Tuesday, April 29, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT: Soulhouse Videos

There are more Soulhouse videos available for you to enjoy @ both my Facebook page and our new youtube page. The link is available in the sidebar.
I think maybe we should do some more video in the future. There are a number of you out there who said you would be down with touching the video market. If we can get a crew together then we can upgrade our fledgling podcasts into video podcasts. But I need some feedback and some volunteers. Who wants to help?

g-ram

Monday, April 28, 2008

EVENT: Full Disclosure Soulhouse April 27


Last Week: Celebration. What kind of summary can you make for this night? If you weren't there, uhmmm well you missed out...big time. The Cafe was awesome and a welcome recharge after an enthusiastic, passionate evening of worship with some amazing musical creativity. The spirit of the place was great, the community of the place was desirable, the music was fantastic. Perhaps the part that I am most proud of is this: I had nothing to do with what happened. I just enjoyed, worshiped my God and thanked Him for the church He has placed me in to pastor. It was a key night to the entire year.
Check out the video on my Facebook page or @ check here on youtube. Let God Arise
This Week: "Return To Me" Prayer (Graham Clinton)
Next Week: No Soulhouse. Mother's Day.

EVENT: Full Disclosure QU 104 Identity in Christ

Fear is a result of the fall. If fear is controlling your life, then faith is not. Everyday we need to ask ourselves the question: "what will govern my day...fear or faith?"

You don’t feel your way into good behaviour, you behave your way into good feelings. Good feelings allow right behaviour.

Self-worth is not an issue of giftedness, talent, intelligence or beauty. Self-worth is an identity issue. Your sense of personal worth comes from knowing who you are: a child of God.

We don’t serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted, so we serve God. We don’t follow Him in order to be loved; we are loved, so we follow Him.

Paul asks in

Romans 8:35 (ESV)

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

He then answers:

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you are a believer in Jesus you are dead to sin so make sure that you:

Romans 6:12 (ESV)

12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

But instead:

Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Sin still strongly appeals to your flesh to continue to act independent of God. It is up to me to not let sin reign even if it wants to.

The battle is in the mind, fight for your mind, for your own clear thoughts.

James 4:1 (ESV)

1What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Galatians 5:17 (ESV)

17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

So we need to renew our minds, to recharge them, to reload them, to refresh them, to re-energize them, to refocus them.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit means obedience. We pray for strength and not for lack of suffering. We have been directed to worry for nothing, but instead to turn to prayer.

Matthew 6:31-33 (English Standard Version)

31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For(A) the Gentiles seek after all these things, and(B) your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But(C) seek first(D) the kingdom of God and his righteousness,(E) and all these things will be added to you.

Mark 10:27 (English Standard Version)

27Jesus(A) looked at them and said, (B) "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

Ephesians 5:18-21 (English Standard Version)

18And(A) do not get drunk with wine, for that is(B) debauchery, but(C) be filled with the Spirit, 19addressing one another in(D) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20(E) giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father(F) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21(G) submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Galatians 5:16-6:10 (English Standard Version)

Walk by the Spirit

16But I say,(A) walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify(B) the desires of the flesh. 17For(C) the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other,(D) to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18But if you are(E) led by the Spirit,(F) you are not under the law. 19Now(G) the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,(H) divisions, 21envy,[a] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that(I) those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But(J) the fruit of the Spirit is(K) love, joy, peace, patience,(L) kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23(M) gentleness,(N) self-control;(O) against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus(P) have crucified the flesh with its(Q) passions and desires.

25If we live by the Spirit,(R) let us also walk by the Spirit. 26(S) Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6

Bear One Another’s Burdens

1Brothers,[b](T) if anyone is caught in any transgression,(U) you who are spiritual should restore him in(V) a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2(W) Bear one another’s burdens, and(X) so fulfill(Y) the law of Christ. 3For(Z) if anyone thinks he is something,(AA) when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one(AB) test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For(AC) each will have to bear his own load.

