Some years ago, I visited a particular nursing home regularly. It was an extremely affluent establishment. With even one casual glance, a newcomer would find this to be quite evident. I would visit the many guests, and one lady, although … Read more

The two enormous poplars that we have tolerated in our backyard since we moved here late last year are gone! All that remains are the stumps and roots that have been exposed. These have caused the patio and part of … Read more

Why is there so little joy in many Christians when Scripture portrays joy as a vital ingredient for life? Jesus was eager that His followers be filled with joy. Paul was too. He said: For Paul, joy was vital because … Read more

I was touched by an unusual story in my local paper of a mother pilot whale, spotted not far from the Delmarva shore, desperately trying to save the life of her baby. An event rarely seen by humans, the incident … Read more

Online dating has become a fad of the twenty-first century — one more sign of our highly technological society. Those who advertise themselves are supposedly available — not married or in an ongoing relationship. Unfortunately, this isn't always true. A … Read more

There is something strange about the hibiscus plant as it sits in its pot on our balcony, beautiful and alone. Its green leaves have long since died, except for some tiny green shoots learning how to grow. All summer long, … Read more

Recently, a grandson was here after school for a few hours. I told him, "You are awesome!" He grinned and said, "I know! Thanks!" That got me to thinking about God, and how He thinks of us, especially in comparison … Read more

This year, the rabbits robbed my orderly rows of green beans. They nipped nearly every plant neatly off at the stem. All that hard work tilling, raking, planting, and weeding produced mere stubs of plants! The only remedy for the … Read more

I have a sweet friend who always makes negative, unkind comments about herself. I look at her, smile, and respond, "Don't say bad things about my friend!" How many times do you hear someone making negative, disparaging comments about the … Read more

When I came back, I found the house empty. In my ordinary life, Ron would have had a pot of potatoes on the boil and some kind of beef (his preference) on the barbecue. I'd push for a vegetable and … Read more