Tuesday, June 27, 2006

White Water Rafting Pics


Queen of Rafting

Okay, here are some of the pics from our White Water Rafting Adventure on the Penobscot River in Maine last week. It was an awesome time. I am pleased to say that The Bishop was the first to be washed out of the raft and that I never fell out at all!!! Woo Hoo....who knew I was such an outdoors person, huh?! lol We also have an awesome video taken by the rafting company...if I could figure out how to post it, I would. Well, hear ya go...


Our Crew


On the Penobscot River


Level 4+ Rapids


Watching another Crew


Time to Portage


Trying to *Surf* the Wave


Uhm, Nice Joke!!
Doesn't take too much to imagine what that is supposed to be.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Happy 30th Birthday!!!


The famous Canadian landmark, the CN Tower celebrated it's 30th birthday today. I remember when it was being built and I have visited it many times having grown up in Southern Ontario. If you haven't visited it, do so. I have even eaten in the revolving restaurant in my youngers days when someone was trying to impress me. It wasn't The Bishop!


The 17 Things You Never Knew About The CN Tower

It is 1,815 feet and 5 inches tall.

It opened on June 26, 1976.

Who says lightning never strikes twice?
The CN Tower is hit by a bolt from the blue an average of 78 times a year.

Hold on to your stomach!
It takes between 58 and 61 seconds to go from the bottom to the top by elevator, an average of about 22 kilometres an hour.

Don't worry about falling.
The famous Glass Floor on the indoor observation deck can withstand a weight of 600 lbs. per square inch - or roughly 14 adult hippopotami.

The Tower is supposed to be able to withstand an earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter Scale. Let's hope they never have to put that to the test.

It can also survive the worst hurricane, being able to remain standing in a gale blowing 420 kilometres an hour.

The cement needed to build the structure would be enough for a sidewalk that stretches from here to Kingston.

The stairwell originally consisted of 1,760 steps and is the tallest such set of metal stairs in the world. A city firefighter named made it all the way to the top in a record 7 minutes 52 seconds on October 29, 1989.

When the Tower was slightly redesigned in 1996, more stairs were added. They now number 2,579.

It's been the scene of silly stunts, including Ashrita Furman's July 23, 1999 successful bid to "climb" the Tower stairs on a pogo stick, and the equally victorious attempt by two men to haul a 440 lbs. piano up the stairway. It took them 7.5 hours, but they made it.

It took 1,537 workers toiling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 40 months to complete the construction on time. No word on the overtime bill.

There are many towers that actually dwarf Toronto's landmark, but they have guy wires attached to them, making the CN Tower the largest free standing structure in the world, according to the Guinness Book of world Records.

The Petronius Oil Platform in the Gulf of Mexico is actually higher than the CN Tower's 1,815 feet, 5 inches, but because all but its tip is underwater, its 2,116 feet doesn't make the grade.

Stuntman Dar Robinson jumped off the Tower twice, once in 1979 for the film "Highpoint" and again for the TV show "That's Incredible".

A time capsule containing a letter from then P.M. Pierre Trudeau, copies of three Toronto daily newspapers and a collection of Canadian bills and coins is "buried" inside the walls of the Tower on the Lookout level. It won't be opened until 2076.

The Tower is the only Canadian landmark that appears in the video game SimCity4 and SimCity 3000.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

I am Doing What?!!


It is hard to believe, I know. However, it is true. I am going...white water rafting. lol I am laughing even typing this because I am not exactly an *outdoors type of person*. I am more of an indoor type. A mall type. A get me out of the heat, cold, rain, sun type.

God has blessed our church with a number of young couples who love to do wild and crazy things. This white water rafting trip is a result of these crazy couples. We have been so blessed by their presence in our church. We are always praising God for bringing them to our assembly. They have infused us with new life.....that is the only explanation short of a miracle that is getting *me* white water rafting!

We ride the Penobscot River in Maine this weekend. Pray for us! The Bishop said, if we don't do it now...we never will. We will be too old. Well, he is the old one but I know I have a little bit more life in me! There will be 26 of us from the church going. We are looking forward to some fantastic fellowship, some exciting adventures on the river and God's continued blessing. He is SO good to us.

I will give a report upon our return.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Cat Lovers


When I saw this photo, I thought it was hilarious!! Hope you do too!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Facing the Giants


Americans love their football like Canadians love their hockey and Italians love their soccer. Here is a new *Christian Film* coming out in the fall of 2006.

