Swim the Distance, Make a Difference!

Another Good News worthy article found by my lovely wife who knows what I like to hear. What a wonderful account of a young person turning their perspective outward and reaching out to make a difference.

On the weekend of August 5th-7th, Rebekah Boscariol will be swimming across Lake Ontario.  This 51km marathon swim will take anywhere from 18-21 hours.  She will be swimming through frigid waters, waves and anything else mother nature throws at her.  Rebekah is doing this to raise money for the cardiac care section at SickKids Foundation in downtown Toronto for her little sister, Sophia.  Sophia was diagnosed with a heart disorder (hole-in-the-heart) as a baby and is now being treated at the Hospital for Sick Children.  SickKids has always been a big part of her family and community as she knows many people who have benefited from their amazing team.

To access pictures and find out more about this young lady please check out the Swim the Distance website.

Youths bask in accomplishments in Junior Blind Olympics

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Joseph Hanna's most

amazing accomplishment Saturday wasn't his

runaway victory in either the shot put or the long

jump.

It was shooting an arrow just six inches from a

bull's-eye in winning the archery competition.

Hanna, 20, of Sherman Oaks, literally could not

see the target into which he shot his arrow - the

Mission College student is blind.

"I've just never thought I should be defined or

limited by being visually impaired," Hanna said.

Read the entire article here.

Ever Changing your perception of the blind.

To those who are in continuous shock and awe over my wife and her skills as a blind person I would like to give you a new perspective. She is not the first, nor will she be the last blind individual that will want and lead a normal life. We all have greatness within us and talents which the Lord above has bestowed upon us. Here is a list of some of the more famous ones you probably already know. I urge you to help inspire and encourage them, especially the little ones.

http://www.tlrf.org/kids_resources_famouspeople.htm

Only blind climber to summit Everest. Another Great Acheivement

LEWISBURG, Pa. — Erik Weihenmayer, a mountain climber, author, filmmaker and humanitarian, who in 2001 became the only blind person in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest and has since completed his quest to ascend the highest peaks on all seven continents, has been selected as Bucknell University's 161st Commencement speaker. He will address the Class of 2011 at a ceremony on Sunday, May 22. || Bucknell to graduate 900 at Commencement
Read this inspiring story here.

It is time for many to change their perception of the blind. They are people too.

Many times I have said that we are all disabled and we all adapt to live and do what it is we do. Everyone has skills and here is another example.

Tara Miller, 39, may be legally blind, but she takes amazing photos.

And now her work is being recognized nationally. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) awarded her the grand prize in its Eye Remember national photography competition.

Read the whole article here.

Another Church Building Community

Once again I am impressed by another Scarborough Church and it's commitment to meet people needs on a personal level. This is the building block and the definition of community. Much like the Community Connections ministry at our Church APC, this initiative is tailored to the local community and serving them. This active of service is one of the core beliefs that I as a Christian deeply believe in. St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Go forth and spread the gospel, use words if necessary." The bible also states that we are to love one another, what clearer and truer way to show you care than to help your neighbours.

Powerlifter Jesso lifts not only weight but the perception of others

It is a common misconception that those with a disability are limited in their goals and achievements. I have long been aware that everyone is disabled in some way or another and that many people have ones that are hidden and not as evident as being blind. My wife is visually impaired and still to this day people ask me how she does the things she can do. My answer is always the same; just like you, her gifts skills and abilities are from the good Lord above. Below is an article I discovered in our local Scarborough Mirror of the same issue, I would like to point out that even the writer of the article has preconceived notions of the man in questions abilities as he mentions specifically that, "He was one of 14 competitors - All of them able-bodied". Why this is even mentioned is a sign that people find it hard to believe that the strongest man could be a blind man too.

Community Support

Epilepsy Awarness - Purple Day

More Community News

Reminder of Blessings

The daily bread verses speak into my heart today, which has been soften by the disaster in Japan. God's word has started to increase in volume.

