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I’ve had opportunity this past while to hone in on homelessness. 

My definition has needed sharpening.  I once asked what we could do for homeless people.  The reply was – “Put them in a home.” 

Simple but true.  Then there would be no homelessness!

. . . Not so simple!

The homeless find shelter on other’s couches or in short term residences.  They are not homeless by definition.  But they are homeless by lifestyle and circumstance.

At the same time, the subculture has a whole set of rules.  We all live by law – the rules that surround our culture.  A subculture lives by two sets of laws. The dominant culture’s and their culture. 

Often the laws clash. 

Our next door neighbour’s house is in foreclosure –they are now homeless.  The commandeered house contents are now sitting in a trailer ready to head to the town disposal site. 

This is where determining the spirit of the law and the letter of the law becomes vital.  In a poverty situation, where the dominant culture is dispensing of “junk”, is that junk then open for retrieval?  When is that retrieval stealing?  When do we argue law and when do we argue grace?

Well, I’ve been off the grid on this blog site for over a month.

Not because I haven’t been busy writing.  I’ve done a number of articles for our local social media – www.kindersleysocial.ca.  I’ve also written an updated marriage ceremony for those who are divorced.  And prepared funeral services.  And written in my daily journal.  And lost of to-do lists!!

That which has occupied me most is the renovation of a house.

The pictures have been on this website and my Facebook account.  The interior has been gutted and renewed.  The exterior has new windows and doors – with a complete new basement.  We like the house enough to consider moving across the street.

What I have found is that I am good at demolition.  Not so excited about the finishing touches.  I enjoy the flow of work but am frustrated by interruptions.  I’m easily distracted by the many items that need cared for, but when focused I drill down into the job.

Learning each day!  Not a bad thing.

Well, I’ve finally gotten back to my blog site.  I feel like I’ve been away for months – and I have! 

Our current obsession has been a house move.  We brought a farmhouse into town and placed the house on a basement foundation. 

The process has been time consuming and somewhat costly. 

The product has been amazing!  We hope to have the basic renovations done by September.

We’ll see.

See you later!

I was asked to give the benediction at our community choir presentation on April 15, 2018.  Here is what I said:

• May the flood of God’s love encompass you.
• May the support of God’s presence hold us close.
• May the peace of God keep our hearts and minds safe.
• May Christ be seen, known, and heard in all we say and do.