Monthly Archives: April 2007

There are times in life when life runs on its own time.

For all the plans we make, we can’t seem to get things all on the same page.  An appointment is cancelled, or late.  A discussion you had planned takes a totally different twist.  Or your hair just doesn’t want to stay in place.

The question?  Can we live with timing that is not our own?

In the past three months we (my wife and I) have attempted to attend a retreat — actually planned as a retreat and not just a denominational meeting.  Interrupted!  I had a retreat planned with some other pastors.  Interrupted. 

My wife and I are both looking at possible surgery (knees and batteries!) — hoping for this summer.  But waiting lists are just that.  Next summer??

"To control our own fates" is a phrase of hope — false hope!  I’m convinced, more than ever, that we are not our own masters.  There is a control outside of ourselves.  For those who have worked with AA, Alcoholics Anonymous has made famous the idea that our lives (post addiction, or one might say, in recognition of "sin") must start with an acquiescence to a higher power. 

There is good reason in the nitty-gritty of each and every day, to believe that!  To even name that power, "God". 

Our society is a very spiritual society — 12 step programs testify to the realization that we can not make it on our own!  People know there has to be a God.

But to just be spiritual is not enough!  There are a myriad of spiritual advisors.  All with different approaches and conflicting ideas.  Casting around in the darkness, grabbing the mist, merely frustrates.  But when you grab a solid object, your continued experience of holding on confirms the reality.

In my life, I have found that solid foundation.  And the more I explore, the more substantial the foundation.  In fact, I would go so far as to say all other foundations will crumble when compared to  that foundation. 

Because of this, I want to invite others to come see what I have found. 

On Easter weekend, let me just say that the liveliness of Jesus, the ability to walk and talk with him, and the relationship with others of like experience continues to push me onwards.  This is not an exploration of theology (although I am willing to go there!), nor an exploration of comparative religions (I’ll gladly go there too!). 

This is my story.

Four churches.  Combined together.  Dipping our toes in Maunday Thursday and Resurrection Sunday but with our focus on the cross of Good Friday.

10:00 at the Kindersley Alliance church.  If you are able to join us — see you there!

My younger brother, Gary, loved to travel.  His job in the Post Office was just a front for his travel addiction.  He saw most of the world on a bike, on public transportation, or on foot.  A few years back, his life began to unravel in South America and within a short time he was dead of cancer at 50 years of age.

Back to his story.

One year he was in New Zealand.  I’m not really sure of all the details — perhaps this is even apocryphal?

Gary heard a famous band was to play in a park — an outdoor concert.  In Auckland, I believe.

So, being resourceful, he found his way to the park.  He loved the crowds, so I’m sure he sat with some new friends.  In telling the story he would explain how he had been there and heard a great concert.  Music he loved — put on just for him!  And then he would laugh, and turn to us, and say – “Me and 30 thousand others.”

I think of that story when I think of Easter.  Here we are all in the park.  You are in the park! 

And Jesus is playing his songs just for you, and for me, and for the whole world.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever (that’s the you, and me) would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I’m not sure all my brother heard of Jesus’ concert.  But I do know that I’m listening hard!

I received an email reminder that I needed to renew my domain name.

For the past year or two, I have been known on-line as "ronbaker.ca."  Since I’m from Canada, and my name is Ron Baker, seemed like a great name to use.  People could remember who I was — of course, for those of you who went to "ronbaker.com"  you found out there are car salespeople with the same name.  I also could easily remember my name.

So, today, I renewed my name.

Almost a religious experience.

I could have cancelled my name.  No one would have found me in the next little while!

I could renew my name.  All that I had built up as far as reputation (as few as read this blog!) would remain intact.  So, I pushed the renew button.  I still have a few more things I would like to write on this blog (sorry for the holiday the last few days — got rather busy and figured my ramblings after midnight weren’t worth listening to).

As to the religious experience? 

I know in the Bible a few people changed their names (Saul being one notable example).  I suppose some times we need to leave an old name behind.  On the internet all sorts of names are used to express people’s desires.  Take a look around the internet and see what names people use.  What would you use for your "domain name?"