Good Tunes

Ok..so part 3 of the hockey man might take awhile. I have much work to do with exams coming up next week. Instead, why don't I post some great music suggestions? I've been experiencing a musical renaissance of sorts lately. And while I could always just tell you about it, I'd really rather people just check it out for themselves. Trust me, you won't soon forget it.

1. Sarah Harmer-I'm a Mountain
Nat says: Great for dinner, evening drives, barn dancing etc.

2.East Mountain South-East Mountain South
Nat says: Putting on my skivies/ Walking to work music.

3.Ray Lamontagne-Trouble
Nat says: Tell someone you love them with this one playing in the background.

4.Death Cab For Cutie-Transatlanticism
Nat says: ALERT!...Will make you think about your life! This might make you sad..maybe happy. Its great though.

5.The Weakerthans-Left and Leaving
Nat says: This one does something to the air.

The Hockey Man - Part 2

Knowing full well that winter was on its way, and that tennis balls are hard to see in yellow snow, the Hockey Man decided he needed some conditioning before the big game. So he summoned up his team mates for some late night drills. But things went awry. Everyone turned up, all except for one essential person: the goalie.

Ginger Johanessborgen was no ordinary goalie. She was extremely nimble, and would often astound opponents with her quick reflexes and rapid-eye-movement. Her father was the infamous Jack Bequick, not to be confused with his brother Jack Benimble who was killed in a risky candle jumping operation.

The Ugly Herons, (this is what they called themselves), had never lost a game with her in goal, nor did they have a replacement. And thus a seed of doubt was sown deep inside the pancreas of the Hockey Man, and as he clutched his side in annoyance he cried:
"Pray what has become of Ginger?"
"You know full well the price of the task before you." came a menacing voice, made stronger on the quickening wind. "The road to a woman's heart is paved with treachery and wierdness, and only the bravest souls should ever venture there."
"That doesn't make any sense!!" Yelled the Hockey Man, teetering on the edge of insantity. "Show yourself or at least yell from behind that blue zambonie."

From behind the blue zambonie, wrapped violently in snow and winter's frosty breath, stepped a man. He was not a large man, for he stood but four feet off the ground. He wore red and green flannel, and on his feet were tied old leather boots. He had a long white, snow encrusted beard, through which his strong yet humble smile was seen. His face was tired, but his eyes were alive with a kind and steady power.

Jeremiah Johnson was well known in those parts. He was a mystery. A legend. He kept to himself for the most part, but was rumoured to appear occasionaly. It was whispered that he loved watching the odd hockey game, from a distance, behind pine trees, zambonies, cows, or taller/fatter people.

"She's gone lad...gone because she loves you... and you don't love anything but hockey. She's gone to find a Hockey Man that knows her needs as a woman...and as a goalie damn it!... As a goalie."
Deeply distressed, the Hockey Man cried:
"What must I do? WHAT MUST I DO!!! Oh why must I endure the winter's icy scorn?!"
"You must go after her lad." said Jeremiah Johnson in a comforting tone. "You must win her love and then, only then, will you be ready to face your destiny."
"But how? I am but a poor Hockey Boy in a great big hockey world."
The Hockey Man sunk to the ice and wept. But reaching down a helping hand, the old man whispered as he disappeared among the trees:
"That's hockey man son, ...hockey man."
To be continued...

We Must Think Rightly of God

Here is a picture of me looking pensive. I do that sometimes because there is so much to be pensive about. At this particular moment I was thinking about something awesome I read. Here it is:

"It is not a cheerful thought that millions of us who live in a land of Bibles, who belong to churches and labour to promote the Christian religion, may yet pass our whole life on earth without once having thought or tried to think seriously about the Being of God. Few of us have let our hearts gaze in wonder at the I AM." -A.W. Tozer

I had been reading "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer. In this book he comments on a few of the many attributes of God. The book can basically be divided in two. The first part explains attributes that belonging solely to God, like his self-sufficiency and his eternal being. The second half is regarding those attributes God shares with his people. These include love, grace, and mercy. For anyone who wants to read a book that speaks of undeniable truth and revelation, I would recommend this one. Tozer's writing has an essential and poetic quality. He says what needs to be said and does it well. Clearly the man knew a closeness with God that so many of us desire. He puts Christianity into perspective by putting Christ at its centre...where he should be. He argues that we don't "think rightly of God", that his awesome and eternal quality is lost in our vanity and managing of life. He writes:

"..we harness the mighty energy that rushes through our world; we subject it to fingertip control in our cars and kitchens; we make it work for us like Aladdin's Jinn, but still we do not know what it is. Secularism, materialism, and the intrusive presence of things have put out the light in our souls and turned us into a generation of zombies. We cover our deep ignorance with words, but we are ashamed to wonder, we are afraid to whisper 'mystery'."

Think about that one. Read it twice if you have to. Do we give God the place in our thinking that he requires? Do we downplay his attributes by seeing him like we'd like to see ourselves? I'd like to hear your comments. Try to include a pensive looking photo of you as well.

