One of the new banners lining up the bike path. I thought you'd like to see it.

Dave, heading south east on the Lachine Canal Bike Path, towards the direction of downtown Montreal. Turned out to be a lovely day for a leisurely ride (sprints every now and then).

Pretty soon we'll have to equip you, Dave, with the proper cycling outfit, properly fitted bike, and, oh yeah, a bottle of Gatorade :-)

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty

Dessert- what more can I say :), except "Yummy!"

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty

L-R: Dad, Wena, Mom, Lenny, Grace, Rosie and Tito Lits

April 23,2005 Joint Birthday Celebration; celebrants: Brent, Erika, Paul, and Auntie Chanty (not in the picture).

To the left of Brent there's Nikki & Mom; sister Lenny is to the right of Pauly Boy.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Inside the Cafe looking out, old and new architecture blending and complementing each other making the downtown Montreal landscape a sight to see.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Inside one of our favorite breakfast pit stop, a restaurant inside the Le Faubourg Mall, on St. Catherine St. W. Asked Tita Nil to look away from the camera, she turned to look that way :)

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Mont-Royal looms in the background.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
A beautiful townhouse, corner of Rene Levesque Blvd and St. Marc St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Part of the Canadian Museum of Architecture, corner of Rene Levesque Blvd and St. Marc St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Grafitti art adorn the concrete pillars that support the Ville Marie Expressway.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.
Here's our exit - breakfast stop at Le Faubourg, St. Catherine St. near St. Mathieu St.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Series of photos - drive to Montreal; sometimes, when Tita Nil's called in to work at the RVH, and I am in the mood , I'd offer to drive her to work, downtown Montreal.

Tried a different setting for this shot, also did a flash fill in. Not bad. :)

During the summer you can get on a ferry boat that will take you from Rene Levesque Park to the other side, St. Joseph Blvd, Lachine and vice versa. One of those cheap thrills we like to take advantage of every now and then :)

If you're ever in Montreal, specially during the summer, have a picnic, or go for a stroll in Rene Levesque Park. There's a bike and roller blade rental shop at the entrance to the Park. The marina is usually full with all sizes of boats, yachts. You may also board a cruise boat that'll take you for a short tour along the St. Lawrence river - dinner is available. Lots of fine restaurants (reasonably priced too) along St. Joseph's Blvd (parallel to the bike path).

The cooler temperature and wind late yesterday afternoon gave us more cycling room along the Lachine Canal bike path as well as inside the Rene Levesque Park.

Still inside Rene Levesque Park, snapped a photo of a freighter making its way through one of the locks along the St. Lawrence River.

Dave looks a little disoriented :) It's been a long long time since he rode for more than a kilometer :) Trying to ease him in, Lord willing he'll be ready to go for a leisurely ride, or should I say, Charity Ride, with us, just like the last time we rode with Nick-Nick.

Uncle Pilo, we took out the old Peugeot for a ride yesterday afternoon. Rode with my buddy from church, Dave M.

Art sculptures in Rene Levesque Park, silhouette against the beautiful sunset.

Sunset as viewed from the Rene Levesque Park. Took this photo during one our stops (bike ride with Dave Maye).

60 Seconds to Debt-free Living

60 Seconds to Debt-free Living

60 Seconds to debt-free living

Picture yourself debt-free -- no more bouts of anxiety over mounting credit card balances, no more slavery to your debt, and no chance of threats from the dreaded collection agency. You can do it! Here's the scoop -- in one minute flat. [ more ]

FOB, Fresh Off The Boat

"F O B - FRESH OFF THE BOAT" Pauly Boy, returning from our Oka, Two Mountains, Laval ride.

Yahoo! News - More snow looms for Montana, Wyoming; severe threat continues in Nebraska, Iowa

Yahoo! News - More snow looms for Montana, Wyoming; severe threat continues in Nebraska, Iowa

Emily, looks like more snow is coming your way.

"More snow looms for parts of Montana and Wyoming later today tonight, while severe thunderstorms lurk for portions of Nebraska and Iowa.

