Category Archives: Minister’s Minute

Pastor’s writings that appeared in the Delta Optimist.

Unstable Ground

Posted on March 22, 2013 | Comments Off on Unstable Ground

earthquakeI recently found out about a city just south of Naples, Italy called Pozzuoli. Pozzuoli is famous for its beautiful bay, but also for something else. It is the most earthquake-prone place in the world.

Pozzuoli can experience up to 4,000 tremors in a single year! Talk about being unstable! The only thing I can think of that is possibly more unstable is your life and mine.

Everyday our lives seem to be on unstable ground. The unexpected seems to happen all the time, from a car accident, a traffic jam, illness, or the death of a loved one. These unexpected events can wreak havoc in our lives just as much as an earthquake can.

This coming week marks the one-year anniversary of the death of my four-year-old niece who died of health issues from when she was born.

It was a moment in my family’s life that, although we knew it was possible, it was still unexpected, kind of like living in an area with earthquakes.

But in all moments of tragedy, we remember, and we rebuild. For my family, we find comfort in Angelina’s baptism, and that she was and still is a child of God. We know Jesus loved her enough to become her saviour.

I may not be ready for the next earthquake in my life, but I do know that God will be by my side as I remember and rebuild.

Published in Delta Optimist February 22 2013

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Posted in Minister's Minute

Many to Thank

Posted on January 27, 2013 | Comments Off on Many to Thank

332505613_a60ff95ce7_q“Say thank you!” was a phrase I often heard from my parents growing up, as if I could ever forget with their constant reminders.

But as I grew older and the reminders stopped, I did find myself being less vocal about being thankful, and now that I am an adult, when someone says thank you to me I find that it makes me smile and often makes my day.

We seem to forget how important it is to say those two words, “Thank you.” There are so many people in my life who I am thankful for; some you would expect and some perhaps not.

Of course there are my family and friends, but also my civic leaders, and our police and fire departments, those who make my bread, and fix my car, those who cut my hair, and who serve our food.

I am limited in space but there are so many people who I am thankful for, including my congregation, my fellow ministers, the local funeral home and the Delta Optimist, which gives ministers space to share our thoughts.

But mostly I am thankful for a God who loves us enough to send us His Son to be my Saviour, and when I forget to be thankful or worse, doesn’t berate me, but rather opens His arms and says I love you, and forgives me my sins. What an amazing gift to be thankful for.

Published in Delta Optimist January 25 2013

Photo courtesy of Flickr: Faraz

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Posted in Minister's Minute, Thanksgiving