tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35688332011-04-21T21:50:28.310-07:00John Campea's BlogA little place to bless your mind with the thoughts of John CampeaJohnnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-47864674270198183422007-10-30T10:24:00.000-07:002007-10-30T10:25:45.493-07:00NEW LOCATION FOR MY BLOG
You might notice the posts here are WAY out of date. The new location of my blog is actually at:
campea.wordpress.com
Update your bookmarks accordingly.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1060311972432464492003-08-07T20:06:00.000-07:002003-08-07T20:07:13.490-07:00Shutting down for a while
As most of you have noticed, I've haven't been updating the site much since moving out here to Ontario. I think I've decided to shut the site down for a little while. No, not a Jordon Cooper 5 hour shut down, more like 2 or 3 month shut down. I have a lot of stuff to mull through about my feelings towards the organized church and I think I need to make it an internal Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1060089772145575162003-08-05T06:22:00.000-07:002003-08-05T06:22:52.130-07:00StudentMinistry.Net domain for sale
A few years ago I started a website called StudentMinistry.Net. It was basically a resource site for youth pastors and youth leaders with articles, film reviews and audio files of sermons of mine. To my surprise it became rather popular and at one point was getting around 5000 people a week coming to the site. After 3 years it became just too hard to keep itJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1059965262790747352003-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:002003-08-03T19:47:42.643-07:00Jordon Cooper Rocks
Jordon easily has the best blog (or personal website) that I have ever read. I don't always agree with him (which is usually more fun), but his thoughts and insights are always thought provoking. Anyone who wants to expand the way they think should read his site on a regual basis, I know I do. I'm going to miss Tuesday soup with him.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1059667748945924362003-07-31T09:09:00.000-07:002003-07-31T09:09:08.910-07:00I'm Home!
I'm finally back in Ontario! Home sweet home! It's so great being back here. It's almost too hard to explain. There are many many people back in Saskatoon that I'm going to miss terribly, but here in Ontario is where I'm supposed to be. It's home. We got in last night a about 3am and slept in till about 9:30am. I've already been outside with my niece, tried to rip around on my Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1059378602919873392003-07-28T00:50:00.000-07:002003-07-28T00:50:02.890-07:00Last post for a couple of days
Monday morning I will hit the road for a 2 day drive to Ontario, my old/new home. I have loved Saskatoon deeply, and loved many who live here. One chapter closes, another begins. I'll post when I arrive.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1059299366185544612003-07-27T02:49:00.000-07:002003-07-27T02:49:26.153-07:00Re-Thinking the Tithe Part 2
I've had some really interesting discussions with some people over the last couple of days since I first posted on the issue of tithing. A few common questions keep coming up that I thought I would address here.
1) What about the OT verse about bringing in the whole tithe? (Malachi 3:10)
The reason I don't give any weight to this passage in terms of supporting Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1059038057190662382003-07-24T02:14:00.000-07:002003-07-24T02:14:17.386-07:00The Movie Blog is now up and running
Well, I should say it's "sort of" up and running. The blog itself and the commenting system are all operational. The only things left to do are the "fluff" things like external links and a couple of graphics. Please stop in and let me know what you think. I decided to keep the look very simple and stream lined so there isn't a lot of eye candy there. Hope Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058984546271377382003-07-23T11:22:00.000-07:002003-07-23T11:32:22.396-07:00Re-Thinking Tithing
I'm starting to re-think the whole issue of tithing (I think I'm spelling that wrong). I'm just getting so sick and tired of all this money we as christians are giving, ending up paying for church buildings, new wing expansions, carpet cleanings ect. ect. ect. I did a quick survey of 3 churches financial reports. As it turns out, on average 83% of all church money goes to Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058728615252091032003-07-20T12:16:00.000-07:002003-07-20T12:16:55.213-07:00Getting ready for TheMovieBlog.Com
A few years ago, my friend Dave Lapsley and I had a website called Movie-Reviews.Org that we hada lot of fun with. On the site we just posted our own film reviews, but we got a decent amount of traffic. Unfortunetly, after a couple of years we both got really busy, and seeing 3-4 movies a week got pretty expensive.
Now, we've decided to launch a new site Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058635415210075602003-07-19T10:23:00.000-07:002003-07-19T10:23:35.190-07:00Un-freaking-believable! Metallica are a bunch of losers.
