Originally published in the Tri-City News newspaper as Pastor Barry's "Pastor's Perspective" column, we invite you to explore these posts based on timeless Biblical truths, as relevant today as the day they were first published.
1997
1998
- Procrastination Often Fear Of Success, Or Failure
- Coping With Stress – The New Frontier
- Coping With Stress – Share And Support
- Coping With Stress – Our Spiritual Side Must Be Nurtured
- Valentine’s Day – Investing In Your Relationship
- Winter Becomes Spring – There Are Cycles To All Creation
- Psalm 23, A Life Map
- Life Is More Than Just A Game
- The Tomb Is Empty, Not The Heart
- Seeing Past The Daily Confusion
- Building The Bridges Of Life
- Mothers Day – The Hand of God
- Just Try An Act Of Kindness
- Shepherd, Sheep, Lamb Chops – Human Destiny
- When He Says “Lie Down” Do As He Says – Rest And Reflection
- Too Scared To Sleep
- Bodies Nourished, Souls Starved
- The Investment Is Worth The Effort, Children & Grandchildren
- Canadians Worship In Private, Canada Day
- Tend To Self As You Would Your Garden. The Foundation Of A Balanced, Happy Life.
- Attitude Makes All The Difference
- Making Friends, Either Way
- Having Friendships, By Example
- Kids Say Where Babies Come From
- Work And Marriage, Like Tending A Garden
- The Power Of Encouraging Words
- Words Can Sap Courage
- Tough Summer To Get Through
- Quench Your Spiritual Thirst
- Tough Journey Needs God
- God Has Prepared A Home
- Halloween More Than About Ghouls- Kids Should Know Origins
- Pillars Of Principle, The Foundation For Life
- Life Pillars And God Is One
- Love Is Like An Avalanche, Some Kids Views On Love And Marriage
- Church Fosters Feeling Of Security, Relationship With God Promotes Healthy Families
- Be Surprised At Christmas: Prayer And Service Keeps God Always Near
- It’s About A Baby Boy Not Just Toys
1999
- Last Year Before Y2K Is Pregnant With Possibility
- People Shop For Designer God
- Religion Turned Into Spiritual Dart Game
- Where Do You Want To Be In 10 Years? Alpha Course Explores Spirituality
- What We Say Does Make A Difference, Word Power Underestimated
- Blessings Aligned With Creator Powerful
- Stand By Your Man
- You Have The Power To Change
- Stolen Crayons & Legacy Of Love
- The Value Of A Good Name
- Rejection May Not Be So Bad
- Share Teachings With Kids
- Hope Beyond The Grave, A Question: What Is The Legacy We Will Leave Behind?
- Finish Well And And With Grace
- Death Is Just A Doorway To A New And Better Home
- Grief Has No Time Limit
- Having Faith Helps With Loss
- Grief Comes In Stages, And No Two People Feel The Same When It Comes To Facing Loss
- Grief Comes In Many Forms
- On Father’s Day, Remember It’s Time Not Toys That Your Children Want
- Don’t Build On A Hill
- Preventing Sinkholes, Our Inner World Is The Foundation For Everything In Life
- Material Gain Not A Measure Of Success
- Living A Life Of Integrity Is Not About Artifice, Lessons From History
- Religion And The Three Rs
- Time To Give Up Pride
- Following Solomon’s Signposts To Wisdom, Solid Foundation Key To Living A Successful Life
- Wisdom Must Be Learned, A Wise Parent Directs His Or Her Children To Wisdom
- People’s Inner Worlds Are Reflected In How They Behave
- Walking The Right Path, You Can’t Shift Blame To Other People
- Fasten Your Seatbelts, It’s Going To Be A Wild Ride
- Taking Those First Steps Towards Reuniting With God
- Living Well, Living Right
- Plenty To Be Thankful For, A Few Thanksgiving Stories To Warm The Heart This Time Of Year
- Discipline Gives Us Freedom, Lack Of Discipline Leads To Moral Decay And A Break Down Of Society
- Discipline Is A Gift Of Love
- Halloween Also Holy Day
- Words Can Motivate Or Break One’s Spirit
- The Power Of Positive Thinking
- One Lit Match Like One Nasty Word
- Try Seeing Christmas Through Child’s Eyes
- How’s Your Heart?
