Grief Unimaginable

 Newtown, Connecticut – a place up until Friday, most of us never heard of. A “small” sleepy new england town has become the focus of the world; has become the center of another American tragedy and the place of unimaginable pain and grief. As president Obama said, anybody who is, or has been, a parent is saddened by this tragedy. The world is a sadder place because of the actions of another deranged gunman. I cannot begin to even imagine the sorrow, the hurt, the anger and helplessness that the parents of these murder victims must feel. My empathy is but a tiny fraction of their pain, yet I am sickened by yet another senseless tragedy.  

I don’t believe much could have been done to prevent what happened. Connecticut  have some of the strictest gun laws in the states and the school had well-rehearsed lock down procedures and safety practices in place. But immediately the questions of gun control and gun laws are brought forward by the press, the president and many bystanders. To me it’s a no brainer, the need to do something is long overdue. The continued violence carried out with guns is not worth the right to bear arms, not to mention the absolute stupidity of any argument for allowing anyone to own a high powered machine gun or extended magazines. There is not a need for stronger gun licensing; there is, however, a need for an outright ban of anything but long guns. This isn’t rocket science it a matter of simple comparison of what works and what doesn’t, and what is happening south of the 49^th parallel doesn’t work.

What I do find so ironic is how quickly churches and spirituality come into play in the face of tragedy; not that, that in itself is ironic, tragedy naturally brings people back to their spiritual roots. The President himself skilfully used scripture to bring comfort and hope in his speech to the citizens of Newtown. The ironic part is that schools all over North America have systematically pushed God out in the name of freedom of religion, but flock directly back to church in the face of tragedy. I believe schools should not be exclusive to one religion, but as much as prayer, faith and spirituality are a part all societies so must prayer, faith and spirituality  have a place in all schools. How long are we going to allow the vocal tiny minority drive God out of school? This is not about exerting Christianity on anybody. This is about recognizing that as much as we have physical, emotional and mental facets we also have a spiritual aspect. We must move beyond the scientific idealism of  modernism and move to the new reality of the postmodern era which declares people to be more than the sum of matter but rather an whole being which includes spirituality.

First Snow - November 25

Being outside in just a t-shirt one day and 3 inches of snow on the ground the next, that is how winter showed up this morning. It doesn’t matter how long winter waits, its always to early; I always could use just a couple more weeks. But I have to admit the crisp air and clean snow brightened up the place a whole lot, and it also put an end to all those nagging jobs that will now just have to wait spring.

Snow seems to bring the children outside, and seems to bring the children out in people. Jaymie couldn’t wait to get outside this morning. Her eyes glowed and face brightened at the sight of snow falling outside our window. Before church, before breakfast, before the rest of the family woke there she was, throwing snowballs at the window. She invited me out. The kid inside of me wanted to go. The old person in me – not so much; but there is something inside of me, and I think most of us, that wants to stay young, that longs for more energy, that romanticises our youth – the time we had enough energy, or thought we did, to run outside at the sight of first snow.

The problem is, it takes effort; it so much easier too not do it – to grab that cup of coffee or tea and watch the snow from the comfort of one’s chair. But something deep down despises the fact that I would rather sit then play, that I would rather not, then do. So I go – I go outside into the crisp air and enjoy the first snow and throw a snowball at the window, than at the cat and then at Jaymie who returns the favor. It was a short time, but a good time. As I reflect, I see this morning as a microcosm of life. We all know we get out of life what we put into it; the more effort we put into it, often the fuller life is. We know it – the tough part is doing it.

So go, enjoy the snow – Today!

Trees

Have you ever noticed that trees are not that photogenic? They just don’t look nearly as good on a picture as they do in real life; pictures just can’t do them justice, (I understand trees - that’s my excuse too.:-)

Why am I writing about non-photogenic trees? Because the trees in Nova Scotia are absolutely brilliant. The reds, the oranges, the yellows and the greens are just incredible. Coming from Alberta (where it snowed 6 inches this week – Hee, Hee) these colours are not lost on me.  Not only are the colors incredible, each kind of tree displays their colours in their own time, extending the season for many weeks, but nothing beats the maples which have been displaying its many colours for the last four weeks.

