A Hike In The Cold, Fog, Rain

Today I hiked the Grouse Grind con mi querida amiga Boliviana (with my dear friend from Bolivia), CM. It was cold, foggy, and rainy, but we persevered, and made it to the top. We had a nice conversation on the way up, and once at the top, enjoyed a nice snack.
















The Grind takes on a whole different character in this type of weather. Wow .. I love this pic:




















Hiking in the rain brings out the character in people too:
















Soon the Grind will be closed for winter. I've got to find a way to stay active. I miss playing fútbol.

Still Falling

10th and Columbia:






























11th and Columbia:

No Bubble Butt

I'm like my brother, sister, and my dad: I have no ass. I’m convinced this is part of the reason my mom tries to (over)feed me every time I visit my parents. She thinks I'm too skinny.

But I agree with AEK, who used to tell me "better a flat butt than a bubble butt.”

The picture below was taken two weeks ago, by my good buddy ML, while I was washing dishes at Regent. Our Community Group was on kitchen duty after "soup lunch."

Coyote In My Backyard

Last week I saw a notice in my mailbox about what to do if we see a coyote in the neighbourhood. I thought to myself "What a waste of advertising money. There are squirrels, skunks, even raccoons, but, coyotes? Please..."

Then yesterday as I was eating dinner I noticed the following:

Two Essay Questions: The Early Church And Augustine

I just came back from handing in my History exam. I wrote it this morning, 8am. It went well. I had the option of answering 18 short answer questions and an essay, or just two essays. I picked the latter.

Here are the two questions I picked, as well as some (very short) answers:

* What is gnosticism? What is Marcionism? What impact did these have on the early church?

Gnosticism: a popular belief in the 2nd and 3rd century that all matter was evil; a special messenger is needed to "awaken" our spirit to a "higher life."

Marcionism: the belief that Jehovah in the Hebrew Scriputres was not the same God that Jesus called "Father." Marcion disregarded all Scriptures, except for Luke and the Pauline letters. He got rid of any reference to the Jewish Scriptures.

Early Church Response: The early church created the Apostles' Creed, came to a consensus on the Canon of Scripture, and affirmed Apostolic Succession.

* St. Augustine (354-4430) adhered to two other religions before converting to Christianity. What were they and what did they believe? After conversion, what did Augustine do?

Manicheism: reality consists of two principles: "light" (spiritual) and "dark" (material). The human endeavour was to separate light from dark, and prepare our spirit for for its return to the realm of pure light.

Neo-Platonism: a supreme being created a spiritual world, and one of the lower spirits created matter by mistake. The human endeavour was to "face" (or get near) the goodness of the supreme being, thereby avoiding evil.

After conversion, St. Augustine devoted himself to defending the faith against Manicheism, Donatism, and Pelagianism.

Note: After the Apostle Paul, Augustine is regarded as the greatest theologian of the church (well, the Orthodox Church thinks otherwise). His greatest works are the Confessions (an autobiographical prayer to God), and City of God (in which he argues that there are two types of cities: the city of God built on love of God, and the earthly city built on love of self).

Apple Crisp And History

I've been studying much of the day today, for a History of Christianity exam I'm writing tomorrow. The exam will cover the time spanning from the Apostles to the time of imperial restoration and church decay.

I began writing down a comprehensively incomplete history of Christianity in today's posting, but decided that it was impossible to cover the first 800 years of Christianity in one posting. I squeezed it into 2 pages of a Word document though, which is actually quite a feat!

Anyways, I think they'll be great study notes.

Oh, and as I'm studying, I'm eating my own freshly baked apple crisp. I baked it tonight, and it is very yummy!!!

A Good Weekend

I had a busy but good weekend.

Friday night I went to a Fundraising dinner with my friends JW and PW.

Yesterday I studied all morning - got a lot done! In the afternoon I went hiking with IB and CM. In the evening I went to a prayer meeting in Surrey, with EL, ML, his fiance L, OS, and IB. It was encouraging.

Today I got up early again and studied, before going to the 11am service. Then I went out for lunch with RS, and afterwards I studied, until 6pm. In the evening I went to church. I was very encouraged.

We sang "In Christ Alone" twice today, once in the morning service, and once in the evening. I was so blessed by it. Everytime I sing that song I'm overwhelmed and touched by the Holy Spirit.

Praise be to God the Father, in the Spirit, through the Son!

Vow Of Poverty

This morning I worked until noon, before heading off to church for a meeting in preparation for tonight’s Christianity Explored course at our church.

