Monday 21 October 2013

THE URBAN SAINT: The HARRY LEHOTSKY STORY - by Paul H Boge

Author: Paul H. Boge
     Publisher: Horizon Press
Publication Date: November 2009

I've marked this 5*s for 'amazing' not just in writing
[Canadian author Paul Boge],
but the content of an amazing life well lived. 


Harry Lehotsky is such a well known and well remembered person, I now know a lot more of the reasons why. Boge's biography fills in the past that formed Harry's foundations and the life that resulted. His journey to reach Winnipeg, Canada's prairie centre, and Winnipeg's own centre, where he spent his life caring for the people, many who had stopped caring for themselves. Fighting for justice and right decisions for the people and in government decisions that would affect the people. Using the voice he'd been given in every way he could to better the area for the people who lived there.

His innovative efforts and methods in founding affordable housing renovation projects, the Ellice cafe to integrate blue collar, white collar and no collar patrons [dear to my own heart as my son donated his time and muscles in creating the unique floor of the cafe], Ellice theatre for music, theatre and movie events at affordable cost, and an alternative church for all to be welcomed and included.

A challenging read that inspires gratitude for Harry's life - lived and shared.

SO pleased to have had the opportunity to read this book and meet Harry in depth.


Hoping you  have the opportunity to meet this 'Canadian' hero in your reading journeys.










Sunday 8 September 2013

Sunday Thought: Listening with Our Heart























Adonai ELOHIM has given Me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He wakens Me morning by morning,
He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught]. Isaiah 50:4







 

Thursday 5 September 2013

Shanah Tovah!















Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset September 4th continuing through nightfall
September 6th followed by Shabbat.  
Every blessing of Peace Health and Sweetness to you and yours ...


- photo chabad.org for more on Rosh Hashanah







 

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Elder Abuse in Winnipeg MB Arms of the Cross Seniors Housing


According to a Winnipeg MCC Thrift Shop volunteer, concerns of shopping tenants from a local seniors housing complex are growing. Plagued with management's threats, the abuse continues to escalate.  This week began no differently...

New concerns have arisen regarding the thwarting of a tenant only initiative [rather than the management run 'friendship group' controlled by management and board members].  The Mosaik Tenants poster inviting all tenants to a startup meeting was
removed from the bulletin board in violation of Residential Tenancy Branch rep's statement at last week's meeting, assuring tenants of the Arms of the Cross Housing,
"no one can prevent you from starting a tenants' association neither tenants' use of the common room without charge" .  Management has done both.  Removed the Mosaik Tenants' poster and booked the room for their own board meeting this Wednesday evening.  


Mosaik Tenants Initiative members are watching for a response to their letter stating planned use of the room as described by RTB.  If management had truly pre-booked the common room for their board meeting, then an alternate time should have been offered for the new Tenants Initiative meeting.  It also is to be available to tenants without charge.  That has been management's continual threat to prevent tenants use of the room - rental fees and damage deposits.  Which, according to RTB, is not allowed....

Just one week ago, members of local and provincial government attended a meeting with tenants seeking clarification on rules and regulations required for issues being experienced in living with a non-cooperative management who continues to make their own rules and utter threats of eviction at will.

West End tenants of 555 Burnell Street in Winnipeg MB met August 28th at 11:30 a.m. with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) rep. Ernie Gagnon and other board reps, City Councillor Harvey Smith, and Attorney General, MLA, Minister of Justice, lawyer Mr. Andrew Swan in an effort to bring to light longstanding tenancy issues with Massey Management Services 2008 and the Board of the Church of the Cross sponsored, [55+] Arms of the Cross Housing Inc.  

