Haiti

Turn on the radio, or TV, or open the newspaper - everywhere - it's all about Haiti. My impression is that humanitarian organizations are responding quickly, more so than Katrina. Maybe the world is getting better at responding with compassion.

As a Christian I wonder - why does God allow a horrible earthquake in a country that is already suffering in every way I can imagine?

Wiki says "before the 2010 earthquake, nearly half the causes of deaths have been attributed to HIV/AIDS, respiratory infections, meningitis and diarrheal diseases, including cholera and typhoid, according to the World Health Organization. Ninety percent of Haiti's children suffer from waterborne diseases and intestinal parasites and 30,000 people suffer each year from malaria."

Then there's the economy, if you can call it that. Meanwhile, you and I are resting on the beach at an all-you-can-eat resort in the Dominican, right next door, to hell in Haiti.

Spiritually, Haiti is mostly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism professed by 80% of Haitians. Protestants make up about 16% of the population.

We see it on the news and we turn the channel to Letterman, thinking, "World Vision or Samaritian's Purse will take care of it".

I think God allows horrible earthquakes to happen just to see how the wealthy people of the world will respond. Will we "say a prayer"? Will we turn the TV channel? Do we sit in our offices expecting our "rich employers" to write a cheque so we don't have to? Or will we make it personal and send what we can? Or, maybe we are equipped ourselves and can go and help where help is needed?

I know I am unequipped for humanitarian relief. I know nothing about health or construction or how to deal with drugs and violence. But I have a heart for people who have nothing. So I can send money through organizations that I believe in. And I work at LIFE 100.3 and use it to connect equipped people with resources.

That's it. That's what God is saying to me. God is giving me a chance to show my love and resources and money to those in need.

Where Am I Going?

Hey friends. I've decided to take a break and get off the air for a while. I'm facing a situation where I don't feel I have anything more to say. This has happened to me a couple of times - once here at LIFE a few years ago. Musicians call it writer's block. I don't know what DJs call it.

I think if I had to play one more Mark Schultz song I was going to scream! Haha.

You'll still hear me from time to time, filling in here and there, but for now I'll be handling some behind the scenes work. Once the on-air bug bites me again, and I'm sure it will, I'll jump back behind the mic.

Another unusual thing happened this week. Our band, Ascension, got together for a practice jam in Huntsville. It was simply a jam - we have no gigs booked because we had planned to spend the winter recording some original songs. Well, it seems like plans have changed. The friendly jam ended early and everyone just ... sort of ... left. A quick good-bye - and that's it.

It feels like we all went in separate directions. I'm not sure what it means. None of us in the band have spoken since the jam.

So, if you're looking for a drummer.... hahaha!

I feel some odd things happening in my life. I'm not sure where I'm headed.

Taking A Break

I'm hiding for a while.

Bless you.

Scott

I Don't Like Mondays

A great weekend but a sluggish Monday.

Thinking About: American Idol starts tomorrow night! Yeah!
Listening To: Old Vineyard Music
Reading: Job
Praying For: Gary Chapman, Ra & Lance, Big Church missionaries in Rwanda, Wellbutrin

Go Back To Work and Stop Whining

What? Another college teachers strike? Yeeesh!

ossible college strike across Ontario is coming. Isn't this the 2nd teachers strike in 4 years? What's going on? Hello....? Teachers want more money. But aren't college students paying tuition? How's that work? Students pay tuition - and the teachers aren't teaching?

So then the students have to fork out extra rent during the strike time, and they might miss the summer job the wanted if the strike goes long.

I have the answer. Listen to me people. I know it all.

The students pay tuition, right? Ok. The students stop paying tuition whenever the teachers go on strike. Maybe someone will get the hint.

I am so tired of hearing "we're doing it for the students, to improve quality". Ya right. Wah wah wah! What a load!

Go back to work and be blessed you even have a job!

Dobson Not Retiring?

You've probably heard that James Dobson is stepping down from Focus on the family - totally. In 1993 he resigned as President but stayed on as Chairman, then last Feb dropped that title and said he only wanted to host the show. The last Focus on the family show with Dobson is February 28. Just so you know, the Focus program will continue on LIFE.

But get this.

James Dobson is not retiring! He's actually starting a whole new organization called "James Dobson on the Family" and he will co-host the show with his son Ryan!

Whaaaat?

Ryan said he never wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps. He has his own ministry, and he's written books and been successful on his own. But something's changed. It's a new radio show.

So now they need donations to start up. I guess that will compete with Focus - only so much money to go around. If you go on James Dobson's Facebook he tells the whole story - and asks for 2 million dollars to start up.

Ya know when I heard this news - that Dobson is teaming up with son to do a radio show - it kinda reminds me of Jay Leno retiring from the Tonight Show and then starting his own show a couple of months later.

I believe in Dr. Dobson. But I don't quite get this.

2010 - Hi

So, 2009 is done. I think I'm always happy to start a new year. What a sad thing to think of the previous year as a bummer. But the idea of starting a new year brings anticipation. Some surprises. Maybe see the light at the end of the tunnel -new friends - a better me. (That shouldn't be too hard.)

Looking back on 2009, I thought I would share my 10 favourite songs with you. These songs are in high rotation in my iPod.

10 Mess of Me - Switchfoot
9 Salvation Is Here - Lincoln Brewster
8 Johnny Diaz - More Beautiful You
7 Broken - Lifehouse
6 Closer To You - To Tell
5 Jimmy Needham - Forgiven and Loved
4 Group 1 Crew - Our Time
3 Chris Bray - Finally Let Go
2 Sidewalk Prophets - The Things I Would Say
1 The Fray - You Found Me

I love how The Fray lead singer sings - Issac Slade - kinda like he just fell out of bed. Still has the yawn in his voice. It's a cool sound. But really, this song totally ministered to me all year. It kept me company as I've been dealing with some medical problems, I've been asking God. "Where were you, where were you." - man I've been asking God all year. Maybe you can relate. Wondering if God is showing up just a little late. Well, we know God isn't late, but sometimes it feels that way and that's what the songs about.

Hope you had a happy new year's eve and that 2010 has great things in store for you. And me.