To my horror, I discovered that the white spring flower flourishing in my garden is on the list of invasive species. This delicate, six-petalled flower called "Star of Bethlehem" has been a blessing in England, but here, it "got away" and …( read more )

Uncertainty, loneliness, and confusion — anxiety, aimlessness, and desertion: these aching feelings can echo their hollow voices throughout our hearts. We shudder at the coldness of how feeling lost empties us. Has your soul ever felt …( read more )

My friend, Mary, couldn't understand why her almonds were disappearing. She had set out a dishful for snacking, but she certainly wasn't eating them that fast. The only other person around was her husband, so naturally, she suspected him. …( read more )

Pulling cuckaburrows was a new experience for me in farm life. Visiting my maternal grandparents on the farm was always enjoyable. Every day was a new adventure, doing things that I had never experienced in the city. Along with my …( read more )

A few days ago, I attended a funeral for the father of a woman with whom I used to work. This woman's family doesn't live near me, so it was quite a long drive to get to the funeral; the return trip was about 730 kilometres (450 miles). It …( read more )

When I study the Bible for the activities that I am involved in, my mind quite often wanders to an event which happened in my life, either recently or a long time ago. This happened when I was studying the Parable of the Weeds. While I …( read more )

Last summer, my daughter, her husband and their young family travelled through Washington State, USA, on their way to Yellowstone Park. They stopped in a little Bavarian-themed town called Leavenworth, to look around. One of the stores …( read more )

My friend, Anne, has the reputation of being an excellent story teller. She tells her stories at the museum where she volunteers and at various group meetings. She is also on the schedule to give the children's sermons several times a …( read more )

I awoke this morning from a vivid, song-filled dream. Off to the right in my peripheral vision, I saw a white-robed man loudly pounding a grand piano, accompanied by invisible stringed instruments and trumpets. Music filled the air while …( read more )

Here's a question for ladies (and men, too): What if we were required to dispose of every piece of fake jewellery in our homes and keep only what is solid gold or pure gem? What would remain? Probably very little. But here's the real …( read more )

I like to sing just as much as I like to garden, so my plans for the summer were to be singing in the garden. However, when the talents were being handed out for singing and gardening, I was lined up for knitting and reading. According to …( read more )

Recently, some Facebook friends posted pictures of their garden flowers. They were all pretty, but only one got a "like" from me: the dandelions. I liked them because I saw a glint of mischief in them. They were obviously unwelcome in …( read more )

I am attempting to grow Red Lion Amaryllis plants from seed. I hope to be rewarded eventually with a vivid red flower as big as my hand, which blooms after four years during Christmastide. I thought that it would be a challenge to …( read more )

Recently, I watched a fascinating documentary, hosted by the 700 Club, which discussed the biblical and historical record of Jesus' brothers and other family members. The name given to them in the Greek is "desposyni", meaning "the Lord's …( read more )

A favourite lament of a high school teacher of mine was, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. I can teach you all knowledge, but I can't make you think." As a daydreamer, I … (read more)

As with other parents, my role often called for the function of peacemaker between my daughter and son during their childhood and teenage years. Now, I have the honour and blessing, with just a little amusement, of seeing my children … (read more)

Like the seeds sown in this parable, the world has pressed in on me at work; at home, our health has suffered as Caroline has been in the wars too; and then Caroline starts the final countdown to grow our … (read more)

On May 9, 2009, Lauretta Balderston described her mother's bread-making techniques. In her devotional, Just A Pinch , she wrote: God takes our efforts, even when all we have is a pinch of faith, and uses them for His … (read more)

I bought my husband an ocotillo cactus last week. It is supposed to grow rather large, but it looks rather dead. The roots are hacked close, and we really have doubts that it will grow. What we need is good … (read more)

A friend of mine once lost the diamond in her wedding ring. She searched everywhere, but it was never found. Since then, I always check to make sure the prongs on my ring are holding my diamond securely. I do … (read more)

In southern Georgia, the mild climate in fall and winter provides ideal time to enjoy working in the yard and garden. There are many lovely plants that lend themselves beautifully to this season. The colourful pansy is one of them. … (read more)

As Halloween arrives, the stores are full of costumes. I like the pirate ones that come out every year. They're not as scary as some ugly ones which glorify gore and violence. Pirates are like your lovable rogues who say … (read more)

One Sunday during his sermon, our pastor took water in a glass, dry whisky (popularly known in some parts of our country as afawfaw) in another glass, and an earthworm. In the glass of water, he put the earthworm, and … (read more)

My mom used to make great steak pies. I loved to watch her make up the dough for the crust and pound upon it until the pastry was ready to be rolled. She would then get out the rolling pin … (read more)

I have noticed broken glass on the tarmac where I ride my bike. I guess it is from broken wine bottles or beer glasses discarded by revellers. I had to repair a puncture to my wheel the other day from … (read more)

We recently went on a spring trip to the southwest part of the United States. Here in Canada, we were still in the stages of a very early spring. Snow still dotted our countryside and was never far out of … (read more)

How well I remember being taught how and when to pull out the dandelions. But oh, how I loved the fluffy, soft, yet sometimes prickly little yellow "flowers". Many are the moms who have received countless beautiful bright bouquets proudly … (read more)

After a night of heavy rain, I started out on my morning walk. Though busy dodging squirmy earthworms, I spotted a small tree clinging to life on the edge of a culvert. The rain had left its root system totally … (read more)

I know what is green and what is blue, and have known so successfully for the last 49 years. My wife and I, however, have differing perceptions about the matter. Now it may well be that my colour perception is … (read more)

On a recent trip, I purchased a cubic zirconium ring from a souvenir shop. Its huge stone and its sparkle attracted the attention of all who saw it. For a few days, I enjoyed my new ring, but then I … (read more)

From my office window, I can see that we have had a new electricity substation put in to accommodate the increase in demand for electricity. It is shielded from view by a lovely Cotswold stone wall, six feet high. Weeds … (read more)

Several months ago, I heard of a most interesting study that has stuck with me, and brought with it many thoughts and meditations. Apparently, years ago, a chemist undertook to determine the value of a human being. He broke down … (read more)

As I have the chance and the leading, I confront work colleagues and friends about the miracles that I believe Jesus is performing today, through the Holy Spirit. Those who are Christians, or are at least sympathetic, are touched and … (read more)