Weddings and Operations

I’ve been sitting back and watching our God at work in so many different people’s lives … and my heart is encouraged.

For example … yesterday.

When we first moved to Fort St. John, we met a single dad and his daughter. He had been through some pretty hard times, but was moving his heart towards home - God, and His eternal home, that is.

“L” had made the decision to follow Christ and was just starting to move in the right direction. Last July, we watched “L” take another step of faith - as he made the decision to be baptized. He wanted the world to know that he belonged to Jesus. It was a pretty emotional moment watching him in Charlie Lake being baptized. Heart warming, for sure. Over the past couple of years, “L” has been as active as he can be in children’s ministries at church. One day in my office, he poured out his heart and shared some of his “life journey.” He really has come a long way! And yesterday, we watched with grateful hearts and he joined his heart with “K” - in marriage.

“L” had met her this past year, and from day one - they wanted their relationship to be God centered. “K” had been through some pretty rough times … a solid believer … a husband that decided enough was enough … and she found herself as a single mom with three little ones. We caught a glimpse of her “life journey” yesterday during the ceremony and additional festivities of the day.

Their theme for their celebration was “restoration and God’s Sovereignty” … and it was powerful. It was fun to watch two families join and become one. It was encouraging to see them start their lives on the right path … with hearts walking towards home, God’s home of course! They know the journey aahead isn’t going to be easy … but they have a pretty strong support base of people who love and care for them … and are praying, too! And my heart was encouraged.

The ceremony and additional festivities were at a resort two hours out of town on Lake Williston here in northern BC … and a place called Torwood Lodge. (If you interested in seeing a picture or two, click here.) It was the perfect place for them!

Another example: today.

Today has only been part of the picture.

Last summer, we learned that my wife’s sister had cancer, a small tumor behind one of her eyes. We have prayed. Man of you have been praing. And God IS doing HIS THING in her life … even though there are times when we humanly wonder what in the world is going on and why HE has allowed such an event to take place in her life.

Today, she had a radioactive radiation implant surgically placed behind her eye. We did get word that the operation went well, though we obviously won’t know the results for many, many months to come.

Her life this next week will be rather interesting. She cannot be within 3 feet of anyone, while she has this radiation treatment going on. Tomorrow, she will be released from the hospital and escorted off with her parents who are with her to help … to a private location. (Her husband’s parents are taking care of the children this week … so the bases are all covered!) Then in one week, she will have another “day surgery” to have the radioactive radiation implant removed. For one week, she cannot be near her children or husband … no hugs or kisses with her 1 and 2 year old … no snuggles with her husband.

And though we won’t know for many, many months to come if this treatment even worked … my heart has been encouraged today knowing that HE IS working in her life … her families life … and for that, we rejoice.

We do thank those of you who have been praying for her during this time. Keep on praying, and be encouraged. God is working.

So as I head for bed tonight, I rest assured in the fact that the God of the Universe, individually loves each of us … and is working HIS BEST out in each of our lives.

How is HE working in your life today?

Thirteen Years Ago … Canada Day!

Today is Canada Day! Happy Birthday Canada!

And friday is the Fourth of July! Happy Birthday USA!

The joys of being a part of a “blended” family in that regards … we get to celebrate twice. I especially like the “two” different Thanksgiving Dinners part!

And it was 13 years ago today that I sat down in the CEF office in British Columbia, and met this gal named Crystal Pedersen. And I knew. I was up from the states as the “guest” teacher at their Christian Youth In Action training program. It was the staff meeting day … and it was the day that would change my life forever … in a good way, of course.

And who would have thought that 13 years later I would be living in northern BC … serving as a Children’s Pastor … have two wonderful kids … and still be with the love of my life! Pretty Amazing and Pretty Humbling … and I am very grateful and thankful.

I love you, sweetheart! Thanks for loving me! Thanks for loving this “American” — and helping “blend” this family into one!

You are the greatest!

A Couple Of Funny Ones …

These came in e-mails … and thought you might enjoy a laugh or two …

Three Dogs

Three handsome male dogs are walking down the street when they see a beautiful, enticing, female poodle.

