what gives

So I have been thinking a lot lately about provision.
Ah, this is a subject that I have not given much thought to in the last 8 years. Mainly because I tried my best to provide for myself or allowed my ex partner to provide for me. When push came to shove...I knew he would come through for me. He was always there. Willing to help me out, lend a helping hand. Yet...something was lacking. When push really came to shove...I was left holding debt...real debt. I know my part, my own desires for a certain lifestyle put me there, yet was ripped off in the end.
I harbor no ill feelings. I have long since been there in that pit of thinking, but what got me thinking today was this.
I was leaving work...Hesed, and I was biking home. The smell of the outdoors brought back memories of evenings cruising around the river...looking for a lover for the evening. I prayed to God...restore to me the joy of walking in the evening or smelling the wonderful crisp air...without the memories of endless nights of walking around, looking, lusting for men to meet my needs of affirmation and acceptance.
Then thoughts of an earlier conversation with a mentor who spoke to me about finances and where I was at in terms of my head space. I told him that I really want to see God show me his provision for me in my life. I do not want to beg or plead with people to give me money. In some ways, I wonder how Christian is that. So in an instant, I was reminded how my ex partner used to provide...lavish dinners and wine and presents. I longed for that again. I thought...how easy it would be for me to be caught up in that. To know someone loved me that much.
Ahhh....wait a minute, I heard myself say!!! I am an Israelite...longing to go back to Egypt, the Keith Green song playing in my head. Where I am warm and secure!
The house, the garden, the beauty of green all around. The large sunroom with windows all around...BUT...the increased knowledge that there had to be more to life than that! Materialism, consummerism...ack! It gave me no security. Yes, a thrill at the moment, a nice warm feeling, but what was I left with after the fact?
I am in a place where I have a roof over my head, little savings, no car, no high speed computer or the latest gadgets. I have no cabin to go to in summer. I do not have a retirement plan in place...though that is concerning me a wee bit. I am in debt from a relationship ending. We did not split our pensions or RRSP's or sell our home or car to be divided at the end of our relationship...I left. I could have fought, won...yet would I have? So I bowed out...took what little I had and walked away. Funny that tonight I longed to go back. To what?

So I came home and my cats greeted me at the door. Sigh! I saw my piano...a little out of tune, yet tinkled a few chords...softly so not to wake the tenants upstairs. I gave the cats fresh water, cleaned up my dishes and sat enjoying the peace and quiet. Late at night it is quiet here. I went outside to take the trash out and saw the flowers that I have planted and smiled. It is good. Living here alone, is good, very very good.
Do I have it all...hardly...but I am rich in comparison to many many people in this world. Do I wonder how my support will come it? Sometimes I do. I am human.
I long for the day when churches and christ followers support ministries such as New Direction. When they stand up here in Canada and say...We support ministries to help educate and minister to those who are wanting to leave the gay life. I long for the day when I lose my job because the church is doing it and there is no more need to educate Christians on how to love the homosexual...regardless of them changing or not.
Right now I long for the church to stand up...and love....like Christ...now wouldn't that be nice.

Art Gallery

Here are a few pictures that I have taken...I have to find some places here in Winnipeg. These are all taken the last week I as in BC in 2005. My farewell week. It was amazing. Photography is a passion, capturing God's creation...enjoy.

I got my recent update from XXXChurch this past week and noticed the announcement about the starvingjesus tour. They are fasting for 40 days and they talked about fasting. How Jesus called us to fast...not just think about it but do it. When I left BC, I talked with a few people about my desire to fast and I have not gotten around to it, but have not forgotten. This was just a spiritual reminder!

I read their Fasting 101 list and have decided to do a fast, praying about it now and asking a few people to do it with me. I won't fast the 40 days quite yet, but I would like to do that too. To rely fully on God! To listen to him, to be praying all day and to eat his word.
Part of the fast for me is to petition God, for a greater provision for my work as a missionary here. That I learn to speak in to being, that which is not seen yet. That I trust in him fully.

Last week Paula and I decided that it was not time for us to date. It was probably the healthiest break ups that I have ever experienced. We both realized the need to just be friends even before talking to each other. Realizing that we know that God is in control of our lives and that we live according to his plans and purposes in our lives. There is a lot going on for both of us. God is drawing us deeper into his presense and we welcome that. Knowing too, that we walked in integrity the whole time we dated, put God first and treated each other with trust and respect. Paula is a wonderful woman of God, who showed me what it means to be a man of God. She valued me as a man. She let me lead, take initiative and waited. So right now we both do not know the plans for us, but we trust in our Heavenly Father, because he has good things in store.

Work at the office continues to spur me on. I love it. I enjoy the environment, the people there and the voice that we have in this culture that we live in. I continue to be blessed and seek after God's heart for those I am in contact with.

SALT, well...what can I say but...AAAAHHHH!!!!! The teaching material is amazing. It digs deep into the wells of my soul. I taught the lesson this past week on grieving and the relevance of that in our lives as we give up the past and bring to mind painful memories that we have put aside. I want the memories to surface, because for years, I pushed down those memories and used sex to give me pleasure and to numb those painful things in my life. Now that I am not using sex as medication, I have to face those painful things and feelings that define me as a man. I ask God to come and minister to the areas I lay hidden. It is just amazing material. I have said it is like getting to the CORE of yourself and then laying everything bare and allowing healing to take place.

Life in the inner city? Well, today I walked to work, like I do most days and I felt saddness. Here are house after house, delapitated, poverty, hunger, addiction and I felt like there is nothing I can do. I think of ways things can change and then the voice says...what can you really do Kenn? Ah! I get angry at the church. I get angry and wonder why christian's have this "prosperity theology" and is it really Biblical? Does it not say...the rich should not have too much and the poor should not have too little. I see people who go to the cottage...and then think...there are kids who do not even have enough to eat, who live in homes with smashed windows and drug dealers on their corner, waiting to offer them a job. There are prostitutes so young that you wonder...WHERE ARE THEIR PARENTS?
Does this bother just me? I see people like Harry who stepped out...risked it all to help those less fortunate. Who stood up for the causes of the poor, the prostitutes and who tried to get drugs out of the community. Where are we failing as a church?
I ask a lot of questions, yet get few answers. It is almost like...we shouldn't really talk about these things...they are just too uncomfortable to talk about.

A wise man told me to focus on the ministry at hand. I cannot change the world, but I can impact those I have around me. When I answer an email from a youth who is struggling with their sexuality and their faith...that is my focus. When someone asks me for money on the street, it is going out and buying them some food. If it is telling my testimony and what God has done in my life, that is what I do. If it is writing letters to Government and letting them know of ideas in my head.

So there, a few thoughts, rambling on, just letting you know what is inside.
Check out www.starvingjesus.com
order the book and pray about fasting.

need some laughter

i need some laughter to come my way...
serious reflection come what may.
Heart is full and my mind a racin'
where's that joke...
times a wastin.

