As I look out over a snow-covered backyard, there are elongated shadows over everything. The moon is bright and the forest behind casts its tree silhouettes to give the impression of sketches on the white surface. It’s beautiful, especially since the images of shadows spell out lessons in my head. We play with shadows – children…
Tag: fear
285. Words that live and give life
The world we live in manages to sling the mud of so-called modern social wisdom and political wrangling at us daily. With an overwhelming variety of information in our hands and readily available in a pocket or handbag, it’s not hard to quickly catch up and know the latest developments. We need a bath—every day—just…
281. The sin of fear
Fear is good. Fear warns and helps prevent foolish actions. The symptoms of fear are unmistakable and distinct —a hollow feeling in your stomach, a dry throat, and sweaty hands—those unmistakable signals your body involuntarily sends due to messages from your brain and eyes. Situations like heights and flying can cause fear, words can evoke fear, and…
265. Vicious winds and storm
In our weekly Bible study, we discuss Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee – a wonderful, well-known, and beloved story (Matthew 8:23-27). This event is so ingrained in our knowledge of the Gospels that it might be lost in over-familiarity. With each reading, we have the opportunity to dig deeper and see anew. Our…
248. Ghosts and gods
We are all rational beings who live our lives with wisdom and discernment, without succumbing to the follies of wickedness and godlessness. It is sometimes inevitable to witness a life within a family or circle of friends take a wrong turn and descend into tragedy, while feeling powerless to help. This is not necessarily due to…
220. Pebbles for the footpaths
Stones, rocks and pebbles speak to me. They always have. I had collections of rocks and pebbles that adorned my shelves where other people would place a souvenir or ornament. I read about the significance of Joshua’s altar on the banks of the Jordan with river stones from the middle of the river that looked and felt different…
214. Swing the atmosphere
It is the end of November – again! The year called 2021 is gearing up for that usual spectacular Christian feast – Christmas. It happens in the usual ways – lights, balls, bells, shopping the sales and herding the family. We are tugged and tossed by the fast passage of time – unrelenting and rigidly just –…
209. Life above the clouds
Somewhere in January 2015 I was settling into a window seat on a flight between Calgary and Toronto. Mid-morning in the middle of the fierce winter months in Canada, a snowstorm was raging. I checked my phone to see if the flight has been cancelled knowing that the Canadians get on with whatever, even when the weather…
189. Walking in the pathway
We are living history this year. I know – we have said so before – many times. As often in history world events or disasters have tremendous impact on the life of the individual. We read about it and maybe experience something of it in the books and movies about it. We might get a…
185. Expect heaven’s abundance
I have been reading Luke. I enjoy the atmosphere of the narrative of this report of Luke on the life of Jesus. He uses a very sober, almost analytical style, but now and then the raw excitement about this man Jesus that he describes, breaks through and the sheer magnificence of a miracle shines in…
Pebbles of Perpetuity 