There’s Mercy and Then There’s MERCY!
For well over a year I have been mulling over the use of the word mercy. Why? I’ll explain later; but for starters, I will begin with its definition. Extending mercy can mean “to show great kindness or compassion toward the distressed.” It can be used in expressing surprise or fear (My mother used to say, ‘Lord, have mercy!’ when she was upset or startled.) But mercy can also be defined as “the withholding of a just condemnation.” For example, in our judicial system...
Read MoreThe Tree that Wasn’t a Tree
Do you remember your first Christmas tree? You know, the one where Santa would leave that special something you whispered about when you sat on his knee. I wish I could say I do. There is no doubt that we had Christmas trees throughout my childhood, and they likely stood in front of the living room window, looking out onto Ossington Avenue in Toronto. But sadly, I have no recollection of what they looked like. I do have a picture of me with my ‘walking doll’ that Santa left for me when I...
Read MoreThe Hand of God or Mother Nature?
The beauty of spring surrounds us on every turn. As mentioned in an earlier blog, the sounds of birds chirping and geese honking awake the world from a deep wintry sleep. “For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone.” Song of Solomon 2:11 Now that May is almost over and June hovers, I must add yet another sign of spring. Lilacs, apple blossoms, tulips, crocuses, and daffodils each break from their winter home and colour our world with a beauty that often leaves us in...
Read More♬ A Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock ♬
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of thirty-five years that he planned to leave the house-building business and enjoy life to the fullest. The employer was sorry to hear this and asked if the man, who had become a good trusting friend, could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter hesitated but finally agreed. Over time it became apparent that the carpenter’s heart was not in his work. At the outset, the integrity of the foundation was...
Read MoreSecurity in My Go-To Book
Have you ever wondered why specific questions are asked when you set up access to a particular website, such as your bank account or investments? A unique password is required, but why the questions? Simply because they are added security, protecting your information from unwanted, even harmful, eyes. Questions are asked and answered with information that only you would know, such as the name of your first pet, where you were born, what high school you attended, or your mother’s...
Read MoreOur Bus of Self-preservation
I heard recently that anger has evolved into society’s default behaviour. From walking in the wrong direction in a grocery store aisle, standing too close to a person in a checkout line, or choosing to be vaccinated or not, anger has evolved from simply feeling annoyed to verbally attacking at will. With the unlimited freedom we have through social media and the endless information from the press and TV networks, it would appear we have been given free rein to aggressively speak our minds...
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