Saturday December 20, 2008
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16.
Well, here’s a downer for this weekend. Perhaps my sickness is a result of my sins against others. I’m sure that there are some people that I have hurt that I’m unaware of, but as Ann is fond of saying, we try to keep short accounts with sin and dirt. If anyone out there is listening and has a complaint against me I am only too willing to confess it, especially if it means I can dump this disease! However, even if this sickness is not a result of my thoughtlessness, I’m still ready for a trek to the confessional.
But now a grandson story. Luciano is almost two and is developing a vocabulary including a slow calamitous sounding “oh no” when something goes wrong. Yesterday, four of us were minding him—which means none of us was really sure what he was up to—until an “oh no” came from the dining room. There he was seated on the table having poured himself a generous portion—the whole jug—of orange juice into nothing in particular. It was running in all directions across the table and fanning out to all points of the compass across the floor.
Naturally, there was a suitable commotion, swishing and swiffering for the next ten minutes or so until the mess was cleaned up and only a residual stickiness remained. But during the clean up, Luciano again appeared, slipped on the wet floor and the back of his head met the floor. In a fine example of poetic justice, he was miserable for about the same length of time it took to clean up. Here’s one case of physical trauma that could probably have been healed with a little confession!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday December 19, 2008
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps 143:8.
The weather in Montreal is not much better than what we left behind in Lethbridge: cold weather and snow. But who cares about the weather when visiting family over Christmas—it’s mostly indoor activities and enjoyment of being with one another. Mind you, there are the dogs; I like dogs but I’m not a dog lover. With the two Alex and Gino have and the two from the adjoining suite often all together I find myself wading thigh deep through a sea of dogs on occasion. But it all comes with the family package!
There are other benefits to being here. On our visit to the supermarket I discovered fruit filled cottage cheese. Perhaps the beginning of a revolution, rather like fruit filled yogurt! And I discovered they are great on pancakes. I also have some time to complete editing of our book, hopefully to be published in the spring, plus there are always jobs to be done around the kids’ house—most parents of adult children can relate to that.
But the future still calls. Not just the time we spend here in Montreal, but the two months managing the mission guest house in England, and the pleasure of meeting our daughters and a couple of grandchildren while there to explore our old haunts. Then of course, there is the impending surgery unless the Lord intervenes in the meantime. Surgery, with its attendant risks, always makes us more aware of our mortality, and affects both Ann and myself in our concern for each other. That is why, for us, the above text is so appropriate, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps 143:8.
The weather in Montreal is not much better than what we left behind in Lethbridge: cold weather and snow. But who cares about the weather when visiting family over Christmas—it’s mostly indoor activities and enjoyment of being with one another. Mind you, there are the dogs; I like dogs but I’m not a dog lover. With the two Alex and Gino have and the two from the adjoining suite often all together I find myself wading thigh deep through a sea of dogs on occasion. But it all comes with the family package!
There are other benefits to being here. On our visit to the supermarket I discovered fruit filled cottage cheese. Perhaps the beginning of a revolution, rather like fruit filled yogurt! And I discovered they are great on pancakes. I also have some time to complete editing of our book, hopefully to be published in the spring, plus there are always jobs to be done around the kids’ house—most parents of adult children can relate to that.
But the future still calls. Not just the time we spend here in Montreal, but the two months managing the mission guest house in England, and the pleasure of meeting our daughters and a couple of grandchildren while there to explore our old haunts. Then of course, there is the impending surgery unless the Lord intervenes in the meantime. Surgery, with its attendant risks, always makes us more aware of our mortality, and affects both Ann and myself in our concern for each other. That is why, for us, the above text is so appropriate, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday December 17, 2008
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7.
As I look at the last two days readings, it seems the editor of these texts doesn’t think we give adequately and needs to address this issue. Not that we don’t give, but it may too often be with a sense of obligation, even resentment, rather than generosity. Surely the recipient should be glad that we gave, and not also require that our motives, like travel luggage, should be x-rayed as well. After all, the fact that we don’t feel like giving doesn’t necessarily mean that we don’t want to give. Feelings and desires may not always coincide.
