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
Health MattersLife Formation

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
Life Stories

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
Life Stories

REAL HOPE FROM BOB’S NEXT BOOK

If your world is a mess it doesn’t mean that you have to be one. You’re Going To Be OK offers real hope for women from women fighting cancer, mental illness, sexual abuse or loss. You don’t need to be alone in your fight. Women who build hope into their own lives and who share hope with others become powerful. You are going to be OK. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 7, 2019
Life Formation

THE ONE WHERE JESUS SAYS YOU’RE GOING TO BE OK

We live in a beautiful, tragic, complicated world. Emotional, intellectual, and spiritual turbulence is a part of life. Turbulence creates uncertainty. Life isn't OK. Over coffee I’ve listened to many people say, “I struggle with my faith. It's funny because I believe very powerfully in God and all that He can do and yet I have so many doubts.” Does God hear my prayers? Is the Bible really true? Will God lead me and keep me safe? With so much suffering how can you believe God to be good? Is God really in control? (more…)
Bob Jones
May 26, 2019