The Story as stated on the website:

From the award winning producers of FLYWHEEL, comes an action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love!

Watch the trailer at
http://www.sherwoodpictures.com/templates/cusftg/details.asp?id=32007&PID=285809

Visit the Homepage for Facing the Giants http://www.sherwoodpictures.com/templates/cusftg/default.asp?id=32007

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Piece of History

When I was a child of about 10 or 12, I remember reading about the destruction of Pompeii. I was completely fascinated by it for some reason. Looking at those photos of artifacts, the forms of people and of animals preserved in a moment was astounding. It was a curiousity to me as a child but now as an adult Christian I understand more how God's sovereign hand played a role in that piece of history. Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy in 79 AD.

Here is a wonderful website put together with a Christian perspective on Pompeii. It is a virtual tour and you can click through the pages, viewing actual photos and reading some great history.
Click here to visit it ---> http://www.thecolefamily.com/italy/pompeii/index.html#top


Thursday, June 08, 2006

Abundant Provision


My husband is a Pastor in a small, Canadian, rural church. We have been married for nearly 17 years and it has always been a financial struggle. God has always provided for us and we have always had our basic needs meant plus many extras. However, we will run across times in our lives where we simply do not have enough money to pay unexpected bills....making us like most other people. Odds are, you can identify with what I am saying here. Well, our God is such a gracious and generous God. He gives to us at times and in ways that bring Him maximum glory and that helps us to praise Him all the more. What He gives is not necessarily what you expect. This is one of those stories in our lives....

We have a lovely minivan. It is red....my favourite colour if you have read my previous post on the colour red! ;) In anycase, that is of no consequence. What does matter is that we have had many troubles with this minivan...it was our first Ford...which I have also blogged about before...do not buy Ford! Last year, we had to replace the engine even though the minivan is only a 2001. The engine cost $5,000, plus other additional costs for related items, plus a car rental for a week....end result was us owing $7,000 on this beauty. We managed to charge it and have been paying it off ever since. We dwindled it down to a reasonable amount, if any of it could be called reasonable. We praised God at the time that although it was a financial blow, the whole family was safe and it was caught before an accident took place.

Fast forward to about 2 months ago. We needed some more work done. Over a 1 month period it had to be taken in on three different occassions. Once was for $300, once for $500 which included needed summer tires and the third visit was for $1,500 for a grand total of $2,300. Not fun, but we were able to charge it...again...and we are of course still paying for it.

Fast forward once again to this week. The dreaded engine light came on. Always a horror in our family since the first engine light experience. This happened after a lovely family day at 5 pm on Saturday night. We could do nothing until Monday and hubby was flying out for a board meeting on Monday evening. Hubby brings it in Monday morning. Only $668, which seems like a fantastic bargain considering our history. We drive him to the airport on Monday night and we hear a noise. *sigh* Back it goes to the garage on Tuesday. The verdict: Bring it back in on Wednesday when they have time to work on it. Good news is, it is free because the noise is a result of the previous days work which only cost $668. Hubby flies back in, we pick him up at the airport, we see him for 15 minutes then he is back at the garage for what was supposed to be a 1 hour visit. Well, 4 hours later he returns with the noise still there but more faint. They say it is fine.

You are now up to date and are with me this morning. Hubby and daughter are slated to leave on an 8 hour trip to a weekend conference this morning. Thus the added concern that the minivan is in working order this week! We pack the minivan and say our goodbyes. I am standing in the window waving since is pouring rain outside, hubby puts the minivan in reverse to pull out and *CRACK*. Oh my. He gets out and looks around, gets back into the car and the brake light is on. He will stop at the garage on their way out. He calls a few minutes later as he is driving down the road..."The light went out." At this point I am crying, "Bring it in anyway, you have my baby with you in that car!" Hubby says, "I will, do not worry." We get the call from hubby at the garage, "The rear brake pad had cracked, that is what the noise was." I break out in more tears, "Praise God that it happened in our driveway and not when you were on the highway for that 8 hour trip!!! Praise God that hubby and daughter are safe!!!!" Such thankfulness fills my heart that God in His sovereignty had the brake break (lol) while in our driveway. However, the flesh is weak and I then say, "How much will it cost?" I see the mounting bills in my mind. Hubby say, "I am not sure, but a few hundred dollars for sure." I cry but we praise God again that they are safe. Only a few minutes later I get a call back. Hubby, always the joker, gets the manager of the garage to call me. "I have some news for you....*pause*...we have to replace the brakes but it is going to be ......FREE!! You are under warranty for those brakes still!" Overjoyed housewife says, "HALLELUJAH!!! I am so thankful!!!" I just got the call....they are now on the road and headed towards their destination. Praise God with me.....He cares for His people in such wonderful ways!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever!
Amen.

