A Bit Of History

Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s population. Since 1921, the Poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance. It is our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations.

Just prior to the World War I, few Poppies grew in Flanders. During the tremendous bombardments of that war, the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing “popaver rhoes” to thrive. Fields that were barren before the battles exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended. When the war ended, the lime was quickly absorbed and the Poppy began to disappear again.

The person who was responsible more than any other for the adoption of the Poppy as a symbol of Remembrance in Canada and the Commonwealth was Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer during the First World War. John was born on 30 November 1872 in Guelph, Ontario and at age 14, he joined the Highfield Cadet Corps. Three years later he enlisted in the Militia field battery. While attending the University of Toronto Medical School, he was a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.

With Britain declaring war on Germany on 4 August 1914, Canada’s involvement was automatic. John McCrae was among the first wave of Canadians who enlisted to serve and he was appointed as brigade surgeon to the First Brigade of the Canadian Forces Artillery.
In April 1915, John McCrae was stationed near Ypres, Belgium, the area traditionally called Flanders. It was there that some of the fiercest fighting of WWI occurred. Working from a dressing station on the banks of the Yser Canal, dressing hundreds of wounded soldiers from wave after wave of relentless enemy attack, he observed how “we are weary in body and wearier in mind. The general impression in my mind is of a nightmare.”

In May, 1915, on the day following the death of fellow soldier, John McCrae wrote his now famous work, an expression of his anguish over the loss of his friend and a reflection of his surroundings – wild Poppies growing amid simple wooden crosses marking makeshift graves. These 15 lines, written in 20 minutes on a scrap of paper, captured an exact description of the sights and sounds of the area around him.

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

An American teacher, Moina Michael, working at the YMCA Overseas War Secretaries’ headquarters in New York City in November 1918, read John’s poem. She immediately made “a personal pledge to keep the faith and vowed always to wear a red poppy of Flanders Fields as a sign of remembrance and as an emblem for keeping the faith with all who died". Two years later, during a 1920 visit to the United States, a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the custom. On her return to France, she decided to use handmade Poppies to raise money for the destitute children in war-torn areas of the country. Following the example of Madame Guerin, the Great War Veterans’ Association in Canada (the predecessor of The Royal Canadian Legion) officially adopted the Poppy as its Flower of Remembrance on 5 July 1921.

Thanks to the millions of Canadians who wear the Legion’s lapel Poppy each November, the little red plant has never died. And neither have Canadian’s memories for 117,000 of their countrymen who died in battle.

Now, decades later, Canadians stand united in their Remembrance as they recognize and honour the selfless acts of our troops from all wars. We realize that it is because of our war veterans that we exist as a proud and free nation.

Information from the Royal Canadian Legion’s website.

No Fuel No Fire!

Sometimes we get overwhelmed by our need for a great vision or unique plan. However, I have come to realize that an immediate goal for our church should be to creat a culture of warmth and hospitality. In this late hour hospitality is going to attract people to the gospel. A few of us have been seeing the need for relationship building in our fellowship. We need to build trust and heal the many broken relationships within our community. In order to be successful in our endeavor we need to deal with the recent rise of strife in our little fellowship.

As I was praying, asking God to reveal what we are really dealing with He led me to the book of Proverbs. Please meditate on these scriptures and stand in the gap with me and Judi. May the devil's plans be twarted and God's name be glorified!

Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer the strife ceases.

Talebearer: One who spreads malicious stories or gossip, one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence

Proverbs 16:28b … a whisperer (gossiper) separates chief friends.

Proverbs 26:22, Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

Proverbs 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention (discord) shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Discord: a: lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b: active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions: strife

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates: yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

1. A proud look,
2. A lying tongue,
3. Hands that shed innocent blood,
4. A heart that devises wicked imaginations,
5. Feet that are quick in running to mischief,
6. A false witness that speaks lies,

7. And the person that sows discord among brethren.

Jesus Christ was and is absolute.
He said, He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad Matthew 12:30.

I urge you to understand that there is no such thing as an inactive church member.

If you're not gathering, if you're not drawing people to Christ, you are driving them away from Christ; you are scattering. May God have mercy on us!

A Question For You....

As I was preaparing for Sunday (after three weeks away) I ran full speed into a remarkable thought. It happened kind of sudden like. I was considering the topic of servanthood vs the selfishness of the modernday church. So here is the question; What is the most important word in John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son.

I believe that most everyone who reads this verse misses it. The most important word in this verse comes after the word "world." God loved so much He did something about it. He actually manifested and demonstrated His love.

In his song, "Asleep in the Light," Keith Green raised the question: Do you see, do you see, All the people sinking down? Don't you care, don't you care, Are you going to let them drown? How can you be so numb, Not to care if they come? You close your eyes and pretend the job's done.

