New Look

Well, my pilgrim pals, what do you think? Do you like the new header and design of Pilgrim Scribblings? I do! It's exactly what I ordered. Our friend Jules over at Everyday Mommy designed it for me.

I'll be adding the links to the site over the next few days. Don't worry! I haven't deleted you for good!

Take a walk with me down the pilgrim pathway and we will declare God's faithfulness together.

Happy Trails To You!

Check out Everyday Mommy at http://www.everydaymommy.net

Where's the Bucket?

This picture of Terry (Canadian Blogger) at a wishing well without a bucket reminded me of an earlier post of mine concerning buckets. You can read about it in the accompanying picture (above).

What are you bringing to the well? A thimble, a cup, a bucket?

And, on a lighter note, here's another "post from the past":

Recently I've had several cases of memory loss. I had an MRI on my brain to check this out and they found nothing, absolutely NOTHING. Carol has been concerned about my mental health so she booked an appointment with a doctor at our local mental health hospital. As part of our session I was given a test. Dr. M. T. Tubbs took me into the bathroom where the bathtub was filled with water. He posed a simple question and I was quick to respond. It was a no-brainer. "What would you use to empty this tub, a bucket, a tea cup or a spoon?" A bucket, of course. The doc quickly began making arrangements to have me committed. "Most sane people would just pull the plug. Do you want a bed beside a window?"

Check out Canadian Blogger @ http://www.teresaannegolden.blogspot.com

Splinters

A new friend, Passing-Thru, shared a saying with me today that his mom often quotes. I hadn't heard it before but I like it:

"Keep me so close to the cross that I get splinters."

May it be so for our good and His glory! AMEN!

Ouch!

Anybody want to go Duck hunting with me today?

Still trusting...

Uncle David

Note: My OttawaSenators lost to the Anaheim Ducks last night 1-0 and now trail 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final. OUCH! Go get 'em Mike!

His Hand

During a "dark night of the soul" last evening, the Lord upheld me by His strong, powerful hand. As I drove slowly in to work just after 10 p.m. I was reflecting on the events of the day, troubled but trusting...I think. I may tell you more about this dreadful experience later but through it all I sensed the hand of God sustaining me and shielding me.

These words came to mind and I share them with you, my pilgrim pals:

HIS HAND

By faith I stand in Canaan's land
And trace the outline of His hand.

As fear and doubt encompass me
Jehovah-Jireh is my plea.

Into His hand my cares I thrust,
In Him alone I place my trust.

And when this present battle's done,
My faith renewed, the vict'ry won.

I'll praise Him for His outstretched hand
That pulled me from the sinking sand.

My faith still stands in no one less,
My sovereign God...His name I bless!

- David W. Fisher - May 30th, 2007

Thanks for your prayers today, pilgrim pals!

Why?

This morning I've been reading Anne Graham Lotz's book, WHY? Why? Because she has a biblical perspective and understanding of God and His ways. Even though we seldom can answer the "why?" questions fully, we can trust God in each "why?" situation.

Anne's mother (Billy's wife), Ruth Bell Graham, wrote the following:

I lay my "whys?"
before your cross
in worship kneeling,
my mind beyond all hope,
my heart beyond all feeling;
and worshipping,
realize that I,
in knowing You,
don't need a "why?"

C. S. Lewis once said that when we see Christ and ask him our questions, He will answer and our response will simply be, "Oh!"

I believe that when we see our Redeemer face to face, the questions will fade in the light of His glory and grace and we will have no need for answers.

To re-write one word in an old hymn...

"One glimpe of His dear face
All questions (sorrows) will erase;
So gladly run the race
'Til we see Christ."

May today's "whys?" be answered by His look, His touch and His Word. He is in control!

Why? by Anne Graham Lotz, published by W. Publishing Group, copyright 2004

Why I Blog

Rodney Olsen of The Journey has asked his readers to list five (5) reasons why they blog.
Check out Rodney's site at: http://www.rodneyolsen.net

These are Rodney's reasons:

1. I enjoy writing.

2. I enjoy the sense of community blogging creates.

3. I love the fact that I've met so many interesting people, both online and in person, through blogging.

4. Writing helps me to formulate, shape and distill my own thoughts.

5. Being a naturally shy person, putting my thoughts out into cyberspace takes me out of my comfort zone.

Here are my reasons:

1. I enjoy writing.

2. I enjoy the sense of community blogging creates.

3. I love the fact that I've met so many interesting people, both online and in person, through blogging.

4. Writing helps me to formulate, shape and distill my own thoughts.

5. Being a naturally shy person, putting my thoughts out into cyberspace takes me out of my comfort zone.

Actually there's another reason that I'll add.

