By nature, I am an introvert. In a crowd, I keep quiet, not because I am shy, but rather because I don't feel that I have anything to say and because I prefer to think rather than to speak. Still, there have been times when I decided to … Read more

One of the hardest things for parents to do is to watch helplessly as their babies are hurting. When my daughter Missy and her husband took Jenna, my granddaughter, for her baby shots, she was bubbly and smiling, but then, it happened. … Read more

Joe slumped to the floor, the life choked out of him, a victim of a terrible game young people play called the Choking Game or Blackout Challenge. The act of intentionally cutting off the source of oxygen to the brain to induce a temporary … Read more

Today, Canadians observe a day named in honour of Queen Victoria, who ruled the British Empire for 63 years from 1837 to 1901. The holiday is celebrated as the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, the currently reigning monarch. As … Read more

Uniforms were required in the Christian school that my boys attended. They looked smart in their navy-blue dress pants and vests, crisp white shirts, navy socks, and black shoes. School uniforms were part of their training to grow in the … Read more

Recently, a fellow resident shared her story. In 1989, Dorothy's husband of 42 years suddenly died from a massive heart attack, just two weeks before they were to leave on a planned cruise. Her son, John, who lived nearby, was very … Read more

Suddenly, it was quiet! Your heart skipped a beat. Until now you hadn't paid much attention to the children's playful chatter. But now the silence grips every fibre of your being. That's the power of silence. Perhaps you've experienced … Read more

During Lent, I was studying some of the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus on the cross, and, in particular, the passages in the book of Matthew where the authorities and other people were mocking Jesus. "Even the … Read more

As I thought about how Jesus died for my sins, I realized that He died for me — His blood is on my hands. I might as well have been there to pound the nails in His hands and feet — the hammer fits my hand! In my mind, I saw a … Read more

Violence, suicide, shootings, racial slurs, and bullying are rampant, and it seems that these are occurring more and more. One just has to watch the news on television, read the newspaper, or hear it in the streets. Children and young … Read more

Until recently, I hadn't given much thought to the reed (or mock sceptre) that was placed in Jesus' hand by His enemies on the day of His execution. But as part of my Lenten devotions, I read an interesting section about the reed in the … Read more

In an era of rapidly changing customs and thought patterns, the world of art likewise changes, following trends related to various philosophical worldviews. During my attendance at the college of art from 1961 to 1962, the prevalence of … Read more

Twenty people in our little town were searching. Two hours had passed. The bush was thick. The paths were many. The chill of night crept closer. Would the elderly gentleman who had wandered away from his home be found in time? … Read more

The 1977 movie, "Jesus of Nazareth" by Franco Zeffirelli, is my favourite film depicting the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Each time I see it, I am more inspired by the powerful script, music, and images portrayed on … Read more

In our Bible study, we have been looking at the Easter story. It was a six-week study, so we have been able to really look at the events in depth. I have heard the story many times, and perhaps you have as well. I am finding that when I … Read more

On October 21st, 1999, we were in Jerusalem with a group of Christian brothers and sisters. We looked at a number of tourist attractions in the morning and had a chance to do some shopping, and after lunch, we went to see the Garden Tomb. … Read more

It fell to my lot to grow up near a church which we attended on a regular basis. All my siblings and I went from the beginners' department to the Bible class by passing the Scripture examinations. I had three teachers in the Bible class, … Read more

He rose from his seat and scampered to the door to answer an unexpected call. What he heard next would change his life forever: "Mom's not breathing." Our small church wasn't prepared for the tragedy. Nor was her spouse, child, or … Read more

Standing at a distance from the cross, I found myself in a group of three women who were gazing at the man who was hanging there for His sin of blasphemy, as ordered by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The … Read more

In a world with so many different spiritual writings, why should anyone pay special attention to the Bible as a revelation from God? For me, convincing evidence comes from the fact that Isaiah, living 700 years prior to Jesus' time … Read more

While reading through the second chapter of the book, I Dared To Call Him Father, an autobiography by Bilquis Sheikh, I was struck by her expression, glowing embers — the words she used to describe the effect of God's Word … Read more

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to see a spectacular live presentation of the biblical play, "Joseph", at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. When I arrived at the theatre, it was announced that the … Read more

As a writer of young adult fiction, probably my most satisfying moments are when I finally finish another book. The story is complete, all questions answered, a satisfactory wind-up, no loose ends. I can sit back and say, "It is … Read more

For a number of years, I attended a church which had an amateur theatrical group attached to it. The group generally produced two plays a year. When a performance was to be given, there was always much excitement in the … Read more

Have you ever wondered about family ancestry? Most people begin to research rather late in life, long after many family members and relatives are deceased. Since both my parents have passed away, I have begun to appreciate my family … Read more

Most of us likely know the expression, "Silence speaks louder than words." Years of experience have taught me that this proverb is true. Sometimes, I can give a better testimony simply by being silent, much to the disappointment of some … Read more

It is a great thing to serve people, but we are to do so as serving the Lord, rather than as serving people. I have had many negative reactions from people in various congregations and choir groups with whom I … Read more

One day this winter, I looked out the window, only to see the huge mounds of snow — snow that had not only fallen, but had been piled high by the snowplow. The day was sunny and cold when I … Read more

I worked for a carpenter the other day. It was my husband. I was helping out, filling in nail holes. A tedious task, one might think. However, I like jobs like this, and it is so satisfying to stand back … Read more

Last year at Easter, I was in the garden tomb for the sunrise service. It was a moment in time when I was in the proximity of where Christ was laid in the tomb and from where he rose … Read more

What's a crucifixion like? A Jewish writer, Klausner, describes it as being the most cruel and terrible death that has ever been devised for taking vengeance by men against men. Cicero called it the most terrible and most cruel torture. … Read more

We were in Jerusalem a couple of years ago and on Good Friday we visited the Garden of the Tomb just outside the Damascus gate of the walled city. There was an empty tomb located on one side of a … Read more

He took His cross as best he could (cross-bearing was so new to him) How could He tell the torturous load of rough hewn wood on that rutted road where He was led, would saw His shoulder till it bled; … Read more