Hope for tomorrow

One of the saddest verses in the Bible is found in the book of Judges. It says that the new generation, after Joshua died, did not know the Lord. Joshua had been one of the greatest Bible heroes, but for whatever reason he did not teach his followers to pass on the Faith of our Fathers. A new generation grew up in relative peace, but with no knowledge of God. It isn't hard to guess how quickly they fell off the path into very dire circumstances.

I feel at my new age that one of my highest privileges is to pass on what I've learned to the new kids on the block. The older I get the more I am cognisant of the reality of the brevity of life. That's why I took more than half of my week to teach this bright group of young adults about how to grow a healthy church. These 8 men and women are all in their last year(s) of Pacific Life Bible College, and most of them are already serving as Children's or Youth pastors in their local churches. We had a fun time Monday through Friday leatrning why some churches continue growing while most others have put a lid on growth. I pray for continued enthusiasm and wisdom as each of them passionately pursue God's best intentions.

Happy Anniversary

Today (Wednesday - February 28) is Susan’s and my 38^th wedding anniversary. We were attending a friends’ wedding last week-end and were reminiscing with the others who were at our table about our own weddings.
Susan and I were married in February of 1969 largely because from the time she was a pre-teen, Susan had had her wedding thoroughly planned. She’d always imagined that her bridesmaids would be wearing red velvet dresses and come down the aisle of our church with white fur muffs on. She had the flowers chosen, the decorations preset, certain love songs to be sung on cue—all she needed was a guy to stand in the groom’s spot. Thankfully, that was me!

We first met in church. (That’s a great place to meet your prospective spouse.) She was a very mature 14 year old and I was a slowly budding 19 year old. A year later we had our first date. (I was so nervous that I had written a note listing several things that we could talk about—thankfully Susan was a good talker and I was a good listener!) A year after that we were engaged, and the following year we were married. Even though we were young, we knew that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together--so why wait?

Here we are, 38 years, two children and six grandchildren later, and even more delighted than ever with the choice we both made. People have asked me, “What is the secret to a long and happy marriage!”

One day I’ll write a book about that important subject, but I can summarize it in the same three words we use to describe our church motto—knowing, growing and sowing.

In the church, the secret of success is our knowing God, growing in maturity by doing what we were created to do (like an apple tree that grows apples, a sheep who produces wool and a cow that makes milk, a successful person fulfills the purpose he was created by God to fulfill) and finally sowing, or giving away what we produce.

In marriage it’s very similar. It begins by getting to really know one another. It’s not about me—rather, it’s about the one I married. Who is she? What are her needs? What is her purpose? What fulfills her? The answers come to the man or woman who sincerely listens to their spouse.

Secondly, a healthy marriage continues by growing together. Don’t wish away your days by longing for the past or the future. Enjoy who you and she are today. We are constantly changing. A young married couple with no money, but with lots of hopes and dreams is a very different person than the 35 year old with a young family, too much work to do and a demanding mortgage.

The challenges of each phase of life are what press us out of our comfort zone into growth and maturity. Enjoy each decade for what it brings.

And finally¸ sow generously. True fulfillment comes through giving. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Give love, time and encouragement (whatever the moment calls for) generously. Don’t stop giving sacrificially to your wife—but expand your giving beyond your own family as you age. As the Psalmist wrote, “True happiness will follow a cup (life) that is not only full, but runs over to add to the fullness of others around him.”

Three little magic words – know, grow and sow will add wonder and happiness to our marriage relationships.

Angels all around us

Tomorrow in church I'll continue pulling back the curtains on the unseen world that God calls the heavenly places. We'll look at some of the zillions of angels that God has created to serve him and us. Someone asked me this week if we'll become angels when we die. The answer is "no". In truth, human beings are a higher order than angels are. They have been created by God as servants to minister to us. The author of Hebrews calls them "Ministering spirits".

I guess we could write a book on angels, but in brief there are a few different types mentioned in the Bible. The highest order of angels are called cherubim. Lucifer used to be the lead cherub before his fall, but there are at least 4 others who surround the throne of God. They are awesome creatures that Ezekiel describes by using terms such as "full of eyes" and "wheels inside of wheels". Jewish legends tell of their being 30 feet tall!

