Many years ago, in the time of small farms, one such farm was located beside a railway that connected several of the big cities of the area. The farm consisted of a number of small fields, cultivated by a small tractor, and a pasture containing a few cows and their calves. There was a little … Continue reading The parable of the train-chasing dog
Whimsy
The half-converted farmer
Years ago, there was a farmer in our neighbourhood who lived a simple life. He had no need of electricity, running water or a lawn mower. He didn't seem to have a need for a wife either, though it was rumoured that once long ago there had been a lady of the house. Perhaps the … Continue reading The half-converted farmer
Double-decker church planting
I grew up in a town I shall call Seagull, Saskatchewan. This is a fictional name, as are all the other names given in this account, but the events are true to life as best as my memory serves. Like all other prairie towns, there were a number of tall wooden grain elevators lining the … Continue reading Double-decker church planting
The millionaire and the scrublady
There is a certain Millionaire who hath his Offices on the Second Floor of the First National Bank building. And when he goeth up to his Offices he rideth the Elevator. But when he goeth down, then he walketh. And he is an haughty man, who once was poor, and hath risen in the world. … Continue reading The millionaire and the scrublady
The Universalist and the Quaker
A Universalist preacher, who believed that no one would be excluded from heaven, held a series of meetings in a rural town. He was a gifted speaker and many people came to hear him. At the close of the meetings he announced, " Now if you would desire, I would like to come each Sabbath … Continue reading The Universalist and the Quaker
Home office blues
The other morning I sat down in front of my computer and thought of everything that needed to be done. I had a talk to prepare for Toastmasters the next evening, a blog post to do, an article to write, income tax returns to prepare for a couple, and bookkeeping files for three clients that … Continue reading Home office blues
Realities
'Tis what we are, not what we seem; 'Tis the work we do, not the dreams we dream; Not what we have, but what we give; Not the words we speak, but the life that we live; Not the things we teach, but what we learn; Not the wrong we do, but the sin we … Continue reading Realities
Builders
Isn't it strange that princes and kings, And clowns that caper in sawdust rings, And common folks, you and me, Are buildings of eternity? To each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass, and a book of rules; And each must make, ere life is flown, A stumbling block, or a stepping stone. … Continue reading Builders
Saskatchewan speak
We speak normal Canadian English here in Saskatchewan — for the most part. There are, however, a few words familiar to residents of this province, that are largely unknown elsewhere. A survey released a few days ago checked on how familiar same of these words are to Saskatchewanians. We all know what a bunnyhug is — … Continue reading Saskatchewan speak
Unintended consequences of cataract surgery
I called my cousin Rose Friday evening. She's actually the widow of my cousin Ron, but I don't think cousin-in-law is a word. Anyway, I've known her all my life so I just call her my cousin. Ron died three years ago at the age of 91. Rose will hit that mark next month. She … Continue reading Unintended consequences of cataract surgery
Flatlander Faith 