Yearly Archives: 2010

I appreciate newspaper ads, paid spots and TV’s 15 seconds.  But in the end, when you invite a person to an event, the personal touch does best.

I am in the midst of two such events.  One is our Christmas program, the other a town forum.  We have chosen in both to forsake a push for expensive advertising.  Instead, personal letters and phone calls and personal emails and social networking will do the job.  And quite effectively from the whispers around town.

So, is this the wave of the future, or merely a return to the grape vine of the past?  Probably both.

For the fun of it, and to get hands on experience, I worked on a urinal flush valve today.  Of course, I always figure I can fix what is wrong.  Wrong!  In this case there is enough wear and tear that a properly functioning valve has become an open valve pouring forth unnecessary and copious amounts of H20.

Of course, it took me a number of minutes (which total amount I’m not about to disclose!) to figure out that I wasn’t about to create a miracle.  Finally I went looking for a replacement part.  Then, 15 minutes reassembling the various parts and the urinal was working properly.

The fun of the day?  Just getting things working! 

I realize someone may want to flush this blog entry down the drain, but at least now I can help you fix the valve to be sure everything works it’s way out!

One of the town committees I sit on presented an idea to our local town council.  We were well received and enjoyed the opportunity.

I believe in being committed to the community. 

I was born in the cooperative movement province, Saskatchewan.  I think sometimes we have lost this spirit.  And so, I want to be an apostle to our community for God and for good.  Perhaps this is how we let out light shine?  Perhaps we are called to bless our communities?

I must admit, this idea has not always been a part of my thinking.  I take myself back a few decades to the years working at a seminary.  I was focused only on the local church – with little or no room for those outside of those walls!

Daily at seminary I was surrounded by thinkers who pushed me to consider what cooperation was about.  First to Christians – we are to be known as those who love one another.  To non-believers, I want to live at peace but also to promote the good!

And so, I’m on a journey.  Trying to learn how not to compromise the need for a personal relationship with Jesus while seeking to work with those who are indifferent to, or even reject Jesus.

How have you lived in your community as a Christian?

Well, the fun is still there.  Each day I’m trying to transcribe the letters of my father’s trip to Ontario during the dirty thirties.  The trip began in July of 1937.  What today is a ten hour drive to Winnipeg takes a few days.  Town mentioned include Biggar, Saskatoon, Guernsey, Brandon and Foam Lake.

The term for the approach to travel was called “thumbing”.  A driver notes those who have their thumbs stuck out, and may chose to slow down and accept them for travel.  This form of transportation seemed to have carried on for a number of years – into the 70’s and 80’s.  By that time there were not a lot of people who picked up passengers – there had been too many muggings.  On the other hand, not many wanted to hitchhike – there had ben too many muggings.

But, back them this was an acceptable form of transportation.  If you would not pick some one  up, then when you needed a ride don’t expect anyone to pick you up. 

Dad mentions two particular rides.  One a young couple who blew a tire when they had inadvertently left the highway.  Further reading of the letters indicates that gravel roads were considered highway grade.  Even plain dirt served as a channel for travellers.

The other ride was on a ten ton truck with two threshing machines.  A 320 mile journey.  Needless to say they were looking up friends in the next big town and taking a bath!

Where to next?  Let’s see what comes!