Mount Dennis Girl - a new song

I am a bit nervous to post this to be honest.  For one thing it is a pretty personal song - a few thoughts that came together as I have been thinking about my Grandma since her passing just a few weeks ago.  Then there is the tension about whether its says enough or does her life justice.  It is also a quick demo with some imperfections still obvious upon listening.  There is always the question about a few imperfections vs. an honest performance.  Lastly, it has my first ever performance on pedal steel, an instrument that I am still just learning but seemed appropriate some how.
Since I can only upload video and not audio to this blog I put a few images that have begun to float around the Facebook pages of family.  Although the movie was done quickly, I still find some of the images quite striking and beautiful...I love old photos.
Anyway, I hope that it is a fitting tribute and remembrance.

Hamilton Update 27/03/12

 Tomorrow I have a lunch meeting.  I am excited to be able to meet with Ray as we discuss life in the city and things of the future.  Ray is one of the guys I meet each Monday morning at the Beer Store, a faithful recycler who lives in one of the many shelters we have downtown.  Ray was a bit late yesterday, but I had a feeling that he was going to show up so I hung around a bit longer than usual.  As it turns out I was correct, and Ray pulled up on his bike with his many bags of cans and bottles balanced on the handlebars.  Unlike most Mondays, Ray was alone this week as his usual partner was not well.  Being alone when he arrived, and being a bit later than usual meant that it was just Ray and I which allowed for a great conversation.  Ray has been one who has been willing to open up a bit more, and we have had the beginnings of some more in depth, personal and even spiritual conversations but they are often interrupted by something or someone.  This time on the street corner allowed us a slightly longer and deeper conversation.  It was a cold day, I had an appointment and he had to go cash in his supply, so we eventually had to end the conversation but not before making a follow up time to meet and talk, which will happen tomorrow.  I am very excited about this opportunity.  I would ask for your prayers as we meet.
On a more personal note, every year the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada hosts "Spring Sprint," an annual fundraising run/walk in Hamilton.  I am proud to say that our son Liam, who had a tumour in 2008, has decided to celebrate his 12th birthday by putting together a team to participate in this event.   The Brain Tumour Foundation was a huge support to all of us during Liam's battle and they continue to walk with our family.  I am excited to see Liam, our family and friends looking around and seeing opportunities to make a difference in our community.  If you would like more info about the Foundation or the event, would like to join Liam's team or to sponsor then feel free to follow the link below:

Liam's Titanium Craniums

Free Art Friday 23/03/12

Here is a painting I just finished based on a photo I took of an old CN Rail bridge that is just off the Red Hill Valley Parkway here in Hamilton.  I don't know why or how I spotted it out of the corner of my eye as we sped past on the Parkway but I did.  A few weeks later I went exploring to see if I could find it to photograph it.  After driving around for a while, a short hike along some railway lines and down the embankment and I was there. 

Update Tuesday 20/03/12

I am just back from a whirlwind tour at the Southern Hills Baptist Association of Ohio's On Mission Celebration.  I had the privilege of sharing at four churches between Saturday evening and Sunday.   I did have one moment where I had to stop and laugh.  I was sharing at one church at 10:00am from which I had to leave early in order to be just a bit late for the next church which was about a twenty minute drive away and whose service started at 10:45am.  They had someone waiting to greet me in the parking lot with a headset mic, whisk me into the sanctuary in time to catch the last hymn before I headed up on to a very large platform and deliver a message to this large (to my standards at least) church.  As I stood on that high platform, behind that large podium, before that large group, I could not help but remark about how different it was from the comfy chair in my living room where we have been having Tuesday evening church in Hamilton.   We experienced some wonderful hospitality, especially from Joyce who hosted our whole family at her house out in the country.  We met some great people and truly appreciated to opportunity to share about what God has been doing in and through our small group in Hamilton.
While I was gone I had to miss my Monday morning meeting with the gang down at the Beer Store but I am really happy to share that my friend George was able to step up and fill in form me.  It was really encouraging to see people willing to step in and to begin to see others willing and comfortable to participate and lead some of the work that is ongoing.
We have also begun to see our mailbox fill up each day as churches, Sunday School classes and individuals who saw our group featured in the Annie Armstrong Week of Prayer begin to send notes and cards to let us know that they are praying.  We want to thank everyone who continues to encourage, support and pray for our ministry here in Hamilton.  Your continued prayers are so invaluable and really are an essential part of anything that might be achieved here for the sake of the kingdom.   