Yet there is something in me that wants to capture the beauty, wants that perfect picture – wants to own a piece of the beauty. Maybe it is just for memory, or maybe to boast – if even just a little bit. Whatever the reason, I find myself to often regretting not having a camera instead of just enjoying the beauty in front of me. And this is not just with colourful trees. How much scenery, or how many scenes have I missed because I am trying to dig out my camera or peering thru its tiny lens, all the while missing what’s right in front of me. Hopefully one day I will learn to just relax and enjoy the beauty in front of me – hopefully, but I doubt it.  

Another thing about trees is that their beauty is far greater than the sum of its parts. Look at an individual leaf, it is hard to find one that stands out. Most have some kind of flaw or another; misshaped, broken, a hole or any sort of imperfection. But put them together and let the sun shine on them they are completely amazing. I think there is a lot we could learn from the trees.

First Summer

It’s time. It’s time to start blogging again. It has been over a month since we closed for the season. In many ways it has taken this long to settle in again – to regain some sense of routine after our first incredibly crazy summer. Below are some thoughts about our first year which I wrote a few weeks ago, but wasn’t ready to restart blogging.

Yogi and the Kingston Fire Deaprtment
at Hero's Weekend 

We did it! The first summer is behind us and we survived. A little more experienced – for sure; a little more cynical – most definitely, a little more wiser– hopefully. In a way this was the longest summer of our lives, in other way it is nothing but a blur – a blur of events flown by.  Looking back now, the daily details are intertwined memories of a summer gone by, making us wish we kept some kind of record of the daily highlights (or lowlights), but there is something about putting in 70-80 hour weeks that deprive you of any energy for any good intentions.



“So how was it?” you ask. In short it was everything. It was good; it was overwhelming; it was busy; it was fun; it was frustrating; it was exhausting; it was exciting; it was rewarding; it was _________; (You fill in the blank, it probably fits.) There is no one word that comes close to describing our first season. If I had to pick one it would be “full”. Our lives were filled to the brim with all things campground; it is all we did. You could say, it consumed us and in the end, spit us out . And we are glad it’s over. However, it was also a good, no, a great summer, because we got to know many new amazing people, especially our staff who made each day entertaining and fun.

Waving Goodbye

To see many more pictures from our summer check our Facebook page – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone™ Park Resort – Kingston NS or something like that  

Till next time,

HJK

YOGI BEAR and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera.          (s12) 

(just in case you didn"t know :-)

Nova Scotia / Alberta - Home?

The setting of this blog is very different today. From where is sit I see endless skies. Where I drive, wide paved roads. Evidences of a robust economy are everywhere. It is not too hard to guess, I am not nova Scotia, but rather Alberta. It is the end of hurried trip for to witness an important milestone in my son’s life – his grade 12 graduation.

This weekend also marks the first anniversary of the date we sold our house – the inaugural step of many big steps in this last year. Put the timing and the setting together along with the experience of being among family and friends, it brings a bundle of mixed thoughts, questions and even emotions.  The first and most obvious is that life goes on without you – you are missed by some and not by others – regardless life goes on and that is good, because ours has too.

The question that I was asked most this week was: “How is it going on the campground?” I wish I had a definite answer, but the reality is, I don’t. There are good days; there are bad days; there are days that are all kinds of fun; and there are days that really suck. It is in those bad and “sucky” days that do we take solace in the belief that God had led us to where we are, for a wider and grander picture which we can only see glimpses of. We have had the privilege of meeting a lot awesome, friendly, fun-loving people – most of which either work or live on our place this summer. It was good to be reminded this week, that these developing relationships are the necessary foundation or platform to invest into people lives; after all isn’t loving your neighbor the second half of the summary of all the law and prophets.

As I spent time back in Alberta this week I personally wrestled with feelings of where I belong. Was this a good move? I wonder if Abraham ever questioned things. Did he ever wonder: “What the heck am I doing?” when he wondered homeless for the majority of his life. Or what the heck am I doing when he raised his knife to kill his only son – or more scary yet, what did Isaac think – did he ever trust his dad again – did he tell his mom.

As I visit with friends and family I realize that something has changed – something inside of me. It is so good to laugh, drink and have serious discussions with old friends; I do miss it. But I also realize that something in me has moved on. Lacombe is no longer my home; it is a place to visit – a place to catch up, to renew old relationships, but it is no longer home. But in some very real sense Nova Scotia has not become home yet either. Thus the mixed feelings and thoughts, not that I long to move back or even question the wisdom of our move – I just long for a place to feel like home.  In time I hope that will come, for some of my family it will come quicker than others, but my hope and prayer is that it will come – hopefully quicker than Abraham J.

