Sixty years ago, I was with a major accounting firm and was responsible for the auditing of a large Canadian retail chain. Spending several months each year at their main store, I had an office there and frequently rode in one of the …( read more )

In yesterday's devotional, I described my incorrect conclusion about the absence of a fellow resident. In further discussion with Valerie, we were both amazed at the rest of the story. …( read more )

Recently, I entered the elevator and met a fellow resident who had been absent from meals for several days. Assuming that she had been away visiting her family, I asked if she had had a good break. Valerie responded, "If you consider …( read more )

Computers! Computers! Computers! They are everywhere and an integral part of almost everyone's life. This has all happened within my lifespan, and probably within yours also. It may be that, like me, you feel less knowledgeable about …( read more )

I was watching an episode of the game show, Jeopardy, when Dr. Sanjay Gupta was the guest host. One question was about the famous hymn, "Rock of Ages", written by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide …( read more )

I was sitting on my balcony, watching my hands show a slight tremor, and I thought about the value of our hands. Some months ago, I was diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease, and while the medications have things well under control, I …( read more )

By contrast, this afternoon, I was sitting watching a gentle breeze blow the leaves on a tree one way, then, without explanation, blow them another way, and then, unexpectedly, stop blowing them. I certainly can't explain why wind …( read more )

Wikipedia describes an ambassador as a person who represents an entity and does so in a positive manner. Almost half a century ago, I was a senior financial officer of a major corporation. On my way in to a presentation in the board …( read more )

My tablemate and I were discussing how unexpectedly matters seem to develop. She is the aunt of my deceased daughter-in-law, and I first met her over four decades ago. Now, with all the things that have transpired over those many years, we …( read more )

I was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Approximately fifteen miles south-east of Sarnia is a smaller town called Petrolia. In 1858, a road was constructed connecting these two locations. The land was flat and the road was straight, so it …( read more )

The Mask. The ubiquitous mask! Everywhere, we see them, worn by almost everyone. You probably wear one yourself, as I do. Even Queen Elizabeth was shown worldwide wearing one at the funeral of Prince Philip. In a recent conversation with …( read more )

This has always been one of my favourite Bible verses. However, Paul says nothing about when all things will work together for good. I recently received an e-mail that emphasized this fact for me. It read, "It's wonderful how God …( read more )

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I'm not sure about myself. When I read the definition set out in the following paragraph, I first think that I must be an introvert. But when I read on, I conclude that I am an extrovert. Typically, …( read more )

Just three years ago today, a "John Doe" (as the judge described him) committed the worst murder spree in the history of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, when he drove a van down Yonge Street, killing ten people and injuring sixteen others. It …( read more )

Recently, a fellow resident shared her story. In 1989, Dorothy's husband of 42 years suddenly died from a massive heart attack, just two weeks before they were to leave on a planned cruise. Her son, John, who lived nearby, was very …( read more )

Listening to recent discussions about an acceptable minimum wage, I remembered how fortunate that I was to have received good training from godly parents using principles based on the Bible. I was born during the Great Depression before …( read more )

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about " How To Die ", so I thought that I should also write about "How To Live". My first suggestion on how to live is to do everything that we can to communicate with others, even when we are told that we …( read more )

With my wife going to heaven in 2016, following our younger son going in 2005, I am more than eager to join them. However, I must confess that frequently, I wonder how I am going to die. You may wonder that also, since it is something …( read more )

One thing that is obvious to me and others is that, as I age, both my body and mind (which Paul describes as my "outer self") are deteriorating. Some years ago, my son hosted a party to celebrate my 80th birthday. One of the guests, a …( read more )

For many years, I played a brass instrument. Originally, I played small instruments like the cornet and horns, but over the years, I "graduated" to playing the largest, called a bass or tuba. Occasionally, I would hear comments that I …( read more )

When we sit at our tables awaiting our meals in the residence in which I live, the servers come to their assigned tables and inquire what we wish to eat. Lately, they have been coming with iPads, showing pictures of the options and …( read more )

When I was a teenager, I used to enjoy going out in the streets to play Christmas carols on my cornet (which is like a trumpet) with fellow members of a Salvation Army band. Today, such instrumental carolers are often found in the warmth …( read more )

We all are given a name. Sometimes, it has a significant meaning; sometimes, nicknames are used, but always it is our own. I was given the name Vincent, but normally I am addressed by the abbreviation, Vince. Early on, however, I learned …( read more )

The other day, I was walking from south to north on the rooftop terrace of the residence where I live. In front of me, I saw a very clear shadow. Every step I took forward, my shadow moved with me. As I turned and walked east, the shadow …( read more )

Recently, I stepped onto my balcony and looked down just as a toddler ran into his father's arms. The youngster registered a big smile as his loving parent picked him up and gave him a big hug. This was so encouraging because I had just …( read more )

We live our lives with certain expectations, so it is always a surprise when the unexpected happens. In 1959, we were in the United Kingdom for three weeks. During that time, we spent a day trying to find the resting place of my wife's …( read more )

A few days ago, I entered the elevator in my building with another resident. Only two people are allowed at a time so that distancing can be maintained. This lady and her husband moved in about the same time as I did, and we became …( read more )

God is omnipotent. It always amazes me that He has chosen to allow us mere mortals to choose to obey Him, even though He has the power to make us do so. From the start, He has given us a command but leaves us the choice. In the early …( read more )

We require power to do anything. Sometimes, the power comes from within, but often we need external power. In many cases, this external power is supplied by electricity, and we are connected to that source. However, when a direct …( read more )

Early in our lives, we may have heard words like "Mother knows best" or "Father knows best". As we grow up, it is normal that, more and more, we start to feel that we know best. During this time of living with a pandemic, it has …( read more )

Timing is everything. This is a common expression that is frequently used, particularly if something has happened that we find favourable. Occasionally, we hear of someone who has been innocently hurt because that person was in the …( read more )

Years ago, we had a tradition of enjoying a good roast beef dinner after worship on Sunday. To minimize Sunday work, the vegetables would be prepared on Saturday evening. The roast would be put in the oven before we left for church, and …( read more )

Recently, I stood on my fifth-floor balcony and watched a gentleman clean my windows, hanging by a rope. When he had finished my windows, he eased the clamp on the rope and safely lowered himself to the next floor. As I watched, I …( read more )