April Yamasaki

Sep 20, 2024 | lightmagazine.ca | April Yamasaki

Last spring I received word that the Fraser Valley Christian Writers group would be officially closing. The coronavirus pandemic had put an end to their monthly gatherings, and the group had never regained its footing. Although I live in the Fraser Valley, am a Christian, and a writer, I’d never been a regular part of the group. But I knew some of the writers who regularly gathered for reading and critiquing one another’s work.

Apr 15, 2024 | lightmagazine.ca | April Yamasaki

A couple of weeks ago, my laptop suddenly turned itself off and wouldn’t turn back on. I’m not sure what happened since I had stepped away for a moment. But I had noticed the fan seemed to be running more than usual, and when I returned to my desk, I found my laptop had failed. It wasn’t just sleeping, since it wouldn’t wake up. It wasn’t out of power, since it was plugged in. I figured it must be overheated.

Feb 16, 2024 | lightmagazine.ca | April Yamasaki

Last month I was surprised to receive this email from a regular reader: “I wanted to let you know I mailed you a little package – I hope you like it! You have been exceptionally kind and inspirational to me and have truly helped me. For all of that, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you, and God bless you.”Wow! We had connected through my website, had emailed back and forth, and prayed for one another as we faced our respective challenges in life. But we’d never met in person.

Feb 6, 2024 | aprilyamasaki.com | April Yamasaki

As I reflect on the Spirit’s leading, I first think of some of the larger movements in my life. My marriage to my sweetheart when we were both just twenty-one and both still in university. My conviction to keep submitting my first book proposal in spite of rejection after rejection. The unexpected call to pastoral ministry that took me from not even thinking about being employed by the church to becoming curious and then excited about the new possibilities for service and learning.

Dec 15, 2023 | lightmagazine.ca | April Yamasaki

When my husband died suddenly of cancer-related complications last year, I felt I could hardly breathe, let alone write. Even in the last number of weeks, when I was invited to write this article on grief, I wasn’t sure I could or even wanted to. How could I take such a huge and painful experience, and set it down in words? What encouragement could I offer others who may be grieving, especially at this time of year? I’m still very much in process.