Back again

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:1 mins read

A day at the beach is great.

I have a bit of red that was not there prior to sitting on the dock.  I slipped into the water enjoyed a short swim (emphasis on short!).  Campfire time and picnic lunch were included.

And then the time just to sit and talk with someone.  In the car, on the beach and in the cabin.

For those who regularly take a summer vacation, you know the advantage that this time gives.  I had wondered how one day would be.  Perhaps knowing it would only be one day heightened my awareness.

All in all, well worth the time.  And now, off to church service this morning, a manor service in the afternoon and then preparation to head out to Ottawa for a few days for our denominational conference.

To the beach

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:1 mins read

OK, the water isn’t warm enough yet.

But for the next day or so, I’m off to the beach.  My wife’s sister has a cabin.  We are not sure what this will be like – we’ve both not been there before.

But family is a great opportunity.  And this is family.  Sleeping on air mattresses.  Eating camping food.  And enjoying each other.

Sound good to me!

My sermon for this Sunday

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:2 mins read

I have been having a lot of fun with a sermon series on the Psalms of Ascent.  These are songs that were sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem.  Since they would walk together (there were no cars or buses), this would be group singing.  Sort of the sound you would hear from ardent fans as they entered into and watched FIFA soccer/football games in Brazilian stadiums over this past while!

Sunday’s psalm is the 127th (in our English Bibles).  This talks about building houses and guarding cities and being workaholics.  As a matter of fact, God has this thing about work – he would rather see us rest!  All of these are useless if God is not in it.  

The end of the Psalm is what intrigues me.  Most of us remember the King James Version thoughts on children – get a quiver full.  While most meditations on this passage focus on child bearing and raising, I would suggest the point is in the last verse.  As I translate the Hebrew words, this would not be an unusual paraphrase:  “When those who are hostile to you get together with the town’s people, let your children defend you.”

What a thought.  Not only is God our defender and provider in housing, the protection of a country and city, and even in our daily life – now our children are our protectors.  What an interesting position to be put in! 

Defending yourself is probably not going to work well! 

This being the case – make sure that you are right with both God and your children!!!

Family

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:1 mins read

Yesterday was eight hours on the road.

Time was given to visit.  Both my daughter and Cynthia’s sister.  Of course, there was also time given to my grandchildren and to brother-in-law relations.

With my work schedule, funerals included, I had been without a day off for the last 12 days.  lA day off was due.  I realize that the immersion in a culture (a town) means that I am constantly reminded of my vocation, if not called to provide some ministry, even on my days off.  I needed to be out of town. 

Often “in town days off” have proved to be an encouragement as I meet, greet and provide care to my church and community family.  At the same time, nuclear family matters (and even home renovations) get aside for the moment – unless I head out of town.

So, off to Prince Albert and Birch Hills.  A good day of visiting (far less than I would have liked).  And now, I’m headed back to work related duties today and tomorrow as I prepare for Sunday – with family on my heart and in my prayers!