Dreams Unlocked

Enjoying the 150 year picnic celebration (minus Adam) 30 days ago today, I started my position at Bethel Grove Bible Church. The first 2 weeks were quite disjointed, as none of our possessions had arrived from Port Moody, yet. Once the stuff arrived, it was much easier to settle in. I moved 25 boxes of books into my office, which made it feel much nicer. I've managed to participate on Sunday mornings by doing the pastoral prayer, helping with communion and a few other things. The next 2 Sundays, I teach an adult sunday school AND preach in teh 2nd service as well - so that will be quite busy. The position and the church are pretty great. I am REALLY enjoying both. The transition to Ithaca and the U.S. is still happening. It is challenging trying to do all the little things that need to be done - requires a lot of patience and time. The children have adjusted extremely well - both Adam and Sophia love their new school. Adam is also playing baseball on a local littl...

Smiling kids, empty house. We arrived in Ithaca on April 2. Before leaving Ithaca, we signed an agreement with the moving company that our stuff would arrive anytime between April 1-10. A few days ago we were told to expect our items to arrive April 11 - 1 day late. We thought no big deal. Today the company called us to tell us that last night our driver fell off a ladder and broke his arm. They did not clarify why he was on a ladder and not behind the wheel. He underwent surgery today. His need for recovery means that all our stuff is sitting in the back of a moving van in Chicago Illinois, while his arm mends. So, the moving company requires another driver. The driver they found is in Florida - he must be very special, because Florida is neither close to either Ithaca or Chicago. We can now expect our stuff sometime between April 15-17. By then, we will have spent 2 weeks in this sparsely furnished house. We have a round church table, a few fold out church chairs and a c...

Heading to school this AM. We live on a hill with clear views of  Cauyga Lake and Cornell University. We pulled into our rental house 1 week ago today. I haven't been able to blog due to no internet hookup in our home. After several frustrating attempts with Time Warner, we finally have internet and cable (but no tv, as our stuff will not arrive until Thursday). It is hard to feel settled without any of our familiar belongings. We are living in a house quite a bit smaller from the large comfortable townhouse we had in Port Moody. But, we all seem to have adapted to the change. Our church was kind enough to furnish us with a table and some metal fold out chairs. We also have air mattresses so we don't need to sleep on the floor. Our kitchen was also FILLED with food. People have been dropping off food and other stuff since we've been here. Someone even dropped off a bunch of brand new toys for the kids. For the first week we have had to survive deprived of int...

Chicago's John Hancock building at night. Cleveland rocks. Actually - Cleveland freezes. It is soooo freaking cold here!!!! We rolled in quite late, and as has now become our norm, all jumped in the pool. We spent the morning shopping on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I told Sophia that I would buy her a doll at American Girl, because I had heard that American Girl was popular - and since Sophia was soon to become a real American Girl, I thought it would be a good way to get her enculturated. Oh my - I didn't know what I was walking into. For those of you who are unaware, American Girl is a company that sells dolls - these dolls have names and life stories. There are other dolls that are supossed to be made to look like different types of girls - so no matter what you look like, there will be a doll that kind of looks like you - although it appears they have missed the mixed race Indo-Chinese market. I walked into the place with Sophia and felt like we had enter...

Adam reads his kindle with Lake Michigan and the John Hancock building behind him. Yesterday we strolled down Michigan Ave. - really the heart of downtown Chicago. All the shopping is here. In the afternoon we visited Willis tower (formerly Sears Tower). It is a tall tower that has unique glass floors in one part that allow you to look directly down and feel like you're walking on air. The kids loved it. We decided to take the subway there which made us appear like we were like the amish in the city, as I couldn't figure out how to buy a ticket. A homeless guy who somehow had a wad of cash on him, helpfully gave me change for a 20 so I could buy the tickets from the machine (you needed exact change). He was muttering incoherently, and the kids just stood there frozen staring at him. After that we headed home and ordered in some famous Chicago deep dish pizza. It was pretty good, but both Felicia and I felt that it wasn't amazing or anything. This morning, Eas...

