It is a well-known fact that Martin Luther, a former priest, is considered to be the leader of the German Reformation. In 1517, he nailed his ninety-five statements to the Castle Church doors in Wittenberg, Germany. This is an event that … Read more

Our dogs were barking and barking. Every time I went out to speak to them about this, they would calm down but begin barking again as soon as I turned back into the house. Watching them through the window by the door, I realized that … Read more

One of my happy places is my favourite coffee shop. The baristas there know not only my name, but also my regular order: a twelve-ounce, half-sweet, cardamom latte in a mug. I love to have my latte in a mug because I can then admire and … Read more

I have had a tough time lately — full-on aggravation. Prior to the purchase of our puppy, Daisy, our money was waylaid when we were scammed by a fraudulent advertisement. A fine for my speeding resulted in a mistaken 90-month ban from … Read more

Accepting reality is not always easy. My maternal grandfather raised hogs. The old farmhouse seemed to be surrounded by hog pens. Since hogs are notorious for rooting under fences, I suppose that it made sense to keep them within sight. … Read more

Spider webs festoon the front of my house, draping themselves over the porch railing, making airy paths between the house and the porch roof, even arching across from the porch to the patio furniture. No, it's not a haunted house — it's … Read more

"Come with us! This is a fantastic deal!" Several years ago, our friends were trying to persuade my husband and me to join them on a week-long cruise up the west coast of Canada to Alaska, USA. In the middle of May, the cruise line was … Read more

My four-year-old granddaughter had a peculiar bedtime habit whenever she stayed here overnight. She'd soothe her fretful whimpers by clutching a photograph of her mother, which she borrowed from my bookshelf. This item was anything but … Read more

In my recent reading of Ephesians, the phrase, "created in Christ Jesus for good works", reminded me of some good examples of what to do — and how — shown to me by staff members of the residence where I am privileged to live. Emelyn … Read more

It is election time in Ottawa — and elsewhere — for city councillors, school trustees, and mayor. The candidates' signs have popped up along the roadways and front lawns like dandelions! There is always lots of cynicism among voters on … Read more

Our grandchildren come in all shapes and sizes, each with a distinct personality. While some are quiet and rather soft-spoken, others are bigger than life. We know that love has come to visit whenever they eagerly tap on our door. They … Read more

I have several beautiful cutwork tablecloths — a fabric design that incorporates embroidery or lace with parts of the fabric cut out to accent shapes. When they are folded up in the drawer, they don't look much different than any of the … Read more

Our well went dry, so there was work to be done. My sons and I gripped the thick rope tightly as we helped their dad to pull the pump up from the 250-foot-deep well. Our knuckles were white from straining to hold onto the rope, and we … Read more

Life — it's impossible without breath. "Breathe!" "Blast!" These commands came from a technician coaching me for a pulmonary function test as I sat inside an air-tight, sealed cylinder watching him through the glass. I felt like he was … Read more

This summer, we bought new garden furniture for our backyard. We unpacked it from the boxes, removed all the plastic, and set in groups all the pieces to be put together. Then, as it was a very hot day, we went inside for a break before … Read more

There is a type of corny joke that's been around for years, something like this: "Old librarians never die; they just check out", or "Old janitors never die; they just kick the bucket." Here's a new one: "Old preachers never die; they … Read more

Our world today is full of protective devices. Some are part of our everyday life whether we choose them or not. Airbags in cars, highway guard rails, and stop signs are universal safety equipment intended for the common good. Other … Read more

I was assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 860 in the Shawondassee District, Virginia, USA, from 1996-2002. Those were probably six of the best years of my life and definitely the best job that I ever had. My son was an enthusiastic Scout and … Read more

It was 74 years ago last September 6th that I won a race. It was at a church picnic. All the members of the church were recent immigrants from the Netherlands, and there was a great number of children, so those in charge decided that it … Read more

I have an old black and silver combination lock, used so often that the black paint on the dial is chipped and worn. My dad used it on his tool box for years, and I used it on my high school and university lockers. Now, I keep it in my gym … Read more

At this time of year, some sports teams such as baseball reach the conclusion of their year, while other sports, such as basketball and hockey, start their year. A team is defined simply as persons working together. As we watch the top … Read more

Like body posture, good prayer posture is important. "Clyde, don't slouch down in your desk." I was in the third grade when I first became familiar with the definition of posture. Though my teacher, Mrs. Early, didn't use the actual … Read more

Years ago, I was given an oil painting that depicts a lighthouse. It is something that I treasure, and I hung it in a conspicuous place next to the back door, as it reminds me that the Scriptures are like a lighthouse to guide our lives … Read more

Recently, I travelled to visit my in-laws. Due to COVID-19, I had never visited their new place. Before I started the five-and-a-half-hour trip, I put their new address into the navigator (GPS) on the dash of my van. The visit was lovely. … Read more

My husband and I had been volunteering for several years with the North Okanagan Valley Gleaners, near Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. The Gleaners transform surplus vegetables into nourishing soup mix for needy people around the world. … Read more

"Why don't you come for a visit, Charles? It'll be a good chance to get away from everything and relax. Just come by yourself, no need to bring anything." I've had some weird dreams before, but this was definitely one to remember. I was … Read more

With the support of my Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Evans, the church, and my parents, I felt that I was being called to become a missionary. God's Spirit encouraged me to share my love for Him as I sang His praises both in and out of the … Read more

One day, I was coming from church on a Sunday afternoon and the rain was falling. I tried to stop several taxis, but to no avail. Everyone was trying to find shelter from the rain, and no driver was ready to drive in that weather. I tried … Read more

My grandfather led his horse, Nellie, to a large area that needed to be tilled, and he prepared her to plow for the garden. I observed her as she plodded along, looking straight ahead. With my thumb hooked over my coverall pocket, and the … Read more

I read the PresbyCan Daily devotional each morning, and I pray for the PrayerLine requests that are often for Christians in foreign lands who are facing persecution and trouble for practicing their faith. I admit to feelings of guilt at … Read more

One morning in late August found me deadheading geraniums and collecting tomatoes from my garden. As we were approaching a change in season, I looked at a few plants that needed cutting back so that they will return next year. I couldn't … Read more