so it has been a busy week. I can sit back and reflect at how new everything is. I love it and hate it at the same time. I am a man who thought he loved change...NOT!
I thought I had a lot more pieces of the puzzle together. But what I realized tonight at SALT is this...
For 30 year...ack...I have found my self defined by sex. Be it what was done to me or what I did out of choice. Now that I am not walking that road, God is allowing other things to come to the surface. He is saying...."Kenn, let's look at how you relate here and there. I will walk this way with you, I want you to relate in a healthy way."
So as I inch close to the big 40, I continue to pray...God restore those years. Coming to the realization that here on earth, I will never "arrive". I will never have it all together. I just need to relax, breath and allow God to take over the controls, especially when I want to quicken the pace...or attempt to relate in the old ways.
We talked about inner vows, strongholds and FORTRESSES. Gotta love those fortresses that we build around ourselves to protect us from being hurt...to protect the vows we made not to be hurt. As I sit and make the "known" list of those vows, I repent of them. Ask for forgiveness and ask God to teach me new ways of moving through life. Not so consummed with what people think. Who gives a crap. I want to walk with confidence that God my Father loves me no matter what. No matter if I stumble, fall, I know he still loves me. He knows everything. He knows my past, present and future. So I trust in his love, that he will never leave me or forsake me. That the plans he has for me are good. That I matter to him. I am his most valued treasure.
I pray those realizations go deep within the grand canyon of my soul. Into every crack and hidden place.
I am thankful, thankful, thankful for New Direction, Tye, Living Waters, Life Recovery at TMP, for my small house group,the teaching at Soul and those men who get up early fridays to talk. I am thankful for the friends that help me relax. To my family. To all those people who see God moving and directing my course and who support me in prayer and in financial gifts of support. To each of you, I pray that God blesses you in abundance.
I sense that great things are in store at New Direction. I had a dream last night that I was invited to sit in a discussion group at a University along side a woman who was a lesbian...and who was quite well known. She invited me to be the opposing voice...yet she welcomed me with open arms and so I extended them back. When she was ridiculed and stuff thrown at her, I put my arm around her and told her she was of value. How after we talked, I was asked my opinion on the event and I told the group that I have chosen this path because of my relationship with God. He is the one that has changed me and who constantly keeps refining me. I am here not to judge other peoples choices but to tell of what God has done in my life.
I pray that doors will open to speak the truth of what God has done in my life. Not for my fame or glory but for God to be glorified.
With everything that is happening, I can say that life is good. I would not have it any other way. It makes me closer to God.
If anyone has jokes, encouraging words, anything to make me laugh...please share!!!
I think I need to join a bowling league or something....is there a christian bowling league? Maybe I need to start one up in the winter.
Shalom.........until next time............

trust...a word study...

So thought I would do a word study on Trust....something that I need right now. Being in a place of total reliance in God...it is an unknown area for me, specifically in the area of finances. I do not want to walk in fear, but in courage that I know, that I know, my Father God is a faithful and trusted Father. Yet there is my human brain that often plays the old tapes in my brain that God will not come through for me. So I have to hold firm to the truth of what trust is.
Here is a dictionary meaning...of trust:

1. Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
2. Custody; care.
3. Something committed into the care of another; charge.
4. One in which confidence is placed.
5. Reliance on something in the future; hope.

I have added a statement to each of these four meanings.

1. To have or place confidence in; depend on. I place my trust in God.
2. To expect with assurance; assume: I trust that God will provide.
3. To believe: I trust in the truth of God's word.
4. To place in the care of another; I entrust my life to God.

Synonyms: trust, faith, confidence, reliance, dependence
These nouns denote a feeling of certainty that a person or thing will not fail. Trust implies depth and assurance of feeling that is often based on inconclusive evidence: The mayor vowed to justify the trust the electorate had placed in him.

Faith connotes unquestioning, often emotionally charged belief: “Often enough our faith beforehand in an uncertified result is the only thing that makes the result come true” (William James).

Confidence, frequently implies stronger grounds for assurance: “Confidence is a plant of slow growth in an aged bosom: youth is the season of credulity” (William Pitt).

Reliance connotes a confident and trustful commitment to another: “What reliance could they place on the protection of a prince so recently their enemy?” (William Hickling Prescott).

Dependence suggests reliance on another to whom one is often subordinate: “When I had once called him in, I could not subsist without Dependence on him” (Richard Steele).


So with all of this I then need to go into the word and claim the truth.
Trust:

Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man

John 14:1
Trust in God; trust also in me.

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel says,
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

So I take refuge in God
I trust in the trinity
I look to God for all things
quietness and trust are my strength
I will not be dismayed if I trust in God
Peace...perfect peace, comes from trusting
I will be firmly planted, will not waiver and my confidence will abound as I trust in God. I will be blessed.

Honestly, I have to say that I have seen God move in my life and do some amazing things. Why do I still doubt sometimes that He will come through for me? That he loves me enough to bless me? It comes from my human brain...trying to figure things out on my own. That I have to see tangible proof. I am a lot like Thomas. I need to put my hands in Christ's side, see his hands and feet. I wish I could say that I blindly trust...like a child. So I will meditate on this. Eat the word. Sit in the presence of God.

1Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Come Lord...come and breath new life. Father God draw me deeper into the fullness that you offer me. Teach me your ways. My hearts cry is to know you more each day. To walk in the wisdom that you pour into me. Break through the barriers that I put up. Tear down the walls of security so that I can walk with courage, not fearing what people think but that I can know that I know, my identity comes from you.
Praise God.

issue

so ya...I have not blogged a lot while here. I have not had a lot of time. I have been busy meeting people, being ministered to and learning about the ministry.
It is incredible this journey. FAST FORWARD! REDEMPTION! GO GOD GO!

He who has begun a good work in me will finish it to completion...for his glory and fame.

Living out loud in the church, community, government, family, friends...what does that look like? What does that entail? It is not being afraid of what is ahead but focused on the here and now...for tomorrow may never come.

So I felt challenged this week...on many levels. I would like to share this, yet, I know that I need to do some reflecting as well. God is continually stretching me and getting me out of the comfort zones in my life.
Knowing, I have a voice, I have a story...of hope, restoration and his grace and mercy. Praise him.
This journey is not about me. It is about God...and of his character. It is not about me. Because nothing has been done in my life without God. I die to myself, my agenda and continually ask God to move in...to areas of my life that I have hid away.

Some HUGE stuff happened during ministry time and that too. Things to do with the church and my bad attitude...my repenting of my attitude and steps that I need to take to ask for forgiveness. As scary that is, I need to take the steps that I feel that God is asking me to take. I know that his glory will come out of it.
Well, we leave tomorrow and I am TIRED!
Please pray for our provisions, and travel.

deeper still

Thursday....evening...

What is God doing?





"trust in me"

and then we leave

...where is my passport?...pray!!!!
...will I get everything done?...run around!!!!

friends call and wish me all the best, yesterday my farewell at my previous job! Life is moving along fast...and yet, I pause and breath and see God everywhere. I see how he has orchestrated everything for his glory.

I love what is going on. I love this step of faith as an Urban Missionary. It makes me ever aware of how I am to rely on God for my "everything". In a world which says...YOU MUST DO IT ON YOUR OWN...this is a new step of faith for me.

So tomorrow we leave for Marion Indiana. I would ask for prayers of safety. 7 of us are going down and we are all excited and looking forward with much anticipation to what God is going to show each one of us. I would ask that you pray for provision. That God would meet our needs as we travel.

I will try and post as much as I can. Today, I purchased a digital camera and so I hope that I can download some pictures as well.

Shalom,
Kenny

So I am the official Resource and Outreach Coordinator at New Direction as of Monday.
Thank you to each of you who have said they would support me financially this year and to those who have given one time gifts...a blessing to each one of you.

pre Exodus...some brain thoughts

Exodus....

So the conference is coming up, my job is coming to a close and a new one beginning. A lot of stuff happening.
Tonight was a good one. As I reflected on today, I thought how true it is that apart from God there is no good thing. I feel the blessing of community, of seeking how to do his will and moving out into that. Of not doing life alone.
Learning to boast in my weakness. Ya...that is a new concept but one that I am enjoying in what feels a little twisted. To see God's strength so evident in my life. Him teaching me how to live and love.
I was writing yesterday while doing laundry and just wrote. Feelings and thoughts, flowing like water and onto the paper. It was freeing to let it all come out. I find the more I write and speak the more confident I feel. I am understanding who Kenn is. The gifts and talents that God has given me...makes me feel blessed. I like myself for the first time in many years. Ya, I got crap in my life and I am far from perfection this side of heaven...but I enjoy me. It is strange to say that, but it is true. I have been seeking out who I am in Christ Jesus. I pray and die to self all the time, yet God calls me to love myself as he loves me. So I can fully love others. Incredible concept. I just thought it was selfish or egocentric to love oneself...but I find that it is validating and important to do so.

I will be posting while at Exodus...if they do not have a computer then I will journal the old fashioned way and then post it all.
Phoebe and I continue to put God at the center of our relationship and it is refreshing and sweet. A frangrance pleasing to God. I love what is happening. I shared with someone from my housegroup how I have been seeing God restoring the years the locusts have eaten and I am in awe at God's timing...how perfect it is. Even though I think he is moving fast...I also know it is all about him...and not at all about me. I am a vessel, willing to walk with Him as my center.
I continue to be very thankful for Phoebe and who she is and where she has come from. I met her parents last week and felt an immediate warmth and acceptance.
So with that I bid good night....men's breakfast friday morning...it comes early.