I’m winding down my time at work, I’ve only got a few weeks left. I’ve been training a new person to take over my duties. I’m a little torn about it. On the one hand, not working at PMC will give me time to do the things I really have a passion for: pointing people towards God. But on the other hand, God doesn’t really pay well, so my lifestyle will need to change.

Actually, it’s probably a good thing God doesn’t pay well, because if He did, I’d be more excited about the “work” than “His work.” I’d lose focus on what’s really important.

In the evening I helped teach at my church. One of the topics we discussed was Mark 8. In it, Jesus tells us to “deny ourselves”, and “take up our cross.” We asked ourselves in our context, what does it mean to deny ourselves and take up our cross? One of the participants said: “I think there’s nothing wrong with being rich. God wants us to be happy.”

On a superficial level, perhaps she’s right. God wants us to be happy. And God wants to bless us (financial blessing may be one of the many ways he chooses to bless us).

But, the more I read Scripture, the more I become convinced that a “vow of poverty” is a part of being a Christian. At least in our context: the wealthy western hemisphere. God does not require us to be poor, but our society of wealth and prosperity has so affected our lives and our lifestyles, that I really believe we’ve lost the meaning of it all. We’ve lost our focus. We’ve lost what it means to be Christian. Perhaps in order to be a Christian here in the West, we ought to subscribe to making due with less.

Because as it is, Christians are like everyone else. There’s nothing that sets us apart from others. We don’t look different, we don’t act different, and many of us don’t even live differently. But hey, we’ve got “Jesus in our heart”, and I guess that makes everything ok.

I think we’ve got it wrong. Way wrong. The gospel is radically different. The early church knew this, and lived by it. The reason monasteries sprang up everywhere around Europe during the Roman Empire was because Christians were becoming rich, and began being associated with the “high and mighty.” People who couldn’t go along with this ended up going to monasteries and building “alternative communities.” At least then the unbelieving world could see that there was a difference.

Perhaps if we started to voluntarily choose the way of poverty, unbelievers would realize that Christians really are different. The problem is, I’m so consumed with myself, I’m so selfish, and I’m so money-hungry, that I find it hard to share a loaf of bread with my neighbour, nevermind adhering to a life of poverty.

Gloriously Sunny Day

The sun shone brightly today, drying up all the leaves that are lying on the ground. Every step I took was pronounced by a loud “crack”, as I stepped on the leaves.

A Promise

Hahaha...sometimes I love God's sense of humour, especially in light of Thursday's, Friday's, and yesterday's postings!!

A friend of mine from church invited me for a luncheon today. She also invited a few of her friends who are asking themselves some very important and meaningful questions about life; important spiritual questions about God, life, death, etc. The reason I was invited was to connect with others and offer friendship.

So far, so good.

Most everyone there was married, except for two people: a beautiful woman, J, and .. uhmmm … me.

After doing some small-talk with others, I finally met J.

We had quite an interesting conversation. We talked about all kinds of topics: her work, my school, faith, food, apartments, travelling, and childhood. My eyes were stuck on her like glue. I’m pretty sure I smiled the whole time we spoke. I don’t remember (my memory is cloudy), but it is quite possible that I was drooling too.

As our conversation proceeded, I increasingly felt like we had a genuine connection. My heart was beating like a drum. I felt my blood rushing through my veins. I felt euphoric.

At the end of the luncheon I was faced with the dilemma: “Do I or do I not ask for her phone number.” Had I met her at the grocery store, bakery, or on the bus, I’d have asked her for her phone number; actually, there’s no doubt I’d have asked her out, but I felt that because I was invited for the specific reason of being a friend to someone asking themselves difficult questions about the meaning of life, it just seemed wrong to do it.

On our way out we walked together for about a half block, before we split. As we said bye, she said that she’d come to church “sometime,” and that she'd "see me there." Knowing Vancouverites, I'll believe it when I see it.

But truth be told, in my humble opinion, we connected very well. For the rest of the day I couldn't get my mind off her. She had dark, piercing eyes, and a warm, genuine smile.

I will find a way to meet up with her again. That’s a promise.

Here are a few other things that I liked about her: she’s catholic, intelligent, soft, gentle, likes to cook, and dresses well (note: she wore boots, which is a pre-requisite if a woman wants to be known as “well-dressed”). She needs a new umbrella though, as the one she had was an ugly blue/white-striped golf umbrella. Oh and one last thing: she’s Italian-Canadian.

Pizza, Wine, And Chocolate Mousse

That's what we had for dinner tonight at AJ&CL's place. As is always the case when we get together, the food was yummy, and the conversation was thought-provoking.

