Know.Grow.Sow.

Princess Ruby

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:27:00 +0000

This family is leaving for Disneyland tomorrow! We are pretty excited. It's been about 10 years since either Angela or myself last visited the happiest place on Earth. It will be the first for our kids. Many friends, family, and friends of friends have blessed us with this trip. One friend hooked us up with the President of Disneyland so we'll get VIP seating/access and even a VIP Park Guide to guide us through the park. We are 'just a bit' overwhelmed with everyone's love and support.

Last night, Ruby had a massive melt down over her princess dress. One of the extras of this trip is a princess makeover (kill me now) for Ruby. Needless to say, she's quite excited. She envisioned herself entering the park each day in her princess dress. Angela had made her one for either Halloween or a birthday party. However, Ruby had it in her head that she needed an official Belle, Cinderella, or some other character's official dress. The tears and "woe is me's" were a flowing. After a quiet time and a perspective talk with her overly pragmatic father she came back to reality. Then, this morning I went to take out the trash and saw a couple presents sitting at our front door. One was for Ruby and the other for Charlie. Charlie opened his and found a Woody (from Toy Story) costume. Ruby opened hers and found an official Cinderella dress. The gifts came from a friend who had no idea about the "need" for an official dress or last night's melt down. I'm not sure what Ruby prayed about last night, but I hope this doesn't create a genie lamp view of God. :)

While there's lots of temporary good things on the mind right now, I've also been moved this week for the nine year old boy that was hit by a car last week. Although they live in Aldergrove, he and his mom have attended our Church gatherings in the past. Our Church has been praying for them and each day little miracles have happened. One night, his mom prayed that upon her return in the morning he'd open his eyes. The next morning, five minutes after her arrival, he did! From being in a coma at BC Children's Hospital ICU to only a week later playing tricks on the nurses, his recovery has been steady and miraculous. There are still lots of issues, including brain damage, so we must continue to pray for him. In addition to our prayers, know that our Church is also sending a gift to help with their everyday expenses.

This gift comes from our Church being in a healthy financial place. Thank you to all of our Church family that have given in faith over the past two years to get us to this place. As a Church family we now look to grow in financial health so that we can not only continue to be a help to those in need, but increase our health and love!

We are also praying for a family connected to both a Church in Langley and one of our Church members that has a 10 month old twin with a cancerous tumour on his liver. He is going through chemo and eventually surgery. Their Church has been very supportive of them and I'd love for our Church to join with them in praying for healing and strength.

All of this makes me think of how naive I was in my thinking a decade ago. I thought I was so strong and self-sufficient. Yet the journey God has graced me with has revealed my significant weakness, my need for His grace in Jesus, and His love as given through family, friends, and the Church. God is good even though I act in ignorance, arrogance, and disobedience.

I also have to give a special shout out to my employers, the College and Church. Over the past three months they have been overwhelmingly gracious and generous. Between all the medical appointments, support for Angela, and help with our kids, I have had to scale back my work responsibilities. There has also been times where I've been physically present, but emotionally absent. In these times, other staff, students, and volunteers have helped to fill in the gaps by either taking on my responsibilities or extending patience. Both the College and Church have been very patient with me, allowing for less productivity while continuing to provide for our family. So, from our family to Pacific Life Bible College and Parkside Church, thank you!

I have also been meaning to respond to last Sunday's inter-Church worship and prayer night. About double the number from the Fall gathering attended this one (about 40-50 folks). I want us to work towards seeing this as a priority in our calendars. It's good for us, the Kingdom, and our City, to gather in unity. Thank you to Doug Dunbar of North Valley Baptist Church for organizing this initiative and hosting it! I would love to see this grow to a place where Sunday's attendance of all the Churches in Mission is matched at this inter-Church event. Can you imagine all of Mission's Christ followers joined together in worship and prayer! We've been praying for more of neighbours to come to faith in Christ, for greater participation in the life of every local Church, and for an increase of finances.

Have a great weekend and week. The next time you will most likely hear from me will be a week from now. Continue to pray for your MY5!

Thanks to Katy of www.picturemefoto.com for taking our photo!

My Inner Metis and Other Things

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:59:00 +0000

We had another good gathering on Sunday. Three of our youth helped lead us in worship and they did a great job. We opened our Bibles to Acts 12 and discovered that a Church that advances does so on its knees. James was beheaded, Peter imprisoned, and the Church engaged in earnest prayer. No petitions were made, no political or armed force was needed... just the humble submission of the Church and a willingness to lay down one's life.

Sunday afternoon, we headed into Richmond to spend time with Angela's family. We had nice dinner and visit. My niece must be learning about First Nations at school because she decided to put on a pow wow. The kid's danced and drummed while yours truly brought out his inner Metis and belted out some chants and shrills. I had to stop at Tim's on the way home to get a steeped tea (I love their new sizes) to soothe the throat and keep me awake for the drive.

Monday was chemo day for Angela. Thanks to the portacath, her new diet, and a small change in her chemo recipe things have been much better this round. Less nausea and less fatigue. Praise God for gracing us with wisdom and a good chemo nurse. Ang's sister came out for chemo day and was a huge help. My mother-in-law has been here for most of this week and I have subsequently called her Cinderella. She's been helping with everything... kid's, meals, housework, and Angela duty.

On Wednesday, I picked up my new t-shirt order... four Oregon Ducks shirts! I'm stocked for another year or two. I'll have at least one year to wear them proudly and gloat about our Rose Bowl win.

I'm away this weekend for a retreat with the student leadership team at the college. It will be nice to spend some time with them. Catherine is preaching this Sunday and I'm excited to hear what she has discovered about the last part of Acts 12. I also hear there's some event called the Super Bowl this Sunday afternoon too?

