Simple, Straightforward Success

How do you determine success? To a chef, it might be a Michelin star. For the super rich, it's getting beyond enough money to satisfy one's pleasures, and switching gears to raising money for charity. For a CFL team, it's winning the Grey Cup at a home game. For a yuppie, it's climbing to the top of the ladder.

There's a slogan: Perseverance IS success. Maybe. But what would God consider success? What will make us successful in His eyes? When our last day is dawning, what will matter?

That our kids had their way through college paid for? That we made it to the top of our game?

A friend of mine said that Ken and I were two of the "lucky ones" that were living out our dream every day. My mom recently said she was so amazed that Ken and I had fulfilled our goals by age 40. Hm. What now, then? Retirement? Travel? Wall Street? Piano lessons? A baby?! ahahahahaha. (Had to throw that in. Sorry Mom.)

Well, a lawyer once asked Jesus that question. His intentions were ignoble, but the answer was genuine. The lawyer asked, "What's most important. What's our priority in life?"

Jesus' answer was simple and straightforward,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

-Matthew 22:37-39

1. Love God.
2. Love your neighbour.

Wow, talk about brass tacks. And we will tomorrow. Stay tuned.

The Marriage of Sybil & Hyde

There is this alter-ego inside each one of us... a Sybil, or a Hyde, if you will. Sybil rises up and demands to be the centre of attention. She insists on having her own way, and gets upset when others take precedence over her. Hyde is just as bad. He rises up in anger and expects instant gratification. Together, they create drama and destroy unity, turning peace into chaos and confusion.

On a good day, Dr. Jekyll and Sybil get along famously. They work together, communicate well and often, and love to share in the joy and excitement of their day. When one runs into trouble, the other pitches in to help. But when things become overwhelming for Sybil, they both have a choice.

Dr. Jekyll can either let Hyde look after it, participate in the fear, blame-shifting and complaining, or he can put the malice away, speak the truth in love, and turn a shoulder for Sybil to cry on. Sybil can give in to the temptation to put herself up on a pedestal with all her should's and ought's, or she can accept Dr. Jekyll's shoulder, humble herself, face the issues head on, and move forward.

It is a Strange Case.

Good News Chapel, How do I love thee?

Good News Chapel

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

As I made the rounds after the amazing baptism service today, ... no, let me back up. Shawna picked the closing song. As we all sang, lifting voices and hands, there were tears in my eyes as I marvelled at the splendor of our 2 year Good News Chapel Anniversary. It was a truly memorable moment.

So picture Shawna giving praise to Jesus for saving her and being her all. And ears were riveted to Chantel's testimony as she spoke of her chest being broken in the shape of a cross. Of five drug overdoses. Of God's continuous quest to draw her to Himself. And of finding the Lord so recently with the help of her new husband, one of our LifeChange alumni, Vince Wolf.

And the moment those girls pass from death to life in symbolism of the resurrection, and the day the Lord shall return! And so, Shawna's song:

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

And as I mingled pastors and friends of all ages and walks of life were smiling and giving praise to God for this little chapel in North Central and the wonderful baptismal celebration today.

Happy Birthday, Good News Chapel!

Nutrition, budgets part of helping out

By SAMANTHA MACIAG
Leader-Post

Students at Thom Collegiate are giving back to the community just for the health of it.

Two Grade 10 home economics classes at Thom Collegiate were busy Friday morning preparing vegetable soup, bannock and salad to be delivered to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina.

The two-staged program was a partnership between Thom, SaskEnergy and the Home Economics for Living Project (HELP). The goal is to give students a better understanding of food budgeting and the importance of healthy food preparation.

On Thursday the students learned about nutrition for their young bodies and prepared nutritious snacks for themselves to eat. Then they talked about stage two of the program -- giving back to the community by preparing a meal for Souls Harbour.

SaskEnergy provided the food for both days of the learning initiative.

"It teaches nutrition and it teaches how to use your food wisely, how to feed yourself wisely on a small budget," said Candace Weimer, communications co-ordinator for SaskEnergy. "We're able to help the community. We're able to teach our youth about how to feed themselves and how to be more healthy. That just produces a healthier community."