Psalm 103:1-10 (King James Version)

 ¹Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

 ²Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

 ³Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

 ⁴Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

 ⁵Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

 ⁶The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

 ⁷He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

 ⁸The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

 ⁹He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

 ¹⁰He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Churches doing more than feeding the soul

Poem for my Sisters in Waiting

Posted in response to Hana Reids posting of "I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ www.youtube.com

I pen this poem for my single Sisters in Waiting,

Who are overcome by the men that they are anticipating.

I am a prime example of following the concept of “I will”,

Too concerned with my own heart and it’s lack of fill.

As a brother in Christ I feel I must warn,

That a soul mate is not found or chosen but born.

In my first sinful, selfish, wayward life,

I chose for myself my first wife.

In whom I lumped all of my happiness expectations,

A failure from the beginning with huge ramifications.

Not to say that she was bad or at fault,

But because the Lord was not involved it was like food with too much salt.

Life over time became tasteless and bland,

Our relations moved on to things I could no longer stand.

And until I had patched things up with God,

I was lost in a sea of loneliness, and feeling lower than sod.

But I came to my senses and my mind went to bright from dim,

That true love is not found in others, but in Christ alone and only in him.

For until I found and knew the source of all love,

I could not know; who am I, and his plan up above.

Integrated as a part of the body again, a guest at his table and feast,

Concerned no longer by my futile search for a bride and myself focus had ceased.

A grand gesture made the master of the great harvest and of life,

To me he gifted; Merna, my beautiful and adoring wife.

So to my sisters in waiting, for whom all I bless and pray,

Strive and live first for Christ, and he will surely order your life in the same way.

Audience

I think that it is very cool that my blog has reached people in very unusual places. See below for the stats.

Canada 270

United States 115

United Kingdom 5

Vietnam 5

Croatia 2

South Korea 1

Malaysia 1

Palestinian Territories 1

Russia 1

Singapore 1

What does God mean to me?

What does God mean to me?

Is a question that many a believer might run into, and one that some might not be brave enough to ask. So for those who are interested, here is my answer.

Christ is more than a forgiver of sins; he is a brother, a friend and an advocate.

Christ is more than just a sacrifice; he is compassionate, understanding and an advisor.

Christ is more than just a man of his word; he is THE WORD, THE WAY, THE LIFE and LIGHT unto the world and the only TURTH.

Christ is more than comfort; he is my strength, my compass and my guide.

Christ is more than religion; he is not found in routine, not found in a building or place, not confined by any constructs of man or mind, not restricted by statements of good deeds. He can be found mostly in the mundane, the daily grind, and the regularity of life. He is the God that appears in the darkest places, the most unlikely and dirty. He can be found with whom we think is insignificant, undeserving, that is who he is to me.

For you see he lives with in me a place that even I once tried to avoid. A place that once was as described above, dirty, dank, uninhabitable. But now through his word and love, a change has occurred. Since I have made Christ the ruler of the realm, a clean up has begun and ripples of change can be felt throughout the landscape of my heart and continue to emanate from within.

What does God mean to me?

He is LIFE. The best I could possible have. The happiest, most fulfilling experience possible. The greatest adventure I can imagine an unfathomable joy. The question should not be “What does he mean to me?” but “ What doesn’t he mean to me.”

More Good News

Feb 15, 2011

My Wife and some friends recently attended Global Kingdom Ministry's for a "Couples Night Out" www.couplesnightout.ca . This format of comedy and a message was a great blessing to us all and brought not only laughter but a better understanding to our relationships with one another. The music; provided by Greg Sczebel, was great and upbeat and we would recommend buying his CD. This is the second time the event has been produced and we will be keeping our eyes open to catch the next one. The last thing I wanted to mention is that they were working in connection with World Vision and seeking sponsorship for children in other parts of the world. Merna and I have recently add our name to the ranks of those who are willing to extend themselves to others who truly know what "need" means. We urge those who we know to do the same and visit their website to learn more.