South Dakota. Minnesota. Wisconsin. Illinois. We drove from SD, through MI and WI and ended up in Illinois in 11 hours. 4 states, 3 kids, 1 minivan, 1 day. To say I am tired is an understatement. The landscape and traffic changed dramatically. Prairie, rolling hills, urban sprawl and finally urban congestion. The funniest part of today was watching the kids play in the snow in an area that resembles an abandoned industrial park, somewhere in Wisconsin. Despite the sparse surroundings the kids had a lot of fun. After a lengthy day, make that DAYS of travel - our hotel in Chicago feels like a welcome oasis. The hotel staff had special treats prepared for the kids in our room.  Adam had popcorn and a coke. James and Sophia both had cookies and milk. They prepared a fruit tray for Felicia and I. It made us feel welcomed once again. Chicago looks like an interesting city.  We're looking forward to exploring the city tomorrow.

The day began with a visit to the national monument of Mt. Rushmore. The amazing sculpture of American Presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Adam and Sophia have virtually no knowledge of American history. So, it was fun for us to go over each of these Presidents - although my own knowledge of this country's history is limited as well. I'm going to try to read some good history books to get caught up to speed with our new home country. After a couple of hours there, we had to change the oil in the van because the service light was coming on. We found a locally owned garage where the staff was so friendly and helpful, it reminded me of 1950's era service stations where you would pull up for gas and 4 guys would jump out and go over your whole car. After that it was back on the road. South Dakota looks remarkably similar to Saskatchewan. One big difference is in the large number of billboards advertising everything...

Enjoying the snow in Wyoming! We trekked on through Montana, Wyoming and finally South Dakota today. Yesterday we stayed in Bozeman Montana. We ordered coffees in a drive thru Starbucks. When we were picking up our order, the employee started chatting us up about the bright sun and warm weather. She was extremely excited to hear about our trip and wished us well. We encountered her after our eager friend in McDonalds the day before. And then again, in Sheridan Wyoming today, the manager of the sandwich shop we were in asked where we came from and where we were going. She cheerfully wished us happy travels. Within a very brief period of time 3 complete strangers expressed real interest in who we were and where we were headed. Each one also wished us safe travels. Are these expressions of interest and warmth endemic of the citizens that make up these rural enclaves in the American West? What are the chances of 3 strangers in 3 different towns within a very brief period of...

Beautiful Montana Skies Our trek continued from Eastern Washington, over the tip of Idaho and into Montana. The scenery was completely stunning and awe inspiring. The vast lands running up against low lying mountain ranges. And the huge inky blue sky. I can see why artists and writers retreat to Montana. The surroundings provide inspiration for a lot of artistic output. This was quite a lengthy day of travel. We left Ellensburg at about 9 AM and rolled into Bozeman at about 9 PM. We made only 2 stops. Lunch at a McDonalds somewhere near Spokane, and later in Missoula Montana. At the McDonalds, a man approached me as I was filling up my Diet Dr. Pepper. He asked how long we were traveling. My normal big city defenses went sky high as I warily eyed him up and down. I determined he was just being friendly, and not out to do me harm. So, I said we're headed to Bozeman. Then he volunteered that we should go to some park an hour away in Idaho. I said, "Uh, huh." Thi...

Parting shot from 1 Aspenwood. It's happening. After 10 months, we are finally on the road towards Ithaca New York. Today was a frantic tsunami of activity, miscommunication and even more good-byes. The day began with the arrival of 2 vans to our door. The first van only carried equipment to help the movers move. The second van was the shuttle van ,meaning the movers would move everything onto this van. It would go to the warehouse, and then some unlucky people would have to unload and reload  all our stuff into a 53 foot trailer truck that will take it cross country toward Ithaca. After this frenzy of last minute packing and dropping items that we were shedding, we faced an eerily empty house. We had pawned Sophia and James off on our beloved babysitter/honorary eldest daughter  - Lindsay, for the day. We were waiting for them to arrive. I walked over to chat with my neighbor about something and then all of a sudden an entourage of minvans started driving toward...

