Update From Bruce the Sheep – Stepping Away For Now

Recently, I received a note from WordPress congratulating me on 17 years of blogging. That’s quite a stretch of time. In a few days, I will turn eighty, and as many of you know, it’s been nearly five years since my wife, Peggy, began showing the early signs of dementia. Dementia is a progressive condition, and to say that it presents increasing challenges would be an understatement.

For those unfamiliar with the nature of this disease, I’ve been keeping a running log of our journey—primarily from the perspective of a caregiver. You’re welcome to view that ongoing account if you’re interested.

Lately, I’ve been seriously praying and reflecting on the idea of stepping back from blogging. The weight of caregiving and the demands of this progressive disease have become increasingly evident, not only mentally but physically as well. Through it all, God has been so gracious to both of us—His love and sustaining grace have never failed. The fact that Peggy and I are still here, living independently, is itself a testimony to His faithful care.

Yet it’s not only these personal challenges that have led me to this decision.

The wider Christian evangelical landscape has become deeply troubled. As a committed Christian layperson, I’ve tried to provide clear, biblically grounded resources over the years—tools intended to serve fellow believers who are seeking to navigate today’s complex spiritual terrain. The menu choices at the top of this site reflect those efforts. My hope has always been that something shared here may have been helpful, and more importantly, that it has brought glory to God, who alone is worthy of it. I do have one outstanding project that I haven’t completed yet. It deals with the book review of “The Heart of Heaven” authored by Dr. Luc Niebergall, of which I am about halfway through. I shall endeavour to complete the book review as time and opportunity permit. Aside from that, I think as a layperson, I’ve covered just about everything I felt led to cover at this point in time.

Another reason I’m stepping away is the state of the times we’re living in. I tend to avoid political commentary, preferring instead to keep my focus on the Kingdom of God. That said, I’ve made a couple of exceptions—particularly where I felt truth was being misrepresented, especially regarding Canadian issues. Thank you for your patience in those instances. But the broader point remains: I never imagined I would live to see the things being paraded today under the name of Christianity. And I’m not speaking of those outside the faith—but of those who claim to speak for God. I keep getting this image of a chainsaw and the words “mercy”, “compassion” and “vengeance is mine” that don’t correlate. Best I bow out now before I do more damage than good.

Opposition to God’s Word and ways is growing stronger, and hostility is simmering just beneath the surface. Those of us who seek to share the full counsel of God’s Word often face personal attacks—not just on our views but on our character. Sadly, I’ve had to withhold many submitted comments simply because of their inappropriate tone or content. These things add to the weight that one carries and can take their toll over time.

In recent weeks and months, the Lord has gently made it clear to me that my highest calling in this season is to be a good and faithful husband to Peggy. My faith remains as steadfast as ever, and even in this valley, God’s grace continues to uphold us both. But for now, it’s time for me to step back.

This blog will continue to be available as a resource and I’ll continue to maintain the dementia log, plus as time allows, I’ll still read and occasionally comment on the writings of dear brothers and sisters in Christ. But from this point forward, my primary focus will be on caring for my wife.

Thank you for understanding.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!