As the Ball Bounces

Just Wondering

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:40:00 +0000

Why do people hate? Why are we so distrustful of others. As a Canadian I was feeling quite smug about how rational we are, how tolerant and accepting. I cast a disdaining eye on the Trumpism of America. Then Quebec City. Hate and distrust are everywhere. We need to stand up to it and fight it.

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 18:01:00 +0000

It's been almost a year since my last post. What gives? I guess I have been concentrating more on my photoblog than this. Read today in the paper that 2014 was the hottest year on record. It is unnerving to think that we are accelerating this process by the way we live. Maybe if we spent more time caring about the environment than on pleasure and ourselves, we could slow down the warming. But then, how committed am I to this? And if I am lukewarm, why should I expect others to be better. The old, take-the-log-out-of-my-own-eye-before-pointing-out-the-speck-in-yours, thing.

Winter Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 20:06:00 +0000

Winter has been colder and more snowy than usual this year. But as one who loves winter, I don't mind. We do live in Canada after all, the place of igloos and year-round snowshoeing. And hey, how come all those folks who complain about the cold, hunker down in air-conditioned houses all summer long?

The Poor Among Us

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:27:00 +0000

In this Sunday's text, Jesus mentions that we will always have the poor among us. That often has been used to ignore the poor, or to rationalize our lack of action. But what really catches my attention are the words, "among us." The poor aren't among us, as church people, are they? They are out there somewhere, but certainly not among us. We do a good job of keeping them at bay. I belong to a downtown church, surrounded by poverty. There is nary a poor person among us Sunday morning. I guess we have our work cut out for us.

Wants vs Needs

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:33:00 +0000

I “need” a new computer. Mine takes so long booting up that I can get the mail, make a cup of coffee, do a crossword and still see the hourglass. Now that is hyperbole. But, yes it is slow. But do I need a new computer or just want one? Anyhow, I was thinking this: would I be willing to give an equal amount of money to feed the hungry, further the work of some church, as I would to buy a computer? As far as that goes, I am a season ticket holder of the Oshawa Generals hockey club. I spend at least 100 hours a year at the rink. Would I be willing to give an equal amount of time at a local soup kitchen, or volunteering at some other organization? It is so easy to put my wants before others’ needs.

Lent Begins

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:35:00 +0000

So begins Lent, a time for reflection, service, fasting. Again I have my Lenten regimen mapped out. I have given up sweets/dessert for Lent for so many years that I no longer consider this a fast—it was at the beginning, but now it’s just something I do for Lent, like putting up lights for Christmas. I do and don’t do other things that I am not inclined to share. This year I am going to blog some of my thoughts during Lent. I don’t promise to post a blog every day (promises are made to be broken), but I will attempt to be regular. Comment if you feel so moved.

Wind

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Today the wind is blowing. Our neighbour's tree has a branch that has begun to tear away from the trunk. With every gust of wind, I envision the branch ripping loose and crashing into the house. That is what I foresee; hopefully, it won't come to pass. Another thing that has already happened: the wind tore a downspout off the house. I have no ladder that will reach high enough to reattach it, so until I rent one or borrow one, we have no downspout. Forget, "Rain, rain, go away." Let's sing, "Wind, wind, go away." Here endth the lesson.

What Difference Does It Make?

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:58:00 +0000

So the Ontario Liberal party elected an openly lesbian leader, our new Premier, Kathleen Wynne. Although this is a good thing for the gay community, I wonder what difference it makes? Will Kathleen's orientation affect the way she looks at transit, or economics, or poverty? Why does it really matter what she is or isn't? Why does it matter what I am or am not? Doesn't, really. Kathleen is Kathleen. I am me. A human being. A Canadian citizen. An Ontarian. Unless she is a criminal, why do we need to know any more. Let's leave religion, race, gender issues aside and welcome all people as just that--a person. Welcome Kathleen and good luck.

