Destination weddings are weddings that are located in another city, country, or even a deserted island. One of my grandsons had his in the beautiful hills of Tennessee, USA. The lodge that we stayed in with most of our family looked like a … Read more

For a number of weeks through this past winter, I was out in western Canada to visit family. In some places, the ice underfoot was thick and treacherous. I am used to having salt mixed in the gravel that is applied to roads and parking … Read more

I helped my husband write his resumé when he applied for a job — and he got it, over 100 other applicants! I thought that I could do the same for others, so I advertised. My first client said that she was a teacher and needed a resumé … Read more

"My goodness, you walk your dog a lot!" My neighbour was walking his black Labrador for the third or fourth time that day. "It's a good way to get my steps in," he explained. "Getting my steps in" seems to be the current exercise craze. … Read more

I'm sure many of us can remember stepping into a dark movie theatre from the bright daylight. We were stopped in our tracks because of the contrast between the light and the dark. I remember having popcorn accidentally dumped on me … Read more

I met a friend unexpectedly, and I asked what he was up to. The answer? "Just killing time." He wasn't the first person to answer in such a way … we are all guilty of killing time! It's a common enough saying, but it struck me in a … Read more

I remember a dream that I had when my oldest son was nine. He and I and two angels dressed in white were standing in heaven beside a giant Bible, taller than we were. The pages of the Bible had fallen open to these words: In the dream, I … Read more

Wikipedia describes an ambassador as a person who represents an entity and does so in a positive manner. Almost half a century ago, I was a senior financial officer of a major corporation. On my way in to a presentation in the board … Read more

Many find the book of Psalms in the Bible to be a source of comfort and encouragement. In fact, it is probably the most widely read book of the Bible. Jesus quoted from the Psalms more often than any other Scripture. The Psalms express … Read more

During our evenings, my husband and I have enjoyed watching nature shows on television. We marvel over the professional, hi-tech motion photography depicting the world of wildlife. Recently, however, I felt the need for a break. It was … Read more

Timing is everything. This is a common expression that is frequently used, particularly if something has happened that we find favourable. Occasionally, we hear of someone who has been innocently hurt because that person was in the … Read more

Everything that we say or do communicates what we want others to know about us. Sometimes, we do this by the clothes that we wear. When I wear a bright green shirt, the comments that I receive indicate that I am bringing happiness to my … Read more

The World Health Organization has declared this latest coronavirus a pandemic. This directly affects life for all of us to some degree. At first it was a sad development in far-away China, where sickness and death rapidly spread. Then it … Read more

It was a few days before Christmas. I was running my little out-of-print book business when a young rocker whose band was usually on tour came in. He'd come home to see his folks. "Have you got a copy of Robert Heinlein's 'Time enough for … Read more

In our wintry months, it seems that the sun rises too late and sets too early. We arise to our daily work in the dark, and return home in the dark, slipping into sadness. The business of the world trudges on, though, as we slog through … Read more

One day, as the tale goes, an atheist hiker encountered a formidable grizzly bear slinking towards him. Terrified, the hiker broke into a run and tripped. As the bear descended upon him, he cried, "O God!" Instantly a voice spoke: "You … Read more

My friend Chris's house is somewhat of an oddity in Arizona — he has a lawn in his backyard. Most of us have rock, gravel, fake grass, or some other yard covering, as it's easier to take care of in the blazing hot summers. But Chris likes … Read more

In Canada, we waste about 50 percent of the food that we buy. Just imagine what effect that has on our budgets, our garbage, and our economy! We are all just too fussy. One friend throws out leftovers because she is tired of eating the … Read more

"I remember when you used to…" Any time I hear my wife say these words, I know that they will be followed by something that I once did but don't do anymore — things like opening the door for her when she's getting in the car or … Read more

During Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953, watched by millions, she wore a gown and jewels worth millions of dollars. She was anointed with oil from a golden vial in the shape of an eagle, which is kept in the vaults under Westminster … Read more

As I write these thoughts, I'm in a plane at 31,000 feet en route to a business meeting. This flight especially has given me time for serious reflection. As the pilot attempted to land our plane earlier for this connecting flight, we … Read more

Once in a while, I enjoy doing a word puzzle to enhance my vocabulary and concentration skills. The goal of one particular game was to find as many words as possible within the phrase, REMEMBER YOUR VALENTINE. It is believed that these … Read more

Isn't it interesting that "the light of the world" is a title that Jesus gives to us as well as to Himself? He never says that we are "living water" or "the bread of life", but He does call us "the light of the world". A stranger once … Read more

Occasionally, I purchase an item which I neither need nor want. Afterwards, I hit myself on the head and wonder how I could be so dimwitted. The explanation is simple: Such dimwitted impulses happen when I am shopping under the influence … Read more

A country church in our area has one of those signs which gets changed periodically. Some time ago, it displayed this saying: "Count your blessings, not your troubles." I thought that statement was a really good message. It made me think … Read more

One of the most precious memories from my marriage was experienced during our first holiday in Europe. My husband decided very hurriedly that we should take a trip to Rome, Italy. When this plan was mentioned to my sister-in-law over the … Read more

I had been working at the computer all day, finishing up a writing assignment. My eyes were tired and dry, but I had an important evening appointment. Since I live in LA — Los Angeles, California, USA — there was only one way to get … Read more

I have discovered that early darkness has once again begun to descend upon us here in the Canadian north. This necessitates the use of more electricity, since I must turn the lights on as I go from room to room throughout the house. As I … Read more

Have you noticed how often the apostle Paul opens his letters with expressions of thanksgiving for people, specifically the believers? – I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. *(1 Corinthians 1:4 NIV … Read more

I find myself putting in the time sitting on my recliner knitting more dolls. Even though I see double at times, each doll forms out properly — it is all from old know-how and memory. I noticed that the clock on the wall was out of sync … Read more

Sophie, my two-year-old retriever, is always finding things to pick up and chew on or eat during our daily walks. I, in turn, am always telling her to leave it, which she does for the moment. Once I am not looking, however, she does a … Read more

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

As I look over the last year, I ask myself, What have I done that God would be pleased with? Yes, I know that my times are in His hands, so I ask, What is He expecting of me in this new year? I trust Him explicitly with it all, but … Read more