Throughout the ages, there have been changes in people's lives. Most of these changes occur naturally as time goes by, while others have a sudden impact on our lives, as individuals as well as communities. The phrase "the new normal" has … Read more

Many of us are wearing masks these days, and there are a lot of different styles and patterns to choose from — ranging from disposable ones to designer looks. Sometimes, it's hard to recognize people when they're wearing their masks. Just … Read more

We live our lives with certain expectations, so it is always a surprise when the unexpected happens. In 1959, we were in the United Kingdom for three weeks. During that time, we spent a day trying to find the resting place of my wife's … Read more

I have an artist friend who paints glorious landscapes in amazing detail. His depictions of the Atlantic waves breaking themselves on the rocky shores of Newfoundland, or the gentle slap of fresh water on the burnished, burnt rocks of … Read more

Yesterday, I was standing in the queue, practicing social distancing, waiting to buy my fish, chicken, peas, and chips, when a man approached, singing his own version of a Nat King Cole song: "When I fall in love, it will be for money …" … Read more

The broccoli was looking wonderful as my daughter and I discussed whether to cut it then or to wait and harvest it the next afternoon when we would have time to blanche and freeze it. We decided to leave it until the next day. The next … Read more

I keep a box of mementoes in a drawer. Every so often, it is good to look at poems or wise sayings that teach the grace of God in our lives. But I carry one of those keepsakes in my Bible: a ticket for a gondola ride. In 1997, John and I … Read more

One of the things that I miss dearly at the church is our monthly men's breakfast. About a dozen of us guys get together and sit down to a delicious breakfast which two of the group carefully prepare. We typically eat well and laugh well … Read more

Someone said, It isn't the load that wears us down. It's the way that we carry it. They might've added, It's the fact that we carry it, at all. I was in the job market for many, many years, under-qualified, as I worked to support … Read more

That morning, my 94-year-old friend wasn't interested in small talk. She opened my phone call with these words: "I've been reading the Bible every morning! I want to cover whole books at a time! I love it!" She continued, "I just can't … Read more

Years back, when I was much younger in the faith, I had a little dispute with one of my friends on a certain day. After our argument, we didn't talk to each other for days. But my friend, who was older and more mature, taught me a lesson … Read more

Every class I took in college seemed to have one. Know-it-alls are people who think that they know it all. During my college tenure, there was at least one in every class. They were the ones who quickly raised their hands when the … Read more

During the summer when I walk to our city park, I take bags and a grabber to pick up trash along the side of the road. As I pick up plastic drink bottles, straws, miniature liquor bottles, and assorted other trash, I mutter about "those … Read more

I love cooking and baking. I enjoy perusing recipes, learning new cooking techniques, and expanding my culinary repertoire through experimentation with different flavours. As I have health issues, eating healthy food with fresh … Read more

Do you have a bucket list of things that you have never done but want to do before you die? This list could consist of places to see, goals to achieve, or adventures to be had. I have had a full and exciting life, and should God call me … Read more

I recently upgraded my vehicle from a 2014 Terrain to a 2017 Terrain. I now had to sell my 2014 vehicle. I mentioned it to my neighbour, and right away, she said that she was interested. Thinking that it needed only brakes, I committed to … Read more

A few days ago, I entered the elevator in my building with another resident. Only two people are allowed at a time so that distancing can be maintained. This lady and her husband moved in about the same time as I did, and we became … Read more

Part of my spiritual journey was working towards a B.A. degree in Religious Studies. During that period, our family moved and settled into a new church, which was an ideal fit. One particular morning, I asked God for clarity on what He … Read more

Recently, I visited the Humane Society to see their dogs. I found an aptly named, cute little golden Cairn terrier girl that had been recently surrendered. I put in an application for Sunny that was approved within a week. I paid the … Read more

The weather in Mexico during the winter months is beautiful. However, storms can come in quickly from the sea. I witnessed one such tropical tempest one evening — the howling wind of the Pacific whipping the palm trees and shredding … Read more

Recently, Caroline called me on her drive to the shops, to say that the car was making a scraping sound. We have breakdown insurance, but because it was local, I wanted to make sure that I could remedy the situation before invoking their … Read more

Do you ever ask yourself, "What will I be remembered for?" Through the years, John and I felt the call of God to go on short-term mission trips, and in 1987, we went to southern Ireland. I went thinking that I would be marking Bible … Read more

A friend of mine is suffering from an annoying physical ailment, which also causes much loss of sleep. This, in turn, aggravates the situation even more. The physician involved has prescribed an appropriate medication. The medication, … Read more

I opened a small, out-of-print bookshop, all by myself, in a rough neighbourhood. One day not long after, through the window, I was watching some men who seemed to be hot-wiring a car. Then, they got out and started to come into my shop. … Read more

When I first started writing devotionals, neither did I know anything about writing one, nor was I a huge fan of daily devotionals. But along the line, I heard in my spirit, "Roll out devotionals," and I was sure that was God giving me an … Read more

The other day, I was walking and typing out a text when I looked up to see an angry-looking man. He reprimanded me, "This is a sidewalk. You need to be looking where you are going." I laughed, replying, "I am sorry. Usually it is me … Read more

Recently, while studying research on dementia diseases, including Alzheimer's, I learned that scientists have discovered abnormal clusters on the brains of dementia victims. These microscopic plaques and tangles seen in dying nerve cells … Read more

As I walked in the park one morning, I was startled to see a woman bending over a faucet, water streaming off her head. Then, I saw the carrier by her feet with bottles of hair shampoo and rinse peeking out of the top, and I realized that … Read more

We sat on the porch and watched the messengers of mercy come, one after the other. My wife and I were visiting a shut-in couple from our church when the mercy bringers arrived. As we enjoyed the cool fall weather, I watched the front … Read more

Many collective agreements have language which stipulates that if workers report for work, they are to be paid a minimum of four hours' pay unless there is an "Act of God" that prevents the company from operating. Years ago, a company … Read more

When I was growing up, our chicken house usually housed a dozen or so generally docile hens, but the least disturbance could result in a cacophony of indignant clucking and flapping of wings before they'd all settle back down again on … Read more