Good News

I had a chance to catch up with a few friends from KCCF saturday. One of them was my old 311 Cell Group leader Steph. She was one of the very first people I got to know when I started going to fellowship. One of the conversation we both remembered vividly was on a bus ride up to winter retreat. Talking about why I was seeking, going to fellowship, telling my story. That was three years ago. Fast forward to now, we started sharing about where God was leading us in our lives. I got to tell her about the missions trip I was preparing for in May and my burden for the truth and she shared about how God had opened the door for her to teach in Hong Kong and have the opportunity to be a positive influence over there.

One of the things she noted was how much I've grown and I guess its true. It's one of those things that is always great to hear from someone else because it reminders me that God has been continually be faithful. It always gets me excited when I hear about someone elses victory in Christ and I suppose sharing my own victories provides encouragement. So, it means my cell-group leader is going to pursue her dreams (and be with her boyfriend) at the expense of leaving us behind. It's sad, but in a way it makes me happy because she's moving to bigger and better things.

On a completely seperate note. I had my yearly review and they've been greatly impressed with my work to the point where they've given me a raise and put me at a managerial level now! It feels good to be recognized. Also, the flight to Europe is now booked. This missions/conference is starting to become a reality.

Joined the Goodlife Crew

Yup. I've been sucked in by the promise of working out with friends, cheaper rates and access to most Goodlife gyms I want. Expensive Toronto gyms, see you later!

Idolatry of Individualism

This was from the church sermon today. It was as if God was shouting in my ears directly.

Some of us hesitate to commit ourselves to developing an intentional plan of growth for our members because we believe spiritual growth is a personal and private matter. Rather than interfere, we choose to allow each person to develop in his own way at his own rate.

This is an American aberration from the truth. The idolatry of individualism in our culture has influenced even the way we think about spiritual growth. So much of the teaching on spiritual formation is self-centered and self-focused without any reference to our relationship to other Christians. This is completely unbiblical and ignores much of the New Testament.

-Rick Warren

There's a saying that goes: "If you can't say Amen, you gotta say ouch."