A Year of Preparation

                             So a new year is upon us again.  2015!  2014 has been definitely challenging for us.  Things haven't happened in the way we thought they should.  There has been unforeseen challenges and hurdles.  We have felt the sting of disappointment and let down.  We have had things thrown at us that were misguided, inaccurate and out of left field.  If I am being open, honest and vulnerable, I have spent the last half of 2014 struggling with defaults.  I feel like the proverbial ostrich that has stuck his head in the sand (even though ostriches don't do that) and have let myself "go" in many ways.  God has been speaking to me on this.  I can't let that happen anymore.  It is time to pick myself up, dust myself off and focus on the things that are in my grasp and in my control.  Me...  I need to begin to work on me again.  Physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally.  I need to be the warrior I am meant to be.  I work in parallels.  All areas of my life move together.  If I am being disciplined and training myself in some areas it flows into other areas of my life as well.  That is a good thing.  So it is time to GO!!

                              The dreams are still there.  The desires are still there.  Many of them are not in my control and the demand needs to be on God to open doors in His timing, not making them line up with my timing or how I think it should work.  That is another form of discipline we need in our lives.  So if I can't worry about my dreams and desires and trying to make them happen, what do I need to do?  I need to prepare myself to walk into these things when it is time.  Perhaps even I can speed up the process as I prepare myself?  All I know is that I want 2015 to be a year of preparation and bettering myself.  I want to be all I can be through partnering with Jesus in my refining process and disciplining myself to see it through.  By the end of 2015 I want to be a lean, mean, fighting machine in the Spirit, in the natural and every other aspect of my person.  I want to be a force to be reckoned with.  I want there to be presence when people are around me not because of me per se, but what God has done in my life...because of the capacity I have grown into...because of the atmosphere I carry.

                           In many ways, I want to be my version of the legacy that my mother carried and left for me to step into.  She left a mantle that I felt God tell me I was meant to pick up.  I cannot do that with my head in the sand.  I cannot do that by being complacent and not applying the work ethic and effort needed to go to the next level.  I NEED to do this.  For me, for my kids, for my wife, for my friends, for the people that could be on the other side of an encounter with the Holy Spirit through me.  Whether it is encouragement, prayer, a prophetic word, a message, a joke, a hug, etc...I want to be impacting to all those I cross paths with.  That is my prayer.  But I know it is on me to do my part to get there...I know God will be faithful to do his part.
     
                         This is NOT a New Year's Resolution.  Far from it.  This is decision to be who I am supposed to be.  The end of the year is just a good time to reflect and see where you need to change, adapt, remove, add, stop...  This has been on my heart for over a month and NOW is as good a time as any.  This is going to be a long, hard road but it is going to be a great road and great journey.  Let's get started...

Norway, Europe and Dreams...

               I have taken a long hiatus from writing down my thoughts but felt inspired to do so now.  I am a man of big dreams and I am not apologetic for that.  I feel I possess the adventurer spirit.  I relate with those that also carry that spirit.  In the same breath, I struggle with trying to "make" things happen.  Over the years I have learned that timing is everything.  If you try to "make" something happen and it is not the right time, you usually end up with a bruised and bloody forehead from running into brick walls.  Sometimes you need to wait until a door appears.  That would require patience.  Ouch! Not always an easy virtue (or fruit of the Spirit).  So what do you do when you have deep yearnings and dreams that well up from the depths of your spirit?  Pray. Intercede.  Process.  Dream.  Keep it in front of you but don't obsess over it (as I can do).  Trust (God).  Obey. 
                 
                When it comes to dreams I feel like sometimes it can be a tightrope walk...being fully where you are but allowing yourself to dream and pray into where you are not yet.  Especially when the dreams can coincide and run parallel with each other.  Lisa and I are in the pre-launch phase of C3 Church Comox Valley and are currently walking out the planting process of this church.  It is awesome and challenging at the same time.  This is a dream in motion.  This is where our heart it.  We are living it.  I also have a dream and vision for ministering in Norway.  I have a huge passion for the country and people as my heritage comes from there.  It is deep in my spirit.  I have no idea how this will look and how it will work.  All I know is that it is there.  All I know is at some point I am supposed to go there and partner with the pastors and people there in some capacity.  Does this take away from what we are doing at C3CV.  No.  It will come out of the life and anointing that is being birthed at C3CV.  I can see C3CV being a huge part of this dream too.  I also see ministering at other churches in Europe and a strong tie being built there.  But it will be out of what God is doing in us at C3CV.  But a big piece of my heart is with Norway.

