This past Christmas at church we decided to do something different. During the first week of Advent the sanctuary was set up as normal: wreaths and candles in the windows, a...

For some reason I decided to visit one of my favorite gardens in the middle of January. The trees had no leaves, the daylilies were trimmed to the ground, and the...

When I attended the memorial service of a person very dear to me, a reference was made to Romans 8:28. It troubled me to say that “all things work together for...

My 25-year-old grandson is in prison on charges of breaking and entering. He calls me each week around 6:30 p.m. On a recent summer afternoon, he called two hours early, and...

Once when I was young, I spotted a ripe mango high in our tree and climbed to get it — a common practice in my village. But when I was high...

I received news that no one ever wants to hear. My three-month prenatal ultrasound showed no signs of a heartbeat. I would never hold my precious baby in my arms. The...

Sometimes after I put together an outfit that I think looks good, and more importantly is comfortable, my wife will look at me with a smile and ask, “Why are you...

Last year I was in the hospital for surgery to have my gallbladder removed. It was my first time under general anesthesia; but lying obediently on the gurney, I breathed myself...

We get calls from both our sons, but the younger one calls more frequently. He calls not only on birthdays and holidays, but every day. When I was still on staff...

I enjoy turning recycled junk into art. I take items that are going to be discarded — vintage tools, hardware, old china, tiles, game pieces, aluminum cans, and other everyday objects...