Good Things in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:33:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone. Who knows what the year will bring. I am optimistic that many good things are going to happen, not only in my life, but around the world. Maybe that will be the focus of the blog: good things happening in 2013. Have to have a more catchy theme than that though, don't you think?

Dirty

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Just watched the replay of the 1987 Canada Cup. What dirty hockey the Canadian team played. Hooking, elbowing, slashing, highsticking all over the place. I am sure glad that we have cleaned that all up. That being said, now we have to limit the "bone crushing" hits that leave broken bones, concussions, and wrecked careers in their wake.

But, with the NHL lockout looming, we won't have to worry about that, will we?

A Moment in Time

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:02:00 +0000

It's funny how one moment in your life can change everything. Heard of a person who choked on some food. The blockage was cleared, but the oxygen supply to her brain was cut off long enough to cause permanent brain damage. One short moment, and her life, and all those connected to her changed.

Everything before that moment was fine. Suddenly, everything was different. I suppose we think about this more often when the changing event is something tragic or sad. But it happens with good things, too--wining the lottery is a case in point.

Not sure if there is a moral in all this, but it makes me realize that I should savour each moment for I never know when things will change for better or worse, but certainly for good.

Excitement

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Lots of excitement around our house last night. Woke up to a squeal of tires and a bang. Jumped out of bed, looked out the window to see a car with a crunched in front end, leaking radiator, and employed air bag stalled in front of our neighbour's house. In no time three cop cars were there. Seemed the young lad, who tried to walk away before the cops came, had smashed into a car about a kilometer away, fled the scene with his wrecked car, turned onto our street, bounced off a neighbour's car, and came to rest. Cops put him into the back seat. Paramedics took one look at the car and strapped him onto a gurney, and off he went.

I bet he is enjoying the May 24 weekend, eh? We, at least, had a bit of excitement.

Shrove Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:46:00 +0000

For me, Lent begins with Shrove Tuesday even though it really doesn't begin until Ash Wednesday. Tonight, folks will gather in church basements and fellowship halls, eat pancakes, drink coffee, and enjoy the communion of saints.

Why does it feel like the beginning of Lent? Because from now through Easter morning the schedule cranks up a couple of notches. Shrove Tuesday is a bit like Christmas Eve--not really Christmas but Christmas anyway.

I'll be helping with setup, serving, and clean up. And yes, I will eat my fair share of pancakes and sausages. Will you?

Heroics

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

I have been thinking a lot about those who risk or even lose their lives to save others. For most of us, this doesn't come naturally. Self preservation does. People who are expected to risk their lives for others are given intensive training to help them in these situations. For a few exceptional individuals, I suppose this sacrificial trait is a part of their make up.

It is easy to criticize the captain of the Costa Concordia. But what would we do in a similar situation? I'd like to think I'd stay until every last passenger and crew were safely off the ship, but until I face that situation I will never know. So, some sympathy is in order.

That said, we still have the right to expect that those in leadership will put our safety before their own.

This is my last rant on this subject.

Fearless Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:08:00 +0000

I think we'd all like to believe that when we are on a ship, plane, train, or bus, that in the case of an accident, the captain or one in charge would see us safely off before abandoning his/her post. We'd like to believe that. But what we have seen with the Costa Concordia this week gives us pause to wonder. Maybe the captain was suffering stress, maybe he was under-trained and his fear got the better of him, or simply he may have been a coward. Whatever. I wonder if we will ever have the same confidence in these leaders again.

But then, during war, don't the heads of state hunker down in safety rather than lead the troops into battle? Hmm...

Who Speaks for Me

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:25:00 +0000

I was thinking the other day: with the steady decline of membership in the moderate Christian congregations, in a few years who will be left to speak for me? I am not comfortable allowing the far right give voice to the Christian faith, for I find their views skewed and darn right scarey. This is all the more reason why we need to continue to reach out to those with moderate views.

