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Saturday Spark

April 20, 2024

Living Free from Social Pesticides
by Todd Norman RingnessI have to admit, when the term “organic” was being popularized, I was tempted to run the other way. It seemed like a giant scam to rake in more profit. But the principle of choosing food that is less harmful to our bodies is a sound one, extending well beyond fruits or vegetables grown without with detrimental chemicals.In our home, my wife and I (and our dog) have become accustomed to the improved flavour of organically grown carrots. So, I’ve become a believer of sorts, though there is plenty of room for improvement on multiple levels.Nourishing our bodies with wholesome, pesticide-free food translates well to nurturing our minds with wholesome, pesticide-free ideas. As spiritual beings, it is also essential to cultivate an organic faith, free from the toxic influences that can hinder our growth and ability to live a life of true fulfillment and purpose.In this article, we will explore the organic mindset and discuss three effective ways to reduce our exposure to toxic influences in our lives. By implementing these strategies, we can foster a more profound connection with ourselves, our community, and God.Cultivate positive relationships
Much like the choice of fertilizer can make or break the health of a garden or crop, the people we surround ourselves with impact our spiritual well-being. From the wisdom of Proverbs, we are reminded, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20) Manure is common fertilizer, but it’s not so great for humans to spend much time in it or be around those who spew it.To cultivate an organic mind, it’s crucial to share company with others who embody positive values and uplift our spirits. Discerning our choice of friends creates an environment that supports our development and encourages us to thrive. This doesn't necessarily mean we should completely avoid those who are struggling, but rather, that we need to balance our time and energy between those who need our support and those who can offer us support.Cleanse your social media feed
Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for toxic influences masquerading as friendly discussions and innocent entertainment. Just like harmful insecticides, these noxious inputs can infiltrate our minds, corrupt our beliefs and undermine our faith. The Bible warns us about arguing with fools, so let’s resist that temptation!To protect ourselves from these digital toxins, it's important to regularly cleanse our social media feeds, unfollowing or muting sources that consistently promote negativity, gossip, or discord. By curating our digital environment with intention (something we often forsake as we mindlessly scroll for hours), we can focus our attention on positive, uplifting content that nourishes our spirits and strengthens our faith.Establish a healthy news diet
While staying informed has some advantages, consuming a constant barrage of negative news stories creates a distorted worldview and fuels anxiety, fear, and hopelessness. More than two years ago, I resolved to no longer consume news. Instead, I decide what I want to know about and do my own research from sources I trust, which happens about once a week. I’ve found that just as consuming healthier food promotes better physical health, a healthy news diet (or fast) promotes mental and spiritual well-being.Consider limiting your exposure to mainstream news outlets, seeking instead alternative sources that prioritize constructive, solution-oriented journalism. Make a conscious effort to seek out stories of hope, resilience, and positive change in the world. If I see or hear about something of interest, I choose to research the topic using sources I trust. This occurs about once a week and I’ve found others very eager to fill me in the blanks. For example, I’ve told my parents that we expect them to call us when the nukes are on their way so that we can rush over and can all go together.As we implement these or other strategies, it's important to remember that creating an organic mindset is an ongoing process. It requires patience, commitment, and grace for us and others as we learn to keep up with the speed of life and improve our spiritual ecosystem to support growth and well-being for everyone around us.Let’s be guided by the words of the Apostle Paul, who encourages us to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) By focusing on the eternal and nurturing our toxin-free mindset, we can better overcome life's obstacles and maximize our God-given potential.

