In books, spring always seems to come in a rush. Homesteaders on the prairies, or trappers in the northern bush, endure a long harsh winter, their food and their firewood have almost run out and the snow is so deep they can't get out to replenish their supplies.. Then one day they notice something different … Continue reading Spring fever
Saskatchewan
Twelve Foot Falls
We were driving through Wisconsin, on our way from Ontario to Saskatchewan and planning to stop at friends for supper and night. There was a little sign beside the road saying “Twelve Foot Falls” with an arrow indicating the direction. On a spur of the moment impulse I pulled off onto the side road. For … Continue reading Twelve Foot Falls
My day so far
9:00 check weather - forecast of 10 -15 cm snow, winds 40 gusting to 60 km/h 9:30 wife leaves for city just as snow begins to fall 9:35 start work - day’s plan is to catch up on filing 9:45 cat #3 wants out - open door, watch as he assesses the situation and turns … Continue reading My day so far
US disasters vs Canadian winters
Seventeen years ago at Easter time we drove down to Arkansas where our daughter was teaching. Deborah, a friend of our daughter, travelled with us. There in the deep south we saw mounds of dirt here and there in the fields. We asked one of the local ladies what they were and she told us … Continue reading US disasters vs Canadian winters
How silently, how silently
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heav'n. No ear can hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. (O Little Town of Bethlehem, 3rd verse, written by Phillips Brooks) … Continue reading How silently, how silently
Pigment triggered cognitive dysfunction
My personal observations, perhaps not very scientific but still quite realistic I believe, have convinced me that a substantial portion of humanity is afflicted with a strange malady. This malady manifests itself when a person meets, or even hears of, someone with a different colour of skin. The symptoms are that this person then seems … Continue reading Pigment triggered cognitive dysfunction
Fur traders and Indians
The fur trade, in which millions of Canadian beaver gave their lives to provide felt top hats for European gentlemen, was the major impetus for the exploration and settlement of Canada. The fur traders employed by the Hudson's Bay Company were of French and Scottish origin. They fanned out across the country, establishing trading posts … Continue reading Fur traders and Indians
Time is NOT on my side
Minister Isaac Akinyombo of Nigeria, while preaching in a Canadian congregation, told the story of a lady in his country that got converted and wanted to be part of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. There was a little problem, however: she intended to dance at her mother's funeral and she was told that … Continue reading Time is NOT on my side
Home
We had a wonderful weekend, except for the last 80 km. Saturday was sunny and mild. We arrived at the home of my cousin in time for supper and spent the night there. Kara and her husband have four children, aged 9 to 18. Their oldest son is an enthusiastic lad of 16, almost six … Continue reading Home
Friendliness is next to godliness – part two
"The strong Anabaptist emphasis on discipleship has led to a warm fellowship among the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite congregations and a gentleness in human relations which makes visitors feel unusually welcome among them." - page 228, An Introduction to Mennonite History, Cornelius J. Dyck, editor © 1967 by Herald Press. It was many … Continue reading Friendliness is next to godliness – part two
Flatlander Faith 