consistently. Being married to Pam, I am regularly reminded of this. Pam basically has a book permenantly attached to her at all times! However, this has been an unusual season where I sense God prompting me, because there are some things I REALLY need to be reading right now. Plus, I've actually been making some progress in this too!

4) Eric and I are getting excited about an upcoming conference that we're going to in Burnaby, B.C. It's a theology conference, which I think would bore many, but we're pretty pumped. John Piper is the main speaker, and it's worth going just to hear him! J.I. Packer and Mark Driscoll are also speaking. In the old days, conferences were a major place for Eric and I to get inspired and get our creative juices going, and it's been a long while since we've been able to go to a good conference. We're also going to be able to go to Brad Jersak's church on the Sunday, but get this: Brad's going to be in Edmonton that weekend!! Of all the luck! And at Beulah too.... man, they're making all the moves these days! (let the reader understand :))

So there you have it. That's quite a bit more of a 'diary' entry than I'm used to, but maybe it's part of the process of learning how to maintain a good blog. Who knows :)

More Trade Thoughts

Just to follow up on the comments from my previous post....

I wasn't necessarily arguing that Smyth should have been paid whatever he was asking for. Like I said, I don't think he's worth that kind of money. I agree with DL in that NHL players are paid way more than they should be paid, but if I was them I'd probably be fighting for as much of the green stuff as I could get. I mean, who doesn't want a raise!

My point was focused around the issue that in the new NHL, the best players can pick and choose where they want to play. I referenced David Staples article in last Sunday's Journal, which I thought really addressed this issue. Smyth WANTED to be here, and the honest reality is that not many of the best NHL players WANT to be here (remember Pronger?).

If this is part of the new NHL reality, then how exactly are the Oilers going to respond? If we want top notch talent, then how are we going to entice them to come here. We can argue all we want that they should come here 'just for the love of the game', but let's deal with reality: Edmonton isn't exactly known as a 'hot spot' to live; we might have a great reputation as a hockey town, but that doesn't go very far in today's NHL.

My opinion is that salaries in professional sports are more connected to your past than your future; players are 'rewarded' for their level of play in previous seasons, not necessarily for what they will do. Thus, I guess in my more ideal world, salaries would be highly laiden with performance bonus', so that they are getting paid for what they currently achieve, rather than what they have achieved in the past.

Smyth has has some great years. Does it make sense to pay him so much for the next 5 years when his production will almost certainly go down? No, and that's the point I hear Darren making. I would agree.

I like Smyth a lot, and I really like the fact that he WANTS to play and live here in Edmonton. The fact that he's planning on making Edmonton his 'off season' home speaks volumes about that. Do any of the other Oilers stay here in the off season? I don't know. That said, even taking that into account as well as the talk about Smyth's leadership in the locker room, the stark reality of this season is that the Oilers were basically out of the playoffs BEFORE Smyth got traded.

Obviously there are arguments on both sides. My main point is that the Oilers need to deal with the issue of how to entice and keep top talent in an NHL where players can choose to play in whatever city appeals to them most.

Trade Thoughts

It was interesting yesterday to be sitting at our regular staff meeting in Starbucks and have a complete stranger come up and tell us the news that Ryan Smyth had just been traded by the Oilers. (I'm starting to get a complex about that table!) :)

It's been interesting to experience the outcry. To me it seems like the ripples of that trade are being felt all across the city. Virtually everybody knew within hours of the trade, and the response has certainly been massive. Two sides have emerged: responses that are quite emotional (and very upset) and responses that are much more muted and unemotional. Some feel betrayed and others see it as simply a business move; regretable, but nevertheless, a business move that had to be made.

I'm somewhere inbetween. Yes, I see the business side of it. But there is a dimension of that business side that is hard to quantify: the impact on the city. For the first time in my life, I decided to join the throngs of people who are writing comments to the Journal (and the Sun). I don't know if it will get published or not, in their sports rant section, but either way, I thought I would share my thoughts here as well:

"A major piece of this trade that seems to have been missed is that Ryan Smyth WANTED to play and live in Edmonton. For years we've watched our best players leave either because we were too small a city to pay them or because they simply didn't like living here, and I think it has given our city a bit of a inferiority complex. David Staples' Journal recent article (Feb. 25) made the point that in the 'new NHL', it is critical to factor in 'player perks' in trying to keep players around; given that players like Chris Pronger simply don't want to live in Edmonton, what 'perks' can the Oilers offer to entice players to come here and actually stay? That's what makes the Smyth deal so painful: He liked Edmonton, which, in this 'new NHL' is apparently a major issue! I agree, Smyth wanted too much money, but how do you put a dollar sign on the leadership and enthusiasm that Smyth brought to the locker room about playing in Edmonton? How can a trade ever replace that? Perhaps we should have given Smyth the money he asked for, simply because we desperately need a visible and vocal player who says 'Hey, Edmonton is a great city to live in and play in.' The image of a city is important, both around the NHL and also within the city itself. The Smyth trade is a significant blow to that image on both fronts."

So there you have it. Some of my initial thoughts. I have many others on this topic as well, but I want to work them out a bit more in my head first.

