Worried Bird

My friend Stephen Weber posted this photo on his Daily Encouragement site today.

I can "almost" guarantee that this bird is NOT worried. We worry. They don't. Something's wrong!

Aren't we of much more value to the Father than the birds?

4th Blogiversary

Today, America's THANKSGIVING DAY, we are celebrating the 4th anniversary of our blog, PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. God has been faithful and we praise Him for His goodness. I'm re-posting my original post from November 27th, 2004. Be challenged!

Here's that post:

Recently I stopped at a favourite restaurant of mine, hoping to enjoy a quiet, relaxing lunch in the middle of a busy, hectic day of “ministry”. The hostess seated me in a back room away from the buffet area where people were helping themselves.

A few moments later a group of mentally challenged adults, with their caregivers, were seated at a long table next to me. My solitude was short-lived! These people were grunting and groaning, shouting and calling out. Two other families asked if they could be seated in another area of the restaurant when they saw these people arrive. In the midst of the noise, God’s Holy Spirit spoke (or shouted) to my heart. I immediately thought WWJS …”where would Jesus sit?” if He were here. Of course He would be found at the center of that table, showering His love, care and compassion on these dear, precious people. If that’s where Jesus would sit, then I wanted to follow “in His steps” and look upon this intrusion on my “quiet time” as an opportunity to watch God at work.

The caregivers lovingly attended to their clients, helping them with their food and patiently expressing God’s love in a tangible way. The outbursts of these people, created in the image of God, became like a symphony, a choir, to my ears.

I was so intrigued by watching this transpire before my eyes that I lingered at my seat long after I’d finished my meal. As I was leaving, one of these dear people choked on her food and her caregiver handled the situation so well. Tears came to my eyes and I thanked God for my “quiet lunch”.

Oh that we might see people as our loving, compassionate Father sees them! Oh that our hearts might be broken by the things that break His heart! God had noisily got my attention that day!

Let’s look for opportunities today to witness God’s loving care for His people. Let’s ask how we can be His arms extended to His people today, ministering His love, mercy and grace to those who so desperately need His touch!

For more information on the organization that these wonderful people are involved with, please check out their web site at http://www.christian-horizons.org/

Happy Thanksgiving to our American Friends

Happy Thanksgiving to our beloved American friends.

Wish I could join you for a big turkey dinner today.

We have so much to thank the Lord for! He has blessed us abundantly and we praise Him for everything He has showered upon us.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends, and don't eat too much!

Be blessed!

Gratefully,

David

All I Need...God Provides

The following quote is taken from my friend Stephen Weber's Daily Encouragement devotional for today. Check out his site here.

Stephen writes:

A Bible teacher has observed "Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want." Among the many ways the world seeks to force us into its mold is the lie that it can offer true satisfaction. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have and finding satisfaction with that. It's realizing in the words from the great hymn that, "All I have needed Thy hand hath provided." Contentedness and thankfulness are interrelated.

No Room

Those of us who serve with Hockey Ministries International have often heard the words "no room" as GM's, coaches or owners have closed the door to their team having chapel services. The QMJHL or the "Q" as it's called, has been the last frontier. For years we've been unable to get into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. But God opens doors. He changes things. He answers prayer. - David

Here's an account from Don Liesemer concerning my associate in hockey ministry, Bruce Smith, a faithful, godly servant of God:

No room! The last time hockey missionary Bruce Smith walked through the doors of the arena in Bathurst, New Brunswick (pictured) he was told by the coach that HMI would never be “invited in” to provide a Christian chapel program for his team. It just wasn’t going to happen. There was no room for HMI or for HIM. Our Canadian field staff director felt the sting of rejection…but this was nothing new….it had happened many times before where team management and players closed out HMI’s “messengers of hope in Jesus Christ”.

Move the clock forward three years to November 20, 2008. Our same hockey missionary, Bruce Smith, entered the same arena, knocked on the same door but this time things weren’t the same…indeed amazingly different. He was ushered into the GM’s office who in turn escorted him to the dressing room to be warmly received by players and coaches alike. Bruce enthusiastically outlined and explained the HMI chapel program to the whole team and followed with an actual chapel session with interested players. The first ever with that team…Interesting isn’t it?

