Meandering Moose

You Are Witnesses Against Yourselves!

I’m sure you have hear it said, “people aren’t opposed to Jesus, but to the people who represent him”. The Christian church and it’s people are witnesses against ourselves. Each of us bears this responsibility.

“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” Joshua 24:22

The nation of Israel agreed with Joshua, but when they strayed away from God to follow after other gods, they judged themselves, by their own actions, as guilty of breaking the Law of God.

We have the same problem in the church today. There’s a word for Christians who say one thing and do another. The word is hypocrite. We need to walk, demonstrate and live out our beliefs and what Jesus taught us to do. Yes, of course I understand that we are still sinners and we will sin. BUT, we can’t let our sin be our main reference people have for us. That is what leads to this quote and others like it:

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Gandhi

The apostle Peter says, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation”. 1 Pet 2:11-12

Peter admonishes us to live for Christ in such a way that it would actually draw people to Christ. This is the exact opposite of what happened to Gandhi. Furthermore, this is the exact opposite of what happens so many times to people who are watching us as well.

It’s not so much that Christians have an image problem. It’s far more likely that we have an integrity problem. Carey Nieuwhof

Too many of those who claim to be Christians or Christ followers tend to be judgmental, hypocritical and cold or unfriendly. We do not reflect the unconditional love of Jesus. We judge ourselves by our actions of not doing what Jesus commanded us to do.

Matthew 22:35-40 sums it up nicely.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

You can’t judge someone and love them at the same time. Carey Nieuwhof

Whatever we believe, how we act will demonstrate it louder than our words. Don’t let your actions make you a witness against yourself.

World Adoption Day 2022

Today, November 9th is World Adoption Day. Most of you know that I am adopted. I was adopted at the age of 6 months into the Greenfield family. Since last year’s annual adoption day post:

Elaine and I met two of my birth siblings and their spouses in person in Alberta. The picture at right is me with Jill & Sam. Pretty strong genetics here.
Met with a group of cousins on my birth dad’s side in Calgary including the cousin who helped me discover my birth dad. Plus two recently returned from Scotland with pictures and info from family there. What a great night of discovery and sharing family history.
Met with a first cousin on my birth mom’s side.
Found more close cousins through Ancestry and connected with them online.
Found a 4th cousin at the end of my road (I know, it’s crazy right?)
Built my family tree up to over 17,000 people with lots of records and pictures.
Have become obsessed (Elaine’s word) with Ancestry and genealogy. That may not be just in the last year.
I have also connected more with my brothers through this journey.

There are lots of people I know that are adopted and recently discovered that Aaron Judge (Yankees baseball player in case you didn’t know) was adopted. Pretty cool.

I have been writing about adoption around the World Adoption Day for a few years now. If you want to read any of those other blogs, you can check them out on meanderingmoose.ca.

Check out www.worldadoptionday.org for more information.

The Start of a New Chapter

After my job at MBC came to an end last fall, I was uncertain of where God would lead me. I did not anticipate a change of industry from Christian camping to security and support work. God’s timing is not my timing. I went to MBC assuming that I could retire from there and finish my career in Christian camping. That was not to be. I had not expected to be looking for work at 58 years old or changing industries all together.

This time has given me time itself. Time to build projects for people. To help people. I have gotten things off the list that were there since we moved into the house 21 years ago. In the time I was given, I built a Murphy bed for my grandson, been rebuilding decks, helping others, cutting trees, built some planters, plus shelving and other projects at home (like the box at right in our sunroom).

I applied for a few positions, some camp, some not, but nothing worked out. The change really came when we started to pray differently. I credit my wife Elaine for this change. She (and I) started praying that God would have someone seek me out for the skills and experience I could offer their organization. Within a very short time that is exactly what happened. He worked for me a long while ago, so it seems turn about is fair play.

For those who don’t know, I have taken a position as General Manger of Unitas Community Health and Safety, a security and support company. Half time for now, with the goal of full time in January or sooner if it works out. I started on Tuesday, September 6th.

The Unitas mission is to offer safety and security staff to support social service facilities in the GTA & Hamilton. Unitas provides security, support staff, transportation services and personal support workers to agencies serving the community.

And Unitas achieves a ‘sense of place’ essential to a safe community. We work within our client’s mandate providing support and leverage for their mission. Our clients are often non profit organizations providing housing, health care and social programming. Collectively we focus on people facing issues of homelessness, mental health and addictions.

