We are almost finished our transition to our new church website.

http://www.devonalliancechurch.ca/

The saga that began a year ago is almost over as we make the final few adjustments in our website transition. I think the website is pretty amazing from the public website dimension to the private church community dimension. Not only can people participate in online communities, update their own database information and get involved in ministries, each ministry leader has access to internet based tools so that they are empowered and equipped to simply update their own areas of the website and individual communities or ministries. It has also decentralized the process of website creation and allowed ministry leaders to update their own sections of the website with limited access only to those areas. It also puts people privacy and information in their hands as they control what information is shared and given to the public. My hope is that this technology will help to facility community and communication in church.

I felt inspired today and redesigned my blog. I hope it is easier to navigate and read. If nothing else, it looks new and fresh.

I found this story a few weeks ago which reports that in a new audio verion of the Bible Samuel L. Jackson will play the voice of God.

Seriously…my favourite actor is Samuel L. Jackson but the thought of listening to the Bible with his voice as God’s would give me nightmares. Can you imagine the same voice that did the character of Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction saying to Jesus: “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”?

So the last few days have been filled with pain. Not emotional pain but physical pain that I have to be honest would rival any pain I have ever experienced before. I have had a toothache like never before. In fact it is to the point now that I have been prescribed a narcotic to deal with the pain. I am not even sure this post will make sense to anyone but me, since I am “under the influence.” But the pain is now on the countdown to end as I am scheduled for a root canal tomorrow. Normally I don’t like the dentist but under the circumstances I am actually excited about it.

Without the option of a dentist in our modern society I know for a fact I would have taken some drastic steps. I have considered pulling a “Cast-A-Way” and like Tom Hanks pulled the tooth myself, although I probably would use something other than a figure skate. I have considered pain diversion theory and having my friend Greg punch me in the face to divert the pain (he actually offered but I passed). But in the end, I am incredibly thankful for whoever created the pain medication I am on. Although the meds have helped, they have not stopped the pain and I look forward to the two-hour root canal tomorrow with joyous expectation.

My life seems like a blur these days and as a result I haven’t had a lot of time to relax, let alone write in my blog. I thought, for the sake of time, I would briefly update you on what is going on in my world these days:

• I am officially interning again (for my Master’s Degree) which means doing my job/ministry with added papers and evaluations.
• I just finished Kyle Lake’s book “Understanding God’s Will” as part of some research – I’ll post something about it soon.
• I have been preaching the last few Sundays (Lessons from the Water) and will continue into August.
• I am the Lone Ranger (minus Tonto) these days at church as our Sr. Pastor is on holidays and our new Youth Pastor has yet to come on staff.
• I am in the process of setting up a new website for our church with some cool technology and features, this has been a long process (the first company fell through) and I am looking forward to having it done. The new site goes live at the end of August.
• We are fast approaching the next DeConference in September – I am looking forward to hanging out with other Small Group Pastors again for a day.
• A couple friends (Randall and Greg) and I just finished filming a new promotional video for our Church’s September Outreach. It is in post-production and I’ll link to it once it is up on the web.
• My trip to Bolivia is just two months away and although the logistics are planned, the money is raise (thanks to those from church who supported me), there is still so much to do…
• I still need to finished the revisions to the second edition of my Small Group book…I am not sure how Pastors find time to write regularly.
• My family and I are enjoying the summer – for more family info and pictures check out Laurie’s blog.
• I am still planning my 30 books and the Bible in 90 days for September so if you have any suggestions please let me know.
• I have not gotten on my motorbike near enough this Summer – something I need to remedy.
• Started to watch the first season of NCIS – It’s okay – much like a cross between CSI and JAG.
• My friend, Randall, and I (well mostly him) are beginning to work on a 3D animated short entitled “Handle with Care.”

I have been reflecting over the last few days/weeks on how blessed I am with the friends I have. I have great friends in ministry who I love to hang-out with, I have great friends in church who are fun and I can be myself with, and great friends with people outside the church. I take this for granted too often.

I was also struck with the realization that God has faithfully walked with us. We couldn’t have planned our situation out better if we knew everything that would have taken place. God is truly good and has been there for us through good and bad.

Finally, I have an amazing wife and three incredible kids. They are awesome and I take them for granted too often.