December 27th

A safe trip home from Toronto and a fun movie with the family. It's nice to be on vacation and to have some time with the folks closest to me.

December 27th

Wow! Another birthday for me! Thanks God for yet another spin around the sun!

As I mature and get older physically, don't let me get old. Help me to be young in spirit even if my body isn't as young as it to be. Help my thoughts be fresh and new every day and to keep learning about myself, my world and you. And help me to never whine about my body changes, but rather to adapt and to keep myself as fit as healthy as possible.

December 25th

Had a good trip to my brother-in-law's for our family Christmas celebration. It was nice to see family and to experience the closeness of all of us.

It's a special joy to see how our various kids get together so well, even after not seeing each other for a while, and despite some of the differences in our lifestyles. Thanks, God, for making me part of this family.

December 25th

Thanks God for a nice, quiet Christmas with my family. We didn't do anything other than relax and enjoy each others company in the the light of Jesus' birth. What a blessing.

December 25th: You’re Home!

Christmas Day. Wherever you’re celebrating, whether it’s in your own home or someplace warm and exotic (remember, for me home is Canada) you are there. I know, that’s obvious, wherever you may that’s where you are, but it’s not always clear and understood by folks. Or at least it doesn’t always seem to be appreciated.
Here’s the problem as expressed by a Christian artist singing a Christian song. He’s not at home. Not on earth anyway. Home is in heaven, a mansion or room that’s been set aside for when Jesus returns and we all chuck this mortal coil. According to this Gospel musician, this life, the one we’re living right now is only a temporary, painful place that isn’t where God wants us to be, really.
Frankly, I’m confused. I checked the Bible and according to God’s own Word, this planet and the universe that contains it is exactly the good creation He intended. This is where He placed us. This is where His chosen people originated. This is where Jesus came, died and had His resurrection. In short, this is where we are meant to live this life and, what’s more important, the place from which we are meant to both glorify and enjoy God. At least that’s what the Bible says. Oh, sure, there is another life to lead when Jesus returns, but that’s something different. It’s a reward, something special set aside for later.
In the meantime, this is our good and holy home. It’s where God placed us and where we belong. It might not seem like that but that’s only because we’ve made a big mess of things. So, contrary to what one Gospel Song would have us believe, we’re at home right here on planet Earth, and it could be (and often is) a wonderful place to be.
Think about that for a moment. This is life. This is what we get. We are who we are and we are where we are. Again, that might be pretty obvious but in light of one not so accurate singer’s statement, it apparently isn’t so obvious. That’s why I’m making a big deal of it. In fact, today, Christmas Day, it’s even more important to recognize where and who we are, because we are here because of Jesus.
God is not pleased with how we deal with one another, ourselves or His creation. God could punish us for our behaviour, but He chooses not to, because He loves us too much. Instead, Jesus took the rap and freed us from Sin. That’s what today, the day we celebrate His birth, it’s important to remember that great gift, and the great gift our life on earth is. We are here because God wants us to be here. He lets us know Him through the beauty of this planet. He also lets us know Him through Jesus and folks that try to live like Jesus.

December 24th

Well, today was pretty great. Had a very relaxing start, spent some quality time with David and his girlfriend, (even if they drove me crazy at one point...) and then had a good worship service.

Topped it all off with a party and then opening gifts with my family. It was a good day, a blessing and a way to celebrate Christ and share my love for Him with my congregation.

December 23rd

A pretty busy day today making sure everything was ready for the weekend. Thanks for your gifts to me, especially the gift of Jesus. Amidst all the busy-ness of sharing His story through worship I have to remember His place at the center of my life.

Help me, Lord to focus on Him at the center of all that I do and all that I am.

Help me focus myself on Him so that rather than constantly doing things in His name I might simply live in His love.

December 22nd

Today I had lunch with the Lunch 'n' Learn Bible study group and enjoyed the time with the folks very much.

Even though it's just a small group we've formed a basis of love, trust and respect that allows us to delve into your Word in a way that we can apply directly to our lives.

Thanks for their faithfulness and for the gifts you have given me to be able to teach and to advise, as well as the openness to learn from their collective wisdom.
I also spent some time with the Praise Team and gave them little gifts and notes to share how much they mean to me and to thank them for their contribution to St. James and to my life. We also got together to give Darryl a gift, and that was a great way to share our love and admiration for him. Thanks, God for a blessed day.

December 21st

Thanks, God, for a day with nothing in my date book. It was a blessing to just have a day in the office just to work quietly and to pray and reflect and even relax a little. Well, there was the After School Program and the happy noises of the kids that wasn't entirely peaceful, but it was a time of blessing nevertheless.

