Meandering Moose

Seeing Past the Curtain

When Elaine and I were in Alberta we, “by chance”, ran into Neil & Sharol Josephson at the Chateau Lake Louise when we decided to tour through the hotel. Or maybe it was a godwink (divine appointment). I worked with Neil and Sharol (with FamilyLife Canada) on the MBC Marriage Getaway retreat. We first met them at one of their retreats in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. In Alberta, we talked about the idea of not being able to see where God is leading us next. Sharol said it was like a curtain they couldn’t see past. My experience has been similar in this season between job opportunities. I cannot yet see where God is leading me next.

In my reading of Hebrews I read this passage the other day. The author is talking about The certainty of God’s promise when he writes in Hebrews 6:19-20, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek“.

Our church had a guest preacher, Justus Mawanda, from IN Network in Uganda (our church partners with IN to support the mission’s schools and orphanages). It felt like he was speaking right to me.

Jesus appears to us and speaks to us. Jesus uses questions to guide us. From the 40 days after the resurrection. Wherever Jesus appeared to people he was timely, had a purpose and a message. Sometimes He speaks through other people, pastors, parents, children, siblings, his Word, happenings, calamities (Covid), revelations and even dreams. Hera re a few examples.

- On the first Easter Sunday, He appeared to Mary, who was crying, depressed and confused in the garden. Jesus came to her. Go to my brothers and tell them. Is Jesus sending you to someone?
- In Luke 24:15-25; The two men on the road to Emmaus. Jesus came alongside them. What are you talking about? Today it is often covid or the weather, a job, your marriage, Ukraine, fuel & food prices. They invite him to sit with them. There are lots of things we talk about, but is it about Jesus?
- At the right time Jesus came to the disciples in the upper room, though the doors were locked. What are you scared of? What brings you fear. Jesus speaks, “peace be with you”. Jesus sends them out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- In John 20:24-29 Jesus came back to the upper room because Thomas wasn’t there the first time. Again he says peace be with you. He cares even for one person. To Thomas, and us, stop doubting and believe.
- Jesus comes to them at the sea of Galilee. Peter had persuaded them to go back to fishing. They caught nothing. They were tired, frustrated and hungry. At the right time Jesus came to them. He tells them to cast the net on the right side of the boat (could be right hand side or proper). In John 21:5, Jesus called them, and us, friends. Jesus may want you to change the way you do things. Are we, AM I, ready to change to follow Jesus?
- Jesus questions Peter, do you love me more than these? Do I love Jesus more than what he has blessed me with, maybe my ministries? Repeated 3 times. Jesus may be sending me out to someone or something different to feed his sheep.
- When Jesus comes there are three questions: Do I recognize him? Do I hear what he says? Do I obey when he speaks?

I felt quite reassured that whatever I may face, as it related to the curtain, that Jesus has gone before me. I wait upon His coming at the right time to show me my next step along in my work/ministry journey. Until then I am building decks for people and doing woodworking projects.

More to come soon on the next chapter in my journey.

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

Today, June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 in Canada. Learn reflect and engage awareness of the atrocities of the past, that linger. Pause today, it’s good medicine.

The Canadian Native Flag was designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Curtis Wilson. His design for the flag is meant to represent First Nations in Canada to the public. We hope this flag brings a better understanding of the First Nations of our country and a vision for a unified Canada that still revels in its diversity”.

Put in your postal code (or zip code) land.codeforanchorage.org for information on whose land you now reside on.

When I grew up we were not taught much if any of Indigenous history as it related to residential schools, the treaties or much of anything else. Learning of unmarked graves has brought it quickly to the forefront in the last few years. And yet, I don’t see very much action being taken by our governments to make things right. Some of the institutions involved have begun to make apologies to those who were affected over many generations.

As a white man, I am sorry for the many injustices that were done in the name of progress (Colonialism). And by churches in the name of Jesus. Jesus himself never would have treated any people like that and I’m sorry the church did.

