Naughty or Nice?

Love this video of Jack Bauer interrogating Santa.

Metrosexual Dreaming

A couple weeks ago I took the Metrosexual Worship Leader Quiz and (depending on who you talk to) scored pretty high.

I may have some "metro" tendencies. I like to think of it as more of an artistic bent though.

When I sit down and think about what I want to do with my life, a lot of ideas come to mind. I'd love to get involved in video production. Not movies, but more documentary/real life kind of stuff. Do video work that inspires and moves people.

I'd love to work for a clothing company (here's the metro). Clothing is art, that people wear! It's amazing!

I'd like to grow a creative environment where musicians, artists, photographers and other creative types can come to seek refuge. A place where art is used to create a better future.

Maybe that's why Jedidiah is so close to my heart. They seem to encompass everything I could see myself doing in the future. I wonder if a company like that could make a go of it in Central Ontario?

Any other metro-guys want to join me? Ladies are welcome too.

God Of Second Chances

Let me set the stage for what you are about to see.

Carlos ( or "Los" as he's known) is shooting some promotional material for his upcoming album. His next location is in a really sketchy end of town, he sets up for the shot and starts playing "God Of Second Chances."

Then Danny (a homeless guy) walks up to Los, kneels down on the pavement, starts crying, puts his hands up in the air and... well watch the video.

WOW.

3 Tough Days

When we "bought" our new house 2 years ago, people said aside from divorce, buying a house is the most stressful thing you can do.

I laughed it off. ("Come on, I've moved before. It's no big deal.")

Well the last 3 days have proved me wrong! I take that back, the last 2 years has proved me wrong.

Wondering if we'll ever move in, visiting an empty lot with a couple months to go, to starting to look elsewhere for a house, to picking the cabinets and colors, it was a real roller coaster. Mix in Crystal losing her job one year ago and a 7 month stretch on one income and looking back I laugh. This is not how we planned it. That wasn't supposed to be part of the story.

The last 3 days had its own share of stress. From emergency trips to Toronto to fill out paperwork, to spending all day on the phone (or on hold) with insurance companies, lawyers and the bank, to having my cell phone ring off the hook with another unexpected snag in the process, it's been a busy (and hectic) couple of days.

There were times along the way where I wondered what was wrong with me. I wasn't stressing at all. To be honest, I wondering if my stress meter was broken. My wife just lost her job and we're trying to save for a house, I should be a wreck. I wasn't. I like to think God sheltered me from those stressful feelings. But a couple weeks ago I made the mistake of asking God why I wasn't stressing, like I wanted the stress.

Well I got it.

The last 3 days I've felt nauseous, lost my appetite and was sure I was giving myself an ulcer. I hated it. The stress was overwhelming at times, and it was not fun.

But at 5:08 today, when I stuck the key into the door lock and entered our new home for the first time (as the owner) it was all worth it. I LOVE this house, and looking at the glimmer in Crystal's eyes I know she does too.

I can't wait for the BBQ's, the celebrations with friends, the opportunities the have people over for dinner, the family Christmas get-togethers. The opportunities to share, connect and dream.

There is no way this house should have happened. The timing, the issues, the uncertainty. I believe God's blessing was on this entire house process and I want to honor that by using it in a way that pleases him.

I'm not sure what that means, but I'm excited for what God has next for us. He hasn't let us down yet!

It's Just Water

The water was shut off in my building today.

I knew it was coming.

They had signs posted all over the place the past couple of days. Something about replacing some valves.

Anyway, it totally bummed me out. I tried to brush my teeth - no water. I tried to wash my bowl after downing my morning mini-wheats - no water. I was going to shave and shower - no water.

Of course I could just walk across the parking lot into the health centre and shower and shave there. (Which is what I did). But as I was washing my hair (in the communal shower with the 2 hard-boiled senior citizens who had just enjoyed the hot tub) my mind wandered to Africa.

Here I am, upset that I had to walk across the parking lot and avoid making eye-contact with the saggy skinned man next to me in order to take a shower. Meanwhile there are MILLIONS of people that are DYING because they can't get clean water. And I think I've got it bad?

I don't want to over-spiritualize it, but God got my attention today. All it took was a tiny little inconvenience to reveal how selfish and petty I really am.

Check out THIS SITE. It's the story of one man who had it all, (money, power, respect) and knew that there was more. It's an amazing story, and you can be a part of it.

Maybe this Christmas you could take a couple minutes and maybe even drop a couple bucks to provide some clean water for someone who desperately needs it. CLICK HERE, save a life.

I Love Creativity

I love creativity. Especially creativity in marketing and advertising. I think good commercials can actually be more entertaining than the program you might be watching. Problem is that good creative advertising is often shot down in favor of squeezing in more information. (But I want to make sure people know we're offering 10% off USB Lava Lamps) There are times, however, when creativity is allowed to roam free, and the result? Something like THIS.

JetBlue hits a homerun with this fake catalog idea. Creative, memorable, and gets the point across. Let me ask you a question: What's more effective, this fake catalog? Or some ads that jam that same information down your throat with no creative touch? " (JetBlue gives you more leg room, free snacks and live tv...)

So let creativity run free!

Think You're Tough?

THIS is why I think hockey players are the toughest people in the world. AN SUV! They might not be the most intelligent or well-spoken people, but they are tough.

Do What No One Else Is Doing

Yesterday I posted about churches doing something new in an effort to reach new people. Well today I have another example of a church that seems to be trying something new. Soul City Church is leveraging social media to build a new kind of church. Good on them! I think we need these kinds of out of the box thinkers to take the church to the next level.

I heard a guy tell the story like this: 30 years ago Amtrak was faced with a decision, do they evolve with the changing times (air travel was gaining in popularity), or do they stick with what they've been doing all along (trains). They decided "We do trains. We're a railway company." This decision cost them HUGE! Had they looked at it a little differently and said "We're in the transportation business" they would own the airlines.

This can apply to everyone. The local tv stations that are asking for more money, are they in the tv business, or in the media communications business? (including youtube, blogs, twitter & facebook) Publishers, are they in the book business or in the education and entertainment business?

