Blessèd Blending “An ordinary person in the pew reflection” With Jim Dunn Week-end of January 28th, 2018 Mark 1:21-28 This reading speaks of authority. Our understanding of the word authority today points us towards someone being in charge and you'd better watch your step !.... Or someone in authority is out to put you in your place. It also has a sense of fear and caution and separates those who are the underlings from an overbearing boss! Haven’t we all been there? In Mark we find … [Read more...] about Authority…Fear or Respect?
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Listen For The Call….it’s worth It!
Mark 1:14-20 This week's Gospel describes the call that Jesus gave to those who were ready for a change. John had been arrested and now Jesus begins to continue the message himself that John had begun. Change and believe in the Good News! The Kingdom of God is near What happened to these soon-to-become disciples and followers of Christ? They were ready for a change. The daily routine had become dry. Fishing with no gain, mending nets that kept breaking and trying to fix what was broken. … [Read more...] about Listen For The Call….it’s worth It!
The Detour, a Surprising Revelation
Last week I was heading to Ottawa for a Speakers' Convention from Toronto. I was anxious to get to my destination so travelling down the 401 highway with my music blaring and sipping on a Tim Horton's cup of Java, I was in my element. Then it happened! Road construction! A big sign reading SLOW DOWN, BE ALERT flashed in front of my face. For a good while I sat in a long line of traffic until one vehicle at a time merged its way forward to get to the other side of the slowdown. We've all … [Read more...] about The Detour, a Surprising Revelation
Advent, Waiting…..But Never Alone
Jean Vanier “Befriending the Stranger” We have difficulty living in the present moment, trusting in the presence of God in the here and now giving thanks. Yet that is precisely where the mystery of the Incarnation lies; The revelation that God is hidden in reality. God is not someone inaccessible, “out there” in the sky, out of the reach of human beings. We do not have to search for God “out there” or in the future. God is close to us, present to us— Eternally present in the “now” … [Read more...] about Advent, Waiting…..But Never Alone
JUST DO IT!
The homily this past week at church focussed on the "need to be ready" The Gospel reading, the one about the Foolish Bridesmaids (Matthew 25 1-13), has always been one of those readings that made me question the validity of the readings in application to today's life. The homilist spoke on what it meant to him. It was moving and contained an important message. Do we often plan to do something and then procrastinate or put it off or do not fully plan ahead to make sure things happen? How often … [Read more...] about JUST DO IT!
Ready to Go!
Labour Day week-end. The unofficial end to summer for millions of kids, teachers, school administrators, parents, grandparents and all who took the time to rest, relax, ponder, refresh. Many supervised, cared for, and experienced vacation memories with family. Now is the time for getting ready for change and new beginnings. Things definitely change after labour day. I think the old notion of not wearing white after this day has gone out the window! But some things will always remain the same. … [Read more...] about Ready to Go!
The I-Phone Strut
Have we become too involved with our technology? Are we losing the ability to form good relationships because our I-phone is becoming our best friend? Have we lost the skill to talk to others? Have we forgotten the joy of taking time just to rest in our own thoughts? Have you ever been off the grid and found yourself lost or anxious? Does that scare you? Next time you feel this way, STOP, breathe deeply feeling with awareness each breath you take in and expel. Open your eyes wide and look … [Read more...] about The I-Phone Strut
The Sweet Pea
.......A Quiet Moment James (Jim) Dunn Blessèd Blending August 30th, 2017 … [Read more...] about The Sweet Pea
Keep Walking
Recently I started walking for my health. It has become an unimaginable gift for me. The places and things that you drive by everyday in a car only give you a "far away" perspective. Walking now allows me to see up close all the delights that really exist in people's gardens, pets that they may have, particular architectural styles or personal places of sanctuary. It has made me more aware and observant. It has allowed me to give and receive smiles from others who walk. It gives me that … [Read more...] about Keep Walking
Where Has Blessèd Blending Gone??
Where has Blessèd Blending gone? Hi, Jim Dunn here after a long pause between this post and my last one which was on December 20th, 2016. That was one day prior to my 37th wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone, my lovely Patricia? Earlier that month I had been in Edmonton, Alberta attending the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers' annual Convention. As always , I was moved by the many speakers with riveting and moving stories and new ideas. My family was also still on a … [Read more...] about Where Has Blessèd Blending Gone??