6. I need and like the discipline involved in maintaining a daily blog.

Notice any similarities?

How about you! Why do you blog? Let us know! THANKS!

Bronx Zoo Road Show

The Yankees are in town (Toronto) and with them, as always, comes a media circus. There's the Japanese media who cling to their players like flies to honey. Reggie Jackson is traveling with the team and that always evokes cries of "Reg-gie, Reg-gie" as fans beg for his autograph. With the Bronx Bombers struggling on the field there's always always a chance that George Steinbrenner with lower the boom on either Brian Cashman, the GM or Joe Torre, the manager.

It's always an experience to be around the Rogers Centre when the Yanks are here! Today was no exception. I was there to see a couple of the players and watched the circus with a degree of amusement.

The Blue Jays won the game again tonight! It was much closer than last night's 7-2 victory and a steal of home by Aaron Hill added to the excitement.

The Jays and Yankees wrap up the three-game series tomorrow night and then the road show moves on to the next city. Roger Clemens will be joining them in the next week or so and that will add to the carnival atmosphere. Maybe the Rocket will launch the Yankees back into contention.

Sens' Heartbreaker

Well, Game 1 is history and the Senators will have to redeem themselves on Wednesday night in Anaheim. The Ducks pulled out a 3-2 victory in a hard-fought contest. The Senators seemed to tire in the 3rd period and were outhit and outplayed by Anaheim.

But, heartbreaking as it was for Uncle David...

• Mike played his heart out


• The sun will come up tomorrow


• I'm still on the right side of the grass (alive) and...


• God is sovereign and in control

Now we have to wait for Wednesday when the Sens will come back with a vengeance!

GO SENS GO!

Whew! Hope I can get to sleep now!

Mike Celebrates Early Lead

Mike gets the first goal for Ottawa early in the 1st period.

That took the pressure off for me and I was able to watch the whole period although Anaheim's goal got me worried.

More later...

BULLETIN!!! Ottawa just scored again so I'll go back and watch some more.

Profanity

Thought provoking thoughts are always in evidence on one of my favorite blogs. Check out Holy Experience @ http://www.holyexperience.blogspot.com Ann is a Canadian writer who always makes us think!

If you've read my profile you know that I enjoy Elisabeth Elliot's writing. Here's a quote of hers that resonates with me. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

“Profanity. Not swearing.
I'm not talking about breaking the Third Commandment.
I'm talking about treating as meaningless that which is freighted with meaning. Treating as common that which is hallowed.
Regarding as a mere triviality what is really a divine design.
Profanity is failure to see the inner mystery."

- Elisabeth Elliot

Note: The graphics are also taken from Holy Experience.

Countdown to the Cup

Well, my friends, the Stanley Cup Finals begin tonight! If you want to know how I feel about this momentous occasion, please check out my earlier post entitled NEVER BEFORE.

To be honest, I'll be a nervous wreck! I'm wanting the Senators to win the Cup so much...for Mike's sake and for Chris Neil and for the Sens' President, Roy Mlakar. All of them mean so much to me that to see them miss out would tear my heart out. Pretty serious words but they're heartfelt.

So, as the countdown gets lower I'm praying for Mike in particular. I pray that regardless of the outcome, he will shine and continue to be such a powerful example of true, genuine Christianity. Mike has had such a positive impact on so many people in the Ottawa area and beyond. Do I sound proud of him? YES, I AM!

So hear we go! GO SENS GO!

Cyclone Preacher

As always, today's online devotional by A. W. Tozer gives sound, biblical advice. Are you waiting for another cyclone?

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." - 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

I heard of one graduate of a theological school who determined to follow his professor's advice and preach the Word only. His crowds were average. Then one day a cyclone hit the little town and he yielded to the temptation to preach on the topic "Why God Sent the Cyclone to Centerville." The church was packed. This shook the young preacher and he went back to ask his professor for further advice in the light of what had happened. Should he continue to preach the Word to smaller crowds or try to fill his church by preaching sermons a bit more sensational? The old man did not change his mind. "If you preach the Word," he told the inquirer, "you will always have a text. But if you wait for cyclones you will not have enough to go around."

taken from God Tells the Man Who Cares, page 86

Memorial Day

This Canadian from north of the border is grateful for all the American servicemen who have given their lives over the years to preserve freedom and liberty around the world.

God bless those who are presently serving their country and may the God of all comfort minister to the families who are remembering loved ones who lost their lives.