Unfortunately, manager Dan Massey, was provided more opportunity to speak to his own agenda than listen to the legitimate concerns of the tenants, which was allowed by Minister Swan who was chairing the meeting.  Why?  He repeatedly and obviously stepped back to allow the imbalance rather than allowing tenants to speak.  Even when hands were raised to indicate they wanted to use their long-awaited chance to bring their issues to the table, they were interrupted or prevented from speaking by Minister Swan as he saw fit. Leaving tenants unrecognized and with real issues trivialized, including but not limited to:
Continual illegal entry of tenants’ suites, suppressing evidence of criminal incidents, violating federal privacy laws, lack of privacy regulation knowledge, implementation and adherence to PIPEDA, unsubstantial eviction notices, improper serving of notices, unreasonable rules and policies for elderly tenants, threatening, bullying, elder abuse and disrespect, preventing tenants’ use of common room, prevention of a tenant organized association in preference for the Massey Management run group, tenants being charged for needed repairs, lengthy waits and/or denial of needed repairs, fire code violations, favouritism, policy preventing tenants from presenting issues to Board of Directors, prevention of tenant concerns reaching the Board, living under threat of eviction at manager’s will - just some of management’s actions needing to be addressed by RTB.
Other issues prevented from being raised included the issue of whether employees are bonded and criminal background checks verified.
 One incident of tenant abuse by management was specifically directed to Andrew Swan:
“In your capacity as Attorney General, can you tell us whether it is legal or not to suppress evidence and bully vulnerable tenants into not reporting incidents to the police?”
 Mr. Swan replied:  “Well, we have had a really positive meeting together to talk about things and you have heard Mr. Gagnon say if tenants have concerns or complaints, that the first hope is that you take it to the landlord to get the problems resolved.  If the problem is not resolved, you have the right to make a complaint to the Residential Tenancy Branch and the branch will then investigate.  They may not resolve that the way that will make everybody happy, but it is their job and their duty, and they’re much happier to be on the front end of things, giving information and making sure everybody has the same information rather than having to deal with complaints.  But they stand ready to do that.  So you have heard very clearly that if you are not satisfied with the response you are getting from the landlord, you have other remedies you are entitled to follow.  So I think that’s probably the best answer I can give you.” 
Unfortunately, if that’s the “best answer” our Minister of Justice can provide, tenants are left in a sorry state.  Living in fear and under stress in a potentially unprotected state endorsed by  Minister Swan because he was more interested in patting the management on the back than making a clear statement of management’s wrongdoing and addressing the clearly stated issue.  What about his fiduciary responsibility?  At the very least, Minister Swan could have assured tenants the issues would be addressed, but nothing was.  Nor was it forthcoming.  He refused to address the issue when presented with the opportunity.  Does Massey Management perpetrate their pattern of threats and abuse, endorsed in their actions by the Minister of Justice’s own refusal to deal directly with the issues?
 Perhaps a further incident of abuse occurring Sept 1st would have been prevented by a legitimate recognition of wrongdoing by Minister Swan when he had the opportunity. 
Despite these issues having been brought, in writing, to the attention of those government officials and Board members present at the meeting, neither manager, members of the Board of Directors, nor the sponsoring Church of the Cross pastor, also in attendance, took ownership for any of their actions.  Nor was there an apology for any of the abusive actions and injustices endured by tenants despite knowledge of same.  
 Where does that leave the tenants?  What was the purpose of Minister Andrew Swan’s presence if not to see that the issues were brought into the light in order that RTB could address them? RTB could then give the necessary guidance for both management and tenants to understand their roles and rules. 
 Councillor Harvey Smith had earlier made it clear in an Aug 13th letter addressed and delivered individually to the tenants, that management’s violation of provincial and federal laws, whilst conducting the affairs of the apartment, is not acceptable and is illegal.   He has taken a clear stand on behalf of the tenants and made himself available for advice and assistance.  His response to the question left unaddressed by Andrew Swan is, “Any case of crime must be reported to the police.”
 Concerned West End neighbour, Don Woodstock, says “Management should never bully vulnerable people nor suppress evidence and such behaviour should be reported immediately to the police.  Especially where there is a loss of personal property.” 
The tenants that are affected the most by this abusive management style did not receive any assurance from Attorney General, Lawyer and MLA, Andrew Swan, that this kind of behaviour was wrong.  Mr. Swan needs to answer the questions directly.   Or is he protecting the management team and agreeing with their actions to do as they wish –
                       abusing vulnerable tenants in whatever way they please?
Concerns continue for the protection of the elderly and calls for relief from the harmful situations being experienced.  When Residential Tenancy Branch lawful rules and regulations currently in place continue to be ignored by management and our own Minister of Justice, a wider audience needs to be aware of these seniors' reality.  No one should be living with invasions of privacy, unjust and unfounded threats of eviction, charges for repairs, denial of use of common areas, the right to form their own tenant association, and favouritism - all perpetrated by management.  