- God Shares Our Distress And Discomfort
- Best Gift Comes From The Heart
- Child’s Poem Reflects On Christmas Meaning
2000
- Just An Ordinary Guy – Gutenberg
- Be Worthy of Gift
- Use Every Precious Second
- The First Valentine Card
- Marriage Means Many Things
- Looking Good, Feeling Better In Marriage
- Keep The Flames Burning
- The Church In Our Tri-Cities
- While We Are Sleeping God Plans Our Day
- The Manufacturer Has Instructions For Us
- The Visitor Who Told Stories
- The Way To Wealth Is The Act of Giving
- More You Give, More You Have
- And We Just Said Okay
- Churches’ Value To Community Far Outweighs Lost Tax Dollars
- Remember To Give Mom Credit Where It Is Due
- With $1 Million, Mom Gets An Elephant
- CoverThis With Taxes
- More Churches, Better Used Benefit Everyone
- Who Is The World’s Largest Family?
- Local Churches Doing What They Do Best: Praying For All
- Untangling Our ‘Confused’ Parts
- Lives Go ‘Round And ‘Round Important Axle
- Miracle Of Grafting, Bears Sweet Fruit
- If You’re Not Plugged In, You’re Not Powerful
- We’re Paid For
- What’s Happening At Church?
- Canadian Churches Take From U.S. and Europe
- Church: Not Like It Was
- A New Awakening:
- Changes In Church Life Have Mirrored Changes In Society
- On Shopping And Modern Churches
- Thanks A Lot – Really
- Bad Examples, Busy Lives To Blame
- Why Church? Because We Need Each Other
- New Book Offers Spiritual Guidance
- Even Bart Prays For God’s Help
- Religion And Elections: Two Views
- One Silent Night, A King Was Born
- The Joy Of Giving
2001
- Foundation For A Good, Godly Life
- Winning Comes Through Struggle
- A Kick From God?
- Love Starts With Self-Sacrifice
- Of Love, Food & Furniture
- The Power of Your Name
- Marriage: Handle With Care
- Big Visions Power Future
- Passing The Baton Across Generations
- The Seven – Or So Wonders
- Put Confidence In The Word, Not Bestsellers
- Life In The Balance
- Eileen Finished On High Note
- Don’t Criticize This Column; It Will Be Better For Everyone
- Reasons Of The Soul Influence Sleep
- A Loving Letter To Mom
- Give Yourself Gift Of Sleep
- Dads, Be Known By What You Are
- The Greatest Gifts Are The Fruits Of Healthy Roots
- In Death, Father Finds There’s More To Life
- Celebrating Spiritual Roots
- Go Fly A Kite – Then Let It Go
- Human Contact Is Key Today
- Mourning Is A Long Night’s Journey Into Day
- Mourning Is Seven Steps To Recovering From Loss
- Need A Friend? Indeed.
- Five Pieces Of Friendship
- There Is A Friend For All Who Want One
- He Believes In Angels And Their Everyday Intervention
- See The Light, And Angels
- Angels Evident In Bible Stories & Everyday Life
- Many Questions: It’s Time To Pray
- Lives Lost And Strength Found A Brick At A Time
- What A Difference A Day Makes
- You Eagles, Take Flight
- Develop Children’s Roots While You Can
- Praying For Politicians
- Roots Of Happiness
- Helping Those In Need
- Giving And Receiving Operation Xmas Child
- Greed, Good Intentions
- Push And Pull Drag On Christianity
- Flowers And Cookies, Giving And Receiving
- Plant Good Seeds, Get Good Results
- Givers Can Receive Many Great Gifts
- 20 Things That Are Different
- Marriage A Solid Investment
2002
- Why Should We Go To Church?
