I appreciate both contemporary and traditional styles of worship music but hymns hold a special place in my heart. As a child I was delighted on Sunday mornings to open the gold-coloured hymnal with a cross stamped on the cover. Enthusiastic voices filled the sanctuary.… more

Last Sunday I went to church with the wrong attitude. I didn’t really want to go. It had been a busy week and I was already making a mental to-do list for the next.

It’s not like music doesn’t move me—I feel things when I listen to music. Generally good things. Sometimes sad things. But 90 per cent of the time I just listen. If I get really into it I may hum along or tap my foot but not much more.

I was 10, and had just graduated from the Sunday school program at my church into “adult church.” I stood with my parents as the worship team opened the service and watched as the young people I admired raised their hands, swayed their hips, and belted out the words with their eyes cl… more

It was July, and I had the worst cold in the history of me and colds (we go way back). My sister and her husband were moving six hours away and the whole family was helping them. Their new place was up in the mountains in a resort town, perfect for their adventurous lifestyle.… more

I’m not big on Christmas decorations. It’s not like I have a moral objection to being festive, and I certainly am not against participating in the excitement of the holidays…I just don’t like decorating my house.

Sometimes I feel like the statements associated with graduation are misleading. Phrases like “things will never be the same,” or “I’ll never hear from you,” to name a couple.

There is nothing worse than having to get up and go to church on your only day off.

In my early 20s I spent time going to school, moving around, and trying new things. Yet despite all the change I continually found myself making a familiar decision: Finding a church to attend.

I remember when I first heard the term “spiritual gifts” in a sermon. The pastor described them as the ways in which we serve God using our talents and abilities. And I thought, what is my spiritual gift?