Although we live in town, my daily walk takes me into the country. Just a few minutes down the abandoned rail line at a swift pace, I am away from traffic and noise, and I am able to enjoy a certain peace found only in nature.

As I walk through marshes, forests, and farmland, I enjoy watching the seasons progress: from summer jewel tones, to fall's harvest colours, to winter white, and then to spring's awakening. There is something to enjoy in every season. I am particularly partial to God's mysteries coming to life in the spring.

One sign that spring has definitely arrived is the song of the spring peepers. The first frog emerging from its winter shelter of mud is soon joined by a chorus of others. After a few days, the woods are filled with their song. They are timid creatures, however, and as I walk too near their habitat, they quiet, only to be heard again after I pass.

We, too, are sometimes like the spring peepers. Although we may easily share our faith with like-minded believers, we are often too timid to lift our voices in praise if we are unsure of our company. It is sometimes difficult to share our hearts with others. And yet, they may be the ones whom God has placed in our path so that we might reveal His Word to them.

Prayer: God of spring, summer, winter, and fall, You have shown us a wonderful love. Help us to share our faith in all that we do, with all people. Amen.

I was perhaps eight or nine, and I had returned home from school for lunch. I also remember that it was Thinking Day, and I was wearing my Brownie uniform, as we were encouraged to do on that day.

My father was a shift worker, and since he was working the afternoon shift, our family was gathered around the table to share the main meal of the day. Lemon meringue pie was on the menu for dessert. As Mom was serving the pieces, my brother, who was one or two, asked for a piece. Not knowing if he would like the tart flavour, Mom suggested that Eric try a bit of mine.

"No, I want a piece of my own!" he said defiantly. Mom served him a small slice of pie. Unfortunately, game shows in the late 'seventies often featured someone getting a pie in the face. My brother picked the plate up in the palm of his hand and promptly squashed the pie into my face.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as Mom sponged meringue from my long hair and globs of lemon filling from my Brownie uniform.

Just like the pie, God gives each of us gifts. They may be gifts of music or stewardship, visiting or teaching or praying. Our gift may be being a friend to someone in need, or sharing with the food bank. No matter how small gifts may seem to us, God has given them, and it is up to us to use them as He intends. What is your gift?

Prayer: Giving God, You have blessed each of us with gifts. Show us where the need is greatest, and help us to see where our gifts can be best used. Amen.

Over the years since then, the ability of the players has improved. They have gotten stronger and faster. They have started to think about plays and passes, and have learned their positions. No longer is there a mob around the puck. The players spread out, waiting for a pass or a play to develop.

Jesus' disciples followed Him in a similar way. While He was alive, they stood around Him. They were always close, watching and learning. After His death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and asked them to disperse and spread His name.

Mark 16:15 – He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (NIV)

So, too, we are commissioned not only to congregate in His name, but to go out into the world, sharing His Word, His peace, and His love.

Prayer: Loving God, Your Word is meant to be shared. Help us to take Jesus' teachings into the world, so that others might know His love and peace. Amen.

It was Thanksgiving, and our family was travelling to my parents' home, where we were to celebrate with the rest of my family. The trunk was filled with pies and a salad — my contribution to the dinner. About halfway there, I realized I had forgotten the pickles I was also to bring.

"Oh no! I forgot the pickles," I exclaimed, realizing I had come too far to return for them.

It was quiet for a moment before my ten-year-old daughter said, "I think I can have Thanksgiving without pickles."

How true! The table was laden with turkey and all the trimmings, several vegetables and salads, rolls, cake, and three kinds of pie. I am sure no one missed the pickles.

We are so fortunate to live where we do. We are blessed with more than we can eat, and of such a great variety that we can sustain a healthy diet. Many cannot claim the same. This Thanksgiving, perhaps we can spend a moment being truly thankful for our many blessings and thinking of those who have less.

Prayer: Giving Father, we have so much. We live in a land of plenty, yet others go hungry. Help us to think of those who have less, not only on this day, but throughout the year. Amen.

We had had almost an entire week of dreary, wet, autumn weather. The landscape was washed in shades of grays and browns. Nothing stood out against the dull sky as I passed empty, earthy fields on my way to choir practice one Thursday evening.

Then along the horizon, the sun burst through the layer of clouds. It was as though the entire world were alight with fire. The sunbeams, on a long, low angle, touched the treetops and made them dance in shades of red and gold, orange and rust. Then I noticed a flock of birds flying against the sun, winging their way south to warmer weather. As they neared, the white wings of hundreds of swans seemed to glow against the drab sky.

I pulled the car over to watch them pass. I noticed that another car behind me did the same. Yet many more whizzed past, too busy to notice. They all missed a shared moment with God. How many other moments are we missing in our busy-ness?

Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God. (KJV)

Prayer: Loving God, You have created a world of splendour. May we feel Your presence in all that You have made. In our busy lives, help us to recognize those moments that we can share with You. Amen.

One afternoon when our children were young, my husband walked with them to our local grocery store. They returned home not only with the groceries we needed but also with a box of gingerbread mix. It was not on the list, but it was on sale. Knowing how I love to bake, they bought it.

After dropping off the bags of groceries, they spent some time in the backyard playing. Soon tiring of this, Bethany asked her dad if she could go in and make the gingerbread. He said that certainly she could go in, and mommy would help her make the cake. "No," she innocently replied, "I want you to help me make it. You need the practice."

Our spiritual lives need practice too. We need to practice praying, spending time with God, and sharing our faith with others. We can be new Christians or learned scholars, yet we all have room to grow with the Lord in love and faith.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for showing us how to live and love. Help us to practice living the way You have taught us. Sometimes we falter, but You are always with us as we strive to live in Your light. Amen.

Buster was a great dog. We had him from the time he was about nine months old until last summer, when he died at almost 13 years. He was very shy, but after attending obedience training, he grew into a great family pet. Being an Australian Shepherd, he could run like lightning and change directions on a dime. He had almost two personalities. Gentle and friendly when out in the neighbourhood, he loved walking with us to the school bus stop, soaking up the attention, and "singing" "O Canada" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" with the kids — one of his favourite tricks.

At home, though, Buster was fiercely protective. He would not let any stranger into the house and barked ferociously at visitors until they were either recognized or welcomed in. My grandmother once told me he would have given his life to protect his family, and I am not sure she was wrong. Buster was a loving, faithful companion.

There is One who did give His life for us, protecting us from an unseen foe, yet one no less dangerous. Jesus paid the ultimate price that we might live. And just like Buster, Jesus is with us through everything — a trustworthy, faithful, and loving friend.

2 Corinthians 5:15 – He died for all. (KJV)

Prayer: Loving Father, You sent Your Son to earth for us. He gave His life protecting us from our sins. Help us to make Him a part of our family, knowing He is with us always. Amen.