Those who are hungry?

Rev Lau asked me two days ago, in what capacity I wish to serve in the English congregation in these coming 4 months as school swings back into full speed. It was a hard question to answer, what do I want to do as my ministry? What can I do?

Do I want to preach?
Yes, and I have the opportunity to continue to do so in the next few months.

Do I want to continue to work with the high school kids?
Yes, I love them. They are a great bunch, so much potential.

Do I want to be involved with the university and young career groups?
Yes, they are the leaders of the congregation, and I love them too.

And then there are the adorable children... how I can mobilize and motivate my congregation to develop the future of God's Kingdom?

What do I want to do?

This morning, a verse came into my mind...

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
~John 6:35

When was I the most excited this summer? On my mission trip and my summer intern at Logos?

When I was with brothers and sisters in Christ who are hungry for the Word: with the grandma new-believer in Vietnam, with Jenny, with the attendees of my Philippians class, with Candy and Genuine in their search for God's will, with the helpers of the Arts and Sports Camp, and with the university student who are eager to go to Urbana.

I want to be the instrument that God uses to feed these individuals, and to empower them to do the same to those around them.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me a goal for the next few months... I am excited about the opportunities You have given me. I love You, Lord, You are the best!!!

A Change of Heart

Today I spent the whole day at Tyndale: working and meeting up with people. This week is the transition in focus from my summer intern at Logos to my second year at Tyndale. First, I met with Chris, my IT/AV supervisor, to plan for workload and schedule for the coming school year. Praise God, I am schedule for a maximium 20 hours a week of work, not too much to overwhelm me yet enough to help pay for bills. Also my week nights and weekend are still free for church ministries. Thank you, Lord, for Your providence and your grace. Thank you for sustaining my life.

Afterwards, I met with Sonya, the VP of this year's student council. We shared with each other how God has brought us to this point our respective lives. It was during this sharing that a realization dawned on me. In regards to feeling a turning point in my life without any physical changes, from talking and praying with Sonya I realized there was a change. Along with the growth of leadership I mentioned yesterday, there was a change in my heart - or a better way to put it, a confirmation in my heart.

My heart for China. For years I have fought the idea that mom was right about my calling is for China. But after this past mission trip, I cannot denied that anymore. My heart for China has changed... I have fallen in love with China. Therefore, the final three years at Tyndale, my years of service at Logos, my courtship with Jenny, my relationship with my family, it will all point to the plan Christ has for me in China.

"He gives and takes away." This growth process will not be easy, He will pour out His blessings on me and He will take away things that are close to my heart too. Lord, give me the faith to trust in Your perfect plans.

Turning Point

As the month of August and the summer draws to a close, I looked at how my life had changed in the time span of merely 4 months . I tried to sort out my thoughts in yesterday's post, but there are still some thoughts lingering in my mind.

I am beginning to think that this summer is a turning point in my life. Very much like the TSN Turning Point during the Jays game broadcasts. My last turning point was then I came home to Toronto 3 years ago. Now with all the changes I have experienced over the past few months, the one thought that is nudging my mind is that this is another turning point.

But the funny thing is that physically, nothing has changed. I am still in Toronto, still serving at Logos Baptist Chruch, still attending Tyndale... so in the physical sense, I'm still in the middle of what God wants me to be in. However, as I write this, I begin to understand why I feel this is a turning point in my life and my ministry to the Lord. I am reminded of Dr. J Robert Clinton's saying in his book, The Making of a Leader:

The growth of a leader is characterized by identifiable progress in terms of sphere of influence, leadership responsibility, or self-confidence. (pg 90)

Sphere of influence
There is definitely a progress in my sphere of influence. 1) As I began my term as Treasurer for the 2006-07 Tyndale Seminary Student Council, I have gain the support and prayers from my council and Kaarina. 2) My courtship with Jenny has given my accountability and emotional support. 3) My summer internship at Logos has given me the support of working closely with the pastoral staff.

Leadership responsibility
The same three point can be said of my leadership responsibility. 1) 900 Tyndale Seminary students. 2) The spiritual growth of Jenny and her family. 3) The English congregation.

Self-confidence
Last but not least, self-confidence since I came back from the mission trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Many had commented how much I have growth in maturity, and along with the experience in preaching and leading the English congregation over this summer, thank God for the confidence He has instilled in me. Yet, I must remind myself to continually rely on Him daily for guidence and wisdom.