Winter storm and heavy snow warnings remain posted for south-central Montana and have been issued for northwest Wyoming as snow is expected to increase again later today and tonight. A total of up to two feet of new snow may pile up in the mountains by tomorrow, with 8-12 inches coating lower elevations. Elsewhere in the West, gusty winds are whipping over the Southwest. High wind warnings have been issued for north-central and northeast Arizona where gusts may hit 60 mph this afternoon and evening. Blowing dust and sand may cause problems. "

Yahoo! News - Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France

Yahoo! News - Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France: "Armstrong to Retire After Tour De France "

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lance Armstrong is retiring after this year's Tour de France, ending a cycling career in which he inspired millions by overcoming testicular cancer to win his sport's signature event a record six straight times. [ More ]

April 16,2005 Ride with Uncle Pilo

Photos from Tito Lits and Pilo's April 16,2005 Saturday Morning Ride.

Photos above: "Look-out", Mont Royal. Good place to train for climbing.

Near the Old Port of Montreal, along the Lachine Canal Bike Path.

Here's Pauly and I earlier this April 2005.

Happy and Safe Riding to one and all!!

Climbing Techniques

Climbing Techniques

Whewww! My first climb of the year, attempted to go up Mont-Royal, made it as far as the look out. Wasn't familiar with the terrain, how far to the top, etc., plus, poor climbing techniques I guess, OK, plus weight and gravity working against my favor.

Will try and complete the climb next time, will climb at least twice!

Going down, of course, was the free ride. I coasted down at 62 km/hr.

Climbing Techniques

If you are lucky enough to live in a location with hills and mountains, then you know the joys of climbing. While some riders will experience more of this than others, the basics of climbing are the same.

The most important thing to remember about climbing is that you need to conserve your energy. You can do this a couple of ways:

* Use a gear that you can pedal at about 80 rpm
* Alternatively you can shift up one cog (that is, go to the next smaller cog) as you near the top. This keeps the legs spinning nicely until you're close enough to the top that you're ready to give it everything you've got. More

Rode Solo

It was great cycling, biking, weather this past Sunday. After lunch we went home, to get some snooze was the plan. But, who could pass up a good opportunity for a bike ride on such a beautiful day? No way Jose!

Paul had a meeting to go to and so I went by my lonesome for what turned out to be a 32km ride (says my CatEye). The sun was out but the wind was out there as well. Overall, thank You Lord, it was a good ride.

I took the Salaberry route to Kirkland, pass by the Cinema Colissee, Chemin St. Marie, Anse De Lorme, back to home through Gouin Blvd.

See you lata IATA

Heard from Karen that it's official, her current job position will be moved to (IATA) Geneva. After 18 years :( - hoping the compensation package will be a very good one. I don't think she wants to move her family to Geneva. Trust the Lord is what I will do too, Karen.

Had a great time with Karen, Dave, and their two boys (teenagers really) this past Saturday evening. We went to Chinatown for dinner; good deal, package for 10 people for $108.00, tax included (if you pay cash). The food was great. It was our second time to eat at this particular restaurant, first time was a month or two ago, for lunch. Trish, Pam and Allen were also with us. After dinner, we took the usual stroll to Old Montreal, the Old Port; stopped for some ice cream (dessert) at a McDonald's by the City Hall.

Sunday

BTW, great worship service- played and sang with Earl's team.

Lunch- we decided to go to Marathon Restaurant (yes, we do enjoy eating out, we do quite often) with Karen, Dave and the boys. Karen was very concerned with Dave's health. He's still recovering from severe depression and anxiety. He's been back to work on a light schedule; 3 days a week, half day only. I don't think he's really keen in going back to a job that he's disliked for many years now. I suggested for him to cut the cord loose, let go, and let God lead him to a different job. This going back to work, I think, triggered this resurgence of depression and anxiety. Tough situation Karen and Dave are going through at this time. Prayer, prayer, prayer- God is faithful.

Trust the Lord our God - some verses from the Book of Romans

Visit with Collin and Jackie

Visited Collin at the Jewish General Hospital this past Saturday. Pastor Bill and the members of the Elder's Board (except Denis) were present. We prayed, laid hands on Collin, and we are hopeful that God will choose to heal and restore Collin's health through the medical professionals or supernaturally- ultimately, His will be done.

We are truly amazed and moved by the love and dedication of his family to care for him unceasingly.

As a church, we will be considering in what way we will assist the family- there's a need, for example, for a specially equipped van for the physically handicapped. There's the need for financial support as Jackie has stopped working for the City of Hudson in order to take care of Collin full-time.

I'm sure the Lord will reveal the direction He would like for us to take when we seek His will and guidance.

[ Previous post ]

Happy Birthday to our one and only son

Happy Birthday to our one and only son, Paul aka Pauly Boy.

