The book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is an altogether useful and wonder-filled “parable” for living ministry that you have otherwise clearly structured and delightfully (though at times painfully because of your faithful journey) put forth more as a tool of living ministry than a glimpse through Titus. Titus in this work becomes true “contact lenses” for healthy, relational, biblical and Spirit Filled ministry.
All in all, this is a delightful “must have”, “must read” and “must share” – journey in which no one can remain passive.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Every year I impatiently wait for Christmas. I love Christmas, but I don’t like waiting. The season of Advent teaches us a lot about waiting, not just to remember Jesus’ first coming in Bethlehem, but also to wait patiently for Jesus’ second coming. Waiting in an age of instant gratification is hard. That is why Advent rarely ever gets commercialized.
Impatience is one of those areas where God has been nudging me lately. I am one of those people who like things to happen yesterday. We Hirds are go-getter people who love to see things completed. I am so often impatient with myself when writing a new book or newspaper article. In my sequel Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit, I speak about Titus who was a first-century go-getter. Titus reminds me of my late father, Ted Hird, who always got the job done. At one of my father’s retirements, his company, Microtel, gave him a statue of a horse in memory of my father’s billing the company for a dead horse. Working in Newfoundland for three months with the snowy roads sometimes impassible, my father hired a farmer’s horse to drag the telecommunications equipment up the hill. The microwave tower was finally finished, but the horse died. Titus-like leaders make things happen against impossible odds.
Hidden in our strengths are our greatest weaknesses. That is why we can’t see them, and often don’t want to change. Persevering people rarely want to admit their stubbornness, and their need to be more flexible. Administratively gifted people rarely see how painful they can be when they slip into micromanaging of others’ lives. We Tituses are great people to have around when you need a job done. But we can be painful to be around when our impatience causes us to be too pushy, too controlling, and too anxious.
I remember impatiently waiting for Christmas as a little child. I desperately wanted to see the Christmas presents waiting for me. So we talked our grandmother into going into my parents’ bedroom to show us where they were hidden. The famous passage 1 Corinthians 13, which is read at many weddings, reminds us that love is patient. True love waits. Waiting makes Christmas that much better. It is so hard to wait. It is so tempting to take the matter into our own hands and prematurely solve things. Doing my doctorate taught me that quick fixes fix nothing. Genuine lasting transformation takes time. Lasting change needs to be thoughtful and intentional. We all want to be better people, especially at Christmas. Becoming more Christlike however doesn’t happen overnight. We can’t just wake up on December 25th and suddenly become the most patient loving person on earth.
What motivates me to become more patient this Christmas is realizing that my impatience has often hurt other people whom I care for deeply. My wife has graciously chosen to forgive my impatience many times during our forty-five years of marriage. I want to be a more gentle and kind person especially to my wife. My impatience too often gets in the way of this desire. God keeps telling me to give my impatience back to Him, to put my impatience on the altar, to let go and let God. When I get out of the way, God often does things far beyond what I can ask or imagine. God is remarkably patient and kind in a way that most of us don’t fully get. Rather than pulling the plug on us when we are rebellious, God keeps on loving us, hoping that we will choose to return home. God wants us to come home for Christmas. God in a manger welcomes us home for Christmas. The Christ child is patiently waiting for us this Christmas. He really does love us beyond our wildest imagination.
My Advent/Christmas prayer for those reading this article is that we will all grow in Christlike patience and love.
The Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
-an article previously published in the Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
By Marcel Kurtz on Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit
Really enjoyed this book, I would have to say it was the most interesting book I have read all year. Dr. Ed Hird made the book of Titus really practical and I liked how the book was holistic, mind, body and spirit. I highly recommend this book.
Senior Pastor, Valley Church, North Vancouver
Marcel was born in San Jose, California but spent his formative years in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and then moved to Victoria when he was a teenager.
After high school Marcel went to FGBI (now Eston College) and studied Theology.
After College (May of 1996) he went back to his home church in Victoria and became the Youth Pastor. He also married his wonderful wife Kristina. They had their first Child in 1999. In November of 1999, they came to Valley Church where Marcel became the Youth Pastor. In March of 2001 they had their second child Jordan, and in June 2008 Marcel became the Associate Pastor ( and recently Senior Pastor in 2018) at Valley Church.
Questionnaire
What is your favorite quote? “Men don’t care what’s on TV, they only care what else is on TV” – Jerry Seinfeld It’s not my favorite but I like it.