Too Fruity for me!

When I saw this I simply had to post about it. Pomegranate anointing oil!!! Only $19.95? Please, give me a break. I've actually got a pretty high tolerance for weirdness, but this just pushes my buttons. Talk about a gimmick with no Scriptural basis at all.
Here's the write up on the product:

"This is the most incredible anointing oil! The pomegranate represents healing, prosperity and overcoming. The pomegranate was early cultivated in Egypt and was highly esteemed by the Israelites. Carved figures of the pomegranate adorned the tops of the pillars in Solomon’s temple. Pomegranate fruits in blue, purple and scarlet, ornamented the hem of the robe of the High Priest, representing fruitfulness, blessings, favor of God. Pomegranates are one of the seven species the spies brought back with them to show how fertile the promised land was. It speaks of God's favor exhibited, in making fruitful."

The implication that Pomegranate anointing oil is somehow more effective or more 'anointed' than any other kind of oil is simply insane! The power doesn't come from the oil, it comes from GOD!

This kind of product just gets to me, because it feeds into crazy church culture and somehow people (literally) buy into it!
Oh well, at least the people anointed might smell a bit better, and at least people get an actual product!

Maybe I should look at the other side: you can spend at least that much on plain jane oil at any Body Shop near you!

Who knows, maybe they can make it smell fruity for you as well!

In the mean time, remember Paul Cain's admonition: "Don't be so open minded that your brains fall out."

Why is there a boy?

This past Saturday night, Pam and I went to the ballet. Yes, for those who have previously read my blog, you will no doubt have a sense of deja-vu! Indeed, just when the images of 'Row C' were nicely fading from my mind, my calendar beeped at me last week to notify me that we had tickets to, of all things, the Ballet! When I checked the tickets I was surprised to find that they were for a performance called "Dancing Joni". So I was off for an evening of men in tights and yellow taxis!
To be honest, this was the best ballet I've been to (not that I'm subscriber or anything!). This was a brand new ballet performance; a collaboration between the Alberta Ballet and Joni Mitchell. It featured music and art by Joni Mitchell with dance by the Alberta Ballet company. It was very political, the songs, art and dance all speaking about major political issues of war, child slavery and environmental abuse. (I admit that it's rather funny to think of a major commentary on the environment being initiated here in Alberta; somehow I doubt very many Alberta government officials were in attendance!)
I am virtually totally ignorant of Joni Mitchell's music, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The music and the photography were very powerful and the dance certainly added a significant layer to the presentation.

Now before you start thinking I've been converted to the ballet, let me bring you to the humorous 'high point' of the evening:
Pam and I were seated in the 1st balcony (no 'row c' this time!) and next to us was a woman and her young daughter. The little girl was dressed up like a princess and was very beautiful. She couldn't have been more than 3 and a half. I was very impressed by her behavior; she watched and listened very well through the 2 hour production.
The evening opened with George Balanchine's Serenade. This piece was virtually exclusively danced by young women, much to the delight of the young princess seated to our left. Mid-way through Serenade, a male dancer came onto the scene, to which she whispered loudly to her mother: "Why is there a boy?"
Pam and I nearly burst into laughter! What a great comment, and at least from my perspective hits the nail on the head. Why IS there a boy in the ballet! For myself and many other men, this must be the central question regarding the ballet. As I have said before, men in tights simply are NOT a good idea. EVER! I don't care how ripped and toned they are: the world simply doesn't need to see that!

Anyway, all attempts at humor aside, this was a really good event. Oh, and by the way, here's a note of advice: if you're planning to go to a cultural event and the Jubilee and are thinking of going out for dinner before the performance, do yourself a favor: DON'T even try to go to Earls on campus. We've tried the last two times and the line up has been out the door. This Saturday, we ended up going to Chianti's on Whyte; a good standby, as long as you don't mind slightly overcooked pasta, and the chocolate mousse dessert is fantastic!

Interestingly enough, as I was reading a bit on "Dancing Joni", apparently, the performance got reviewed by the press all over North America and even from London, England! I don't think they were disappointed, and I think it's great that it started here in Alberta!