Grade 10 students Andrea Neal and Ena Laferte helped deliver the finished product to Souls Harbour with their teacher, Cindii Orthner.

"The opportunity for our students to give back, a lot of students don't have those opportunities," Orthner said. "So I think this is a great way for us to provide them with opportunities to volunteer in the community."

Neal and Laferte said they learned a lot from the whole experience.

"I've learned that helping out isn't such a bad thing," said Neal. "It pays off after awhile."

"Before, I used to eat and never check expiry dates or information," said Laferte. "Since we've been in this classroom, we've learned a lot."

Both students agreed that they will cut sugar and frequent trips to vending machine out of their lunches.

"Now I'm actually bringing a lunch from home that has healthy stuff," said Laferte.

CTV Regina Citizen of the Year

We had a wonderful time celebrating with Beth Ell at yesterday's luncheon to honour her being selected for the prestigious, Regina's CTV citizen of the Year. CTV went all out, having Beth invite 65 friends and family (and a few extra because she has SO many siblings!) I had the honour of speaking on behalf of our nominator, Myrna Harvey-Opper, a fellow volunteer to Beth. Here is my two minute speech:

Beth Ell has been involved with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission for at least 12 years. So long she couldn't quite remember! She served alongside our founder, Geri Carroll, and continues to do this every day!

Beth loves her job at SGI. What she loves most is the flexibility they provide for her to rush home, change her clothing, and run to the Soup Kitchen to serve in the children and family section. Over the years she has developed meaningful and lasting friendships with the women and children there.

When Regina RESCUE Mission merged with Souls Harbour, she was one of the board members who saw us through the transition. Today she continues to use her time, talents and treasure as a director on our board.

2 years ago we started an inner city church. We believe that strong churches mean strong communities. Beth dove right in and she and Bob are two of our most dedicated members! At the Good News Chapel, Beth is on the Sunday School team, helps with our weekly potluck, and loves to invite the friends she's made at the Soup Kitchen.

Beth serves on the executive of our Womens Auxillery, (WARM) helping coordinate the monthly activities and special events such as womens community breakfasts.

Oh, and ocasionally she gets a Friday off and comes to help ME in the office!

When Beth found out we nominated her for the Citizen of the year, she sent US flowers!!

Beth, on behalf of the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission board of directors, 21 staff, 100regular volunteers, and the children and families you serve, congratulations, and God bless you!

Beth concluded the lovely Hotel Saskatchewan luncheon, complete with Regina Symphony String Quartet, with her own speech. In it, she deflected her accomplishments by acknowledging those who have made a difference in her life. She also shared her passion for passing on the torch of volunteerism to the next generation, starting with her own neices and nephews! Beth finished with a heart-warming story about a little boy at the Soup Kitchen she's gotten to know over the years, through her kid's ministry. (Oh, did we forget to mention that she also runs the annual Christmas is for Kids Program?!)

This near homeless little boy would come to eat, and naturally, fight with his siblings, who were always tattling on him. Beth got weary of chastising him day after day, and turned and said, "You know what? You are a wonderful little boy. You are so special and a good brother." He turned to her and said, sheepishly, "Thanks. But you're the only one that thinks so."

Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, from family, to friends, to government officials, to CTV celebrities.

Congratulations, Beth Ell! We all love you!!

An Ordinary Sunday

My Facebook status says this today: "Michelle had a great time in church - no shattering glass, no farting, and no cell phones went off, so all in all, it was a good service."

Attending an inner city church means there is never a dull moment, but I love it! While we try to instill a little country charm, by sharing a potluck meal each Sunday after service, we have learned to lock the doors at 11:30 or we become the neighbourhood soup kitchen. A good cause, to be sure, but 1) We run out of food, and 2) The goal of fellowship between our congregants is lost.

