During the years 1947 to 1951, there was a big influx of immigrants from the Netherlands to Canada. They came to find a new life for themselves and their children. After the devastating war years, some came because they wanted a new start … Read more

I clearly remember getting my first eyeglasses. I was 12 years old, and I didn't realize how blurry the world had been until we were driving home from the optometrist. I looked out the window and discovered a clearly-defined world with … Read more

I have undergone a few surgeries in my life, for my foot and knees, and even had my tonsils out when I was ten. I learned a lot along the way about the body's complexities. I have learned the truth of what the psalmist declares, that we … Read more

A dear friend left us last month for her heavenly home. We had been friends for 47 years. I'm so grateful that my husband and I had visited with her in July for what proved to be the last time until we meet again. Joan was to have knee … Read more

I don't mean to boast, but I just saw the king! Every fall, he shows up with his loaded gun blazing. Who is he? I lovingly call my husband the King of Caulk. He inspects every inch of this house for cracks, crevices, and holes that cold … Read more

The wallpaper was dingy and stained and did not want to come off. I talked with the paint people at the store, and they told me to paint over it and how to do so. I decided to try it. As I applied the paint over the paper, I was amazed … Read more

In our marriage, God has always been there for us as we both have had to partner with Him in undertaking the hard yards to achieve our goals. Sometimes, it becomes challenging to thank God for the work that we are doing, when we are … Read more

Only two remained. As I sat on my antique porch glider, I watched as two hummingbirds fought over the lone feeder hanging just outside my den window. Just a few days before, I had cleaned all my feeders, but I put back only one in the … Read more

A friend once asked me, "Knowing what you know now after a lifetime of following Jesus, what words of wisdom would you have given to your younger self?" I have now had enough years of life and experience to help me answer that question. If … Read more

It was a beautiful spring afternoon in early May when our Protector and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, came along with my friend and I for a walk. Of course, we were unaware of His presence, but God watches over us 24/7. Frances, my … Read more

In the late 1990s, I fulfilled my dream of attending Oxford University in England. For two weeks as a continuing education student, I went to Christ Church College, stayed in the dormitory, dined in the historic dining hall, and studied … Read more

At our church in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, we have hostess groups that provide a service within our church family, serving lunches and other light refreshments following funerals, or for birthdays, anniversaries, and other … Read more

There are several things that I have always wanted, and one of them is to have a horse. I have looked up horses for sale and have even sent pictures of them to the horse woman of our family: my daughter Mendy. The other day as I looked up … Read more

I went to see Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One the other day. The special effects and stunts were entertaining, but what struck me was the message of a film that isn't advertised for a Christian audience: the fight between … Read more

One evening, as we were all going inside for the night, one of the baby goats let out a loud wail. My daughter went to investigate. Mulan, one of our young kids, was trapped on a bench in the barn. Mulan's left hoof and ankle had slipped … Read more

For centuries, a special flag called the Royal Standard has represented the king or queen of the United Kingdom. It is flown on one of the royal residences, or on a car, ship, or aircraft when the sovereign is present. When Charles III … Read more

Recently, the flat roof over my office leaked, and I had to mend it and repair the ruined internal walls. Deep joy — not! Before our arrival here, the garage had been converted into a living space. As a result, this external half of a … Read more

Our family had just moved into a new neighbourhood with single-family homes and fenced backyards. It was time to consider getting a dog! We saw an ad in the paper for a beagle, and I was reminded of the comic strip Peanuts. "Ooh!" I … Read more

When announcement time came at the end of our worship service, he proudly proclaimed that he had just celebrated his ninth birthday for the ninth time. John's birth weight registered just shy of two pounds — not necessarily a thing to … Read more

During the past summer, there's been a lot of bad news here in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. On July 9, a suspicious death at an Owen Sound rooming house, first thought to be a fentanyl overdose, is now being treated as a homicide. On … Read more

Over three decades ago, Bobby McFerrin wrote a little song called Don't worry be happy. Do you remember this catchy little song? The lyrics from his song started off: Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note … Read more

A few weeks ago, an article appeared in the newspaper, entitled "Why GenXers Aren't Going Back to Church." You can imagine that there was a wide variety of reasons for people 41-56 years old. Some were busy with work and kids. Others were … Read more

I once knew a woman from our church community whom I really detested. Although gifted and attractive, she often said some very unkind and condemning things to others. I avoided her, and I wasn't the only one to do so. It really bothered me … Read more

As I mowed the grass this week, I was so mesmerized by the barn swallows that swooped and dove in front of my mower. They migrate back to this area in late April — a sure sign that spring is on the way for us. They set up housekeeping in … Read more

We spend much of our life making agreements with one another. Even babies and their mothers "agree" to share food and company. It is not surprising, therefore, that Jesus teaches how agreements should be made. Over the years, I have … Read more

Earl, my kitten, is interested in everything I am doing, everywhere that I am. He silently perches on a shelf above my baking counter and watches me avidly as I prepare meals and baked goods. He quietly sits high atop the bathroom door so … Read more

As I write this on August 14, 2023, it is our thirtieth wedding anniversary. Caroline has posted on Facebook a picture of us on our wedding day. Oh, how young we looked then! It has made me reflect upon our journey together over time. So … Read more

On a beautiful day last week, I had occasion to enjoy an outdoor lunch with my wife, my daughter, and her husband, here in Canada on a visit from New Mexico, USA. We were eating at a restaurant on Granville Island, in Vancouver, British … Read more

Getting to know someone doesn't just happen — nor does getting to know God. When I arrived in this world, the first person I met was a doctor. Then, I met the nurses, who handed me to a lady who snuggled me against her chest. A few … Read more

When I was a young child, each Sunday morning my grandmother made sure that I was ready for Sunday School, nicely dressed in my one and only Sunday best. I remember very vividly my little white socks trimmed with lace and my feet planted … Read more