……spiritual humour?

Somewhat popularized by the likes of sport I suppose, John 3:16,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

 is a verse many a believer, including myself, cling to in this world that seems to shun Christ.  Tim Tebow is all the hype in the world these days, not just in the NFL and football, and I’ll self confess that I’m a new-found football fan…..more specifically a Tim Tebow fan.  But not because of the football – that’s just the stage he presents himself in for me.  This “kid” – I can say that as I’m almost twice his age, from what I can see is more than just a football player.  He is using his stage for the glory of God, or so it appears, and I’m quite fascinated with his discipline not just on the field, but in his heart and life.  He was homeschooled which is fascinating for my wife and I given we educate our kids at home.  His story is one my boys can read and connect with (that’s my hope and prayer at least!)………..as his story is more about his strength, Christ, more than anything.  So how do all these #’s weigh into his ongoing story – he throws for 316 yards last Sunday?  Apparently 3 years to the day from a game he wore the John 3:16 eyeblack at a bowl game and threw for an average of 31.6 yards on Sunday as well.  What does it all mean to me in the references to “316″ – well, all I can conclude is that God indeed has a sense of humour and maybe this is just Him having some fun.  I realize it doesn’t mean much when statisticians conclude these results – after all, another pretty good QB, Aaron Rodgers, threw for 316 years in a regular season game this year and not a word was mentioned.  I’m watching this kid with wonder and excitement in any case – hope he stays true and strong and mighty for God and…….stays in His wakes!

Rotten Shark…..

OK, so I like to think I know a thing or two about protetin……the centre-of-the-plate….whether beef, fish, pork, …….or dessert.  I consider myself an encyclopedia when it comes to the benefit of properly aging beef, whether wet-aging or dry-aging.  But I knew nothing of this recent new “learn”.  Tradition – we all live it in special and unique ways in our lives.  I have Christmas traditions in my home and my wife and I are making our own traditions when it comes to this time of year and remembering/celebrating the birth of Christ.  But this is something that just needs a journal entry.  Now, I haven’t tried “rotten shark” but recently a staff member of ours travelled to Iceland to visit the home of our Arctic Char supply.  He can attest to this:

Chef Anthony Bourdain, who has travelled extensively throughout the world sampling local cuisine for his Travel Channel show No Reservations, has described rotten shark as “the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing” he has ever eaten.   Chef Gordon Ramsay challenged journalist James May to sample three “delicacies” (Laotian snake whiskey, bull penis, and hákarl) on The F Word; Ramsay then vomited after eating hákarl, although May kept his down. May’s only reaction was, “You disappoint me, Ramsay.”

I’m no Gordon Ramsay fan although I respect his clear talent for cuisine (I don’t like that he has to belittle every individual he comes across that might not be as “good” or “godlike” like he is) – so I got a kick out above.  In any case – check out the You Tube clip.  Respect tradition and Stay in His wakes!

http://youtu.be/mbYqznD0R5M

Lest we forget…….

One of the most significant days of our earthly existence for me personally is Remembrance Day – it’s often a day I take off work to attend a service of some kind with our boys so that they, too, can experience and take time out relative to those in the world that sacrificed for our daily freedom here in Canada.  In reflection at this time, closest to me, John (Jack) Walker, my grandfather who served as a radar specialist with the RCAF – I wish I had taken more of an opportunity while with him to thank him for his service and sacrifice away from his beloved ones……Melville Mudge, my wife’s grandfather, who served on the front lines as a tank mechanic and through His will, returned home to his family unharmed physically.  His scars emotionally from battle only he knows and respectfully wasn’t willing to share with us before his passing.  These are men that shape us, at least, have shaped me.  Their legacy must be remembered with so many others that served to provide the freedom we enjoy today and most often, at least I must admit, I often take for granted just the same.  “Thank you” seems but little.  Lest we forget………Stay in His wakes!

Marital strength……

We are to find strength in Christ alone if Christians and true followers of Him alone.  I try to live on that strength throughout each day.  Christ has given me the ultimate gift of the strength I need in my spouse and through the day, more and more as we grow together, I gather that strength in ways my wife may never know as I’m not great at articulating what she does for me.  She shared today’s homeschool verse for the day, the verse our kids will write out in their copy work – Job 23:8-12 – “Behold , I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.  But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.  My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.  I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” Take what you will from the passage – for me, it’s a sign that my spouse cares deeply about our spiritual connection and that this needs to be the strength of our bond in marriage.  We sin greatly as a couple – I don’t listen enough, I harbour anger, I can be selfish – and she ultimately sees these flaws, yet forgives me just as Christ has by suffering on the cross for my sins.  Today, if you read this, do what I hope to do this evening….pray with my wife, connect as the kids are put to sleep (Lord willing!) for the evening, and the opportunity to simply thank her for strengthening me during this day.  Stay in His wakes!

