Lord Help Me!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Its Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Ok, so not really. It has rained everyday for the past two weeks and I have yet to see any Christmas decorations or anything that even resembles snow. But too me the season has arrived. I have already had the Christmas music* out for a week and we are less than two months away.

More than looking forward to Christmas day, I am looking forward to the Christmas season. I can't wait for snow. I can't wait for lights, I can't wait for Christmas carols on the radio and I can't wait for egg nog! I absolutely love the season and I get into it early.

I am really hoping it will be a time to relax a little. School has really stressed me out this year and I think I am just now getting in the "zone" which is late but better late than never. This coming Christmas does present some questions for me and some potentially stressful situations but I am praying that the relaxation and joy of the season will wash those away.

This should be a season of joy. After all it is when we take time to celebrate that God loved us so much that he sent his Son to the earth to save us from ourselves. What a great reason for joy. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with family and turkey and let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!


* If you need some awesome Christmas Music to listen to on your PC the click here: Christmas Music

My Brain

Well well well. Have you ever wondered what my brain looks like? Or have you ever been so mad at me you wanted to find out? I hope the latter isn't true but if you want to know, here it is!

This is the organized part of my brain which believe me is non-existent in my head. If you have organizational problems like myself then this my friend is the answer! My palm keeps my calendar, agenda, to-do list, contact addresses, phone numbers, emails and all of that fun stuff.

See I had to get a new one* recently because I am an idiot and broke mine by falling on it while trying to catch a foot ball. I thought I could go a while without it but after never knowing anything and forgetting about a test (that I failed because I forgot!) I decided to get one again... no regrets!

Well that was kind of boring but maybe Palm.com will read this and pay me for endorsements... and maybe not.

* The new one is a PalmOne Tungsten E2 - I love it!

The Biggest Family in the World

So many of my blogs end up being about how slack I have been with blogging so I am not even going to draw attention to that in this one because we both know I'm slack...
(actual post)
A lot of people say that they have the biggest family in the world. Especially after they get married as they take on an entire second set of relatives. This can be a substantial addition as I am learning while Janelle and I make the invitation list for our wedding! When most people say that they have the biggest family in the world however, they are mistaken... they don't. I do.

Now wait a minute you say, you haven't met MY family! And you are probably right, I haven't. Unless this is you Mom in which case I have but when I say I have the biggest family in the world I am not talking about my relatives. I am talking about my brothers and sisters in Christ.


In the summer I attended Worship East 2005 (as you know if you read this thing!) and while we were there they told us to go find someone we didn't know and talk to them. So I did, that is no problem for me. I met this guy named Adam who is from PEI but goes to school in NB. I found this interesting because I am from NB and go to school in PEI. We had a great chat and parted ways. A month later I found myself at a Three Season Ant concert in Charlottetown and this guy was there, spotted me and come to chat with me again and I ended up seeing him again at Dariy Queen. It was so encouraging to talk with him about the Lord and worship and other things and I thank God that I have family like this all over the world. People who I don't know but share the most important bond that anyone can have.

In closing I just want to say:
I'm S'glad I'm a part of the family of God!

In The Zone

Well I was going to title this post "Happy Birthday Mr. President Part 2" because just like last year I was recently named the President of the Student Association at Maritime Christian College and today is my birthday... but then I realized that was really the only thing I really had to say about it... so now to the point.

I seem to be having a really hard time getting in the zone lately. Do you know what I mean. That place where you really just get in the swing of things and are productive and efficient and all those great and wonderful things that help you do so well in life. I just can't seem to get myself back in there. I just feel like I'm really swimming against the current lately. Today was my birthday and that's all well and good but I just kind of had a unproductive and down day. I guess I have a lot on my mind. It's just sometimes when you think you have something beat or accepted in your head, your heart tells you that you really don't.

You probably have no idea what I am talking about but that's ok. I'm not batting for sympathy here and I am not trying to be negative. Anyone who knows me knows I try to be positive and tell everyone else to do the same.

The great thing is that even though I struggle with things and sometimes I have down days, my joy is found in God who is my refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble. Joy is so different from happiness because happiness is fleeting and joy is eternal. All in all, it's a good life. But pray for me just the same, that I will get back in the zone.

I Miss My Dog...

