Columns

All things eventually come to an end, and for various reasons, it is time for our 30-year run of Open Mind articles to come to an end.  

I’m superstitious. I really am. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

I was only trying to help; I just happened to marry a man who does not want my help at the times when I genuinely feel I would be most helpful to him. That’s what makes our life together so much fun. Ask him, he’ll tell you. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

Here we are again: a new year upon us and an uncertain world to navigate. 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. (Zech. 9:11)

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

This Christmas, the gift that I’m most grateful for was not one wrapped and placed under the tree. Things didn’t make this holiday special for me; friends did. Kindness and inclusion are the acts that I will remember.

Dear Santa, I think we need to talk about what happened last Christmas. As you know, there was no Toyota 4Runner in my driveway on Christmas morning. I thought we had an understanding? 

Everything about being out in the world this time of year screams, “Be merry, be jolly.” 

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

There is a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get it.” I’m not sure that was Gandhi’s exact wording, and I’m not sure he would appreciate my use of the phrase, but I thought I’d test this theory out with my spouse this Christmas. 

Sometimes when I’m out and about and encounter a parent/parents with a newborn baby I “ooh” and “aah” about the beautiful child – what newborn isn’t the cutest baby in Canada? – then I ask if its their first one and how it’s going, and whether they are getting any sleep, etc.