Monthly Archives: February 2014

Our weekend has been forecasted for some time.  A chilling -41 was originally forecasted.  We have moved up a few degrees, but still looks cold!

The interesting thing is that people now plan ahead – we have seen one meeting cancelled already because the drive for the major participant would be difficult.

In Saskatchewan we have hardy people.  We tend to go no matter what.  But I have noticed these past few years that we are a little more cautious. 

I believe part of that comes from a more precise definition of what cold is.  Used to be we would merely look at the temperature.  Cold was cold.  When you hit -40 you expect things to shut down.

Then we move to wind chill.  We now knew how it felt, not just how cold it was.

And now we are defining that even further.  Other factors will become a part of the feeling of the day.  Perhaps humidity, sunshine and other things.

By the end of the day – as we begin to see how bad things are – we may never go outside.

Of course, I’m saying that as I prepare to leave for work with a wind chill warning in place.   And here is my saying, based on getting older:  “I remember when we ate icicles before we went to school, and spat in the wind and our breath froze!!!”

I ventured into the local (meaning two hours away) Christian bookstore the other day. 

Things have changed.  Amazon has become only one of a number of on-line retailers who carry Christian product.  Yesterday I noted that they want me to buy groceries and will pay for the shipping.

Scott’s Parables have changed their store display.  The music area is close to the front now – although most people have moved from buying CD’s to downloads, there are still a number of titles.  The area that seems to grow is the “product” area – pictures, trinkets, etc.

To my mind the tangible bookstore will continue to change.  The allure of cheaper product delivered on-line is a reality.

How does that affect me?  I’m still trying to figure that out.  I have bought books on-line.  The wait time has not been too bad.  And you can also download ebooks.  Living two hours from a store means this is definitely cheaper and perhaps a better use of my time. 

Perhaps I will contribute to the demise of the tangible store.  I’m not sure – but the possibility is there.  The past century has seen much change in retailing – this is the current one!

I am awake this morning – a few too many times.

In this last while I have been twisting with various situations that are not necessarily of my own making.  I suppose those types of circumstances leave me shaking my head – and imagining.  With lack of a solid sleep those imaginings are not always the most positive. 

So today will be a balance of tasks and recalling.  Tasks that are a part of the regular flow of the day.  And prayerful recalling of  details and decisions for the sake of understanding and wisdom of some of these most recent circumstances.

This spiritual exercise is well worth the effort.  But I realize it will require effort.  So, off for a bit of breakfast – a meal that will provide nutrition for the body.  And off to a time of prayer – nutrition for the soul!

When someone hits a terminal disease, they often turn to those who have been a part of their lives over the years.  Sometimes the previous contact has been days, some months, some years, some decades.

Yesterday a person from at least three decades ago contacted me.  They have cancer.  And the treatments sounds rather aggressive. 

They asked for prayer.  And a visit. 

Now, we live just down the block from our local hospital.  This request for a visit was from a hospital two hours away. 

This person has continued roots in our town – a usual hospital visit would be minutes away.  But  the nearest cancer treatment center is hours away. 

Decades ago we attended a mentoring small group.  We talked of God, and Christ and life with God and others.  Over the years they have waivered in their commitment and this call for a visit and prayer is perhaps a return to a previous day and age.  I trusts  this is a time for a reassessment of their life. 

And so, today I will use those two hours of driving time for prayer and preparation – not only for them, but also for myself.