Well I have been back in Prince Edward Island for a little over a week now and I should be getting settled back into the routine and I guess I am. Once again reading is my life unless I am in class or doing an assignment and as I have stated in previous blogs I really don't mind it.

I think I am a little homesick though because right now I really miss my Dog. If you don't have a Dog or have never owned one then you probably won't get this but she is a part of my family. I love her to pieces and if you think that's lame then I guess I'm lame.


Her name is Shelby, and I bought her for my Dad a little more then a year ago. I asked for the friskiest female they had and boy did I get her! She is a little fireball that is full of energy. She is too much fun and loves to play but she is so gentle. She's my bud and we spend a lot of time together in the summers. I helped train her and I just kinda miss her right now.

I still kind of miss my other Dog too. See even a little longer ago I lost my almost 15 year old dog Chimo. This was the most amazing Dog the world has known to date. She was one the best friends a boy could ever have. I got her when I was five and she really was the best... anyways I don't really want to get all emotional before I go to bed so I guess I better stop there.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Well today it has been exactly one year since I started a blog of my very own. What an accomplishment. I am sure you are impressed. I originally started this thing because I have always wanted to journal and have lacked the discipline to do so. Sometimes I've been pretty good at a few a week and others pretty brutal with one a month... or less. Then there was that whole incident were every post was about my frustrations with internet! I still struggle with that sometimes! None the less I press on and hope to still be writing this stuff next year... for you the faithful reader... thanks Mom!

Well last year at this time I was informing you that I had just cut my hair all off. What a sad day. I am pleased to announce this year however that I have only had one hair cut since! Man do I look good... ahem.

Well none the less it has been a good year. Happy Birthday blog!

Back to the Books at MCC

Well here I am on the first day of classes at MCC. I only have one class today but I have homework already from a class I haven't even had yet! Oh well, I guess that's the way it goes sometimes! I know that there is a lot of moaning and groaning when it comes to hitting the books again but I really don't mind it that bad. I am actually pretty excited about most of my classes and I do enjoy reading and learning. Plus, this is my last year at MCC and I plan to make the most of it.

I think that is what you have to do with most things, just make the best of it. If you go into anything with a "this is going to suck out loud" attitude then it probably will. Most things in life are what you make them to be. I never wish my time away no matter where I am and I really think that's the way to do it.

Well I guess that is enough for now. Have fun at school or work or whatever you do, and I will try to do the same!

MCC you later!

Ugg that was bad...

Packing it in.

Well here I am at the office for one of the last times this summer. My job actually finished on Friday but I am preaching this Sunday and this is the place I get my best work done. I really can't believe that this is it. I am all done for the summer. My next visit to the ol office will probably be to pack up my stuff and get ready to head back for Maritime Christian College.

This has been a summer of new experiences. I had never been so busy in my entire life. I really think that this summer more than ever has given me a taste of what work in ministry is really like. See, there are times when I can't believe I get paid to do what I do and others when I wonder what I would make if I was paid by the hour. Don't get me wrong I love what I do. Even when there are things that are amazingly difficult, it is my desire and passion to help people and to minister to them.

They tell us at MCC, "If you can see yourself doing anything else, by all means, go do it." and I can't. This is what I have been called to do. To all of you who I have worked with this summer, thank you for the opportunity to minister and to grow.

So as I pack it in another summer is in the books. MCC, here I come.

The Way It Should Be

Well this past Saturday you would have found me, if you were looking for me, on Baseball Hill in Marysville. Some of you have already guessed at this point that yes I was at Worship East 2005. Man It was a blast! I had a ball. The bands were great and put on some awesome shows, the weather was perfect and I really enjoyed myself.

The best thing about it was this: It was the way it should be. You could bring all your stuff and put it where you wanted to sit and no one would bother it. You could talk to anyone and they were friendly and talked back. I didn't hear one negitive comment or curse or anything like that. It was just an enviroment where people who loved God or were seeking him could gather together and sing and dance and worship. It's great to be able to run around and act foolish for God and no one cares... not that that would stop me anyways but still.

Anyways, it was a blast and if you live anywhere near the atlantic provinces or in one yourself I hope you come next year to Worship East 2006!