                      So how will this come to be?  I have no idea.  Will I all of a sudden get an invite to come out and do something.  I don't know.  Will we have to dream together as a team and work towards bringing a team over there in the future.  Maybe, but I don't know.  Do I need to know?  I don't think so.  I have to trust and obey.  Saturate the dream in prayer.  Focus on where we are at and what we are doing now...what is right in front of us.  Wait for God's timing to open the doors and make a way even when we can't see it. 

                      So what about those yearnings that feel like birthing pangs?  Acknowledge them.  Use them to motivate you in prayer.  Listen to the rumblings of the spirit.  I keep hearing words that check in my spirit.  I was listening to a podcast of C3 Church Calgary West where Ps. Graham Fletcher was speaking and mentioned Norway and God doing a work there.  My spirit jumped.  Talking on Facebook with Ps. Ruben Meyer from C3 Church Fredrikstad and working on building relationship he mentions that Ps. Lorne Tebbutt has a heart for Norway...hmmmm?  Listening to other podcasts from other churches in C3 Europe I feel a pull.  At the C3 Americas 2014 conference, Ps. Chris Pringle was sharing (and moving in the Spirit) and talked about cutting out pictures of your dreams and posting them where you can see them and pray into them.  That resonated with Lisa and me.  For C3CV and more. 

 

                        I will continue to pray, process and share my heart.  I am believing for big things over this next year and a bit.  Things will blow open.  It will be a season of reaping the harvest and connecting people to a more full and rich life that only comes through the revelation of Jesus and our identity in Him.  Freedom, holiness and relationship equals life changing transformation.  If anyone wants to pray along with me and walk along side me, let me know.  I am always up for that.  Until next time...keep dreaming and remember to trust and obey. :)

- Vaughn

 

The Great Adventure

 

Sometimes we come up to a season of change.  I have had many times of change in my life.  Many moves, many jobs, many different scenarios happening.  Change is an important part of life.  As we transition into new things, it allows us to grow and stretch.  The funny thing is, we usually don't like to change or have change.  I am very much a creature of habit in many ways.  I like routines.  I like consistency.  But there is a part of me that contradicts that part that like things to stay the same.  It is the adventurer part of me.  The part that wants to explore new worlds and try new things.  It is the part of me that likes the unknown. 

So now we are in the middle of a transition and change.  New job, new vision, new focus, new adventures ahead.  So how do we approach all this "new".  Dragging feet, grumbling about how we hate change?  Or are we going to dive head first into the new adventure and be excited about what will be even if it is hard and challenging.  I choose the latter.  We will be taking on a big, tentatively daunting task (church plant), but it is also going to be exciting, refreshing and a welcome challenge.  I like being challenged and being able to rise to the occasion.

Despite talking about change, I am also experiencing a homecoming. I have had one homecoming when we came back to the Comox Valley which has been awesome!  The newest homecoming is returning to C3 Church which is my "tribe".  A place where I feel I can really be me to the fullest.  Same language, same style, same focus, same heart, same culture, same DNA.  I am looking forward to really being able to get back into the fold with the people and reconnect in a greater way.  It is going to be an awesome ride!

For some reason, the song by Steven Curtis Chapman is in my head "Saddle up your horses, we got a trail to blaze" (The Great Adventure).  I feel like I am stepping into what God has really called me to do.  It will not be easy but anything that is worth it rarely is.  I am excited to see where God takes us and who is coming along for the ride.  It is going to be a fun 2014!  I am so thankful for amazing friends and family to walk this out with.  Stronger together!

Those are my thoughts for this moment.  I have a feeling there will be more and they will be more regular.  Feel free to make comments and share your thoughts with me as well.  Until next time...

Christians and Art...

So remember when the church used to lead the way when it came to art? That was a long time. Christians and the church used to be the biggest influence and have the most impact in art. Music, painting, sculpture, dance...now the church is set on segregating itself from the "world" instead of leading the way in creativity. This seems really backward to me. Since God created the creative, shouldn't His inspiration be the most wonderful and influential? But instead the church chooses to not associate with the community but wants to keep its version of art to itself. You dare not be influenced by current trends and new developments in art. You dare not sound similar to "secular" music. Well dancing is sinful isn't it? I have heard all these comments from people in the church and it saddens me. My heart is for the church to go back to leading the way and influencing the art community, music industry, dance community and then I could guarantee we would see a shift in culture and style which would point towards God and His Spirit. Do we, the church, understand what it means to be in the world? We are supposed to be in there like a dirty shirt not hiding in our buildings. We need to be influencers not irrelevant. We need to encourage our kids to take over the art community as well as other area an let them know it's ok to express their God influenced creativity and spirit in the world. Let's get back to being leaders in our world. 

