Somewhere near Atlanta, as I was driving very ill parents home from Florida, God allowed me a bare glimpse of the angels crouched on the four corners of the car. The fifth one stood like a sentinel on the roof, … Read more

When my husband had car trouble, he placed a collect call to my parents, because he needed a ride home. The operator asked my mom to accept the phone charges from "Ron". "Ron who?" she cried indignantly! We had been … Read more

I recognized them all when they were safely ensconced in my kitchen! But could I do it now? Baking powder, flour, sugar, salt, and several other white powdered items were no longer in their safe little labelled tins, bags, and … Read more

I am still slogging away at my weight. The numbers are thirty less than this time last year, but it has been "eating season" once again! My goal: more pounds off this year. For many of us, the New Year … Read more

Our neighbours have a dog named "Fluffy". This sounds reasonable, until you know that the dog is not a poodle, but a dachshund! If one dog is named "Fluffy" and another "Killer", of which would we be more afraid? Names … Read more

The Christmas season seems to call out all the cleaning products we haven't used in months. We wash knick-knacks, scrub under counter edges, and clean out bathroom vanities. We scrub corners that we have never seen, terrified that a stern … Read more

Some people like to trudge through the forest in waist-deep snow to cut the perfect spruce tree. Others are content to pick a pine at the local market. Still others buy an artificial one of indescribable content and put it … Read more

In the rush of December, the world calls us to scurry. We are called to claw out precious time to buy "perfect" gifts for difficult people. Our wrapped presents are to have designer-like qualities. The politically correct "holiday tree" must … Read more

Well, it's charge card season again! I shudder when I remember some of my previous Christmas bills. Perhaps I was trying to buy affection. For whatever reason, I gave too many presents, too often. January is too late to count … Read more

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

Our congregation, Barrie Free Methodist Church, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is in the midst of building a new church. As a consequence, our services are being held at the local fairground building. Curling, walk-a-thons, and horse shows are all part … Read more

It's turkey time again, and I am up to my elbows in stuffing. As I season bread cubes, the label catches my eye: Poultry Seasoning. Ingredients: thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, pepper, and nutmeg! Little pinches of this and that, integrated … Read more

I wouldn't say that my house was in C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome), but I did have some trouble spots that needed work. My goal was organization and less clutter. Now a free Web site sends me daily messages … Read more

For years I was afraid of everything. I feared the dark, getting lost, being alone. I was even afraid of not having enough to eat. This last fear drove me to gluttony. I ate whole chocolate cakes, and stashed food … Read more

"I lost my cat in November," said the first neighbour. He's a long-haired gray male. "Really," replied the second. "I found my cat in November." He's a long-haired gray male! The participants hadn't figured it out, but the rest of … Read more

We had been living through a long, bad patch. Cancer, a broken back, a broken jaw, diabetes, our house struck by lightning… the list seemed endless. As a consequence, I became quite depressed. I allowed myself to develop a full-blown … Read more

My grandpa gave chocolate Easter bunnies to my brother and me. I gobbled mine as fast as I could swallow. My two-year-old brother, on the other hand, was still admiring his. Poke! "You don't want to eat broken bunny ears, … Read more

I was making do with my old plastic travel mug, even though it wasn't the least bit satisfactory. My coffee tasted funny and often it was cold. Finally, I treated myself to a stainless steel travel mug. I don't know … Read more

I have written fourteen cookbooks, but my favourite recipes are the still simplest ones, and I like to share them with my friends. The best peanut butter cookies are made with a cup of sugar, a cup of peanut butter, … Read more

The garbage has always been there, only now, it was very visible. Night after night, television news displayed the mess. It sure wasn't pretty. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was in the midst of a garbage strike. Trash is hardly ever pretty. … Read more

Our 50+ group just went on a bus trip to the Hamilton Botanical Gardens. Here is part of their newsletter. Quick! Don't waste another minute. Turn fifty as soon as you can. Retire! At least, take the day off. You … Read more