The Hockey Man - Part 1

Once upon a time, there lived a man. He wasn't just any man. He was a hockey player. He loved hockey so much and was so good at it that sometimes he would want to marry it. But some people hated him because he was so fast and so strong. They wanted hockey for themselves and always picked the Hockey man last. George Bush was one of those people. One day he picked up his yellow phone and said,
"I hate that hockey player man. He scores all the goals and gets all the hockey moms. Let us hold a tournament to decide once and for all who is the coolest one."

And so the word went out into all the land. People everywhere were talking a lot about the big game. Some said,
"The hockey man can't win this time, his legs are too short."
Others claimed,
"This can only end in some kind of cataclysmic explosion. We should stock up on batteries."
But the hockey man didn't lose hope. He practiced every day and kept careful stock of his carb, coffee, and enthusiasm levels. He knew that as long as he was wearing his red toque, he could score many goals, and still get all the hockey moms.
But little did he know, his greatest challenge was still ahead.

To be continued.....

Ode to Sweater

A wise man once told me that "..he who wants friends must himself be friendly." I'm not sure how this relates to sweaters except that sweaters have been very friendly to me in recent years. So a few weeks back, I decided to write a little tribute to my wooly friends. Since winter is on its way, I thought this was more than appropriate. The first bit is mine, and thanks goes out to Patty for writing the second half. You can tell because hers is more sillyer. Sillier? Sill-y-or? This is why I write blogs. No one marks my spelling.


So the weather is nippy,
and the air is quite brisk.
Its a good thing that I've
got my new Coldplay disc.

But the temp. is just perfect
on this cool autumn's day,
for a close knit wool sweater
to keep goosebumps at bay.

Go with checkers or argyle,
go with plaid or with fleece.
Hockey players love sweaters.
Just ask Wayne or Maurice.

I love second hand sweaters,
all that I can afford.
I love combos with old jeans,
and with brown or blue cords.


Oh, Sweater, how I love thee,
your warm and wooly threads,
your vast array of patterns,
your yellows, blues, and reds.

I keep you in a special place,
an antique oak-wood box.
I love to open up the lid
and see you 'top the frocks.

You stay there when the weather's warm,
(anything above plus ten)
and all the while I yarn (^-^) for the day
when we can cuddle again.

I know one day, far far from now
you'll be old and in shreds,
but fear not, swell Sweater, because on that day,
I'll weave you into my dreads.

Canadian Autumn

Last week some friends, family and I hiked up to High Falls. Boy oh boy. The falls were sure high. Seriously though, nothing compares to the colours of a Canadian Autumn. It was beautiful. Oh and by the way, that second photo is of me and my patented wiener cross. It satisfies my God-like hunger, keeps vampires away, and is by far the holiest way to cook tube-form meats.

Peter is Your Name

I was reading through some old notes and came across these verses in Matthew:
Now when Jesus came to the district of Ceasarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the son of man is?" They told him, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, other Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "And who do you say I am?" So Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." Jesus answered him, "You are a blessed man, Simon Barjona, for it was my father in heaven, not flesh and blood, that revealed this to you. Now I tell you, Peter is your name, and on this rock I will build my church; the power of hell shall not succeed against it. I will give you the keys of the realm of heaven." (Matt.16:13-19)
Peter had a revelation. He didn't answer Jesus based on a hunch, he wasn't looking for a promotion. Jesus said, "..it was my father in heaven, not flesh and blood, that revealed this to you." The more I read this, the more I am convinced that God wants to reveal to us the truth about himself. By this I mean the truth about his love, about his son, about his world, about his promises, about his provision, about his order, and about his purposes. God wants a people who seek the truth as well. How can we understand our God if we're looking every place but at him? There are many distractions in our lives but only one path leads to life. I suggest we ask God for wisdom, for revelation. He can help us put everything in perspective. Only then can we see the big picture.
Tony Ling once pointed out that Peter didn't know who he was until he found out who Jesus was. This is also true for all of us. In Christ we have the promise of fullness of life. But only in Christ. My understanding of myself, my plan, my identity, my agenda can only take me so far. Christ died so that we could live. But this can only take place once we have also died, once we stop living in us and start living in him. Peter saw Jesus for who he really was. He saw him as lord, as king, as "..the Christ, the son of the living God." For Peter, this was a moment of truth. A moment where he ceased viewing the world through dead eyes. Instead, his eyes were open to the wonderful truth of the plan and purpose of God. I wouldn't mind a little revelation myself. You?

Outlaw Sighting

For those of you that aren't aware, Peterborough is more than just a hockey and college town. It is also known for its many cowboys and outlaws. Each night the dirt roads and saloons are teaming with sleazy, low life scoundrels just searching for trouble. Outlaws love whiskey. They also love bandanas, honda civics, fast times, and faster women. An outlaw could kill you just by giving you the greasy eye. On the other hand, an outlaw hates holy water. That and soap. His scoulndrel like nature just can't stand getting clean. Here is a photo of one recently spoted outlaw here in the Petes. If you see him you should either cry or maybe run.