Gratefully,

David Fisher

The Pilgrim

Never Before

As I promised in my previous post, here is one entitled NEVER BEFORE. Several of these thoughts came to me this morning while sitting in our worship service. I won't tell you which ones. You might "put me in a box" and I don't mean a casket.

Anyhow, pilgrim pals, here they are:

NEVER BEFORE:

1. Has time flown by so quickly. We're almost through the month of May and I just got home from England yesterday...or I guess it was March 8th. Where has the time gone? WOW!


2. Have I felt my age like I've done in recent weeks. Arthur and Bertha aren't just visitors anymore, they're residents. For those who haven't read earlier posts, A & B are arthritis and bursitis. It used to be that people thought I looked at least 5 years younger that my age. Now they add on 5 years. YIKES!


3. Have I enjoyed walking in our Back 40 like I do now. We have 3 1/2 acres of property here at home (see picture at top). Now that we're thinking of selling our place I'm thoroughly enjoying the time in the back field sitting by the creek, listening to the birds, enjoying the quiet. I hope we can stay! I really do!


4. Have I heard such a clear, powerful, biblical message on what Pentecost Sunday really is all about. Steve Kennedy (don't tell anybody but he's a Pentecostal preacher) speaking in a Brethren assembly about the Holy Spirit? YES! And he did an excellent job! SCARY? No! I knew He would. He didn't disappoint. There should have been a few more hearty AMEN's! And, by the way, Steve and I would both prefer to be known as Christians. And, if we had to be, we'd rather be pentecostal and brethren with a small "p" and a small "b".


5. Have I stood up in a Breaking of Bread service and thanked somebody for honking the horn on his transport truck when he passed my office. I did this morning! Ron Goodson was a real encouragement to me this week! He's been off work for quite some time but he's back on a part-time basis and to hear that horn (he did it twice this week) was so refreshing! An answer to prayer!


6. Have I looked forward to a Stanley Cup Final with such anticipation as I am this season. Mike Fisher and the Senators are going to give us a demonstration on what hockey is all about!


7. Have I dreaded a Stanley Cup Final like I am this year. I'll be a nervous wreck! I'm not sure if I'll be able to watch. When your own flesh and blood is out there on the ice playing his heart out you get anxious. Go Sens Go!


8. Have I looked forward to the summer months like I am this spring. Homework? The word makes me sick! I can't wait 'til the kids are out of school and we are FREE from their studies. Some parents dread the summer. Not us! We can't wait!


9. Have I enjoyed blogging as much as I am this month. Over 50 posts already and the month isn't over yet. You can have your MSN and your Facebook! I love blogging! It's a way of communicating my heart and sharing God's incredible love.


10. Have I realized the truth of A. W. Tozer's statement when He said, "What comes into our minds when we think of God is the most important think about us." He opens his classic book THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY with that thought. Do yourself a favor! Pick up a copy of this book! It's only 120 pages long but it will transform your thinking! DO IT! Think about it! What comes to your mind when you think about God? Maybe we need to change our thinking.

Well there you have it, pilgrim pals. I'd be curious to read some of your "never before's". 'Til then keep looking up. NEVER BEFORE has His return been as close as it is THIS MOMENT.

Maranatha! Even so come, Lord Jesus!

My Place

Janice or jel, as I call her, dropped by my place (Pilgrim Scribblings) this morning so I went over to her place, called My Place, to see if I could find a photo to use here at my place. In her comment she noted that I hadn't used any of her pictures recently. So, here's one, Janice! THANKS! Enough of that my place, her place stuff!

As I was sitting in church this morning...and it was a wonderful time of worship, I was thinking about a title for a future post. I'll mention it here and then if I don't write about it soon my Pilgrim Pals can remind me. It will be called NEVER BEFORE. So watch for it.

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Let's give thanks that God kept His promise and sent us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. As Steve Kennedy, our preacher this morning said, "Everything I know of God, I learned from the Holy Spirit who taught me through the Word of God and guided me into all truth." Well that's not the exact quote but you get the sense. Right?

Anough of my Pilgrim Ramblings...

Have a good and godly Lord's day, dear Pilgrim Pals.

Looking Back

Next week it will be 2 1/2 years since PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS was born and blogging became a daily experience for me. Now about 1,225 posts later I look back and thank God for this means of journaling my journey and posting my progress. I looked back in my archives and thought this post would be a good one to share today. I trust that you will be encouraged!

Have a wonderful Lord's day in His house, my Pilgrim Pals!