While most churches are moving to the suburbs, we have decided to move into Canada's notorious "worst neighbourhood." By doing this, worshippers come from a variety of backgrounds, education, and life experiences. We have the poor coming alongside the rich to raise their voices in song and give "in proportion to what the Lord has blessed them." Once in a while we find Canadian Tire money in the offering plate, and those who have a hard time making ends meet are able to get food from the pantry so they, too, can bring something to share at the potluck. We also have a clothing bank available for church attendees, currently filled with brand new clothing, most of which is suitable for church.

Last Sunday the doors were rattling during the sermon. Of course, you can't get into church if you're 45 minutes late, but this lady tried despite the sign on the door: "Potluck is for those who worship at 11:00. Please join us!" She wouldn't let it go, and wound her foot, kicking the glass door, smashing the pane of glass and making a huge shatter. Blair was preaching and Ken noticed everyone rushing to the back. Blair paused, waiting for a cue from Ken, who waved everyone back and said, "Nothing to see here. Carry on, Blair!"

Apparently someone decided on an alternate form of heckling in the front row, (thus my comment on Facebook.) And several cell phones were ringing throughout the sermon. Needless to say, Blair had much cause for distraction last week. It's likely no coincidence Blair's sermon topic was "The Gospel 101." There is an army of demons squalling against our goal for revival in Regina's inner city.

Oh, what's that you say? Heckling isn't normal in your church? You haven't been vandalized in the middle of a sermon before? People turn off their cell phones for the hour? Really?! The full hour??!!

We occasionally have visitors from other churches, who love and support what we do, but are unable to attend regularly for various reasons. Today, we had a family who had never been before and they were thrilled to hear a sermon that talked about the Second Coming, and were amazed to see how many people regularly attending this inner city church plant! I told them our board member, Harold Lutzer's "infamous" quote: "This church is where the rubber really meets the road!"

It's hard to describe an inner city church with flair and charm, but how lovely to be in a family fellowship where masks are laid aside and people are themselves: humble and sincere.

One man wouldn't take communion because, "I sinned last night. I slipped up and smoked some dope."

One prayer request was "for my brother" who's an alcoholic.

"Please pray that my friend finds a safe place to live so she won't be homeless anymore."If you're interested in a visit, please come next week as we celebrate a baptism. Bring a dish to share and stay for the potluck. Who knows? You might like it so much you decide to stay.

Paragon Award nominees named

The Leader-Post

The Regina and District Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating business excellence on April 2 when it presents the 10th annual Paragon Awards.

Held at the Queensbury Convention Centre at Evraz Place, the awards honour the accomplishments and achievements of local businesses.

This year's Paragon awards finalists are:

- Young Entrepreneur: Haztech Fire and Safety Service Inc., Wee Haul Delivery, and Gold's Gym.

- Community Involvement: SaskCentral, Group Medical Services, and Moxie's Classic Grill.

- Marketing and Promotional Achievement: Partners in Motion, Marlers Shoes Ltd., and 1-800-GOT-JUNK.

- Export Achievement: Viterra Inc., Partners in Motion, and Dumur Industries.

- Customer Service Excellence: 1-800-GOT-JUNK, WP Garden Centres, and Chakari Spa.

- Environmental Excellence: Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre, Regina Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, and La Bodega.

- Diversity: MicroAge, London Drugs, and Partners in Employment.

- New Business Venture: Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Driven Automotive Repair and Detailing Centre Ltd., and Bravo Tango.

- Community Alliance: Uncover the Cure - Jack FM, CJME's Santas Anonymous, and Z99 Adopt a Family.

- Business of the Year: Viterra Inc., Consumers' Co-operative Refineries Ltd., and Young's Equipment Inc.

Guest Blog: Jenna Fisher

I couldn't concentrate during staff devotions today, because I noticed that all of the staff in the room were wearing blue. Then, progressively throughout the day, more and more staff wearing blue starting showing up for work. Even our volunteer office receptionist was wearing blue. We didn't even plan this. It was funny. Our Executive Director is in San Diego for AGRM board meetings, so we e-mailed her this picture and said, "We're blue without you."