We all go through some dark and fearful times in our lives. A serious illness or injury to ourselves or a loved one may create some anxious moments. Domestic strife or a conflict at work may distress us and cause us to despair. Trying to … Read more

We live in the Information Age. There are some positive things about that, but there are some negative things, too. Linda Stone, a former senior executive with Apple and Microsoft, coined the phrase "continuous partial attention". She … Read more

"Let's go to that quilt show that I saw in the paper," I tell my best friend, also a quilter. And off we go to another display of creations by dedicated quilters. Most shows also have vendors — salespeople with a variety of tools, small … Read more

In her room, she waits. Day after day, month after month, year after long year, she sits invisible to those outside. She listens and watches, hoping to see family and old friends who have seemingly forgotten about her. She awakens each … Read more

"Mommy, my kitty is so soft!" exclaimed the child as he gently stroked his cat. "Honey, you're worshipping God — because you're enjoying what He made!" responded his mother. Through witnessing that brief interaction in my friend's … Read more

My son was banned from every hospital in our area for bribing orderlies to bring in street drugs for him as a patient. "What do we do now?" I asked our family doctor. "Try another town where they don't know him," he said. We drove many … Read more

Canada contains one-third of the world's water supply in its more than 250,000 lakes. When I visit Niagara Falls in Ontario, I am profoundly impressed by the sheer abundance of water. However, like many rural dwellings, our house is on a … Read more

I noticed the handicap van that they drove, and I knew that it was my time to serve. One Saturday morning when my wife and I were in the middle of packing for our move later in the month, we ran out of boxes. She suggested that I stop by … Read more

We were early that very first Sunday morning when my husband Marcelo and I walked into what would become our new church home. Sitting on the back row in her wheelchair, an elderly woman, excited to see us, motioned for us to come near. … Read more

My north window looks onto the schoolyard. There I see old box elders, young replacement trees, and a half-grown silver maple with leaves shaped much like the one on our Canadian flag. But the silver maple's leaves were brown — in … Read more

I believe in miracles. Much has been written about them, whether it be Daniel in the lions' den, or the feeding of the five thousand, etc. I believe that God is able to do what, to human thought, is impossible. However, today, I am … Read more

I opened the door and let the dogs out at 6:30 a.m., the same as any other morning. As I was coming back into the house, however, I noticed through the living room window that the livestock were going berserk in the corral. At the same … Read more

It's been just over a year since a very dear friend of ours passed away suddenly from cancer. Eight months ago, our daughter-in-law's father passed away within three weeks of finding out that he was ill. And now, another dear friend of … Read more

At one point some years ago, there were about 85 volunteers at our local Long Term Care Centre who went there on a regular basis to help out, mostly to assist those residents who like to be involved in the programs, but are not able to … Read more

Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said, "Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for." He was referring to what I call "the crisis of purpose". I think that it's a huge part of the general … Read more

Do you ever get frustrated with injustice? I love the absolute honesty in the Book of Psalms. Whoever wrote those ancient poems certainly wore his heart on his sleeve. Psalm 10 is a good example of someone who finds it difficult to deal … Read more

Everyone knows the story of Jonah — God provides a big fish that swallows Jonah. We all know the Bible story … or do we? I would suggest that the story teaches: – God can put us on the right path even when we are disobedient; – We … Read more

Of the multitude of quilts that I've made, only a few have been large: three queen-sized bed quilts for me and one each for my daughter and my son. I'd much rather make a lap quilt or a wall hanging that I can finish in a week or less. … Read more

If only my boss weren't so narcissistic. If only the church elders weren't so worldly. If only that teen weren't so rebellious. If only my relatives were more loving. If only our politicians didn't oppose Christian values. … If only God … Read more

Why do people have to wait until a disaster hits before we turn our hearts and minds to God? During the second week of September for four consecutive years, we were in New York City attending a conference on making videos. With my … Read more

I have a good friend, someone whom I can call in the middle of the night, but someone whom I was giving up on, due to her habit of interrupting me when I was trying to talk and talking far too much about herself. I thought about following … Read more

The note was attached to the door; the decision had been made. At nine years of age, he was doing what most boys his age did in the summer: romping and playing — until his sister noticed how yellow his eyes were. She ran inside to tell … Read more

As we prepared for our long trip, my husband purchased a product to put on the windshield so that rain will bead up on it. He got the car ready as I packed. When we travel, we always take turns driving. As we left, with my husband driving, … Read more

Sadly, I did it again. I unleashed my tongue when I should have bitten it. As my husband was leaving the house this morning, I made a remark to him that I was immediately sorry for, the moment after I had said it. His remark back to me … Read more

Have you ever had a situation where something you said was misunderstood? Most people communicate by the use of words. A newborn first communicates with facial expressions, crying, and other sounds, but soon utters words. Normally it is … Read more

Sadly, on May 16th of this year, I lost one of my closest and dearest friends, Parise Arakelian. Often, when I tell others how we met through this PresbyCan ministry, they are surprised to hear that we never actually met in person, but … Read more

As I approached the Yukon border, I noticed a bear hunkered down beside a highway sign. Slowing down in case he decided to run onto the road, I was amazed when he stood up on his hind legs and began waving at me with his left arm and paw. … Read more

Recently, I received a telephone call about home protection service. I listened for a while and then declined their offer. I did look up some of the various alarm systems available, with sensors, cameras, wireless communication, and … Read more

First Presbyterian Church in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, will never be accused of not taking the risk to continue its ministry in the face of financial ruin. They took the talents (money and assets) given to them and, on bended knee … Read more

I have three children, two girls and a boy. Several years ago, I was wrestling with the older girl and the boy. We do that a lot. Imagine screams mixed with laughter and the occasional head bonk. They charge at me and I grab them, swing … Read more