Last Sunday, I brought a new friend to church. Back home, she attended a different church. My mind focused on “What will she think of us? Will our kind of church touch her heart?” Seeing our church family through what I thought might possibly be her eyes gave me some… Continue reading
Thanksgiving for many of us means a table laden with steaming hot, delicious food, encircled by a beaming family content to be together. We give thanks for needs met, and the abundance of blessings that fill our lives. Even as we celebrate, we are aware that we are the privileged…. Continue reading
One thing the internet does is bring reviews to our fingertips. Reviews, positive or negative, are powerful in today’s world. We need a new roof. Who do we hire? In the past we would have called friends for their recommendations. Today, we surf the internet for roofing companies. The wise… Continue reading
Last fall when we re-sodded the back yard, we left our garden swing leaning up against the side of the house. This spring I suggested, “Let’s give that old swing away. We never use it.” Tom frowned, “Maybe.“ A few weeks later, I stood on our freshly painted deck and… Continue reading
Our five- year- old grandson crawled into our bed this morning for a cuddle before his little sister woke up. Once he was all snuggled down, he opened the conversation with “My Daddy said that people come from Serbia (his dad is Serbian) to Canada because they want a good… Continue reading
In today’s world, many of us who are long time church members despair at the lack of interest our children show towards church. We brought them to Sunday School as children. They’ve seen our example. Yet they reject it all. We tried to sow the seeds of faith but they… Continue reading
At the Emmanuel College Alumni Day, local author, Janet Stobie received the Emmanuel College Alumni Service Award for her contribution to the United Church and the world, through her books and her inspirational speaking. Over the past fourteen years, Janet has written and published eight books, two novels, Fireweed and… Continue reading
At the first of our Easter family gatherings this year, our niece told me she was pregnant. Her face radiated with joy as she shared her dreams and plans. Her youthful innocence and joy reminded me of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Like all young Jewish women of her time,… Continue reading
The sign flashed: Construction Ahead! Expect Delays! We’ve all seen these signs. We groan. Regardless of our plans for the day, we hate being slowed down, stopped, or rerouted for construction. Yet our lives are always under construction, filled with delays and detours. Usually there’s no flashing sign to warn… Continue reading