Growing up

The events from the past summer made me think of one thing Karen asked me a few years ago when I moved back to Toronto from Ottawa: "When do you think your parents had stopped parenting you?" I said to her I think it happened when I moved back from Ottawa. It is not that I do not need the help of the parents anymore, I still treasure their wisdom.

Responsibilities. I feel that as we learn from our increasing responsibilities, we grow up. When I was much younger, I thought independence was the mark of growing up - that's what I moved away from home for seven years. Yet, I came to a realization this past weekend that independence marks the passage into growing up is merely an illustration.

This past weekends the university and young career group were away camping. In front of me were ten young individuals under my care. They are the near future of our church - the leaders and servants. This camp was for the purpose to give these ten young people, and myself, the much needed rest, fun and fellowship. My responsibly to this group of young people were to provide for them physically and spiritually. These are my sheep, even Rev Lau slipped and called me pastor Joel this Sunday. That is a great responsibility God is inviting me to... He's putting the futures of His plans in my hands.

Oh, is this what growing up is all about, not so much in independence, but ultimately how we handle increasing responsibilities. Thank God that He is the gardener, nourishing me, watering me and watching me grow. Thank you, Lord.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (from Monty Python)
Words and music by Eric Idle

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

From the study of Philippians and from watching Monty Python's Spamalot last night, there is a resound calling to look for the joy in life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Rejoice, in everything we do!

Do everything without complaining or arguing. so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Philippians 2:14-16 (Emphasis mine)

When we complain in anyway, we are acting selfishly. What we are doing is to advance God's plan, and if we complain we consider our plans greater than God's.

And by holding on to joy, purity and innocent, we can shine like stars in theis crooked and depraved generation, and the world will know that we are Christians.

Now, let us song together. Spamalot was awesome, so funny, it was the first musical I've been to where we were invited to sing-a-long. Just too bad I cannot whistle.

Life is War

Okay, all silliness aside now, time to revisit my sermon from Sunday. Life is War.

"Because life is war. And it is utterly impossible for people to know what prayer really is until they know that they are in a war." ~John Piper

Currently Reading the The PAPA Prayer by Larry Crabb

Why is the Christian prayer life so hard? This is the question that has been plaguing my mind ever since my sermon prep last week. To be honest, I would never hesitated to pick up the phone to call a good friend just to chat, or I would be extremely excited to see Jenny online or to call her. Is talking to a good friend or girlfriend more exciting than talking to God, the creator of the universe? Echoing my previous post "Is this Glorifying God", is such excitement a sign of idolatry?

Yes, I do love my morning conversations with God and the occasion thanksgivings throughout the day. But how do I do even better in my prayer life?

While I was at Mitchel's yesterday, I decided to pickup Larry Crabb's "The PAPA Prayer". I found a seat in the middle of the store, plopped myself down on to the couch and begin browsing through the book.

I do not recall of another time when the first page of a book put me to tears. I immediately got up, grabbed my 30% off coupon and gift cards from my car, and purchased the book.

But if God is so good as you represent Him, and if He knows all that we need, and far better than we do ourselves, why should it be necessary to ask Him for anything?

I answered, What if He knows Prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God's idea of prayer be the supplying of our great, our endless need - the need of Himself? Hunger may drive the runaway child home, and he may or may not be fed at once, but he needs his mother more than his dinner. Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other need: prayer is the beginning of the communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer. So begins a communion, a talking with God, a coming-to-one with Him, which is the sole end of prayer.
George MacDonald

I want that communion with God. I'm excited about that communion with God. Thank You, Lord, you do know exactly what I need. And all other "worldly" things are secondary. In the war of life, the only way to victory is the communion with God.

Random (Some Silly) Thoughts

I'm in a silly mood, maybe because to the tireness and I'm in denial. Pastor Freda told me I have to stop and take a break. I said I know... that's what I'm doing this weekend at the camp. But first I have to make it though this week. Two more days. (and good thing I did tell Pastor Freda that I've been going to Tyndale to work at night after each day of the Arts and Sports Camp) :P

So here are some of my random thoughts... heheh

Oh little red post office truck, you are my best friend. I get so excited when I see you at 10am when you drop off goodies, and at 5pm when you pick up goodies.

Spam-a-lot!!! Tomorrow night! Angie and I! I'm so excited! "Always look on the bright side of life..."

MEAT!!! We brought about 25 lbs of meat so far for camp this weekend. Imagine, that's like more then half of little Elliot at church? MMmmmm.... Elli... errr.. I mean... meat! Okay, bad image, but anyway: The University and Young Career Group is going to Emily Province for camp. Agenda: What adgenda? We are going to eat, sleep, fish, and pull camp pranks. Oh, and did I mention meat?

