"Awesome," the young server responded as we gave our restaurant order. It made us wonder how our simple order could be that "awesome". Sometimes, it seems like good words are so overused that they lose their impact or meaning. The … Read more

The area around our church includes a neighbourhood which in the past has been rather dilapidated. Now, it has been regenerated and revamped with a community centre at its heart. Some of the terraced houses have been removed and the … Read more

The English meaning of the name "Kayley" is "keeper of the keys; pure". In regard to keeper of the keys, this suits my collie, Kayley, very well. Right from the beginning, she has had a habit of lying in front of the dog door. Whether … Read more

"Have you heard about …?" is a sentence more and more people start conversations with lately, especially after listening to the news of the day. It's like they were all saddled up to ride with the fabled Four Horsemen of Alcoholics … Read more

Cooped up in the muggy, germy elementary school classroom for almost a week, we finally got an outside recess. Although the rain had stopped, dark and ominous clouds billowed in the sky. As we went outside, there was an eerie, crackly … Read more

I have a goji berry bush, the fruit of which is highly antioxidant, long used in Chinese medicine, and also used to make jam. The plant is now as tall as I am. I fertilize it, but I've yet to see any fruit. Those at the nursery suggested … Read more

During the last number of years, I have visited a considerable number of elderly people, and most of them seem to want to talk about their life's experiences. I knew one gentleman who told me a great many stories about how things were in … Read more

After my salvation experience in 1978, I had an unquenchable desire to read, learn, and understand the Bible. It became my first love. If I heard good lessons from Bible expositors on the radio, I would request their offered cassette … Read more

When someone talks about God, do you envision Him as an old man with a long white beard, looking down from heaven and surveying the earth and its inhabitants? Or do you see God as an invisible force, unattainable and unreachable? … Read more

Daybreak opens the skies. The picturesque view from my living room bay window displays a miniature freshwater pond as a family of white-tailed deer dashes across its sunlit banks and breaks for a refreshing drink. Suddenly, I'm in awe: … Read more

The 1977 movie, "Jesus of Nazareth" by Franco Zeffirelli, is my favourite film depicting the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Each time I see it, I am more inspired by the powerful script, music, and images portrayed on … Read more

Recently, my Bible study group began studying the book of Revelation. Contemplating our discussions in regards to the seven churches, I was inspired to write what I felt Jesus may be saying to the Church in the West today. From a … Read more

Have you ever taken the time to watch the clouds roll by as you are lying on your back on the soft green grass or sitting in a comfortable chair? I have. The free encyclopedia, Wikipedia, says that a cloud is a visible mass of liquid … Read more

Computers and I get along to a point. The trouble begins, however, when I don't know how or where to find something within a specific program. As most of my readers probably know, computers have lots of hidden features, but unless I know … Read more

I have a friend who reads the last chapter first when she starts a new book. She has always been a very inquisitive person, enjoying the process of analyzing how the story and characters are developed along the way. Knowing how the story … Read more

I recently received a copy of a picture taken by a photographer when I was presented with my Developmental Service Worker diploma. I placed the picture on the mantel of the fireplace until I got a frame. From where I usually sit, I can … Read more

A few years ago, a friend of mine gave me a wooden plaque. The puzzle is that if people look at it just the right way, they can see the word "JESUS". Sometimes when I look at the puzzle, I … Read more

Okay, so I have succumbed to using shortcuts when texting. Yes, I even miss the occasional comma or period in my texting. It has taken me a long time to use some of the shortcuts. BTW, by the way, I … Read more

When people walk the same route each day, they often see the same individuals in about the same places each day. As a friend and I walked day after day and then into the next month, we would pass the … Read more

The question went something like this: "Which historic character would you most like to invite to dinner?" Most of our choices were easily recognizable. My personal favourite was Winston Churchill. I'd ask him about his World War II strategies over … Read more

As I was on my way for my walk at the lake that morning, going through my mind and thoughts was all that had to be accomplished that day. As I rounded the corner and looked up across the way, … Read more

Recently, I heard a group of Christian women on fixed income lamenting that they had nothing to give the church and the kingdom of God. Someone in the group replied, "We can share our faith stories with others. Every Christian … Read more

My husband and I took a train trip a while ago, something we both very much enjoy, as trains played such an important part in our youth. My husband grew up in a railroad family. When his father came to … Read more

(with acknowledgement to Mary Daniel, who wrote My Little Red Wagon for June 24, 2000 ) When I was a young boy growing up in the 'fifties, I led a life with a degree of freedom that my son, … Read more

I am not an accomplished gardener. I do, however, love flowers; and most everything in my yard and in my flower boxes signifies the life of someone who has meant something to me, and passed on. Just looking at the … Read more

(From my Journal August 28th, 1997) I followed a trail of blood this morning. It took me through the streets of Pictou, each step a horror of whatever had happened during the darkness. I saw the broken window and knew … Read more