- Churches Support Values, Goals
- Churches For Giving Praying
- Twelve Steps From Rage To Peace For Nancy
- Breaking Through: I’m OK, You’re Not OK
- Fixing Deep Scratches Possible
- A Wonder-full Legacy
- The Itsy, Bitsy Spider
- Get The Buzz On The Bees
- Reflecting On Moon’s Power
- Follow The Flying ‘V’ Of Geese To Success
- Pain Leads To Remedy
- Like Butterflies, We Can Change
- Giving And Growing With Both Insects And Children
- Ants And Aphids Offer Lessons In Co-existence
- Take Time To Rest
- Lessons From Mom
- 23 Rich Years Of Growth, Change
- PoCo: The Little City That Could, With A Little Help
- Dads Decide What Matters, Sometimes Too Late
- Attitude is Everything
- Canadian Church Needs Some More Updating
- A Kind Word Is Never Obsolete
- And On The 7th Day…
- Follow Manual For Smooth Operation
- Rest & Restoration Key Life Components
- Refill Your Senses, For Soul’s Sake
- Darkness, Light And Dealing With Loss
- Grief Not An Illness To Wish Away
- Disbelief Part Of Grief
- Lost And Found: Hope
- Physical, Mental And Emotional Intertwined
- There Is Sunrise Behind Gloom
- A New, Different, You
- On Light And Electricity
- For Health, Wealth, Wisdom, Give Thanks
- Choose Your Attitude
- Choose Your Own Weather And Attitude
- Give Gift Of Joy To Children Who Need It
- We’re Sitting On The Shoulders Of Others
- Size Of Heart, Not Home, Is What Counts To God
- Elected Officials Through History Have Had Challenges
- A Healthy Spirit Knows How To Laugh
- Are You Ready For A Miracle? Mary Wasn’t
- Open To Miracles
- Hell’s Angel’s Special Moment Heaven-sent
2003
- Get A New Map And Get Out Of A Town Called Stress
- With Knowledge Comes Power – And Plenty Of Stress, As Well
- Stressed & Compressed
- Burn Out Or Rust Out?
- No Means No When Life Is Full
- How Thick Is Your Skin?
- Celebrating Love, Life And Marriage
- How To Keep A Guy Longer Than 10 Days
- Work Toward Goals, Get Continuous Satisfaction
- We Should Slow Down, When We Find The Time
- Why Were Those People Trying To Kill Each Other?’
- Bunnies, Eggs & History
- Encouraging Words Can Go A Long Way
- Honouring Mom (And Dad)
- The Family Noose Tight
- Dishonour And Disease
- Rock Solid Memories
- Frustrations & Family
- Honour, For Parents, Can Come In Many Forms
- What To Do When Gold Falls From Sky
- Leaving A Family Legacy Of Love
- How Do You Define Success, Happiness?
- Follow Instructions To End To Achieve Success
- Wholeness, Not Potholes, On The Road To ‘Success’
- Cleaning Out Old Stuff
- Cutting Down The Forest Of Bad Habits
- Can You Handle Success’
- You Can’t Simply Sit There
- Steve, Finally Successful
- Finding Our Calling
- Heed God’s Call
- Put Pieces Together And See The Light
- Lucky 7: What You Need To Know To Be Happy
- A Life, A Death, And Hope
- How Are You Wired?
- Are You A Teacher? Encourager? Giver?
- The Administrator & One With Compassion Contribute
- Does Your Passion Match Up With Your Profession?
- ‘It’s Time For An ‘ I-exam’
- 10 Steps To Success Start With A Simple Question
- Crossing The Finish Line
- Keeping Eyes On Prize Will Work Wonders
- Figure Out Your Goals, Just Like Old Walter Disney Did
- Monkeys & Nuts: A Lesson For Those Who Are Overstressed
- The Seven-Year Itch, True Values & Priorities
- Take Time To Appreciate Gifts You’ve Been Given
- Giving Is A Gift Itself
2004
- You Can Put Life’s Puzzle Pieces Together
- Those Little Suckers Can Drain Your Life
- Caught With Your Weakness Hanging Out
- Move From Failure To Success
- Life’s Storms Reveal People’s True Character
- Reviewing The Steps To Success – Only 3 To Go
- Ahh, Love: Stinking Herbs And Honey Wine
- The Man With No Face Who Gave Himself Up To God
- Passionate About Passion
- Who’s To Blame Big Question
- Falling For A Hoax Proves Educational
- Searching For Meaning In Life Can Lead In Only One Direction
- Power Tools, Provenance & A Question: Who Am I
- Where There’s Hope, There Is A Future
- Forget Eternal Youth And Go For Eternal Life
- Revealing Your ‘Swan’ Worth The Time It Takes
- The Story Of Mike, Part 1: The Dark Past
- Mike’s Story, Part 2: The Pain Of Shame
- Would You Apply?
- Nuts About Life’s Surprises
- Reflecting On The Birth Of Northside Church
- Don’t Give Up On Dreams
- Nine Months Later…
- Sevens Step To Success
- Dads vs. Hamsters
- ‘Cause’ Rounds Out 3 C’s Of Church Community
- Who Would Want To Drive This Cdn. Plane?