6(AD) One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 7(AE) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for(AF) whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For(AG) the one who sows to his own flesh(AH) will from the flesh reap corruption, but(AI) the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And(AJ) let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,(AK) if we do not give up. 10So then,(AL) as we have opportunity, let us(AM) do good to everyone, and especially to those who are(AN) of the household of faith.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (English Standard Version)

2 Timothy 3

Godlessness in the Last Days

1But understand this, that(A) in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be(B) lovers of self,(C) lovers of money,(D) proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3(E) heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal,(F) not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless,(G) swollen with conceit,(H) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but(I) denying its power.(J) Avoid such people. 6For among them are(K) those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7always learning and never able to(L) arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8Just as(M) Jannes and Jambres(N) opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth,(O) men corrupted in mind and(P) disqualified regarding the faith. 9But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all,(Q) as was that of those two men.

Walk in the Spirit. Live in the Spirit. Keep re-setting your eyes on God and your will find increasing peace.

g-ram


EVENT: Full Disclosure Common Ground April 23

Last Week: Seven: Lust (Graham Clinton):

Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. "excessive love of others," which therefore renders love and devotion to God as secondary.

Lust (or lechery) is usually thought of as involving obsessive or excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature. Unfulfilled lusts sometimes lead to sexual or sociological compulsions and/or transgressions including (but obviously not limited to) sexual addiction, adultery, bestiality, rape, and incest. A common image or thought for punishment in hell for someone indulging in lust has been walking within flames to purge himself of lustful/sexual thoughts and feelings.

Lust is any intense desire or craving for self gratification and excitement. Lust can mean strictly sexual lust, although it is also common to speak of a "lust for men", "lust for blood (bloodlust for short)" or a "lust for power", or other goals and to "lust for love". The Greek word which translates as lust is epithymia (επιθυμια), which also is translated into English as "to covet".

Same deal as before though. It creeps is quietly and wants to grow. It wants to destroy community and bring isolation. It wants to ruin your relationships to God, to your friends and to yourself. It destroys hungrily while lying to you about getting what you want.

Danger: please avoid.

Next Week: Seven: Gluttony (Graham Clinton)

g-ram

Saturday, April 26, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT: Merlin Rides 2 Wheeler

Landmark.
Official Boy Status achievement marker established.
Thursday April 24th Merlin rode a 2 wheeler (no training wheels) for the first time all around the UAC parking lot.
His new found skills will no doubt lead to an increased sense of freedom. This is sure to lead to rebellion, lawlessness, run-ins with the law and joining a biker gang.
He already has a flair for dressing up and he loves tattoos, we should have seen the warning signs...I just hope he won't shake us down for root beer money.

G-ram

Thursday, April 24, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT: Soulhouse Podcasts Now Available on iTunes

With iTunes, you can either subscribe to your podcast (to listen) or submit it to their store so others can find your podcast without knowing your podcast link.

To subscribe, in iTunes click "advanced" at the top, then "Subscribe to Podcast." Then paste in your link and you will automatically receive the most recent sermon added, as well as have access to all previous sermons.

Alternatively your audience can click the \'click to subscribe\' link within your player.


g-ram


Wednesday, April 23, 2008

EVENT: People Web April 22

Laura, Danielle and Paige...of course it was a great time. Merlin fell asleep on the couch and then woke up when the company deserted us and said "Gee, they sure left early. I wanted them to stay longer."
So I guess you will have to come back and not break his little heart.
It is just great getting to know so many folks whom I only see from a distance for too much of the time. Some fine ladies here gentlemen.
We got the "lowdown" and the "skinny" about what is really going on. So thanks for your openness and your insight. I deeply appreciate both.
Plans for the future still continue.
Thanks for hanging with us.

