"I've tried that and it doesn't work!" Has that ever been a reply to you when you're trying to brainstorm or just to make a helpful suggestion? There are many putdowns or cutoffs. Some people who do that are seemingly … Read more
I have a mug with many sayings about music written on it. Perhaps you know some of them. "Hug a musician, they never get to dance!" "There should be music in every house – except the one next door!" "Music … Read more
Imagination. What a wonderful thing. Just close your eyes and imagine you are somewhere else, like in Hawaii, or someone else, like a millionaire. Imagine the fun, the money, the excitement. Imagine how great it would be if only you … Read more
Visiting China with other Canadian Christians last November was very interesting. Also interesting was reading the English-language China Daily. It was a different newspaper whose lead stories told of world leaders eagerly visiting China daily. Other pages told how the … Read more
Have you ever seen someone in a rage? Have you ever seen someone lose control, fit to be tied? That's an interesting phrase – fit to be tied. It means someone who has lost it, and needs to be restrained, … 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
Have you ever seen the painting called 'The Last Supper"? Do you know the inside story? One day Leonardo da Vinci became angry with a man while painting this picture. He lashed out with cruel words. When he tried to … Read more
In February 1996, The Presbyterian Record published a game I created to use with children during Family Violence Prevention Week (page 50). It was called Hurters and Helpers. After an energetic game the children are invited to reflect on how … 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
Before I retired from gainful employment, I used to walk to the university nearly every day, summer and winter. In the winter I found myself intrigued by the rabbit tracks that crossed my path in the snow, particularly in the … Read more