Sunday night we are going to my sister's to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday. Then I'll race back over to North Valley Baptist Church to join with the rest of the Church in Mission as we worship and pray together.

I hope you have a great weekend, filled and overflowing with the life and love of Christ through His Spirit. I hope you enjoy praying for your MY5. I hope you're able to find extra time this weekend to spend a more concentrated amount of time in His Word. Your time and life investment into these things will not only help you in the present, but will also pay eternal dividends.

Death, Hospitals, and Disneyland

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

Another interesting week filled with all kinds of experiences.

Sunday: We started off the week off with an encouraging gathering at Church.
Monday: Worked at PLBC, really felt privileged to be praying for my "MY5", and had a good council meeting in the evening.
Tuesday: Went to a naturopath doctor with Angela, heard my grandfather graduated to Heaven, and worked in the evening.
Wednesday: met with the one and only Geoff Stewart, taught some great students at the College, and worked in the evening.
Thursday: went with Angela for tests, completed a cancer counselling session, and then worked again.
Friday: sat in the hospital all day with Angela for her procedure.
Saturday: worked, had a nice family visit with Christina Williams, and then had dinner at the Parson's.

Grandpa Nelson
On Tuesday, I received word that my grandfather graduated to Heaven. He has joined his wife in receiving his reward in Christ. I'm really happy for him. I took the above photo about ten years ago of his old shop and even though he hadn't lived on the farm for some time at that point, one of his old sweater jackets was still hanging up.

Grandpa Nelson was man's man. He grew up in the prairies, was a farmer, served in the tank corps, became a welder, and raised six kids. He could build and fix anything (although it never looked pretty). I wish I had a picture of his homemade cider press to demonstrate this.

I grew up on his farm, spending many Saturdays hanging out with him as he puttered around the barns and shop. When I was younger, I'd sit on his lap or wheel well of the tractor and watch him go about his work. In my teen years, I was the one operating the tractor and he was the one yelling, "whoah, whoah, hey, hey, hey!!" He would do various hand signals and assume that others knew what they meant. For the odd job, he'd actually pay me to do tasks. I called them nickel jobs because that's about how much he'd pay me.

He knew how to hunt (usually from his back porch) and skin a deer. He knew how make some pretty tasty and spicy deer sausage too. Although sometimes a batch of it would get lot in one his freezers and then turn up 15 years later.

One of his fingers was a knob (I think it was from a chainsaw accident). It always scared me as a little kid and I would steal glances at it. Later in life, I came to respect it... especially when it worked to his advantage in crokinole.

The house I grew up in was about 1km through the woods from his and we always joked that even though he was on the phone, we could hear him with out it. He was an exceptionally loud talker on the phone. His calls were often accompanied by panicked pacing and head scratching.

I observed that he lived life in one of three modes: 1) chuckling; 2) panicking; or 3) crying. Grandpa's chuckle was usually due to the cute and light side of life (telling a funny story, observing his dog, or watching his grand kids goof around). His panicking was due a lack of patience and a great desire to fix a problem as fast as possible (I wouldn't want him in charge of the 'red button' during a war). His crying was due to moments of clarity where he saw his failures and weaknesses in light of Jesus and the many blessings bestowed upon him by God.

Some of my favorite memories include drinking water with him from an ice cream bucket, watching hockey games on Saturday nights, getting candy from his lazy boy compartment, watching him shower his food with "No-Salt", and hearing him start up his brake-less motorbike, hear it backfire along the road, then pull up unannounced to our house (he would use a stick to help stop the bike).

My least favorite memories include the time he volunteered to cut my hair with his rusty electric razor. I was hesitant, but my mom reassured me it would be okay. It started out painful and then I knew it was bad when, through my tears, I saw a clump of hair attached to skin along with some blood. I was young, but I seem to remember my mom stepping in and offering to finish it at home. I still laugh and cringe thinking about that. Then there was the time he caught me starting a "controlled" fire in his garage. He wasn't very happy about that. I can't blame him either. He helped stop a number of our childhood fires.

I could probably write a book about my memories of him. However, the most significant impact he and my grandma had on me and my family was their sincere love for Jesus and their service to the Kingdom. He will be missed, but His legacy lives on!

Naturopath Visit
On Tuesday we went to see a naturopath doctor that specializes in cancer. It was worth going to ease the mind of all options, but didn't offer too much different news. His recommendation was to eat very healthy (i.e. whole grains and vegetables) and to go to Germany for chemo. In Germany the have a clinic that dispenses chemo simultaneously with heating up the body. In short, the heating process helps the chemo be more effective towards cancer. He offered a few other options as well, but nothing that significantly increased her timeline or comfort.

Other Hospital Visits
Thursday, we saw the oncologist again and she didn't offer any different news. Friday, we were at the hospital again as Angela had portacath installed. The device is installed under her skin and connects to a vein much closer to the heart. It will help future chemo rounds have less side effects on the blood vessels in her arms. The side effects of chemo on her vessels were already realized before the procedure as it took the nurses five tries to get an IV connected. Angela was a good sport in spite of a hard day. I think we need to buy shares in impark to get something back from the hours we've spent on hospital parking lots.

Disneyland
On a more fun note, we've also been planning a trip in February to Disneyland. We had some friends of Angela's family give us our flights and hotel. We feel so blessed and loved. We are very grateful. Ruby is excited. Charlie doesn't know what is going to hit him. Angela can't wait to share this experience with them.

That's been our week in a nutshell. Thank you for your prayers and love.

According To Your Ability

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:51:00 +0000

You can definitely see a more visible openness to God's Word and His Spirit in our Church family. As we follow Jesus, taking Him at His Word and stepping out, God is gracing us with renewed desires and opportunities to be used by Him. It started in our weekly gathering and has begun creeping into our daily lives. The latter part is what I'm most excited about! I so desperately desire to see our Church living in the Word and Spirit in our Monday-Saturday life.

