Short ponderings on a few C.S. Lewis quotes

"I wrote the books I should have liked to read. That's always been my reason for writing. People won't write the books I want, so I have to do it for myself." If only more writers would have a similar goal, I daresay a whole lot of books would be more engaging. Yet, Lewis' last sentence in this quote is, I think for most of us, easier said than done!

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough." I am inclined to agree with Lewis on tea, but not on long books-alas, some seem to me far too long. 

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." I find this a very insightful truth, as well as a tad humorous. There can be some significant theological and biblical grist for the mill in fairy tales. 

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." Another profound, insightful thought, children's stories with universal motifs in them tend to hold the reader's attention regardless of the reader's/listener's age. 

"You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you." When I think of this statement, I think of those living under oppressive regimes; those who are exploited by lies of the mass media-especially the advertising industry; and those who are struggling with abuse and addictions of all kinds. 

Do you the readers of this post have any thoughts on these C.S. Lewis quotes? 

Dedication of the Rev. Dr. John W. Kleiner Jewish-Christian Relations Collection

Yours Truly in front of the Rev Dr John W Kleiner Jewish-Christian Relations Collection

Recently I was privileged to attend the Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon Annual Study Conference. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Craig Van Gelder III, who presented three lectures on the theme: "A Changing Church in a Changing World: Discerning the Spirit's Leading in the 21st Century." A highlight for me was the dedication of the Rev. Dr. John W. Kleiner's Jewish-Christian Relations Collection in the LTS library. Dr. Kleiner was one of my professors at LTS. 

Funeral Sermon for Elizabeth (Beth) Owen

A brief Sermon for Elizabeth (Beth) Owen, based on Ps 23 & Jn 14:1-3, by Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, at Burgar Funeral Chapel, May 9, 2015.

As you know, there are many different kinds of death—for some, it comes too soon, for others, it may come in a tragic, unexpected way, for yet others, it may come after a long and full life and be a blessing when it comes. I would say that for Elizabeth—Beth—Mildred Own, death came in the latter way as a blessing after a long and full life.

   After over nine decades of a full and meaningful life, our LORD, who is like a loving and caring shepherd, called Beth to those heavenly green pastures and still waters of eternal peace. The twenty-third Psalm gives us a beautiful, comforting, and hope-filled message of who our God is and how he is at work in our lives. God, like a loving, caring shepherd is pictured as our provider, protector, and preserver of life.

   From what little I know about Beth’s life, I believe that the LORD was Beth’s shepherd in that he provided her with the basic necessities of life and more. God blessed Beth with a spouse, children, meaningful and rewarding work as a schoolteacher, and later as a librarian at the University of Alberta, and when the time came, grandchildren. As Beth’s protector, God most likely guided her through some difficult and challenging times. In the words of the Psalm: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” Notice that we do not stay in death’s valley rather, God our shepherd walks with us through it to the other side—life beyond this one, eternal life. God also preserved Beth’s life for over nine decades, and I’m sure showered many blessings upon her and her loved ones during her life-journey. Now, by God’s grace, Beth’s life will be preserved as she dwells in the LORD’s house forever.

   Beth, on her good days at Bethany Meadows Aspen Cottage was known by our staff as chatty and a gracious person. She was a super-mom with awesome children, her son Keith came to visit her pretty much every day. In her younger years, as was mentioned she was a schoolteacher, and then later a librarian. In her room at Aspen Cottage, she had a hand-ringing bell as a reminder of her teaching days. I’m sure as a teacher she was a positive influence on children. Her children and grandchildren have also attested to her positive, loving and caring influence on them.

   Along with teaching and work as a librarian, family, children and grandchildren were the priorities, loves and passions of Beth’s life. When I think of family, I also think of a home. A home is a place of love. What makes for a loving, caring home? Well, a loving, caring home is a place where family members are accepted unconditionally. It is a place where family members feel safe and can share of themselves at a very deep level without being rejected. A place where family members can be themselves, their true selves. A home is also a place of joy and celebration, marking the special landmarks and accomplishments of life.

   In our passage from John’s Gospel, Jesus gives all those who trust in and follow him a wonderful promise of our eternal home. He promises that he goes ahead of us to prepare a place for us in the heavenly home. This home is the perfect home. The best of what we experience in our earthly home shall be even greater in our heavenly home. A heavenly home where all are perfectly loved, cared for and welcome if we place our life in the hands of Jesus our loving Saviour and Messiah. As the old adage has it: “There’s no place like home.” There certainly is no place like our heavenly home! For that thanks be to God! Amen.