  

Free Art Friday 16/13/12

I realize that I have missed posting any art these past few weeks.  It has been a crazy few weeks, but I actually do have a number of songs and some paintings that I have been working on.  Here is one that I finished a few weeks back.

This is an old CN Rail Bridge that is here in Hamilton.

Update Tuesday 13/02/12

Let me express my sincere thanks for all the prayers, messages and calls over this past week.  As I shared last week, we moved quite quickly from a death in the family to another crisis.  We continue to work though the details of the crisis as we transition out of an acute issue to working on a plan for long term management.  We thank you for your continued prayers.
After a week that was anything but normal, I am happy to be able to get back to somewhat of a regular routine this week. 
Monday I was back at the Beer Store meeting with my group of friends who gather over the coffee and sandwiches that I bring.  After hours of walking or biking through the streets looking for cans and bottles to return for deposit, they are grateful for a hot coffee and sandwich.  Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our homeless ministry that allows me to provide this each week.  After weeks of being with them consistently I believe that there are some real relationships being formed, that there is some real trust developing and there is the beginning of some deeper conversations. 
Tonight will be the next meeting of our weekly Fellowship.   The last time we were together we were blessed by George who prepared some traditional Ghanaian food for us before spending time in worship and the Word.  I am truly appreciating the relationships that are developing.  It is great to have some great friends in the neighbourhood.   I am so looking forward to what God is going to do in and through our group as we focus on making disciples in community. 

Peanut Soup with Rice Ball - eaten with your hands...we cheated and used spoons.

 

I am also looking forward to the time I spend each Wednesday morning going through discipleship stuff with a gentleman who expressed an interest in possibly starting a summer house fellowship in a cottage community north of the city.  
I also hope to be able to meet with my friend who is a student at McMaster University as we walk together through a process of equipping her to reach some of her friends and fellow students.
This week also brings a unique opportunity that I have been given, to speak at the On Mission Celebration of the South Hills Baptist Association in Ohio.  I will be sharing 4 times in two days!  I am looking forward to the opportunity to be able to share what God is doing here in Hamilton, and my kids are looking forward to visiting a Crackerbarrel!  I love when we have an opportunity to travel as a family, share about what God is doing and to reflect afresh about our calling, about the need and why we do what we do.  My family plays such a pivotal role in all that we do, they are on the front lines much of the time and they are often the first to sacrifice, so when we have an opportunity to celebrate I love it when they can be with me.
A full week indeed, but looking forward to it. 

Update Tuesday 6/03/12

Today is the day during the Annie Armstrong Week of Prayer for North American Missions that our ministry is being highlighted.  Thousands of people in churches all across North America are reading about and praying for what we are doing here in Hamilton.  We feel so privileged to be a part of this, and so grateful for all of the prayer, support and notes of encouragement that we are receiving.  As it turns out, the timing has been a bit strange but perhaps appropriate as well.  On Saturday I lost my Grandma.  I spent much of Friday and Saturday with my family walking with them as both pastor and grandson.  I had an amazing conversation with my Grandmother about Jesus, what He has done for us, His promised return and the promise of new, perfect, resurrection bodies.  We both smiled at the appropriateness of the last part.  She even spoke of how great it would be to see her sister again.  I am confident that she is with her sister now and that she is with Jesus.   
After a late night Saturday that bled into the early hours of Sunday, we awoke Sunday morning to face another family crisis that we continue to work through.  So today as we work on the details of determining next steps, it is comforting to know that thousands of people are holding us in prayer. 

If I have been a bit slow to respond to a note, please forgive me.  I will be working to catch up on things in the coming days.  We appreciate all the continued support.