What is your favorite restaurant/coffee shop? Starbucks is my fav. coffee shop. Stephos is my fav. res. (Cheap Greek food)
Who is your hero? My wife – she told me to put this in
Who inspires you? People who live by what they believe rather then how they feel
What is your favorite meal? My wife’s Shish-kabob
What do you not like to eat? Tomatoes and Mushrooms
What is your favourite book – other than the bible? “The Testament” by John Grisham
What is your favourite junk/snack food? Popcorn and Coke
What is your favourite outdoor activity? Picnicking at the beach with my family
What is your best thing to do on your day off? Picnic at the beach with my family
What do you avoid doing? Cutting the lawn
What is your favorite childhood memory ? My dad bought a big van and our family took a three week road trip through the states camping in the van.
If you could pick a super power, what would it be? I would like to be invisible
What was your nickname when you were a kid? I didn’t have one
What did you want to be when you were 6? A Pro Football player
What was your childhood ambition? To become a pro football player
What was your first job? Working at a restaurant as a bus boy, I was 14
What is your favorite word? “Yes dear” i know it is two but I say it all the time
What word do you dislike? Don’t have one – well at least not one that I can send you on email…
What sound do you love? Ocean waves, and birds first thing the morning
What profession would you choose if you didn’t do what you do now? Either the King of England or Maybe the Pilot who flies Air force One
What is your favorite characteristic of Christ? His Grace
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Owen Scott was the Senior Pastor of Valley church from 1986 to 2018. Owen was born and raised in Davidson, Saskatchewan. After high school Owen attended and graduated from Full Gospel Bible College
Owen then got married to a wonderful woman whom has never left his side since. He then interned in Regina, Sask, pastored in Fruitvale, B.C and Calgary Owen then taught at Full Gospel Bible College for 4 years Owen and Val then moved back to Regina where he was Associate Pastor for 6 years. Finally in 1986 they came to Vancouver and Valley Church and they have been a blessing to Valley Church ever since.
Questionnaire to Pastor Owen Scott
What is your favorite quote?
“He flung himself from the room unto his horse and rode madly off in all directions”
What is your favorite restaurant/coffee shop?
Pajo’s at Steveston for fish & chips…The Red Onion for hot dogs…almost ANY coffee shop will do!
Who is your hero?
Ernest Shackleton (led an expedition to Antarctica)
Who inspires you?
SULLY – successfully landed a plane with 155 passengers in the Hudson River recently
What is your favorite meal?
Macaroni & cheese with a hot-dog on the side!
What do you not like to eat?
Cottage cheese
What is your favourite book – other than the bible?
“A Prayer for Owen Meany”
What is your favourite junk/snack food?
Black Licorice (ie Panda…in case you were thinking of getting him some…)
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
Walking/hiking
What is your best thing to do on your day off?
Walking…exploring…finding a great coffee shop or bakery
What do you avoid doing?
Going anywhere near snow…
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Opening Christmas presents
If you could pick a super power what would it be?
??????? I have a SUPER POWER living within me!!!
What was your nickname when you were a kid?
Didn’t have one
What did you want to be when you were 6?
Cowboy
What was your childhood ambition?
To join the circus
What was your first job?
Setting pins at a bowling alley
What is your favorite word?
Can’t think of one…how about JESUS!
What word do you dislike?
Dysfunctional
What sound do you love?
Birds singing
What profession would you choose if you didn’t do what you do now?
Running a hot-dog stand
What is your favorite characteristic of Christ?
His grace
Obscure Info about me:
Enjoy making folkart…reading…watching a good movie…taking road trips…
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Who in their right mind would want to be sent to a toxic island where everyone was a pirate, including the grandmothers, grandsons, and everyone in between? Who would want to be sent to an island where all islanders were liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons? The Island of Crete which my wife and I visited had been a pirate stronghold for over 800 years. While in Crete, we learned about Titus who was just the man for the job. He did not flinch. Titus taught toxic Cretan pirates how to become radically healthy: how to love, how to lay down their lives for another, how to be the faithful husband of but one wife, how to be gentle and patient. He taught the female pirates how to be best friends with their husbands and their children. This is true health. If the wisdom in the 45-sentence book of Titus can revolutionize a pirate island, it can even transform a pirate continent like North America. Signs of our North American toxicity include gun violence and the insanity of the shooters, obesity when there is no shortage of food, and a wealth of communication tools while many are no longer talking any more.
Is it a mere coincidence that the late Steve Jobs defined Apple employees as pirates, even raising a pirate flag with the Apple logo as the pirate eyepatch? It is better, said Jobs, to be a pirate than join the navy. In the 1999 movie Pirates of Silicon Valley, Jobs accused Bill Gates of ripping him off by producing the Microsoft Windows mouse-based graphical user interface. Gates, the wealthiest person on earth, memorably said to his outraged fellow pirate Steve Jobs: “we both had this rich neighbor named Xerox and I broke into his house to steal the TV set and found out that you had already stolen it.” Ironically Jobs loved to quote Picasso’s comment: “Good artists copy. Great artists steal.” So do great pirates.
