Fading Lights and Drooping Tree's

Well it will soon be 2009. The carols are slowly fading into the distance and the tree is slowly showing its wear. I always feel a bit melancholy at the end of the Christmas season. But I'm reminded that the light that came into the world doesn't dim after things are packed away because Jesus is the light of the world. The things of this world are passing away . Our bodies are stepping another inch towards the grave and sometimes our best laid plans for success can coming crashing down as we have seen with the fall of the economy.

It is only in Christ we have hope . Hope for a sinner such as me to be forgiven , joy in knowing that He has washed me whiter than snow and peace in realizing that thanks to His coming ,living a sinless and obedient life to the Father , and being put to death on the cursed tree, He displayed God's grace in that while we were sinner's ,Christ died for me. As the Westminster Confession states , the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That's a gift which never fades , nor rusts away.

As this new year comes may you hear Jesus command to repent believe in Him. For He is the only hope for a sinful and depraved man , like me and like you.The clock is ticking and judgment is coming when we stand before a holy God .

Merry Christmas ..

Well the big day is here and we have had a grand time opening presents ...Plus we had a lovely Christmas Eve service at our Church . So now its time to prapare for the feast , with most of our family coming . So as Tiny Tim has said before - God bless us ,everyone.

Joy to the World ...Indeed!

I usually stay away from shopping on Sunday. I have felt for a long time now, that Sunday shopping was never needed. Well today I had to drop my oldest son off to work at Wal-Mart. So needing a black ink cartridge for our printer , I decided to venture into the throng. Now here is my beef , regardless if it was Sunday , as Christmas Carol's played over head , singing songs of joy and love , the frowns and bickering I heard displayed the utter disdain so many have for even being there shopping! Which baffles me . If you do not want to shop and hate this time of year so much , do the staff a favor , go home . No one is forcing you to shop .No one is making you go in debt for stuff you seem to begrudge giving anyway. Having worked in retail for almost 5 years , I would rather have my eye teeth pulled out with a wrench then work behind the counter again . It almost ruined my celebration of Christmas. It took all I could do to focus on the real meaning of Christmas , that Jesus came to save sinners like those I waited on and like me , becoming bitter behind the counter . If you want to see the doctrinal teaching that we are all sinners and totally depraved worked out before your eyes, just spend time in the shopping madness of Christmas and you will realize how bad we need a Savior.

Classics

The 2 Christmas albums that have to be on anyone's list are Perry Como and Bing Crosby. They both bring class and a feel that you are sitting around the fire , the tree is all aglow and the Christmas story is about to read. I still remember watching the annual Bing Christmas specials every year . When I want to feel nostalgic or recall a favorite Christmas memory , these are the ones I reach for .

These of Some of My Favourite Things !

These 2 Christmas albums have to be the most played around the Christmas season. Steven Curtis Chapman truly understands what Christmas is all about . From the first Christmas album back in 1995,to the newest in 2005 , Steven incorporates but classic carols and a few originals to perfection. With the classics he is able to breath life into them with his arrangements and the new are both well written and have that season feeling , if that makes sense. His reverence for the material and his devotion to Christ clearly come through in how he passionately handles the material . You will not find any Santa Claus here but the focus is on the amazing truth of God, in the incarnation , clothing Himself with flesh in the Son , Jesus Christ. These 2 albums will surly help you with both your devotion and keeping centered on the message of Christmas , that the redeemer has come . Both these albums get the snowflake stamp of approval!

The Countdown to Christmas

Well here we are but 25 days away from Christmas. Hard to fathom another year draws to a close. So as I wrote in my last post ,I will list off some of my favorite Cd's of Christmas and will, starting tomorrow, tell you why I love the ones I list . Plus each day I will reflect on my favorite Christmas memories and list movies and T.V specials and books that played a part in my Christmas traditions and still do. God bless .