It's great to have them come and know that they are provided with a safe place to have fun and learn something about you. Help us as a church as we offer this program to our community.

December 20th

Lord, had a good afternoon with Robert, Lois' brother, visiting our local automotive museum. Also had a brief but meaningful call from Zio Angelo in Italy. Thanks for that reminder of my own family, and for his love and openness. Help me to be worthy of such wonderful folks in my life.

December 19th

Lois' brother arrived today, and it's joy to have him stay with us for a couple of days.

Thanks for him and all of Lois' family. They have welcomed me as one of their own and continue to accept me as a member of the family.

It's such a blessing to have them when my own family is either gone from this realm or far, far away. Thank you, God

December 18th

God, it was another good day: worship went well, we had a great turn-out for our open house, and above all, we had a wee crew of teenagers that hung out at our house and had fun.

While worship and our more formal guests were a blessing, knowing that David and Anna's friends feel comfortable enough to come and chill at the Giurin household means a lot. It feels good to have them safe close to us, knowing what they're up to, and knowing that they have little interest in doing silly, harmful things. Thanks for a great crop of kids and for them being able to recognize that they are loved and welcomed in our home. Thanks also for that home, for all the renovations we've been able to do, and for the way that we can share our home with others.

Bless us as good hosts and examples of Christ-like hospitality and fellowship.

December 18th: Real Special Effects

I watched a movie recently, a release only a year or so old, that featured a scene of a tugboat going out to sea. Since the movie was set in the past the tugboat and ocean were actually special effects renditions of reality. I suppose it was easier to have a computer draw and animate old boats and sights on shore, along with the water rather than trying to recreate a whole huge set in ‘real’ life.
Everything looked very realistic but there was something that spoke of special-effects wizardry nevertheless. Something, and I can’t just say what it was, didn’t ring true despite Special-Effects department’s best efforts. For a second I caught myself thinking, “Wow, that looks pretty fake, how silly of them to do that” and then I realized something: folks in movies have been faking it for a long time.
I remember watching old British movies about world war two sea battles; there too special effects ruled the day. The only difference was that way back in the Sixties and Seventies movie makers relied on small scale wood or metal model ships floating in huge swimming pools. Really good movies, with big budgets and very talented model makers did an excellent job of making the models and battle scenes look realistic. Still, despite their best efforts, there was still something invariably fake-looking about those scenes.  The issue hasn’t changed much over the ensuing years. Whether it’s modern computer animation technology or old-style model making, no special effects department, no matter how big a budget or talented the artists, can make a fully convincing representation of reality.
Throughout human history people have tried to create or recreate their own versions of faith, religion and even Christianity according to their own whims or needs. Like special-effects artists in the movies they design and build systems that sound good and might fool the less-than-discerning eye, but ultimately they fall short. Their faith systems and beliefs can’t hold a candle to the reality of God and what God has to say about things.
These faith systems disguise themselves as hobbies and jobs. They mask as entertainment and sports; they create idols out of busy-ness, possessions and spending; they feel good for a moment but offer nothing that is lasting, beneficial or even meaningful. The problem with these poor imitations of faith is that they confuse and confound us to the point that we can’t recognize that they are only cheap imitations of a bigger, better reality.
There is no substitute for God and a healthy faith-life. His presence in our lives has far reaching effects on the nature and quality of both our day-to-day and long term existence. Nothing is as satisfying; nothing is as meaningful; nothing is as helpful; nothing is as good for us. The author of our very reality is the only one worth trusting in order to make our reality a healthy and happy one. One might say that God offers special effects that are beyond anything we could imagine.

December 17th

Well, lots done today getting ready for tomorrows Open House at our place, and a fun party with the Theatre Kent crew in the evening. A good day. Some work, some relaxation, and an honest time away from doing church and just being your child today.

December 16th

It was a good day today, God. I was able to see some older folks who had been struggling with health and other issues doing better. I had a couple of good visits that were a blessing to me and, I believe, to those I visited.

It's an honour to be a loving, Christ-like presence to those who are in need of Him.

Help me serve and visit humbly not only so that I might be a blessing to others, but so that I might walk more closely with Christ as well; let me not only share in His work but also see Him and know Him and feel His love in the people I visit.

December 15th

Lord, thanks for David, his talents and the school that he and Anna attend. It was great to see him perform today and to see how much talent he gets to work with. Bless the teachers at 'The Pines' as they lead their students forward, and bless David that he might learn from their combined wisdom.

Bless Anna as well, as she comes into her own and figures out her place and what she can do best.