g-ram

ANNOUNCEMENT: Soulhouse Podcasts Now Available

Ok. It only took me just about a year to get this rigged up. But now there is a home to let podcasting snuggle in.
Next update will be to try and get them hooked into iTunes. Just imagine what would happen if there was someone around who knew how to do that web stuff? Comment on the stuff let me know what works and what doesn't. But most importantly get the word out especially for some of our friends who are away at school.
Now Soulhouse can go with you wherever you go...well as long as you have a computer and internet access...but isn't that everywhere now anyways? Also mobile downloads available.
Thanks for your patience and support.
If you are interested...I believe at the bottom of this page it will also give you the option of subscribing to the feed, so that you will know when new stuff goes up. See if it works and let me know and we will all learn together.
Peace & love

g-ram

Monday, April 21, 2008

EVENT: Full Disclosure Soulhouse April 20


Last Week: Why? Creation/Environment: Creation Domination (Kevin Chan): With Earth Day right around the corner why not try and put this whole environment frenzy into God's perspective? A good idea since He made it, right? So, Kevin did a masterful job of tying God's plans, environmental concerns and poverty all together in this study. What does it mean to have dominion? Is it the same as domination? We are in charge so we can do what we want, right? I mean, what if we own it? Then it is ours to do what we want with, right? Who is in charge of what happens? Can we connect properly with God while treating His creation with disrespect?
Some real good questions to pray through. Turn out your un-needed lights for Jesus. Pick up some garbage from a park as an act of worship. Mezuzah these environmental issues. Share the grace that God gave you with others and His world.
This Week: Celebration!
Next Week: Prayer: Return To Me (Graham Clinton)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

EVENT: Full Disclosure Common Ground April 16


This Week: Seven/Anger (Jon Harvey): The saga continues through the Seven Deadly Sins. Tonight we were gripped by anger. Like we have seen some times before it can sneak in almost unnoticed and then grow rapidly into a destructive force. There is no doubt that is what happened in the story of Cain & Able. From one blocked goal, ignoring the warnings, to full blown rage that turned into the murder of a brother.
Anger is not always bad in and of itself but lingering, simmering anger leads down a dangerous path. Anger from selfishness will damage us and those around us. Once again it seems that the goal of these sins is to break down community, to break down relationships, to leave us abandoned and alone. Anger breaks our relationship to God and our relationships to each other.
Anger abandons love in favour of fury.

Next Week: Seven/Lust (Graham Clinton)

g-ram

EVENT: People Web April 15

The painter, the hairdresser, the video and cabinet maker all came over for some intense sport. There was weeping by the tennis court and exultation at the bowling alley. Truly it was a night to remember.
And why not? Whenever Dave & Kali drop by who knows what will happen. We had so much talent and skill wrapped up in our little place that who would believe it.
Thanks for the visit guys and for your interest in getting more involved at Soulhouse. There are spots to be had all over the place. But the kind I like best are the kind people really want. Soooo let's see what we can make happen.

g-ram

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

EVENT: X-pression May 25th

Whatever you do, do it to glorify God. Bring your hidden skills out into the open. Bring your art. Hey all you ARTISTS out there! The options are almost limitless. What is your thing? Bring your thing, do your thing, share your thing so that together we might delight together. Let's be Memorable Through Participation.
What are you going to do? Post your comment and let everyone know your plan. Don't be scared. It won't hurt...much.

g-ram

Monday, April 14, 2008

EVENT: Full Disclosure Soulhouse April 13



Last Week: So the Story Goes… Judges/Gideon (Erin Carter): We are finishing up this year’s section of So the Story Goes… with a gooder, one of my favourite stories…Gideon. We went through his story from beginning to end and looked at and discussed together instances of obedience, faith and sacrifice. We learned some great stuff about our God. He is patient, He is faithful and He is powerful. One cannot help but wonder what our lives would be like if we could step out in faith as Gideon did. The key part of his story is not the fleece test but prior to that pulling down the idols of his hometown. What a risk and nowhere to hide. Then he went on to face a vast multitude with only 300 men…oh yeah, and God. But it would take huge faith to believe that God was going to show up after you blow the trumpets.

I took a step of faith and offered up a special giving opportunity (to help one of our families hit by hard stuff) to Soulhouse. I asked them to apply the principles laid out in Acts 2:42-47. They responded. OH BOY, did they ever respond! After our regular offering, which was certainly larger than normal, Soulhouse generously and energetically sacrificed to bring glory to God and grace to a family a sub-total of $724.29 (sub-total because some money is still arriving). Well done. May God be praised! This is huge.

