Spontaneous

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Our seniors group met today.  Around 45 of them.  All set to hear from our local RCMP staff sargent. 

He was called out on an emergency and could not make it.

I’m left leading a meeting with a “hole” of about 30 – 45 minutes.  Once I explained that to the group, we ate slowly, sang favourites and generally sat back and relaxed.

Not a bad approach.   Those present will probably remember the meeting because it was totally unexpected.  That’s often the way our memories are best built.  We tend to remember the unusual. 

So, perhaps today, we built some good memories.  May that be true!!

A story

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I sat with a young friend and her family over lunch yesterday.  I had learned recently that she is writing a book. 

I’m personally interested in writing.  I’ve been a part of a writer’s group and have taken courses in writing.  I write this blog regularly.  I prepare sermons.  I have served in an administrative role where reports are constantly required.  I love words and their meanings.

So . . . I enquired about the book. 

What was the plot?  She mentioned that it stretched over an eight year period, was about a young couple and their life.

I probed a bit for further information.  To which I received that classic line of all good writers.

“You’ll have to read the book!”

So . . . she’s got my order!

Learning Excel

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I’ve been switching over to a number of Microsoft software programs lately.  They tend to be more universally used and (I must admit) do the job.

Today was a learning curve on Excel – a spreadsheet program.  Amazing the things “Help” provides!  As I went through, I figured out how to color rows and columns, how to increase and decrease the print area and even how to change the page setup.

I didn’t figure out how to get all the information inputted without typing it in myself.  I was working with small sheets of scrap paper and full sheets of foolscap.  Thankfully there was time, which helped my learning curve immensely.

I wonder what program comes next?

Early morning starts

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For a number of months Friday has started early.

There is a 7:00 am men’s study group and then an 8:30 pastor’s group.

By noon my day is more than half over! 

But I wouldn’t trade it.  Not for a bit more sleep.  Or for a delicious breakfast. 

These times are sharing and support times.  The men read and reflect on scripture in an open and unassuming way.  The pastors reflect on their lives and ministries — often with such openness and honesty that we even surprise ourselves.

In the end, I am then prepared to meet the coming weekend.  As final preparation for a sermon comes to a head, as a church service progresses and we seek to hear God’s voice, as the local church revolves around Jesus — these moments on Friday help me to prepare. 

That was the particular prayer of the pastor’s group today — that we would be prepared for this weekend.  And that is my prayer for you as you move towards this week-end.  May you find God’s voice speaking to you in the hidden moments, the quiet concerns, the compassionate relationships, the tense deadlines, the unexpected compliments, and the painful interactions — so that you are tenderhearted, humble and open to His ministry to you this weekend.