Then there is at least 1 Arch-Angel, whose name is Michael. His main job seems to be as the guardian of the Jewish people. Gabriel is the only other angel mentioned by name. He's the announcing angel, who with his trumpet and loud voice, makes proclamations for God. Seraphims seem to fall in line next . Isaiah describes them as having 6 wings and standing near to the holy presence of God.

Finally there are the millions times millions of angels who are encamped invisibly around every human. It seems we all have some who walk and ride with us every day. The Bible does not describe them, does not say they have wings, but does tell us that they can take on human form. Many of us have seen them and talked with them without even knowing it. Whenever they are seen in the Bible stories they are described as looking like men.

Alive and well

Don't you love it when you go for a physical check-up and the doctor gives you a good report! I do too. But I also love it when I put a stethascope to the body of Christ and I hear sounds of a healthy heart beat. Just in these past 2 days I've heard many stories which tell me the church is alive and well. I got so excited by a couple of testimonies today that I decided it would be good to publish a Good News Paper consisting of stories of how God loves to do good things for us. Keep your eye out for good reports and let me know so we can publish them, and then watch for our first issue.

Yesterday I was at the church, and came across 2 small groups of people praying for each other. I love that and so does our Father. I know its just a small reflection of all the prayer that's happening throughout the week. Then I saw another of our young adults teaching worship through dance to an enthusiastic group of young women. I didn't know we had a dance team, but I did suggest that they dance for God some Sunday morning soon. Then as I went to my car I met another man, who'd stopped by the food bank to pick up some sweets. He told me that daily he goes down to the front of PoCo City Hall to meet with street people. Up to a dozen come to him every day and receive Starbucks coupons and a treat. I left the church feeling so good about the life that is eminating from the Body-- what a treat it is for me to serve this living church!

Winter Wonderland

One of the most priceless gifts that anyone can have on earth is good friends. Susan and I thank God for his generosity in giving people such as Vern and Diane to add joy to our lives. This week we were invited, for my birthday, to join our dear friends up at their home on Big White Mountain. This has got to be one of the most beautiful havens in our magnificent province. We're not skiiers, or much else that involves too much energy, but there are tons of things to do on the snow-capped paradise.

I snapped a couple of pictures to share with any who care (not to make you envious, but to give due honor to our genius Creator) One is of the trees and snow, another of "snow ghosts", that appear as a result of snow icing the trees, and the 3rd of a couple of very beautiful snow bunnies whom I managed to get to pose for me (Susan and Diane if you didn't recognize them in their duds)

Count the stars

Today I've been preparing my sermon for Sunday. I work on a year at a time to determine where I am leading the church, but then each week I decide on Wednesday how much of the big picture I will unveil. On Saturday I nail my message down and add illustrations and an application. My message for this week is a huge concept-- We're opening up the invisible realm to peek inside and see the things that God is planning for the Church. Wow! I'm overwhelmed!

The thought that came to me which I'll use in my introduction was the scene when Jesus and Abraham were talking about God's plans for his future family. All Abraham could see was that he had no son. In his mind he was asking, "How can God even suggest that He has plans for my family when my wife can't even give me a child!" That was as far as he could see.

Jesus was not frustrated by Abraham's short-sightedness. He simply took him outside and told him to look at the stars. At that time Abe would have seen about 5000 stars with his naked eyes (no pollution!) Jesus said to him "Your spiritual descendants will be as many as the stars of the heavens!" Abraham must have said "Wow, I was thinking far too small, but now I understand!"

Wrong Abraham! He may have seen 5000 stars but the fact was that there are at least 3 thousand, million, billion stars. (That's a 3 with 16 zeroes) Like Father Abraham, we think we've got a picture of what life is all about, but we way under-estimate the dimensions of God's plans. As Paul wrote "Eyes have not seen nor has ear heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him." Now do you see the dilemma that I face tomorrow as I attempt to pull back the veil on God's plans for us? It's going to be a fun challenge.

PLBC Banquet

I was so impressed with my Alma Mater on Saturday evening when Susan and I went to the annual Valentines Banquet. We've come a long ways baby! I graduated with about 5 other young adults back in 1971 from what is now known as Pacific Life Bible College. Although I think I got a pretty good education, compared to todays school and student body we were pretty unsophistocated. The students that performed in music and drama were both talented and hilariously funny. We were well entertained.

