Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash Don’t forget you know a Guy My husband and I have a running joke where he says, “I know a guy” whenever we need something done around the house. He, of course, is referring to himself. I’ve started to use the saying too, but I am referring to him, not me. My hubby is good at fixing almost everything…automobiles, carpentry, welding, snowmobiles, electronics, painting, etc. I have yet to find something that he isn’t able to do. I have complete faith in my husband. I consider myself blessed to know this guy. As a Christian, I am blessed to ..read more

Photo by Angèle Kamp on Unsplash Especially now that we can’t anymore My parents have a wall of photos above the counter in their kitchen. Each 5″ x 7″ white frame features a picture of a grandchild or great-grandchild. With nine grandchildren and six great-grandbabies, their wall is full. However, my mom laments that some of the pictures are out-of-date. The kids grow up so fast that she wants a new photo at least once a year, if not bi-annually. I put out the call to my brothers to remind their children to supply new pictures as a Christmas gift for Mom and Dad this year. Bu ..read more

Photo by Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash Where does your treasure lie? There’s a story about a woman who was travelling on the Titanic. When it started to sink, she found her place on a lifeboat about to be lowered. However, she asked to return to her cabin to retrieve something she needed. She rushed past her precious diamonds and expensive jewelry to grab three oranges. At that moment, food held more value to her than her priceless rings and necklaces. This reminded me of a children’s movie I recently watched. In the animated movie Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the animals on the safar ..read more

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash Precious memories never die After the death of my granddaughter, Talia, my cousin arranged for her name to be added to a plaque at the Children’s Memorial Garden. They held the memorial service outside. The ceremony opened with family members, friends, and neighbours gathered along the path of the garden. My cousin’s daughter attended with her two young daughters. My heart warmed to see them paying respects and offering condolences. I watched them holding hands, the older girl (in grade 2) taking care of her little sister (in kindergarten). Sw ..read more

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash It’s tough to rebuild a relationship after a breach of trust Years ago, my husband took flying lessons. He wanted to complete his pilot’s license in order to fly a small plane. I supported his dream — both emotionally and financially — and looked forward to the day when we would enjoy the open skies together. One sunny afternoon, my husband invited me to join him on one of his last training flights. I accepted. At the airport, I shook the hand of his instructor and walked across the tarmac with the two of them to the little Cessna. I sat in ..read more

Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash It may make you question what you’re known for Years ago, I travelled with another couple from Ontario to the East Coast of Canada. We camped along the way, enjoying beautiful campsites in all provinces. New Brunswick hosts stunning forests and Prince Edward Island is quaint, but Nova Scotia captured my heart. The towering lighthouses, coastal sea cliffs with endless shorelines, and picturesque fishing villages all made it the perfect place to visit. But more than that, it’s the people that I loved. They are the friendliest people in Canada ..read more

Photo by Amy Humphries on Unsplash The intensity of grief does change over time Two and a half years after her funeral, my family attended a service for our granddaughter at the Children’s Memorial Garden. This garden was put in place by the Bereaved Families of Ontario, Peterborough region. Located in Millennium Park along the Otonabee River, the garden hosts a variety of plants that attract butterflies. There is a large boulder with a brass marker that reads: Our Children Remembered Bronze plaques are mounted along the path with the names of children who have passed away ..read more

Photo by DANIEL BECERRA on Unsplash My experience with the ‘Vengeance Van’ I spotted the large red vehicle parked in front of the main building of the college where I work. Bold black letters “Vengeance Van” were painted on the side with a picture of a person swinging a bat and the words, “Get Your Vengeance Now!” etched underneath. A line of students waited their turn to enter the van. Curiosity got the better of me and I googled the website to learn, “The Vengeance Van is a mobile room where you are permitted to destroy items we provide (or items of your own) using differen ..read more

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash A day to celebrate professions of faith I enjoy going to church on Sundays. But there are certain Sundays that I especially look forward to. Baptism Sunday. Recently, we had three people baptized. One young woman and a middle-aged couple. They had decided to make a public declaration of their faith in God. In Matthew, we read about Jesus’ baptism. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is ..read more

Photo by Glen Hodson on Unsplash I had the dream again last night. Or maybe I should call it a nightmare. I’m standing in a beautiful century home with many rooms. Everything about the house is stunning from the hardwood floors to the ornate ceilings. It’s furnished with decorative accessories and expensive furniture. It’s the house of my dreams. However, it houses my nightmares. I cannot go up the stairs to the upper rooms because of the presence that lives there. It’s an evil presence. The kind of evil that makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I am filled&n ..read more