They thought they were safe, and then they discovered they weren’t, and they are a little cranky.When we lived in Australia, Slip, Slop, Slap was the mantra. To avoid skin cancer, and to protect yourself against the Australian sun, we were told to slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on your…
Our Forever Prize
It was a constant in my childhood. The ads on TV or the envelopes arriving like clockwork in the mail. Publisher’s Clearing House was always there, with its promise of grandiose prizes. The image of Ed McMahon arriving at a winner’s home with a band, balloons and a gigantic cheque held the promise and allure…
The Death of Civility
I had never heard of Charlie Kirk before he was murdered. In the week since I’ve heard him called a martyr by some and a monster by others. After watching way too many videos of Kirk, debating on university campuses I realize that I agreed with him on some things, but not everything. And that’s…
Jesus Christ Who?
As most of you know, I am a Jesus Christ Superstar nerd. I’ve seen it way too many times and attribute the rock opera as a part of my becoming a Christ follower. This summer, a new production of Superstar was performed at the Hollywood Bowl, and the actor cast to play Jesus was Cynthia…
When Did We Surrender the High Ground?
It’s interesting that when the church takes a stand over values and morality it is seen as judgemental and hateful. But when the corporate world does it, it’s lauded for its moral integrity A couple of recent events made me ponder this. This week it was reported that Nestle, the Swiss chocolate maker, has dismissed…
Ready for the Fall?
I reposted a meme the other day that said, “Someone asked me if I had plans for the fall. It took me a moment to realize they meant autumn and not the collapse of civilization.”Some days as we look around, we wonder if we are witnessing the collapse of civilization as we know it. Unfolding around…
Book Judging
We are told that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and I was guilty of doing just that. Last week I saw an older man, by older I mean older than me, and he was well groomed and well dressed. And I immediately thought of him as a gentleman. And then he opened…
Silence Isn’t always Golden
The other day while driving in the Super Store parking lot, a couple stepped out in front of me and then walked down the centre of my lane, right in front of me. They’re just strolling along, completely oblivious to the car right behind them. I’m thinking: don’t they even hear me? And then it…
For the Good of our Community. . . I Dont’ Think So!
The other morning, I was starting my day at Tim Hortons, I know, surprising. And I noticed a lady at the counter wearing a T-Shirt that said across the back, "For the Good of our Community."I wondered what community group she represented, and when she turned around the front of her shirt said, NSLC. For…
We Believe in Free Speech. . . But!
It was repeated over and over again last week by government officials: “We believe in free speech, but. . .” And each time, I was reminded of Winston Churchill’s words: “Everyone is in favour of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled, but some people's idea of it is that they…