My message for Sunday may cause us to blush but we must address the sad fact that most of Christendom has turned inward. Keith Green goes on; Oh, bless me Lord, bless me Lord! You know that's all I ever hear. No one aches, no one hurts, No one even sheds a tear. But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds, And He cares for your needs. And you just lay back and keep soaking it in.

May God have mercy on us and remove apathy from our midst.

The voice of the Lord was heard as He sang through the wind among the aspens. Its sound was as a drink of cool water.

Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name!

Drop Kick Me Jesus Through The Goal Posts Of Life!

Funny how sometimes when God impacts us it is not at all as to what we had expected or hoped for. It certainly is not always a warm fuzzy. Nor is it a "bed of roses."

There are times when going forward with God is down right painful. Or as is depicted in the photo... "It is in your face!"

Nevertheless, I will bless His Holy name! As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

The Ninth Century Sufi, Bayazid Bastami, says this about himself: “I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was, ‘Lord give me the energy to change the world.

“As I approached middle age and realized that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to, ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me. Just my family and friends, and I shall be content.’

“Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my prayer now is, ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ If I had prayed for this right from the start I should have not wasted my life.”

The "Go" of Renunciation

. . . someone said to Him, ’Lord, I will follow You wherever You go’ —Luke 9:57

Our Lord’s attitude toward this man was one of severe discouragement, "for He knew what was in man" ( John 2:25 ). We would have said, "I can’t imagine why He lost the opportunity of winning that man! Imagine being so cold to him and turning him away so discouraged!" Never apologize for your Lord. The words of the Lord hurt and offend until there is nothing left to be hurt or offended. Jesus Christ had no tenderness whatsoever toward anything that was ultimately going to ruin a person in his service to God. Our Lord’s answers were not based on some whim or impulsive thought, but on the knowledge of "what was in man." If the Spirit of God brings to your mind a word of the Lord that hurts you, you can be sure that there is something in you that He wants to hurt to the point of its death.

Luke 9:58 . These words destroy the argument of serving Jesus Christ because it is a pleasant thing to do. And the strictness of the rejection that He demands of me allows for nothing to remain in my life but my Lord, myself, and a sense of desperate hope. He says that I must let everyone else come or go, and that I must be guided solely by my relationship to Him. And He says, ". . . the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

Luke 9:59 . This man did not want to disappoint Jesus, nor did he want to show a lack of respect for his father. We put our sense of loyalty to our relatives ahead of our loyalty to Jesus Christ, forcing Him to take last place. When your loyalties conflict, always obey Jesus Christ whatever the cost.

Luke 9:61 . The person who says, "Lord, I will follow You, but . . .," is the person who is intensely ready to go, but never goes. This man had reservations about going. The exacting call of Jesus has no room for good-byes; good-byes, as we often use them, are pagan, not Christian, because they divert us from the call. Once the call of God comes to you, start going and never stop.

The above is From the writings of Oswald Chambers

We Don't Always "Get It"

There was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his roomfilled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had awork for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. TheLord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.This the man did, day after day.

For many years he toiled from sun up to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of theunmoving rock pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to hiscabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, Satan decided toenter the picture placing thoughts into the man's mind such as; "You have beenpushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't budged. Why killyourself over this? You are never going to move it? etc."

This gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that hewas a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man even more. "Why killmyself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, giving just theminimum of effort and that will be good enough." And that he planned to dountil one day he decided to make it a matter of Prayer and take his troubledthoughts to the Lord."Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all mystrength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I havenot even budged that rock a half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am Ifailing?"

To this the Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when long ago I askedyou to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to pushagainst the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But,is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, yourback brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass thatwhich you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. BUT YOUR CALLING WAS TO BE OBEDIENT, TO PUSH AND TO EXERCISE YOUR FAITH AND TRUST IN MY WISDOM,this you have done.

I, my friend, I will now move the rock."

Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.

Kids Ask The Darndest Things

"Hey dad, why do you give the waitress 15% and God only gets 10%"?


This my friends is a great question. We often think nothing of giving a complete stranger a "tip" for services provided. On the other hand we debate wheter God's 10% is off the gross or the take home amount and in some cases the left over after paying the bills. Funny how a $36.00 DVD set is easy to purchase while giving God 10% of a $360.00 pay check is a struggle. Perhaps instead of tithes (10%) we should give God tips for services rendered. Ouch that is a whole lot more..... Thank God He only requires 10% (that is even less then the Canadian Revenue Services requires.....

Are You Salty Enough?

It might have seemed ridiculous for Jesus to say to a handful of ordinary men, "You are the salt of the earth" Yet that little band, that pinch of salt, started something that has changed the history of mankind.Our Lord used very simple figures of speech. Nothing is plainer, more universal and old-fashioned than salt. It is such a common commodity that we take it for granted, but if suddenly no salt could be had, what a difference that would make!

What would life be without salt!