If you are free this weekend, come. Just let me know! And if you cannot come, then join the high school girl for Wonderland this Friday. But I bet they don't have meat.

Okay, enough silliness for now... gotta save some for the weekend.

12 Years Longer Than the National Average

"19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." ~1 Corinthians 6:19-20

After a conversation with someone, I had a over last week I had a weird brainwave. I check the Canadian national life expectancy on Stats Can, did a little math and realized I should aim to live 12 years longer than the national average. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 echo through my mind and I should honour God by taking care of my body.

This coincide with the physical examination today, to ensure Joel is healthy. I an glad Dr. Chu is my family doctor. He was very thorough in the examination, which took about an hour long. And he also included the digital examination. The sound of the snap of the latex gloves strikes fear in any man... I must remind myself I am honouring God by taking care of my body.

Oh, one last thing, thank God for lead aprons!

Trial week #1: Complete

Oh my soul groans!!! Haha... just like what I shared in today's sermon. I must admit, it was not the most polished sermon, I feel my last sermon on Philippians was much better. Then again, I had 2 weeks to prepare for that sermon while I had merely a week to prepare four sermons this week... not to mention the handful for kids I had to content with all week.

Thank God for strength as He carried me through this week. I know without His strength, there was no way I could of made it.

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap, which was much needed. Now I am well rested, I feel giddy. :P Oh, thank you Lord. May all the glory goes to you. There are lots of things I was excited about, but I will save those stories so that I won't be tempted to boost. All glory belongs to God!!!

Thank you, Lord, for the expereince. Lord, I welcome what I'll learn in week #2? And I look forward to the weekend of rest next weekend.

Home Sweet Home

It is so good to be home, to sleep in my very own bed - greeted by the smile of Mr. Carrot. It was a tiring week, but I enjoyed every moment of it. And this morning, after 10 hours of sleep, it is a new day. The Lord restored my strength, and I look forward to what the Lord has prepared for me.

Part of me feels a little lonely this weekend. Because I want to especially thank two individual who prayed for me this past week. But they are both away this weekend. Jenny is away on a retreat while Angie is away at a camping trip. I miss them both, but I guess the Lord wants me to take this opportunity to spend some quiet time with Him and preare for tomorrow's sermon.

Thank you, Lord. You knows what's best.

Arts and Sports Camp - Day 5

With the kid's presentation of Be My Guest, this concludes the 5 days Arts and Sports Camp. The kids were awesome, I'm so proud of them. I bet their parents are even more proud. Before the beginning of this week, I have no idea what kind of responsibilities are in my hand. To raise up these kids to children of God, and to aid them to discover the talents God has given them. On the first day, many of the boys were protesting the skits and dance portion of the camp, but by this evening they were stars!

Yes, I am tired. And so are the helpers. I don't remember another time in my life I was this exhausted. As soon as the kids left, I passed out laying on the stage of the chapel. My back ached and my left knee spasmed. I had to lie down through the Friday night program. And as soon as the evening program was over, I had to take a nap before I dare to drive home. But I know, by the next morning God will renew my strength. All this tireness is just temporary compared to the everlasting work done in the lives of the kids. And maybe in the future, one of these little ones will be counseling my own kids. (Scary thought right now, but I trust God's work in each of these kids)

As for the helpers, I'm so proud of them too. They surprised me by how much they grew over the last few days. They are slowly becoming great servant of Christ. They are the best! Odette, Vanna, Niki, Sam, Joel and Olvie, so much potential in their young age, surely God will continue to build them up. Leanne, Vickie and Gabriel, what can I say, their creativity never cease to amaze me. And there's always Hilda, Kasey and Sabrina, their quiet calmness were a blessing when working with the kids. I'm am excite to shepherd this group of young people.

Arts and Sports Camp - Day 4

I will finally admit that I am tired... My whole body is aching, my arms and legs feels like jello. I am going to fall asleep any minute. But I must press on... one more day with the wonderful kids. The helpers are awesome, it is amazing to watch how God is working in each and every one of them. And now all inhabition and shyness is pushed aside, it is awesome that they jumped in and lead the kids by example.

Boy...I am tired. I fell asleep updating this blog.

Today I focused on getting to know the kids better, spending one-on-one time with the quieter kids: Evan, Preston and Natalie. And also, the 90 minutes of baseball went really well. I was surprised that the kids were so excited about learn how to play baseball.

