tree huggers and suit wearers

There's nothing like a good laugh. Great de-stresser. Last night we were flipping through channels, which is not as fun as it sounds, and on newsworld they were doing a piece about a topless environmentalist who follows lumberjacks around saying things like I am Mother Earth. Feel my roots beneath your feet and other things that were funny and creepy and a smidge embarrassing. You gotta protect our planet from mankind's rampant destruction, I agree, but how about let's evaluate the effectiveness of doing it disrobed:
1) You're scaring the poor men who are just trying to do thier jobs, now while awkwardly averting thier eyes.
2) They secretly want to tell you to get lost, but they know it's best to avoid being caught on camera yelling at a feminist environmentalist poet. Now they're scared and angry.
3) They're concerned thier wives will turn on the TV one day and totally misunderstand. Now they're scared, angry and worried.
4) The few people who see this are going to sympathize with the guys and have some rather strong and laughter invoking impressions of you. It'll end there.

Doesn't sound like there's much chance for successfully saving our forests, but I could be wrong. I thought of sending a little advice her way. Something like you could always recycle. Or something. Do what you will. I was just thinking there may be more productive ways to save a tree.

Speaking of clothing (you like that?), there's been a little friendly banter going back and forth at our church. The whole you wear a suit, I wear jeans ha ha ha stuff. Except funnier than that. It just made me think of another thing I love about Maryvale. There's a good assortment of people. All kinds. And how we dress is just the surface of that. I wouldn't want a congregation full of people that thought the same- how would I be challenged? And I certainly wouldn't want a congregation where everyone dresses the same- how would I fit into that club? Diversity's a gift. It humbles us and broadens our so easily narrowed minds. Embrace eachother's differences as the fine lady above embraces a tree (although, preferably clothed- that's just common respect).

Ang

Living Forgiven

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sad little pots

I started pottery class last night and really haven't felt less artistic in quite some time. We were supposed to make 4 pinch pots, which, for me, became 2 crooked bowls, a very flat lopsided "creamer" and a plate that wasn't supposed to be a plate at all. I totally loved it and have big plans of becoming a potter known world wide for her uniquely flawed wares. I'll have to come up with a slogan- "Imperfect, like us". OK, that's dumb. No one would buy that. Maybe, "Imperfect, like that guy over there". Anyway, it was alot of fun to have a night out that doesn't involve looking for good deals on peanut butter or pretending I don't know those three crazy kids, boy someone should get control- ever heard of parenting? Of course I'm glad the kids have spunk and personality and I wouldn't want it any other way (except for sometimes, like during weddings or prayer time in church). Today we were making books about people who made the world more beautiful and Maddie chose Picasso , Ethan chose Tchaikovsky and Alexa chose Jesus. I don't like to compare, but...
While I was at pottery class, John and the kids took Hugo to puppy class. He's now learning to heel, come and mine on top of his sit, stand and down. I was supposed to go over it with him today, but Hugo chewed up the instructions. I'm trying to piece together slobbery bits of paper and starting to feel like I may never know how mine can possibly be a command. Also, isn't it a tad rude?
On a sidenote, a book note, I'm going with Catcher in the Rye next- I read an excerpt and couldn't really believe I haven't read it before. Not even in school- isn't it required school reading? I'm also starting Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg. I would do the fancy picture of the books we're reading thing, but I'm just not that advanced. I think they're both white, so that'll have to do for now.
Break is over, back to school!

Ang

There's been a development

Angie watched 2 episodes.

Camping was fun.