Camp is Fun

Alright alright, I'll spare you the sorry I haven't blogged in so long because I've been so busy, even though I always believe my reasons (not excuses) are legit! So if anyone actually still reads this thing then here we go.

Camp is fun. Some of the best times I ever had growing up were at camp. I remember going to Bayview Christian Camp for so long as a camper and I now counsel there just about every year. There is something about camp that just makes me lose control. For example, I just got back from camp on Sunday and it was only a weekend camp and still I manage to pull every muscle in my body and lose my voice. I just can't help myself, I have way too much fun.

If you don't go to camp I would encourage you to check it out and if you do you know it's a blast.

I also wanted to mention that I was totally thrilled to be counseling with a guy named Jason who was one of the first camp counselors I ever had as Kid. I have also counseled in recent years with my buddy Brad and I just wanted to say thanks for giving to the Lord you guys. It was guys like you that made me want to do it too.

Camp is great eh? Any camp memories?


Here is one from me!

Have a Big Day

Yesterday was a great day! I got up in the morning and got ready for church and Janelle made my breakfast. I was a bit nervous because I was preaching yesterday. I don't usually get too nervous when I have to preach. I have been doing it for a few years now and most often just get the awareness of the responsibility nervousness but yesterday I was trying a new kind of sermon. I usually do expository deductive 3 point sermons as that is they style I have the most training in. It's a good and sound style that works. Yesterday however, I was a little apprehensive because I was doing a spiral inductive sermon. I am aware that right now some of you are scratching your heads and thinking, "I didn't even know there were different styles of sermons to begin with" hang with me. This is where the point of the sermon doesn't become clear until the end. Anyways, I felt that it went well. Much greater than that, two youth came forward at the end of the service to express a desire to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. What could be more exciting?

Then I went home and had lunch and slept most of the afternoon visiting. It was a big day and I thank God for it.

A lot of people ask me what I mean by "Have a BIG day!" This is a good example - I hope your day today was as good as mine!

Have a Big Day!

Look At Me Go!

Well folks, I am officially on the internet for the summer... I think... I hope. I'm pretty sure this time because I had a guy who does it for a living come and get me hooked up. So all is well.

In addition I am learning how to do some of this internet stuff. For a guy as young as I am, I really don't know very much about computers and such but I am learning. I just put up a post on The "X" blog that has links on it and they actually work! Look at me go.

I guess the way things really work is whatever you spend time on is what you will be good at and what you will be knowledgeable about. So you spend time on computers, you will get better at it. If you spend time on your hockey skills, you will get better at it and if you spend time on your pie-eating skills you will get better at it. The same concept applies with God's word. The more time you spend in the Bible the better you will know it and be able to use it. The question of the day is: What do you spend time on?

Cause X Marks The Spot

A recent comment has inquired about what the "X" is. The "X" is the youth group at the Burtt's Corner Church of Christ. It is a weekly meeting on Monday nights where we hang out, talk, sing, do the beaver dance, learn about God, make fun of each other, eat food, play Parcheesi and other interesting things you would have to see to believe!

I have actually just set up a blog for the X so if you feel so inclined to check it out then feel free to do so!

www.causexmarksthespot.blogspot.com/

Almost There

Well folks I had internet for a few days back in May and then we got High Speed but of course I don't make smooth transitions when it comes to this kind of stuff... ever. So I now have access to a computer that has the internet but I still don't have it on my notebook. But I should tonight and if I don't well... I guess you and I won't be all that surprised. Anyways, I think I am almost there.

In other news, I am going to see the power team tonight. They are this team of huge guys picking up heavy stuff and breaking ball bats over there knees and chewing up nails and so on, all with a spiritual connotation of some sort. I should be good, I'm looking forward to it.

Wow this post is pretty boring... I must be getting rusty.

Better post later

The Extreme Journey

Well tomorrow marks day of one of “The Extreme Journey.” This is a weekend conference for youth and I am totally excited about how God is going to use it. I can remember when I went as a youth, for crying out loud it wasn’t that long ago, and it was an absolute blast. God really uses these to knock down some walls in the lives of many kids and adults. After last year’s conference I had the privilege of baptizing one of the leaders that came with our group.

I am also pumped about the awesome worship times that we are going to have. My buddy Dave has put the band and music together and he is an amazingly talented guy. Another friend of mine, Mike, is the speaker and I am eager to see what God has laid on his heart.

