Author Archives: Ann Kirsten

I spent the vast majority of my adult life running myself ragged trying to give my family perfect Christmases. I went way above and beyond, because I thought that's what good moms did. I bought differ...

For children, Christmas trees are magical things. And, although each family has their own traditions and styles, kids always think their family's tree is the most beautiful of all. When I was growing ...

ARE brownies a cookie? Do we care? Their wonderful chocolaty deliciousness could win over even the harshest critic and that's why they are our December Cookie-of-the-Month. Well, that and the fact tha...

Last week, I was walking through a large store. A silver-haired lady struck up a conversation with me about her cat. I kept looking around to see if she was talking to someone behind me, but there was...

We all have visions of what Thanksgiving is supposed to look like. There are supposed to be loving and supportive friends and family gathered around the table. And, that table is supposed to be filled...

I was reminded this week that my emotions often get the better of me. When that happens, I often picture a giant snowball rolling down a hill, gathering speed and size as it zooms to the bottom. Well,...

Did you know that honey is mentioned in the Bible 61 times? Its meaning is often associated with abundance and prosperity (as in Exodus 3:8 when God told Moses he would lead them to a land flowing wit...

It's time for our November Cookie-of-the-Month. Can you believe this year is almost over? This month's cookie is based on a classic butter tart. Butter Tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert. The...

When my kids were little, I wanted to make sure they could celebrate the coming of Fall without turning their backs on our beliefs. We carved crosses in pumpkins, we painted pictures that said: "God m...

I know most of us are struggling to process all the horrible stories coming out of Israel. I, for one, am having trouble sleeping or caring about the mundane tasks that fill a "normal" day. How much m...