Let me begin this posting by saying 'thank you'!  Thank you for doing your part to practice good Covid protocols in order to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.  Thank you for you support and kind remarks regarding the recent interview I gave on Global BC in which I was seeking to present a more balanced perspective with regard to honoring public health orders, orders which have limited our ability to gather in-person.  I do understand that the gathering is fundamental to who we are as a church, that we are missing the joy that is ours to worship and fellowship together face-to-face.  Thank you for the sacrfices being made for the greater good.

In talking with many of you, I am encouraged and grateful for the way you are staying connected and seeking to support one another.  Some of us are feeling a measure of Covid fatigue, but we must continue to do the right thing until we are able to gather safely -- we need to continue to pray to that end.

This sense of feeling isolated, being tired of the restrictions in place and wanting to return to some semblance of normalcly is very real.  I look back over the past 10 months and would never imagined that we would be unable to gather for almost half of this time.  I think of friends who have gone home to be with the Lord and lament the inablity to have been able to come alongside them in their final days; in the inabitly to celebrate and honor their lives in community.  I think of friends who are even now dealing with health concerns or are just feeling lonely and while it is good to talk or pray with them on the phone, it's not quite the same as being able to sit with them.

With the current outbreak at Sunnybank, Janice and I are being extra-diligent, staying close to home, only being out when necessary. Even though I have worked from home for years, there is a sense of feeling cooped up a times.  And there of times when I lie awake a night thinking about and praying for the safety of my wife and children and for you, my church family.  I have watched, as I'm sure many of you have, all the events that have been unfolding in our nation and in the United States and sometimes I find myself angered by the blatant disregard for common courtesy and decency, the spirit of defiance I am seeing to often on the nightly news--there is just too much criticism and complaining, opposing and protesting; something within longs for a better day.

In all of this, the Word of God continues to bring rest to my soul.  There is great comfort in hearing God say in His Word...in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15)  There is a peace we experience in hearing Jesus say...Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

When wonder, how can we find our way forward, God says to us...Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).  And so we pray...Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

I share all of this with you, to encourage you to stay the course, to hold on to the vision of that day when we can gather again, take off our masks, sing loudly with great joy, take the hand of one another and bow together in prayer and hug one another!  Until that day, lets keep doing our part to lift up the spirits on one another, to comfort and encourage and support each other and above all to pray for each other.

I am so very proud of all of you!  In all that we have had to endure, I am seeing the character, the strength, the very heart of Valley; you are an amazing group of friends, caring, compassionate and generous and I guess I just wanted to say 'thank you' -- I thank God for you.

I received a call late last night from our son.  Scott had just finished a 16-hour shift, Tiffany and Riley were asleep when he got home and he just needed to debrief.  The ICU unit at the hospital where he works was at capacity; Covid patients who would normally be in the ICU were being sent to the Covid unit, which was also full, over-flowing to another floor, and a make-shift unit has been set up in the parking lot. That staff would feel overwhelmed would an understatement.  Adding to the burden of caring for these patients was a phone call to a family member to inform them their loved one was near death.

With the rising death count at McKinney Place and across our province, the alarming numbers south of the border and the staggering case counts and deaths globally, it's fair to say that Covid-19 has dominated our world in 2020.  Add to this pandemic the injustice, violence and unrest we have witnessed, it is no wonder we are eager to put this year behind us.  As we anticipate a New Year and pause and reflect on the year that has been, we have to work extra hard to identify the blessings that have been mingled with all of this sadness.

As we do just that, pause and reflect, to do as the hymnwriter exhorts, to count our blessings, there is much for which to give thanks.  While many have lost their jobs and have struggled to make ends meet, because of the faithfulness of you, the people of Valley, my salary has not been affected and we have been able to meet all of our expenses and obligations. Janice as an essential worker has continued to work throughout the year, as have all of our kids.  We have a roof over our heads, clothes on back and food on the table, the very things we should never take for granted.

In March we celebrated the arrival of our grandson, who we were able to visit prior to all the travel restrictions being put in place.  We have know the grace and favor of our God as we have called out to Him when Scott was hospitialized with Covid.  We have experienced the love and support of family and friends and in many ways the bond we have in Christ has been strengthened through all that has happened.

For many 2020 will go down as the year of Covid. For those of us who walk with God, this has been a year in which we have seen His great faithfulness, mercy and love. As we dwell on this truth, His Word reinforces just how blessed we have been.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.  (Nahum 1:7)

He is the God who leads us to green pastures and still waters, who restores our our souls and renews our hope (Psalm 23:2-3; Isaiah 40:31).   He is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).  The Lord watches over all who love him (Psalm 14:20).

Friends, for we who know God, who are in a covenant relationship with Him there is always a reason to give thanks, to praise our God for HIs abundant goodness.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says...in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

May you rest in the shadow of the Almighty as we journey together in 2021.

Happy New Year!

Since many of you have asked to see a picture, meet the newest member of our household; an early Christmas gift!  She is a beautiful ten-week old  Black Lab - German Shepherd mix.  We brought her home with the thought that we would see what her personality was like and then give her a name.  As we observed her, we kept coming back to the same thought, 'she's pretty 'sweet'; so we named her Matok (Mah-took),  the Hebrew word for 'sweet'.

She has brought a lot of life and joy to our home!  

​I saw a news article a couple days ago about a nurse that posted a “How it started… How it’s going” picture of herself; a few others have joined in with pictures of their own. I’ve never been one to take pictures of myself, but when I took my gear off after my last rotation, I couldn’t help but notice that I not only felt exhausted, but that I looked it as well. So here is mine, the photo I used for my hospital badge when I started in May, alongside a picture of me after my last shift.