Sure PC's have taken a beating lately with Apple's resurgence, but IBM made the jump from business to personal computing and in the process managed to avoid irrelevance. Had they said "we're in the business of computers for corporate use, I'm not sure if we'd have the joy of using Windows 7.

Just something that has been on my mind lately. Are we embracing new technology and thinking big picture, or are we just a "train company?"

What No One Else Is Doing

"To reach people no one else is reaching, we must do things no one else is doing" - Craig Groeschel


I LOVE that quote. People ask me why I attend the church I do, (I'm not really sure why they ask that), and that's why. My heart is for the 90% of people in Central Ontario who attend Bedside Baptist (with Pastor Pillow & Sister Sheets) on Sunday morning. The people who have no interest in going to church. The people my church is trying to reach. Georgian College is just down the street from the studio here in Barrie, and of the 10,000 students that attend Georgian, how many of them are going to a church on Sunday? How many of them are going to the bar on Thursday or Friday night?

Is my church perfect? No. Far from it. Do they hit a homerun with everything they try? No. But that's not why I go on a weekly basis. I believe in their vision to reach people that no one else is trying to reach. I believe in taking risks and trying something new, even if it bombs. I believe in trying something that no one else is doing, in an effort to reach people no one else is reaching.

Why do I go to the church I do? That's why I go to the church I do.

Who Doesn't Love Non-Fiction?

Let me start off by saying I did the Purpose Driven Life thing and (while it was good) it didn't blow me away. Rick and his Hawaiian shirts didn't score many points in my books. HOWEVER, I am a fan of Rick Warren, but not for that book. I'm impressed with how he has dealt with the fame that accompanied writing the best selling non-fiction book of all time (other than the Bible). His stance on a lot of hot-button issues, his unwillingness to pervert the gospel and his genuine desire to see people reached for Jesus have scored him big points with me.

I read an interesting transcript of a panel discussion (I guess) from a pew research forum in which Rick covers a lot of ground, including his finances.

I actually retired when the book came out. Most of you know that I tithe 90 percent. When you write the best-selling book in English history, second to the Bible - The Purpose Driven Life is the most translated book in the world except for the Bible. It's in over a hundred languages. Friends, it's tens of millions of dollars. The income is tens of millions of dollars.

He goes on to talk about his 90% tithe and the various charities he's started. Really interesting stuff!

It's too bad the guys who get all the press are the ones who condemn the Teletubies and try to burn Dan Brown's books.

Check out the full transcript HERE

Sometimes You Have To Go Back

Growing up in the GTA, I often dreamed about getting out. I am not a big city guy. I'd like to have some property attached to my house. You know have dirt jumps in the backyard, some trails through the woods, and a ride'em mower. I know some of you may think Barrie is still big city, but it's not.

Today I made the journey down the 400 to my old stompin' grounds in Mississauga. Everything was gravy, until I had to try to drive back to Barrie in rush hour. What was I thinking? I don't think I was. What normally takes just over an hour, ended up taking 2 and a half!

Glad I don't have to do THAT everyday.

Where Is Winter?

A couple weeks back I posted a blog about how I was wanting winter to arrive. Well, as of today (Nov 24) it doesn't appear to be coming. In fact, I heard on a Toronto news station today that they are predicting a mild, dry winter. Temperatures won't drop to the minus 30's and we'll see less snow than normal.


That means less shovelling.
Less pushing your car after it gets stuck in a ton of snow.
Less squinting through the windshield covered in road salt.
All good stuff right?


It also means less snow for the ski resorts.
Not good.


Besides, Christmas decorations always look better in the snow.

Hockey Fans In SoCal

Hockey fans in Southern California are CRAZY!

I hate to break it to these fans, but that's not even the stick he used in the game. I could go to Canadian Tire and get you that same stick for 10 bucks. Seriously.

What Matters More

Derek Webb stirs up trouble again...

Mangagement Rings

Mangagement Rings: An engagement ring worn by a man. Often worn by men in a relationship with a more progressive partner. Usually applies to heterosexual couples. Man + Engagement Ring= Mangagement ring

So the dude buys her a ring, asks her to marry him, and then they go pick out a(nother) ring for him to wear? I'm not digging it. Wedding rings I'm good with, but mangagement rings, not really a fan. That and promise rings.

What do you think?

Some Java Love

I love coffee.

No seriously, I LOVE coffee.

Crystal doesn't share my affection for the roasted arts, and so I have this special coffee maker that makes one cup at a time. You load the little (K) cup into the coffee maker and it spits out some seriously awesome stuff.

Yesterday my sister sent some new stuff down from Sudbury for me to try. "Perfect Peach." It is AMAZING!

For real, I'm almost out of stock. It's the perfect beverage. With breakfast. With lunch. With dinner.

Cheaper than Starbucks too!

We All Need That Somebody

I had the chance to sit down for lunch today with a friend that not only respect, but hadn't seen in a couple months. It was so good. Had the chance to talk about our summers, what's new in each of our lives and even spent some time dreaming about what the future could hold for each of us. I needed that. It's been a rough couple of months, and I really needed that encouragement. It's so easy to get caught in the rut of "life" and go through the daily grind without much thought. I needed that lunch today. I needed it to shake me from my malaise and reignite the dreamer within.

Do you have someone who challenges you to dream bigger and live more awake?

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

I had a conversation with a friend last weekend about how they think I'm a rule breaker. I disagree, but it got me thinking... Are some people naturally wired as "rule-breakers"? Maybe they are. My brother was always a stickler for the rules. Everything had to be done by the book.

I don't like to break rules, I just break rules that don't have a logical explanation behind them. I like to know "why," and if the explanation isn't good enough, then the rule isn't good enough. There is no "Because I said so" in my mind. I like to work with logic.

For example: The cell phone law. I think it's dumb. The guy eating a Big Mac, driving with his knees and spilling special sauce all over his pants is more dangerous behind the wheel than I am on my phone. Conversely, smoking in the car with a baby in the back seat is not a good idea, no matter how you slice it. Some rules are good (no smoking with a baby in the car) and some rules are ridiculous (the new cellphone law).

Which one are you? A rule follower, or a rule breaker?

