I decided to do something really great for my two budgies, Sunny and Cordelle. I built them a flight cage. God created birds to fly, and that's what I wanted mine to be able to do. Thus, I gathered up … Read more

Early in 2009, an e-mail friend asked me this question: "If you had a loudspeaker, what would you say into it to the Christian and secular world?" My response was that with my Bible in my right hand and the … Read more

We are all at the starting line of 2010, ready to begin a new year. How will we pace ourselves for what we will encounter? One winter, when I was in high school, I became a member of the cross-country … Read more

I was born into and raised by a lower working class family in Lancashire, situated in England's northwest. This was my beginning, a Lancastrian. I never attached much significance to the "where" of my birth and upbringing until, as a … Read more

For many years, Aunt Sarah was known to me only through letters, cards, and gifts for special occasions. She was my mother's sister, so I visualized her looking like my mother, acting like her, and concerned about me because we … Read more

Like most young lasses of my generation, when I gave birth to both my children, I was blessedly fortunate to be surrounded by professional help, very well cared for, and loved by family. My firstborn was born in hospital; the … Read more

Many who have worshipped on Christmas Eve or who have attended Church School Christmas pageants held on a Sunday evening during the month of December will be able to recall an instance when a particular child "stole the show" or … Read more

Like many of the psalms, Psalm 80 is a song. In fact, in this case, there is even specific direction given as to which tune it should be sung to. The chorus of Psalm 80 asks God to restore His … Read more

Being a parent again is awesome, but it also changes one's focus. Plans revolve around this little one. My work schedule must co-ordinate with his school hours. Challenges and decisions focus on his best interest. Chores within the home situation … Read more

It was just a year ago that I was taking an online course through Knox College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In short, taking the course meant putting Scripture together and keeping in mind how God speaks to us. As an example … Read more

During the past summer, I was busy at home fitting a kitchen. Periodically, I took time to read my daughter's Bible story book with her. I say "with her", only in the sense that she sat on a pillow in … Read more

Years ago, when I was in the Scouts, our troop used to go to church once per month. Along with the other uniformed youth organizations like the Cub Scouts, Brownies, Guides, and what was known as the Boys' Brigade, we … Read more

At the very first rendition in Dublin on April 13, 1742, Handel's Messiah raised 400 pounds for the poor and indigent, and freed 142 men from debtors' prison. Handel personally performed it for charity more than thirty times, and it … Read more

My dogs like to get up early, very early. Fortunately, I tend to be awake anyway, so it isn't a big effort to arise between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. each day. Lots of times, however, after feeding and letting them … Read more

We all enjoy sharing great joy and good news. We overflow with joy at the announcement of a new baby, a wedding, or an achievement in the life of someone near to us. It is easy to relate to the … Read more

The Monday night study group at our church is looking at J. B. Phillips' wonderful book, "Your God is Too Small". It was written just more than half a century ago, but it is still relevant for Christians today. Phillips … Read more

Have you ever wondered about family ancestry? Most people begin to research rather late in life, long after many family members and relatives are deceased. Since both my parents have passed away, I have begun to appreciate my family heritage. … Read more

Did you ever get a zatzkapol for Christmas? I've had a few and I think I might have handed out some. A zatzkapol is a present you get that you don't want and can't figure out what it is or … Read more

As I stood gazing out the front window watching the goats, I couldn't believe how fat they had become. The three of them looked like barrels on stilts with their huge rounded bellies and stick-like legs. Lucy was so stout … Read more

Three generations ago, my husband's grandfather planted an apple orchard on nine acres of land. He had several varieties of apples, with other fruit-bearing trees planted among them — trees that would grow more quickly and produce sooner. In between … Read more

I find Christmas absolutely amazing. It's not just because of the great music, the beautiful lights, or the glorious glitter. I find it amazing because it's a celebration about the Lord of all creation stooping down to our level, to … Read more

Norma Farber's poem, The Queens Came Late , is new to me and perhaps to you, too. It's about several royal queens who travel to see the newborn Christ-Child. They leave housework and children behind in order to see … Read more

Ruby came to me when she was seven. The SPCA had rescued her from a puppy mill. She had been seriously wounded by other dogs and needed immediate medical attention. I agreed to foster her until she was healed. As … Read more

When I think of hospitality, the image that comes to mind is my golden retriever's greeting for my son. When my son comes back for a Christmas visit, she absolutely throws herself at him. Tail wagging and tongue lolling, she … Read more

When I was a teenager in Scotland, I worshipped with the Salvation Army. My best friend at the time, George, had joined the Salvationists, and was a great trumpet player. He always seemed to have a good attitude, was very … Read more

Last Advent, there was a mishap in our tiny congregation. As the church was being decorated for Advent, the baby Jesus was inadvertently dropped and broken. Although the figurine was mended and thus able to take its place within the … Read more

You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why! "Santa" might bring you a new computer! Thousands of people spend time in hospital emergency wards every Christmas because of computer injuries. A foot … Read more

During the years that we wintered in the desert southwest, I volunteered four days at holiday time as an escort for the Salvation Army. The generosity of the wealthy to those in need was overwhelming. For example, one businessman donated … Read more

Recently, on the American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) channel, I watched a three-part series on the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is one of the unsung heroes of the 20th and 21st centuries in the world. Just because she is … Read more

During the holiday season, I especially enjoy sending old-fashioned greeting cards to family and friends as an expression of my faith. Since I am very selective about my choice in cards, I carefully take the opportunity to remind others about … Read more

Annie, one of our pet goats, is a fainter. Fainting goats are a particular breed which when frightened fall to the ground in a faint. Fainting goats have been used in goat herds to protect the rest of the herd … Read more