Decorating the Christmas tree is an integral part of the celebrations each year. I once helped out at a commercial Christmas tree farm near Ottawa, Canada, in December. It was an impressive operation: planting spruce, balsam fir, and pine … Read more

I saw an advertisement recently on a recycling website for a television sofa where the spelling was out of place. It read, "Loves Eating". They had put the space after the "s" instead of before! A simple mistake to make, but it made me … 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

"I need this thing …". So begins the customer's request upon arrival at the hardware store. My husband, the employee, must next discern what is needed. "They don't always know what it's called," he said to me. "They don't know what's … Read more

In most of the emails that I have sent out to friends or strangers during this time when the COVID-19 virus has been rampaging in the world, I have requested that people pray to God for success for scientists who are striving to develop … Read more

Recently, I was in a hurry getting the children and myself ready for school. So, this particular morning, I picked up my shoes and made my way to the living room to sit down, as I encouraged the children to switch off and move away from … Read more

Brother Charles has been a very good Christian friend to me, and his faith challenged me to become a believer. One day, he gave me information that a certain pastor would be visiting the Christian Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, for ministry. … Read more

I have one stronger fingernail. Years ago, when I was vacuuming near my heirloom treadle Singer sewing machine, I decided to lift back its heavy cast iron functioning part and vacuum under it. When I finished and was hinging it down into … Read more

"Many car owners just don't listen to their cars. If they did, they could prevent a lot of damage." This was said by an experienced mechanic. He's convinced that if owners paid more attention to their vehicle sounds, they'd be quicker to … Read more

One of my most difficult challenges was raising a son with autism. Many times, I was at my wits' end. Until recently, I was unaware that the expression, "at wits' end" originated in the Bible. It literally means to "have wisdom swallowed … Read more

I have an optical mouse. It has two batteries. One makes it light up, and the other, apparently, is for the wireless connection to the receiver. However, the battery for the wireless transmission seems to run out before the one for the … Read more

Each morning, missionary and author, Norman Grubb, would pray a simple prayer: Good morning, God. What are You up to today? I want to be a part of it. May I? Thank You, God. Amen. For me, this short prayer is like spiritual medicine. It … Read more

Occasionally, my husband and I argue over a matter that neither of us knows enough about, like our current roofing issue. Wrestling over such matters is a silly waste of energy and a needless source of strain. These are times to simply … Read more

Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a day-long video workshop on a sensitive topic that can be divisive and difficult for some people to talk about. So the opportunity to discuss it with others in a safe environment … Read more

I am in the process of selling my house, a long process that I have found to be frustrating, because people are unable to see what an asset our house is to the right person. A few days ago, however, I read this Scripture: I immediately … Read more

My twelve-year old grandson asked if he could install some games on my computer, knowing that I am not a game person. I gave him permission to install a couple, waiting to see what games he had in his mind … Read more

This past winter, I went to a long-term care facility to feed an elderly lady five or six times a week. The family that usually goes to feed her twice a day went on vacation for two months. This long-term … Read more

When I bought a new sewing machine, I had to learn all about it. The spools went on differently; the bobbins went in differently; it had a cool needle threader that I had to learn to use, and a different … Read more

Wireless technology is amazing. We can go online — wireless. We can use cell phones — wireless. Our landline roam phones — wireless. Technology just keeps expanding and growing all of the time. I saw a cartoon with two telephone … Read more

During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, I love to sit on the back patio and enjoy the beautiful landscape my husband has designed in our yard. Beside the evergreens, the fig tree is one of my favourites, especially for … Read more

Recently, just out of the blue, one of my grandsons said to me, "Grandma, did you know that God answers prayers in three ways?" I was interested in his answer to that question, so my ears perked right up, and … Read more

How we long for spring to arrive in northern Alberta, Canada. Winter has been here for months and we desperately need some warm weather, some green grass, some blooming flowers. One sure sign that spring has arrived is the return … Read more

Some time ago, I received a parcel delivered by express. In the parcel, I found a clear glass teapot, a tubular insert with tiny slits in the side, a clear glass top, and two small tins marked "Tea Flower". Not … Read more

Years ago, I bought a piece of piano sheet music as a gift for one of my daughters, since she loved to play the piano. I put it in a really safe spot so that I could wrap it up … Read more

World War II was finally over. Twice our house had been damaged by bombs or rockets; I had been trapped in a hospital during an air raid by V1s that levelled the hospital and killed many patients and staff; and … Read more

We have a Crape Myrtle Tree right in the middle of our back lawn. When mowing season begins, I have to struggle past the tree with my lawnmower. The tree is also on the side of a hill, so it's … Read more

I don't dream often, but recently I had a dream that was so real. It was kind of mixed up — like dreams are — but there was such a message in this dream. After visiting with a friend in … Read more

When our children were small, we never made a point of keeping communication open. Often when they would ask questions, we would hush them up for one reason or another. So by the time they were teenagers and we needed … Read more

God wants us to listen to His words and be obedient in everything. There have been many times over the years I have not been obedient, but when I have been, blessings beyond measure have come. One instance took place … Read more

My mother had been injured as a result of a stupid and senseless crime. A young man who had worked at our family contracting company had attacked my mother with a broken brick in her office. His reasons are not … Read more

Imagine praying and hearing this: Thank you for calling the Divine Service Department. Your call is important to us. In order to speed the processing of your enquiry, please select one of the following four options. If you do not … Read more