John

bookish

I'm almost done 100 Years of Solitude (whew, sweaty brow). I'm an admittedly slow reader. I like to say it's because I savour every moment, but let's be honest- I'm just plain slow. John's some kind of speed reader and he likes to make a big production of looking over my shoulder to see what page I'm on while muttering something about how he's on page 364 or some other big bookish number. That's when I pull out the I'm savouring card. He did bring up the point that if we read a book a week for the rest of our lives we would only be able to read 3,000 and some books, which he found really depressing and I found exhausting. I could maybe read an Archie comic about as fast as John reads Marcus Borg (who I love, but plod through like a tortoise). Anyway, I'm scouring the unread books on our bookshelf and the many, many I want to read on amazon, trying to decide on my next venture. Kind of leaning towards To Kill a Mockingbird or Archie's Double Digest.
Tea's ready, kid's are playing outside, Hugo's chewing something he's allowed to- time to read!

Ang

fall weekend

John is gone for another weekend- camping in below zero temperatures, poor guy. He made me promise not to watch Arrested Development while he was gone, but I'm wondering if that was a promise I should have skillfully avoided. When he said seriously, don't watch Arrested Development I could have dropped my mug of coffee or pretended to choke. But no, I said yeah, yeah, of course I wouldn't watch it without you. Now here I am remembering Gob's segway and George Micheal in the Banana Stand. Beckoning.

Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn- my favourite time of year! The kids and I are going to walk to our friendly neighbourhood Superstore to buy mini pumpkins and other fall- like items for our table. The plan is to find pretty leaves on our way, but I'm guessing busy intersections and gas stations aren't abundant in the fruits of nature. And, this is sad- last year whenever I ran outside to listen to the geese flying overhead I couldn't even hear them because of the traffic! I love the sound of geese flying south! Crazy growing city.

So, apparently my life is pretty tough with all the tv decision making and not hearing the calls of large fowl. I just take it one day at a time.
Happy Fall!

Ang

I know its just the preseason but. . .

Hey Flames fans, good thing its just the preseason and this game doesn't matter at all. Well at least Calgary activated Iggy, Kipper, Tanguay and Phaneuff while the Oil rested Smyth, Hemsky, Lupul, Sykora, their Captain and oh yeah, their starting goaltender. I know, its just the preseason. Whatever John.
And I know it was just a shorthanded goal in overtime. Whatever Flame Fan.

John

reminiscing

Is it wierd that I love Janis Joplin? Love. I was folding laundry to Summertime and thinking what's the deal with Janis. Well, she's cool and she's got soul, but more than that- I grew up listening to her. It seems that any music my parents listened to has been permanently burned into my psyche against my will. I can't help it. John Mellencamp, Loretta Lynn, Bruce Springsteen, Hank Williams, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson and the good old travelling music, John Denver and Simon and Garfunkle. Then there are the random, nameless songs where I just remember phrases like paint the town red and man-eater. Funny, the whole nostalgia thing. It's not quite the same with the TV shows. We watched an episode of MacGyver the other day, and I gotta tell you- he just didn't seem as brilliant and amazing. More Yeah right, MacGyver. I'm glad the homeless girl now believes in herself, but tin foil and a fan becoming a radio? Come on. And I'm sure Facts of Life wouldn't be as heartwarming with the steady stream of boy trouble, tears and hugs. And of course the happy ending and good moral lesson all rolled into one. Silly old shows. Anyway, just felt old timey. I'd love to hear what brings that far off dreamy look of nostalgia to your eyes (unless it's Friends- then you'll just make the rest of us feel old).

Ang

Reading

Just Finished: A Complicated Kindness. (Raw, Smart, Witty, Tragic, Hopeful)

Just Started: Freakonomics (I'm intrigued)

Next on the list: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time (Best title ever)

For those inclined to more "spiritual" reads:

Recently Finished: If God is Love (Challenging, Inspiring, Controversial. . .)

Half Way there: Contemplative Youth Ministry (Just what I needed)

Next on the List: The Intelligent Church (McLaren recommends it so. . .)

