Man's Best Friend. That would definitely be the tag that I'd have used to describe my relationship with my dog, Sheba - a purebred Siberian husky, with icy blue eyes.
Unfortunately, I had to put her to sleep on Saturday, after nearly 13 years of friendship. She was just about 15 years old, when arthritis in her hips got the best of her. Putting her to sleep was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do - even though it was in her best interest. She was a good dog; a faithful dog and a wonderful companion.
If you've never gotten close to a dog (or any animal), then I can imagine that one would find it difficult to relate to how close a bond can be formed. But believe me, a pet can become like a member of the family.
Over the last couple of days, I've been reflecting on my time with her and the word that comes to my mind is that of loyalty. I'm sure that many people can say that about their dog - but to me, she was the poster-dog for that word.
Never once did she bite anyone, let alone me. She remained when others left. She was excited when I was around; and sad when I wasn't (so I'm told). She loved others, especially children. She had a wonderful disposition - never getting nasty or angry, even when Colby would haul on her or pull her fur. Oh sure, she had a few faults, but they hardly seem relevant now.
Perhaps, we can all learn a lesson from her life - a dog's life:
-Never bite anyone: Christians are to by-pass the urge to attack others, aren't we? -> whether it be verbally, thru gossip or any other form.
-Stay true to others, especially other Christians: Don't abandon people (no matter their faults), but look for those that need to be encouraged.
-Be interested in others: If our thoughts are only on ourselves, we miss out on fellowship, unity and the strength found in those who are interested in you.
-Love others: Don't reason it out, but like Sheba, just do it.
-Be kind: People will pull your fur - how we react shows how willing we are to allow Christ to transform us.
Thanks for the memories, Sheba.
"Send Revival, Start with Me".
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Glad for Dad
Even though yesterday was an active day for me (2 services plus a nursing home service), it was an enjoyable Father's Day. The weather was nice and I had a chance to spend time with my son. Ever since Thursday, Colby has been telling me that he bought me a present. He never spilled the beans to tell me what it was, but he certainly was excited about it. April told me that at first, he tried getting me a bag of chips, then a kids swimming pool - but finally settled on some golf items. I'm certainly glad to be a father. Colby brings so much joy to my world.
I was also thinking of my own father yesterday...and had the chance to call him last night. I don't tell him very often, but I'm also very glad that he's my dad. I have tremendous memories of doing things with him as a boy; and still enjoy spending time with him today. In more ways than one, he's my role model. I can only hope to be such a father to my son.
I came across this article the other day, and thought that it might be appropriate to post it here. Among so many great things about my dad, I'm glad that he is a Matt. 7 kind of man.
"A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
After the service, the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life.
Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession."
A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" in behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11)."
(From the 'Our Daily Bread' daily devotional; June 15, 2003)
Happy Father's Day!
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
I was also thinking of my own father yesterday...and had the chance to call him last night. I don't tell him very often, but I'm also very glad that he's my dad. I have tremendous memories of doing things with him as a boy; and still enjoy spending time with him today. In more ways than one, he's my role model. I can only hope to be such a father to my son.
I came across this article the other day, and thought that it might be appropriate to post it here. Among so many great things about my dad, I'm glad that he is a Matt. 7 kind of man.
"A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
After the service, the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life.
Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession."
A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" in behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11)."
(From the 'Our Daily Bread' daily devotional; June 15, 2003)
Happy Father's Day!
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, June 11, 2007
Service in the Park
Hi again. Last Monday, we were away on a vacation break. It was enjoyable but its always nice to be back.
I wanted to begin this week's blog with some thank you's for those that played a big role in this past weekend's "Service in the Park". If you're not familiar with what that is...we had the LaPointes, of Fredericton, hold a concert at Truro's Victoria Park - which was free to the community - where we passed out bottles of water to anyone and everyone who came into the park, and then we (Central Nova Wesleyan) closed the day by hosting a BBQ, also in the Park. It was a great day!
Over 250 people attended the service; 270 bottles of chilled water were handed out to people passing by; and over 150 people were served at the BBQ.
It was a great opportunity for our church to offer something 'free' to the community, and to connect with many people that we did not know - a special thanks to the board for supporting such an endeavour and to the church, in general, for rallying behind it by inviting friends and family who aren't a part of church life.
Those that I'm about to thank would not expect me to do this, but that's what makes it all the more important to recognize their help.
Darren/Naomi S. - Thanks for donating the 504 bottles of water
Barry/Nikki H. - Thanks for donating the specialized labels for the bottles
Marilyn/Claude R. - Thanks for setting up the BBQ
Dave H. - Thanks for getting the ice (free) and for your willingness to do 'whatever'
Gordon S. - Thanks for helping pass out the water
Shannon A. - Thanks for heading up the kids ministry
Thanks to the many other numerous volunteers who helped out, either by serving, cooking or in any other way that contributed to this outreach's success.
If somehow I've missed someone that should have been mentioned by name, I do apologize. I know that many of you gave of your time to help us connect with others. THANKS!
Next week, I'll be sharing a few thoughts on Father's Day. Stop by the church this weekend if you're looking for a place to attend church. We've got an inmate from Westmoreland Institute in Dorchester speaking at 10:30 am on Sunday.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
I wanted to begin this week's blog with some thank you's for those that played a big role in this past weekend's "Service in the Park". If you're not familiar with what that is...we had the LaPointes, of Fredericton, hold a concert at Truro's Victoria Park - which was free to the community - where we passed out bottles of water to anyone and everyone who came into the park, and then we (Central Nova Wesleyan) closed the day by hosting a BBQ, also in the Park. It was a great day!
Over 250 people attended the service; 270 bottles of chilled water were handed out to people passing by; and over 150 people were served at the BBQ.
It was a great opportunity for our church to offer something 'free' to the community, and to connect with many people that we did not know - a special thanks to the board for supporting such an endeavour and to the church, in general, for rallying behind it by inviting friends and family who aren't a part of church life.
Those that I'm about to thank would not expect me to do this, but that's what makes it all the more important to recognize their help.
Darren/Naomi S. - Thanks for donating the 504 bottles of water
Barry/Nikki H. - Thanks for donating the specialized labels for the bottles
Marilyn/Claude R. - Thanks for setting up the BBQ
Dave H. - Thanks for getting the ice (free) and for your willingness to do 'whatever'
Gordon S. - Thanks for helping pass out the water
Shannon A. - Thanks for heading up the kids ministry
Thanks to the many other numerous volunteers who helped out, either by serving, cooking or in any other way that contributed to this outreach's success.
If somehow I've missed someone that should have been mentioned by name, I do apologize. I know that many of you gave of your time to help us connect with others. THANKS!
Next week, I'll be sharing a few thoughts on Father's Day. Stop by the church this weekend if you're looking for a place to attend church. We've got an inmate from Westmoreland Institute in Dorchester speaking at 10:30 am on Sunday.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
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