The three male dogs fall all over themselves in an effort to be the one to reach her first, but they end up arriving in front of her at the same time. The males are speechless before her beauty, slobbering on themselves and hoping for just a glance from her in return.

Aware of her charms and her obvious effect on the three suitors, she decides to be kind and tells them, “The first one who can use the words ‘liver’ and ‘cheese’ together in an imaginative, intelligent sentence can go out with me.”

The sturdy, muscular black lab speaks up quickly and says, “I love liver and cheese.”

“Oh, how childish,” says the poodle. “That shows no imagination or intelligence whatsoever.”

She turns to the tall, shiny golden retriever and says, “How well can you do?”

“Um … I HATE liver and cheese,” blurts the golden retriever.

“My, my,” says the poodle. “I guess it’s hopeless. That’s just as dumb as the lab’s sentence.”

She then turns to the last of the three dogs and says, “How about you, little guy?”

The last of the three, tiny in stature but big in fame and finesse, is the Taco Bell chihuahua. He gives her a smile and a sly wink, turns to the golden retriever and the lab,and says…

“Liver alone. Cheese mine.”

Short Ones

An atheist is someone with no invisible means of support.

Arkansas State trooper pulls over a pickup truck on I-40. He says to the driver, “Got any ID?” Driver says, “Bout what?”

A rock store was closed by the police — they were taking too much for granite.

What is a computer’s first sign of old age? Loss of memory.

“The Insomniac,” by Eliza Wake

Notice! Take lettuce from top of stack, or heads will roll!

A letter carrier’s career is a mail-dominated profession.

A guy goes into a second hand shop to buy one for his watch.

A job at the nursery can lead to a budding career.

Didja hear about the Broadway actor who broke through the floor boards? He was just going through a stage.

The Italian government is considering installing a clock in the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The reason? What good is it ifyou have the inclination, but you don’t have the time?

A farmer called his pig Ball Point. Well, it wasn’t it’s real name, just a pen name.

When the unemployed actor got a job with a demolition company, he finally brought down the house.

If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?

If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?

Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

Bewildered

My youngest brother Tony had just completed Army basic training and was on leave prior to his first tour in Germany.

I am an Army National Guard pilot, and my other brother is my crew chief. Since we were headed to the airbase where Tony was to catch his overseas transport, we offered to take him.

When we landed at McGuire Air Force Base, several of Tony’s fellow privates came out to greet him. Tony ran ahead, while my other brother and I followed with his gear.

As Tony approached his buddies, he was bewildered by their dumbfounded stares. Then he realized that his friends weren’t seeing his two brothers giving him a lift; they were seeing a new private arrive in his own helicopter — with a captain and sergeant carrying his bags!

Checkin’ In …

Just a quick one tonight … it’s almost midnight … and I should be in a horizontal position already as I am in the midst of sermon prep …

You gotta love the long summer days here … I just poked my head out the window … and there is still blue sky to the north! One of these days I want to go further north … to the Yukon … to experience the sun never setting! We almost have it here.

We are starting to get back into the routine after a few days away. It’s been hard … as part of me still wanted to be a the “r and r” mode a little longer!

We are in full swing with VBS preparations. It starts on July 21st … and I still have a couple of key teaching postions still open. I am *trying* not to worry and trust the Lord … knowing that He will work it out. Since getting home, it seems that so many little things have been happening … that could cause one to get down and out. Attacks from the evil one! But, with all of my heart and all of my soul and all of my mind and all of my strength … I am going to trust and keep moving forward. And I am going to keep praying that many new children will come to the church to learn about God for the very first time - and respond to Him in salvation. And in the midst of getting ready for VBS, I am on the docket for preaching not just once, but twice! This upcoming Sunday … and then on July 13th.

I was also able to get outside on Tuesday … and get the lawn cut once again. We planted it just about one month ago now, I guess. After waiting an appropriate amount of time … and just before we headed out on vacation … I cut the lawn which was between 1 to 1 and 1/2 feet high! And then one and one half weeks later … it was 1 to 1 and 1/2 feet high … again! I should be able to stay on top of it now … and it really is thickening up quite nicely. Now to do some weeding … and some thinning in the vege garden! I even noticed a few raspberries forming on the bushes tonight when I was out there checking things out.