A little boy said, "Salt is what tastes bad when you don't have it."

Salt has a seasoning influence: There ought to be a flavor and a zest about us Christians. Our main trouble today is not that our doctrine is false, but that our experience is flat.

Salt preserves: Salt prevents decay and restrains corruption. One godly person in a group will restrain evil conversation.

Salt purifies and cleanses: The best gargle for a sore throat is pain salt water. The church of Jesus Christ has a purifying influence. You may think that our community is in a bad state, but take out the church and you would not want to live there.

Salt heals: Lives are changed, souls saved, homes rescued from disaster, broken hearts mended, sorrows eased, burdens lifted, sick bodies and minds made well because of the antiseptic and therapeutic power of the Holy Spirit working through God's people, the salt of the earth.

Salt creates thirst: We ought to live in such a way that others would want the peace and joy they see in us. Does anybody want to be a Christian like you?

Salt irritates: When the salt of God's truth is rubbed into this diseased old world, sick souls may smart. When the light is turned on, some will wince. The devil hates the Gospel and fights back… We are not the sugar of the earth - we are salt! We will not be welcomed by a generation full of open wounds.
We need to get into the salt business. It sounds old-fashion, but salt is old-fashioned, sin is old-fashioned and so is the Gospel.
We have been tickling palates with fancy flavors, spicy relishes, and spicy recipes borrowed from the world. Too many pulpit gourmets deal with menus from Hollywood, trying to please the jaded appetites of a fed up humanity.
We need old-fashioned salt, and if we do not start producing more of it in our churches, we shall be good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

A note of encouagement....

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladnes; he will quiet you by his love;

Zephaniah 3:17-20 The LORD your God in the midst of you [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over you with singing. I will gather [them that are] sorrowful…. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict you: and I will save her that is lame, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, says the LORD.

Psalms 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes , sweeter than honey to my mouth!

O' that we would consider the Word of God to be that delightful. O' that we would crave it like the bear, considering the bee stings to be but a small price to pay for the sweet, pure, life giving nectar.

Getting Ready To JUMP!

Sometimes when life gets to serious we need to revert to our childhood past times... skipping and jumping, and all of that for no paticular reason except that you can!

Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

Blown Away By God's Creativity!

I found the most incredible rock formations just minutes from our house. Does anyone dare to hazard a guess as to exactly how many minutes away. Although these are incredible there is no rock like Our Rock!

Photo Question

Anyone know where this picture was taken?

POWERFUL, SO POWERFUL, YOUR GLORY FILLS THE SKIES
YOUR MIGHTY WORKS DISPLAYED FOR ALL TO SEE

THE BEAUTY OF YOUR MAJESTY, AWAKES MY HEART TO SING
HOW MARVELOUS, HOW WONDERFUL YOU ARE

BEAUTIFUL ONE, I LOVE, BEAUTIFUL ONE, I ADORE
BEAUTIFUL ONE, MY SOUL MUST SING

YOU OPENED MY EYES TO YOUR WONDERS ANEW
YOU CAPTURED MY HEART WITH THIS LOVE
‘CAUSE NOTHING ON EARTH IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU

MY SOUL, MY SOUL MUST SING….

Visiting Beckie's (Wolfe) blog I saw some awesome pictures. I thought they looked a bit familiar and then remembered that at one of our dozen or more pit stops driving the grandkids back to the Island... I too had snapped a few flower (weed) shots. I kept this one not because of its uniqueness.... I just thought it would make a good puzzle! There is a bee in this bouquet, all the butterflys were probably prepping for Beckie's pic. I'll stick to preaching and leave the photo taking to Beckie and Casey.
Have great Sunday!

Casey took this picture of our ranch last night. Pretty incredible, we are so blessed to live in this part of God's creation. There is never the same sky two nights in a row. There is definetly nothing "same old, same old" about God's artistic flair.

Deuteronomy 8
All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD promised unto your fathers. And you shall remember all the way which the LORD thy God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, [and] to prove you, to know what [was] in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or not. And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon you, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. You shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastens his son, [so] the LORD thy God chastens you. Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. For the LORD your God brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; A land wherein you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack any [thing] in it; a land whose stones [are] iron, and out of whose hills you may dig brass. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which he has given you. Beware that you forget not the LORD your God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes: Lest [when] you have eaten and are full, and have built nice houses and dwelt [therein]; And [when] thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that you has is multiplied; Then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought you water out of the rock of flint; Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers knew not, that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your latter end; And you say in your heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand has gotten me this wealth. But you shall remember the LORD your God: for [it is] he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he promised to your fathers, as [it is] this day. And it shall be, if you do at all forget the LORD your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyed, so shall you perish; because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.

It is almost here! The season that we've all been looking forward to. The colors, the smells, the crispness in the air.... ahhhh.

Sweaters - I know that sounds strange, but I like sweaters.