Vaughn

P.S. I know this was a sweeping generalization and there are those already doing this and I commend them! 

Parents Need to Step It Up!!

So I recently posted a link from Fox News in which a writer wrote about the narcissistic generation we are raising.  I was in total agreement with this article.  I am sure I have talked about this many times before.  As someone that works with youth and young adults I see it consistently.  I also find myself at times falling into the trap.  So if we were all honest, I am sure we would all be in some aspect of agreement with this notion.  Fair enough.  But what do we do about it?  There is only one place in society I can see change coming from.  Parents.  Parents need to be waaaaaaaay more involved.  Parents need to be parents and stop worrying about being your kid's friend.  Your sole job as a parent is to parent.  I would offer up that being "friends" with your son or daughter could actually be harmful for them.  I was not friends with my parents.  They were authority figures.  They were leaders.  They were advisors.  They were police.  They were providers.  They were disciplinarians.  They were instructors.  I could probably list a bunch more of roles they played in my life.  I would not include friend in any of them.  Were we friendly.  Of course.  Were we close.  Yes.  Did we enjoy hanging out together and doing stuff.  Yup!  Were we friends?  No.  We were family.  They were my parents and I was their child.  It worked really well.  It was the way it was designed to be.  Once I became an adult did our relationship change a bit?  Sure.  They became more of a consultant position I could go to.

I don't subscribe to the idea of giving our kids lots of privacy and space.  My grandfather, who was a terrific father and grandfather as well as a police officer, gave my mother this advice.  Check your child's room regularly, know where your child is as much as possible, know their friends and who they hang out with.  Basically, be intrusive.  Did my mom do those things?  Yup!  Did she find things in my room I didn't want her to?  Yup!  Was I better for it?  Yup!  I recommend those things for all parents to do.  Know where your kid spends time and who with.  Do regular room checks.  Check their computers and follow what they are doing.  You can even get software to check up on them so you know what sites they are going on and what they are doing online.  Be intrusive.  Don't give them unnecessary privacy that will not do them any good.  Be extremely involved in their lives whether they want it or not.  Don't be their friend.  Be their parent.  Squash their narcissistic tendencies and teach them to have respect for others, to act properly, to serve others, to work hard and be full of character and integrity.  This is best gift you can ever give your child.  The gift of a real parent.  Do what is best for your child not what they want.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/01/08/are-raising-generation-deluded-narcissists/

Revelation and the Church

Has anyone read the book of Revelation in the Bible lately?  It is scary.  It is mostly about the judgement of sin in the world and then about renewing hope and making everything right for the rest of eternity.  So here is my question...Why is no one preaching about sin, judgement, end times, Christ coming back, tribulation, persecution, standing before God on the Day of Judgement, luke-warmness, true salvation, consequence for sin, proper theology, the Fear of the Lord, angels & demons, the spiritual world we actually live in, etc...  This is what I see in most churches today: weak theology being preached, nice feel good messages, just believe in Jesus and everything is fine, let's not offend anyone so people don't get mad and leave (stop giving), let's be politically correct, sin isn't too big of a deal because there is grace right?, let's not talk about the judgement, sin, repentance (TRUE repentance), offensive content of the Bible, accurate biblical translations, challenging truth that gives you only two choices - conform to the bible view or conform to the world view.
I have a ground breaking announcement for Christians and people that think they are Christians.  Here it is: the Bible is offensive!  The gospel is offensive!  Real Christianity is offensive! It is offensive because it goes against the world's view.  It has always been offensive and it will always be offensive unless you do what many denominations and churches have done...ignore what the Bible says and change your "theology" to be palatable, weak, non-confrontational, non-challenging, politically correct, accepting of everything that you want to do, and basically just a social club.  Which makes me ask: what is the point?  Either the Bible is the whole word of God or it is fiction.  All true or all lies.  I have seen and experienced enough to know in my heart that is has to be all truth. 
I feel we are doing people such a dis-service in our churches by not giving them the hard, honest truth.  God will judge us, God cares about the sin in our lives, we will be accountable for our actions on earth, God will spit out the luke-warm, there is more to salvation then just belief, we live in a very spiritual world and need to be aware of what is going on around us, we live in the same world as biblical times and everything you read is how it is now, we have just become numb to it.
I tell you, I am extremely worried about the state of people in the church.  I think there are a lot of people that think they are saved and are not.  I think there are going to be a lot of pastors and leaders that are going to have to answer for the horrible doctrine and teachings they have given to their churches and will be accountable for their souls being lost.  For myself, I pray that will be a speaker of truth, sound biblical doctrine and lead people to a true and real relationship with Jesus.  That will live a life beyond reproach in right standing with God.  That they (and I) will hear "Well done my good and faithful servant" when they stand before God.  They we will live in fullness of power, strength and influence in our communities and to the people around us.  I want to see miracles, signs and wonders to draw men's eyes to God.  I want to see people come into repentance, transformation and relationship with God.  I want to actually experience freedom from sin for myself and others around me and live in new levels of holiness.  I want to have crazy Holy Spirit times and be moving in the power of the Holy Spirit in my everyday life.  I want to push back the presence of evil and change the atmospheres of complete communities.  I want to see the end of the tragedies we witness everyday because there is a community of people praying and breaking down strongholds and strategies of the enemy.  I want to give hope and change to the younger generation who is so lost that they need to resort to then demonic attack on their generation of suicide, murder and self harm.  I want to them to experience Christ and to know that there is freedom from those things and don't have to be living in a fog and numbness of depression and despair. 
God, give me the strength and perseverance to walk this out in my own life.

