A year and a half ago, a young man who had served a sentence for armed robbery appeared in court to explain that he had learned his lesson. He said that he had learned that he needed to stop and think before doing something and consider the consequences. "I have learned to tell the difference … Continue reading Slaying the beast within
faith
It seemed like such a good idea at the time
It was a really hot day today, so I stopped after work to get a two scoop black cherry ice cream cone. That really hit the spot. As the young lady scooped my ice cream, I saw that both of her arms were covered with tattoos and wondered how long she will consider them an … Continue reading It seemed like such a good idea at the time
Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse comes in the middle of the words that God gave Jeremiah for the Jews who had been captured and led away to Babylon. He told … Continue reading Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
The weakness of the law – any kind of law
The confederate flag is disappearing all over the US South. That should make black folks feel more like they belong, shouldn't it? At least it's a symbolic act, one that shows that racism should not have any part in a society that calls itself civilized. Yet I fear that Mr. Roof is symbolic of a … Continue reading The weakness of the law – any kind of law
Peace in time of war
There are four main religious groups in Lebanon: Maronite Christians, descended from the old Syriac church and united with the Roman Catholic Church, yet maintaining some of the old ways, including a married priesthood; Shiite Muslims; Sunni Muslims and Greek Orthodox. A power sharing agreement was worked out after the Second World War that worked … Continue reading Peace in time of war
Am I a uniter or a divider?
During a recent visit in the home of a young couple in another congregation, the wife talked about the church her parents had attended when she was a child. The membership of that church is now down to the pastor and a few women; no man has been able to abide the pastor’s controlling ways. … Continue reading Am I a uniter or a divider?
I didn’t get the message
Way back when I was still single, some time before 1970, I was living alone in a little Saskatchewan town and running a grain elevator. Well, I wasn't completely alone — there was a cat sharing the house with me. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that there would have to … Continue reading I didn’t get the message
Girl on a pilgrimage
I worked in Delisle today, sitting in a cubbyhole office in the vet clinic, hunched over a computer trying to get financial records up to date. About One o'clock my stomach finally got through to me that it was time to eat and I walked over to the nearby snack shack. The waitress soon brought … Continue reading Girl on a pilgrimage
That ye may be healed
My wife's elderly cousin has been in Saskatoon a couple of days. This morning we went into the city and Chris spent a couple of hours with her. This cousin had two sons with her first husband, then divorced him. She married again, had four daughters, then divorced again. She loves her sons; she does … Continue reading That ye may be healed
Sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor
Jesus told the rich young ruler: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21). He didn't really mean that, did He? There must be some hidden meaning . Many preachers and teachers have … Continue reading Sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor
Flatlander Faith 