A Little Extra To Hug

The past couple of weeks have been tough. My schedule is all messed up, I find myself living in the office and I think I've hit the gym once (for a quick workout). I've been letting myself slide into a donut and pastry induced funk. Tomorrow I vow to get out. If I post it for everyone to see then I'll do it right? I hope so.

Switchfoot Is Back!

I've been looking forward to this new offering from Switchfoot ever since I heard they severed ties with Sony. You see Switchfoot's last independant cd was "The Beautiful Letdown," which also happens to be my favorite Switchfoot album to date. So I was expecting big things from the boys from San Diego, and they did not disappoint. I LOVE the new CD. It rocks while still throwing some tender moments our way, and it's a return to the Switchfoot I know and love.

Bravo Switchfoot! Another great album!

The Ultimate Marketing Campaign

You grab some chips, maybe a cold pop and sit down in front of the tube to watch the latest episode of The Office. The show is actually only about 24 minutes long, the other 6 minutes is made up of commercials. Now I love commercials as much... probably more than the next guy. (Especially if they are well done.)

It doesn't take much to notice there is some stiff competition going down between cell phone/tv/internet providers right now. You've got the 2 guys who keep running into each other and the poor dude on the blue network always get the raw end of the deal because a) he doesn't get service, or b) because his network is too slow. I'm not sure how much they paid for those ads, but this video has been making the rounds on the interweb and I don't think it has the same big marketing budget behind it.

Which is more effective? That's up to you to decide. But the balance of power has shifted. The consumer now has a voice, and you'd better be sure what they are saying is good. because what they say can spread much faster than a slick commercial campaign. You have been warned, the age of the consumer has arrived.

L-O-V-E

Saturday Night Live asked: What is Love? DC Talk taught us the Love is a Verb. Well, I decided to look up the meaning of "Love" (the verb) in the dictionary: "to have love or affection for." (I didn't think you could use the word to define it, but I digress.)

Over the last couple of years I have been to a TON of weddings. Some big, some small, all promising the same thing: Unconditional Love. It's like a fairy tale, from this point on the couple will ride off into the sunset, return to the castle and live happily ever after. I don't want to rain on any body's parade, but it seldom happens like this. Instead Prince Charming and Cinderella go home and fight over bills, the cost of Prince Charming's new chariot, Cinderella's outrageous bill from her spa day, etc.

I got an email from Crystal today saying that one of her friends (that got married less than 2 years ago) has left her husband. I think that runs the total of friends with failed marriages to 4 (at least since we tied the knot 3 years ago). To be honest, it sucks. I don't know why it happens, but everyone always says the same thing: "It's been like this for a while."

WELL THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?

It's not like you didn't see it coming.

Maybe I'm lucky. Crystal and I work opposite shifts and I work a lot of weekends, so we don't see enough of each other to fight. When we do get time together it's special. We're not together enough to get on each other's nerves.

I can't ever see myself leaving Crystal. She's the best thing that has ever happened to me. She makes me laugh even when I really don't want to. She makes me forget about whatever might be stressing me out or getting me down. She blows me away with how thoughtful she is. She makes me want to read my Bible and spend time in prayer. AND she is so incredibly talented that she brings home the biggest paycheck. (that's a shot to the male ego!)

I've heard the divorce rate is just as high among church-goers as it is among non-church-goers. Is that how it should be? Probably not, but we're all screwed up just the same. Doesn't matter if you go to church every Sunday or not, we're all messed up. You'd think that having God as the centre of the relationship would bode well for the success of the marriage, (and it probably does), but how many of us really have God at the centre? How many of us try to serve our spouse like Jesus would? Probably not many. I know that isn't case with my own marriage. Sure we try to put God first and serve each other, but sometimes selfish AJ comes out and he's not really into watching Extreme Home Makeover or taking the dog out to pee. Luckily I have a very patient wife, and we manage to work through problems when they come up.

I've been told to avoid using the word "never", but I can honestly say I am SO thankful for the gift I have been given in Crystal and I never want her to leave my side. She's the best thing that's happened to me, and I want her with me as I journey through life.

Funny The Way It Is

Funny the way it is... a friend moves out to Kelowna (my favorite city in Canada), I hang out at Jibfest on the weekend, yesterday Dave Stewart (from Righteous Riderz) joined me in studio, today we get our first snow of the year. All this has me thinking about how I would LOVE to take a week's vacay and head for the mountains. It's got me checking resort websites, scoping out flight and accomodation prices, and thinking who would be able to join me on a week-long getaway. It's likely just a pipe-dream, but a guy can dream can't he?

Who wouldn't want to live in Kelowna?

Itchin' To Ride

I had the chance to check out Jibfest at Georgian College on the weekend, and while I was there I met this dude named Dave Stewart. Dave is the head coach of a group called Righteous Riderz. Dave was in studio tonight to talk about the team, their beginnings, and his vision for what the program could become. All this talk about skiing has got me itching to ride again. Last night over dinner I looked outside and it was snowing, normally this would bum me out, but I got kind of excited about the winter season. True driving in the snow sucks, but winter also means hockey games and trips to Blue Mountain. (Both of which score highly in my books) So I say "Bring On The Snow!"

P.S. - Dave and the Righteous Riderz are out of Mount St Louis just north of Barrie.

P.P.S. - To get you extra stoked, watch this!

Church Membership

Tonight on Group Therapy Thursday we looked at Kelly's situation down the 401 in London. Here's what she says:
I am going to university in London, living in rez, so I don't really come home on weekends. As a result I've started going to church here in London. It's great. I love the church and wanted to get involved. I'd served in Children's ministry for almost 10 years back home and I love it. So I figured it would be a good fit here in London. There's just one problem. You need to be a member of the church to serve. My previous experience in Children's ministry is totally ignored! What do I do? I really want to be involved, but don't have time to take membership classes.
Kelly

So we asked you for advice. What should Kelly do? Stay and go through the membership classes? Go find another church where she can serve?

We were split pretty much down the middle. Some people talked about the importance of membership and making a commitment. Others said Church Membership is just red tape, go somewhere where you would be appreciated. I say... what's the point of church membership? I know you need to be a member to vote in business meetings, and it's a sign of commitment, but I don't see why you need it to serve in the church.
Criminal record check - yes
Professing Christian - yes
Letter of recommendation from old church (in this case) - sure
Membership - I don't think so

In this case I think the policy and red tape is impeding the progress of the ministry. But what do I know? I'm just a want-to-be church planter.