Titus was a first-century go-getter. He reminds me of my late father, Ted Hird, who always got the job done. At one of my father’s retirements, his company, Microtel, gave him a statue of a horse in memory of my father’s billing the company for a dead horse. Working in Newfoundland for three months with the snowy roads sometimes impassible, my father hired a farmer’s horse to drag the telecommunications equipment up the hill. The microwave tower was finally finished, but the horse died. Titus-like leaders make things happen against impossible odds.
If the toxic Cretan pirates can become healthy, anyone can become healthy, even North Americans. Dr. Brene Brown, whose TED talk has been seen by over sixteen million people, said that we in North America “are the most we are the most in-debt, obese, addicted and medicated adult cohort in (our) history.” In an age of many regrets, Titus is a symbol of hope for healthy leadership in the twenty-first century. With the huge global changes happening, the need for healthy leaders like Titus has never been greater. A key solution to our North American toxicity is rediscovering Titus, the epitome of integrated healthy leadership. Titus planted significantly healthy communities by identifying and training indigenous leaders in every one of the over hundred Cretan cities. The book of Titus gives you the keys to healthy communities, healthy families and healthy lives.
The book of Titus calls us to become whole people – in mind, body, and spirit. That is the theme of my brand new book ‘Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit.’ So often we North Americans are toxically fragmented in areas of our lives. We need the Great Physician to give us a full check-up to determine whether our lives, our marriages and families, our churches and communities are sound and healthy. Many of us are out of balance in our health emphasis, neglecting either the body, the mind or the spirit. Too many good people have bought the lie that they can eat anything they want and not bother to exercise. The Bible says that our health choices have consequences. We reap as we sow. People who neglect their bodies lose the ability to travel cross-culturally as they get older. People who neglect their minds go stale and have nothing worth saying. People who neglect their spirits go shallow and self-absorbed. Healthy leaders embrace their bodies, minds and spirits for Christ’s sake.
My prayer for those reading this article is that we will choose the way of holistic health in every area of our lives.
The Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
-an article previously published in the Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, Ed Hird shows how North Americans can embrace a holistically healthy life.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a signed copy within North America, just send a $20 cheque (USD/CAN) to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5, Canada.
– In order to obtain a signed copy of the prequel book Battle for the Soul of Canada, please send a $18.50 cheque to ED HIRD, 102 – 15168 19th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 0A5. For mailing the book to the USA, please send $20.00 USD. This can also be done by PAYPAL using the e-mail ed_hird@telus.net . Be sure to list your mailing address. The Battle for the Soul of Canada e-book can be obtained for $4.99 CDN/USD.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
My eye surgeon Dr. Kirker had me lie face down for three days. I had just had laser eye surgery for a microscopic macular hole. This condition was not noticeable until I was out at UBC reading tiny 19th century print.
Upon going to an eye specialist, I discovered that I did not have either lense correction, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment or macular degeneration. Over time, the gel or vitreous in our eyes shrink and detaches from the retina. In rare cases, it sticks and causes a microscopic hole. Before 1970, they could not do anything about this. After laser surgery, the surgeon filled my right eye with gas which temporarily held everything in place. In order for the gas to do its job, I had to be horizontal for 90% of the time. Fortunately I was able to rent a massage desk and full-body massage pillow. Sleeping facedown for four nights was a brand new experience for me. My wife Janice said that I didn’t snore at all. I never hear myself snore.
Lying on my face enabled me to listen to Elie Wiesel’s trilogy: Night, Dawn, and Day. Each of the trilogy was deeply moving and disturbing. Like my successful laser surgery, Elie’s trilogy gave me eyes to see what I had been previously somewhat blinded to. As a holocaust survivor, Wiesel has written over 50 books interpreting the meaning of the Holocaust for our modern age. Wiesel miraculously survived the Concentration camps when so many of his family and friends ended in Hitler’s ovens. In his receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, they said of Wiesel: “From the abyss of the death camps, he has come as a messenger to humanity – not with a message of hate and revenge but with one of brotherhood and atonement.”
Lying face down prohibited me from watching TV or checking my computer. Because our North Vancouver Library system has a large assortment of talking books, I was able listen to John Grisham, Louis Lamour, and Elie Wiesel. All three authors were passionate about justice. Grisham sought justice in the court room. Lamour sought justice at the end of a gun. Elie Wiesel sought justice from God and neighbour.