Here's that post:

Greetings from another pilgrim as we travel “home”. The road sure seems long and rough at times doesn’t it! I’ve been scuffling a bit lately, discouraged with the happenings of the daily grind. Why are things so difficult? Why do the heavens feel like brass so often? I know that God is there. He hasn’t moved. He still beckons us to “come unto Him” and we will find rest for our souls. Recently I read a quote that goes something like this: “God will write over our days, ‘Will explain later’.” Is that enough encouragement to continue on? It has helped me!

Whether the issues are financial, emotional, relational, physical, spiritual (or whatever they might be), our Father knows all about them. Although we are often paralysed by these “things” that make the journey “home” so discouraging at times, the touch of God upon our lives and the comfort of His everlasting arms can nudge us closer to the finish line.

Dear friend, as we continue along towards “home”, may it be a comfort to know that we are walking together. We WILL make it! God has not turned His face away from us and our predicament. He is still there, cheering us on, even though the “stuff” we’re dealing with almost deafens us to His tender, gentle voice. One of my favorite hymn writers, William Cowper, was plagued with depression for much of his life, even though he enjoyed a closeness with his God. Recently I bought a biography of him and have been encouraged to know that others who have gone before have fought similar battles.

Read some of his lyrics:

“Amidst the roaring of the sea,
My soul still hangs her hope on Thee;
Thy constant love, Thy Faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.”

And again, he writes:

“Ye weary saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread;
Are big with mercies and shall break
With blessings on thy head.”

And finally:

“The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy Throne.
And worship only thee.”

And so, we fix our eyes on Him although at times our view is dimmed by tears. He beckons us from the grandstand of heaven. Our family and friends who’ve gone on before cheer us on. Let’s take each other’s hand and walk together. You are loved by Him and by this fellow pilgrim!

70-Year Old Sermon

One of my favorite devotionals is entitled FROM THIS VERSE. Author, Robert J. Morgan, writes a daily entry about how certain scripture passages were used by God in the lives of various people. I'm always refreshed and encouraged to see how the Word of God has transformed lives.

Today's story is about Charles and Grace Fuller. In 1932 they were going through very tough times. Their young son was near death, suffering from pnemonia. The Great Depression had hit them hard. They were struggling to remain solvent financially and were fighting off bankruptcy. They were forced to sell off many possessions in order to pay their bills. Grace faced major surgery and Charles was forced from his pastorate. A severe earthquake had struck their home in Southern California and their financial woes multiplied.

Grace could stand the strain no longer and desperately cried out to God for help. Entering her husband's study she was led to a certain book of Spurgeon's sermons and found a message he had preached 70 years earlier from Jeremiah 33:3.

Later she wrote, "When I called upon God in desperation in August, 1933, He answered me by directing me unmistakably to the library shelf on which this book stood and to this sermon. It brought great cimfort and enabled me to trust God and to await the unfolding of His plans for us."

Grace later related that God lifted her burden so remarkably that when Charles returned from another hard day with the lawyers trying to ward off bankruptcy, she was able to say to him, "never mind how black things look now. God has assured me that He has great and mighty things in store for us in the future - things which we can't ever imagine now."

Later Charles and Grace would look back on that moment and could trace the faint beginnings of their incredible ministry of radio, evangelism and education. From that time on Charles would add this verse under his signature.

NOTE: Charles Fuller went on to found The Old Fashioned Revival Hour (radio) and Fuller Seminary.

So, dear friends, no matter how dark things are today...God knows your circumstances and is not oblivious to your plight. I took special comfort from this reading today because Carol and I are in a similar situation. We are selling off some possessions to stay afloat. Praise God that Christ captains our ship and will guide us around the rocks that threaten.

TRUST HIM TODAY!

"Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3

Farewell to Little Elgin

The following story appears in today's Ottawa Sun regarding the funeral of 3-year-old Elgin- Alexander Fraser:

Teary goodbye for tiny Sens fan

Boy's hockey heroes join mourners at Carleton Place rink

Even the skies were crying for Elgin-Alexander Fraser.

At precisely 4 p.m. yesterday, just as the last of nearly 800 mourners filed solemnly into the Carleton Place Arena for the young boy's funeral, the gathering storm clouds opened and the rain began to pour down.

The three-year-old boy died Saturday after a lifelong battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer that affects the nervous system.

He died mere hours after cheering his beloved Ottawa Senators to victory and the team's first modern-era berth in the Stanley Cup final.

Elgin grew up a die-hard hockey fan, and received the thrill of his young life when in April, just as the Senators were preparing to host the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round of the playoffs, the little boy was invited to a team practice.

Flanked by parents Hamish and Victoria Fraser, Elgin trotted out on the Scotiabank Place ice surface, where he was greeted by the team.

That day, Elgin developed a special bond with his two favourite players, forward Mike Fisher and defenceman Chris Phillips.

