It was early one morning when the four kittens — two black and two calico — made their presence known to us. I was peeking outside the window that overlooks our side yard when I saw them. They were following a larger grey cat out from … Read more
Search Results for: "1 Samuel 16:"
Soul Surgery
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 Moment Of Grace
During my teaching career, I worked with many children, from the cognitively impaired to the most nimble-minded of students. As God allowed, the entire range of children had strengths and weaknesses. I am familiar and comfortable with … Read more
Imperfect Vegetables
This time of the year reminds me of the weeks when my husband and I volunteered at North Okanagan Valley Gleaners, a non-profit organization near Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. We spent our mornings cutting vegetables into chunks to be … Read more
Beautiful Morning
In the ordinary, do you ever find the extraordinary? Our dog needed surgery, so we had to watch him closely. I wrapped his foot, snapped on his leash, then took him outside. He stopped on the deck, not wanting to go further. Through … Read more
Singing From The Heart
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
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Many years ago, we bought a brand new car. Before we did this, I had owned three used cars, and we thought that it would be nice to have a new one. We looked around at different types, but we ended up buying a new model of the same car … Read more
Preparing A Home
It was Saturday morning. Saturday was the day I did everything related to home that didn't get done during the work week. That Saturday, I had an afternoon event, so everything had to get done that morning. A trip to the pharmacy to get … Read more
Called To Serve
Unlike its summer counterpart, I prefer watching the Winter Olympics because snow and ice are great equalizers when it comes down to individual performances. Even the best winter athletes can slip on the ice or fall on the snow, so you … Read more
Little Children Welcomed
A career change for my husband took us to another city where we quickly found a church of our choice. Here, my husband found a great admirer, a very elderly man with the mind of a little child. His vocabulary … Read more
Crown Of Thorns
In my living room sits a plant that is called "The Crown of Thorns", also known as "The Christ Plant". It is a member of the Poinsettia family. It is said that the crown of thorns worn by Christ at … Read more
What's Inside
When I was a young girl and fussing as to how I looked before I would go out, my mother always reminded me that it was what was on the inside that counted. She would say to me, "The world … Read more
Rain, Rain Go Away?
Today was a dreary day. It looked like we are going to be blessed with rain again. We've had quite a bit of rain lately, and I am sure that the plants and trees and farmers are very thankful. As … Read more
Outside In
In January of this year, I was encouraged by my doctor to get more exercise, so I joined the community recreation centre. I have been swimming three times a week, and incidentally, am enjoying the many benefits of regular physical … Read more
After The Ball
Years ago when I was just a kid, my brother had a way of "getting to me". He'd sing a song just slightly under his breath, the words to which went like this: After the ball was over, Mary … Read more
Gifted Hands
Some time ago, on arriving home after attending a church service, I tuned in to "The Hour of Power" on television. At that moment, Seraph Lee, a thirteen-year-old pianist, began to perform the most technically challenging composition that any graduate … Read more
The Locket Of The Heart
Many years ago, it was fashionable to have a tiny container, often in the shape of a heart, made of silver or gold and attached to a chain around one's neck. Within the closed, ornamental, hinged container was a picture … Read more
Looking At The Other Side
Sometimes God teaches His lessons in the most interesting ways. Last year on the first day of spring, I went to the door and discovered spring had forgotten to come. "Br-rrr!" I said, "That's cold," and I put the dog … Read more
The Knot For My Rope
For years I was afraid of everything. I feared the dark, getting lost, being alone. I was even afraid of not having enough to eat. This last fear drove me to gluttony. I ate whole chocolate cakes, and stashed food … Read more
Do Not Judge By Appearances
I arrived home tired, still sick, and ready for rest and relaxation. But I forgot that I had to bring in my sheets, so out into the dark I went. On my way back, something clacked and ran across my … Read more
Finding Feathers
For some time now, I have been collecting feathers as I find them while walking. They are not in abundance. Days, sometimes weeks, will go by without seeing a single feather. I have quite a little collection: a seemingly perfectly-formed … Read more
It Takes All Kinds
Max Christensen has written a book entitled, Turning Points: Stories of People who made a Difference, and in it he recounts the stories of many nobodies who become somebody because they trust God and believe God wills the very best … Read more
The Perfect Frames
When choosing new eyeglass frames I'm always amazed at how many frames look like they will be a perfect match for my face and turn out to be terrible! Then, just when I am beginning to despair, I find that … Read more