We were able to assist residents within a low-income housing project to repair and paint fences as well as construct some new fences as the old ones had to come down as they were in a state of disrepair.  Many of us arrived that morning with little to offer in terms of carpentry skills, nor painting skills for that matter.  Yes the fences underwent minor repairs… Yes they were painted… Yes one building received new fencing by days end… Was that the point of the project, some would say yes but I would tend to disagree.

I had the opportunity to meet some really nice people.  Sitting and talking with one woman I was able to gain insight concerning the challenges of raising kids in the neighbourhood.  Teaching your kids right from wrong is one thing, but when they are subjected to daily pressures concerning sex and drugs it can certainly be trying.  Many of the young people lack hope for a better future, and as some would argue society has labelled them in a negative manner and they have assumed that ‘identity’.  A single mother of a 13 year old is a difficult situation at the best of times.  Pray for this family..

Hard working.. in speaking with one gentleman he told me his story.  His day starts early as he bikes for an hour to the rural outskirts of the city where he puts in a full day with a moving company.  After a long hard day he bikes home, an hour or more on the return trip.  I asked how he spent his evenings, most nights asleep on the couch.  For some work is hard to come by.. and the means to get to work difficult.. the work is hard physical labor.. and still they consider themselves fortunate.   Pray for this man and his family..

Another woman, a single mother with a daughter the same age as one of my own.  It has been a long road, but she has managed to advance in her employment to the point where she was able to purchase a car and get her drivers license.  Both feats some of us take for granted.  She works hard, and her daughter has learned to do the same.  Her daughter used to attend youth group at our church but hadn’t gone for some time.  It was nice to touch base, share stories and laugh about life.. it’s a hard road for everyone but much rockier for others.  Pray for this woman and her family..

Within these apartment complexes we had the opportunity to meet all the neighbourhood kids.  Actually.. I think every one of them joined in and ‘helped’ with the painting.  I’m not sure what was painted more the fences or the kids, but they were sure having a good time.  Other adults enjoyed the sunny day in their backyards, playing guitar, etc..  I believe some were skeptical of why we were there, but they were appreciative and receptive.

It was nice to come along side of these residents and assist with their project.  They took care of all the organizing, fundraising, etc.. we just showed up and took direction from those leading.  We had no special abilities other than making ourselves available.

What keeps us from loving and serving our community?  It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and make excuses.  But we have no special skills… Who needs skills, we didn’t.  But I don’t believe God wants me to do that… Yeah right, he doesn’t want you to serve and love others.  But I don’t have time… Personally I sit and watch TV at least a couple of hours a night, do you? Absolutely. But it might cost me something… Absolutely.  But it isn’t all about me… Absolutely.  A word of caution, if you ask for opportunities, God will provide them so be attentive and be prepared to act.

I look forward to the next phase of the project, and a continued relationship with those in our community.  Fences may have been built that day but I can say barriers were also torn down.

Growing up in abusive youth detention centers, and thrust into crime as a survival method he did just that survived.  Eventually he became Canada’s head of organized crime dealing in the drug trade, leader of several gangs, provided ‘protection’ for businesses, illegal brewing and sale of alcohol to local business, the list goes on an on.

His ‘luck’ eventually ran out and he was incarcerated for a series of his crimes.  While he was in jail, he met a chaplain who took the time to display Christ’s love which ultimately led him to Christ.  Years later, released from prison, his testimony has been shared all over Canada.  He received a full pardon and later became an MLA.  What a story…

His message was clear in that Christ loves all men and women equally, and there is nothing that separates you or I from those serving in our prison system, or born into an environment in which society labels a child which in turn becomes his/her assumed identity.  Love others regardless of their situation as one of God’s valued creations.

It was a compelling and heartfelt testimony which I will not soon forget.  I walked away changed by his words.  If you have the opportunity to listen to Serge speak I would encourage you to do so.

As a child I had the opportunity to attend Camp Tulakadik at Cassidy Lake.  At that time it was a great time of fun, and letting kids be kids in a safe environment while learning about God.  I grew up in a Christian home and growing up regularly attended youth groups and other church events.  But.. nowhere did Christ come alive but at camp.  There is something about sitting around a camp fire roasting marshmallows in God’s creation which opens your heart to listen and hear his voice.

My kids have attended Green Hill Lake Camp and have had a great time.  Camp sure has changed from when I was a kid, there is so many more activities.  Archery.. Swimming.. Rock Climbing.. Mountain Biking.. Zip Lines.. Basketball Court.. Canoeing.. Paddle Boats.. Crafts.. and list goes on and on.  Kids learn not only about God, but they develop confidence in themselves as they try new activities.