Back Burner

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Why do people say they have put their life on the back burner? When I cook, I use the back burner all the time. I don't use it to let things simmer. The back burners are great for smaller pots, and when I use them, I don't get as hot as I do when I use the front burners. Indeed, I most often cook my morning porridge on the back burner; I don't leave it sit there while I do other things--I cook there. So I guess I don't get the metaphor.

That's my rant for the day.

Winter--Finally Here

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Finally, a blast of real winter, central Ontario style. Snow and coldish temperatures is what makes a Canadian winter. I was able to shovel some snow, had to wear my touque, and the car was not even fully warmed up by the time I got to work.

I know that many do not like winter, but if we are going to have winter, we might just as well have a real one. Nothing worse than freezing rain and yo-yo temperatures.

I love winter.

Sad State of Affairs

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:53:00 +0000

So the other day I was driving to work. There on the side of the street was a wheelchair. It was early in the morning and there was nobody around, just the empty wheelchair. So I thought, one of three things happened:

1) the rapture occurred and I was left behind;
2) there had been a miracle healer on the corner and the wheelchair person was healed and just walked away;
3) some street urchin "borrowed" the chair, taking it for a joy ride until the batteries ran dead.

After running into some people who most definitely would have been raptured, and being that the street was too remote to have a street healer working there, I decided that the last option was most likely.

And that says lots about the state of our world, don't you think?

Minority

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:25:00 +0000

Last night we Ontarians elected a minority government. Good. I like minority governments. It means that politicians have to act like adults instead of bullies. It means that politicians have to work together, find common ground, compromise, conciliate, instead of running roughshod. I only wish the constitution could be changed so that elections could only be called every four years. Then minority governments would have to work together.

Three Random Thoughts About Elections:
1. When are we going to get electronic ballots?
2. I love election night TV, but I am not sure why. I am not a political junkie.
3. Lawn signs other than pink flamingos and roofer signs. But please take them down after the election!

Election Day

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:17:00 +0000

Today we go to the polls to elect a new government. It is fitting that the election comes around Thanksgiving, don't you think? What a privilege it is to be able to vote and voice your opinion about the results. Maybe we take it all for granted, but so many people in this world are not so fortunate. I give thanks that I am a Canadian.

Three things I like about Canada:
1. Freedom to be me;
2. Openness to ideas;
3. Changing seasons.

What do you like about Canada?

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:54:00 +0000

I am off to do a funeral today. Contrary to most people, I find preparing for funerals uplifting. In the face of death, I discover anew the joy of life. Re-reading the texts, I am comforted that as pleasant and good as life may be, there is more to come. And somehow, death brings us together like nothing else. We share our vulnerabilities and affirm our need for human community.

3 Important words to leave with mourners:
1. Presence: God is with us all through life and in death (Ps 23)
2. Life: death does not have the final word. Jesus does and that word is...
3. Resurrection: Jesus graciously shares his victory with us.

I'm In

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:17:00 +0000

I finally arrived in the 21st century. Got myself a cell phone. Smart phone to boot, not that any of the phones were labelled Dumb phones.

Three things about cell phone users that annoy me:
1. not turning them off before attending a public function;
2. having to check them every five minutes--what can be so important, people?
3. people gabbing at a high volume in a crowded place--is nothing personal anymore?

Time will tell if I end up as an annoying phone user.

Sunday Morning Driving

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:58:00 +0000

I love driving on Sunday mornings. The streets are almost completely empty. The windows in most homes are dark. All that is stirring is a few squirrels and some faithful dog owners taking their dogs for a walk. Lovely.

It is as it should be.

Three things about Sunday morning streets:
1. squirrels etching their "w" lines across the street;
2. the lack of cars with stereos blasting so loudly that MY car shakes;
3. no tailgaters.

Fall is Here

noreply@blogger.com (random things) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Today felt so fallish. Grey sky, wind, rain, a bit in the air. Perfect.
Three things I like about fall:
1. Rainy days;
2. Colourful leaves;
3. Football