We have lots we can learn from the teachings for our indigenous peoples. I really like the Seven Grandfathers teachings about wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth. It reminds me of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:20 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the cultural diversity of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by participating in the many activities happening across Canada!

Pro Life & Adoption

I struggled with whether to comment on the abortion issue in light of the supreme court in the USA getting ready to overturn Roe vs Wade. Plus all the attention it is getting in Canada and around the world, but I couldn’t stay quiet. I have a different view than most people. I could have been an abortion statistic. You see, I was one of those babies that my birth parents couldn’t take care of. A baby that might have been easier to get rid of. One was married at the time and went back to his wife. The other was a single woman away from most of her family in a big city. She kept me a secret ALL her life. She gave me life to be adopted by a couple who had just gone through a terrible still birth. There is more to consider than just the woman who is pregnant.

There are multiple millions of “me’s” that will never have the opportunity to live and grow up and make a difference in this crazy world. That causes me sorrow and heartache. They had a greater purpose to fulfill, but we’ll never know what it was to be. I don’t have all the answers, but I know it is bigger than just the right to abortion. Usually in society we stand up for the weak and vulnerable. Except in the case of abortion, where the person in control comes first. I struggle with that. I believe that each person is created in the image of God and are very precious in His sight.

Many will want argue with me about pregnancies’ that happen due to rape or incest and I don’t have a good answer for those women. My heart breaks for those women where violated like that.

Those not the vast majority of reasons for abortion. Most are out of a seemingly easy out of an unwanted pregnancy. I don’t think it’s easy and I’ve heard the emotional trauma can last for years.

Being pro life is about more than being opposed to abortion, It is also about being pro birth, pro adoption, pro fostering, pro parental leave, pro education, and more. Please help unwanted pregnancies end in birth and adoption. Hope those who need need more options will reach out to find them.

Having been given the gift of LIFE and being adopted, I grew up in a loving home and influenced many 1000’s of staff and campers through my work at summer camps.

NOTE: The adoption symbol above represents the 3 sides of every adoption and the love that binds them together. The Birth Family, the Adoptive Family and the Adoptee each make up one side of the triangle. The heart intertwining each side of the triangle represents the love involved in an adoption.

P.S. That adoption logo would make a great tattoo! Right forearm maybe…

Friends, Cousins, Sisters & Brothers, Oh My

Elaine and I made an 11 day whirlwind trip to Alberta at the beginning of April. From home to Kitchener to Calgary to Banff to Calgary to Fort Saskatewan to Edmonton to Calgary and back to Kitchener then home. Our rental car was a Dodge Charger, so the driving was fun.

The first weekend was with friends for the wedding of one of the 13 girls in our group of friends. The wedding was beautiful with the Rocky Mountains as their backdrop at the Banff Springs Hotel (like a castle really). We explored Lake Louise, the Chateau, Banff, shops, the Rimrock, the Banff gondola and Sulphur mountain and the Banff Springs hotel (like a castle). Great fellowship and lots good food of course.

Then we met with a group of my McDonald cousins related to my birth father’s family. Meeting new family and enjoying time with stories, pictures, a copy of my great grandfather’s passport, genealogy talk and more good food. I was completely welcomed as part of the family. What an amazing feeling!

Then we met April Osmond, a first cousin on my birth mom’s side, in the most Canadian place, Tim Horton’s of course. So nice to meet and be welcomed by more family. It’s way better than on video chats.

Then north to Fort Saskatewan to see Elaine’s sister Anne and her husband Jim for a few days. We hadn’t seen them in three years so it was wonderful to catch up and spend time together. Naturally we had to go to the West Edmonton Mall, enjoy some great food. Anne and Jim also welcomed my sister Jill and Jimmy to their home for an evening.

