Terribly Poetic

You know what?  I get it, I honestly do.  I know that it can be frustrating for you to have to sit around my children during church.  I know that they don’t always remember to whisper, they might sit when we stand or stand when we sit, and they will probably (at some point) be eating during the service.  I promise they will be distracting sometimes and I guarantee they are not going to sit quietly the whole service (although I do promise to take them out when they are melting down… we all have those days don’t we?).  But here’s the thing…. that’s not my biggest concern right now.  My husband and I are not trying to teach our children to sit and be quiet so the adults can worship God through singing, teaching and responding. We’re not trying to make sure that they are “seen but not heard”, frankly their noise level is the least of our concern on a Sunday morning.
So what am I trying to teach my children when I get the opportunity to have them with me during the service?
I want my children to know that Church is FUN!!  When we come to Cornerstone, my youngest, Norah who is now 2 years old, almost always runs to the sanctuary doors and starts dancing and clapping.  Even in her young mind, she knows that in that place we sing with joy, we clap (some of us anyways), and we celebrate!  As she gets older she will come to understand that we are singing songs of joy to our Savior, we are clapping in adoration to our Father, and we are celebrating the works of our God!  Our oldest daughter, Libby, has started to understand that more and more every Sunday we are together.  She knows that we go to Church to learn about God and to remember all of the incredible things God has done for us through Jesus, His Son.
Secondly, I also want my children to know that Church is a place where all people are valued.  I want my girls to know that they are a part of something bigger RIGHT NOW.  They are not a nuisance, the are a part of something bigger than themselves… something God specially designed to carry out His purpose to the world.  They are not a part of the Body to come, but they are a integral part of the Body in the present, the here and now.  Are we perfect? Absolutely not!!  But that’s the beauty of God using His Church to work around us…. He takes us in our weaknesses so that we can see His Spirit working through us.  My children can grow the kingdom of God!  I have seen many children come to our mid-week program through the invitation of our Cornerstone kids and I know many children, Libby included, who are excited to be able to talk about Jesus with their classmates.
Lastly, I want my children to learn what God wants to teach them.  There are so many times that Libby has learnt of the things of God from simply spending time in the service.  She has asked me questions regarding the songs (“What does Hallelujah mean?”), regarding the sermon, which I once assumed she wasn’t listening to (“What does obedience mean?”), and she is learning so much from watching what we ALL do (“Why do we stand?”, “Why do some people put up their hands?”, “What’s the bread for?”, “What’s that picture on the screen mean?”, etc, etc).
So what am I asking of you, the Church?  Please understand that my husband and I aren’t perfect (and I’m sure other parents would agree they aren’t either) and we will get frustrated, but we’re trying to teach our children about something that is bigger than any of us.  It can be exhausting for some of us, to look for teachable moments, or to keep a toddler engaged (hence the snacks!).  But you know what?  A smile from across the room, or a knowing nod can be such an encouragement to a parent’s heart.  Older people, please encourage our young families who are trying teach their children the ways of our God.  Please don’t treat our children like an annoyance, and please don’t judge our parents purely on their children’s behavior.  Kids will be kids and we all have bad days.  If you’re around children at all, you probably know that Sundays have that special way of getting children completely off routine, causing more meltdowns… maybe it’s God’s way of teaching families to rely on Him and His Church… who knows!  I am asking that you extend grace to us, as parents, and come along side us to support and encourage us.  It is hard to raise a family in this age, and families are being attacked at every level, so please pray for us and lift us up to God.
Lastly, if you take nothing else from this article, please hear me when I say the children are watching EVERYTHING that happens on a Sunday.  They are not just looking at the stage, they are looking everywhere.  They are not just watching the leaders, they are watching YOU.  They are not just hearing the words that are being spoken or sung, they are watching your actions and how you are responding to what’s being said.  And they are not only watching you in the pews… they are watching you in the foyer, in the gym, while you drink your coffee and in the parking lot.  And please, I beg of you as a mother who whole heartedly wants my children to fall completely in love with Jesus, show my kids what it’s like to be 100% in love with God.  Please extend the love and grace that God has given to you to my children.  How great it would be that by the time the children in our church can first say “Jesus”, they have already experienced His grace and love through people of the Church thousands of times!  And I’m not talking about in the nurseries, or the CE wing, but in our pews and foyer…. can I hear a “Hallejuah!!”

