One of the tales that I tell about myself happened during a very sad time in the life of our family. My daughter, Nealy, had a miscarriage, and after several grueling days of hoping that this little life would make it, she lost the baby. … Read more

"But we're only twelve years old." I've heard this statement — or variations of it — numerous times. One of my tasks as a middle-school English teacher entails instilling responsibility in the students. At their age, most of them buck … Read more

Sunrise is moments away, and I eagerly wait to capture the moment for the hundredth time. I do this almost daily, waiting to snap the perfect picture. A few seconds one way or the other changes the result completely. Click. What moment … Read more

On November 21, 2015, I experienced another first. Firsts are important. On this day, two of my cousins brought a mahogany china cabinet to our home. The reason that it was a first is not because it's the first one that I've ever owned … Read more

I live in a busy, distracted society, in which many have no belief in the Lord God, His Son Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. There are so many things vying for my attention: my job, social media, following the news, spending time with friends … Read more

Today, I'd like you to meet Chippy and Red, our regular dinner guests this summer. Chippy is a chipmunk; Red is a red squirrel. They live in our backyard and join our evening meals on the deck. It didn't start smoothly, however. Red kept … Read more

After three summers in my 34-foot fifth wheel, you'd think that I'd have figured out what works best and where to put everything, but this year, I discovered several ways to improve both the use and function of space. I replaced the couch … Read more

I always have the radio on when I am in what I call my office, even though it has actually become more of a study. In our area in southern Ontario, Canada, there is a radio station which plays only classical music. In December, they played … Read more

Since we moved into town a couple of years ago, I am now, when the weather permits, able to walk in a populated area of the town. Late last summer, on my walks, I would see a number of residences where the yards were not well kept. Some … Read more

The area where I work is dotted with large lots and homes. There aren't many fences, but there are a lot of dogs that all remain on their property as we walk by. Recently, I was on a walk with a lady that I support, and three dogs were … Read more

The first mountain I ever saw was the Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Actually, as mountains go, it is really only a very big hill. Not only did I see it, but we also lived on it. My dad worked in an orchard, and we lived in … Read more

How often we have prayed for something good, like the salvation of a loved one, firmly believing that our prayers would be answered. Have we not been told that "nothing is impossible for God"? (Luke 1:37 CEV) And yet, like Peter, we, … Read more

I have been reading a wonderful little book called Heaven is for Real. It is the story of a little boy, Colton, who, when extremely ill in hospital with a burst appendix, had experiences of being in heaven. His father, Todd Burpo, … Read more

On the first morning of our holiday in Hawaii, we hurried to the beach, eager to enjoy the surf. But as we approached the water, we noticed a group of women, each standing beside one of a number of wheelchairs, each of which was adapted in … Read more

Praying and fasting! This truth is Scriptural. It is taught in our churches. Books have been written about it. According to our verse for today, it is the only way to break some strongholds of the type that I wrote … Read more

Just one aspect of my renewed relationship with Jesus my Lord was that here was a perfect model whom I could rely on, depend on, love, trust, and believe in totally. I could follow our Lord Christ, and be guided … Read more

It's difficult for me to believe it today, but as a child in school, shy, embarrassed, and tongue-tied, I was reluctant to ask my teacher anything. My parents told me repeatedly, "If you don't ask, you won't get to know. … Read more

My tomato plants are in the garden. Apart from some watering and fertilizing, I trust the results to God, who provides the warm sun and the rain. Yet as I watch the plants growing, I am aware of suckers. I'm … Read more

A number of years ago while attending a course, I was confronted with the assignment of writing out a testimony about my life as a Christian, and telling when I was saved. I began to write my testimony, but when … Read more

I was attempting to finish my poster on time for December when I thought of looking for something to illuminate the topic of "Christmas". I went to a source for clip art. Guess what! I found only one "Christmas" image … Read more

When a world-famous cookbook author's name came up in conversation, I mentioned how much I used and enjoyed her recipes. "Oh, posh," said one lady sarcastically. "She only lives over on the third line." The implication was clear. To that … Read more

About forty-five years ago, my home town of Glasgow, Scotland, started to pull down many old buildings that had been condemned as not fit for human habitation. These inner-city slums housed thousands of families, who had built up a strong … Read more

I like my food — not that it is an obsession. The other day I sat down to eat pudding that I had taken from the fridge for my dessert. It was one of those bought creme caramels that are … Read more

When our daughter was around three years of age, we went to the annual family reunion. I am sure that, to her, all were strangers, and she was a little shy of all the attention she was receiving, for we … Read more

I remember that when I was in school, I looked forward to recess. It was a period to get outside and play some kickball or other sport. One of the hardest things was picking teams so that we could play. … Read more

Early in May, we were expecting my sister and her husband to visit us. We had corresponded about the visit several times. She had told us their flight number and when they would be arriving. But Tuesday afternoon just before … Read more

With spring approaching, I decided to wash our winter coats. It is not unusual for me to leave items in the pockets by accident. That's why I had my husband check his coat pockets and empty them. When the washing … Read more

Lord, maybe what I need this Christmas is a new pair of spiritual eyeglasses, ones that would let me see the hope and trust those ill people had in You, so even if they have died, as we on Earth … Read more

It happened in a village church where I was the minister. Directly after a Sunday morning Communion service, Lewis, one of the elders, took me aside and told me this remarkable story. Every day of the previous week he had … Read more