Author: Brenda Wood

We had an endless procession of difficulties marching through our home. At the time that I was having cancer surgery, my husband, Ron, broke his jaw, and then his back, in accidents at work. We were struck by lightning, and … Read more

I used to wonder at Paul's audacity. He said "I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me." (1 Corinthians 4:16 NASB) Imitators of me? Who did he think he was? Then I read today's scripture verse — I am the … Read more

They were down to their last fifteen dollars. As she prayed, she said, "God, I am going to take this last fifteen dollars and I am going to use it to have my mother's ring sized to fit me. It … Read more

We met in the subdivision at six a.m., both of us scurrying along, doing our obligatory twenty minutes. "Nice day," I called out. "I feel sorry for the folks who sleep through this lovely peace and quiet." She replied, "That's … Read more

My sister-in-law, Jean, collected fancy plates. She loved pretty clothes. We often talked about being size 10s some day. But on the day she died, I said to her, "None of it matters, does it, Jean? Not the clothes or … Read more

The family adults were on a quest to discover if grandson Daniel needed new walking shoes. I squeezed the end of his little boots and repeatedly asked, "Daniel, where are your toes?" My questions were answered with a silent stare. … Read more

There is a true tale about a woman who lost her contact lens, prayed, and found the lens only because it landed on the back of an astonished ant. Like that ant, we have all been burdened by surprise. We … Read more

Mary Jane, my weight loss lecturer, has one recurring theme: pretend that you are a new member. Do all the things that you did when you first joined. This includes studying the food plan, measuring portions carefully, and exercising every … Read more

I knew a little girl who liked frogs better than anything. When she tried to swim, she was sure that frog-like flailing would keep her from sinking to the bottom. It may work for frogs, but it was not helpful … Read more

When someone's life took a bad turn of events, my dad used to say, "Well, they'll soon be singing another tune!" Sadly, it is often true. With any change of circumstance, some people seem to crumble, while others keep right … Read more