Uncategorized

When I first started blogging a little over five years ago, my father was one of my greatest fans.  He would wonder where the things I wrote evolved from.  In fact, he would comment that he could never come up with new topics all the time.

I credit my creativity in writing to him.  Even though he was quiet, he had this sort of quirk about him.  I was refreshed reading some of his letters from his teen years.  He seemed to always find something to comment on in a fresh light.  Add into that mix a mother who grew up in a dysfunctional home and yet still held hope that the light at the end of the tunnel was heaven and not a train.

Dad is now dead and mom has Alzheimers.  The blog no longer entertains them.  But I’m thankful for the encouragement they have been to me.  Not just in providing a roof, food and education.  More than that, they have been the creative ones who pointed me to the original creator.  They have helped me to yearn after that which is beyond the ordinary.

With Mother’s day and Father’s day fast approaching, thank you to both my parents!

Every once in awhile you are listening to the radio in your car.  A chance statement strikes you. 

Thankfully, with current technology, you can replay the audio on the internet!

Such was Friday night at 10:15 or so, as I headed home after our church youth meeting.  On the CBC radio recap of their daily program Q (April 29 interview), Steve Earle was speaking.  About 12:00 minutes into the program, Steve (a musician out of Nashville – 56 years of age – a little too close to my own age) gives a one minute talk on God.  So I listened to that one minute of the interview on the internet – more than once.

I was struck with a common perception of God that is prevalent in Western society, particularly amongst those who have gone through the AA program or struggled with addictions.  Steve believes in God.  He’s not sure he believes in an afterlife, nor that God created him (I think he would be comfortable evolving as compared to God having his finger on his life right from the start – although he does leave the door open for that), that God is a power greater than himself, and that he has been given certain gifts that he should steward in this life – and for the most part when he does this good things happen.

And I began to think, is this close to the good news that Jesus brought to this world?   Jesus clearly states that there will be an afterlife.  Paul, laying out the good news in Ephesians, shows how God clearly had each one of us in mind before the world began, and how we are gifted by God for the sake of others – which can bring good into our lives or suffering.  Oh, and yes, God is greater than each one of us, but is personal, not just a power.

The good part?  Steve is wrestling with the right questions.  The interviewer immediately inserted the word Karma after his one minute talk, characterizing Steve’s life in an interesting way.  And perhaps his belief in God is more an Eastern religious approach?

I guess I like a personal God who cares about me, both in this life and the next.  And, to me, that is good news!

A friend of mine has asked what next steps would be for people on the discipleship path.  Not that you can use a cookie-cutter approach.  But are their general directions, perhaps ways of testing the current state and projecting forward towards the next step?

The thought intrigued me most of the afternoon.  The first question is one of perceiving what a person knows – or more rightly what is known that can help in taking a next step. 

As I pondered this I asked myself whether there is a foundational basis.  Emerging church literature implies that a relational basis is the one to start with, not some sense of propositional statements or foundations. 

I struggle with excluding foundations – I believe that the Scriptures are the basis for faith and practice.  So I do have a foundation.  The question in approaching a next step in the discipleship path is where to focus in regards to the myriad nuggets of wisdom found in the Scriptures.  And perhaps that is where relationship flourishes – for a mentor or spiritual director or counselor can help to point towards those nuggets that will lead to the next step.

Well, that was the beginning of my thinking.  Hopefully over this next while I can expand some of my thoughts and see where they end.  So, somewhere in the midst of my daily blog meanderings I hope you will join me in some philosophical thoughts every once in a while!

These past few days were spent in a small town called Birch Hills, just outside of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  This is the home of our daughter, Allison, and her family.

Lasts night was a long walk with the grandkids.  Both kept going – not stopping once!  That amazes me, that small feet that swing back and forth two or three times more than me, can keep going.  They tire a bit, but as the home stretch was approaching – they began to chatter and walk, and walk and chatter, and smile and step thing up.  That’s just plain fun.

As well, we visited the field of dreams.  My son-in-law owns, technically, a small acreage.  He and his father have all sorts of parts and pieces and full cars – some worth thousands of dollars.  They all just need a bit of work.  But when that will get done is all part of the dream.  I loved wandering the yard and seeing the dream.  At the same time, I sense the disappointment of not having enough time to complete all that they would like.  Perhaps in a few years??  By then, these antiques (I can hardly believe a 1970’s car is antique) will truly be fossils.  And perhaps invaluable!

Good times had by all.  Back by 5:00 for a meeting and back into life!