I don’t know the whole outcome yet, but I am trusting the One who does, even though I would prefer to have more details up front. The adventure continues.

Favourite Sounds I Miss From Camp

I haven’t been at camp this summer as my camp was closed and I am currently between opportunities. I recently saw a post in the Summer Camp Pros Facebook group that asked, “In the midst of summer, what is your favorite sound during camp?” I always loved sitting on the back deck of the Longhouse (the main building) overlooking the lower field and watching the campers run and play at various activities. Here are some of the sounds I have been missing this summer (in no particular order).

The sound of staff praying with and for each other at staff prayer at 7:00 am daily.
The sound of camper cheers in the dining hall (sometimes to the point of being deafening).
Campers and staff singing in chapel. And the Word of God being proclaimed.
Contently chattering of young voices when they are focused on a project.
The cheers during field or wide games.
Hearing “Moose” (my camp name) being called across a field or the Longhouse.
The sound of quiet after evening program.
The sound of rain approaching.
The crackle of a campfire and the cheers for an Elijah fire.
All the conversation, chatter and laughter during meals.
Campers and staff crying at the end of a session because they don’t want to leave camp.
Staff at the end of the summer telling they favourite stories and about what they learned over the summer.
The kitchen staff singing loudly songs from my generation while prepping meals or cleaning up.
The sounds of “Morning Monkeys” and “Words from the Tower”.
The sound of competition from the Gaga pit or 9 Square.
The whistle of the wind in the trees and the crunch of the maple and oak leaves underfoot in the fall.
The sound of talk going quiet when I walk into the room and knowing something is up.
The sound of one staff teaching another how to do something.
The planning for a good prank (approved of course).
The words I have said for years coming back to me from a staff member, like “we are one team!”.
The sound of the purple Widji front gate squeaking sound of metal on metal.
The air horn signaling a drill or an emergency.
The sound of the buses arriving… and leaving.
The whistle at the waterfront.
The shout as everyone charges the middle of the field for Widjiitiwin basketball.
Cabin cheers after dinner on Sunday nights.
Microphone check, response 1, 2; and repeat call to get everyone’s attention.

What would you add?

My Health Journey Continues

2022 started a new chapter in my health journey. Or maybe it’s a different continuation of an old path. I had an MRI of my head. One of the pictures is to the right. In brief, right eye problems, lots of tests including heart, an MRI, more doctors and I broke four vertebrae. More tests to follow…

Update 1 – January 11

I’ve been having trouble with clouding in my right eye since last Wednesday. Diagnosis from late Friday is non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. I need to see my GP for blood pressure and have my cholesterol checked.

Saw my family doctor on Monday morning. He needs more info from the optometrist before deciding the next move. Likely to see an ophthalmologist. My blood pressure was normal. All my other levels are fine. I’m not allowed to drive for now. More blood work was done Tuesday morning. Since I’m so good at waiting, this should be easy. Most of you will hear the sarcasm.

Update 2 – January 15

This has been a whirlwind week.
On Monday I saw my family doctor. More blood tests were ordered and all the results came back good. He put me on a daily aspirin and some cholesterol meds (I’m on the high end of normal).
On Thursday I had a follow up appt with my optometrist to redo the field test. My right eye was cloudier (aka worse). I get to keep my driver’s license (for now).
Friday morning he called and told me I had an appt with an ophthalmologist in Barrie at 10:30. It was 9:15. We made it. More eye tests. She says stoke is now ruled unlikely. MS is possible. She is thinking it’s optic neuritis. An MRI was ordered, but could take months. She also put me on a three day course of heavy steroids. Today is day one. I may not sleep much tonight.
Electrocardiogram is booked for next Friday
Heart monitor coming soon
Pray that my right eye will heal. Please pray that the MRI appt comes sooner than later. And that the doctors will figure out the root causes.

Update 3 – January 28

I had my MRI in Orillia last week and the results were back before my Wednesday appointment with the ophthalmologist. There is no further decline in my vision. I got to see the imaging which is very interesting. There is not enough evidence to say it is MS, though not ruled out exactly. The diagnosis is optic neuritis due to nerve inflammation. I have a follow up appointment with the optometrist for a vision field test mid February.

I had an ECG on Wednesday and most of it was good news. Very cool to watch the heart movements on the screen. I have a dilated coronary sinus persistent left superior vena cava. Yeah, I had to Google it too even after the doctor explained it. There is a CT scan with contrast dye in my future to look into this more. That’s it for now.