Blessings,

HJK   

Nova Scotia - May Long Weekend

It’s Monday evening, we have survived our first long weekend. It was a great weekend. We were filled to capacity with many happy people; the weather was perfect. We heard many, many comments and compliments from people glad to have new owners, we felt well received. Of course, mistakes were made, but thru it all we have become a somewhat wiser. Many times this weekend I have reflected on how long we have dreamed, talked, dismissed, talk some more, planned, conspired with others, and now here we are, right in the middle of this dream become reality. It looks quite different than what had planned or imagined, but nonetheless our dream has become our reality.   

As I walked around this weekend, each time I would allow myself bask in this reality, it seemed another message would come my way reminding me of all the work this camp needs. I can remember listening to other camp owners last fall, talking about their 15-16 hour days, thinking there is no way; but experience is showing us otherwise. Tonight is the first night in a long time that I am done before ten, but even in all this, it is good. We have an awesome dedicated staff who have gone above and beyond in so many ways. Imagine having 750 people staying in your backyard – that is a huge task itself – now plan activities for them from dawn to dusk –that is what camping at “Yogi” is all about. This could only happen with the incredible and diverse staff we have.

 In all this, I can’t help think about what it would like, if what we were planning a year ago had become a reality. I can just imagine the talents of the different people were planning with, shining in this reality. The people, the networking, the business, the gardens etc. Being immersed in the reality of which we talked together so long about, these thoughts that are bound to happen.  But the reality has happened, the people are different, but the reality is still very sweet; in all fairness we could never have pulled it off without the expertise and the experience that this present staff brings with them.

Life continues to teach me to quit trying to figure out my future. My plans rarely look what God has planned for me – but in it all God is good. – HJK

P.S. Enjoy the pictures or go to our Facebook page for many more.

Dancing on the Yogi Stage

Glitter Tattoo's

Yogi's a chick magnet

Nova Scotia - A Week of Firsts

After 4 months of waiting, anticipating, fearing and preparing, opening day has finally come … and gone; it’s been a time of firsts.

Two weeks ago our first employees arrived. With them new challenges, joys and a flurry of activity that has transformed this tired camp into a renewed camp with lots of potential.  It has been good to get to know so many incredible people with so many gifts, talents and stories.

The next day we woke early to pick up Ashley at the airport. It was her first time in the Annapolis Valley. It is good to have her back in the nest, even if it is only for a little while. For some weird reason it makes me miss Tyler more. It is like having a puzzle almost done except for that one missing piece.

It was also in this time that I stepped on the bathroom scale and for the first time in a years and years there was not a “2” in the number. This has been 1½ year goal that started with eating better and ending with eating whatever I can between all the work that keeps me busier then I have been in years.

Last Wednesday we had our first campers; 9 days before opening day. They were two German couples in rental units touring Nova Scotia – Yogi is an international magnet J

Last weekend we had our first staff training weekend. This training gave us the remarkable opportunity to share some of our story, our faith and the vision we have for this our campground. A vision that includes enriching families by giving them a place where families can be families, and a vision that includes investing into the lives of each of our staff – it was a good weekend  

And Friday was our first opening day, a rehearsal for the long weekend. A chance to see what needs fixing, what needs improving and what is going well. It was good weekend, but most rehearsals are. They are usually relaxed, fun and not a whole lot of pressure and stress. The “big day” often comes with more stress as we try to do everything to make things just right. The trick – often hard to do – is to enjoy the big day when it does come. That is my hope for the Victoria (May) Long Weekend; to be as ready as we can and then enjoy the weekend.    

 Yesterday, was another first; one we would rather not have. Before we were even open for 24hrs, a young boy broke his arm on the playground. He will be fine and things were handled very well by all. Most likely it won’t be the only broken bone, but as much as boys will be boys, you hate to see it happen on your watch.

All in all it has been a good couple weeks. We continue to learn lots. We are busier then we have been in years and hopefully through it all we are blessing others.

HJK

Nova Scotia - Week ?? - Time

Time, Time is something I have been thinking about a lot lately; something that i never seem to have enough of. These thoughts have been incited these in different ways.