Neither should elderly seniors suffer break and entry via key with subsequent financial loss and when reported to management, told not to report to the police.  This is unconscionable.  What will it take to hear so from Justice Minister Andrew Swan?

Should the tenants experiencing these realities be left to suffer in silence?  

I am one [more] who doesn't believe so.












Monday 1 July 2013

Review: Ragged Hope:Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices by Cynthia Ruchti



Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices

Released July 1st by Abingdon Press:

In the words of author Cynthia Ruchti, 
Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices, is "a celebration of the resiliency of the human spirit, the courageous resolve of those determined to survive despite the fallout of other people's choices, and the exquisite redemptive power of the God who can wring beauty from ashes."

Filled with story after story of western society's realities, it would be hard not to be aware of or personally affected by situations depicted in Ragged Hope.  Job loss, lack of life insurance, HIV Aids from a loved one, pre-retirement redundancy, raising grandchildren, infidelity, post natal depression, only a shortlist.  A practical book, providing thoughtful responses the reader can employ when confronted with just such situations and those personally affronted, challenges to complacency, and scriptures to guide our responses. 

Examples cover a wide range of losses experienced by so many in the world of our day. In mentioning the few I risk missing the one that may benefit your issue or area of struggle. I was impacted throughout the book's many examples, both personally and responsively. The overarching theme that God carries all such damaged and wounded people dear and near His heart, offering the only Hope that provides strength and inspirits with anticipation. "It's an expectation based on the belief that God cares and that He can reach through the fallout to redeem, revive, refresh, restore..." rather than living stymied by recycling regrets, resentment, and retribution.

Psalm 107 is the template to which Ms Ruchti refers us.  Whatever the life distress, "In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and He rescued them from their distress..." with the expected response being, "Let them give thanks to ADONAI for His grace, for His wonders bestowed on humanity!"  The conclusion?  "Let whoever is wise observe these things and consider ADONAI's loving deeds." [CJB]

A book of Hope, courage and encouragement for the recipients of injustices and those who care.  
An eye opening call to compassion.  
A recommended reading resource.




*Appreciation to Abingdon Press for an ecopy to read and review without obligation.







 

HAPPY CANADA DAY #146 ! !




Celebrating with Canadians everywhere the goodness of God in keeping our land 
'glorious and Free!' as the national anthem, Oh Canada, offers the prayer of request.

Founded on Psalm 72.8 , " He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river
unto the ends of the earth."  the Dominion of Canada was formed to unite the provinces into a nation
on July 1st 1867.
Canada's motto is "He shall have dominion from sea to sea" referring to  God from the Psalm 72 scripture, repeated again in Latin on the Canadian coat of arms, "From sea to sea".

Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, wrote an explanation of the name to Queen Victoria, stating it , " a tribute to the principles they earnestly desired to uphold."


Declaring God's continued dominion of Canada from sea to sea !  
as we watch fantastic firework displays celebrating this beautiful nation founded on God's freedom. 









 

Sunday 16 June 2013

From Your Heavenly Father on Father's Day ....


Every Blessing on this Father's Day !








       *



Saturday 15 June 2013

Free Audiobook: The Awakening of Hope - Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

The Awakening of Hope: Why We Practice a Common Faith
by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove


According to Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, faithful action is always inspired and sustained by common convictions---the basic truths that have sustained God's people throughout every generation. The Awakening of Hope represents Christian faith by beginning with stories of faithful witness and asking, Why? Why do Christians eat together? Why do we fast? Why would we rather die than kill? These are the questions that help us see why creation and the fall, covenant and community, ethics and evangelism, matter. This book is a contemporary catechism, celebrating lives and stories that wouldn't make sense if the gospel were not true.

