In May, five new members of our family arrived. Five baby pygmy goats tumbled out of their travelling crates and into our corral. As they did so, we all wondered how Agnes, our ancient, eleven-year-old goat, would react to these … Read more

The phone rang; it was the chairman of our annual quilt show. "Sharon, we have to cancel tomorrow's show." This was a really big deal! The quilt club at my recreational vehicle park has been having these shows for many years. We have over … Read more

Spider webs festoon the front of my house, draping themselves over the porch railing, making airy paths between the house and the porch roof, even arching across from the porch to the patio furniture. No, it's not a haunted house — it's … Read more

One morning as I was walking from Penn Station in New York City to the 8th Avenue subway, one of the free newspaper vendors interrupted his normal patter and cried out, "Smile, you woke up today! Think about the alternative!" The crowd's … Read more

When I was seven, my father worked in the Mammoth and Morning coal mine in Washington State, USA, till his frozen lungs wouldn't let him go underground anymore. We knew what "poor" was, but "jobless" was a whole other experience for our … Read more

Last December, I went to see an elderly gentleman in a long-term care facility. About three-and-a-half years ago, he had a stroke, but through specific exercises, he recovered quite well. But then one day, he slipped, fell, and broke his … Read more

As I approach the corral, it is still dark, and the icy morning seeks to penetrate the warmth of my parka. My headlamp illuminating the way picks out the horses as they hover at the gate. They are waiting in expectation, as they know … Read more

Recently in my Bible reading, I have particularly noticed several verses that could well serve us as new year's resolutions: As I was going through my filing cabinet removing old files in readiness for the coming year, I came across … Read more

During just two weeks last year, my life suddenly overflowed with problems. My washing machine died for the third time in a few months after $170 in repairs. I was overwhelmingly busy, teaching Bible studies, finishing a pile of charity … Read more

This past summer, my brother, Jim, built us a large greenhouse. When he was finished, we all followed him inside the new structure to admire it. On either side of the doorway, he had fitted large plate glass windows which we had picked up … Read more

When some of us get together and discuss the future of our churches at various functions or meetings, or with pastors on a personal basis, the conversation always seems to come around to the perception that attendance in a number of … Read more

I think that today's verse supports the saying, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." David was commissioning his son Solomon to build the temple, and giving him encouragement to do it. Like many of us when requested to … Read more

Are you looking for a book to read, one that contains history and mystery, interesting facts and inspirational stories, as well as an occasional romance? If so, I would like to recommend one that I have read a number of times. The book is … Read more

A new year is about to begin, and I wonder: How many of us have made New Year's resolutions? A couple of resolutions of mine are to attend church regularly and to try and donate more of my time to worthwhile projects or actions that will … Read more

Over the years, there have been a lot of different clichés that everyone likes to use. One I've noticed lately is "It's all good" — which got me to thinking about what the Bible says is good. (All quotations are from the NKJV.) – It is … Read more

I joined my husband on a run to the dump to dispose of some spring cleaning from the yard. As we were driving into the dump, I said to him, "Remember that day you saw the doctor at the dump?" … Read more

Isn't it strange how one of those profound and sacred insights into the all-consuming love and grace of God that overwhelms our very souls seems to build up over time? My last graceful moment started with a very innocuous homily … Read more

In the hush before dawn, birds begin singing as the dew rises from the ground. Subtle rays of light peek through the varied greens of the trees, revealing bright colours springing forth in every direction on flowers and plants as … Read more

Today is a brand new day — a clean slate — a road not travelled before. Where will we allow it to take us? Will we be bound to past mistakes, hurts, sorrows, and brokenness? Will we allow these to … Read more

Having a father who was a gardener and loved to be outside planting and working the soil has left a deep impression on my life. Recently, as I was cutting the lawn, a co-worker passed by and stopped to chat. She commented how green, lush, … Read more

As I was sitting in a public area recently, I saw a beautiful picture unfold before my eyes. A very tall dad walked in, with his very small son walking slowly in front of him. As soon as they entered the building, there was a choice of … Read more

The fall has arrived and a new school year has begun. For many, this is a year of new challenges, with a new grade, new friends, new surroundings, and an opportunity to make a new impression — a new beginning! … Read more

We recently spent some time visiting with my husband's aunt. As we talked about our gardens, she shared the following. She had placed some dried-up bread bits outside, thinking that some critter would come along and enjoy a treat. Much … Read more

There is a weight loss program which gives a point value for every kind of food that we dieters eat. We quickly discover the foods with low point values. On the computer, all we have to do is enter what … Read more

Years ago, my husband bought me a brand new, full-length leather coat. I felt very special while wearing this coat. It was stylish. This coat had a zip-out liner, so I could wear it year-round. It was very warm with … Read more

Before my husband retired, he had occasion to attend several meetings at the company's head office in Europe. After the children were grown, I often travelled with him, taking a few days to do some sightseeing either before or after … Read more

Here we are late into the New Year. The January 1st crunch of resolution has passed. So has most of my resolve. I really struggled with my weight loss plans from November right into January. That is, I had a … Read more

Recently, it was necessary to dispose of my sister's personal belongings, and I was amazed at all the items which she had collected and saved during her lifetime. I came across two little exercise books, upon which she had written … Read more

Throughout my life, especially while experiencing the loss of our parents, and including the past ten years as a volunteer with those who are terminally ill and bereaved, I've found God's comforting graciousness expressed in many, many wonderful ways. Recently, … Read more

Deciding to move to a church that is closer to our home was something that I struggled with for over a year. We felt that the distance we were travelling was too far, and gradually we positioned our minds in … Read more

I believe that friends are gifts from God, who puts them in our paths, and we in theirs, in a multitude of ways and for a multitude of reasons. Henry Churchill King is quoted as saying, "The very possibility of … Read more

Recently my oldest son was going through a personal struggle. As I awoke slowly from a restless night, my first thought was that the new day did not seem too welcoming. But I have learned that the promises of God's … Read more

Yet another year has flown by. It seems each passing year goes more quickly than the year before! And so now, we are faced with the beginning of another brand new year with: – new opportunities – new challenges – … Read more