Help them grow closer to you, and help their teachers, Lois, myself and every person that loves Jesus they encounter serve as worthy and capable guides along their journey with Him.

December 14th

God, thanks for the colleagues that understand me and help me understand my ministry. It's a blessing to have them in my life. Thanks also for letting me be part of their lives and for being able to contribute to their well-being and simply to be a friend.

I especially thank you for Mike and his wisdom and generosity. Help me to be more like him as a man walking with Christ.

December 13th

God, you make all things good and provide wonderful things and people when we pay attention to what you're doing.

Thanks for Kathy, my counsellor, and her wisdom. Help me to be open to her and to listen to what she has to say. Thanks for a good session today and her obvious passion for Christ. Let it inspire my own passion and make me a better man for you.
Thanks also for all the folks that pitch in to make the office at St. James work smoothly and happily.They are great people and it was fun to be able to have lunch with them in celebration of Christmas and their contribution to the church. Bless them with continued joy and generosity as they serve you by serving St. James.

December 12th

Just a quiet day with a chance for some time with Lois. Thanks God.

God, David is having a struggle with the leadership and some of the folks in his Cadet unit. He needs patience and wisdom to understand how to deal with the situation and not make any rash decisions. Give him the insight to listen to our advice, such as it is, to hear what others have to say, and not to play the kind of games some of his colleagues are playing. Help him to be the kind of leader he can be, while remaining humble and obedient to those who lead him. Help Lois and I, as well, to guide him as much as he needs, but not to hover over him and protect him in a way that doesn't help him grow.

December 11th

Yet another good day of worship, God, with a couple of folks coming back that haven't been there for a bit and a couple joining the church. We also had a wonderful 'Gift of Music.' It's great to see young talent developing.

There's a great sense of community and joy at St. James and it's a blessing, Lord.

It was a lot of fun at the Praise team party, and I thank your for Ed and Carol's openness to hosting us all, and for the team community we have created together. Bless us all as we work together to your glory.

December 11th: Safety first

It was a cloudy, overcast day as I drove from Chatham to Blenheim. One would think that sunglasses would be the last thing needed, but that was not the case. The combination of snow on the ground and the sun still managing to make its presence felt suggested very strongly that I don my aviators. Light sensitive, they were not at their maximum darkness, and the light shading they offered was just the ticket.
It was rather strange to wear sunglasses with cloudy skies, but my eyes were bothered by whatever brightness was available that day. Not wanting to be an unsafe driver or to give myself an entirely avoidable headache, I took the necessary precautions. I felt stupid at first but I’m old and cranky enough not to really care what other people think of my appearance.
Donning my shade apparel for the sake of safety and comfort made me think of the number of times we all avoid doing just that. The danger of finding a nail when just going to the shop for a second is too little to justify wearing proper shoes. It’s only raining a wee bit so I won’t wear a raincoat for my forty minute walk. I’m only going to cut one thing with the dull knife so I won’t bother sharpening it. Go ahead, try it yourself. Think of one slightly risky activity you’ve done while avoiding any safety precautions. You were probably luck most of the time, but lucky only goes so far…
Of course, as a Presbyterian, I don’t believe in luck. So, even when I run my table saw for a second I put on goggles and ear protection. When it’s starting to get dark, I wear something bright and my dog, Mentor, wears a safety vest if we go for a walk. I never mow the lawn barefoot (and yes, I have seen people do it) and I even wear my seat belt when Lois and I have to juggle our cars in the driveway. It makes sense to take precautions when we know the risks.
So, why is it that we don’t ‘arm’ ourselves better when it comes to our faith life. Living is hard enough without having God on our side. Living with God on our side but without knowing the basics of what He expects is plain silly. He made us. He knows what works and what doesn’t for us. He’s given us all the safety measures we need in the Bible. So why do we risk pain, misery and embarrassment by not taking adequate precautions and studying our Bible more often?
It’s not that hard. Regular worship attendance helps. A weekly Bible study strengthens things. Daily devotions are pretty easy to do. And don’t say you don’t have time. Don’t let your busy-ness get in the way. Making the best possible use of God’s Word is a help, not a hindrance. Untold mistakes and foolishness could be avoided if we knew what God expected of us. We most likely would be able to save oodles of time if we didn’t mess up as much as we do. All it takes is a little precautionary study. The safety tips offered in the Bible could make all the difference between a good life and a great one.

December 10th

Had some fun making a Palm Tree for the After School Program today. I enjoyed being a little creative and a little silly in that act, using my hands to create something a little different, and using simple items to do it. I love being able to work that way and wish I could do it a bit more.
Help me, God, arrange my time better so that I can get some more hand-work in.