'Tis A Good Night

As a Dallas Stars fan it's tough living in Central Ontario. You see we are technically in "Maple Leaf" territory. (That doesn't mean I take abuse from Leaf fans) That means we get Leaf games on tv and that's about it. So if I want to watch the Stars play, I can't. Let's say the Stars are playing in Edmonton or Calgary and the game is on one of the tv stations out west, it's blacked out in the Leaf region. ARGH! But tonight... TONIGHT... the Stars play THE LEAFS! That's right, I could watch my team on tv! You have no idea how exciting this is for me.

Crystal and I rented Taken a couple weeks ago, and while it was a good 2 hours of Liam Neeson beating the snot out of bad guys, the film struck a chord with me (and Crystal). I'm not going to spoil it for you, but the movie is based around human trafficking. I've know about human trafficking for a while, but have never really done anything about it. I agree it is terrible, but it never really hit home until I watched the movie.

It's been a couple weeks, but it doesn't seem to want to leave me. I keep running into articles or videos (like the one below) about it, and it makes me want to take action. But I don't really know what to do. I don't just want to write a cheque and be done with it, I want to actually do something myself. I'm just not sure what that is. So while I search for the answer, check out the video from Jenny Williamson below.

Sunday Morning "How To"

I know I'm not around this week, but I had to share this with you. After watching this, Sunday morning makes so much more sense!

Barrie Film Festival

It's a Saturday night, Crystal and I have nothing planned so we decide to head down the street to Blockbuster to rent a flick. We park the car, head in and start to grab movies we'd like to see. Usually we come back with very different movies. Crystal (like most ladies) likes chick flicks. I like more indie movies, the kind that have the film festival awards on the DVD cover. It's often a case of compromise on both ends to get a movie we'd both enjoy.

Kicking off next week is an event that it right in my wheel-house... the Barrie Film Festival! I went through the movie listings, and there are 3 movies I REALLY want to go see.

THE HURT LOCKER

I have a thing for war movies. Doesn't matter if it's World War 2, the Gulf War, the Vietnam War, I like them. Maybe it's because deep down inside I wish I could be a hero. I wish I had the courage to go fight for my country. Maybe it's because my mom never let us play with guns when we were kids? (Love ya mom!) Anyway you slice it, I think I'd enjoy it.

THE COVE

To go along with my love of war movies, is my love of documentaries. (Yeah my wife says I'm a loser.) About a year ago I watched a movie called Sharkwater. It was a moving film, and totally changed the way I viewed sharks. Well, I've always liked dolphins, so I doubt this film will make me like dolphins all of a sudden. BUT it will likely open my eyes to what is being done to them on the other side of the world. I believe that film has the power to do that. To open our eyes to injustice happening in the world, and impact us in way that we'll want to take action.

ART & COPY

Some people hate commercials. I am not one of those people. I think a creative, well-written commercial can be more entertaining than the tv/radio show you might be tuned into. So when I heard there was a documentary (another one?) about advertising, my ears immediately perked up. This looks like a winner for sure.

The Barrie Film Festival kicks off next weekend, maybe I'll see you at one of the shows.

More Bacon Please!

Bacon is good for you? Apparently! According to nutritionist Kevin Brown, things like bacon and butter are good for you and can help you lose weight. (You can check out his website HERE) He was on The Slam tonight and the idea is that as long as you eat "real food" (unprocessed, non-synthetic food) you will lose weight and be more healthy. I'm not sure if it actually works, but I like the sound of it!

I'll have a big-mouth bacon sandwich please!

Training Camp

This past weekend the Life 100.3 Staff headed North to Port Sydney for a "training camp" weekend. (Not a retreat, we were there to work!) It was a good weekend, lots of sessions, and a little bit of time for games. The featured speaker was a dude from Way FM head office in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Where else would an uppity-up from a major Christian organization be from?) He told some stories of his life, and brought some interesting ideas to the table.

While all that was good, my favorite part was Sunday afternoon once all the sessions were over. We packed our bags, checked out, and then got to make use of the facilities. A group of us grabbed canoes and paddled around the lake for a bit. Then I took a catamaran out and learned how to sail a boat! (Sort of... Without the paddle I took along I would not have made it back to shore.) It was a great afternoon, and it was fun to get to know some of my co-workers outside of the office. It's pretty much like a normal office here where we work together and get along, but outside of work we're perfect strangers. So it was fun to hang out with guys like Ben and Woody and get to know the "real" Ben & Woody outside of the radio station walls. They're both actually really funny!

It was a great weekend and I would say we're tighter as a staff now as a result.

I got up early Saturday morning to hit the gym, but it was locked. So I was left to take pictures of the sunrise.

Living A Page Turner

I had Donald Miller on the show tonight. He's got a new book out called A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. Basically it's about these film-makers that came over and worked with Don to put his bestseller Blue Like Jazz to film. BUT it's not as easy as you think. Through the process of creating a filmatic masterpiece Don learned a lot about what makes a good story, and up until that point he hadn't been living a good story. So some artistic license had to be taken. The book outlines what goes into making a good story.


I read the early manuscript a couple months ago, and after reading it felt challenged to look at my own story. Was I living a good story, or was I (as Don puts it) trying to buy a volvo. It was a sobering look at what I was working towards and the kind of story I was writing. Not exactly an epic tale. But it's not natural to write a page-turner with your life. It's freakin' scary. So I am in the process of trying to figure out what I can do to write a better story. A story that took a while to take off, but when it did it was a classic.


Get the book, read it, and ask yourself: "What kind of story am I writing?"

Hobbies vs Jobs

I'm reading a book where I came across this line: "A man should never turn his hobby into a job. One day he has a job and a hobby, the next he's got a job and no hobby. A man needs both, for a man with no hobby finds trouble."

Agree? Disagree?

Launch Party

Windows 7... October 22, 2009... You excited?

Bonus points if you make it through all 6+ minutes.

