Holding yourself together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart - that's true strength. Kristen Fersovitch was one of the strongest women I know. (more…)
Jones BobMay 18, 2019
Brittney Tancowny's life changed the day she was told she had leukemia. The very sound was like a death knell. Newly married...an aspiring career...dreams of a family. What happened to her "happily ever after?" Brittney says, "My story involves leukemia but its really about how God has been doing his work in my life and my family and friends’ lives. GOD'S LOVE AND PROMISES The cancer took over so quickly that the 2nd day into my chemo my body began to shut down. The cancer was on full attack and determined to take my life. I was put into a temporary paralysis. I spent 6 months in and out of the hospital with 4 bone marrow biopsies, 4 rounds of…
Jones BobSeptember 7, 2018
The rough - its a destination for which my golf ball never needs to ask directions. Recreational and professional golfers alike, end up in it. It can be a place of intimidation or immortality. Some of the most memorable victories in the PGA or LPGA are of pros who made improbable shots out of the rough. In golf, championships are won not by avoiding getting into the rough but by successfully getting out. Life is much the same way. Life's UnFair Way To be in the rough is to be off the fairway. The rough feels unfair, frustrating, discouraging, and stands in the way of success. All too often, life resembles golf: our lives end up "in the rough" and…
Jones BobJuly 19, 2018
Trapped by procrastination? Are "later" or "tomorrow" your best times for getting things done? You're not alone. 7 Ways To Beat Procrastination 1. Do nothing. Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination. If you want to get yourself to do something, make the alternative to that task to do nothing. When there’s some chore you just don’t want to tackle, every other chore seems alluring. 2. Start. Think of the most discouraging thing that you are currently carrying or the biggest project you can’t seem to tackle. Forget about how you got there, just look at the clock, and before that number changes, do one little thing to make it better. After you do, enjoy your moment…
Jones BobFebruary 8, 2017
Mackenzee Wittke is a "one-in-a-billion" little girl. "Kenzee," as her family affectionately calls her, was born with a medical condition that has baffled experts from around the world. Her condition is so rare that the "Mackenzee Wittke Syndrome" was named after her. Her story was featured in the July 17th, 2014 edition of Macleans Magazine.Matt and Kim Wittke live in the bedroom community of Sherwood Park, Alberta. They have two daughters, Emilee and Mackenzee. Mackenzee's middle name is "Hope" and that's what the Wittkes have been holding on to for the past eight years. I've visited "little Mac" at the Stollery Children's Hospital and in their home. Kim's Story Kim says, "Hope is a word and emotion that has been…
Jones BobOctober 24, 2015
Are you are facing a situation in which the odds are stacked against you? You may be facing a diagnosis of cancer, a financial downturn, a lost job, or a broken relationship. Maybe you're an evacuee from Fort McMurray. You want to believe you can overcome your circumstances but truth be told you feel overcome by your circumstances. What Do You Do? There are numerous incidences from history where people faced intimidating odds and overcame them through faith. Here's where the Bible can be a practical help. There are stories of people like you who used faith in God to succeed. Three such people are referred to in Hebrews 11:29-31: 1. Moses: A hostile enemy army is behind you and…
Jones BobMay 28, 2014
Harold Gooley's volunteer role was teaching a handful of Junior High boys, which is as close to herding cats as you can get. Having a name like "Gooley" and working with Jr Hi boys is not a good mix. I was one of his students. To us, he was always, "Mr. Goooooulee!!," uttered with a tone of Halloween freakishness and just loud enough to be overheard. Classes were held in a dimly lit, musty smelling balcony of an aging facility. Mr Gooley was in his 50's, single and hunchbacked. I'll never know for sure if Mr. Gooley was merely arm-twisted into teaching this tough to reach age group, however my experiences with him would indicate that he was more than…
Jones BobMay 14, 2014
A friend answered opportunity's knock in 2012, and followed her dream to study medicine in London, England. It meant she had to stop believing she couldn't cope without friends, familiarity and her usual routine. In the long run she not only received an education, she found a lifetime partner while in England. They were married in April 2014. Stopping some things can be the start of something awesome in your life. 8 Things Your Future Self Will be Glad You Stopped Doing 1. Stop putting off the so-called “trip of a lifetime” for another year, because you assume you have another year. 2. Stop delaying to tell the ones you love, how much you love them often enough…
Jones BobMay 4, 2014
Meet Wendy Edey - the Director of Counseling for "Hope Studies Central" - formerly "The Hope Foundation" - at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta. Yes, there are University courses offered on the subject of "Hope." Pioneering Hope Since 1995, Wendy - who is a psychologist - has practiced and taught the intentional integration of hope strategies into counseling for people facing illness and complex problems. Her pioneering work in the development of hope-focused language earned the Canadian Counseling Association Award for practice excellence and the University of Alberta Alumni Award for excellence in achievement. Wendy is known by her friends as, "The Hope Lady." The Hope Lady I met Wendy in the days leading up to her daughter,…
Jones BobMarch 18, 2014