Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Setting Your Sails

I've had a personal vision, or "revelation", if you will, about setting your sails and how faith applies in the journey of life respectively to this vision. It seems as though when I became a Christian, the comparison of "setting my sails" was the process to begin my journey with Christ. The scenery would be a vast ocean, a golden sky as the sun sets, and stars peering through what used to be a blue sky.

I envisioned this really big ship, setting its sails and venturing into a vast ocean of opportunities, potential, and mystery. This ship would travel by the sails of faith, trusting for strong winds to support it and help guide the vessel to its destination. Where unforeseen storms may lie ahead, or undiscovered treasures may wait their discovery. A life filled with adventure, with anticipation for the unknown upon its horizons.

I believe our faith is much like the sails, that when a storm presents itself, you wonder if the sails will hold. Sometimes, during a strong wind, the sails may tear in places, causing problems to catch the winds properly. Other times the sails may sway too hard in the wrong direction, causing problems for a hopeful and planned direction. Even worse, at times the wind won't even blow, and we're left with the test of patience in a stand still.

What if the tears in the sails bring us to a slower pace, will we enjoy the view? What if swaying sails sets a new course, will we appreciate the detour? What if patience prevents us from entering an unseen storm, will we take the time to rest?

I also wonder if we find purpose in setting our sails. Some may sail in hopes of treasures, or marking their fame in history. Others may even sail to escape the places they've previously been to, hoping to find new beginnings.

Why not set your sail for the sake of life's journey with Christ? So keep your faith strong, endure your storms, and learn from your adventures, and enjoy your journey. After all, Jesus is the wind that guides your ship, with your sails of faith set high, He’ll bring you to your destination.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Packages & Phone Calls

My last message on here was one I totally never want to happen again, but I guess you can say, no matter who you are, "Life Happens!" On the contrary to my previous message, I'll be sharing how great a day I've had today, and to tell of my experiences and adventures serving in one of the top 100 largest closed complex arena's in the world for Hillsong!

I'll start with my day today, just because it was filled with joy. I received a phone call from Mom today, and got to talk with Grandma Ross, Ma Tante Louise, and cousin Marco, for a little while, plus say hi to everyone at home too, and they told me they saw me on Hillsong TV! I was kind of shocked, on a couple of levels, first because I was on TV, but secondly, that my parents saw me! It was a little on the random side, but I'm excited to hear that, especially if Mom & Dad are checking out some Hillsong TV! I can't help it when I say: "That's AWESOME!"

Then to make the day even better, I had previously chatted with my good friends Candace and Calvin, and their two Angels Tyler and Megan, and had some great talks, and some great catch ups. What they don't know, is that later my afternoon, after chatting with Candace and Calvin in the morning, I received the package at my front door! I LOVE IT! The parcel contained 4 NHL Caps, many pretty pictures by Megan, a card with photos of the family and Brittany and Karl's Wedding, and a giant tin of Tim Hourton's coffee, with a little tin as well, and last but not least... Reece's Peanut-Butter Cups! Talk about being blessed today, eh!? I know, I know, I don't normally say "eh" as often as I should (as a Canuck), but I couldn't help myself on that one.

So, to explain a little of what my life was like, the past 4 weeks in a row, I haven't had a single day off! I've worked on every day off possible, and when I wasn't working, I was in classes, and if that wasn't the case, then I was serving in Church. I haven't had a day of full rest of nothing to do in a given full day since the Christmas break! So today, I actually had a full day off of complete rest, and a time more needed now than EVER! Mainly because, previously to this week, I had served 4 days straight a one of the largest venues that Hillsong Church puts on for a conference dedicated to women, known as "Colour Conference."

Here's the link for those that are interested:
Colour Conference

I must say, that serving there was incredible, seeing and meeting some of the guest speakers, serving along side the Church, and seeing women from all over the world come to this one venue get so impacted, was absolutely phenomenal. Hillsong knows how to host a party for ladies, and they did a tremendous job empowering women, and serving them with excellence. I happened to be working backstage, in charge of a small venue outside the main arena, for production and hosting kids with a sound board. The kids were hilarious (as usual), and they had a blast. The plus side, was that I only had to serve at 10:00am - 11:30am for the kids in the morning and again at 6:30pm - 7:00pm in the evenings from Thursday night till Saturday night. So I had a bit of free time between serving, and had a blast helping out randomly through the arena. I helped out a few lovely ladies, with the power of a "backstage pass", to assist with needs, I help run a few cables out to TV land in the arena for more camera work and angles, and last but not least, yes, I even made pancakes for our departments, and even had them served to some of the worship leaders and pastors. I can't say how awesome it is to serve for Hillsong, the adventures are AMAZING and fun, and God keeps shining everyday brighter and brighter in the lives of so many, including my own.

Well, I'm basically giong to have supper now, so I have to run, it's House Dinner night tonight, so Lukas is in charge of cooking tonight, and we'll have a great time in fellowship and sharing with a great meal. Be blessed everyone, and keep being the best blessing you can ever be to anyone you can! The only way we'll ever see this world change for the best is if we see a world of change in us to start the chain reaction of a changed world for the best!

I love you all, and don't be shy in sending letters, emails, parcels, and love!