Yet in all of this I really like the Fall because it is a season for families to get together. Local fairs, Thanks-giving dinner, campfires, nights around the kitchen table playing Settlers eating Pumkin pie. Our annivesary (33rd) and Judi's birthday (29th).

Or perhaps it is that the autumn season calls us back to a closer communion with God. The summer is filled with so many distractions (not all bad of course). But summer always seems to focus on self interests. You may have another point of view, but I for one look forward to the days that lay ahead.

Psalms 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Ok! So I am having a hard time getting up from the kitchen table... I'm allowed. However, I am going out to work the ranch now. Sometimes all this revisiting the past is tiring. I think I've got jet lag. Memories are good, well good memories are good! In fact God encourages us to be ever mindful of his Faithfullness to us. I pray your memories of God in your life only serve to bring glory to His name and strength to your determination to be all that He has called you to be!

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.

This is a picture of Beamer's Falls (dry) on Forty Mile Creek.

I don't need to look too far to see God's handiwork. The trees are a canvas to themselves. If I close my eyes I can almost smell the leaves. The bridge in the background is on Ridge Rd. It was at a vineyard locatted on this road that my mom work as an imagrant labourer. She would place my baby brother and I on a blanket among the miles of grapevines and pick grapes until dusk. God has blessed her for her many sacrifices. Live was anything but easy in those early days of them coming to Canada.

Part Two ....
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

As a youngster I had myself many adventures along Forty Mile Creek in Grimsby, Ontario. Many a Saturday I would spend the whole day scrambling over boulders and searching caves along the banks of this awesome creek. Although I almost drowned on one occasion, the creek has always held a special place among my childhood memories.

However, now that I'm a bit older and less likely to be scrambling over the rocks (although I still can, really!) I favor the pathways through the woods (wilderness). But, O the Saturday adventures... Bag lunch (Mock Meat Chicken Loaf) or a campfire with a hotdog or two.... ahhhh!

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

I love when God makes a way in the wilderness. Our ranch I am sure is a wilderness to some, but God has made pathways there for me. And no matter the state of my mind or heart at the first step I am the better for it at the last. I thank God everyday for my wilderness. Yes, even on those days when I am bone weary tired, I sit for a moment at a campfire or hanging over a rail fence and the peace of God soothes in a way no eight person hot tub could. Never did see what those city folk saw in those things any way.

Don't let this be your last supper!

I know my sense of humor is skewed, but sadly for a large number of God's children this is the level they are at. One "Happy Meal" after another. God's Word has so much more for us. It is the Bread of life,yet we settle for a Happy Meal. What is that all about? Is it the prize?

I think it is high time for us to get into the "meat and potatoes" of God's Word. Besides you don't need to collect all 12 toys to get into Heaven.... you just need Jesus!

"One Happy Dude"

I took a "Happiness" Test the other day. The following is a copy of the results.

Ed, you're happier than 98 percent of the other people who took this Happiness Test.

Our experts measured your overall happiness level in relation to other test takers. They examined your attitudes and behaviors in the seven proven areas of life that are known to determine your happiness: Contentment, Confidence, Gratitude, Personal Growth, Cheerfulness, Relationships, and Optimism.Your test results show that your level of gratitude is one of the things that helps you feel happier overall. This means that for the most part you have a strong sense of appreciation for life's blessings. You probably also tend to view life as deep and rich with meaning. By regularly reflecting on the good around you or using prayer, you are the kind of person who can cultivate a continuous sense of thankfulness for the whole experience of living.

I do appreciate life's many blessings. Thank you Jesus!

"Opa's Influence"

Several folks in our church are avid bloggers, and I enjoy reading them. I love watching God at work in peoples lives. This morning I read Words of a Wolfe. Becky wrote about dryness, the dust of the earth, and the scorch of summer boredom. She then brought her readers to the Psalms and provided a way out of our three month sentce of boredom.

I had to chuckle because although we at the Brouwer house were feeling a bit of the same, we got over it in a more worldly way. I confess to all of you my sin, therefore if something were to happen to me you would all know where to look for the guilty party, (my daughter). Let me explain.

We have Mercy and Dawson (our grandkids) with us for a few weeks and this morning we did a "no no". I decided that at 54 I could have whatever I wanted for breakfast, so today I had a bowl of ice cream and two huge chocolate cookies. The kids snitched on me to Oma, who was niether impressed or sympathetic to my freedom of choice speech. In the end, I won the kids over and they joined me in my sinful choice. They too, had a bowl of ice cream (Neapolitian) and chocolate cookies. So far today has not been boring, our enegry level is good and I sense the happiness of being at Oma and Opa's place. The kids are talking, singing, clapping and dancing, all while colouring and painting as they run from room to room helping their Oma with her housework. Life is good, but, I think I'll get my bible and go outside for a walk.

