Year: 1998

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I … Read more

It was a perfectly ordinary loaf of bread. Baked in a local bakery, rather than conglomerate bread, it was unsliced and packaged in a plain plastic bag with a little paper label. It was unwanted. It was all alone on … Read more

Towering high on the hilltop, the belfry of the Benedictine Monastery just seems to beckon you towards its place of peace and quiet. The monks don't mind you meandering their meadows, savouring the sights and sounds which grace their grounds. … Read more

First in! Cousin Bill and I are the very first in the water this year, wet snow falling as our boats make their first splash. Except mine makes a little extra splash and settles just a little deeper in the … Read more

A paediatric nurse, before listening to the little ones' chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe. But she never got a response to … Read more

To be a "listener" is a gift for some, a fine-tuned, practised art for others. There are those of us who do more listening, and those of us who wish to be listened to more. Occasionally, a situation will call … Read more

Many times individuals have asked me what they can do for their illness or other problems. They have in most cases, sought help from someone and are in desperate need for further guidance. It is all this time that I … Read more

Have you ever listened to yourself? No, I mean really listened to what it is that you say to yourself. When times are tough, do you sing a song of praise or one of defeat? When loneliness comes to visit, … Read more

My daughter teaches a grade two class, and she called the other night a little distraught. It seems what was to have been a beautiful day didn't go quite so beautifully. She explained that the class had been "growing" butterflies. … Read more

An elder was finding crumpled-up pieces of paper in the same rear pew after Sunday morning worship services. They each contained pencilled words, like a grocery list; i.e., Clara – ill; Lester – job; rent. He watched, and discovered that … Read more