Chad (and team) and Dave did a good job yesterday in serving us through their leadership. I love Sundays where I am ministered to by other trainers and equippers. Thank you to all who serve as well behind the scenes. Rob & Vince rocked the A/V. Diane and team did a great job in loving and leading our kids. Greg and team serve so faithfully each week in greeting and serving the mechanics of our gathering. Then the William's and Donna helped out after our service with all the kitchen stuff. Finally, the Ewert's served as our Elders for the service ministering to our Church family through prayer. Their service glorifies a God who loves us so much.

We were back in Acts yesterday and the passage was perfect for this exact Sunday. We read in Acts 11:29 (NIV) "The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." I love that God takes us where we're at and simply expects us to be faithful with what He's given us. We aren't to create our expectations based on what we've seen or heard from others, we are to simply ask God and then follow. God is gracious in that His requirements for us are achievable. We are not expected to be Billy Graham clones, we are expected to respond to His Spirit's leading in our life and what He does with that is up to Him.

This has huge implications and applications for our MY5 journey. In our prayer and witness to our loved ones that don't yet know Christ, we can respond according to the ability and resources He has entrusted to us. Dave illustrated this so well on Sunday with his story of the of the stranded girl in the snowstorm (listen here... www.parksideonprentis.ca/index.php/Acts/sermons-in-acts.html).

As we pray this week for those in our life that don't yet know the life and love of Jesus, may we not be focused on what we think we should do about it, but may our hearts be tuned to the Spirit's voice.

In closing this post, I'd like to thank Karin for her courage to share on Sunday both a Scripture and Word from God for our Church. The Scripture she shared is posted below and the Word can be heard in Dave's sermon (about 33 minutes in).

Jeremiah 1:6-19 (NIV) "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." 11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied. 12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled." 13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?" "I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered. 14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD. "Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. 16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. 17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD."

A Clear Road in a Blizzard

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:01:00 +0000

Angela and I have been praying since beginning of her diagnosis for wisdom in navigating treatment options. Between traditional medicine, natural remedies, medical centers in other countries, weirdos (those who became an expert in their basement), and conspiracy theorists on the Internet, there are many choices. Then, of course, there is the choice to do nothing.

We've received lots of suggestions, links, and articles from strangers, friends, and family. On top of that we've been researching on our own. There is so much to wade through that one could spend 40 hours a day (I know there aren't that many hours in a day), every day for a year, and still not read through all the information that is available... isn't the Internet a beautiful thing!?

Needless to say, the amount of information and options has been overwhelming. It feels like being in the middle of a blizzard. There's a temptation to give in to the weight and simply quit, but there is also a persistent desire to push through and seek God's wisdom.

That brings us to Wednesday and to explain Wednesday I need to explain Tuesday night. On Tuesday night, Angela and I were experiencing one of those moments where we were feeling the weight of information overload. Some of the information was good, while much was either conflicting, incorrect, or upon reading the entire article we discovered that it only applied to very specific and unrelated situations.

On Wednesday, Angela spent much of the day reflecting on the wisdom part of James 1 and seeking God's direction. That night, when Angela was tucking Ruby in, they began their devotions in her kid's bible (which I love because of the pictures). The story was David and Goliath, and as Angela and Ruby talked about the story together, a moment of wisdom/clarity was given to Angela. Later that night, Angela told me about it and it 'clicked' for me too.

The wisdom and application from the story came from the exchange between David and King Saul over whether or not to wear the King's armor. In the end, David didn't feel comfortable wearing the armor and chose to use the weapon and the way God had given him to succeed in the past (his sling and a few rocks). God spoke to Angela through this in a very simple way... Angela's approach to facing this giant in her life needs to be done in a way that is personal and familiar to her. Other methods/weapons may work for or fit some, but if they do not fit her then she isn't to use them. Her decisions moving forward need to be in the rhythm and familiarity of her personal walk with God.

We both believe this to be God's will for our lives in responding to the multitude of choices. Others may shake their head in dismay if we make a choice that is different from the one they would make (similarly to how King Saul must have shaken his head about David's decision to go into battle with just a sling), but we believe that this is God's will for our lives.

Until this point, when we've faced options that made us feel uncomfortable, there has been a nagging doubt and/or an irrational hope. The nagging doubt has come from us second guessing our wisdom... wondering if we're being stubborn, closed-minded, or weak in faith. The irrational hope has come from that place in your heart experienced when you're about to scratch a lotto ticket and you have that feeling like it's going to be a winner... it's that desire to believe in something so much that you ignore wisdom and/or facts. It's the stuff that manifests in gold rushes, snake-oil purchases, and housing bubbles.

Every medical choice up until this point has felt like being in a blizzard, but this moment of clarity, provided in God's wisdom, it feels like turning on to a road that is well salted, sanded, and marked.

I hope that came out the way God revealed it in our hearts.

MY5

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:02:00 +0000

I have to apologize for having such little faith in the Parkside faithful! I thought only 50 of us would brave the snow, but 170 of our family came out. Everyone added to a great gathering where Karin lead us in a clear and intimate time of worship and I communicated a new challenge for 2012 called, "MY5".

In case you missed yesterday's gathering this page explains a bit more of our MY5 initiative: www.parksideonprentis.ca/index.php/Events/my5.html. If you were there yesterday than I hope you have or plan to complete "Day 2".

On the home front, Angela is feeling a lot better today. She has a few symptoms, but at least her energy is back much more than it has been. We are snowed in and its blizzarding as I type. We're supposed to get close to another foot this evening and through the night. I'm really regretting not buying a snow blower :)

I hope you enjoy the snow and that you stay safe.