John

Hugo and Harley

We're dog-sitting Hugo's freind, Harley. He's the sweetest guy- kind of reminds me of Eeyore. Total opposite of Hugo. Hugo's sweet when he's sleepy, which means we have guaranteed quiet time starting at about 8:00 every evening. Other than that he's insanely trying to destroy everything we've ever owned. Right now he's eating a styrofoam cup. We don't own styrofoam cups. He's torn open a bag of flour and doused himself and the kitchen in it- twice. I would love to show you a picture of his floury face, but he ate the camera cord. Seriously. He's chewed apart barbies, dvd cases, a chair leg, shoes, baseboarcds, curtains, perennials and various articles of clothing. On my way over to the computer just now I stepped in another puddle- we have never loved laminate more! For some reason he loves using the kids carpeted bedrooms as his own private outhouse, so the new rule is: if you leave your bedroom door open, you clean it up. Which we all know is translated as: you "clean it up" as an important life lesson, and afterwards good old mom (that's me) will come in and really clean it up. It's all OK, though, because he really is cute. I won't say I can't even get mad at him, because yeah, I really can. But then he looks at you and you feel like you should rip open the flour for him and join him on his mission of mass destruction. He is fun, too. He loves to wrestle, play fetch, chase the kids (although, they're not always laughing). He's proud of his new sit trick. Oh wait, we're proud. He likes the treat. He's a crazy fun guy, and I'm totally thrilled he starts obedience classes tomorrow, cause holy cow. Holy cow.

Oh- and something cute, as much as Hugo gets on Harley's nerves, they now snuggle when they sleep. I'd show you a picture, but....

Ang

Confessions of a Post Pubescent Preacher

So I'm preaching this Sunday on Predestination. The church only lets me preach 3-4 times a year so I think I'll swing for the fences on this one - go Predestination! Yikes. For those of you who don't know me but have fallen in love with my side profile, I'm a youth pastor by trade, but once and a while I'm allowed to come up from the basement and frolic with post pubescent people. The truth is, I kinda like this preaching thing. A lot. Back when I was a present pubescent person I loved preaching - a little too much, I was convinced it was all about me. "John, the one man show, out to inspire people to love him and of course God." My hope going into Sunday is that I've grown up since then. As I think about Sunday, on one hand I can barely contain my excitement but on the other hand I am anxious that will be the only thing that comes across. "That John sure loves preach. Nice pop blade." (Thanks Eric, I really do love that phrase) As great as that may feel for me, I'm not so sure that's what God's dying to bless. I'm thinking he'd rather get the attention. He'd rather be noticed. Be loved. Be listened to. Be talked about on the ride home. And therein lies the rub. I sorta feel like my role as preacher guy is to get people to notice me so I can in turn get them to notice God. The problem is; I enjoy being noticed and people may or may not enjoy what they are noticing and God is forgotten about and nobody notices. Not even me. They heard from The John, maybe even had a few laughs but 18 minutes later they are getting into their car the same God forsaken self consumed juvenille they were when they first came in. How can that be? They sang the songs, they prayed the prayers, they consumed the stale bread they even closed their eyes and pictured the blood, the nails and lunch, hmm what's for lunch. They were even entertained by the sermon. Still, as they walk away they walk out the same God forsaken way they walked in. The preacher notices and it hurts, oooo how it hurts. Not only did they reject the things of God - THEY REJECTED ME. If only they knew how long I spent downloading that "perfect" clip from You Tube illustrating how hip I am, they'd be changed.

Or perhaps they're still the same because as great as John, or Jason, or Steve or Allen or Kelly or any other preacher may be none of them can touch their broken heart, shattered spirit, mixed up mind or selfish lifestyle. Perhaps God forsaken people need God after all. Not laughs. Not entertainment. Not another Matt Redman song dipped in sugary carmel glaze. They needed God but got John and stale bread instead. The carmel made it bearable but even that was a momentary high at best.

Perhaps You Tube, Carmel and Ego-Centric Preaching is a thing of the past.

I guess this post is more for me then you. I desperatly want people to notice God this Sunday but I desperatly want them to notice me too. I hate that. But it is what it is. . .my confession.