God loves you and so do we all: Dad, Mom, Pam, Trish, Lola, Papa, the rest of the Espinosa Clan. :-)

As Jabez prayed thousands of years ago to God, I pray that God bless you indeed! May He enlarge your territory (in all areas of your life), may His hand be with you (guide you, lead you, prosper all the works of your hand), may He keep you from harm and evil, may He cause you to be a blessing to others, for His glory.

I'll end this with one of my favorite verses from the apostle Paul's (your namesake) letter to the Philippians, Philippians 1:3, "I thank the Lord everytime I remember you".

Cycling Season 2005

Our 2005 cycling season first ride to the Old Port of Montreal through the Lachine Canal bike path.

Uncle Pilo took the photo with his brand new cellphone / camera imported from the Philippines.

Beaver Tail's at the Old Montreal is still closed. I thought Paul and I could split one. The toilets along the path are also, still closed. The bike path officially opens on April 15.

Thanks Pilo!!

How the Pope Turned Me Into An Evangelical - Christianity Today Magazine

Interesting read, I'd like to share with you all- be blessed!

How the Pope Turned Me Into An Evangelical - Christianity Today Magazine

Rosy-cheeked and slender, still in good shape in his mountain-hiking years, Karol Wojtyla reassured me with his smile everywhere I looked.

Poland's greatest son showed up in the predictable spots—the walls of churches and people's apartments, fake gold-embossed standards carried by priests in religious processions, graveyard candles, postal stamps, coins, and book covers. But the likeness of Pope John Paul II was just as likely to turn up on the pen I took to school, a vodka glass at a black market, a stray button in my grandma's desk drawer, coloring books for children, a rayon shawl draped around the neck of woman on a bus, and on calendars hanging in our neighborhood butcher's shop.

Before my conversion to the religion of Billy Graham—which caused my hard-partying high school friends to openly lament my "illness"—I had never been to a home that didn't display the retouched images of Poland's holy trinity. I'm talking, of course, about Mary (commonly referred to as the Queen of Poland), the fruit of her womb Jesus Christ, and a devoted follower of theirs, the pope.

[ Rest of article ]

Mom and Dad with their first born.

We celebrated Nil's birthday mid-week and also had another one that weekend with the rest of the Espinosa crew.

We're so blessed to have so many excuses to get together with family and loved ones. That also explains why it's tough to keep off those poundage. :-)

l-r: Tito Lits, Tita Nil, Pam, Trish, Mom and Dad
btw, for those who don't know, Tito or Tita means
Uncle or Auntie :-)

Been so busy lately, with what, I can't really remember.

Maybe I should keep a journal; but that's what this blog should be all about :-). Forget it.

Anyway, a few weeks ago Tita Nil, Tito Lits' better, much better half, celebrated another birthday, March 16.

How old is Tita Nil? Are you kidding, asking that question? Revealing her true age is punishable by death through starvation, or as we say in Tagalog, "gutom".

Happy Birthday!! There, you're in my Blog now :-)

Uncle Pilo says: "Nice day for a ride. I biked on the road as it was actually safer. The bike path will be cleaned after April 1st.

The pics were taken from my phone-cam."

Paul's first outdoor ride this 2005

Paul and I decided to go for a ride this evening, around 7:00pm, a little chilly, as usual during this time of year. You just have to dress up warm.

Paul says: "First ride of the year, baby! Hella cold, but worth every second. I can't wait to ride with EEG!!"

We had a great ride!!

Fairview Alliance Church Montreal- The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church In Canada

Fairview Alliance Church Montreal- The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church In Canada

Our church schedule for Friday through Sunday

Good Friday Service
Friday, March 25,2005, 10:00AM

Easter Musical Extravaganza: "Worthy Is The Lamb"
Saturday, March 26,2005, 7:00PM

Easter Musical : "Our Redeemer Reigns"
Sunday, March 27,2005, 7:00PM

The Simple Life

We spent a lot of summer weekends camping (and shopping too). There's Wena and Paul, both grown ups now. Grace was, I think, still single then. Rosie, she has not yet met her love, the Royal Victoria Hospital :). And of course, Mom and Dad.

Clowning around while Mom is inside the ER of St. Mary'’s Hospital waiting for her test result. Thank God it was a false alarm, nothing serious - another one of her indigestive digestive attack (go figure that out).
There'’s, left to right, Trish, Dad, Wena, and Tito Lits.
The next or adjacent post shows a much earlier photo, I gave it the title “"The Simple Life"”, circa late 1970s.
I look back and see these photos and I couldn'’t help but be amazed at God'’s mercy and grace in my life as well as the life of the family He’'s blessed and surrounded me with.

