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

The stars have been God's masterpiece for centuries. They have always thrilled me, especially on a beautiful starry night. One night, years ago, we were at Camp Douglas on such a night. We just had to get the campers up … Read more

"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

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

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 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

Recently, an e-mail friend has lost her husband. She faces both the release of knowing that he is at peace and also the sorrow of his departure. This calls for a profound readjustment to accept his absence and allow other … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have noticed over the years, as I used this Scripture to bring myself still, that sometimes I would become attentive to my breathing. During one of those times in meditation, I remembered this verse: Four years ago, I began … Read more

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

It was the call that we all fear to hear, the one that wakes us from our slumber: "Your mom has been taken to the hospital, and you need to come as soon as possible." This was how my Saturday … Read more

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

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

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 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

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

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

In 2011, life gave me a little squeeze, to find out what is really inside, where and what my priorities are, when push comes to shove. I have been busy both at home and at work. At home, with the … Read more

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

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

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

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

"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

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