Posts tagged christianity

R.I.P. Cornerstone Music Festival

I’m sitting in my office, working on tonight’s Bible Study (at The Bunker) when in walks Larry, the Director of Altona’s YFC. 
Amidst the conversation he drops the bomb on me; “did you hear that this years Cstone will be the last one ever?” I jumped on the website, read the news, and sank down in my chair…my happiest place on Earth will be no more…

If you don’t know what Cornerstone Fest is; it’s been the largest North American Christian Music Festival since 1984. Among it’s techno warehouse, art village, and hard hitting (world famous) speakers, it was THE place to see your favorite bands all on one stage.

Underoath, Norma Jean, Haste the Day, Means, NIV, David Crowder, P.O.D., and thousands more. Each year tens of thousands of people would cram onto the monstrous fair grounds for the week long event to mosh, dance, hug, sing, swim, share, and praise.

I was lucky enough to experience it for the first time as my highschool grad party, and continued to go for several years after. When I say that it was my happiest place on Earth I mean that, no where else that I’ve ever been to ever made me feel as happy as Cstone did. To me it was the best literal/physical translation of “Heaven on Earth”. 

I’ll be posting pics from my visits on Fbook and I’d love it if those of you who have experienced it could share your thoughts/memories in a reply, reblog, or comment. 
Below is the first video I ever posted online. It’s my friends in Means performing at the 2007 Cornerstone event.

You can’t call Jesus your Lord when you refuse to obey Him.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

Yesterday American President Barack Obama finally revealed his stance on the whole gay marriage movement, stating that he supports the right for gay and lesbian couples to get married. In a shocking turn of events - the world did not end! 
I know this is a touchy subject, and I’ll probably receive angry messages just for posting this, but I feel like I should say SOMETHING. 
I have gay friends, they’re all pretty cool people. While being a Canadian Christian I’ve fully supported Obama’s decisions throughout his term, I think the man knows what he’s doing. That being said; to take personal views on Biblical theology and try to apply them to politics doesn’t work, in my opinion. And that’s whats happening with the American election right now (let’s face it, it always comes down to who’s the biggest Jesus “lover”).
I think equal rights is important, for everyone, always. Does that mean we won’t all see eye-to-eye? Yes. Does that mean we can still love each other? Yes. Fifty years ago racism was being dealt with in the same fashion, and look where that is now. Why do we live in a world where old, white, rich, men get to tell us that we need to love everyone…except the ones that they don’t like?
No politician is going to dictate how I live out my faith. No person, regardless of power, can TELL me what it says in the Bible. I know what it says because I’ve read it. Therefore, I have the right to make my own decisions, love those I choose to, and disregard your bigotry…name calling…bullying…ignorance…etc.  
Everyone, regardless of what you choose to believe/follow, is called to love others. While I may believe that being gay is the wrong choice, I don’t believe that it makes you a bad person. Just like I think that drinking Tim Hortons coffee is a bad choice, I prefer Jonnys Java, but hey I still love you. 
And this whole ‘sanctity of marriage’ thing is CRAAAP! Anyone that has ever had a divorce automatically veto’s their right to have a negative vote on this topic. If you think gay people getting married would ruin marriage as a whole, then shows like Maury need to be taken off the air…the ability to get a divorce should be abolished…and stupid people shouldn’t be allowed to leave their homes.  

What are YOUR thoughts on the subject?

JESUS FOLLOWER vs CHRISTIAN

A coworker shared this today; it combines my two favorite things (Jesus/Apple) to get a point across. There have always been those fanatics that feel they need to shout their message at you while cramming it down your throat. Unfortunately this gives people the wrong impression as to what Christianity is. 
I’m a Christian, a follower of Jesus, but you will never see me picketing street corners or screaming at people that they are something horrible. We’re ALL screwed up and it’s only through LOVE that a message of truth can be properly conveyed.  It’s then up to the individual whether they want to listen to that message or not…it’s not my ministry to make them listen. Just like everything else in life we’ve been given the power of free-will, the ability to make a choice. 