Ephesians 3:20,21

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

666


Revelation 13:18
"This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number of the beast,
for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty-six."

Well, here I am writing in my blog on 06/06/06 and I am living to tell about it. Superstitious people are going to be having an interesting day with it, I am sure.
I have a number of people to get started on their home businesses today so I am hoping they do not see it as a bad omen!
Good thing God is sovereign *every* day, regardless of the date!!

Monday, June 05, 2006

Confession Time


Merciful Lord,
Pardon all my sins of this day, week, year,
All the sins of my life,
Sins of early, middle, and advanced years,
of omission and commission,
of morose, peevish, and angry tempers,
of lip, life, and walk,
of hard-heartedness, unbelief, presumption, pride,
of unfaithfulness to the souls of men,
of want of bold decision in the cause of Christ,
of deficiency in outspoken zeal for His Glory,
of bringing dishonor upon Thy Great Name,
of deception, injustice, untruthfulness
in my dealings with others
of impurity in thought, word, and deed,
of covetousness, which is idolatry,
of substance unduly hoarded,
improvidently squandered,
not consecrated to the glory of Thee, the great Giver;
sins in private and in the family,
in study and recreation,
in the busy haunts of men,
in the study of Thy Word and in the neglect of it,
in prayer irreverently offered and coldly withheld,
in time misspent, in yielding to Satan’s wiles,
in opening my heart to his temptations,
in being unwatchful when I know Him nigh,
in quenching the Holy Spirit;
sins against light and knowledge,
against conscience and the restraints of Thy Spirit,
against the law of eternal love.
Pardon all my sins, known and unknown,
felt and unfelt,
confessed and not confessed,
remembered or forgotten.
Good Lord, hear; and hearing, forgive.

-Puritan Poem on Sins, from Valley of Vision

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Rock On Brothers & Sistas!!


I thought this was a good article that shows a balanced perspective in how to approach Christian music.

Should I Allow My Child to Listen to Christian Rock Music?
by Al Menconi May 31, 2006

(AgapePress) - - "Should I allow my child to listen to Christian rock music?" This is one of the questions I am most frequently asked by parents. This question is usually followed by something like, "Is it good for my child, or is it a compromise with the world?" If you've been asking yourself these same questions, I want to ask you a few questions before you decide if Christian rock is right for your child.
First, did you know that 85 to 95 percent of Christian youth never listen to Christian music outside of a church setting? Christian young people are on the upper end of that scale, because only 5 percent of Christian young people listen to any kind of Christian music at all! In other words, if your child listens to Christian music, he is in the elite top 5 percent of all Christian young people! Instead of criticizing your child for listening to Christian music, you might want to praise him for identifying with Jesus Christ in this way.
Second, do you understand that when a child listens to Christian music, he's identifying with Christ to his friends? With rare exceptions, the only young person who is going to listen to Christian music is a Christian. Think about it! When your child listens to Newsboys, dc Talk, or Plankeye, he's telling his friends that he's a Christian. Before someone can grow in Christ, he must identify with Him.
Think about it! How much do you identify with Christ in your entertainment? What do you listen to? What kind of movies, TV, or videos do you entertain yourself with? Do you realize that most of today's "mellow" secular music -- including country music -- has philosophies that are against biblical values? Is listening to mellow secular music really better than listening to Christian rock?
Third, have you actually taken the time to really listen to your child's Christian music? Sometimes parents object that their child only listens to the music because it has a beat he enjoys. But is that wrong? He may be listening to good music for the wrong reason. Should you criticize a child because he is immature? Why not listen to his music with him and help him see the spiritual value? You just might find it has something worthwhile to say.
I used to say, "When the volume goes up, the message goes down!" I believed that for a long time, until someone made me sit down and really listen to what I was condemning. I discovered that most of today's Christian rock music touches on issues that need to be examined from a Christian perspective.
I have learned to appreciate and be challenged by much of today's contemporary Christian music. Now, I'm not suggesting we give blanket approval to any and all music that calls itself Christian. However, before we condemn it, why not take the time to listen to it with your children and learn to understand its biblical value together?

To read the whole article, visit http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion04535.shtml