How will you vote next time?…….

The below video comes with warnings but I strongly feel it is worth posting and sharing with more rather than few.  It is 33 minutes in length but better than watching some of the garbage that fills TV time these days.  Humbled by the message within.  Disheartened by the world in many ways.  Stay in His wakes!

http://youtu.be/7y2KsU_dhwI

Let the season begin……

Because this is my journal/blog and I get to post anything I like……..it’s only two sleeps away from the beginning of the NHL hockey season and my beloved Montreal Canadiens tradition of excellence – that’s why this storied franchise has won way more Stanley Cups than any team in NHL history.  With the best current goalie in the NHL between the pipes, the most electrifying defenceman in hockey at the blue line, and a deep pool of character hockey players, all Habs fans expect nothing less than success.  So, all my friends in life that are Leafs fans, Sabres fans, or anything but a Habs fan………let the season begin and the banter flow.  Stay in His wakes!

Courageous…….

So many moments recently as a father I feel like a failure.  Why is that?  There are times my impatience gets the better of me or I feel as though I’m nagging one of my children when they haven’t met MY expectations.  Just the same, I’m reminded that it is my job in part to follow Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.  I must serve my wife, my children, and ultimately my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  I have to gather courage to do so – not only as a father, but as a leader in business – as a friend – as a husband.  I love movies – I love to sit down and lose what seems like consciousness to my wife when watching a film – it relaxes me often.  There are certainly better things to do with a couple of hours of time BUT I enjoy it nonetheless.  The Kendrick brothers have produced a few great films with excellent messages – Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof we have enjoyed a great deal and the films have gotten better and better in quality along the way.  That is why I’m anxious for their next film, Courageous – it appears to have a message for every father whether one is well grounded in His service or not.  The trailer is attached – spread the message of what I believe is the blessings this film has to offer.  Stay in His wakes!

Message accountability……

I made a commitment with my eldest son to stay accountable to one another with each Sunday morning message we hear.  The posts are to go up Monday mornings so I’m a little late.  “How to Love Your Brothers”, Hebrews 13:1-3 was last Sunday’s message from our teaching pastor.  Here’s what I’ve been praying and thinking on from his words – in hospitality, give what is best, anticipate the blessings of being blessed by and in relationship with God, is my home and heart prepared to receive others.  Additionally, we never know when an angel might be in our midst.  We moved to where we moved in great part to bless others.  Is it easy entertaining and being hospitable always – no way.  But we are called to do so as brothers and sisters in Christ.  Much to pray and study upon.  Stay in His Wakes!

Nothing deep today……….

Certainly don’t have anything deep to write today, but my wife is such an amazing photographer in her “spare” time and sends me memories that get me through each and every day.  From daughters turning 8 (crazy!), to a “sassy” 4-year-old in sunglasses, to the blessing of our five children (each unique in His design), to quiet and peaceful images at the lake, and “competitor” with “competitor Jr.” (a life long weakness or strength of mine and his probably just the same!)………what a gift from her – thank you.  Stay in His wakes!

In My Seat…….

I am thankful that I checked out my brother in Christ’s more recent entry at www.challies.com and hope he doesn’t mind me copying “In My Seat” for those that read stuff here, and as a reminder to myself of my obligation and urgency in the reality that Christ died on the cross for my sins.  I post Peter Scheibner’s Life Objective below as I can’t recall reading a better one:

To seek, trust and glorify God through humble service and continual prayer.  To raise up qualified
disciples as quickly as possible.  So
that one day I might hear God say, well-done my good and faithful servant.

Thank you, Steve, and bless you for this objective.  Below is my more recent business Contribution Statement that sits plaqued on my office door.  It incorporates much of my learning of the definition of a man through Robert Lewis’ “The Quest for Authentic Manhood”:

Through vision, rejecting passivity,

accepting responsibility, leading courageously,

and enabling continuous improvement,

 I will empower Macgregors to be The Best in the long-run.

Combining such a Life Objective and my own Contribution Statement in business is so inviting on this day, and should be every day.  Please watch the video “In My Seat” - the last 2 minutes are strikingly important.  Stay in His wakes!