Update ..to the Minute ...Almost

Well here are some quick updates .
My wife and I celebrated our 21st anniversary on the 14th of this month. Quiet time , we went out to dinner and just enjoyed each others company .
Then on the 15th I turned 45. Yes I was married a day before my birthday . Great really because as I get older it will always help me remember . OK just kidding.
My oldest son is going to be baptized Sunday.
We got walloped by a heavy storm today and it took almost 3 hours to dig out our drive way.
Well that is all the news worth commenting on . Soon it will be countdown to Christmas. My next post I will list my all time favorite Christmas CD's . Till then don't hold your breath , my tip for the day.

The Messiah Draws Nigh...

Well with the election to the south of me it seems the messiah will be announced tonight. Yes that statement is full of sarcasm. But it seems to me as I have watched Obama's followers , there is almost a messianic quality to the passion they have for his candidacy. However realistically there is no way he can deliver the promises he has talked about , nor will his empty rhetoric work once he has to run the most powerful country in the world . With all the turmoil going on in the world , I think McCain would be the better choice but the Bush shadow has lingered over Obama's rise to the throne. On a level playing field I really believe McCain would mop the floor with Obama. What bothers me the most about his candidacy and probable ascension to the White House, is that we have a man who supports not only abortion , a crime against humanity but a man who publicly supports infanticide . But if he is elected the bottom line is God is still on the throne and Christ is still king and one day unless Obama changes his views and repents , he will answer for his positions on abortion and the promotion of gay rights . May the Lord indeed change this mans mind on these issues and bring him wisdom that comes form the one who is the truth , the life and the way .

Actions Speak LouderThan Words....

We all have seen the commercials on TV. You know , the ones talking about children in absolute poverty , struggling to survive . We say how sad and then walk out to the kitchen to pop our popcorn in our microwave and then sit down to watch some make believe show that at times moves us to tears or we laugh ourselves silly forgetting the suffering , wanting to drown it out. Well my family finally sponsored a little girl and all I can say is , Lord forgive me for waiting so long . Actions speak louder than words and its time we act out of love and give these little ones hope .So go on World Vision , Compassion or Children Christian Fund and reach out and give,it will change your heart.

Just Because ...

Why do we buy stuff that we really don't like? Is it just habit or mind control perhaps! Just kidding, but when I'm driving and I pass a Tim Horton's ,I always feel compelled to get a coffee . I must admit I'm a weak man without caffeine , temptation stay away . However since I have had "good" coffee , I realize that Tim's is a habit more than good coffee. I know I step on sacred ground with Canadians but after drinking Just Us and T.A.N's , the bottom line for me is its just not that good. Granted it will do in a pinch but that's about it. So don't hate me for not liking Tim's but that's the way I see it or should I say taste it .....

Can We Trade , Please...

With both the US and my country , Canada , going to the polls , I have one thing to say . Can we trade candidates , please . The more I listen to McCain and Palin , I wish they were running here compared to the retreads we have . I don't think they will win with the American public gasping over the so called "second coming ", but I know one thing , Sarah Palin will be a force to reckon with in years to come . Palin for Prime Minister I say !

In from the Cold

Its been a little while but I have just returned to work , having been off for over a year . Its been a bit strange returning to a job I normally would have stayed away from like the plague . However winter is fast approaching and its not like a line up of potential employers knocking at my door.Its back to custodial for now. I know as a christian we are to do all as if we are working for the Lord but its hard when its not what you want or the pay is so little . But I will endeavor to work well and make the best of the situation.

Puzzling ...

Recently I read a little line on a company poster that as one of its 4 guidelines is in everything we do , may God get the glory . Now I think that is a fine motive and a good thing to excel towards . It is directly from scripture , that all we do is to glorify the Lord , if one is a Christian . However , what I found funny is this company pays as little as possible to its employees. At the same time the owner of the operation has reaped a very nice profit and which has afforded a lifestyle most of the workers could only dream of. In fact with most barely over minimum wage , most live a paycheck at a time .I do not think profit is wrong ,or that one who risked much doesn't deserve to reap the spoils , so to speak . But I contend if this company is run by a Christian , they must go beyond the world and offer more . Not living off the backs of the worker . We all deserve a decent wage for a honest days pay but sin corrupts, even believers can fall into greed and tipping the scales to favor them .