I’ve been reluctant to post much about COVID since testing positive back in March. Some may know that I have since gone from one side of “being in the hospital with COVID,” to the other, now working as an RN on a COVID ward. And to be completely honest, it’s exactly where I wanted to be when I was hired. Some of my reluctance to post anything was to avoid political debates, but some was also because I felt bad that I started my career after the pandemic had already been delcared.  I tagged in if you will, while many of my coworkers have been working hard since day one. I feel new and inexperienced, and that maybe my experiences and feelings are less legitimate because I started part way through the first wave. People would look at what I wrote and think, “Your opinion doesn’t count; you missed the start, and are new to nursing, you don’t really understand the situation.” And maybe that’s true, and I’m only tired and falling behind so much now because I am newer, slower, and not working as efficiently. Maybe more experienced RNs could do my tasks twice as fast.

My coworkers are amazing, and help me when they can. But I also see them struggling as well. We are all beyond tired. We work short, take shortened breaks, if we get a break at all, and can’t eat or drink for hours with our supply of N95s still being restricted. We are hot and sweaty from wearing our PPE all day. Yes, I know there are other jobs out there that do worse for longer, and I have a greater appreciation for what they do. We a rarely sit, not even to chart, and we often have to stay late after our shift ends do that. We have high patient turnover, constantly admitting and transferring patients off the unit. We have an increase in critically ill patients, and we are seeing more palliative patients that are dying under our care while we try and keep them as comfortable as possible. On that note, a big shout out to all the RTs working alongside and supporting us, especially when our patients start to deteriorate. We spend more time on the phone with families giving updates since visitors are restricted, and have less time for patient care. We flip between days and nights, working overtime to fill shifts, trying to not leave our teammates shorthanded.

Our numbers aren’t high like in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean we aren’t working hard, or that COVID isn’t making people sick. It really bothers me when I hear people calling it a “scamdemic,” and claiming healthcare workers are inflating numbers, and that nurses sit around with empty beds doing nothing and just “dance on TikTok in their scrubs.” Maybe they do that on other units, but not ours. I’m not even sure I know what TikTok really is, and I’m pretty sure that I don’t care to know. But what I do know is that our ward is full, our ICU is full, not all with COVID, but we have enough. All this being said, there is no other floor I would rather be on right now. I am proud to say I have worked the COVID floors during the pandemic. I work with some pretty amazing and caring nurses, RTs, doctors, clerks, aides, and cleaners.  And we have the most supportive OT and PT working alongside us as well, and I am sure everyone on the floor would say they are proud to be doing what they are doing right now too. From this new RN, thank you to everyone that has supported our nurses and hospital staff during the pandemic.

As we wrap up our current teaching series entitled 'Questions about Life and Death', we are forced to think about our own immortality; to recognize that either the Lord Jesus will come and we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them (those who have died in Christ) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1Thessalonians 4:17), or we will one day die, we will pass from this life to life eternal. Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

I know, we don't like to talk about these matters, but in order to live well to the end, we must at times reflect on the reality that death will one day come for each of us (unless our Lord returns first).  I wonder, if you knew you were going to die, if you had only 30 seconds before you breathed your last breath, what would you say to those closest to you.

As I shared in the final message of this series, if I knew I had only 30 seconds to life and Janice was by my side, I would tell her that I have been blessed in the life that we have shared together.  'You have been my companion and friend, my partner in ministry and the source of my strength and joy.  I have always loved you and with my final breath I want you to know, I have loved you to the end, and I’ll be waiting for you.'
 
If I had only 30 seconds to live, I would say to my kids, 'I don’t know if it’s possible for a dad to love his children more than I have loved you.  Take care of your mom  and be there for each other; worship and serve the Lord and be blessed as you follow Him.  And always remember, one day, in Christ, we’ll be together again'.
 
Those words capture pretty much everything I would want my wife and kids to know; then I'd be ready to go.

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. (Job 14:5)

None of us knows how many more days we will have on this earth.  We don’t know what lies ahead of us.
The journey may become difficult, the road steep, the path lonely. We may never accomplish all we set out to do.  We may never see all that we would like to see.  But, we can live by faith; we can live well right to the end and finish the race set before us with a confident faith that God will see us through.
 
When the time comes for me to leave this world, I would hope that my family might be able to be by my side. 
And I pray that they would still see my faith; that I might have something worthwhile to say to them, before I breath my last breath and that they might stand on my shoulders and see the things of God that I never saw as they take the baton from me and live out the faith passed on to them.
 
Friends – we are called to live for God and to pass along our faith to our children and grandchildren, to those we love.  In this season of our lives, may we be found faithful.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

The Bible clearly exhorts us as God's people to Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever ( Chronicles 16:34).  Similiarily, the songwriter encourages us to Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God has done. 

As we come to Thanksgiving 2020, perhaps more so than any other year in recent history, in the year of Covid-19, we need to pause and reflect on the goodness and grace we have experienced from God and to offer to Him our sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 116:17).

