Again another challenge of a long-distance relationship, SCW can't see me preach on Sundays, with my children's sermon and on nights like tonight when her church does Singspirations I do not get the blessings of her hearing her sing in person...
But there are so many ways by having to communicate through talking and e-mail that our relationship is deeper because of. Less than two months before my visit though, so thankful.
-Hoody in AB

J.C. and Sammy in
“The Show Off”

It was Friday just before lunch, every Friday the class got back their spelling tests, Sammy got her’s back and it was a perfect 10/10 as they left the classroom with the lunch bell to go to the lunchroom.
Her friend Mark asked her what she got….”I got perfect!! 100%% I studied so hard, I could spell those words backwards and forwards!! It was such hard work, but I’m a really good student because of it.”
Others heard Sammy talking like this, and she spent lunch alone, no one wanted to be around her. After school she talked with her friend, J.C.
“I don’t get it, why do they hate me because I get good marks?”
J.C. shoved his hands into his pockets as they continued walking home, “So you just told them your grade and no one wanted to eat lunch with you?”
“Well I also told them all the hard work and how smart I was…”
“Ahh…see Sammy it’s not the fact you got the best mark in the class, it is the fact you bragged, why did you brag?”
“So they would all know how smart I am.” Sammy Said.
“Don’t they already know how smart you are?” J.C. asked.
“Yeah I guess.” Sammy said.
“So why brag?”
The next Friday when the spelling tests got handed back, Sammy once again got perfect…10/10, as her and Mark walked to the lunch room he asked, “So what did you get?”
“10/10.”

Mark and Sammy ate lunch together…Why? Because like Sammy being a good student, it is not our words and bragging that tells people we love God, it is just being who He created us to be.

(it's a preview of my children's sermon for tomorrow-Hoody in AB).

A Prayer from Today's Daily Office
-Hoody in AB

For Peace Among Nations
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

It has finally happened!!! I got the official approval to the Noviciate of The Third Order of St. Francis.
-Hoody in AB

Donor Fatigue
As Hurricane Wilma batters Mexico the world is on the brink of something scary--Donor Fatigue...Still reeling from the Tsunami of Boxing Day 2004, there was earthquakes, pandemics (AIDS-the Avian Flu is expected to head to Africa this month), droughts, famines, the War on Terror, Hurricane Katrina and then the earth quake in Pakistan (3 million homeless) and now they talk of the 20,000 tourists stranded in Mexico...well at least they are stranded in "secure housing" what of the poor of Mexico who have been left to their own devices out in the open or the 250-400 thousand (depending on the news station) evacuated in Cuba.This is what the international scene is heading into the winter months in Canada. The winter months in Canada are a scary time to be poor in Canada, singles and families out in the cold on our streets who are going to freeze to death do to lack of affordable housing, funds being directed to help others in need internationally and loss of much needed clothes and supplies to the broader world.It is going to be a scary winter, I pray that those in need in Canada will not be forgotten, but more so that there will be enough to go around to ensure all come through this winter...ALIVE
-Hoody in AB

King Ralph is heading up a floundering ship in Alberta.
The Solicitor General (Top Cop of the Province) had the brillaint idea after making all prisons smoke free, to remove caffeine from the inmates--thankfully the Guards spoke up and went--Whoa!! We like living!
Then Hancock (the minister of post secondary ed.) went from talking of giving post-secondary two years free, to DEREGULATION of Tuition--which using market economics means lower income and middle class Albertans will be wiped from the classroom (instead of funding increases to increase number of seats, just eliminate 9/10 of the student body).
And in an effort to help the Federal Conservatives win a Government in Canada's Parliament, Premier Klein this week announced Shelving Third Way Health Care (Privatization) until after the Federal Election.
-Hoody in AB

I have been working through a directed study research project this semester on Integral Missions...it has tied in well with my deepening understanding of Francis and how to live the Gospel Life.
One quote I came across that hit home, for those called to Christian service (which for a Franciscan is each and every one of us)..."Help. If you cannot help and meet them where they are at--above all--do no harm"
Thoughts?
-Hoody in AB

I am a firm believer in saying NO WAY! To Klein's Third Way plan to increase privatization of Health Care (and other heirs to the Tory Crown said Privatize Completely).
What the debate keeps missing is some simple facts:
1) Health Care is not there for the Healthy! Health Care is there for when we are sick to heal us...no matter how healthy we are we cannot fight our DNA or predisposition to some diseases (i.e. Dana Reeve and Lung Cancer without partaking in risk activities that cause it).
2) And yes it is fairly black and white for me: Public (free and universal) Health Care is the cheapest, most efficient means of taking care of those in need in Canada.
-Hoody In AB

