"No turning back; no turning back!" I cheerfully sang these lyrics while tossing a pile of mementos into the wastebasket. I had extracted some old papers from my filing cabinet: a "Food Handler Certificate" granted 22 years ago from Public … Read more

A painting that an artist gave me recently had been no more than a colourful garden scene, until it suddenly exploded with new relevance. That "Aha!" experience was too exciting to keep to myself. So here it goes: It began with an … Read more

Today, I'd like to spotlight those little annoyances which subtly chew holes in our orderly lives. Perhaps, it's yet another telemarketer or an insensitive remark. These may not feel like a big deal, or they may trouble us greatly. … Read more

I never expected the Christmas nativity to be so adventurous till I began a background search on the wise men. That was like stepping through a quaint Christmas card and finding myself in a world of wide-eyed wonder. Gone was that … Read more

Have you ever been plagued over questions that you wished you had asked when you had the chance? Questions like: What do you mean? Why is that necessary? When is it finished? How …? Where …? Who …? Et cetera. You later realized that … Read more

I'm anticipating that sharing my friend's dream will boost your faith as it does mine. She said: In my dream, I was lying down. A swarm of bees hovered six inches over my entire body. One bee stung my foot, and I jerked. My reaction … Read more

Have you noticed how our protective face masks have become useful as identity markers? We're seeing them designed with logos, symbols, flags, or colours representing various group identities: sports teams, activist movements, social … Read more

"He hit me!", yelped my 4-year-old daughter after apparently being assaulted by her big brother. If you're a parent, you'll suspect that there's more to this story! You may wonder, as I did, how this sweet little girl had aggravated him … Read more

"How are you?" "I'm fine, thanks!" We've all engaged in this social greeting formula — even with complete strangers. I did last week while hiking along the river. I came across two fishermen standing in the water. On noticing me, one … Read more

Although this verse applies to worship, I even apply it to my kitchen cupboards! They must look orderly! That's why I remove certain food products from their bulky, messy packaging and store the contents in glass jars, displaying them in … Read more

Tickly feelings on my fingers awakened me from my snooze in the recliner. I opened my eyes to see beady eyes glaring up at me. It was a wee mouse scampering onto my hand. In reflecting back, I'm less amazed by the little creature's … Read more

It seems that our world has become submerged in a pandemic of scientific theories, all promising hope for an unrelenting virus. How many of those theories have been proven? That's a big question! Only rigorous testing through time and … Read more

"Do not postpone for the future what you so greatly need in the present." (attributed to Hudson Taylor) Her vintage dishes showed little wear. Of course! She had considered them too precious for everyday use, so she carefully preserved … Read more

Through my years, I've acquired surprising spiritual lessons through mundane events. Here, I'll share how a simple episode yesterday drew my attention to two power sources influencing Christian life. I had placed a frozen pizza in the … Read more

I can't forget our disappointing dialogue. Two of us were lamenting over societal woes, when suddenly, he walked away, exclaiming, "This is too depressing!" That's not how I wished the conversation to proceed! He never got to hear the … Read more

In a back corner of my friend's china cabinet stands the broken remains of a cranberry glass goblet. Now, why would anyone keep such a useless item? My friend provides an intriguing explanation, saying, "It reminds me of the sadness that … Read more

Virtually all of us have engaged in big questions related to COVID-19 vaccines: Should I? When? Where? How? What can I expect?" Along the way, we've encountered an abundance of guidance: "Book here!" "Go there!" When I went for my jab, I … Read more

It was nothing much really, yet it left an indelible imprint on my mind. I had been resting quietly in my easy chair by the window, submitted to my heavenly calling to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10a NIV). Suddenly, a … Read more

Perhaps you've occasionally been rebuked with these words: "You just need to have more faith!" Years ago, I received that rebuke. I knew that it was meant to boost my faith effort. But instead, I felt guilty for not believing hard enough; … Read more

Who doesn't know these three priorities in real estate: Location! Location! Location! That's it. Nothing matters more. It's true for spiritual real estate also. I'm referring to God and His kingdom reign. That's a genuine, specific … Read more

I'll never forget one Easter morning in my childhood. My dad carried our pet rabbit into the house and let it roam freely on the breakfast table. We siblings gleefully watched our cuddly pet hop amongst bowls of coloured eggs. That was … Read more

"I need this thing …". So begins the customer's request upon arrival at the hardware store. My husband, the employee, must next discern what is needed. "They don't always know what it's called," he said to me. "They don't know what's … Read more

Do you prefer to remain unnoticed in public settings? I do. It feels safer. There's less risk of experiencing humiliation. Yet, one desperate woman took that risk the day she snuck up to touch Jesus' garment. She preferred a quiet … Read more

Recently, I did something foolish. It began with a decision to brew some specialty coffee as a morning treat for myself. Soon, the lovely cinnamon-hazelnut aroma filled the air. That was a treat in itself! With great anticipation, I poured … Read more

What's better than an enthusiastic walking buddy to get us out of the house, even when the weather outside is frightful? I'm blessed to have such a friend. She's an ideal walking buddy because she stretches me. She's young, adventurous, … Read more

Did you notice the hidden miracle here? It's the conception of new life within Mary's womb. This, I say, is Advent's hidden miracle! Nobody witnessed this amazing overshadowing of the Spirit, not even Mary. Yet, what followed would be … Read more

It happened overnight: a seasonal change ushered in by a thick blanket of snow obliterating all remnants of autumn. That was early November. Yet, I felt myself launched into the mood for Christmas — with the rich reds, twinkling lights, … Read more

I've discovered an Advent wreath tradition where the first candle to be lit is "The Prophets' Candle". That got me thinking: All Advent themes must get their flame from "The Prophets' Candle". Otherwise it's impossible to grasp the true … Read more

During our evenings, my husband and I have enjoyed watching nature shows on television. We marvel over the professional, hi-tech motion photography depicting the world of wildlife. Recently, however, I felt the need for a break. It was … Read more

"During those horrific wartime days, did you view your role as pleasure or duty?" That question never entered my aunt's mind during World War II while she was hiding Jews on the fifth-floor tuberculosis ward of the Dutch hospital that she … Read more

That morning, my 94-year-old friend wasn't interested in small talk. She opened my phone call with these words: "I've been reading the Bible every morning! I want to cover whole books at a time! I love it!" She continued, "I just can't … Read more

Recently, while studying research on dementia diseases, including Alzheimer's, I learned that scientists have discovered abnormal clusters on the brains of dementia victims. These microscopic plaques and tangles seen in dying nerve cells … Read more

Today, I'd like you to meet Chippy and Red, our regular dinner guests this summer. Chippy is a chipmunk; Red is a red squirrel. They live in our backyard and join our evening meals on the deck. It didn't start smoothly, however. Red kept … Read more