- ‘Gracias, Arigato, Merci
- Do You Really Know Your Kids & Family?
- Life Can Be Bittersweet To The Last Drop
- What Fills You Up? What Drains You
- A Fresh Pot Keeps Marriage Fresh
- Recipe For Full Pot (life)
- Encouragement Goes A Long Way
- You’re No Accident
- Candy And Understanding
- Death And Grieving Are Both Part Of Life
- A Teddy Bear And A Cuddle
- Kids ‘Get It’ But Their Parents Must Give It
- Money Isn’t Everything
- Attitude Of Gratitude And Giving Pays Back
- The Enemies Within
- Rage Lay In Wait, Then Hit Hard
- Power Of Pointers
- We Would Do Well To Remember Words Of War And Of Sacrifice
- 2 Different Ways To Cherish
- Revealing Secret To Men’s Hearts
- Often Low In Self-esteem, Husbands Need Lots Of Love
- Mountain Climbing
- Try Delayed Gratification: You Pay Now, Play Later
- When Much Is Too Much
- Give Yourself, Your Kids Gifts Of Giving & Gratitude
2005
- The Toilet Seat Theory And Ups And Downs Of Marriage
- Everything Flows From Love, Both Kids And Spouses Know
- R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means To Hubby
- We Rise To Respect We Get
- Remember Your Promise
- How Do You Cherish?
- Listening A Valuable Gift
- Stitching, Listening
- Communication Is No Joke
- The Heart Of Dialogue
- Dialogue Between Equals Is Good Communication
- Eggs, Chocolate & Easter History
- Unselfish Communication
- Cherish More Than A Word
- Trust Needed And Earned
- Women Who Give Trust, Get Men Who Are Worthy Of It
- Food Is But One Of Men’s Unique Needs
- Men Must Lead But They Must Also Follow
- Spread Seeds Of Kindness
- Five Things To Say Before Saying ‘Good-bye’
- Mid-life Is Crucial – For Both People And Churches
- From Success To Significance
- At Mid-life Pass It On
- No Fear In Knowing Who’s In Charge
- Write Away Your Wounds
- What Makes For Good Children?
- Churches Teach How To Serve A Higher Purpose
- Who’s In Charge Here, Anyway?
- Facing The Inevitable
- I Spy A Chance To Play Simple Games With Kids
- Sharing Our Lives, One Story At A Time
- Do You Ever Feel Small?
- Don’t Fall Victim To The Seductive Power Of Greed
- Keep Your Antennae Raised To Avoid Evil’s Pretty Face
- Are You Overflowing, Are You Truly Happy
- What’s Plugging You Up
- Now That’s Incredible
- Freedom To Worship Sweet
- Write Away Your Wounds
- Holidays Are A Time To Refresh And Take Stock
2006
- Take Every Opportunity That Comes Along
- Everyone Finishes, So Finish Well And With Grace
- Certainty and Finality
- Heading Towards The Finish Line In Peace
- The Power Of Encouragement
- Kids – Watch Them Grow
- Would You Say ‘ I do’ all over again? I know I would .
- Giving, we get more millionaire knows.
- A Healthy Compassion
- That Little Voice…
- Why Do People Feel Guilty
- Easter and the Voice of God
- Is My Guilt Dependable? Should I Listen?
- Mother’s Day. ‘It’s okay, honey, mommy’s here.’ Indeed.
- Building A Conscience
- Exploring the Inevitable. Issues Around Dying.
- Fear Often Controls People – But It Doesn’t Have To
- Fear in Age of AIDS
- The Reality Of Death And Choosing Hope
- Halloween – It’s Really Not So Scary
- Interpersonal Pesticide
- Fear, Feathers & Hanging On – Security & Control
- Marriage – As Long As We Both Shall Live
2007
- Purpose and Persistence – Learning From a Busy Ant
- Saying Goodbye
- Memories of My Mother and Memories by Melodie
- Prayer in School
- The Power of Forgiveness – Part I
- The Power of Forgiveness – Part II
- The Power of Forgiveness – Part III
- The Painting – What is under the layers?
- Happy Anniversary – “What is the secret to a long and happy marriage?”
- Growing Healthy Gardens – Cultivating and Guarding people and things in our lives
- Dying Well – My Dad died this week
- Reflecting on The Best Gifts My Dad Ever Gave To Me
- Palm Sunday
- Easter
- Whatever happened to our time?
