My mom suffered from schizophrenia for 25 years. During most of that time, she was kept in a locked hospital ward for many months, and sometimes she was sent to an asylum. Usually, nine months out of any given year, … Read more

"I have a frog in my throat this morning," my husband announced in a crackly voice. "I'm a little hoarse." Now I've been accused of having a vivid imagination, and, instead of offering my sympathy, I started to laugh. My … Read more

Sometimes late at night, I have problems sleeping, and feel an urgent need for something from the kitchen, which is a long way from my bedroom. Not wanting to wake other members of the family, I slowly feel my way … Read more

I've always found it difficult to answer someone who asks, "How do you know there's a God?" Recently when I was driving through a mountain pass, I noticed a cabin just off the road at the summit. Supposing this was … Read more

A few weeks ago, I attended the little Presbyterian Church in Ivy, Ontario, Canada (near Barrie), and received the best 65th birthday present that anyone could receive. My younger daughter sang her first solo — "In the Garden". How often … Read more

It was after ten o'clock, and the day was almost spent, when I said to my husband, "The kitchen is closed for the day." Whenever I make this remark, my husband does not reply, because he knows that should he … Read more

I worked in a hospital for fifteen years. One of the strongest memories I have of this period of my life was the signs everywhere reminding us to Wash your hands. This was very important in a hospital — to … Read more

I am really annoyed with myself. This afternoon I have to throw out fifteen dollars. (Even in Canadian currency, this is a substantial amount!) Oh, that was not my original intention. At first, I planned to save money. I carefully … Read more

Have you ever seen anyone be happy because they saw a teardrop? The arrival of a teardrop is part of the recovery story of a young man who had a mishap with a tree. Fifteen months after his accident, Darrick … Read more

I visited a church gathering recently called a Praise Service. The leader opened the service with the reading of Psalm 150, and then as the video screen came alive, he invited the audience to sing along. Soon the sounds of … Read more

Lennon and McCartney once wrote a song called "All You Need is Love". I remember watching them record it live on television. It was written as a European anthem to celebrate the first inter-continental European satellite. It was an amazing … Read more

Shopping for a birthday gift for my eleven-year-old grandson started me thinking about my own childhood. Back then we made fun out of simple things. I remember that when my cousins came to visit, we often played school. As we … Read more

These words had meaning for me when at age 16 I gave my life to God and joined his church. I was an orphan at that time, seeking a way down the corridor of life that was my future. I … Read more

It seemed that the tiny red car would be crushed by oncoming traffic. Speeding too fast along the highway, the driver had misjudged his passing distance. Another car was hurtling down upon him. There was nowhere to go — or … Read more

Recently, it was necessary to dispose of my sister's personal belongings, and I was amazed at all the items which she had collected and saved during her lifetime. I came across two little exercise books, upon which she had written … Read more

Throw it out! That was my temptation when I went to move my old bread machine from the box to the cupboard in my new kitchen. "You don't have room for it, and the last few times you used it, … Read more

Once again, we had to drive to a far corner of the parking lot. There were no spaces near the door. I manoeuvred his walker out of the trunk and set it up for his use. Then we slowly worked … Read more

The other day, we were driving when an oncoming large red pickup truck pulled across the road, between us and the car in front, apparently not wanting to wait to find out if there was another car following. As a … Read more

We all have very personal experiences relating to the Christmas season; mine is associated with canned peaches. In Britain during World War II, food was in very short supply. As the Christmas season neared, however, the government would release a … Read more

All day I'd been working on a Remembrance Day story for our local paper. Carefully I scanned the picture of my great uncle in uniform and noted how much he looked like my grandfather. I examined a yellowed picture of … Read more

Many years ago, a paramedic showed me a soldier's knapsack Bible. It belonged to his uncle, who had been killed in World War I. The Bible, along with his other possessions, had been returned to his grieving family. As they … Read more

As a child living in Britain during World War II, I did not have the privilege of attending Sunday School, because all children's church activities were closed during those uncertain years. When I came to Canada and became involved in … Read more

The body, wrapped in black cloth, was rolled out into the cemetery on something like a stretcher. The cantor read scriptures about facing judgment and meeting God. The family cut into their clothing as a sign of grief, and would … Read more

In my childhood, we lived in the country, far from "the big city" — Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There wasn't much to do for entertainment. Sundays were long and tedious, since their observance dictated that we do nothing but go to … Read more

My friend and I were to assist with the visit of a group of handicapped children to an animal farm. When I arrived at her house to pick her up, she introduced me to her daughter, who was going with … Read more

I really like the new way to marinate tough meat: just place it in a plastic food bag, and pour a little of one's favourite salad dressing over it. Zip the bag shut, and toss the whole thing in the … Read more

A minister friend, after many strenuous years of service for the Lord, retired to minister in a small church. The first Sunday, very few attended; the next Sunday, the congregation increased greatly and did so all the following Sundays. About … Read more

I'll have to admit that I've spent lots of energy, time, and money throughout my life on clothing. I love clothing and accessories. In my earlier years, I was taught that clothes make the man (or woman), that people judge … Read more

Our driver, caught up in the frenzy, showed little restraint as we raced along the 401, the super highway that runs through Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I wanted to scream out that even the Apostle Paul travelled in the slow lane … Read more

From the vantage point of my sunroom, I have enjoyed watching the changing seasons. There are so many contrasting sights to be seen in the beauty of our Father's world, for example the pristine whiteness of winter, the lush greenness … Read more