December 9th

Lord, it was a good day. Excellent visit with my counselor, a good afternoon's work and lots of fun taking Shannon and her kids, along with my family and David's girlfriend, out for dinner and a show. It's such a blessing to be able to offer someone like Shannon a nice gift and to see her enjoy it.
It's also a blessing to have Shannon as our After School Program Director. She does a great job with the kids. Bless her as she serves St. James and you so capably. Bless me as well as I try to support her. Bless my family as well, with continued joy and unity together.

December 8th

A strange day, today, starting with forgetting about an appointment and being pretty full and busy from there on. It was good to be at Praise team and to feel a little more comfortable on the drums; I pray, however, that you will help us find a full time drummer, so that I can focus on the other aspects of worshiop and not have to spread myself so thin.

December 7th

Thanks, God, for a productive day and for all the blessings you provide.

It was fun to spend some time with Shannon getting her and Piper to and from church. It might have taken some extra time and been a little long, but it felt good to help her and to support her.

Thanks also for my friends at Lodge and the open reception they offer me for just being me. It's a true gift to be appreciated for who I am beyond my role as one of your ministers.

December 6th

Lord, it was kind of a strange day, mostly because I stressed myself out over a meeting with one of my folks. I kept worrying about what she wanted to talk about and ended up so worried I didn't know what to expect. I'm sorry for going into that situation that way and not trusting in you more.
Help me to be a little more confident in what is happening in St. James and to not over-stress myself before I fully understand the what's happening. In fact, help reduce my self-created stress and to trust more and worry less.

December 5th

Not much of a day off, Lord, but that's the way life goes sometimes. I thank you for my "Hidden Friends" and our monthly phone conferences. It's a blessing to have them hold me accountable and for them to be open to my input and prayers as I do my part to hold those colleagues and friends accountable as we.
It's also such a blessing that my counselor is so in line with the goals of PoE. It feels like the right thing to have Kathy involved in my life at this point in time, and I thank you for that gift.

December 4th

Lord, thanks for another blessed day of Worship and for all that the Praise Team has to offer. Thanks as well for the new folks that have joined the team and for the diverse gifts they bring to the mix.
As we grow in numbers in the Praise Team, so too might we start to grow in numbers as a congregation, not so that we can boast in physical growth, but so that more and more lives can be touched by Christ and know His love.

December 4th: Temper, Temper!

As a woodworker of sorts I know the importance of having sharp tools. Sharp tools not only require the proper technique for obtaining the finest most effective edge, they also require the properly tempered metal in order to keep that edge. Tempering is both fine art and high science. It is, basically, making a metal just hard enough to be sharpened to a high degree without being so hard that it shatters or chips too easily. When properly tempered, knives, chisels and even razor blades hold their edge for a long time. Get it wrong, making an edge too hard makes it brittle; make it too soft and it won’t cut anything at all.
When a person loses their temper, they too become pretty much useless. Anger can make us too hard or too soft. Bitterness and spite are the result of a heart that hardens when we blow up with rage. Loss of control and violence take over when we let anger soften our self-control. Either way, when we lose our temper, we end up losing. Even worse, it’s not just ourselves that lose when we become angry; those around us are affected, sometimes far more greatly than we ourselves.
Like a fine tool, we need to have just the right temper in order to keep our edge. To be effective we need a balance of hard and soft, of strength and softness in order to make our way through life. If we are too soft then we fall apart under the slightest stress. If we are too hard then we can express neither joy nor sorrow. It’s not easy and we are terribly inconsistent but for the most part we are generally able to maintain the right temper.
God demonstrated the perfectly tempered human in Jesus Christ. The right balance of strength and weakness, the Son of God made His way through life dealing wisely and graciously with everyone He met. Of course, that didn’t mean that Jesus’ relationships were perfect. Try as He might, other, less perfectly tempered people had a hard time dealing with Him. ToO angry or too easily influenced by folks with the wrong ideas, they failed to understand Jesus. Other more evenly tempered people, ordinary folks like us, simply refused to be touched by Him. Sad as it might seem, that’s part of our reality; even though we may be evenly tempered and have the perfect personality traits, we still have the power to make bad decisions, like refusing to let Jesus in.
He’s OK with that. Part of His wonderful temperament is to be very patient. Jesus was, after all, pre-existent, around before creation began, so a few years waiting for us to make the right choice is nothing to Jesus. When we’re ready, He’ll be there for us. What’s even better is that it doesn’t matter if we ourselves our perfectly tempered. Jesus will take us however we come, whether it’s hot-headed or wimpy; all we have to do is to make the right choice.

