Year: 2002

I knew a little girl who liked frogs better than anything. When she tried to swim, she was sure that frog-like flailing would keep her from sinking to the bottom. It may work for frogs, but it was not helpful … Read more

Many years ago, while I was stationed on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, my job took me to a place called Kingcome Village, a native settlement at the head of Kingcome Inlet. While doing … Read more

I took a break, went outside, and observed, up in the sky, a hawk caught in the updraft of the wind, soaring with no effort. Behind it was a little bird, flapping its wings for all it was worth. Undoubtedly, … Read more

When someone's life took a bad turn of events, my dad used to say, "Well, they'll soon be singing another tune!" Sadly, it is often true. With any change of circumstance, some people seem to crumble, while others keep right … Read more

Recently my oldest son was going through a personal struggle. As I awoke slowly from a restless night, my first thought was that the new day did not seem too welcoming. But I have learned that the promises of God's … Read more

Recently, I celebrated a "milestone birthday". At the urging of a couple of friends, I put together a small celebration at a downtown bistro. The food was wonderful, the company delightful, and the gifts very generous. Everyone seemed to have … Read more

Our congregation, Barrie Free Methodist Church, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is in the midst of building a new church. As a consequence, our services are being held at the local fairground building. Curling, walk-a-thons, and horse shows are all part … Read more

Sometimes I see those who take risks with their lives, in particular, young men. They go through red lights, or drive the wrong way up one-way streets where I live. I guess they think they are invincible or exceptional in … Read more

Being without my Bible one evening, I didn't remember just where I had left off in my readings. Using a friend's Bible, I opened to Genesis to find a new meaning in an often-read scripture. That evening, the word that … Read more

It's turkey time again, and I am up to my elbows in stuffing. As I season bread cubes, the label catches my eye: Poultry Seasoning. Ingredients: thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, pepper, and nutmeg! Little pinches of this and that, integrated … Read more