nuff wit da lies already...thanks for poppin' in 4 some truth

 Greetings to All...

 

even those who reluctantly feel as though praise may not be warrented for the end of summer, well I've got newz for you - praise is always due!!! Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lordat all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

 

I guess the hight of my summers events would be once again the very scenic and beautifully filled wonder of driving from Toronto to Sept-Iles (my hometown place of birth). Although many times before and many more to come Lord willing, the drive for the most part amazes and fills the eye with natural beauty in abundance, this time however I was shocked by a mammoth Hump-Back Whale coming out of the waters of the powerful Saint Laurence River at Tadousac (for those who don't know the area, it is the place where most Baluga and Hump-Backs visit in summer to play and mate) AWESOME experience!!! As I noticed the huge fin of this gigantic whale expose itself to my infinately limited understanding of just how beautiful my God is and to what extent He placed His beauty all around me, I had to scream to my nephew Levi (8) "look Levi a whale....look...!!!!) Levi saw it he and I shared in this momment the truth and beauty of what God was, is and always will be capable of....blowing our minds with His GREATNESS!!!

 

Unfortunately, my testimony wasn't all I prayed it would be - going back home often opens doors to drinking far too much beer with childhood friends whom amoungnst others may even own bars and dinner clubs and bistro's....I know not the best place to fellowship, you have to understand that just not long ago I was considering not even returning to church.

 

On my own strength for those of you who know me certainly could testify to the fact that I have attempted as a limitless Spartan - to control and command the outcome and destiny of my ultimate timing and course....HA!HA!HA! boy was ever sadly mistaken!!! Once again, pride as in times of old upon so many others before me - attempted to seduce me by promises of grandure and glory. God's got a way of getting attention divided against His ultimate goal\purpose for our lives, fighting it only makes the fall to recollection and admitance upon our knees that much more painfull!!!

 

Returning from vacation I decided to give God another chance - as though He even needed it or cared to know that I was granting Him one. In my arrogance He got His way once again as before, bringing me to my knees where I belong - bowed to His Majesty and Grace towards me.

 

Anyway, right now He's got me doing some contract painting and construction work for a fellow Christian contractor in Toronto....awesome pay once again....great hours....and plus I get to listen to Starship and Casting Crowns all day....just waiting to spring my P.O.D. Greatest Hits on him - that otta seperate the men from the boys.  

 

So here it is the point of all this...and you sorta were thinking that there was none.....remember dear one's we're in a race...to win....I for one wasted enough time already in my life...I try to do all things considering purpose.

 

In the 'PAINTING INDUSTRY' we say after putting a coat of paint on the wall...."so how does it cover?") Coverage is very important, when a paint covers well....you have less work....when it doesn't you have more....sometimes you may even have to go back to the decorator or store for follow-up color consulting. So, the other day when John asked me...."hey, Ken - how's the paint covering...?" I began wondering about how truely complete Christ's sacrifice upon the cross was and how perfectly we who know Him as Lord and saviour are covered/forgiven for the past color we were.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 How y'all been? Enjoying summer/winter, depending on which hemisphere your in?

 

 

O.K. well for the momment I'll keep it short. Sufficice to say that once again I have fallen into the world and it's vices and have once again need of devine intervention and guidance - prayers are currently being accepted as well.

 

Finished my prayer class at Toronto Baptist Seminary in April with great marks, at which point I was responsible for running the students kitchen including purchasing and meal prep. twice daily Mon.-Fri. an opportunity I will never forget  and that I am eternally greatful.

 

Ever feel as though something is too good for you? No? Well, I do. From time to time I feel as though someone, something, some cicumstance is too far above - that I don't belong there. ( If this seem's a wee bit Dr. Phil-ish, perhaps that's the whole point?)

 

It's sad that these days we say one thing and do another. On one hand we want to open ourselves to the outside and show the real us, 'getting real' as they say, you hear it all the time. Well, here's our chance lelt's get real with each other comments and questions may be posted with permission (of course).