Last but not least, we had a dress rehearsal... the kids as SOOOO cute!!! The big production is tomorrow - I cannot wait!

Arts and Sports Camp - Day 3

I am covered with toilet water...

Supposedly we were to have 2 hours of soccer & games outside today with the Sr. kids while the Jr. kids were out playing mini-golf. No soccer teacher Terry today, so just me, some helper and too many kids.

I was doing my best to hold their attention while leading games but they were so eager to play soccer that all the boys were restless. So, after a short attempt to lead them in warm-ups and soccer drills, they began their soccer game while I provided skipping ropes for the girls. Well, that was good for about 15 minutes. The burning afternoon sun quickly tired them out and we were in search for another activity. And since it is a warm Wednesday afternoon, what's better than a water fight?

Well, the water fight WAS refreshing... until some kids had the bright idea that the tap took too long and the toilet bowl was a quicker option for a source of water... and the rest was, as they say, history...

Today was awesome! I was pumped this morning to serve the kids, and I started the day with high energy. Praise God, between singing and the sermon I was able to keep the kids occupied for an whole hour. Isaiah 40:29-31 came to mind as my sermon topic was on Elijah and his 40 days marathon in 1 King 19:1-11.

"29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 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."

~Isaiah 40:29-31

As we approach the halfway point of the camp, I warn the helpers the dangers of hitting "the wall". Where the sudden exhaustion and tiredness overwhelms you... similar to about the 30km mark in a marathon. But it is the Lord who gives us strength. He will feed us and lift us up. And we must run with the goal in our mind.

*******
Please pray for the helpers... this bunch of awesome helpers poured all their energy into the kids over the past three days, they are the best. Praise God!!! But now they are getting tired. Pray that God will renew their strength tonight as they rest.

Here is the list of helpers:
Gabriel, Joel, Kasey, Leanne, Niki, Odette, Olvie, Sam, Sabrina, Vanna and Vickie

Also pray for Pastor Freda as she prepares her message for the kids tomorrow. Lastly, though energy-wise I am doing okay, pray for me for I am developing a headache. Thanks. Love you all!

Arts and Sports Camp - Pray for the kids

Please pray for the kids, 31 of them:

Evan C
Cassandra L
Natalie L
Godwin L
Alvin C
Bonar N
Preston W
Jeffrey L
Yanni W
Enoch T
Harry Y
Justin M
Joseph W
Adrian W
Erica Y
Deifilia T
Theresa W
Natalie L
Lauren S
Sally C
Bethia T
Natalie So
Brandon W
Adrian C
Christopher L
Gabriel L
Justin C
Timothy L
Joey T
Ray C
Adrew Y

Arts and Sports Camp - Day 2

I felt really bad today, I let my emotion get the better of me. It was suppose to be a lighter day for me because I didn't have to preach. All I had to was to lead singing and help support Freda as she preached. Yet a few kid refuse to join the group and listen to the sermon got me frustrated.

Then there was soccer. When the kids refuse to do drills should not have surprised me... because when I was their age I thought I was a good soccer player too and there's no need for drills nor practice. But when they refuse to listen to Terry and I and a better kids gang up together and formed their own team that's when I pushed me over the edge. It was non stop whining and complaining. And because it was a hot and sunny day, I felt that the 1 hour long soccer session becoming unsafe for the kids. So after 45 minutes I rounded them up and send them inside to rest... of course I was treated with a shower of complains.

No, I did not get angry... just extremely frustrated. I took the volleyball and began doing my spiking drill against the wall to let out some frustration. Being the only adult at the camp at that time, I must apologize to the helpers that I should not have let me frustration show. Thank God the senior group came back from bowling on time and I was able to retreat to the teacher's lounge and put on my ipod.

The afternoon was much better. I regained my composure during lunch and I had a blast leading the kids in games. 1 hours of outdoor games and not a single complaint. Praise God.

I cannot let the little things frustrate me... remain still and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Have to preach tomorrow... time to get cracking and finish the sermon plan.

Arts and Sports Camp - Day 1

"God's best gifts come slowly." ~ M.H.Lount

This as what I learned as I was preparing for today's sermon at the Arts and Sports Camp. Patience. Patience for God's best gift. That's the secret of Gen 29, the Great pursuit. After 7 years of labour, Jacob was not satisfied with Leah, he wanted the "best", so that's why he was willing to endure 14 years of labour for Rachel.