And the food was awesome. Thanks to the staff and students for a wonderfully romantic Valentine celebration. This picture is of the couple who won the best dress-up prize. Believe me it wasn't fixed, but this handsome couple just happen to be my nephew Randall and his wife Suzanne. The theme of the evening was Hawaii so we all were asked to come in our vacation clothes.

The kicker was that if we bought a $10.00 rose for our sweetheart, we had a chance to have our name drawn for a hundred dollar dinner out. I realize that my brother is the President of the Bible College, but again, just because Susan and I won the big prize doesn't mean that the winners were predetermined!

I was a bad boy

That's what the lady behind the counter at the passport office told me this week. Susan and I got my passport application filled out and signed, had my pictures taken and then we quickly drove out to the Surrey Passport Office to get in the long line-up. After 3 1/2 hours of patient waiting, I finally got up to the nice lady behind the booth. She looked over my meticulously filled out documents and asked, "Where are your tickets?" She went on to explain that I could not have my passport extended without tickets in hand. I would have go home, purchase tickets and return another day!

So home we went. The problem was that I have had a few problems with my passports. Two have gone through the wash and one was stolen during our trip to Spain last year. The government saw me with my record of loss as some kind of a terrorist, so they would only issue me a passport for one year at a time. Then you can only travel to a foreign destination if you have 6 months left on your passport. W e are planning to be away about 3 times in the next few months so Susan ordered tickets for all 3 trips.

Tickets in hand I returned to the Passport office on Wednesday morning. After waiting in line again, I stood before another stern-faced clerk. She looked over my records, first of all handed me back my application and pictures, saying "You don't need these!", and then she said very seriously, "You are a bad boy. You'll be very lucky if they even renew your passport. I'm taking your passport and you probably won't get it back till June."

I left the building head hanging in shame, without my passport to freedom. I should never have gone there in the first place. I guess I'll be home for a while.

Staff/Council Summit

There were about 30 of us who set aside this one day to be inspired, stimulated and encouraged by God in Northside's Annual Staff/Council Summit meeting. Our staff meets regularly to talk and pray about the vision, plans and programs of the church; and our 9 member council meet monthly to think together about the facilities and finances. Then, of course we all do our own things over the days in between-- but every-time I hear all the good stuff that's going on I wish we could all have the benefit and joy that we who are present get to have. So that is the reason we spend this important day together.

After I shared some of my own vision and thoughts, Pastor Rebecca spent an hour or so teaching some invaluable leadership/followership principles. I was amazed at how much we learned together about vision, planning and shifting with the culture of our day. Once again I was wishing that all 500 or so of our workers and volunteers could have been there. Finally, before lunch we broke into small groups of matching interests and analysed our ministies, what are we doing well and how could we do better?

At lunch, served by a very gracious family of godly servants, Pastor Gord surprised me with a birthday card and gift from the group, and a delicious birthday cake. It could not have been a better or more profitable way to spend our day. I left there brimming with Godly pride in our church family and humility regarding the assignment we have been entrusted with.

Masters Commission

I've had a fun time these last 2 days doing what I love to do. The Masters Commission is a hands- on discipleship and ministry training program that runs alongside our Pacific Life Bible College. At least a couple of our Canadian Foursquare churches offer this intense practical program. Students usually board with church families, take intensive courses, while at the same time doing a whole variety of practical ministries in the church. It's a very worthwhile 1 to 3 years, much like Jesus put his own 12 disciples through.

My assignment has been to teach the entire Old Testament in 3 days. I couldn't imagine a better or more fun thing to do, but what made it even more enjoyable for me was this particular group of enthusiastic young adults. The students were from Canada, Guatamela, USA and as far away as Brazil. What a delight I've had getting to know them. I will try to finish the rest of the OT next Thursday.

Kristy moves up another year

It's amazing to me how fast time flies by--it accelerates as we zip through each decade. Our second daughter Kristy turns 34 this week. Wasn't it just last week that we brought her home from the hospital. Kelly was only 15 months old at the time and she had no intentions of sleeping through the night. What were we going to do with two of them? I said to Susan at the time "If you take care of Kristy at night, I'll handle Kelly." What a mistake that was! Kristy slept through the night almost immediately, while Kelly demanded my attention for months to come!

Kristy was a delight to raise; a little challenging from about 11 to 15, but a breeze after that! She completed Grade 10 piano as a young girl, taught up to 52 students music, while attending university full time; paid all of her own way, and graduated by 22 with a teaching degree. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jeremy, that year and they've been happily maturing since then.

