Earl Grey came to me as a three-month-old kitten. I am not much of a cat person, but there was something special about Earl. My granddaughters called him "Jungle Cat", since he ran like a gazelle and climbed anything and everything. He … Read more

I love the feast for the senses that comes with the holiday season, don't you? All five of the senses are fully engaged in a way that is like no other time of the year. Here's a short list of such sense stimulators: – Sight: red and green … Read more

I heard a story recently about a city official whose past online postings, containing derisive and hateful speech, were brought to the present wider audience. He was embarrassed and expressed remorse, saying that his postings were … Read more

Having been antique collectors and dealers for several years, my wife and I love the smell of "old". How does "old" smell? Perhaps only those who deal with old things can tell. When I open a book published in the 1800s, I smell "old". … Read more

When as a teenaged girl I became a representative for Christ, I was lightly teased by non-Christian schoolmates. They thought that I was strange. I didn't fit in with the kids who didn't have or didn't want Jesus as their Saviour. When I … Read more

When I entered the grocery store last week, something was different. Not just the lineups, the tape on the floor marking lanes, and the staff who were directing people to the checkout. Not just the empty shelves. It was the silence. … Read more

Life in a mill camp taught me as a child that the earth is filled with many odours. They ranged from mildly pleasant to putridly awful. For example, the fresh sap of freshly cut lumber appealed to me, while the smell of dust and the stale … Read more

I was on my way to an appointment. I had only left the house and been driving for a matter of minutes, when I realized that I had forgotten something. I hurried back home, opened the front door and walked in. Immediately, I could sense … Read more

I was delighted when a friend returned from vacation in Florida and presented me with a large seashell. I immediately put it to my nose. Most people would put it to their ear, listening for the sea. But I am hard of hearing, and to put … Read more

In ancient Rome, when a military commander or great general came back to the Eternal City after a victorious campaign, a triumphal procession was given to honour both the leader and also the mightiness of Rome itself. Behind the … Read more

Smell is a big deal in the animal kingdom. It's a big deal in God's kingdom, too. Scent marks our authenticity as Christians. What does this mean for you and me? I got thinking of that after hearing a chinchilla rancher explain how she … Read more

We acknowledge ourselves as being called upon to be representatives of Christ or ambassadors of Christ, but to be the aroma of Christ? Doesn't that sound a little bit strange? Experts tell us that distinctive smells have more power than … Read more

My wife Evelyn likes to use those plug-in air fresheners all over the house. Each month, we buy new ones that smell like southern peaches, mountain air, or fresh fruit blossom. These air fresheners spread a sweet fragrance all over our … Read more

Our son is now unemployed and homeless. A recent university graduate with big dreams and empty pockets, he was facing one of life's crossroads: return home or stay put — security versus opportunity. The scenic university town had captured his … Read more

"A rose between two thorns!" You've heard this expression; but have you ever applied it to our Christian calling? Jesus did. In effect, He called His followers to be a sweet aroma in the midst of prickly evil. This is … Read more

When I cycle in to work, I pass by a woodshed where pallets of sawn wood of various lengths and thicknesses are stacked and kept dry. Sometimes when I pass by and the wind is blowing from the right direction, the lovely fragrance of pine … Read more

We often sing, "Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up, Lord", and we fully expect that God will fill our souls to overflowing as we worship Him with expectation. Since our move to this "neck of the woods" in Nova Scotia, an oft-used saying is … Read more

In my office at work, I am surrounded by many flowers, but most of them are silk. Although they always look very beautiful, they do not provide a fragrance. However, that does not stop many people from entering my office … Read more

The moonflower is one of my favourites. It has snow-white blossoms that grow on a vine and bloom at night. Late in the evening as the sun goes down and twilight appears, the lovely flowers open, showing forth their beauty … Read more

In our ladies' small group, we are learning to say a simple "Thank you" when someone compliments us. Most people try to minimize a compliment, so this is a learning process. We also give each group member a hug when … Read more

The other day, I walked into a room in our new home and was struck by the delicate scent of my wife's perfume lingering in the atmosphere. It made for a pleasant change from the smell of electric motor and … Read more

When a holiday or birthday approaches, I spend a lot of time choosing the right box and the right kind of paper, ribbon, and labels to wrap gifts for my grandchildren. I would never consider wrapping a birthday gift in … Read more

The Niagara Parks Commission Horticultural Garden complex is one of my most favourite places to visit. Recently, I went for a walk, and, as I walked the garden paths, I became keenly aware of the planning, mending, and tending that … Read more

Do you smell smoke? Go ahead; check yourself; I'll give you a second. Well… do you smell smoke? You say you're being tried and pushed, tempted and persecuted, talked about and scorned, cheated on and beaten; you say you're going … Read more

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I … Read more