Finally to Edmonton to meet my birth siblings and their spouses on my birth mom’s side. Jill visited us in Muskoka last fall, but this was our first time to meet Jimmy, Sam, Doris and Rylan. It felt like meeting old friends as we have spent a couple years doing video chats. We took in some museums and enjoyed each others company. As you can see, the genetics are strong.

We also managed a side trip to High River (after Banff) to see some parts of the set for the CBC show Heartland! A walk around town included a picture in front of Maggie’s, lunch at Evelyn’s Café, a tour of the museum and more. We even found the ranch. Shhh!

We arrived home very early on April 12th and drove home after a slight sleep in. What an amazing trip.

Easter Weekend’s Silent Saturday

Good Friday proves the all out, stop at nothing, go all the way to death, unfaltering, persistent, inexhaustible, love of God for us.

Yet, sandwiched between the horror of Jesus’ crucifixion and the glory of His resurrection—between the sorrow of Friday and the celebration of Sunday—was “the silence of Saturday.” This was a day when the scripture and seemingly even the angels were silent.

I had never heard of “Silent Saturday” until a past staff posted it on her IG story. Check out this blog by Max Lucado. https://maxlucado.com/the-silence-of-saturday/

Jesus is silent on Saturday. The women have anointed his body and placed it in Joseph’s tomb. The cadaver of Christ is as mute as the stone which guards it. He spoke much on Friday. He will liberate the slaves of death on Sunday. But on Saturday, Jesus is silent. So is God. He made himself heard on Friday. He tore the curtains of the temple, opened the graves of the dead, rocked the earth, blocked the sun of the sky, and sacrificed the Son of Heaven. Earth heard much of God on Friday. Nothing on Saturday. Jesus is silent. God is silent. Saturday is silent. Max Lucado

The “Saturday of waiting” is between the crucifixion of Jesus on that Good Friday and his resurrection, where he conquered death on Easter Sunday.

It would was the Sabbath day for the disciples. The disciples would have been heart broken, sad for sure, a little depressed definitely, worried about what might happen to them, certainly. And I believe they didn’t really understand what Jesus had told them until His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

I imagine that, quite apart from their intense grief, it was a day of emotional exhaustion, mental disorientation, and social isolation. This makes sense after all that had transpired the day before. And, at this point, they didn’t know exactly what the day after would be like. What I do know is that they needed this day to stop and consider the three years leading to these significant events. They needed to search their hearts. They needed to trust in God’s greater plan. They needed a time of reprieve before their “mission” truly began on a whole new level. Lisa Elliott

What did a Sabbath day in Jesus day look like? A little research brought me this information.

The Friday evening service with a call to worship and prayers
The Shabbat dinner on Friday
Saturday morning has a service, then the Mussaf, an additional service that consists of repetition of other Shabbat liturgy. The festivals in commemoration of the additional sacrifices that were formerly offered in the Temple of Jerusalem (Numbers 28, 29). Shabbat ends with the Saturday Havdalah, a concluding service that takes place once the first three stars have appeared in the night sky. With blessings over lights, wine or grape juice, and spices, Havdalah is an inspiring way to end Shabbat and start the new week as a family.

And, where did Jesus go between the Cross and the resurrection? The Apostles’ Creed teaches us that He (Jesus) suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell.

Christ, in remaining dead for three days, experienced death as all humans do: his body remained in the grave, and his soul remained in the place of the [righteous] dead. He did not suffer there, but, remaining the incarnate Son, proclaimed the victory procured by his penal substitutionary death to all those in the place of the dead—fallen angels, the unrighteous dead, and the [Old Testament] saints. Christ’s descent is thus primary the beginning of his exaltation, not a continuation of his humiliation. (Emerson, 103)

Christ’s descent to the dead, rather than a doctrine that confuses or misleads, is a beautiful, hopeful, celebratory aspect of Christian theology. Matt Emerson. Read the rest of Matt’s article here; http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/preach-christ-descent-dead/

