On Saturday we travelled to Moose Jaw to attend a workshop for writers. We've only lived there for short periods of time, the last one being 37 years ago, but it still feels like this is where our roots are. I wanted to visit my 91 year old cousin after the workshop, but there was … Continue reading Authenticity and tradition
Faith and life
Plain clothes
Clothing as a status symbol is not a new thing. In fact, a few hundred years ago there were laws to define what clothes a person could wear to fit his status in society. These were called sumptuary laws, and they made it possible to instantly discern whether a person was a priest, a bishop, … Continue reading Plain clothes
Unstable as water
Water is essential to life on this planet. The Bibles applies the life-giving properties of water in a spiritual sense when it speaks of the river of life and of the water and blood that poured from Jesus' side, . There is also a dangerous side to water, such as Jacob's description of Reuben, his … Continue reading Unstable as water
What is “the world”?
In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle delivers a clear warning to Christians about loving the world and the things of the world: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the … Continue reading What is “the world”?
Stewards of the grace of God
"As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as faithful stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). I don't recall ever hearing much discussion of this topic. When we talk of stewardship, we are generally thinking of our possessions and financial affairs, and too often … Continue reading Stewards of the grace of God
What are the signs that someone is a Christian?
A brother asked that question Sunday evening — a couple of verses of Scripture came immediately to mind, and more have come since that tine. I will put those thoughts down on the computer screen. I believe they give a good picture of what should characterize a true Christian, and while I acknowledge that it is … Continue reading What are the signs that someone is a Christian?
There’s a twittering in the trees
The snow is gone, lawns are starting to turn green, but the trees still appear brown and lifeless. Yet there is definitely life among the trees. From the open window we can hear are loud and continuous chorus of bird songs. There are robins, meadowlarks, blackbirds, juncos and others that we haven't identified. The juncos … Continue reading There’s a twittering in the trees
Thine be the glory
Numbers 14:11-12 — And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier … Continue reading Thine be the glory
Cultural perspectives on youth and old age
Closely related to the North American orientation toward the future is the strong emphasis on youth. This can be seen in commercial advertising and entertainment — the old are rarely represented. At work the young are often thought to be more active and productive, and to hold more promise than do the elderly, despite their … Continue reading Cultural perspectives on youth and old age
Riding a tricycle to church
This is a story about someone we met 25 years ago. I wish the details were a little clearer in my mind, but I will tell what I remember. It looked like a beautiful day outside. Cindy got herself dressed, ate a bowl of cereal and ran outside to ride her tricycle. Her Dad and … Continue reading Riding a tricycle to church
Flatlander Faith 