Just leave with this bit of writing....from yesterday....

"I tried hard to mask my lonliness my deep need to connect with others, in particular, men.
Extreme neediness, pawing, panting, pouncing on the next vulnerable soul, to get my needs met.
Scared shit-less to think anyway different and not really wanting to change because it brought immediate pleasure and heaven forbid that I allowed myself to feel anything other than just that.
I clung to the absolute truth (lie) that this is just who I am.
Night after night I would go to sleep wondering...is this it? Is this all there is to life? Cloud my thinking, my emotions with my drugs of choice...medicate, medicate, medicate. Pot, poppers, sex, shopping. Mask it, bandaid it, keep it well away from any level of light source."

SALT

So we began the SALT program a while ago and tonight was a time of surrender. To most people that sounds foolish, especially in our world of control. We are to be in control of our lives and our destiny. Show no mercy...show no weakness.
I listen...I read and realize that I have control issues...man do I ever. I want to submit to God. To have him in control of my life...yet I pick up the reins and go with it. Trying my hardest to have the right image, to put on a brave face, when in reality, I just want to hit the floor or the wall or crumple in a heap.
So tonight, I faced it. My own independance that I hang on to. That I cling to not wanting to give up. Thoughts that I can do this on my own, that I can handle this situation and yet....I know deep down I can't.

So tonight, after the teaching time, I just layed it down. My striving to be this all together man. This guy who just wants people to like him. That I can walk and not stumble and fall. That I will not let anyone down.
Well...that is my striving for this religious way of living. This concept of control. That I can control my destiny. I have everything under control. What a bunch of crap that is.

I need God. I rely on him. If that sounds like a crutch so be it. I seek after God's heart for me...as I read scripture and as I pray. I ask God to teach me his ways...as mine have proven to not work so well.

So I continue to press inward...sometimes falling forward in an act of submission to God my Father.
Realizing my own sinful nature and my need for God has been huge. It is something that I wrestle with and probably will for a bit. God is full of grace though and that for me is huge.
So life is moving on forward. Seems like this kids has grown up a lot in the last year. LEarning to be open and honest with my thoughts and desires...and lining them up in direction with God's will for me. Kinda fun and exciting, yet challening and new at the same time.

A few weeks ago...in May

So, there are many thoughts at work in my brain tonight. I worked an evening shift at Hesed and it was so peaceful and good. I enjoy working there so much. The residents are real. No pretense, no fake fronts. It is refreshing to say the least.

So it brings me to think of my life and how things have changed for me this past year.

I am dating.
I live in the west end.
I will soon give up my job and start working as an urban missionary.
I live on my own.
I enjoy it tremendously.
I have a house group that I attend and an inspiring church.
I work with Harry Lehotsky through Lazarus Housing.
I work at an Aids Transition House.

Serving others has been the key to my sobriety. It has been 125 days since my last sexual fall. Wow...I said that out loud. It is good. I recognize so much that I rely on God more and more. To realize that I am not valued by the person I sleep with but by the love of Christ. I am okay...regardless of what people think.
Community has played a key part in my healing journey.

Time to RISE UP!

Time to rise up is now. Knowing the will of God is to bind up the broken hearted, set the captives free, feed the poor, clothe the naked. So often we pray...Lord, what is your will for me...and yet, He has already clearly given that commission to us.

So my thoughts are racing and I cannot sleep. I spent a few hours crying out to God, praying and as I did I was brought to Psalm 41...this chapter in Psalms has been popping into my head almost everytime I read my Bible and I wondered why. Tonight I know why. What I can say is that I proclaimed this chapter over Harry Lehotsky tonight. A man who is a pillar in our community and someone who is kind to the poor. God be GLORIFIED. Save his life.

Psalm 41...

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies.
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.

"O Lord," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you."
But my enemies say nothing but evil about me.
"How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask.
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" Even my best friend, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.

Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
I know you are pleased with me for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.

Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen!


So I pray that and proclaim that verse over Harry. I really feel like this could be the church's wake up call...to RISE UP! We say that we are Christians...but do people really "get it"? Do we feed the poor, clothe the naked, bind up the broken hearted and set captives free. Do we love our neighbour, do we really love them? Do we love the prostitutes, do we love the homeless? Do we love those dying of Aids?

Do we wait for someone else to do the work of Christ...or do we rise to what Christ has called us to do? We know this is not our home...this is not where we are to lay our treasures...so why are people going hungry...why do places like House of Hesed and New Direction and other ministries have to cry out for funding...and support? Why?
Christ asks us to Love ourselves...which I believe is the very act of knowing how much God loves us. When we understand that fully we understand who we are and how loved and important we are in God's sight. Then we move out of that and love others. Despite who they are and what is happening in their lives. We move past ourselves. We become Christ like.

So I have a dream...a vision...that every Christian, young and old, regardless of denomination...would rise up and be like Christ. Christ even said we would do greater things than He even did...can you phathom that!!!!
That we would give to the poor, the needy. We would see injustice stopped. We would change the very face of Winnipeg and the world around us. Can you imagine?
Can you imagine what it would be like for Christian Ministries in our city...not having to have fundraisers, but that there would be more than enough! That Organizations would be able to live on interest alone. That the government and other people would see how we Christian's look after people! Wow!

So I ask you to rise to the challenge...the vision...the dream. You can bring about change! You can talk and inspire others to bring about change as well. You can be the hands and feet of Christ.

Thanks for listening to my rant...the time is now...!

last couple of weeks

The last few weeks in review!

Things have not been easy, yet they have not been hard. 2 weeks ago, I met with the Board of Directors for New Direction and will be stepping into a ministry role come this summer. Some people have asked if this will be something that I will do for the rest of my life. The Lord knows the plans he has for me. I take steps in the direction that I know he is calling me to. I was affirmed by the board and felt peace with joining the staff there. It is a work that I feel strong about. It is cutting edge and not politically correct...but God honoring and truthful. Feeling like this is it. That finally, I have peace in what I am doing...a good thing.

I entered into the SALT program, which deals with people struggling with sexual addiction. Okay...we have had 2 meetings...and yep, God is still pouring out his understanding and love. I feel encouraged and blessed by those I meet. The material and the understanding of this issue is huge. It is a continuation of Living Waters.

My youngest brother stayed with me a couple of days while his new apartment was getting ready and then Paul and I helped him clean it and ya, things are going nicely for him. He is working his first shift as a grip (movie biz) and I am so excited for him. I have been praying for him for a long time....keep moving...keeping listening.

I totally forgot everything last week...housegroup meeting...men's breakfast...but this week housegroup was canceled and men's breakfast...I continue to feel accepted and wonderful being there.

There are times, when I sit and be still and feel the weight of the world trying to crush me, but I am not defined by the worlds standards. I follow a God who directs my path, who gives me strength when I am weak and who loves me...loves me...loves me. He calls me to a higher standard.

This weekend...laundry and setting up the basement, cleaning and maybe putting in a few plants...and rest! Sunday, I am going with Tye to speak at a church. I get to say a few words.

Well, right now that has been the last couple of weeks..I am exhausted, and so the cats call...bed!

consuming thoughts

What I find interesting
is the thoughts of man.
Wasted memories,
thougths that flew.
Desires burn
passions plea.
Trying to take us to
common places,
so comfortable
so un-new.

Wanting more
of your consumming grace
mercy unfailing
mercy unchanging.
To be consummed by you,
take over
desires within.
Line them up
to your rule and reign.
Consume me, consume me.

Paths I've walked
hearts I've found,
used and abused
no rest I found.
Till you came
you rescued me
drew me close
with your unfailing love,
your unchanging name.

kpw 2006

Oh Mercy Lord
come rest on me.
Change my name
change my plea.
Here I stand
arms open wide.
Consume me with
your holy fire
consume me with
your holy fire

kpw 2006

I have been writing a bit more on paper lately. Having the need to write with a pen or pencil. Hear the scratch of the writing utensil on the paper, see the color go across the page. It is easy to type and hear the click of the keys, but there is something about writing on paper. Theraputic.