The band Metallica has just gone WAAAYYYY too far. They are now suing a Canadian rock band for using the chords E and F too much. Apparently Metallica feels those two chords are now synonymous with "Metallica". No one else may use them too much. Here's and excerpt from the article:"People are going to get on our case again for this, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058597163953703172003-07-18T23:46:00.000-07:002003-07-18T23:46:03.940-07:00Popular Apple "Switch" campaign a miserable failure
We've all seen the Apple switch commercials. Even I have to admit that the commercials are really funny and quite good. However, I was watching Screensavers on Tech-TV tonight and they are reporting that although Intel and Dell have made huge market share and profit gains this year, Apple has not. As a matter of fact, before they launched theJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058333087242465552003-07-15T22:24:00.000-07:002003-07-15T22:24:47.220-07:00My last post from this house
Well, tomorrow morning at 9am the movers come to pack up my house and ship our stuff off to Hamilton. We'll be staying at my friend Trevor and Rae's place for about a week and a half as we finish saying our goodbyes to our friends here in Saskatoon. I'll miss this apartment we've been living in. It's nice, fireplace, cool large balcony and right across the street Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058328203328019832003-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:002003-07-15T21:06:39.763-07:00The one bad thing about moving back to Hamilton
One of my favorite set of memories as a kid was going to see Hamilton Ti-Cat football games with my dad. Oh the days of Tom Clements and Rocky Dipietro. I'm really looking forward to going down to a ball game every couple of weeks. Unfortunetly it looks like I'll be going to watch my hometown team lose… and lose a lot. So far the Cats are 0-4 Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058299450353693692003-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:002003-07-15T13:04:10.320-07:00No Soup For You!
Every Tuesday it's been sort of a tradition around here for a bunch of us (Jordon, Jeb, Mike, Darren) to get together at this little asian place for soup. I don't participate in the "Spicey Soup" (as is well documentend on Jordon's site) but I LOVE the soup I normally order. I also really like the time visiting and talking with my friends. Imagine my horror when I drove out Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058298954548626662003-07-15T12:55:00.000-07:002003-07-15T12:57:41.636-07:008 things most couples fight over
I found this article highlighting the 8 main things most couples often fight over. I found it pretty interesting and also pretty accurate.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1058207748498660882003-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:002003-07-14T11:38:19.310-07:00John Maxwell status downgraded from wuss to pansy
Darryl Dash has one of my favorite blogs. We share many things in common, including an extreme dislike for self proclaimed leadership guru John Maxwell. Maxwell has made a career out of spouting off vague generalities and linking business strategies with spirituality. For this and other crimes against humanity, Darryl had labeled him a "wuss".Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057998389260029422003-07-12T01:26:00.000-07:002003-07-12T01:26:29.240-07:00Why JohnCampea.Com is much much MUCH better than JordonCooper.Com
Although several papers and volumes could be written on this subject, I will save you time by summing up the most vital points of the assertion. In the end I'm sure you'll agree (most of you probably already do) that JohnCampea.Com is vastly superior to the sad little JordonCooper.Com site. Let us proceed:
1) Jordon currently Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057995787959670362003-07-12T00:43:00.000-07:002003-07-12T00:43:07.933-07:00The League of ORDINARY Gentlemen & Pirates of the Caribbean
I checked out a couple of flicks this weekend. The first one was the new Johnny Depp flick "Pirates of the Caribbean". The trailers for this one looked just pathetic, but to my surprise I found the film to be really charming. It was lighthearted, the action was exciting, the humour was legitimately funny and the visuals were strong. Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057944681933509542003-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:002003-07-11T10:31:21.926-07:00So #&$%!*! frustrating!
It’s bad enough that jerks and other ill-intentioned people have the power in life to cause you pain. I’m not really talking about physical pain, but more along the lines of emotional pain/hurt/stress. At least you can see the jerks coming. The real problem is the not-jerks, the good people, the folks who honestly mean you no harm. I’ve often found that well meaning Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057907316421130302003-07-11T00:08:00.000-07:002003-07-11T00:10:26.690-07:00Why don't they just hand next years NBA title to the Lakers now?
"The Los Angeles Lakers' dream team could give the rest of the NBA nightmares. Free agent Karl Malone, the NBA's second-leading all-time scorer, committed Thursday to join the Lakers, who are quickly becoming one of the most star-studded teams in history.
He joins Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and another newcomer, Gary PaytonJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057822448602957452003-07-10T00:34:00.000-07:002003-07-10T00:36:34.176-07:00Coke vs. Water
This little fact list has been floating around the internet for a while now, but I thought I'd post it anyway. I really hate it cause I LOVE my coke! I love it. I yearn for it. MMmmmmmm... Cooookkkkeeee (said in my best Homer Simpson voice).WATER
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half the
word population.)
2. In 37% of Americans, the Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057734565575494592003-07-09T00:09:00.000-07:002003-07-09T00:09:25.553-07:00Some interesting lessons from Robin Williams
I sat in my nearly empty apartment this evening (getting ready to move) and watched the Robin Williams Live on Broadway DVD. Robin is a very funny man, but his stand up comedy can be REALLY crude. Having said that, there was about a 15 minute segment where he joked a lot about religion. Some of it was quite offensive, but something jumped out at meJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057680522131873652003-07-08T09:08:00.000-07:002003-07-08T09:08:42.160-07:00Bush now admits statements in State of the Union Address about Iraq were “incorrect”.
