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

I crochet many blankets for babies. Recently, I had just begun one when it occurred to me how well this particular colour went with my décor. I thus decided to pick up more yarn and increase the size of the piece. I now have a lovely … Read more

In an instant, his anger caused him to sin, and shattered his dream of entering the Promised Land. When I first read this verse, "Be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26a ESV), it sounded like a contradiction. It might surprise some … Read more

One of the effects of the pandemic that we regret the most is that many church sanctuaries have been closed. It is important to lament the loss of what has been. It is important to lament the loss of people who have died as a result of … Read more

Back in 1866, when the founding fathers of Confederation were discussing naming Canada, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley was reading the Bible one morning. While reading Psalm 72, he was inspired by the words of today's verse. His suggestion … Read more

I hated the pressure cooker when I was growing up. It hissed and made strange noises. I expected it to blow up every time Mom used it. My bedroom was beside the kitchen, so I had to walk by the scary thing any time I left my room. I'd dash … Read more

In Christian vernacular, we use the word giant as a substitute for a major problem in our lives. This idea or imagery developed from the biblical narrative of David and Goliath. More than three years ago, I had a setback after being … Read more

I have experienced the abysmal hopelessness that can enter a heart, spirit, and soul. I have experienced believing that there is no way out and no way back to a better life. For a season, I believed that I was … Read more

The principal of my rural school in the nineteen thirties and forties was convinced that the today's Scripture was the answer to all child-rearing problems. The parents, who supported him completely, backed up his theory of "tough love". In those … Read more

We live in a world where fear seems to be the motivator! Terrorism, bomb threats, super bugs — the list goes on. We are bombarded with fears in the news, the Internet, and the newspapers. No wonder there are days … Read more

I am in the process of recovering from surgery. The instructions upon discharge from the hospital were quite simple, or so I thought: no driving, no laundry, no vacuuming, and no heavy lifting for six weeks. I am pleased to … Read more

In her book, Raising Sheep the Modern Way, British Columbian Paula Simmons presents a nuts-and-bolts explanation of the vocation, including such topics as fences, feeds, lambing positions, parasites, hoof care, shearing, and mutton recipes. Yet even in such a secular … Read more