Month: January 2012

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