This present year is like none that we've ever known. When we pay attention to the news, we are informed of all the families who have lost someone they love — a hard and harsh reality. We hear about doctors, nurses, long-term care … 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
From my kitchen window, I enjoy the heavy, low-flying, distinctively coloured, quiet, slow-mannered pair of wood ducks that like to rest on their webbed feet awhile on the horizontal branches of my big, old maple trees almost every morning … Read more
Whenever I feast on the wonder of a starlit sky, as daytime's sunset pulls down her blind and whispers goodnight, I cannot help but believe in God's handiwork. And though my eyesight has faded over time, and brilliant colours have lost … 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
We had just finally found a place to rent, a former karate studio over a downtown business with a beat-up wreck of a kitchen that looked unusable. Moving in that night, I fed the children and put them to bed before retiring ourselves. … Read more
My mother and I were watching television. The meteorologist was warning of a storm in the area. We saw the lightning but soon realized that the power lines were snapping. We rushed to the basement, praying with every step for God's … 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
Last December, I went to see an elderly gentleman in a long-term care facility. About three-and-a-half years ago, he had a stroke, but through specific exercises, he recovered quite well. But then one day, he slipped, fell, and broke his … Read more
If ever there were a time when we need to approach the throne of grace, it's now! The whole world has been turned upside down. We need God. We need His peace. We need His strength. There is no one else to turn to. Prayer is a gift from … Read more