Recently, I had to go into a Provincial Court building. Not thinking ahead about the security measures now in place, I was not quite prepared for what awaited me. I arrived, and when I took a look around, I thought … Read more

I had difficulty sleeping and had been up a number of times. Finally, I went out to my rope swing on the porch and settled there. It was still dark, and in the darkness, I did what I usually do … Read more

Ah! Spring has sprung! How I love to watch everything come to life once again! As the grass is growing, we know that sooner or later it will have to be mowed. In fact, first thing in the spring when … Read more

I am in the process of recovering from surgery. The instructions upon discharge from the hospital were quite simple, or so I thought: no driving, no laundry, no vacuuming, and no heavy lifting for six weeks. I am pleased to … Read more

In our church cookbook, there is a recipe for an Italian Crème Cake, extremely popular among the members of our church. When we have a church dinner, it is almost assured that someone will bring one. Sometimes two or three are … Read more

They say that a new generation is born about every 20 to 25 years. This may mean that in any given century, four to five generations of one family are born. In the twentieth century, my grandfather was born in … Read more

I don't know about others, but at our house, we have a steady diet of media news reports — radio in the morning, evening television news, and at least one newspaper a day. As a sympathetic, bleeding-heart type, I can … Read more

My friend and I were looking for a restaurant in which to dine while we renewed our old acquaintance. The mall we were in offered several choices; finally, we noticed one that advertised "free refills". That was the gimmick I … Read more

Recently, fear was overwhelming me — fear of people's reactions; fear of rejection; fear of being hurt emotionally; fear of letting go of circumstances. Basically, it was all fear of the unknown. I started reading a devotional guide at the … Read more

Scottish people sing the hymn "Amazing Grace" differently from the rest of the world. This is because of bagpipes — and no, it's not because we become tone deaf through constantly hearing them. It's because most Scots grow up hearing … Read more

Our sons, who are now 14 and 17 years old, have always had the habit of grabbing the first pair of shoes that they come upon as they head out the door to take out the garbage. For a number … Read more

When I was a teacher, I used to make up word searches for students. Now, when solving one, I look with a keen eye to find the words, and also to see if there were any unintentional mistakes made in … Read more

Last month, our first grandchild was stillborn. During the days after we learned the distressing news that the pregnancy was at risk, up to the sad day of her delivery, our family used e-mail to call any believers we knew … Read more

We have a jotting board fixed to the refrigerator door. Each week, we write down products that need to be bought. When we go to the supermarket, we are reminded of the things we want to buy — that is, … Read more

I can remember, when I was a teenager, falling on my knees in our family kitchen and crying uncontrollably. My mother had just been taken away by the paramedics to the asylum again, after another terrifying outbreak of her schizophrenic … Read more

As we walk through life, the Lord gives us many paths from which to choose. Some paths lead us along a happy trail; others are more serious and sometimes more difficult to understand. Recently, I found myself facing panic attacks … Read more

Some time ago, my late husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Jamaica — not as tourists, but as visitors sharing our Christian experience in a small Christian seminary. On these occasions, Ron and I would make the most … Read more

For years, a pair of collared doves used to nest in a hanging basket outside my grandfather's home. All day long, they could be heard cooing to one another, as if they were saying, "I love you." They were beautiful … Read more

I have been in the foothills of Alberta quite a few times. We drive through them; there are many hills to go up and down. Driving in the foothills takes more gasoline than driving on the flat prairie. Sometimes we … Read more

In high school, I was editor of the school newspaper. This was the position that gave purpose to my life. One day, a classmate and I had a disagreement. I can't remember what prompted it, but she attacked me in … Read more

I was speeding along one of Ontario's busiest highways; the traffic was so compact that it could be compared to a mobile parking lot, which moved in perfect tandem, and when a space became available, a vehicle slipped in. I … Read more

The picture hangs on my bedroom wall, and its message greets me each morning, but it holds a puzzle: why two crosses? Also, the world behind the crosses is not the earth as we know it today. This framed picture … Read more

Easter is a special time of year. When I was a child, our family would drive to the city on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday to attend church. For Easter we would have new Easter dresses and hats. Going … Read more

As we entered the church, the sign read, "Please no perfume. Respect those with allergies." I am one such sufferer. Perfume chokes me up and makes my eyes weep as if I were peeling an onion. It is very embarrassing, … Read more

"Paid in full!" the bank clerk said with a smile, as he stamped the words in red on my record. It was a great moment in my life. For many years, my husband and I had faithfully sent a cheque … Read more

Each spring when the grass turns green and those pesky little yellow flowers appear in my lawn once again, I am reminded of my mother and of the dandelion greens she served for dinner when I was growing up. However, … Read more

It is Wednesday evening and time for choir practice. We are trying to learn the anthem "Daybreak", but our choir is struggling with this anthem for Easter. It is hard to learn and awkward to sing, with its many key … Read more

I used to fence with swords when I was a teenager. A friend and I somehow managed to purchase two foils in a secondhand shop. I think we originally bought them for a play we were doing, but we got … Read more

I had invited several friends to one of my speaking engagements, and I was touched by their response. "Oh, Brenda," said one lady breathlessly, "I have never heard you speak before!" "Oh, Brenda," said another, "I have only ever heard … Read more

On top of the Mount of Olives, I was handed a branch from a palm tree. It was Palm Sunday, and I was standing looking out over the place where Jesus stood before entering Jerusalem. I stood in awe, thinking … Read more