I’ve realized how my relationships with my children have shifted. They are all adults and now they’re the ones giving me advice and, sometimes, I find myself taking it. They have each gone their own way. They are married or living with their partners. They have children of their own that they are raising and…
Time out
Summer is the perfect time to pause and reevaluate. We can get so caught up in the chaos of summer vacation that we miss a crucial opportunity to step back and assess our lives. Whether it’s a job, lifestyle, our parenting, marriage or friendships, every part of our lives can benefit from simply taking some…
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…
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…
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…
Raising strong readers
We all know the importance of literacy. It helps us communicate and make sense of our world. As an author, I love to write books that encourage children to use their imaginations and learn about God and the world around them. But, raising children who love to read can be challenging. It takes intention and…
Kidlit resources for homeschoolers
As a homeschooler, my greatest challenge was also my greatest joy: spending all day, everyday, with my kids. I loved learning with them, seeing their faces light up when they mastered something and finding ways to tailor the learning to their strengths. But it wasn’t all fingerpaint and field trips. It was also finding ways…
Inspiration for Writers
As writers, we may feel that our most productive time is spent getting the words down. But where do we find those words to begin with? And when we are burned out and our well is dry, where can we go for inspiration? Are you a writer first? A mom? A dad? Are you a…
Looking forward to Spring
It’s been a long winter. As most winters do in northern Ontario, this one has long worn out its welcome. But spring is coming. As I look at these pictures and plan out new adventures I am grateful for the season of rest that is coming to an end and I look forward to the…
Finding peace on the road
We found ourselves on the road this past week. It was a long trip and I found my mind wandering often to the topic of peace. It was everywhere. From things I was reading to podcasts to snippets of songs popping into my head, the topic was always peace and I figured God was trying…