Now 12 years and 3 children later, Kristy not only is a mom, teaches at school and is the President of our 60 student Wee College, but she also serves as Lay pastor of our Kids Church, Nursery to Primary ministry. Wow, I'm tired thinking about it! And besides all that she is one of the two best daughters in the world!

Yesterday after church our family celebrated both, her and their 3rd child, Jordan's birthdays. Because Jordy is one of my helpers in any building projects I undertake, Susan and I bought him a tool box and many real tools (at 3 he's ready to graduate from his plastic tools--but I am a little worried about this hammer and their glass coffee table!) "Kristy and Jordan, my prayer is that both of you will continue to walk and work in the sunshine of God's love and in the protection of his strength!" Happy birthday.

We're going to Israel

One of my life-long dreams has been to go to Israel. I've been teaching the Bible stories for over 40 years, have been describing the sights, smells, sounds and feel of the land over and over, but Susan and I have never been there.

This last year Jack Hayford announced that our International Foursquare Convention would be held in Israel, so I suggested to my beautiful wife that we try to go. And that was when the fighting started--in Israel that is. All summer the missles sailed back and forth between enemies. It was in October, when the battle subsided, that Pastor Jack reaffirmed that the Convention was still on, with a money back guarantee if we can't go because of imminent danger.

The dates of the actual Convention are July 22 to 25, 2007. But there is a choice of 5 tour options in the package. If you are interested in joining us on a tour (ours will go from July 19 to July 29) please call the church for info and registration forms. Juliet Martinson has offered to help with the dispensing of any information. Her number is 604 461 2670. All who want to join Susan and I on our tour are welcome to, or you can make your own plans. Whatever way, we are going to have a memorable walk down some of the same trails as Jesus walked 2000 years ago.

Miracles

It's not often that we see genuine miracles face to face. Or maybe we just don't recognize them when we do, but this week I witnessed at least 3!

On Tuesday night I was invited by Alpha Canada to do some videoing for an Alpha commercial they are putting together for churches in Canada. A generous donor had given a significant amount of money to do some necessary promotion, so a film crew were hired from Toronto to travel across the country taping testimonies of what Alpha has meant to them. We had gathered 3 young men, at the church, and then there was me.

When I finished my interview, I sat and listened to the 3 guys tell their stories. Wow! What an inspiration to hear! Fatty is an Indian by family and raised in the Sikh culture and religion, but had strayed into the grip of alcoholism and drugs. His boss attends our church and because I was teaching on the 12 steps, asked him to come to church with him and his family. Fatty came, was deeply affected by the services and quickly enrolled in the Alpha program which was just beginning. He told how welcome he'd felt, how he quickly responded to the Gospel, received the Holy Spirit's fulness and has seen miracle change in his life. He's been freed from addictions, his marriage has been renewed and he has an obvious joy that he cannot keep to himself! He now attends an Indian fellowship in Abbotsford.

Cam is only 17. No one in his family has ever attended church or talked about God, but when his friend Jordan invited him to Alpha to sit at a Youth table, he said "yes". A year later with a huge grin on his face, Cam told how he received Jesus, has invited his friends to church, teaches Kids Church, and co-leads a youth Alpha table. I've marked this kid for Bible School; he's a rising Pastor!

I loved listening to Carl. Neither I nor the others who were listening, could hold back the tears as he described his journey from atheism to evangelism. His wife, who had just finished Alpha herself and had become a believer, challenged Carl, "How can you say you're an Atheist when you don't even know what Christians believe?" With that Carl came to Alpha and a few weeks into it, became a deeply committed Christian. I had the privilege of baptising him a few weeks later. A week after his baptism Carl was serving as an usher and I remarked how great it was to see him serving. With that, he joked that in a few weeks he'd be after my job! I loved it.

Thank God for Alpha and our dozens of enthusiastic leaders and workers!

Life Plan

I get several people, often young, who come to me for counsel concerning the direction of their lives. Usually it's not that there are a lot of problems in their day to day journeys, but more that they don't have direction for the future. When we don't know where we are going, we don't usually make any progress in life. We tend to look back after several years and find ourselves in the same place we were 10 years earlier. When that is the case, we don't feel the fulfillment or the happiness that God intended us to feel.