So, there are changes going on in my life and I am having to focus on taking it one day at a time. Focus on today. Not months down the line. That will come. So I ease up. Enjoy the moment.
So what happens here with transparency in regards to the person I am dating? I am choosing for the moment not to comment. Keep it between God and her and some good friends who support us. Maybe one day I will post about her, but not right now. It is right now too tender and sweet.

I have been missing appointments and it kinda feels like I need to take stock of things in my life. Take time to stop and think. Refocus.

So tomorrow, or this morning...we go golfing, a few friends and we relax before the big party Saturday night. I am happy that they arrived safe from Minneapolis, that we can visit and enjoy each others company. I am looking forward to many more times with them at conferences and meetings. Thank you God for directing my path. For making known my direction and supplying my needs according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

I moved back in May last year and so much has changed. Job, career, relationship status, accomodations. To some it could be overwelming, but when God is in control there is an element of peace that comes. I want to elaborate...but these thoughts will come in another post...

just a bit of me

This is written after the Easter weekend....

This weekend was BUSY! I wish that monday would have been a holidy so I could just sit and veg a bit. I have not had one of those days of late and I have been missing it. Something about reading a good book in the sun.

I need solitude sometimes, to refresh my soul.
I need nature to calm me and bring me to the awe moments.
I need music to fill me with melody's.
I need people to encourage and lift me up.

But most of all I need God. I need him. Someone asked me if I was dependant on him. I said yes. I depend on God to teach me, speak to me. To guide me through life. Who am I that I should be God or think that I am He? I often push him aside and busy my life with other "stuff". I put off spending time in his presence. I put off talking with him. For what? Life get's busy and I forget. Blame it on short term memory loss, or just the fact that I don't say no when I really should or the fact that I do not budget my time well.

Living Waters is over and a new group is starting up in a week. I am so looking forward to meeting again with a group of men. I have to say, I have missed it, which is huge. It is refreshing and real...to be a part of men encouraging one another and building each other up. Recognizing the fact that we were never meant to do life on our own. How important community is to each of us. Thinking of small villages and towns were everyone knew each other and helped each other out, and now trying to make that happen here in a big city...it can be hard. People can get lost.

stations of the cross

bad friday...or is it good.

I have often wondered that at Easter. Jesus died, he died a horrible death, tortured beyond belief...I wonder if his relatives would even recognize him. Today at Soul we went through the stations of the cross...a labrinth of meditations, reflection and taking time to be still.

It was more powerful that I thought it would be. It sometimes takes me awhile to get "the distractions" out of my head. So the 2 hours of meditation flew by. Really, it was amazing.

The service was quiet, introspective. I felt like an observer would have felt in the garden, at the supper and at the cross. I felt deep sadness, yet deep love and praise. I could have burst out in wailing, as I told my friends. Something deep touched my Soul and that was the spirit of God. Ministering something within. Deep gratitude for what Jesus bore and took for me. All of it for me. When they took the cross out of the room like a funeral service...darkened room, I wondered, was this it? What if this was it? What if he just died? But he didn't. He rose again...and I look forward in celebrating with much praise that Jesus did not just die. But that he rose again. Praise you Lord.

I am so tired, it has been a long day...went for a round of golf today, first one of the season. Wish I could go more often this year...but it might be tight. Thanks for the game buddy!! Shot a 53 and watched as my friend hit some incredible shots. Wow, even after one lesson...okay...teach me now.

Then went to my dad's place and spent time playing and eating good food. I am exhausted today...am looking forward in just getting into bed. My cat got spayed and so she needs some TLC from me. Curled up on my lap, purring loudly. She is way cute.

Until next time...

movie

Akeelah and the Bee. A movie not to be missed. It is not out yet...just saw the screening. It brought me to tears...so much of God in the movie. I wonder sometimes who writes this and why? What was their thoughts behind writing the movie. I found it personally interesting, the racial situations, the family components and how community can be found everywhere...when we least expect it. How there are thousands of mentors and teachers all around us.

I went with a couple of friends...one who is more than just a friend. Someone who has come into my life in a fresh and real way. Someone who takes my breath away. Who I treasure and hold with integrity and honor. Who is like a blossoming flower...glowing with the spirit within her.

I think back at a few months ago and how I commented to a friend how I am just enjoying being single, content to be like this for awhile and really, actually enjoying it. How things can change. I stand though in awe of God who works his hand in our lives. Who challenges us, stretches us, and gives us the desires of our heart, when at times are not even looking for it.

As I prepare for the celebration of Easter, I think at the time when I watched the Passion. I had a few years ago vowed I would not see it. When I watched it last summer, I wept...sobbed...snot everywhere. I saw with new eyes a little of what Christ went through...and for who....me. I let it minister to me. Some people will not see it because of the violence and I watched in shear heart ache as he was beaten, thinking that he took that for me. Realizing that the movie portrayed just a hint of the gruesome facts that probably took place...hits me even harder.

So I enter this time to reflect on the sacrifice, the gift and the hope that I have. To stand in awe of my Abba Father.

Ya, life is changing, it is challenging, it is giving. It is about renewal, restoration and refuge. I have seen God move...in wonderful ways. Hmmm, ya! Restoring the years the locusts have eaten, giving back the vineyards....Praise Him.

spays and stuff

So my cat got spayed today. I took her in early and she was really freakin out. I felt sad for her. Maybe she wanted more kittens...but I wasn't willing to stay put for 6 months. So that answered that. The vet said she was really hyper...is said "so you have not been around an abbyssinian lately." She is at home resting peacefully.

Housegroup meeting. It was good to meet new people and start connecting to the body of Christ. Really...this is community.

Soul is having a good friday service...9 am for the stations of the cross, an event not to be missed. Then from 11-1230 a service. Come out if you are curious and want to take some time out and meditate.

Last weekends trip to the lake...well, what can I say. It was good. Company was very good. Really!!!

That is exciting the scary at the same time.

I want to reflect a bit more on Easter, the Passion and just life in general, so I will write more later.

Does anyone read this blog?

This is a note from my friend Paula...after a trip up to my dad and his wife's cabin. I asked her if I could put it on my blog and she agreed. So read and enjoy. She is a gifted writer and I keep telling her to start blogging...maybe one day! Maybe some of her writing will find it's way on here.
Enjoy...Kenn.


Note: Skinny Dip Lane is the name of a street at a place called... The Narrows.

A Journal Entry (entitled) 18 Skinny Dip Lane or What I Know For Sure

Dear God.

You are my Father. I can hardly believe that I am where I am, seated in the car of a friend, a friend sent by You Lord - to minister Your truth into my life.

Lord - as for where things are going; as for where I am headed; as for where You are taking me Jesus; I really don't know. What I know for sure, is that You are God.
What I know for sure, is that You are forgiving.
What I know for sure, is that You are lovely.
What I know for sure, is that You are holy.
What I know for sure, is that You are friend.
What I know for sure, is that You are faithful.
What I know for sure, is that You are Saviour.
What I know for sure, is that You are Redeemer.
What I know for sure, is that You are healer.
What I know for sure, is that You are life.
What I know for sure, is that I need You, always and for everything. Jesus I need You. I know (that)... for sure.

Driving from Winnipeg to The Narrows was beauitful. It felt like the beginning of a journey and I wasn't sure if this was the beginning or if I hadn't stopped to notice when it all started. What I do know, is that I'm on it and Lord, that You're in it.

I thought it bless-edly interesting that on our way here to The Narrows, Kenn headed for Stonewall. Ah, my Dad's old almamata. Or maybe, it' not so much my Dad's, as it is mine. In any case, we got back on route and the drive was God led. It's no surprise to me, we arrived safely. It's no surprise that (Your love) Lord, brought me out here, today, to new ground, to unfamiliar surroundings where I am not acquainted with the names of streets; the colour of cabins; the smell of forest; nor the markings of trees. What is familiar though, is (You) Lord and the beauty of Your presence...the life restoring power of Your presence. And as I raise my head from this page, I can see water from a distance. Yes, water moving it's way in between small cracks of thinning ice and snow mounds that insist on experiencing Spring. I love this time of year; maybe because it's my birth month and I'll soon be 40. Na...that's not the reason. What I love, is seeing blades of grass, making their way passed the surface of what looks like brown stubble. I am reminded that something not yet fully seen, filled with life, and potential often lays below the surface and that even blades of grass have to break through - a ceiling of tough ground to rise above the shock of exposure to "the sun."