I have been meaning to write this post ever since this Sunday morning, the Sunday that I was wrecked. However, I have been putting it off mostly because I am wrecked and don’t completely know what to share, but as I have reflected over this for 2.5 days now, I know that I need to share what God is doing to me, and what I believe He wants to do with many others.

For me, this didn’t just happen this Sunday, it has been a process that has climaxed in a dramatic way this Sunday. Nonetheless, I will begin earlier than Sunday. Earlier this fall I was given a book entitled Radical to read as some leaders in the church where giving them out. This book challenged me in the comforts we as have and how Jesus challenges and demands that we live in a way that requires Him. So as I look at my life, one area God pointed out was money. Yes, I’m going to start talking about giving first. The money I am given is from God, and when I look at my life, and when you look at your own, are you given in a way that is a sacrifice? I mean are you giving to God, knowing that He will need to continue to provide for you? I’m not talking about giving more, I’m talking about things like retirement plans, savings, the way we put our money away for that trip we’ve always wanted, I’m talking about giving in such a way that we completely, 100% rely on God. I venture to guess that NO ONE reading this right now is doing that. But I believe we ALL should be. I’m not going to go into details on how God has challenged myself and our family on that fact, but know that this has been very difficult.

So that’s was the beginning. God showing me that He needs to be the provider. God then has been challenging me that if we rely on Him for everything that He also demands so much more of our time, energy, talents, etc, etc. This is when the bigger struggle begins for me. As I have been looking for more ways to serve, I’ve also been challenged by how much time I spend with my family, and what can my family do together to serve, and all these thoughts get in my head, and I get pulled in so many different directions. But what ends up happening is that I end of thinking about things and going to work and then going home to a warm house sitting down, after what I think is a hard day, with a cup of coffee to relax to one of too many mindless TV shows or movies to watch as the day ends. And time passes and I still am thinking about this, and before you know it, I’ve done nothing to change. Oh, I can spend the time to make sure I am up to date on the latest TV Shows, or tech whatever (insert something else for yourself here), and make sure all of my comforts are taken care of, but really making a change, especially one that might get in the way of the comforts that you and I all think we deserve? That’s all together different, isn’t it?

Insert Sunday morning.

Read Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Instead of trying to describe more about this Sunday, I would like to have you read an excerpt from our Pastor’s latest blog post below.

On the second Sunday of Advent this year God met us at church in a startling fashion. He drew our attention to the needs in our own city. Not Toronto or Vancouver but Saskatoon. The way that happened was through Hands On Ministries down on 20th. We had Rick Langlais come and share at our Friday morning men’s breakfast. We left disturbed with the news of what is happening within our own city. We discovered that we have over 250 prostitutes under 16 working our streets. These are under age children so as Rick said let’s call it what it is….these girls are being raped.

It was a sobering, disturbing Sunday because we were talking about the coming of the Messiah. It should be nice and Christmas-like but the truth is Jesus came to change lives. He did not come so we could have church. He did not come to make us comfortable. He did not come so we could be nice. He came to change our hearts and to give us a message to share.

This is what wrecked me. In the Christmas story you will remember that when the angels came to the shepherds in the field that he said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” ALL THE PEOPLE, includes those girls in Saskatoon that are being abused. Jesus does want to save the world, and He wants US to be the ones who deliver hope. Not just those that are officially in paid ministry, but ALL of us. He doesn’t want us to be comfortable. So I am completely wrecked and I hope I don’t ever get fixed.

It’s time to get uncomfortable.

I’ll end with the Great Commission. And I like how the version, The Message, puts it.

From Matthew 28 – “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life…”

Also, as soon as the audio podcast of Russ’s complete sermon from Sunday morning is available, I’ll post a link. Or you can subscribe to it via iTunes here and get it right away.