Today, however, I think I managed to not offend people with something I said. Yay Cub!

After dinner we watched the final F1 race of the season. How sad .. no races for the next 4 months. I hope that even though the racing season's over, our group will continue to get together, as I really enjoy our friendship and our times together.

And oh before I forget .. when I got home, there was an email from EL in my inbox. Apparently I'm be going out with her next Thursday. :-D

Femininity

Last week I meet EL at school. She's Singaporean, very beautiful, very intelligent (speaks 7 languages!), but I think (sigh) very young.

One of the things I really like about her is her femininity. I like girls that are kind, soft, gentle, and gracious.

I spoke with her earlier this week, and had a nice conversation with her. Today I emailed her, and asked if she wanted to go out for coffee sometime next week.

Sharon

Tonight I went out with the greatest woman I have ever met. Yesterday was her birthday, so I took her out for a birthday dinner, and a movie at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

I met her in early 1999, and my life has never been the same since. I was "done" the first time I set eyes upon her. I immediately knew I was at a point of no return. If I married her I'd be the happiest man on earth, bar none. If not, the disappointment of it would be the greatest struggle I'd have to deal with in my life.

Those who know me well, know the story: between 1999 and 2001 I declared my love for SC no less than 5 times, and was rejected 5 times. In 2002 I left the country in order to deal with my brokenness. I returned in 2003, and in 2004, after not seeing her for almost two years God miraculously brought her back into my life. We re-met on the skytrain, of all places. During my time away from her I healed, by God's grace, but even after 2 years away from her, I still loved her. I again declared my love for her, and she again rejected me.

Since that last rejection, I've arrived at a place of peace about the whole thing. I've accepted her as a friend, and I know my limits. I cannot see her or talk to her often. The sight of her melts me to the core. I get whoozy. The sound of her voice surely is the sound of God's highest Angel. There is none other like her.

So yesterday I pick her up, and she lets me drive her new car to the restaurant. We park the car, go inside, and take our table. I'd made reservations for two. We order our food, and immediately afterwards, we begin catching up. After all, it's been 10 months since we've seen each other.

Her cellphone rings. She says "I'm just going to let the phone keep ringing, and when it stops, I'll turn it off, so that we don't get disturbed." The phone stops ringing. She takes it in her hand, opens it to check who called, and then turns it off. As she turns off the phone, I look at her hand.

There's a gigantic ring on her finger, with a diamond almost the size of an eraser on a refillable pencil. My jaw drops. She notices my reaction. She smiles, and says: "Awwww, you saw it didn't you. I was going to tell you about it."

So yes, there it is. She got engaged.

For the next hour she tells me about the guy she's engaged to. She tells me how they met 6 months ago, how their relationship progressed, and how much they love each other. She tells me how since she met him she feels an inner peace that she's never felt before. She tells me how kind, gentle, caring, and loving he is. She tells me how romantic his proposal was. At the end she tells me, "He's actually a lot like you. He's German, he's short, and he even looks a little like you."

I smile. I tell her I'm happy for her. I tell her she deserves such a man as she's described. I tell her that that inner peace she spoke about earlier is evident on the outside, in the way she smiles.

Inside, I feel I'm standing at the gates of hell.

After dinner we go to the movie, and after the movie we go to my car. She gives me a hug I shall never forget. I put my arms around her and hold her for a few seconds. I sense the warmness of her body. I feel the firmness of her youth. I smell her hair. It smells like heaven.

I say "It was good to see you again." She says "Yes, thank you. It's been too long." I nod my head in agreement.

I get in my car, she gets into hers. We smile and wave at each other as we go our ways.

The Beautiful Colour of Death

Today in the afternoon as I went for a walk, I was struck at the immense beauty of the leaves on our trees here in Vancouver. Rich yellows, oranges, and reds were glowing, demanding my attention. I couldn't ignore them.





And then it occurred to me that these leaves are on their way out. Fall has begun, and as these leaves are dying, falling off trees, they mockingly scream:

"Look at us, such is our amazing design, such is our beauty, that even in our death, we're more beautiful, more stunning, than anything you could create, and more perfect than anything you could achieve."

Things I'm Thankful For

I've found it difficult to be thankful lately, but that's more due to my sinfulness, than to a lack of things to be thankful for. So, here, I humbly present a few things (and there are oh so many more!) that I'm thankful for:

* God's love, grace, mercy.
* Family - mom, dad, brother & sister & their families.
* Relatives.
* Friends.
* Church - truly .. as crooked, warped, bent, and corrupt as she is, I love the bride of Christ!
* Regent - godly professors, spiritual growth, intellectual challenges, stimulating friends.
* Canada - freedom, safety, weather.
* Safety & Provision - shelter (roof), warmth (bed), food (bread), drink (water, or staying with the Trinitarian theme .. wine), health (hiking), rest (Sabbath).
* Work - financial blessings --> Lord, teach me how to use your gifts.
* Transportation - VW, public transit, feet!

