Not again!

So today I am "chief cook and bottle washer" (phrase my pops used often) which means that I am alone at the office, answering phones today at CFNBC. After calling another snow day I felt I should at least man the office. At FOUR AM (yes i was up)this morning they were still calling for freezing rain and "a horrible commute". So I left a message on the answering machine of the college number to announce the cancellation of classes. That way the students could merely call to verify that classes were on before they started on the commute. Not all of them called, some I am sure just assumed and some just showed up here.
It was not a total loss though. Because I was here a potential student's paperwork was brought in, a rental inquiry was made for a wedding and deliveries were made. Could we have had school? Yes in hind sight I guess we could have. But at 4:00, all you can do is trust the weatherman. Did I just say that? Trust a weatherman? Maybe I need a nap.

It is amazing!

There are times when voices from the past surprise you. Today I talked to some one that I had not spoken to in nine years. This former student is back in the East and is on track with God. He did admit that he did enter a downward spiral for some time ending up with his back to God. As he paused, much like the prodigal son, he turned and found God's hand outstretched to him again. He grasped it and is back on track.

It takes courage to turn back to God when we stumble. Cowardice keeps many separated from the love of the Father. I pray that if I ever find myself feeding pigs, I will have the courage to come back home to the Fathers house. I pray this for you too. Take heed lest you think you can't be deceived, for you already are. That sounds like scripture, doesn't it?

The "other voice" was an e-mail contact with some one from the Island. For those that don't know my family served as missionaries for several years in Jamaica. One of our former students e-mailed me asking how we were doing. What a joy to hear from the past. Ya' man! No problem, man.

Snow Day!

Boy does that bring back memories!
But now instead of being a student who can enjoy the day off, I am the principle who must weigh the risks of travel verses the course schedule. The risks won out today.

Here in the 'burbs of Vancouver we got about 45 centimeters of snow, the first 25 wet heavy, barely freezing snow. The remainder is dry and blowing. Makes for a interesting drive anywhere. Most everything was shut down today. All public schools are closed as are the colleges. So instead of teaching, we are spending the day in front of our Christmas tree, sippin' hot coffee and believe it or not grading papers. Boo!

Bless you where ever you are.

Life in a small town.

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to the small Southeastern Indiana town where my sister and brother in law live. My folks have set up house in a small bungalow near by and will plan to winter there. After my mothers bout with the big C this year, I knew I needed to make an effort to see her more often. Although it was a long flight and short visit, it was great to see them. My brother and sister in law even drove over from Chi-town to join us. I had not seen them for several years, we each have aged very gracefully.

Sue and I are actually part of the "missional" vision of the Methodist church there. They support us annually and call us the "little finger" of the hand of Christ extended from their church. It was good to meet the new pastor, reconnect with the folks and feel the warmth of a small community.

I saw a local parade, complete with sappy floats, plenty of waves and candy (thrown from the floats). The high light of the parade for me was the group of motorcyle riders known as the "Patriot Guards" This group of volunteers travel to the funerals of fallen military and support the families. Made famous by their stance agaisnt the (very small "b") baptist church that mocks and disrupts these funerals, the riders just position themselves between the family and any undue attention. It is done not because they support the war, but because they care about the sacrifices that are being made. Oh if I only had a Harley!

Where does the time go?

Last night I mentioned to the students that we officially had only one month until the end of the Fall 2006 term. That means 2006 is all but over. Wow, where has it gone. Have you accomplished what you set out to do this year? Lets see a show of hands that got everything done. Waiting..Waiting...still waiting. So I am not the only one that will face an even long "to do" list again next year? Well I think I am in good company.

Birds have brilliant brains, say experts

Jasper would agree and say "Well duh!"



Birds have brilliant brains, say experts | the Daily Mail

Soggy Northwest!

The pineapple express has roared into the pacific Northwest this week end and we are being pelted with high winds (nearing hurricane strength) and rain, rain, rain. The amount of rain on the ground makes the high winds more dangerous. Saturated ground will not hold the roots of trees as well. One advantage is many of the leaves are gone after a blustery Friday.

The students arrived wet and soggy from just the parking lot. We are expecting it to last for a week or two. Storm after storm are lined up all the way from Hawaii.

To make the best of it we are having a chili day today. We started having "Soup days" last year as a way to encourage fellowship among the students. One of the staff cooks a big pot of soup and we gather round the tables for a scrumptious meal, breaking bread together. Today's feature is Sue's Chili." Last year it contained two home grown habenero peppers and raised the heat twice. We cut back on the peppers this year but will have a bottle or two of extra heat for those more gutsy eaters. Nothing like a hot bowl of chili on a rainy day. Now if we only had a fireplace and a rocking chair to go with it.....

A wonderful place.

The retreat up at Stillwood proved to be a fantastic event. First the place is beautiful, not at all what I expected.


There were many events to keep us busy. Hikes, trees, games, friends and even a fire pit. But the most important aspect of the retreat was the oppurtunity to draw closer to God in the quiet times and the general session.





Pastor Ted gave a fantastic series of talks on the Lord's Prayer. Each one touched "spots" within each of us as the Holy Spirit used the well known words to open up our hearts.

As each of those in attendance should remember the retreat but we must keep our eyes forward, looking to the horizon for life lies before us. It is not possible to live in a retreat environment, nor should we want too. We must live here in the day to day, drawing from the same Lord, His prayer and the Spirit who guides us here as He did up in Stillwood.