Candle of the LORD

I'l have my geese well done thanks

grazing in the field

A Sunday afternoon drive in the country is something we haven't done in a long time.  This past Sunday we decided to grab a quick bite to eat and head out.  Wendy had a specific area she wanted to see - and area near where she lived as a teen.  So off we went.  We stumbled across a marshy area where I saw hundreds of geese grazing and thought I might get a couple of good pictures when suddenly a thunderous noise arose from across the field.  Hundreds of geese took the air, and with that their honking filled the air.

Just the noise of their wings was deafening - but when you add their calling each other it was an amazing spectatcle.  I changeed the settings on my G10 to record video and tried to capture this unique event.  I am not sure it really does it justice but you can get some idea of what it was like.

the V formation

Not many people like Canada Geese - especially in this neck of the woods where they cover the parks, chase small kids and dogs and are a general nussance.  Yet they are majestic birds in flight with a bold appearance.

I've often wondered - what would they taste like if we hunters of Canada Geese?

Happy Birthday Philip

2005- Kananaskis

Phil is far north today - north of Peace River AB as he works on a oil & gas site today as an EMT.  Though he`s far away he`s on my mind today.  Both our boys are now grown men - married and living independent lives.

I want to say how very proud we are of Philip - who is a very determined, disciplined young man.  He`s accomplished a great deal for someone of his age and continues to demonstate a high commitment to personal and professional development.  When he was in school we struggled to get him to class, to study, to read ...to be engaged in learning.  Somewhere along the way he decided - determined - to be a life long learner!

Phil loves the outdoors and is active in the mountains where he lives.  He is a skilled carpenter and has demonstrated on a variety of levels that he has considerable math skills, is creative, and is able to teach complicated concepts in a relaxed and understandable manner.

Married to Amanda - they make a great team and I can only imagine what they together will accomplish!

So happy birthday Phil - be safe, keep learning - and remember how mush your family loves you!  Remember how much I love you.

Playbook 2.0

BlackBerry released it's 2.0 OS for the Playbook while I was in Texas.  The download was quick and easy and a few changes were evident immediately.  I like the interface, the new look of the Apps page and of course they were kind enough to throw in a couple of free apps for a limited time.

What I'm not sure about is that one of my apps disappeared.  I've been using my Playbook for recording meetings - especially where I want a record for minute taking/keeping.  Somehow that app is gone.  The voice files are still there but where's the app?

Second I'm having trouble downloading apps.  Now this may be where I was and the fact that our internet service was a bit sketchy.  That being said I didn't have trouble uploading photos to my blog or using gchat.  Being home will give me a chance to see if I'm just having some hiccups.

As for my Playbook I'm really enjoying it - finding the size to be a great advantage.  The quality of the camera is excellent and the sound recording superb.  With the new OS the PlayBook will be able to run Android Apps.  Someone said to me - that sounds like a game changer - the jury is out on that but it certainly addresses the significant weakness of the PlayBook.  I read recently that PlayBook is now up to 35% of the market share in North America with the price reduction on the Playbook and it is the younger crowd that has embrace it.

It was that group that launched Apple into success with their purchase of the iPod.  Will they do the same for BlackBerry?

Sunday Smile

A new adventure

I have embarked on a learning journey - this past week I've been in Texas with Arrow.  I've grabbed some photos - and putting more down here in the coming days.  Right now I'm just sensing God's working in my life.

I hope you sense his working in your life.

In the San Antonio airport (Feb 19) I watched about 40 or 50 young men in US military uniform gather - they looked very young.  In fact I thought they didn't seem old enough to drive.  It made me feel sad that young lives like theirs need to be put on the line.  I'm sure the LORD would prefer us to be at peace.  The world is not a safe place and in North America I sometimes wonder if we have a false sense of security.  We likely won't live this way forever.

And yet our faith journey continues trusting God for the present and the future.

A great new quote for today from Henri Nouwen who I am rediscovering.


“I know that I have to move from speaking about Jesus to letting him speak within me, from thinking about Jesus to letting him think within me, from acting for and with Jesus to letting him act through me. I know the only way for me to see the world is to see it through his eyes.” 

― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Texas - San Antonio

Texas thoughts

Tonight I'm sitting on a large wooden porch looking out on the green grass of the T Bar M Ranch just outside of San Antonio Texas.  The sun has set and the lights of the grounds are gorgeous as they reflect in the leaves of the trees. The night air is warm and moist - the crickets are chirping.  People are in the hot tub.  It sure doesn't feel like winter.

My re-entry into cold, snowy Toronto tomorrow may be a bit painful.


Apparently a few folks have seen an Armadillo on the grounds - they are nocturnal.

This is the end of week one of the Executive Stream of Arrow. Some good learnings, some great new friendships, and a fresh blowing of The Spirit in my life.

I've been reminded of the truth "Leadership isn't above you - it's within you." - that's my quote by the way!  I've been grateful for this opportunity.  I would be happy to tell you more if you want to have a conversation.

Blog time out

Friends- this is very unusual for me...but I'm off line for this week.  I'll be back on the weekend!

God bless you.