I grew up in a family that had the funds for necessities, but nothing for extras. For our birthdays, we never received a gift; we had only a cake. Mother wrapped coins and placed them in between layers of the cake. Each of us always hoped …( read more )

It was a bitterly cold Christmas Day morning 50 years ago. The plan was to load up our re-purposed delivery (camper) van with our two little ones and all the gear they required, along with Christmas gifts, and head out on the three-hour …( read more )

When my husband and I were asked to lead an Alpha small group at our church a few years ago, we were in the right place at the right time. Thus began many Bible studies and many special relationships with so many wonderful people in our …( read more )

I have a mantle clock. It's quite old. It needs winding about once a week. Because it chimes the hour, re-setting it is a pain if I forget to wind it and it stops, because I would have to allow all the chimes to cycle. So, when it stops, I …( 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 )

It was a cold Christmas Eve. I found myself very comfortable within the lobby of my assisted living residence, conversing with staff members who were on duty. In the corner of a small sitting area, a highly customized manger scene had …( read more )

Last fall, my husband and I joined a Messianic fellowship at one of the members' homes to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkoth. In their backyard, we sat in booths which were constructed according to God's Word. …( read more )

Canadians went to the polls in October in a federal election, and the new government is being sworn into office today in Ottawa. Those who wanted change got their wish, and time will tell whether that was a good thing. But good thing or …( read more )

"It wasn't worth it," screeched the commanding officer. But it was. Combat was ferocious, and many soldiers were dying. They were friends in the thick of it. When one of them was injured and couldn't return to the trenches, the other …( read more )

As I was remembering past Christmases, an incident came to mind from the very first year of my former ministry here in Mission, British Columbia, Canada, back in 1987.

Enthusiasm was high in the congregation, and they decided to tackle …( read more )

I'm recovering from surgery. In a local big-box store is a Customers' Helper. I give her a list and as I wait with my walker, she brings things for my approval. She also takes the cartload to my car while I drag behind.

Today, I opened …( read more )

"I love you as a son!" These words fell on the ears of a little girl as she lay on her bed in a Christian hospital near her village. Her father had just told her that he valued her as … (read more)

A waiting room is a terrible place. Through the births of four grandchildren and many surgeries of my family members, I can testify to this fact. Sitting in a waiting room, one's emotions run the gamut from fear to hopefulness. … (read more)

Impossible: Not capable of being accomplished. There are days when I feel like whatever I am trying to do or get done is impossible. Something or someone will get in the way of what I want to accomplish. Honestly, it … (read more)

When I was growing up, one of the biggest pop groups was the Swedish band "Abba". I can remember watching them for the very first time on television. They were participating in the annual Eurovision Song Contest, an international competition … (read more)

I think this is the time for you to take leave of your senses. In the middle of the everyday, the cut and dried, whatever you are doing right now — don't you yearn for something marvellous? That's what happened … (read more)