I found this book by my good friend and colleague Rev. Dr. Ed Hird to be challenging, informative, encouraging and uplifting all at the same time. I have read Paul`s letter to Titus, along with commentaries on Titus many times over my 32 plus years in Ordained Ministry. One of the things which stuck with me this time was that the people on the island of Crete were Pirates. I knew they were lazy, gluttons and drunkards and even though I knew these were all characteristics of pirates the two things had not fully registered.
As I have read what Ed has had to say about the Cretans being pirates, challenged me when he related that to people in North America being pirates. This led me to do a lot of soul searching and re-examining both my life and the life styles of my fellow Canadians and North Americans to see what truth there was in this bold statement. I have seen confirmation after confirmation of how not only are we as people in Canada and in fact North America are pirates, but that also I can relate where I can apply that term to myself as well. How often do we steal time from our employers, our family or from other people through laziness and procrastination?
I find myself invigorated through reading and meditating upon what Ed has shared not only about Titus, but also about his own life and ministry. I have been reminded of things which through our friendship over many years have been an encouragement to me in the fulfillment of the ministry to which Jesus has called me to boldly proclaim the Good News of Salvation to our local communities today.
I heartily recommend Ed`s latest book to all who are called into any aspect of leadership in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ whether lay or ordained. By sinking your teeth into the meat of material in this book you will be encouraged and further equipped for the work of ministry to which Jesus has called you by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are a seeker, you will find humour entwined with solid teaching which will draw you to a Saviour who loves you and died for you that you might receive the greatest gift of all, the gift of new life.
Rev. Capt. Brian M. Kirby+(Ret`d)
Priest, Anglican Network in Canada
Interim Pastor – Arbutus Grove Reform Church, Parksville
Padre – Canadian Forces Maritime Test Range, Nanoose Bay
Zone Padre – Central Vancouver Island Zone – Royal Canadian Legion
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
By Marcel Kurtz on Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit
Really enjoyed this book, I would have to say it was the most interesting book I have read all year. Dr. Ed Hird made the book of Titus really practical and I liked how the book was holistic, mind, body and spirit. I highly recommend this book.
Senior Pastor, Valley Church, North Vancouver
Marcel was born in San Jose, California but spent his formative years in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and then moved to Victoria when he was a teenager.
After high school Marcel went to FGBI (now Eston College) and studied Theology.
After College (May of 1996) he went back to his home church in Victoria and became the Youth Pastor. He also married his wonderful wife Kristina. They had their first Child in 1999. In November of 1999, they came to Valley Church where Marcel became the Youth Pastor. In March of 2001 they had their second child Jordan, and in June 2008 Marcel became the Associate Pastor ( and recently Senior Pastor in 2018) at Valley Church.
Questionnaire
What is your favorite quote? “Men don’t care what’s on TV, they only care what else is on TV” – Jerry Seinfeld It’s not my favorite but I like it.
What is your favorite restaurant/coffee shop? Starbucks is my fav. coffee shop. Stephos is my fav. res. (Cheap Greek food)
Who is your hero? My wife – she told me to put this in
Who inspires you? People who live by what they believe rather then how they feel
What is your favorite meal? My wife’s Shish-kabob
What do you not like to eat? Tomatoes and Mushrooms
What is your favourite book – other than the bible? “The Testament” by John Grisham
What is your favourite junk/snack food? Popcorn and Coke
What is your favourite outdoor activity? Picnicking at the beach with my family
What is your best thing to do on your day off? Picnic at the beach with my family
What do you avoid doing? Cutting the lawn
What is your favorite childhood memory ? My dad bought a big van and our family took a three week road trip through the states camping in the van.
