While visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden, my husband and I spent the better part of a day strolling from an English walled garden to a J

Synod 2007

As a confessionally committed pastor in the Christian Reformed Church, I’m grieved by Synod 2007’s action

Authentic. Starbucks uses this word as bait to entice new baristas.

There was a lady who was going to a new dentist for the first time. That is, he was new to her.

I have a confession to make. I just broke a cardinal rule of being a Banner editor.

Terrific, Tremendous Trees

Trees are a big deal in the Bible, and I can prove it. Ask a parent for permission to go online.

Sometimes I preach in Christian Reformed churches where nothing in the worship hour reminds me that I’m in a Christian Reformed chu

I just sat—and I do mean sat (and sat, and sat)—through my 15th synod (the annual weeklong leadership meeting of the Christia

I am an ice cream fan. If you open the freezer in my kitchen, you will surely see a bucket of ice cream, if nothing else.

Picture a small discussion group. One day the group gets talking about prayer. “What do you struggle with in your prayer life?

The original document titled “A Modest Proposal” came from the pen of Jonathan Swift in 1729.

Small Wonders

Weekly, even daily, we hear the sad news. The statistics climb ever higher of soldiers making the supreme sacrifice.

Eunice Voortman’s conversation is accompanied by animated expressions and punctuated with boisterous laughter.

Church

From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

Truly Welcome?

The discussion about women’s roles in church leadership has largely centered on textual exegesis, sociological explanations, and tr

While on vacation from Alberta, visiting my mother at Raybrook Manor in Grand Rapids, Mich., my sister and I went with Mom to a Sunday-ev

After a trying move (and whining to you about it) I should tell you that I’m having fun wearing my two hats (see author ID below).

I have a friend who owns a banquet hall.

In 1949, 7-year-old Ceus (SAY-us) Westerhoff found himself in a new land.

If I know you and you know me
I’d call you by your name
flashing by on my mind’s marquee
a thumbs up for your fam