Hour of Power- Don't Throw Away Tomorrow - Part XII

Hour of Power

Life is filled with contradictions

So this morning I'm going to give you my thoughts about contradictions. I can't tell you how many people walk away from potentially good ideas because they see there are some contradictions in the dream and they don't want to be a part of it. Sometimes that can be wise, surely on moral or ethics principles. But all of life is full of contradictions, all the time. Look at our society, we are free in America, but we still have to live under law. We're not totally free. Or see the contradiction of people who are so wealthy, successful and honored, yet still feel something is missing and they're unfulfilled. How do you account for it?

Then think of the contradictory orders that confuse us. We're told to "take it easy" but also "get with it." To "be serious" but also "relax!" To "have fun" but also "be good!" To "take a chance" but also "take care!" We're asked, "When are you going to make up your mind?" as often as we're advised, "Don't rush into it."

Even our clichés are contradictory, "Strike while the iron is hot." "Haste makes waste" … or "the early bird gets the worm." And then, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."

There are contradictions in the clashing colors of clothing; in music (minors and majors, point and counterpoint); in architecture (make it strong, don't make it heavy); in physics, there are the contradictions (for every motion an opposing motion). It is phenomenal. In religion, start with Christianity … the Bible is a contradiction (Old Testament, law … New Testament, grace). Justice and mercy, that is the ultimate contradiction philosophically. Jesus is a contradiction (truly man, truly divine).

Notice that international politics is all about resolving contradictions. Or see the contradictions in relationships between mates, between spouses, between parents and children.

Yes, life is filled with contradictions. You are a contradiction. So am I. We're made in the image of God. He is a holy trinity, three persons in one God. I am a trinity, three persons in one, Robert Schuller, the brain that masters my thinking, the heart with its feelings and emotions, and a nervous system. We are a trinity, but we're an unholy trinity with a natural sin that is reflected in the unresolved contradictions in the single human personality. So how do we deal with these many contradictions? [ Rest of the article ]

A Beautiful Day For A Ride

Who could resist riding out today? Mild temperature (-7C), and lots of sun.

Finally, after a couple of months absence from the road, I put on my gear and went for my maiden bike ride for this 2005.

It felt so good to have that cold breeze of air brush my face. What a rush. Now that all my gear is out in the open (from storage- T.Nil has been busy rearranging stuff around here), I look forward to another short but sweet ride tomorrow, slowly building up the stamina and strength, so that by April we can go on longer rides once again.

Yahooooooo!

Monday Monday So Good To Me

It seemed like the week went by like a blur, zoomed right by. Maybe because I was taking my cough medication, nursing a cold, and was mostly like "high" :-).

I had to refuse mom's invitation to have lunch, or was it dinner, at their place for fear of passing my cold to them- not a very good idea for seniors. Seniors, stay away from those who have cold symptoms. You do not want to get what they have. On second thought, I may have gotten it from them when I visited last week, and it took a little time to incubate? Thank God, I am feeling much better now.

Weekly meetings at the church is pretty much the norm these days. We had a leadership meeting last week, a time to be kept up to speed as to what's happening in the various active ministries at the church.

Tita Nil was home the rest of the past week, which is very nice, in many ways. Oh, she read up on juicing and juiced up a storm, putting together various concoctions (veggies with fruits), recipes she found in the juicing book, which is supposed to be good for you and me. It was great Tita Nil. Too bad she's on duty today and tomorrow. I had to be satisfied with toast with strawberry jam and cereal for breakfast, oh, and yes, my cup of green jasmine tea.

Tita Nil is celebrating a birthday anniversary this Wednesday, March 16. The penalty for revealing her real, true age, is death by "kilitation" (a new word, check out the Webster new edition) :-). I am stumped for a an idea. Lord, please help me.

Our Sunday Service was a blessing, as always. We had, as our guest speaker, the pastor of the Indonesian Alliance Church of Montreal, Pastor Gideon Tandirerung. I found out later on that he studied at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Seminary in the Philippines where he also met his Filipino wife, Claire. Looking forward to spending some time with them. He talked about how God is moving in that part of the world, how persecutions of Christians are a common occurrence.

How have I up kept up recently with physical conditioning, with winter still here with us? There's the bike trainer from Oka that Paul and I share. I have also started my daily push ups, aiming for 50 reps this week and increasing that to about a 100 by next week. I feel the need to strengthen my abdominal muscles, firm up the mid section.