Dr Marchand and Myself at Grad [Prov 2012] For those of you that have heard me talk about a man named Gord being the catalyst of my faith, this man would be the academic equivalent. He was the only professor to walk beside me through my three years of classes at Providence. At times I hated him for piling on so much work, while loving him for challenging me and pushing me to become something greater. He helped me achieve my best, while sticking around to put up with my worst. I told him I wouldn’t get emotional at the ceremony, but I’m okay with getting sappy in saying that God hooked me up with more than just a teacher.  Thanks Chris

Dr Marchand and Myself at Grad [Prov 2012]


For those of you that have heard me talk about a man named Gord being the catalyst of my faith, this man would be the academic equivalent. He was the only professor to walk beside me through my three years of classes at Providence. At times I hated him for piling on so much work, while loving him for challenging me and pushing me to become something greater. He helped me achieve my best, while sticking around to put up with my worst. I told him I wouldn’t get emotional at the ceremony, but I’m okay with getting sappy in saying that God hooked me up with more than just a teacher. 

Thanks Chris

Crash Course World History #11: Christianity


From last weeks episode (April 5, 2012)
“In which John Green teaches you the history of Christianity, from the beginnings of Judaism and the development of monotheism, right up to Paul and how Christianity stormed the Roman Empire in just a few hundred years.”

This is not a theological debate!

If you’re into watching YouTube videos that teach you things in a fun manner then hop on board the subscribe train to DFTBAville! Seriously, if you don’t like learning why are you even here?

My first project as a Youth Pastor… Is to start an adults-only night at work haha!For real though this is something I’ve been wanting to start for a few months now, and I’m really excited to get it off the ground so quickly. This isn’t a move to push out young people from our ministry, it’s a step in the direction of making us more of a community center and less like every other youth program that you can attend in any one of the many churches in WinkCity. This way, we’re able to walk with someone starting in Grade 6 all the way through to the age of 40. Don’t think of it as an offset of a youth program; this is an alternative for adults who don’t want to sit in a bar/lounge or coffeeshop. We offer floor hockey/indoor basketball, billiards, netcafe, arcade, occasional live music, nice flat screens to watch your favorite sporting event, and tons of room to relax with friends…all for FREE!

My first project as a Youth Pastor…

Is to start an adults-only night at work haha!For real though this is something I’ve been wanting to start for a few months now, and I’m really excited to get it off the ground so quickly. This isn’t a move to push out young people from our ministry, it’s a step in the direction of making us more of a community center and less like every other youth program that you can attend in any one of the many churches in WinkCity.
This way, we’re able to walk with someone starting in Grade 6 all the way through to the age of 40.
Don’t think of it as an offset of a youth program; this is an alternative for adults who don’t want to sit in a bar/lounge or coffeeshop.
We offer floor hockey/indoor basketball, billiards, netcafe, arcade, occasional live music, nice flat screens to watch your favorite sporting event, and tons of room to relax with friends…all for FREE!

bunkerministry

Coffee & Multitasking v.92

1. KANDAHAR MASSACRE [BBC.uk]
A rogue US soldier assassinated (and burned) 16 civi’s in their homes, 9 of which were children…why is military presence still being supported???

2. ROBOCOP REMAKE [IGN.movies]
Yup, no joke…dangit Hollywood!

3. GAME of THRONES MMO [IGN.pc]
FTP browser-based game; I can get into that!

4. WoW INSTANT 80 [IGN.pc]
For a limited time - Scroll of Res offers 1 character to jump to lvl80, free copy of Cata, 7 day free trial, and a free realm transfer!

5. WAR of AGES PREORDER [FacedownRecords]
The new album drops a day before my bday, and there’s tons of prizes to win from ordering early *cough*cough*

6. RIP MOEBIUS [i09.com]
This happened last week, but still, legendary work that needs to be remembered…

If you feel like the only one.
If you feel like you’re on the outside.
I know there’s one who sees you so you don’t have to be afraid.
“The Promise” by MEANS
Daily Thoughts… It’s Thursday, my “blah” day. I finished tomorrow’s Bible Study a day early, my roommate is gone, and the only “work” I have left is some sketches. I’ve decided today will be a me day; continue reading through Book 2 of The Hunger Games, hopefully finish the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim, and go over Purpose Driven Life for some future plans I have at The Bunker. Lately I haven’t enjoyed days off, I like to keep busy and goal oriented to avoid becoming lazy. But, some news was dropped on me this week that could once again change the way I live…so…for now I’m relaxing, preparing, and enjoying the things that are in front of me right now.

Daily Thoughts…

It’s Thursday, my “blah” day. I finished tomorrow’s Bible Study a day early, my roommate is gone, and the only “work” I have left is some sketches. I’ve decided today will be a me day; continue reading through Book 2 of The Hunger Games, hopefully finish the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim, and go over Purpose Driven Life for some future plans I have at The Bunker.
Lately I haven’t enjoyed days off, I like to keep busy and goal oriented to avoid becoming lazy. But, some news was dropped on me this week that could once again change the way I live…so…for now I’m relaxing, preparing, and enjoying the things that are in front of me right now.


