They finally won

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally won. I couldn't take another painful loss...maybe they are going to get out the slump...I'm not holding my breath. The TML organization has been off focus for years and are happy to just produce average to good teams. They don't seem to want to be the the best. They don't want to give to the hockey community what they have the potential to offer.

Let's all learn from the lack lustre TML organization. God has created us to give our best, by best I don't mean perfection. I mean giving excellence and doing what we have been created to do. We all have an important part to play and contribution to make. We may never get a standing ovation here on earth for our commitment to God, the church and others; but one day when we stand before our awesome heavenly Father we will hear the words, "well done". Give you life now, it's so worth while. Don't live life putting forth a mediocre investment like the TML management has for many years. I personally think they focus on making more money, rather than giving back the best to the community. What's your focus? Is it all about you or is it about giving of yourself to your family, community and church.? Let's not grow weary doing good. You are making a difference!

Spiritual Growth

Are you growing in your faith? If you're only depending on what you hear on Sunday morning then I'm here to say you are starving yourself spiritually. You can't go all week on just what you take in on Sunday. Just as a doctor gives straight forward advice for your physical body I must do the same for your spiritual side.

Personal spiritual growth is two fold:

1. Taking time on a daily basis to read the bible, to reflect on what you have read and to pray (talk and listen to God). We will help you with this...Church at the Falls will have journals available that will help you following a plan for 2008. Details will be made available soon.
2. Exercising your faith by caring for others, building relationships with others with hopes of sharing your faith (a great way to introduce your faith is by inviting them to church), and serving in your local church. Healthy growth happens when we use what we are taking in...doing nothing makes you spiritually fat:-)

Are you weary from all your work?

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Ever get tired of your ungrateful boss or cleaning up the house time and time again? How about giving time and energy to a teenager that never seems thankful or maybe a spouse that doesn't help carry the load around the home? Remember when you work or serve others you are serving Jesus. So take heart, he is watching and approving of your work...just make sure you are doing your best. Do it for Jesus.

News

News

• We have raised about $500 for needy families. Our goal is $1000 by this Sunday. We will give the money to Project Share, our local food bank, to use as they see necessary.
• Look for opportunities to invite a friend to church over the next few weeks. Statistics tell us that 25% of people will go to church over the Christmas season if they are invited.
• My friend, Roger Blackmore, will be with us on Sunday, December 16. Roger is a pastor from Long Island, NY (originally from United Kingdom). His church also meets in a movie theatre, Church at the Movies. Roger also publishes an exceptional blog, The View. I really look forward to having him with us - it will be a great day!
• December 30th will mark our first Baptism. At this point we have 3 followers of Jesus Christ that are to be baptised. We will celebrate with another local congregation on that day, Mountain Park Church. Herm Plett, a great friend of Church at the Falls, has invited us to share the day together. Mark this on your calender and join us at 11:00 am. Here's a map.

Need a little sunshine

Wow...it's hard to get going on mornings that are gray and dark. I think followers of Christ that live in northern climates should get extra rewards in heaven for dealing with the the gloomy weather. Seriously though...it is easy to slip into discouragement and even depression on these dark long days. So, make sure you are taking care of yourself - get out and exercise (mall walk if you need to), eat well (I think citrus fruit kinda lifts your spirits - I have no medical proof for this), connect with friends (don't spend too much time alone), and spend time with God (pray and read the Bible - let the SON bring light to your day).

Have a great day!

Coming this Sunday

This Sunday a new series of "Talks" begin. Something we all need to ponder...forgiveness. The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but many individuals find themselves dealing with broken relationships. Christmas is "for-giving" (forgiving). Let's give the great gift of forgiveness this year.

Sunday Review

Great day! Had a lot of fun with the people. Played tag with a little boy before church...banged my knee on something...that hurt...as a matter of fact it still hurts.

The band was awesome. The final song...Fields of Grace...really rocked the place.

I felt like my talk on Love was effective. I hope we all left there with the tools to help us "love like we were dying".

The setup team is awesome. They just keep on going and going.

Met some new people on today...they really liked CATF

Announced our first baptism....December 30.

Jack our setup leader hurt his leg at work...so he had to take it easy today. I can't believe we got everything set up with Jack sidelined.

We have raised nearly $500 for Project Share... to help needy families at Christmas. Our goal is $1000.

Looking forward to the next few weeks as we approach Christmas.