April 6, 2024

Facing Obstacles: Adapting Like Dogs
by Todd Norman RingnessEvery day, caring for our nine-year-old Mexican rescue named Daisy May, is a delight. Her arrival into our lives and how she has impacted us is a story for another time. But through her eyes, I’ve learned valuable life lessons, ever deepening my understanding and practice of Jesus’s teachings.Daisy’s routine includes three walks a day—a must since our condo lacks a backyard. It falls on me, “Papa,” to ensure this happens, though sometimes it turns into a family event when “Mama” joins us. Our special go-to is an off-leash park where Daisy indulges in two of her favourite activities: high-speed chasing after her ball, and joyously rolling over her ball in the deep grass (or snow.) Lord forgive us if we show up there without that ball!Our regular daily walks, which usually follow the same routes, constantly show me Daisy’s inspiring adaptability. We commonly follow the same routes, thanks to my inclination for rhythm and routine. Yet, when circumstances change, be it an obstacle or whimsy, there’s no resistance or questioning from her—not even a furry eyeball! A minor pull on the leash yields pure trust and readiness for whatever lies ahead.She could easily try to show Papa the right way—the way we always go that’s more familiar and comfortable. But instead, she readily complies, changes direction, and enthusiastically heads forth with her Papa to encounter new smells in whatever and whomever comes along the path before her.Sudden stops usually signal a whiff of something really good. And it’s Papa’s job to swiftly—and I mean very swiftly—determine if whatever she’s found is about to end up in her mouth. Despite being well-fed (each meal declared as her “favourite” by Mama) Daisy’s curiosity often wins, leading her to taste whatever new thing she discovers, nasty or not.Approaching other dogs always requires a quick assessment: friend or foe? Daisy’s better at calibrating than me, but I’ve learned to look out for how their owners react. Interestingly, female dogs often prove more challenging, particularly if they’re the dominant type. On the other hand, male dogs are usually friendly, often making for playful encounters that are a joy to watch. I am grateful for the early warning system of gender determination with a quick glance between the legs, of the dogs.Frequenting the same park has allowed us to become familiar with other regulars and their dogs, creating a community of sorts. Daisy especially appreciates some folks more than others with extra energy, a wagging tail, a wiggling butt, and sometimes excited whimpers. Without fail, smiles of appreciation take over their faces as they respond to her in kind with a friendly pat, or stooping to receive a sloppy wet kiss.Daisy’s greetings are like how my heavenly Papa greets me when I stop and say hello to Him amidst my busy life, lingering for a chat about whatever’s on my heart. And Daisy’s way also reminds me how to greet others, though I am a little stingy with the sloppy wet kisses, based on my lawyer’s advice.Daisy frequently disregards countless sticks along the path, but the moment her Papa picks one up and shows it to her, it transforms into her one and only desire. If I don’t urge her to keep going, she’ll lay down and start chewing on it within seconds. It’s Papa’s job to pull on the leash to get back on the path, and her immediate response is something I admire.Once Daisy’s grabbed onto the stick and is in motion, she becomes more focused and less distracted, moving forward with purpose. She won’t let that stick go until we’ve finished circling the park and arrive back at home, where she drops it in the pile by our front door. But it was Papa’s job to point out the stick in the first place, which would have otherwise been ignored.Papa God, help me to trust You more to lead the way and show me the sticks that deserve my focus (and those that don't) and help me to be more like Daisy, and more like You. Amen.

March 23, 2024

Facing Obstacles: Reward vs. Risk?
by Todd Norman RingnessLast time, we talked about how fears can prevent us from living our best life. Another common life obstacle are the obstacles themselves. Lord knows, I've encountered, banished, and embrace(d) many along my journey. I'm trying something new this time, so pull up a chair and allow me tell you a story!Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between rolling hills and a sparkling river, there lived a woman named Clara. Clara was a hardworking single mother who struggled to make ends meet while raising her two young children. She often felt overwhelmed and wondered if she could ever create a better life for her family.One sunny Saturday, Clara accompanied her kids on a garage sale excursion to scour for hidden gems, a favorite family pastime. As they wandered between the trinket-laden tables, Clara's eye was drawn to an unusual object partially hidden beneath a bench covered with old kitchen supplies. Looking closer, she saw it was about two feet tall and just over a foot wide, covered in intricate carvings, and appeared to be fashioned from an indigenous wood. Clara's curiosity intensified, so she asked the gray-haired woman running the sale about it.The woman explained that the object had been sitting in their cluttered attic for decades, and her late husband incessantly attempted to figure it out. She admitted to being oblivious about its actual purpose, but shared that her husband called it “Juke,” and it was finally time for it to go. Clara was intrigued, so she bought it and took it home.For weeks, Juke sat patiently in the garage until Clara’s son Sam unearthed it while digging around for the weed trimmer. Inspecting the heavy, solid object, he spun it around, scrutinizing every nook and cranny to find a clue about its purpose. Etched into the wood on its base, he discerned a faint diagram of the object itself, stationed on what appeared to be a set of steps. Heeding his hunch, Sam transported Juke indoors, positioning it carefully on the stairs. Upon doing so, an inexplicable magnetic force drew it downwards, lodging it firmly on the stairwell. Clara called out a second time for Sam to get his shoes on to head out for ice cream, causing Sam to reluctantly postpone his investigation.Upon their return, their home was imbued with a delightful fragrance of fresh forest air, punctuated by a soft symphony of nature sounds resonating through every room. Perplexed, Clara scoured the house in search of the source, eventually
encountering Juke on the stairs. Revealing its presence to her kids, Sam confessed his role in its placement. Clara instructed him to relocate the object to the garage, citing safety concerns. As dawn broke, the household returned to its previous, commonplace demeanor. Sam, however, remained captivated and resolved to unravel Juke’s secrets once more.During Clara’s absence, Sam reinstated Juke to its prior preferred position on the staircase. Within minutes, the house again transformed into a haven of natural allure, teeming with the sounds and smells of nature. Sam ran to tell his sister Amy about Juke’s magical power, not resisting the temptation to share it on social media. To their astonishment, they observed their devices exhibiting remarkable properties, unlimited power and extraordinary WIFI strength and speed. Could Juke be responsible for this too? Eager to unveil the truth, they burst forth to share their revelations with their mom.In the ensuing days, the family cherished Juke’s presence, delights abounding in their transformed home, and their electronics now imbued with uncanny capabilities. Laughing and jesting amongst themselves, they didn’t mind the slow maneuvering required to get past the immovable Juke on the stairs.Yet, as nightfall descended the next evening, Clara neglected to recall Juke’s presence on the dark stairs, suffering the consequences as her right foot collided with the solid object, tragically fracturing her toes. Not long after, Emily found herself pressed for time, dashing from her bedroom, hurtling down the stairs. Within seconds, she too succumbed to Juke’s immovable stature, tumbling down the steps, resulting in a broken arm and a week off from school. Regrettably, a series of similar incidents ensured, involving unsuspecting family guests as Juke’s hapless victims.Whenever they tried to banish Juke, its mystical powers ceased, leaving their devices bereft of uncommon strength and speed, and their home devoid of natural vibrancy and charm. Consequently, the very mention of Juke’s departure invariably evoked steadfast resistance and resolute opposition. At a family meeting, everyone agreed they just needed to try harder to be more careful to avoid running into Juke, because it wasn’t going anywhere. They all agreed that the mysterious benefits Juke bestowed upon their lives were invaluable, despite the probable perils. And they all did not live happily ever after.

