Month: May 2005

Some years ago, I had the privilege of spending three days in a "poustinia" at the Madonna house, a retreat centre in northern Ontario, founded by the late Catherine de Hueck Doherty. She explained that "poustinia" in Russian means "desert", … Read more

This powerful image of Jesus during the Last Supper emphasizes the importance of humble service. Despite Jesus' position as God's only Son and his sacrificial role in establishing our salvation, he shows again and again, in his words and actions, … Read more

We have a new phenomenon in our vicinity: identity theft. Thieves can raid our bins left out for the refuse collectors to remove. They scavenge for paperwork that might give away details of personal accounts. With the details, they can … Read more

Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of attending a production of the musical, Godspell, which was presented by a local theatre company. I felt prompted to attend the performance to see if there was anything new I would learn about … Read more

Dolly just got loved to shreds. She had belonged to my daughter, and now her daughter loved her, but alas, she was falling apart. It was time for Grandma to put a new body on her, so she came for … Read more

I have a waterproof jacket that I wear to go walking and riding to work. I bought it for my birthday two years ago. It is lightweight and specifically made for the task. Consequently, I thought it rather atypical that, … Read more

Have you ever seen grass grow on a roof? I have, many times, especially back in Scotland. In the bleak countryside, one comes across old derelict cottages, abandoned decades ago, which once housed a shepherd or a crofter and his … Read more

When I first became a Christian, I was looking for an "instant fix". Just as the apostle Paul had been struck down on the Damascus Road, I was expecting an instant transformation that was going to perfect me and turn … Read more

Many years ago, it was fashionable to have a tiny container, often in the shape of a heart, made of silver or gold and attached to a chain around one's neck. Within the closed, ornamental, hinged container was a picture … Read more

It is Gold Cup race day at Cheltenham Racecourse, a big event with the attraction of a major sport cup-tie. The town centre has the cosmopolitan feel of London or New York, with the pace being quickened by the anticipation … Read more