No room in Bethlehem’s Inn and yet God’s purposes were miraculously accomplished. God never changes. The same Lord that fulfilled His plan in Bethlehem despite the closed door is at work in the world of hockey. His Kingdom is advancing. How amazing to see doors which were closed for many years suddenly opening. The walls of resistance surrounding the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, a hold-out for over thirty years, are finally coming down. The last frontier in hockey in North America is making room for Jesus, God’s champion. The King of Glory is winning victories.And as we go under His command…in His power and in “triumphal procession we are spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”And what a message to proclaim!“A Savior has been born…He is Christ the Lord”

Don Liesemer/Founder
Hockey Ministries International

Added note:

Exactly one minute after receiving this "good news" from Don Liesemer I received the following e-mail from Jeff Twohey, the GM of the Peterborough Petes. I had sent him an e-mail just minutes earlier to ask if the Alumni Room at the Peterborough Memorial Centre was available for next Monday's MONDAY WE HAVE FISH chapel with the Petes. Jeff always lets us use that room unless the Directors have a meeting on the evening we meet.

Here's Jeff's reply and we praise God for the support we've had from Jeff and the Petes for the past 13 years.

Jeff writes:

"David, not a problem! You are welcome to the room. Thanks as always!" - Jeff

Blogger's Block

You've heard of writer's block! I've been afflicted with "blogger's block". Rarely has a week passed without the Pilgrim posting some scribblings here on this site. For those who visit regularly, please forgive me.

The past week has been a blurrrrrrrrr.

With the adjustments to my new position with SIM Canada (which I'm really enjoying) and our fundraiser last Thursday (An Evening With "Fish" and the Peterborough Petes), it's been a hectic week.

Through this transition period God has remained faithful and we have sensed His gentle nudging through it all. His everlasting arms have been our strength.

Be encouraged as you enter a brand new week, dear friends! He is faithful!

"The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

P. S. Yesterday afternoon the boys and I drove to Hamilton, ON to see our good friend David Shantz. He was recalled by the Rochester Americans from the Dayton Bombers earlier in the week and he got the start in goal yesterday in his hometown. He played well and kept his team in the game although they fell 5-2 to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Orientation at SIM

Last week I had the pleasure of spending four (4) days of orientation at the SIM Canada headquarters in Scarborough. A couple were going through some intensive training in preparation for leaving for Niger next spring.

Orest and Grace Pelech, from Lloydminster, AB, are trusting God to make a way for them to sell their accounting business freeing them up to leave for the mission field.

As I "learn the ropes" at my new position with SIM, World Missions is becoming increasingly important in my life.

Thanks for your prayers as I get more involved at SIM Canada.

This picture was taken in front of the SIM office.

Fish Netting Goals

For those diehard Senators fans out there, isn't it great to see Mike Fisher racking up some points!

He's picked up 5 points (including a game-winning overtime goal) in the last three games.

You can't keep a good guy down...for long.

GO SENS GO!

Pilgrim Followers

Take a look at the heading to the right at the top of the "links" column. PILGRIM FOLLOWERS is a new "gadget" here at Pilgrim Scribblings. As I write this post there are six (6) other bloggers who have "admitted" to "following" our Pilgrim Scribblings.

If you enjoy this blog why not add your name/blog/picture to those who "follow" these scribblings. Click on "Follow this blog" or click here and you'll be taken to a page that will explain how to become a pilgrim follower.

Thanks, friends, and enjoy the journey "home", walking with the King!

Strength

My friend Kelley Campbell (pictured) from Dwelling in His Presence e-mailed me the following verses on Strength. I thought they needed wider distribution so here they are. THANKS, KELLEY!

Exodus 15:13
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 68:35
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

Psalm 89:21
My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Zechariah 10:12
I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk," declares the LORD.

Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

VOTE, My American Friends, Please VOTE

My dear American friends:

Please exercise your right and privilege to have a say in the way your great nation is governed. PLEASE VOTE TOMORROW!

Much is at stake and I urge you to get out and VOTE!

Thank you...from a Canadian who loves America and is grateful to God for your nation!

~ David, the Pilgrim

Fools

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s).

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed.'

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client & all other atheists have no such holidays.'

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, 'But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.' The lawyer said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.'

The judge said, 'The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' 'Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.'

Court is adjourned.

Rays Lose Out To Phillies

Another season of baseball came to a close this evening as the Philadelphia Phillies knocked off the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to win the series 4 games to 1.