"Breaking Bread"

Today was another great time in the presence of God and our wonderful friends. Church really can be a pleasant experience. I hope that all who come through our doors will be encourage to press into the Lord. May God be glorified in our midst.

FROM THE BACK PEW

My family and I have always seen the glass as being half full rather than half empty. I am a strong believer in that the way you choose to see the world creates the world you see. I urge you to surround yourself with positive people. Alone you are but a flame, but together you make a fire. Be warned there are plenty of “wet blankets” out there!

When a pessimist went in to donate blood, she was turned away. The nurse explained, "I'm sorry, but we don't need any 'B Negative' blood."

Pessimists expect the worst to happen, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A pessimist looks at a half-full glass and sees it as being totally empty. Do you know of anyone like that? If so don’t get too close. They can have an averse impact on your life. The following story depicts that truth. A man decided to start a hot dog business. He bought a cart, filled it with hot dogs, and pushed it down a busy city street during the lunch hour. He sold out, so he ordered more from his supplier. As the weeks passed, he kept expanding his business and became very successful.

One day his son came home from college and gave him some advice. “Dad, don’t you know what’s going on in the business world? Things are bad. We’re in a depression.” His father replied, “We are? I guess I’d better cut back on my supply of hot dogs.” So he did. He reduced his inventory, ordering only minimum quantities. Because he kept running out, his frustrated customers stopped buying from him. Several months later he shut down his business. That night he called his son at college and said, “Son, you were right. We are in a depression!”

The Bible gives us some good advice regarding negative thinking or as I would say “stink’n think’n): Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

"Field Of Dreams"

Field of Dreams, a movie released in 1989, has inspired millions and our family is no exception. It is a movie about pursuing one's dream, no matter how much effort it takes. This movie is full of baseball, but not about baseball. Instead it is about a man getting in touch with his dreams and learning that sometimes you have to take a chance in life. It is about an ordinary guy-next-door, who suddenly and without explanation does something extraordinary. His wife is very supportive. She, like my wife, is a believing participant who finds the disbelief of others most amusing. Our family moved to Osoyoos with a dream. Perhaps one day we will be able to share that with you. However, this note is not about us, it is about some people who have enabled us to see our dream, or part of it at least, become a reality.

Judi and I, along with our son Casey and those who support Eagles Nest Ranch Ministries would like to publicly thank Adrian Erickson and Regal Ridge for building a large playing field on our ranch for our day camps and community baseball games. John Nett organized the heavy equipment and trucks of fill. They even brought in water trucks to keep the dust down during construction. We were blown away by their generosity. Although we had agreed to pay for low-bedding and fuel, Adrian himself came and informed me that they would be donating everything: the low-bedding, the fuel and the more than 150 man hours. It was a “Field of Dreams” moment.

We are still picking a few rocks and then we will put up a fence to keep the livestock off before we plant the grass seed. We are building an outhouse as a temporary measure, until we put in a septic field for flush toilets. Four hydro poles donated by a neighbor, will used to hold our backstop fence and field lights. Bleachers will most likely end up being a winter project, but by next spring we should be able to hear Casey yell out the words, “Play Ball!”.

God bless all of you who have helped us to see that dreams can come true. To all of you reading this, be encouraged… go for it! Dare to dream! “Build it, they will come!” Ed & Judi Brouwer on behalf of Eagles Nest Ranch Ministries.

Sow Sparingly - Reap Sparingly

One kernel of wheat produces a wheat plant that can yield 50-75 seeds. 2.4 lbs of seed produces 60 lbs of seed.

A single seed (or kernel) of corn may produce a plant which produces one to two ears of corn. Each ear yields more than 600 kernels of corn. 1 seed = 600 to 1200 seeds.

What are you going to reap? Are you multiplying good things?

Another Tuesday Night

We at the Gathering Place feed up to 360 transcient fruit pickers each Tuesday night.

We have been doing this for eight years now.

"A Timely Reminder"

Well, Mr. Citizen, it seems you've figured me out. I seem to fit neatly into the category where you've placed me. I'm sterotyped, standardized, characterized, classified, grouped, and always typical. Unfortunately, the reverse is true; I can never figure you out.

From birth you teach your children that I'm the bogeyman, then you're shocked when they identify with my traditional enemy...the criminal!

You accuse me of coddling criminals...until I catch your kids doing wrong.

You men take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each day, but point me out as a loafer for having one coffee.

You pride yourself on your manners, but think nothing of dirsupting my meals with your troubles.

You raise hell with the guy who cuts you off in traffic, but let me catch you doing the same thing and I'm picking on you.

You know all the traffic laws...but you've never gotten a single ticket you deserve.

You shout "foul" if you observe me driving fast to call, but raise the roof if I take more than ten seconds to respond to your complaint.

You call it part of my job if someone strikes me, but call it police brutality if I strike back.

