I have one stronger fingernail. Years ago, when I was vacuuming near my heirloom treadle Singer sewing machine, I decided to lift back its heavy cast iron functioning part and vacuum under it. When I finished and was hinging it down into …( read more )

"Many car owners just don't listen to their cars. If they did, they could prevent a lot of damage." This was said by an experienced mechanic. He's convinced that if owners paid more attention to their vehicle sounds, they'd be quicker to …( read more )

One of my most difficult challenges was raising a son with autism. Many times, I was at my wits' end. Until recently, I was unaware that the expression, "at wits' end" originated in the Bible. It literally means to "have wisdom swallowed …( read more )

I have an optical mouse. It has two batteries. One makes it light up, and the other, apparently, is for the wireless connection to the receiver. However, the battery for the wireless transmission seems to run out before the one for the …( read more )

Each morning, missionary and author, Norman Grubb, would pray a simple prayer: Good morning, God. What are You up to today? I want to be a part of it. May I? Thank You, God. Amen. For me, this short prayer is like spiritual medicine. It …( read more )

Occasionally, my husband and I argue over a matter that neither of us knows enough about, like our current roofing issue. Wrestling over such matters is a silly waste of energy and a needless source of strain. These are times to simply …( read more )

Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a day-long video workshop on a sensitive topic that can be divisive and difficult for some people to talk about. So the opportunity to discuss it with others in a safe environment …( read more )

I am in the process of selling my house, a long process that I have found to be frustrating, because people are unable to see what an asset our house is to the right person. A few days ago, however, I read this Scripture: I immediately …( read more )

My twelve-year old grandson asked if he could install some games on my computer, knowing that I am not a game person. I gave him permission to install a couple, waiting to see what games he had in his mind … (read more)

This past winter, I went to a long-term care facility to feed an elderly lady five or six times a week. The family that usually goes to feed her twice a day went on vacation for two months. This long-term … (read more)

When I bought a new sewing machine, I had to learn all about it. The spools went on differently; the bobbins went in differently; it had a cool needle threader that I had to learn to use, and a different … (read more)

Wireless technology is amazing. We can go online — wireless. We can use cell phones — wireless. Our landline roam phones — wireless. Technology just keeps expanding and growing all of the time. I saw a cartoon with two telephone … (read more)

During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, I love to sit on the back patio and enjoy the beautiful landscape my husband has designed in our yard. Beside the evergreens, the fig tree is one of my favourites, especially for … (read more)

Recently, just out of the blue, one of my grandsons said to me, "Grandma, did you know that God answers prayers in three ways?" I was interested in his answer to that question, so my ears perked right up, and … (read more)

How we long for spring to arrive in northern Alberta, Canada. Winter has been here for months and we desperately need some warm weather, some green grass, some blooming flowers. One sure sign that spring has arrived is the return … (read more)

Some time ago, I received a parcel delivered by express. In the parcel, I found a clear glass teapot, a tubular insert with tiny slits in the side, a clear glass top, and two small tins marked "Tea Flower". Not … (read more)

Years ago, I bought a piece of piano sheet music as a gift for one of my daughters, since she loved to play the piano. I put it in a really safe spot so that I could wrap it up … (read more)

World War II was finally over. Twice our house had been damaged by bombs or rockets; I had been trapped in a hospital during an air raid by V1s that levelled the hospital and killed many patients and staff; and … (read more)

We have a Crape Myrtle Tree right in the middle of our back lawn. When mowing season begins, I have to struggle past the tree with my lawnmower. The tree is also on the side of a hill, so it's … (read more)

I don't dream often, but recently I had a dream that was so real. It was kind of mixed up — like dreams are — but there was such a message in this dream. After visiting with a friend in … (read more)

When our children were small, we never made a point of keeping communication open. Often when they would ask questions, we would hush them up for one reason or another. So by the time they were teenagers and we needed … (read more)

God wants us to listen to His words and be obedient in everything. There have been many times over the years I have not been obedient, but when I have been, blessings beyond measure have come. One instance took place … (read more)

My mother had been injured as a result of a stupid and senseless crime. A young man who had worked at our family contracting company had attacked my mother with a broken brick in her office. His reasons are not … (read more)

Imagine praying and hearing this: Thank you for calling the Divine Service Department. Your call is important to us. In order to speed the processing of your enquiry, please select one of the following four options. If you do not … (read more)