As I think about the blessings God has poured out in my life, I am grateful for the covenant relationship I with my Father.  I know that I am loved by Him and that He desires to break into my life and lead me according to His good purposes; that daily He invites me to walk with Him, to fellowship with Him.  Here I think of the words of  God to the prophet Jeremiah: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I am also grateful that God watches over me; He is the God who sees and the God who cares, who provides and protects those who belong to Him.  The Psalmist writes:  He will watch over your life;  the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8).  As I comtemplate all that has happened in these past months, I am particularly grateful for God's intervening grace in the life of our son Scott.  On the night he was hospitialized with the coronavirus, God revealed Himself once again as the God who sits up with us.  We are grateful for the safe and healthy arrival of our grandson, Riley and for the grace extended to him when he too was diagnosed with Covid-19.  In the early days of the pandemic, that was a scary time but looking back, God has been good to our family.

So, not surprisingly, I am thankful for family and friends; for a church family that is sharing this journey with us.  The Bible says we have been knit together in love (Colossians 2:2 - NKJV); that we should love one another deeply, from the heart (1 Peter 1:22).  Over the past 13 years we have shared some mountain top experiences  and at times we have walked through the valley together and in all things, our God has remained faithful and God.  As I give thanks, I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.

My friends at Valley, God has been so very good to you, what do you say?

As you pause and reflect this Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to respond to this posting by sharing three things for which you are thankful.  

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30).

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
                                                                                                                                                  Psalm 57:9-11

With all the attention focused on a global pandemic, world-side unrest and a provincial election, it is not suprising that the anniversary of the church has quietly come upon us, catching us somewhat off guard. For those of you who have shared in the 30-year history of the church, I can only imagine the memories you must hold in your hearts as you reflect on the early years, all the changes through the years and yet are mindful of the one constant, God's faithfulness. 

For those of us who have been part of the more-recent history of the church, we too recognize God's hand of blessing, past and present and because the essential nature of God does not change, we can confidently predict His faithfulness will continue to guide us in the days ahead.  How blessed we are to be able to rest in HIs faithful love  and to know whatever tomorrow may bring, we are secure in Him; that we can claim His promise to us.  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).

As I reflect back on the 13+ years we have been at Valley and the blessings that have been mine as the pastor here, it's not so much any particular event we have experienced together that stands out in my mind  (there have been many such events/ gatherings), but rather the people that we have shared the journey with us. Even as I type these words the names and faces are flashing across my mind and it brings to me a smile.  What makes the church such a wonderful is experience is not the building we have, although we are incredibly blessed to have the structure on Black Sage road as a place to call 'home'. It is not the gatherings in and of themselves that make the church so special; although we have had some wonderful times of worship and fellowship.  It's not even the blessings we have shared as God has surprised us with His grace and kindness and has allowed us to bless others through the ministries of the church.  What is most heart-warming is to have shared the presence of God among us, to see Him at work and experience more of His faithful love over the years.

As we celebrate this coming Lord's Day and move toward the season of Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you to pause and reflect on all of God's goodness to us as a church and to you and as you do, I ask you again, 'what do you say'?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
                                                                                                                                                      Psalm 36:1

As I finish up a few more administrative tasks before starting my summer break; one of which is this blog posting, I am looking forward to a time to rest and replenish.  These past few months have indeed been unprecidented for the church and while it has been good to for the church to be able to regather, we are still a long way from a 'normal' church experience.  This whole journey from the declaration in mid-March of a global pandemic, the shutting down of many aspects of our ministry, the season of adapting on the fly and then preparing to regather has been, quite honestly, draining.  But, as is often the case, it is during such times as this that we gain a fresh perspective about our God and this journey of faith we are share with our God.

For me, I am thankful for:

God' Presence and Protection

There were moments for us as a family when this pandemic hit very close to home; when our son was hospitalized with the virus and our newborn grandson tested positive.  Scott declined so quickly on the day he was taken by ambulance to hospital that through those late night hours, we feared the worst.  But, we have a God who sits up with us, who, in those moments reminded us that our son was in His hands, who assured us and brought a measure of peace.  Scott has recovered and is now working in the Covid unit at Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Oakville.  Riley had mild symptoms but is today healthy and growing!

God has watched over our church family as we have a called out to Him for protection.  We need to continue to pray for our health care and essential workers and for continued wisdom for decision makers both at a provincial and national level.  This thing is not over and we must not let down our guard regarding safety measures but as Christians we must not let down our guard of prayer.

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 17:6)

God's Provision

As I look back on all that has happened regarding the way we do ministry during a crisis, I see the hand of God at work preparing and sustaining His church.  I think back to a few years ago when Sandra raised the idea of a church website -- our site was already established and operational when we most need to develop a greater online presence.  I think also of Karen's iniative to record our worship gatherings.  By the time we had to close the doors of the church we had the means in place to continue to record and post a modified worship experience that was well received by our church family and by many outside Valley.  I'm also grateful for the learning that was 'forced' on me as we figured out the programming and software needed to ramp up our online presence.

Aspah began Psalm 73 with the words, 'Surely God is good to Israel'.  We too must declare, surely God is good to Valley, to His people.  He has provided what we need for such a time as this and through the continued generosity of His people, he has provided for all of our expenses, so that we could continue our ministry and faithfully support our Mission Partners.