A New Season...

Seasons change. We all know that. But what is going to be different in THIS season? It's a great opportunity to make some changes in your life. Some different choices, some different direction, some different attitudes. The questions always is: what are you going to do to make that happen? You have to take some form of action. It doesn't have to be massive but you need to start the ball rolling and build some momentum. I am planning on making some positive changes this season. Some health, some spiritual, some relational, some dream related. Ever season of your life is like a new beginning. A fresh start, a chance to correct your course and make some adjustments. I won't say start over as we need to learn from our mistakes and continue in a better direction than when we actually first started. It's pretty much a given that we aren't in the same spot when we started and even if we are a bit off course, we are still further along then if we didn't start at all. We need to stay positive and be persistent. Strengthen your will and your fight. Be a person of action and always putting others ahead of yourself as a servant. God promotes those who humble themselves and serve others. Anchor yourself in Him and cling to His truth even when you don't understand circumstances. Live out of your spirit not out of your emotions as that is where power and authority come from. Be full of the Spirit and give Him room to move through you as you will see signs and wonders. This IS a new season...what will you do with it? I want to see people transformed, set free, saved, healed, delivered, restored, renewed and set ablaze. It's time!! I will count the cost and make the choices I need to see this come to fruition. I believe!

A Hypocritical Thought...That's Right I Said it!!!

