Yearly Archives: 2006

Let’s just pick an age — any age!

Can you imagine where you were when you were 17?  Can you think back to 1994?  What was the sun like on your 21st birthday (if you aren’t that old yet, just wait!)?

As I open my memory box, I can bring back visual images and even smells.  As I age, I’m sure that my stories I tell to my friends are embellished.  That’s why oral history must always be balanced with archival records.  Or so I learned when I went through archival studies!

So imagine this story.  Believe as much as you want!

When I was about to go into grade 11, we moved.  From Toronto area to Regina, Saskatchewan.  My parent’s “house to be” was not yet built.  We needed a place to live.  The apartments were only so large — and by that I mean not large!  There were nine of us altogether in what I remember as a one bedroom apartment (it was probably two bedrooms). 

Mom and dad were wise.  I wish to be as wise as them in my old age. 

They sent us off separately to camp — freeing up vital room.  When we came back, we were able to move to a small rental home with a little more room.

Funny, but the most memorable times in life are often the most squeezed, exhausting and disconcerting times.  And I wouldn’t have missed it for anything!!

Our regional pastors got together in Milden, Saskatchewan yesterday and today.  This is officially called a Strategic Planning Network (SPN) meeting.

We talk lots.  About our church plans, about our personal lives and about what God is doing.  Sounds spiritual (and I suppose it is).  We also played golf — I’ve hit a golf ball better with my shoe — my score for 9 holes was 59.  Highest score wins??

So here is Milden!!  Those two farmers there are actually pastors!!

Today our church heard from Jason Ambros.  For the past four years he has been with Operation Mobilization.  His workplace has been a ship called “Doulos”.  The last two years his job has been to line up the ports they enter.  At one point he slipped and mentioned that he was glad to be in “port”.  But he is no longer on board, in fact his current residence is in the middle of the bald prairies!

Each person has their place in the work of the ship.  Their desire is to bring Jesus to areas around the world where Jesus is not well known.  Although Jason did participate in direct “witnessing”, without his administrative work the full impact of the ship would not be known.

Now, he is at home – farming with his dad north of town.  He is looking to see where he will end up.  God knows – and I say that with full assurance that He does!!

Gald to have Jason on board with us here in the prairies!

So, here we were, sitting in the waiting room at the hospital.

Jill has been my helper for years.  I truly consider her to be my partner.  Even when it comes to my preaching.  Often she will give me stories and suggestions.

I’ve been working through the Sermon on the Mount in my preaching.  One part of it talks about us being the salt of the earth. 

Back to the waiting room.  Jill is reading about food (I really appreciate her love of food preparation — I eat very well!!).  She leans over to me and points to a quote. 

“Salt is a guest who always brings out the best in others without calling attention to himself — salt makes things happen.”  (Flavours Magazine – Fall 2004 – Claudine Gervais, p. 82).

Who needs a long semon when you can say it all in a sentence!