On a personal note I am doing a workshop on media… again! Oh well, I am actually pretty excited about it.

Wow, this is a pretty exciting blog – you should come back more often!

Sorry about that...

Well folks, what can I say? Sorry. I was sooooo busy at school and then I got lazy and then I didn't have the internet and many other excuses etc etc. Anyways, the point is that I am now back and I will be putting regular intersting posts on over the next few months... at least that is the plan today.

So to bring you up to speed, I finished the year at MCC and I am now working at the Burtt's Corner Church of Christ for the summer. I am really excited about all that God has planned for the chruch as well as my life personally.

The only other news to report is that there is a new blog coming soon for the "X". You guys are really the only ones who read this anyways right? For those of you not in the "X" stop by anyways... once I start it....

Well can't start off again too big so that's all for now

Have You Ever?

Well well well, here I am in Toronto. Have you ever been there? Nice place to visit, truly a beautiful city. We were driving towards it from Orangeville and the view was absolutely breath taking. All the lights, the CN Tower and because of the wind you could see like 6 planes all lining up to use the runway, it was really cool.

So Dan, what were you doing in Toronto? Well, I flew here with my bro for a winter camp at Ontario Christian Assembly. Have you ever been to a winter camp before? This was my second and I had a blast. I usually have a lot of fun no matter where I go but this was great. Wasn't too cold out and I got to meet and hang out with some really cool people.

The only snag was that I had to speak on Friday night and didn't find out until the day before my trip and on top of that a text had been picked for me (Colossians 2:16-23). Have you ever been put on the spot like that? I really like to make sure I'm prepared before I speak, especially when I am speaking to people that I don't know. The day before camp started I wrote and outline and introduction and then being "The Amazing Spider-Dan" I forgot to bring it with me. But my amazing and awesome God pulled me out of the fire and it actually went pretty well despite not having any notes or any decent preparation. Have you ever had that happen to you? God is good.

Well this is the last day of my trip. My brother and I have to get at 5:00 am tomorrow morning to catch out flight... Have you ever had to do that? Of course you have, so much fun isn't it. But you know what it's been a great trip for my brother and I and we just love getting to do this stuff together. I got my first glimpse of him working with the youth he worked with this past summer and man is he good. He's had some great kids to work with and has done an awesome job with them. He was really in his element and I was and am and always have been proud that he's my brother. Ever feel that way? It's great.

Wow, have you ever read a blog that carried a theme this long? Me neither...

BUSY!

Wow, where the heck have I been? My standard reply for most things is that I have been busy, and it's true, I'm a busy guy. School is crazy and I am both swamped and behind. Last week was the K.T. Norris lectures and that takes a lot of time to plan and execute. Balance family, friends and a job and vola: Time divided by life equals busy with a remainder of zero time. I guess that blogging has been way down on my list... not that this really takes that long to do but this is the time I have.

Or is it? Is it the time I have or the way I choose to manage it? Certainly I live in excuse city and can say with confidence that I honestly don't have time for this that and the other thing. The truth of the matter is that I need to make time for things. Especially after that last blog, you remember like four weeks ago, all about consistency I really ought to be doing better.

A good acronym for busy is Being Under Satan Yoke and I need to break free and start making time for the more important things in life...

as soon as I get a minute...

The First Blog of 2005

Well well well. Here we are in a new year. I can hardly believe it that 2004 is in the books and now a thing of the past. The years go by so quick. So here I am back in school for another semester and 5 days into the year and 2 into class I am already swamped with work. Life is grand, and I really mean that. I am actually pretty excited about the work I have this semester, it looks really interesting.

I have made a few tenitive resolutions this year. Tenitive so I don't feel bad when they don't happen but none the less. I am resolving to eat better this year and in doing so limit myself to only eat out once a week. I am resolving to treat school like a job and do only school work between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in an attempt to free up my evenings and weekends a little bit and to get a jump on my work... but I am already behind... never takes long.

So how do I plan to keep these? Consistency!!! This is the one key to all New Year's resolutions. Be consistent and you will succeed! If you go to New Glasgow you will find out more about this on Sunday (I'm preaching), if not... read Revelation 3:14-22.

out