 

Around the time I finished my T.B.S. seminary class I was at church one Sunday mornig listening to a surmon on noticing our neighbour and their needs, do we or don't we...how much do we care or take the time to even consider 'care' & 'care for others' an valid option?

 

Everyone sitting smug and pleasant, agreeing that care must be shown and demonstrated to even reflect the mere resemblance of Christianity - never mind Christ-likeness. Only recently did I realize the impact this would have upon my life and the course it would take due to this. Message done and over, time to smile and shake hands, I made my way up from the pew I was sitting in to get out and participate in the event. To my sudden dismay and utter disturbance, I was to encounter the tears of a dear new friend who was passionately crying upon her pink Holy Bible. Amoung the followers of this great book surely someone would be aware and notice the beautiful young woman in obvious distress. What followed was nothing short of a miracle...one of those momments you know can only be from God Himself - a great big eye-opener. I walked over to her a found out that times were tough and that something inside her needed out, but also needed someone to pay attention and listen. I ended-up, throughout the pastors and youth pastors, asst' pastors and youth workers (both social & private) being the only one to notice. My question now is who realy cares...your probably saying the same?  But for some reason at that exact momment in time, God allowed me to experience that momment and have this to reflect on due to it.

 

I was told once or twice that God allowed me to see, feel, touch and smell - only to require of me later an understanding and sensitivity unlike many. Lord your LOVE is so perfect, your will JUST! ONE WAY, so winding and mysterious - but always absolutely perfect!

 

This space had for purpose to excite & challenge the possible world viers aroound me - it still does.

 

So what about the girl, the one crying in church passed by 400 or so members of Christianity? Well, we still talk from time to time. Our walk is pretty well the same always up and down. So here's what I want to do. In dedication to that day, that day of truethful reflection of my Christian Generation - I invite questions on day to day life, notices, happenings and concerns. What's everyone talking about, thinking about? Do you want to share your feelings on any thing current and shocking perhaps?

 

On behalf of someone far too sensitive & too often seriously contemplating the toughness that clouds sane judgment, consider yourselves all invited to an open line a place to create awareness.

 

My personnal past 20 years or so, being involved with everything from expense accounts at fine clothing stores & modeling, golf & country club memberships, down-hill skiing, traveling, university education and drug dealing, prostitution, jail, and attempted executions - I hereby offer an open ear to the world around me.

 

Sometimes it's better to try and fail & learn in the process - than do nothing at all.

 

I'm reading about how Joseph told Pharoh the power in him was not his own, deciphering dreams and being able to give accurate account of them was not his doing but the power of God in him,.

 

Some of us need to be gently reminded of the power in us and who we are, who we are supposed to serve and who will ultimately judge us (yes, judge us) in the end for work completed or not?

 

Anyone intersted in contributing to a newz ltr. / mini-mag. please feel free to contact me about it. I am seriously considering including a church rating system.....how do churches in our communities receive others and their direct communities? Do they messure up to the biblical standards they should or are they simply social clubs where smiley people gather fom time to time?

 

Real Issues, Real People, Divine Solutions - Heart Knocks Newz

Christian thinking Out-Side the Box

 

 

You'd think that by now...after 2 years of cooking with and for these people I would have said something? Out of the Cold...what is it? Well, for one we are not part of the National Program....governed and directed by anyone else. Nope! The Out of the Cold at Calvary Church Toronto is an entity upon itself...except of course God and the budget our church - Calvary gives us each week.

 

You know...when I get a thumbs up from a homeless person for the food I cooked, for the soup, spaghetti, sauce, stew or my famous 'French Green Pea Soup' I feel like a million bucks!!! It's the best feeling in the world...cleaning-up after a long day....the last to leave an empty gym....that hours before was home to 40-60 hungry, needy people - knowing you did something that matters. Sure taking a bath and brushing your teeth feels great, but nothing compares to seeing the thankfull eyes of those who truely need a warm meal.

 

Lord, I know you don't even need to use me - the universe is at your disposal!

Thanks for allowing me to be a small part of something so HUGE!!!

