Pepper came to us at the age of 16 weeks from the local pound. He was due to be euthanized the afternoon of the day my husband asked me (in the morning) to see about locating a watchdog for our … Read more

As I was cleaning windows last week, I realized anew that cleaning only one side would not complete the job. When I first began, I thought that only the outside really needed doing. Yet as I wiped away the film … Read more

One morning as I got myself ready for the day that lay ahead, I struggled, thinking of how I would tend to the problems I was anticipating. After slipping a piece of bread into the toaster, I waited for it … Read more

Eagles know when a storm is approaching long before it strikes, and fly to a high spot. When the storm strikes, the majestic bird opens its wings, letting the winds lift it above the storm. The eagle does not escape … Read more

I am ever in awe as to how birds have a way of taking our cares away, of distracting our thoughts when upset, of how they seem to show up at just the right time. Such was the case while … Read more

It has been raining quite a bit lately, and we have been having a difficult time trying to get the grass cut between the showers. The more rain we have, the quicker the grass grows. It is a vicious cycle. … Read more

Once the children left the sanctuary we approached the time of a solo called "Gentle Spirit", sung by a young woman of Irish descent with a very soft, gentle voice, accompanied on the piano by our choir director and organist. … Read more

My husband is a do-it-yourselfer. One of his favourite sayings is, "When all else fails, read the instructions!" We have "how-to" books of every kind around our house: – how to fix the car – how to build a deck … Read more

A farmer was experiencing a downturn in his business's production. Wanting to encourage an increase in the egg production in one of the hen houses, he decided to post an inspirational sign that read, "An egg a day keeps Colonel … Read more

I don't know about others, but I tend to value my sleep. I love to sleep; however, due to my busy schedule I really don't get to go to bed as early as I would like. Usually, I am up … Read more

I remember a cartoon once sent to me on a greeting card. The gist of it was a stampede of lemmings depicted running towards the cliff edge. In the middle of this scene of happy lemmings rushing towards their ultimate … Read more

About nine years ago, a friend gave me a small Hoya plant. Its thick, narrow leaves are elongated, of a waxy texture, and grow individually along a tough sort of vine. In some spots the leaves grow in a cluster, … Read more

One morning as I was making school lunches, preparing breakfast and sorting out clothes for the kids, I was feeling a little unappreciated. Here I was, working hard making everyone's morning run smoothly — and no one even seemed to … Read more

Praising the Lord is something I think we often take for granted, or perhaps we reserve for Sunday morning worship. But the reality of it is that we can, and should, praise the Lord constantly. Unfortunately, many times we never … Read more

Last Sunday, as we entered the church, I was handed a copy of the order of service. In fumbling with about six pages, two inserts fell onto the floor under the pew ahead of me. Doesn't this sound familiar? As … Read more

As we walked along the new pathway this morning, my dog found many wonderful smells, and to my chagrin, I noticed many discarded items: a shoe, a boot, pens, pencils, wrappers from food, drinks, CDs, bags, boxes. Boxes? Big cardboard … Read more

The town where I grew up and where my parents still live holds an annual town-wide yard sale. Every year, in the small town with a population of 1000, there are 50 to 60 individual or family sales. Our whole … Read more

I love the garden in my backyard. It is very inspirational to me. I have a large slope full of night-blooming jasmine that smells heavenly! There are sunflowers, tulips, irises, fruit trees, lots of hummingbirds, huge butterflies as big as … Read more

In a recent visit to a 100-year-old church, aside from all the obvious to evoke one's awe, I was struck by the beautiful needlepointed kneeling pads lying in wait upon the rails. I counted about 94 and each one was … Read more

Things did not work out with my first marriage. I suppose we grew up and the process changed us. It is strange to recognize that God forgave me, long before I forgave myself, or before I was able to trust … Read more

On my knees cleaning the bathtub, I was not aware of what was happening behind me, until it was too late! First came the growl-like "Woof", then the thud, then the scream. Leaping up, I turned to discover our cocker … Read more

We've been hearing a lot about the little book written by Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez. Most, but not all, of the press that I've heard was positive. A good friend loaned her book to me and I was … Read more

Imagine receiving a letter from some person for the first time and in the salutation is the phrase "Brother/Sister". I once addressed someone in a similar way (and I am glad to report that we came to be great friends … Read more

My whole Easter season was spent far away from home, and although it was for pleasure as well as work, it took me away from most of my family and friends. In one of my stops, I had taken time … Read more

Several years ago, a dear friend of mine started collecting frogs. Since then I have received several greeting cards with frogs on them, a frog planter which sits on the shelf on my office, and a Gund frog which sits … Read more

I can count on my dog, Buddy! He will get me home, come sleet or snow, rain or hail, heat or darkness. Buddy is reliable and will keep me on the right path that leads me home. I, however, must … Read more

During a brief stay in the hospital, God sent several willing vessels to aid and comfort me when I really needed it. The physicians were not sure if I had had a heart attack or if I was having acid … Read more

Yosemite National Park in California is world-renowned for its stunning glacier-created landscape. Into its glacier-carved valleys flow leaping waterfalls. Giant Sequoia trees dwarf their human visitors. Gigantic masses of unbroken granite rise thousands of metres above the valley floor. For … Read more

One of my favourite things to do is to visit old churches. I love to sit and savour the silence; soak up the scent of the old, old wooden pews; run my hand along their smooth seats and backs; absorb … Read more

Lapidary: One who cuts, polishes and engraves precious stones. Just think what we have awaiting us when we see Jesus and our heavenly home for the first time. We can hardly imagine the joy that will be ours then. I … Read more