Stealing Time

I have finally realized why it is that I am so taken with Brian Mclarens writing. I have pick up another book, having decided to put down McLaren for a time, I am now reading a book entitled, Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church, by D.A. Carson. In the first chapter Carson appraises Mclaren's thinking. towards the end of the section Carson writes,

"while most leaders of the emergent movement set up a relatively simple antithesis-namely, modernism is bad and postmodernism is good-McLaren is careful in this piece to avoid the obious trap: many forms of postmodern thought do in fact lead to some kind of religious relativism, and McLaren knows that for the Christian that is not an option. He clearly wants to steer a course between absolutism and relativism, and he is more careful on this point than some of his peers." Carson (35)

I took the liberty of bolding the part that expresses my sentiment. I became a Christian in a semi charismatic church, the theology didn't quite satisfy me so I went conservative in my theology. However, I have on more than one occasion missed the passion and energy of the little church where I met Jesus, and have since longed for some sort of Balance between the two. I think that is why I have come to appreciate McLaren so much, Because he, along with others, is seeking to find that balance. though I freely admit, he does push the envelope at times. But then again, I am hardly conventional...

Times of Refreshing?!

I had a good talk with an old friend today; A friend from the Bible College. We talked about God, the church, spiritual thyings and such...it is really nice to have a friend who is removed from your current life circumstances; a friend whom you love and you know they love you; a friend that you can share frustrations with and know that they understand where you are at. This is the friend I have, and in this festive time of the year I wish for all of you to have a friend like this. A friend that regardless of your life circumstances or their life circumstances you can turn to them and find solice in your time of need. Perhaps that is really how Jesus comforts us; through the love and affection of those whom He has blessed us with as fellow travellers on this Spiritual Journey we call life...Merry Christmas! or Happy Holidays! or Feliz Navidad!...whatever floats your boat.

MADISON'S BIRTHDAY

Well it is December 16th, the day Madison Paige Bugslag bloobed out and entered this blessed little family...Well happy third birthday Beautiful!!

So This is Christmas...

Well here we are in Whitehorse, our first Christmas, just south of the Arctic Circle. It is -15 outside today, slightly overcast. It is usually light out by 9 am and getting dusky by 3 pm, but hey, who cares! I have finished reading the New Kind of Christian trilogy, when I finished the last paragraph, I got that feeling that I wished there was another book to read. man were they good books. SO...what to say...our church is beginning the process of building a new church...or should I say building as the church has little to do with the building that it is housed in. I ran into that old mentality today, that the church (building) is the house of God. I kept my mouth shut...I need to figure out a kind way to explain to folks that the building is simply that, a building. God does not dwell in temples made with hands, but rather in you and I. Burn down the building and the church will still exist, for you and I are the church, we as a collective body are the church. I have even run into this mentality at the seminary I attend, not from the Profs interestingly enough, but from another youth pastor! actually I may have offended him through the course of our discussion...oops! we left on good terms, I think.
Well this is yet another rambling of mine. the ministry is coming along. Discipleship is in the works, but is not taking place...yet. I find encouragement from my mentor on a regular basis, as he tells my that it will take a couple years to get the machine going...in the timeless words of David Bowie...Time drags on...

Continuing in the Journey

Anyhow, as I said in an earlier Post I have really been enjoying the New Kind Of Christian trilogy, I am currently reading the third book. It is not as rivetting as the first two, but is still somewhat interesting. The introduction to the book was good however some of the terminology is more intelectual than I. The book, at first glance seem to be largely about Hell, or even the history of Hell (Sounds morbid right) actually it is pretty interesting learning where we got our doctrine from. Despite first appearances, the author contends that the book is largely about Gods goodness. If you consider reading these books you must understand, these are not intended to be theological texts, they are fictional , or as the author likes to call them "Creative Non-Fiction" which is actually not a bad title, as they reflect many real life concerns that I have heard echoed from other pastors, but are of course written in story form, not unlike Kent Anderson's Preaching Texts (Which I have not read but have heard nothing but positive reports about) . I have found these books incredibly encouraging, even though sometimes I was frustrated with the arguements presented. However, if you think the church is flawless you likely will not like these books, but if you feel as I do, that something is just not right with the church (not the local but the universal; whatever it may be, doctrine, practice) then you just might enjoy these books as I have.

BOOK 3: CHAPTER's 10-12 Absolutely rivetting

Disclaimer: I am not necesarrily going liberal, however I have been longing for freedom. True freedom that only God can give.

This is perhaps my favourite picture of my girls, Sarah is laughing, Madison is happy but a little confused, and Catherine is scowling at who knows what!? Actually I think it may have been a couple of homeless lithuanian tourists, you get a lot of those in Whitehorse.

I Don't know about you, but I think that the cuddles are just about the best thing, followed buy a nice crisp dry carbonated beverage
of course I mean Diet Pepsi...sheesh

Well, it is 3:57 pm and as you can see, it is quite balmy out. over the last month we burned 300 litres of oil heating the house...brrrr
I was talking with my new friend Clive, He's our Landlord, apparently it is going to get even colder...why did we move up here again, I guess my highschool days had a more damaging effect then I thought. Oh well. Live and Learn.

I have recently read a new book, the first in a trilogy, and am know reading the second. the Author in Brian McLaren. Great books! I would recommend them. Mind you, some people, namely those who have been in the church for any extended period of time will struggle with them, However, i have loved them; they are challenging and thought provoking. At times I found myself irate with the characters in the books, and other times I was relieved, and once even moved to tears. Great reads!

Catherine and madison have a great new game they like to play, Madison watches Barney, whom I despise, and Catherine comes along and shuts off the TV. What a little miscrient! anyhow, it makes me laugh. time to go, we are going for chinneesse? Speelling, not my strong suit.

The Bugslags

clockwise...Sarah, Rick, Catherine, Madison, and mystery baby No. 3 due May 19...according to Dr. Gudapati. This picture was taken today on our floor in front of the refridgerator. it is a blustery minus 20 out today...supposed to get even lower over the next couple days...man I miss the Shuswap.

Rick and Madison

Yep...that girl is looking more and more like her father every day...a picture of beauty.