You wouldn't think of telling your dentist how to pull a tooth or your doctor how to take out an appendix, yet you are always willing to give me points on the law.

You talk to me in a manner that would get you a bloody nose from anyone else, but expect me to take it without batting an eye.

You tell me something's got to be done to fight crime, but you can't be bothered to get involved.

You have no use for me at all, but of course it's O.K. if I change a flat for your wife, deliver your child in the back of the patrol car, or perhaps save your son's life with mouth to mouth breathing, or work many hours overtime looking for your lost daughter.

So, Mr. Citizen, you can stand there on your soapbox and rant and rave about the way I do my work, calling me every name in the book, but never stop to think that your property, family or maybe even your life depends on me or one of the other members.

Yes, Mr. Citizen, it's me...the lousy cop!

Apparently the auther of this article was trooper Mitchell Brown of the Virginia State Police. He was killed in the line of duty two months after writting his article.

We take this moment to salute our Canadian Police forces. Thank you to all the men and women police officers who put their lives on the line for us everyday.

Please join us as we pray for PUBLIC SAFETY.

The last Saturday of each month we meet to pray for Public Safety and for our 911 Emergency workers. You may not be able to meet with us but you could join us in spirit. We pray for one hour starting at 9:00 am. I will post a detailed list of prayer concerns in a day or two. Be blessed.

"I Cry - God Answers"

Have you ever experienced a dark night of agonizing soul searching, attempting to touch God?

Have the heavens ever seemed as brass when you cry out your prayers?

Have you searched in your dark of night for the hand of God?

This poor cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34

More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “I cry” / “I cried”.
More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “Deliver / Delivered”.

HAVE I GOT YOU INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE?

Go to the Sword & Trowel Link and read the complete sermon... be blessed!

"PREPARE FOR GLORY!"

To “The Band Of Brothers” beginning to develop in Osoyoos.

In spite of all of our technical advances men are still God's method of choice to advance His church. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The dispensation that heralded and prepared the way for Christ was bound up in that man John. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The world's salvation comes out of that cradled Son.

When Paul appeals to the personal character of the men who rooted the gospel in the world, he solves the mystery of their

success. The glory and efficiency of the gospel is staked on the men who proclaim it.

What the Church needs to-day is not more or better programs, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.When the gospel is put into the heart and lifeblood of the man, it is set aflame and empowered by the fiery energy of God’s Spirit. Once again men should with loud voices proclaim, “Freedom!” Once again men should lead their families in preparing for glory!

The gospel of Christ does not move by popular waves. It has no self-propagating power. It moves as men of God move. Hearty, heroic, compassionate, fearless martyrs must the men be who take hold of and shape a generation for God. If they be timid time servers, place seekers, if they be men pleasers or men fearers, if their faith has a weak hold on God or his Word, if their denial be broken by any phase of self or the world, they cannot take hold of the Church nor the world for God.

It is not great talents nor great learning nor great preachers that God needs, but men great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God -- these can mold a generation for God.

Why should I worry or fret? My God has never failed me yet!

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!

From The Back Pew XII (Part 2 of 3)

God’s word promises in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…..”

Even though it’s somewhat of a mystery, God not only forgives, but in fact “blots out” and forget the sins of His children.

Friends there is a hard part in this passage, at least for most of us “if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

The word “forgive” here means to bestow favor unconditionally. As Christ “forgave” you, so you must do!

God wants us to forgive those who have wronged us the same way Christ has forgiven us - no matter how bad that wrong has been. But God, we cry out, how can I forgive that person - you don’t know what they have done to me!

Yes, He does - and He still wants you to forgive them “just like Christ forgave you.”

Friends, I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t always come easy for me. I some how want them to pay for what they’ve done…. Yet, a true Christian will always treat the offending party graciously! ALWAYS!

In Matthew 18: 21-22 Peter asks Jesus how often should I forgive people? Up to seven times? Jesus said, ‘Not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Now Jesus in this passage is not telling Peter that once you forgive your brother 490 times you can treat him anyway you want. Jesus wasn’t giving Peter a starting line for “digging up bones.” He says we must forgive - without limit!

Dare I be so bold as to point something else out…. Although we are commanded in the Word of God to repent of our sins and ask forgiveness - Jesus never add that condition.

Jesus is asking us to forgive those who have offended us without limit.
no matter what their attitude might be
no matter whether they’ve made restitution or not
no matter whether they’ve repented of their offenses or not
no matter whether they’ve told us they are sorry or not
no matter whether they continue to offend us or not!

I know this is tough but with God all things are possible.

Give Me A Break!

There are several debilitating statements that drive me nuts. The “There is nothing to do!” statement in particular, mainly because it has developed into an attitude of “There is nothing I can do”.

