I read this punch-in-the-gut story in today's Globe and Mail of a young girl terribly bullied and driven to plastic surgery that made me want to scream! I'm not blaming the girl. She's beaten down by a society sick with perfection. I'm furious with this circus of painted-faces and altered bodies, ill with this illusion of… Continue reading Bullied by “pretty”
Month: July 2012
An icon for my existence
This image of my mother and me has become an icon of sorts for the divine love, a lens through which I can better understand something of God. I'm aware that God has revealed himself most clearly through the image of a father in the pages of scripture (although God does employ some maternal images). … Continue reading An icon for my existence
Friday photos
Roaming down the beach at a leisurely pace is our after-dinner ritual during holidays at the cottage, romping, splashing, staring and strolling until the sun sets on the day. The clouds have been particularly amazing to me this year. These cirrocumulus clouds were like a cotton-patch in the sky. Or a come-to-life French Impressionist painting. But… Continue reading Friday photos
Saying our prayers – on TV
I was recently invited by Mel and Susan Finlay to do two interviews on the Christian TV program 100 Huntley St. Mel and Susan are really fine people and lead in a superb ministry of prayer for Canadian leaders - you can read more about it here. Instead of heckling or whining about our leaders, they… Continue reading Saying our prayers – on TV
On Folk Festivals
I love folk music; ergo I love folk music festivals. Nothing sings summer like lounging on a lawn and taking in fabulous music. For years, the Calgary Folk Music Festival was my late July summer staple. It's a unique musical event that wonderfully stretches the term "folk" (where do you get to hear Yiddish hip-hop,… Continue reading On Folk Festivals
Friday photos
Lilias Trotter writes a beautiful line about the dandelion gone to seed. That fragile, little geodesic-like dome of seeds is a lovely image of the life we're called to live, to give away for the sake of others. She writes: the dandelion globe ... is marked by detachment. There is no sense of wrenching; it stands… Continue reading Friday photos
Summer soundtrack
It's smokin' hot out there. Summertime and I am loving it. Time to lose the shoes, roll down the windows, feel the wind in your face (or through your hair if you've got it), and cue the summer tunes. Trouble is, I'm stuck inside writing a paper to wrap up a doctoral course. (Yes, I'm… Continue reading Summer soundtrack
I need a mountain – Friday photos
I miss the mountains. City life in Toronto is outstanding. I'm still smiling everytime I come out of the Spadina St. subway station into the city, feeling the energy, diversity and vibrant life all around me here. But I miss mountains. For the past 20 years of my… Continue reading I need a mountain – Friday photos
Farther along
A surprising thing happened last week - I was inducted as the 14th Senior Minister of Knox Presbyterian Church in Toronto. Not that this induction was unexpected - it was a five month wait for myself and the people of Knox. But surprising, nonetheless. Ask the “five years ago Phil,” and I would’ve never guessed… Continue reading Farther along
Squinch 