- The Time Crunch – Finding Enough Time for the Important Things
- Where can we find the time?
- The Word of God and “Mutiny on the Bounty”
- Am I A Control Freak?
- Business by the Book – Life principles from King Solomon’s book of Proverbs
- Be Truthful, Create Trust – Part 1
- Be Truthful, Create Trust – Part 2
- Know Your People
- A New Day
- Life Planning – The Flow of Time
- The Circle of History
- The Christmas Wreath
- Preparing for Winter – What can we do?
- Dying Well
- Dying Well #2
- “If I should die before I wake”
- Dying Well #3 – Preparing a Will
- A Living Will – Video
- First Things First – from Business by The Book
- Fear of God
- “Know thyself”, wrote Socrates
- Leadership By the Book
- What is Leadership?
- A Canadian Hero – Aimee Semple McPherson
- Marketing the Church – A funny lesson from 1930
- Vision – from God and 2 other men
- Vision for Tomorrow
- Vision for the Future
- The Heart Of Christmas
- The Gift of Giving
- The Mat Program
2008
- He Never Grew Up
- Snow White
- In The Beginning God
- Planting Trees
- Snakes & Ladders
- Firm Foundations
- Grace
- Giving
- The Circle Of Life
- The Meaning Of Easter
- Life Choices
- Pride
- Stroke & Poke
- Diligence
- Diligence – Part II
- Thank God For Moms
- True Success
- Integrity
- Judging Others
- Father’s Day
- Invented
- Amazing Grace
- O Canada
- Our Value
- Getting Older
- It’s All In A Name
- It’s All in a Name II
- It’s All In A Name III
- Working Together
- What’s Mine Is Yours
- Interdependence
- Many Colours—One Picture
- Lust Of Praise
- Acts Of Kindness
- Real Success
- Cutting Down The Forest
- Success
2009
- Words
- Raising Children
- Children—an Empty Canvas
- Child Rearing
- A Number On Every Head
- Fortieth Anniversary
- Bad Angels
- What We Say Matters
- Our Words
- Our Speech Rules Our Nerves
- Easter
- Who Am I Following?
- Eagles #1
- Eagles #2
- No Pain—No Gain
- Some Things You Cannot See
- Peace Go With You
- Burn Out
- Fanning The Flame
- Father’s Day
- Fanning The Flame – Part2
- Vision
- Vision—Part II
- Graduation
- Fatherhood
- Encouragement
- Encouragement Keeps Us Refueled
- Life Philosophies
- When Someone We Love, Dies
- When A Child Dies
- Friends
- Friendship- Part II
- Friends-Part III
- Hope
- Plan Our Days
- Obed’s Story
- Quitters
- Life Is Hard
- Clay Pots
- I Believe In Angels
- Is There A Devil?
- Christmas Gifts
- Pay Now – Play later
- When Much Is Too Much
2010
- Why Should We Go To Church? Part 1
- Why Should We Go To Church? Part 2
- Why Should We Go To Church? Part 3
- You’re Ok, I’m Not Ok
- What Is A Rageaholic?
- Nursery Rhymes With Meaning
- Three Little Pigs
- Power of Words
- Farmville
- When Times Are Tough
- When Eagles Fly
- Words Like Light
- Easter
- A Good Leader
- Will the Real Leader Please Stand Up!
- I’m Embarrassed
- Sumphoneo
- Mom’s Counsel
- The Power of Generosity
- Inner Peace
- Peace Is Harmony With God
- The Peace Process
- Honoring Our Parents
- Honour Your Father
- Family of Origin
- Nurture or Nature
- Choosing Employees
- Choosing Employees 2
- Deeply Concerned
- Deeply Concerned #2
- Circle of Influence
- How Do We Pray
- How Do We Pray 2
- Laws are Good
- Life Mission
- Values Set Parameters
- Minding My Own Business
- Walking the Line
- Carry Your Own Knapsack
- Good, Better and Best
- A Lesson From a Wise Traveler
- Who Am I?
- To Give or Not To Give; That Is the Question
- Giving is Like Planting Daffodils
- Giving- It’s More Blessed to Give
- Getting a Fix
- Take An Honest Self Appraisal
- Who’s Your Daddy?
- Herod the Great
- The Master’s Touch
- The Joy of Giving
- I’m Pregnant