So I thought that I would share some thoughts that I have been processing lately.  I do preface this by saying that in my thoughts, although I completely agree with them, I do recognize that they are filled with hypocritical statements....but I am ok with that and will not deny that fact.  So without further ado, here are my thoughts:
OUR SOCIETY IS DUMB!!!...and continues to get dumber.  Here is another statement that is a little oxymoronic.  I love technology and have a big disdain for technology.  Let me dive into this a little.
I feel with all of our advancement with technology, we have become dumber as a society and begun to default to the lowest common denominator.  They way our society is celebrity obsessed and gossip/tabloid driven is repulsive to me.  I love acknowledging merit, accomplishment, talent but in areas that warrant it. If someone is a good artist then they should be acknowledged.  If a scientist or doctor makes a discovery, then that is noteworthy.  Athletes should be acknowledged for their accomplishments too.  The discipline and hard work that goes into being that elite is outstanding.  But the garbage that is being pumped out by Hollywood, television, record companies, and newspapers even, is crap.  I can't stand it.  That being said there are a few television shows I watch religiously and some movies and albums that I enjoy.  I do have guilty pleasures such as The Walking Dead, Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef, and give me sports!! Culturally speaking though, I think we have digressed.  We believe we are greatly advanced from other eras that have come before and technologically we are.  But culturally I believe we are not.  How much time do we generally spend on growing intellectually?  How much do we read as a society or study?  How much do we think about philosophy or art (real art)?  I feel we have dumbed down our society and spend much more time and effort on social media, television, movies and stimulation rather than building relationships, exercising our minds, edifying our souls and spirits and enjoying a simpler existence.  I recognize how hypocritical this sounds from me who has 1,030 tweets, does multiple check-ins on Facebook, always has his iPhone on him, is writing this on a blog, will post it to FB after it's finished on my Macbook, etc...so this is why I prefaced this post as I did.  We live in a microwave, processed food, quick and easy, internet connected society and on some level I feel we have lost something culturally and artistically as well as seeing our standards of acceptance fall.  Even our entertainment I feel has been diluted and dropped in stature.  "So what is the answer Vaughn?"
I may not really have an answer for everyone and definitely don't have an answer that will impact all of society!  I feel like it is more of an internal dialogue to have by yourself.  Do you want to be a slave to the technology and societal pressures that surround us?  Do you want to find a better balance in your life that consists of goals, plans and filters that makes you feel better about what you spend your time doing and focusing on.  It is a choice.  I find that when I do want to watch a show or movie I tend to watch old programs from the early days.  I listen to Old Radio Shows.  I pick up classic literature to stimulate my mind.  I try and limit my dependence on technology the best I can.  I have no problem with utilizing technology and enjoying the benefits it can bring.  It can be a great tool.  But being dependent on it is another thing.  Filling yourself and time with useless garbage that doesn't benefit you all at doesn't make sense to me. I am trying to approach things as "will this make me smarter after I am done?  will this have no bearing one way or the other? or will this actually make me dumber after I am done?"  That might work for you too.  Anyway, these thoughts make me want to go visit the museum, library and listen to some Mozart and Coltrane.  Start enjoying the best quality entertainment from every era including today, don't resort to the lowest common denominator, and exercise your brain.  Enjoy fine aspects of culture not tabloid garbage.  Read some history and examine human nature.  Do something productive with your time.  Grow as an individual and increase your knowledge.  Better yourself.  If everyone did that we could see amazing new and fresh artists around us (keep your eyes open because everywhere they are there you just have to look!!) and hear people with profound ideas and concepts.  I want to live my life with great experiences.  I want to see the pyramids of Egypt, the castles of Scotland, the art of Paris, the architecture of Europe, the countryside of Italy, stand where great historical events took place, etc...I don't want to be stuck watching the Real Housewives of Orange County or the Kardashians, or be stuck surfing Facebook and listening to some crappy music pumped out by auto-tuned talentless manufactured singers put out to saturate a weak market.  Some days I wish there was no more tv, no more cellphones, no more internet for a year and see how we would all cope.  How would we go about life for that year?  It might be refreshing!!
Anyway, that is my somewhat hypocritical rant about the state of our culture as I see it.  It is not right or wrong per say, just my opinion and perspective.  Until next time, keep the rubber side down!! :)

TIME TO STEP IT UP!!

Been a while since I have posted.  Lots going on I guess.  So what is new?  Not too much.  I am surprised by the length of transition it has taken to feel at home here, even though for me it is "coming home".  I guess I haven't moved a whole family inter-provincially before.  It was quite an ordeal!  But now I have settled into where I am supposed to be and want to be.  I look forward to what is in front of me.  There are a lot of unanswered questions but what is good I know I have some things to work on myself as I prepare for my future.  I love that we are being positioned to impact the people around us in profound ways.  I love the people we are meeting and hanging out with and feel like there is something massive ahead for us.  So what lies ahead for me in the next days ahead including today? Time to step it up.  Get my game in top shape.  Refine those things in my life that need it.  Count the cost and pay the price to become an "elite athlete" in the race of life.  That is what I want.  It is a lot of work!! It requires a ton of discipline.  I do need to step it up!! Kill bad habits, create new good habits.  My life is full or parallels physically, mentally, spiritually, etc...so for me I need to push forward in each area to see the maximum impact come to fruition.  If I slack in one area, I tend to slack in other areas.  So here we go...nose back to the grindstone.  I want to live the best life I can live.  I want to have the most capacity I can have.  I want to have the most influence and impact I can have.  I want my words to carry weight and be catalysts for change.  I want to leave a legacy of honour and integrity. I want people to say "there goes a good man" when I leave a room.  I want my mother to be proud of the man I have become as she spoke those words into my life beginning at a young age.  She saw my potential and all I could become.  I need to see it.  I need to act on it.  Potential is wasted without action and discipline.  I want to be a true disciple.  This is my year.  I WILL take big steps.  I WILL see change in me and the people around me.  I BELIEVE.  It is indeed time to step it up!! Here we go...

   

Getting into the Swing of things...

So it has been one week since have been moved into our house and I have been at the new job. So far so AWESOME!! I am loving all aspects of living in the Comox Valley again. We are surrounded by great people and are so enjoying our new environment such as:

And going for walks with Oslo:

It has been great. We have so blessed by the church family at Comox Valley Community Church and are really enjoying the beginning of our journey with them to impact the Comox Valley in our own way. It's going to be absolutely awesome and it has only just started!! I feel extremely inspired and creative living here and am believing it will pour into my work, my play and my family life. I have U2's "Beautiful Day" playing in my mind as say this. That is how I feel. Very blessed, very fortunate, very happy. I will try to keep updates coming and keep sharing my life and my journey here. Hope to have many awesome stories and pictures to post. Love you all! Talk at ya soon!!