As the spring weather warms the soil here in Nova Scotia, one of the beautiful surprises that are popping up everywhere are daffodils. Daffodils bring me back to my childhood in BC. Our farm was surrounded by bush, creeks, and gullies; our own little paradise to grow up. Amongst all this was one patch of daffodils. Each spring we would rediscover this patch, watch them grow, bloom, and eventually pick and bring the flowers home. My childhood is filled with many precious memories, but even at a young age I wanted to grow up. There is something about being young that makes you desire to be older; a preschooler desires to go to school; younger children often emulate or imitate their older siblings, much to their siblings dismay, even at our age many people look forward and plan for retirement.  But this trend struck me, when I heard the Bryan Adams song: The Best was yet to Come. What if the best has already come? From where I sit, looking back, If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t wait for the best to come, choose to live as if today is the best time of your life.   

This week was Mary Ann’s birthday, her 33^rd I think. Her first and best birthday in Nova Scotia. In this setting we were reflecting on what were we doing last year? Last year, (so we thought, actually it was two years ago) I flew to BC with two friends to look for a piece of land for a … you guessed it – a campground.  It is amazing the twists and turns that life takes you. A year ago we had no idea what our future had in store  Sitting in on shores of the Bay of Fundy celebrating a birthday with old/new/good friends was something we could not have imagined a year ago. Spending an hour and half at the bay of Fundy we were finally awed by the world renowned tide. When we arrived there was a land bridge to two small islands where the seals where sunning themselves, in 90 short minutes not only was the land bridge immersed, but so where both islands; amazing to think that the tide was still rising for another 3 hours. This cycle continues twice a day everyday – millions upon millions gallons.

A seal basking in the sun

Same island 90min later

We ended the day watching the sun set. It set slowly, but once the water met up with the sun it sunk below the waves in seconds. Time has a way creeping on each one us quicker then we like, thankfully the author of time has already our story written.    

  

Nova Scotia: Easter Sunday

Today is Easter, a quiet and reflective Sunday afternoon. I try to guard my mind from the ever daunting amount of tasks that need to be done. The 8 inches of snow that have and continue to fall make that an easier task today as there is little else I can do. This morning we got up early to attend a sunrise service on the Bay of Fundy; thankfully there was room enough inside to protect us from the spring storm. The wind and pounding waves outside were a good reminder of the peace and security we have because of Easter, despite the storms that continue to batter our lives. This was especially real as our host just recently lost his wife to cancer.  

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, beginning with an awesome time with  Mary Ann’s (and mine) three friends from Lacombe, a quit trip to Alberta, spending time with Ashley and Tyler – awesome, a wedding, time spent with extended family, an overnight flight back home and back to all the unfinished tasks that persistently beckon me.

Every time I fly two thoughts generally occupy my thoughts. First, I am always so fascinated that the massive structure of steel and metal, that I am sitting in, flies. Think about it: You take this enormous “tin can”, add tonnes of “live weight”, adjust some flaps on the metal wings which happen to filled with explosive fluid, thrust it forward in a relatively short span, and “vala”  it leaves the ground and flies. An incredible feat of technology and science which man has merged together over time to create something which today has become the norm. Flying is still one of humanities greatest accomplishments. It’s become a marvel that is so common place that it is rarely appreciated, until something goes awry.

The second thought that always preoccupies my thoughts is how quickly objects become minute and insignificant. People become invisible, cars become specks, villages dots, and towns and cities quickly become objects of an identification guessing game. The question from Psalm 8 rings in my ear: “What is man that you are mindful of him and the son of man that you care for him?” I find myself so fascinated that each speck,  each car, each house, is filled with someone who has a story. Someone who has cares, concerns and experiences that are very real and important to them. A story or journey being created and lived out in each individual as I fly over unbeknownst to all but the careful observer who happens to glance upward.   

In a matter of minutes two completely opposed views of humanity occur; the significance and the insignificance. For most of our lives we are the unassuming specks trying to eke out an existence, yet we think that God should be at our beck and call – each of us thinking that my needs, my wants, my comforts should be at the foremost of God’s attention.  What is more fascinating that God even cares. Doesn’t Easter bring out this same contrasting view, displaying God’s incredible love and value for an insignificant spec, such as you and I?

Happy Easter – Never stop marveling!

HJK     

Nova Scotia - Week 12: Update

A lot has happened since I have last written. It has been busy, too busy at times – sometimes overwhelming – working at nights trying to get as much done inside before April so I can then consentrate on outside stuff. This last week we had an amazing rollercoaster in the weather; it was the first time that I can remember that there was no precipitation in the forecast. The temperature this week started in the single digits, rose to the mid-twenties for three days and then came back down to single digits. It was an awesome midweek, giving us a foretaste of the summer to come.