A bit more info on my Order. It was kinda cool, the head of formation for the TSSF got into contact with me today to explain some things, for this flare of Franciscanism (I am transferring from the OEF, and have done some formation stuff unofficially with Catholic resources)...
1) We are not monks--in name atleast, what would be classed as traditional monks are known as friars...Conscious choice of Francis when he started the order.
2) The TSSF does not use habits or other titles for their Third Order Members, we are given a cross at profession that marks us as do our actions and lives.
3) Uniquely one does not become a member until they become a noviate otherwise the inquiry and postulancy are still the decision making phases.
It was unique and since others have posted queries I thought I would hopefully do expounding this knowledge some justice.
So am I a monk, no I am a Franciscan.
-Hoody in AB

This is cool...A group of teenagers in Cochrane and their intrepid teachers started this phased project to produce energy at their school in a Sustainable way--the first phase is complete and produces 1% and was recognized with an Emerald Award and Dr. David Suzuki visiting the school.If you would like to help with phase II a green way to power the scoreboard and just be able to encourage these Teens with what an awesome job they are doing contact:Stephanie Bennett @ sbennet@rockyview.ab.ca or call 403-932-2542 ext 402

Done and Finished. Two words most pastors(please note I am using pastors to signify any believer, in the Franciscan Spirituality we are all Ministers of Christ) like to avoid...why? Comfort. They have become comfortable in their ministry calling and do not want to rock the boat or shake things up, or leave and face the fear of embarking on a new ministry.
This is the condition of being done...everything you are able to do with God has been accomplished, yet you still think that your work is not finished and you continue plugging away to the detriment of the ministry you have been called into.
A shining example of this is the Conservative Party of Canada...Their leader, Stephen Harper, is done politically (press reports, MP's leaving the party, party workers resigning), unfortunately no one has informed him of it and he still believes he is not finished.
The goal of any Christian Worker is to make sure that when you are done, you are finished at the same time.
-Hoody in AB

I will admit it is a lonely calling that has been placed on my heart as I live in Calgary. See, God has called me to serve as Third Order (or Secular) Franciscan. There is a small Roman Catholic group in the city I am attempting to get in touch with, but as to the Ecumenical or Anglican Orders-I am it.
See this is a calling that God formed in my heart over the years since I returned to the structured church at 19 years old. Not being able to find answers to simple questions like how do I pray or what does it mean to be a Christian I went to Chapters to explore. Shoved in a dark corner of the religious book section, rather dusty and pages yellowed by ignore I discovered a little book by John Michael Talbot (yes the musician) titled ominously The Lessons of St. Francis. Flipping to the table of contents it did cover the questions I wanted answered about prayer, spirituality, service, creativity, simplicity, etc…
It was an easily devoured book that challenged me in a lot of areas of my life, but left me wanting more. I would easily go back over the book two or three times a year trying to figure out what calling God was laying on my heart, with my time in the Catholic Church I tried to join their third order but could never quite complete the two+ year journey of church membership.
But just over a year ago I discovered a community of Franciscans, an ecumenical movement that had spun off from The Society of St. Francis. It was with them that I took the first step of inquiry into what it meant to live out a Gospel Life. It was under their guidance I entered a postulancy and began to develop my Rule of Life Ministry and deepen my understanding of call on my life and how God was calling me to live.
This summer, as my postulancy was officially coming to a close I felt a strong call of the aspect of simplicity of life since I was brought back into the Anglican Church, to transfer orders, and moved from the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans to The Third Order Society of St. Francis and re-wrote my rule, starting to prepare to take my noviate vows this fall within the Order.
It is a long process, inquiry and postulancy can take upwards to 1-1/2 years; noviate takes 24 months and then the Order takes you to prayer for whether or not you are meant to take a life profession. To simplistically understand what it means to be a Franciscan, there are three simple aims:
To make our Lord known and loved everywhere. By word and example, Tertiaries witness to Christ in their daily lives. By prayer and sacrifice, we help forward God's work wherever He has called us. To spread the spirit of fellowship. By working happily with people of different race, color, creed, education and opportunity, Tertiaries seek to break down the divisions in the world. We try to live in the spirit of St. Francis' prayer: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." To live simply. Acknowledging that everything belongs to God, we seek to use His gifts wisely and to be good stewards of this fragile earth, never destroying or wasting what God has made. We provide the things necessary for our families and ourselves without demanding luxuries. We seek never to forget the needs of others.