(By the way, the dude at Microsoft who makes 6+ figures to come up with marketing campaigns for them should be fired)

New Music Tuesday - Hawk Nelson

Tonight we premiered the new album from Hawk Nelson: Live Life Loud. Also handed out copies of the new CD to some lucky listeners. Congrats in store for Jordan White (Newmarket), Earl Weyman (Midland), Jonathan Kolenda (Aurora), Candace Mayers (Richmond Hill), Lynn McAffee (Shelbourne), Kelly Baker (Barrie), Hillary Eppel (Owen Sound) & Donna Rauws (Barrie).

Could It Be?

Could this be true? NO WAY! A Seinfeld reunion show? CAN'T BE!

It appears so my pessimistic friend. I remember watching Seinfeld with my family back in its hay-day. The show was gold. And it's coming back... sort of.

Drops Like Stars - The Notes

Last night I had the opportunity to travel down to Toronto and catch Rob Bell on his Drops Like Stars tour. Here's a quick recap of some of the hilites.

• The problem with "Out Of The Box" is that "The Box" is still our primary point of reference.
• Suffering forces us to imagine a new future, because the one we were planning is gone.
• If we aren't careful, our success and security and abundance can lead to a certain sort of boredom; a numbing predictability, a paralyzing indifference that comes from being too comfortable.
• Sometimes there is a truth just below the surface that is, in fact, the real issue. And to get it out in the open, we have to suffer. Pain has a way of making us honest.
• Great artists put into words what so many of us are thinking, feeling and wondering. They affirm that we aren't the only ones having this experience.
• It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, black or white, young or old - if you have the same disease as someone else, or if you both have a daughter with an eating disorder, or you were both recently fired... You have a bond that transcends whatever differences you have. That is what suffering does. It is the art of solidarity.
• The first Christians insisted that when Jesus died on the cross, this wasn't another execution by the Roman Empire, This was God in flesh and blood. Bloody, thirsty, suffering, A God who was not somewhere else, distant, aloof, detached - but a God who was among us, feeling what we feel, aching how we ache, suffering like us. The cross was God's way of saying "I know how you feel."
• Sculptors shape and form and rearrange, but at the most basic level they take away. And there is an extraordinary, beautiful art to knowing what to take away.
• There is greatness within you. Courage. Desire. Integrity. Compassion. It's in there somewhere and sometimes we need to suffer to get at it.
• It isn't just a failure, a mistake, a sin, a wrong. It's also an opportunity to grow, expand, evolve, and learn. It's the art of failure.

He went for almost 2 hours without any notes, holding the crowd's attention for the entire time. It was Rob's first time speaking in Toronto, hopefully not his last.

Drops Like Stars

I'm going to see Rob Bell in Toronto tomorrow! I'm pretty pumped.

Rob Bell "Everything Is Spiritual" Intro from Fancy Lad Music on Vimeo.

Drops Like Stars - LIVE

Next Wednesday Rob Bell will be on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto on his Drops Like Stars tour. I had the chance to catch up with Rob earlier today and talk about the new book, his Nooma videos and how he deals with hate mail. You can eavesdrop on our conversation HERE.

Interested in checking it out? Tickets are available HERE.

The Mystery Box

Let me start off by confessing that I have never actually watched Lost, but I am a fan of JJ Abrams. Even more so after watching this talk from TED. Check it out.

Sweet CD Cover

Coolest CD cover I've ever seen!

Spinning On My iPod

Every other Monday a group of Life staff get together and listen to music. (Yes, it's part of the job) At these music meetings we spend a couple hours listening to new music, and picking a handful to add to the station's playlist the following week. So yesterday I brought in a couple suggestions, and we added two of them! Starting Monday you'll have the pleasure of hearing a couple bands that have been getting some serious airplay on my iPod lately... Danyew - "Closer We Are" and Owl City - "Fireflies"! Maybe in two weeks I'll bring in some more of my hidden gems. Like Forever The Sickest Kids, Dr Seahorse, Seabird or We Shot The Moon.

Who are you digging that is flying under the radar?

The Outsiders

Tuesday marked the release of the new Skillet and Mark Schultz CD's, but there was another album I was looking forward to even more. The new offering from needtobreathe. I'm digging it. Right now my favorite song on the album is the third track, Through Smoke. Check it out:

Before the truth will come to fill our eyes
The wool comes down in the form of fire
When the answers and the truth have cut their ties
Will you still find me
Will you still see me through smoke

I was born in a town just like your own
I was raised to believe in the power of the unknown
When the answers and the truth take different sides
Will you still find me
Will you still see me through smoke

When their whispers have faded pictures that
Make you doubt what you once believed and
They burn stories and hide the glory to
Keep us searching through smoke

Who do you believe when you can't get through
When everything you know seems so untrue
When I'm lost in a place that I thought I knew
Give me some way that I might find you
Through smoke

LOVE IT! [hear it here]

All Work & No Play

This summer has been hard on me. I haven't booked any vacation because we're saving that week off for when we move (hopefully) in December. So every day from May-September I'm in the office. No big deal, I thought, I still get long weekends, and I can go to the beach on the days I don't have meetings. Not exactly.

I think I've gone skimboarding twice this summer. Haven't spent much time at the beach at all actually. I set a goal for myself earlier this year, paddle from Centennial beach to the edge of Big Bay Point. I haven't been out on a board at all this year. So what happened? It's been a stupid busy summer. Trying to get the condo ready to go on the market, trying to squeeze in beach tour stops, birthday party planning, and random errand running have taken up a chunk of my free time.

Is this just a season, or is this what happens as we "mature" and take on more responsibility? Maybe it's because I never sat down and planned out some time off? I just figured it would happen. Whatever the reason, I feel like I'm going crazy. I have this deep-seeded need to travel. To board a plane/train, to drive for an extremely long period of time, to discover places I have never been, to chase excitement and adventure.

Maybe this is why God instituted the sabbath? Not so that we'll be forced to head to church, sing pretty songs in unison with our neighbours and write a cheque to the church. But so that we can escape the daily grind and recharge. Maybe instead of working on Sunday after church I need to force myself to do nothing. No work at the office, no grocery shopping, no cleaning, no laundry. Maybe go for a hike, or go canoe the nottawasaga. Go take in some nature, and spend some time with the creator of this beautiful part of Ontario.