Distant Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:51:00 +0000

The first two years of our marriage, Angela and I lived on the third floor of a condo building that overlooked St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Every once and I while I would pause and pray for their Church. My prayers were the type similar to when an ambulance rushes by... I stop to pray to pray for the paramedics, the patient, and the patient's family, but then never think that the patient would ever be connected to me personally. That's kind of how I prayed for St. Joseph's. They were meaningful, but distant.

Tonight, a man stopped by with an overflowing gift basket from St. Joseph's. In it were beautiful gifts for Angela and our kids. Our eyes then turned to a tin filled with little cards. We opened one after the other (about 200 in total). Each card was filled with personal notes of encouragement and prayer from members of St. Joseph's. People that we've never met and probably never will, yet moved with compassion towards our family.

Thank you to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. You have touched our hearts in a very personal and unexpected way. We will continue to pray for you and thank God for you, but now you will be much closer to our hearts!

How Good & Pleasant It Is

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Our understanding and experience of how good and pleasant it is when the Church dwells together in unity was expanded yesterday. Many of Mission's local Churches sent representatives to join the Parkside family for our Sunday gathering. At the end of our service a number of local Pastors raced over (some reordered their service to be there) to pray for Angela. [If anyone took a picture of this gathering, please send it to me at clint@parksideonprentis.ca.]

I can't even fully express what this meant to us personally. Angela and I were both deeply touched and our hearts were (and are) overflowing with appreciation, inspiration, and faith as a result.

It was a great experience for our Parkside family too. Our Church family was buzzing after and even today on facebook with a sense of gratitude, awe, and excitement at the power of Jesus to unite and love one another.

I also believe that this was a great step forward for all of the local Church bodies in Mission. To my knowledge, the Mission Ministerial has never planned something like this before. I believe this action will serve to move us (the Church of Mission) towards greater unity and partnership in extending the life and love Jesus in our City.

Thank you to all the Churches, representatives, and pastors for their support, sacrifice, and prayers. May God bless you richly for this gift of love and faith.

Next Sunday is our annual "Vision Sunday" at Parkside and yesterday served, in a way that I didn't anticipate, as a perfect preface to this coming Sunday.

To update you on Angela, she goes in this afternoon for her second round of chemo. Please pray, in addition to complete healing, that the side effects of chemo would be minimal-to-none. Ang's mom is with us the first few days to help us care for Angela and our kids.

Following, Sunday's gathering we headed over to Hotel Hersey to get family portraits taken with all of Angela's family. The fabulous Katy~* of picturemefoto.com captured our smiling faces.

This week the College is back in full swing, most things are back-up and running with our Church, and tonight is the BCS Championship... roll tide!

There Is No Other

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:07:00 +0000

"For this is what the LORD says-- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:18-19 (NIV)

I am reminded again this morning through reading of Isaiah 45-46 that He is God and there is no other. We may be tempted to make our own truth (because it's convenient or we don't fancy the alternative); to turn to science (because we can see it and touch it); to reason (because our minds can understand it); or to experience (because we can feel it), but there's no getting around the reality of the God of the Bible. It doesn't fully come as a surprise to me that all He simply requires is faith to receive His redemption. Faith is the only issue when it comes to the big questions of life. How we respond to God alters everything else.

I'm glad that God does not hide Himself, use us as an experiment, or create us with a dead-end purpose. 'God has made it plain to [us]. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that [we] are without excuse. For although [many of us] knew God, [we] neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but [our] thinking became futile and [our] foolish hearts were darkened." (1)

I am obligated ... to [tell you], both to the wise and the foolish. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes ... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith. (2)

I hope that as you read this and that as I write this, we turn our hearts and minds more fully to God. That we recognize His greatness as our Creator and His goodness as our Savior. Life is not just best lived, but only lived in this reality. Everything else is simply a counterfeit life hiding in the shadows of the deceitfulness of our sin, the foolishness of our limited wisdom, and the darkness of evil.

(1) Romans 1:19b-22 (NIV); (2) Romans 1:14, 16-17a (NIV)

Parkside Prayer & Fasting

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:04:00 +0000

As mention at Sunday's gathering we are inviting our Church family to set aside time for prayer and fasting this week. This Sunday, we'll then gather to worship, pray, and share what God has been speaking and teaching us.

Pray for Healing
•    Angela N. - Stage 4 GI cancer
•    Christy W. – Her mom has cancer
•    Diane K. – Her mom is recovering from a bad fall

Pray for a Spiritual Awakening
•    Seek God in your own life.
•    Pray for your loved ones.

A Great Christmas Day

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:36:00 +0000

Following our Christmas Eve service, we went back to our house and shared a nice evening of appetizers (three cheers for the oriental party pack) and opening presents with/from my in-laws. Ruby started us off by unwrapping a Barbie wardrobe thing. Then Charlie opened a toolbox that came with a ton of little boy tools (by the end of the night our coffee table looked like a beaver had been snacking on it). Angela opened up her gift to unveil an iPad. She was pretty overwhelmed and very grateful. By the time it came to me I was actually getting excited. I unwrapped my gift and discovered three pairs of socks... ahhh the life of a Dad.

Ruby was up until midnight playing with her Barbie when she finally fell asleep. I then awoke to her banging around in her room with her toys at 3:00am. I couldn't fall back to sleep so I laid awake until 5:00am and headed down to the Church building. I prepared the continental breakfast for the service then returned home at 7:00am to wake up the kids and open more gifts. Charlie was up and ready for it. Ruby needed some convincing to get out of bed. We opened gifts from my parents. Ruby got a princess wardrobe. Midway through Ruby's gift opening she shouted, "I KNEW I was on the nice list!" It's funny how kids pick things up and wonder about such things. Charlie got a kids' tool bench. Angela got cash. I got more socks...