Chronic and acute anxiety push us in the direction of requiring that everyone act and smell just like us. Elie Wiesel’s writings encourage us to celebrate differences and uniquenesses of other neighbours. Jesus quoted Leviticus in commanding us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Love is always the answer. Love gives us eyes to see when we are blind. Love is an expression of amazing grace, where I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. My prayer for those reading this article is that God will give us eyes to see that other neighbours are just as human, as valuable and as sacred as we are.
It is too easy to scapegoat other people and blame them for the problems in our lives. Racism seems to be deep in many of our cultures. It dies a hard death. Without regular self-examination and repentance, racism can easily slip back into our hearts. Anti-Semitism has proven in the past century to be one of the deadliest forms of racism. Jewish people have suffered deeply again and again through pogroms, inquisitions, and job discrimination. When conflict arises in the world, anti-Semitism and racism seem to spike. What would it take for us to truly forgive and love those who offend us, those who are different?
Too many people in our culture have either never heard of or hardened their hearts to the message of the Holocaust. It seems to some like water under the bridge, as ancient history. Wiesel’s book help us to enter into the story of the Holocaust as if for the first time. As a vivid story teller, Wiesel makes you feel that you were right there in the midst of the great tragedy. Would it be possible for Wiesel’s books to be included in our school systems as a way of reducing hatred and anti-Semitism? It could give our young people new eyes to see what it is liked to be bullied and rejected.
The Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin
-previously published in the Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
In reading Ed’s latest book, “Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit,” I found that I didn’t want to put it down. In his winsome manner, Ed confronts the lure of pirate booty, treasures of the wide road that beckons to unsuspecting travelers. In mining the depths of Titus with rich insight, Ed presents to us “modern-day-pirates,” a challenge for developing Godly character and leadership, for becoming whole in body, mind and spirit; for becoming holy unto the Lord.
Thank you, Ed, for lighting a brilliant beacon for our journey.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
As a former personal trainer and health enthusiast, I believe that prayer and Bible study are to the spirit what exercise and healthy eating are to the body. Rev. Ed Hird shows how we can embrace this holistically healthy life through the verse-by-verse commentary of the book of Titus. He opens up Paul’s letter and takes us on an interesting journey of discovery combined with history lessons. I recommend this book as an instruction manual for the next generation of healthy leaders.
P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.
“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…
A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.
Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?
Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.
If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or kindle.
-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form. Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.
To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.
-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you.
don’t like waiting. The season of Advent teaches us a lot about waiting, not just to remember Jesus’ first coming in Bethlehem, but also to wait patiently for Jesus’ second coming. Waiting in an age of instant gratification is hard. That is why Advent rarely ever gets commercialized.
Really enjoyed this book, I would have to say it was the most interesting book I have read all year. Dr. Ed Hird made the book of Titus really practical and I liked how the book was holistic, mind, body and spirit. I highly recommend this book.
If the toxic Cretan pirates can become healthy, anyone can become healthy, even North Americans. Dr. Brene Brown, whose TED talk has been seen by over sixteen million people, said that we in North America “are the most we are the most in-debt, obese, addicted and medicated adult cohort in (our) history.” In an age of many regrets, Titus is a symbol of hope for healthy leadership in the twenty-first century. With the huge global changes happening, the need for healthy leaders like Titus has never been greater. A key solution to our North American toxicity is rediscovering Titus, the epitome of integrated healthy leadership. Titus planted significantly healthy communities by identifying and training indigenous leaders in every one of the over hundred Cretan cities. The book of Titus gives you the keys to healthy communities, healthy families and healthy lives.
your life and ministry. Read it. Apply it. Be blessed by it.”
Lying on my face enabled me to listen to Elie Wiesel’s trilogy: Night, Dawn, and Day. Each of the trilogy was deeply moving and disturbing. Like my successful laser surgery, Elie’s trilogy gave me eyes to see what I had been previously somewhat blinded to. As a holocaust survivor, Wiesel has written over 50 books interpreting the meaning of the Holocaust for our modern age. Wiesel miraculously survived the Concentration camps when so many of his family and friends ended in Hitler’s ovens. In his receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, they said of Wiesel: “From the abyss of the death camps, he has come as a messenger to humanity – not with a message of hate and revenge but with one of brotherhood and atonement.”
Love is always the answer. Love gives us eyes to see when we are blind. Love is an expression of amazing grace, where I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. My prayer for those reading this article is that God will give us eyes to see that other neighbours are just as human, as valuable and as sacred as we are.
enthusiast, I believe that prayer and Bible study are to the spirit what exercise and healthy eating are to the body. Rev. Ed Hird shows how we can embrace this holistically healthy life through the verse-by-verse commentary of the book of Titus. He opens up Paul’s letter and takes us on an interesting journey of discovery combined with history lessons. I recommend this book as an instruction manual for the next generation of healthy leaders.
Edhird's Blog 