"Go, son, go!"; "Stay with the man"; "Run, run, stay with the ball"; "Shoot the ball"; "Go for the net!" All are familiar phrases heard by and shouted by many parents on a soccer field, night after night. "Neither rain nor snow nor sleet … Read more
We live across from an elementary school. Come the end of June, the playground goes quiet, the parking lot empty, and the flag comes down from the flagpole. The building then becomes an empty shell for the next two months. Then, as the … Read more
Having a father who was a gardener and loved to be outside planting and working the soil has left a deep impression on my life. Recently, as I was cutting the lawn, a co-worker passed by and stopped to chat. She commented how green, lush, … Read more
The sky was the most elegant blue I have ever seen. Our church building is located just on the edge of our city, surrounded by trees and farmers' fields. As I looked down the road in the distance, I saw the homes, the beginning edge of … Read more
It was a beautiful spring Saturday morning — not a cloud in the sky. After a long and harsh winter, it was a welcome sight. After collecting a few dried-up leaves and some wayward recycling from the yard, I was ready for a stroll … Read more
On a recent fishing trip, we were able to try out our new fishing net. After baiting three lines, we cast them into the water. After a few minutes, I felt that knowing tug on the line — I knew a fish had found the bait. As I reeled it … Read more
We recently added a GPS (global positioning system) to our boat, so that we can venture into more lakes safely. As we have adjusted to using the GPS to navigate our ways, it has now become a part of our boating experience, and we rely on … Read more
The box is well weathered, but still intact, holding the book in place. I can remember as a child, on occasions when we moved, catching glimpses of this box, only for it to be put away again. It was never on the bookshelf, but carefully … Read more
A large parcel of land was surrounded by homes and busy streets. Then came the earthmovers. Small trees were removed; the land was stripped; footings were dug. Day by day and week by week, we watched the land being transformed. There was … Read more
Recently, I watched a triathlon being run in our city. I was amazed at all the people it takes to put this event together, and the number of people who support each athlete. These folks supported the athletes as they ran, swam, or biked … Read more