daily life as life goes on . . .

Well, I’m looking forward to this year’s church work.

For six and a half years we have been given the opportunity to work with a great bunch of people.  When we first came there was hurt and anticipation.  We weren’t quite sure what was the next step. 

I took some advice a a pastor friend of mine (whose dad had worked for my dad back when my dad had a farm here in Kindersley).  Stan had asked an older parishioner what was the most important things a pastor needed to know when he came to a church.  The parishioner replied quite simply, “Love the people.”

Can’t say that has been easy.  I’ve doubted that I was cut out for this.  And yet, God created this gnawing-ness in side me that keeps me going.  I want to see people who are committed to this community, prepared to proclaim that the deepest need is not better therapy, or better know how (which components are vital), but grace that accepts us for who we are, provides forgiveness for what we have done, and gives us strength for each day.  That only comes from knowing God through Jesus Christ.  With a community that begins to glimpse and grasp that truth, the good life will appear through the cracks and soon a loving society emerges.

That’s what I want to see.

In the summer of 1988 I toured with a ladies’ trio.  They were quite enjoyable, feisty and full-throated.  Today I came across a recording we did in my brother-in-law’s studio on tour.  Actually it was a basement room or two made up to act like a studio.  Depending on how your browser is set up, just click on the link and this should automatically start.  You can download the file (right click on the link below and save)

It’s December 29, 2011.  Should be snow on the ground and sleigh rides humming!

We awoke to a weird sound.  Rain on the roof.  Not reindeer – rain on the roof.

Our son was to head out on a trip to Edmonton.  He has postponed that for a few hours, or days.  He packed his suitcase into his car – after slipping down the driveway and finding the incline too hard to return to the house.  Instead, he walked across the lawn and was able to slide to the door.

This is unusual.  In fact, we cannot think of  a time when this happened in previous years.  And we can actually speak with some experience!

The weather is warming, but we suspect the ice will remain for some time. 

Change comes hard – particularly if you are hitting the ground!

Here we are – everyone was able to make it home this Christmas!