I always enjoy the end of the year. I check over the previous year's list of goals — both the ones with a big tick of accomplishment and fulfillment, as well as those I may not have completed yet. These … Read more
Archive for December, 2008
Baker's Van
Every day around 10:30 a.m., the bread man used to arrive in our street. He drove a large van that had a walk-in counter at the back. He tooted his horn twice, and everyone in our street knew that he … Read more
The God Explanation: Soul Or Brain?
My class in Human Anatomy and Physiology studies how a small change in the membrane of nerve cells allows us to interact with the world around us. Our brains receive information as tiny electrical signals, and respond by sending out … Read more
The Christmas Rose
My parents were married during the hungry thirties, when a teapot was thought to be an acceptable wedding gift. During their first years together, my mother gave birth to two little girls — my sister first, then me. Although we … Read more
The Greatest Gift
As Christmas fast approaches, we spend time contemplating the best gift we can give to those on our list. When we choose successfully, not only do we bring joy to them, but also our own hearts are greatly blessed. How … Read more
Box Within A Box
What to do with the small gift that one has to wrap? Some of the best gifts come in small packages. As our boys grew up, they learned to make many crafts for others and to give them as gifts. … Read more
The Perfect One
One of the things I enjoy most about Christmas is the traditional tree. Last year, my daughter and I drove miles before discovering the perfect specimen. Hiking through deep snow, I was eager to reach and take home my prize. … Read more
A Christmas Gift
Ah! Christmas! Time to buy gifts for those we love. Decisions, decisions, and more decisions! What to give your spouse! What to give the children in your life! What to give your sons, your daughters! What to give your friends … Read more
The Best Gift
Spoons has lived on the streets of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for over 28 years now. He used to have a proper name; it's been so long that he has almost forgotten it. I remember the day several years … Read more
Songs Of Joy
Watching the news the other day, I saw the unveiling of an atheist declaration of unbelief that was placed next to a menorah and a nativity scene. I can't remember in which city this occurred, but I couldn't help feeling … Read more
Dave Is Coming!
Recently at the office, I filled up my water bottle from the water cooler at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. It is like me in the morning: slow. Tea always comes first in the morning, and for … Read more
Waiting Expectantly
I wonder what would happen if we were to celebrate Advent every day. Most of us think about Advent when we see the candles being lit in church on Sunday mornings. Some of us even think that Advent is the … Read more
Banquet For All
Our Church does a banquet each December called the "We Care Banquet". After Sunday services are done, the sanctuary is transformed into a banquet hall, complete with white table cloths, dishes, and table centers. Many of the chairs are removed, … Read more
Children Of Light
Recent tragic events have displayed a lot of darkness and fear in the world, but the present is not any different from Paul's time. The technology may be far more advanced, but the same anxiety that pervaded much of the … Read more
Hidden Gifts
As we approach the Christmas season, it isn't unusual for those who celebrate it with presents, to buy gifts and hide them. Often, as used to be my practice, gifts will be purchased throughout the year as they are either … Read more
Choosing To Serve
We don't have a custodian on duty at our church on Sunday mornings. This means that I make the coffee, because I'm one of the first to arrive at the church. I also get to sweep up the leaves at … Read more
The Meaning Of The Christmas Wreath
As we go into the Christmas season, I have been challenged to consider how we go about sharing the holidays in a Christ-like manner with unsaved family. I have become more aware of the way we celebrate the birth of … Read more
A Blue Christmas Poem
Christmas can be a painful and lonely time for some people. At our candlelight service, we light a Blue Christmas candle for those who are grieving, hurting, or ill during the festive season. This poem is recited as the blue … Read more
Cleaned Up
I was not hurrying to clean up my home as usual before Christmas. I was procrastinating, putting it off — I would get to it later. Not having the same pep as before, I was slow in getting the usual … Read more
The Great Santa Claus In The Sky
I was attempting to finish my poster on time for December when I thought of looking for something to illuminate the topic of "Christmas". I went to a source for clip art. Guess what! I found only one "Christmas" image … Read more
Flour Power
Years ago, when my children were growing up, I learned that there is real power in homemade baked goods. The way a glass of milk and a couple of homemade cookies revived my children and their friends after a challenging … Read more
Easter Lilies And Christmas Cacti
Living in the centre of Vancouver Island on Canada's west coast gives us pretty moderate temperatures. Although we usually are graced with a snowfall sometime in our winter months, it is what one would call a token snowfall. Our most … Read more
- Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy