Two days ago I was moved to tears as 26 children from Uganda stole my heart. And it wasn't just their dancing or singing that did me in, it was them. I have never met more respectful, alive, imaginative or joyful children. They know what it means to live. Perhaps its because they have experienced the other side - having grown up in extreme poverty as well as losing parents to Aids. When you're used to death and are given life, everything changes. That change was evident on Sunday as the kids sang and danced as they were free. Imagine if we did the same?
Our friend, Uncle Dave, has the honor of leading these kids every day. It was amazing seeing Dave in action. After 9 months on the road, one might tire of 26 kids, yet there was Dave doling out airplane rides like it was the very first time. When he wasn't super fun man he was standing on stage pooring out his heart for justice, the poor and especially his kids.
Its people like Dave and the kids in his choir that remind us of our call as humans.
We are to Live our lives.
John
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Too Famous
Has there ever been a week with so many famous people in trouble? Gees Lindsay. Is your life really so tough that you not only need to drink and drive you need to snort and drive too? I'm not a fan, but still, I thought she was kinda innocent and sweet. Now I just realize she's just too famous for her own good. Speaking of fame, Ms. Spears has yet to recover from hers - you're right Britanny bald and crazy is the new pink. And then there's Nicole Richie, the daughter of the man in the mirror and ex bff of Paris. Another DUI today. Personally, I think she's always drunk but they just test her when she's driving. They should test her at 10am on a Sunday morning. I'm guessing the breathlizer would disintegrate.
And then there's Ms. Duff. To be honest, I've been waiting like Ethan right before freezee time to hear the day she finally goes off the deep end. So far, she's managed to stay fairly sane, that is, until this morning. I just read she's now sucking face with Mike Comrie, a former Oiler. Why Hilary why, you were doing so well. You can suck face with anyone in the world yet you choose a spoiled baby who sat out a year because 2 mil just wasn't enough. I guess its better then snorting while you drive.
Moving on from the chicks we end up at Michael Vick. Arguably the most top rated disapointent in the history of the NFL. Sure he managed to sell a lot of stuff with his name printed on the back but he never actually became the quarterback we all hoped. So, what does one do when you've disapointed everyone you know? Well, apparently you take up dog fighting. That's right, if you can't fight the blitz you might as well fight the bulls. He's even taken his dogs cross country. Well, the doggy doo hit the fan this week and he won't be doing that again for a very long time, at least til next month, especially when he convinces Johnnie to do one last tapdance. Stay away from OJ, that stuff will kill you. Will not, the bloodly glove was a bananna peel.
- Johnnie
Rasmussen. Kicked out of the Tour de France for surprise surprise, lying and cheating? Who cheats in a bicyle race? Poor guy, he was expected to win it all, and was in the lead - but now he's got nothing - except the pride that comes from wearing pants that no longer displays your package.
And finally, our good friend Mr. Bonds. Only 2 pops away from breaking the most hallowed record in all of baseball and yet nobody cares. In fact, Bud himself has made it painfully clear that he would rather race in the Tour then watch Barry break Hank's heart. Still, he attends each game, as all diplomats should. As much as I have admired Bonds over the past 5 years I know he's gotta be more doped up then that dude from Knocked Up. There's no way Barry can put on 75lbs of tone and hit 73 Jacks in his forties unless he's syringing his way to the top. Still, he'll have his 756.
After a week like this I wonder what our 9-19 yr olds think as they watch their role models lie, cheat and dope their way to the top?
Hopefully they see them for what they are. Too famous for their own good.
John
P.S. Now for your warm fuzzy. The African Children's Choir is performing at our church this Sunday morning, 930 and 11am. Yes, they are the same group who just last month, inspired us on American Idol and the Tonight Show. As famous as these kids are, they're different then the above hacks, they're famous for somebody else's good. Speaking of good, our friend Mr. Turner leads them in this mission. Can't wait to hear all his stories.
And then there's Ms. Duff. To be honest, I've been waiting like Ethan right before freezee time to hear the day she finally goes off the deep end. So far, she's managed to stay fairly sane, that is, until this morning. I just read she's now sucking face with Mike Comrie, a former Oiler. Why Hilary why, you were doing so well. You can suck face with anyone in the world yet you choose a spoiled baby who sat out a year because 2 mil just wasn't enough. I guess its better then snorting while you drive.
Moving on from the chicks we end up at Michael Vick. Arguably the most top rated disapointent in the history of the NFL. Sure he managed to sell a lot of stuff with his name printed on the back but he never actually became the quarterback we all hoped. So, what does one do when you've disapointed everyone you know? Well, apparently you take up dog fighting. That's right, if you can't fight the blitz you might as well fight the bulls. He's even taken his dogs cross country. Well, the doggy doo hit the fan this week and he won't be doing that again for a very long time, at least til next month, especially when he convinces Johnnie to do one last tapdance. Stay away from OJ, that stuff will kill you. Will not, the bloodly glove was a bananna peel.
- Johnnie
Rasmussen. Kicked out of the Tour de France for surprise surprise, lying and cheating? Who cheats in a bicyle race? Poor guy, he was expected to win it all, and was in the lead - but now he's got nothing - except the pride that comes from wearing pants that no longer displays your package.
And finally, our good friend Mr. Bonds. Only 2 pops away from breaking the most hallowed record in all of baseball and yet nobody cares. In fact, Bud himself has made it painfully clear that he would rather race in the Tour then watch Barry break Hank's heart. Still, he attends each game, as all diplomats should. As much as I have admired Bonds over the past 5 years I know he's gotta be more doped up then that dude from Knocked Up. There's no way Barry can put on 75lbs of tone and hit 73 Jacks in his forties unless he's syringing his way to the top. Still, he'll have his 756.
After a week like this I wonder what our 9-19 yr olds think as they watch their role models lie, cheat and dope their way to the top?
Hopefully they see them for what they are. Too famous for their own good.
John
P.S. Now for your warm fuzzy. The African Children's Choir is performing at our church this Sunday morning, 930 and 11am. Yes, they are the same group who just last month, inspired us on American Idol and the Tonight Show. As famous as these kids are, they're different then the above hacks, they're famous for somebody else's good. Speaking of good, our friend Mr. Turner leads them in this mission. Can't wait to hear all his stories.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
My Ode
July 18th dropped by today, had some coffee, and is about to leave as quickly as it came. The entire summer has been like this. I remember thinking as crazy June neared its end "man, I can't wait for July, lots of time for reading good books, enjoying nature, camping, relaxing." Hasn't happened. Instead we've attended funerals, entertained parents/inlaws and started a paper route that gets us up at 440am during the week and 6am on weekends. On top of that, we've endured scorching temperatures which makes us want to stay inside our non air conditioned house which yeh, you can guess how much better that is. That being said, I had a good friend tell me the other day that sometimes I sound like a grouchy old man so let me change gears.
I wanted to do this 2 days ago but I was ill so today will have to do. Alexa turned five two days back. Five. The disconcerting thing about that is, its just not possible. There's no way that my youngest has now passed the toddler threshold. How old's your youngest John? Five. Yeesh. If my youngest is five, that makes my oldest. . .9. July 31. Not only that but on that same day my wife slides into her thirties. I can't believe I have a wife in her thirties. 31 is very different then 30 you know. 30 you're still flirting with the twenties but once you're 31 you've passed the point of no return. You free falling towards 4o. Flying more like it. And if my wife is flying towards 40 so am I. 6 days later. August 5. So here we are, flying towards 40 in a non air conditioned house. Crap, still stuck in grouchy gear. Ok, shifting gears. For real.
Alexa just turned 5 years young, man that's young, she might as well be 2. Man I feel young. Angie claims she's daddie's little girl, translation: she's spoiled. I don't know, maybe a bit, but I like to think I spank her just as hard and often as the others. Still, my youngest did just say sianarra to her toddler years so as her father I think its my responsibility to give her - her due props. So here's my Alexa Ode. Note: Unlike most Christian music, this ode won't rhyme and chances are I won't repeat the same line 17 times.
Alexa. She's the besta.
Just kidding.
An Ode to Alexa Cate
Alexa Cate. Did you know I chose your name? Sure did. Your mom didn't like it but I always knew it had to be yours. She finally agreed when she heard it with Cate. If fact, she said they sounded beautiful together. Beautiful.
