Author: Ron Baker

This author has written 2740 articles

Left Peace

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A child comes into the local convenience store.  After carefully examining all of the shelves, she pronounces that they are missing a brand name chocolate bar.   With all the passion of a seven year old she implores the owner to get some.

The owner sees an opportunity to make money, so next week there is a shelf section dedicated to the candy bar.  The child appears again.  This time the protest is over the need for a different chocolate bar.  The owner notes that none of the original bars are bought.

Week after week the saga continues.  The owner gains well stocked shelves but the child has not bought one chocolate bar.  As though getting what she wants is to take away her enjoyment.

One day the owner confronts the child at the door.  In his hand is the ultimate delectible treat.  He stretches his arm out to her.  She recoils. 

“It’s yours.”

“I don’t want it!”

“I’m not asking you to pay for it.”

“I still don’t want it.”

The owner puts the treat back on the counter.  The young child disappears.  The last glimpse of her coat tail is accompanied by the words, “Somebody gives me somethin’.  That’s no fun!”

Last Day!

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A few months ago, our Church board chair moved to another town.  The job was there and the timing was right.

They left behind a house to be sold.  For insurance purposes someone needed to be checking it every other day.  We lived just down the back alley.  Another couple lived on the other side of town.  Both of us got keys.  But we were the more likely candidates to oversee the regular “walk through”. 

The house finally sold (a burden off the shoulders of our friends!).  The possession date is December 1st.  So, this morning I shovelled the newly fallen snow from the walk, did a walk through, and bid farewell to the opportunity to examine the house every other day. 

I guess I’ll have to find another excuse for exercise!

O Christmas Tree

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Last night the Christmas tree appeared.

Living in a new home, our first question was where to place the tree.  Our picture window views the fenced backyard.  Right in the middle of the three panes, and out a few feet from the wall, was a good position.

We haven’t had to worry about fake or real lately.  I carried a box from the basement storage and Jill, my wife, began the process of unpacking and assembling the tree.  After a few hundred lights were placed and tree ornaments affixed, the tree looks good.

We fired up the string of lights, stood and admired!  We are ready for the holiday – and we still call it Christmas!

Sunday at home

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Well, just finished watching the Grey Cup.  Not bad for a game with a little excitement.  Started cheering for Edmonton — thought for a while I was going to be sadly overwhelmed by the cheering throngs next to me (OK, so there were three of us families and actually my wife was the loudest, next to Tracy!).

I visited the hospital in the afternoon.  

For most of us, we need to remember that the Grey Cup is just entertainment.   I enjoy the fun of a good social time around a good game of football.  But a cancer patient who is experiencing pain and is in palliative care?  She has a joyful attitude — making your day as precious to her as her own.  And you bring a prayer and listen.  Now, that’s a good time had by all!