It is a lonely call as I traverse this path in community, but no other members within the Calgary, but it is an enriching calling as God has called me to the religious life and to be able to make a positive change in His Kingdom.
-Hoody in AB

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Yes it is a turkey day for some, me, I'll be celebrating with White Chocolate Brownie at Moxie's (long story on my hatred for turkey).
Anyways many Americans out there are probably confuzzled, in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving the 2nd Monday in October. It was a church holiday in Canada, that finally got a set date around the mid-1950's.
Yeah sorry, no funky indian-pilgrim meal stopping starvation story up north.
Although as my priest phrased it yesterday--it does seem like an oxymoron for a Christian to celebrate a specific day for Thanksgiving since it happens every Sunday and should be part of our daily prayers.

The hardest challenge of being a Franciscan is the challenge of simplicity, and no it is not material simplicity, as SCW can vouch, that is quite easy for me.
It is the simplicity of the timetable for me and practicing the ancient art of NO to be able to focus better on what God is calling me to.
-Hoody in AB

The count is up to 18,000 from the 7.6 on the richter scale earthquake that hit the northern parts of India, Pakistan and China. This is a region last Boxing Day that was ravaged by the Tsunami...and now this.Anyone out there who prays, I ask that you pray for the survivors and those grieving, pray for the relief efforts. Good news is that despite all the crisis at this point, World Vision Canada was still able to roll out onto the ground. Here's hoping we can still help these people, find an aid agency and donate!
-Hoody in AB

From the Wisdom of Henri Nouwen:

I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of
the future is called to be completely irrelevant and
to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his
or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus
came to reveal God’s love. The great message that
we have to carry, as ministers of God’s word and
followers of Jesus, is that God loves us not because
of what we do or accomplish, but because God has
created and redeemed us in love and has chosen us to
proclaim that love as the true source of all human life.
-Hoody in AB

Hey all American Readers out there, I implore you to write your government officials and ask them to STOP the HARASSMENT of Canadians crossing the boarder.
Now if we are entering the U.S. by air or sea we need to provide the boarder officials with the address of our destination (not just the city, but where we are staying). As of Dec. 31, 2006 we will need a passport to cross the boarder...we have had the longest undefended boarder in history between our two nations. Hilary Clinton has taken up the call to fight against these draconian measures that are feeding on fear mongering...look to Europe for inspiration, they were inspired by our example of freedom of Travel!!!
-Hoody in AB

The ABC's of Gratitude
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

I am a Third Order Franciscan, and today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Basically the story of St. Francis, is the rich man who surrender all his worldly wealth to go forward into the world and serve the poor, care for God's creation. To live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in love, humility and Joy.Today we celebrate our need to care for the environment, today we bless our fellow created beings...the animals and show the care they should have from us daily as commanded.
Today we party!
-Hoody in AB

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean living'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

The Ruckus at the Ramada concluded yesterday (that is the AlbertaNDP Convention in Calgary) the theme song for our leader, Brian Mason is simply Raise a Little Hell and with only having 4 MLA's out of the 83 sitting it is amazing what we have accomplished. Albertans view us as the "Official Opposition"....we made history by forcing the Tory Government to pass our Bill on Long-Term Care in Nursing Homes (i.e. lets actually take care of the sick).
And yesterday the official roll out to the "NO WAY TO THE THIRD WAY!" an NDP MLA Blitz to the Four Corners of the Province to stop Mr. Klein and the Tory Gov't from selling out health care, and taking us back to the dark ages when health care was dolled out not on a needs base, but rather the size of the bank account....
Send Klein a message:
premier@gov.ab.ca
Remember to enclose your snail mail address.
-Hoody in AB

SCW has now been indocrinated properly by me...lol...she has experienced the wild hillarity that is Kyle Baker's Plastic Man...and she's still talking to me, so do you think I warped her?

Hoody's been saying our blog has been missing my touch. (sigh) Yes I have been delinquent in posting. Life's been a bit crazy. But I've got some good stuff to post this week so I'll start out with this awesome bit of encouragement Hoody forwarded me.

Sometimes we have questions and God seems silent and faraway;
Sometimes our lives fall apart and we fear our hearts can never be mended;
Sometimes we feel completely alone and wonder how long we can keep going;
But Jesus is always there with us -- Even in the Silence -- Even in the brokenness;
Because Jesus has been there before us and understands.