As a result of many such counselling sessions over the past years, I decided that I would write and publish a workbook called Life Plan. While I was away in Asia last month I did most of the writing, and now this week , with the help of Linda and Jessica I 'm ready to publish the material. I've included in this blog a write-up from the back page and a picture of the cover.

Jordy's Birthday

Jordan is the youngest of our six grandchildren. After Alex and Jacob were born within a week of each other 8 years ago, the kids kept coming. Madeline followed on the first boys heels and then Maxwell came along in the same year. Victoria was born next. She will turn 5 in 2007 and will begin kindergarten in September. When Jordan was born 3 years ago, our daughters told us that he would be the last of the pack.

Because Jordy was a January baby, he won't be able to start school for 2 1/2 years. This is the last of a lot of regular babysitting for Susan, so she's desparately hoping the great grandchildren will come along soon! Because Jordy is the last of the lot and was born some time after Victoria, I think he and I have had more personal time together. He is a helper by nature and loves to bring out his plastic tool kit, donne his goggles, put on his hard hat and work beside me. We've finished several signifigant projects together, and still have a couple of good years before he gets bogged down by 17 years of schooling.

On Sunday Kristy invited several of his church friends over for a Diego Birthday Party. What a delight to see their many friends, adults and kids, socializing together! For a while the group was a bit overwhelming to Jordan and he retreated to the back room to watch Dora and Diego. After a while he came and joined the party, blew out the candles and opened his presents. That party will have to be the last for a while. Our next family birthday doesn't come until next week when his mom crosses another year marker!

Saying Goodbye

It’s okay—He’s ready to go, but still the process of saying goodbye is sad and difficult.

My dad has been a wonderful role-model for the six children he fathered, plus the two whom he inherited when our mom died and he remarried forty years ago. He’s been one of those men who has few regrets when it comes to family—he successfully passed the baton to us adult kids, our 18 children and 27 grandchildren.

A couple of days ago, Susan and I went to visit dad in the hospital. The doctors have given him 1-2 months to live, but we were surprised how good he looked and how chipper his attitude was. Susan took mom out for coffee while my brother and I talked with dad, knowing it could be our last visit on earth. I asked my dad some pretty pointed questions. (I am often surprised how few people address the real issues of life and death head0on with loved ones who are dying).

I asked him how he felt about dying, and although he was, of course, sad to leave mom and his family, he said he was ready to go. My dad has, for as long as I can remember had a strong relationship with God, so he has always known that he will end up in heaven.

We talked about the other four issues that everyone should face before we die—“Thank You”, “I’m sorry”, “I forgive you” and “I love you”. It was surprising to both me and my brother what memories dad had where he felt he’d failed or disappointed us. He talked about little incidents that had happened 40 or more years ago, when he thought that he’d let us down, or said something inappropriate. Most of them we didn’t even remember, but it was good for dad to clean out the closet of his memories.

He talked about how much he loved our mom, who gave birth to us and poured her life in to us six kids. Mom died when she was only 42, so she didn’t get the privilege of watching us all move into adulthood. He was wondering if she’d be 42 in heaven and he’d be 89—and if she would know him. Then he questioned me about eventually meeting both of his wives in heaven. We laughed together and decided that God would figure it all out.

For me, the most emotional part of our visit was not listening to dad’s memories, but our telling him how much we loved and honored him as a father. As Rob and I recounted the many attributes and successes of our dad, thanked him for clearly showing us how to be men, to walk on the right path, and be loving husbands and fathers, I could hardly hold back my emotions.

After our hugs and goodbyes to dad, we prayed with him and left. It was good. We’re so thankful for the gift of this window of time to say what had to be said.

Ode to Papa

In light of my fast approaching birthday, here is a sobering thought.

How old is Grandpa?
Stay with this--the answer is at the end. It will blow you away.

One evening a a grandson was talking to his grandpa about current events. The grandson asked his grandpa what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandpa replied, well, let me think a minute, I was born before:

television
penicillin
polio shots
frozen foods
Xerox
contact lenses
Frisbees
The pill

There were no:
credit cards
laser beams
ball point pens

Man had not invented:
pantyhose
air conditioners
dishwashers
clothes dryers (the clothes were hung outside in the fresh air)
man hadn't yet walked on the moon.