"So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." (Genesis 29:20)

How do we learn to have such patience? By knowing God only wants the best for us.

"God's best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many a man, called of God to a work in which he is pouring out his life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire.

But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. Moses must have asked, 'Why?' many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began." ~ M.H.Lount

The growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. This applies to every facet of life. In ministry, in relationships, in 'promises' from God. This concept resounds while I am serving in the Arts and Sports Camp. In preaching to those 32 little ones and teaching them sports, there is always the temptation to be impatient with them. Yes, these little one can get on your nerves at time, as some of the young helpers are quickly learning, but one particular camper made me realize how importantly it is to be patient with them.

Justin Mar. Justin Mar is talented in soccer for a boy his age. Yet what made Justin stood out for me is not his talents nor what he brings to the camp, it is the fact that his dad is Cecil Mar - one of my counselor while I was at Grace Gospel. At Sunday School, we were a rowdy bunch. Cecil had the fun task of looking over 20 of us on our softball team (F.O.T.S.). What if he was impatient with us? Surly I would not be here today preaching the Gospel to his son.


In regards to the camp, I woke up this morning tired from the sermon prep. Knowing I have a long week ahead of me, I dragged myself out of bed and prepared myself for a week of kids. But praise God, as soon as the day began, a sudden surge of energy overcame me and I decided to lead the kids and the helpers from the front (also to take some load off of Pastor Freda). It was fun pulling out all stops leading the kids in "Boom-chica-boom" and my "Joe from the button factory" song.

Tired, but 4 more wonderful days to go.

*******

I also had dinner with my high school gang... so tired from the kids that I didn't want to go. But glad I did, good times catching up.

An Update on Catherine

As you have read in my post last Monday, Catherine lost her two first teeth while playing softball two Saturdays ago. Thank you to all who have prayed for Catherine, here is an update to her situation:

I saw the dentist last Thursday before I left for Hong Kong. The dentist explained all possible options with me.

The first option is to have
- An implanted tooth for the totally missing tooth #21
- Root Canal Therapy, "Post and Core" + crown for the half fractured tooth #12
- Root Canal Therapy and a crown for the re-inserted tooth #11, which is half dead (IF the tooth is not rejected).

The second option is to have three implanted teeth.
- An implanted tooth for the totally missing tooth #21
- Extract the half fracture tooth #12 and put in an implanted tooth instead
- Extract the half-dead tooth #11 and put in an implanted tooth instead

> 1) Have you figured out you are going to do yet?

To your question (1): I do prefer the second option since it is a lot better in the long run for different reasons that I won't talk about here lest this e- mail becomes too long for you! :) But to put it simply, the reason is that I really do LOVE smiling and these are my front teeth, which I'll have to live and smile with for the next 50-60 years of my life, the Lord willing. :)

> 2) Would you know if you are covered for it?

To your question (2): Currently, I do not have any dental insurance for myself. I've read your part about CCSA's "secondary insurance". I am just wondering how it works when the person like me has no primary insurance.

Meanwhile, I am going back to school in September at Seneca College. Last week, Chris Wong has called Seneca and asked them about my student dental plan -- Seneca said it will cover only up to $500 maximum.

> 3) Do you have any idea how much will it cost?

To your question (3): This is the range. The first option (above) comes up to CAD $7000 in total. The second option, the one that I prefer, actually goes above CAD $11,100 in total.

Please continue to pray for Cat, for her recovery, financial planning and everything else. Thank you.

"The Walk" with Rev. Lau

Yesterday, after our weekly church pastoral lunch, Rev. Lau and I decided to have a walk around the neighborhood to let the food settle down. I was also the talk to catch up on the whirlwind of crisis last week and to prep me for the coming two weeks while he is away on his studies.

He started by asking what have I learned working in the church office over the past month. In reply, I told him it was awesome to see the relational aspect the pastors are involved with the congregation. The church is not about programs, it is about relationships. In order to "attract" more people to attend we tend to get bogged up with program planning while neglecting the relational side of the attendees. I felt it first hand in the crisis last week. And it was a tough lesson in pastoral counseling especially when I even have to draw the line between my role as a pastor to the congregation and my role as a son and brother to my family.

Rev. Lau commented he was glad to see how well I handled the situation - knowing when to engage to crisis and when to back off, draw my professional boundaries and smoothly pass the task of overseer to someone else. Surly it will be one experience I will but forget.