Biblical Snack from Converge

More Good News

"In Love" What does it mean?

With Valentine Day quickly approaching I thought I would go to the source for a lesson on being "In Love". Here are a few interesting points I found on what God had to say.

Abide (In Love),
Walk (In Love),
Truth (In Love),
Togehter (In Love),
Esteem them very highly (In Love),
Fear (In Love),
Perfect (In Love),
Abound (In Love),
Dwelleth (In Love),

also interestingly;

Labour (of Love),
Bands (of Love),
God (of Love),
Comfort (of Love),
Manner (of Love),

and if we love God:

Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart Det 6:5
Walk in his ways.
Keep his commandments John 14:15
Serve him
Obey his voice, cleave unto him
Meditate on his law.

also

Love thy neighbour as thy self Lev 19:18, Matt 5:44, 22:37, Mark 12:30, 12:31,12:33, Luke 6:27, 6:35, 10:27

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.

Love coverth sins
Love is better than wine
Love is strong as death
Peace have they which love the law.
Ye that love the lord hate evil.

This is how they shall know you, that you love one another.

Feb 7, 2011

Psalms 100 - Truth & Hope for today

 ¹Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  ²Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  ³Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  ⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  ⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

More Good News

Jan 30, 2011

One of God's greatest blessings is Peace in the home. I thank God for the two Women I live with and ask the father for patience and understanding. May I uplift them both on this day. For a happy woman is more beautiful than any flower and a pleasant mood more fragrant.

Prayers Answered

I few people on my prayer list have improved health wise and one even came out of a coma. Praise God that where mans effort ends, God's endlessness begins.

Jan 27/11 - God is faithful to his word.

My warm shower was great this morning and for a moment I thought about how it was a blessing to have running water; and it is. But I wanted to remember blessings which would be able to comfort and speak to me all day everyday. So I listed the Sermon on the mount from:

Matthew 5:3-12 (King James Version)

 ³Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ⁴Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
 ⁵Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
 ⁶Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
 ⁷Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
 ⁸Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
 ⁹Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
 ¹⁰Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ¹¹Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
 ¹²Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Prodigal ED

You have probably all heard the story from the bible about the prodigal son. What you have not heard of is the one about prodigal ED. I write to you now with the hopes of lifting your spirit and encouraging you to keep praying for that family member or friend who you know needs God more than anything in the world. You know who I mean.

My story starts when I was 10 or 11 years old and my original conversion to the faith. I attended church regularly at Faith Baptist and was baptised shortly after my dedication to Christ. My whole family was involved with the church at that time, but as happens sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Well this one was a little bit bigger than I could handle at the time. Needless to say I turned my back on my parents, the church and God. As a young man I was very angry most of the time and often wondered why all this was happening to me.

For most of my teenage years I did what I thought was right and followed my own path. Smoking, drinking, cursing and hanging out with the wrong crowds. In to my twenties things became a little more intense with the partying and involvement into drugs. Even though it was experimental, it did lead to some rather poor choices and decisions. I eventually got out of that scene and lived what I thought was a "normal" life, I even got married, held down a regular job and thought that I was a "Good man". My attitude however was still unchanged, I even had a motto, "Everything I see before me is mine." Pretty catchy eh? I look back and laugh now, I guess that is what time does. It exposes the foolishness of the past. I don't think that there was a more self centered person on the planet.

Eventually that same attitude caught up with me and destroyed my life, my marriage and rocked my world. I was a mess, not sleeping, isolated, and even avoided by some. Just when I thought I was at the bottom of the pit, he found me again. Jesus came and lifted me up. It was as the story I mentioned earlier about the Prodigal son, the one which reflected the, I am going to go my way lifestyle I had adopted, which spoke to me. When I opened God's word again, it was louder than any friend or family member could have been. In that moment he broke and healed me. He told me he had always been there and that it was I that turned my back and not him. And that even if all else changed in my life he, my spiritual father would always be there no matter what.

