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)

Don't you just hate them? I mean, really? Who do they think they are anyway? We have all been there when someone pushes themselves to the front of what is happening and declares to everyone else, "I can do it … (read more)

"I didn't climb the corporate ladder as quickly as I wanted." "I am not able to have children." "My family isn't as close as I wanted them to be." "My job isn't as prestigious as my friend's." "My car isn't … (read more)

On the beautiful, green, grassy slopes outside Jerusalem, an unexpected sight popped up before me and touched my heart with a thrill of joy. Riding a tourist bus on a trip to Israel, I was keeping vigilant watch for things … (read more)

Perhaps H. was thinking that there was lots more room in the bin, so it can wait. At times, anger would lift its ugly head in the conversation. How many of us have had a similar conversation before the garbage … (read more)

Like everyone else on this planet, I am a sinner in need of saving. I try to be a good person, but usually there are moments each day when I succumb to temptation. Perhaps someone else upsets me, or there … (read more)

As I write this, the rain is coming down in torrents. The question is whether there will be water in our basement again. When we retired nine years ago, my husband renovated my parents' cottage and turned it into our … (read more)

I was busy working about the kitchen when I noticed Henry, one of our pet gerbils, sitting atop a stool next to the counter. A few moments later I heard a splash and then frantic scrabbling. The sound was mystifying. … (read more)

A recent series of severe storms left our backyard and green areas littered with debris that had been torn from two very large poplar trees. There are large pieces of broken limbs many feet in length, small twigs just a … (read more)

Just a few months after my arrival at my first posting on a native reservation out on the prairies of Canada in 1987, I was informed that I was to lead the three nights' wake service of a young man … (read more)

"A holy kind of discontent seems to be fertile ground for God's prophets." – William H. Willimon Discontent can be a destructive energy that harms physically, emotionally, and relationally. It may be a symptom of ingratitude or an inability to … (read more)

I'm proud of my name and heritage. Not that I have anyone famous in my family line, but I wear my name with dignity. Several years ago, I assisted a relative in writing a book on our genealogical history. I … (read more)

My granddaughter planned her very first family Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. As the pots boiled and the turkey cooked in the oven, we anticipated partaking in the feast. We did not disappoint her with our thanks. She was … (read more)

I have a clear picture of a host of Christians who have gone before us sitting around the banquet table with Jesus in heaven. The fellowship and meal are a greater experience than our limited words can express. The bounty … (read more)

Recently, some friends and I spent several days on an island where we visited a lighthouse and enjoyed staying at a native lodge. The lighthouse was still maintained by a human being, which was different than so many modern lighthouses … (read more)

At the end of August, we were visiting family at a lake house they had rented in Connecticut, USA, when Hurricane Irene struck. We "evacuated" to their home in New York State, and watched the television in horror at the … (read more)

One of my daughters and her family has moved back to The Rock. Years ago, I did not know that there is a place called The Rock, let alone how big it is or where it is. Is it in … (read more)

Entertainment is rare at the doctor's office, but on one visit, a young mom and her four-year-old twins kept us all in smiles. We needed a smile because my husband, Ron, was in the last stages of cancer. Likely hoping … (read more)

On first reading, we might assume that what stood in the way of this young man's spiritual growth was his wealth, but the truth of this story extends far beyond money to issues that affect all of us, rich or … (read more)

Have you ever been around someone who is so excited about something that it rubs off on you? I have, many times. But last August, I had opportunity to discover it again. My granddaughter was attending day camp for two … (read more)

It is now past three years since my husband went home to be with the Lord. During that time, I've walked this path of loneliness and aloneness, as many of our readers have. Just when I think I'm okay and … (read more)

When I lay abed this morning thinking, this particular Scripture came to mind. It has been a favourite of mine, but I haven't thought about it for a while. Anxiety has been a challenge in members of my family for … (read more)