In thanks to Sunday School teachers
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In thanks to Sunday School teachers

As face-to-face Sunday services are beginning to happen again throughout the country, so too will Sunday School/Children’s Worship recommence. This recalls a long-ago Sunday School teaching experience. “Come on Bob, how hard can it be to teach a group of three-year-olds?” Thus spoke my wife as I got off the phone and mentioned my reservations…

The art of questions
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The art of questions

Art Linkletter asked children questions. He concluded “kids say the darndest things.” Do we ask enough questions? Questions play different roles. Questions investigate, inquire, interrogate. Questions expose need, attitudes, understanding, misunderstanding, interpretation and inconsistencies. Questions can challenge, express frustration or curiosity, create agreement, or show disagreement. Questions create interaction, discussion, relationships. Good questions invite. Do…

Educators in a dangerous time
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Educators in a dangerous time

Independent schools in Ontario are hurting from the lack of public funding for COVID 19 relief. To keep their students safe, individual schools are footing the bill – where they are able. That’s why Woodland Christian High School in Breslau, Ontario, is part of a group of three independent schools taking the Ontario government to…

The kite lady
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The kite lady

I can say without reservation that flying our kite is Rachel’s favourite thing to do. Unleashed in the wind, the colourful fabric and long tail is eye-catching and mesmerizing. As often as possible, weather permitting, we drive Rachel and Janneke to The Spit. It’s a narrow tree-filled stretch of land alongside the Welland Canal that…

Foster families urgently needed as pandemic lingers
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Foster families urgently needed as pandemic lingers

“Now, more than ever, we need to be helping our kids. If you have a spare room, consider it,” Trever Elliot says. He’s a foster provider, advocate and care home provider in the UK. “Ultimately, whatever’s going to happen with this virus,” he says, “we’re either going to get through it together or on our…

An ode to millennials
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An ode to millennials

My two adult children are both in their early thirties, married, with kids. Whenever I visit them I leave with my head spinning, my heart full, concerned, admiring and grateful. This is my ode, not simply to my children, but to so many of their age, the much-maligned millennials, for the gift that they are….

On becoming an older Dad
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On becoming an older Dad

As I pushed the stroller down the path, I met a couple coming towards me. “Oh, what a beautiful baby girl,” said the woman. “You must be so proud of your. . .” and she froze, mid-sentence, looking at my white hair. “Daughter,” I said. “Daughter,” she replied, relieved. “You have a lovely daughter.” There…

Our childhood Bijbel
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Our childhood Bijbel

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Louisa:I found a treasure at the Thrift Store. It was an Anne De Vries Kleuterbijbel Vertelboek (Kindergarten Story Book Bible). Though the stitching is broken and some pages missing, Bob and I are taking turns reading it out loud after supper for devotions. Initially, we stumbled on lots of the Dutch words, but we are…

The power of the visual
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The power of the visual

My mother-in-law recently moved into a long-term care home in our neighbourhood, so I am able to walk over to see her. Her present health on account of aging has made it difficult for her to remember names and events well. When we talk together, there are times when she has difficulty recalling. Yet when…

When earthly fathers – and churches – disappoint us
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When earthly fathers – and churches – disappoint us

It was a spring evening smelling of dirt and dust, the sound of tractors tilling up earth and the weeping beauty of a thousand frogs mating.  I looked up from the kitchen sink, saw my oldest trudging back to the house from the garden where he’d been helping his dad plant potatoes. The green balloon…

The old wooden stool
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The old wooden stool

I have been sitting too much these days. Other than grocery runs, I hardly get out of the house. I miss walking around schools during my regular visits. I miss playing in my annual volleyball league. Many of us in the world of education feel like we’ve been sitting for too long. Like our public…

Friendship on a tightrope

Friendship on a tightrope

Nine-year-old Brenda lives with her father and grandmother in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Brenda’s mother died when she was young so Gran takes care of her while her father goes out to work. Brenda thrives in that loving environment characterized by nutritious meals, healthy expectations, financial stability and Sunday worship. For a school project about someone…