Kenton J. Kutney

I have been pondering how it is even possible for a modern mortal to ‘share in the sufferings of Christ’.  It is one thing to recall the history of early church persecution, 'the blood of the saints that was the seed of the church'.  And it seems that many of the exhortations to endure suffering in Scripture are directly related to the hardship of the church and the cause of the Gospel of Christ.  These are the hero-saints of which the world was unworthy (Heb. 11:38). Especially when I compare that to my sufferings with a chronic illness: years living with a silly vortex of trials which constantly surprises in some fresh way with the same old symptoms (deep pain and sheer fatigue, troubled sleep, stomach troubles, financial strains, concerns about the future, etc.), so that once again one is caught muttering “Why me?” and feeling immature.  How do my aches and anxieties possibly compare to His sacred stripes?  How can they in some way be spiritual? ...

--> "Tapestry Holes" The other day I received I great email fwd (unknown) from my brother, Lorne, who is among the great ‘forwarders’. Along with reading Scripture and some C.S. Lewis, it has triggered some fresh insights or appreciations about Easter and my own chronic illness.  I’ll see if I can synthesize it in few paragraphs. It begins as dreamy face-to face encounter with the Maker at the Judgment. I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.  Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off my pile, I noticed how ragged and empty the squares were. They were filled with giant holes.  Worse yet, each square was labelled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I faced in everyday ...

Click to check out what our little Sophie drew ... (it's 'me', but I thot I could use a hat!) "It's getting cold out there!"

We are pleased to offer this season a new LARGE poster-size for the very popular print, "Fall Fireworks" or, as it has also become known as, "Changing Seasons" (fitting with a theme of suffering I have been writing about, and living). - Only $129.00 plus S&H, includes a metal-reinforced wood frame with plexiglass for lite weight & safety. Click the link above, or the picture of the LEAVES to the left for all the details. - Don't forget to check out all the other variations on my art - smaller sized prints / frames, even note cards are available. They make ideal gift solutions!

Only humans and dalmations get 'uric acid kidney stones' (said my specialist curiously after I had my painful turn at passing them last month). "Explain that one, Darwin!" I grimaced too loudly, more because of my left kidney than out of disrespect. There was a pause, verging on awkward silence. Turns out it was the doctor thinking. He looked at me: "That's a good one," the Doc says. So much for evolutionary theories that try to ignore the Creator. THINK DESIGN. kenton j. kutney

A Deeper “Why?” by Ken Kutney IF OUR STORY HELPS ONE PERSON, WE ARE HAPPY.  Still acting like newlyweds when they moved west, Terry and Julia Ruegg settled into the quaint, historic fishing village of Steveston in B.C. We met at a summer church service on the beach. They eagerly engaged in the community life of our church, emphasizing authenticity, especially in the enrichment of married couples. As for their own marriage, after seven years it seemed that Terry and Julia were unable to have children. But as Terry recalls, “We were OK with that and ready to go on with life—just the two of us.” Ken: I recall how delighted we all were when the surprise came. Terry: When we found out we were  pregnant, we were shocked and scared. Good thing we had nine months to adjust! We became very excited about becoming parents. Baby Melissa was born on Valentine’s Day, stealing our hearts the instant we laid eyes on her screaming little form. K: The long delivery took a toll on all of you. ...

Check out this new Missions concept for developing countries - creating a culture of opportunitie. Equal access for children with learning delays. Interested in how you can 'lend a hand? Follow the link to the whole story... clipped from handinhandproject.blogspot.com A Dominican Republic Education Project - Opening Doors For Children Of All Abilities Currently, children who struggle with dyslexia, autism, or other special needs are excluded from the predominantly private school system. Medical diagnosis is unavailable and parents lack the instruction and support necessary to lead healthy families. Hand-in-Hand is a unique, inclusive educational project in the Dominican Republic. We aim to provide the following: Appropriate education to children of all learning abilities, as well as to those whose families live in poverty Medical diagnosis of learning challenges Counselling for families to help cope with the unique challenges of raising special needs children. Doctors, t...