Last time I was waiting to pick up our oldest who was working at Green Hill Lake Camp as a cabin counselor I had the opportunity to stare up at the stars, at a full moon in a field at the dead of night.  First I felt so small.. and then my heart swelled and I could feel God’s presence.  It certainly presented an experienced like no other, no hustle and bustle of the city, no other distractions, just me in His creation enjoying his presence.  All kids.. and adults should have such an opportunity to experience His love.

Support Green Hill Lake Camp and Canadian Baptist Ministries!!  Both in prayer and financially!!

Since listening to Reggie about a week ago there are a couple of things which keep coming to mind.  The first stems partially from how I was brought up in the church.  There had been an underlying mindset that Christ is at work in the church (the building) using ‘our’ human-led programs for the purpose of bringing the ‘non-believer’ into the kingdom.  This in itself is likely true, but there was also this other thought that ‘non-christians’ didn’t trouble themselves with spiritual matters and that Christ wasn’t actively at work in their lives.  The point being that the church needs to accept the fact that Christ is working, and often we are lagging behind and unwilling to be active participants in building His kingdom.

I had the opportunity to talk to a young family who recently started joining us for services on Sunday.  Following the service I introduced myself and the conversation quickly moved from pleasantries to how Christ is working in their lives and the expressed need for Christ in their government assisted housing complex.  There is a deep yearning.. need.. for people to know the Creator.  The church body needs only to show up, show Christ’s love and be His hands and feet.

The second thing which comes to mind is that we need to pray expectantly that God will ‘show up’ and do great things when we venture outside of the church walls into our local communities.  Sometimes I think believers including myself lack faith and shy away from evangelistic opportunities.  What if I say something out of line?  Look foolish? What if I don’t do it right and God doesn’t ‘show up’?  Hey I don’t think I am ‘gifted’ in this type of ministry, so I’ll sit on the sidelines.  I would say the only ‘gifting’ required is to be human and being led by God.

I challenge anyone who stumbles across this blog to pray expectantly that Christ will use you, and give you the opportunity to share His love with others.  He will be there, we just need to make ourselves available and step out in faith.

I have decided to focus less on polished blogging.. my apologies to every english teacher I have ever had..

My thoughts for the moment.

At one point during their journey, wet, cold and hungry they find shelter within the grounds of a church near the front door leading into the sanctuary.  The next morning church goers promptly avoid the men, entering through the side door offering no care or assistance.  Linking homelessness to undesirable sinful lifestyles the only communication was when they were asked to move along.  So.. is Your church ready for sinners?

What does the church look like in the 21st century?  Is the church loving, compassionate, and actively engaging the lost?  I would like to think we (the church) are meeting ‘all people’ where they are at, humbling ourselves as servants, forming relationships and sharing with them the love of Christ and the gospel message.

There is no ‘us’ and ‘them’ we are all sinners.  We are no ‘better’, they are no ‘worse’, but those who have accepted Christ are different. They have true freedom from sin through Christ’s blood and resurrection, and a promise of eternity with Him.

And so ends my thoughts for the day..

Great question and at this point I’m not exactly sure why I am exploring this avenue for self-expression.  I know there are plenty of blogs out there polluting the web with trivial opinions on this, that and the other.  Maybe this blog will be one in the same, although the intent will be an attempt at something more meaningful, an examination of everyday life as it relates to faith in something greater than the almighty ‘me’.

As a follower of Christ I have acknowledged Him as Saviour, Creator, Counselor and Friend, although I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always easy to have a personal ‘relationship’ with one who is, by society’s standards, unseen and silent.  All relationships whether with family, friends or Deity require communication, time and commitment.  It will be these struggles that I’ll be focusing on during the course of this blog.  There will be the occasional lighter side, which I expect will simply be silly life experiences or random thoughts put t0 words on a page.  I often delight in knowing my struggles.. are also your struggles and laughing about them together is therapeutic for both of us.

The title of the blog, ‘gracenotes’ will also play a big part in my blogging experience.  For the musically inclined a ‘grace note’ is a notational embellishment added in for flair written in small type and not counted in the rhythm.  For the believer, grace is a gift extended by God through which we are saved.  I will often talk of this thing called ‘grace’ as it defines Christianity and sets it apart from modern religions.  God’s grace abounds.. and when accepted there is true freedom, resulting in an embellished and abundant life as God is seen and heard daily in all creation.

I have yet to answer the question, “Why should I have a blog?”.  I still have no answer.  Maybe I’m simply looking for confirmation that others share my struggles, are willing to listen, share, and discuss.  As for I, I’m just an ordinary guy, claiming no extraordinary talents, sporting no advanced academic credentials, claiming only to be loved by God.

And so ends the first entry.