Author: Merle

Why do we value shortcuts to power, to wealth, to knowledge, and to socio-political outcomes? Why do Jesus and the apostles frame the journey to both power and wisdom in terms of meekness? (Matthew 5:5; James 3:13) My dad and mom were both rather quiet when it came to expressing opinions and judgments to others. My dad liked to think about things, and take some time with a topic before delivering a rant or strong opinion. Not always, but usually. I watched the same traits in my numerous, older siblings. I learned something I didn’t realize until later: that our Read More

“For God so loved the world…” These are the opening words of what we call the Gospel, the Good News. Among Biblical quotations, those words are probably most often quoted and most easily recognized. But sometimes it doesn’t seem as if God actually loves the world. I could show you images and clips of news that paint this world in the darkest terms, with not a lot of hope. Even with some bright spots in the story, it seems we often desperately wish that there were an escape tunnel where we could just run and get away from the terrible, Read More

As a young boy, it made a lasting impression on me when our local church ousted a young man who happened to be the pastor’s son. This son had apparently reached the limits of the church’s tolerance for resistance to the system and for pushing the boundaries of personal behaviours. So, he was removed in a public ceremony at which he was not present, and was considered from that point on to be an outsider of the church community. The tears, the explanations, the sense of loss to the community had a huge impact on what I considered for my Read More

Maybe my doubts are not as logical as I think. Maybe my conclusions aren’t as trustworthy as I hoped. What if God isn’t shaped by my doubts or my conclusions?

Our small farm tractor had lost its exhaust system, pipe, muffler, and all. That little 30-horse-power engine suddenly sounded like a ferocious beast. It was very hard on our ears, as well. The manifold on the motor pointed down, and we ran it that way for a short time. I assume we were waiting for the cash to buy new parts for it. I thought about this problem. I thought about good ways to fix it without buying anything. I came up with a really good solution. It made great sense to me. At that stage of life, I had Read More

I just don’t love distance running. The only 10K run I have ever done was not my idea. It was offered to me as a personal challenge. I had just completed a two-week back-packing trip in mountainous wilderness in beautiful British Columbia. It was a group effort, designed to build character and leadership skills. In preparation for it, I had done some running to build my stamina. Though I had few details prior to the program, I knew we were going to be carrying heavy packs and hiking is very steep terrain. So I ran. It turned out that the Read More

When I was a child in my parents’ home, we gathered around a table for every meal. I was part of the younger set that didn’t have a chair. Rather, I shared a long, green, homemade wooden bench without a back. I never questioned my place or my privilege to share that table. That privilege was an expression of love. There were several, occasional dinner menus that I remember very well. One was a large bowl of mashed potatoes with some toasted bread croutons mixed throughout. We had the option of eating it just as served, or we could add Read More