Spiritual radar

On Dec. 7, 1941 Lt. Kermit Tyler was the supervisor for a series of radar stations. In the early morning a radar operator who was a private called about a large blip on his scope. Lt. Tyler told him not to worry about it. Not long after, he went outside and witnessed the beginning of … Continue reading Spiritual radar

A life-giving faith

We Christians have a lot to say about heaven and how we long to be there. Is anticipation enough to get us there? If we are not experiencing joy in the journey, will we make it? Many Christians are experiencing a joyous and happy life, filled with joy far more abundant than they ever knew … Continue reading A life-giving faith

But God Can Save Us Yet

[This is an excerpt from a Canadian Classic, Roughing it in the Bush, by Susanna Moodie, first published in 1852.  At the climax of the crisis described here, she buries her head in her apron. It was her custom to  pull up her apron to cover her head for privacy when praying.] The winter and … Continue reading But God Can Save Us Yet

Useful words

Here are a few common English words that are sometimes misused or misunderstood. Elegant - tasteful, graceful, comely, beautiful. It does not mean elaborate or ornate. An elegant solution is one that is ingeniously simple and completely solves the problem. The root meaning is carefully selected.  Eloquence - fluent and effective use of language, persuasive speaking … Continue reading Useful words

The Pride of Man

Fifty-five years ago I bought Gordon Lightfoot's first LP record. Most of the songs were ones he wrote. One, The Pride of Man,  was written  by Hamilton Camp. The song is based on Biblical prophecies of the fall of Babylon. Every stanza ends with the line “Oh God, the pride of man, broken in the … Continue reading The Pride of Man

Soar with the eagles

Somewhere in Africa, a hunter returning home spies in a rocky place a large nest of branches on which lies a beautiful egg spotted with red. Still warm from the mother bird who will soon come back. Curious, the man examines the nest. Delighted at his discovery, he slips the egg into his pocket to … Continue reading Soar with the eagles

This has happened before

A careful observer who escaped the plague at Florence in 1617 describes the barricaded houses and empty streets, forbidden to all but food suppliers. Florence was dead: no business activities and no religious services — except for the odd mass  which the officiant celebrated at the corner of a street and in which the people … Continue reading This has happened before

Misfits

School tends to be a one size fits all proposition, and some children are misfits. Despite the best efforts of schools and teachers, some children just do not do well in a large classroom. Home schooling parents have more freedom to find ways to adapt the curriculum and environment to make learning work for their … Continue reading Misfits

SPRING!

We heard, then saw, Canada geese this morning for the first time this spring. A reassuring sign that the wild things are carrying on as usual and spring is on its way.

Learning to learn

It looks like parents will be teaching their children at home for awhile. Here is something to keep in mind: Education is not about teaching, it is about learning. And the great advantage that home-schooled children have is that they learn how to learn.