Driving Test

One thing I have found odd about living in Central Ontario is how people wait FOREVER to get their drivers license. Seriously... what's the deal? The second I turned 16 I was taking my G1 test. Is this a geographical thing? People outside of Toronto will wait until they are 18 or even 20 to get their license? Maybe it's just a generational thing? When did you get your license?

On a semi-related note, wish I could parrallel park like this kid.

Good or Great?

This past weekend I was checking on my fantasy baseball team, and stumbled across this article on Josh Hamilton.

Last year Josh Hamilton made headlines as the feel-good, comeback story of the year. He had seemingly beaten his demons, and got his life back on track. He dazzled us with tape-measure shots in the homerun derby, he was a happy go-lucky guy who was making the most of his second chance in the big leagues. His story was almost unbelievable. Sports Illustrated did a feature story on him (read about it here) in which he talks about his Christianity and how it has helped him on this journey.

Fast forward to last weekend, where the story comes out that earlier this year Josh Hamilton relapsed while working out in Arizona. Even with all the safeguards in place, Josh managed to slip into old habits... the kind that never seem to fully go away. But after reading the article I wasn't upset with him. Sure it was disappointing, but I didn't think any less of him. In fact, I think I thought more highly of him. There's a line in the story that stuck with me: “I don’t feel like I’m a hypocrite,” Hamilton said. “I feel like I’m human.” Now this is a guy who understands
what it means to be a Jesus follower. We all screw up. From the drug addict, to the guy who cheats on his taxes, to Josh Hamilton who ended up licking whipped cream off the body of some random woman.

I think the part that caught me the most happens about halfway down. In the previous weeks, Hamilton, so focused on his preseason conditioning at Athletes’ Performance training facility in Tempe, scuttled his routine. He said God helped him stay sober, and when he cut out Bible study and prayer in favor of longer workouts, the devil pounced. I think we do this more often than we might realize. We settle for good instead of great. There's nothing wrong with working out more, in fact it's really good for you. But when you cut out the great in favor of good, you're missing out. Nothing wrong with putting in some extra time at work, but when it's cutting out family time you're heading into sketchy territory. There's nothing wrong with hanging out with the guys, but when it's replacing hanging out with your wife, that's a recipe for trouble.

How do you give up the great and settle for good?

Kids Rock

I'm back on The Slam tomorrow night. Until then, enjoy a laugh, on me.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

The past couple weeks the Wonderdog residence has been host to a number of travelers, and I've loved it. I loved how our condo was full of life. I loved talking to our guests about where they've been, what they've experienced and what they thought of Canada, and Central Ontario.

It got me thinking (we're ditching the condo in favor of a house later this year) what kind of home I would like to have.

(I haven't really talked to Mrs Wonderdog about this, so I'm not sure if it will actually happen)

Ideally I'd like to have an open home. The kind of place where people feel welcome to stop in anytime. They kind of place where travelers can stay for a night or two while exploring Central Ontario. The kind of place where community exists. Where people feel welcome and loved, even if we've never met before. The kind of place where food and drink are plenty, and joy fills the air. The kind of home I think Jesus would have had.

I'm not sure how realistic this dream of mine is, but I like to think it's doable.

The Fire - Follow-Up

So I've thought about the video I posted yesterday. I think the guy might be off a little bit.

a) I don't think it's God's desire that people go to hell. I don't think he takes pleasure in sentencing someone to eternal damnation.

b) I don't think God took pleasure in Jesus' crucifixion.

c) (at 2:17) He says "If multiplied all the physical things (Jesus) had gone through times a thousand, it still could not cover your one sin." Didn't Jesus' horrific crucifixtion cover ALL of our sins?

d) I don't think Jesus died just so we can punch our ticket to heaven. If I remember correctly Jesus said he came so that we can have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.

What do you think? I'm no biblical scholar, so it is entirely possible I may be off as well.

The Fire - Video

A friend sent me this video. I'm unsure how I feel about it. I think his heart is in the right place. I think he makes some good points. But when he says Jesus' sacrifice isn't enough to make up for our sins... Isn't that why Jesus was sent? Maybe I missed something, but I thought God wanted everyone to be saved, but he makes it seem like God will take pleasure in sending people to hell. Maybe I'm misinterpreting what he is saying.

I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Click To Play

STORY

I am going to THIS any way I can. For serious, I will hitch-hike my way there if need be. Anyone want to come with me?

Fixed

So last week I told you how I like the Fail Blog. Well, I've discovered another blog that is (I guess) the opposite. It's about fixing things. Check out "There I Fixed It" HERE.

Books

I stopped by the Treasure House on the weekend for their "Hello Summer Sale" and made my way over to their books section. You see I LOVE reading. Especially reading books by guys like Mark Batterson, Erwin McManus and Rob Bell. Those guys mess me up big time.

But this time I left the store empty-handed. Well, noty exactly empty-handed. I left with an even longer list of books I want to read. I think I'm around 20 now. There was no way I could pick just one. ARGH!

What's on your "To-Read" list?

Fail Blog

I love reading the Fail Blog when I'm having a bad day. It always brings a smile to my face.

What's your "pick me up"?

A Great Radio Promotion

30 years ago a radio station's promotion ruined a baseball game. But it was a GREAT promotion. The local rock station decided to have a "Disco Demolition" night at the ball park. Listeners could bring their disco records and they'd be blown up between games. SOunds good right? It became so much more. Here's the video from that night in 1979.

Incomplete

When I look at this picture I have all sorts of feelings.

Happiness.

Love.

Hope.

Thankfulness.

But also stress, worry, pressure and to be honest, I feel like a failure.

She deserves something better. A husband that looks like Brad Pitt, is as smart as Steve Jobs, as funny as Will Ferrell, as kind and loving as Mother Theresa, and someone that knows what they are doing.

But that's not why I feel like a failure at times. It's because I'm failing in what God has called me to do. I'm called to lead... no... propel her into a deeper relationship with Christ. A relationship that is dangerous, radical, unpredictable and unlike the life we live right now.

