Impossible: Not capable of being accomplished. There are days when I feel like whatever I am trying to do or get done is impossible. Something or someone will get in the way of what I want to accomplish. Honestly, it … Read more

Do you believe in angels? I sure do. I've had too many personal encounters with them not to. The first time I felt the presence of an angel was back in 1971 when my wife and I had been married … Read more

Last June, my journey of faith brought me to be the settled pastor at Lakeville United Church of Christ. I had been out of full-time church ministry for almost ten years. God had guided me to open a home for … Read more

In January of this year, I was encouraged by my doctor to get more exercise, so I joined the community recreation centre. I have been swimming three times a week, and incidentally, am enjoying the many benefits of regular physical … Read more

My dad taught me how to swim the old-fashioned way — in the sea. He had been an engineer in the merchant navy, so he knew the value of learning how to swim in the ocean. One summer when I … Read more

In my yard, I have a flowerbed of orange zinnias, which is the butterflies' gathering place this year. During the day, it is colourful, with many species of butterflies sipping the sweet nectar from the orangey blossoms. There are also … Read more

Last year, we had to have our cat of seventeen years put to sleep. He was a gift to me by my husband two weeks after we got married. He knew that I had always had a cat in my … Read more

When I was a boy, I was very moody at times and would go into a huff at the drop of a hat. Usually, it happened on the soccer fields close to my home. Whenever the opposing team, which was … Read more

As evening approaches after a very hot day, I go into the garden and use the hose to clean out the birdbath and fill it with fresh water. Every morning, I am rewarded as I see the robins gather, first … Read more

I have many peony plants in my flower beds. Each one has special meaning. Two I have in memory of my dad who passed away a few years ago. One is in memory of my mom who has been gone … Read more

I think it was during the 1960s that the phrase "generation gap" was first used. All over the world, young people were rebelling against the institutions of their day by dropping out of school, confronting the authorities, and staying away … Read more

Fields of blooming sunflowers always make me smile. In the early light, their bright faces are lifted to face the sun in the eastern sky. As the day progresses, though still rooted in the same place, their cheerful faces chase … Read more

My dad has been gone for about five years now. I have thought a lot about his life during these years. He was born in 1913, ninety-three years ago! One thing he saw a lot of was change. In the … Read more

When I was twelve years old, I ran away from home. I caused my parents a great deal of grief and dismay. When I returned in the wee small hours in the morning, I expected to be punished. Instead, my … Read more

The moonflower is one of my favourites. It has snow-white blossoms that grow on a vine and bloom at night. Late in the evening as the sun goes down and twilight appears, the lovely flowers open, showing forth their beauty … Read more

Aren't dandelions a bright pretty flower in the springtime? They tell us that spring has arrived. Children love bringing bouquets of them to their mothers, and mothers are delighted with the thoughtfulness of their children. If left unattended, though, dandelions … Read more

Though it was summertime and I knew it should be hot, some of us had found it far too hot for outdoor activities, even the things we needed to be tending, like weeding the garden. Just to sit out-of-doors was … Read more

My lifestyle has always included a few more commitments and responsibilities than I have time to handle without stress. I get caught up in my swirl of activities — rushed, pulled, tugged, driven — until I'm bent out of shape. … Read more

To keep abreast of my everyday communications, I store my e-mail files on a flash memory stick. When I arrive at a computer — at home or at work — I plug in the memory stick, and keep up-to-date with … Read more

We travel to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, once a week via a major highway, and along the way, there is a garden centre. From early spring until fall, trees are lined up, row after row. I have watched these trees in … Read more

There are some things in my life that are consistent — going to bed at night, rising in the morning, brushing my teeth, and performing other routine acts that prepare me for the day. Five days each week have always … Read more

On Sunday mornings at Erin Church, all of our young families come down to the front of the sanctuary to hear a story, sing a song, and say a prayer. During Lent, we're singing the old spiritual, "He's Got the … Read more

I recently had a business meeting, and the person with whom I was speaking said that she had never won in the rolling-up-the-edge-of-the-cup contest that was going on. Each year, many of the coffee shops in our area print prizes … Read more

One of the things one finds out in building a computer is the necessity of loading the software and reinstalling files. As a result, my office chair, which I had acquired as an unwanted cast-off from work, has been — … Read more

Years ago, we had a little bush right outside our living room window. We were delighted one spring to discover a little nest in the bush. Before long, there were a few little eggs in it. We watched daily, with … Read more

Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don't fence me in. Let me ride through the wide open country that I love, Don't fence me in. Although intent on the pastor's message about God commanding Abram … Read more

Almost thirty years ago, I visited a university town in Spain called Valladolid (pronounced 'baya-dolith). It was originally a castle town and had some beautiful medieval buildings, cathedrals, and colleges all over it. I was there with a friend of … Read more

I have been in a home where the residents love snakes — yes, snakes as pets! Several varieties in different cages are found in the home. The snakes are all sizes, from three feet to twelve feet long, and the … Read more

A few weeks ago, I was tested on my faith that "All things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27 NIV) I had been studying Genesis, and specifically, reading about Abraham and Sarah, and Abraham's test with the sacrifice of Isaac. … Read more

Sometimes God has to get our attention — and He got my attention back in 1989. Before that time, I was Christian, but I would have to say I was a nominal Christian. I reluctantly went to church with my … Read more