I had been pulling for the Rays because my best friend in baseball, Gabe Gross, is on the Rays' roster. Rays' third base coach, Tom Foley, is also a long-time friend. The Rays' Cinderella season ended too soon but they have a solid nucleus to build on for next season.

I'm pleased that Pat Gillick (pictured), Phillies' GM, won the World Series in his final term with the World Champions. His expertise was instrumental in the Toronto Blue Jays' two World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993. CONGRATULATIONS, Pat!

Spring Training will roll around before we know it and the Blue Jays will contend next season.

Mark my words!

Kingery Family Singing for the King

Over the years I've had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and befriending many people through the game of baseball.

Every Christmas we receive a card from the Kingery family. Mike played for many years in the big leagues with several different teams.

Mike and Chris have eight children and I just discovered this photo on the web page for Mike's baseball school.

Hopefully I'll get to hear this talented family before we get to heaven. If not, we'll all join the heavenly choir and sing "for the ages to come."

Anxiety...It'll Asphyxiate You

This morning I read a chapter entitled Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety from Chuck Swindoll's book (pictured).

He poses this question:

"What's making you bite your nails these days? I don't mean the little foxes that nibble at your mind. I'm not referring to those unimportant intruders that interrupt your day like a dripping faucet, a misplaced set of keys, or a flat tire in the morning. I'm referring to the ulcer-causing, big-time, mental monsters that crawl into your head, then go with you to bed and steal your sleep. Also there are the relentless worries that take away the delight of a much-needed weekend holiday. I have in mind those dread concerns that you can't shake off. Does anything make you anxious like that?"

Good question! My answer? Of course I battle with many intruders that wage war with my peace.

Swindoll continues, "Stubborn anxieties work like petty thieves in the dark corners of our thoughts as they pickpocket our peace and kidnap our joy."

"The tough stuff of anxiety threatens to strangle the life out of us, leaving us asphyxiated by fear and grasping for hope."

Swindoll's own definition of anxiety reads as follows. "Anxiety is the painful uneasiness of the mind that feeds on impending fears."

"In the mildest form we simply churn. In its most severe form we panic."

So true!

I'm reminded of an old hymn that surfaced in my mind as I was reading Swindoll's book. It goes something like this:

"All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat - leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus."

Give it up! Give Him your anxious thoughts! By the way, I'm talking to myself!

Lament

This morning I read Ann Voskamp's most recent post entitled They Come Together. I've said it before. I'll say it again. Ann's writing stirs something in my inner being. Words fail me when I try to describe it. You have to read her post yourself. YOU MUST! Click here!

Ann closes her post with the following cry to God:

"Father God, when today hurts, remind me that this is just part of the living, love and lament. They come together. How You know it."

David's final note:

Living, love and lament. We NEVER are free from the lament so let's not pretend that it's not there. It's part of living. It's part of love.

Shantz & the Bombers Prevail

Our good friend David Shantz was recently assigned to the Dayton Bombers (Ohio) in the ECHL.

This afternoon I was speaking to his father Brian in the Memorial Centre here in Peterborough. David's younger brother Gavin is in town for a hockey tournament.

When I arrived home I had an e-mail from David. Tonight the Bombers were in Johnstown, PA to play the Chiefs. David started in net and got the shutout as Dayton squeaked past the Chiefs 1-0.

CONGRATULATIONS, David!

15 Year Ago TONIGHT

It was 15 years ago tonight, October 23rd, 1993, when Joe Carter hit his historic home run to win the World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays. I know, I was there!

What a night! It appeared as though the Jays were going down to defeat to the Phillies and I headed down to the clubhouse to console the guys. I was wrong!

Carter's home run secured the Jays' 2nd straight World Championship and I was the first guy at the clubhouse door. Rather than consoling I was congratulating and celebrating!

Where have the years gone? The memories will live on forever. Thanks for the great times, Joe!

Who Would You Choose To Look After Your Kids?

Who would you choose to look after your kids? What about your country?

Forgive me, a conservative, Christian Canadian, for venturing into American politics. Yesterday I heard Senator McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, speaking with Dr. James Dobson on Focus on the Family. She didn't disappoint. I was impressed.

On the other hand, it's almost impossible for me to like Hillary Clinton. If she ever became President of the United States...Let's not go there. That would be disaster. Fortunately we were spared that scenario.

Two women! Two viewpoints which are poles apart!

