A careful observer who escaped the plague at Florence in 1617 describes the barricaded houses and empty streets, forbidden to all but food suppliers. Florence was dead: no business activities and no religious services — except for the odd mass which the officiant celebrated at the corner of a street and in which the people … Continue reading This has happened before
Misfits
School tends to be a one size fits all proposition, and some children are misfits. Despite the best efforts of schools and teachers, some children just do not do well in a large classroom. Home schooling parents have more freedom to find ways to adapt the curriculum and environment to make learning work for their … Continue reading Misfits
SPRING!
We heard, then saw, Canada geese this morning for the first time this spring. A reassuring sign that the wild things are carrying on as usual and spring is on its way.
Learning to learn
It looks like parents will be teaching their children at home for awhile. Here is something to keep in mind: Education is not about teaching, it is about learning. And the great advantage that home-schooled children have is that they learn how to learn.
He who is his own doctor has a fool for a patient
I have paraphrased the English proverb that says “He who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” I think the medical version is appropriate for our present situation. For someone to self-diagnose themselves as having COVID-19 and then to proclaim to have cured himself through some novel procedure unknown to medical science … Continue reading He who is his own doctor has a fool for a patient
What is needed to have a healthy congregation?
Blaise Pascal wrote; “The heart of man is so deceitful that as soon as he begins to think about getting converted, he believes he is.” A congregation largely made up of people like that will never prosper spiritually. So the starting point for a healthy congregation is that it must be made up of people … Continue reading What is needed to have a healthy congregation?
Memories of the 1998 Ice Storm
We had been to Saskatchewan to celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday. We left Moose Jaw on New Year’s Day, 1998 and arrived at our home at Acton Vale Quebec about 3:00 am Monday January 4. There was a gentle rain falling and by the time we were up and around in the morning it had … Continue reading Memories of the 1998 Ice Storm
Return of the plastic grocery bag
Amazing new discovery! Reusable shopping bags may be good for the environment, but may also be dangerous to your health. Actually this isn't a new discovery, there are articles on the internet from up to ten years ago explaining that reusable bags can be a breeding ground for bacteria. I guess we are supposed to … Continue reading Return of the plastic grocery bag
Spring musings
Spring is coming, even here in the Great White North country. Nothing is green yet, but there's a lot less of the white stuff. No song birds yet, either, but our bird feeder isn't emptying quite so quickly, which means the birds must be finding something else now that the snow is receding. Our cats … Continue reading Spring musings
Things to do to maintain a peaceful heart in a time of trouble
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 Jesus is the source of our peace. Speak with Him often, Listen to what He says, Read the Word of God, … Continue reading Things to do to maintain a peaceful heart in a time of trouble
Flatlander Faith 