A Cornerstone on Fire
The year is 2000. It is the fourth of July. The place is Fonthill, Ont., my hometown. I am 16 years old. I am about […]
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The reality of a fallen world, and God’s solution
Two of the most disturbing stories to hit the news in recent times involve severed body parts that have been found in or near bodies […]
My parents’ table and landing on the moon
I wish I was at my parents’ table this morning. I want coffee and shredded wheat, toast with Mum’s marmalade heaped high and Dad’s stories. And I’d ask them both again about the moon landing. That’s the story I want to hear this morning.
A Part of the Puzzle
A number of years ago, when we had a travel agency, my husband had an office photo taken. Our staff consisted of five young ladies and me. I was the “go-for”, the window decorator and not so good at filing our little bookkeeper informed me one day. But we were a great group and my husband loved all of us.
Living in the lovely house of God
On holiday, we seem to collect churches. You’d think that the kids would complain about this habit of ours, but so far they don’t. I know. Give them a few years.
The Hats We Wear
Most seniors have worn so many hats that it is no wonder they are confused. A friend of mine confessed at church coffee time, that at a recent family affair, she was a great-grandma for the first time. It was disconcerting as she kept looking up every time someone said “grandma” and it is her daughter that is now “grandma”.
Imitating and Eating
This week’s lectionary work keeps pace with the words of John’s Gospel, walking slowly through chapter six from the feeding of the five thousand and through to the passages about the bread from heaven. Bread and more bread
The Hymn Olympics
Disclaimer: Right off the top let me say this is not a perfect analogy. Having said that, I do think there are some similarities between […]
Laughing Out Loud
My late husband was perhaps best known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor. I knew he had a serious side but my friends had sat with him during hockey and football games. They knew he was a noisy spectator and fun to be with.
Offering space at the table
I’ve got a brain full of hospitality today. All the bread scriptures in the last few weeks’ lectionary are probably part of it. As are the personal circumstances. We’ve been offered holiday space by a church friend with a house in France.
Coffee Comforts
Every Friday morning I brew about 30 cups of coffee for my Bible study group. I have done this for over five years. A lot of study and a lot of coffee.
But what will it look like?
I have always loved making puzzles. One of my early memories is just that: making puzzles on the living room floor in Meaford, Ontario. I […]
Best thing since…
It felt like a complete win. We were in the grocery store and getting to that stage where we were a little desperate for something to eat. I have been known to pick up raisin scone to scarf on the way home. (The Spouse is classier by far and buys baguette.)
It’s Okay to Grow Older
My four year old great nephew was an avid Star Wars fan and loved acting out the parts. On a visit to his home, he gave us all specific roles to play. When he came to me he took one look at my white hair and pronounced…”It’s too late for you Auntie Pat.”
The Blue Jays’ trials…and ours
I grew up in northern Ontario, where winter sports were always more emphasized than summer ones. In the days before the Blue Jays, I remember […]
All the water in all the oceans
“All the water in all the oceans cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside. Nor can all the trouble in the world harm us unless it gets within us.”
Preparing for Home
“We must remember Christ was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on a town garbage heap.”
On the Isle of Iona
There is a line from a song by John Bell of the Iona Community that has taken on new meaning for the pilgrims: “At night, as I dreamt, God summoned the day; for God never sleeps, but patterns the morning with slithers of gold or glory in grey.”
Within the Walls of St. Giles
The time of John Knox and the time of the Covenanters came together inside the walls of St. Giles High Kirk (still often called St. Giles Cathedral).
Starting with St. Andrews
We began our journey through Scotland at a place of great beauty and, for John Knox , great pain.