It’s upon us once more – the day reserved for romantic lovers. Flowers, chocolates, cards with big red hearts, and special dinners are synonymous with Valentine’s. For some, it’s an occasion to express their love in a special way – to nourish their exclusive relationship. But what if you’ve lost your loved one or if you’ve always been single? Just the thought of Valentine’s can … [Read more...] about Friendship – viewing Valentine’s Day through an alternate lens
Marion Van Driel
Marion Van Driel delights in her roles as a wife, mother and grandmother; her soul is fed by both composing and composting. Music, words, form and colour are ingredients on which she thrives. She considers her garden a gift where family and friends gather to visit, heal, reflect and celebrate. Called as writer, artist, worship leader, gardener and (sometimes reluctant) follower of Christ, she bears evidence of God’s abundant grace without which she’d be someone else entirely.
Fruit of the Spirit: Steady ripening
Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause the fruit of your spirit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and … [Read more...] about Fruit of the Spirit: Steady ripening
Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22,23) The final characteristic on this familiar list stands out rather negatively in relation to the others. Self-control is an attribute that has become increasingly out of vogue in our North American … [Read more...] about Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
S.A.L.T.S. life lessons on tall ships
The wind whips through my hair. Waves crash over the hull as I scan the horizon from the crow’s nest. Seagulls cry, circling the ship as I hang on for dear life… Kids have, for centuries, entertained - in their imagination at least – an adventure on the high seas, sailing a “pirate ship”. A version of that dramatic dream can become reality right here in BC – a reality … [Read more...] about S.A.L.T.S. life lessons on tall ships
Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22,23) Patience and gentleness are two peas in a pod. In his book, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit, Christopher J. H. Wright contends that, “if patience is the ability to endure hostility and criticism … [Read more...] about Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness