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As I push into the new day, I’m excited.

We are off to submit a passport renewal for me.  Five years ago, I headed to the same office – for the same purpose.  Now my looks are changed – I have a beard.  I’m remarried and in a new capacity in my current employment.  I have six “kids” and am looking at the adventure of retirement in the near future.

Other than that, everything is the same (OK, there are a few other things that have changed).

We will then head off to Prince Albert.  My wife will complete a quote/examination of a painting job.  And I will visit with my brother-in-law/good friend.

Finally, the day will end with a supper at Burger King and a celebration of a birthday with my granddaughter, Hannah.  Perhaps that will be the highlight of the day!

Of course, you never know what God will have in store!

Some days certain ways of saying things just catch your imagination.  Here’s one:

Weathering the Struggling.

Now, I really don’t want to unpack, (or is it unshovel) that phrase.  What I do want to do is talk a bit about the origin (provenance).

Last night we had been singing at a choir concert.  An older relative of mine (shirttail plus a few threads) was there with her “nephew” (also one of those relatives who is a bit past the first generation). 

In the refreshment time afterwards, we began to chat.  I hadn’t seen him for a while, and his own life has been one of transition, much as mine.  In the midst of the conversation – which was rather erudite (if you know what that means you will know the talk was on a certain plane) – there were just a few twists of phrase that caught me.

I asked him if I could use one of them.  He gave me the permission. 

In a twist of thinking, I asked him if he would initial a paper with the phrase on it.  And so he did.

So, here is the text of that small sheet of paper:

“Weathering the struggling” – Ross Bowden, March 31, 2015 (Herschel Cantata)

Not sure this qualifies as copyright permission, a trademark or just a good way to lay out words.  If the phrase does become famous, the credit goes to Ross.

Check it out today!  Go out and catch some phrases.

Check out the Palm Sunday sermon I preached on shame and honor (to honor Canada, that probably should be honour!).  I’ve been working on this theme for some time – you can listen to the sermon or download the text at http://www.sermoncloud.com/kindersley-alliance/majestic-humility-john-1212-19/.

Here are the words for the song I wrote for the sermon (Sunday morning at 4:00 am!!):

Branches waved in fame

His body pierced in shame

Jesus took your past

Yes, he holds you fast

Leave you hurts in His hands

Set aside your small plans

Go out on a limb

Cause you’re honored by Him

One of those days where sun shines and the forecast is bright – that’s a good day.

We were dropping off a vehicle to have an oil change today.  8:00 in the morning.  Not early, but not great for late risers.

As I approached the counter, I cheerfully greeting the service lady.  That, I’m finding, is not always a great thing to do for those whose sleep is still being disturbed even though their eyes are open.

She responded well, explaining she was not a morning person.  The car will have the work done and the repairs made.  Meanwhile a chat with some of those around revealed that another lady would be glad to trade her husband – he’s up way too early in the morning. 

As I walked out, I wished them a “good day.”

And that truly is my hope – for all of you today.