If you could pick a super power, what would it be? I would like to be invisible
What was your nickname when you were a kid? I didn’t have one
What did you want to be when you were 6? A Pro Football player
What was your childhood ambition? To become a pro football player
What was your first job? Working at a restaurant as a bus boy, I was 14
What is your favorite word? “Yes dear” i know it is two but I say it all the time
What word do you dislike? Don’t have one – well at least not one that I can send you on email…
What sound do you love? Ocean waves, and birds first thing the morning
What profession would you choose if you didn’t do what you do now? Either the King of England or Maybe the Pilot who flies Air force One
What is your favorite characteristic of Christ? His Grace
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Owen Scott was the Senior Pastor of Valley church from 1986 to 2018. Owen was born and raised in Davidson, Saskatchewan. After high school Owen attended and graduated from Full Gospel Bible College
Owen then got married to a wonderful woman whom has never left his side since. He then interned in Regina, Sask, pastored in Fruitvale, B.C and Calgary Owen then taught at Full Gospel Bible College for 4 years Owen and Val then moved back to Regina where he was Associate Pastor for 6 years. Finally in 1986 they came to Vancouver and Valley Church and they have been a blessing to Valley Church ever since.
Questionnaire to Pastor Owen Scott
What is your favorite quote?
“He flung himself from the room unto his horse and rode madly off in all directions”
What is your favorite restaurant/coffee shop?
Pajo’s at Steveston for fish & chips…The Red Onion for hot dogs…almost ANY coffee shop will do!
Who is your hero?
Ernest Shackleton (led an expedition to Antarctica)
Who inspires you?
SULLY – successfully landed a plane with 155 passengers in the Hudson River recently
What is your favorite meal?
Macaroni & cheese with a hot-dog on the side!
What do you not like to eat?
Cottage cheese
What is your favourite book – other than the bible?
“A Prayer for Owen Meany”
What is your favourite junk/snack food?
Black Licorice (ie Panda…in case you were thinking of getting him some…)
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
Walking/hiking
What is your best thing to do on your day off?
Walking…exploring…finding a great coffee shop or bakery
What do you avoid doing?
Going anywhere near snow…
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Opening Christmas presents
If you could pick a super power what would it be?
??????? I have a SUPER POWER living within me!!!
What was your nickname when you were a kid?
Didn’t have one
What did you want to be when you were 6?
Cowboy
What was your childhood ambition?
To join the circus
What was your first job?
Setting pins at a bowling alley
What is your favorite word?
Can’t think of one…how about JESUS!
What word do you dislike?
Dysfunctional
What sound do you love?
Birds singing
What profession would you choose if you didn’t do what you do now?
Running a hot-dog stand
What is your favorite characteristic of Christ?
His grace
Obscure Info about me:
Enjoy making folkart…reading…watching a good movie…taking road trips…
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Who in their right mind would want to be sent to a toxic island where everyone was a pirate, including the grandmothers, grandsons, and everyone in between? Who would want to be sent to an island where all islanders were liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons? The Island of Crete which my wife and I visited had been a pirate stronghold for over 800 years. While in Crete, we learned about Titus who was just the man for the job. He did not flinch. Titus taught toxic Cretan pirates how to become radically healthy: how to love, how to lay down their lives for another, how to be the faithful husband of but one wife, how to be gentle and patient. He taught the female pirates how to be best friends with their husbands and their children. This is true health. If the wisdom in the 45-sentence book of Titus can revolutionize a pirate island, it can even transform a pirate continent like North America. Signs of our North American toxicity include gun violence and the insanity of the shooters, obesity when there is no shortage of food, and a wealth of communication tools while many are no longer talking any more.
Is it a mere coincidence that the late Steve Jobs defined Apple employees as pirates, even raising a pirate flag with the Apple logo as the pirate eyepatch? It is better, said Jobs, to be a pirate than join the navy. In the 1999 movie Pirates of Silicon Valley, Jobs accused Bill Gates of ripping him off by producing the Microsoft Windows mouse-based graphical user interface. Gates, the wealthiest person on earth, memorably said to his outraged fellow pirate Steve Jobs: “we both had this rich neighbor named Xerox and I broke into his house to steal the TV set and found out that you had already stolen it.” Ironically Jobs loved to quote Picasso’s comment: “Good artists copy. Great artists steal.” So do great pirates.