Our Church service attendance was small, but our audience remained the same :) We enjoyed cinnamon buns, oranges, candy canes, yogurt, apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Tony did a great job leading us in worship. We prayed for Angela, Christy's mom, Diane's mom, Lavonne W., and the Vanson's (they leave to serve for three months in an orphanage in Mexico on Wednesday). I rambled on about the secrets of being a great gift giver (from John 3:16-17). Tony & Alison were rock stars this weekend. For both services they were there early to set-up and stayed late to clean-up. Their love in this way was a huge blessing to our family.

Sunday afternoon, we headed into Richmond to be with Angela's family for Christmas. It was a really fun time. Our brother-in-law was like Martha Stewart (in a manly way). He pumped out great appetizers followed a huge turkey and ham dinner with tons of sides. We opened gifts, played with toys, and took a ton video and photos.

Tomorrow, we head over to the Island for a few days with my parents. Angela was feeling much better today (less tired). Her hair will start falling out tomorrow... so that will be interesting. Her immune system will be at an all time low this week as well so we'll be washing our hands like crazy and sneezing into our elbows.

I hope you have a great week. Did you know that you can enjoy the gift of Jesus year 'round?!

Prayer Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:29:00 +0000

Church Family

Friend of Eugene D.who is fighting cancer
Friend of Angela N. who has undiagnosed pain
Angela N. - Stage 4 GI Cancer
Cancer in one of our Church member's family.
A Church member's mom who had a bad fall.

Foursquare Family

Kikino Aboriginal Foursquare Church (Kikino, AB)
Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)
Doug Friesen (Unit Supervisor)

Other Churches

Mission Christ the King (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

Your neighbours
Mayor Ted Adlem & Council
Premier Clark & MLA's
Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
Syria, Philippines, North Korea

Foolish Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Even though I never really know what a week will hold, I naively begin each week thinking the opposite. I'm embarrassed at how arrogant and ignorant I can be when it comes to thinking that I know the future and that I control the future. It amazes me how much security I draw from things that aren't guaranteed. I rely on my day planner, my "smart" phone, normal weather, good health, money in the bank, friends, family, and my own strength and understanding.

Yet there are very few things that are guaranteed. In fact, the only things that are guaranteed are those established by God. Because God is just, sin will always result in chaos/destruction/death. Because God is good, He will always extend his forgiveness and righteousness to those that simply follow Him in faith. Because God is truth, His word and His way will always be the reality. Because God is victorious, He will always bring healing. Because God is faithful, He will return and render the completion of all these things. Of these things we can be certain. Upon these things we can base our day and our week.

I write these things as Angela receives her first chemo treatment. We are experiencing a sobering moment of the reality of sin and the grace of God. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any clue what this week will look like and for the first time in a long time, I'm okay with it. Our situation forces us to simply roll with the punches and do nothing except turn to God and open our hearts more fully to His voice and His touch.

My prayer today is, "O, Lord, bring your healing touch now. Move in power. Teach me your way and your will. Thank you for all that you have done, all that you are doing, and all that you have yet to do."

If you could join with us in this prayer, we would appreciate your time and your heart in this matter. Thanks again to all those praying, helping, and loving us. We are overwhelmed (in a good way) with the gift that you are to us.

Have a great day and a great week responding to the real certainties of life.

I have found the following Scriptures sobering and encouraging today...

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"

Proverbs 22:19 (NIV) "So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you."

Job 31:2-40 (NIV) "2 For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? 4 Does he not see my ways and count my every step? 5 "If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit-- 6 let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless-- 7 if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, 8 then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. 9 "If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door, 10 then may my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her. 11 For that would have been shameful, a sin to be judged. 12 It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest. 13 "If I have denied justice to my menservants and maidservants when they had a grievance against me, 14 what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? 15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? 16 "If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, 17 if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless-- 18 but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow-- 19 if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, 20 and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep, 21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, 22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. 23 For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things. 24 "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' 25 if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, 26 if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, 27 so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, 28 then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. 29 "If I have rejoiced at my enemy's misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him-- 30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against his life-- 31 if the men of my household have never said, 'Who has not had his fill of Job's meat?'-- 32 but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler-- 33 if I have concealed my sin as men do, by hiding my guilt in my heart 34 because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside-- 35 ("Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense--let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. 36 Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. 37 I would give him an account of my every step; like a prince I would approach him.)-- 38 "if my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, 39 if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, 40 then let briers come up instead of wheat and weeds instead of barley." The words of Job are ended."

Psalm 9:10 (NIV) "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Romans 5:8-11 (NIV) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Video from Kid's Mini Christmas Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:52:00 +0000

To protect our kids you'll need a password to play this. Passwords are only given to members of our Church family. To request the password, please email clint@parksideonprentis.ca.

Overjoyed by Friends, Family, and The Body

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:35:00 +0000

I'm not good at receiving help. I sometimes refuse help because of pride. Other times, it's because I like to be in control. Then there are times where I feel like I don't deserve it and there are others that need the help more. Finally, there are a few times where people want to help and it's something that I really enjoy and so I want it for myself.

God has been using the last few weeks to grow me in receiving help. In some situations, I have to swallow my pride and simply say 'thank you'. Other times, I have to learn to simply trust others. In other situations, I explain that the offer for help isn't needed at this time, but the offer means so much.

I am also learning that if I don't accept offers for help, I rob them of the joy and blessing it is to give. I'm learning these lessons in new ways.

We have been so blessed by our friends, family, and the body of Christ (the Church). Here's just a glimpse of what we've experienced to date:

Literally hundreds of offers of help in all shapes and sizes.
Non-stop meals every day with enough for leftovers for lunch the next day.
A freezer that went from being one-third full to overflowing.
A constant stream of people letting us know they are thinking of us and praying for us.
An extended family that is praying and fasting for Angela on a regular basis.
Professional weekly house cleaning given by friends.
Amazing love and help for our kids from our families and close friends.
.... plus, so much more.