Like your eyes. Oceans of blue. Your freckles. Divine marks.. Your laugh. The perfect note. Your tummy, ha ha, did you know you used to have a pot? You ate like a bird but you had a beer gut. The gut's gone now, which is good cuz I don't imagine you'd find that joke funny if you were 14. Although you might have, you've always danced to your own beat.
Like the time we were eating at The House of Thai. As we finished our meal we looked up and found you standing with your eyes closed, arms extended in the air and your entire body swaying to the music of Asian culture. You were so entranced by the music and dance you didn't bother to notice your brother and sister's pointed laughs and your parent's desperation not to do the same. That was the first time I knew you'd always be yourself.
I guess that's what I love most. You have always been ok with being yourself. Even if that self wears the oddest combination of clothes, dances in the strangest of places, laughs at the most unsual things and loves a cat more than any human should.
You are a free spirit living each day as it was meant to be lived - Reckless joy.
Reckless joy. Much better than Grouchy old man.
I love you Zesa.
Daddy
I wanted to do this 2 days ago but I was ill so today will have to do. Alexa turned five two days back. Five. The disconcerting thing about that is, its just not possible. There's no way that my youngest has now passed the toddler threshold. How old's your youngest John? Five. Yeesh. If my youngest is five, that makes my oldest. . .9. July 31. Not only that but on that same day my wife slides into her thirties. I can't believe I have a wife in her thirties. 31 is very different then 30 you know. 30 you're still flirting with the twenties but once you're 31 you've passed the point of no return. You free falling towards 4o. Flying more like it. And if my wife is flying towards 40 so am I. 6 days later. August 5. So here we are, flying towards 40 in a non air conditioned house. Crap, still stuck in grouchy gear. Ok, shifting gears. For real.
Alexa just turned 5 years young, man that's young, she might as well be 2. Man I feel young. Angie claims she's daddie's little girl, translation: she's spoiled. I don't know, maybe a bit, but I like to think I spank her just as hard and often as the others. Still, my youngest did just say sianarra to her toddler years so as her father I think its my responsibility to give her - her due props. So here's my Alexa Ode. Note: Unlike most Christian music, this ode won't rhyme and chances are I won't repeat the same line 17 times.
Alexa. She's the besta.
Just kidding.
An Ode to Alexa Cate
Alexa Cate. Did you know I chose your name? Sure did. Your mom didn't like it but I always knew it had to be yours. She finally agreed when she heard it with Cate. If fact, she said they sounded beautiful together. Beautiful.
Like your eyes. Oceans of blue. Your freckles. Divine marks.. Your laugh. The perfect note. Your tummy, ha ha, did you know you used to have a pot? You ate like a bird but you had a beer gut. The gut's gone now, which is good cuz I don't imagine you'd find that joke funny if you were 14. Although you might have, you've always danced to your own beat.
Like the time we were eating at The House of Thai. As we finished our meal we looked up and found you standing with your eyes closed, arms extended in the air and your entire body swaying to the music of Asian culture. You were so entranced by the music and dance you didn't bother to notice your brother and sister's pointed laughs and your parent's desperation not to do the same. That was the first time I knew you'd always be yourself.
I guess that's what I love most. You have always been ok with being yourself. Even if that self wears the oddest combination of clothes, dances in the strangest of places, laughs at the most unsual things and loves a cat more than any human should.
You are a free spirit living each day as it was meant to be lived - Reckless joy.
Reckless joy. Much better than Grouchy old man.
I love you Zesa.
Daddy
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Stabbings
Last night, 3 men and 2 woman were stabbed in Calgary. While it looks like 4 of them will recover, one of the women died. Apparently it was the work of a gang of 5 armed men. The stabbings occured between 4-5am while my wife delivered the same paper that carried the story. As I've thought about this today I've felt everything from fear for my wife's safety and intense anger towards the five cowards. Anyways, I wrote out my feelings and sent them to the Calgary Herald. Although I feel a bit better, the woman's family needs our prayers. Here's the letter I sent to the editor.
Like you, I was horrified by the senseless stabbings of Wednesday night. While most of us slept or battled Stampede hangovers, five armed men sped across our city stabbing our neighbors. Police will now spend the next several days trying to discover the identity of these cowards.