The Four Sisters?

This weekend gave us a much needed break from all the work when three of Mary Ann’s Alberta friends came over. Lori, Lidy and Mary Ann have been that much needed distraction. Yesterday started at 4:30am with a trip to the airport, followed by breakfast and a trip to Peggy’s Cove. After this the fatigue of an overnight flight and early morning was getting the best of everybody so we headed home. Today after church, we came home for a quick lunch and then took the scenic drive along the Fundy coast to Annapolis Royal. It was good to share with friends from Alberta some of the beauty and experiences that we have started to cherish here in Nova Scotia. It is also good to hear the house filled with laughter.

Finding that most special rock

I have one day left in the basement to get it to the point I want to until fall. My next project is to expand the store. This is a three stage project: stage one – make more office space. Stage two – move office stuff. Stage three: remove the wall between the existing office and store and build another to expand the store. Stage one is almost done. It is so easy to get so consumed with the work and lose focus on everything else.

When I was at college a number of years back, I came to a point at least one time each semester where I became so overwhelmed with all that needed to be done, that I broke down realizing that there is no way I can do this on my own. I have been feeling a lot like that this last week, but the memories of those past semesters came back to me today and I realized that it was never in my own strength that I made it thru, but only thru God’s faithfulness. An old, old song we sung in church reminded me of all this, here is a link to Anne Murrays version of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txzOErCuQlo   It is amazing how God speaks to you at different and unexpected times.
Till next time.  HJK

Nova Scotia - Week 10: The Maple Harvest

What a cute couple!

Fifty liters to one. That is the ratio of sap one needs to collect to make one liter maple syrup. This week we had the unique opportunity  to visit a maple tree farm. (It goods to be connected to pastor who has way more connection then we do; haven’t met to many new people in my basement yet.) It was not a full out Maple Syrup production facility with miles of hoses, but was very interesting and educational nonetheless.

Collection Bottles

The maple sap season is only about two or three weeks long; only in the early spring when the sap is traveling up the trees. Even in this short season good productions is entirely dependent on the weather. For optimum production it needs to freeze at night and then warm  up significantly during the day; without these conditions the sap barely flows. The tap is best placed directly in line with a large branch far above it, to collect the sap feeding the branch. A spigot should not be pleased within three inches from where it has been placed previously, nor on a tree less than nine inches in diameter.  This is just a snippet of the information which we learned about maple syrup harvesting.

A Drip of Sap

It was good to get out for an afternoon, see and learn something different. I am tempted to buy a couple of spigots and start tapping  some of our own trees, but without leaves I can’t tell a maple from and oak, ash or most other trees for that matter. So instead I will do the next best thing – buy some.  

The Finished Product

In all this it is amazing to see what is happening behind the scenes. If you look at the trees covered in frost, they appear dead and dormant, but inside with the first hint of heat, there is life. Sap is flowing, providing nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree. Life can be like that, there can be so much happening inside a person completely unnoticed by others. Often, unbeknownst to us, the Holy Spirit is nudging a person, providing spiritual nutrients thru words, thru their observations, and thru life experiences – preparing a person for a life they cannot even comprehend. I think they call that prevenient grace. (Eph.3:14-20)   Praise God is not all dependent on us!      

The Boiler House

Nova Scotia - Two month Reflection

On Monday

 This Thursday marked the two month anniversary of our arrival to Nova Scotia, Two months since we completed our epic trip across this great country, two months since we first drove onto our new place at 43 Boo Boo Blvd. A lot has happened since, a lot has been done, a lot still to do. The basement has been transformed from one big open space with stuff scattered everywhere to seven smaller rooms including 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, storage room, utility room and a family room which is still packed with stuff; none of these rooms are completely finished, but are nonetheless they are there. Mary Ann has gotten a good grasp of the business side of things, (although she would never admit to it). The phone keeps ringing with people inquiring about the summer or making reservations. A good reminder of the camping season which is around the corner. Most of our  25+ staff have been hired for the upcoming season. This has been an exciting process, meeting with some of the returning staff and interviewing potential new staff. We are excited about the upcoming season knowing the quality people we have to work with.

Four days later

We have also met some great people; it has been an absolute blessing for our whole family to have Ubels family here with us! I am scared to think what life would be like without their welcoming and helpful presence, along with the deep friendship with has formed so quickly among our families – thank you God! Church has been good, the people at Emmanuel are very welcoming,  although I do miss the praise teams at WCCC especially the music by Matt Maher. It`s also been good to get involved in a small group too; to get to know people at a little deeper level.

