Tag: faith
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6 Popular Questions About Easter (And The Answers)
How do a magical bunny, the names “Maundy” and “Good Friday,” and the death of an innocent man all come together? These questions often arise this time of year so I’ve put them together in a blog. 1. Why does the date always change? Christmas is a fixed day. But Easter is based on the Paschal Full…
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Prayer Advice from Martin Luther. Boom.
Anthony Ross was a rugged Scot known for eloquent speech. But an illness took his voice. He would never speak the same way again—but he was not totally devoid of words. He could still speak. Barely. As a result, his words had more weight. People would come from hundreds of miles to confess to him and get…
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Assisted Suicide: Is It Ethical? Or Murder? Or Both?
I know it’s a highly-charged topic. And it’s in the news. Recently CTV reported, “The Supreme Court of Canada has unanimously struck down the ban on providing a doctor-assisted death to mentally competent but suffering and “irremediable” patients.” Some will remember 1993 when 12-year old Tracy Latimer, severely disabled by cerebral palsy, had her life taken by her…
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Beat Back the Blues of January with Joy (Here Comes “Blue Monday”)
A British psychologist says this coming Monday will be the saddest day of the year. I’ve heard it called “Blue Monday”–The third Monday in January. Do you agree? Here’s why it’s called Blue Monday: It’s cold (at least if you’re in Canada!); the hullabaloo and oft-lifting twinkle of Christmas is over; credit card bills are…
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My Dad Just Died. Quickly. Here’s What I Said At His Funeral.
(My dad, Eric Ruttan, died on Sunday, November 16th. He lived 2 months less two days after being diagnosed with aggressive cancers in several parts of his body. He was 64. His obituary can be accessed here.) From Dad’s memorial service on November 21, 2014: Before I share my thoughts I want to share with…
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The 10 Things I Get Asked Most as a Minister (And How I Answer Them)
Einstein said that “curiosity has its own reason for existing.” As if wonder has its own self-propelling magnetism. Curiosity and questioning are daily menu items for a minister—especially as we lead those looking to lead godly lives. So I thought I’d put together a few of the questions I get asked most. Everyone has different…