March 2, 2024

Facing Fear: Foe or Figment?
by Todd Norman RingnessOne of the most persistent obstacles in my life has been the fear of humiliation. This weapon was formed in elementary school when a classmate publicly shamed me by levelling a false accusation, based on a misconstrued incident involving my best friend and me. Although I knew the claim was bogus, I didn't know it had become a companion to my insecurities, embedding itself deep within my being, inflicting immense struggle and pain. Despite very few actual occurrences of humiliation, the risk of an occurrence felt just as real.This malicious virus secretly infiltrated my emotional operating system, negatively impacting my day-to-day decisions for decades. Typical opportunities to mature and progress into healthy interactions were thwarted, as fear repeatedly held sway. However, it wasn't all grim, as there were many instances where the more difficult choice yielded positive results.Variations of “Do not be afraid” persistently surface as some of the most recurrent phrases in the Bible. As one of our most primal emotions, fear may rival love in its prevalence within the human experience. Unquestionably, fear prompts appropriate applications, eliciting vital motivations and responses, such as flashing red lights on a roadway, a gleaming black fin slicing through the waves, or perhaps the tiny text that warns, “while supplies last.”However, fear has an ominous underbelly, as evidenced in the acrostic, False Evidence Appearing Real. My sister tumbles into terror at the sight of spiders, struck by irrational dread and hysteria with each encounter. She falsely believes the cute little spider will harm her, somehow from several feet away. However, the screaming reveals her fear is very real despite the lack of any imminent peril.Psychology says the opposite or antidote of fear is knowledge and understanding; I’ve found the presence of faith to be its most effective counter-agent. The blockbuster film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, memorably portrays the tension in trusting our eyes over faith. Indy faces an impassable chasm and can’t see the hidden stepping stones forming a bridge. It isn’t until our intrepid hero takes his first step of faith that the bridge materializes, paving the way to the Holy Grail.Fear lurks as an ever-present adversary, threatening to sabotage our God-given purpose and ambitions. With its malevolent grip, fear paralyzes our decision-making process, hindering our progress and stifling our potential. As believers, it is our sacred responsibility to confront and vanquish this formidable foe, allowing our true potential to thrive. By implementing these three following strategies and leveraging Kingdom wisdom, we can rise above the inhibiting confines of fear and embrace our true selves.1. Develop a robust support system: Surround yourself with a reliable network of friends, family, and mentors who share your faith and values. Engage in open and honest dialogue about your fears with these individuals, leaning on them for guidance, encouragement, and prayer. This supportive community can offer fresh perspectives, bolster your faith, and assist you in navigating daunting challenges.2. Identify and examine your fears: Pinpoint the specific fears that stymie your progress, such as public speaking, failure, or rejection. Next, critically examine these fears, questioning their validity and origin. This can be achieved through prayer, journaling, or conversation with a trusted friend or counsellor. By acknowledging your fears, you start dismantling their control over your life.3. Take small, intentional steps: Instead of striving to conquer your fears in a single, monumental leap, identify one and break it down into manageable tasks. Each small success will fortify your confidence and spur you to continue tackling larger challenges. By methodically building on your achievements, you progressively erode fear's influence and expand your comfort zone.Fear often immobilizes, paralyzing us in a state of indecision and inaction. Confronting this debilitating emotion demands bold, faithful strides, propelling us forward despite our apprehensions. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) reassures us, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." By taking courageous and intentional steps, fuelled by the presence of God and His unmatched desire and ability to empower and free us, we gradually dismantle fear's oppressive stronghold and forge a path towards the achievement of our calling.In my personal journey, the most profound revelation that facilitated healing was accepting that the sources of fear within me may never dissipate. A lot of time was wasted waiting for my fears to abate so that I could move forward. But fear resolutely held its ground. Most times, what actually evolved was my willingness to face it dead on, armed with loving support, humble awareness, and courageous intention.“Fear has two meanings: ‘Forget everything and run’ or ‘Face everything and rise.’ The choice is yours.” – Zig ZiglarAs believers, it is our solemn responsibility to confront and overcome the fear obstructing our path. We must wage war against this paralyzing adversary, ultimately emerging victorious and fulfilling our God-given destinies.My upcoming book, "Not Like All the Other Boys" reveals much more about the sorrowful impact of fear in my life, and how I was transformed through deliberate steps of faith. “Not Like All the Other Boys” is scheduled to be released in Spring 2024.