I recall the beginning of the first day in that new home as though it were yesterday. On that gorgeous fall day, I had no idea that a new chapter of my life was opening and would become one of my favourites. Knowing how isolating … Read more
Beginning in the early 1800s, the Ottawa Valley in Canada was settled by British and European immigrants, many coming from Scotland. Economic hardship and recession in their homelands led them to endure dangerous sea voyages to Quebec, … Read more
At one time, brightly coloured classroom bulletin boards displayed nursery rhymes that were used in primary and elementary schools to teach children the sounds, patterns, rhythm, and rhyme of reading. The following rhyme represented a … Read more
Many people tend to divide their lives up into compartments, even if they may not realize that they are doing it that way. Right now, I have a few compartments in my life. I am dealing with the passing of my mom, working full time, being … Read more
When I was a teenager and had strayed away from God, I found it very difficult to go back to church. I felt as though I had let God down, and the church members I once knew had become strangers to me. It was far easier to ignore God, as … Read more
My son received several Lego sets for his last birthday: a boat, a race car, and a train track. My husband and I helped him build each set per the instructions. Once the sets were finished, my son proceeded to dismantle them until all the … Read more
"Come quickly," my wife hollered as I sat at my computer, writing in the early morning hours. Though we live in the city, a few months ago an opossum came waddling through the privacy fence surrounding our backyard and made himself at … Read more
It was almost four years ago that I began something brand new to me: writing devotionals. Let me explain how that came about. For a number of years now, I have been the "cat herder" for a group of my classmates from Multnomah School of … Read more
"Please read the God Book, Oma!" pleaded my five-year-old granddaughter. I realized that she was referring to The Toddler's Bible by V. Gilbert Beers, even though I had never called it the God Book. That was her idea! I was thrilled. … Read more