John. P.P.P.

P.S. Please pray that my God forsaken sermon is not.

The One

This is for all you who care about the poor and enjoy seeking justice.

I have also added This to my link list.

Another great organization, one of the best, is IJM. I have also linked it.

We all have one life to live.

Live Strong. Seek Justice. Fight for the oppressed.

John

Comments

So, I just realized that unless all you bloggers have a Beta account we can't comment on your stuff and you can't comment on ours - which for me is like the best part of having a blog- conversation. Crap. What to do. What to do.

Hmmm.

Yeah I got nothing.

Besides I got a sermon to prepare.

Bye

John

Wait, I just thought of something. For now, we can all comment on each other if we do it through the anonymous option. I'm going try it now, with Blair's post. You don't care, do you?

Yeppers, Blair's doesn't allow anonymous comments. Crapidee. Still don't care I imagine.
Back to my sermon then.

looking up

Well, things are looking up. I'm mostly through with hacking like a 90 year old smoker thanks to the miracle of antibiotics (just doing my part to create that unstoppable super bug!). Our van should be ready tomorrow, so we can laugh and nudge eachother knowingly at all the fond memories of being stranded on Calgary's busiest intersections (that's right, 4 times) and relive all those moments of who should we call? no, we called them yesterday. but so and so lives too far away. are we needy friends? yeah, pretty much. NEEDY. Also, although I'm not thrilled that we had to pour embarrassingly large amounts of money into our van, the timing was what saved us as we had just remortgaged to finish our basement. A second bathroom would be a thing of beauty for this mom who hasn't had a shower without a steady stream of I have to pee! ...or worse. But another beautiful thing is having a running vehicle. Is beautiful a strong word? Trust me, it's not.
So, theme chant for the week: Hoorah for vans! Who needs basements! Goodbye bronchial infections!
It'll catch on....
Ang

Yeah Baby

Now this on the other hand, this is so. . .so. . .sweet!

Yeah baby!

John

What the meck?

This is so . . .so. . . . .so. stupid.

Why?

What the meck?

It's stupid I tell you. Stupid.

John

Updates

Hey all. As you know ANGIE decided to switch over our blog. I capitalized all her letters because. . . I don't know why actually, freeedom of speech I guess. Anyways, during the switchover we lost some of your links so if you were once linked but are no longer please don't think its because we think you suck. You don't. We do. Its not you. . .its us. Rest assured we'll have you linked up before you can say "Rumplestiltskin wears polka dot undies." If we don't, kindly remind us. . . with sugar on top.

Another thing; I've officially removed my "Inspiration Minspiration" post. After re reading it I was. . . well. . ."inspired" to remove it.

And finally. I was waiting for J or Blair or Ty to comment but since those cowards seem to have forgotten here's the result of the big game. . .
BTW - Nice catch Grant. Must have heard the sound of nobody around.

Grid Blog for this week??? Tim?

John

10 good things

1) Hugo sleeps through the night
2) We now have a way to get from here to there (that would be our van)
3) Small group (or little class, as Maddie calls it) starts this week, and we're having sushi- mmm
4) Three more books in the Myths series come out soon
5) It's going to be cool and rainy this week (love that- it's cozy)
6) Hugo sleeps through the night
7) Our first batch of apples are ready to be picked
8) I'm starting pottery class
9) The kids start all the fun stuff this month- soccer, swimming lessons, homeschool classes
AND
10) Hugo sleeps through the night (you have no idea- we haven't done the newborn thing in years, so we were a bit out of our element)

Ang

Oh yeah- another great thing. We still have two seasons to go on Arrested Development. So hilarious. Thank you Tom and Brittany!

new fangled

So, I signed on to Blogger in Beta. I don't know why. It just felt wrong not to, like I would be turning down an amazing once in a lifetime deal or something. Guesse we'll have to wait and see what marvelous things are in store for the beta users.....
Ang

I'm inspired

"Inspiration, by its very definition, is not something that occurs but rather something that happens." Ha Ha Ha, I love it when people try to sound smart and really they got nothing. It's inspiring knowing how stupid they don't know they are. The guy on The Office in particular. . .JUST WRITE THE POST ALREADY!! Fine, here's my real take on what inspires me.

