Last spring I received word that the Fraser Valley Christian Writers group would be officially closing. The coronavirus pandemic had put an end to their monthly gatherings, and the group had never regained its footing. Although I live in the Fraser Valley, am a Christian, and a writer, I’d never been a regular part of the group. But I knew some of the writers who regularly … [Read more...] about Are You Feeling Writerly?
April Yamasaki
April Yamasaki is a pastor, editor, and author of Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, and other books on living every day with faith and hope. She currently serves as resident author with Valley CrossWay Church, editor of the devotional magazine Rejoice!, continues to write online and in print, and often speaks in churches and other settings.
Simplify
Last night I made Thai basil ground pork and rice for supper. Only the kitchen counter was still cluttered with dishes from breakfast and lunch, and instead of clearing a spot for my cutting board, measuring cups, and other assorted utensils and ingredients, I worked around and among everything that was already there. For some reason, I thought that was simpler and … [Read more...] about Simplify
While it was still dark
A couple of weeks ago, my laptop suddenly turned itself off and wouldn’t turn back on. I’m not sure what happened since I had stepped away for a moment. But I had noticed the fan seemed to be running more than usual, and when I returned to my desk, I found my laptop had failed. It wasn’t just sleeping, since it wouldn’t wake up. It wasn’t out of power, since it was plugged … [Read more...] about While it was still dark
God’s gifts of kindness and generosity
Last month I was surprised to receive this email from a regular reader: “I wanted to let you know I mailed you a little package – I hope you like it! You have been exceptionally kind and inspirational to me and have truly helped me. For all of that, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you, and God bless you.” Wow! We had connected through my website, had emailed back and … [Read more...] about God’s gifts of kindness and generosity
God with us in our grieving
When my husband died suddenly of cancer-related complications last year, I felt I could hardly breathe, let alone write. Even in the last number of weeks, when I was invited to write this article on grief, I wasn’t sure I could or even wanted to. How could I take such a huge and painful experience, and set it down in words? What encouragement could I offer others who may be … [Read more...] about God with us in our grieving