Yet another farewell dinner. With another pastor. I've had lunch with a dozen pastors in the past month, saying goodbye. With each farewell, the hugs have been warmer, tighter and longer. A mysterious lump forms in my throat. And an odd salty discharge escapes my eyes. Sadness stalks me during these goodbyes. We have lived in Vancouver for 12 years. All of our kids have been born here. And my friends. My friends who have been there for me in the good and the bad. And it is in the bad, that true friendships are discovered. When the ground beneath your feet is unsteady, your friends hold you steady. And I have so many who held me. Held us - two years ago when our ground shook. A fissure in a small church developed into an uncrossable crevice.  Forced to walk away from a church into an unknown future. Unknown, but not unknowable. It becomes knowable over time. And now, we step into the future. More accurately we drive towards a future in the East. A horizon...

In 5 days our family will embark on a journey. A journey that a couple of years ago we would never have imagined. We will be driving(!) from Port Moody British Columbia to Ithaca New York. We will pass through 11 states, bedding down in 6 different cities in 6 states. The guiding hand of sovereignty has directed us to travel during Holy Week. Jesus journeyed to his cross - fortunately, we head off to a far less fatal destination. We will drive and drive and drive, stopping for food and gas. Stopping to look at wonders both natural and man-made. A high-light of the journey will be Mt. Rushmore, a rock sculpture of 4 US presidents. A good introduction to American life, to see entombed in rock the visages of these great men who helped shape the country which has opened up its doors to us. Another highlight will be spending Easter weekend in Chicago. I've been to Chicago a couple of times and I think it will be fun exploring the big city with the kids. We will go up the Sears ...

No mountains - but still beautiful. View from an art gallery at Cornell University in Ithaca New York. In a matter of weeks, the Ninans will be on the move. We will pack up our stuff and some big men will come and pack them into a moving van. Our stuff and us will take separate journeys and reunite again in Ithaca New York I have taken a position with Bethel Grove Bible Church. After a lengthy Visa application process, I have been accepted by the US government to live and work there. And so, we move. This will be quite a change for us. Felicia and I have lived in Vancouver for 12 years - our entire married lives. All 3 of our kids were born here. We are a part of Vancouver and Vancouver will always be a part of us. Deeper than that is the fact that we are all Canadian citizens - soon we will live as immigrants in a nation that is not our own. Big changes ahead. Another change is that both Felicia and I will be living in the smallest town that we have ever li...

The life of a Christian is not a reduction in our humanity. Our lives do not become truncated. Who we are is not subtracted, diminished or marginalized. Being a Christian means that there is an expansion of our capacity to experience more of life, not less. The Christian life is a life filled with life and overflowing with joy. This joy-filled life is not merely a long run of "good days" or good luck. It is a life with inner strength in our soul. It is the external imputation of happiness. It is the entry of the Divine Energy and Life of the Universe poured directly into our souls. The life of a Christian is at its most primal and basic a life of joy and blessing.

This is an adaption of part of our Christmas letter. A couple of weeks ago I preached an Advent sermon on the encounter between Gabriel and Mary in Luke 1. I summarized it like this: How can this be? – Mary This is how it can be. – Gabriel Let it be. – Mary Mary doesn’t know how she will birth a child outside of the laws of human biology.  Gabriel introduces the reality of a supernatural God.  Mary accepts this new paradigm and becomes the Lord’s servant. I accepted a pastoral position with a church in Ithaca New York and had hope to start there in September 2012. We have encountered a significant delay and now anticipate a move in February 2013. When we first heard of this delay, we were filled with questions. Over time, the questions receded, replaced with assurance from God that He was still in control.  This assurance in turn resulted in peace and contentment, as we accepted our roles as the Lord’s servants, ready to do his...