Kenn's Dad and his wife are wonderful people Lord. Thanks. We had muffins, fruit, and coffee. Well, I had tea but I got to drink love. I got to sit at a table where everyone was real; where the only things decorated were the cutlery and plates. Everything else was in it's natural form; ...much of it still being worked on. I thought to myself... ah, a project in the making with renovations shouting out loud, "look at me, I'm in the process of becoming something new." That's me Lord. I'm in the process of becoming, (becoming someone new). And as I sit here in Kenn's car penning these words that I'm inspired to write down; (in the background) I'm hearing the sound of a saw cutting it's way through wood; while a son responds to his Father's request for assistance; a helping hand; someone to join him in the labour of love; someone to help him get the job done; ... the remodelling of this cabin; the extending of walls; the re-building of rooms. It's why this place feels like a home.

Lord, today as Kenn and I drove out, so much was shared; spoken and unspoken. (You) ministered Lord. I knew, it was You. And here I am at a place called, The Narrows, where I am surrounded by water. Lord, as for where things are going, as for where I am headed; as for where You are taking me, Jesus; I really don't know. What I know for sure, is that You are God..... Amen.

An immediate after thought:

To skinny dip means to be fully submerged, immersed or swimming in water, while naked and without clothes. Thank YOU LORD, for that reminder. Ah, Lord, ... that just sparked another title idea for another story: When The Covering Is You. ....Your daughter, Paula.

what to say

Tonight, I wonder what to say. The journey of Living Waters is over...or has it just begun? As I sat listening to the men and women speak of their journey into freedom, I was overwelmed. Both in my own walk and sharing this walk with others. It has been incredible. The awesome reality of God.

Yet, as I came home, I began to feel overwelmed, fearful of what lies ahead. Stomach churning. Mostly, because I have an exam on thursday and I feel utterly, not ready. My mind has not been there. So much has happened these past two weeks. Wow.

I feel confindent though. More so than ever before in my life. I desire to know God more. I spoke tonight of how I felt during the Living Waters process. So many times, I felt like I could have been more open. I could have shared more, but I also know that what I shared was real.

I re-read my blog entries and am amazed at where God has brought me. It is incredible. Sure, I do not have it all together...I am not "healed", yet I know, I know of his unfailing love.

I wrote this for my living waters in review....

When I began Living Waters, I wrote on my blog this statement....
"WHAT HAVE I DONE? It would be so much easier to take the well traveled path".

I was scared of being real, vulnerable, ripped open and left for dead. I was frightened that this wouldn't work for me. That it would be too difficult and I would give up.

Well, I gave up. I gave up the notion and mind set that this is all about me and how healed I would be, and how my needs would be met.
I gave up control. This has not been easy. I like being in control. I just kow that I can't be. Being not in control has taken me to some very uncomfortable places. But God is gracious and loving and I have begun to taste and see that the Lord our God is good. That he is my refuge and my strong tower, where I can run to Him and I am safe. It is yielding the controls over to God and allowing Him to do his work in me.

At the beginning of Living Waters I quoted Hosea 2. That continues to ring true to me. How God Took away everything because of my unfaithfulness and because I forgot Him. YET...you oh God allured me, lead me to a desert spoke tenderly to me, gave me back the vineyards. I sing as in the days of my youth, as in the days I came out of Egypt.

I have realized how broken and weak I really am. That I can boast in my weakness and in that God's strength is revealed. I have realized that admitting my weakness fully in front of other men has brought me much healing. For me the small group times meant more than anything. It made me realize I am not alone. That I can bare my soul and not be rejected or judged. That is HUGE!

For me something happened in January. I cannot fully fathom it. I wrote that something new is going on...yet it's not scary anymore. I am actually a bit excited in what is happening my alone times with God have taken on a whole new feel. Being able to just talk to him. Tell him what is going on and the crap I feel and the joy I experience. So I hold on to his robe, casting my cares at the cross and prepare for the ride of my life.

Psalm 90:14-17

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Give us gladness in proportion to our misery.
Replace the evil years with good.
Let us, your servants, see you work again,
let our children see your glory
and may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.

This is a journey, a challenging and sometimes difficult way to live. I really feel that we have all taken the narrow less traveled path. For me it is opening up and doing the opposite of what I normally would do. It is laying down my life and allowing Christ to transform this vessel of a man. It is being open to the refiners fire and crying out to be consummed by his spirit.

my heart aches to be consumed by your fire
the refinement of precious metal
break down the calluses and hardened metal
come refiners fire
Burn apart the barriers holding me secure
all the preconceptions long with held
hold me tight as you bring you fire
come refiners fire
Secret rooms and boundaries built
years of self induced ache
not willing to hold it in
come refiners fire
burn long and hard, my aching heart
beat the drums and trumpets shout
as the walls come crashing in
come refiners fire
come refiners fire.

Peace to you who have shared the last 25 weeks with me, who have listened and imparted life. Blessings to you!

beautiful life

Today was the last session of Living Waters and I have to admit, I am happy that it is over. Now don't get me wrong. I loved it. I loved most of all the time spent with the guys. Hearing the stories of their lives. Being vulnerable and real. Transparent. I walk away a better man because of the input that 6 men in my group played in my life. How they shared, how they reacted. It shows how important community is in our lives. How important and God driven it is to connect with me. I understand how much has been twisted and bent out of shape in my years of seeking encounters with men sexually. How in my past relationship with my ex, not everthing was bad. How it has always been God's intent for men to be real with one another and have intimate relationships with each other...just not in a sexual way.

Now society may deem that invalid, especially with todays views on homosexuality, but I feel like more of a man than I ever have. I got a comment from someone and he said...it was too bad that I never allowed myself the experience to really know God as a gay man and to experience a totally committed relationship. I have had to disagree with him. To know God fully...I do not believe you can be in a gay relationship and honestly know God fully. I think you can know God and God can use you and move in you, but to fully understand the healing and the annointing...not sure if you can, and I do not need to go there to see if you could. For me, I am happy in the place where I am at.

I have lived in the gay community, and there are parts of that community that I loved. There is also parts that I thought "darkness dwells there". I have lived in both sides of the sphere. I am choosing to walk in the fullness of Christ. I know people who are gay who say they are christians and who walk and talk with God. I believe that...but I think that deep down, there is something more that they crave, desire and want. Something that man cannot give. A wholeness, a deeper relationship with God, the Abba Father, Holy One, who sent His only son Jesus to take from us the hurts of our youth, our adulthood and place it on the cross. All the disappointments of having a messed up family, incest, abuse, confusion of our gender. I know men and woman who have walked out of the confusion and into the light of who they are in Christ and who are extrememly happy and fullfilled.

So my challenge is for anyone reading this who is questioning, who has a relationship with God...is there more to life than what you have? Is what you have all there is? Is God calling you to something more?

As hard as it could be and will be, all God wants is to embrace us and call us into our true identities...apart from the worlds view.

I leave that with you. I place this flower on here as a sign of my thankfulness to those who have embraced me and supported me. Who have carried me through this time in my life and who continually bless me. To those men in my group who inspire me and move me past my own brokenness. To the leaders who pushed, pulled and prayed. To the teachers who taught about the truth, grace and mercy of our God. Thank you for who you are in Christ Jesus.

through the gate

Living Waters ends this week. Reflecting...which I do a lot of...this has been an incredible journey.

Entering through the gate of healing and understanding. Remembering who I am and who I am called to be. Continuation of the life of transparency. Recognizing that this journey cannot be walked alone. Community is so understated in our society. It is a get what you can and just be happy. Do what makes you happy.

Yesterday night, after an incredible weekend of planning and executing an engagement party for a couple that I know, I got home and crashed! Emotions flowed freely as I relished this gift from God, and the ability to use it! Then emotions of wanting more. Of wanting to step out of this peaceful and joyous moment and be gratified in my flesh. To be more exact...I wanted to go out and have sex. I have not felt that for a long time. Then I sat, prayed, asked for clarity. I went on msn and chatted with a friend who prayed and as I reflected on what God is doing in my life, the intensity diminished. No longer did I want to go out and seek a false sense of release.

