Yearly Archives: 2006

Ran across one of those traditions that you like to hear about!

Pretzels were a food for the Lenten season – a time of fasting and abstaining.  Even today, some European countries reserve the making of pretzels for the Lenten season.  They are formed in such a way that they remind us of praying.  In the early centuries the posture of prayer was one of crossing the arms on the chest – much like the shape of a pretzel.

So, pretzels it is!  Our next trip I’ll put them on the seat beside me.  And as I munch, maybe my wife will be praying – for my driving!!

In preparation for a group meeting today, I did some research on St. Patrick’s day.

The quiz I created stumped a few people!  No one got all the right answers.

Here’s a sample:

• What was St. Patrick’s given name?  Maewyn Succot.
• How long did he do missionary work?  30 years.
• When date did he die?  March 17, 461 AD.

If you got any of those right without looking — you deserve a medal (or you were at our meeting!).

So here’s some more questions – write a comment if you know the answer!

• What is the language of Ireland?
• What is the color for St. Patrick’s day – and what does it symbolize?

Sometimes you just need a day off! 

For a pastor, that tends to come in the middle of the week.  Never on a Sunday!  Unless you are holidaying! 

We were scheduled for a weekend in Winnipeg.  Attending a wedding. 

Then an unexpected death and a funeral service.  Our planned trip was cancelled.  As far as funerals go, this was one where the destiny was sure, and thus the service was a joy to officiate.

Since the Sunday service was already arranged, we decided to head to Saskatoon immediately following the Saturday funeral luncheon.  Our Bible quizzing team was there and we visited with them in the evening.  Then Sunday morning we headed to a church that was in the middle of “40 Days of Community.”  By Sunday night we were back in Kindersley.

Better is one day – than none at all. 

Ray Coleman was just 70 when he died.  For at least the past decade he had been at the local manor, unable to do the skiing, camping adn golfing that he loved.  MS had made him inactive, unable to walk and care for himself.

But certainly not without activity!  His mind was sharp and he could entertain with stories and scripture.  Those who visited found him an encouragement – in spite of handicap there was joy in the journey.

Today we bury his remains.  But, his wife had one of those great statements.  Now, when she thinks of Ray, she can see Him WALKING!

Does life get any better than that?