Both Fisher and Phillips took time out from their busy schedules -- tomorrow the team flies to California, where they face the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of the final on Monday -- to lead the funeral procession into the arena.

Phillips made a surprise visit to the Fraser home last month to play road hockey with the boy on his third birthday.

Fisher visited Elgin on a day off last Thursday. The boy was too weak from his illness to pick up a hockey stick, though, so the two watched a movie together and played with toy cars.

SPECIAL CONNECTION

"(Fisher) has a connection with Elgin," Victoria said earlier this week.

"You see it in both Elgin and Mike when they see each other. It's pretty touching. There's a deeper connection there than just Mike being a hockey player doing his duty. I think Elgin's really touched him personally."

As the service continued, rain battered the roof of the arena, falling so heavily that it threatened, at times, to drown out the eulogy from Elgin's grandfather, Kirk Fachnie.

When Elgin was first diagnosed with cancer, Fachnie told the crowd, his hockey coach dad asked doctors if his son would ever get to play the sport he so loved.

"The answer was no," said Fachnie, "but we all know that isn't true. He played hockey almost every day."

A few chuckles echoed through the arena as Fachnie re-enacted Elgin's road hockey pre-game ritual.

Mimicking his Ottawa Senators heroes, Elgin would lead a rousing chorus of O Canada before every shinny match.

"At the end," said Fachnie, "he'd raise his stick and say, 'Game on.' "

As the Senators prepare to get their own game on, an entire city is hoping they can win one for Elgin.

Kindness

The accompanying graphic appears on John Piper's Desiring God web site. God truly is kind and this verse in the Psalms is only one example of His kindness.

Check out that web site @

http://www.desiringgod.org

"Be ye kind one to another..." - Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

Digging For Gold in the Devotionals

There's a shelf on my bookcase, behind my desk, that is devoted to devotionals (pun not intended). Sometimes I read a particular day's entry in several of those books and often I find a nugget or gem that really addresses my need on that day.

This morning I opened John Calvin's HEART AFLAME, Daily Readings from Calvin on the Psalms. Often I find Calvin too verbose but one of the opening sentences in today's reading was simple enough for this uneducated pilgrim to grasp.

He writes, "God never disappoints His servants, but crowns with everlasting happiness the struggles and distresses which may have exercised their faith."

The Psalm Calvin is commenting on is the 61st, a psalm of David. He begins by quoting verse 5: "For Thou, O God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name."

Regarding that "heritage" he writes, "But inheritance suggests that the people of God enjoy a species of prosperity more solid and enduring; their momentary and short-lived troubles having only the effect of promoting their eternal welfare. He praises God that those who fear His name are not left to the poor privilege of rejoicing for a few days, but secured in a permanent heritage of happiness."

What a heritage and inheritance we, as Christ-followers, have! We should, like David, determine to "Sing praises unto Thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows." - vs. 8

HEART AFLAME, Daily Readings from Calvin on the Psalms, published by Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, copyright 1999.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Robert Murray M'Cheyne is one of those vibrant, Spirit-empowered preachers from the past whose writings I cherish and whose ministry had far-reaching impact.

Perhaps his best known quote is one that I wish I could recall when God seems far away and the heavens seem like brass.

Here it is:

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He IS praying for me!" - Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Let's not forget that fact. He is always interceding for us, His beloved!

Here's a quote about M'Cheyne and a few other statements by him:

"No Christian can read the biography or the writings of Robert Murray M'Cheyne without realizing that the true measure of life is not its length, but its usefullness. He ministered but a short seven and a half years and died at the age of 29, yet the fruitfulness of that brief life remains to this day. Nor does the amount of our activity or our words reflect the true value of our life. M'Cheyne left notes of only some 300 sermons when he died in 1843, but his own counsel to a fellow minister explains why these sermons brought such abundant blessing, not only to 'the noisy mechanics and political weavers' of Dundee but, later, to all parts of the English-speaking world."

Here's that wise counsel to fellow ministers:

"Get your texts from God - your thoughts, your words, from God... It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God. A word spoken by you when your conscience is clear, and your heart full of God's Spirit, is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin."

"Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." - Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

"...Christ Jesus...is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." - Romans 8:34 (NIV)

Pilgrim Pal Graduates With Honours

One of our faithful Pilgrim Pals, Lauren-Mary, graduated from university recently with honours. Today she posted her grad picture on her site, Lauren's Life. Many of us prayed for Lauren-Mary as she studied for her finals and we thank God for answered prayer. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism. One of these days we'll read an interview with Mike Fisher, conducted by our Pilgrim Pal. She is a real Ottawa Senators fan and recently enjoyed a game at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, her hometown.

