Sienna, my Yorkshire Terrier, had a lump which was growing. Thinking it was an infected sebaceous cyst, which are common in older dogs, I made an appointment with the veterinarian to have it checked. At the clinic, they took Sienna into … Read more

I have a friend who is the sole caregiver for her 106-year-old mother. Her mother has some clarity of mind and can manage some of her own personal issues, but nevertheless requires quite a bit of care and cannot be left alone. In addition, … Read more

Have you ever composed a letter or email while you were supposed to be sleeping? I go to bed tired and ready to sleep, only to have my eyes pop open and my mind kick into high gear. Forget counting sheep — I try to fix things in my mind … Read more

Here I am, on a bright, sunny morning, sitting on the backyard deck overlooking a treed grassy park. During the night, someone has cut one of the support ropes on my hammock and left it fallen on the ground. I think, who cut that rope? … Read more

We were a young family living on a single income when I was still a stay-at-home mom, and I had fallen into the familiar trap of "just a little more". I convinced myself that if my husband's paycheque were only a hundred dollars more, life … Read more

Sometimes, when I used to see students carrying heavy backpacks to school and everywhere they went, I wondered what was so precious that they wouldn't let it go. I imagine that the things that they carried back in those days were their … Read more

Over four decades ago, when I stood at the altar before the minister who performed the marriage ceremony between me and my husband, I made a promise of faithfulness to him "till death do us part". Quoting Matthew 19:6b (KJV), the … Read more

While we were at church on Sunday morning, August 31, 1986, a Piper Cherokee nearby collided with the stabilizers of Aeroméxico Flight 498. The small private plane crashed in an empty school playground in Cerritos, California, USA; all … Read more

As I begin each day, I try to keep this passage at the forefront of my mind. I admit that on some days, I am better at this than on others. On this particular day, I had made the last payment on my car, and all the paperwork was done. I … Read more

"You're in a 'spazzy' mood today. I'm sure you'll break something." The mind reader had struck again. Let me clarify. I've never visited a mind reader, but I live with one. My wife and I have an uncanny ability to read each other's … Read more

The whiteboard on the wall at the physical therapy room where I've been going recently says, "Keep Pushing Yourself!" I recite to myself the refrain, "I think I can, I think I can", from the childhood storybook about "The Little Engine … Read more

I sigh with pleasure as I slip into bed between crisp sheets and pull up the covers — at least two of them plus a bedspread. I like to sleep with weight on top of me, summer or winter. I feel more secure when cuddled under several … Read more

Recently, I watched a documentary about the world heritage narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway in northern India. Shimla is in the cool Himalayan foothills and once was the summer capital of British India as government and army staff escaped … Read more

Recently, as my husband and I drove by a local cancer and blood centre, I glanced at it, and the Holy Spirit softly whispered, "I want you to go there once a week, sit quietly, and pray for the patients." I silently asked the Holy … Read more

I still white-knuckle it when I recall fishing in Alaska with my friends. It was one of those picture-perfect days, and the guide found great spots for us to flyfish from the shore. When it got slow, we would move on to other spots, making … Read more

Ruby is an Irish Setter. Setters are tall dogs with long legs. At five months of age, some days, Ruby's long legs cause her a great deal of trouble. She careens around corners, ending up on her side with four lanky legs flying out in … Read more

I was recently watching a procession of singers filing offstage. I had a birds-eye view, captured by a drone. That procession reminded me of ants, which move in just such an orderly manner. In today's passage, King Solomon had a lot to … Read more

On a recent Sunday morning, I noticed one of our newer church members walking in the door. I greeted him with, "Oh, good, the Amen Corner is here! I miss you when you're gone." He and his mother sit right up front — none of this back row … Read more

As I was wheeled to my room in the hospital, my eyes brimmed with tears. I knew that I hadn't felt well, but I never guessed that I would be admitted that day with blood clots in my lungs. I passed the big Christmas tree in the middle of … Read more

In The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Corrie recounts how she, her father, and her sister Betsie were taken to prison for doing good. Their crime? Helping persecuted Jews during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War … Read more

Years ago, I helped in cleaning out my grandmother's house after she died. Anyone having engaged in a similar role will know how difficult it can be, and yet, there are certain surprises. In fact, for me it was like a gift waiting to be … Read more

I don't mean to boast, but I just saw the king! Every fall, he shows up with his loaded gun blazing. Who is he? I lovingly call my husband the King of Caulk. He inspects every inch of this house for cracks, crevices, and holes that cold … Read more

There are several things that I have always wanted, and one of them is to have a horse. I have looked up horses for sale and have even sent pictures of them to the horse woman of our family: my daughter Mendy. The other day as I looked up … Read more

A few weeks ago, an article appeared in the newspaper, entitled "Why GenXers Aren't Going Back to Church." You can imagine that there was a wide variety of reasons for people 41-56 years old. Some were busy with work and kids. Others were … Read more

Those of us of in our advanced years are experiencing the death of friends and loved ones. Just recently, I discovered that a gentleman with whom I worked has passed away. He was the superintendent on the first pipeline construction … Read more

What fun we have with some of the novices who come to visit our region in the summer. We have a plethora of possibilities when it comes to watercraft — from kayak to canoe, from tender to sailboat. One thing the tourists all have in … Read more

Simon, my dachshund, is a thief. Every morning and evening after he gobbles up his bowl of food, he races over to an older, very patient dog and helps himself to her food as well. He edges in to the far side of her bowl and begins … Read more

Have you ever found yourself carrying on a private conversation — with yourself? Such internal dialogue is normal and often quite productive. My own thought life may sometimes seem to be aimless and fragmented, but I've also solved many a … Read more

One hot summer day, I watched our Blue Healer, Rocky, saunter across the field and walk into the neighbour's pond. With the sun behind him, he looked rather handsome as he emerged from the refreshing water and walked through the tall … Read more

Who would have thought that I would welcome the pounding and thudding up on my roof? Yet, at last, the long-anticipated and dreaded day had arrived! Our condo association board had been preparing us for several months for this reality. It … 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

The past three years have been like no other period of my life. As a younger person, I worked full-time while also juggling care of my home and family. I have been deeply involved in church and community work over the years. I also love … Read more

One Sunday recently, our minister spoke on the passage in the Sermon on the Mount that begins, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life …" (Matthew 6:25 NKJV) and the topic was worry. The message was very much about the … Read more