God's Encouragement

Here, I think of the words of the hymnwriter, 'Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide' (Great Is Thy Faithfulness).  God has given to us His divine encouragement on this journey through uncharted territory. And much of that encouragement has come through you, the people of Valley.  Thank you for staying in touch with one another, for supporting and building up one another 'from a distance' and for cheering me on in my role as your pastor.  Your support has greatly encouraged me and provided an extra measure of engery to keep going and get done what needed to be done, during a particularly demanding stretch.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 15:5-6)

God's Direction, Inspiration and Assurance

Over these past five months, as we interacted as a Leadership Team and church family, as we worked out way through so many unknowns, God was quietly guiding our steps and affirming His leading through a wonderful spirit of unity and a determination and resolve among our people.  I have seen just how precious and meaningful the community faith is during this season.  For me, much of God's inspiration has come through the quiet support of you, the people fo Valley and from many outside sources that have been blessed by our ministry to them during this time.  And, I have been blessed by God during private moments of prayer and contemplation and often when sitting at my desk, stuck in sermon prepartion and the Spirit would provide the right verse, the right word or phrase to keep going. I would whisper a 'thanks, Lord' and then push on.

All along God had directed, inspired and given to me, to us, His assurance.  We still face an unknown future, as I take a break now, I'm not sure what tomorrow may bring, but we can rest assurred because we can trust an unknown future to a known God!

They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.  I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:38-41)

 During our current summer series, we said that spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3;16) reveal the intent of our heart.  They are rooted in the Scriptures and link our belief and our will together, as an expression of a longing to follow God’s Word and His ways.  In my previous post, I shared with you some of the great hymns of our faith that reasonate deeply with me.  Below is a list spiritual songs that also connect powerfully with my heart.

Sole Desire - Walt Harrah

You’re the sole desire of my heart
Lord, speak to me I’m standing still
I come to hear, reveal Your will
I’ll listen to Your voice and then obey

With these simple words, I am reminded that God does speak, that His Word to me is precious and that I need to listen and obey.  I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying.  (85:8 - NLT)

I Give You My Heart - Reuben Morgan

This is my desire to honour You
Lord with all my heart I worship You

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 146:2)
 
In the words of A.W. Tozer…I cannot speak for you, but I want to be among those who worship...I would rather worship God than do any other thing I know of in this whole world.

O Lord, You're Beautiful - Keith Green

Oh Lord You're beautiful, Your face is all I seek
And when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me

Words cannot fully express my desire to embrace the beauty and grace of the Lord Jesus. In the words of the psalmist:  One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

Emmanuel - Bob McGee

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel
God with us revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel

Can there be a more precious truth than to know, God is with us?  And, If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

His Name is Wonderful - Audrey Mieir

His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord

Like many of these worships songs that focus on the name of our Lord, this song speaks of our Lord as the Mighty King, Master of everything, the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages, Almighty God.  Our hearts and minds are drawn to the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20).

Majesty - Jack Hayford

Majesty, worship His majesty, unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise

Both the words of Hayford's song and the tune lift us to see the slendor and glory of our Lord.

We see Jesus...now crowned with glory and honor. (Hebrews 2:9)

No Higher Calling - Greg Gulley and Lenny LeBlanc

Down at Your feet, Oh Lord, ss the most high place
In Your presence Lord, I seek Your face

As I shared with you in week one of this series, worship is my heart beat.  I can't read music, or play an instrument, but worship is my heart beat.  This song expresses perfectly the my desire to worship our Lord.

There is no higher calling, no greater honor, than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy, Oh Lord, I live to worship You

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. (Psalm 103:1 - NLT)

Make Me a Servant - Kelly Willard

Make me a servant, humble and meek
Lord, let me lift up, those who are weak
And may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant, today

The challenges of ministry, of seeking to serve others, is something I am constantly aware of as I seek to live out the words of Galatians 5:13 to serve one another humbly in love.  This simple song, serves a daily prayer for me.

Awesome in This Place - Dave Billington

You are awesome in this place Mighty God
You are awesome in this place Abba Father
You are worthy of all our praise, to You our lives we raise
You are awesome in this place Mighty God

This captures for me the incredible privilege that is ours to be in the in presence of our God as we gather each week to worship Him.  How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God (Genesis 28:17).

In Christ Alone - Don Kock, Shawn Craig 

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In ev'ry victory let it be said of me
My source of strength my source of hope is Christ alone

'Christ alone' what more needs to be said!  Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20 - The Message).

As you read Paul's letters to the young believers in Thessalonica, it is very personal in nature, there is a tenderness in his words and he celebrates their faith and seeks to build then up in that faith.  Much like us, they were not perfect but there was an undeniable bond of love they shared.  I imagine they celebrated the  joy of just being together, as we do at Valley; I wonder if they sang a first-century version of the Family of God as they worshipped in community with one another! 

I think this church would have been able to relate to what we are experiencing in our day -- the profound disappointment of not being able to gather.  But much like us, they would have found ways to encourage and build up one another.  One of the great joys coming out of this current reality for is in seeing the strength and resolve of Valley; your faithfulness in supporting one another and continuing the work of the church has been a blessing to me as I continue to hear story after story of our people just being the church.

I want to express my appreciation to our Leadership Team for their faithfulness in giving strong and consistent guidance during this unprecedented 'shut down'; we continue to enjoy a spirit of unity and joy as we work together.  And I want to thank you, our people for staying in touch, for your prayers, support and words of encouragement, particularly during the time when Scott was hospitalized and he and Riley were recovering from the Covid - 19 virus.  (We have received hundreds of emails and messages during the last few weeks.)  We ought not be surprised by such encouragement for we have seen it over and over and over again in our time with you, but still there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation for your love and support.  Thank you, Valley!  We miss gathering with you and cannot wait to meet again!!

Until then, we grieve what is lost, we wait, we adjust, we pray and we hope.