On the other side, we may want to give but not be able to. How often have we heard “It’s the thought that counts,” suggesting that wanting to give is sufficient even if we don’t! Especially the things we really want to give: health, wealth and happiness—assuming wealth and happiness are compatible—are usually beyond our ability to provide. That’s part of the reason we pray; we really want these things for those we care about, but only God can ensure them.
I pray for those I care about, and I assume the fervency of my prayers indicate the depth of desire for them. But on occasion, my lack of passion may suggest that I don’t really care; I only feel obligated. But as I suggested at the head of this blog, feeling is an unreliable variable. Please don’t look too closely at my inner feelings and thoughts, they probably don’t reflect my real desire—if they did there would probably be times I wouldn’t pray at all.
So many of you have indicated you are praying for me, and I believe that it is out of a genuine desire for that gift of health for me, and I really appreciate your prayers at whatever level! I’m sure my ability to fulfill the tasks I want to do and my confident spirit are the result of your prayers.
Thank you.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7.
As I look at the last two days readings, it seems the editor of these texts doesn’t think we give adequately and needs to address this issue. Not that we don’t give, but it may too often be with a sense of obligation, even resentment, rather than generosity. Surely the recipient should be glad that we gave, and not also require that our motives, like travel luggage, should be x-rayed as well. After all, the fact that we don’t feel like giving doesn’t necessarily mean that we don’t want to give. Feelings and desires may not always coincide.
On the other side, we may want to give but not be able to. How often have we heard “It’s the thought that counts,” suggesting that wanting to give is sufficient even if we don’t! Especially the things we really want to give: health, wealth and happiness—assuming wealth and happiness are compatible—are usually beyond our ability to provide. That’s part of the reason we pray; we really want these things for those we care about, but only God can ensure them.
I pray for those I care about, and I assume the fervency of my prayers indicate the depth of desire for them. But on occasion, my lack of passion may suggest that I don’t really care; I only feel obligated. But as I suggested at the head of this blog, feeling is an unreliable variable. Please don’t look too closely at my inner feelings and thoughts, they probably don’t reflect my real desire—if they did there would probably be times I wouldn’t pray at all.
So many of you have indicated you are praying for me, and I believe that it is out of a genuine desire for that gift of health for me, and I really appreciate your prayers at whatever level! I’m sure my ability to fulfill the tasks I want to do and my confident spirit are the result of your prayers.
Thank you.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday December 16, 2008
The Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35.
It’s been a few days since I last entered any news here, mainly due to the mounting pressure to complete all the tasks necessary for a protracted absence from home. The ease of travel ensures that we are able to spend Christmas in Montreal and the New Year in England. None of us are angels, but we can all fly and act like them, dropping in like some lofty seraphs on those we care to grace with our presence. However, I doubt the average angel has his belongings x-rayed or is required to walk through metal detectors before he can fly.
This year, if it is more blessed to give than receive, we must be in for a ton of blessing as we give ourselves in person to so many of our friends and family—hopefully this “giving” is not seen as an imposition by the recipients of our beneficence. Actually, we are blessed by the joy with which we are greeted, and the equal joy we have of being with them. And if Christmas is a time to be with those we love the most, we are God’s spoilt ones, particularly as we think of those whose greatest joy is marred by family conflict.
I feel the most blessed to be able to carry out this journey again this year in spite of my current illness and looming surgery. I have great gratitude for an active procrastination that is able to place the unpleasant on the back burner—except for an occasional sudden reminder and quick kick in the stomach from left field (so that’s where the back burner is). Today, we are able to enjoy the company of our youngest daughter, her husband and their two year old Thomas addict. Ask any parent of boys who Thomas is! We’ll stay earthbound with them through Christmas before we take to the skies again.
The Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35.
It’s been a few days since I last entered any news here, mainly due to the mounting pressure to complete all the tasks necessary for a protracted absence from home. The ease of travel ensures that we are able to spend Christmas in Montreal and the New Year in England. None of us are angels, but we can all fly and act like them, dropping in like some lofty seraphs on those we care to grace with our presence. However, I doubt the average angel has his belongings x-rayed or is required to walk through metal detectors before he can fly.