Titus was a first-century go-getter. He reminds me of my late father, Ted Hird, who always got the job done. At one of my father’s retirements, his company, Microtel, gave him a statue of a horse in memory of my father’s billing the company for a dead horse. Working in Newfoundland for three months with the snowy roads sometimes impassible, my father hired a farmer’s horse to drag the telecommunications equipment up the hill. The microwave tower was finally finished, but the horse died. Titus-like leaders make things happen against impossible odds.
If the toxic Cretan pirates can become healthy, anyone can become healthy, even North Americans. Dr. Brene Brown, whose TED talk has been seen by over sixteen million people, said that we in North America “are the most we are the most in-debt, obese, addicted and medicated adult cohort in (our) history.” In an age of many regrets, Titus is a symbol of hope for healthy leadership in the twenty-first century. With the huge global changes happening, the need for healthy leaders like Titus has never been greater. A key solution to our North American toxicity is rediscovering Titus, the epitome of integrated healthy leadership. Titus planted significantly healthy communities by identifying and training indigenous leaders in every one of the over hundred Cretan cities. The book of Titus gives you the keys to healthy communities, healthy families and healthy lives.
The book of Titus calls us to become whole people – in mind, body, and spirit. That is the theme of my brand new book ‘Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit.’ So often we North Americans are toxically fragmented in areas of our lives. We need the Great Physician to give us a full check-up to determine whether our lives, our marriages and families, our churches and communities are sound and healthy. Many of us are out of balance in our health emphasis, neglecting either the body, the mind or the spirit. Too many good people have bought the lie that they can eat anything they want and not bother to exercise. The Bible says that our health choices have consequences. We reap as we sow. People who neglect their bodies lose the ability to travel cross-culturally as they get older. People who neglect their minds go stale and have nothing worth saying. People who neglect their spirits go shallow and self-absorbed. Healthy leaders embrace their bodies, minds and spirits for Christ’s sake.
My prayer for those reading this article is that we will choose the way of holistic health in every area of our lives.
The Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
-an article previously published in the Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, Ed Hird shows how North Americans can embrace a holistically healthy life.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a signed copy within North America, just send a $20 cheque (USD/CAN) to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5, Canada.
– In order to obtain a signed copy of the prequel book Battle for the Soul of Canada, please send a $18.50 cheque to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5. For mailing the book to the USA, please send $20.00 USD. This can also be done by PAYPAL using the e-mail ed_hird@telus.net . Be sure to list your mailing address. The Battle for the Soul of Canada e-book can be obtained for $4.99 CDN/USD.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
This book is so much more than a helpful resource for leaders. Rich in biblical insights, it offers any Christian the valuable tools needed to develop genuine character and a healthy spiritual life.
Our generation is crying out for fathers who can help us grow–and Ed Hird is one of those fathers. I am honored to know him and to feed on the revelations he offers in this amazing book.
This book sharpened my leadership skills and challenged me to pursue integrity, character and humility in my ministry. I know it will do the same for you.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Christmas Party food is always tasty, too tasty. Millions sign up for the local gym to try to lose the post-Christmas bulge. So many well-intended recruits are gone by January 31st. My wife Janice really cares for me. She shows her love by encouraging me to not give up going to the gym year round, eating healthy food, and taking vitamins. Thank God for health-conscious wives. Restoring health requires that I practice what I preach. As a Spanish proverb puts it, a man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.
Going to the gym two to three times a week for the past fourteen years is part of my ‘walking the walk’ in personal fitness. I feel healthier and younger now than a decade ago, having lost weight in the process. The Good Book tells us that even the youth grow weary, but they that wait on the Lord shall renew and restore their strength, rising up with wings like eagles, running and not being weary, walking and not fainting.
Part of what changed my behaviour was being rear-ended by a taxi. Dr. Paul Wiggins, while treating my aching back, said to me: “You need a personal trainer”. The next thing I knew, I was meeting with a personal trainer for six sessions, paid for by our auto insurance company.