The Lord bless you and keep you.  (Numbers 6:24)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:28)


As we anticipate at least three more weeks before we will gather again, understanding that some may still not be ready to join in a more public way, I want to invite you to share a greeting, a message of appreciation, a word of encouragement or a prayer of blessing with one another.  Use the form below or email me and I will post your comment.

There is within all of us, an increasing desire to be together in the house of the Lord.  Just when that will happen is yet to be determined.  As the Leadership Team meets to begin discussing how we move forward together, we will be looking to you, the people of Valley for guidance.  In the short term we will continue to provide an 'Online Gathering' experience that you can view on Sunday morning.  It is not ideal, we were meant to gather and worship in community, but it is a way to stay connected and to stay under His Word.

I want to thank you for your kind and gracious response to what has been posted each week.  I have been blessed by your comments.  John Kobylnik sends me an encouraging note each week.  (I'm waiting for that week, when John says, 'nice try on this one, Ken, but you need to pick it up for next week'!)  On average our Message page is accessed nearly 60 times on Sunday and 15+ times/ per day, each week.  We have seen a spike in the use of website, with the Message, Blog, Prayer Corner and Photo pages being accessed regularly.

I was recently asked, how this all comes together.  A few have been on site as we have recorded; you've been given a glimpse into how the recorded pieces are created each week.  (Just as an aside, I've sought to let you know when we are recording, so you can stop by if you wish -- physical distancing procedures in place, of course.)  I want to thank those who have helped with these recording sessions -- John Unger, our camera man and those who have helped with piano recordings, prayers and readings.

Pulling this kind of experience together has taken up to 40 hours a week to prepare.  Preparation begins as any week would, with the drafting of an order of service, but now instead of relying our worship team for the music, I'm searching music files and downloading songs for our use.  Each song is being prepared in the format you've seen these last few weeks.  I'm using a software programs that allows me to choose a background, then add the music file and words.  Each song takes 30-45 minutes to prepare -- the editing process is sometimes tedious and time consuming to get the words coming in at just the right time and to cut or fade the music as needed.  When the song is complete, I then save it as video. (As an added 'bonus' this is our 6 month period to report our activity for our copyright licence -- every copyrighted song has to be added to our report each week!)

The same program allows me to insert each individual song into a file that becomes what you see on Sunday morning. I then add the recorded pieces from the church or a video, like the one we showed yesterday for Mother's Day, into the appropriate place.  When all the individual clips are in place, I check the timing and then save that file to a video.  But, that video file is too big for our website, so I convert it to a different format.  The final step is to upload the video to our website, which often takes several minutes to complete as the file is also encoded for use on the site.

This morning, Monday, May 11th, I've spend 4 hours preparing the order of service and creating the first 3 songs for this week...five more to go!  And then there's the usual message prep, which is now completed by Friday morning, so we can record in the afternoon.  My preparation routine has been drastically changed!  I'm lost on Sundays!!  (Perhaps a reminder that this is not the way it should be.)

I am grateful we have this means to stay connected and commend you for doing just that.  As Dr. Henry has said, 'this is not forever, just for now'!  We do not want to become complacent and settle for something less; we need to be together, sitting in front of a computer screen or television just isn't the same, so lets keep praying for that day when we will be together again!


Some of us haven't seen each other for several week, so in the next few days, I will be creating a blog posting in which we can share an encouraging word with one another.  I want to invite you to add your note or greeting and include a photo if you are able to do so.  You can use the form on our website or send me an email and I will post it for you.  I hope we hear from many of you in the coming days!!  Your words to each other will serve to bless one another, the way so many of you have done for me with your words of appreciation and encouragement!

Like many of you, we first began to hear about Covid-19, early in the New Year.  By the end of January we were hearing reports of presumptive cases in Canada and in our own province, but it wasn't until mid-March when a global pandemic was declared that we began to hear the term 'social distancing' and talk of 'staying at home'; about flights being cancelled and schools and businesses closing -- within a few days, things had radically changed.

It was during this time that Janice and I were preparing to travel to Ontario to visit with Scott and Tiffany and see our grandson.  Just hours before we were scheduled to leave I received notice that our flights had been changed, but the changes only took as far as Edmonton! I spend two hours just trying to get through to the ariline and another two hours on hold before we could get this matter resolved; to say it was a bit stressful would be an understatement! But, we are so grateful to have had a few days with them, to hold Riley and celebrate his birth.

But even during that week, there was concern about what was unfolding and about getting back home; in the end Janice cut her visit short and we were able to return together. I was also in discussion with our Leadership Team Chair, Don Hargrave about the possibility of having to cancel our Worship Gatherings, which we did, to comply with the directives from our government leaders and health officials. 

When we arrived home on the 21st of March, it was indeed a different world for all of us.  We scrambled to take our Worship Gathering online, to record a modified worship experience for our people.  I am grateful that this has been a means to connect and stay 'in the Word' over the past eight weeks -- thank you for all the positive comments received.  It's not a perfect solution and we are limited in what we can do, but we've been able to make it work for our purposes.  It has been for me, a steep learning curve to prepare and quickly get up to speed with some new software / technology; I am grateful for your patience and kindness!

As many of you know it was shortly after arriving home from Ontario that we learned our son had been infected, he spiralled quickly and within hours was in hospital in Hamilton; that was a very difficult night. Scott spend four days in hospital and has been off work since the end of March.  He has now received a second negative report and is able to go back to work this week. Riley was also infected but thankfully had mild symptoms and has recovered -- they are all doing well now.  Thank you for sharing that journey with us and for all your prayers and words of support and encouragement.

