Author: Mary Jane Hanson

Jesus talks about selling all we own to enter the kingdom of God in today's scripture. Juan Carlos Ortiz tells a modern-day version of this Parable of the Pearl in his book The Disciple. Imagine with Ortiz the transaction between … Read more

Our mothers all give us advice when we are growing up. We do not always listen to these instructions, but some of them seem relevant to us. If this is the case, we decide to follow our mother's advice. If … Read more

Almost two years ago, our nine-year-old Stephanie read a scripture reading during the worship service. It was a long reading taken from Exodus 4:1-17. That September Sunday, the church was full. Stephanie walked up to the lectern so that she … Read more

I was out walking one day when I noticed a bright yellow kite caught up in a tree. The string was missing. Two weeks later, despite greater than average rainfall and several windy days, the kite had not moved at … Read more

On the flat prairies of Saskatchewan, it is common to see shelterbelts of trees around farmyards. Trees add beauty but are also functional. They provide protection from the wind. Trees often serve as shelter for our friends the birds. Tonight … Read more

When I started my new job, last September first, I was given three keys. One is a key to our building, a second is the key to the offices, and a third is a storage room key. After the first … Read more

I am a reluctant driver, but recently God has helped me venture out in our car a little more. I play Christian music to encourage me. As I gain confidence, I take the car for longer drives. But sometimes I … Read more

Have you ever watched a magpie chase a gopher? The other day I happened upon such a scene. I never thought of magpies as birds of prey, but I could see that this bird intended to have lunch soon. As … Read more

"Have you ever had the awful feeling that you have forgotten something important? Did I forget to invite you to the barbecue?" I answered "Yes" to both questions posed by a friend earlier this week. My friend was so busy … Read more

We are having a concrete driveway, sidewalk, and patio poured. I wonder, "How will we come and go from our home while this work takes place?" We cannot walk on wet cement! We will still have access to our front … Read more