My seven-year-old great-granddaughter touched me deeply during our last phone conversation. She excitedly told me about her love for mathematics. When I turned to the subject of what she was reading, her voice became even more animated … Read more

Thunderstorms with tornados are common in Indiana, USA, where I spent much of my childhood. Blaring sirens would ring out, disturbing a peaceful dinner or interrupting a night's sleep. My family would cross our lawn to the neighbourhood … Read more

As the anniversary of 9/11 arrives once again, I recall visiting New York City on Remembrance Day just two months after the tragedy. On other trips, our senses were assaulted by flashing neon lights and the ear-splitting noise of honking … Read more

The other day, I was doing a word puzzle and got stuck. I was looking for words that began with the letter "f". I turned my tablet sideways, as this gives me a different perspective, but still I had no success. I was just about to click … Read more

Growing up in the 1960s, I learned to love "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. And the sign said: "The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sound of silence." It was … Read more

In an Advent liturgy presented in our church, one word leaped off the page at me: "Expectations". That word rattled around in my brain for the rest of the service. What was so special about that word? As I reflected, I realized that I … Read more

One of the places that we visited on our cruise last February and March did not have a large enough harbour to accommodate our ship. So we dropped anchor offshore, and then, people were taken to the shore in small boats. We stayed on … Read more

A very dear friend of mine married recently. She had suffered the gauntlet of loneliness and uncertainty, but during that time, she had totally relied on God's grace and trusted in His will for her life. She had desolate times … Read more

English was always my favourite subject, though sometimes a teacher or two could be a bit challenging. (Admittedly, we students were probably challenging at times!) Such was one teacher we had in Grade 8. When asked a question, he often … Read more

Some of my close friends found it difficult to celebrate Christmas this year. Last year, I, too, found myself dreading the season. Normally, I really enjoy seeing the coloured lights, attending the various carol concerts, and tasting the mouth-watering treats … Read more

1. When a disaster strikes, even as far away as in Japan, it causes all of us to think about what it would be like if that happened to us. To see people's houses blown apart by advancing water and … Read more

This devotional offers twofold evidence for trusting in God. Firstly, while lunching with a dear friend one day, we exchanged our experiences in putting our faith in God helping us locate lost articles. When we "give it to God", admitting … Read more

Before long, it will be time to think about planting fall bulbs, like tulips or crocuses or narcissuses. Every time I plant some, I think about them being in the cold, frozen ground all winter. And yet in order for … Read more

As a part of our Thanksgiving celebration this year, my husband, John, and I looked back at the past year and gave thanks again for all the things for which we were thankful. This year we found much for which … Read more

How shall I meditate? Christian meditation must be centred in God alone, the only true God; in Jesus Christ, the only one who has the power to save; and in the Holy Spirit who makes it all come together. Silence, … Read more

During World War 2 in Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was teaching students for the ministry of the Confessing Church. This Church was formed at the Synod of Barmen in 1934 at the very time when Adolf Hitler was taking over as … Read more

"Don't trust in violence". Violence has never proven to be a way to solve problems or re-establish relationships. I was never so ashamed and never so proud to be a Pictonian [Editor's note: citizen of Pictou] as I was the … Read more

In Nova Scotia, Canada, February 9-15 is designated as Family Violence Prevention Week, and the churches are instrumental in taking the initiative. In Pictou County, our Fear Not Now Committee has produced excellent resources for the churches. My meditations this … Read more