tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.comments2023-05-20T01:34:12.944-07:00Things that I think about when I'm doing something else...Brighterbuchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03772448991296337808noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-51914828539381847362016-07-07T06:54:10.156-07:002016-07-07T06:54:10.156-07:00My thanks as well, Norm. I very much agree. My thanks as well, Norm. I very much agree. Wendy Jarvisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-3894051763114678682016-07-06T10:05:22.671-07:002016-07-06T10:05:22.671-07:00Interesting that the interviewers are asking for G...Interesting that the interviewers are asking for God's guidance when God isn't recognized by the interviewee.<br /><br />Also if an ordinand came for their interview saying they didn't believe in God, how would that be received? Would they become United Church ministers? Anne-Marinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-77413669695388595782016-07-06T06:22:52.257-07:002016-07-06T06:22:52.257-07:00Wow! A Brilliant expression of the situation. Than...Wow! A Brilliant expression of the situation. Thanks!Mark Ruhnkenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-86381818518418808592016-07-06T06:20:44.667-07:002016-07-06T06:20:44.667-07:00Amen.Amen.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05009074076013132646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-40415317935236847072016-07-06T05:33:03.575-07:002016-07-06T05:33:03.575-07:00Thank you for expressing so wonderfully the things...Thank you for expressing so wonderfully the things that have been bugging you! Your words were not a rant... but a gentle, thoughtful telling of what is on your heart... and what is on the hearts of many. Thank you for this gift.<br /><br />My prayers are added to yours that when the recommendation comes down we can lovingly and with grace move forward... to proclaim the Gospel in word and action!<br /><br />Blessings on your vacation time apart. May you find rest, renewal, restoration for your body and spirit as you enjoy your travels with Boo!<br /><br />Your sister in Christ,<br />Pastor Sue Cowan <br /><br /><br />PastorSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15507217254964517445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-33960703240288180512016-07-05T15:49:20.606-07:002016-07-05T15:49:20.606-07:00Thanks Norm. You have articulated way better than...Thanks Norm. You have articulated way better than I could, how I feel and think about this matter. May our Holy One help us find a way as he showed us through Jesus<br />Radarralphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07761797157497937198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-43573403309384278972016-06-13T21:34:32.836-07:002016-06-13T21:34:32.836-07:00Beautifully put Norm!Beautifully put Norm!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05681021129381919921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-29855076666766713962016-06-13T18:12:22.254-07:002016-06-13T18:12:22.254-07:00This is well written and so so important. Thanks. ...This is well written and so so important. Thanks. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-31039573485036530972015-02-26T07:23:43.904-08:002015-02-26T07:23:43.904-08:00Thank you for this writing! In response to the ab...Thank you for this writing! In response to the above comment, perhaps I'm missing something. The politicians didn't create this curriculum....don't you think leading educators who ARE specialists in the field were involved in setting this curriculum? So why would we think that there will be no expectations or outcomes set for each grade level? As in ALL subject disciplines this is the case, and it will be done so by these leading educators and specialists in the field. Every subject in our school is evaluated for development outcomes...even drama class. Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06495278954053785810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-64345226033445982692015-02-25T08:00:40.108-08:002015-02-25T08:00:40.108-08:00Thanks for the above comment, Anonymous - I couldn...Thanks for the above comment, Anonymous - I couldn't agree more. Brighterbuchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03772448991296337808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-74440995423182642782015-02-25T07:53:47.320-08:002015-02-25T07:53:47.320-08:00Very articulate and insightful comments explore ma...Very articulate and insightful comments explore many of the issues involved in sex education (which is part of the health ed program). Sadly lacking in the discussion however is any information about the current cycle of curriculum review and implemenation that is an established part of education in Ontario. ALL subject disciplines have one or more Policy docs that describe age appropriate learning outcomes expected for each grade. These expectations ARE NOT set by politicians. Leading educators who are specialists in their subject discipline lead, mange an extensive consultation process, and write revisions that reflect current pedagocical practices and learning needs.Revision writing teams are comprised of top educators across the Province representing various regions and both Protestant and Catholic School Boards. It is NOT any one Premier or any one political party that establishes the expectations.... but politicians on occasion can play havoc with the review cycle by blocking/delaying the publication of a revised doc. I am always amazed at those who aren't there during consultations decide to object after the fact...... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-1799323044621612812015-02-02T10:52:09.158-08:002015-02-02T10:52:09.158-08:00What a wonderful and inspired way of being in the ...What a wonderful and inspired way of being in the moment...perfection in the imperfection! A great way to walk in the world. Thanks for sharing Norm.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05681021129381919921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-63231561398533824222014-08-26T10:01:42.236-07:002014-08-26T10:01:42.236-07:00Nicely stated Norm! As you so eloquently imply, c...Nicely stated Norm! As you so eloquently imply, creative "viral" challenges like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge are pebbles in the pond of our humanity - On balance, we're all the better for it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05681021129381919921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-85887320000716277072014-07-31T11:53:50.682-07:002014-07-31T11:53:50.682-07:00Again, I am reminded why I have so admired you sin...Again, I am reminded why I have so admired you since highschool. I don't know the answers, but I'm pretty sure that I know how to sustain or even make worse the current situation - and we're following the plan exactly. There are too many people gaining financially and politically from all of this and we need to stop listening to them... we need to stop "demonizing" the other and stop acting like demons ourselves. Somehow we need to begin to trust and hope... a little bit at a time. If I thought that vilifying one side over the other might bring about peace, I could be tempted (justice aside) - but I see no reason to believe that would work. And so, I am left to live in hope... because the alternative is simply not sustainable. Brighterbuchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03772448991296337808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-74518501922781900682014-07-31T10:27:48.751-07:002014-07-31T10:27:48.751-07:00Brother Norm,
I too want to send thanks for your ...Brother Norm,<br /><br />I too want to send thanks for your words this morning. I've read and re-read your thoughts. They give voice to many of the feelings I've had over these past sad days and, for that matter, all the many years that I've witnessed this tragic struggle from the safe and relatively peaceful place we call home.<br /><br />Like you, I am only one voice standing on the sidelines. A voice that truly does not know what it must feel like to know the immediacy of living in fear from bullets, bombs or missles. If I'm honest, I do not really know how I would feel under those circumstances. Yet, I have a voice. I have beliefs and I want to think that I would be true to them no matter the accident of birth and geography that I places me on this peaceful sideline. For me, my belief is simple: no matter from which direction the instruments of war are fired the result is the diminishment of what is sacred, life itself. I believe that there must be a better way; a way that appeals to the higher nature of what it means to be human.<br /><br />As I read your thoughts and those of others I feel good that there are other voices in conversation that choose not to play the game of war, terror or keep score in bodies. The road less travelled towards peace is to sadly witness this suffering with empathy and compassion yet have the courage to say "no" there must be a another way; a humanistic way. One that supports individuals, groups and communitites who seek a peaceful world where everyone can live freely and securely. In keeping with your thoughtful choice of a sport's metaphor I choose a different team, perhaps an underdog, I choose to wear the colors of peace, humanism and compassion. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05681021129381919921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-75775755989692551542014-07-31T06:01:43.847-07:002014-07-31T06:01:43.847-07:00Thanks for thinking this out loud Norm and for cha...Thanks for thinking this out loud Norm and for challenging me to think for myself and live with compassion.