Thank God for the quiet times, I get to catch up on my reading (and blogging). I have started re-reading "The Purpose Driven Church" recently. I hope to be able to establish a small group that would meet weekly and study the "Purpose Driven Life". Both books were written by Rick Warren of the Saddleback Community Church.

More later. Meanwhile, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen!!

Monday Monday So Good To Me

It seemed like the week went by like a blur, zoomed right by. Maybe because I was taking my cough medication, nursing a cold, and was mostly like "high" :-).

I had to refuse mom's invitation to have lunch, or was it dinner, at their place for fear of passing my cold to them- not a very good idea for seniors. Seniors, stay away from those who have cold symptoms. You do not want to get what they have. On second thought, I may have gotten it from them when I visited last week, and it took a little time to incubate? Thank God, I am feeling much better now.

Weekly meetings at the church is pretty much the norm these days. We had a leadership meeting last week, a time to be kept up to speed as to what's happening in the various active ministries at the church.

Tita Nil was home the rest of the past week, which is very nice, in many ways. Oh, she read up on juicing and juiced up a storm, putting together various concoctions (veggies with fruits), recipes she found in the juicing book, which is supposed to be good for you and me. It was great Tita Nil. Too bad she's on duty today and tomorrow. I had to be satisfied with toast with strawberry jam and cereal for breakfast, oh, and yes, my cup of green jasmine tea.

Tita Nil is celebrating a birthday anniversary this Wednesday, March 16. The penalty for revealing her real, true age, is death by "kilitation" (a new word, check out the Webster new edition) :-). I am stumped for a an idea. Lord, please help me.

Our Sunday Service was a blessing, as always. We had, as our guest speaker, the pastor of the Indonesian Alliance Church of Montreal, Pastor Gideon Tandirerung. I found out later on that he studied at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Seminary in the Philippines where he also met his Filipino wife, Claire. Looking forward to spending some time with them. He talked about how God is moving in the part of the world, how persecutions of Christians are a common occurrence.

How have I up kept up recently with physical conditioning, with winter still here with us? There's the bike trainer from Oka that Paul and I share. I have also started my daily push ups, aiming for 50 reps this week and increasing that to about a 100 by next week. I feel the need to strengthen my abdominal muscles, firm up the mid section.

Thank God for the quiet times, I get to catch up on my reading (and blogging). I have started re-reading "The Purpose Driven Church" recently. I hope to be able to establish a small group that would meet weekly and study the "Purpose Driven Life". Both books were written by Rick Warren of the Saddleback Community Church.

More later. Meanwhile, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen!!

Monday Monday So Good To Me

It seemed like the week went by like a blur, zoomed right by. Maybe because I was taking my cough medication, nursing a cold, and was mostly like "high" :-).

I had to refuse mom's invitation to have lunch, or was it dinner, at their place for fear of passing my cold to them- not a very good idea for seniors. Seniors, stay away from those who have cold symptoms. You do not want to get what they have. On second thought, I may have gotten it from them when I visited last week, and it took a little time to incubate? Thank God, I am feeling much better now.

Weekly meetings at the church is pretty much the norm these days. We had a leadership meeting last week, a time to be kept up to speed as to what's happening in the various active ministries at the church.

Tita Nil was home the rest of the past week, which is very nice, in many ways. Oh, she read up on juicing and juiced up a storm, putting together various concoctions (veggies with fruits), recipes she found in the juicing book, which is supposed to be good for you and me. It was great Tita Nil. Too bad she's on duty today and tomorrow. I had to be satisfied with toast with strawberry jam and cereal for breakfast, oh, and yes, my cup of green jasmine tea.

Tita Nil is celebrating a birthday anniversary this Wednesday, March 16. The penalty for revealing her real, true age, is death by "kilitation" (a new word, check out the Webster new edition) :-). I am stumped for a an idea. Lord, please help me.

Our Sunday Service was a blessing, as always. We had, as our guest speaker, the pastor of the Indonesian Alliance Church of Montreal, Pastor Gideon Tandirerung. I found out later on that he studied at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Seminary in the Philippines where he also met his Filipino wife, Claire. Looking forward to spending some time with them. He talked about how God is moving in the part of the world, how persecutions of Christians are a common occurrence.

