Pastor Bill’s Writing

Our small town is known for being progressive. The desire to encourage the up-and-coming, to prepare for the future, is most commendable. Since coming to Blenheim, thirty-five years ago, I have seen many profitable new business ventures. Blenheim gives people a chance – a chance to grow, to try, and to succeed. While constantly cautioned … Read more

“Long-Wait-Times”- now, that issue raises blood pressure! Realizing we must wait our turn while enduring pain in ‘EMERGE’ tests patients, and patience. It’s no fun! We live near hospitals on ‘the cutting edge’ of medical advancement. But we soon lose appreciation of this privilege when we have to wait. It seems long-wait-times are NOT GOING … Read more

We showed up at our small country cemetery just after daylight – my dad, me, and perhaps a brother. We had come to dig a six-foot-deep grave. Another beloved neighbour had passed. We worked hard, carefully shaping vertical walls to the rectangular hole with pick and shovel. Today, a brother’s mini-excavator makes this work much … Read more

From a green Christmas, to a cold-somewhat-stormy January, and now a moderate February – a typical Canadian, southwestern Ontario, winter. I value each of the four seasons, yet each has its unpredictable moments. Weather influences our mood, farming and outdoor jobs, and our appointments. Snow days and fog leave parents scrambling. Our life-span includes periods … Read more

Last week news commentators talked of having goals for 2026. They were hesitant about having or revealing any big plans. The fear of big intentions fading in just a few days loomed. I believe the wisdom of, “Start small.” has merit. Even eating teaches that small bites get us through today, into tomorrow. Success starts … Read more

I would like to think I’m a ‘down to earth’ guy. Being raised on a farm – touching dirt and livestock, cutting fire wood, and sweating in hay fields has shaped me. Each of us has our story. Early experiences helped shape our expectations of ourselves. Over time, we grew as we sorted out whether … Read more

We are days from the annual commemoration on “the 11th Hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month”. ‘Armistice Day’ or ‘Remembrance Day’ serves one purpose – to remind us, “Lest We Forget”. Armistice Day marked the end of World War I in 1918. In observing Remembrance Day, we remember and honour all who … Read more

We all have our ‘comfort zones’. Venturing beyond them is easier for some than others. Growth, however, is all about entering unfamiliar territory; there we develop. Unfamiliar territory is a fact of life: A friend told me, “The key to success is knowing yourself.” I agree, but it has taken time to know myself – … Read more

When asked this question, we get it. It indicates a quest to be understood, and our need for agreement. We search for “common ground.” God created us to value togetherness – being on “the same page.” Mutual values, goals, and practices make for better progress as a team. This is indispensable in fostering good family, … Read more

I recall a time or three when I thought I was bigger than I was. Though a decent kid, trying to be ‘smart’, get attention, or prove I was one of the ‘gang’ did not go well for me. I discovered consequences at home or at school for inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour. “Funny thing – … Read more