The last two months, like any other journey, has not been without its bumps. A lost opportunity to Skype with a friend this week, completely took the wind out of Jaymie’s sail; she has been so strong. Something which may seem quite insignificant can cause so much pain – so many tears. Maddy too, who has found good friendships here, really misses her friends and family in Alberta. We all do!! That part has not been easy. (It`s hard to type when your eyes are filled with tears.) But this is the reality of the journey and if you think about it is a good reality. It speaks to the depth of the relationships we have developed over the years. They cannot and should not be replaced in a mere two months. We are all looking forward to the upcoming visit of Lori, Lidy and MaryAnn. It will be good to reconnect with good friends from back home.

Spring Run-off?

As the journey marches on step by step, we look forward to spring coming, we had a taste of it this week and the promise of more to come next week. With its arrival comes new opportunities and responsibilities; a time to get outdoors. Spring also means that Ashley will also be joining us soon (YEH!!!!) and in two months from tomorrow, the campground will be opening. A lot to think about when your to do list is longer than your arm, (in #10 font). But in all this I am constant learning and being reminded to trust in the Lord with my heart and lean not on my own understanding (else I would go nuts!) and all my ways acknowledge him and he will direct my paths!”   

Till Next Time - HJK        

Nova Scotia - Week: Garbage Day

Today we had a great victory – our garbage was picked-up. Now normally this shouldn’t be a big deal, but this is Nova Scotia. Garbage is a big deal here and takes great attention to detail.

In the 9 weeks we have been here, we have had 2 successful pick-ups; thus our excitement. We are allowed 8 garbage bags worth of garbage and recycling every second week. Everything has to be separated into 4 different bags; two recycling, one clear garbage, one optional black garbage, a bag for compostables and the cardboard has to be bundled separately in 2’ x 3’ dimensions; get this wrong it doesn’t get picked up and a big REJECT sign appears on it. It took a few weeks to get this all figured out and to find the correct pick-up day. Four weeks ago was our first successful pickup – 8 bags in all; it was a highlight – we rejoiced and went out for supper! The previous time we had missed it by a day.

Two weeks ago, after we had it all figured it all out, but the crows had other plans. They decided it was too organized  and destroyed a garbage bag, distributing  all the litter over the other bags, so nothing was picked-up, leaving us 4 weeks of garbage for today. The rules state that garbage must be out there by 6:00am, but doesn’t get picked up until 10:00ish leaving the crows ample time to pillage and destroy. So today, I hid the real garbage under the drywall and the recycling to avoid the crows, dragged the garbage out at 7:30, chased the crows away at 8:30 and lo and behold it was all gone at noon. As you can see, it is no small feat getting our garbage picked-up. So the next time you throw your empty tin can inside the same garnage bag as your bread bag, newspaper and apple core be thankful for small blessings, that’s 4 different bags in Nova Scotia.

HJK   

Week 9: A Theological perspective

I asked a couple of blogs ago: “What on earth are we here for? This blog is some further thoughts on the same subject, If this interests you keep reading, if not, catch you next time.

  
What on earth are we here for? Why did God create people? What is one’s purpose in life? or to personalize: What am I here for? Why did God create you? – Why did he create me? These questions have been ruminating in my mind since I started reading The Purpose Driven Life again, and because it has been the theme of the last two messages at my church.  The answer which has been taught and ingrained in to me since my days of Catechism is to glorify God. The Westminster Catechism first question asks: “What is the chief person of Man?” (man=humanity) The answer: … “is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”  The book: The Purpose Driven Life, starts with this statement: “It is not about you.”  - meaning our purpose is not found in and of ourselves, rather in God.

While I believe all this true, I have been given the gift (or curse) to question things – to see things in a different light; thus all the ruminating.  I ask myself if God created man for his own glory, why would he create his masterpiece, a being in his own image, that he knew beforehand would completely screw up things? (sorry for being blunt, but it is true and continues to be true)  He knew this would happen, the “fall” didn’t catch God off guard, he wasn’t asleep at the wheel. He knew it was going to happen yet he still created us. He created not just another animal, but humanity, in his own image, with the knowledge that man would choose their own glory – their own self-interest – over his. Why? Psalm 19 says the heaven declares the glory of God, there is no speech or language where it is not heard or understood. God didn’t need man for his glory, the rest of creation does a pretty good job without us. So why did he create humanity, which later would be described as totally depraved or wretched?  