It’s odd. I personally thought that no one in the United States cared that they’re own President lied to them about their justification for a preemptive attack on Iraq. However, it would seem that I was mistaken. This story just won’t go away, even in the very biased CNN. Now, all Hades seems to be breakingJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057616914964056242003-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:002003-07-07T15:28:34.926-07:00A Saturday Afternoon Surprise
On Saturday afternoon at around 2pm Allison and I were just hanging around the house and doing some packing. Our friend Rae shows up and says “Trevor and the kids are outside in the van… so get your stuff together, we’ve going to Edmonton for the weekend RIGHT NOW”. So, off we went to Edmonton for Saturday and Sunday. It was a really nice time. Hanging out with Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057398272098122652003-07-05T02:44:00.000-07:002003-07-05T02:46:05.260-07:0010 Objections to Christianity and How to Respond
If I needed any more proof that main stream Christianity is almost completely out of touch with our world, then I’ve found it. In a very well intentioned article on Christianity Today’s website, Frank Harber lays out 10 common struggles non-Christians often have with the concept of Christianity. The idea for the article is a good one; however, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057337480584872662003-07-04T09:51:00.000-07:002003-07-04T09:51:43.703-07:00Moving Sale Part 2
Wow, well we just about sold everything on our Online Moving Sale, so I decided to put a few more things up for sale that I just don't think I'll have a place for in Ontario. There are some leather chairs, great movie posters, ect. Take a look and let me know if you want anything.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057137780336866632003-07-02T02:23:00.000-07:002003-07-02T02:23:00.316-07:00Is working in a church a hindrance to your spiritual development?
At first the question may sound a little silly. After all, what better spiritual environment could you work in than a church? At least that was always my way of thinking. Yet working in "full time ministry" (a stupid term) always seems to present certain challenges to my personal faith journey that until recently have been Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1057003202317154622003-06-30T13:00:00.000-07:002003-06-30T13:01:25.773-07:00Moving Sale!
Hey everyone. As you know, we’re moving back to Hamilton Ontario in about 3 weeks, so we’ve decided to get rid of a bunch of stuff (some very nice stuff too). I’ve set up a little “sale” site that you can get at by clicking here. If you see anything you like, let me know. If you see anything you think someone else will like, let THEM know! Thanks. www.johncampea.com/saleJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1056982636071361342003-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:002003-06-30T07:17:16.036-07:00Robert Webber on self centered worshipI wonder if the more recent emphasis on self in worship is one more way of expressing our autonomy and self-importance.
It runs like this: "God, I am going to worship you. I consider you worthy of my worship. God, this is your lucky day. I, this self-sufficient, independent human being, around whom all of life centers, I am going to give you some of my Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1056744687557729142003-06-27T13:11:00.000-07:002003-06-27T13:11:53.493-07:00Will preach for food
Does anyone in the Toronto/Hamilton area want to hire a washed up pastor/blogger? I’m going to be attending school while I’m there, so I’m looking for anything Part-Time. Let me know.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1056692808289890812003-06-26T22:46:00.000-07:002003-06-26T22:47:38.906-07:00An interesting question
I was watching CNN earlier tonight when they were talking about the recent rulings regarding Affirmative Action. A viewer sent in a question that I thought was really interesting. It went like this:Everyone agrees that racial profiling is wrong. So here's a question for you. Is it possible to have "Affirmative Action" without using racial profiling?Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-1056610854458429242003-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:002003-06-26T00:02:33.393-07:00It's official, I'm moving back to Ontario
To say it’s been an eventful couple of weeks would be an understatement. Since leaving Lakewood Baptist Church a few weeks ago, dealing with the hurt and disappointment of that situation, while at the same time trying to decide what to do next has been a real challenge for us. However, we’re really excited about the outcome. WE’RE GOING HOME! We’ll Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-960177052003-06-25T08:04:00.000-07:002003-06-25T08:05:41.000-07:00The Post-Christian Era
We were moving into what's now often termed a "post-Christian" society. This is something of which you're all very much aware. These days it's not so much that young people haven't heard the gospel, it's that they think they know what Christianity is, and they've decided they don't want any. -Steve TaylorJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-959493932003-06-23T09:07:00.000-07:002003-06-23T09:07:10.476-07:00Big Idea (Makers of Veggie Tales) loses 11 million dollar lawsuit
In April a Texas jury decided Big Idea Productions, creator of the popular values-laden VeggieTales series, breached a contract with a distributor. The judge in the case has not yet issued a final ruling, but the jury said Big Idea must pay more than $11 million in lost compensation.
Texas-based Lyrick Studios, producer of Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-959463302003-06-23T07:34:00.000-07:002003-06-23T07:34:40.270-07:00"Hulk" Is a darn good film
Went to see the new "Hulk" film the other day, and I must admit it wasn't what I was expecting. Ang Lee did a great job of moving this film away from just being a "comic book" movie, to being a really good human story. At the same time, there are a couple of wonderful action sequences to satisfy your bash-em-up appitite. I also thought the Hulk himelf looked great, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-958906642003-06-21T05:20:00.000-07:002003-06-21T05:20:56.843-07:00One of the most disgusting things I have ever seen
I came across the ABC news show NIGHTLINE last night, and saw one of the most disheartening sights I have ever seen in regards to my faith. It was the story of the National Evangelistic Preaching Competition being held at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Yes, you heard that right… a PREACHING COMPTETITION. The story Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-958891252003-06-21T02:41:00.000-07:002003-06-21T02:42:47.000-07:00Do we need to re-think Seminaries?Swanger opened his blog entry with: "I think the institution of the seminary is fundamentally flawed. Seminaries must be destroyed for Christianity to flourish."
