My four-year-old granddaughter had a peculiar bedtime habit whenever she stayed here overnight. She'd soothe her fretful whimpers by clutching a photograph of her mother, which she borrowed from my bookshelf. This item was anything but … Read more

In my recent reading of Ephesians, the phrase, "created in Christ Jesus for good works", reminded me of some good examples of what to do — and how — shown to me by staff members of the residence where I am privileged to live. Emelyn … Read more

It is election time in Ottawa — and elsewhere — for city councillors, school trustees, and mayor. The candidates' signs have popped up along the roadways and front lawns like dandelions! There is always lots of cynicism among voters on … Read more

Our grandchildren come in all shapes and sizes, each with a distinct personality. While some are quiet and rather soft-spoken, others are bigger than life. We know that love has come to visit whenever they eagerly tap on our door. They … Read more

I have several beautiful cutwork tablecloths — a fabric design that incorporates embroidery or lace with parts of the fabric cut out to accent shapes. When they are folded up in the drawer, they don't look much different than any of the … Read more

Our well went dry, so there was work to be done. My sons and I gripped the thick rope tightly as we helped their dad to pull the pump up from the 250-foot-deep well. Our knuckles were white from straining to hold onto the rope, and we … Read more

Life — it's impossible without breath. "Breathe!" "Blast!" These commands came from a technician coaching me for a pulmonary function test as I sat inside an air-tight, sealed cylinder watching him through the glass. I felt like he was … Read more

This summer, we bought new garden furniture for our backyard. We unpacked it from the boxes, removed all the plastic, and set in groups all the pieces to be put together. Then, as it was a very hot day, we went inside for a break before … Read more

There is a type of corny joke that's been around for years, something like this: "Old librarians never die; they just check out", or "Old janitors never die; they just kick the bucket." Here's a new one: "Old preachers never die; they … Read more

Our world today is full of protective devices. Some are part of our everyday life whether we choose them or not. Airbags in cars, highway guard rails, and stop signs are universal safety equipment intended for the common good. Other … Read more