Vlog #27

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

This year consists of green grass, lots of play time with the rad nephew, food with the fam, and concerts.
No matter what your believe in, I hope you’re enjoying your holidays and helping to spread the love to others :)

As much as I dog on the consumerism of holidays, Christmas will always be my favorite time of year. The music, lights, movies, food, family, Church, and joy that comes from giving gifts to those you care about.
This year, I decided to practice what I preach and didn’t make a wishlist or anything of the sort. And I encourage the rest of you (for next year) to instead make a list of those that need your love and support.

Remember; Jesus wasn’t born so you could play Xbox, He was born so you could spread love.

It is your hands that carried me
It is your voice that spoke of a love I never knew
It is your grace that fills me
It is your love that sustains if there is hope it is you.
“Heavy Hearts” by CLOSE YOUR EYES
I cannot put into words how much this photo means to me.To have all three of these men in the same room, sharing, and in a pic with me is something I’ve literally dreamed about. From right to left: Gord was the man who started The Bunker (the place I’ve been volunteering at for the past 5 years, and am always posting about). He introduced me to a life with Christ, invited me into something bigger than anything I could imagine. My life gained purpose because of the principles he instilled in me. Rob picked me up, in a time when I was at my lowest. There was a period when I fell away from everything I believed in. And when others turned their backs, he held out his hand. To this day he continues to challenge me in ways that often seem impossible.Kev is my current boss. He has taken the ministry to new heights, and has plans bigger than most can comprehend. He’s always pushing me to do things that I think I can’t (and often don’t want to do haha). Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have made it this far in college.  For those wondering how I became who I am today, these are the men who shaped me.  

I cannot put into words how much this photo means to me.
To have all three of these men in the same room, sharing, and in a pic with me is something I’ve literally dreamed about. 
From right to left:
Gord was the man who started The Bunker (the place I’ve been volunteering at for the past 5 years, and am always posting about). He introduced me to a life with Christ, invited me into something bigger than anything I could imagine. My life gained purpose because of the principles he instilled in me. 
Rob picked me up, in a time when I was at my lowest. There was a period when I fell away from everything I believed in. And when others turned their backs, he held out his hand. To this day he continues to challenge me in ways that often seem impossible.
Kev is my current boss. He has taken the ministry to new heights, and has plans bigger than most can comprehend. He’s always pushing me to do things that I think I can’t (and often don’t want to do haha). Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have made it this far in college. 

For those wondering how I became who I am today, these are the men who shaped me.  

Tonight was the last bible study at The Bunker… Not just in 2011, but ever, in this building. Sometimes I don’t like having that kind of responsibility on my shoulders. To be the one to close one chapter, why me? I mean, we live in a society where people can access anything from the comfort of their couch, so why drive across town to listen to me ramble for half an hour? I love it, live for it, grew up in it. But sometimes I dunno…Is someone like me still relevant? I definitely want to thank everyone that has taken the time to listen, and be a part of what the Bunker’s about. Yes, we’re a Christian organization. Yes, we want to talk to you about God. But we’re also a community center that is here simply to give people a safe/fun place to be. If I can do anything, I just want to be there for people.  

Tonight was the last bible study at The Bunker…

Not just in 2011, but ever, in this building. Sometimes I don’t like having that kind of responsibility on my shoulders. To be the one to close one chapter, why me? 
I mean, we live in a society where people can access anything from the comfort of their couch, so why drive across town to listen to me ramble for half an hour? I love it, live for it, grew up in it. But sometimes I dunno…
Is someone like me still relevant?
I definitely want to thank everyone that has taken the time to listen, and be a part of what the Bunker’s about. Yes, we’re a Christian organization. Yes, we want to talk to you about God. But we’re also a community center that is here simply to give people a safe/fun place to be. If I can do anything, I just want to be there for people.  

The first submission to my Assignment Blog is up…Thought I’d start off with an obvious subject. via: 27591 1. World Population Hits 7 Billion When Abraham received the word in Genesis 16:10 that God would; “so increase his descendants that they will be too numerous to count” do you think he meant October 31st, 2011?

The first submission to my Assignment Blog is up…
Thought I’d start off with an obvious subject.

via: 27591

1. World Population Hits 7 Billion

When Abraham received the word in Genesis 16:10 that God would; “so increase his descendants that they will be too numerous to count” do you think he meant October 31st, 2011?

27591