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

On July 24th, 2022, our daughter's husband walked out on her, and thus began our unexpected journey. Their three-bedroom house had to be vacated and everything brought to our garage, which became wall-to-wall bins. The house needed some … Read more

Since coyotes roam this area, I always try to get my cat in at night. One evening, I waited until dark to go out. My granddaughter Riley was here and wanted to go with me. We called and called but with no response. We walked out further … Read more

The Tarahne is an historical boat in dry dock on the shores of Atlin Lake in the town of Atlin, British Columbia, Canada. Once upon a time, she sailed upon the waters of the lake, full of tourists, and being useful as she delivered goods … Read more

Have you faced storms in your life? I think that I could safely ask who of us has not! Now the question is, do we react like a turkey or an eagle? A turkey and an eagle react differently to the threat of a storm. A turkey reacts by … Read more

Bible verses about flowers are key for reminding us of the beauty of God's creation and His provision for our needs. In contrast, while the flower eventually fades, Jesus' love for us never does. In the northern hemisphere, spring is … Read more

It was 1940. I was just a six-year-old boy. I heard my parents, relatives, and friends talking about the possibilities of war in the place where we lived. I did not understand what that meant, and they explained to me that soldiers from … Read more

During the COVID-19 shutdown, for more than a year and a half now, Greta and I have watched a great number of services on YouTube from a church in the Netherlands, which we attended a number of times when we went there on a family visit. … Read more

Perhaps you've occasionally been rebuked with these words: "You just need to have more faith!" Years ago, I received that rebuke. I knew that it was meant to boost my faith effort. But instead, I felt guilty for not believing hard enough; … Read more

We've all heard the saying, "Patience is a virtue". Well, I'm not a patient person. I once read these words on a plaque: "God, grant me patience, and I want it now!" Patience is something that we all need, especially in these days of … Read more

What's better than an enthusiastic walking buddy to get us out of the house, even when the weather outside is frightful? I'm blessed to have such a friend. She's an ideal walking buddy because she stretches me. She's young, adventurous, … Read more

I recently upgraded my vehicle from a 2014 Terrain to a 2017 Terrain. I now had to sell my 2014 vehicle. I mentioned it to my neighbour, and right away, she said that she was interested. Thinking that it needed only brakes, I committed to … Read more

Watching our babies take their first precarious steps is exhilarating, but emotions run deep when tiptoeing around the delicate topic of aging! If we trusted in Scripture, we would be entering this new era on wings like eagles. Instead, … Read more

Margaret Fishback Powers is the author of the poem Footprints in the Sand. The poem appears on pillows, cups, and posters. The theme of the poem is that Jesus is the caring one. Lillian Daniel has a contemporary version of a similar … Read more

My nephew has a green thumb. Flowers and plants just seem to bloom and flourish under his skillful care. His home is adorned with healthy, luscious leaves and different shapes, varieties, and colours of beautiful flowers. However, I do … Read more

I was asked to write about the lessons that I learned while I was living with a broken arm. Here is one prayer that I prayed in various ways through my trauma, based on today's verse: Lord, I grasp for You now … where before I only … Read more

The crisp chill of winter has bid its farewell where I live in Bochum, Germany. In its place, spring has heralded its arrival, with fresh breezes rippling through grasses scattered with colourful bursts of daffodils, awakening the world … Read more

Inside her roughly built pioneer cabin were treasures. Carefully folded deep inside an old trunk, my great-grandmother's homemade blue Victorian wedding dress rested. Beside it sat her high button black leather shoes and her Bible. I … Read more

When I was young, back in the Alaskan bush, we had to fly in and out of mining camps as my father and grandfather were prospectors. There were no year-round roads, due to seasonal melting of the permafrost. One time when the plane didn't … Read more

Early this year, my daughter, her husband, and baby granddaughter came to live with me. A business opportunity in town had presented itself, and they decided to buy it and move home. How wonderful is this! was my first thought. My … Read more

From the time of birth, pain is a fact of life. The actions that we take and the people around us are critically important to what happens with our pain. Soon after babies learn words like "mommy" or "no", they learn "ouch", or "it … Read more

As a long-time pastoral care volunteer at the local Long Term Care Facility, I have had occasion to comfort residents who were having a tough time coping, either mentally, physically, or spiritually, which I have always done to the best of … Read more

Years ago, I had a favourite black velvet pant suit. I wore it everywhere and any time the occasion called for it. It was very well made, and it stood up remarkably to all the wash and wear. But alas, it finally began to fade, and I … Read more

I had received a commission to do a large, framed, stained glass mosaic of an eagle and had worked diligently on its creation until it was completed and ready for framing. I was very pleased with the result and heaved a sigh of relief, for … Read more

As I look out of my living room window early in the morning, I see a seagull standing on the rooftop of the neighbour's two-story building. What is he looking for? Another sea gull? He looks so alone, taking stock of his domain. The ocean … Read more

One winter long ago, a neighbour of our church phoned to complain that the church was not doing its share of clearing the sidewalks of snow. I had taken the phone call, so later after work, I went to see what had happened. As I saw it, the … Read more

Do you find yourself making lists as Christmas approaches? … things to do, places to go, and things to take … menus, grocery lists … lists of names and gifts … If you're like me, crossing off an item gives us a feeling of … Read more

Every year as Advent arrives, I hear the song, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord", from the musical Godspell, playing over and over in my head. It's a loud, happy, euphoric song, and that's appropriate: what could be more joy-inducing … Read more

At the time of writing, here in southern Ontario, Canada, we are experiencing a very hot and dry summer. The grass in our yard, as well as in the neighbourhood, is turning brown, and vegetable gardens are in dire need of water. In … Read more

Looking back over the years, I note the number of times when I have felt ill, weak, and off balance. As I write, my health speaks to me of pain and frustration. I feel as if I just can't do it. I don't trust my own ability to get the job … Read more

One of the places that we visited on our cruise last February and March did not have a large enough harbour to accommodate our ship. So we dropped anchor offshore, and then, people were taken to the shore in small boats. We stayed on … Read more

For the past few months, I have been trying to return to my pre-surgical level of fitness. It has required a great deal of patience. At times, it has been very frustrating and discouraging. Often at the end of my hour of exercise, I felt … Read more

What if this Christmas we specifically celebrated Baby Jesus as the promised Shepherd and made shepherds our season's theme? What would that be like for you? Here's what I imagine: I see a Christmas tree decorated with fluffy sheep, … Read more