Many years ago, I injured my back. Since that time, I have worn a back brace whenever I do any type of heavy work. At least I did, until about two years ago, when I gradually forgot about it, as … Read more

It was late, dark, and cold. As I arrived at the parked car, I opened the door and sat down. I was tired and looking forward to getting home to bath-time for the children and some warmed-up dinner. I put … Read more

I was on my way to work recently for a stressful job interview, but I decided to take a different route so that I could see when the golf course might be opening. As I drove past the course and … Read more

With pot holders in my hands, I took the pan out of the hot oven. I had not realized, until it was too late, that my left thumb was hanging over the pot holder and pressing against the hot pan. … Read more

As I write this, it is winter, and the first thing I do every morning is to put wood in the fireplace. While I am doing so, my kitty stands at my feet and meows. I have come to know … Read more

My friend, "Brooke", hosted her own birthday party recently in the social hall of her church. Three of her five children, their children, their grandchildren plus two great-grandmas, one great-great-grandma, and friends came to share in her special day! Brooke … Read more

The early morning sky hung heavy with dark clouds. I hoped that the forecast of no precipitation would be correct. Travelling along the busy multi-lane highway during the transition between rain and snow would be an unnerving journey. Through my … Read more

Not too long ago, our church building was sold to a funeral company. Our church membership was slowly being reduced for various reasons, and the building was becoming a burden to the few members who were left. We had no … Read more

As a member of the prayer ministry of our church, I began every Monday on my computer reading and praying for all those who had made requests during several services the Sunday before. The requests were varied, with earnest petitions … Read more

We are a one-car family, and so, when I need the use of our car, I have to get my body out of bed early enough to travel with my husband into town and deposit him at his workplace. At … Read more

Some children are fearless when it comes to trying new challenges. They have the attitude, "I can do it!" We learn fear as we grow and realize that some things are more difficult than others, and we come to understand … Read more

For seven years before I immigrated to Canada, I served in my church's outreach to the Bantu. This involved a trip each Sunday morning to one of the so-called Bantu locations or townships where there was a small church hall … Read more

Life is full of little secrets, isn't it? For instance, take our identification. The government gives us permission to drive only after we have passed a test and received a driver's license. Owning our own vehicle means registration numbers, insurance … Read more

This collection was certainly unplanned. Way back when, my brother and I gave grandma a ceramic chicken cookie jar. After she passed away, it became the property of my parents, who then gave it to me. Our children always checked … Read more

Throughout the years, I have closely followed the fascinating debate among scientific experts regarding the most controversial ancient relic, the Shroud of Turin. This mysterious cloth bears the image of a crucified man whom many believe to be the risen … Read more

During the winter months, watering our livestock becomes quite a chore as two five-gallon pails of water must be carried from the house to the corral, lifted over the fence, and poured into the drinking tub. At first, I hate … Read more

Living near a lake has a four-season benefit, if people want to brave the two not-so-nice seasons. Last spring, my mom and my aunt decided to take a coffee to the lake and watch the ice fishermen bring in the … Read more

A friend of mine who is a worship leader was given the name and phone number of a prospect for his praise band. He called the person and immediately began telling the man of the need at church for a … Read more

We have an upright vacuum cleaner for the downstairs carpets and kitchen, and one upstairs with a long hose and arm to get around the bathroom and bedrooms with all their nooks and crannies. Usually, the only time vacuum cleaners … Read more

When three of my grandsons were young, I walked them to school each morning. On one particular day, the path and the gate we used were blocked by a huge mound of snow. We had to climb up and slide … Read more

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines the word "meek" as humble and submissive or piously gentle in nature. Meekness can mean different things to different people. I like to think of meekness as strength under control, because not everyone who is … Read more

Once I had an unusual dream: I was sitting in a pew, and a church leader was calling forward all who had done good deeds in church. The list of names was lengthy, and the line of people across the … Read more

When we replaced the shingles on our roof several years ago, we were dismayed to discover that the new batch was defective. Day by day, we watched as bits of coloured grit rolled off the roof and into our eavestroughs. … Read more

"If I eat this, will it kill me?" "Is this poison?" "If I touch it, will I die?" According to mom's child report, I asked those questions repeatedly: death questions. At nine, I asked Jesus to forgive my sins, trusting … Read more

I recently enjoyed a movie entitled "As Good As It Gets". The movie is about an abrasive, obsessive-compulsive author (played by Jack Nicholson) who gets a new lease on life when he falls for a waitress (played by Helen Hunt). … Read more

There is a major house renovation going on close to where we live. Actually, it has been in progress for weeks and weeks — new roof, insulation, siding, windows, doors, sunroom, and storage addition — a complete overhaul! I don't … Read more

We all have things every day which cause us concern or worry — from big things, like how to pay the bills — to small things, like a child who sometimes worries about going to sleep in case of bad … Read more

The fresh snow on the small hill behind our home was a magnet drawing a group of children, sleds in tow, for some winter coasting. The sleds were of varying sizes and styles, but the children's sole purpose was to … Read more

Gran never took her apron off unless she entertained company in the front room. Her aprons served as splash collectors, pot holders, egg carriers, and wash cloths for a fevered child's brow. I never saw her use an apron to … Read more

I was waiting for my children to come out from some lessons at the Leisure Centre. From the comfort of my van, I watched the boys with bikes, scooters, and skate boards practicing their tricks at the skate park. A … Read more

Growing up in a family where grandpa, dad, and some uncles were carpenters, I was used to tools. My brother and I helped clean and oil things and get them ready for the cold winter in the tool shed. Watching … Read more