Update 4 – February 10

This week I had a CT scan with contrast dye. Weird feeling as the dye went through my body. The dilated coronary sinus persistent left superior vena cava is confirmed, but based on the imaging there is nothing to follow up on or worry about.

This afternoon I have a follow up field test for the vision in my right eye. The first one was January 7th and showed my left eye was missing the bottom section of vision. A week later it was worse. Today, I only have one small spot where I couldn’t see the flashing light. The Dr. gives the credit to the steroids. I include much prayer and give the credit to God. My right eye vision is not back to normal, but is improving. That’s it for now.

Update 5 – March 24

I saw a neurologist two weeks ago in search of more answers. She reviewed my MRI and took a thorough medical history with me including my newly learned biological family history. She thinks my double vision, foot and hand numbness and latest vision issue are all connected. Moving forward, she has ordered more blood tests looking to rule out Lupus (unlikely) and rheumatoid arthritis. She has also ordered a second MRI of my brain and a new one for my spinal cord.

Then I’m going for a nerve connection study. Hopefully we can find some answers. If we don’t find answers there, there is an option of a possible spinal tap as the fluid holds some key info. Now to wait for more tests and results.

Update 6 – August 2022

After 59 years I broke my first bone. Well, four actually (L1, L2, L3 and L4). Tuesday, August I fell off a ladder (about a 10-foot drop) while cutting a large tree limb. The limb came back, knocked the ladder and I fell to the ground. I don’t think I hit my head, but my back was, and is, in a lot of pain. I could not stand on my own. So, I went by ambulance to Bracebridge hospital. They did a spinal x-ray, plus a CT scan of head, neck and spine.

They found 4 fractured vertebrae in the lumbar region (picture above), fortunately not impinging the spinal cord. After a surgery/trauma consultation with doctors at St. Mike’s in Toronto, it was determined that no surgery was required. They say the fractures are very stable and are within a ligament, so no worry of them shifting. The next step was some pain meds and to see how well I could move. And I finally got to have some water. Two rounds of meds later, sitting up, then walking, they determined I was okay to go home. Fun fact, I set off the alarms for blood pressure, respiration (I was holding my breath during the pain) and heart rate.

I am feeling very blessed for God’s protection. And as my father-in-law would say, I was keeping my angel busy. Besides the fractured vertebrae, I have right side pain making deep breaths hard, bruised ribs and road rash. I’m on two overlapping pain meds and a muscle relaxant. Recovery is expected to be 6-8 weeks. Activity will be based on managing my pain level. Now four weeks later, I have more movement, am off the heavy meds and able to relax some more. Still no heavy work for a while.

My Adoption & Genealogy

Greenfield-Copeland Fan Chart In addition to birth siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and other relations, I discovered I am related to some famous cousins as I dig into a cool tool on familysearch.org. I have also discover that I have a 4th cousin 1x removed at the end of my own road and had no idea until her brother did a DNA test. It’s like a big puzzle to figure out the genealogy! (note: “x removed” means a different generation either before or after mine). And in the last week, I discovered more Purvis family living in Ontario.

Here are a few of my famous cousin discoveries:

Abraham Lincoln, US President, 8th cousin 4x removed
Agatha Christie, author, 10th cousin 2x removed
Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer, 6th cousin 2x removed
Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, 10th cousin (no, I am not in line for the throne)
Elvis Presley, musician, actor, 11th cousin
Franklin D Roosevelt, US President, 8th cousin 4x removed
Gordie Howe, hockey player, 12th cousin 1x removed
John F Kennedy, US President, 9th cousin 3x removed
John Wayne, actor, 7th cousin 1x removed
Marie Antionette, Queen of France, 7th cousin 7x removed
Mark Twain, author, 6th cousin 6x removed
Neil Armstrong, 1st man on moon, 12th cousin 2x removed
Orville & Wilbur Wright, airplane inventors, 7th cousin 4x removed
Samuel Morse, telegraph creator, 5th cousin 5x removed
Theodore Roosevelt, US President, 9th cousin 4x removed
Thomas Edison, inventor, 9th cousin 4x removed
Walt Disney, animator, producer & theme park guru, 7th cousin 2x removed
Winston Churchill, UK Prime Minister, 8th cousin 2x removed

It’s a very interesting journey!!

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.