Folks, there is always something you can do. My parents are in their late seventies, yet each year they travel from Ontario to Texas, Florida and BC. No, not to vacation, but to build low income housing. Sure they have their ailments like everyone else, but they have worked on correcting any negative attitudes regarding those ailments. They like many others have repented of self-centeredness and self pity. They have dumped the “Poor Me” and do not expect everyone to understand what they are “going through”. We too must challenge the sin of self pity and self criticism.

Far too many of us are held back by self imposed barriers of fear. If you dwell on your fears you will avoid forming relationships and withdraw further into the wasteland of loneliness. II Timothy 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear.

“Reach Out & Touch Someone”, is far more than a slogan for a telephone
Service. We must take the initiative to reach others. Proverbs 18:24 For
a man to have friends he must show himself friendly.

I heard a wonderful story regarding the days shortly after the tragic events at Virginia Tech. An elderly woman took her two dogs to the campus. Young people would stop her and inquire if they could pet the dogs. “Yes dear, of course, that is why we are here”, was her reply. It seems she wanted to do something for the students in the wake of the mass murders. All she could think about was how her dogs gave her comfort. So off she went. The sign she posted beside her said, “Need love? Please pet my dogs.” You see, there is always something you can do!

Relationships do not just happen. They take time and effort. Yes they are risky, but it is a risk worth taking. The creator of Peanuts said, “Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.”

Finally why not volunteer to help out in the community. Strange but true, you find yourself by giving yourself away.

If you are given the chance to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance!
Pastor Ed Brouwer, The Gathering Place

From The Back Pew XI (Part 1 of 3)

Randy Travis sings about sitting all alone “digging up bones”, stirring up old memories that are best left buried.

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being alone - in fact it is good to be alone once in a while. But, sitting there “Exhuming things better left alone” doesn’t sound much like a fun evening. “Resurrecting memories of a love that’s dead and gone” sounds as uplifting as drinking a glass of warm sour milk.

Sadly we’ve all at one time or another done some digging. Perhaps more than once. We may not have done it in exactly the same way Randy Travis sang about, but we are all guilty of “digging up bones” - of “exhuming things that’s better left alone”.

Consider: A man walks in the door after a hard day at work and the first thing his wife tells him is, You left your dirty breakfast dishes on the table this morning. I’m sick and tired of picking up after you! The man taken back says.. Well if you would have gone to bed earlier instead of watching David Letterman last night. You could have made breakfast for me. To which the lady responds, Well, it’s a good thing I stayed up or I wouldn’t have noticed that you forgot to turn off the light in the barn again.

And then he says, Well two weeks ago I got home from working the graveyard shift and every light in the house was on - and you were still asleep and the young’ns missed their bus.

Before this moment of intense fellowship comes to its unpleasant end the whole situation is blamed on a visit by Uncle Leo in 1976 and Amos the dog that the husband had when the couple first got married. This couple was “exhuming things that are better left alone.”

It is so disheartening to listen to the broken record of the “Bone Digger Uppers”. A fellow doesn’t stand a chance!

Aren’t you glad that our Savior Christ Jesus doesn’t do that?

To all who would forsake sin, God offers the same - a new chance and promises to blot out all old sin and make the record begin with a new start - a clean slate.

As we read in Psalm 103 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As the heavens are high above the earth - as far as the east is from the west. God doesn’t say, Now you’re forgiven of all your sins and transgressions, but if you mess up again, I’m going to dig up all your past sins and remind you of them. No God doesn’t “dig up bones”. Our sins are forgotten! It’s as if they never happened! That’s God’s grace.

NOW = No Opportunity Wasted!

What a great thought that is. That we would not waste any of the wonderful opportunities made available to us by Almighty God. I'd much rather be guilty of doing too much than of doing too little! If you need Biblical confirmation, just look at the parable of the talents. I really believe that God wants for His people to have NOW mind set. God help us make it so.

"Please Sir, May I Have More?"

I have been asking God for permission to do Church differently.

However, every change involves a letting go of one thing to reach out for what is next. So Lord what is it that I am to let go of?

Most of us are perfectly fine talking about Abraham going out without knowing where he was going, simply trusting God to get him there. But, when it is our turn to make the journey of faith, it is usually a different matter.

I know that the kindness, the grace and the thoughtfulness of the Lord are outstanding. So I need not be worried or anxious about these changes.

I am begining to realize that a key focus for me is to develop maturity in people. In the most basic sense I desire to increase people's capacity for fullness in Christ.

My son Casey and I have the same desire... to grow people of love and truth who know how to move in both. to grow them in all aspects of Christ, Developing a commitment to the whole body, and specifically the part they are joined to in fellowship and ministry.

Our lives are dedicated to the training up of our fellowship in the Holy Spirit to live life where we are not subject to events, nor easily deceived, and not taken in by the world, the flesh or the devil…. Together we will prepare for glory!

Just Do It!