Have a great summer, Lauren-Mary, and keep us posted!

Lots of love from all your Pilgrim Pals. I know that Terry, the Canadian Blogger, will be excited that you graduated with honours. Check out Lauren's Life at:

http://www.followingjeremiah2911.blogspot.com

Elgin's Obituary

Here is the information concerning Elgin-Alexander Fraser. Please pray for his family in the days ahead. Thank you!

Elgin-Alexander Fraser

FRASER, Elgin-Alexander Kirk Elgin passed away peacefully and comfortably at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the tender age of 3 years with his parents and sister by his side. Elgin's extended family and closest friends were privileged to share their fondest memories with Elgin before he passed away. Beloved and cherished son of Hamish and Victoria and incredible big brother to Alysston. Dear grandson of Jim and Jean Fraser and Kirk and Catheren Fachnie. Loving nephew of Jessica (Richard Miller) Fraser, Elizabeth Fraser, Julia (Trevor) O'Grady. Dear cousin of Justin Fraser-Miller, Mekayla and Alyssa-Dawn O'Grady.

In three short years, Elgin touched the hearts of more people than one could ever imagine and for that his family is forever blessed and he will be greatly missed. At the request of the family, they ask that hockey jerseys not be worn to the visitation or service.

Friends may call at the Carleton Place Chapel of Tubman Kerry Funeral Homes, 61 Lake Avenue West, Carleton Place (613-257-2303) on Wednesday, May 23, from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The service to celebrate Elgin's life will be held in the Carleton Place Arena, 75 Neelin Street, on Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m. Cremation to follow.

For those who wish, memorial donations to the Ottawa Neuroblastoma Research Fund, 415 Smyth Rd. Ottawa, ON. K1H 8M8, Roger's House, 399 Smyth Rd. Ottawa, ON. K1H 8L2 or the Ottawa Senators Foundation, 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata, ON. K2V 1A5 would be appreciated.

Tributes, donations or condolences may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com

Playing With Toy Cars

The following story appears on the CTV web site at http://www.ctv.ca

I know that I've written a lot about Mike Fisher but this story just re-enforces what I feel about him. He's a caring, young man who has life in perspective.

There's a video clip on the CTV site as well. Perhaps you can check out their site and find the link. It will move you to tears.

Here's the story:

Cancer claims the life of young Senators fan

Updated Mon. May. 21 2007 11:16 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

Three-year-old Elgin Fraser ended his battle with cancer just hours after he watched his favourite team, the Ottawa Senators, win a place in the Stanley Cup finals.

Propped up on a mattress in front of the television, Elgin closed his eyes and drifted away Saturday evening as his parents Hamish and Victoria Fraser held him tight.

His aunts, uncles and grandparents were there to say goodbye and how much they would miss him.

"He was okay with it and there was no fear in him. He was so calm to go," Victoria Fraser told CTV News. "He was a gift to us. Yes, I'm sad that he's gone, but he was a gift and he wasn't ours to keep."

Elgin died of a rare form of childhood cancer that affects the nervous system called neuroblastoma. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine months. His tiny body went through numerous radiation treatments, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, which pushed the disease into remission.

After a year, however, the cancer returned in the form of a tumour in his torso that spread to his spinal cord.

Thanks to mutual friends and supporters, the Fraser family was able to make some of Elgin's hockey dreams come true in his final few months.

Elgin, perhaps the most dedicated Senators fan under the age of five, became a fast friend of the team.

The Frasers were introduced to Sens defenceman Chris Phillips and were invited to a Senators practice in April, just days before the team's opening playoff round.

On Elgin's third birthday, Phillips dropped by the Frasers' home to play hockey with him.
The family was also able to attend every home playoff game through the generous donation of tickets from supporters.

Elgin saw his final game on Wednesday night.

Donning his customary Sens jersey and a sawed-off hockey stick, he watched the showdown with his family and later met with Sens centre Mike Fisher, goaltender Ray Emery and Phillips.

Phillips promised Elgin they would win their final game and make it to the playoffs for him.
His favourite player paid a visit to the Fraser home just two days before he died.

Too sick to play hockey, Elgin and Sens centre Mike Fisher spent the day watching movies and playing with toy cars.

After Fisher received news of Elgin's death, he phoned the Frasers to say the Sens players would do their best to win the Stanley Cup for Elgin.

"He's just an awesome kid and he made a difference in my life," Fisher said. "I was thinking about him obviously through this series and through the week and we're trying to obviously win it for him."