In fact, even as I wrote this we were interrupted by a door bell. Standing at the door was Chris K. with Angela's favourite dinner... chicken souvlaki from Elleni's. I think our kids have forgotten that food can be made in the kitchen. It just "magically" appears each day at our door.

On Friday night, a friend stopped by to let me know that their Church (of a different denomination and town) had heard about our situation and wanted to help our Church in a physical way during this time. He gave me an envelope and inside was a cheque for $10,000 to bless our Church. This gift proved to be the last hurdle of a two year process of getting our Church out of debt and operating in the black.

We feel incredibly blessed and look forward to getting back in a position where we can take what we've experienced and be a blessing to others.

Today was a lot of fun. Our kids sang in the Church service for a mini-Christmas performance, then we had a bake sale, and lots of good connections with others. Angela's parents came over for lunch and we feasted on all our leftovers. Ruby and I installed our token string of Christmas lights on the house. We are tired this evening from everything and will be resting. I'm sad to miss the Christmas concert tonight.

I hope you have a great week, following Jesus and allowing the joy that comes from the Good News to change the way we live.

What Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:37:00 +0000

I'm preaching this Sunday on joy. It's the third week of advent and we are lighting the "joy candle". A week ago I wasn't going to preach as I didn't feel up for it, but over the last couple days, my heart has grown with anticipation to share the joy I have been experiencing in the midst of a horrible situation.

I've realized that the tears I have shed haven't been out of despair or pity, but out of a deep gratefulness for the hope I have in Christ. To know that nothing this world throws at me has the power to change my destination feels like being in a bunker while bombs are going off outside. To know that God has and is experiencing my pain allows me to embrace Him in the same way I embrace my wife. To know that God is just gives me peace by realizing that healing will come, whether it be on this side of life or the other. To know that God knew about this situation before either of us were born brings an ability to trust Him and His ways.

The bottom line is that no amount of darkness can consume the light we have in Christ. The hope we have in Him out shines every trial. In fact, the trials we face help us realize this to a greater degree. I can honestly say that my hope in Christ is greater in and through this than it was before and for that reason I feel blessed and experience true joy.

It's similar to how I feel about our Church and family. I loved them deeply before, but now I realize to an even greater degree how awesome they are, and I love them even more. This makes me smile.

Thank you to everyone who is praying and fasting for us. Your love and involvement means a lot. Your faith is inspiring.

I've asked Carmen D. to sing this song at Church this Sunday as it has been an encouragement to me and goes nicely with our focus this Sunday (see "video" below):

One Life To Live

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:23:00 +0000

On Wednesday, Angela and I received word from the specialists that she has gastric cancer and that there is no proven or man-made cure. Without chemo treatment they gave us a timeline of three months to two years... with chemo, double the time.

We were/are in shock. It's a difficult thing to wrap your head around. It all seems so surreal. There are moments where we cry and yet many more of laughter and great delight in God. I was standing in a Tim Horton's line on Thursday and just started crying. Then, as quickly as it came, I was back to "normal" and ready to order a double-double. I suspect there will be many moments like that. I know it is the same for Angela.

We're still hoping and praying for a miracle. However, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Ro. 8:28). So if God has other ways to work in and through this we are at peace with His wisdom and plan.

We're taking the next few days to get more of a grasp on the situation so that we know how to proceed in this next season of life. We are praying for wisdom and discernment. We've talked about holidays as well as spending time loving others. Angela has a huge heart for people that don't yet know the life and love of Christ. Jesus means the world to both of us and we are more heart broken over the thought of people missing out on the delight and hope we have in Him than we are in our current trial.

It is the reality that the majority of our city doesn't yet know Christ that drives us in our life. It's why we live in Mission. It's why we give up our weekends and evenings to either love the searching or disciple those that have found Him. It's why we live with less and take jobs that earn less money. We only get one crack at life and even still there's no guarantee that we'll live to be a 100. Add to this the reality that Jesus could come back at anytime and it makes every day and every life an amazing opportunity to enjoy living in the life and love of Christ.

It's the reason our Church family put a stellar float in our city's annual Candlelight Parade! Everything we do should be a living sacrifice of worship to our Creator and Savior. We had many gracious, gifted, and generous people offer their lives as an offering of worship with the float. Josh P. saved my butt by building the risers, installing them, then helping with the trees, construction, and tear down. Greg P. cut and delivered all the trees. Katy H. and Monica M. did a phenomenal job with prepping the decorations and outfits, then decorating the float. They went through 25 cans of flocking, 5,000 staples (my guess), 20 bales of batting, and a few hundred feet of Christmas lights. Cindy W. and Alison O. helped out with the decoration on the day of the parade. Willy and the Wannabees, accompanied by Karin O., did a great job serving through music. Then Gabby, Taylor, Chris, Katy, and I got to walk alongside the float and hand out candy. Carmen H. watched kids. Mark H. secured the trailer and truck. A friend of mine from Surrey, Mark Hunt, came out and set-up our lighting and hazer... he did an amazing job (see his company's website at www.productionelements.ca). Then the Lambert boys helped with clean-up. It was a busy, but very fun and rewarding couple days.

The float was so much more than just fun. We did it for a number of other reasons: 1) to be engaged and present in our city (about 10,000 come out for the parade); 2) to bless our city with a beautiful float for their enjoyment; 3) help communicate that our Church cares about our city; 4) let our city know that we care about them and are here for them; and 5) let our city know about our new name. If you'd like to see more photos, check out our photo album at www.facebook.com/parksideonprentis.