X Marks the Spot!

Well its not only election fever to the south of us , it will be here as well. We hit the polls on Oct.14. The question is , can the Tories win enough of the popular vote to win a majority. Some have suggested an "hidden" agenda that the evil Harper has in store for the country if he gets his majority. To that I say , show me the money ! Its tiring rhetoric to my ears.
The issue that will force my ballot to be marked with an X is the protection of the unborn. I will never cast my vote behind a candidate that advocates the murder , yes you heard that word right , murder of a helpless child. We are all made in God's image and a society is measured by how we protect life . So any candidate that comes to knock on my door will be given the boot on this issue, and the sad thing ,I will probably be kicking them all off my door step.

Time for Something New !!

Third Day , in christian music circles, need little introduction . They have released 13 albums to date . Garnering both numerous awards , gold and platinum certificates . With the latest release called Revelations , Third Day once again prove why they are at the top , with an album that succeeds in being a solid Third Day album and I mean that in a good way. As in tradition of recent releases , they combine both rockers and slower numbers , show casing what is one of their strengths , Mac Powell's clear and distinct voice. Using the southern rock leanings on the heavier numbers like the opening track "This Is Who I'm " and "Otherside" , they really let it rip . While on the slower numbers using both catchy verses and sing along choruses like "Call My Name " and " I Will Always Be True" , they show why they have are a truly class act. The theme running through the album seems to be one brokenness,forgiveness and reconciliation. While its not a pump your fist in your face for Jesus, the songs like "Take It All" , a stand out track for me and the poignant "Born Again" , it is clear why this band continues on , to minister and show God's glory through the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those who make fun of Christian music as being sub par , I dare you to check out Third Day , they are talented men who strive to serve God through the gifts He has given them . Reggie's Rating Meter : 8.5/10

Cool Blog ...

Just thought I would mention this blog by Carla Rolfe called , Reflections of the Time, its worth checking out and fun too. Plus if you are craving that John Calvin t-shirt to be the life of the party at your next church meeting , this is your site.She has a great site link to stuff she designs and guess what , they are all solid reformed minded stuff to wear , a tote bag to carry all those stuffy reformed minded books . coasters etc ... Just think of having that morning coffee with Calvin on your mug , cmon , you know your were predestined to drink that cup of coffee!!

Madonna , McCain and the Art of Self Importance

Lets be straight up , I'm all for free speech. If a culture is to be totally free , we need the freedom to debate ideas and convictions in the public arena. However , having said that what I find disturbing and maddening is when celebrities use their self inflated egos , thinking that they are somehow more savvy bout certain things to rant or put forth a idea without warrant , and then are afraid to step into the fray of debate. Madonna , who is on her new tour in Europe , apparently compared presidential hopeful , John McCain , to Hitler. Just as the Dixie Chick's did a couple of years ago when they called President Bush dumb, using a platform to personally attack a person's character , but not really engage in real debate over the issues or positions they disagree with and then offer alternatives . But this is a real low point, to portray or depict Senator McCain as a type of Hitler. It once again shows the self inflated importance celebrities have of themselves. It was a cheap and sick tactic on part of this shock queen , who has done stuff like this forever just to get her name in print , because it sure will not be her music . Of course her fans ate this up like pablum , loving every moment , not even realizing they are mere sheep in the hands of a master manipulator of the media. What is sadder , she was not called out by her fans to grow up. She should have the decency to apologize to this war hero ,and true patriot, but then again, that would take someone with a shred of decency, and Madonna has long showed , she has none.

That Being Said..

