Margaret Vanderzweerde

One of Aesop's fables is about a dog that lost the bone it was carrying because the dog mistook its own reflection in a pond for another dog, carrying a larger bone. When I read the story to one of … Read more

While camping one day, I watched my husband as he was standing in rather shallow water at the end of the dock, coaching one of the grandchildren into the water. Jake stood there, arms outstretched, calling to Nicole to trust … Read more

Recently I completed an Alpha course where participants were given the opportunity to examine issues of faith in a safe and loving environment and in community with others. It was a wonderful experience, and what struck me most was that … Read more

In my work in India and Nepal, I visit many weaving centres, operated for training purposes by many of the church and para-church organizations. Although a weaver myself, I never realized that there are so many different styles of looms. … Read more

The night was dark, as nights are in rural India after 6 p.m., and my husband and I, as guests of a bishop of the Church of North India, were travelling by car, with the bishop and his wife, back … Read more

While recently caring for Mary, the six-year-old daughter of an ill friend, I found myself reading to her from her favourite book, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. We had come to the part in the story … Read more

During my work period in India, I frequently visited the capital city, New Delhi, one of the busiest cities in the world. Traffic is atrocious and long delays are "par for the course". One thing I noticed very quickly was … Read more

At the age of about 3, and in the sanctuary for the first time, my son jumped onto the pew when the minister "ascended" into the wall-hung pulpit and, waving his hand, called out, "Hi, Mr. God, I'm Kenny." He … Read more

The Niagara Parks Commission Horticultural Garden complex is one of my most favourite places to visit. Recently, I went for a walk, and, as I walked the garden paths, I became keenly aware of the planning, mending, and tending that … Read more

Driving south from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, last summer, we came around a curve in the road, and I was startled by the view before me. There was a large hill, on top of which stood the skeleton of what … Read more