-
REFLECTIONS
In 2019, Parliament proclaimed the second week of September as Canadian Mennonite Heritage week. This event celebrates our one hundred and fifty years of contributions to Canada. But who are the Mennonites, and why is this recognition important? Mennonites are a diversified sect practicing varying degrees of social and religious conservativeness, and ethnic traditions. Some hold to heritage alone. Since our immigration timeline stretches from the 1600’s to after WW2, we self-identify according to either our church affiliation, our ancestors’ emigration data, or both.
-
FOOD AND LOVE
The new dystopian era creates new relationship stresses and demands more time in the kitchen.
-
Awards and Audiobook Announcement
This award-winning book "Unequally Yoked" is now available in three formats.
-
THE TENDER LOVING HEART
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 God chose Saul, a tall good-looking man to lead the country of Israel. But his heart wasn’t in the right place. His leadership eventually ended, his death gruesome. Saul proved how quickly pride can replace humility. Even though Saul had looks and leadership skills, the easier, softer life swayed his heart. God gave him plenty of chances, but Saul didn’t appreciate God’s wisdom and he couldn’t key…
- Bible, Biblical History, Christianity, History, Remembrance Day, Uncategorized, unequally yoked marriage
Remembrance Day, Poppies, Eagles and Dad
Hanging in my foyer is R.S. Parker’s 1991 painting “Through the Firs Eagle” (pictured here.) It’s probably the first thing you”ll notice when you walk into my house. Throughout my house eagle sculptures and pictures decorate almost every room. Above my office desk is Don Li-leger’s painting “High and Mighty.” An eagle perches on a branch, eyes piercing the canopy below, wings poised for flight. (not shown.) Why do I collect eagles? Part of my collection Although the eagle is a national American symbol, that isn’t why I collect eagles. I’m not American. I’m a Canadian. And we don’t have a national affinity for the American Eagle.…
-
It’s All In The Attitude
When you live with someone long enough, informality sets in and our true personality comes to the forefront. Before, when we were dating, we were all smiles and full of niceties. But now, that niceness disappears in a flash when the stress of daily living intrudes. And usually, our spouse gets the worst of our speech and attitude. I'm sure we can all use a refresher lesson in kindness and humility. Especially when we’ve messed up.
-
LESSONS FROM A COFFEE POT
I was wounded. I had been nursing the caustic unkind words for days. I retreated further into my cracked shell, licking my wounds to attempt to avoid further pain. It wasn’t the first time this happened. I bore plenty of old scars to prove it. I stewed over the conversation. As my anger festered, I debated disconnecting from this painful relationship.
-
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
When it comes to conflict resolution, nothing frustrates me more than the proverbial ostrich. It’s precarious having a relationship with someone who insists on being one. If you pull too hard, they run away. If you don’t push hard enough, they stay stuck. Conflict is messy stuff. How can it be easier? Ostrich-like behavior is a method of control used to manipulate others. This highly skilled behavior uses diversion, blame-shifting and a whole library of maneuvering strategies—all to get away from that uncomfortable pain of working through an issue. Yes, conflict is painful.
You May Also Like
ASKING GOD FIRST
Remembrance Day, Poppies, Eagles and Dad
It’s All In The Attitude
-
RELIGION WITHOUT BORDERS
In my book “Unequally Yoked: Staying Committed to Jesus and Your Unbelieving Spouse” I discuss the importance of creating a bridge of understanding between viewpoint differences. You can easily do this by asking your friend questions about what they believe and why they believe it.
-
July 7, 2018 Prayer Walk
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26 July 7, 2018. Every year on July 7, the Daily Audio Bible holds their annual prayer walk with their thousands of members from every corner of the globe. As we walk, we share our videos and experiences. My prayer today is for the safety and unity of Canada and the USA. We are friends and neighbors that share a common language and some common cultural aspects. However, politically we are very different. But it was not always so.…
You must be logged in to post a comment.