This Week: Why? Creation/Environment (Kevin Chan)

Next Week: Celebration!

g-ram

Saturday, April 12, 2008

THOUGHT: True Identity

So one of the books I am reading right now is Henri Nouwen's "The Return of the Prodigal Son." He is a wise fella. So let me share his thought with you from page 52.

"Although claiming my true identity as a child of God, I still live as though the God to whom I am returning demands an explanation. I still think about his love as conditional and about home as a place I am not yet fully sure of. While walking home, I keep entertaining doubts about whether I will be truly welcome when I get there. As I look at my spiritual journey, my long and fatiguing trip home, I see how full it is of guilt about the past and worries about the future. I realize my failures and know that I have lost the dignity of my sonship, but I am not yet able to fully believe that where my failings are great, 'grace is always greater.' Still clinging to my sense of worthlessness, I project for myself a place far below that which belongs to the son. Belief in total, absolute forgiveness does not come readily. My human experience tells me that forgiveness boils down to the willingness of the other to forgo revenge and to show me some measure of charity."

Hmmmmmmm

G-ram

Friday, April 11, 2008

EVENT: People Web April 10 2008

There was WII, there was AWESOME cheesecake (thanks court ;) ), there was a Silver Surfer of sorts, there was Mel, Allison, Courtney and who could forget Mabel? What a great night. Thanks for coming and hanging with us, ladies, you made the whole gang happy. When Merlin woke up the next morning he asked if you guys were still here.
What a pleasure for us and we will have to do this again sometime...can you believe that there are actually people alive who have not seen Star Wars or Monty Python's Holy Grail? Try and find them in this picture. Then help them move into the past so that they can embrace the future.
These are three quality, Godly ladies who are ready and willing to serve. May God bless you as you take your show on the road.

g-ram

Thursday, April 10, 2008

EVENT: Camping Trip

End of June. I'm booked. It has been over a year since I have been camping and Sheryl and Merlin are itching to get back at it. We took last summer off cuz little Finnley decided to join us.
Long story short: we are going camping again. Our first trip will be a shorter one, end of June. We were thinking that if anyone was interested we might expand our trip to include a maximum of four others (unless you book your own site).
Are you interested? If you are contact me and I can give you some of the details. We might have to make some sort of application process or something.
Anyone want to camp with us for a couple of days?

g-ram

EVENT: Full Disclosure Common Ground April 9

This week: Seven: Envy (Josh Harvey) The series on the seven deadly sins continued and this week we focused on ENVY. Envy sneaks in so that we do not even notice it enter. It enters in hundreds of small ways tempting us to look away from what God has provided and blessed us with. Our eyes become far sighted; we are unable to focus on any of the blessings surrounding us and instead what we see in perfect clarity is what she has. I like it. I want it. I need it. She doesn’t. She doesn’t even realize what she has. He doesn’t need all of that. As our eyes become locked on those around us we consider, almost exclusively, our hurt and we grow into desiring the hurt of those who have what we want. Envy breaks relationships (it cripples community) and abandons us to our own lonely selves. Envy is deadly to our character, our witness, our relationships and to our spirituality. Envy is bad. Stay away from it.

Next Week: Seven: Anger (Jon Harvey)

g-ram

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

EVENT: 24 Hour Day of Prayer



May 9-10 has been set aside for a 24 hour day of prayer. You can sign up for your time slot and pray/worship/journal for God as part of a team. Expect amazing things and participate like you believe that they are just about to happen. For details and sign up message Anne Fleetwood or me.
g-ram

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

THOUGHT: A Celtic Prayer










A brief Celtic prayer:

Alone with none but thee, my God,
I journey on my way;
What need I fear, when thou art near,
O King of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand,
Than if a host did round me stand.

g-ram

Monday, April 7, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT: Have you voted blue today?

Let the voting begin. Vote blue!

You can vote once daily from the same IP address.

