Might we measure our life by asking what handicaps we’ve faced and how we’ve moved ahead. As CBC radio broadcaster Michael Enright reviewed the life of Dr. Vera Peters recently, I marvelled at how many challenges she overcame. In the 1930s, when she graduated from medical school, women were not accepted as scientists. However, she […] Read more
Stories by Joyce Sasse
Looking on the bright side of life
From birth, the only thing we know for sure is that we are going to get older and die. At this time of year, the term “ripening” comes to mind. All the processes leading up to harvest ensure that ripening will produce quality re-turns. Yet, when it comes to our own lives, the older we […] Read more
Enjoying our spiritual journey
Remember when kindergarten children were first encouraged to express what they thought and how they felt? What a change from expecting that “children should be seen but not heard.” A couple of generations have now past. Encouraging freedom of expression is more of a norm, and many things come to light. Those who have found […] Read more
Showing love and respect
The person given the least attention at Christmas is Joseph. Barely had he become en-gaged when his bride-to-be disappeared for three months. But upon her return, he was most attentive. What kind of relationship did Jesus and Joseph have? Jesus was probably as temperamental as other young boys, but he entered adulthood with a fresh […] Read more
Revitalizing the community
“We pray, not for a new earth or heaven,” writes Wendell Berry, “but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear. What we need is here.” The insightful wisdom of this Kentucky farmer, writer and professor came back to me as I prepared my yard for winter. Berry pleads for us to learn to live […] Read more
Friendships revitalize, encourage, spur us forward
Occasions when we got to-gether were rare, but I came away from time with my friend feeling revitalized. She had a way of listening, encouraging and adding fresh dimensions to our conversation. How precious. She’s no longer here, but the memories kindle a warmth in my spirit. When we think about the life of Jesus, […] Read more
Silent auction less competitive
Younger people are making a change in how they conduct silent auctions. Kudos to them. I was always uncomfortable with the old way of holding silent auctions. Items were laid out on a table with bid sheets beside each one. This style of fundraiser waited for one person to outbid the previous name on the […] Read more
Enriching local community
My friend commented on the “browning” of our streets. He was referring to the number of newcomers in our community: individuals and families from a variety of ethnic origins. They all add to the community in significant ways. There are the professionals, those who are involved with small businesses, the care givers and the agricultural […] Read more
Remembering for the future
It isn’t that young people and newcomers aren’t interested in stories from the past. Whether it be family or community traditions, we can cultivate interest in the newer generations through story-telling. The process can be fostered at anniversary celebrations, but implanting ideas starts much earlier. In churches, for example, children can be given a treasure […] Read more
Spiritual needs still pressing
Who has never been afraid when threatened with change? A thoughtful friend reminded me, “every time you see a butterfly, keep in mind that without change it simply wouldn’t be.” That imagery can be applied repeatedly: when we lose a spouse, as we age, in the face of extreme weather or disaster, as children prepare […] Read more