"Father, we commit the upcoming U. S. election into Your hands. We pray for the millions of unborn children whose lives are at stake. Direct your people to vote intelligently...and biblically. AMEN!"

Something New

Today was my first day on a new job, a new position with SIM Canada, an international missions agency.

I'll be working in the area of Donor Relations, visiting donors and staying in touch by phone, letters and electronic communication (e-mails).

The SIM Canada office is based in Scarborough (Toronto). I'll be on the road several days a month, will be in the Toronto office several days and will be able to work from my Peterborough office as well. This 4-day week position which will be "right down my alley."

I will be leaving my contract position with Christian Horizons effective November 2nd but will continue to work some relief shifts if and when my schedule permits.

I'll continue to carry on the letter-writing ministry to athletes, Epistle Sports Ministries, and our exciting and profitable ministry to the Peterborough Petes through Hockey Ministries International will continue.

Thanks for your prayers as I make this transition. Missions has always been a passion of mine and this will give me an opportunity to be involved in a tangible way.

Gabe's Going to the World Series

My good friend Gabe Gross and the Tampa Bay Rays are World Series bound after knocking off the Boston Red Sox last night. We wish Gabe all the best as he gets to fulfill a dream.

The following article appeared in the TAMPA TRIBUNE last week:

ST. PETERSBURG - When Coach Tony Dungy won the 2007 Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts, he took advantage of his moment in the national spotlight to give the glory to God.

Gabe Gross of the Tampa Bay Rays does that every time he steps up to the batter's box.

In choosing the Christian worship song "Blessed Be Your Name" as his walk-up theme at Tropicana Field, the Rays' outfielder publicly declares his faith before live crowds and TV audiences at every home game.

"It's about the Lord giving and the Lord taking away," Gross, 29, said of his chosen song during a phone interview from Boston. "In good times and bad, we need to honor him no matter what. That's what I believe and what I want to represent in my life."

His music selection – Christian songwriter Matt Redman's 2005 Dove Award winner for best worship song - is a departure from the fare selected by most of his teammates.

Some of their theme songs: "Knocking Doors Down" by Pimp C (pitcher Scott Kazmir), "Low" by T. Pain featuring Flo Rida (infielder Willy Aybar) and "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath (outfielder Rocco Baldelli).

Gross, who was raised a Baptist, makes his off-season home in Auburn, Ala., where he attended college. He and his wife, Kelly, recently announced they're expecting their first child in May.

"It's been a blessed year all the way around," said Gross, who was traded to the Rays from the Milwaukee Brewers in April – just in time for the team's transforming season that took them from worst in 2007 to first in the American League East Division.

He admits "there are definite challenges" to being a professional athlete, particularly when players and salaries rise to star status. Some get drawn into an intoxicating lifestyle of drugs, material excess and late-night partying and end up in legal or personal trouble.

Putting his faith first keeps him focused on what he considers most important, Gross said. He attends Sunday chapel led by the team chaplain while on the road and has a few Christian friends on the team to talk with when he needs support.

It's not about winning or losing. It's about staying in the word of God," he said.

On the road or at home, he begins every day in solitude with his Bible, drawing inspiration from the Scriptures.

And fans may spot him in worship out in right field during a game, singing a worship song out loud to himself. He and evangelist Billy Graham share the same favorite hymn: "How Great Thou Art."

He had another motive in picking "Blessed Be Your Name" as his signature song. He wants to connect with other Christians in the stands.

Jenn Carideo got the message. She recognized it the first time she heard it at Tropicana Field.

"I thought, 'Wow, this isn't something you expect to hear at a baseball game, of all places.' It put a whole positive spin on the experience for me," said Carideo, who attends First Presbyterian Church in downtown Tampa.

She gives kudos to Gross for making a "bold statement" about his beliefs in an atmosphere where it may not get a friendly reception.

'"It's refreshing that someone is man enough to do that," she said.

She also likes the idea that her 4-year-old son, Mac, also an avid baseball fan, hears the same song in church and at the ballpark.

The Rays need one more victory against the Red Sox to win the AL Championship Series and earn a spot in the World Series. Game 5 is Thursday night in Boston. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, would be played in St. Petersburg this weekend.

Is Gross turning to prayer for a World Series slot?

"Oh, I'm just enjoying the experience right now. We're having a blast," he said with a laugh. "My prayer is that everything I do will honor God, no matter what happens, but it sure would be nice to take it all the way."