Well it’s cold, the ground is covered in snow, the winter tires have been put on the cars and when I enter stores I am surrounded by crazy shoppers. It’s almost time for the holidays and Christmas. I’m not sure why I have a love-hate relationship with Christmas time. It’s not like I had a terribly childhood or some tragic event that I am being reminded of. It’s actually quite the opposite, I have great memories of family Christmas at the farm. From the hours building snow forts, to the annual Christmas Eve time of opening those loot bags from Church services, to the anticipation of Christmas morning, there was always much to be thankful for and to remember. So now I’m a father, with two wonderful girls, it’s suppose to be my turn to build those same memories into my own family, my turn to put up the ridiculous amount of lights on the tree, the house, the everything and I just don’t feel excited about it. Oh, I am excited to see Libby’s face Christmas morning and to snuggle up with her and read the Christmas story and to teach her about why Jesus coming to earth is so very important. But all that other stuff, I’m just not ready for it, or even wanting it.

Sure everyone keeps telling me, “You’re a Scrooge”, “Ba humbug to you”, “Where’s your Christmas Spirit?” And frankly, I’m getting rather sick of it. In fact, those comments probably make it worse. I have Christmas spirit, I want to show and teach to my family and to others what really matters at Christmas. Does my house really need to be visible from a radar image for me to “have Christmas spirit?.” Even Christmas trees and all the decorations and dare I say it, even the many nativity scenes around…. is this all there is too it? Decorate, give some socially conscientious presents, eat way too much food, sing a carol or two and call it another Christmas season? I think we’ve ALL missed the mark somehow. I think that’s why I don’t enjoy all the preparations. And yes, I have thought this for awhile and I’ve done nothing to change. Shame on me. But shame on all of us for letting Christmas simply get out of hand. I mean, my Savior came down to earth in a very humble manner. He choose a stable, a barn, the most humble surroundings to arrive. And how do we choose to celebrate? Big events, tons of decorations, hours shopping for gifts and let’s be honest, gift cards, for others that don’t need anything at all. Doesn’t anyone else find this to be, well, strange?

Well, I’m telling you this all so that people will quit saying I have no Christmas spirit, but also as a form of accountability. This Christmas I am going to do something different. Instead of just complaining I’m going to seek out different ways to celebrate and I’m going to look for humble ways to do that. For starters, this year Christmas day is actually open for just my family to do whatever we want, no gatherings for either side. So we are looking for a place to go and serve others, humbly serve those in need. So if anyone has an idea for a place a family of 4 with 2 small Children can go to serve on Dec 25th, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Other ways I’m going to change, well, I’m not sure. Don’t think I can get away without any decorations, as my wife might shoot me, but I do want to do something different. Ideas?

PS. I still haven’t started listening to Christmas music yet. Ugh. And the picture is just for Jess

I’ve been reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan and below is my observation from the section I’ve read today. I thought this was a great place to start dialogue or writing back on here.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, “The Word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’”

God knew me before He made me. Again, God knew you and me before we existed.

God has been with me from the very start. Before I knew Him, before anything. It also says that God then knew what I would do before I was born too! You might just think this is written to Jeremiah, but Eph 2:10 tells us that we are created to do good works. God setup and prepared good things for us to do long before we existed. Sure I’ve heard all this before, but stop and think about how crazy it really is; that the God of the universe knew each of us before we existed and that HE prepared God thinks for us to do. I know that I have past by some of these good things before and I’m sure you have too. For me, one of the reasons I don’t do them, is because I think I won’t do a good job or that the job really should be done by someone else. Firstly, these good things are prepared for each of us and if God tells me to do it, it means it was created for me, not someone else. Secondly, we don’t need to be scared of failing. This is the same problem Jeremiah had and God told him, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” It goes on to say that God touches his mouth and gives him the words he needs. Remember that God prepared these good things and that He will also guide us to do them as He wants. It is HIS plan not ours. Now that is crazy.

It’s such a simple truth, yet I know I fail at it.

The toughest question that has come from this section of the book so far….

