Monthly Archives: December 2005

Credit where credit is due

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Saturday we hit the thriving metropolis of Saskatoon. 

Miraculously we were there just as one of our congregation headed into surgery, and back a few hours later just as the surgeon explained the results of the surgery.  That one has to see the credit go to God — our timing could never have been that coordinated.

For the rest of the day we did shopping — for items our town does not have, or for the same items for cheaper.  We racked up a few hundred dollars.

In the case of shopping we try to stay away from credit.  Over the years we have had mortgages, borrowed from relatives and used credit cards.  Overall, though, we still try to keep credit where credit is due.

Which means a simple life is not a bad thing.  In today’s Men of Integrity devotional Patrick Morley talks about a boat he wanted to buy — a specialty boat.  He was ready to buy the boat but . . .

I concluded that I shouldn’t buy something just because I can, that denying myself the boat would be a good lesson in self-restraint and personal discipline.

I love the scripture attached to this meditation – “If your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life” (Psalm 62:10).

25 years later – Carol Festival keeps going

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We were told (by a reputable source!) that the community carol festival started 34  years ago.  Another reputable source disputed the date – “longer ago than that!”

25 years ago was our last time at the festival.  The building was the same – the United Church in town.  The people have aged together — with some new additions. 

The program was 2 1/2 hours long – probably pushing the limits of centered concentration.  The music was good — for a community this size there are vocal talents galore.

I sang with a quartet.  I guess my voice carried well.  Via the post office, via the school office, via . . . the word is out that the Alliance Pastor can sing (my wife would add “loud”)!

 I love a town this size. 

I’m always amazed how swift the grapevine diffuses a message.   People tell people who tell people.  Sometimes you know who, other times you guess who, and other times best not to know who! 

I’m one who believes in communicating with others.  I recognize that the grapevine will always be one of the major contributors. 

Oh, and about that grapevine!  Don’t get in a flap — tap the sap — and let the message go!

Left Peace

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A child comes into the local convenience store.  After carefully examining all of the shelves, she pronounces that they are missing a brand name chocolate bar.   With all the passion of a seven year old she implores the owner to get some.

The owner sees an opportunity to make money, so next week there is a shelf section dedicated to the candy bar.  The child appears again.  This time the protest is over the need for a different chocolate bar.  The owner notes that none of the original bars are bought.

Week after week the saga continues.  The owner gains well stocked shelves but the child has not bought one chocolate bar.  As though getting what she wants is to take away her enjoyment.

One day the owner confronts the child at the door.  In his hand is the ultimate delectible treat.  He stretches his arm out to her.  She recoils. 

“It’s yours.”

“I don’t want it!”

“I’m not asking you to pay for it.”

“I still don’t want it.”

The owner puts the treat back on the counter.  The young child disappears.  The last glimpse of her coat tail is accompanied by the words, “Somebody gives me somethin’.  That’s no fun!”