http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=7257275672734126748&hl=enHaving spent the last 10 days in Canada, I am again reminded of the distinct differences between our two nations. Exhibit A is shown above.

We have spent a great week with family at the cottage on Georgian Bay, and I have almost finished Leadership Next, by Eddie Gibbs. I have completely enjoyed this book filled with new ideas about what the church and leadership within the church will look like in the years to come. Professor Gibbs has devoted … Continue reading New Ideas, Good Ideas, Scary Things

We were warned earlier in the day on the weather channel. The afternoon was sunny, hot, and more humid that I could imagine. Another typical Ontario summer afternoon. We spent most of the late afternoon in the lake, standing in cool water up to our necks. The perfect remedy to a hot and sticky day.And … Continue reading Feeling Powerless on Georgian Bay

Here we are at the cottage in Balm Beach, Township of Tiny, Ontario, Canada. Time like this, with family, is a blessing, and I am thankful for this noisy, funny, interesting, fun bunch of people that God has brought me to be a part of almost 18 years ago.

Some more thoughts on what the future of the church is going to look like, based on my reading of Leadership Next, by Eddie Gibbs."A “missional church” is one that focuses on “going forth” into the world, rather than looking inward to its own programs and plans.""The gospel embraces so much more than just the … Continue reading More Thoughts on the Scary New Future

Over the past year, as our church has slowly been gaining its collective bearings, as the fog of confusion, and disagreement, and fighting has cleared, strangely, I keep thinking of the same mental image. Maybe this image is from God, maybe not. I don’t pretend to really know those times when God gives me ideas, … Continue reading Tipping the Table Over, Starting New

The photo at left is the place I sit, to camp off a neighbor's wireless, so that I can post here, while on vacation. I know, I need to get a life, but blogging is a form of relaxation and therapy for me.Silent Sentinels In the midst of loss, and change, and moving forward, I … Continue reading Facing Fear, Silent Sentinels

Our family is on vacation. After the events of the past couple of weeks, this is a welcome break. The location of our holiday? The photo to the left provides a visual clue. Where else on the planet (save for Sweden, Finland, and Norway) could you find this large of a display of hockey sticks … Continue reading Take Off, Eh!

The past several weeks have been a time of sadness, loss, fear, and hope, all mixed together in ways that are still difficult for me to express. Sadness, loss, and fear in facing the death of my Mom. Hope in seeing God's real presence in the midst of this time. Writing down my feelings is … Continue reading How Do You Say Thank You?

Elizabeth Lee Partridge was born on April 18, 1921 in Los Angeles, California. She attended Los Angeles High School, and then USC, where she majored in Art. After a career in modeling, she married Roland Norris of Whittier, California in 1957. Her only son, Steven Roland Norris was born in 1958.Betty, as she was known … Continue reading Elizabeth Lee Norris 1921-2006