I only got 8 this year. Here they are: 1. Headhunters - VERY good show about the man with a perfect life who faces a disruption. From Finland. Lots of twists along the way. 2. Dark Knight Rises - Good ending to the trilogy, although it was pretty long. 3. Moonrise Kingdom - My favorite film by one of my favorite directors. I don't often seen films twice - but this one is worth it. I like the short pants vibe going on. 4. Skyfall - After the lousy Quantum of Solace - this was a welcome return to what Bond can be. Some are saying this is the best James Bond ever. Pretty hard to top Sean Connery, though. 5. Lincoln - Interesting film about an interesting time in the history of America. Day-Lewis has probably wrapped up best actor. 6. Argo - Very exciting and fast moving thriller based on real life events. Canadians come out looking pretty great. Ben Affleck should continue to direct. 7. Avengers - This one was special, because this was the first "big people" ...

Safe Today I have spent this past week in the company of hundreds of elementary school children. I pick up and drop off Adam and Sophia every school day - so I have grown accustomed to many of the same faces of  children and parents. With the two Christmas presentations this week - I have spent even extra time at the school and with the kids. And that is why I almost threw up when I heard the news coming out of Newton Connecticut - which is 4 hours from Ithaca New York - the town we are relocating to next year. A 20 year old man entered an elementary school and started shooting. At the end of his rampage 27 people were killed including 18 .... children. He shot and killed 18 children. Children like my children. Children like the kids I see everyday. Children who probably sang at Christmas concerts this past week for proud parents. (Sunday December 16 Update - Total Number killed 28 - 20 children, 6 teachers, shooter and shooter's mother.) Today has become a day...

Sophia takes the stage. If you watch Fox News, you will be led to believe there is a war on Christmas. That is, the creeping secularism of our culture is seeking to evict Christ out of the holidays. Apparently, Christ and Christians are still finding no room at the Inn. I have observed this up here in Canada. However, it seems to be dying down, as I have seen more references to Christmas in public places than in previous years. Adam and Sophia are both performing at a CHRISTMAS concert in their public school. It is billed as a Christmas concert - not winter, December, Santa or snow concert. I attended with expectations of the typical offerings of odes to Santa Claus and heart warming thoughts of family, gifts and decorations. I was pleasantly surprised by what actually transpired. The school my children attend accommodates "special needs" children. These are children requiring extra care and attention due to some sort of disability. Adam has been in a class with ...

This has never happened to me before. I picked a book at random off my shelf. I believe I received this book free at a conference I attended a couple of years ago. It is a book for Pastors. And for the first time in my life - I disagreed with the very first sentence of a book. This is the offending line: "The Christian pastor holds the greatest office of human responsibility in all creation." Stunning. In one compact statement, the authors have managed to belittle and diminish any Christian who does anything else besides being a pastor. I would have re-written it as follows: "A Christian pastor holds an important office within the Kingdom of God, along with any OTHER Christian fulfilling their Divine calling." What the author's have done is perpetuate a hierarchal system that I believed evangelicals were growing out of. For a long time Christians had a structure like this: Missionaries Pastors Para-Church Workers Everyone Else Missionaries w...

Unlike Putty from Seinfeld, I never had it on my car. Mallory Ortberg has written an interesting article in Gawker magazine about losing her religion. Anyone who grew up born again can relate to some of her Christian pop references. I thought I would respond with some thoughts on my own experience growing up evangelical, and why I came to a different conclusion from Mallory, as I grew up. I was raised by conservative parents who felt that attending church was so important that we did it TWICE on Sundays - AM and PM. This resulted in the semi-traumatic weekly absence of the Wonderful World of Disney. Sometimes we were lucky enough to watch Tinker Bell fly around the castle, and then it would be into the station wagon headed for a hard wooden pew, trying to make sense of what was happening around us: singing, preaching, small talk. We attended a smallish evangelical church in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. My parents had a good circle of friends in that church. They had kids - ...