I recently saw a video online called The Atheist Delusion , featuring interviews by Ray Comfort. Most of those interviewed were young people who claimed to be atheists; in their teen years, they failed to see believable evidence for the …( read more )

I find myself inundated with voices these days. The newsfeed is 24/7, full of stories of pandemic, civil and racial unrest, political bickering and threats, and the plight of refugees. Even if I turn the radio and television off, there are …( read more )

As our economy slowly re-opens following the COVID-19 pandemic, after months of shopping restrictions and the availability of essential services only, there will be all sorts of promotions to attract buyers into brick-and-mortar shops. I …( read more )

Each time I turn on the radio or connect to the Internet, I am inundated with news about COVID-19 and new developments. It seems that my social media feeds are peppered with conspiracy theories which verge on the scary, but which are …( read more )

Each spring, the melting snow and ice upstream cause the Ottawa River to rise to a roaring torrent, crashing over the Chaudiere Falls near Ottawa and Gatineau, Canada, barrelling on its way to meet the St. Lawrence River, and eventually, …( read more )

My father passed away suddenly when I was fifteen, and well I remember the stunned disbelief of family and friends at the loss of a vibrant, gifted husband and dad. In my memory, the funeral was surreal and muted; the still, pale figure in …( read more )

During this time of social distancing, of staying at home, and of home schooling, I've been watching all kinds of suggestions on social media as to how to keep children entertained at home, while maintaining their education. Many of the …( read more )

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual deadline to submit our income tax returns at this time of year has been delayed. It's no-one's favourite thing to do. I don't know of anyone who rushes joyfully to pay their taxes! Instead, we …( read more )

Each spring, the melting snows flow into the Madawaska River. From its source in Algonquin Provincial Park, it spills from lake to lake, punctuated by hydro dams along its course, until at last, it meets the Ottawa River. The lakes rise …( read more )

Each spring in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the season is announced first by snowdrops, then by crocus blossoms. The sloping lawns around the Parliament Buildings are adorned by beds of the cheery crocus, purple and golden. For those of us who …( read more )

When my brothers and I were young, we avidly collected chunks of mica and pyrite. Because the minerals sparkled and were beautiful, we assumed that they were valuable. Pyrite is known as "fool's gold", because its metallic shimmer and gold …( read more )

When I was a student, I spent two summers in Jasper, Alberta, Canada, working in service jobs, as many students still do, earning money for the next university semester. Many mountains encircle Jasper, one being Mount Edith Cavell, its …( read more )

During these days of crisis and uncertainty, the memories and experiences of the British people during the dark times of the Second World War come to mind. The nation faced a dangerous and seemingly unstoppable enemy army, as it marched …( read more )

In late January of this year, I had total knee replacement surgery. The recovery is slow but consistent, although it's painful. I often find it hard to sleep at night, and I spend hours awake "in the watches of the night". As I have been …( read more )

When I was young, Saturday mornings were spent in front of the television set with my brothers, watching classic Western movies. The golden glow of the American southwest was a far cry from a cool Ontario morning! We loved the cowboys and …( read more )

Jesus came into Jerusalem in the most public way imaginable. If He had come riding a horse, He would be sending the message that He was a man of conquest and war. His victory is of a different nature altogether! Up to this time, Jesus had …( read more )

My brother lives in the Ottawa Valley, by a lake nicknamed the Lake of Storms. Often choppy, the wind can whip the water into high waves and whitecaps quickly. All wise boaters know when to go ashore! This pales, though, in comparison to …( read more )

While cleaning out some long-undisturbed cupboards in the church basement, members of my congregation unearthed a pile of disused hymnbooks and gave them to anyone who wanted one. I claimed The Book of Praise, printed in 1918. Though it …( read more )

Dear friends of mine, who had previously enjoyed a prosperous lifestyle, savings, and a fine home, experienced job loss and successive calamities of workplace injustice, ensuing legal struggles, dwindling savings, loss of their house, care …( read more )

I enjoy star gazing, especially when I am away from the bright city lights, and I can really take in the night sky. I took an astronomy course in university, learning about the chemical make-up of stars, how light travels, and the theories …( read more )

I love to host a dinner party. I plan the menu, prepare what I can in advance, and set the table. It's a chance to bring out the nicest dishes, the linen, the vintage pressed glass pieces that I collect, and the prettiest napkins. It …( read more )

I enjoy walking through forests, especially old ones, which are rich with sounds and smells. I tend to stick to the paths that I know. Sometimes, however, I may be on a favourite path that I have followed many times, but get myself turned …( read more )

Canadians love hockey. In the Hockey Hall of Fame, the great players of the past are honoured and revered. When the stars retire, their player numbers are retired, too, and in their home ice arenas, their hockey jerseys are hung up high in …( read more )

I am not a morning person, and I used to dread 8:00 a.m. college classes. I would do everything to stay awake: drink coffee, tap my toe, chew on a mint, and take a walk at break time. It was still hard to stay awake and be alert. The …( read more )

In our wintry months, it seems that the sun rises too late and sets too early. We arise to our daily work in the dark, and return home in the dark, slipping into sadness. The business of the world trudges on, though, as we slog through …( read more )

Have you ever been handed counterfeit money? Some photocopied counterfeits are easy to spot, but others are really well crafted and hard to detect. Law enforcement officers and banking staff know what counterfeit money looks like. They …( read more )

Have you ever been lost in the dark? You may have been afraid and unsure, and had to trust your memory of where things were and should be, so as to steer around them. It is an uncomfortable situation to be in! The Bible speaks of God …( read more )