In the last post I was a tad harsh on the athletes competing at the games . I posted after reading of the ongoing confinement of Chinese Pastors , who are targeted randomly and confined for no reason . So I was a bit worked up. But certain athletes have been exceptional , no question . What Michael Phelps has done is nothing short of amazing, 8 gold in swimming, totally unheard of . The same could be said of the Jamaican speedster , Usain Bolt, who set 2 world records and took gold in both the 100 and 200 meter . Amazing ,no question, but I still hold that there is a taint on the games .

Hypocrisy in Olympic Land

So it seems that the some are putting pressure on the IOC to withdraw the 2014 games from Russia, due to the invasion of Georgia. While I believe the aggression shown by Russia should not come as a surprise from any one who has watched the developments over the last couple of years , it is the height of hypocrisy to scream , no games for you while they are in China. The oppression of free speech,the on going persecution of Christians and home churches , the occupation of Tibet , the Sudan crisis and China's role in the terror there , the continuing polluting of the earth without restraint , need I go on. It is laughable for the international community to cry out and try to get the games changed because who has boycotted or cried foul over China , no one. I contend that every medal won has blood on it and every western country should be ashamed ,as well as the athletes who line up to take medals. It just shows winning is everything and human beings who are marginalized and under China's tyranny are nothing. I guess gold and money is indeed what makes the world go round , not justice .

I'm Back , Bigger and Louder Than Before ...

After some very long breaks on this blog , I have a solution to get my hands on the keys. I'm a opinionated person , I always have been . Sometimes I have been called a bit , well abrasive . Sometimes I rant , sometimes I preach and well you get the drift. So going forward I will be more myself . I will pull no punches but will try to filter all I say through the lens of the grace of Christ. So stay tuned and ready because here I come .

Just Wondering......

Have you ever wondered why ....... why does this happen or why did I do that .......I'm just thinking about the why.....

......Weep With Those Who Weep...Romans 12: 15

Yesterday on my routine travels in the land of the internet , one site I go to for news concerning Christian artist , I was shocked and saddened to read that Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter Maria , was killed in an accident at their home. It appears that their son accidentally struck the little girl with a vehicle in the drive way when he didn't see her move into his path . She was later pronounced dead at the hospital they had flown her to. I was overwhelmed with a grief that moved me to tears . You see Steven's music has been a part of my life for almost 20 years . He through his music has encouraged me, convicted me and comforted me along many of my life's struggles and pains. Plus over that time I have watched his family grow and now through the internet and blogging , have watched his children grow and have gotten to know them in a real fleshed out way ,as best you can as a fan. So as I read about this profound tragedy , my heart broke knowing that this sweet little girl , who was just 5 years old ,would no longer brighten this families days with her smile,laughter and kisses.
I cannot fathom the pain this family is going through . Losing a child is one of the most difficult things one can experience. As a fellow Christian , I hold that all things are appointed by God . But at times like these it is not time to engage in those type of semantics , but as the Bible commands us , we are to weep with those who weep. It is a time to lift this family before the throne of grace and trust the beautiful promises of our Lord Jesus Christ ,that he will comfort those who mourn and are broken. For as believers we do not grieve as ones without hope , but in Christ we have one who has gone before to death and conquered the grave . I'm confident that little Maria was received in the arms of God , and has seen her Saviour Jesus face to face and all pain and tears are no more . May God bless the Chapman's and comfort them in this dark hour but the dawn will come for, God will heal their hearts.
I have a link to his site where you can read more about this precious little girl .

Get Your Hands Off My Gun , You Dirty Liberal Wacko!!