How have I up kept up recently with physical conditioning, with winter still here with us? There's the bike trainer from Oka that Paul and I share. I have also started my daily push ups, aiming for 50 reps this week and increasing that to about a 100 by next week. I feel the need to strengthen my abdominal muscles, firm up the mid section.

Thank God for the quiet times, I get to catch up on my reading (and blogging). I have started re-reading "The Purpose Driven Church" recently. I hope to be able to establish a small group that would meet weekly and study the "Purpose Driven Life". Both books were written by Rick Warren of the Saddleback Community Church.

More later. Meanwhile, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen!!

I look forward to those late evening walks along the promenade in the Old Port of Montreal. This was after a sumptous dinner at one of our favorite Chinese eatery in downtown Chinatown. The Old Port is only a few minutes walk from Chinatown.

Pastor Dave's Official Installation As Cobourg Alliance Church's Senior Pastor

Indeed, it is official, Pastor Dave is the new senior pastor at Cobourg Alliance Church (CAC), Cobourg, Ontario.

We drove to Cobourg, Ontario this past Sunday, March 6,2005 to witness Ps.Dave's installation and the official welcome to the Smith Family. After the service, refreshments were served and there was an opportunity to meet and talk to some of the leadership at CAC. A couple of the leaders shared their experiences during their Senior Pastoral Search. I talked to one about Praise and Worship (I lead as well as belong to a P&W team at FAC).

Rev.Doug Wiebe, District Superintendent for the region, officiated and delivered the sermon this past Sunday. I felt some sadness, and it felt strange, when Pastor Dave and Barb were called up on to the platform and 'sworn in' (if I could use the expression) as the Senior Pastor. For over 8 years he (Ps.Dave) was our Senior Pastor at Fairview Alliance Church (FAC). Our Lord Jesus Christ took me, my wife and children under His wings through Ps.Dave's obedient answer to God's call to pay a house visit to an ailing mother-in-law (Nil's mom passed away March 5,1997) way back March 5,1997.

In some way, there was closure; it is real, he is not my, our, senior pastor anymore.

We had a lot of catching up with Ps.Dave and Barb, so we went to a newly discovered (to replace Pavillon Wong of Pointe Claire- Montreal) Chinese Buffet in Port Hope, located a few minutes drive from their new home. After lunch, we stopped by their place for a tour of their new home before driving back to Montreal, a good 4.5 hour drive.

Continuity in relationships is part of our Lord's plan. Ps.Dave and I have developed, I believe this truly, a special kind of friendship only the two of us would really know and understand. He's played many a role in my walk with our Lord. One of this continuity in relationships involves my eldest daughter Pam. My eldest daughter Pam and Ps.Dave's eldest son Allen are engaged to be married this October 2005, Lord willing. We'll be truly family- Praise the Lord for that!!

Blowing the birthday candles - We love you Pammy girl!!

Pam celebrates her 25th birthday. L-R: Allen, Pam, Nil, Trish, Paul, Mom, and Dad. Phil.1:3 Pam!

Experimenting with the Macro setting, Flash disabled. I am reminded of the message on the sticker I have on my guitar case: "Life is short. Pray hard!!"

The Father's Love Letter

The Father's Love Letter

Faithful Father

Faithful Father - Brian Doerksen

This song was in the making over a 2 year period as I was working on the musical “Father’s House.” I returned many times to Luke 15 to meditate on the story of the prodigal son and there found love I couldn’t explain and the inspiration for this song. If true praise is given in response to seeing and experiencing something good, then this song of praise is mine for every time I fail and I see the Father running to meet me.

Over the years this song has been used in worship services in various churches. It also forms the soundtrack seen by millions for the original “Father’s Love Letter” Video on the popular website fathersloveletter.com, a site devoted to sharing the Father heart of God.

I continue to believe that the revelation of God as Father needs to form His people into a living ‘Father’s House’ on earth, a safe place where we all learn what it means to be sons and daughters of the Father in heaven.

My sister Rosie turns 40

We had a surprise birthday party / celebration in honor of our sister Rosie who turned 40 this past February 24,2005.

Our youngest sister, Wena, and husband Mike, hosted the shindig.

Here'ssssssssssssssssssss Rosie!!!

The Lord has other plans for you brother

Kevin with Dave Maye. Kevin has applied to join the Calgary Ploice Force. God bless you, lead and guide you brother! You will be missed. Stay in touch- Yahoo! Messenger, emails, etc.

The Three Musketeers

We will be missing you bro, Pastor K aka Pastor Kevin aka Kevin aka Kevin Kaechele.