This year, if it is more blessed to give than receive, we must be in for a ton of blessing as we give ourselves in person to so many of our friends and family—hopefully this “giving” is not seen as an imposition by the recipients of our beneficence. Actually, we are blessed by the joy with which we are greeted, and the equal joy we have of being with them. And if Christmas is a time to be with those we love the most, we are God’s spoilt ones, particularly as we think of those whose greatest joy is marred by family conflict.
I feel the most blessed to be able to carry out this journey again this year in spite of my current illness and looming surgery. I have great gratitude for an active procrastination that is able to place the unpleasant on the back burner—except for an occasional sudden reminder and quick kick in the stomach from left field (so that’s where the back burner is). Today, we are able to enjoy the company of our youngest daughter, her husband and their two year old Thomas addict. Ask any parent of boys who Thomas is! We’ll stay earthbound with them through Christmas before we take to the skies again.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday December 13, 2008
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:10-12.
Going away is a bit like moving. We have to move toward a deadline, making sure everything is packed ready to go. When we are moving there is a slow panic build-up until moving day—hope the weather co-operates; will everything get on the truck; don’t forget the plants outside—until the moment everything is inside the new place. The place may be a mess, but we can shut the door and breathe a sigh of relief.
Flying is a bit like that—especially for a three month absence. I’m feeling the panic more than previously. Perhaps it’s age catching up, or a subconscious reaction knowing that creature crouching at the door: surgery when we return from England in mid–March. Either way, I’m looking forward to getting seated on the plane knowing that it’s too late “remember” anything else and the panic is over.
I doubt the Son of God had the same panic before his trip into time and onto the earth. There’s one person who must have been organised well ahead. But his journey, unlike ours, was not to some joyful reunions. We will meet up with many family and friends that will be glad to see us. Not so our Creator, who was spurned by his own creation. He looked forward to the pain of rejection and the violence of the cross—no vacation trip for him!
Tragically, he still suffers the same rejection from those who would rather face death on their own.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:10-12.
Going away is a bit like moving. We have to move toward a deadline, making sure everything is packed ready to go. When we are moving there is a slow panic build-up until moving day—hope the weather co-operates; will everything get on the truck; don’t forget the plants outside—until the moment everything is inside the new place. The place may be a mess, but we can shut the door and breathe a sigh of relief.
Flying is a bit like that—especially for a three month absence. I’m feeling the panic more than previously. Perhaps it’s age catching up, or a subconscious reaction knowing that creature crouching at the door: surgery when we return from England in mid–March. Either way, I’m looking forward to getting seated on the plane knowing that it’s too late “remember” anything else and the panic is over.
I doubt the Son of God had the same panic before his trip into time and onto the earth. There’s one person who must have been organised well ahead. But his journey, unlike ours, was not to some joyful reunions. We will meet up with many family and friends that will be glad to see us. Not so our Creator, who was spurned by his own creation. He looked forward to the pain of rejection and the violence of the cross—no vacation trip for him!
Tragically, he still suffers the same rejection from those who would rather face death on their own.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday December 12, 2008
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45
One little boy’s definition of faith was “believing in something that isn’t true!” Often the adult idea of faith is simply a lever to hope for something that may never happen. Biblical faith is trusting in the truth when there may be no scientific evidence to prove it. This is the experience of millions who believe in the presence of God in daily life even when circumstances seem against its likelihood. In Mary’s case, the most unlikely promise of all history was that she would be the mother of the incarnate God. But it was her firm belief in God’s promise that brought the joy and blessing of God into her life.
One renowned Bible scholar told the story of his son going to the clinic for a vaccination shot. The boy was fearful of the shot and clung tightly to his father who was carrying him to the dreaded needle. His trust in his father to take him through was greater than the fear of the shot. This is a simple picture of the Christian who trusts implicitly in God especially though times of adversity—it is at these times when we cling tighter to God.