Adventures in Listening

Last night I had a great time with my kids, putting them to bed and doing some listening prayer with them. I admit that it's something that I've not been terribly good at doing with them, but have been stirred recently to try and teach them about listening to Jesus. It's so much easier (at least in theory!) when they are young.
So Josiah was listening, but also being himself and goofing around a bit; I tried to be patient; after all, he's only 4!
At first, Josiah saw some snow falling and then described that he was at the north pole. I admit, my faith was stretched! He then saw lots of penguins, which stretched my faith more, as there are no penguins at the north pole. (only the south!) I hid my own doubts and soldiered on. "Let's ask Jesus where he is" I suggested. Without being led, Josiah did just that. Jesus was beside him and wearing a yellow outfit. "Why don't you ask Jesus why he's wearing yellow?" Quick response: "He says it's his favorite color!". I was pretty impressed. Maybe it's not deep theological revelation, but to a 4 yr. old, I think Jesus would want to talk about his favorite color. I think I'll wear something yellow to church on Sunday!
After a bit more with Josiah, I moved to Rebekah's room.
Rebekah's stomach wasn't feeling great, so Pam was giving her some medicine just as I came in.
Rebekah and I began to listen and I asked her what she saw.
Response: Her stomach.
At this point, my faith took a plunge. Her stomach? Please! It had to be her. Afterall, she'd just taken medicine. I clarified that she was actually seeing her stomach. Yes. Okay. I carried on. "What does it look like?" She used her finger to describe it and said there were tubes coming in and she should see the medicine coming into her stomach.
Jim: "Why don't you ask Jesus why he's showing you your stomach?"
Rebekah: "I see Jesus. He's in my stomach, near the tube where the medicine is coming in.'
(Jim's faith continues to flicker!)
Jim: "Why is Jesus in your stomach?"
Rebekah: "I think he's healing my stomach."
Jim: "REALLY?" (faith grows)
Rebekah: "There's shiny stuff coming from his hands."
Jim: (now very excited) "What does it look like?"
Rebekah: "It's like the sun."
Jim: "You mean it looks like light is coming out of his hands?"
Rebekah: "Yes"
Jim: "That's incredible. How are you feeling?"
Rebekah: "my tummy feels better."

What was blowing my mind was the fact that Jesus was showing her something that she couldn't possibly have made up! There's a verse in Habakkuk 3:4, that has been a favorite of mine for several years:

"His splendor was like the sunrise;
rays flashed from his hand,
where his power was hidden."

I've enjoyed that verse because several people have, historically, seen visions of Jesus with rays of light coming out of his hands to heal them!

I left the room amazed that Jesus had spoken to Josiah and Rebekah in a way that not only made sense to them and built up their faith, but mine as well! I'm still pumped about it! I mean, light coming out of his hands...that's awesome!
I've had my share of doubts about whether I could effectively lead my kids in listening prayer. Rebekah is very analytical and Josiah has a hard time being still. However, we've had some really great times this week and it's building my faith a whole lot!

Here's to Jesus showing up in our stomachs and to the color yellow!

Dolled Up

This weekend, my daughter had her 7-yr. birthday party. She invited several friends from grade 2 and everybody had a great time; chaos and noise ensued! My wife is a master at planning these things and organizing a variety of events, all carefully timed and planned so as to keep the kids constantly active and entertained. She's very good at it, and every year, Rebekah wants mom to do the 'pop demonstration' where Pam makes pop, using vast quantities of dry ice and causing ice cream buckets to explode all over the place. It's great fun and should Pam ever need a side-line job to being a teacher, I'm sure she could entertain multitudes with her 'pop' demo!
When it came time for the presents to be opened (Rebekah's favorite part!) all was going well, and at one point, she opened a present that was a 'my scene barbie' doll. Now, for the masses who are not up to speed on the latest in children's 'doll' fashion, allow me to bring you up to speed: Many dolls these days are marketed at a 'Toys R Us' near you, looking like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, or perhaps a very slightly more covered up version of the Pussycat Dolls or Britney Spears.
My friend Eric was at the party, with his daughter Elisha, and he and Pam had some awesome commentary! Here's Pam's version of the comments:
"Oh look it's 'Hootchie' and you call also collect her friends 'Skank' and 'Ho'." To which Eric replied "You can also get 'My Pimp Ken' and the whole collection of 'Johns'."
Now before you all write me off as a hopeless uptight conservative, let me say this: I hope that my daughter will NEVER dress like some of these dolls that are being marketed to her to play with. I think you could shoot off my toes one at a time, and I'd still say NO! Don't get me wrong: I'm not wanting Rebekah to dress like Anne of Green Gables or like the girls on Little House on the Prairie, but let's be honest: there are limits!
Recently there was a news report, that looked at the trend in young girls fashions toward 'sexualizing' girls at an earlier and earlier age. I didn't get a chance to see the whole thing, but I wonder if they looked at the fact that such images and impact are included even in the dolls that kids play with?
Years ago a friend of mine commented that when you see a picture on a magazine or tabloid cover or anywhere else, of a young woman looking overly sexualized, you need to remember, "that's somebody's daughter". That comment has always stuck in my brain, and now that I have a little girl of my own, it has even more meaning.

Tumbling Ground

"Trying to find a place
where I can hide away.

Please excuse me, I'm not doin' well today.
Trying to hide so desperately
the darkness of my soul

I feel like I'm failing
I'm being tossed about
There's a hole in my trampoline
I'm falling down

I'm in the place again
where the heart gives up it's dead

There is a place where tears fall
but make no sound
on God's rough tumbling ground"

-Kevin Prosch & The Black Peppercorns




"Please give me some hope
today
Have you ever been alone all by yourself
Even when someone else is near you
Sometimes they seem so far away
And nothing can comfort you

I know sometimes you win
but most of the time I get this feelin' that I'm losing.

And the cruel cruel lessons of loneliness...
I believe this must be my portion of life

Dear God make me a leaf today
cause deep inside there's so much pain
so maybe I could float away
while the wind is old and still at play

I know sometimes you win
but most of the time I get this feelin' that I'm losing..."

-Kevin Prosch & The Black Peppercorns