As a writer of middle-grade fantasy as well as a life-long reader, I have long been conflicted over the use of magic in Christian stories. Sunlight breaks through a forest As believers and writers, we have no need to employ an external force in order to create the supernatural. We need only use our God-given…
Lifting each other up
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” John F. Kennedy. Investment in the economy benefits all those who participate in it. Therefore, everyone in that economy, theoretically, would encourage that investment. However, a disturbing economic reality is that sometimes the more apt word picture is that of crabs in a bucket. When one begins to climb…
Hidden treasure
I first met Glenn* years ago. I was working in a school for children with disabilities and Glenn was one of the children in the small class I was assigned to. I was told Glenn was severely autistic. That was his diagnosis. But I soon learned six-year-old Glenn was a little boy of boundless curiosity,…
Respecting the living and honouring the dead
I live in a region in Northern Canada which does not permit the burial of those who pass away in winter. Instead they are housed in special facilities until the ground is thawed. My dad passed away in March but he was only just laid to rest in June. Our family waited three months from…
On minding one’s own business
How did I miss this? I have spent years allowing many, many people, who do not have my best interests in mind, to live rent free in my head. Why did I ever think this was a productive, let alone fruitful, way to live my life? I have twisted myself into knots imagining conversations that…
An epic adventure
Writing a story is like visiting a friend you haven’t yet met. You enter their environment, go along on their adventures, meet new people, and learn new things. Every time you start a fresh story you are entering another world. At first, you don’t know what or who you will encounter and it is tedious…
A very hard goodbye
My Dad A life of adventure, love and curiosity has come to an end. Ninety-one years of working hard, traveling, raising a family, and learning. Always learning. A farm boy, train-hopper, self-taught electrician/carpenter/roofer/engineer and motorcycle rider. A man of faith acquainted with grief as well as joy. He routinely checked on his neighbours, often lending…
Beyond the veil of grief
Our society prizes the young, youthful beauty, supposed innocence, unlined and unmarked faces. But, if you look into an old person’s eyes, if you wait and if you have patience, there beyond the drooping lids, missing eyelashes, unruly brows and crows feet, if you look deeply you’ll find that person, that soul, is still there.…
Social media detox
Recently, I’ve made the decision to disengage from social media. The reasons I joined the various platforms have become invalid and I have decided my time is better spent on other things. I joined Facebook when my children were young adults hoping it would allow me to stay connected to them. We would exchange photos…
Kayaking Warrick Lake
Warrick Lake I found this long lake last summer hidden behind a pretty highway pull off. Muffled by forest, the absence of road noise makes it seem like it is in the middle of nowhere. Perfect calm water with the occasional startled beaver splash.