It was sometime in April of 2004 when Pastor Dave, then our church's senior pastor, showed me Kevin's CV. I recognized his name right away. I had read earlier, in the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Canada web site, about this youth pastor who cycled across Canada to raise money for Bibles to be sent to South America (will check accuracy of location). Anyway, needless to say, I was impressed.

At that time we were looking for a youth pastor. I saw more than a youth pastor in Kevin; I saw a cycling buddy as well :-)

Coincidentally, it was that same day when Pastor Dave and I were awaiting confirmation about his biological family that he's long lost and possibly found. Background: Pastor Dave was given up for adoption when he was a year old or so. This is a long story, almost like an Oprah like material to share- Lord willing I get to share that here sometime soon. Cut to the chase- pastor Dave, by the Grace and Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, has been reunited with his biological Mom, two sisters, and brother. Praise the Lord Who works all things in His perfect timing.

Pastor K, I will miss you brother- friends and brothers forever bro!!

Picture, left to right: Dave Maye, Kevin, Tito Lits

Lito Espinosa's Play of the Day

The phone rings during dinner -- do you answer it? (we usually do)

Or, do you jump up and check the Caller ID? (check)

Either way, you're sending a message that whoever is calling is more important than the people gathered around your table.

Try to make family mealtimes phone-free. (Amen) That goes for everyone -- from teenagers, to you too, Dad. (specially Dad, that's me alright)

Most callers can wait a half-hour for you to get back with them.

Family dinners are often the only uninterrupted daily time you spend with your kids. Treasure it.

Another good idea for Dads

Dads, do you need to spend one-on-one time with your child?

If you don't spend time with your kids, look what you're missing!

Have you tried to set specific weekly times to get together with your children? With unpredictable schedules, it can be hard sometimes.

So calendar your kids' birth date each month, and think of something fun that you can do with them -- go for ice cream, go bowling, or something else they enjoy. For example, if your oldest was born on the 20th, you both will look forward to that date every month.

If time with your kids isn't planned, it's that much tougher to fulfill. Calendar your most important clients.

Listen Up TV- The Tsunami - What Happens When We Pray?

Listen Up TV

Featured in this program segment are a couple of Christian & Missionary Alliance Canada Pastors, Rev. Sunder Krishnan and Pastor Gideon Tandirerung.

"REV. SUNDER KRISHNAN was born into an orthodox Hindu family in India and grew up in the capital city of New Delhi. He completed high school in 1961; graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1967; and received his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
In June 1969, he joined the staff of Atomic Energy of Canada which is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Most of his eleven years on staff were spent in safety analysis of nuclear generating stations.
Sunder came to know Jesus Christ as his Saviour through the ministry of Youth For Christ in the City of New Delhi during his first year of undergraduate studies. He was active for several years with Youth For Christ in India. During his two years in Boston he was active with Campus Crusade for Christ.
Since arriving in Toronto, Sunder and his family have worshipped at Rexdale Alliance Church. His primary ministry was as an adult Sunday School teacher. He served on the Board of Elders and as a member of the Executive Committee for eight years. In October 1980, Sunder resigned his position with Atomic Energy of Canada and joined the pastoral staff of Rexdale Alliance Church as the Associate Pastor."

"REV. GIDEON TANDIRERUNG is a pastor of the Indonesian Alliance Church in Montreal. His church is only 3 months old, and made up of Christian Indonesian refugees who fled persecution because of their faith. Now they are making a big effort to bless and help their country and its people during the aftermath of the Tsunami.
Listen Up interviewed Gideon about his thoughts on the Tsunami disaster. "

View the program- click on the link near top of the page.

Click on the Title field to be taken to the actual web page of Listen Up TV.

Be blessed!

My Utmost for His Highest Daily Devotional

My Utmost for His Highest Daily Devotional

Now, I am all set and ready to leave except for one thing. I remembered that it's a good idea to have breakfast first- so I reached for a bowl of Vector cereal and poured some Soy Milk.

I decided to read the daily devotion (here) while having my cereal. What amazing confirmation (IMHO) of my thoughts earlier (see previous post).

God is good!!

Daydreaming about something in order to do it properly is right, but daydreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong. In this passage, after having said these wonderful things to His disciples, we might have expected our Lord to tell them to go away and meditate over them all. But Jesus never allowed idle daydreaming. When our purpose is to seek God and to discover His will for us, daydreaming is right and acceptable. But when our inclination is to spend time daydreaming over what we have already been told to do, it is unacceptable and God’s blessing is never on it. God will take the initiative against this kind of daydreaming by prodding us to action. His instructions to us will be along the lines of this: "Don’t sit or stand there, just go!"

for the rest of the devotion, click on the subject.

