Over three decades ago, Bobby McFerrin wrote a little song called Don't worry be happy. Do you remember this catchy little song? The lyrics from his song started off: Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note … Read more

As the harvest was gathered in this fall, many of us discussed our gardens — their successes and their failures. As we did so, I was delighted to discover that where certain vegetables had failed throughout town, all of our plantings had … Read more

During this time of COVID-19, we are all being reminded to wash our hands well. This pleading by those who are trying to keep the general population safe reminds me of an experiment we Registered Nurse students had to do when I was in … Read more

One day, we received a picture of our granddaughter and her husband holding their little two-year-old boy upside down between them. We could see their legs and the boy hanging there, laughing. He was not worried; he knew that his parents … Read more

In western North America this past summer, wildfires devastated nearly four million acres of forests, burned 8,200 structures, and killed 31 people. One day, our weather forecasters warned that high winds were likely to exacerbate these … Read more

My husband retired just before Christmas. Days later, we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. The whole month of December was a time of celebration. What now? We are both in good health. God willing, we have at least another ten … Read more

God gives us different abilities, and mine is gardening. Our property lies beside the road and can be seen by strangers passing by. From spring to fall I'm outside, trowel in hand. The perennials obediently come into bloom every year … Read more

The two dogs were regular visitors, right from the start. The moving truck had scarcely pulled out of the driveway when they appeared. Mocha was large and sported a shaggy black and tan coat, while Skye, being totally black and furry, was … Read more

As I write this, there's a lovely, quiet rain this morning. It patters about my house and makes the front street shiny. I relax and breathe deeply. I have returned from a holiday in rain-forest-green Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where … Read more

Recently, I have been part of a program of severely restricted water consumption in the community where I live. This situation has been in progress for several weeks. We were advised that a bacterium, which had invaded our water supply, … Read more

I have experienced the abysmal hopelessness that can enter a heart, spirit, and soul. I have experienced believing that there is no way out and no way back to a better life. For a season, I believed that I was … Read more

"Something funny is growing in our rhubarb," daughter cried! Dad explained that the strange growth was normal. The rhubarb was going to seed. Just like me. Consequently, I'm feeling crummy. I just turned the magic age of 65. Ever since, … Read more

Over the last few weeks, the days have been getting shorter more quickly. During the summer months, driving to work in the daylight was a blessing. As I hopped into my van at four o'clock this morning, however, one of … Read more

Having a mid-life crisis seems to be a common experience for people in their forties. It's a time in life to ponder over past regrets, present purpose, and future plans. One begins to realize that the sands of time are … Read more

I was talking to a little person on the phone recently. Out of the blue, she asked, "And what do you like to do the very best?" In other words, she asked me to say what my favourite thing to … Read more

I have been on only a couple of motorcycles in my life. The first time was when my older brother owned a motorcycle, and he took me on a ride for a few miles in the country. I wasn't scared … Read more

I have been in a home where the residents love snakes — yes, snakes as pets! Several varieties in different cages are found in the home. The snakes are all sizes, from three feet to twelve feet long, and the … Read more

I was preparing a talk for a Christian Living Class and had decided on a theme of "Manna, God's Food for Today". The idea was for us to explore together times when God had met our need by speaking to … Read more

When I was a child, mayhaw trees grew down by the riverbank. In March, we would locate the tree by its bloom, then in May, go back and pick the berries for jelly. It made a fine jelly, with colours … Read more

So often in the daily grind of my life, I find myself faced with difficult choices and decisions. We all do! What to say, how to say it, where to go, what to do — What? When? Where? Why? How? … Read more

We faced it the Canadian way, with calm panic! Most of us were not prepared for the great blackout of 2003. We had little or no cash on hand. Because our local convenience store owner needed to be on hand … Read more

One of the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer is taking time to sit under a big tree, and listen to the sounds of summer. I'll listen to the soft swish and rustle of the leaves, as a … Read more

Trees have always fascinated me, especially their ability to put roots into the tiniest scrap of soil, to cling to the edge of a cliff, or to wrap themselves around a large boulder. I've noticed that, when a seed finds … Read more

From time to time, I reveal just how absent-minded I can be. Last night, in a game of euchre, I played two hands quite badly. My mind was on the two young people who had just come to our new … Read more

Several close friends have been hit with problems that came without any warning at all. As the difficulties grew, they became filled with fear and anxiety. I've experienced those types of problems, and possibly you have too. So what can … Read more

My friend Henry was an old saint with a special touch for babes in Christ. One particular day stands out in my mind, when Henry, our pastor, and I were having a chat in the church foyer. Pastor asked Henry … Read more