Yesterday, the message that I got out of the life lesson and what struck me was how we make ourselves look good when really we are feeling like shit. I battle with that. There are times, when I make myself out to be more than what I am. That I am stronger than what I feel inside. Again, it is making me dig deeper. It is making me give things over to God...saying...."REFINE ME!"

Yesterday I wrote this...

There is this dark
this incredible dark
that tries it's best to cover me.

To enter in, to take a place
of things that are unseen,
into the corners of my mind
where thoughts and passions play.

So take a step
step away,
So take a step
step away.

into the arms of my Father
who brings new life to me.
who brings his light
and shines it bright,
into the corners of my life.

So incredible is the truth of who God is. It is having a faith of something unseen. It is moving past the will of myself and accepting God's truth for my life. I can no longer walk back and into the past and into the life that I led. Too much knowledge has entered into my mind and especially my heart. God has taken the blinders off and allowed me to see who I am. This incredibly gifted man. Flamboyant, creative, tender, warrior, ready to do battle. Ready to show compassion, not judgement. Ready to be used by him in every aspect of my life. To know the extent of his infinite love. To serve and be ready to give, out of his love for me. Knowing that there is no choice anymore. No choice to go back.

For me the way is secure. For me the path is narrow, difficult, yet I am not alone. So I am going through the gate, up this path towards the future prize. This path that was not meant to be walked alone, this path full of stones and fallen trees. This way of life is narrow, but it is also full of joy, peace and a security. It is an adventure worth living. I challenge those not on this journey to consider joining. It's not as bad as you think!




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Wedding planner/teach me/survey's....

Ah, school, wonderous school. I really dislike University. Well, maybe just U of W. I took psychology this year. One class. Just one. But I coupled with that a full time job, a part time job, a highly emotionally charged Living Waters program and a move back to Winnipeg. I thought...hey, I am ready. AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! When are you ever ready to jump back into school. I went thinking...so, I will start here and one day get my ed degree. As I have been working in the school system, I realize that I really do not want to teach. I have seen the system and it isn't changing any time soon. I love kids. Adore them. But to teach them...I know I can do it, but is it the place for me. Is my heart there. It isn't.

I was recently listening and watching the willowcreek leaders DVD's and one of the speakers asked...."what is your holy dicontent?" Meaning, what injustice can you not stand? I hate the fact that there is so much poverty around, I hate the fact that there are a lot of lukewarm christians and I don't want to be one of them. I hate it that the harvest is plentiful, the workers few. That there are young christian men and women, moving into the gay lifestyle because of lack of support, mentorship and education. What gives with that? Why are the churches not standing up and taking notice that they are losing their children...?

So today after school, I was walking to Hesed and crying out...God, have mercy, pour out your grace, I need more of it. I let the rain pelt on my, I was drenched by the time I got to the house and sat in the car thinking, why am I going to school? Just to get some letters behind my name? Does that make me more valuable to society? Then I heard the words in my head...."teach me your ways oh God, and lead me" So I prayed that over and over again....Lord God, teach me YOUR ways, not mine or the worlds, but yours. Let your ways go deep within me.

Also, today, I went and took a survey at University to fullfill the research quota and so it was on sexuality and personality. Let me tell ya, it was like a indepth version of my past...how many people I slept with and situations that I happened to put myself. Well, after that section...I was thinking, wow, Kenn, the experiences in the past...like a faucet...turned on full blast, or a rain storm. Then they asked for the present situation that i am in sexually and I could put on there...nil. Like a dry dessert, or a quiet pasture land. Then they asked about the future...and I just put down, will wait to sleep with only my wife...period. I loved that question. It was a stamp...saying...this is how it will be. God, teach me your ways...YOUR WAYS. Let it be so.

So this weekend, busy, busy, busy. Lot's to do, study, help throw an engagement tea...which totally reminds me. When I was in BC, my friend got married and I thought, boy, I loved the lady who was their wedding planner. I thought, I would love that. I already did little event planning with a coworker and so why not. I enjoy it, the creative planning, making sure everything gets done. So when I was discussing the meal with the father/mother/bride and groom to be, the bride to be said, you should just be our wedding planner. Well, I blew it off, saying, I don't want to be "Fraunk", but then I remembered the dream and realized...wow God, you are letting me do a little learning. I even have a photographer and flower contact. Plus this week, I have been asking God for a creative thing to do. Then I thought, hmmm, what about being a wedding planner for those who come out of the gay and lesbian lifestyle...now wouldn't that be something. Party and celebrate and make it grand.

Just thoughts I am pondering...and asking God again......"TEACH ME!!"

apologies

Really late, reviewed my blog entry and was going to delete it. I guess for me I need to come to peace with me. Realizing that my faith is my relationship with Christ. To live by the Spirit and in that, not judging others, especially those who choose to live differently than me. I think I have been moving toward judging others and that is not right. Agh, this sin in my...I was talking with someone tonight and was just reminded how sinful I am. It is gross, I need a Tshirt that says...I am just a parasite....
God is so good and I am so bad. I wish I could get past some issues that I think about. Like Urban planning, the Aid's epidemic, Poverty, injustice...and the list would go on and on. Realizing I am a mere mortal and God is GOD. Mercy me, pour it out.
So living waters is nearly over, 3 more meetings. Then I am a graduate of the program. Where does that take me or leave me? There has been so many times when I have just felt God hold me, tenderly caress me and tell me He loves me. Showing me how to live a life of purity and in that admitting that I am a broken vessel and he is the master restorer. I decided at the end of January, that I needed to do the opposite of how I felt. So that has led me to join in on a men's breakfast every friday morning at 630 am, joining in or starting up a housegroup, continuing to be accountable to a couple of men. Also continuing on in this healing journey. Submitting to God my brokenness, asking Him to heal me and knowing he will.
Also stepping out to serve others has been so important. I really do believe that we gain healing by serving. Working at the House of Hesed has been so important. I get so much out of that job. Also, working at New Direction as a volunteer until school is out and giving my time learning what goes on in the office has been so valuable. I look forward to the potential of working full time in the office. So stepping out into the unknown is good. Learning to look at others who choose to live differently with a different focus is good. It is all a learning curve...thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit who stirs and teaches our hearts. So ya, if I offended anyone about the burbs...forgive me please, I am a work in progress.

the sssuburbsss

My mind tonight is racing with thoughts on community life, christianity and the world we live in.
I spent the evening reconnecting with some long lost friends. I went with a little fear. Mostly because, I had no idea what they were like anymore. They had no clue who I was anymore. Turned out that I think we are pretty similiar in many ways.
But it got me thinking again of living and breathing our faith. What does it mean to be a christian in this day and age? So many Christians are up and moving to the burbs, for what ever reason, it appears that maybe that is safer than living in poorer areas of town. They put their kids in private Christians schools...again, safer for their children. So they in turn isolate themselves in a world away from reality. Have a nice home, a couple of cars, good jobs, mortgages and big box stores now their life. So what does this all mean for me?
I am angry. I am frustrated with the look good Christian. "I am a christian, therefore, I am to live a prosperous life...appearances are everything"
That is crap. When I read in the New Testiment about being a believer, a follower of Christ, I don't get the impression that this is how we are to live.
Remember it is harder for a rich man to enter into the kingdom. Why?
If we are blessed with a good job...what does that mean? We move or build a bigger home, to again fill it with stuff? Or does it mean we are to be more giving to those who do not have? Just some of the questions that are moving around in my head. How does moving to the burbs help our city?
Why not stay and build a stronger west end or North End? I guess, I am an idealist. Maybe, I think that we could make a difference if we were not so scared. But what are we scared about? Losing our life? Losing our stuff? It isn't ours anyway. We have to die to self and take up the cross. Our earthy possessions...they do not belong to us anyway. Maybe when I see the prostitute in my back lane and the johns driving by, I could get worried, especially if I had a wife and children, but then I realize that I would want to expose them to that, so they could see the hurt out there. That they could feel Christ's heart for them. That, we are no different than the prostitute. That Christ loves us just the same.
Ah, my mind...it needs to slow down right now....on a different note.
I do have to say that tonight was a first for me...in a long time. I have been back in Winnipeg for almost a year. Tonight, I got a hug! From a guy...! I think it was the first one that I have had since being back in Winnipeg...that did not come from a relative...or from someone who wanted sex. Insane? Why do men not hug? Why do christian men not hug? Do they think that they might be gay if they do hug? Another pondering question?