December 3rd

Lord, I so thank you for the friendships that I've been able to form here in Chatham. It was so nice to be able to go out with some folks I like and for Lois and I to just be ourselves rather than the Pastor and his wife. Thanks for that blessing and for the friends you have provided. Help me to be as good to them as they are to me.

December 2nd

A busy day visiting and getting ready for worship, but a good one. I pray for Ruth, who is in so much pain she didn't feel up to chatting at all. I thank you for her honesty in expressing her need and not feeling she needed to be polite in receiving me. It's important for me to know what people need right from them. Help me, however, to be discerning when they can't express themselves directly, or aren't even sure of what they need. Bless me with wisdom and understanding and the ability to read into a situation so that I can do the right thing when folks can't express themselves as clearly as someone like Ruth.

December 1st

The Lunch 'n' Learn Bible study chugs merrily along. It's a good group of folks that gather and we have formed the kind of relationship that allows us to really let the Bible speak to real life. We're able to share our stories and needs in a way that allows for questions and support and even some agreeing to disagree. Thanks for the folks that take part in the study; bless me as their teacher and help me to learn from their combined wisdom. I would also ask, Lord, that you help increase our numbers so that we can form a broader base of friendship and experience to work and grow from.

November 30th

It's been a bit of a brutal day today; a friend and parishioner in crisis and great pain. I appreciate being able to help and be there for her and thank you for the gifts that you have given me. Seeing someone you care for in pain is tough, but being invited in to help gives a sense of purpose that helps decrease the intensity of the suffering for me and fore her. It's also good to see little signs of hope and progress as I counsel her and help her work through the trauma of her situation. Again, thanks, Lord for empowering me to be helpful; grant me the patience I need to work through the process, and bless my friend with the peace and comfort you alone can provide.

November 29th

Made a couple of hospital visits today, God for friends and acquaintances. It was good of Fern to invite me to visit her friend as it means that folks are responding to by ministry and are starting to use my gifts more and more. I know I'm not supposed to  to need a pat on the back, but it felt like one when Fern asked me to do her a favour, and it felt good actually making the visit.
It was also good to visit a friend and to have the pastoral gifts to be with him and pray for him. Thanks, God

November 28th

Didn't get a lot done today, God. Relaxed and enjoyed some time with Lois, but generally kept quiet. Thanks for days like these.

November 27th

Thanks, God, for a really good day of worship with the Chatham Concert Band and for Kadianne's songs. It was a lot of fun and a good feeling to have folks together in joy.
It was fun, too, to have Anna's and David's friends to come to church today and enjoy it. It's a wonderful sign of the relationship they have together and for what we're trying to accomplish at St. James. I just pray for your continued blessings, Lord, that we can continue to do right by our kids and families in the area, so that they can find a place to call their spiritual home.

November 27th: Limits to speech

The other night, as I drove home, I saw the moon peering just over the edge of the horizon. It was huge and bright, a great crater-strewn disk of orange, just hanging there, almost daring you not to stare. Conscious of the act of driving on a major highway and of the other cars around me, I focussed more on my vehicle than on the lunar orb. Still, as often as I could do safely, I stole many a glance at our one and only natural satellite.
Piecing a picture together from my many quick peeks, I really got a sense of the moon not just as a distant image, but as an actual sphere in space. It wasn’t full, so the shading gave it a sense of three mighty big dimensions. Being so close to the horizon it appeared larger than usual, truly dominating the scenery. I wish I could describe adequately what exactly I saw, but due to the limits of speech, I cannot. Despite the huge number of words in the English language, and my own not insignificant vocabulary, conveying the full impact of what I saw is simply beyond my capacity. Perhaps some capable wordsmith could do it, but that’s not me.
Our ability to speak is nothing less than miraculous. When you consider how much we can convey through mere scratches on paper or vibrations of the air, you can’t help but wonder at the power of speech. A good writer can create in your mind’s eye exactly what they have imagined. A good speaker can draw you into their lives and even into an entirely different universe simply through the passion and conviction of their words. Yet for all their ability to move and stir us, words aren’t always enough.
How do you truly convey your sadness at a friend’s death? Words do not suffice and so tears must flow. How can you state clearly and absolutely your joy on the roller coaster? Words say only so much; your wide open eyes huge, immovable grin must finish the sentence. How can I fully convey the sense of awe I felt seeing the Harvest moon last night? Only by praying that you too saw it, or will get a chance to gaze upon it yourself one day.
Words written and spoken do not always suffice. There are clear and absolute limits to speech. God knows this. That’s why He sent Jesus, the Living Word, to us. What His laws could not teach, what His prophets could not get across, Jesus conveys in flesh and blood. How does one live? Look at how Jesus lived. How does one forgive? Observe Jesus’ acts of mercy? How does one find purpose and meaning in life? Live through and for Jesus.
The spoken word lasts but an instant, living only in memory once said. Written words live a little longer, but they must be read in order to have life, and we can’t always have our nose stuck in a book. Only Jesus, God’s Living Word is with us all the time, showing us how to live, speaking words of encouragement, and carrying us when we cannot go on. Listen. He’s talking to you. Listen, and live.