Vaughn

Here Comes Santa Claus...AHHHHHH!!!

My siblings used to torment me with that song (among others), as it used to scare the dickens out of me. Sounds funny right? I think it was a common sense thing. I never knew this "Santa" character...we are not supposed to talk to strangers or take "gifts" from them, so why is it ok when this joker comes knocking? I also had a phobia of beards. Yup, I did! I know that sounds strange but beards freaked me out as a kid. I have no idea why but it's true. But think about it...you aren't sure about this stranger coming with gifts to maybe lure you into his sleigh and people are singing about him invading your town and breaking into your house. Freaked me out dude! There must have been something about the tune that I found creepy too. That I am not sure about but it is just a guess. You can take it into account that I was probably only two years old and was extremely quirky but at least I grew out of it and had a little better understanding of Santa having the same handwriting as my mom. Hmmmm....then there was the song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". That song really bothered me when I was older. I didn't get it was supposed to be some role playing game with mom and dad but thought mom was cheating on dad with an old bearded loser that was still doing B&Es. Of course by then I knew Santa was "Santa" but the principle of the song still frustrated me to no end. But as soon as I got the revelation that it was really dad then it was ok. Talk about therapy for the kid in that song though. Geez. I have nothing against the notion of Santa and having fun at Christmas but my focus solely lays on the true meaning of the season and why we celebrate it. Santa just tends to complicate things. Especially in a materialistic and greedy society. We should all be a little more Santa daily but more than that we should all be a little more Jesus every day to the people around us and those that have needs that we can meet. Then every one will be really happy to see that Santa is coming to town even though it is really Jesus dressed up like him wanting to spread love and joy to everyone around Him. Merry Christmas everyone!! See you at the gym next week to work off the treats and goodies we are already partaking in. :) Love you all and "God Bless Us, Everyone!!"

How Sesame Street and Snuffleupagus Messed with My Head...

Yes it's true. I had a really hard time with this and it disturbed me for years as a child. Here's a little back story....

I grew up without cable as it wasn't a high priority on our families expenses list (which I totally understand!). That was a good thing as I spent much more time playing outside and enjoying my childhood versus spending countless hours rotting by brain in front of the 13" Hudson's Bay crappy little t.v. we had. Needless to say though, I really enjoyed the couple of hours in the morning I got to watch Mr. Dressup, Friendly Giant and then Sesame Street. As we only had a couple of Canadian channels, I received the Canadian version of Sesame Street. I watched many episodes of Big Bird's hijinks with his possible imaginary friend Snuffleupagus who never seemed to cross paths with any of the other characters in the show. Gordon would drop by Big Bird's nest and Snuffy had just left! Maria would show up and low and behold, juuuuust missed Snuffy. So they didn't believe he was real. Ok so at my young age, I had come to grips with this scenario and all was fine in the world of Sesame Street. And then everything changed....

My grandparents had cable. This was an extreme luxury and treat when we would visit them. So many more channels and different shows to watch. So I am flipping channels and look what's on!! Sesame Street! Woo hoo! Jackpot!! Little did I know that this was the American version. Looked the same. Had the same characters on the show. Oh there is Big Bird and Snuffleupagus. Wait a minute....here comes Bob. HE'S TALKING TO SNUFFY!!! WHAT THE HECK!!! THIS IS WRONG!!! NO ONE KNOWS SNUFFY IS REAL!!! HOW CAN THIS BE!!! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY!!! I immediately curled up in the fetal position and watched the rest of the show, rocking back and forth trying to come to grips with this discovery. 2 Sesame Streets. One they know him, one they don't. I seriously had a really hard time computing his and rationalizing in my toddler brain. It wasn't until many years later that I realized there were the 2 different versions. I still prefer the Canadian version with the suspense and intrigue of trying to figure out if he is real or imaginary. But at the time it was quite traumatizing when you think of what is a big deal at that age. What's next? Ernie and Bert don't even live together? Oscar lives in a dumpster instead of a garbage can? No Sesame Street news with Kermit the Frog? He was replaces by Grover after he got his Super Grover rights taken away!! Geez. And for the record, I love the Aliens that "Yip yip yip yip yip yip, uh huh, uh huh!!" thing. They were cool!! "Brrrrrrrrring!!!" (phone skit the best). But all this to say, Muppets kick the crap out of Sesame Street anyway and was always my favorite. Can't wait to see the new movie!! Manah Manah!! Doo doo da doo doo....