But most churches that believe in an actual descent of Jesus into hell do not see him going to hell for further suffering because Jesus declares on the cross, “It is finished.” Rather, he goes to hell to liberate those spirits who, from antiquity, have been held in prison. His task in hell then is one of triumph, liberating Old Testament saints. RC Sproul

On this “Silent Saturday” take some time to pause, wait and reflect. I like this quote by @redeemerctc. Teach us to wait well. When heaven feels silent. When hope seems lost. Teach us to rest in the awareness of You as the promise keeper. Help us as we reflect on how empty the world felt the Saturday after the crucifixion, remind us that even when we don’t know it, you are working still.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

Discovering My Roots – Ireland

As I have been tracking my family genealogy back to Scotland, England and Ireland. In the process, I’m discovering fun ways to say things as well as idioms or proverbs. We’ll start with Ireland. Irish proverbs or “seanfhocail” are generally clever and concise.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures. The Irish are known for having their priorities in order and a handle on what constitutes a happy life. In this case—and in every case, just about—that’s laughter and a lie-in.
That one suffers from a double dose of original sin. This is a clever, Biblical way of calling out someone who seems to be a natural-born troublemaker.
You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind. You can mentally plan out your to-do list all you like, but you won’t be able to check it off until you actually complete your tasks.
The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune. We just get better with age.
May the most you wish for be the least you get. An Irish blessing that means you want more for your friend than they even dream of for themselves.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead. This blessing hopes that you can outrun any ultimate punishment you’re due. It’s been shortened into the name of a movie and a song title, among other things.
Two people shorten the road. Every journey goes by faster if you have a little company.
Where the tongue slips, it speaks the truth. The things you say when you’re not monitoring your speech—especially about sensitive topics—are closer to your true feelings than the responses you planned.
A good word never broke a tooth. You don’t lose anything by being kind.

What Irish sayings or proverbs would you add?

Bridges Are About Connection

Bridges are about connection. They connect one side of a valley, river bed or even a chasm to the other. Often bridges go over a stream or river, train tracks, a road or path. Bridges are cool and made of so many materials. Some are just basic and functional. Many are elaborate, creative and beautiful.

By definition, a bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle without blocking the way underneath. It is constructed to providing passage over the obstacle, usually something difficult or impossible to cross without a bridge.

We talk about building bridges between people too. We will need to rebuild bridges between people after the last few years. We have just passed the two year anniversary of the pronouncement of the Covid pandemic. During those times we have seen family, friends, churches, companies, communities and countries divided over the many issues around the restrictions put in place by the various levels of government.

As we leave the pandemic restrictions behind, we will need to build new bridges or rebuild old broken bridges with friends, family, co-workers and the world at large.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. Proverbs 17:14
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

Have you burned any bridges in the past couple years? Now, today is the time to repair those relationships. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Have You Created a “To Whom” list?

We all have a “to do” list. You know, finish one task or job and by that time two, three or ten more items have been added to your list. Some by you, some by family or work or… I decided a long time ago that I am going to die with a to do list.

A new idea I picked up at a genealogy conference, is to create a “to whom” list in addition to my “to do” list. Who can I connect with today and how can I be a blessing to them? Find a way to be generous, kind, friendly, helpful, supportive, caring and empathetic.

Here are some suggestions for the whom on your “to whom” list:

A friend you haven’t seen or talked to in a while
A single mom
Seniors who are shut ins
Someone who has had a medical procedure, a new baby or been sick
If you need more people for your list, consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 where Jesus defines who our neighbour is.

And some ideas for what you can do for those on the “to whom” list:

Send a card, email, text, phone call or other message of encouragement.
Deliver them a ready to eat meal. Don’t forget dessert.
Take them out for coffee, tea or a meal
Pray for them and tell them you did
Drop off a prepaid gas or grocery card
Shovel a driveway or mow a lawn
Rake their yard in the fall
Practice the “one another passages” with the people around you.

No need to delay. Start your “to whom” list today.

Leaning into God

There once was an old deacon who always prayed, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.”