November 26th

A interesting day, God, and a good one. I thank you for David and Anna's friends and how nice they all are, Each one is different and unique and a true blessing. Please help David and Anna appreciate their friends and offer them the same love and respect.
Help Lois and I give David and Anna's friends a warm welcoming place for whatever reason they choose to come to us. It's a blessing that they come to us, so help us be a blessing to them in return.
Thanks also for long term friends like Helen and for her willingness to come see us and spend time with us. She's a wonderful reminder of the friendships that come our way and for the way true friendships endure even when distance separates us. Thanks for the time we have together, for the memories we've shared, and for the new memories we'll continue to make.

November 25th

A very busy day, visiting, worshiping and getting a start with a new counselor. Thanks for the good things you allow and equip me to do. I feel so blessed to lead worship at retirement homes and to be able to help folks feel a bit better about themselves. Thanks also for the time I was able to spend with Lois and all that she brings to my life. Help me to be the best man I can be for her and honour the relationship you've given us.
Lord, I also thank you for what you've brought me through my faith and my relationship with Jesus. I just pray that I can be more like him and serve more faithfully and that you'll bless me with the gifts I need to be the made you intend me to be.

November 24th

It was fun being back behind the drums today, God, but a lot nerve-wracking as well. I'm not used to playing with others after my stint with Sound of Music. I pray you'll help me as I try to get back into it. I thank you for the Praise Team and the way they work together under Darryl's leadership. I also thank you for the support I've been getting from so many people, I pray that I can be as supportive in return.

November 23rd

Well, so far it's been a good, interesting day sharing with colleagues and really feeling your Spirit at work. What a true blessing to be able to address issues and have solid confirmation that our hearts are in the right place. I thank you for Mary's wisdom and Brad's openness and for their friendship. I feel blessed to be able to work with them.
Thanks also for Ed and his support and friendship. Please be with him and Carol in their work for the church and in their own lives. Help me to be a good a friend to them and to bless them as much as they bless me.
Lord, I also ask that you push new folks a little bit so that they can visit St. James and see what a blessing it can be for them. Give those folks that haven't been out for a while a little nudge too, please, or help me know how best to make them feel welcome again.

November 22nd

Had a really good day to start; accomplished some good work and had a couple of good visits with folks. Things turned south thinking about David's grades. He's so smart but he isn't motivated to try for some reason. He's doing poorly in subjects in which he should be excelling. It's frustrating and I don't understand how he could be failing in subjects he loves. Help me know how to help him better and to be patient with him. Be with him as well and do what it takes to get him to succeed as he best can. He's so capable and has so many gifts, it's hard to watch as he seems to be throwing it away.

November 21st

God, I accomplished two simple tasks and didn't do much else for the rest of the day. It was a good, restful day. Took a great walk with the dog, hung out with Lois for a bit, didn't worry about anything or anyone. Thanks

November 20th:

Very tired but overall satisfied. Worship went well; Communion was served in what many hold to as the traditional way, and it satisfied them, so I feel satisfied. It's such a tight balancing act trying to make things work in a way that satisfies your needs and constantly trying to know what they are.
It's the same prayer I always have: to know how to grow the place, whether it's simply being patient and letting things mature as we continue to do what we're doing, or if we need to shift.
It was great just to sleep a bit, get up the Christmas lights and enjoy myself a bit. I'm very thankful that David's friends are willing to hang out here and eat with us; it's a good sign.
I'm especially thankful that Anna is having more good days than bad, and that it really seems to be a gluten related issue. Help us, God, do what it takes to make her fully well. 