Your Grandma and I got married first...and then lived together.
Every family had a Father and a Mother
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me "Sir"
And after I turned 25, I still called poilicmen and every man with a title "Sir".
We were before gay-rights, computer dating, dual careers, daycare centers and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends--not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey!
If you saw anything with 'made in Japan' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' refereed to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 & 10 cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice Cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
If you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600.00, but who could afford one?
Too bad, because gas was just 11 cents a gallon.

In my day:
'grass was mowed'
'coke' was a cold drink
'pot' was something your mother cook in
'rock' music was your grandmother's lullaby
'Aids' were helpers in the principal's office
'chip' meant a piece of wood
'hardware' was found in a hardware store
'software' wasn't even a word.

And we were the last generation to actually believe that a woman needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap...and how old do you think I am?






This man would be only 59 years old!!!!

Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada

Tim and Laurene Peterson have served as President and First Lady of our Denomination over these past 15 years. We, at Northside, have been privileged to serve as their church family during the years that they have given oversight and care to the churches from Vancouver Island to the Atlantic.

I've had several occasions to travel with Tim to various regions to meet prospective pastors, and to provide care and teaching. I can truthfully say that I have never met a man so much like Nathanael, whom Jesus thoughtfully described as being "a man without guile". Tim is a picture of grace and love. Both Tim and Laurene have worked far beyond the call of duty in administration, Shepherding pastors and communication. We have a very large country, and to help facilitate the oversight, they have done superb job of creating specialized teams of capable men and women to share the load with them.

This year, 2007, Tim and Laurene are retiring from the Presidency. For some time, a transition team has been working at the process of choosing the next leader who will receive the torch from Tim and carry it into the next decade. There are many factors to consider in such a transfer of authority to make it flow smoothly , so it is expedient that we who serve under our leadership pray for wisdom for our National Board . In our Fourquare system, all churches had the privilege of nominating candidates, but the final choice, under God's direction, comes from a leadership board of 8 men and women from across Canada. God bless them, and give them wisdom and clarity in their final discussions and decision. And God bless Tim and Laurene as they are promoted to a new phase of ministry, wherever it may lead them!

Madeline turns Seven

Our millenium Grandbaby turned 7 on Saturday! Jeremy's and Kristy's 2nd child, Madeline, is now thriving in grade 1 (in the same class as her cousin Max) , is already starting to lose her baby teeth, and is showing signs of being a very mature young princess. Madeline was partied out this week-end with girlfriends from both school and church, in addition to our weekly family get-together, but she handled it with grace and thankfulness.

From the time Madeline was a baby, she has demonstrated a motivational gift of encouragement. It's very unusual for a child to be so generous and thoughtful of others. Of course she, like all of us has her flashes of selfishness, but Madeline is always very conscious of how others in the room are doing. Some of that comes from the modelling of her mom, but a lot of who she is has been a God initiated gift.

As both her pastor and her papa, I pray that" God will protect Madeline from harm and negative influences in this pivotal year of her life, and will shepherd her down the right path that He has uniquely prepared for her. Help her parents and teachers be wise in the discipling of their precious gift."

Every year Susan buys Madeline and Victoria a china doll with her age on it. This picture is of her opening doll #7. They sit on her dresser as a reminder of how much she has grown and of the plans that God has for her full maturity.

Northside Church 2007

It's hard to believe that another year has passed. The time seems to accelerate as we get older. I have a pretty strong feeling that this year is going to be a good one for our church family. As I've often stated, I plan my life in 7 year phases and do the same for our church. In May, we move into our 5th 7 year stretch. Over the first 7 years, we focussed on community ( developing a strong core of loving members), then in 1986 we turned an important corner and focussed on corporation (that phase included developing an administration system, strengthening our staff and building our 2 campuses).

In 1993, we turned our focus sharply outside of ourselves and concentrated on what we called cause. In the millenial year, 2000, we felt that we were at a place of health and maturity, so we widened our focus to include 7 priorities: Alpha, Youth, Children, Prayer, Small groups, Missions (which includes our community and overseas) and worship. Giving became, and will continue to be, a strong emphasis. On a personal note, I began writing books in this phase and published 12 of them.

In May of this year, we will be backing up a bit from our emphasis in overseas missions and looking carefully at how we can impact our own nation. I'll write more later, but this phase will include broadening our influence by web, radio, television and publishing, in Canada.