Now looking forward, pray for me. Once again, Rev Lau will be away and I'll have to step up shepherd the congregation. And boy, it will be a long and busy two week. My body is screaming "NOOooo" at the thought of the workload yet my spirit is excited about the possibility of being pushed to the limits and shaped my God. Next week is Arts & Sports Camp for the kids. 30 kids. Teaching them soccer, softball, bowling, drama, music, crafts and dance. I have to prepare three morning messages for the kids as well as teach them soccer and softball. All while I am preparing the sermon for next Sunday. Then next week, a study in Philippians for the high school kids and Young Career/University Summer Camp to top of the week. Please pray for me.

Sleeping with porcupines and snakes

I'm home from my solo backpacking trip to the Bruce Peninsula, a day early. I was blessed with beautiful warm weather, and a nice cool Lake Huron to swim in. When I arrived at the trailhead, I decided to treat this trip as a silent retreat - to not say a word for two days and just listen to what God has to say. It was actually refreshing to not hear my own voice. :P

But what I didn't expect was what I heard from God. As soon as I hit the trail, memories flooded my mind. The last time I was in Bruce Penincula was with Don on Easter Weekend 2 years ago. (http://joeltang.blogspot.com/2004_04_01_joeltang_archive.html) God told me to lay down my burdens by his feet - the broken relationships, the career failures. And since then, what a journey it has been since 2003. The Lord lifted me out of the murky clay, and put me on solid rock.

And this time around, the same message - To lay down my current burdens by His feet. Oh thank You, Lord, for giving me the opportunity to "shut up" and just listen to You.

Other then listening to the Word of God, it was an awesome weekend. I was in for a surprise on the first night. The night sky was beautiful, but all of a sudden I was blessed by a fireworks display from Wiarton. An almost full moon and fireworks, what else can I ask for? In the warm evening, sleep under an open tarp, I awoke at 2am to the sound of a pair of animal running around my shelter. It was making "whoop whoop" sounds. I tried to ignore the sound fearing that it was a pair of skunks and not wanting to spook it. But after 5 minutes of constant "whoop whoop" and running round, my curiosity over came me. I put on my glasses and pointed a light in the direction of the sound, I saw a pair of porcupines 2 meters from my face. In the end, they ran away and I can sleep again peacefully.

The surprise of the trip was in the morning when I has about to step on the trail to begin my day. I took my first step on the trail, and all of a sudden, I heard the frightening sound of "rat tad tad tad". I froze, hiking poles up in self-defense, and frantically search the ground for the source of the sound. A meter from my right foot was a 4 feet long mississauga rattlesnake, the only poisonous snake in Ontario. As quickly as the fear built up in my heart, it dissipated when it dawned on me that it was only 8:30 in the morning and the snake was stretched out in the sun to heat up. Praise God the snake was not in its coiled up attack position.

I spend lunch time at Cape Chin soaking up the sun and splashed in Lake Huron. I decided to head home a day early when I felt I heard what God wanted to tell me and when I already covered 20km in one day.

The final surprise came when I was packing up. When I picked up my backpack a snake jumped out of my pack and fled into the wood.

Thank God for the awesome quiet time.

Laughing is good for the heart

Angie and I drive up to Casio Rama to watch improv comic Wayne Brady last night. By laughing it off, what a better way to melt all you stress away. We loved Wayne when he was on Whose Line Is It Anyway? And he was even better live. The improve singing was awesome. My favorite of the night was a kid song on "A Cat name Ruckus", and his Ozzy Osborne song on "The song that does not start" was very creative. I haven't laugh so much for a long time, was laughing for most of the two hours.

To futher relief stress, after Sunday Service I'm heading out on a backpacking trip. I'm excited bout this solo trip... just me and God's creation. I should write down my plan just in case of emergency. After service, I'll drive to Bruce Peninsula, parking at Forty Hill Road. A short 5 km hike to Reed's Dump ORA (Overnight Rest Area). Monday, the objective it to hike north from Reed's Dump to Devil's Monument. It is a long hike, depending on what shape I'm in I might turn back early. I'll be spending the night at Reed's Dump again. Tuesday, hike south along the White Bluff, and head home by the afternoon.

I'm excited. The weather will be gorgous.

	SUN AUG 6	MON AUG 7	TUE AUG 8
HIGH	22°C	23°C	21°C
LOW	20°C	21°C	15°C
CONDITION	Cloudy periods	Mainly sunny	Mainly sunny
P.O.P.	10%	10%	10%
WIND	S 15 km/h	W 25 km/h	N 20 km/h