“God and Basketball”

Yes, this is really the title of Entry #16 on INTIMACY in the book I am reading/re-reading. [Soul Cravings]

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abstract tulips

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Oddly enough lots of stuff in this ’section’ resonates me.

“. . . we are all hypocrites in transition. I am not who I want to be, but I am on the journey there, and thankfully I am not who I used to be.”

“Love is ever expanding. Love always grows, not just deeper, but wider. Love always loves people more and always loves more people. Love calls us into community . . .” [Oops! I used the 'C' word.]

Where Do I Belong?

We arrived safely in British Columbia! We are currently living with John & Wei & the girls (who are all leaving for China soon).

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God is a very interesting person.

Yesterday Sylvia & I had lunch with Kate & Heidi [two of our "daughters"]. It was a great reunion after so many months apart. Not surprisingly, one of the many topics of conversation was relationship.

Today in my ‘quiet time’ I was reading one of my favorite thought-provoking books, “Soul Cravings” – the section for today was about relationship.

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Walking with John & Wei

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“We are created by a relational. God for relationship.”

“God made us for relationships, and we only begin to experience life fully when we move toward healthy relationships and healthy community. Your soul will never be satisfied with anything else.”

(Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus)

Going West!

We are on the way to the west coast – Vancouver area. Sylvia isn’t feeling well today – so we are having a ‘layover’ day and will be back on the road tomorrow. Planning to arrive Thursday.

Had a nice visit with Patti & Jim (sister & brother-in-law) in Michigan.

Saturday – lunch in Michigan,

Sunday – lunch in Nebraska,

Monday – lunch in Wyoming.

Tuesday – rest (and ‘post’).

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Leaving the 'great plains' behind

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Just finished re-reading a really good book  – “The Ishbane Conspiracy” by Randy Alcorn & daughters. This should be a MUST READ for all early teens & their parents. This book is written along the lines of “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis. Randy Alcorn is an excellent writer who provides insight into the spiritual battle that continues all around us, the battle for our souls – yes, there is a ‘devil’.

Leaving the FARM

We had a wonderful time house-sitting on the farm in Alliston. Both of us wished that it could have lasted longer.

“Thanks Henner, Karen, Rowan, & Robin for sharing your precious home, animals & Kemble Mountain espresso with us.”

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'green' ROCK & stuff

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But, alas, all good things come to an end – but we believe that more good things await us, Such as:

Spending ~10 days with the family in Waterdown,

Visiting family in Michigan,

Driving out west;

Seeing great family & friends  in the Vancouver area,

Spending some time on our sailboat Grace.

We are very thankful for the journey that God has taken us on over the last 4+ years, & trust He will continue to give us direction for our lives. Following God is “an adventure”!

Be a ‘barbarian’!!!

Family visits us on the Farm

Last weekend the ‘kids’ & grandkids (except for Jonathan) came up to Allenford for a visit.

A good time was had by all – I think.

The grandkids loved the animals & vice-versa.

We were blessed!

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Hiking - Joshua & Samuel

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Rachel feeding cats

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Matthew & bunny

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Christopher & Bear

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Samuel & Bear

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Christopher jumping

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Matthew watching Samuel

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Joshua & Samuel playing a game

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Samuel jumping

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Nicaragua: Prison Ministry

Part of the team visited the prison in Chinandega. a facility designged for 500 inmates, which presently houses abut 1500. We had an evangelism/healing meeting for a small, group (about 100) of men and had an opportunity to pray & minister to the smaller groups of men & women. We also served an extra meal (consisting of a thick chicken, rice & vegetable soup) to about 800 male & female prisoners.

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"Soup"

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Pastor Rosie

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Prayer Ministry

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Praying Pastor (Prison Chaplain)

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Many of us were ‘nervous’ going into the prison. At times, we were locked in with the prisoners – some of whom were serious offenders.

I found that in almost every instance, a warm smile was always returned and, we were generally treated with respect and appreciation. I hope to have an opportunity to visit/minister in the prison again.

Life on the FARM

We are enjoying “house-sitting” on a ‘hobby farm’ in Allenford, Ontario – near Owen Sound.

Two ponies, a miniature horse, 4 chickens + 1 rooster, four cats, 3 dogs, 1 cockatiel, a rabbit, fish and a rat (pet). Our ‘chores’ are mainly feeding the animals twice a day (morning & evening). We take the dogs for walks almost daily.

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"wake-up call"

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Sunshine & friends

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Jewels - my special buddy

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Road to the farm

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The weather has been pretty good (no snow) & getting warmer. Didn’t even have to light a fire in the wood stove Thursday morning.

Lots of photo opportunities for me – around the ‘farm’ and close by. Have made short excursions to Cape Croker, Colpoy Bay, Southampton, and Sauble Beach.

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Lighthouse - Cape Croker, Ontario

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Still wondering what the future holds in store for us – trusting God has been a real ‘adventure for us. We pretty well know what we will be doing for the next 6 to 7 months. What about the long-term ?????

We are hoping that God will work things out so that we can go to Nicaragua early next year for a “clean” water project – teaching, trainng & implementing for bio-sand filter& hygiene with Impact Nations.

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Praying for healing - success!

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Meds!

Recently returned from Nicaragua – Journey of Compassion with Impact Nations.

Our team conducted  medical clinics for the poor in 7 different barrios  near Chinendega, Nicaragua.

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Preparing & organizing Meds for the clinics.

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How LIFE works?

As I was (re)reading “Uprising” by Erin McManus this morning I was struck by his comments on LIFE.

“This is how life is supposed to work. It’s an adventure, a journey, a trek filled with uncertainty, excitement, and risk.”

Well, that’s how life has been for us the last few years.

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Don't sit on the bank, get into the water!

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“Sometimes, this yearning (I want to live!) has been neglected or even rejected. The longing to be alive is drowned out by lesser ambitions. We just want to make it through the day, survive, make end meet, go through the routine, and then exist rather than live.”

I want to live, not just exist.

If you feel similar rumblings way down inside you, then follow the authors challenge -  stand up and shout, “I want to live!” Then, listen to God and do whatever He tells you.

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The Journey

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‘. . . the means must express the end that we desire; the journey is as important as the destination.’

(from Gandhi, see “Irresistible Revolution”)

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