I often lose sight of this. I think if we have a nicely furnished house, 2 cars in the driveway and an overall feeling of safety and security then I'm doing alright. But truth is it's so much more than that. If we aren't actively advancing the cause of Christ then we are living far below potential. If we aren't helping people encounter God, then we're not cutting it. If we go to church on Sunday, raise our hands in worship, put a cheque in the offering, but fail to engage our neighbours who have never had an encounter with God, then we are failing.

God has blessed me with an incredible wife. One who selflessly gives of herself and loves me so much more than I could ever imagine. It is my duty as a husband to lead her into the kind of life that is uncomfortable. One that makes most Christians feel uncomfortable. It is my duty to refuse to settle for a "normal" life, and to strive towards a life that makes an impact for the kingdom.

I like the way Mark Batterson puts it: "don't accumulate possessions, accumulate experiences."

The Motherland

One of the things on my bucket list is to go back to Estonia, the land of my ancestors, and tour the country for a couple weeks. Ideally I'd like to do this with Crystal before we have kids, and once again once our kids are teenagers, and make sure we visit my family's homesteads.

I've been to Eesti a couple times on missions trips and fell in love with the country. I'd really like Crystal to fall in love with the country too.

Tallinn, Estonia from Alan Duff on Vimeo. (Excuse the stupid music)

Proud To be Canadian

Tomorrow is Canada Day. Why are you proud to be Canadian?

What Do You See?

When you're praying, do you get a mental picture of God? If so, what does he look like?

The Danger Of "One Day"

Crystal and I went to see UP last night, (I know I'm kind of late on this one), and it totally lived up to the hype. I had heard from a number of people that the movie was amazing, and that they cried (it's a CARTOON!). It was a great movie though.

What hit me the most was how much I am like the main character, Carl. Yes, I can be a crotchety old man at times. But that's not what resonated with me the most.

SPOILER WARNING!!!

The early part of the movie follows Carl and his wife, Ellie, through their marriage. From the day they met, to the day Ellie passes away. What initially drew them together was their mutual love for adventure and travel. In fact, they agree that one day they will travel the world, eventually ending up in Paradise Falls, where they will live from that point on. Despite all the talk and planning, they never actually do it. They get caught up in "life" and soon they are paying bills, working on a career and fixing up the house and can't find the time or (the money) to make their travel dream a reality.

That's me. I want to travel around the world. I want to experience Europe, Asia and Australia. I've always wanted to backpack through Europe. I've always wanted to go on safari in Africa. I've wanted to travel to India and China and experience life without the luxury of personal space. I want to see how the rest of the world lives, and come back to Canada with an entirely different view of the world. But it's all talk. I keep telling myself "one day I'll do it" or "one day when I have more money."

As I sat in the theatre watching Carl and Ellie's dream slip away I began to feel the same for myself. I've got a job, a house, a car and the responsibilities that come with it. I can't just push pause and take off for a couple months. As much as I would like it, the bank won't put my mortgage on hold, work won't say: "yeah go travel for a couple months, we're cool with that."

I've fallen victim to the "One Day Syndrome." Putting things off to be done "one day." It's a little depressing thinking that as a guy in his mid-twenties, my window of opportunity has passed me by, but that's how I feel.

Granted there is an easy remedy... Just go do it. But I've worked hard to get where I am. What would my parents think? Would I be throwing away the work I've done in the past 5 years? What do I do with my house? Where does the money come from?

I'm unsure what to do from this point, so if you have any sage advice I'll take it in the comments section below.

Caption Please

Caption Please...

Another Appology

This past weekend I ate my share of crow. You see, in the past I made fun of people who played "Settlers" because I saw them as nerds. Well Saturday night I played for my first time. I am now hooked.

So to all you Catan-heads, I'm sorry.

We Are The Champions

Congrats to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions.

As a Stars fan I'm happy the Red Wings didn't win it.

Congrats to Sidney Crosby and the Pens. (Sorry I called you a whiner Sidney)

Is This A Fake?

Some debate raging here at the Slammin' headquarters. Is this video for real? I think so. Baby-T says, "NO WAY!" What do you think?

Scared

For me the hilite of the Wakeboard Weekend wasn't the wakeboarding. (that's weird) It was a leap off a 47 foot cliff into the 45 degree water.

As our wakeboarding session was wrapping up on Saturday I asked if there were any cliffs we could jump before heading back to Widjiitiwin. Our guide (Tim) said "oh yeah" and took us to this cliff in Port Sydney. From the boat it didn't seem so high so I climbed up and what I saw made my knees shake. It was HIGH! I was so scared to jump off this thing. I had jumped off a 25 foot cliff before, but this was twice that. It took a while but I sucked it up and threw myself off the edge. WHAT A RUSH! Seriously it was amazing. So good I climbed up and did it again.

Had I not sucked up my fear I would have missed out on something amazing. Now I'm glad I did it.

Have you ever been scared to do/try something, but once you faced that fear and did it you loved it?

It Gets Better!

I stole this vid from a friend's blog, but the theft was totally worth it.  You see Taylor Swift's "Love Story" is a guilty pleasure of mine.  I love it.  I'm also a big fan of Coldplay (who isn't).  So when you take two epic tunes, combine them and make them better... It has to be shared.  Check it out baby!  It gets better!  

Make sure you watch it in HD

Recommended Reading

Yesterday I finished up "Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, (solid book) which means I need another book. I went through my bookcase and didn't find anything that caught my eye. So I'm asking you, what book (fiction or non-fiction) should I be checking out?

Does This Excite You?

I can feel my spirit come alive when I watch this.

American Idol Is Finally Good For Something

No matter what the outcome in tonight's American Idol finale, I am a fan of both guys.

Ann Powers wrote a fantastic LA Times article about AI's "Bigger Message" this year. In it she talks about how Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are about as different as 2 singers can be. Kris is from Arkansas while Glambert hails from San Diego. Adam likes to rock, Kris turns rap songs into ballads. What I like most is how Kris and Adam have interacted with each other.

If you subscribe to the old guard's views on how Christians should deal with people who have differing beliefs, Kris should be marching outside Adam's hotel room with a sign condemning his behavior. It's good to see Kris is above that sort of hate mongering.