The greatest good on this earth is God. God’s one goal for us is Himself. The best things in life are gifts from the One who loves us (God), but we need to ask ourselves if we are in love with God or just His stuff? Do I love the things He provides me with, the feeling He gives me when I succeed at a good work He gave me or do I earnestly love God Himself? I’ll be wrestling with that for the next while. What about you?

It is a season of change at the Grunau household. You have already heard about my change in jobs, which will take place officially on April 1st. But today is the day to let the world know the REAL BIG NEWS. Here it is…

Sometime in October the Grunau house will be growing to 4!! That’s right we are expecting another miracle baby. To keep a long story short, God has totally given us another miracle of being pregnant once again. We are extremely excited to say the least. Libby is already starting to wish for a “sister” and sometimes she even says she wants a “brother.” She is getting excited too! There is a much longer story on God totally displaying His amazing timing and blessing in our lives, but it is much better told in person. So if you want to hear the story you will have to invite yourself over to our house to hear it.

We feel extremely blessed and I believe I am starting to freak out abit myself. I have become very comfortable with our little family of 3 and am scared for change. However, with a new job, and a new baby on the way, I am forced to accept change head on. The scary leap of faith is that my new job is a “term” position that is only guaranteed until Sept 30th, which means I could be unemployed with a new baby on the way, that is what is scary. But God hasn’t steered us wrong and I know that He has our best in mind, so we trust that He will provided as He has provided our second miracle.

Today marks the beginning of Lent. Read more about the history of Lent here. While I didn’t grow up following the traditional Church calendar, over the past few years I have been attending an Ash Wednesday Service (which is the start of Lent) and have grown to enjoy more of these Liturgical practices of the Church. From fixed hour prayers, the Jesus Creed, to now Lent.

As I understand the season of Lent is a time to fast and pray. Many people do this by the giving up of something they do on a regular basis so as to have more time/energy/etc to give to becoming more like Christ. It is a time to draw ourselves closer to Christ. I also understand that some people give up something to connect closer with the poor. One blog writes,

Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves—a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating lobster misses the whole point!

Therefore, the picture you see is the last cup of coffee I will drink till the end of the season of Lent. For those that know me they will know that this is going to be difficult. I drink a lot of coffee each day. It is something I use to get rid of headaches, to get me through the day, and to enjoy with friends. I hope to try to use the “desire” to have coffee each day, to “draw” myself closer to Christ. I also think that I must give up ALL coffee and not just “Tim’s” or “Starbucks” as I have thought of doing. I feel this would be like the “eating lobster instead of meat”, and would miss the point. Another plus, is that I hope to save the money I would use to buy coffee to donate to those in need. Perhaps buy some food to give to the Food Bank.

I will try to post along the way to let you know how this goes. Stay tuned for more.

Ephesians 2:1-10

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature^[a]4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

For the past few years I have helped to dialogue with a few camps over their summer theme. Again this year we are talking over themes, and the Ephesians passage above is the passage they have choosen for the next summer. However, now comes the hard part, naming the theme. So I thought this could be a good topic to spur on some discussion. I have chosen not to tell you any of the names we have floating around yet so that we can get another perspective. To help you out, it is usually a one word title, however, it could be a one word title with a tagline as a followup. Please leave your ideas in the comments.