November 20th: Consciously Bad Choices

Once again I have to credit my ability to think quickly and act appropriately for avoiding, once again, an accident as I drove to work this morning. This situation happens all too often: a person will turn into oncoming traffic without regard to the approaching vehicles. They simply drive out, completely without a care in the world, either trusting that nothing bad will happen, or totally oblivious to the fact that they are risking not only their lives, but those of the drivers they are so thoughtlessly cutting off.
The incident this morning, however, was a bit different. Rather than diving into traffic and praying for the best, the woman first stuck the tip of her car out into the lane and, presumably when she saw me coming, slowed down for an instant. Believing she rethought her move and would wait, I kept on my way, placing my foot on the brake just in case. To no-one’s surprise this less than intelligent person then cut me off. Since I already had my foot on the brake I slowed down safely and did not have to swerve to avoid disaster. Thanks, God, for quick reflexes and experience.
What really bothers me about this incident is the fact that this woman clearly knew she was in the wrong. The fact that she slowed down and stopped before dashing out into my path indicates both forethought and planning. My car is small but, as always, I had my lights on and the day was sufficiently bright and clear as to offer no excuse for her not seeing and being aware of my oncoming vehicle. No, she clearly knew what she was doing and despite the obvious risk, went ahead and did it anyway. Her choice was absolutely foolish and forgivable only because I was able to avoid hitting her.
We often do the same thing when it comes to breaking God’s heart. We know we are making a bad and risky decision for ourselves, but we go ahead and do it anyway. Hesitant at first, we then plough ahead full-speed onto the dangerous roads of sin. I don’t know if it’s because we think we’ll get away with it or because we like the danger, but for whatever reason we more often than not know the full depth of our behaviour’s wrongness.
It is bad enough that our sins hurt us and God. What makes things worse is,  like that lady choosing to pop out in front of me, our bad decisions often put others at as much risk of injury as it does us. Very few sins are victimless. Their impact cuts a much wider swath than we can imagine. Even when we know we are putting others in danger we just can’t seem to help ourselves. Whether is the sin itself or simply the sense of danger, we go ahead no matter the risk.
Thankfully, God’s forgiveness is greater than our capacity to sin. He reacts to our mistakes just as quickly as we decide to repent and seek His mercy. I just wish that we would all think twice before acting in a way that needs Him to be forgiving, and maybe try making Him praise us a little more often.

November 19th

A good day off; good final show and some quality relaxing time. Even got to finish off the kitchen, except for one small task. Things are good. I'm still anxious, though. Just praying St. James can grow and move forward in it's service of you. That's what's on my mind these days. Still need patience and wisdom.

November 18th

A fun show tonight and a pretty good day overall. Thanks, God. It's good to be part of that group.
Things are in an interesting place right now. Got some good work planning for worship and ideas are flowing for beyond Christmas. I'm wondering about where things are going next and what's happening at the church. It's good in many ways, we struggle financially, but we need to grow somehow.
It was so great to be able to meet with a couple of folks that want to join the church; it's a great sing of the possibilities at the church and I pray that we can achieve them. We have good people and good programs; somehow we have to get the word out about what's going on so we reach out to those in need of a good church home. I'm really encouraged by the number of kids that god to church in Theatre Kent; I just wish there was a way of drawing in more kids. What more can we do? Or is it just your timing? Help me know, Lord; grant me patience if that's what I need, and the the insight I need if that's the case.

November 17th

I have good friends, Lord, and I thank you for them. I thank you for their honesty in holding me to account, their support when I'm feeling down, their sarcasm which makes me laugh, their wisdom that guides me along your paths, their generosity which blesses me with their love, all that they bring to me life and all that they let me offer them.
Bless them and strengthen them and let them know how much it means to me to have them in my life. Help me to be truly appreciative of them and to express my appreciation appropriately. Thank you, again, for placing them in my life, and help me to be as much as blessing to them as they are to me.

November 16th

Got some good work done today planning for worship and looking ahead a bit, God. Thanks for giving me that time and insight to plan and prepare.
Still worried about Anna as she isn't %100 yet and there is no clear diagnosis. Grant her patience and healing, Lord, and help us support her and encourage her and do what it takes to help her get whole again.
I especially ask you to be with Lois as she struggles to take care of Anna and not go crazy with worry or frustration. Take care of her and help me to be a blessing to her however I can.

November 15th

A busy, good, but at times frustrating day, God. Had a chance to chat with some folks and get to know them better, which is a blessing, and attended a meeting that was productive and honoured your work through our efforts.

Getting to the meeting was a bit of a nightmare, with directions that ended up getting me lost and taking far too long to get there. It was not fun, but I was able to figure out how to arrive at me destination eventually. It's kind of typical of life, I suppose, trusting in human things for guidance only to be led astray. Quite often we get things pretty close to right, but usually we make a mess of it. Without your help I'd be nowhere, so I try to follow your spiritual direction every day. Help me, God, to be more perceptive of your will and your guidance so that I can go the way you want me to go, say what you need me to say and do what you need me to do.