Go West Young Man...

So it is official. We will be heading west....Vaughno's going back home!! Such mixed emotions on this rollercoaster!! I am extremely excited to be going back to the Comox Valley and being where we feel we are supposed to be. I am also very torn about leaving such amazing friends that have shared my life with me for the past several years. The good thing is that they will always be near and dear friends that will continue to be in my life. I am very pumped about the next leg of the journey and partnering with some amazing people that we will have a blast with changing a community upside down (I believe!).

Changes!! They keep coming whether we are ready or not hey! The questions is can you adapt and roll with them? It's going to be great reconnecting with old friends and hanging with new friends. I believe God is going to do some amazing things through us in the Valley and people are going to be transformed and set free. There is going to be a youth and young adult movement that stems from obedience and vision that is going to see a community impacted and talked about because of a move of God there. Come on!! Bring it!! God is going to do a new thing in the Comox Valley and I am so honoured to be a part of it. Here am I...send me!! See you soon Comox Valley Community Church!! Hang on, it's gonna be a wild ride!! :)

As Seasons Change...

It's been a long time since I wrote a post. Been pretty busy with life but I thought it would be therapeutic for me to write a few lines. We could be on the brink of some significant changes in our journey. Job changes, location changes, etc... The thoughts of these things are exciting and scary at the same time. I feel we have a "builder" mentality. We love building things. Programs, churches, people, etc... Not necessarily the physical aspect as far as boards, nails and that sort of thing. But more metaphorically speaking. I like taking something that needs work and building it up until it is hopefully flourishing. I guess that is why there is always that feeling of needing to have a sense of adventure. My wife and I were talking the other day and she said something that I found very insightful (she does that a lot). She said "I think we are people that feel called to where there is a need and where WE are needed." I found that very interesting and have pondered on that since she said it. My parents told me about when I was quite young and they were faced with a decision for my dad to take a PAOC National Office job in Toronto or move to Lacombe to a small town prairie church that needed help. My parents presented it to us kids who really didn't have much input really but my mother told me years later that it was like God spoke through me to them as I said "Toronto can get anybody. Those other people need us!", very passionately and firm. I believe that was the Holy Spirit speaking through me as I was only around 7 or 8 years old. But I do believe it is something that was wired into me that I am called to build, called to meet needs, called to serve where I am needed, called to raise up others to meet those needs, called to community, called to facilitate change.

So as I stand on the brink of some tentative major change that could happen very quickly, I quote Isaiah 6:8

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Vacation is almost here!!

I cannot wait. This time next week we will be in B.C. kicking it together and not a care in the world. My plan is to bring my camera and document some of our trip on here when I have access to wifi. If you are interested by all means, join along with us on this mini journey. It is a much needed break which I also believe will be a important time to reflect and look to the future as well. Nothing beats family time especially in the mountains, by the ocean, in all of God's glory known as British Columbia. How I miss you!! Stay tuned!!

Believing is Seeing

I awake. It's a fresh sunny morning and I can smell the dew on the grass. I hear he birds chirping outside my window and stop to listen. It's mornings like this I live for. An overwhelming sense of peace with only nature alive and vibrant. It seems like just yesterday I had no sense of direction. Had no idea where I was headed and what I was doing. Now I have strong belief in myself and who I am. Dreams pour out of me like a glass of water overfilled by someone not paying attention. Most people live the "seeing is believing" mantra which I understand. That doesn't require any faith. Faith is something people take for granted and a word used lightly that we miss the significance and weight of the actual meaning. I am trying to walk out "believing is seeing". I have believed. I have saw.
I take the first sip of my newly made coffee in my french press. My mouth savours every ounce as I am truly satisfied with the levels of flavour that cascade down my palate. It's going to be a good day. Why? Because I am believing it's going to be a good day. I continue my life long journey of learning to become a man. A good man. A strong man. The true definition of what a man is supposed to be. When will I become a man. I am. Why? Because I believe I am.