Ooh my honey, you got me working day and night*

Actually its not that anyone is making me work day and night. I mean who’s to blame that I wanted to do a complete redesign for my Church’s website and redesign their letterhead, envelopes, and other printed materials? Who’s to blame that I also fit in transfering the church’s web host and transfering domain names, and setting up the new site with WordPress? Me? Is it really my fault? Come on here. And for sure its not my fault that I already work a busy job at Youth For Christ in a rather active ministry and that my wife also happens to work in a completely different ministry over at our church. So when I promise to do these redesigns and have not time to do them; what do I do then? Well the answer is I work till 2am. And not just for 1 or 2 days, but for several. In fact at least 5 days and counting and the website isn’t finished and I haven’t started on the printed materials yet. Okay so maybe it is my fault that I agreed to do to much work at once. But in my defence, I am addicted to Design. Whether its building websites, creating logos, rebranding a company, reading many design related blogs, or skimming through a new magazine article about the latest Photoshop Tuturials, I just can’t get enough. In fact, the reason I work late at nights is because I can’t sleep because I have a need to get the ideas in my head onto my computer before I forget. So in my defence I do believe that I was created with this desire. Actually do we not all have this same desire? You know that one that loves to create. Deep down I think we all have it. I believe it is our way of breathing life into this dark world. Oh sure it isn’t all art and visual design like what I and so many other do. Some build things, some teach, and still others help. All of it I believe is the same desire to bring life. Its part of who we are, who we are created to be.

That is my defence then. I can’t help it. I was created to do this and I a lack of sleep isn’t going to stop me.

*Bonus points to whoever can name the group and band that sang these words

So I have been having too much fun lately posting videos, wallpapers and the like that I have failed to just put up a good old standbye post. Lately I have been thinking about change. First off don’t get started thinking some big change is coming in my life, cause it isn’t. (at least not that I am aware of yet)
When one thinks of the word, change, usually it is something most of us think of as negative or we are resistant to change. Unless you are in a terrible circumstance, most of use would not like change. After all we are creatures of habit and when something gets in the way of the norm, we frown upon it or even worse resist it to the death. This can be especially true in the context of our evangelical churches. Change can be seen as the enemy. Why change something when it has worked before? Or speaking of individuals character we often think of someone open to change as weak. Its where we get terms or phrases such as, “solid as a rock”, “immovable fortress”, or “unchangeable,” however, aren’t these suppose to apply to God, or Jesus Christ, and not to us as individuals? Is not the process of becoming more Christ-like mean that we need to be constantly changing? And isn’t the Church, the bride of Christ on the same process too? I am reading Erwin McManus’ new book Wide Awake, and in his chapter called Adapt he speaks to this very idea. On conviction in our faith he has this to say, “Conviction is a popular excuse for rigidity, but faith should actually make us more pliable, not less.” Is this not the faith that Paul demonstrated when he spoke in 1 Corinthians 9, saying, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” While Paul “became all things to all men,” he did so with deep conviction. No one would ever describe Paul as someone weak, yet he sure changed and adapted much. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy for Paul to change, after all he was Jewish, and he did come from a very religious background. This was a guy who once was a top leader in persecuting followers of Jesus teachings, and was even present at the stoning of Stephen. This was his family, his background, and he changed much. But he didn’t stop changing after his conversion on the road to Damascus and that is one difference between Paul and many of western evangelicals. We are holding firm yes, but we are not adapting. Erwin also writes, “There are times when the greatest act of courage and the best evidence of character is the willingness to change.” Is it time for change? How should you and I adapt?

I apologize that I seemed to have disappeared from the blog for the past while. I could make excuses about not having time, or that it was thanksgiving, insert lame excuse here. But the truth is that I’ve just been dry lately. Sure much has happened over the past few weeks. Lots of family around with Thanksgiving, and my Grandma’s passing, got really sore playing volleyball at Alumni Tournament in Waldheim, and that’s not even counting work things. Lets see, D4 kick-off was a success, I started two Disorganized Sports programs at Queen Elizabeth School and John Lake School, and I’ve been busy doing crazy amounts of emails and phone calls to book schools for our Gymblast® program. Wait, don’t forget that Dawn started a job part-time in the Children’s Ministry department at our Church, and babysits a little boy once a week. Wow. Okay so on to what I’m getting at. Amidst all this “stuff” I feel an uneasiness about things. It’s like I’m just flying back something that God has for me and somehow I’m missing it. Am I missing the point? Am I ignoring God? I don’t feel like I am, I feel like I am trying to listen but somehow I’m just a dolt and can’t get it. Over the past month I’ve been trying to take a Friday morning to get out of the office and just spend time with God. To reflect, to read, to listen and pray. Seems I’ve missed it the past few weeks. Maybe tomorrow will be my big break thru.