In some ways we have 'settled' into a new and much different routine, as we all have had to do.  It has been a time of reflection and a time to re-affirm what it is we have as a people of faith.  We have been able to continue to experience the hand of God leading and blessing our lives.  We have what we need and have been able to stay safe and stay connected. 

For me, the overwhelming sense I have right now is that of gratitude.  I think of the words of the worship song we have used in our Online Gathering the past two Sundays...I come before You today and there is just one thing I want to say, thank You, Lord.  For all You've given to me, for all the blessings I cannot see, thank You, Lord.  To you, my friends at Valley, 'thank you' for sharing this journey together.  Give thanks to Lord, for He is good.  (1 Chronicles 16:34)

April 29th 

From the TLC Group

You are so many things Father, You are our creator, our shepherd, our saviour, our redeemer, our healer, our calm in the storm, our solid rock, our “go to man” and our best friend. It is You we turn to, You we trust, and we are so thankful that we know You are always watching over us and will never forsake us. Thank you that You will make a way for us and meet our every need in our personal wilderness and love us no matter what we do. Thank you for Your direction. Your thoughts are higher than ours and Your ways are greater so we surrender to Your will and give You our glory and praise. Amen.

Hi Valley.  We miss all of you.  You are welcome to come see us on Wednesdays at 2:00 on messenger.  

April 27th

Because I am sure that neither a virus or any other disease, neither boredom or loneliness, nor social distance or partial unemployment, nor threat of insolvency, no loss of school at home, nor lack of toilet paper nor fake news, nor great crisis, nor fear, nor doubt or even death can not separate me from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39 by Andi Weiss) 

From Edna Barisoff:

Thank you Lord and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for choosing me and adopting me as your child. I am so grateful to have in my life Lord. I praise you and thank you for being my strength, the one that I turn to throughout the day and night.  Amen

From Janet Armstrong:

The church is not a collection of bodies gathered under one roof; the Church is a collection of hearts
unified under one Name - Jesus.

Similarly from biblehub.com:

The Church has many members in one body...it is a co-operative body, each aiding in his own way and with his own talent. The Church is not a collection of loose stones and timbers; its members are in vital union with Christ, and ought to be in living and loving and considerate fellowship with each other.

April 19th

​From Janet Armstrong:

Greetings Church Family,

So much time has passed since we have been able to gather in Worship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Thankfully Pastor Ken videos Sunday services and we continue to hear the Word of God spoken to us in the same devoted and timely way as when we are present at Valley.

I miss you all and I'm inspired by the care and love shared through phone calls, texts, cards, emails, the making of caps and face masks. And thank you for all the prayers for one another. 

God loves you with a love that is increasing and overflowing.  (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)."

From June Brommeland:

I give loving thanks to all of you who have been praying for me for Dennis' homecoming one year ago on April 28th. It has been a blessing to me to have you all in my life. We are given assurance in our hearts that we are one with the Lord. My prayer is to continue praying for my step children and grandchildren to come to know the Lord in the same way as we all do.

From Karen Macor:​

Today’s worship service was so meaningful and touching I just have to share my blessings with the rest of you.  Missing all the hugs and handshakes and the comments about the excellent service but am so proud to be a part of Valley when I hear of all the things individuals are doing to help out in the community and at home.  Thank you.

Some comments received about our online presence:

I want to thank you for your Good Friday and Easter Sunday messages. I so miss being at church and these were a real blessing!!!

Thank you for the wonderful  sermon this morning. I  am  so grateful  my kids convinced  me to "get into the modern age" a few years back. Now I  receive  so much pleasure, relief  and can connect  with  family  and friends  virtually  during  these difficult  times.

Thank You for Easter celebration message this morning.

Thank you Pastor Ken for the  heartwarming Easter message.

Thank you for the service, I feel truly blessed.

Happy Easter and thank you for the excellent message today.

Thank you for the service this morning it was very uplifting.

That was a great Good Friday message and loved the reversible narrative.

Thank you Ken, excellent! A great way of presenting the message!

Thank you for this mornings message, we have so very much to be thankful for.
​

​Happy Easter! Tiffany, Riley, and I just wanted to send a quick thank you to everyone at Valley for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of encouragement while we battled COVID-19 in our house. We are happy to report that Tiffany remains symptom free, and that my case and Riley's case are fully resolved! We are now off quarantine. Thank you everyone for blessing us during the past few weeks. Stay safe!

Link to Scott's Facebook post:  https://www.facebook.com/bruinsfan02/posts/10217238693187947
​​

How incredibly strange to be sitting at my desk on Easter Sunday morning.  Since God intercepted my life 43 years ago, on Good Friday, 1977, I have always been in the House of the Lord on Easter morning. Instead I find myself, listening to worship music and reflecting quietly (I've already heard the Easter message from our pastor!); the text before me is Psalm 16.

The Psalm begins with words that could not be more appropriate for out day:  Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 16:1)  This verse alone is enough to carry us through these uncertain days.

This morning I received a message from a friend and ministry colleague. She writes:  Our world is living with great anxiety and uncertainty. That, however, does not need to rob us of a solid path beneath our feet. Jesus made a way for each of us to confidently enter into a forever relationship with the One who promised “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Our real security lies in trusting the One who loves us enough to die for us. The light of His presence guides and comforts us throughout every step of our uncharted journey. 