Ok, those are pretty obvious. Here are some a little less obvious:
* Brokenness - brings us closer to God.
* Dostoyevsky - best fiction-writer, hands down!
* Camera - I love taking pics.
* Rain - I love the smell of fresh air.
* Internet - is it idolatrous to be on the internet so often?
* Birkenstocks.
* Coffee and yerba mate.
* Fruits - current favourites are mangoes, kiwis, and papayas.
* Bread.
* Jeans - in particular, my super old and worn GAPs, and my new CMs.
* Liturgy - I love liturgical worship.

A prayer of praise from the Book of Common Prayer (62), based on Ephesians 3:20-21:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ya Llegamos!

We arrived!

Today was a very special day in the world of futbol, as la albirroja secured their place at next year's Copa Mundial in Germany. Almost a month after our historic win over Argentina, we guaranteed our presence at next year's extravaganza by beating Venezuela 1-0.

The hero of the game this time was Nelson Haedo Valdez (pictured below), who scored in the 65th minute, lifting the "red and whites" over the vinotintos.














This is good news indeed, as it'll make my trip to Germany next year that much more meaningful.

In the past World Cups I didn't pursue getting tickets to see Paraguay play, choosing instead to see los gigantes del futbol (soccer giants) like Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and Italy. But I think it's time I reconnect with my roots. This time I'm going albirrojo.

Teammates celebrate the goal:

Besides, I always thought David was more interesting than Goliath anyway!

Anger And Vitriol

I looked up a few definitions of anger here:

* belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins)
* a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
* the state of being angry

I also looked up the definition of vitriol:

* abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
* a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry
* subject to verbal abuse

I got a letter from AEK today. I’d say her state of mind presently is somewhere between angry and vitriolic. Some of her comments in the letter were very legitimate, some outlandish. Some of her feelings are right on, others are not.

This letter was in response to a few (2) attempts I’ve made over the past month, to reach out to her as a friend.

It was a “cease and decist” letter. She wants nothing, in the plainest, purest sense of the word to do with me: no conversations, no get-togethers, no emails, no phone calls, no letters. Nada. Nichts.

She concludes: “Maybe once this process comes to an end I will be able to talk to you again, or I may not. I can’t guarantee anything.”

Left Wanting

I’m realizing that I’m in the middle of an intense spiritual warfare battle, waged over my very being. The Evil One has been working hard the past few weeks, nay, months.

Beginning with my disappointing Greek-learning experience in July, my knee injury and breakup with AEK in August, my grandma’s death in September, the demoralizing effect of dwindling worshipers on Sunday nights and the impending end of my work contract now in October, I feel attacked. At first I thought these connections were merely incidental, but I no longer believe they are. They are a part of a strategic move by the Father Below.

I know why he’s attacking me now, and I’ll write about that tomorrow. But suffice it to say, he’s doing a grand job:

* Jesus was a good guy, but certainly no Messiah, no God-man, no “God in the flesh.”
* Surely all religions are equal. The idea of “Christian exclusivism” is just that. An idea.
* Discipleship? What a waste of time.
* Be religious, that’s great. But this “relationship with Jesus” you keep thinking about, how lame is that…
* Check out that girl. My oh my…
* The Bible? Talk about a farce. Like the accuracy of the events in it have been preserved .. yeah right.

I’ve got news for you, Worm: You’re a fucking joke. The war’s already been fought and won, and you’ve been left wanting.

I’d suggest that you bow your knee at the feet of Jesus, because one day everyone – including you – will do it. Who knows, if you repent, there might even be hope for you.

In the meantime, in the name of Jesus, leave me the hell alone.

Who Am I?

I'm working on a project with 4 other classmates, all guys. Two of them are American, one is English, and one is Scottish (as Scottish as they come!). We're evaluating the Alpha evangelism program.

We've had two meetings now, discussing our POA (plan of action/attack), and for both meetings I noticed that I was unhappy about our meeting. Throughout both meetings I felt distant, out of touch; at times I even felt like I had a gigantic chip on my shoulders.

Been thinking about why I've had such a bad attitude during our meetings. It's strange, because I like all of the guys. They're super: I get along with them, we crack jokes, and heck, two of them even attend my church, and are doing an internship similar to mine.

