A number of years ago a politician made a memorable comment at a local election debate here in Hamilton. In reference to the local city council spending, he reminded the taxpayers that families spend money on items that do not provide a financial investment, such as TVs or toys. Instead of financial profit, those items… Continue reading A Pallet for the MKs
It’s really fake
Androgenetic alopecia. That's what the dermatologist said in 2015. I didn't want to believe her. There is no cure, just a continual, gradual loss of hair due to 'female pattern baldness.' People often wonder about such things. Most don't say anything. Some do. One said, "You look like a cancer patient, ha ha." In 2004.… Continue reading It’s really fake
Comparing our Churches Without Killing Contentment
Somewhere on our life journey we picked up the phrase, "Comparison kills contentment." And that is often true, for example, if we look too long at the neighbors shiny, perfect car instead of thanking God for a loaner car with scratches, dents, and peeling paint. In some cases, though, comparison can be useful and increase… Continue reading Comparing our Churches Without Killing Contentment
Gifts from Ordinary People
Our recent 7-week visit to the States gave us front row seats in watching God provide for His people. We were not looking to go. The financial cost has been beyond our family for many years. The trip was instigated by an initial significant pledge for the cost of round trip airfare for five from… Continue reading Gifts from Ordinary People
Mom’s Very Special Ancient Secret Pickle Recipe
To satisfy popular local demand, here is our family pickle recipe. Time frames are Southern Hemisphere and instructions are written for New Zealand chefs. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, we apologize that you will need to convert various instructions to your hemisphere. Welcome to our world where we constantly have to convert your… Continue reading Mom’s Very Special Ancient Secret Pickle Recipe
What Does it Cost to See a Life Transformed by the Gospel?
We recently discovered a copy of this question and my response to a supporting church in 2003. Fourteen years have passed since I was asked to respond to this question, which asked me to consider the physical, financial and spiritual costs to see a single person redeemed here in NZ. Not much has changed in… Continue reading What Does it Cost to See a Life Transformed by the Gospel?
Learning from Conversation Mistakes
We all know that people, any one of us, have the potential to be a real blessing to someone else. We also have the potential to be a real offender. In my life experience, the longer we stick to certain people, the higher the chance those certain people will say something offensive to us. I… Continue reading Learning from Conversation Mistakes
Marriage Advice
This week we were unable to attend the wedding of a friend because the wedding was 13,000 km (8,000 mi) away. So we sent a surprise letter to be read at the reception. We have surprised this friend and family on several occasions, so the surprise letter would be no surprise or real sabotage. We… Continue reading Marriage Advice
On Ageing and Temperament
Ageing or aging? Aging looked strange, so a quick Google check brought, of course, the first option as a Wikipedia article on the process of becoming older. Now I understand that aging looks strange because it is the American spelling. Our nearly 20 years in New Zealand mean the 'British' version of words often looks… Continue reading On Ageing and Temperament
A story for you
I try not to be a hoarder. I'm doing the best I've ever done at getting rid of stuff. Some things are worth keeping. I have a Sunday School paper from almost 30 years ago. I kept it because the story influenced me so deeply, particularly because at that time I was interested in the… Continue reading A story for you
Pononga 