It has been almost two years since I drove home through the mountain pass. In early September, the changing leaves were glorious. One mountain had colours so evenly divided with deep green, gold, lighter green, and orange, it appeared to … Read more

I picked up the phone, and one of my elderly parishioners asked me if I could find time to come for a visit. I told him I would be by that afternoon if it would be okay with him. He … Read more

My Mom was the best letter writer I have known. I never really knew that until I moved away from home as a teenager. She would write weekly. Sometimes the letters were long. Sometimes they were short. She would go … Read more

When the children were at home, our garden was always monster-sized. Their help was needed to keep it up. On hot summer days when they helped me weed, I drove them to the man-made lake at the edge of town … Read more

I have a great friend who always confronts my weaknesses and challenges me to be all that I can be. We meet on a monthly basis, and he listens attentively to what I'm struggling with as a pastor of a … Read more

Our God always answers our prayers. We are an impatient people, so maybe we don't get the answers fast enough to suit us, or it might not be the answer we wanted to hear. My sister, Sharon, had multiple sclerosis, … Read more

I remember the morning well. I was abruptly awakened in the midst of a frightening dream — a dream of fear and danger for my daughter who was in Athens preparing to sail to the islands. It was 3:10 a.m. … Read more

As I drive, I often check the rear-view mirror. The purpose, of course, is to drive more safely. I need to see if another vehicle is coming up behind me, or if someone is in the lane beside me before … Read more

Being late and holding people up are common occurrences. It can be very frustrating for the one left waiting. One of my childhood Sunday School teachers put a new slant on it. She said, "God has given each one of … Read more

Sometimes, though not very often, I get up just before sunrise to look at the sky. I enjoy the transformation of the light and colours from indigo to blue, with a mixture of grays, yellows, oranges, and reds. On cloudless … Read more

When I was a child, my mother would send me to Mr. Groover's store to purchase grocery items. In those days, almost everything was sold by the pound. Mr. Groover had a beam balance scale with containers on either side. … Read more

The Bible tells us not to discourage the young in their attempts at learning or doing things. We also need to see how excluded some older folk often feel. They are still necessary and are our greatest teachers. Twice a … Read more

When we moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, seventeen years ago, one thing I hadn't seen before was a logging truck — one of those big trucks that haul trees from the forest to the lumber mill. I was from … Read more

During the course of the day, students ask me to help them to use the software and hardware in my computer area. I attempt, by my professional application, to engender a sense of peace and quiet confidence within myself and … Read more

Many relatives don't see each other for years on end. My maternal grandparents lived in the province of Manitoba, Canada, while we were two provinces away in Alberta. We did write letters on occasion, but I never really knew them. … Read more

I have known several people who have won the lottery — and their lives were changed: some, sadly and destructively; others, who were good stewards, enriched their own lives as well as others through the money received. I have to … Read more

I had a great English teacher named Mr. Cruikshanks when I was in high school. He not only taught me how to read poetry, drama, and literature effectively, but he also taught me how to write — quite literally. His … Read more

We used to have two Sheltie dogs. We got the second one a year after the first one. Tramp, the smaller one, would always follow Lady. Wherever she went, he was right behind her. I never thought much about it. … Read more

I visited Mary at the women's shelter several times, but she was still very passive and withdrawn. She rarely looked me in the eye and never appeared happy to see me. Many people had hurt and disappointed her, so it … Read more

My son lives in a city two hundred and fifty miles from me, but we are able to stay in close contact by modern communication methods. He jogs in a large park near where he lives and often chooses to … Read more

For several weeks, my ninety-one-year-old mother-in-law has been adjusting to her new life in a long-term care facility. She soon became involved in the daily activities around her. Being a "people person" herself, she enjoys the interaction with staff and … Read more

Having just completed a course that took a lot of my time over the past two years, I found myself needing something important to do. I can spend only so much time looking out the window watching the birds industriously … Read more

When I was a child, there were many times when I would do something that I thought my mother knew nothing about — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sometimes, I thought I had gotten away with one of … Read more

I attended a soccer game recently, where two of my grandchildren were playing. As I observed the young parents around me, I noticed several different mindsets. Some were totally focused on their child and their experience, yelling "Good job" each … Read more

I found myself at an impasse in my life. A door had opened to serve the Lord in an area in which I have skills. I was both very excited and somewhat fearful of the opportunity. Somehow the fear began … Read more

I felt strongly led to visit Kathy on our way to Oregon. She was the youngest daughter of my friend Lillian, who had lived across the street from me. I had watched Lillian's eight other children grow up and had … Read more

Returning from worshipping at the church I attend, I was thinking on my way home that I had not written anything for some time. I had just signed up someone to receive the Daily, and then checked my e-mail to … Read more

With my job, I drive a lot. As a result, I have to fill up the gas tank often. It shows empty far sooner than I would like. But I do know that I have to fill it if I … Read more

Recently, our two boys went away for the weekend. After standing at the front door and hearing me ask them if they had all the essentials packed — in their already full bags — they were off, and we were … Read more

It was Dedication Day for our new building in the church where my family and I have been members for many years. Over seven years before, the church voted to relocate from the downtown location occupied for more than half … Read more

When my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was terrified. He had just finished treatment for prostate cancer, and here was another kind. "One-third of his lung will have to be removed," the doctor said. "Will that cure it?" … Read more