You can vote for Matt Rose daily on this website. Matt is presently in 2nd place with 29% of the votes! If you are online regularly and think of it, place your vote for beat boxin' Matt!

http://www.showyourcolours.ca/

Thanks

g-ram

EVENT: Full Disclosure Soulhouse April 6



Last Week: So the Story Goes…the series continues. This week we enjoyed the wisdom and wit of Will Sherman (Sr.). Bursting out of the Sunday School mindset to see God’s stories in a whole new light, that is the goal for right now. It is hard to have a clear view of God and a clear understanding of scripture if we never go back and re-examine some of the things that we think we know. How come stories are not popular for adults? I love stories and I loved taking a closer look at Samson. Read his story (Judges 13-16) why did he get included in the faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11:32-34? Does that change our definition of what faith is? No answers here today, go read it, what do you think? God’s work was completed, Samson used his gifts, how does this relate to you? First question: are you using your gifts to serve God? Do you want to? Then let’s get you connected.

This Week: So The Story Goes…final week Judges: Gideon (Erin Carter)

Next Week: Why? Environment/Creation (Kevin Chan)

G-ram

EVENT: Common Ground Big Event for May



Wednesday Night May 21st. Let's go to the movies! Hopefully discounted rate available. Details to follow.
G-ram

THOUGHT: QU Livin' The Life Forgiveness Moment


QU 104: Livin' The Life Session #1 just passed and so I thought I would share one of our snippets of discussion. Here you go:

Matthew 18:21-35 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go.

28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."


7 times? That is 3 times the Rabbinic standard of 2. 3x2+1=7: Jesus said 70 times.

No limit. Why? Because to count to 7 you must keep track of the offences, you would be focusing on what had happened and not on forgiving. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

Difference between forgiving and tolerating.

Insight into Text:

1 talent =about 1000 weeks of work. He owed 10,000 talents (like $10 million)

No amount of time is going to help.

Whole kingdoms paid Rome only 800 talents in taxes/year.

100 denarii =about $10

Acted in justice without grace, not the way that God acts toward us.

It is wicked to be forgiven $10 million debt and then not forgive a $10 debt.

V35 How we choose to forgive is how God will forgive us.

If you choose not to forgive you separate yourself from God.



Session #2 is on Thursday April 24th. Sign up and get involved.

G-ram


Saturday, April 5, 2008

THOUGHT: Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins; a phrase we have probably heard, but not a topic that we are deeply familiar with. But here is the quick premise: how does a literate Church teach a mostly illiterate population about living safely and effectively in trying times. They came up with this idea of looking at sins that we see as more private matters and focusing on them. So then, we get this list that shows up in many different forms: please avoid
Pride
: excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with one's recognition of the grace of God. Perhaps the sin that all others grow from.
Envy: the desire of other's traits, status, abilities or situation. Not satisfied with what God has provided.
Gluttony: an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Over-indulgence, over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. This sin was also seen as taking away from the needy.
Lust: an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. Excessive love of things and people other than God which would make love of God secondary or worse.
Anger: manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury, rage or wrath.
Greed: the desire for material wealth or gain while ignoring the spiritual. Again, this sin would be seen as taking from the needy.
Sloth: avoidance of spiritual or physical work through laziness, mental disconnection, moroseness, sadness or apathy.
These deadly sins were partnered up against Seven Heavenly Virtues: faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, temperance and prudence.
Consider these further seven traits considered to be the most spiritually perilous to humanity by Gandhi:
  1. Wealth Without Work
  2. Pleasure Without Conscience
  3. Knowledge Without Character
  4. Science Without Humanity
  5. Politics Without Principle
  6. Commerce Without Morality
  7. Worship Without Sacrifice
Truly these are a plague to our emerging culture. We need voices to speak out. No. To cry out against these things that glorify the self and ignore the community.
The seven deadly sins all focus on me and ignore others; the way of Jesus has always been to consider others before ourselves. Thus, the seven heavenly virtues all focus on my actions to another while the sins focus on my own private world. My own private world is a hotbed for sin and dysfunction, while the common world that we all share is a haven of opportunity for selfless behaviour that honours God and aids our fellow humanity.
Therefore, live in such a way that you may aid the change of our world to reflect the Kingdom of Heaven.
g-ram

Thursday, April 3, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT: New Retreat