Seasons Change

Seems ironic to say that when it feels like winter will never leave us here in Edmonton. But seasons do change. Hopefully they will here soon too. But I am talking about seasons in life. Sometimes they are small changes, sometimes they are huge changes. We are having a small one right now. We are moving to the country for a year and slowing down a bit. It will be a slow transition but a much needed one. I am wanting to write more music, record the album we have been wanting to do for 2 years, shift some priorities around some, simplify! I know it is going to be an amazing little season in our lives. I also feel there is a huge season change coming on our horizon. I have no answers or definite direction of which it will be but I know it's coming and I know it will be outstanding! For me, I love to know the "plan" and have all the answers before hand but usually it DOESN'T work that way. I am reconciling that. I also don't want to keep looking past the season I am in and miss the fullness of joy I will have while in this season. That is pointless and then you miss the blessings of being where you are at. That is the process I am walking through in my life. It's a discipline thing. Yes, with Vaughn it is usually always a discipline thing!! ha ha. It's good though, until the day I die, I will always be working on shaping my character. I always want to grow as a person (except physically where I want to keep shrinking!). Anyway, that is my thoughts this morning as we hopefully start experience some season change in the weather we can all embrace the season we are in and live it for all it's worth while in it as there is always something to learn and grow from even if it feels like a winter season. Until next time...

vaughnarchy

Distant Thunder

So I tend to suffer from OCD symptoms. I even wrote a metal song about it. I thought it was pretty decent. So when I am faced with a dream, a thought, a possibility, an inkling, I tend to fall into some OCD tendencies. It is something that I really have to try and keep at bay in my life or it can throw me all out of whack and out of focus. So I DO have dreams and things that I want to see come to fruition in my life, but I do know that TIMING is EVERYTHING! There is nothing worse then stepping out to do something and being unprepared. I have seen some people fall flat on their faces by not exercising wisdom and heeding wise council. But there are times when you feel like you need to step out when it doesn't make sense and that is faith. But for me, I have to know that I know that I know I am supposed to step out and can't deny it anymore otherwise I won't set myself up for a fall. Confirmations are a great thing! It is wisdom and faith coupled together that makes for an awesome experience. I am a firm believer in common sense but also firm believer in listening to the small voice inside that directs you.

As MLK Jr. said "I have a dream!". I feel like mine is close enough I can taste it but it isn't even close enough to totally see it yet. i know that doesn't really make sense. The best analogy I have is that it is like thunder. You can hear it long before the storm is upon you but you can't always tell how long you have till you are getting pelted by rain. Could be seconds, could be many minutes. I hear the distant thunder of my dream. How long till I am in the midst of the action? I am not sure. But I want to exercise wisdom and timing. I want see the lightening so when I am in action, it will be ELECTRIC!! Bring it!!

- vaughno

2011...Bring it!!

So here we are upon the brink of a new year. What will this year hold for me and my family? I believe it is going to be a year of hard work and preparation for shift and change. I think things are going to be done externally and internally. I will be refined, shaped and molded into a better man. I don't do resolutions but I do set goals and here are some of the goals I have for 2011:
1. Be debt free (except the car payment...that will be a little later )
2. Loose 50-60 lbs. (mmmmm...discipline!)
3. Live on our strict budget (mmmm...discipline!)
4. Prepare and work on completing C3E album
5. enjoy nature more this year including camping, hiking, fishing and maybe even hunting
6. Use my time wiser...no t.v., less computer/video games (except for spending time and playing with my son), more studying and physical activity
7. Learn how to play a new instrument
8. Get knee to 100% (lots of exercising it!)
9. Be a better husband and father (I know it is hard to imagine how I could be better at that! ha!!)
10. Become a better person
So come on 2011!! I am ready for ya! I will take ya on! It is going to be a milestone year for me and I am going to love every minute of it good and not so good...because the journey makes me who I am! vaughnarchy!!!

What makes a man a man?

I have been going through a lot lately, internally. Feel like I am being pushed to become a better person. To let my character and integrity be shaped and formed. This sucks!...but it is great in the long run. I am in a constant war of conquering myself. Whether physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. I really want to become a disciplined person. Many phrases are rolling around in my mind. "Be above reproach!", "Live a fasted life", "Make the hard choice", "Give your first fruits...", and the list goes on. I guess I am on a quest for holiness and fumbling my way through which is o.k. I just need to cut myself some slack some days and figure out that I am not perfect...far from it. But if I can see the good and slow results of this process in my life then that is more than good enough. I want to give a different meaning to the chorus of Pearl Jam's "Betterman". So when people look at me they say "Can't find a better man". Not out of an arrogant desire but one of being the most complete person, disciplined, giving, honorable, integral and godly person I can be. As my friend Nicky was just saying, "being salt and light". Ya baby! My quest is to get in shape all the way around....I just have better days then others. Sometimes it ain't so pretty when you see the "shaping" times and I sound ridiculous and am acting like a tool. But, "His grace is sufficient for me!" Anyway, this is my thinking outloud forum and I wanted to get some of this out there. If you read this, thank you for listening. If not I am not offended as my ramblings are exactly poetry or Nobel prize worthy ;) Until next time!!