I believe the main purpose God created man was to demonstrate his love. Before God created humanity God must have understood that cost of that choice – the cost of his own son, yet God still chose too. A very good world could not truly understand the extent of God’s love without humanity. Adam and Eve, even with unhindered communication with God, could not have possibly understood the depth of God’s love for them – the extent he would go to save them from themselves. No-one could until it was lived out in the life of Jesus Christ.

The Bible describes the completed creation as very good, not perfect. The word perfect has the connotation of wholeness or completeness. God’s ways are perfect; his love is perfect. God's love in Jesus Christ is the perfect culmination of God's love. It is what makes the new creation more complete then the first. The New Creation will be filled with people who truly comprehend the extent of God’s love for them, a fuller understanding then all the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 did when they died. I was challenged this week to read 1^st Corinthians 13:4-8, not as a description of love, but as a description of God in the extreme perfect sense. John states that God is love.

Does this change things? In one sense, yes; in others, not. In some ridiculous way God has made it all about us! That is the radical nature of love – God’s love. He took our weakness, our brokenness and displayed his power and love thru it; he made it all about us. In the other sense: What should be our only response, our only purpose in life? To make it all about him. To live a life of thankfulness for his love for us. Like the Westminster Catechism says: The chief person of Man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”    

Blessings - HJK

Novas Scotia - Week 8: Movie Week

 This week I (we) watched four movies; three DVD’s and one at the theater. I can’t remember the last time I watched two movies in a week, never mind four. The movies were: Courageous, The Grace Card, Crazy Heart and The Lorax. The first two were overtly  Christian movies, the other two were obviously not, but each one had a good message to tell.

Courageous showed the significance of the role of a father has in a family’s life and the importance for men to seriously step up to their God given role. The Grace Card portrayed the importance of forgiveness and grace, both the giving and receiving grace to move on from past brokenness and adversity. Crazy Heart told the story of a former country star eking out an existence, depending on on his former stardom in bars and other small-time gigs all the while relying on his choice drink to carry him through. Nothing changes until  disaster strikes and causes him to get serious about addressing his addictions . The Lorax is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s book of the same name. This children’s movies has a strong message about the exploitation of our natural resources.  

There is time in my not too distant past that movies were not an acceptable pastime, forbidden if you will, but thankfully those days are behind us. Movies have become an important genre to carry essential messages. Today we have may the same feelings about the internet, Facebook, texting or any other electronic communication whose dark side we may be more familiar with, then its potential good. The question we must ask ourselves is how can we redeemed it for good? How can we use these mediums to build God’s Kingdom – his kingdom of love, joy, grace, forgiveness, etc. ?

Thankfully God sees that potential in each and every person – the overtly Christian and the obviously not – and he desires to redeem each of his children with his grace even though the dark side is often way more prevalent.   Have a blessed Sunday - HJK

Nova Scotia - Week 8: What on Earth are we here for?

Tide Rolling In

It has been while since I put words to paper or should I say electrons to screens. I am experiencing writers block or lack of inspiration about what I should write about. The highlights of this week include, learning about toilets with macerating pumps, working in the basement, experiencing yet another snow fall, business stuff, receiving a few more resumes` and taking another Sunday drive along the Bay of Fundy, most of which I have written about in one way or another except for the macerating toilet, but I will pass on that one.

Boats at High Tide

So what on earth are we here for? A big question which is the first theme in the book: The Purpose Driven Life and has been some fodder for some conversations I have had with Sweis. So what on earth are we here for? What gives you purpose? The right answer of course is to give God glory, but the tough question what does that look like in our daily activities like the ones listed above. Do I spend the money to buy a macerating pump so we can have a bathroom downstairs or not? Does one way give God glory and the other not; an argument can be made either way. In the past a lot of thought wasn’t given to this question, most people worked for survival – to get ahead, but today it has become a question which many men wrestle with. If you read Ecclesiastes, you realize this is not a new question, in fact it is the most basic question which philosophers have wrestled with for millenniums. 

