Year: 2013

The cost to produce the penny is higher than the actual penny is worth. This is what the Canadian government concluded earlier this year when they decided that the penny would be phased out. They let us know that as of March 2013, the … Read more

From May until September each year, my husband keeps a hummingbird feeder outside our east-facing window. One of the delights of summer is the wondrous pleasure of watching the daily dance of "hummers" as they swoop, dip, sip, reverse, and … Read more

Recently, while dining out with some friends and acquaintances, one person at our table began a tirade about the food that had been presented that evening, using Christ's name in vain. This has happened on more than one occasion, so I … Read more

I wasn't at all happy when I discovered that I couldn't read the words on a page any more, no matter how long my arm was. I was even less happy when I had to purchase my first pair of reading glasses. And I was even more unhappy when I … Read more

Often, as my day unfolds, I have a hymn ringing through my soul, both the music and the words. It usually is a hymn that I have known since childhood. "Breathe on me, breath of God" is with me today, and I wonder what God is trying to … Read more

Every so often, we read about Christians being persecuted or killed for their faith — sometimes individuals, sometimes groups of people as they worship. I read one time that more Christians were killed for their faith during the 20th … Read more

I am attempting to grow Red Lion Amaryllis plants from seed. I hope to be rewarded eventually with a vivid red flower as big as my hand, which blooms after four years during Christmastide. I thought that it would be a challenge to … Read more

I've noticed in recent years that many kids are carrying backpacks to school, which look like they are a real burden to them. Some of them look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, as they trudge along the street. Interestingly enough, … Read more

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the final report. The tale had grown, and the details were altered. You've probably played the game. Everyone sits in a circle, and the first person tells something to the next individual. The story … Read more

As I looked out my window this morning, I noticed a large, dark cloud looming behind the big evergreen tree on the front lawn. As I continued to look at the cloud, it became evident that the whole cloud had a glowing outline — something … Read more