Hamish was grateful for everyone's kindness towards his son. "For him to go out that way, with everything he's experienced in the last little bit, we have no regrets and the way he did go out was just perfect," he said.

Elgin's funeral will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Carleton Place Arena.

The family is asking for any donations to be made to the Ottawa Neuroblastoma Research Fund, Roger's House or the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

With a report from CTV's Graham Richardson

Trucks, Rednecks, Funerals & Blessed Assurance

For a little taste of the unusual, please click on the following link. I'm not sure what your reaction will be but check it out and see. Without giving away who is giving a eulogy at a funeral, let me say that this man is a believer, a born-again Christian. That's all I'll say.

Go ahead, CLICK! (After you get to the video screen, click on the arrow at the bottom left)

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=3224705&version=1&locale=EN-US

Note: The man who posted this link on his blog is likely the complete opposite of a redneck. Even though we've never met, Tim Challies and I are taking our boys to a Blue Jays' game in June. Check out his incredible blog at: http://www.challies.com I don't think Tim is a redneck but I'll let you know later.

Time With the Boys

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I spent some quality time with Matthew, Nathan and their friend Alex today. It's a holiday here in Canada, Victoria Day. We went for a drive from our home in Cavan down towards Lake Ontario. Here are a few shots that I took. It's amazing how useful the 12X zoom is on my Sony digital. You can even read the registration numbers on the sailboats out in Lake Ontario. You'll notice that I had my ever-present book in hand while I was sitting on a lookout near Garden Hill, Ontario. The boys were looking for a treasure box that had been hidden in this area. Have you ever heard of Geo-Caching? We had a great time but I was glad to get home and lay down for awhile. This ol' man was getting a little sore.

Note: For more on Geo-caching check out: http://www.geocaching.com

Aflame

This morning as I was driving home from work the 1st four lines of a poem/chorus/prayer came to me. Rather than scribbling the lyrics down on a piece of paper I thought I'd share them with my pilgrim pals here on Pilgrim Scribblings.

This is my prayer:

Come Holy Spirit come,
Ignite my hardened heart;
Endue with power from on high,
Thy holy flame impart!


If the Lord gives me some additional verses I'll share them with you.

O that all of us would offer this heartfelt prayer to God. We desperately need a fresh infilling of the Spirit of God in these days when truth has become so subjective!

Yesterday

Good morning, pilgrim pals!

Here's a little secret for you to hide away somewhere. When you notice that I've posted several entries in one day, that's a good indication that I'm having a "bad" day.

Yesterday was one of those days.

Pain can render you "useless" in many ways. All motivation can be sucked out of you. You know what I'm saying because you've been there. Right?

Yesterday I stayed at home for the entire day. I wasn't able to worship with my family but, as you know from my post, I spent some time out in the "Back 40" and my spirit was refreshed. I chose to draw on God's strength when I had none of my own. He didn't disappoint! I was able to "mount up with wings like an eagle".

Today is a new day and it's going to be a good one. Matthew and Nathan are home from school today. Matthew's friend Alex slept at our place last night and we'll do something "special" today.

I pray that you will sense God's touch today regardless of what's going on in and around you. He's a shelter in the time of storm and He's worthy of our praise.

Blessings!

"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

Who But God?

Who but God could fill the sky
With images so fine?
Who but God could write a Book
Precepts...line on line?
Who but God would send His Son
True man and yet divine...
To ransom fallen man inviting
Him to "come and dine"?
None other could my shackles break...
I give Him praise for Jesus' sake! AMEN!

- David W. Fisher, July 16, 2006

Rebecca Writes

Dear Pilgrim Pals:

The following post is reprinted in its entirety from Rebecca Stark's excellent blog entitled Rebecca Writes. She has been featuring hymns written by William Cowper in her Sunday postings. This has been particularly interesting for me as I visited the town of Olney while I was in England earlier this year. I purchased a copy of the Olney Hymns at the Cowper Newton Museum.

Rebecca writes:

Sunday's Hymn: John Newton

I’ve featured John Newton’s hymns here before, but today I’m presenting one more because I want to post a little bit about Olney Hymns, a hymnal published in 1779 that contained hymns written by William Cowper and John Newton. Shortly after Cowper’s conversion, John Newton became his pastor when Cowper moved to live in Olney. They shared a close relationship that continued after John Newton moved from Olney to take over a new pastorate thirteen years later.