Media, Movies, Mindset

This is a recent article that I wrote for New Direction's Newsletter. Wanted to share it on here...what do you think?


The last few months the media has been full of articles, reviews and high expectations of the movie Brokeback Mountain. I am not surprised with how the media covered the movie. I heard statements like, “this is the last frontier” and “now people can see what being in the closet can really do to someone’s life”.
I have not seen the movie and do not plan on seeing it. I have been there, done that, wore the T-shirt and then burned the T-shirt. Thinking about the media blitz made me contemplate what the mindset we as Christian’s in particular might form.
Movies like this, and there are a lot now that are coming out in theatres, should be a wake up call for us as believers. The Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) activist groups are rising up and are narrowing their gaze at what we as Christians are really like. What is our mindset? Does this movie put us into a rage against the GLBT community and to those loved ones who adopt this false identity or does it spur us toward a better understanding for those who struggle with their sexual identity? Does it make us want to become better educated so that we can fully understand this issue and thus walk with a heart of compassion and love?
The homosexual issue has been with us for thousands of years, so this really is not the last frontier. It is not a new issue for believers to try and understand, but it is an issue that we have shunned away from because it makes us uncomfortable. Now is the time for us to truly rise up and become the compassionate and loving people that we are intended to be. This does not mean we adopt the position that being gay is okay. It does mean that we educate ourselves. We immerse ourselves in understanding those who struggle with their sexual identity, particularly those in our churches who struggle in silence. We need to be aware that we are being watched and judged by those in the GLBT community.
Romans 2:1-4 says this, “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgement when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
In Chapter one of Romans it talks about the “very things you do”. It links us all together as sinners. No one is exempt from death…no not one, but we as believer’s have the hope, mercy, grace and most importantly love that has been given us through Jesus Christ, that needs to be shown in our lives. With the human condition becoming ever darker, does this mean we hide ourselves away and shelter ourselves in our man made fortresses or do we step out and bring the light that is in us to people around us?
1Peter 3: 15- 17 says “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer from doing wrong!”
So as I think of all the movies and discussions that might take place, I think we are reminded that we are to look first at our own lives. What is our representation to the world? Are we being the salt and light? Are we living our faith the way Christ showed us to or are we hiding away, hoping this will pass? Being someone who has been active in both the Christian community and the GLBT community, I pray more than ever that God will increase the compassion he has for the GLBT community within me. That way when they come and inspect my life, they will see God’s grace and mercy flowing freely, and my mindset will be that of Christ’s, full of love and compassion for those not yet free

Growing in Him

By His divine power, God has given me everything I need for living a godly life. I have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called me to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given me great and precious promises. These are the promised that enables me to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires.
In view of all this, I make every effort to respond to God's promises. I supplement my faith with a generous provision of moral excellence and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more I grow like this, the more productive and useful I will be in my knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, I work hard to prove that I am really among those God has called and chosen. I will do these things, and I will never fall away. God will give me a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-11 (personalized)

So I grow in Him, I accept that call on my life. To watch how I live...where I place my desires. Tonight at Living Waters, the teaching was on Temptation and 2 Peter summed that up nicely. I will never be free from temptation or struggle...and I walk in humility and in the authority that God has given me. It is what I do with that temptation and struggle. Do I allow it in to mess me up...or do I acknowledge it for what it is and submit to God...allowing His strength to take over.

Move in Lord...move in. I was overwelmed by his love and provision this week. I have been asking for God to reveal his provision...so I can testify on how he provides and I had an answer this week. Wow, God, you are amazing. When I least expected it! I just sat in awe and praised him. It strengthens my faith.
So this week, I continue to pray...God expand my heart...expand this heart thing you are doing...so I know how wide, deep, high...is your love for me.

I was talking and just thought...God...when did this happen? When did the walls fall? When did this thing in my heart start happening? It is an answer to my hearts cry.

So March 13th it will be a year since God took over...when he called me in the wilderness and told me He would be with me...He would guide and protect me. It was that day when I submitted in the wilderness...and the tremendous joy I felt. It has been up and down...but looking back...wow, God, you poured our your grace and mercy. You showered me with you love. You are restoring the years the locusts have eaten and I am totally excited with this adventure. I know the importance of accountability, the importance of community, of men sharpening iron together. I know the importance of being transparent. I told my group leaders how I went to a Superbowl party...and okay...that is something I would never had done...but I feel it is time I do things I normally would not do. I had a blast at the party. I actually loved the football game. Now hockey...that is another thing, but never say never. It is doing the opposite of what your flesh would want me to do. So I step out in faith as a man of God. As a man of valor. As a compassionate and caring man. Continuing to cry out to God for more. Come Lord Jesus Come.
So I am growing...if you have the image of a toddler who has just started walking and the joy in their face...that is my face right now.
Thanks for those you are praying for me...Bless you!

a recent post

This is a comment that I posted on a blog recently and I wanted to add it to my archives so...some of you have read it before...some of you, this will be new.



First, I am a man, who for 30 years has struggled with this issue of homosexuality. When I was a kid...ridicule and abuse was my name plate. It began the identification process in me. I knew I was different and had this desire and attraction to men.
I tried to get help from the church...here are some comments....
"It is a phase, most guys have experienced this questioning of our sexuality."
"You need to pray more"
"The Bible will give you the answers"
"Your still struggling? You aren't trying hard enough."
So I led a double life...good christian on the outside for many years...and a raging sex addict on inside, and this expressed by many encounters. Still I longed to be free of this struggle with my identity.
So I went on missions, did a discipleship training course...but still struggled...even got engaged. Even attended group sessions with people struggling with similiar issues. Then one day...I gave up. I couldn't take it anymore...broke up with the fiance, stopped attending church...and walked away. Embracing that I must have been born this way. Read books about why I was this way and how I should just embrace my identity.
That was 9 years ago. Eight of those years, I lived with a partner...still having sex with other guys and basically doing what felt good. People would tell me to go to church, even my gay friends...as they knew God was important to me. I just couldn't. I knew enough that if I went to church, God would meet me...and I would have to change. So I didn't.I increasingly became more and more unhappy. Until finally last year in spring, my partner and I were having troubles and I went for a run in the wilderness and that is when God took control. It blows my mind still to this day. I submitted to Him being in control and for the first time in my 38 years, did I feel that there was hope for me. That this was not the intent for me. That the "gay" identity was not God's intent for me. So I moved 2000 miles away, and was faithful to his leading. Has it been easy...no way. Life is not intended to be easy. Nor is struggles to be diminished, but in every struggle, I put my hope and faith in God. I submit more. Is it denying my "true self" as most of my friends have told me?...no. What is my true self? It is to live according to the word of God. It is to submit my earthly desires and desire what God has for me. I am in the world but not of the world. The world is beginning to take the stand that it is okay to be gay. Can I be so frank and to say, I do not think it is the intent of God for us to be gay. Now I am in no means saying that everyone has to change..I leave that up to that person and his or her relationship with God. For me though...I desire that more now than ever. I seek God in all things. I hand over to him my false identity...my unwanted sexual attractions and allow him to do his work in me.
I feel liberated. I can look at my life and see the mural of my life. The desire in my youth to connect to my father, for him to call me out as a man. For him to show me love for his wife. That never happened and so I was left...empty and yearning to experience that on my own...not knowing what that looked like and being very insecure. Now place in that picture sexual abuse and being rather sensitive...I came to realize the only way to be in relationship with a guy was with sex.
People have asked, why I never changed before...well, life is a process. I think I had to come to rock bottom so that God had to be my everything. He desires that for me every day, regardless of the struggle.
I believe that all sin is equal. Homosexuality in the Bible was linked always with other sin. So why has the church made it like it was the worst one. Because it is uncomfortable. Most leaders in churches are men...and in going to churches and listening to people speak on the issue, the audience is usually full of women and generally they are the ones that stay behind and ask questions. The men kinda stand off and look rather uncomfortable. So what do we do as Christians? We educate. We promote love. The longer we put our heads in the sand...and just hope things get better, things will still stay the same. I remember hearing someone say to a few christians..."would you allow a gay or lesbian in your home to eat supper with you?" The answer was no...and I wept. Thinking what would Jesus do. He would break bread and fellowship and invite that person into their homes.
There are thousands and thousands of men and women who desire and are seeking change from unwanted same sex attractions. There are thousands and thousands who stand in victory.
There are thousand and thousands of men and women who have been hurt by the church...and christians who struggle with this issue who have just said...I give up. What then are we to do? I leave that for you to ponder over.