I always thought gangs existed to intimidate other gangs, at the very least, other MEN like them bent on a life of crime. After Wednesday night it appears that gangs are now intent on flexing their muscle against poor defenseless women at 4am, when the rest of us are unable to help. Gang violence is always tragic but when it involves five men killing one woman, the tragic becomes psychotic.
Gang life is a dead end. We've all read the posters. Apparently it is also the way of the coward.
Like you, I was horrified by the senseless stabbings of Wednesday night. While most of us slept or battled Stampede hangovers, five armed men sped across our city stabbing our neighbors. Police will now spend the next several days trying to discover the identity of these cowards.
I always thought gangs existed to intimidate other gangs, at the very least, other MEN like them bent on a life of crime. After Wednesday night it appears that gangs are now intent on flexing their muscle against poor defenseless women at 4am, when the rest of us are unable to help. Gang violence is always tragic but when it involves five men killing one woman, the tragic becomes psychotic.
Gang life is a dead end. We've all read the posters. Apparently it is also the way of the coward.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Edmonton Oilers Fans sing O Canada
As an Oiler fan I needed this today. As a hockey fan, perhaps you did too.
Lowe in the grave we lay.
John
Sunday, July 08, 2007
FYI and Cell Phones
I'm not sure why but I'm not a big fan of people who say FYI out loud. As far as I know FYI was invented by some computer hack intent on cutting his online conversation time in half. So to use it in a sentence while speaking to a friend face to face, why, why would we do that? Are we really in that much of a hurry? "I'm having a really great time tonight but do you mind if we speed up the conversation a bit? For instance, while I could say - For your information I started my new job today, imagine if I abbreviated it down to FYI. FYI I started a new job today. That's like a dozen less letters. A dozen! Plus it brings out my hipness.
So. . .if you don't mind. . .
I do mind. Please don't abbreviate in public. It makes you sound like some corporate cell phone talker that loves doing their chatting as loud as they can to insure that everyone around them knows they're starved for attention and just that important. Nobody's too important to abbreviate. Nobody.
Speaking of cell phones, I've tried to go as long as I can without caving but I actually think I finally need one. Sigh. As I've watched all of you operate yours, I've compiled what I call The Cell Phone Musts. There's 10 as far as I know, make sure to tell me if I've missed one.
First, the smaller the better. In fact, if you really care, you'll wear it on your ear. It looks sexy.
Second, if you're a dude, be sure to wear it on your thin black belt. If you're a lady, deep inside your purse or inside your palm.
Third, make sure its from Telus or Rogers. Fido's a dog's name and Bell is a cheap taco place.
Fourth, only text message someone if they're actually in the same room.
Fifth, choose the most annoying ring tone possible. Remember, when you get a call, its not just you who needs to know, everyone needs to know.
Six, don't ever put the phone on vibrate. See rule number 5.
Seven, makes sure your phone is on at all times. Yes, even during weddings, funerals and when you're out at the theatre.
Eight, when the phone rings, first act shocked that someone would have the nerve to call you while you're at a wedding, funeral or the theatre. Then run out quickly whispering as loud as possible.
Nine, when you answer the phone, speak as loudly as possible. How else will we know you're so popular?
Ten, open and close it as often as you can. Who knows, maybe you missed a call.
And finally, never actually answer it. Just leave a cute message, we love that.
Man I'm excited. I'll be soooo cool.
John
So. . .if you don't mind. . .
I do mind. Please don't abbreviate in public. It makes you sound like some corporate cell phone talker that loves doing their chatting as loud as they can to insure that everyone around them knows they're starved for attention and just that important. Nobody's too important to abbreviate. Nobody.
Speaking of cell phones, I've tried to go as long as I can without caving but I actually think I finally need one. Sigh. As I've watched all of you operate yours, I've compiled what I call The Cell Phone Musts. There's 10 as far as I know, make sure to tell me if I've missed one.
First, the smaller the better. In fact, if you really care, you'll wear it on your ear. It looks sexy.
Second, if you're a dude, be sure to wear it on your thin black belt. If you're a lady, deep inside your purse or inside your palm.
Third, make sure its from Telus or Rogers. Fido's a dog's name and Bell is a cheap taco place.
Fourth, only text message someone if they're actually in the same room.