Yesterday we started the booking / planning process for a brand new retreat. So book your calendars, make a note, plan around this date: September 19-21. This retreat is going to take us into the heart of Muskoka during the awesome leaf changing, symphony of colour that is autumn. It is going to be breath-takingly beautiful. We are going to Muskoka Woods Sports Resort and it looks like our meeting building will be the BOATHOUSE! So the view is going to be spectacular!
Yeehaaaaw! Keep it in mind for your planning.
More info to follow.
g-ram

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

EVENT: Celebrity Dinner

Well tonight I had the privilege of hosting some celebrities for dinner. We didn't know when we booked that this would happen, but when you are into this hospitality thing mysteries are revealed.
Music, TV, painting, designing and the list goes on. We had fun tonight watching our kids give a work over to Matt Rose & JD Sherman ;) Thanks for being so gracious and fun guys. I know that my family and I really appreciated your time with us.
How fortuitous to be blessed with great friends. May God bless you as He has already blessed us through you.
G-ram

EVENT: Full Disclosure (week of March 30-April 5)

Soulhouse

Last Week: So The Story Goes…Joshua/Jericho (Simon Riley): Well we have started a new series focusing on stories from the Old Testament. If we know these stories then it is from Sunday school: Learned in Sunday School and ignored from then on. There is so much to learn here about our God and the way that he loves us and interacts with us. Too much information to just ignore these stories after grade 4.

So Simon told us the story of Joshua and left us with some huge questions to ponder. I was left just thinking…mmmm I wonder what that really would be like? Joshua’s faith, courage and devotion to God were highlighted and they are a compelling example.

This Week: So The Story Goes…Judges/Samson (Will Sherman)

Next Week: So The Story Goes…Judges/Gideon (Erin Carter)

Common Ground

Last Week: Seven: Pride (Jon Harvey): We started a new series last week called Seven placing our focus on the Seven Deadly Sins. In this series we will be looking at why these sins are called deadly and why the list does not include some of the other “really bad sins.” So good old dependable Jon Harvey, the j-harv, started the ball rolling with a look at pride. Pride will come before a fall, some even go so far as to say that pride is the fall, caused the fall and holds us on the ground after the fall. Pride blinds, steals, hurts, abandons and sickens with sickness as unto death. To truly live pride must be rigorously pursued and subdued. To life then…

This Week: Seven: Greed (Graham Clinton)

Next Week: Seven: Envy (Josh Harvey)

g-ram

EXPERIENCE: Morning Mezuzah

5:12 AM. Dark. Warm. Quiet. Peaceful. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Finnley. Discontent.
My eyes don't want to open. Sleep is near but not attainable. How do I capture every thought and take it captive now? Silence. Come on preacher boy, what you got? I struggle for a thought. Hmmmm how about sleep? God made sleep. Sleep is from God. Let me honour God with my sleep. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Mezuzah. Wave that magic mezuzah stick and see what you can come up with. I want my life to be lived with more awareness of the spiritual. How do I connect with God here?
Pray. Prayer connects me to God. Prayer is a door that allows God to connect to me, to change me, to change my heart and my mind. I want that. I want more of the image in me. I need more.
I can't pray. I can't even open my eyes. I can't think straight. God help. Have mercy on me, I am weak and I am going to need some help praying.
It is quiet again.
Pictures. Pictures come behind my eyes. They come quickly, yet gently. People, yes people. They are not totally clear. I don't remember her having antenna on her head. Why does he look like he is melting? God, do you recognize them?
You do? Good. Hey I think I do too. These are my friends, my PRIMEtime friends. God can you fill in the prayer for me too? These are ones I care about. How about if I think of the face, the pictures, then you take care of the prayers too? Is that ok God?
So tired. Want to mezuzah. Struggling to mezuzah.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Ok God let's pray. I need to be near you cuz I need you to change me more. Into Your image...please.
Thanks. Bless my friends. Take care of my friends. Teach my friends. Love my friends.
Mezuzah in the dark, in the morning.
Daaaaaaadddddddddddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Merlin's awake.
Time to go. Thanks God.
G-ram