In Cameroon during the period of Advent, Christians and non-Christians alike keep money (in njangi houses, a community-based system), animals, and birds (especially chickens) to be used in celebrating Christmas. Parents are aware that they must buy new clothes for … (read more)

I used to use the Blocked Sender List feature that was available on my computer, in order to weed out undesirable e-mail, but of late I don't find it necessary. Sometimes when I used this, I would accidentally place a … (read more)

In southern Georgia, the mild climate in fall and winter provides ideal time to enjoy working in the yard and garden. There are many lovely plants that lend themselves beautifully to this season. The colourful pansy is one of them. … (read more)

I watched a great movie recently that has become one of my top ten. I had been meaning to watch it for awhile because my daughters told me it was terrific. I've also used some clips from the movie in … (read more)

There are many sets of "Commandments". As a hunter safety training instructor, I teach the "Ten Commandments of Hunter Safety" to every class, and strongly recommend compliance. Then, there are the "Safety Patrol Commandments" which we taught student Crossing Guards, … (read more)

"But, Ron, there isn't time or room for a longer pipe there," I said. "Why can't we just leave it the way it is?" Anger welled up inside me. The work area was governed by both county and city regulations … (read more)

A few decades ago, my husband and I were looking for acreage to buy in what was then described as suburbia. We searched the areas around our home town for just the right spot. At the time, opportunities abounded everywhere. … (read more)

I love this time of year, especially at sunrise. The sun peeks over the horizon dressed in scarlet. The sky glows with a mixture of crimson reds and yellows, bathing the whole earth with a soft, rosy hue. It makes … (read more)

Recently, it has been my honour to be "father of the bride" to Sarah. It was a lovely day and well organized, and a good time was had by all. Of course, there came the time for speeches. Every father … (read more)

As every father knows, a child is special, no matter what age. Sarah is no exception. She is special in her own way, and always will be to me. The wedding of a daughter is a bittersweet experience. There are … (read more)

When my son Isaac was only two years old, every morning, I would ask him what he wanted for breakfast, and he would shout, "Peanut butter!" And when I said "Yes", he would jump around the kitchen yelling "Yeah, peanut … (read more)

Rules structure our lives. If we don't have enough laws of the land to police ourselves, we make more rules — for our homeowner associations, for example. It seems like we cannot do anything correctly without some governing organization directing … (read more)

We live within walking distance of an extensive urban park. As we enter this park, we are surrounded by big deciduous trees and various paths. A few minutes' walk leads to a broad, open area just like a meadow. On … (read more)

Our town is a mail stop on the Appalachian Trail. I have talked to some of the hikers on the trail. I have learned that every now and then, a tree will be marked to let them know that they … (read more)

I had a very disconcerting moment recently. I left my home to pick up the current catalogues of a major retailer, and on leaving my car, I tucked my keys into my waistband and proceeded into the store. There, I … (read more)

Where I live in western Pennsylvania, rivers and streams flow down through the plateaus and foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. In the early morning hours as I drive down into the low hanging cloud bank along the Allegheny River Road, … (read more)

I have worked with teens for the last several years, and one of the things that bothers me is the careless way they often speak to each other. I have developed a couple of short workshops to show, in a … (read more)

I was in a dining room recently when a caregiver for troubled children came in with a few of her charges. A little girl, possibly between ten and twelve years of age, dropped her fork and spoon. Her hands were … (read more)

It is a great thing to serve people, but we are to do so as serving the Lord, rather than as serving people. I have had many negative reactions from people in various congregations and choir groups with whom I … (read more)

Many years ago, a paramedic showed me a soldier's knapsack Bible. It had 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 … (read more)

Some years ago, I got a "new to me" car; actually, it had so few miles that it was still new and shiny. In our province, we keep the same license plates and move them to each new vehicle. I'd … (read more)

My grandfather always carried a notebook and a wee pencil in his shirt pocket to make notes to himself. I recall how we used to make dates to spend time together; he would write my name in his little notebook … (read more)

Throughout my 45 years of teaching, I have found that positive feedback, or an earned compliment, usually brought a positive response: a bright smile, a happy "Thank You!" and even tears! Whenever a student, no matter how young or old, … (read more)

While looking around at the friends and family whom my husband had chosen to invite to attend my birthday celebration, I was trying to find the words to thank him for arranging the gathering and to express the special way … (read more)

Dion is dead! He was so tiny, so young, so fragile. How did it happen so quickly? Why did it happen? I was saddened. Dion, my Venus Fly Trap, lived in my home for only a few short weeks. When … (read more)

Dion is thriving and growing. It is fun to watch and take care of him. When Dion first came to stay, I went onto the Internet to find out as much as possible in order to care for my Venus … (read more)

Dion has come to stay! I carried Dion into our home. He is very tiny. I knew absolutely nothing about Dion when he came, nor did I know anything about his previous home. But I accept him just as he … (read more)

As we begin this day, we do so without any knowledge where it is going to lead us or what we are going to encounter. We do, of course, have a structured plan, but will this plan come to fruition? … (read more)

I awoke to such a gloomy (weather-wise) fall morning. The colours in my garden, though, brightened this otherwise grey morning. In fact, they positively glow! An unusual visitor arrived the other day. It has claimed ownership of my garden, strutting … (read more)

Today is All Saints' Day on the Christian calendar. Many Protestants don't celebrate it, but Roman Catholics are required to go to mass today, for this is what's called a "Feast of Obligation", and for them, it is one of … (read more)