Fifth, choose the most annoying ring tone possible. Remember, when you get a call, its not just you who needs to know, everyone needs to know.
Six, don't ever put the phone on vibrate. See rule number 5.
Seven, makes sure your phone is on at all times. Yes, even during weddings, funerals and when you're out at the theatre.
Eight, when the phone rings, first act shocked that someone would have the nerve to call you while you're at a wedding, funeral or the theatre. Then run out quickly whispering as loud as possible.
Nine, when you answer the phone, speak as loudly as possible. How else will we know you're so popular?
Ten, open and close it as often as you can. Who knows, maybe you missed a call.
And finally, never actually answer it. Just leave a cute message, we love that.
Man I'm excited. I'll be soooo cool.
John
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Marge
Angie and I returned late last night from BC. We were melting along with Chelsey and 75 other Close/Roberts. 37 degrees??? Cmon Salmon Arm, who do you think you are, Phoenix? Anyways, what brought us all together was the passing of Marge Roberts, our mother, sister, grandmother, and Aunt.
I recently read -"you only have one life to live, but if you live it right, one is more than enough." Marge lived hers right. Not only did she raise 6 incredible children - all who have gone on to change the faces of churches across Western Canada, she worked for 20 years changing lives at Western Christian College. She was the kind of lady dreampt about in Proverbs 31. She was Bert's soul mate and my dad's best friend. 5 minutes after she died she stared into the face of God while Bert, her first born Blair and my dad stared back. My dad said she had a noticeable smile, her first in weeks.
I commented to Mark and Blair that Christians are wierd. There we all were, gathered at a funeral to mourn the loss of our Marge yet smiles could be seen and laughter could be heard. Even jokes were told. After the funeral, the entire family - all 65 of us, gathered at the local Chinese Eatery to celebrate. Celebrate? What is wrong with us? Marge died, could you pass the won tons please. But it wasn't like that. This is what Marge would have wanted, was said often. The tension between our grief and relief was obvious.
Christians are wierd. While millions mourn the loss of thier loved ones each year Christians celebrate knowing life has just begun. Grief is for us. We're sad for us. How could we feel sadness for Marge? She's exchanged chronic pain, for chronic joy. Her biggest concern now is who should she talk to first, Mother Theresa or Moses. And what should she ask God? Suppose she only is allowed 3 questions? How will she decide?
Were Mosquitos really necessary?
Will my family be ok without me?
Did you really help Justin Timberlake win his last grammy?
What makes you laugh?
Uh, hey, so, I have this nephew and he really want his Oilers to do well so I was wondering if. . .
I'll miss you Marge. And yes, I'll keep your grandsons in line.
John
I recently read -"you only have one life to live, but if you live it right, one is more than enough." Marge lived hers right. Not only did she raise 6 incredible children - all who have gone on to change the faces of churches across Western Canada, she worked for 20 years changing lives at Western Christian College. She was the kind of lady dreampt about in Proverbs 31. She was Bert's soul mate and my dad's best friend. 5 minutes after she died she stared into the face of God while Bert, her first born Blair and my dad stared back. My dad said she had a noticeable smile, her first in weeks.
I commented to Mark and Blair that Christians are wierd. There we all were, gathered at a funeral to mourn the loss of our Marge yet smiles could be seen and laughter could be heard. Even jokes were told. After the funeral, the entire family - all 65 of us, gathered at the local Chinese Eatery to celebrate. Celebrate? What is wrong with us? Marge died, could you pass the won tons please. But it wasn't like that. This is what Marge would have wanted, was said often. The tension between our grief and relief was obvious.
Christians are wierd. While millions mourn the loss of thier loved ones each year Christians celebrate knowing life has just begun. Grief is for us. We're sad for us. How could we feel sadness for Marge? She's exchanged chronic pain, for chronic joy. Her biggest concern now is who should she talk to first, Mother Theresa or Moses. And what should she ask God? Suppose she only is allowed 3 questions? How will she decide?
Were Mosquitos really necessary?
Will my family be ok without me?
Did you really help Justin Timberlake win his last grammy?
What makes you laugh?
Uh, hey, so, I have this nephew and he really want his Oilers to do well so I was wondering if. . .
I'll miss you Marge. And yes, I'll keep your grandsons in line.
John
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