On Saturday, we headed out to McDonald's with some friends and family then hopped on over to the Eco Dairy in Abbotsford. Charlie loves looking at the cows. We tasted some delicious yogurt and then I bought a $5 quart of milk. It was good, but not worth $5. Saturday afternoon, Josh and I finished the float tear down.

I enjoyed our gathering today. It was our first official gathering as Parkside Church. I love being a part of our Church family and getting together each Sunday is a highlight of my week. If you want to check out our new Church website (parts of it are still under construction), go to www.parksideonprentis.ca.

I hope you have a great week, living in the love we have in Christ.

Monday Morning Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:51:00 +0000

I was deeply encouraged by Scripture this morning...
Isaiah 40:25-31
"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

We often try to envision how big God is when our minds can't even come close to perceiving the reality of His eternal nature. Isaiah tries to put it in perspective in the earlier part of chapter 40, but it still doesn't come close.

I've been learning to a more intimate degree a number of truths about our Saviour and Lord. At one point, I'd like to expound on them to a greater degree, but for time purposes this morning, I will have to briefly describe them: 1) God is great and He is good... that's all we need to know; 2) My kids and wife are gifts from God, so they are His children and His responsibility... I am simply called to love and lead them as He loves and leads me; 3) The body of Christ (the Church) is a gift from God to help us experience Heaven on Earth; 4) Prayer is more than therapeutic... it is honoured and used by God; 5) One can experience joy and peace through Christ in the middle of a storm; and 6) Moms are good.

To expound a little bit on number three: I'm not going to starve to death. We had a roast chicken and traditional trimmings on Friday thanks to Stephanie P. Saturday, Sheila B. dropped off a ton of food including vindaloo, basmati rice, naan bread, and apple pecan cake! Last night, Elisa brought over a greek dinner that was awesome, plus a ton of other food. This is getting crazy.

I really enjoyed our gathering yesterday. I was encouraged by and through our gathering. I missed not having my family with me, but it was still good. I would like to thank Val P. and Lynda V. for organizing a time of prayer for me and our family after the service. Even though I was a bit embarrassed, it was good for me and our family.

We also made the announcement on Sunday that our Church is changing names next week to "Parkside Church". This honours an agreement we made between Mission Foursquare Church and New Covenant Church back in our merger in 2001. Our Church leadership thought it to be a more friendly, simple, and approachable name. I hope you like it and that God will use it to bring more people to Him.

I heard the Grey Cup was a good time. I was picking up my kids from the ferry terminal. They had a great time, although, I'm not looking forward to re-training our kids. Every time they go over to my parents they come back with new habits and expectations (like a juice box every hour). :) My dad usually responds to my complaints with the phrase, "it's payback time!"

I hope you have a good week. With God the best is always yet to come!

Update on Angela

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:52:00 +0000

It's been a crazy few days. There's nothing like having all the experts tell you there's nothing to worry about and then hear them say, "we are just as surprised as you."

Following Angela's surgery yesterday, where tumors the size of grapefruits were scheduled to be removed, we found out that they were krukenberg tumors (a cancerous growth). They suspect it started in her stomach, but we won't know more until after more pathology (people that look at the cells under a microscope) reports come back. It looks like she'll begin chemo a week from today. On top of that we'll have to figure out the hormone replacement thing now that both her ovaries are gone.

In and through it all, we have experienced God's grace and peace. I honestly don't know how people go through the tough stuff of life without the certain hope we have in Christ. You'd think that we'd both be freaking out right now, but God's grace and peace has been tangible.

Tons of people are praying and we've received countless offers for all kinds of help. We are well loved and really appreciate everyone's generosity. Angela's mom has been a huge help with all of Angela's personal care. My mom is watching our kids all this week on the Island and they are having so much fun they don't want to come home. Moms are awesome!

I went for a walk outside the first night and the song Faithful One came to my lips:

Faithful One, so unchanging
Ageless One, You're my Rock of peace
Lord of all, I depend on You
I call out to You, again and again
I call out to You, again and again
You are my Rock in times of trouble
You lift me up when I fall down
All through the storm
Your love is the anchor
My hope is in You alone

I have been encouraged by the truth in its words and in the Scriptures people have sent.

Angela has been awesome. She is responding to hard news really well. A number of times in our talks through the day or night, she has remarked on the sustaining peace she is experiencing through everything. Ang's colour, alertness, and movement are way better today and that is very encouraging.

The doctors and nurses have been helpful and attentive. One nurse had a grumpy disposition at first, but Ang has found a way into his heart. :) Our evening nurse is awesome... he is Filipino and has such a grace about him. Whenever he checks Ang's vitals, he gives the thumbs up followed by (in a Filipino accent), "goooood numbers... goooood numbers." Our surgeon, Dr. McAlpine, is a rockstar... I don't know what they pay her, but she deserves a raise. She's gone to bat for us on a few occasions with the "system" and is steamrolling things along.

On the logistical side we are going home tomorrow. Our kids are returning home on Sunday. Angela's mom will live with us for the next week, then my Mom for the third week. We meet next Wednesday with the BC Cancer Agency and begin that whole process.

Please continue to pray. God is good and He is able; we are trusting Him. We're not asking, "why?" (because He is God and that's sufficient for us), we're just asking, "how long?"

Monday Morning Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:22:00 +0000

Isaac - Warming Up from Mission Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Happy Monday Morning to you! I trust this post finds you ready for another week of living in faith and full of the Spirit!

I was really encouraged yesterday during our service. Karin did a great job of leading us in worship. Her soft heart to Christ and enthusiasm is contagious. Isaac preached his first sermon and did a fantastic job (see the first 30 seconds in the video above). As Jim O. pointed out, it was way better than my first sermon. We sold almost all of our kid's Christmas cards. There are only six packs left! Kim and Louise made some amazing treats for after the service... the lemon bars were awesome.