David goes on in Psalm 16 to say:  I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord. (Psalm 16:2)  I am reminded again that I am in a covenant relationship with God, that He loves me and is watching over my life.  Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:5)  Though our current reality may feel anything but secure, we who walk by faith can feel safe...Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Looking back over my years of journeying with God, there have been hard times, even those dark nights of the soul, but like David, I must confess:  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

The Covid - 19 pandemic threatens our health and safety, we do well to heed the wise advice of our government leaders and health officials to stay home, to pracitice physical distancing but our confidence in such troubling times comes not from the wisdom of man.  David writes in verse, 9 of Psalm 16:  I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

It is not only possible to remain calm and rest assured in these troubling days, the psalmist goes on to say: 
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. (Psalm 16:9)  We who know our Risen Lord can be glad, we have reason to rejoice and in him we can indeed rest secure; how blessed are we to be children of God!  It's no wonder David concludes this Psalm this way:  You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

As I finish writing these words, it's about the time we would normally be heading home from Valley; it's all still very surreal.  I want you to know you are all in my thought and prayers.  Thank you for staying connected; we will get through this togehter and as we wait and pray, hold on to that vision of gathering again and pray that it might be soon!  I can't wait to be with you all again!

Happy Easter -- HE IS RISEN INDEED!​

Click here to access a pre-release video of the song Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Getty Music)
​

Click here to access the Ted Talk by Mason Vander Ploeg and Aniela Guzikowski 
​

Desert Valley Hospice Society has initiated a Wellness Call Check-In for those who could use support
​during this pandemic:

Click here for more information
​

A message from Sandra Shaw, including a piano medley:

​From Roberta:  For dog lovers!

April 6th 

A message from James Perreaux:

Thanks Valley for your prayers and support! 

We are doing well. Both Andrea and I have been working from home these past three weeks, and have had our two boys at home as well (10 and 8 years old). The boys have been doing really well actually, making a schedule every morning, of activities and outdoor time, crafting, reading, and some video gaming time. I know they miss their friends though. And Solly’s birthday is this week, on April 9th, so that’s going to be tough. Asher had his on March 23, and we did an online video gaming time with some of his friends. So we’re going to do something similar with an Netflix movie watching party online for Solly. 

For Andrea’s work life, not much has changed, as she has always worked online for the government, doing phone call mediation. But this week changes for both us as we begin the responsibility of helping our kids do home-schooling. Teachers are just figuring out this massive change, and so will we as parents, having to balance working and helping our kids. 

With UCM, each week Reena and I have made a new plan. Being adaptable and learning is key right now as we move everything online. We’ve been doing a lot of video calls (on Zoom) and checking-in with students. Students are heading into final exams this month now. So we decided, for the month of April, to provide different types of daily online groups and check-ins, as a way to connect and be encouraged in their faith. In May we’ll resume our weekly Thursday night worship gathering online and see how that goes for the summer months. 

Thanks for keeping us in prayer as we navigate these strange days, and figure out how to do campus ministry under the physical/gathering restrictions.  

Hope you are all doing well and being safe!  

April 2nd

The Power of Prayer -- The Power of Encouraging Words

Over the past 60 hours, my inbox has been flooded with messages and my phone has been blowing up as people have reached to us to let us know they are praying for our son, sharing in our concern and to offer words of blessing and encouragement -- truly this is one of the greatest gifts we can give to one another.

Besides the many messages from our church family at Valley, we have received messages from long-time friends and even strangers who have heard and prayed.  Below are just a few examples; messages of grace and hope and courage:

Father, we lift Scott to you and ask that you would protect him, strengthen him and heal him. We pray for this young man, for this young father. Even though his parents can't be there, Lord, we know that you are and we ask that you would make yourself very evident to him. We commit him into your care. In Jesus name.
( Asher Motola)

Certainly will be praying for Scott to get the best medical care possible and for God’s healing and gracious hand to be upon him. May God give Tiffany the strength and comfort she needs right now to care for their new little one, also to have protected them from the virus. God is our great God and is in control of their lives and yours. I know you wish you could be with them - that is natural. They are secure in God’s hands and we look to and lean on Him through this. Ken and Janice, please know we love you, and the family, and will be praying for you all during this difficult time of trusting. (Lelia Stairs -- wife of our former pastor in Chatham)

We will continue to pray for Scott, Tiffany, and Riley.  And also for you and Janice. We are not alone my brother.  (Don Richmond)

I am focusing my prayers throughout today for those who are currently sick including your son. Praying for your son, his family, their caregivers for peace, comfort, hope, and healing.   We are with you brother at this difficult time. (Guret)

Sandra and I are on it.  Thank you Lord God. We trust YOU. (Matt Duffy)

I  am so saddened to hear about Scott. I’ll be praying for him, Tiffany and the baby. You and Janice will be in our prayers as well. (David Schrader - CCCC National Pastor)

Up at 5:00 a.m. Atlantic Time and read your note. I am praying and will continue to pray. (Bruce Smith - HMI)

We are trusting that the Presence, protection and provision of our Great Shepherd would be very real for Scott, Tiffany and both of you. (Darlene McLean - Christian Embassy of Canada)

Praying for Scott and the medical team caring for him. Also for Tiffany, baby and you guys...such scary times.  (Friends from our church family in Markham)

We are praying for you and your family. (Graham and Myrtle Gore)

And just a few from our church family at Valley:

We are going to keep praying and keep praying until we hear good news. God is our strength. Keep strong in Him. 

We certainly understand and feel the concern for Scott especially with his respiratory history. We will certainly keep him in prayer and wait to hear how this goes. Thanks for sharing this with us.

