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Many books are written; many books are read. It is much rarer that a book is written that profoundly impacts its readers. “Jesus, My Father, the CIA, And Me” by Ian Morgan Cron is one such book. I finished reading it a week ago, have been telling people about it ever since, and plan on recommending it widely to friends and family in the weeks and months to come. A biography and testimony of man who desperately sought the love of his narcissistic, alcoholic father throughout his childhood, Ian’s story offers broad appeal to those who were raised through the 1960s and 1970s. It is really the story of two men: Ian’s father, a larger than life man who gained…

There is a profound moment in Jesus’ life. He exudes a crystal, clear understanding of his life priority. And he was only 12 years old. He had gone missing from his family after an annual Passover trip to Jerusalem. His parents initially didn’t think anything of it, believing he was with other family members in their caravan returning home. However when they didn’t find him with extended family they started to worry. Ever thought you’d lost your child? Anxiety. Panic. That's exactly what happens with Jesus’ family. They searched for five days before they found him. When they do his mother says to him, “Why did you treat us like this? We have been so worried!” He responds by matter-of-factly…

First, a little background… Chris and I were supposed to go to the U2 concert last year when it was scheduled to grace Edmonton with its presence on their worldwide 3-year tour. Sadly for Bono (and ticket buyers), Bono had to suddenly undergo back surgery resulting in the cancellation of the last few remaining stops on their tour - Edmonton being one of them. And while they did follow through on their promise to resume the tour once Bono was ‘back’ in the game, the timing failed to align with my now protruding and rather largely uncomfortable pregnant state – resulting in a very saddened disapproval of our floor tickets. Translation: I was unable to attend (cue the sad music).…

Being a part of Total Praise has allowed me the opportunity to experience something that I thought I might not get to again in my life.  I was in choir in high school, and was part of a small group of girls that went to elementary schools and sang.  For 35 years I’ve remembered the joy that the bond and relationships with the other singers brought to my life.  For the past few months, I have re-experienced that joy.  With Total Praise, the joy is much greater because our purpose each week as we practice and every time we perform is to offer our total praise, through our combined voices, to honor Jesus Christ. At first I felt very uncomfortable…

Boarding a plane to Zimbabwe for my first missions trip, I was headed to the Village of Hope in Harare and completely unaware of the lasting impact the trip would have on me. I always said I wasn’t the “missionary” type nor would I ever go to Africa – I imagine God laughed at me for years every time I said this, and he continues to laugh as Africa is now a priority in my life. While at the Village, I met two incredible kids: Gabriel and Pam. I was drawn instantly to Gabriel when I arrived as his joy, laugh, and infectious smile were irresistible. One afternoon, I peeked into Gabriel’s classroom where he whispered to me that he…

Unleashed is a re-release of McManus’ book, “The Barbarian Way.” BookSneeze® provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review. Reading the first few pages made me wonder if McManus’ observations on the contemporary Church had become the characterization of his own writing experience. “Unleashed” has a bit more “civilized” sounding approach to radical discipleship than the term “barbarian.” I developed a love-hate relationship with the rest of the book. I hated the idea that McManus felt that such a book needed to be written and loved the style and content of the book. The jury is still out for me on whether the church is actually “too civilized.” McManus uses a pretty wide brush to paint his…

I decided that for those who are just joining my journey now, I should write about my story and how I wound up in Haiti. So here goes nothing. Growing up in a Christian home, I went to church all the time and learned all of the Bible stories. I did Wee College, went to a Christian school, and did all the right things. By the time I was thirteen years old, my older sister went on her first missions trip with our church. When she returned, I listened to all the stories and experiences, and I decided that the next summer I would be on the team. I was at school the year after my sister’s trip, sitting in…

Slave Lake. Up until May 16th it was a name on a map for most people. Now its International news for the worst of reasons. On May 15th at 2PM residents were advised that fires in the area were no threat to the town. In fact, people from the surrounding area were being evacuated to Slave Lake. Everything changed by 9:30PM. An order was given to evacuate the town. Within those seven and one half hours life changed for thousands of people. For many, their worst fear descended upon them thicker than the gathering smoke from the fires. Just as quickly, within seven and one half hours, aid began pouring in to meet needs of the people of Slave Lake.…

This Sunday, MAY 15, 2011, at 7:30AM local time, Jocelyn and I take off on a 20.73km journey in the St. Albert inaugural Run Wild 1/2 Marathon.  We enjoy running, although some people think of it as "speed walking" when they see us training.  Our goal on Sunday is to finish what we started.  Time is not a factor.  Finishing is.  We are of the mind that "slow and steady wins the race."  I think of Christianity in the same way.  Our faith journey is a a marathon, not a sprint.  Its not about speed but stamina.  Its about finishing well.  Faith is a marathon of hope.  When I run, I think that one day...maybe soon...NP will host a "2km,…

When you come for a visit to my office you get the impression I kinda like Coke.  My shelves are lined with cans, bottles and mementos from around the world.  People know I am a collector and bring items from their travels for my collection.  Each item becomes a conversation starter.  Coca-Cola is 125 years old this week.  There is a huge birthday celebration planned in Atlanta at Coca-Cola's head office.  I like the vision they cast about their product - "delivering happiness."  Sounds a bit grandiose but I like it.  Coca-Cola is in more countries than any other product, except the Bible.  It has the greatest brand recognition, except for the cross.  My collection reminds me each day that…