Well I cried like a baby; you know, wept with joy. So I count my blessings and try to be thankful for everything I have in my new life.

Needless to say, since that day about 5 years ago he has been rebuilding me and I have a new saying, " I am under construction." So to those who know me I ask for patience during this transformation and understanding. For those who don't I hope that this will encourage you to continue to pray for that special someone.

Remember no one is ever to far from God.

Psalm 139:12-14 

Jan 26/11

Shared testimony's and words of encouragement are worth their weight in Gold and their effects cannot be counted.

I went out with APC's Community Connections bus group last night to distribute food. I tell you you could not have met a more down to Earth group and prime example of what godly women are like. Truly they are "Salt and Light" to the area. Faith in action is always awesome to see, what an encouragement. I would like to urge others to help this wonderful ministry; which works in association with the Daily bread food bank, by donating either your time of non-perishable food items. They make deliveries on Tuesday's and Thursdays and Pastor Jeff Hackett is the point man for this ministry.

Thoughts from the Psalms

God is not finished with you yet!

Boast in the Lord and Praise his name. It shall be remembered in all generations. God is the King of all the Earth, be still and know that he is God. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. Be warned when we die we carry nothing away and beauty shall consume in a grave. But I tell you rejoice and to change your perspective today, rather than looking inward, look out. Find true blessing by helping others today and let Christ live through you. No more happiness will you ever find, than doing what God intended you to do and be.

Good News

I thought it might be nice to share common blessings and Good News instead of the normal one side media bombardment. If anyone has something that is noteworthy please share it here. Thanks.

Jan 21/11

As they say good help is hard to find, so I am thankful to say Don the plumber I found is good help. I would recommend him in a heart beat. Here is his email donadamson@rogers.com and his card.

Jan 20/11

Recieved some orders today, but the best part was talking with a client about the Lord in times of need.

Jan 19/11

This is the initial post and may get a little long winded so I will try to narrow things down to the last week or two. On second thought, I am not going to keep it short. I will tell you exactly what God has done for me since the moment I rededicated my life to him.

Before; I was going through a divorce, in debt, experiencing insomnia, isolated and busy being self centered.

Once I realized that my life was not going as I had planned and that my motto "Everything I see before me is mine." was not working, I turned things back over to God. And let me tell you when you do that great things can happen. I don't just mean spiritually but in the physical world. He blessed me with a new wife, Merna. He pulled me out of enormous debt with a raise which was temporary but huge and lasted just long enough to wipe away my debts. My Omama was able to move in with me and we both benefited from the lower cost. I got married and now have more family to share my life with, I love my in laws dearly and the best thing of all is that they are Christians. My father has reconciled with all of his children and survived a heart attack. After much searching he provided our family with the perfect house in a wonderful location. I had the opportunity to meet more family on my Grandfather's side from Texas. And even though several members of my family pasted away since then, he has given me the strength and comfort that to be absent in the body is to be present with him. We attend a wonderful church called APC and I had the privilege last summer to go on a short term mission trip to Guatemala. During this years mission convention we were given the opportunity to sponsor our first child through ERDO and child care plus named "Mercy."  Converge a small group of young adults is who we enjoying hanging out with on Friday's and let me tell you we have never had so many great friends, what a blessing. This upcoming May we are going to be able to visit Israel the holy land as well as relatives in Ramallah. Coupled with that will be a short trip to Greece to visit more family. Not to mentioned all of the prayers he has answered for me personally concerning my family and wife that he has faithfully answered.
So to sum up I have a beautiful God fearing loving wife, a new church, new friends, a happier closer family, no debt, a good job, opportunities to serve in ministry, great memories had and to come, a chance to take a trip of a life time and walk where Jesus walked and a whole new life. Stay tuned because he blessing come daily and are rarely foreseen.