The snow is beginning to fall outside. We are warned of blizzard conditions tonight and tomorrow morning. What comfort a warm home, protected from the weather, is when facing the storm. It is a clear reminder that not all of life will be fair weather, and we may not be so easily protected from the storms that may assail us. Although there are social services that provide some relief, in the end we will not find the final solution around us, but only in the assurance of God’s presence with us in the storm.
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45
One little boy’s definition of faith was “believing in something that isn’t true!” Often the adult idea of faith is simply a lever to hope for something that may never happen. Biblical faith is trusting in the truth when there may be no scientific evidence to prove it. This is the experience of millions who believe in the presence of God in daily life even when circumstances seem against its likelihood. In Mary’s case, the most unlikely promise of all history was that she would be the mother of the incarnate God. But it was her firm belief in God’s promise that brought the joy and blessing of God into her life.
One renowned Bible scholar told the story of his son going to the clinic for a vaccination shot. The boy was fearful of the shot and clung tightly to his father who was carrying him to the dreaded needle. His trust in his father to take him through was greater than the fear of the shot. This is a simple picture of the Christian who trusts implicitly in God especially though times of adversity—it is at these times when we cling tighter to God.
The snow is beginning to fall outside. We are warned of blizzard conditions tonight and tomorrow morning. What comfort a warm home, protected from the weather, is when facing the storm. It is a clear reminder that not all of life will be fair weather, and we may not be so easily protected from the storms that may assail us. Although there are social services that provide some relief, in the end we will not find the final solution around us, but only in the assurance of God’s presence with us in the storm.
Thursday December 11, 2008
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19.
The turn of events that first Christmas was certainly something to be pondered. Mary’s reaction reflects our response when things we do not fully understand circulate in our minds. We try to find an answer or at least a meaning in unexpected events that befall us. But it is more than a thought process; as Mary illustrated, it envelops our whole being: heart, mind and spirit. Do our emotions lead our thoughts, and if they do is it helpful? Are our attitudes and actions compromised by emotional reactions?
I have been greatly encouraged by the prayers and positive thoughts that many of you have sent me. There is no doubt that some fight disease while others seem resigned to it. There is some evidence that an energetic response to disease is reflected in activity of the “pacmen” whose work is to gobble up foreign bodies in the human system. Some exercise that gets the heartbeat and breathing revved up doesn’t hurt either. Yep, I climbed all those stairs again today!
Tomorrow’s weather forecast is for blizzard conditions for 24 hours or so. A chance to get caught up on the packing necessary for Monday’s flight to Montreal. Ann and I are thankful for this Christmas with our daughter and family in Montreal before continuing to England. We are thankful for every day he gives, whether in sickness or in health, us as we move into the latter years of our lives. Our relationship to God remains the same as our commitment to each other—for better or for worse! We will be there for each other as we know God, too, is with us all the way. What more encouragement do we need to maintain a positive outlook?
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19.
The turn of events that first Christmas was certainly something to be pondered. Mary’s reaction reflects our response when things we do not fully understand circulate in our minds. We try to find an answer or at least a meaning in unexpected events that befall us. But it is more than a thought process; as Mary illustrated, it envelops our whole being: heart, mind and spirit. Do our emotions lead our thoughts, and if they do is it helpful? Are our attitudes and actions compromised by emotional reactions?
I have been greatly encouraged by the prayers and positive thoughts that many of you have sent me. There is no doubt that some fight disease while others seem resigned to it. There is some evidence that an energetic response to disease is reflected in activity of the “pacmen” whose work is to gobble up foreign bodies in the human system. Some exercise that gets the heartbeat and breathing revved up doesn’t hurt either. Yep, I climbed all those stairs again today!
Tomorrow’s weather forecast is for blizzard conditions for 24 hours or so. A chance to get caught up on the packing necessary for Monday’s flight to Montreal. Ann and I are thankful for this Christmas with our daughter and family in Montreal before continuing to England. We are thankful for every day he gives, whether in sickness or in health, us as we move into the latter years of our lives. Our relationship to God remains the same as our commitment to each other—for better or for worse! We will be there for each other as we know God, too, is with us all the way. What more encouragement do we need to maintain a positive outlook?
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