Let Your Light Shine

We have just restarted the “purpose” book in a small group and with my memory it is all new to me. So I won’t try to answer the question, but leave it for fodder for thought at this point. But before I sign out, I do have one piece of news. Mary Ann has signed up for the Relay for Life (cancer fundraiser) with a team from our church. She is need of sponsors – any takers? Our emails are still the same! - HJK

Nova Scotia - Week 7: Lessons from Spider Solitaire

A couple of days ago was Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent. Last year for lent I gave up playing Spider Solitaire – the best computer game ever – especially for those who lack the ability to play games that require coordination. Now for most people, giving up solitaire doesn’t seem like much, but for someone as proficient as myself, it was a big deal, (I know, I need to get out more). But since I am the subject, I have learned a lot from Spider Solitaire.

Spider Solitaire is a lot those hand held games that were around when I was a kid. The game in which you had to slide the pieces to their original position to create a picture. In order to move one piece you have to rearrange all the pieces that are in the way. Like that game the goal of Spider Solitaire is to arrange the cards from king to ace.

Now for the lessons: 1^st , there is always more than one way to achieve the results. Often it so easy to get stuck on one idea – one way of doing something, that we get blinded to other ways.  2^nd , Think about what you are doing, sometimes the most obvious move is not the best move in the long run, but if unsure, do the most obvious move first and work toward the more difficult moves next.  When we focus on what we know often the rest falls into place. 3^rd , If you run stuck, take a break and come back to it later. When you step away from a problem and come back to it, it is amazing how, with a fresh perspective, you see solutions you never seen before.

Now I play Spider Solitaire to finish the game. The joy is finding a way to complete the task no matter how many moves it takes. The great thing about Spider Solitaire is that it has “Control- Z” which is the “undo” button.  So if I run stuck I can go back as far as I want and try again. In most situations in life we don’t have “undo” button, we can’t just undo our choices or paths, erase the consequences and start over. Except where it counts the most – with God. In many sense Jesus is our “control-Z”, he has undone all the ways we mess-up (as we learned tonight at small-groups) and then become the telos – the end purpose of our lives.

Now who would have thought you could get so much out of a simple computer game, so for lent this year instead of giving up Spider Solitaire, I think will play more! - HJK   

Nova Scotia - Week 7: Arjen

Henk John  Arjen Kuipers, that`s my full name. I am named after my dad and his two closest brothers; closest in age and when he was young, in relationship too. I always had mixed feeling with my name. in one sense, although Henk John is a common double name in Holland (Hendrik-Jan), it is anything but, in Canada. When I introduce myself, rarely do people pick up both names the first time, and outside the Dutch community, Arjen is even more rare. On the other hand, I also considered it honor to be named after my dad and his two closest brothers – a huge honor which means more the older I get.

I never met dad`s younger brother Jan; he died of cancer at a young age; before he was 50 I believe. On Sunday, I learned that Arjen passed away too. I have only met Arjen once, all I remember is that he was a happy man who loved to laugh. Dad and him were very close, which makes the distance between Alberta and Nova Scotia that much harder. Dad shared with me that in Arjen`s final hours of life he was given a glimpse of heaven, after which he woke up, said goodbye to his wife and kids and then fell asleep one final time – a huge comfort to those who love him.  

Dad, may God’s love surround you this week and give you comfort as he did to Arjen’s family, I miss you. - HJAK

P.S.: Thank you for my name

Nova Scotia - Week 7: Bay of Fundy

Another day, another week and so it goes. After church today we had Sweis and Caroline over, along with their girls Shannon and Leslie. They are always enjoyable to spend time with and all our girls have a lot of fun together. It has become Mary Ann and my Sunday routine to go explore the Fundy coast line – in the car of course – we haven’t changed that much. Each week we check out a different road which leads to a another harbor – today was Hulls Harbor.

Most of these places have quaint shops or restaurants which are closed-up for the winter, but look worth coming back to during the summer. Regardless, the views are awesome; the bay, the waves pounding the shoreline, the frozen falls along the cliffs, but the thing which the Bay of Fundy so famous for, is the hardest to appreciate – its tides. Today, the tide was low, but unless we stay or come back in six hours, we can’t appreciate its affect. If we watch for 15-20 minutes the difference is hardly noticeable. Life is often like that; whether it be at work or doing a big project, sometimes progress is impossible to tell from day to day. In times like these it is good practise to take a step back to observe change over a longer period of time; the view may surprise you.

This can be true in our faith life as well, often it easy to get down on one’s self because change seems non-existent, but over time God does shape each one of us, and the change which we feel is non-existent is real and overtime, significant. Remember, “He who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion.”  

Take care and have a good week - HJK