Traditionally, we like our family to be together on Christmas Day. If that is physically impossible, we at least try to make contact by telephone or webcam. One Christmas Day, my son and his family were at their home in the beautiful …( read more )

Music is a wonderful gift from God. While we enjoy it all year long, I think that it is especially meaningful in December. This is probably because of the number of Christmas carols that we both hear and sing. While no one on earth can …( read more )

At this holiday time of the year, the word "family" often seems to come up. Thanksgiving is observed in Canada in October and in the United States in November. Next month there will again be times of holiday celebrations, especially at …( read more )

One of the benefits of living in my lovely new residence is the privilege of meeting many people. I discovered that a woman who recently arrived had been a nurse at the hospital in Collingwood, Ontario, during the time that my son was …( read more )

From the time of birth, pain is a fact of life. The actions that we take and the people around us are critically important to what happens with our pain. Soon after babies learn words like "mommy" or "no", they learn "ouch", or "it …( read more )

Have you ever wondered why God created us with two ears and two eyes but only one mouth? Do you think it could be that we should spend four times as much listening and observing as talking? When I told a member of the nursing staff where …( read more )

Theologians have long debated how we humans can have true freedom of choice when our sovereign, omnipotent God is in control of everything and has the power to do anything. The principle is that God wants us to accept His unconditional …( read more )

I believe in miracles. Much has been written about them, whether it be Daniel in the lions' den, or the feeding of the five thousand, etc. I believe that God is able to do what, to human thought, is impossible. However, today, I am …( read more )

Have you ever had a situation where something you said was misunderstood? Most people communicate by the use of words. A newborn first communicates with facial expressions, crying, and other sounds, but soon utters words. Normally it is …( read more )

God has chosen ordinary people — you and me — to help others. Occasionally, it is for something very significant, but usually, it is for something small. However, in every case, we have to be willing to try in order for God to use us. …( read more )

For two decades, my wife and I led the weekly Young Adult Class (14-19) at our church. The first weekend in February, we would have a retreat at an inviting resort. We always had a guest leader who would journey with us to enjoy a weekend …( read more )

At the end of a Sunday evening dinner, some of us observed a resident taking the fresh flowers from several different tables. She assembled them into a small bouquet and left the dining room. Each Monday, fresh flowers are placed on our …( read more )

I believe that God is continually eager to use us to help others if we are ready and willing. On June 29th of this year in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a blind gentleman stumbled and fell from the subway platform onto the tracks. A brave …( read more )

Several years ago, I learned two profound lessons from a young girl. 1. When you become aware of a problem, always try to figure out how you can help. My wife and I had decided to fly from Toronto to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to visit …( read more )

Almost two decades ago, a young girl from Zimbabwe won a scholarship to study at a university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This was quite an accomplishment, and she was understandably very excited. However, three weeks before she was …( read more )

From the earliest record that we have, it is plainly shown that we have been created with a need for companionship. With that need comes a responsibility to meet that need with love and compassion. From the moment a child is born, that …( read more )

I am privileged to live in a retirement facility where I continue to learn from other residents and members of the staff. Recently, a waitress was given the opportunity to fulfill the role of the dining room manager when that manager was …( read more )

Recently, I moved to a seniors' residence. I am trying to make the adjustment to living in a different setting without my wife of over 60 years and with daily mingling among people that I never knew previously. Drawing on my personal …( read more )

I appreciate church services that are thoughtfully planned and well directed. I enjoy good music and lots of interesting material. But is it possible that the devil sometimes uses our good plans and activities to get in the way of …( read more )

My grandfather was a doctor in London, England. In 1893, he unexpectedly took ill and died. He left my grandmother as a young widow, 26 years old, with four children: a boy of six, a girl of four, my father aged two, and a new-born baby …( read more )

In 1948, a friend introduced me to his younger sister. In 1956, I married her. From the time we first met, I was impressed by how positive she was. I was all the more impressed when I learned that in 1937, living in Trail, British …( read more )

My grandmother wrote this verse on the cover page of the first Bible that she gave to my father. My father did the same in the first Bible that he gave to me, and I did also in the first Bible that I gave to my son. We even have it …( read more )