Before heading out on vacation, there was a neighborhood site meeting about the upcoming road construction - they are paving the road in front of our place … two blocks worth. When I was there, they said it could take anywhere from three weeks to two months depending upon the weather. When we got home … the road was getting dug up and hauled away … and they were also filling it in with all of the stuff that “road” people use!

So it’s been pretty noisy and interesting around here lately. They start at 7 am sharp … and finish just before 6 pm. And things rattle pretty good as they dig and drill and put in more dirt and pound it all in! I think they are now ready to put in the sidewalks … and then the pavement. (At least according to one of the workers I walked with on Tuesday.) So … we shall see how it all comes together.

And maybe they will finish it soon! (And then we need to see when the contractor is going to pave our driveway … and walkway.)

Well … I better be heading to the horizontal position … the road construction people will be at it in a few hours …

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words

So here are alot of words!

This is just a sampling. We have more. Lots more. If you are interested, let me know …

Home Again …

Just a quick post tonight. We are home. And part of me is wishing we weren’t. Part of me is wishing we were still hibernating in the Canandian Rockies! Since leaving the Rockies … we have …

* watched a friend run in a marathon (even if only for a few moments)

* shopped in Calgary

* church in Trochu

* Father’s Day - a four generation affair on the Scarrott homestead in Eagle Hill, Alberta

* poked around Three Hills

* went swimming

* enjoyed extended family time

* saw the other grandparents

* got a hitch attached to the van

* got a bike rack to put on the hitch

* shopped in Red Deer

* stayed at the Fantasyland Hotel (check it out on the web … great family place!)

* walked the largest mall in the world … the West Edmonton Mall

* shopped in Edmonton

* rode some of the rides with my kids in Galaxyland … in the West Edmonton Mall

I hope to add more … and give more details later. There are lots of pictures, too! But just wanted to let you know we were home … once again!

Indescribable … Incomparable …

Christian recording artist, Chris Tomlin, sings a song called “Indescribable” that has been on my heart the past couple of days. It goes like this …

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
INCOMPARABLE, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Over the past couple of days, my bride and I have spending some time in the Canadian Rockies. I’ve been there before. I know how incredible they are. But that song kept going through my heart and mind while we were there.

How can one summarize what we have experienced these past couple of days?

Indescribable?

Incomparable?

With each bend and twist in the road there were new sights and wonders to behold. Each glimpse brought its own uniqueness to the memory table.

Indescribable?

Incomparable?

How does one describe to someone whose never been there before the essence of what I am trying to communicate? What words do you use to describle that which we have seen and heard from the very hand of God in creation?

* We stared at a grizzly bear - face to face - until he ran away. (We couldn’t get the camera out fast enough!)

* The granduer of the pinnacle peaks - miles and miles - each with it’s own thumbprint of God upon it. (We’ve got pictures galore!)

* A tender parenting scene while watching a mama black bear and her two baby black cubs playing in the grass and bushes and climbing a tree. (We have a short video clip of that!)

* The playful and teasing gestures of some mountain sheep - who even ran ahead of us on the road in the van. (We have a short video clip of that, too!)

* The slow and careful steps of the moose crossing the mighty Athabasca River - the colorful icy blue water straight from the mountain glaciers. (Yes, picture of that, too!)

* The grandfather looking mountain goats with their pure white flowing hair, meticulously feeding away on the green pastures and trees provided to them by their maker. (Of course, pictures of them!)

But even greater than all that … spending time reconnecting with my bride - one on one - with no children around! The pure enjoyment of the journey shared together … talking about this or that … the sharing of God moments with her … serious talks … funny talks … laughing and giggling … sometimes even silence when overwhelmed with God’s creation …

Indescribable …

Incomparable …

We have pictures. Lots of them. And when we get home, I will get some on here. But for now … that is about the best I can do to “share” what’s been happening … and what we have been doing …

So why don’t you go and enjoy … Him, too!