Angie actually. I can't believe I landed her. Seriously guys, she is like a 5. Out of 4. Scared ya for a sec, didn't I? From the first day I met her what stood out was her. . .(censor) personality. Truly, she was different then all the other gals, and believe me I had a lot to choose from. Ahem. She truly was unique and still is. And that's what I love most. She is who she is and likes who she is and I like who she is, wouldn't change a thing actually, and I find all that inspiring.
I also like it when we kiss.

My kidos. Maddison makes me proud. She is only 8 but her interest in adult things is amazing, especially since her dad didn't get interested in those things until last February. She loves to read and learn and she does it at a high level. The other day I took her to Chapters and told her she could get any book she wanted. She picked "Jane Eyre." I know. Then there's her sense of humor, its actually witty and smart which is so cool. I look forward to many years of laughter, and making fun of people. Jk. Then there's Ethan. His love and loud passion for the environment, cooking, gardening, animals and art, at one time you know, unerved me a bit. . . but now I couldn't be more proud. The kid's got amazing character and he's only 5. I'm one happy dad. And then there's Lex. I can't help but smile because no box exists that I could ever put her in. For years I tried but the scratching, crying, social services etc. ended that little experiment. Lex is a delight and her eyes radiate with life. She will make big waves in this world, no doubt about it. Attention world: Surfs up!

My parents. (gees I just realized I'm like totally copying Blair, sorry man)

My dad is a tower of faith. My mom is a vessel of zeal. Together they radiate a zealous faith one that has touched hundreds over the years and caused 2 of their sons to enter the ministry and one daughter to build a faithful home. Without their example I would be lost in Regina wondering what my next move would be.

Movies.

I am what you might call a movie buff. Movies for me are rarely just entertainment, they are a spiritual experience. I know I know I sound a little over dramatic, but why not, we're talking about movies. Snicker. Seriously though you can ask Ang, I don't just watch movies, for the 2 hours, I live them. Good Will Hunting, Crash, Dogville, Schindler's List, Magnolia, Rudy, Rocky, are some that have inspired and challenged me in big ways. Many more have entertained me, touched me, angered me, made me cry and caused me to laugh so hard I feared I may never breathe again. Movies are powerful and continue to influence me in profound ways.

Books. Fiction / Non Fiction / Chicken Soup for the Soul - Jk/ I love them all.
Fiction books that have inspired as of late are: Life of Pi, The Alchemist, I Know this much is True and currently A Complicated Kindness. Non Fiction is too huge to choose so I'll just focus on Spirituality: most everything by Brian McLaren, Karen Armstrong, Dallas Willard, Marcus Borg among many others. Currently Contemplative Youth Ministry is wowing me, which is good cause things start up tommorow. Wow. I'm a pastor so by law I have to mention the bible but I'd mention it anyways. I've read scripture for 20 years and it still blows my hair back on a daily basis.

Friends. Local and unlocal. Local, there are too many to mention, plus I'll surely forget some so I'll just mention one - Greg Banco. There are few guys I know that love and serve people as naturally as he does. Spending time with him is a seminar in how to be. . . plus we laugh quite a lot.

Unlocal. I love all you guys, seriously, being part of this Blog community is something I truly treasure and look forward to each day. You all inspire me with your honesty, authenticity, grit and passion for life. Keep writing and lets have like a Blog Party. Similar to a block party but we all meet in a city somewhere and I don't know, talk in person? Yeh I know, its a pipe dream. So here's to pipe dreams, that they may happen.

Last but only because anything this long couldn't possibly be inspiring - Sports.

