Year: 2005

Brooke, our five year-old granddaughter loves the swing. "Higher, Grandma, swing me higher," she called out as I sent her flying in the air. "Hold on tight, Brooke, hold on tight," I yelled back. She giggled that happy voice I … Read more

When I was a seminary student, I was assigned to various churches throughout the year. This was to give me hands-on experience in pastoral ministry, effectiveness, and leadership. I can remember being attached to a highly successful church, whose minister … Read more

My hubby says we should be grateful and loudly thank God for leftovers. It means we have abundance (and that I don't have to cook!). That got us thinking about the other kinds of "too much" in our lives. Noisy … Read more

Two of our grandchildren, Faith and Mary Kathryn, have gone out of state for a few days to visit some of their family. My husband and I are finding it a very lonely time. Daily those two girls bring sunshine … Read more

Every day, I used to have the pleasure of driving nine miles along the coast road between Maybole and Dunure, in the west of Scotland. The scenery was outstanding — a mixture of patchwork fields, rolling hills, and always the … Read more

There are a few advantages to not having a dishwasher. I get plenty of time to think as I slow down to face the sink and the growing mound of dishes it holds. I get a feeling of accomplishment as … Read more

One of my friends is definitely a leader. She leads her husband and her children. Her husband is very easygoing and just accepts her as she is and goes with the flow. They have always wanted to learn how to … Read more

When I have the time, I love making chess sets. Over the years, I have moulded, modelled, and painted several different sets, which include soldiers from the Civil War, elves and goblins from Tolkien's books, and a medieval Scottish set … Read more

Our son's wedding was a very enjoyable day. We were all relaxed — all except the bride, who had those "I'm-the-centre-of-attention jitters". The bride had nothing to worry about; she was beautiful, and all went well! As mother of the … Read more

We love pancakes in our house. Along with bacon and eggs, they have always been a Sunday morning treat. One day as I was flipping pancakes, I thought about our lives. Often we are on the "hot griddle" of life. … Read more