Instead of butting heads, the 2 roommates have become friends. Treating each other with respect and dignity. Imagine that! It's good to see. Warms the cockles of my heart.

Whatever Happened To Second Chances?

Read a story today that made me sigh in disappointment. Cross Movements Records has dropped The Ambassador from their label. (Read the story HERE)

What upset me is the way it was handled. We as Christians should be the most gracious people on earth, but once again we are the first to throw someone out with the trash when they screw up. I'm not saying that what he did was ok, or that Ted Haggard's actions were justified. What I'm saying is that we should extend some grace their way. How about a second chance?

What does it say about us as believers when people like Donald Trump is the shining example of grace and mercy?

If I Were Boss

If I ran my own company, I'd run it like Google or Chick-Fil-A. I'd treat the employees like they were valued. Like the company cared about them. We need more companies like this.

What Is "The Blob"?

You guys have been asking me what "the blob" at Camp Widjiitiwin is... so here's a video.  YOU could be experiencing the magic of the blob on the Wonderdog's Wakeboard Weekend in a couple weeks.  

Listen for the cue to call and be caller #7 to qualify!

Bathroom Reader

I never check my mailbox. Not because I don't want to, I don't really HAVE to check my mailbox. Once a month my Mastercard and Rogers bills appear, but other than that it's usually junk mail. But not today. I got the latest edition of Relevant Magazine today! Why is this exciting? Because I love the magazine! They are unlike a lot of "Christian" publications in that they cover current culture, but from a Christian point of view. I think they do a great job of "being in the world, but not of the world" as the cliche goes. Unfortunately I read it cover to cover in the first couple days and then I have to wait another 2 months for the next edition.

So I'm asking you in the blogosphere to help me out. What's on your must read list? What other publications (online or in print) should I be adding to my bathroom reader list?

LOVE THIS!

My birthday is coming up in September... Here's an idea for you.

One Question

What if the church wasn't a building, but 10 thousand doors? Each of them opening up to a different concept or experience of church - and a journey that could change our world. Would you come?

Click HERE to accept.

Release Valve

I had been waiting for this day since the weekend. I scouted the 5-day forecast on Saturday and noticed Wednesday was supposed to be sunny and warm. Now it was the extendo forecast, so odds are it would be wrong. But I held out hope that Wednesday might actually be a nice day. Guess what? IT WAS!

Started off the day with the first skim sesh of the year, and conditions were epic! Long, fast lines with no one around. It was awesome.

Seeing as it was the first outing of the year, my stamina was pretty weak. So after about an hour of running along the beach I packed my gear into the car and continued north to the cottage.

The sun was shining down on the palace on pennorth, welcoming me to my mini-retreat. I unloaded my gear and continued on my mission: Splitting firewood. I grabbed our chopping stump, moved it to higher (less mushy) ground and started to hack away.

It was so good for me. No tv, no radio, no noise. Just me, nature and some wood that was about to meet it's maker. What a great release!

I haven't been sleeping well lately, not sure why. Maybe it's because I have a brain that doesn't turn off. I'm always thinking, creating and wondering "what if we did it this way." Maybe I'm stressed about something. Maybe I've been ingesting too much caffeine? Anyway, today was a release day. From skimming to splitting firewood, it was so nice to be able to clear my mind and just be. To feel the sand between my toes. I feel the warmth of the sun on my face. Man, It's good to be alive!

What's your release?

Buckets For Bullet Wounds

Anyone who knows me knows I love to travel. I love to experience new places, new cultures and push myself out of my comfort zone. Which may be why I love the show Departures on OLN. I would love to do a show like that. Maybe I'm unusual, but I think I'd rather sleep in a tent, or in a hammock than in a 4 or 5-star hotel. There's something about living a minimalist lifestyle that appeals to me. Being one with nature, no tv, no radio, no internet. It excites me!

Now I realize this is not very realistic given that I am married, have a house, have a job and have repsosibilities, but I'd like to think that one day I can take 6 or 8 (maybe even 12 months) and tour the globe. It's on my bucket list.

What's on your bucket list?

Portal or Prison?

Great quote from Erwin McManus: "The church has become like a prison, when it should be a portal."

Thoughts? Feelings?

Swine Flu

Is it me, or is this swine flu outbreak overhyped? Seriously, I think this is a product of the media beating this swine flu epidemic into our heads. Can anyone say "fear-mongering"?

So do you have swine flu? Click HERE to find out... Get a second opinion HERE.

Wild Things

I saw the this trailer a couple weeks ago and it got me so pumped! Now I can't wait for October. There are loads of movies coming out in the next couple months... Angels & Demons, Wolverine, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, the list goes on. What are you stoked to see?

(Make sure you click HD.)

Everything That You Ever Need To Know About Pac-Man

So I love games, no secret there, but over the years there is one game that I cannot stand to play. That is Pac-Man. I respect his nostalgia and appreciate what he did in the arcades, but to actually play the game, No sir, that is NOT for me. I never liked the fact you could not take out the enemies, unless you had a power pellet,and even then, you got it for 10 seconds, and it was gone. I can do Space Invaders, Mario, heck, I even have Tetris on my cell phone, but me and Pac-Man have never been close friends. More like mutual acquaintances. That all being said, I did get a kick out of this video

Junky

Heaven

Spent some time at a funeral today where there was a lot of talk about heaven. I remember being a kid, and not wanting to go to heaven because I thought it would be like a never ending church service. Now, I'm not certain what heaven will be like, but if it really is paradise then I think it would be a lot like Hawaii. Teaming with plant life, loads of sun, and a crystal blue ocean. That would be my heaven!

Ninja Parade

One day!... one day I will make it to a ninja parade!

Ninja Parade Slips Through Town Unnoticed Once Again

Closing Statement

Good Friday is often one of the best church services I go to each year. The Easter story is not only the cornerstone of the Christian faith, but it is also part of the most amazing story ever told. A story that, in my opinion, is seldom communicated in a way that fully expresses it's power. Check out this video from Buckhead Church in the U.S. Pretty wild end to a Good Friday service.

Good Friday 2009 - Ending from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.