It's all about Trust...oh ya

Roman's 9:30-33

what does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God's standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, " I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.

I have been thinking about a lot lately. Pondering faith, hope and love. I have been reading a lot about those three attributes...but also about trust. I have of course loved mercy and grace too and I walk with those two friends every day. But what is it about trust?
Immediately when I think of trust I wonder...do I really trust God? Do I really trust in his provision? Do I trust he will make all things right? So I have to look not in my circumstance but in the word...the bread of life...the springs of living water.
Being obediant and following all the commandments...are good, but if I do not trust God...I will stumble and fall...FLAT!
When I think that I won't have provision...I have to look at the word...and claim that for my life as truth and trust that God is true to his word...

Philippians 4:19-My God WILL meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Psalm 132:15- I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.
1Timothy 6:17- Command those who are rich in this present world...to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

I have actually found it interesting in this study thatwhat God says he will do is provide for our needs. Not alot is said about providing for HUGE houses, or multiple cars or extravagent lifestyles. He talks a lot about providing for our day to day needs. He even goes as far as saying that we are to command (which is a pretty strong word) rich people to put their hope in God. Saying that maybe for rich people hope can somehow be lost to them.

Now Trust...what does it say about trust?

psalm 40:4 blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.


I could quote more, but I love Jeremiah so much. Wow, jammed packed with that one and one that I pray for myself. I want to be like that tree...that sends out roots and bears fruit. I want to trust God fully. Sometimes it is hard, so very hard. But I lean not on my own understanding or my own "feelings", they will fail me. I lean on the word, which is truth.
I was talking with someone the other day and we were talking about our spiritual walks and I made the comment about the presence of God in our lives. When we decide that we are going to walk in the light, walk with our trust fully on God, when we listen to his nudges, when we obey what he says, when we feed the poor, cloth the naked, help the widows and orphans...okay I hope you get the drift...when we are walking in what he has called us to do, who do you think is right there ready to try to make us stumble, or get discouraged, or cause dissention? It is the enemy who is ready to take us out. Why? Because we are doing what God wants us to do. It is when we are complacent...ho humming around, just going about our day type of christian that the enemy will leave us alone. Why? Because he has better people to try and stop. Those on the front lines...those building community, those loving others. So we arm ourselves, we get ready for those times, we stay in the light, we stay in community and we keep trusting in God and most importantly we keep loving each other. That by far is our greatest weapon of all.

Ya, just got on a role tonight. Oh and another thing...how do we define others...and ourselves? Is it with how many letters behind our names? Uh....I think I will leave that one for another time...but you can think about that and give me feed back on a Christian response.
Have a good one and keep on trustin!

Something new is going on....hey this is kinda kewl

Yes, something new is happening deep within me. There are times when I am not so sure what is happening but I know it is the processing of the Holy Spirit...and a prayer that I sent out one afternoon.
I have not blogged for a while...I think I needed a rest. Not that I have got one, but I have been able to focus on talking out loud which is something new for me. It is something I feared more than anything. Why? Because I have a fear of man. What is that person thinking about what I am saying? Am I accepted or will I be rejected? That kinda thoughts. So I have been praying lots in that area...submitting it to God. Confessing my fear...asking for more of Him...and less of me.
It has been a busy month. I picked up a part time job, to go with my full time job, as well as taking a university course and being involved in the Living Waters program. Plus, trying to keep up with getting together with people so that I do not feel too alone. So I have had little time to sit.
But I have been having some nudges and some ah ha moments.
I went to Missionfest for the first time in my life. I was expecting to meet stuffy christians...you know, kinda nerdy...social outcasts...who have to do missions because that is all that life has for them...WHAM!!!! God meets me in a HUGE way. I wept and wept and even now, as I reflect on that weekend, I weep some more. I met wonderful people...who's hearts are on fire. Who LOVE God and are willing to give up all earthy pleasures in this world to serve their Father and to spread his love to others. Okay, what is more important than that.
It got me reflecting on what happened nearly a year ago. Last year in March, is when God met me in a huge way.
I was walking aimlessly in life. Seeking something that would give me pleasure...anything. I wasn't finding it. I remember the commutes to work and I would stare out the window and look at the sunrise and the sun rays casting spectacular colors on the clouds and I would just be in awe. Now, reflecting back, I know that those moments are ones that God gave me prior to him speaking to me. I believe it was his way of showing me how awesome he is...kinda wooing me back to him. Almost always the sunrises took my breath away. I am a very visual person. Beauty, especially in nature is often where I find my deepest comfort.
So at Missionfest, I felt the nudge...a simliar nudge that I got years and years ago. "But God...how can you use me...look where I am and where I came from...I am so broken." Yet, I felt the nudge so strongly. I was listening to people tell stories of trusting in God fully. For everything and I went home and prayed "God, I am open for you to use me in whatever way. I am willing...and I trust in you."
I think that when you pray that prayer something new starts happening. It opens the door for God to move in. You are giving him the authority to take charge...and use you. So in the midst of my struggle and my pain, I offer myself to God to be used.
My part time job is working at The House of Hesed...a transition house for those with HIV and aids. It has given me so much perspective and it has taken the eyes off of me. I have to pray for strength, courage and sometimes I just go and cry in the office.
I am reminded of the song...

Blessed be your name...
on a road marked with suffering
there is pain in the offering
blessed be your name.

Then last weekend, I worked the weekend and then a double shift on monday. So I have been bagged. So sunday, I thought...okay, I will go to the early service at church and then relax before work. Well, God had something else in store. I did not make it to the early service or late one, but a friend gave me the Summit leadership DVD's from Willowcreek to watch. So I proceeded to watch them. Again...WHAM!!! A God moment.
I felt that nudge...again of laying down my life to serve God full time. Ministry? What God me?
So I have been praying about that. Meditating on that and not worrying about it...okay maybe a little...live by faith? Not have a steady income? What about my debts, they look too overwelming? I try not to be overwelmed.
But I lay down my identity, my income and my influence. For if I do, God will use those things I lay down and make it come alive. It is all about him. My hearts cry this weekend and it continues to be...GOD USE ME!!!! What I have is not mine anyway. Nothing belongs to me. I was made for God! To be used by Him as a vessel, an instrument!
So then at Living Waters, it was on the healing of the masculine. I went through the material early so I could meditate on it and so when the teaching happened, I prayed that I would allow the holy spirit to do the work, I wanted to just give all the pain over. I started getting pictures and flash backs of times of real painful moments...of harsh words slung at me, of being left alone...of the abuse! Of feeling so alone. Then the leaders prayed for the men and all of a sudden my heart is beating a mile a minute, I am feeling like I could wail. To lose it in front of all these people. I just could not open my mouth. I felt it all go down...my throat swelling shut. After the ministry session, they asked if anyone still needed prayer...okay, walk to the front...ask..."I can't seem to open my mouth to let the pain out...I feel it so deep" The leader says, it looked like you could just wail!!!! Okay, I ask for prayer...within a few moments, I am wailing, stomping my feet, feeling anger, pain, disappointment...yet feeling safe to let go, finally of so much. I know that there is probably more deep down that needs to be let out, but I feel like my voice is stronger. That I am not so ashamed of letting my emotions out...and sharing that pain with people who care enough to walk me to Christ.
So something new is going on...it's not scary anymore. I am actually a bit excited in what is happening. My alone times with God have taken on a different feeling. Being able to just talk with him. Tell him what is going on and the crap I feel and the joy I experience.
So I hold on to the robes, casting my cares at the cross and prepare for the ride of my life! Who ever said this would be boring...oh ya...that was me!!!

Psalm 90:14-17
Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants see you work again. Let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful, yes, make our efforts successful.