Sports has always been and still is a huge part of my life. Nothing inspires me more then watching athletes give it their all and accomplish amazing things. Great comebacks, great shots, great sportmanship, great rivalries, great records broken etc. its all inspiring - and heck, I still love to play myself, even though my knees, back, ankles and wife often protest.

Just like Blair I chose not to mention Jesus. It just seems wrong to include him in the same list as movies and books. . . I vote that our next Grid Blog topic be:
Who Jesus is to you!

If you made it to here, I'm inspired.

John

grid blog #2 what inspires me

What inspires me? I've got a really bad cold that I'm guessing is something more akin to bronchitis, so right now what inspires me is a comfy couch, a box of kleenex (with lotion) and neocitron. I'll try to dig a little deeper, though. I always thought I would grow up and live in a cabin, grow organic veggies and sell pottery at the market (which is basically the same as living in Calgary, minus the traffic- hee hee), but that's what inspires me. Nature, creativity, solitude. Books are a must, of course. Not just philosophical/theological types, but more often for me, a really good novel inspires and changes. It's a glimpse into a way of life that's not your own, and what is inspiration if not a broader understanding? A Fine Balance, A History of Love, and others I can't think of with my currently foggy brain. Biographies- The Spiral Staircase (Karen Armstrong). Help me Remember, Help me Forget (former slave Robert Sadler). Movies can do the same thing. Crash, Maria Full of Grace, It's a Wonderful Life (every Christmas Eve!). Some great documentaries. Cry of the Snow Lion (about Tibet), Born into Brothels. The best inspiration comes from the lives of those around us. Wow, that sounded corny and I don't even mind! I don't know how many times John and I have talked about someone that is such an inspiration to us without them even knowing it, whether it's their strength, generous spirit, compassion, ethical code, etc. So, I guesse I find many things have the power to inspire.
Time for echinacea tea and a blanket.
Ang (I am fully aware that this is an excetionally dull post, I'll go for more gusto next time!)

Grid Blog - This Week

Geees Louise, Tim comes up with one brilliant idea and next thing you know everyones gettin all needy "what's this week's topic, huh huh, what is it, what is it?" Well, since Tim is probably still sitting at the Regina Airport (that's another story) I'm going to go ahead and make the executive decision.

This week's topic is. . .

(What's up Blair, you're out of a rock band for a few years and you can't remember a simple drum roll, gees)

What Inspires You?

That's it.

Please try and refrain from one word answers - "Chocolate" "God" "Snug Undies" "Dave"

We want to know why.

See you in 2.

John Ster

random recommendations

Hilarious: Arrested Development, The Office (British), of course Scrubs
John's reading: A Complicated Kindness
Angie's reading: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Maddie's reading: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Ethan's reading: the, it, is.....
Alexa's watching : Dora

OK, so I've put on a few

Most of us put on a light layer of winter fat every year, right? (please say yes). Well, I started a little early this year. I decided to blame it on a combination of things, but namely our summer vacation where we mostly drank coffee and ate snacks. We did some "hiking", which basically consisted of driving up a beautiful mountain road, parking and walking 10 ft. to the view. There was a time where I could withstand 10 days of laziness and eating, but I've hit the big 30 and apparently that means don't even think about it when it comes to anything but salad and maybe some air. I'm not the only one who's noticed, either. I was wearing my I'm at home for the day, so why waste the good clothes shirt, which is....a little snug. I noticed Alexa staring. She started with a sympathy compliment- You're skinny, mom. Followed by- It's OK if your tummy sticks out a little bit, right? I thought of retaliating with- well, let's see. Who actually lived and grew to enormous sizes inside of that tummy until it stretched to the point of near bursting? Hmmmm. I decided that would win me no mom of the year awards so went with- Yeah, sticking out tummies are totally fine, right Lex? She agreed. Nothing like having a few kids to keep you humble. Back to working out for me!
Ang