Our friends showed my husband and me a wooden game they had just bought. Two marbles rolled around on either side of a slope, enclosed in plexiglass, that looked like a miniature half pipe for skateboarding. They were separated from each … Read more

Over four decades ago, when I stood at the altar before the minister who performed the marriage ceremony between me and my husband, I made a promise of faithfulness to him "till death do us part". Quoting Matthew 19:6b (KJV), the … Read more

I am not a doctor or a nurse. I am an English major with a minor in journalism, and I received my master's degree in counselling and psychology. I went the education route and ended up working as a newspaper reporter for more than two … Read more

Last Sunday in church, a young father sat in front of me, holding his beautiful baby son. This little child is about nine months old. He is cherubic, with red hair, beautiful blue eyes, and the most wonderful smile. Throughout the … Read more

During my teaching career, I worked with many children, from the cognitively impaired to the most nimble-minded of students. As God allowed, the entire range of children had strengths and weaknesses. I am familiar and comfortable with … Read more

In the Peanuts comic strip, Linus has his security blanket. Over a 35-year period, he experienced a love/hate relationship with this well-worn blanket. After all, it had been a part of his life from the very beginning. The blanket gave … Read more

"Tell me the story of Mama patting the skunk." "What about the time that Digby caught the mouse?" My grandchildren love hearing the stories of my childhood, or that of their parents. As we snuggle down for bedtime stories, they enjoy … Read more

Nothing warms my heart more than watching our youth pastor gathering his flock at the front of our church for story time and prayer. The platform comes to life with the flutter of waving hands signalling their parents until they have made … Read more

Today at church, the minister called for the servers to come forward to prepare communion for the congregation. Often these moments of ceremony are formal, even sombre in tone — the last remnants of ritual in our modern services. Today, … Read more

One day, I was looking on YouTube for an anthem that my wife needed to learn for a church service in which she was invited to sing with the choir. While I was listening to it, during a clarinet solo, I heard some small children giggling … Read more