Canadian politics just became much more interesting. Maxime Bernier has withdrawn from the Conservative Party, of which he almost became leader, to found a new political party. He is speaking up about issues that others want to avoid talking about and this has raised a storm of criticism. Perhaps he is starting a movement at … Continue reading Spectator or participant?
Inspiration from cryptograms
To exercise my body, I walk or bounce on my rebounder (mini trampoline). To exercise my mind, I solve cryptograms. Some of the quotations thus decrypted seemed worth sharing. Sit down and write down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own … Continue reading Inspiration from cryptograms
The plain truth
We often speak the truth sharply, in an in your face manner that stings as the bite of a wasp. The hearer may not long remember the truth that was spoken, but he will remember how the words spoken made him feel. It were better to have spoken the truth plainly, in an unassuming manner … Continue reading The plain truth
The truth can stand by itself
A friend likes to preface many of the things he says with:“Without a word of a lie.” For some reason I don’t find such a statement all that convincing. It makes me wonder if he is not accustomed to telling the truth. I guess that’s why Jesus instructed us: “But let your communication be, Yea, … Continue reading The truth can stand by itself
Having fun is not the purpose of our life.
Happiness is often confused with having fun. But ask yourself, isn't the root of your desire for fun a wish to have your attention diverted from your problems, at least for a moment? To feel a constant need for amusement, entertainment, or recreation is self-defeating and even self-destructive. If our … Continue reading Having fun is not the purpose of our life.
The Emperor’s New Clothes and Donald Trump
In the tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, by Hans Christian Andersen, a vain emperor is approached by two men who claim to be master weavers. They offer to make him a marvellously fine set of clothes from material that only they know how to make. This material has a unique characteristic, it is invisible to … Continue reading The Emperor’s New Clothes and Donald Trump
The Wise Old Mother Cat
On this International Day of the Cat, it seems an opportune time to clear up some misconceptions about the relationship between cats and humans. From the human standpoint the relationship seems frustrating. We can’t train our cat to do anything, she won’t even come when we call. From the cat’s standpoint, the relationship is working … Continue reading The Wise Old Mother Cat
What is a talent?
Jesus told a parable of a man going to a far country who distributed talents to his servants. The talents given in this parable were money, not ability, for it says that He gave “to every man according to his several ability” (Matthew 25:15). After generations of misunderstanding this passage we have come to understand … Continue reading What is a talent?
Family
We can choose our friends, but we can’t choose our family. We can conceal things about our past from our friends, but our family knows the real story. And we know theirs. My cousin Ted was 80 on Thursday. Friday evening a few of us got together to celibrate and share memories. Ted’s next older … Continue reading Family
Paul, the master apologist
Being an apologist for the Christian faith may sound like expressing our regrets for being Christians. The true meaning is quite the opposite; it means being able to talk about our faith without fear or embarrassment, and to always be ready to “give an answer” (apologia) to those who ask about it. The apostle Paul … Continue reading Paul, the master apologist
Flatlander Faith 