Favorite Things Friday - November 29

Good Reads
The World's 18 Strangest Airports from Popular Mechanics
You're Not Invited from Dave Carrol
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook from Stephen Brewster

Journey Into Toyland


Hypnotising Dinner


Fixing Travel


Streetball in NYC


Millenial Response To Baby Boomers

So Much To Be Thankful For

I realize we Canadians had our Thanksgiving weeks ago, but in the last 24 hours it struck me just how blessed I am.

Those who are connected with us are aware of the difficult season Crystal and I went through this past summer/fall. At the time it felt like the hits were never going to stop coming, but I knew there had to be an end... eventually.

Well the last couple of weeks the tide has turned and things are looking up. We have hope again.

Last week we sold our house, less than 12 hours from posting on MLS to accepting an offer. (This may be a future blog post). And last night I had my interview for a position with the Innisfil Fire Department.

I was super nervous leading up to the interview. It's been nearly 4 years of trying to get on a volunteer department and I felt like this was my best chance. (Don't screw this up AJ) I shared this post from Jon Acuff yesterday because it resonated so deeply with me. It seemed to describe me and give me hope for what was to come.

As I made my way to the Innisfil Town Offices my phone kept dinging with texts from friends encouraging me and praying for me and my interview. It was quite overwhelming. I said a quick 'help me' prayer and made my way to the lobby where I took a seat next to a well-dressed guy named James. He was there to interview for a position as well. We chatted for a bit, wished each other luck and made our way into our respective interrogation interview rooms.

I walked into the room and as I passed threshold my nerves vanished. I took a seat in front of the 5-person panel and we were underway.

As they fired questions my way I found myself thinking "Oh, I have a story about how a situation in my life applies to that" and "I know the answer to that". I don't think I've ever participated in an interview like that before.

After my alloted 60 minutes had passed I shook hands with my interviewers and made my way out to my car. I looked down at my cell phone and there were more encouraging texts from family and friends. I started to cry.

At times I have felt alone in pursuit of this dream. Like a lone sailboat in rough seas. But last night I realized I have an army of family, friends and supporters behind me.

Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me through this journey. Crystal and Kai, my parents, siblings and in-laws.
Thank you Todd for the interview prep and coaching.
Thank you Marty, Julie, Brian, Hilary, Tim, Rosalyn, Linda, Dave, Barbara, Amanda, Dave, Kirk and everyone else who texted, prayed and offered encouragement. Your prayers really made a difference.

I can across this song while listening to WayFM, and it resonated with me at the time (and still does).

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S. but today I'm giving thanks for the people that God has placed in my life that stand beside and are on this journey with me.

I find out in a couple weeks if I 'passed' the interview, don't stop praying yet.

Favorite Things Friday - November 22

Good Reads
Take A Loss by Donald Miller
Finding Waldo from Slate
Permission To Play from Switch & Shift

Baseball Game


Hunger Games Parody


Domino Display


Cover Of A Rap Song


Gum Commercial

Favorite Things Friday - November 15

Good Reads
Is It Time To Quit? from Phil Cooke (or maybe not)
Sexy Christianity from Kyle Donn
Worst Advice In The World from Mike Rowe

Airline


Way To Eat An Apple


Display Of Athleticism


Talking To Animals


Audition Tape

Dinner Party

You're having a dinner party at your house and your dining room table seats 8 people. You're putting together your guest list, who's on it?

*Invitees have to be alive. And has to be people you’ve never met.*

Who’s getting the invites?

Here’s my eight:

1. Me (I'd hate to miss my own party)
2. Richard Branson
3. Scott Dinsmore
4. Bob Goff
5. JJ Abrams
6. Donald Miller
7. Seth Godin
8. Chris Guillebeau

Who's on your guest list?

Favorite Things Friday - November 8

Good Reads
Your Best Story from Jon Acuff
Turn Your Life Around from Dumb Little Man
Fear The Fear, Feel The Fear from Seth Godin

Church Campus


Real Life Superhero


Tour Of Eesti's Natural Beauty

Flying over Estonia with an octocopter from A&J on Vimeo.


Show Of Emotion


Recurring Prank

The Hawk In Paris

I stumbled on to a FANTASTIC album today.

The Hawk In Paris - Freaks

Go buy it. 

Seriously.

The Face Behind the Facade

Ever notice how certain themes tend to pop-up in life?
The same theme/topic comes up in multiple unrelated conversations over a number of days.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend on Saturday night. We were talking about why we enjoyed certain tv/radio shows, and we discovered we like shows that have flaws.
Shows that don't pretend to be awesome.
Shows that make mistakes and don't downplay their humanity.

The conversation soon moved on to something else, and I didn't give it much more thought.

Then yesterday a video showed up in my Facebook feed. It's an 11-minute film, based on 30 Seconds To Mars song "City Of Angels". I like 30 Seconds To Mars, so I decided to give it 12 minutes of my day.

As I sat and watched, I found myself getting emotional. I was moved.
Maybe it was the cinematography.
Maybe it was the music.
Maybe it was because it's California.
I think it was because of the interviews with LA residents.

There is something to be said for authenticity.
That's why my friend and I like those shows.
That's why this short film/music video moved me.
That's why baptism stories are so impactful.

The facade is torn down and we get to see imperfections. Scars. Hurts.

Imagine the impact we could have as the church if we stopped pretending we have it all together.
If we stopped hiding our scars.
If we stopped pretending we don't struggle with our faith.
If we were honest about who we really are.

After all, honesty is the best policy, right?

Here's the video.

*NOTE: There are a couple swears*

Favorite Things Friday - November 1

Good Reads
Why You Should Change the Story You’re Currently Living from Shauna Niequist
10 Reasons Why You Should Travel More and More Often from As We Travel
Major League Baseball Franchise Valuations from Bloomberg

Costume


Baseball Game


Focus Group


Marching Band


News Bloopers