This parallels a thought I've had about what seminaries train people for, mostly preaching and teaching skills and content, for cognitive information transfer, but when I look at the primary goal of Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-958230882003-06-19T03:50:00.000-07:002003-06-19T22:50:13.000-07:00An open letter to the members of Lakewood Baptist Church
Well, it’s been almost 2 weeks since I stepped down as the Senior Pastor of the church. Many of you have written me email and left messages on my phone, and as you know, I haven’t yet responded. I do apologize, and I hope my silence has not been interpreted as a “lack of caring”. I trust this letter will explain why I have been “laying Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-957949552003-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:002003-06-18T09:06:39.320-07:00Paul Martin on the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada
Paul Martin, the top contender for the Liberal leadership, already has said he would accept the court decision and would craft legislation that would also "affirm that no church, synagogue, mosque, or religious institution to act outside its faith."Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-957795622003-06-17T21:43:00.000-07:002003-06-17T21:43:55.670-07:00Prime Minister Jean Chrétien nails it on the head
2 homosexual related issues are up front in the Canadian public right now. 1) Homosexuals have just received the right to legally marry. And 2) A bill in the house of commons that would essentially make discriminating against homosexuals a “hate” crime. Christians in Canada fear that if this Bill passes ministers in churches who preach againstJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-957088942003-06-16T00:47:00.000-07:002003-06-16T00:47:57.190-07:00A much needed good day
Wow, I had a good day yesterday. I slept in, went to the gym, made myself lunch and sat on the balcony (it was a beautiful day outside) to read my newest book, got to babysit my friend’s BEAUTIFUL little baby girl for the afternoon (she fell asleep on me for about an hour) and watched a funny DVD. Later, Allison got home from a small group camping trip and we had a Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-956892712003-06-15T10:32:00.000-07:002003-06-15T10:32:50.746-07:00The Acronym for Spiritual Leadership in North America: C.E.O."Whenever I meet a Buddhist leader, I meet a holy man. Whenever I meet a Christian leader, I meet a manager."
- An observation from a Japanese businessman
This quote from Mike's blog goes right along with a disturbing trend I've seen happening in many churches for a LONG time. Pastors are no longer spiritual leaders. They are Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-956722872003-06-14T17:01:00.000-07:002003-06-14T17:01:39.843-07:00“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”---Mahatma GandhiJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-956701912003-06-14T14:55:00.000-07:002003-06-14T14:55:59.733-07:00The difference between Apple and Amazon
Yet another reason I will never buy a Mac. Thanks to Coop for the link.Two companies that business pundits love to talk about. But very different indeed...
Have you ever tried to return anything to Amazon? Amazon is obsessed with being remarkably boring when it comes to Customer Service. They are so good at it, so consistent, so eager to do the right Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-956667882003-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:002003-06-14T11:52:40.773-07:00Christianity: Spiritual life or alternative Sub-Culture
I found the following quote in Dan Kimball's new book "The Emerging Church". I spent a little bit of time with Dan a couple of years ago down at his Church (Graceland) in Santa Cruz California. He's a refreshing change to the stereotypical church leader. Where most modern Church "experts" look at the church as if it's some sort of Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-956475662003-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:002003-06-13T18:09:29.833-07:00The mistakes after the mistakes
I flipped on the television this evening and I came across this show (I don't even know what the show is) where a cab driver is talking to a guy in the back of his car. The conversation went something like this:
Passenger: Oh to turn back the clock
Driver: You mean to erase all your mistakes?
Passenger: No. Mistakes I can live with. It's the mistakes you Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-955995802003-06-12T11:36:00.000-07:002003-06-12T11:36:36.243-07:00Senior Pastors could learn something from Tony Soprano and Jerry Seinfeld
Just read this great story about Soprano's star James Gandolfini, who actually took a chunk of his salary (about a half million chunk) and gave it to a bunch of his fellow cast members. James said the reason he did it was because the success of the Soprano's is a team effort, and the rest of the team deserve recognition.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-955957262003-06-12T09:46:00.000-07:002003-06-12T09:46:53.963-07:00Gay couples can now marry in Canada. What does this mean? NOTHING.
An Ontario court of appeals has ruled that same sex couples can now legally get married, and the religious right in my country are flipping their collective lids. Do I think homosexuality is "ok"? No I don't. I've always said that I believe that the ACT of homosexuality is inconsistent with a Christian lifestyle (click here Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-955398052003-06-11T00:03:00.000-07:002003-06-11T00:06:34.000-07:00What was Sodom's real problem?
