Valda Goudie

When we lived in our house in the suburbs, I always rushed out to take photos of those purple-blue April crocuses pushing through the ice and snow remnants. They were a symbol of life and renewal. Winter would soon be past, and we could look forward to warmer weather and the beauty of spring's awakening. However, if Solomon had written Song of Songs 2:12 here in Ottawa, he would have penned it in May: "Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard; in our land." We[...]

My heart thudded against my chest as I approached Simon's house. Jesus had been invited to dine with the former leper, and many other friends had joined them. I expected a welcome as a close friend of the Master. I clutched the alabaster flask tightly as I held it close to my body. The fragrant oil inside was expensive, and I did not wish to spill it needlessly. The plan for this oil caused my heart to race and my palms to sweat. Not everyone would understand why I needed to do what I was about to do.  Kin[...]

Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold… Can you finish the rhyme? There’s no accounting for taste. I’m not sure what kind of porridge this is, but it doesn’t sound appetizing, no matter the temperature. Remember the three bears? They had differing opinions on how hot they liked their porridge too. Beyond the porridge world, there are numerous things that can be enjoyed at multiple temperatures. Do you drink your coffee steaming or prefer it iced? Would you rather have warm milk or a chilled glass?[...]

“Guess what, Aunt Valda. I have a boyfriend!” my niece looked at her dad as she giggled. “Oh, really?” I hadn’t seen my niece for three months. This new development in her six-year-old social life was a shocker. “Who is your boyfriend?” She stated his name. “He’s in my class at school.” Her young face glowed. Were there animated hearts reflected in her eyes? As her head swivelled purposefully toward her father again, I quickly recognized that the love-glow on her face was not caused by[...]

It’s January, and I have no desire to put away my Christmas decorations. However, my tree seems to have different ideas. The strands of lights on this 5-year-old, pre-lit beauty have been blowing one by one (beginning on Christmas Eve!) like candles on a birthday cake. There’s only one working set left—the set I bought on the day I pieced together the tree in early December. It looks ridiculous. Yet, every morning when I get up and every afternoon when I return from work, I turn on the remaining lights[...]

"Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who has done great things. Who is like you, God?" Psalm 71:19 NIV I hum a merry, seasonal tune while decorating the house. Friends and family will come for dinner tomorrow, and I want things to look festive. I make sure there are candles dispersed throughout. There's something magical about candlelight, how it brings light and life to the room, in addition to the little twinkling lights already strung about. I've been planning and preparing the meal for[...]

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!   Tie them around your neck as a reminder.   Write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with both God and people,  and you will earn a good reputation." Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT "Don't forget to put your caps on!" Ellie called out as her classmate headed to the washroom. He either didn't hear the wise instruction or chose to ignore it. But, as soon as the washroom door closed behind him, Ellie was at his table snapping the caps tightly on his mar[...]

“Hey! Wake up!” I rubbed my eyes as my dream faded far too quickly. I’d been holding my son’s small hand in mine as we walked to the market. The warmth in my chest from his smile lingered. Was that pride in his eyes? I immediately regretted touching my face. My fingers dripped fresh blood after lifting the scab near my eye. I scowled at the Galilean standing over me. Not only had he cut short the time with my son, even in the fragility of a dream, he’d inadvertently caused me this latest pain. �[...]

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT Ten years ago, a skinny 17-year-old struggled in his last year at Milliken Mills High School in Markham, Ontario. In addition to being in with the wrong crowd and dabbling in drugs, his low grades didn’t promise a bright future. While he was athletic and loved sports, enjoyment of his favourite had been stolen when his school cancelled its basketball program[...]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 ESV Have you ever stood in a strong wind and, despite your best efforts, had to take a step to maintain your balance? I’ve come to recognize HEARTstrong as that step as the winds of change blow against God’s church. Such gale-force winds do remind me of my roots… When I went to elementary school in Newfoundla[...]