A few weeks ago I got into a discussion regarding marriage with someone whose marriage is in a rough spot and the couple is no longer living together. And her close friend is moving towards a similar situation in her marriage. We had some back and forth conversation about steps that could be taken to … More Marriage Reconciliation is Hard, but Not Impossible
There’s this strange case of hate amongst us: “Let’s not hate. It’s not accepted.” It’s the thing we aim to eradicate.Except….while we eradicate,it’s the very thing we demonstrate.And often even communicate. It sounds so lovely,but really isn’t. When we push out others,for this agenda we make. We say it’s the white man,the black, or the … More This Strange Case of Hate
“Consider the birds.” The robin. It has arrived back in Ontario for a weeks now. In those few weeks it has endured frigid temps, frost, rain, green grass, brown grass, sunshine, snow, hail, ice pellets, cloud cover, fog, and wind. It cares not. It goes out on mission every morning…. not wondering if it will … More Resilience. Coupled with…
There’s a rather cheap saying that gets thrown around once in a while when we’re feeling burdened. “God will never give you more than you can handle.” It’s not true. Often burdens in life feel way beyond what we can handle. Right? But take heart…. it’s not without purpose. God gives us burdens not because … More Burdened Beyond?
Thanksgiving Day. Our hearts were heavy. Still. We had just been reminiscing about Asher and sharing some photos. Then, piercing the darkness and the tears, came a phone call to me. It was our oldest daughter, Valerie. I answered, and she was crying. For a moment I held my breath, wondering what was wrong. “Dad,” … More Tears of Grief Mingled with Tears of Joy
Canadians are known for being nice.Polite. Agreeable. Friendly. But let’s face it… our so-called “niceness” is often just a cover. We’ve used it to avoid hard conversations.To stay silent when truth is needed.To ignore injustice…. in our churches, our government, and even in our families. We say “sorry” in the grocery aisle but shrug at … More The Niceness Delusion
“Along comes Jesus, who enters into my mess. He comes to me and calls me by name. He lifts my head and breaks my shackles, setting me free….” Are you communicating a part gospel message or full? In many churches we hear about the love of God and the forgiveness of sins available to us … More The Gospel Movement that Many Miss
“Oh, I could never foster. I could never part with kids after having them in my home for awhile. It would break my heart. Fostering is not for me.” So many times we’ve had people say things like this to us. It can be a bit awkward. I mean… we foster… and we have for years. … More Fostering… I Could Never!
Today was the day. The big move to Peterborough anticipated now for a few weeks. Final outings had been made with family and friends, good-byes made at church and school, and a pleasant warm-weather farewell open house had been enjoyed by all who came, complete with a live photo op for memories. And then February … More Peterborough – AJ’s New Chapter
We can hardly make it through a day without coming across another person or group crying out they’ve been offended. “I’m offended!” “We’re offended!” Everyone’s offended. Laws are changing. Bylaws get imposed. Safety circles are implemented. All to allow people to waffle, unoffended, in their own self imposed ideologies, to project their own little moralities … More “I’m Offended.” The Cultural Catch-all that’s Killing Us
The Artisan Post 