Life Formation

A PROBLEM WITH THE BIBLE

Every story is told from a vantage point; it has a bias. I’m trying to read the stories of the Bible for all they’re worth, but I’ve got a problem. My vantage point is not as a Hebrew slave suffering in Egypt or a conquered Judean deported to Babylon. I’m certainly not a first century Jew living under Roman occupation. I’m a citizen of a G8 nation, born among the conquerors, and living in the empire. But I want to read the Bible and think it’s talking to me. This is a problem. (more…)
Bob Jones
July 14, 2019
Life Stories

3 LESSONS IN COURAGE: TERRY FOX

Terry Fox passed away at the age of twenty two on June 28, 1981, but not before he ran into the hearts of millions of Canadians. Fpr anyone who has run a marathon - you know how it feels to push yourself beyond what you feel is possible. Terry ran a marathon everyday. For 143 days. On one good leg and one artificial one made of fiberglass and steel. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 26, 2019
Uncategorized

SUPERHEROES FOR CHANGE

By day, he's a husband, father, practicing clinical mental health therapist and an RN by trade. By night, he "suits up" for Justice. He's Spider-Man - Superhero! Listen to Adam Klassen talk for even a few minutes about his love for helping people through Cosplay and you'll be caught in his spidy web of generosity. Cosplay And Superheroes Adam’s always been considered nerdy for his love of comic books, movies/tv, pop culture, digital and internet media and of course...Superheroes. In 2006 he attended his 1st big comic book convention (ComicCon) in San Diego. Adam, who attends North Pointe with his wife and daughter, was drawn into the world of Costuming or "Cosplay" and the creative individuals within it. Five years into…
Bob Jones
June 23, 2019
Health MattersLife Formation

UP FROM THE BLUE: SUSAN HENDERSON

Beautiful and maddening, hopeful and condemning, simple, yet like a knot that takes a lifetime to untangle. A heartbreaking, rewarding story that still haunts me. That’s how author Jamie Ford describes Up From the Blue, the debut novel by Susan Henderson. Novels aren't usually a genre I do book reviews for but this one is an exception. And I think you would agree once you meet Tillie. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 22, 2019
Uncategorized

CHILD SEXUAL SLAVERY: IT ENDS WITH US

Saju Mathew is an American lawyer working in India to bring about change in the most vulnerable group in the world. I met him at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta - an aptly named venue to begin a journey into reality. A Shift In Identity Saju introduced his subject with the story of “The Ugly Duckling.” He said, “Change can only happen when there is a shift in identity.” Saju spoke matter-of-factly about a child prostitute in Chennai, India. She had been deceived into leaving home with the promise of a better future. Once settled into her new surroundings she was told to take off all her clothes and put on a mini-skirt and tight fitting top. When she…
Bob Jones
June 15, 2019
Life FormationLife Stories

TATTOO: WHEN ART IMITATES LIFE

Starbucks coffeehouses became my new meeting places when I transitioned out of North Pointe's office space. I like the lattes but I love the unexpected connections with people. Like the one I had on Friday. Waiting in line to pick up my flat white I couldn't help but notice the tattoos of a woman seated to my right. It's not polite to stare but I was tempted. Have you ever noticed that your eyes sometimes just gravitate to people with tattoos? There’s something about tattoos that can really make someone stand out in a crowd. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 15, 2019
Health MattersLife Formation

THE SURPRISING SECRET TO SUCCESS

In the immortal words of Mike Tyson, “Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face!” Disappointments truly hurt. You bet they do. They sure don't make you happy. But what does make you happy is the ability to rise strong and press on. Just ask the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions, St Louis Blues and their biggest fan Laila Anderson. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 12, 2019
Uncategorized

THE BEST LAID PLANS: WICKED STRONG

It is the summer of 1996. I am 42 years old, have a great job as a speech/language pathologist, and a wonderful family. My summer plans are chalk full...starting a Masters degree, directing two camps for Teen Time (a ranch program for teens), and a family vacation. Laurie Harrison is a wife, mom, grandmother and cancer fighter. She is part of the inspiration behind Supporting the Fighters. This is her story. Not In My Plans But… Why is there always a “but?” After a routine mammogram, my doctor diagnosed breast cancer. That was not on my list of summer activities. Oh well, I would have the mastectomy, rest for a few days, do my university courses, and still go on holidays.…
Bob Jones
June 12, 2019