Mike Todd just moved away from Ontario and used to attend my old church in Oakville called The Meeting House. If you don't read his blog regularly, you really should. I got this from his site last night and thought I should share it.As a Christian "lifer" I thought I knew the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Everyone does, right? The place was a mess, but we'll wrap Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-955165592003-06-10T11:42:00.000-07:002003-06-10T13:11:42.000-07:00CNN says Franklin Graham should "Keep his mouth zipped"
As I read more and more about the life of Jesus, one of the most surprising things that jumps out at me is the fact that He never went around preaching AGAINST things. As a matter of fact, the only thing that comes to mind that Jesus preached against was hypocrisy. Other than that, Jesus spent his time preaching FOR things. The kingdom, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-954325222003-06-08T12:15:00.000-07:002003-06-08T13:46:48.000-07:00Big Announcement
Allison and I decided to resign from my job as Senior Pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church. The people there are really wonderful. I’ll go into more details later, but all I’ll say for now is that I’ve been hurt and it became just impossible for me to function there as the pastor. Not sure what we're going to do next. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-954154232003-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:002003-06-07T14:40:19.176-07:00If it wasn't sealed before, it is now. Get used to saying "Prime Minister Martin"
Many other prominent Liberals have already declared support for Paul Martin's bid to become the next leader of the Federal Liberal Party, but Federal Industry Minister Allan Rock is definitely the highest profile one to date. Rock, who was himself a candidate to lead the Liberals at one time, threw his Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-954134352003-06-07T13:13:00.000-07:002003-06-07T13:13:22.690-07:00Lucasfilm finally launching animation studioGeorge Lucas has finally taken the plunge into computer-animated feature films. Having missed out on "Monsters, Inc.," "Shrek" and "Ice Age" -- which grossed $112 million in DVD and video sales over a single weekend last year -- the dean of digital filmmaking has established a separate company, LucasFilm Animation, to compete with Bay Area powerhouses Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953878812003-06-06T15:19:00.000-07:002003-06-06T15:19:46.930-07:00Christian History Corner: The Ancient Rise and Recent Fall of Tithing
Found this interesting article on Christianity today that points out that in 2001 only 14% of evangelical Christians "tithed", and in 2002 that number dropped significantly to just 6%. Now, some may look at this and say "Good, tithing is just a legalism thing that has no place in New Covenant Christianity". That may be true,Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953729562003-06-06T08:13:00.000-07:002003-06-06T08:13:58.623-07:00Ok, something needs to be done about this
I usually empty out all the spam that comes to my inbox each time I look at my email. I use Yahoo mail to read my messages since it’s so darn convenient and has a WONDERFUL spam catcher that identifies mass-bulk email and sends it directly to a “Bulk” folder. Yesterday morning I decided to not empty the “Bulk” folder for 24 hours just to see how much Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953479062003-06-05T16:51:00.000-07:002003-06-05T16:52:57.000-07:00John Campea - Member of the Liberal Party of Canada
Ok, so about a year ago I decided to become an official member of the Liberal Party of Canada. At the time, the main reason for doing it was to irk my good buddy Jordon Cooper who bleeds Progressive Conservative Blue (he actually once ran against former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow). However, I recently realized that I never actually sentJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953353512003-06-05T10:36:00.000-07:002003-06-05T10:36:23.006-07:00Can a Peace plan without Arafat work?
I have to admit that it looks like the Bush administration and its “Road Map to Peace” plan is actually making some decent progress. Still a long way to go, but it’s the first encouraging sign in the region in a long time. However, the United States has repeatedly said it would not deal with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in the negotiations, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953317712003-06-05T08:59:00.000-07:002003-06-05T08:59:55.003-07:00Well, I’ve got a long day ahead of me. Without going into too much detail I have some big changes coming up in my life and today is one of those days that I have to deal with some of them. I’m not really looking forward to walking out my door this morning, but at the same time I’m kind of excited as well. I’ll fill you all in more later.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-953024022003-06-04T14:56:00.000-07:002003-06-04T21:51:30.000-07:00US Deputy Defense Secretary admits Iraq war was all about oil
First of all, I should mention that I originally was pointed to this story by Jordon's site. In this article, several major revelations are made by Senior Bush administration members (Paul Wolfowitz and Donald Rumsfeld) that basically admit that 1) There were no weapons of mass destruction at the time the US began it's illegal attackJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952908332003-06-04T09:58:00.000-07:002003-06-04T09:58:20.660-07:00Bonhoeffer film opens on June 20 (Thanks to Darren for this post)
First Run Features announces the release of "Bonhoeffer," the riveting story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the courageous German theologian who offered one of the first clear voices of resistance to Adolf Hitler and was eventually executed for joining the plot to kill him. The film weaves archival footage - including a speech by Hitler Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952532342003-06-03T13:52:00.000-07:002003-06-03T13:52:56.326-07:00In the beginning was the word, and the word was "G'day!"
