daily life as life goes on . . .

Our local ministerial (comprised of less than a dozen churches) provides a hymn sing each week at a local seniors complex.  The rotation allows for every six weeks or so running about an hour’s worth of singing. 

Thanksgiving Sunday was the day set for our church.  I have grown rather attached to these people.  As I looked over the list of residents who were visiting, the obvious was obvious.  This was a visiting day when most residents were away.  But, instead of canceling the singing time, my wife and I ventured over for the 7:00 meeting.

Two ladies greeted us, and so we just sat and chatted for a few moments of time.  As time continued, a few more came and we commenced some singing.  Then one or two ventured in and sat in the back.  Half way through, a few more stragglers came.  By the time we were done we had around 15 there.

Sometimes you wonder if a very few are enough.  In our coffee time following, one lady poured out her own frustrations and God searching.  Others sat and encouraged another.  Perhaps the after meeting is just as important as the singing time.  Put them both together, and for the sake of the few there is a reason to be there – and besides that, it’s just plain fun!!

I was thinking about the day I was married to my good wife, Jill.

The day started with wind, then a bit of rain (maybe even snow, if I remember rightly).  A little coffee spill on the bride’s dress.  A reception that I can’t remember much of.  By the evening we were both very tired.  Our first night of sex together was new and slow and good!

And now, 35 years later we are more in love than ever. 

Two kids, both grown, graced, and some days stressed our home.  Today they both live their own lives – and we thank God for them!!

I started vocational ministry 35 years ago in Kindersley.  I’m back again – and finding the work fulfilling.  With Jill by my side, partnering with me, I’m excited to see what God is going to do next.

And to think, tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  I’d have to agree, I’m looking forward to a great day of thanksgiving!

What a great time with a planning committee today!

Our Christmas program is planned for Sunday morning, December 18th with a lunch to follow.  The title?  3011 . . . A space holiday!  The fun part?  We have original music and theatre, along with participants from the congregation. 

I’m hoping for a large crowd.  Last year we had 145 out.  This year I’d love to see over 150!  Plan now to join us if  you can!!

I’ve been having a sense of revolution in thinking.  All related to new technology.  Technology that Steve Jobs helped pioneer – which seems such a weird term that.  Pioneer has more often been related to settlement of land rather than the invisible world of electrical impulses and binary accumulations!

I still consider paper a great textured experience.  As I open a book there is a sense of reality, of touch and feel.  Unlike an ebook or computer screen.

But I do find that I am more and more dependent on the internet.  Not unexpected from the projections I learned in my library science program 25 years ago.

With the easy access and wide availability you soon learn that the paper on the shelves are not necessary.  At least to a point.  There are the books that are constant reference materials that are nice to put in your hand.  But the number of those reference books are not as great as they used to be when you can access information over the internet.

So today I began to take home books that are not necessary to adorn the shelves in my office.  At least six boxes so far, and more to go.  As the shelves become barer, I’m contemplating what will fill the space. 

What would you suggest could be placed on the empty spaces?