Yearly Archives: 2011

Thomas Chalmers is quoted with this tidbit of wisdom.  I’ve been watching a promotional video series on Conflict Resolution with Tim Pollard.  Put out by Peacemaker Ministries, the session I just finished has some great nuggets!

When we experience conflict – go to God first.  That means; in all I do, I do only what would shine a favourable light on God.  If I can’t see God in the mirror, I’m in trouble.

Then, get real with yourself!  We have a great capacity to blame others before we even consider the downside of our own behaviour.  The deeper issue in conflicts are not the symptoms but the cravings that underlay our reactions. 

Whatever craving is not based in God is an idol – another mini god has replaced God!  Sin is what we do when we are not fully satisfied in God.  And so our hearts become idol factories.

What idols rule your heart?  What do you fear?  What do you want the most in life?  What would you sin to obtain?  Have you ever stretched the truth to obtain something? — And here is one of those statements from the video that hit me.  “Your wife and kids know your idols because they’ve seen when you’ve flared up.”

How do you explode an idol factory?  Replace that factory with a much better factory.  Drive our love for the mini god out with a big love for the true God.  If our lives are comprised of an insatiable love for God, then the little loves will shrink into nothingness!

A few weeks ago we were looking forward to listening to a group called “Barrage”.  We had heard them earlier in the year – a great fiddle group!  They had given the kind of electric performance that inspired us to want to return.  Not many groups get our second return – this was one!

And then, just a week before the concert we found out the date had been changed.  Our appointment has become a disappointment.  We’ll probably still get together with our friends for supper that evening – but we won’t be able to take in the concert. 

Those of you who are able to attend on Wednesday – check it out for us!!

I awoke today to a sermon prep day.  That I enjoy!

Another of my enjoyments is shoveling snow.  The exercise is good for me.  But more than that – there is something that was a part of my youth rolled up in each shovel full that I extract from the driveway!  As well, to see a final product – a clean area of the earth!!

So, today I was able to help a few people shovel their snow as well.  I found out one was a new arrival in Kindersley.  Another has lived a long time across the street from the church.  Both appreciated the help.  But more than that, I just enjoyed the lift, stretch and throw.

Tomorrow I will feel well – the exercise has been a good thing for me.  And my mind has been exercised in sermon preparation.  In all a good day!!

The day began with a somewhat clear sky but a few crusty kernels of water began to fall in the formation we know as “snow”.  Those few were soon joined with a myriad of others until the whiteness blackened the sky.

Arriving home mid-afternoon I began the shoveling of the walk.  With guests expected later in the evening I figured I could get ahead of myself.  Of course, being ahead meant I soon felt behind because the snow did not stop.

I decided, since I was getting a bit of exercise, I would clean the driveway next door.  Then I would push out a neighbour who got stuck.  Then walk over to a neighbours house and help shovel the driveway. 

Supper felt and tasted good.  Another neighbour was shoveling their walk, so I headed out to help a bit.

All I can say is – I hope our guests arrive soon.  Otherwise I’ll end up shoveling out the whole block!!!