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01674468634463053202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-26003498574525029172013-12-11T14:50:39.851-08:002013-12-11T14:50:39.851-08:00As always Norm well done well bone wishing you and...As always Norm well done well bone wishing you and your family and your congration in Canada a vary Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year from a friend and brother in our lord savor Jesus Christ from Reidt Family in Indiana Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-37594215651165532972013-10-22T08:15:08.046-07:002013-10-22T08:15:08.046-07:00Thank you for writing this in such a truthful and ...Thank you for writing this in such a truthful and grace-filled manner. Many blessings as we sort out this church of ours.Evan Smithhttp://www.pastorevan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-40739574695553543422013-10-21T18:25:18.293-07:002013-10-21T18:25:18.293-07:00Thanks Norm! I attended a few services at West Hi...Thanks Norm! I attended a few services at West Hill United when I moved into the area because it was an affirming church. However, what I got was nothing like church, but more like the spiritual lessons I receive before and after my Yoga classes or more like a daily fluffy 1.5hr story time. No mention of God, no mention of scriptures at all. I am very very liberal, but even I left after the 2nd go round feeling like I wasn't attending church but rather a big social outing. I agree that Gretta needs to move away from calling herself a United Minister and I think West Hill United needs to rebrand itself as something other than United Church, it's just plain false advertising. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-29510879886632458422013-09-13T07:44:06.512-07:002013-09-13T07:44:06.512-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Steve Finnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12863026367048527526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-40686729580995288072013-09-03T15:31:56.882-07:002013-09-03T15:31:56.882-07:00Thank you for returning to your blog, and summing ...Thank you for returning to your blog, and summing up my own views for much of it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15993421338640864427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-37394545308997421392013-08-14T08:36:22.942-07:002013-08-14T08:36:22.942-07:00I re and reread this! the power it contains is am...I re and reread this! the power it contains is amazing! The understanding of a fellow human being is astounding. Thank you for sharing your insight and a valuable lesson in humility! Joanne Riddle Ohio USA jojo816https://www.blogger.com/profile/13631922464470523624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-84270197947162730782013-08-01T09:03:31.467-07:002013-08-01T09:03:31.467-07:00I posted this repsonse on Facebook, but felt it sh...I posted this repsonse on Facebook, but felt it should be included here. A variety of comments, opinions and passions from my friends. Thank you for that. Like many of you, I don't want to lose faith in the police and so part of me holds on to the hope that we can somehow explain what happened... Like others, I am so incensed I want to vent my pain and anger on someone or someones... As I mentioned in the blog, I am hoping that we get to have a larger discussion about those in society who don't always fit the "norm". I have sat in my office speaking with young men who could easily have been Sammy... I've seen their behaviour become anti-social and belligerent...I have also seen those same kids resolve their behaviours before my eyes; get better with care; improve with medication... I also have friends diagnosed as autistic who could exhibit behaviours that could be interpreted as threatening or "wacky", but who are not a serious danger to anyone. I seen my own diabetic son exhibit anti-social, even threatening, behaviour when his blood sugar dropped dramatically due to a miscalculated insulin injection. Sammy didn't get the chance to be diagnosed, get better or be understood... and that's a tragedy. The lack of support for young people and adults who live outside the "norm" - from the government funding, to communities willing to talk and engage - is tragic. I'm not blaming any individual at this point, I am hoping for a wide community response.. we can do better. That could have been my son.<br />NormBrighterbuchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03772448991296337808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-73358125148853699432013-07-31T11:13:58.576-07:002013-07-31T11:13:58.576-07:00I don't think there is a need to wait to comme...I don't think there is a need to wait to comment on this - it clearly calls for discussion of many issues that badly need discusion. This takes nothing away from the many dedicated police officers who spend their lives keeping us safe. They must also wish that they had more skills and services available to help them when 18 year old children become violent. I can't imagine there are any police officers out there who think this was a good outcome, regardless of what may or may not have happened. The discusison being called for and any changes that could come from that discusison will only help police officers and in turn make our society a safer place for all of us. Thanks Norm!Amandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259695754623350932.post-19765877493726357172013-07-31T08:43:54.258-07:002013-07-31T08:43:54.258-07:00I am awaiting the investigation by Internal Affair...I am awaiting the investigation by Internal Affairs, before making comment. He was asked repeatedly to put the knife down. I feel sick that he was 18, but am reserving judgement until the investigation is complete. I feel we judge police without all the facts, and put them at risk, when they are doing their job to protect us. I do not feel that this case is comparable to others recently in the news. Gail Weller ClarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com