November 14th

After many delays and interruptions, the backsplash finally went in today, and the kitchen is slowly reaching completion. Thanks for the many blessings that allow Lois and I do have such a beautiful space. Help us make it a place where we can enjoy time and meals with family and friends and others, and that through our fellowship, reflect Christ's own loving heart. Help us entertain Angels unaware serve those who need to be served.
As this project finishes and others start, help me, Lord, to use them as times to relax and be a better person.
Lord, as I get back to work on my CD, be with me so that it can get done quickly and so that, as with everything else, it can be a way of using my gifts in your service.

November 13th

Well, God, we ordained a new Elder today at St. James and welcomed two others to Session, and had a pretty good worship service. Had lots of folks, five kids and some great music. Thanks for the great experience. Thanks also for the chance to just spend some time with Lois and to enjoy some shopping and fun together. Help us continue to grow closer and to be a blessing to each other with fun, relaxing times just for ourselves.

November 13th: The Hesitant Guest

I’m not really a pet person. Yes, my household currently includes a cat and a dog, but it’s not as if I really went out and led the foray to get them. They fell into our laps, so to speak. The kids and Lois pretty much took them in because they wanted pets. I went along with the plan because it was an act of kindness. We took Mentor in when Sheila, her original owner, passed away, and Zed entered the family as a stray that had been deposited into Lois’ car. It was the right thing to do because I couldn’t stand the thought of either animal being abandoned and uncared for.
As a result of this desire to care for the lost and lonely, the Giurin household is currently feeding a wee cat that seems to have no owner. It’s a bit of a runt and as far as we can tell is just a stray. The little critter came to our attention because our cat, Zed, appears to have taken it under its care. They seem to hang out together and even though Zed occasionally snaps at it, the tiny beastie never goes too far away.
We’ve named the thing ‘Q’ (for cutie) and we leave it food but we haven’t claimed ownership yet. First, we don’t know if it really is a stray or not and second, we haven’t been able to catch it. We’ve been close. David has sat for extended periods trying to feed it without success. It has even followed Zed over the threshold and into the front hall, but as soon as it sees a human, or realizes where it is, it skitters away like a, well, like a scalded cat.
It reminds me of folks who are hesitant to come to church. I’m pretty sure ‘Q’ can sense that the house is warm and smells pretty good. He has already learned to associate us with tasty food and so far with no pain whatsoever but that’s as far as it gets. For whatever reason he has not made the connection between our home and comfort.
I get that sense with folks who don’t make church and God a regular part of their lives. Hesitant guests at best, they know something good happens, or at least is supposed to happen, but they haven’t seen enough proof to make a foray into church life. Perhaps they’ve been hurt before and can’t forgive. Perhaps they are confused by conflicting reports of what God and His church are all about. Or maybe they just don’t have a clue where to begin. I don’t know all the reasons; all I know is that there are a lot of spiritually hungry people that can’t or won’t let themselves be fed regularly.
That’s OK. Really, I don’t mind; I’m happy to leave a bowl of food for ‘Q’ and know that he’s at least getting an occasional good meal. I’m just as happy offering whatever service I can to folks on the periphery of God or the church. It’s not ideal, but at least I can provide a bit of spiritual nourishment every once in a while. The bottom line is this: whether it’s a regular member of St. James or a hesitant guest peeking in, they are equally welcome to anything and everything I can offer them on God’s behalf.

November 12th

Not much to say, Lord, other than thanks for another day, and for seeing Lois, David and Anna have so much fun in Theatre Kent.

November 11th

Thanks, God, for a good day remembering and honouring those men and women in the armed forces that gave their lives in support of the principles you laid down for us.
It's an honour to know them and remember them and I give thanks for what they did for the cause of freedom. It's hard to imagine the sacrifice they made in the world of peace we know today. Help us live and serve in a way that prevents us ever having to call on our soldiers services again. Help us serve your cause and lead lives that draw others to Christ and his way of life. Bless all those who laid down their lives in the past and those who continue to serve knowing that their next day may be their last.

November 10th

First run of Sound of Music tonight, Lord, and it was fun. Thanks for these opportunities to just be myself and have fun outside of my calling. Thanks also for the folks at St. James that support me and encourage me to have my own 'life.' I pray that you help me re-energize through the fun stuff that I do so that I can be a better servant and parent.
As I have fun and do things beyond the church, help me to represent you well, and to draw others to Christ through my own attempts at Christ like actions. And forgive me, when I occasionally let the world get to me and I don't act in a way that honours you.

November 9th

Thanks God, for a good, but tiring day. Some good things are happening, the After-School Program is running well, but we still really need help staffing it. Help us find the right person to work with Shannon, and to find the right folks to sit on the committee we're setting up to help her.