Speak Life

It's kind of funny to realize that the older you get, the less you know.  Learning is truly a journey, not a destination.  The other day my almost 3-year-old taught me another life lesson.  He is talking much more now and repeating what we say.  It catches my wife and I off guard.  We are especially noticing his use of what we call, adult phrases.  The other day he walked upstairs and noticed the lights were off.  Just a few weeks ago he would have said, turn on the light please.  But this time he said, "It sure is dark upstairs."  Where did he hear that?  One of us or another adult must have said it before.  It reminded us how careful we need to be around him to make sure he only repeats what we want him to.  

Then it hit me.  I am very concerned about my child learning and using kind and encouraging words.  But what about me?  Am I careful with my words?  Do I only use words that are kind and encouraging...even when my son isn't around?

The Bible has many references to the tongue.  God knows how easy it is to be hurtful.  That's why He felt the need to remind us over and over and over again.

Thankfully, we have some other help to.  Thanks toby!

  

35th Annual Covenant Awards

This year was the first time I took in The Covenant Awards in Burlington.  The awards recognize the best in Canadian Christian Music.  There were lots of great performances including up and coming bands like Anthem For Today and Mat & Nicole Crisp.   It is always nice to see more established artists too like Tim Neufeld and country superstar Paul Brandt.

I know some argue that Christians should not be handing out and receiving awards because they are, "doing it for the Lord."  I think I get what they are trying to say, but after seeing the look on the faces of the nominees and winners, I see their perspective too.

The Canadian Christian music industry is a small one.  Not many of them are "rich" like so many other entertainers. In fact, many of them have full time jobs on the side.  Others are full time and work very hard to book gigs, spend a lot of time on the road away from their families, and are certainly not millionaires.

I realized that the Covenant Awards are less about bragging rights, but exist to encourage.  It is not easy to be away from your family every weekend, to play in front of 50 people for a love offering (which is likely less than you think it is).  By receiving an award, these artists are given some much needed encouragement for following the call that God has put on their lives.  We all need that.

A special congratulations to all of the nominees.  It is a cliche to say that, "just to be nominated is an honour." Thank you to all of the artists for following God's call on your lives so they rest of us can be encouraged and challenged by your gifts.


  

What I Have Learned Being A Parent

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, people used to say, don't worry about what you don't know, you'll figure it out.  The truth is, they were right.  When Aiden was an infant, sometimes he would cry :).  I know, your child never cried.  But sometimes Aiden did.  As parents we tried to figure out if he was hungry, hurting, sick, or just wanted to be held.  Somehow, we always figured it out.  

I have also learned how selfish I must have been before I had a child.  Whenever there was a problem, I would think about me.  If I was hungry, I ate.  If I was bored, I found something to do.  I was always first.  After you have a child, it's crazy, but you don't care about eating until your child is full.  You don't care about your own safety unless your child is safe.  

Sure, this bear may not look intimidating now, but you should hear him roar!

Once again, I am humbled by how much our God loves us (1 John 3:1 How Great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God).  Sometimes we think that God is trying to teach us a lesson or at the very least make us wait for what we want.  When in reality, what we eat, our joy, and our safety are most important to Him.  It's not easy to understand, but if you're having trouble, think of what you will do for your own children.  It will make sense.

Dish Time

How do chores work in your house?  Does everyone have their daily/weekly responsibilities?  When I was younger, my brothers and I knew that we were doing the dishes...especially after church on Sunday.  We always had a delicious meal and since our parents did the cooking, we had to do the cleaning.  We even had responsibilities within the responsibility of doing dishes.  My brother washed, I dried, and my younger brother Tim put the dishes away.

I wish that I could say that dish time was a special bonding time that we cherish to this day.  But it wasn't.  Our purpose was to get the job done as quickly as possible even if that meant one brother telling another brother how to get the job done faster thus resulting in a massive argument.  Maybe if we had just relaxed a little more and done this, it would have helped.

That's Impossible!

That's impossible!  Most of us have heard that before.  Maybe from a parent, a friend, a co-worker, a boss, etc.   That challenges some of us to work harder to make it happen, but others simply give up.  Before we get too crazy, we should point out that we can't do everything.   If you are small, you probably won't be an offensive lineman for a professional football team.   You might be on the team, but in another position.  So let's be realistic.  Sometimes we want to do something, but it doesn't necessarily fit our abilities or skill set.

However, you will likely have many people say, you can't, throughout your life.  Be careful to not let their words beat you down and discourage you.  But, also be listening to those with wisdom.  Those who can help us develop those abilities and skills we have been given.    Who can help?

First, start with the book of Proverbs.  Leadership expert John Maxwell challenges leaders to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month.  He says it will change your life.   That is what I have been doing for the past few days.  It is amazing what you can learn again for the first time when you read the Bible with a new perspective.

Oh, and since I am a hockey fan...and an Edmonton Oilers fan...here is a goal that helps us realize that it is never too late, even when it seems impossible.

How Thankful Are We?

We are all set to head into another Thanksgiving Weekend.  .

The definition of thankful is, "Expressing gratitude and relief, a thankful prayer."   A couple of synonyms would be grateful and appreciate.

When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind?  Ok, I'll go first (turkey, long weekend, time with family, travelling, etc).  I'm kind of embarrassed to say that being thankful did not make my initial list.  

My point is not to discourage, but to remind you, and me, to take time to be thankful and give God praise for all he has provided and done for us.

You Never Know

So I have something to confess.  My wife and I are singing reality show junkies.  Over the years we have watched, The Sing Off (acapella), American Idol, X-Factor, and the Voice.   Part of the fun is seeing where singers come from followed by their huge opportunity on the big stage.

But more than once, we see a familiar face or are reminded of a story.  That happened earlier this week on The Voice.  Preston Pohl got up to sing.  He talked about touring and recording with a Christian band.  Hmmm...my curiosity had peaked.  I Googled his name and this is what I found.  Remember this band?  Look at the guitar player.

Ok...now listen to him on this week's edition of The Voice

I might be the only one who is not surprised when I see yet another Christian artist performing well.  Many of them have likely been singing and playing in church for a long time.  It is fun to see them on a big stage showcasing their talent.  It sounds like the past couple of years have been tough on Preston and the guys in Story Side B.  One of their members passed away and Preston even gave up music for a year to try and deal with his friend's loss.

This is a big change for him.  Pray that God would continue to lead and guide his life.