By Rhoda Klein Miller During the Lunar New Year it is a common tradition in asian communities to give red packets containing money. Some ancient folklore suggests these gifts were to ward off evil spirits and bring a blessing to the recipient. ...
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By Rhoda Klein Miller Vviiiiissssssshh droned the helplessly spinning tires against layers of compressed slush. There would be a brief pause before the sound repeated. The slope of Laurel Street and its frozen coating was a more challenging...
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By Robert Bestwick “What is something you must have every morning to find the energy for the rest of your day?” “Coffee!!” was my spontaneous and honest response to my pastor’s question, though the answer would not...
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By Ryan Brousson God can feel distant at times. Many of the Bible writers felt this way also. David says, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do...
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By Rhoda Klein Miller What elements are essential for you to feel like it’s the holidays? Is it seasonal flavours like gingerbread or chestnut? The appearance of coloured lights that underline architectural features or the first dusting of...
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By Ryan Brousson What does it mean to prepare room in our hearts for Jesus? How is this accomplished? We often focus on what we do externally: going to church, giving to those in need, among other things. If we do these things we then say we are...
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By Rhoda Klein Miller OAC staff joined Deer Lake students on a cultural field-trip this week visiting a feasthouse where a Squamish elder shared songs and stories from his Coast Salish culture. In his closing remarks he encouraged everyone...
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By Ryan Brousson Life gets busy, especially around the holidays, and it can be hard to take time to remember or think about the meanings of these events. The Christmas season is no exception. But during this season we have the opportunity to...
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By Rhoda Klein miller Having my mother live in Australia keeps me tuned into events that barely become a blip in the North American centric news feed. Many of my prayers recently have been focussed on her precarious position near wildfires...
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By Rhoda Klein miller Something felt different this week. If you had to guess upon seeing me you might think I was given new springy shoes or that I must be wearing my favourite cozy sweater or had just returned from a spa trip. That combination...
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By Rhoda Klein miller At then end of his celebrated career, American diplomat Max Kampleman shared this gem of wisdom: “A dialogue is more than two monologues.” Conversations with God – do you have them? Or does your experience...
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By Rhoda Klein miller Take one unsuspecting egg and one heavy cast iron frying pan and you have all the elements you need for an anti-drug commercial in 1987 or 1997. Inevitably the ovum-noggin symbol is fried or smashed as a “this is...
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