May you know God’s  peace at this time with the assurance that He’s Sovereign! 

I  am, and will continue, to pray for all of you. May you feel the love of your church as you are going through  this  difficult  time; we all feel  for you.

We will continue to pray.  We are in this with you both.

THANK YOU!

Wow...what a night!  I don't know that I have ever experienced a greater fear than last night.  Scott had texted me 'I couldn't breath, I can't catch my breath'.  At one point I put my head on my desk and cried...things had spiralled so quickly, I thought we might lose our son. 

The kids usually text with their mom (I have a three text rule...after the third text message my reply is...call me), so when Scott kept texting me through the night, I was deeply concerned for him.  At the same time a stream of messages continued to come in...'we're praying'.  At 3:30 when he said, 'I'm okay, dad', the Spirit seemed to whisper, he'll be okay.  A couple of hours later, he messaged to say  he was being admitted and is now in isolation waiting test results.  

We spoke to him this morning and he is doing much better.

To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy...You turned my wailing into dancing...and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.  (Psalm 30:8,11-12)

For the past three hours I have been responding to nearly 150 messages we have received through the night and into the  morning.  We are so blessed to have so many joining in prayer.  I remember a similar time when Scott was in Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto waiting for lung surgery -- we asked friends to pray and God responded with grace and kindness.  Friends, our God answers prayers -- maybe not always as we might wish, but He is always working out His good purposes in response to our prayers; He answers when we call!

Thank you for journeying with us these past 12-14 hours.  We will update you when we have more news.

March 30th

Like many of you I have been watching with more than a passing interest the daily news concerning the Covid - 19 pandemic.  And no matter what our political persuasion might be we as Christians must respond with respectful adherence to the directives we are receiving from our leaders and health officials.  There are good people in positions of influence that are trying to do their best under trying circumstances; they deserve our prayers and our support.  Indeed to this we are called as Christians.  Paul writes to Timothy:  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority.  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

I applaud our Prime Minister for daily speaking to the people of our nation; our provincial Health Minister and Dr. Bonnie Henry our provincial Health Officer for the good communication they have provided and for seeking to be a calming influence in a time when many are afraid.  And while I do find a measure of encouragement from these leaders ultimately my peace of heart and mind, my assurance and strength, my hope is from the Lord.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:6)

I would encourage you to mediate on the familiar word of the Psalmist in Psalm 121, and be reminded there is never a time when we are not under the care of our God.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

In these days of great uncertainty; not just for our health and well-being physically but with many concerned about their ability to pay their bills and put food on the table, let's be grateful for the support we receive from our government and communities but may we never loose site of the ultimate Provider, the One who gives to us our daily bread; who is the only source of for authentic and lasting hope and joy and peace.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 15:13)

March 26th

Over the past few days I've been able to connect with most of our friends at Valley via email, text messages or a phone call.  It's been such a blessing to hear from many of you and know you're doing well during this time of concern over the spread of the coronavirus, and in knowing that you are doing your part to stay at home and adhere to good physical / social distancing practices. Our people are looking out for one another and for family, friends and neighbors, which speaks to the heart of Valley. 

We are all deeply concerned and if honest, many are afraid; particularly anxious are those serving the health care industry, those on the front lines in our hospitals and long term care facilities.  Pray for our nurses and doctors and care aids and support staff and for those who are ensuring we have access to the supplies we need.

Today I received an email from the wife of 'my' pastor, Phil Stairs, who passed away a few months ago.  Lelia shared this verse:  But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress (place of security), my refuge (place of safety) in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.  (Psalm 59:16:17)

For me, my 'go to' verse when I am anxious or afraid is Psalm 56:3-4... When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.

Many of you have a passage of Scripture that encourages you and builds you up in times of uncertainty. 
​I want to invite you share those verses with one another.  Use the form below or email me and I will post them for others to see and be blessed!

From Janet Armstrong:

Control what you can; trust God with what you can't.

What can you control?
Your focus, your praise, your response.

From Ruth Moran:

Peace is not the absence of stress but the Presence of our Saviour. -  Dr. David Jeremiah

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:4-8)

Celebrate , rejoice
Ask God for help
Leave your burdens
Meditate on His Word -  Max Lucado

As we have been constantly reminded, these are unprecedented times; although many of us have been through various kinds of crisis before, this is a time when our nation, our world has been shaken.  But for we who walk by faith, we are reminded that what we hold on to as the core convictions of our faith cannot be shaken.  We believe that our God is still on the throne, still orchestrating the affairs of this world.  And while we are not immune to the consequences of living in a fallen world, we have One to who we can go, who has promised to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.  (Psalm 46:1)

The Psalmist says, I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
(Psalm 55:22)

I am concerned; concerned for my family, for my church family and for those who have been impacted by this virus. But, I am not fearful.  We have entrusted ourselves to God's care; God who jealously watches over and protects His people, who delivers and protects.

Janice and I have put in our front window, a cross -- a reminder to us that we are asking God to protect us, our home and family, our community and nation.  It's also a message to our neighbors, for all who walk by or drive by that we have put ourselves under the cross.  It's not an 'in your face' gesture but a simple expression of our faith in these trying times.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:2)

With all the concern related to Covid - 19, and because some of you have asked, I'm posting a few pics of our grandson!  (Let me assure you this will not be on-going but given the gravity of the current situation around the globe, maybe some pictures will bring you a smile.)

I might be biased but he's a pretty sweet little guy.