Well on Saturday one of my favorite screen heroes died. Yes I'm talking about Charlton Heston. I will never forget the first film I witnessed Heston in , it left me scared out of my wits. At the drive -in , with my parents ,witnessing a world run by apes and that stunning ending , the Stature of Liberty in ruins , on that beach and the surf washing against the hero , as he collapsed in the horror he was home , not on some remote planet!! Heston at his over acting finest! Planet of the Apes is a sci-fi classic and from that picture I searched out and watched Ben-Hur and of course the Ten Commandments , great films .
Heston was a legend and has taken much flack over his increasingly conservative values later in life but the man was a gentlemen, a devoted grandfather and a charitable man . Plus he was faithfully married to his wife for over 64 years. Yes you can take the gun from his hands now , but I will take a 100 Heston's over the Clooney's ,Pitts and Doughnut boy Micheal Moore that populates Hollywood today. RIP CHUCK..........

I'll be back!!

Man,perhaps I'm just not cut out to blog. I have been told I have something to say about everything and then some , so you think it would be easy . I have been pretty occupied but .....Anyway , I have decided to treat this like a job , one I would love and therefore , I will assign a time to blog!! Once again it will be on anything that strikes my fancy , from thoughts , reviews and tears for the Leafs!! Well those are pretty dried up , too many years , my tear ducts are like the Sahara desert !! Well , you will see me again real soon .Thats a threat and a promise!!

Snail Blog!

Man if I blog anymore I might get "blogger" finger from typing so much! Ok I'm joking. Its funny how you just go , well I should write something and then its the next day and so on. So I vow from now on to chain myself to the computer once a day at a specific time to get some flow going!!
I promise , honest !!

Just Thinking !

I promised I would blog more often but life has been crazy over the last couple of weeks. Life ,now that is a concept . I think most of us live our lives , day to day , rarely thinking beyond how we are going to put on our socks. That is not to say we all don't stop sometimes and steer at the night sky , or our belly buttons and go , what the heck am I doing?
The fact of the matter we just have ourselves so deep into so much "stuff" we just can't be bothered. We live our lives rarely looking beyond our noses at the bigger picture because lets face it , it can be scary. We often live through the land of fiction,watching other people live out fictional lives as we sit before the tube, content to a large degree to live safely in the land of make believe .
Well enough for now. Sleep is calling , so I will leave you all hanging till next time concerning where I'm going with these random rantings!!

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Another Christmas and 10 Lbs Heavier!!

Greetings from the inconsistent blogger. I decided to give this sucker a new name and look , hoping it will inspire me to write more. Like that will really work! Well, lets hope.

Well another Christmas and a new year has dawned , as has 10lbs on my waistline. But I vowed this year not to make any resolutions , who really keeps them . So this year I vow to gain weight , therefore, using reverse psychology on myself. Will it work , who knows but its worth a shot.

It was a great celebration this year . Had a whole houseful of family including the in-laws. A total of 14 people and 1 cat. The food was yummy and the gifts delightful and I didn't get any underwear! Oh forgot , I did but they were too small . Don't remind me ,OK!!

But in all seriousness ,I love Christmas and everything about it . From the music , to the lights and most importantly celebrating the coming of God in the flesh , Jesus Christ. Bottom line for me , apart from Christ I have no hope or life. The year 2007 has been a real struggle and challenge , with many downs and ups . However through it all , God's grace , was ever present even amid my sinfulness and personal struggles with coming to grips with my wife's cancer , the loss of my job and dealing with my youngest sons ongoing battle with diabetes!! Without God's enduring steadfast love and both the rebuke , tempered with mercy , I surely would have cracked! But just as Jesus promised , the Holy Spirit ministered to me through the word . I hope and pray that 2008 will be a year of reconciliation and refocus in my life.

Well enough of the heavy , so hopefully I will hit the keyboard , well not literally hit it , more often this year and make a blog . Nothing will be safe . From news,music ,movies,books,sports and even my family , no stone will be left unturned. Granted who wants to hear the ravings of a 44 bald man , no I have no hair issues , pounding out his thoughts for the masses to read . Well I hope at least 1 person will read something . So here is to a new start.
Plus here is a picture of my boys! God Bless