From John Piper’s book, The Hidden Smile of God:

Newton saw Cowper’s bent to melancholy and reclusiveness and drew him into the ministry of visitation as much as he could. They would take long walks together between homes and talk of God and his purposes for the church. Then, in 1769, Newton got the idea of collaborating with Cowper on a book of hymns to be sung by their church. He thought it would be good for Cowper’s poetic bent to be engaged.1

As it turned out, Cowper wrote 68 of the hymns included in the Olney Hymns before he suffered another mental breakdown, and Newton finished things off by contributing more than two hundred. The previously featured hymns by Cowper were all Olney Hymns, and so was the ever popular Amazing Grace by Newton.

The breakdown that Cowper suffered was a bad one, and once again he tried to commit suicide repeatedly. Newton, Piper writes, “stood by him all the way through this, even sacrificing at least one vacation so as not to leave Cowper alone.”2 You get a glimpse there, I’d say, of John Newton’s pastoral heart. When Newton left Olney, he kept in close touch with Cowper, and the two men exchanged frequent letters for the next twenty years.

This hymn by Newton from Olney Hymns is one I was unfamiliar with, but it is in my church’s hymnal. I love it’s cross-centered words.

I Saw One Hanging on a Tree

I saw One hanging on a tree,
In agony and blood,
Who fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His cross I stood.

Refrain

O, can it be, upon a tree,
The Savior died for me?
My soul is thrilled,
my heart is filled,
To think He died for me!

Sure, never to my latest breath,
Can I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt,
And plunged me in despair,
I saw my sins His blood had spilt,
And helped to nail Him there.

A second look He gave, which said,
“I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I die that thou mayst live.”

Thus, while His death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.

1. John Piper, The Hidden Smile of God, 96.
2. Ibid., 97.

David's note: Although Rebecca wasn't familiar with this hymn, it's one that I learned many years ago. We would often sing it during our Breaking of Bread service (Communion) in our Brethren assembly.

It's Been a Good Day

Tonight I went fishing in the Pilgrim Scribblings archives. Here's one that I hooked onto. Hope you're encouraged! Be blessed today, Pilgrim Pals!

Here it is:

What a day it's been! Lots of pleasant surprises. A few disappointments. A visit from a good friend. Coffee with my workmate at the office, David. Now the day is almost over and, as I reflect on today's happenings, I can't help but be grateful for the rich blessings of God.

He has lavished his love on us to such an extent that our bank of blessings should never run dry. The difficult circumstances of life can't compare with the riches of God's grace, the benefits that have accrued to us because of the sacrifice of His beloved Son, Jesus.

So, as I lay my head on my pillow, I thank the Father for His goodness today. Tomorrow will be a brand new day with blessings and buffetings of its own. Our sovereign God will give us everything we need to face the day head on.

Until then, be encouraged, dear friends. We are on the winning side and the lights of "home" are just ahead.

Busy Back Yard

Today I was unable to get to church. My arthritis and bursitis (Arthur and Bertha) were acting up. I forgot to take my pain medication to work so I didn't get much sleep.

As I sat at the kitchen table eating my breakfast I saw God's creation (a marvelous collection of different birds) eating theirs at the bird feeders in our back yard.

Baltimore orioles, hummingbirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks, goldfinches, cardinals, blue jays, etc. What a busy airport! Almost as many birds as there are planes at Chicago's O'Hare.

God has blessed us in so many ways! Watching the birds come and go was another reminder of His goodness.

I pray that you'll have a great week! GOD IS GOOD!

Hockey Heaven ???

The front page of the Ottawa Sun today tells us that the Senators' victory over Buffalo yesterday "blasted them to Hockey Heaven". I'm not so sure of that but hockey is the national religion here in Canada, unfortunately, and the Ottawa fans sure idolize their Sens.

If the headline means that the Senators have gone to a place they've never been before then I can understand that. They've never been to the Stanley Cup Finals. This is uncharted territory.

Heaven! I've never been there but I'm going someday. Based on what Jesus Christ did for me at Calvary, I'm going. I've never been there but based on what the Bible tells me, it's going to be a wonderful place...not because of the pearly gates, the streets of gold and the jasper walls but because JESUS will be there in all His glory. Jesus is the One I want to see!

Are you on your journey to heaven? Hope it's not a "hope so" for you. If you're only hoping then you better get things settled with God. He gives us "blessed assurance" when we trust Him and rest in His finished work at Calvary. Then it becomes a "know so" certainty!

I trust that I will see you there!

Pilgrim Pix of the Back 40

This afternoon I went for a walk down in the "back 40" as I call it. I took along a book and my camera...of course. What a peaceful place! The symphony of bird sounds was incredible! The apple blossoms are out in all their glory! The marsh marigolds line the creek! Even Willow, our cat, went for the walk. Here are a few photos from my hike. Hope you enjoy them.