Benjamin Franklin once said: “Health is man’s best wealth.” People often spend their health to obtain wealth, only to spend their wealth to obtain health. As Boomers are aging, we are sometimes understandably concerned that we may be going backwards in health rather than moving forward. Many seem to have fatalistically lost hope. But must aging always be a downward spiral? God promises to renew our youth like an eagle. What I am hearing from the Lord is “Don’t give up on yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams of finishing well. Why not choose to be fit? Why not choose to be healthier?”
Physical fitness is good, but by itself only goes so far. The well-known Washington DC author Mark Batterson twittered: “In my experience, physical disciplines like exercise and spiritual disciplines like prayer feed off each other.” Health is elusive. We are our own worst enemies. We want to be healthy. Yet we make choices such as too much food, too little exercise, and self-medication that cripple us and send us in the wrong direction. As a local Recreation Centre poster put it, “The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it.”
Edward Stanley said it well: “Those who think they will not have time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” That is why Jesus asked: “Do you want to be well?” Why do we resist getting well? Why do we so often go backwards and not forwards? Why are we so often tempted to just let nature take its course? So many people die before their time. They may keep going physically, but their dreams and hopes have died. As Mark Twain put it, most men die at age 27. We just bury them at 72. My passion is to help a new generation of healthy leaders to discover and rediscover Jesus as the Great Physician who renews our youth like an eagle.
Healthy hearts and healthy minds lead to healthy lives, healthy choices and healthy families. John said, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all things may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 2) Health comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Dr. E. Stanley Jones put it:
The Spirit of God is health… A health tendency takes possession of us. We think health. We breathe health; we are health & we give health.
I will never forget the night that Lee Grady, former Editor of Charisma Magazine, prophesied about our former congregation St. Simon’s NV being a well-spring of healing with healing teams being raised up for body, soul and spirit restoration. Every worship service at St. Simon’s NV, whether traditional or contemporary, has a team ready to pray for healing. There is no contradiction between prayer, medicine and keeping fit. All can work together for our health. My prayer for those reading this article is that we will all be passionate about health and healing at all stages of our lives.
Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
-previously published in the Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Being on the board of Anglican Renewal Ministries of Canada was a wonderful and sometimes very painful experience. As Board Chair, God gave me the opportunity to move ARM Canada in the direction of reconciliation with other Anglican movements, resulting in the birthing of the Essentials movement in 1994. The Essentials movement did not accomplish all that we dreamed, but it was a key stepping stone to our realigning with the faithful Global South Anglicans. Anglican Renewal Ministries of Canada, as a founding partner of the Anglican Essentials movement, helped birth the Montreal Declaration of Anglican Essentials which we affirm in the Anglican Mission in Canada.
While on the ARM Canada board, I worked with high-quality faithful Anglicans from across Canada. My Vice-Chair was Emmie Marsh, the wife of Bishop Eddie Marsh of Central Newfoundland. They invited me to do a ten-day mission to their diocese in 1996 in which I did a retreat at Grand Banks with 60 ACW presidents on the beatitudes, followed by a Renewal Mission at Gambo. Rev John Torley was the Rector of St Luke’s Calgary, before planting Holy Trinity Church in a shopping mall. He led one of our early Renewal Missions and had a tremendous sense of humour. My first exposure to John Torley+ was when he led a Renewal Mission at St Matthew’s Abbotsford where I served in the mid- 1980s.
Our ARM Board met several times a year in what we called the Golden Triangle, either in Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto. We often met in Retreat Centres, and would always celebrate the Eucharist together. It was wonderful to worship with such Spirit-filled, Jesus-honouring brothers and sisters. We had no idea that the storm clouds were coming in. I remember when I celebrated the Eucharist using the Book of Common Prayer, something that was almost unthinkable in those days for charismatic Anglicans. Why not, I asked, have a Spirit-filled BCP Eucharist?