On Saturday I spilled peach juice on my laptop and it's no longer working. It's a good thing I have a warranty and everything backed up. I'll have to deal with getting that resolved this week. I normally would have done work yesterday afternoon, but since I had no computer, I went to Starbucks with Angela and Renee. We took advantage of their holiday happy hour special. Then Josh joined us and the four of us went out for dinner. It was nice to spend some time with them.

I got to marry Chad & Ariana on Saturday night. It was a good evening and now they're off to Mexico for their honeymoon. They are both exceptional people and I look forward to them growing in marriage.

Today is Angela's surgery. It will take place around 12:45pm so if you could pray for her we'd really appreciate it. I'll be with her at the hospital for the next couple days and then she'll come home to recover for the next four weeks. We've been blessed by the support of our family, friends, and Church family.

I hope you have a great day and week.

Prayer Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Church Family

Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer
Mike K. (Health)
Friend of Angela N. who has undiagnosed pain
Angela N. - surgery this week
Rachel B. -praise God for giving her a job
Friend of Jon M. who is in a tough spot
Jim M. - health concern

Foursquare Family

New Life Foursquare Church (Cranbrook, BC)
Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)
Doug Friesen (Unit Supervisor)

Other Churches

Mission Alliance Church(Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

Mayor James Atebe & Council
Premier Clark & MLA's
Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
Syria, Iran, Italy, Germany

Friday Mashup

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Loving the snow! A number of Foursquare pastors from our area, braved the roads for a meeting in our building. We caught up with one another, shared a bit, and they prayed for me and our Church family. It was a good morning.

Cindy W. and Alison O. came in and did a complete clean of all our dishes in the kitchen! Donna was in to clean the bathrooms and rooms. I appreciate their generosity in service. Youth For Christ is conducting their annual banquet in our building tomorrow, so they are getting everything ready.

Tonight is a movie night in the youth centre... looking forward to raising some more funds for summer camp. Before that I have a wedding rehearsal to run with Chad and Ariana (they are getting married tomorrow night)!

Tomorrow, our kids are going to Nana's on the Island for a week, so they're out of our hair while Angela goes through surgery and the first week of recovery. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and prayers. Thank you to those who have generously signed up to help us with some meals too!

I'm looking forward to Sunday... Isaac's preaching his first sermon! We'll be in Acts 11:19-26. Then on Sunday night (6:30pm) we have an extended time of worship through song.

I also have to recognize Bernie V. I asked him if he could take a look at the Church ride-on mower as it wasn't working. He came out, fixed it, and mowed the lawn... just in time for winter!

I hope you have a great weekend and that we get to see each other at some point!

Monday Morning Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:15:00 +0000

I failed miserably this morning. After preaching yesterday that our success as a Church will only be found when we are willing to get dirty and go to uncomfortable places and lengths, I missed a prime opportunity . On my way to work at the College in Surrey, I saw a hitch hiker at the beginning of the on ramp to the freeway. He wanted a lift to Vancouver and he had a german shepherd dog. Upon seeing him, I first wrote him off due to a difference in destination and then confirmed it when I saw his mangy dog. By the time I reflected on my decision, I had merged on to the freeway and the opportunity lost.

In hindsight, I felt that it was a great opportunity for me to be uncomfortable and really help someone out. Yes, I would have had to go out of my way, change the details of my work day, and then spend an hour cleaning my car upholstery, but who cares!? My life is too short and people are too important to worry about dirty upholstery and missing out on Terra Nova tonight.

As I'm typing this, I just got an email from an elderly lady in Abbotsford that I've been helping out with food. If you know me, you know that I don't like going over to other people's houses (I'm a bit of a germa-phobe). However, after yesterday and this morning, I think it's God's grace in giving me a second opportunity to get over my germa-phobe and neat-freak tendencies and get dirty for God.

I hope you have a great week getting dirty too!

Prayer Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Church Family

Two friends of Rob G. fighting health issues
Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer
Mike K. (Health)
Friend of Angela N. who has undiagnosed pain
Angela N. - health concern
Rachel B. - job opportunit
Friend of Jon M. who is in a tough spot
Jim M. - health concern
Youth connected to Calvin's YFC ministry

Foursquare Family

New Life Community Church (Edmonton, AB)
Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)
Doug Friesen (Unit Supervisor)

Other Churches

Iglesia De Dios (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

Mayor James Atebe & Council
Premier Clark & MLA's
Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
Thailand, Italy, Iran, Greece

Monday Morning Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Nelson) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Our Church gathering was a blast yesterday. The Vanson's rocked the breakfast. The Kim's and Nicole P. lead our kids in a "Christmas card factory". Dave P. shot some kids camp testimonial videos. Isaac did a sweet job leading us in worship. The sound man really had his stuff together. I was blessed by Eugene's reflection as we participated in communion. Rob & Donna George shared about their summer of ministry to BC's bikers. They are the book of Acts in action... taking the life and love of Christ to our world. I look forward to their example inspiring all of us to follow them as they follow Christ. I had a couple good conversations with some folks and was encouraged by the life they lead. Following the service our Elders met to share in a meal and pray. It was a great morning.

Last night we went over to Hotel Hersey to celebrate Mark's 30th. Later in the evening, a bunch of us went to TBC Indoor Kart Racing in Richmond and rented the track for an hour. We raced non-stop for the whole hour (it felt like 20 minutes). The cars get up to 75 km/h, but that didn't keep you from crashing into one another... there were some good collisions. My neck and shoulders are sore this morning from battling it out, but it was worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This week we've got the BU Girl event, Remembrance Day, Lenna's Memorial on Saturday, and we're back in Acts on Sunday! I hope you have a great week. Follow Jesus and you'll never be lost.