Going one step further, this project shares the good news of Jesus and the way of life that he makes possible. - GoBible

"In his latest book, The Awakening of HopeHartgrove doesn’t get bogged down in ... statements about what Christians should avoid. In fact, he does just the opposite. Jonathan outlines a beautiful manifesto of what Christians are for and dusts off the spiritual practices that have distinguished Christians for centuries. But he doesn’t just dust them off. He digs deep into practices – from fasting to promises to intentional living. Jonathan even goes so far as to live these practices out and comes back to tell us how it went!" - RLC editor



“This book is good news…a magnificent report on lived theology, not just theological ideas and truths, but storied theology, the kind that we find in our Scriptures.” – Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message

Audio Book available FREE during June 2013
Author: Jonathan Wilson-HartgroveOriginally Published: 2012Format: Unabridged Normal Price: $14.99 FREE thru June 30th

Connect with Jonathan online
 
Youtube videos
Patheos Book Club











Friday 14 June 2013


















Wednesday 12 June 2013

Word for Wednesday 12.6.13






 Word for Wednesday 








 


 

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Summer Reading Program Rewards Readers - via Tyndale Publishers

















Welcome to the Tyndale Summer Reading Program !

The Tyndale Summer Reading program is a great opportunity to earn rewards for reading and sharing about the books you read. When you sign up you can earn points towards free books by reading books listed on our summer reading list and then sharing about the books you read in a variety of places including personal blogs, retails sites (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, Chapters, etc), and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

        *
Here’s how to join and participate:
  • Set up your account by clicking on the “Apply Now” link below.

  • Take a look at our summer reading list and find books you’re interested in reading.

  • Visit your favourite bookstore, online retail site, library or grab your e-reader and purchase or borrow one of the books from the list. Basically you can get the books anywhere you normally get books. (Note: We cannot send you free books to read.)

  • After you finish reading a book, share about it on your blog, a retail site, or using one of your social media accounts. Sharing about the book in at least three places will earn you one point.

  • Log-in to your Summer Reading Program account and submit your book sharing links. Each book shared about counts as one point.

  • Once you earn 5 points you’ll be able to select any book from our summer reading list to be sent to you for free. It’s that easy!
During the 2012 Tyndale Summer Reading program over 1600 books were read, and the top reader read 50 books! It was definitely a summer full of reading.
This year we’re hoping that even more people will take their reading to the next level.

Here’s what the Tyndale Summer Reading Program will get you:
- For every 5 books you read and submit proof that you shared about them, you’ll receive a free book of your choice from the summer reading list.
  • The top reader at the end of the summer will receive a $75 gift card towards books.

  • The 2nd through 4th place top readers will each receive a $50 gift card towards books.

  • Everyone who earns at least one point will be entered to win a free e-reader!
Plus we will introduce more great opportunities throughout the summer including milestone awards and reading challenges.

Join the Summer Reading Program today!
Participate by providing us with some of your information.
Program will run June 1st through August 31st 2013.







 

Sunday 9 June 2013

Sunday Song : Bless the Lord by Matt Redman


With gratitude for a new day and new beginning
here's Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons to BLess the Lord













 

Shared at Inspire Me Monday 

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Word for Wednesday 5.6.13














Saturday 1 June 2013

New Release: By Grace Alone author Derek Prince 1.6.13



By Grace Alone
author: Derek Prince
publisher  Chosen Books June 1st 2013
info and excerpt HERE


Having had the privilege of  some editing of another manuscript at the author's ministry headquarters in the English countryside, I looked forward with anticipation to reading a new compilation of Mr Prince's previously unpublished work.  It doesn't disappoint. 