By MICHELLE BEARDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2008

Digging Through the Archives

This morning I re-discovered the following thoughts as I was digging through my computer archives. I was challenged and encouraged all over again. My prayer is that you would be reminded afresh that "the eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

Here's that "old" devotional thought from the past:

My favourite scripture verse is Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” I quote it often. The “epistles” I send out often bear this verse. To my discredit, some of my friends often quote God’s word back to me when I fail to fall back into those everlasting arms.

The founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance penned the following words that meant much to me this morning:

“Art thou sunk in depths of sorrow,
Where no arm can reach so low?
There is One whose arms Almighty
Reach beyond thy deepest woe,
God th’ Eternal is thy refuge –
Let it still thy wild alarms;
Underneath thy deepest sorrow
Are the everlasting arms.”

- Rev. A. B. Simpson

Run to your Refuge today and find solace in those strong arms!

Father's Farewell

Tim Challies posted the following on his excellent web site today:

Here’s a quote I've heard often and one that has stirred me every time. It describes John Paton (pictured), missionary to the New Hebrides, leaving his home in Torthorwald to attend missionary school in Glasgow (just to get to the train he had to walk some forty miles). His godly father accompanied him for the first portion of the journey.

Here is what happened:

"My dear father walked with me the first six miles of the way. His counsels and tears and heavenly conversation on that parting journey are fresh in my heart as if it had been but yesterday; and tears are on my cheeks as freely now as then, whenever memory steals me away to the scene. For the last half mile or so we walked on together in almost unbroken silence - my father, as was often his custom, carrying hat in hand, while his long flowing yellow hair (then yellow, but in later years white as snow) streamed like a girl's down his shoulders. His lips kept moving in silent prayers for me; and his tears fell fast when our eyes met each other in looks for which all speech was vain! We halted on reaching the appointed parting place; he grasped my hand firmly for a minute in silence, and then solemnly and affectionately said: "God bless you, my son! Your father's God prosper you, and keep you from all evil!"

Unable to say more, his lips kept moving in silent prayer; in tears we embraced, and parted. I ran off as fast as I could; and, when about to turn a corner in the road where he would lose sight of me, I looked back and saw him still standing with head uncovered where I had left him - gazing after me. Waving my hat in adieu, I rounded the corner and out of sight in instant. But my heart was too full and sore to carry me further, so I darted into the side of the road and wept for time. Then, rising up cautiously, I climbed the dike to see if he yet stood where I had left him; and just at that moment I caught a glimpse of him climbing the dike and looking out for me! He did not see me, and after he gazed eagerly in my direction for a while he got down, set his face toward home, and began to return - his head still uncovered, and his heart, I felt sure, still rising in prayers for me. I watched through blinding tears, till his form faded from my gaze; and then, hastening on my way, vowed deeply and oft, by the help of God, to live and act so as never to grieve or dishonor such a father and mother as he had given me."

Heroes of the Faith

Click here for Heroes of the Faith a powerful song written by Roger Bennett, one of the best piano players I have heard.

This version was recorded with Legacy Five before the Lord called Roger home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Who are your heroes of the faith?

Grated Cheese

A mound of grated cheese? "Why", you ask, "are you posting this?"

I've got good reason to do so if only to cause you to ask.

My lips are sealed. You must surf over to Ann Voskamp's place, her Holy Experience.

There you will learn.

And you will discover much more at Holy Experience. You will note the reflections of a farmer's wife, a godly mother, an excellent writer, a woman who struggles with the rhythms and rigors of life...and seems to win.

Check out the cheese! JUST DO IT!

Heaven On Earth

Possibly the most beautiful place on earth at this time of the year is The Cove near Asheville, North Carolina.

This Conference and Retreat Center is operated by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Several years ago I paid a brief visit to The Cove but I've never stayed there...yet.

God's handiwork is clearly displayed in nature and His Word is faithfully proclaimed at The Cove.

Morning Glory

This photo was taken from our front yard this morning after I arrived home from my job at Christian Horizons.

Beautiful!

Life Is Mostly Edges

Last week I received a book entitled Life Is Mostly Edges - A Memoir - by Calvin Miller. I've always enjoyed Miller's writing. This book is no exception! Actually it's exceptional!

I'm only 50 pages into this memoir but I've found myself laughing hilariously one minute and then, quickly, feelin