Elaine Ingalls Hogg

Several years ago in the midst of a bitterly cold Quebec winter, I was sitting in the middle of a church service when I felt a strong urge to study music. At the time, a very dedicated pastor would announce … Read more

Recently I overheard a conversation in a women's clothing store. "I'm not pretty," the young woman said to her friend. "Yes you are! Look at how many people you help every day!" "I don't mean that; I mean my looks," … Read more

Two years ago I made a small resolution at the New Year, one that I knew was attainable if I kept my focus and remembered to ask God daily for His help. This year, I renewed that small resolution because … Read more

As February approached, I looked over my journal notes from the previous year, and I was reminded of the night God spoke to me through the silence and beauty of a picture-perfect winter scene. My husband and I, bundled up … Read more

Last month, some members of our community took time from their daily routine to help people whose lives had been shattered by the hurricane, Katrina. They gathered a truckload of blankets, non-perishable food items, medical supplies, and two commercial tents, … Read more

When I wanted to be sure my children heard something, I often found myself saying the same phrases over and over. Sometimes I repeated instructions such as "Watch both ways when you cross the street," but sometimes my words were … Read more

"It's too lumpy! Even the dog can't get a good sleep on it anymore." Buying a new mattress for the guest room had been put off long enough, and with this declaration, we decided it was time to purchase a … Read more

When I think of Christmas, I can't help but remember the times in my life when God provided for our family. There was the time when my father broke his leg. The gifts were small that year, and, living on … Read more

There are some things a mother never forgets: her baby's first steps, first words, and, in my case, my daughter's first sentence. When she was a baby, we had moved in early December, and arranging our furniture came before putting … Read more

"Five Friday Shopping Days 'Til Christmas" the sales flyer read, reminding me of the expectations our society has put on this one day each year. The first of these notices started appearing in my mailbox the week before Thanksgiving. While … Read more