In the late winter of 2020, a new virus appeared on the scene, shutting down businesses, public buildings, churches, and schools. We are in the grips of this pandemic whether we like it or not. With all the hype over the virus, people …( read more )

My brother lives in the Ottawa Valley, by a lake nicknamed the Lake of Storms. Often choppy, the wind can whip the water into high waves and whitecaps quickly. All wise boaters know when to go ashore! This pales, though, in comparison to …( read more )

When I looked at the Old Testament Psalm 23, I realized that those ancient words of David would be very reassuring and valuable to us in our present circumstances. The sole purpose of a shepherd is to look after all of the sheep under …( read more )

The World Health Organization has declared this latest coronavirus a pandemic. This directly affects life for all of us to some degree. At first it was a sad development in far-away China, where sickness and death rapidly spread. Then it …( read more )

What do we do in times of uncertainty? How do we react when anxious people look to us for stability and a road map — when we don't have one? Times of uncertainty are certainly not new, but when they come, we are called upon to act in …( read more )

"Sit!" commands the dog's master. Next comes what is truly impressive: The dog instantly lowers its hind legs and stays put. All the while, its eyes remain fixed on its master. It stays nearby, always sensitive to its master's moves. …( read more )

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus shaped like a spherical crown (corona) with protrusions. It has taken such a grip of so many …( read more )

While cleaning out some long-undisturbed cupboards in the church basement, members of my congregation unearthed a pile of disused hymnbooks and gave them to anyone who wanted one. I claimed The Book of Praise, printed in 1918. Though it …( read more )

When I was a teenager, I heard voices. "Let's get drunk," said the first voice. The 1970s were in full force. Drinking seemed to be a way of life, so I agreed. And since this voice represented acceptance by my peers, I justified my …( read more )

"I'll be praying for you" are words which can be a soothing balm to our troubled souls in our time of need. Alas, though genuine and heartfelt, my promise to pray for others is sometimes soon forgotten. After years of feeling regretful …( read more )