After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, “Well sir, you see, it’s like this… I got an old barn out back. It’s been there a long time. It’s withstood a lot of weather. It’s gone through a lot of storms, and it’s stood for many years. It’s still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn’t fall.

“Then I got to thinking ’bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been around a long time, I’ve withstood a lot of life’s storms, I’ve withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I’ve withstood a lot of hard times, and I’m still standing, too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leanin’ side, ’cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.”

BUT, how do I lean into God?

I’m reminded of two old songs with some great truth. The first is Put Your Hand In The Hand by Anne Murray and the second is He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands by Laurie London. I know that He’s got you and me in His hands. Knowing that God has the ability to calm the sea, raise the dead, turn water into wine and heal the sick and so much more, then I know he can handle what is going on in my life.

Faithfulness is an unfailing loyalty that is repeatedly demonstrated.

Even during the difficult times we must learn to trust in God. Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light!

Charles Spurgeon said, “I would sooner walk in the dark & hold hard to a promise of God, than to trust in the light of the brightest day that ever dawned”.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead. My Utmost for His Highest

Consider too the many hymns and songs about God’s faithfulness.

Great is Thy faithfulness. Thomas Obadiah Chisholm, William M. Runyan
Do It Again. Mack Brock, Travis Cottrell.
Yes And Amen. Chris Tomlin, Jesus Culture, Chris McClarney, Housefires.
Great Things. Citipointe Worship.
Faithfulness. Hillsong Worship.
Never Once. Matt Redman.
Faithful. Chris Tomlin.
Which song or hymn would you add?

Characteristics of Faithfulness

Loyalty
Trustworthiness
Steadfast Love
Patience
Commitment

From God’s perspective:

One of My names is Wonderful Counselor. I understand you far, far better than you understand yourself. So, come to Me with your problems and insecurities, seeking My counsel. In the Light of My loving Presence you can see yourself as you really are: radiantly lovely in My brilliant righteousness. Though My righteousness is perfect, you will continue to struggle with imperfections — yours and others’ — as long as you live in this world. Still, your standing with Me is secure. Nothing in all creation can separate you from My Love! **

A good counselor helps you recognize truth and live according to it. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. So be open and honest when you bring Me your concerns. Also, fill your mind and heart with My Word, which contains absolute truth. **

A wonderful counselor is not only extremely good at helping people but also able to inspire delight or pleasure. Delight yourself in Me, beloved, and I will give you the desires of your heart. **

Consider the following Bible verses; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 8:38–39; John 18:37; Psalm 37:4

Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee!

** Excerpt from and used with permission from Jesus Always, copyright by Sarah Young.

Always Faithful

Semper Fidelis, which is Latin for “Always Faithful,” or “Always Loyal”. It is the motto of the United States Marine Corps to God, Country & Corps. An eternal and collective commitment to the success of battles, the progress of the USA, and the steadfast loyalty to the fellow Marines they fight alongside.

“Semper Fi” (as it’s yelled, cheered, or used as a greeting) is not just a motto for the Marines; it’s a way of life and it embodies the Marine Corps’ forever commitment to both their fellow Marines and the United States.

Faithfulness is much more than a Marine Corp cheer or greeting, it is one of the greatest characteristics of our God. Consider the following verses. Whenever He makes a promise He keeps it. We see this theme over and over again throughout the Bible and each new story is just as amazing as the last. God was faithful then and He is faithful now.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Psalm 33:4 For the Word of the Lord is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Psalms 119:90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Romans 8: 38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23. Every morning God’s love, compassion and faithfulness arrives to comfort and guide us. He is faithful and always on time!

Genesis 24:26-27 “The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord and said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”

Psalm 25:8-10 “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.”

Psalm 26:1-3 “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.”

Psalm 31:3-5 “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”

Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”

Hebrews 2:17-18 “Therefore He (Jesus) had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Lean in to our faithful God!!