Fear has a way of taking root in our lives and then remaining there and rearing its ugly head at times and places in our life. Do you know people who, when they go into a coffee shop or restaurant, … Read more
Archive for January, 2012
Respecting Authority
"I didn't vote for him, so I don't care." "Democrats spend too much." "Republicans favour the wealthy." "Wrong skin colour, wrong party, wrong faith." "But dad, you don't understand. That teacher hates me." "I just cannot work for her." The … Read more
The Swan Pond
Some of the simplest joys that I can remember of living in Scotland were the times when Evelyn and I would take our two daughters to Culzean Castle to feed the birds at the Swan Pond. It was always wonderful … Read more
Downsizing
By today's title, you might be thinking that I am referring to my own size, but although that is not the case, I readily admit that this old body could do with being reduced drastically by 40 or 50 pounds. … Read more
My Blinking Coffee Maker
My coffee maker is winking at me! Honestly: on and off, on and off goes the little red light. It's actually telling me that the machine needs cleaning, but what it isn't recognizing is that I have cleaned it — … Read more
Taking A Look Inside
When I was in graduate school, I was part of a group that modelled a certain technique to the class using a fish bowl exercise. How it worked was that a group of six of us plus the professor sat … Read more
The Mediator
Recently, I heard the news that an older cousin had passed away. As always, when someone I know dies, I immediately reflect upon old memories of family and friends. I think about losses I have experienced over the years and … Read more
The Build-Up
I had been keeping my eye on the snow build-up on the henhouse and cottage roof for a few weeks. If it snows any more or we get a warm spell and then another freeze, I'm going to have to … Read more
Mug Versus Cup
Every morning, I have a cup of tea. I use my favourite mug. It holds 16 ounces and keeps my drink hot. It's ceramic and thick-walled, and the handle can fit all four fingers. The lip on it is rounded … Read more
Be Perfect – God's Way
Recently, comments like "You can't be perfect!" or "I know I'm not perfect!" have crossed my ears so frequently that I felt a need to explore this issue from a biblical perspective. What did Jesus mean by the words, "Be … Read more
A Wave And A Smile
When I was a little girl, we headed to the Smokey Mountains in October to enjoy the beauty of the trees in their fall dresses. I quickly discovered how much fun it was to wave at the people who sat … Read more
Listen To The Teacher
A favourite lament of a high school teacher of mine was, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. I can teach you all knowledge, but I can't make you think." As a daydreamer, I … Read more
Entangled In The Snares Of Life
My wife is very skilled at crocheting, and she produces colourful shawls and baby blankets for charity. I'm amazed at how quickly she manufactures these works of art. Often, however, she runs into difficulty with the wool becoming ensnared and … Read more
A Word To The Whys
English was always my favourite subject, though sometimes a teacher or two could be a bit challenging. (Admittedly, we students were probably challenging at times!) Such was one teacher we had in Grade 8. When asked a question, he often … Read more
Rituals, Habits, And Aimless Living
I am a creature of habit — or ritual, if you prefer. While some habits are detrimental, I still maintain that, on average, many are beneficial. Like most people, I have a daily routine. I get up around the same … Read more
The Warmth Of A Hug
It took much too long for October to get to November. Decorations of horror and death littered neighbourhood lawns, and automated electronic hands moved on the desktops of fellow workers when I passed, reminding me of unseemly things that were … Read more
Winter Skies
I love winter skies, especially at night. The sky is filled with a plethora of stars and galaxies on cloudless evenings. Every time I look up, I am in awe of God's creative power, and my heart is filled with … Read more
The Watering Hole
The bird bath, in our backyard, attracts a lot of wildlife. Sitting outside on a warm fall day, I watched in fascination as a wasp gently landed on the edge of the birdbath and began drinking the water. I'd never … Read more
Maranatha! Lord, Come Quickly!
While driving in my car the other day, I heard an old Tim McGraw song, Live Like You Were Dying: I went sky diving, I went Rocky Mountain climbing I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named "Fu Manchu" and … Read more
What Happened Next
I wrote previously about how God provided a job for me when I was down to my last ten pounds. The reason for the job was to give me a gracious manager who gave me the latitude to organise life … Read more
A Royal Celebration
On January 6th, many in the Spanish culture celebrate what is known as El Dia De Los Tres Reyes Majos or Three Kings Day. As a child, I was amazed to hear my mother tell stories of how she observed … Read more
Rainbows As Reminders
Some messages that God sends to us are corporate messages, such as the covenant spoken to Noah and displayed in the rainbow for every generation to see. At times, though, God speaks to us personally in ways that only we … Read more
The Roller-Coaster Ride
With the brand new beginning of another year underway, I wonder what 2012 will bring. I can't believe how quickly the years have passed; the older I get, the faster the time seems to fly by. Last year, my life … Read more
Good Intentions
I have before me a card that I received before Christmas. I held it back so that I might take the time to write a letter to send along with my return card. Well, although my intentions were good, the … Read more
Our Guide For The New Year
"I can't, Dad," I cried. "I'm scared." I'm not exactly sure how old I was when I uttered these words, but I do remember the circumstances with certainty. I was standing on the breakwater at Ingalls Head. On a post … Read more
The New Year's Prayer
I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. I don't know why I don't make any; I just never do. Last New Year's Day, however, I did offer a prayer for the coming year. I asked, if it be God's … Read more
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