You Lord are greater....far greater than I will ever know.

Earnestly I must seek you every day....simply to keep my own head above the encompassing waters ever so close to claiming me.

In your greatness and Mercy you reach down and provide what I need to make it through once again.

Thanks, thanks for looking favourablly upon me and allowing me to in-turn pass-on the light you've shone upon my path.

Please Lord allow me to continue to serve, give me strength in times of need...mercy in my darkest hour.

 

In Christs' Wonderfull name -   Amen.

Hey, here I am again. I know…I know it’s been a long…long…time since I last posted a piece. Sorry, been busy with stuff. You know, like everyone else…..no not lazy, just busy. Lazy? I am usually up at 4:30 a.m. or 5:30 a.m. when I can afford to be lazy. It’s just part of this discipline thing I impose upon myself for success reasons. Years ago when I was researching successful person’s biographies I noticed that most had one thing in common, they all were early risers. Besides a very close family friend who is co-founder of an Int’l. Church planting & training ministry once told me, “ Ken if you want to be successful, you need to get an early start.” I figure he knew first hand what he was talking about regarding this matter. He told me that he had successfully obtained a Masters degree while rising early in the morning before his wife and children were up needing his undivided attention. So, here I am…years later pursuing this matinee  exercise.

            Recently, I have been going through some pretty impressive stuff with regards to sensitivity and awareness. Ever get that? Switchfoot says in one of their songs “Maybe we were living with are eyes half open?” I sure feel as though for many years the not so perfect, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT distractions of this world kept me busy just long enough to waste another day. Funny thing is,  that days become weeks….become months….become years.

            I live VERY close to a Tim Horton’s and for those of you who live in Canada(what’s left of it…after Tim Horton’s moves in and puts another doughnut/coffee shop up) know that they seem to be filled with missed my boat….sure wish I would a….darn I know I should a…..people filled with regret. All there’s left to do now is complain about the weather and things they can’t change. That my dear friends is scary!!! More scary even yet than the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” to me would be to be sitting around retired in a couple….way more couple years….and saying things like….. “Yup Bob, I sure wish I had gone to….when I had the chance,” or “Darn I wish I had gone and married that girl when I had the chance…” Ever hear any of that lingo? Of course you have and it isn’t the last time or over yet. The World is filled with broken dreams and regret.

            As scary as this may seem….and it is believe me! I recently completely & fully decided to voluntarily abandon myself in the more than qualified capable hands of my Savior Jesus Christ. What does this mean? Well, for one….I have to consult more often and refer to the real boss…my stage manager…God. After all, if I believe in Him and believe He created this planet and all its “THINGS….” I have to believe that He is my stage manager. Seeing all and being able to fore-tell an event would be exactly what a stage managers job would consist of, would it not? It’s so easy to get caught-up in stuff…sticks….the rough(for golf players) you know the distractions. Instead of getting stuck, committing to the Lord and wanting to consult with the Greatest Stage Manager the world has to offer, why not blindly follow someone who can make earth, wind & fire? Someone who can replenish the seas and bring seasons to pass, sounds like someone I want in charge of my ultimate destiny or world role (if you still want to consider Him as a stage manager?)

            The Bible or Word of God as some refer to it, says that the Lord knew us before we were even created. He created us with gender & personal specific talents. Each one of us has a gift or two that makes us stand out, something we are capable of doing better than others. Whether it is drawing for some, singing, cooking, being funny for others, we all have some sort of special talent that makes us stand-out. The difference between success and failure is realizing this and doing something about it before it’s too late!

            In my case, distractions were a bit more severe and possibly dangerous or  more damaging than others. I believe that at the root/core of all this “Distraction=Attraction” lies a fair amount of pride and stubbornness. Wanting to do everything for ourselves and thinking we can do it better than the next guy, isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. Our curse began with the “enemy” satan wanting to do better…or thinking he was near as good as was his Master (boss) God. Wrong! No one is as good or able to go it alone. Our bodies need food. Cars need a motor. Plants and vegetation need nutrients and water to grow. We my friends are in need of a plan…a Master Planner or Stage Manager if you will in order to be successful.

            It’s easy to walk away from this idea and pretend that we know better or this doesn’t in any way apply to us. Be assured it absolutely does apply! We fail to live up to God’s standards, we are all guilty of what the Bible calls sin. Sin my friend’s separates us from our creator, the Great Stage Manager if you will.

 

“Light came into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light.” John 3:19

 

“I am the way the truth & the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

“Whoever hears my word & believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

 

So there, now you know. You can’t say I didn’t tell you so. We all have choices my friends. We can choose to eat or not eat, we can choose to drive or walk. One thing is for sure, an absolute is final! There is no way of negotiating with an absolute, it just is. Pretending to ignore or brush aside something doesn’t take away its absolute quality of being; it still and always will ring true – no matter what.

            What we choose to do about those absolutes will decide whether we keep being lazy and wasting time filling it with “imperfect/perfect” distractions only to end-up in a coffee shop late in life complaining about the weather and other things we can’t change.

 

Kind of makes you think twice about the old saying – “ Wake-up and smell the coffee?”

 

“God makes us ready for heaven-makes us right in God’s sight-when we put our faith & trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.” But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, evil men who push away the truth from them. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively, God has put this knowledge in their hearts. Since earliest times men have seen the earth and skies and all God made, and having known of His existence and great eternal power . So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day.

 Yes, they knew about Him all right, but wouldn’t admit it or worship Him or even thank Him for all His daily care. And after a while they began to think up silly ideas of what God was like and what He wanted them to do. The result was that their foolish minds became dark & confused. Claiming themselves to be wise without God they became utter fools instead. And then instead of worshipping the glorious, ever-living God, they took wood and stone and made idols for themselves, carving them to look like mere birds and animals & snakes and puny men.

 So God let them go ahead into every kind of sex sin, and do whatever they wanted to do-yes, vile and sinful things with each other’s bodies. Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they prayed to the things God made, but wouldn’t obey the blessed God who made these things.

That is why God let go of them and let them do all these evil things, so that even their women turned against God’s natural plan for them and indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having a normal sex relationship with women, burned with lust for each other, men doing shameful things with other men and, as a result, getting paid within their own souls with the penalty they so richly deserved.

So it was that when they gave God up and would not even acknowledge Him, God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness & sin, of greed, and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip. They were backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud braggarts, always thinking of new ways of sinning and continually being disobedient to their parents.

They tried to misunderstand, broke their promises and were heartless-without pity. They were fully aware of God’s death penalty for these crimes, yet they went right ahead and did them anyway, and encouraged others to do so as well.”

 

- Living Bible Translation – Romans chapter 1 verses 17 to 32.

 

- Special thanks also goes out to "The Pocket Testament League of Canada"

 

My name is Cocaine - call me coke for short.

I entered this country without a passport.

Ever since then I've made lots of scum rich.

Some have been murdered & found in a ditch.

I'm more valued than diamonds, more treasured than gold.

Use me just once and you too will be sold.

 

I'll make a schoolboy forget his books,

I'll make a beauty queen forget her looks.

I'll take a renowned speaker and make him a bore,

I'll take your mother and make her a whore.

I'll make a school teacher forget how to teach,

I'll make a preacher not want to preach.

I'll take all your rent money and you'll be evicted.

I'll murder your babies or they'll be born addicted.

I'll make you rob, and steal & kill,

When your under my power,

You have no will.

 

Remember, my friend, my name is 'BIG C,'

If you try me once you may never be free.

 

I've destroyed actors, politicians and many a hero.

I've decreased bank accounts from millions to zero.

I make shooting and stabbing a common affair.

Once I take charge, you won't have a prayer.

Now that you know me, what will you do?

You'll have to decide, it's all up to you.

The day you agree to sit in my saddle,

The decision is one that no one can straddle.

Listen to me, and please listen well,

When you ride with cocaine you are headed for HELL.

 

Author Unknown -

 

"A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."