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
Friday photos
Charles Darwin made them the focus of his study for 10 years; I was able to focus on them this week during after dinner explorations along the Bay of Fundy. The lowly barnacle, inspiration for Captain Haddock's best alliterative insults ("billions of blue, bilious, blistering barnacles") and bane of most boaters existence. But they're beautiful, forming… Continue reading Friday photos
The Perfect Space
Entering into a new place and finding my way into a new community is providing an instant refresher course on the in’s-and-out’s of forming and living in community. You’d think I’d have learned this by now and so it feels a little like remedial breathing lessons. Call it “Belonging 101.” Probably better titled “How I… Continue reading The Perfect Space
Friday photos
For most of this week I've been burrowed away in a classroom, poring over the book of Romans with Dr. James Dunn (part of my doctoral studies). But the family is along for the ride and we're all staying at a friend's cottage along the Bay of Fundy, allowing for some lovely clambering over rocks… Continue reading Friday photos
Friday photos
"Taste and see that the Lord is good," writes the Psalmist. And this Toronto burger joint is helping me savour God's goodness in so many ways. First off, finally I have a more than adequate replacement for my "In-N-out Burger" cravings ... and The Burger's Priest is better (I challenge all my Arizona and… Continue reading Friday photos
Squinch 