So earlier today, in a rare moment of enlightenment, I think I stumbled into the answer. I noticed that in both meetings the general tone was "all business", and no "small talk," and as dumb as it sounds, that was it; that was the problem.

I realized that had I had non-Western project-mates, we probably would've talked for at least 15 minutes about personal stuff .. life, relationships, work, classes, church, friends, or politics .. before the meeting even started, and that would've completely changed the dynamics of the conversation; well, for me at least. I guess I like easing into things.

It's strange, because even though I consider myself a canuck - I'm a product of the Canadian system - some aspects about me are not Canadian at all. The above example is one of them, as I'd fit more into the 'Latin American' box.

I worked out my identity options, and they basically work out to the following:

I'm a German-Paraguayan Mennonite Canadian Anglican.
or a German-Paraguayan Canadian Mennonite Anglican;
or a Mennonite German-Paraguayan Anglican Canadian.

I like the first option the best.

Love In A Sinful World: A Prayer

The Apostle Paul challenges us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. “Do not be conformed to this world,” he says, “but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is good and acceptable and perfect”. (Rom. 12:1-2)

With that in mind, let us pray.

Living God:

As a community of believers, we confess that we do not bless those who persecute us; we do not always live in harmony; we are proud, we are conceited, and we often repay evil with evil. We neglect your laws, which you have generously written on our hearts, and we ignore your Holy Spirit who guides us in goodness and love. We are eager to serve you, but we are weak, easily distracted, easily mislead, and we’re often double-minded.

We repent of our wrongdoing, and we lay claim to your mercy, and to the forgiveness that you offer, through your Son Jesus Christ. We ask that by the power of your Holy Spirit you would continue to cleanse our hearts: purify us, change us, mould us. Conform us to your reality. Transform our hearts; renew our minds.

Enable us to bless others, regardless of how they treat us. Empower us to be genuine, rejoicing with the joyful, weeping with the mourning. Teach us to serve one another in humility and peace, honouring one another.

Strengthen us in the knowledge that we do not need to run away from evil. We can face it square on, for you have already defeated it, and even though there is still darkness all around us, neither tears, nor sorrow, nor pain shall see the light of day in the world to come. So we rest in your promise that we will not be overcome by evil, but rather, through your unfailing love, we overcome evil with good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
___

It is indeed a privilege for us to labour in your vineyard, loving Father, and we are thankful for the many fruits you are bearing in our midst. (Mat. 7:17) We think of the Christianity Explored course already running in Richmond, and shortly to begin here in our church. We think of Bible Study groups and youth group activities; the upcoming Women’s Conference, and the Conference on Scripture, Culture, and Homosexual Practise; the Marriage Retreat, the Evening Service Retreat, and the Fusion Coffeehouse later this month.

We pray that you would continue to use each of these events to bring glory to your name, drawing people to yourself. Strengthen and energize leaders, helpers, and participants, guiding them in truth and love. We ask that you would open our hearts to newcomers and visitors, showing genuine care, hospitality, and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
_____

We are aware that many people have not heard about the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. We think of the Muslim world, and the feast of Ramadhan that begins this week. During this time of fasting, prayer, good deeds, and spiritual alertness, we pray Lord Jesus, that you would reveal yourself as the Alpha and the Omega, the creator and redeemer, the living Son of God who sits at the right hand of the Father.

Holy Spirit, move us to reach out to a lost world, motivated by your love within us, and not by fear. We lay claim to your word, which says that you have given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (II. Tim. 2:7).

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
_____

Today we also join our brothers and sisters in Malawi in crying to you for physical deliverance. We pray for rain, as famine and drought has ravaged that nation, leaving people in desperation. Give wisdom to government leaders, non-government organizations, and churches. We pray especially for Archibishop Malango, who is actively mobilizing churches to buy corn to fill the empty stomachs of men, women, and children.

Teach us how to respond to this crisis. Move us away from complacency and comfort, Lord, towards compassion and generosity, each according to his or her means and gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
_____

We also bring to you in silence those whom you have placed on our hearts and minds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
_____

We close with a prayer from St. Anselm:

We bring you, O Lord, the troubles and perils of people and nations:
The sighing of prisoners and captives,
The sorrows of the bereaved,
The necessities of strangers,
The helplessness of the weak
The despondency of the weary,
The failing powers of the aged.
O Lord, draw near to each,
For the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

_____

Evening Service Prayer at St. John's Anglican Church, based on Romans 12:1-2, 14-21.