Month: January 2016

We hear an awful lot about change these days. Everything is "new and improved". People move, change jobs, and grow old (if they are lucky). Seasons change, and so often, we hate it. We are, like every other living thing God created, … Read more

I recently retired from the Canadian public service after 35 years. What do I do to fill the hours? Since I play the organ and piano, providing music for the services that our church conducts in seniors' residences and nursing homes was a … Read more

My father was a horticulturist, at least when it came to his fig tree; it was the focal point in the centre of our backyard. Dad would always be watching to see signs of life when the first green leaf would appear. He would spring into … Read more

My daughter and I really enjoy going to the movies. One of the last ones we attended required us to wear 3D glasses. As the film advanced across the screen, from time to time, I would look over the top of the glasses just to see what … Read more

Guarantees can be the difference between misery and enjoyment. Only once in my lifetime have I purchased a car without a warranty. In fact, only once in my lifetime have I purchased a car from an individual whom I didn't know. My wife and … Read more

"I can't go to visit people when someone close to them has died." Sometimes, the person who utters words like these might fear crying when visiting sorrowing people. Yet, we can remember that God is with us to teach us how to weep with … Read more

Quite a few years ago, a bulletin from our church had a picture of a graphite illustration by Gerald Folkerts, entitled "Self Portrait". The picture so intrigued me that I kept the bulletin all these years; it was dated Good Friday, March … Read more

The practice and preparation was an arduous and laborious journey to overcome, only to reach the halfway point. Predicated on excellence, the auditions began. The reward of my effort deserved its worth, as I was one of many select vocal … Read more

I've been reading a lot about grace lately, and the more I read, the more I realize how amazing God's grace really is. G – God's R – Riches A – At C – Christ's E – Expense Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that will cleanse and pardon … Read more

I wonder if, like me, you are vertically challenged. I used to be five feet two inches, not the tallest in the world — and me with six-foot brothers and a mother who was five feet eight inches. Now in my old age, I have shrunk to just … Read more