Sunday morning, bright and early

Good morning star shine (or sunshine?) the earth says hello...- so goes a line in a song from the 70s or maybe even late 60s :-)

Thanks be to God for another sunny day in Montreal.

Up early, which is good. I prefer to be prepared ahead of time rather than go through the morning being stressed out because I was unprepared and running late, trying to make up for lost time. I mean, you know you have to be somewhere early (in church for me this morning), and just like what the Nike commercial says, "Just Do It!"- down with procrastination.

Had a good visit with Collin at the Jewish (General Hospital) with Dave and Karen M yesterday, Saturday afternoon. We stopped by for a yummy bowl of Vietnamese soup just across the hospital before heading home. I decided to invite (with the OK of Tita Nil) them for dessert (apple pie from Rockaberry's) and coffee and they accepted. They ended up staying for dinner after which we watched the NBA All Star shooting, slam dunk contests.

I'm all set to lead worship today, just need to adjust chording in a couple of the songs we'll be singing. I have chorded them a little low(key of D, better in G).

More later- I wish you all a beautiful and Godly day!!

Tito Lits

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A picture can tell a thousand stories

A picture can tell a thousand stories. Here's my brother Nick with daughter Ashley on the sidelines before the start of Ashley's basketball game. Can you guess what Nick told Ashley or vice versa?? :-)

I venture to guess that Nick-Nick's telling Ash: "get in there and kick some b$%^&* o!" :-)

Happy 17th Birthday Trishki

Here's our birthday girl, her mom and dad's MVP, Patricia aka Trish with her favorite Auntie, Rosie (favorite for this photo only- hehehe). Happy Sweet 17!! - she get's sweeter and sweeter everyday. We thank God for blessings us with you Trishki!! :-) DADA AND MOMA :-)

Thank You Lord

I shared with the members of our Search Committee (Senior Pastor Search), during our devotion time, what a powerful punch, tremendous power, these three words carry.

I shared how, when I get overwhelmed, getting to the point of exhaustion, bog down with the cares of this world (hard to believe, but true), these three words, spoken as a prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ, can lift me up, spring new life and energy into me.

The Word says for us to give thanks to our Lord, Giver, Provider of life, breathe, and all good and perfect gift.

It says in :
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (NIV)
17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19Do not put out the Spirit's fire;

Notice too that it says we should give thanks in all circumstances.

The New Living Translations says it this way:
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (New Living Translation)
17Keep on praying. 18No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

Good times, bad times, in between times - give thanks to Him Who is Faithful.

Thank you Lord!! And may others be blessed by this post.

From the same mould

Do you see any resemblance?

Parang pinag biyak na (fill in the blank) :-) _____________

Joint birthday celebration

My brother Nick, nephew Timmy (Len and Marv), nephew Johnny (Freddie and Chanty) and I were honored at a party hosted by Freddie and Chanty in their new home in Terrebone, QC.

My Utmost for His Highest Daily Devotional

My Utmost for His Highest Daily Devotional

My daughter Pam gave me a copy of "My Utmost for His Highest" for Christmas. It came in a really nice leather bound cover.

The challenge is I've got so much reading material to go through. Solution- pray for the Holy Spirit's leading. This afternoon I picked up my reading at the devotion for January 27 and the message was just right on for me. God is good indeed! The other book and devotional that I am also reading and following is Rick Warren's (from Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California) "Purpose Driven Life" - a 40 Day spiritual journey. You will be blessed!

"A warning which needs to be repeated is that "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches," and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us ( Matthew 13:22 ). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it."
For the rest of the devotional >>>>

Topeak Road Morph Cycling Pump - Mountain Equipment Co-op

Topeak Road Morph Cycling Pump - Mountain Equipment Co-op

Weight: 250.0 grams

This pump offers the convenience and easy pumping motion of a floor pump – but it’s so compact that it can be stored on your bike frame. Unfold the padded T-handle, folding foot support, and flexible rubber hose and pump away, just like you would with a shop pump.

* Long-lasting aluminum barrel.
* Thumb-lock lever ensures an airtight seal.
* Inflates to 160psi.
* 35cm (14in.) long.
* Fits Presta or Schraeder valves.

Looks like the one Uncle Pilo.