July 22

I won't be posting for awhile, because I'll be away from my computer. I will however continue to read and sketch and will post those entries in a few weeks. Happy Summer!

July 22

Raymond de Souza's article about the federal government shutting down the prison farms really struck a nerve with me. Why mess with something successful that not only supplies food but also brings healing? Paul says "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me" — like weeds in my garden.

July 21

In spite of the Israeli blockade, they've managed to build a swanky new shopping mall in Gaza City filled with men's trousers, shirts from America and security guards. Clearly, humanity longs for normalcy like shopping. The priests couldn't do their work in Solomon's temple because it was filled with the glory of the Lord in the form of a cloud.

July 20

Once a long time ago, after a personal tragedy involving loss, someone sent me Psalm 16: 5-6. It didn't make sense at the time. Today I read the story of the drowning of two little Newfoundland boys and I want to pass these verses along to their mother.

July 19

Nelson Mandela, a wise and strong leader, celebrated his 92nd birthday. Solomon was also a wise and great leader. Did Jerusalem have slums like Johannesburg? 

 

July 17

Are mistakes the same as sin? A mistake is an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. A sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. In Romans I read that my sins are covered, but I'm pretty sure that my mistakes are too.

July 18

How does this actually work — rejoicing in our sufferings?

July 16

The text in Romans is all about the law and how it makes us conscious of sin. I prefer this law over the Vatican's.

July 15

Psalm 11 says that God observes all of us, even when decisions we make seem really unbalanced.

July 14

Lance Armstrong did not do very well in the Tour de France. David really wanted to build the temple. Sometimes we just don't get what we want.

July 13

David's wife, Michael was really ticked when she saw David dancing in public when he returned the ark of the covenant. Embarrassment about people's actions has something to do a lack of understanding.

July 12

Paul longed for a harvest and many Haitian's are longing for seeds to be planted.

July 11

Paul found refuge on the island of Malta. My sister finds refuge in sleep. The lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

July 10

In the midst of and because of Your greatness, you still care for us. God, you made us ruler over that works of your hands and put everything under our feet. Mother Teresa's sandals and some other personal effects are currently on exhibition at the covenant of Missionary Sisters of Charity in Toronto.

July 9

Rain is pouring down in torrents during a summer storm here. Imagine what it was like for Paul, on an Alexandrian ship sailing for Crete, in a storm so violent that everyone on board had lost hope of being saved. The weather reminds me of my humanness.

July 8

One of the reasons stories are told over and over again is to encourage greater community. The Dutch are celebrating community today with the retelling of glory in 1974 and 1978 and swimming in their canals. Thank you Lord, for your glory showing up in everyday ways.

July 7

I'm in a place in my OT readings where it's all about genealogies, land claims and wars and this brings me to the Beatles, a group who made a significant musical contribution to the history of music. Ringo Star is celebrating his 70th birthday and wants to promote his mantra of "peace & love" by having everyone raise two fingers at noon today. If only it were that simple.

Thanks for being in charge God.

July 6

Toronto is hosting an international gathering called Journey of Faith where Muslims are taught to behave like Muslims.  When I reached the end of the article I was dumbstruck when a participant received a high-five for giving the correct answer to the speaker. The question: what was a young woman to do with a gambling, adulterous, drunk husband? The implied answer — nothing — she married the wrong husband. Oh God, please be close to women around the world who can't lie down and sleep in peace.

July 5

I'm reminded today of how in charge God is — Paul being saved because he was a Roman citizen. A report on the BBC tells an incredible story about a Chinese-born American geologist sentenced to 8 years for alleged stealing of state secrets. Forgive us for taking our passports for granted.

July 4

He who answers before listening......

July 3

Something about King Josiah and his people publicly and sincerely promising to keep covenant with God brought me to the story of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, one of Canada's most derelict and subsidized communities. Things seem to be improving there. Help us Lord to be your instruments of peace and compassion.

July 2

My heart is breaking for a close friend today who is experiencing a dreadful tragedy in her family. Thank you God for being a strong tower.

July 1

I think I prefer chocolate over gossip but both are choice morsels. USA Today takes up a lot of space for their morsels.