From his opening statement of purpose, readers are in for a bit of sod turning. "The ultimate purpose of this book is for you to discover what does and does not matter in your CHristian walk...a matter of critical importance...confusion on this issue is the root of most of our problems." What are the issues of religious law vs grace that need recognition in our own lives? In the Church? Have we relegated ourselves to lives of rules and regulations? Lives of striving? Analysis is followed with anti-dote. God's gift of grace.

Mr Prince leads us into a comprehensive and life-changing understanding of grace beginning with Romans 10.4, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." With this fresh perspective we begin to live the life of liberty and freedom that God's gift of grace provides. Mr Prince goes on to develop this in its entirety for full benefit and release from living a life of religious constraints and performance orientation.

What I love about Derek Prince's writing is his ability to distill his thorough knowledge of difficult topics into accessible language that ensures our understanding and ability to apply the principles learned. The application of those truths is up to us. 

By Grace Alone provides us with seeds of grace we can choose to plant in the soil of our heart. The impetus of the Holy Spirit will bring it to fruition. Let us keep the soil clear of religious weeds that will try to choke out the new growth. And let us pray for fresh rainfall to increase the growth of grace presented via this excellent new release from Derek Prince...

About the author:

  Derek Prince (1915-2003), founder of Derek Prince Ministries International, wrote more than fifty books. He was educated at Eton College and Cambridge University and studied Hebrew and Aramaic at Cambridge and at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His daily radio broadcast, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, still reaches listeners around the world.    - Chosen Books
                                   

















 

Armchair BEA Day 5 Discussion: Children to YA Books



“You have to write the book that wants to be written.
And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” 

― Madeleine L'Engle

Today's genre is a big one, Children's Literature. From picture books to middle grade to young adult novels this is a category that encompasses books that young and old alike flock to on a daily basis. In our home it's not uncommon to read anywhere from three or four picture books a day to as many as twenty. And that's not counting the middle grade and YA books picked up and devoured in a week. 

One of the great things about children's literature is the wide range of emotions, topics and themes it covers... it can take us to places far away through wardrobes, on pirate ships and into times of post-apocalyptic chaos. There is no limit to what can be accomplished within the pages of a well-written piece of children's literature. 

What are your favourites? Why do you love children's literature? 
Did you write a post about it? Share it with us!

You don't have to be a kid to appreciate children's and teen literature, do you?
We're talking about that today.
Post your thoughts about kidlit and YA, and link them up here!



“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.” 



What reading delight we miss when we don't return to our book loves from childhood.  Perhaps one of the great gifts of parenthood or as uncle, aunt or grandparent - reading these stories once again to our own family's children.

Children's writing allows us the freedom to venture into worlds without skepticism.  With the joy of anticipation.  With eyes of wonder.

What are some of my favourites?





Beautiful beginnings.
This one for children by Lisa T Bergren 
God Gave Us You is not to be missed.
A polar bear answers each child's 
foundational question, "Where did I come from?"

"God Gave Us You provides a valuable opportunity to build children's self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured 
gift from God" - Goodreads



The Borrowers by Mary Norton
                                                                        
This is the classic story--read and loved by children all over the world--of Pod, Homily, and their daughter, Arrietty, who live under the kitchen floor in a quiet, half-empty house and get their livelihood by borrowing from the “human beans.”   -  “Delectable fantasy.”--Booklist

This is the first series I remember reading. Avidly hunting the library's shelves for the next book in the series; hoping it would be in and available to 'borrow' on every trip mom and I would take to the library.
I re-read the series when I found a boxed set at a charity shop just a few years ago.  I loved every minute of the luxury of reading it again and seeing it now through adult eyes.


Series were definitely a favourite.  Probably a good marketing ploy!
Kept me wanting the 'next one'; the next adventure with the heroine or hero that had become part of my life.  Nancy Drew?  Anyone else into following The Hardy Boys?


I am now seeing where my love for mysteries originated!  My next series was of the same genre.
Bernard Palmer's prolific writing of Danny Orlis mysteries...                





I didn't discover Narnia until an adult, 
but that hasn't deterred me from its enjoyment!
Thus my CS Lewis quote above...