One Week Baby

Hello everyone. I am both weepy and emotional in announcing that the Toronto Maple Leafs play their first game since the NHL lockout against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday next week. True Ottawa is the better team on paper, and the Leafs roster and preparedness are questionable, but I have faith. The leafs may stumble, they may fall, but they are still my beloved leafs. And I will love them until my dying day. True, Eric Lindros and Jason Allison might both have had one injury too many. True, Mogilny signed with New Jersey, and Roberts opted for the sun and bikinis of Florida. But let me tell you, the boys are getting ready. Ed Belfour is back, taking his pain numbing drugs. Darcey Tucker is growing his hair long again. And Mats Sundin is looking fresher than a Swedish milk maid. Why, just last night I sacrificed a small calf to the Gods of Hockey and let me tell you my friends.... they are pleased. So let the doubters be mocked, let rivers of beer flow like honey, let our voices be raised, and may the blue and white be hoisted forever more....Go Leafs Go!!!

Awkward!!

Many people have asked me what its like to work at the bus station. Oftentimes, I have no idea what to tell them. Just the other day, however, I walked in on two goldfish crackers makin' out. I felt so awkward! Luckily they didn't notice me so I slowly crept back out of the room and out of sight. Fortunately though I was able to take this quick photo and run. Check out the one on the left. He's got such a nervous smile!

Church Has to Change

I believe that our thinking has to change as far as Church and Christianity goes. We are far too caught up in Sunday morning meetings to truly be effective and mature. True, we need to meet often with fellow believers to worship and build the body up. But for too many Christians, this is all their walk entails. I believe that God will show us soon how to serve him better, because right now, nothing around us is changing. I have seen Christians attend a morning meeting indifferent and uninterested. But during the meeting, they get totally pumped up for God, and leave the meeting different people. Unfortunately, I see them the next week and they are right back where they started. Something here is not right. The life changing power of the holy ghost goes to waste on people who never actually change. There is no evidence of God's government in so many spirit-filled believer's lives.
I believe that the answer here is humility. So often we don't truly let God into our lives. We hold things back. Sure we give our tithes, we attend meetings. But true humility is giving up more than what is simply expected. It means laying down any plans, notions, and priorities that acknowledge us as boss. It means that any pride or hope of personal gain cannot remain in the presence of a God who only wants to be himself. It means that when I go home from a meeting I must bring his government, his way, to the happenings of every day, not my own.
I believe that God can do mighty things in Peterborough. And I don't believe in somedays. I've been asking God for increase this year, and I think will can see it in many ways. I believe that people in our body will find faith where before there was only cynicism. I believe we will see people healed of both physical and mental illness. I believe that Jesus will make himself the center. He is not interested in being either politically correct, or culturally relevant. But rather the son of the living God, the God of Love, the Alpha and Omega, who brings his own culture and government to people's lives.

Some Sweet New Pictures of Stuff

I just bought a digital camera and can't stop taking pictures of stuff. The insanity!!! I just love all of the features, the look, not to mention how easy it was on my wallet. Do I sound like a salesman to anyone? The world looks so different from behind a layer of glass.

Encountering Jesus

Tonight a cluster of University and College studens gathered together under the Town Clock at Market Hall to Encounter our God. It was the first of a number of corporate meetings and small groups to be held this year. Many who attended were returning students who have grown and been good friends to us at Peterborough Christian Fellowship. And praise God, many first year students attended as well. My dad, Steve, spoke about changing our thinking as Christians from that of need and entitlement, to that of servitude and expectation. He was well received.

Pull Up a Chair

Welcome to Many Meetings. Dedicated to life's revelations, inspirations, and oddities. I'm talking about that time you were down at the pub with the lads and rich words like poetry spilled from your eager and trusting mouths. Remember that summer road trip with only the closest of your friends, and all the way exchanging story after story of knee slapping, belly shaking experiences? That's exactly the stuff that I'm talking about. If you have something new, something funny, something encouraging, or something insightful to say, then please, by all means...
Pull up a chair...

Anthony Hopkins is my Best Friend

Last weekend, Josh and April B., Caleb G. and I ventured into the surging metropolis of Toronto, Ontario, to rub noses with the stars. That's us on the right, walking under the Ontario College of Art and Design. But yes, we were there for the Toronto International Film Festival. We saw many sparkly celebs (is that what they call them now?) including Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Viggo Mortenson, Elizabeth Shou, and most importantly: Anthony Hopkins. That's right, I said Anthony Hopkins. He pulled up in his limo right beside us. I almost wet myself. Actually I froze, but either way.. I was four feet away from the movie incarnation of C.S. Lewis and Hannibal Lector. For more pictures of our adventure, visit Caleb's blog. (See Links)

Top 6 Lists

Here are some new lists. Feel free to contribute some lists and categories of your own.

Top 6 Romantic Comedies:
1. A Lot like Love
2. Garden State
3. Keeping the Faith
4. High Fidelity
5. Orange County
6. When Harry Met Sally

Top 6 Big Words:
1. Transcendental
2. Foreordination
3. Reclamation
4. Incendiary
5. Witticism
6. Supernumerary

Top 6 refreshing beverages:
1. Home Made Iced Tea
2. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (lots of pulp)
3. Very Cold Brown or Cream Ale
4. Coke (in a glass with ice and lime)
5. Chocolate Milk
6. Iced Coffee with Cream