My entrance into the Anglican Renewal Ministries Board came through my involvement as the Publicity Co-ordinator for the 1990 ARM Canada Renewal Conference at UBC with Bishop Moses and Cynthia Tay ( & Rev. Gerald Khoo). They spoke in eighteen cities across Canada reaching many thousands of people. We had 450 registered for the UBC Conference, with 800 people to the final Renewal Eucharist.
In 1991, our Anglican Renewal Ministries leaders from Canada went to the ARM/SOMA Conference in Canterbury and Brighton, England. My wife Janice was sitting next to Susan Rivers of St Andrew’s Delta at the 1991 Renewal Conference. Susan was the person who recruited me to the national Anglican Renewal Ministries Board.
As part of our international involvement in Anglican Renewal, many of us from Canada went to the 1998 Pre-Lambeth Leadership Conference at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Our family was blessed while in London to be hosted for a week by our good friend the Rev Dr. Jim Dainty, a fellow Anglican priest with a heart for spiritual renewal. We only knew Jim+ by email before we visited England. He has since come to visit our congregation in North Vancouver, and we skype together.
Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
As Publicity Director for the Vancouver March for Jesus, St Simon’s NV was very involved in the MFJ, with a peak of 18,000 peak marching through the streets of Vancouver.
At the heart of the St Simon’s NV vision is worship: Praising, Serving, Sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
John Leeburn on drums, Frank Dorst, Janice and Ed Hird. Janice as a professional musician from the UBC School of Music was our Music Director at St. Simon’s NV. She has raised up many choirs and worship bands over the years, helping people to go from good to great.
Every Christmas we have a special Christmas Communion at Kiwanis Care Centre, and going carolling through the complex with our St Simon’s NV Choir. We visited Kiwanis for 13 years every 4th Wednesday, giving them Holy Communion. John Leeburn was my first assistant. Marina Ireland helped bring people by wheelchair to the service.
A picture taken of myself in 2001 while on a graduation boat expedition with BCCA School where my three sons attended.
After seven years in the Public School system, we switched to Christian School, and involved our sons in a wonderful Drama program at BCCA, led by Mrs. Birth. Two of our sons Mark and Andrew played the role of Tevye and Lazar Wolf in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.
Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Rev Dr Murray and Diana Henderson (then of St Aidan’s Church in Winnipeg) led our 1995 Renewal Mission on the theme of Spiritual Warfare. Diana was very involvement in the Crisis Pregnancy Centre ministries.
Bishop Malcolm Harding speaking at Renewal Mission 2003. Between us is Archbishop Gregory Venables, the retired Primate of the Southern Cone visiting St. Simon’s NV.
Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
I heartily recommend Ed`s latest book to all who are called into any aspect of leadership in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ whether lay or ordained. By sinking your teeth into the meat of material in this book you will be encouraged and further equipped for the work of ministry to which Jesus has called you by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are a seeker, you will find humour entwined with solid teaching which will draw you to a Saviour who loves you and died for you that you might receive the greatest gift of all, the gift of new life.
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Really enjoyed this book, I would have to say it was the most interesting book I have read all year. Dr. Ed Hird made the book of Titus really practical and I liked how the book was holistic, mind, body and spirit. I highly recommend this book.
If the toxic Cretan pirates can become healthy, anyone can become healthy, even North Americans. Dr. Brene Brown, whose TED talk has been seen by over sixteen million people, said that we in North America “are the most we are the most in-debt, obese, addicted and medicated adult cohort in (our) history.” In an age of many regrets, Titus is a symbol of hope for healthy leadership in the twenty-first century. With the huge global changes happening, the need for healthy leaders like Titus has never been greater. A key solution to our North American toxicity is rediscovering Titus, the epitome of integrated healthy leadership. Titus planted significantly healthy communities by identifying and training indigenous leaders in every one of the over hundred Cretan cities. The book of Titus gives you the keys to healthy communities, healthy families and healthy lives.
J. Lee Grady
Edhird's Blog 