In the late 1990s, I fulfilled my dream of attending Oxford University in England. For two weeks as a continuing education student, I went to Christ Church College, stayed in the dormitory, dined in the historic dining hall, and studied … Read more

I once knew a woman from our church community whom I really detested. Although gifted and attractive, she often said some very unkind and condemning things to others. I avoided her, and I wasn't the only one to do so. It really bothered me … Read more

I enjoy watching a dramatic courtroom trial. As a child, I would hurry home from school to watch black-and-white reruns of the American television series, Perry Mason. With the help of his assistant Della Street and private investigator … Read more

It's the first day of an eleven-day tour of Israel and I'm sitting on the steps of the pool of Siloam near the city of David, in Jerusalem. Our guide is explaining how Jewish people ritually cleansed themselves here before the long walk up … Read more

I punched the button on the counter to let someone know that I needed help at the fabric counter of the big-box store. Soon, I heard someone coming — banging and clanging. When she rounded the corner, I saw why: she had numerous tools and … Read more

"Come with us! This is a fantastic deal!" Several years ago, our friends were trying to persuade my husband and me to join them on a week-long cruise up the west coast of Canada to Alaska, USA. In the middle of May, the cruise line was … Read more

One spring, the neighbours down the street were having a swimming pool built. The tiny village of New Denver, British Columbia, Canada, where we lived, lay nestled on the shores of the deep and clear Slocan Lake, where we could swim any … Read more

Millions of Christians wonder if we are now living in the end times. They watch in shock as morale in North America deteriorates. Churches are becoming increasingly marginalized. More and more, theologians and false teachers manipulate and … Read more

As our economy slowly re-opens following the COVID-19 pandemic, after months of shopping restrictions and the availability of essential services only, there will be all sorts of promotions to attract buyers into brick-and-mortar shops. I … Read more

My friend Chris's house is somewhat of an oddity in Arizona — he has a lawn in his backyard. Most of us have rock, gravel, fake grass, or some other yard covering, as it's easier to take care of in the blazing hot summers. But Chris likes … Read more

I purchased a new clock, and its ticking seems loud to my husband. I am not bothered because I am hearing impaired. Whenever he mumbles "Tick, tock …" under his breath, I am reminded of nights spent with my grandmother. I often stayed … Read more

As a member of the Board of the Renewal Fellowship Within the Presbyterian Church in Canada, I have come to appreciate more and more the importance of prayer in our day and time. The prayer initiative for the last few years has been based … Read more

A story passed down from 1916 in our family is of my grandfather yelling to my grandmother, in a frantic moment when their farm house was on fire with no hope of it being saved, "If you go into that house one more time, I'll not go in. Our … Read more

Last summer, many parts of North America were plagued by wildfires. One of my friends was personally affected. Although his hay was burnt, his home was spared, but at the back of his property, a neighbour's ranch with cabins for tourist … Read more

At two degrees north of the Arctic Circle, in Inuvik, Canada, the sun sets for the last time below the horizon in early December. After nearly 30 days of darkness, the return of the sun is celebrated around January 6th at the annual Inuvik … Read more

With curiosity, I watched an interesting video showing the work of a street evangelist. Most people walked right by him, paying no attention at all. He was asking the question, "Are we good people?" There were a few who stopped to listen. … Read more

For as long as I remember, I've heard people make New Year's resolutions about something they are going to change in their lives. Then later, I observe that they are back doing the very thing that they committed not to do. Year after … Read more

The robins proclaim both their own and spring's arrival through song, ending the winter's silence with their robust and distinctive singing: a cheery, rolling trill. It was a robin's loud, persistent, and forceful chirp that caught my ear … Read more

Ten days ago, for the first time in more than a century, both the United States and Canada allowed a man to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope. The event was televised during prime time, and as people tuned … Read more

We spent too much time teaching our kids to believe in Santa Claus. We'd take them to the mall for the yearly Santa picture, the one where they scream and Santa cringes. We told them to be good or they … Read more

There's an old folk song called "The Wayfaring Stranger". Most people assume it's an Appalachian song, a Melungeon ballad, or an old African-American spiritual. There's even some speculation that it was first sung in Britain and brought over to North … Read more

Our sons are getting older now and seem to require more space. Their latest takeover was a move from the office that they were using upstairs to a total occupation of the basement. During this move downstairs, I was amazed … Read more

I was watching an old movie the other night, in which one fellow was giving another fellow a wedding present. The gift was a box of colourful, hand-tied fishing lures, which brought back memories for me. My dad was an … Read more

Today was a dreary day. It looked like we are going to be blessed with rain again. We've had quite a bit of rain lately, and I am sure that the plants and trees and farmers are very thankful. As … Read more

I grew up in a slum area. When I entered grade seven, I was a bad kid. I hung around with a rowdy bunch of kids, and I am sure my parents wondered what would become of me. My father … Read more

I had something out of my mouth before I thought! In a recent conversation on the telephone, I asked about a new espresso machine that my husband had purchased, wondering how much he should have spent to have something half … Read more

For our summer holiday, my wife and I spent some time in the Waternish Peninsula, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The roads were single track, with passing spaces at regular intervals. Every passing space has a post aside the … Read more

In high school, I was editor of the school newspaper. This was the position that gave purpose to my life. One day, a classmate and I had a disagreement. I can't remember what prompted it, but she attacked me in … Read more

Some years ago, when speaking about the responsibility of a Christian, someone coined the phrase, "Talk the talk and walk the walk." In other words, we are to live our Christianity in every walk of life. I am confronted almost … Read more

We don't get a lot of fog in the area where we live, but we have been experiencing quite a bit lately. Recently, I had an appointment booked in a city sixty miles south, and so I left with lots … Read more

Perhaps you have been guilty, as I have been, of discreetly packing away photographs of married couples when one of the spouses has changed their partner. When my husband Ron and I divorced, I often wondered if my name was … Read more

My mother loved words. She delved deeply into dictionaries to discover their meanings. I have no doubt my mother could have had an excellent career. Unfortunately, she lost many of her teenage school years caring for her sick mother. Regardless, … Read more

"If only I were beautiful, then I would be loved," the young woman said to her mother. "If only my wife still looked like that, life would be sweet," the man remarked to his co-worker. What a sad commentary it … Read more