If you are a writer . . . - you love words, you study words, their origins and all the nuances of their meanings. You don’t aim to dazzle readers with the knowledge you acquire, you want to be able to select the best words to make your readers see what you are seeing. - … Continue reading If you are a writer . . .
Sin
“Almighty and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And … Continue reading Sin
Collateral damage – or the real target?
I have been musing about the Islamist terrorist attacks in Europe and North America; who are these attacks really targeting? Is it the terrorists goal to make Western nations more favourable to the aspirations of Muslim people and nations around the world? I think we can give them credit for being smart enough to know … Continue reading Collateral damage – or the real target?
The empowerment of women
For as long as most people now alive can remember, abortion has been considered a means of empowering women. The inconvenience of an unexpected pregnancy can be quickly eliminated and the woman can carry on with life as she pleases. But it is precisely the motherly trait of womankind that men stand in awe of, … Continue reading The empowerment of women
Manchester and the Crusaders
Islamic extremists are telling Muslim youths that it is their religious duty to strike back at Christian nations because they are descendants of the Crusaders who wreaked havoc upon Muslims many years ago. There are serious flaws in this simplistic approach: 1. The Crusades were efforts by the popes to expand their political influence. Religion … Continue reading Manchester and the Crusaders
Have we misdiagnosed the problem?
It is at least 50 years since C.S. Lewis wrote: “The greatest barrier I have met is the almost total absence from the minds of my audience of any sense of sin . . . We have to convince our hearers of the unwelcome diagnosis before we can expect then to welcome the news of … Continue reading Have we misdiagnosed the problem?
Reflections on my bread machine saga
I thought I had this bread machine almost figured out, I had managed to produce two loaves that were completely edible. Friday's trial number six proved that I still have a ways to go - the loaf rose too high and then fell. I cut off the top part and the rest is quite edible, … Continue reading Reflections on my bread machine saga
The dying poplar
Three native species of poplar grow in Saskatchewan: cottonwood, trembling aspen and balsam poplar. They are fast growing trees that can attain heights of 25 to 30 metres (80 - 100 feet) and a diameter of 100 cm (3 feet) at eye level. The balsam polar is more slender. Cottonwoods send forth their seeds … Continue reading The dying poplar
We shall have music
These plain looking birds are brown thrashers, an adult and a juvenile. They are long-tailed birds, a little bigger than a robin. Brown thrashers are rather shy about letting themselves be seen in public, but they fill the air with beautiful song, especially in the mornings and evenings. My wife saw one this evening, the … Continue reading We shall have music
Cats and compassion
We share our home with three cats. Each one came to us as a feral kitten at about six months old. This summer they will be 15, 7 and 6. They are dependent on us for shelter, food and affection. They tolerate each other, but don't appear to really like one another, though Pookie will … Continue reading Cats and compassion
Flatlander Faith 