I had a great day on Sunday.... the crowd was a little thin and I was disappointed in that far too few heard the message. However, I was called to preach... God never did let me in on whether it would be to many or a few, He just said preach. So like a farmer I go out each Sunday morning and scatter the seed. I pray it lands on good soil.

This past Sunday's message was both simple and profound. It was basically about obedience.

I concluded with the fact that although the Roman Catholic Church has set the Virgin Mary in a high and lofty place, they neglect the one and only command she ever gave. They’d do well to heed John 2:5 Jesus’ mother said, Whatever he tells you to do, do it.

OBEYING CHRIST IS EVERYTHING!

Luke 6:46-49 Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you to who he is like: He is like a man which built a house, digging deep and laying the foundation on a rock: and when the flood waters rose the stream beat violently against that house, but didn’t shake it: because it was built on a rock. Jesus went on to say, he that hears my word and does not do it, is like a man built a house without a foundation, the flood stream beat against that house, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command

Let’s go back to the basics…. Mark 12:30-31 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment. The second is, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There’s no other commandment greater.

If you are interested in reading this complete message go to our Sword & Trowel link. Be blessed...

Count Down To Easter

Good day! I trust that you are being challenged by the Word of the Lord. Please note that updates have been made to the Sword & Trowel as well as the Wooden Pulpit.

I have been asked to preach at the joint Good Friday service for Osoyoos. I am scared, not scared of preaching, rather at what I am feeling led to preach about. I am impressed in my spirit to preach regarding who the enemies of the cross of Christ are.

It is certainly not your typical sermon. In fact it is a stark naked warning to the church. It seems strange to feel a call to preach salvation to christians. Anyway, I will post that message early next week. In the days ahead, may the Lord manifest His quiet presence to you. Take some time this Easter week-end to give the heavens above a glance or two. Bless ya - Ed

From The Back Pew X

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

From The Back Pew IX

How to Know You're Getting Older
Everything hurts! and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work!
You feel like the night before, and you haven't been anywhere!
You sit in a rocking chair and you can't get it going!
Your knees buckle and your belt won't!
Dialing long distance wears you out!
Your fortune teller offers to read your face!
The little gray haired lady you help across the street is your wife!
You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there!
You wake up in the morning and your water bed has sprung a leak,
then, you realize you don't have a water bed!
When you watch a pretty girl go by, your pace-maker makes the garage door go up!
When you know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!
When you decide to procrastinate, but never get around to it!

Old age is dreaded by almost everyone because it usually means loneliness, physical decline, and a retreat to inactivity. Some people tend to lose their enthusiasm for life and spend too much time in fruitless reminiscing and self-pity. They feel like "Old Jimmy", an elderly gentleman George Mueller often told about. When this man was asked what he did all day since he had retired, he replied, "I just sit and think, and sit and think,...and sometimes I just sit!" That's getting old in the worst way -- ceasing to live before we die.

History records that many people made some of their greatest contributions to society after the age of 65. The Earl of Halsburg, for example, was 90 when he began preparing a 20- volume revision of English law. Goethe wrote Faust at 82. Galileo made his greatest discovery when he was 73. At 69, Hudson Taylor was still vigorously working on the mission field, opening up new territories in Indochina. And when Caleb was 85, he took the stronghold of the giants (Josh. 14:10-15).

God never intends for us to retire from spiritual activity. The Bible says we can "still bring forth fruit in old age." Even as Jesus kept the "best wine" for the last at the wedding in Cana (John 2:10), so He seeks to gather the most luscious clusters of the fruit of the Spirit from the fully ripened harvest of our lives. You may be sure God wouldn't keep you on this earth if He didn't have a worthwhile ministry for you to accomplish. So keep on serving the Lord!

From The Back Forty

Just thought I'd put up a picture of "warmer" days. I can hardly wait. That is not to say that I don't enjoy today.... its just that I am looking forward to working the horses again.

I trust that you are enjoying the messages in the Sword And Trowel. It is my earnest prayer that you will have a God encounter as you read His Word. Be blessed. Ed

From The Preacher's Desk....

I am real glad that you have discovered our blog. From The Back Pew is a weekly column in our local paper. They are sometimes humourous - and often thought provoking.

The Sword & Trowel link is our Pulpit Series Notes. These are copies of sermons preached at The Gathering Place in Osoyoos and at Cowboy Church in Rock Creek. I trust you will grow to love the Lord more as you study them. Be blessed!

Preacher Ed

From The Back Pew VIII

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room was filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a Matter of Prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter.

What is wrong? Why am I failing? The Lord responded compassionately, "My son, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? "Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have.

"True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but Know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong just P.U.S.H.!

When the job gets you down just P.U.S.H.!

When people don't react the way you think they should.... just P.U.S.H.!

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ...just P.U.S.H.!

When people just don't under-stand you.. just P.U.S.H.!

P= Pray U= Until S= Something H= Happens