That's how the New Testament might have begun if Jesus had been born Australian, according to an Australian author and broadcaster who has just completed a collection of favorite Bible stories retold in Australian English. To some, Australian English is a screech of tortured vowels and suppressed consonants parodied by "Seinfeld" and "The Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952522162003-06-03T13:26:00.000-07:002003-06-03T13:27:54.000-07:00My "Matrix" profile
You are Morpheus, from "The Matrix." You have strong faith in yourself and those around you. A true leader, you are relentless in your persuit.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952427712003-06-03T09:27:00.000-07:002003-06-03T09:27:00.490-07:00PC Party off to a bad start for election campaing
As a guy who is going to vote Liberal in the upcoming election, I guess I should be THRILLED I am that Peter MacKay won the PC leadership. This guy is going to self destruct this party faster than you can say "Stockwell who?" The process has already begun.
At the same time, as a Canadian I'm disappointed. Even though I vote Liberal, I Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952281652003-06-03T01:01:00.000-07:002003-06-03T01:06:43.383-07:00Finding Nemo is just amazing
Pixar Animation Studios has yet to disappoint me. The animation studio that brought us Toy Story I and II, Bug's Life and Monsters Inc. just seems to always deliver top notch stuff. Finding Nemo is certainly no exception. It goes without saying in a Pixar film that the animation was absolutely breath taking! The underwater environments made me gasp more than onceJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-952273932003-06-03T00:26:00.000-07:002003-06-03T00:31:21.000-07:00Worship.Freehouse and its second night
Sunday night we had our second Freehouse meeting at the Saskatoon Jazz Basement. Once again I had a wonderful time. The "band" was just Mike and Todd this time, but they were great. The conversations around the tables were really enjoyable for me. Some of them were quite deep and spiritual, and others were just laughing and talking about our lives. TheJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-951329782003-05-31T15:29:00.000-07:002003-05-31T15:29:49.723-07:00Homer Simpson to become an honourary Winnipegger
The patriarch of the animated Simpson's family will be made an honourary citizen of Winnipeg Friday. City hall will honour the beer-guzzling, doughnut-loving Homer Simpson, who was named after Homer Groening - the father of The Simpsons creator Matt Groening. Last year, Matt Groening revealed his father was a native of Winnipeg. But controversy Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-950358462003-05-29T07:57:00.000-07:002003-05-29T07:57:26.390-07:00Loyalty to the Prince Of Peace
"Christians whose loyalty to the Prince of Peace puts them out of step with today's nationalistic world, because they are willing to love their nation's friends but not to hate their nation's enemies, are not unrealistic dreamers who think that by their objections they will end all wars. On the contrary, it is the soldiers who think they can put an end to wars by Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-950125392003-05-28T17:14:00.000-07:002003-05-28T17:14:44.153-07:00Michael Moore on why God made women better than men
Perhaps there's no logical explanation for this disparity. Maybe, as the nuns taught us, it's just all part of God's plan. But if that's the case, why did God make women so much better? The nuns must have had the inside dope on this, after all, they were all women themselves. They knew God's secret, and they certainly weren't going to shareJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-950008132003-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:002003-05-28T12:13:04.000-07:00Our idea of Justice
I got this quote from Darren's website:
What's been done in the name of Jesus
What's been done in the name of Buddha
What's been done in the name of Islam
What's been done in the name of man
What's been done in the name of liberation
And in the name of civilization
And in the name of race
And in the name of peace!
Everybody loves to see justice done on Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-949958932003-05-28T09:54:00.000-07:002003-05-28T09:54:49.250-07:00Looking for God in The Matrix: Reloaded
I should first point out that I've seen "The Matrix: Reloaded" 4 times already. I thought the film was absolutly BRILIANT! I could have done without the whole rave/dance scene (those of you who have seen the movie know what I'm talking about), but askide from that, every frame of this flick had me completley captivated. The story was deep and complex, Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-949938262003-05-28T09:04:00.000-07:002003-05-28T09:04:09.863-07:00Jury Rules Against EBay in Patent SuitA Washington area entrepreneur yesterday won a $35 million judgment against eBay Inc., prevailing in a patent dispute that could cause the online auction giant to change some of its business practices. The jury award is a victory for Thomas G. Woolston, 39, a Great Falls-based electrical engineer who claims to have invented, and patented, much of how the mostJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-949935522003-05-28T08:56:00.000-07:002003-05-28T08:56:29.563-07:00Amnesty International claims "war on terror" is only making things worseAmnesty International says the United States-led war against terrorism is sowing fear and danger in the name of security across the globe and denying basic rights to those who have been arrested. The group made the charge in remarks accompanying its annual report, a wide-ranging review of human rights abuses throughout the Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-949010092003-05-26T09:16:00.000-07:002003-05-26T09:16:05.733-07:00Oh my goodness! Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are "Starsky and Hutch"
This is almost too good to be true. I have to admit that although their style is extremely silly, I LOVE the Stiller/Wilson duo. Zoolander is actaully one of my favorite comidies. Now it looks like their about to bring the REAL 70's show back to life. Oh man I can't wait to see that stupid red car with the white stripe Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-948596392003-05-25T07:02:00.000-07:002003-05-25T07:02:33.000-07:00Around 300BC the Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu wrote:
Go to the people,
Live with them.
