Pastor Bill’s Writing

“It matters what you see.” – a simple statement that so refreshed me recently: It’s obvious, seeing is our window to the world, and insight is influenced by sight. Remember the first time you laid eyes on your husband or wife-to-be? You saw him – all ‘decked out’ in his plaid shirt, blue jeans, work … Read more

I take advantage of many things I do NOT understand. Total understanding isn’t necessary in order to enjoy a thing that works. When I push a button, I don’t understand how I hear voices and watch the news LIVE – from around the world! I can face-time with Mom on Sunday evenings – 1000 miles … Read more

3:16 appears frequently on placards and t-shirts at sports events. Sparked by WWE’s champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin, boasting of his dominance (1990s), over ten million ‘Austin 3:16’ t-shirts have sold – quite a merchandising success! More recently a venture between World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the Toronto Maple Leafs resulted in the ‘Auston 3:16’ … Read more

I was intrigued with recent Chatham-Kent Council deliberations about the ‘urban chicken’. Concerns about loud roosters, rodents eating chicken feed, containment, and spreading disease made for ample debate. Chickens, or any bird for that matter, give me jitters. They threaten my comfort zone. As a child my fear, my flee or kill response, would reach … Read more

It’s one thing to have TROUBLE; it’s another thing when it won’t go away. Our struggle then includes TIMING – “This has gone on far too long!” Overwhelming feelings of frustration, weariness, loss and grief settle into our soul. Fear and anxiety can rise when, for an extended time, we sense being controlled (or out … Read more

The gifts of SIGHT and HEARING are precious. Our senses feed our mind. That info is processed, and passed along to our heart for an emotional response. Our thoughts and feelings then influence our will, and our choice of action. Like Jesus said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up … Read more

From ancient times our existence has been accompanied by signs and symbols. Their purpose is to get a message to our eyes, ears, and mind. These messages guide us and guard us in our pursuit of a better quality of life. Road signs regulate our speed, control, and direction toward a destination. Hearing a siren, … Read more

Was January 1st just another day? New beginnings are not always earth-shattering; they may merely introduce the ‘same old, same old.’ The calendar year changed, but perhaps not our routines, schedules, traditions, and expectations. In actuality the last four years teach us that life can change quickly. It wasn’t just COVID-19; it was the supply … Read more

“We choose to NOT have children.” I was not completely surprised; I’ve heard it before. In preparing couples for marriage, I raise the issue of children. With sensitivity I ask, “Why have you made that decision?” I note having talked to lonely seniors who wish they had had children. As I listen, I may see … Read more

Most assume the working class and those raising a family have full lives. After answering, “What are you up to?”, it’s the retiree who hears, “Well, at least you’re keeping busy (!)” Not wanting to die of boredom, many retirees plan active lives. Soon we hear, “How did I ever find time to go to … Read more