One enjoyment that I've loved throughout the years is having a book read to me.  Loved as a child for sure!  and now with abundant availability of audiobooks it's a great option to continue that pleasure.  Having them on hand in the car as well as in house keeps you 'reading' and really shortens any highway driving time!  The kids always love trips to the cottage because they'll have a story 'live' via the audiobooks.  
Here's  a New Release just this week I think you'll enjoy -                                                    





One classic book that can't be forgotten in a children's book discussion is Canadian author, LM Montgomery's, Anne of Green Gables.  And of course all the others one will be lead to in reading this first book!
This ebook collection of almost every LMM book and audio is incredibly priced variously at .99 or 1.99 and worth more than paid!  Find it at amazon.
You'll be glad you did.



A fantastic ya series that had book blog discussions happening weekly -
The RIver of Time series by Lisa T Bergren.  Waterfall, Cascade,
Torrent - contemp to medieval time travel. 





A brief overview of some of my influences and blast from the past.
Thanks for the fun,
Armchair BEA hosts.  Every title I pulled up at Goodreads was a fresh reminder of my childhood blessings and happiness.

Find more blogs posting for today RIGHT HERE .







 


 


Thursday 30 May 2013

Armchair BEA Photo Challenge: Books To Be Read Stacks 30.5.13



Today's Armchair BEA photo challenge?
Show us your Reading Stack !
Now this one is bound to generate some humour..                                
Life has a way of getting in the way of our
best laid reading plans, so those stacks have a
way of growing [unintentionally of course!]
But it all ends up working out.

Books get read.
Books get reviewed.  Next.




Beside the physical book stack, now I have the
digital to add to it!




Seems to be a preferred delivery for reviews.
I like the instant access and knowing I have a few books on hand for when I can grab reading time rather than having to wait for delays in the postal system.  Too frequent for my liking..

So what's your stack looking like these days?
Care to show us ?  I will if you will..
                                                                                   [@_InSpirit on twitter]





Here's the Armchair BEA Photo Challenge schedule:









Wednesday 29 May 2013

Armchair BEA Day 2: Developing Blog Presence 29.5.13



Paths to Becoming a Better Blogger--Discussing Development

Today's topic at Armchair BEA, to foster "blogger development"--and clearly, that              development can go in a variety of directions! Today, we're inviting you to talk about       your approach. Have you branched out into your community? Do you partner with other     bloggers? Have you gone "pro" or tried generating some income through your blog? If you're a long-term blogger, how has your online personality developed over the years?                

Tell us about things you've done to expand your blogging horizons, and the things you'd     like to do but haven't managed (or figured out) yet. Come back HERE to link up your post, and then go see what other participants have to say. Let's foster our development as        bloggers and learn from each other!                                                                              
                                                                                                                                  

I've branched out in the blogging community in several ways.  I like to participate in support if an  author has a promo for their new book.  I'll interact with their book launch events by tweeting it, posting the updates or reposting their own event post including the links.  It serves to widen their influence to readers they possibly wouldn't reach on their own.  If I've read and posted a good review of one of their books, I will often get a new release to read and review as well.  Pretty much another partnership has been formed each time this occurs.
                                                                             Margaret Feinberg's 'Wonderstruck' book launch is
                                                                             one example.

Ken Wytsma's 'Pursuing Justice' is another.



I am in process of affiliation with a few businesses I particularly value and consider worth offering their product to my readers.  I wouldn't be interested in random ads for income as , to me, it just cheapens my intended influence and acts as a distraction from the purpose of Infuse as a blog.

That too aligns with my blog personality development.  Knowing what works with my personality.  What reflects me as a blogger.  I'm a resource for readers. I like to provide connections and information.  So I need to stay true and atuned to my internal call and focus for Infuse: InSpirit.

Definitely working on affiliation is a blogging expansion I want to do but haven't managed to accomplish yet and there are details I haven't figured out [though I am sincerely working on!].  I also want to import the remainder of the original posterous posts for the past 3 years onto this site and restore it to its full impact and online presence.  Time is  essential for completing that task.

And you?  What development have you experienced or pursued as a blogger?