Learn from them.
Love them.
Start with what they know.
Build with what they have.
But with the best leaders,
when the work is done,
The task is accomplished.
The people will say,
"We have done it ourselves."
There a lot in there we in church leadership can learn from. Thanks to signposts for the Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-947415692003-05-22T08:46:00.000-07:002003-05-22T08:47:06.000-07:00The Taz Culture
My friend Mike Gingerich wrote the very insightful thought on his website the other day about a suitable mascot for our culture. Over the last 5 or so days i have noticed something that "i" find intersting. I have walked and driven around my neighborhood and was shocked to find the amount of vehicles adorned with Tazmanian Devil decals, stickers, floor mats, car seat covers. I Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-946833092003-05-21T06:09:00.000-07:002003-05-21T09:14:23.000-07:00More from Thomas Merton
"A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire."Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-946829332003-05-21T05:59:00.000-07:002003-05-21T05:59:19.090-07:00Thomas Merton on Spiritual Direction (thanks to Alan Creech)
Spiritual direction is not merely the cumulative effect of encouragements and admonitions which we all need in order to live up to our state in life. It is not mere ethical, social or psychological guidance. It is spiritual.
But it is important for us to understand what this word "spiritual" means here. There is a temptation to Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-946826522003-05-21T05:50:00.000-07:002003-05-21T05:50:09.166-07:00Kierkegaard and the parable of the ducks
This little story I found on Coop's site kinda goes along with my last post. I couldn't help but giggle a little when I read it this morning. There was a little town of Ducks. Every Sunday the ducks waddle out of their houses and waddle down Main Street to their church. They waddle into the sanctuary and squat in their proper pews. The duck choir Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-946519362003-05-20T14:23:00.000-07:002003-05-20T14:23:33.263-07:00Man, being a Christ follower can be hard
I was talking to a good friend of mine out here in Ontario named Steve. Anyway, Steve was just telling me that his father totally rejects the Christian faith because is it’s inherent hypocrisy. When Steve pressed him to explain what he meant, the father said that he read in the bible how Christians are supposed to sell their things and give to the poor.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-945801902003-05-19T06:51:00.000-07:002003-05-19T06:51:32.580-07:00Missionary beheaded in Solomons
An Australian missionary was beheaded in the Solomon Islands in the latest killing in the lawless and impoverished South Pacific island nation, police said on Monday. Lance Gersbach, 60, was working alone on a building site at a Seventh Day Adventist Mission at Atoifi on the island of Malaita when he was attacked on Sunday. "Information we have is that he was Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-944078302003-05-15T13:00:00.000-07:002003-05-15T13:00:56.183-07:00San Francisco Gate gives sarcastic, yet accurate report on WMDs.
Ha-ha-ha oh man did we ever get smacked on that one. Conned big time. Punk'd like dogs. Just gotta shake your head, laugh it off. They reamed us but good, baby! Damn.
Turns out it really was all a big joke after all. The war, that is. All a big fat nasty murderous oil-licking lie, a sneaky little power-mad game with you as the Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-943551532003-05-14T16:03:00.000-07:002003-05-14T16:03:16.390-07:0010 year old girl murdered in Toronto
The old saying of “The exception that proves the Rule” would be appropriate to this situation. Toronto Ontario is probably the safest, and cleanest large city in the world… HOWEVER, this morning when I turned on the radio I heard of the tragic death of 10 year old Holly Jones. It seems the entire city is in mourning and gripped in a sense of outrage. It’s Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-943294312003-05-14T07:29:00.000-07:002003-05-14T07:29:30.620-07:00Oh my goodness “Freddy vs. Jason” is actually coming out
I can’t believe it. I was shooting around the web today with my good friend Dave Lapsley and we came across the trailer for the movie all 80’s horror fans have been waiting to see… “Freddy vs. Jason”. Yes, you read that right. The villains from “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th” will do battle starting on August 15th in a Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-940716692003-05-09T13:29:00.000-07:002003-05-09T13:29:14.140-07:00Peterson "double murder" case causes some confusion
Ok, let me say right off the bat that I'm not trying to evoke a debate on abortion. However, the fact that Scott Peterson is being charged with 2 counts of murder has me scratching my head. How can you charge a guy with murder for taking the life of an unborn child, and yet make abortion (taking the life of an unborn child) legal? To me it Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-939439772003-05-07T12:23:00.000-07:002003-05-07T12:23:38.526-07:00The Church vs. The Sermon on the Mounts
While teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, I became good friends with a young Jewish student who eventually made a commitment to Christ. As I tried to mentor him and give him a direction as to how to live the Christian life, I advised him to go to a particular church that was well known for its biblically based preaching, to help him get a better Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-937341282003-05-03T21:33:00.000-07:002003-05-03T21:34:02.280-07:00A prayer for real people
My sister Sandy sent this little picture to me today. I thought you'd all get a kick out of it.
Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-936837452003-05-02T19:07:00.000-07:002003-05-02T19:08:19.396-07:00X-Men 2 is AMAZING!
Saw X-men 2 this afternoon. The movie was everything I hoped it would be and more! The visual effects were stunning, and the story was quite good to boot. There was also a great conversation between Nightcrawler and Storm. Nightcrawler was sitting in the back praying. A conversation ensues, here's an excerpt:
NightCrawler: How can one so beautiful be so angry?
Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-936834712003-05-02T18:59:00.000-07:002003-05-02T18:59:54.790-07:00It's time to re-think church buildings
I was thinking today about something. Do you know that in all the New Testament, money was never used to build church buildings or fund various programs? To be honest, not all that much was said to be designated for "missions" either. The vast majority of the money that Paul and others collected from the churches went directly to feed hungry people and Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-936087472003-05-01T11:38:00.000-07:002003-05-01T11:38:34.313-07:00I just love these
These posters and MANY more can be found at Despair.com. You can order them and other really funny products. I think I might get some for my office.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-935489812003-04-30T12:35:00.000-07:002003-04-30T12:35:38.636-07:004,000 calls a minute for T.O. entertainment deal
The $125 deal, created to boost up business in the wake of SARS, is a joint venture between Ontario's Ministry of Tourism and Mirvish Productions.
John Karastamatis, a spokesman for Mirvish Productions, said that when the package became available at 9 a.m., there were 4,000 calls a minute coming through.
The package offers:
- a top-pricedJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-934948132003-04-29T16:13:00.000-07:002003-04-29T16:13:36.436-07:00withdrawl or involvement - A prayer of reflection:
Lord, when you were in our world, you were fully involved.
You loved the people you met and you loved the details of their lives and hearts.
You also showed us that to be fully involved, there are times when we need to withdraw.
You withdrew from people in order to learn to love them more, to listen to the Father's voice.
Help us inJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-934805972003-04-29T11:43:00.000-07:002003-04-29T12:48:02.636-07:00New Fox Reality show to determine Ruler of Iraq
Describing the new show as "American Idol meets the reconstruction of Afghanistan," Darnell said Appointed By America will feature contestants squaring off in a variety of challenges, including a democracy quiz, a talent competition, and nation-building activities that will demonstrate their ability to lead a bombed-out, war-ravaged Mideast countryJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-933251882003-04-26T20:27:00.000-07:002003-04-26T20:27:58.000-07:00The problem with “Revival”
When evangelicals start talking about wanting “revival” I always want to laugh out loud. When I ask them what they think revival is, they’re definition always revolve around “tons of people getting saved”. So they pray and pray for revival. The problem is, no matter how hard you pray, God isn’t going to force someone to come into a relationship with him, let alone “Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-931955032003-04-24T12:48:00.000-07:002003-04-24T12:48:04.786-07:00In Vancouver with Hennry Blackaby
Well, I flew into Vancouver this morning. Man, it was almost 23 degrees in Saskatoon and sunny, I got here and it's about 5 degrees and raining. Ugg, I hate the weather in this town. Anyway, I'm here with a few other leaders in our denomination to get together with Hennry Blackaby (the guy who worte "Experiencing God") to talk about prayer for a few days. Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-931235102003-04-23T10:29:00.000-07:002003-04-23T10:29:33.353-07:00Everyone MUST see “Bowling For Columbine”
I went to see Bowling for Columbine again last night with a friend of mine after witnessing the train wreck that was the Leafs game 7… but I digress. Anyway, no other film will ever make you think as much as this one… no matter which side of the political spectrum you stand on. It’s scary, it’s thought provoking and really quite shocking. Oprah and Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-930347492003-04-22T01:21:00.000-07:002003-04-22T01:21:03.386-07:00Red Wings hire a new P.R. guy from Iraq
Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-929164112003-04-19T20:45:00.000-07:002003-04-19T20:45:56.903-07:00In war, whose side is God on?
A friend of mine pointed me to this wonderful article printed in the Hamilton Spectator. You'll find and excerpt from it below. Read the whole article if you have the time, but make sure your read the quote from Abraham Lincon at the bottom of my post.So then, whose side is God taking in the Iraq war? He's on the side of the soldier, regardless of uniform, who Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-928986522003-04-19T11:59:00.000-07:002003-04-19T12:17:12.000-07:00Blessed Easter Everyone!
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568833.post-928011592003-04-17T14:36:00.000-07:002003-04-17T14:36:23.420-07:00Children's Books that will never be published
A friend of mine sent me this list. I've read it 6 times and I still laugh out loud:
1. You Are Different, and That's Bad
2. The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables
3. Dad's New Wife Robert
4. Fun Four-Letter Words to Know and Share
5. Hammers, Screwdrivers and Scissors: An I-Can-Do-It Book
6. The Kids' Guide to Johnnoreply@blogger.com