• corn fields under white clouds with blue sky during daytime

    When Facing a Brutal Adversary

    It is a rough time for our family right now. Only a few months ago, we lost our dear Elizabeth to cancer. This week cancer has stolen another loved one – a beloved brother and uncle. But cancer’s attack doesn’t end there. We also learned this past week that my husband’s friend since childhood has stage 4 cancer with only a few months to live. I’ve got to say, I want to scream. I want to rant. I have cried buckets of tears over the losses and impending loss. In Elizabeth’s funeral message the pastor spoke of cancer being a brutal adversary. It can destroy our song. But he didn’t…

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  • red raspberries

    Just a Little Bit More

    As the early morning sun advances in the sky, you will frequently find me in my berry patch these days. I find peace and contentment in the abundant provision God provides. My time picking is often a time of contemplation and of prayer. For me, while it is work, it is restorative. I do have a very bad habit when I am berry picking. No, it is not stuffing my face full of the picking proceeds. As I grab for a handful of berries, I will frequently have some in my hand and reach in to grab just one more before I pull my hand out of the bush and…

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  • assorted color houses beside body of water

    Living a Life of Service

    For as long as I can remember, the love of Christ has been a part of my life. An outpouring from that love has been my desire to be of service to my Lord. I just cannot imagine a life without reaching out to others with care and concern and sharing the Gospel message of hope and peace. Throughout Scripture the admonition is given to serve the Lord with all our hearts. Christian service is meant to be done with enthusiasm not as a dreary expectation. How often, though, is my service based on what other people expect of me. I drag my feet and complain about all these things…

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  • aerial photography of water beside forest during golden hour

    Leaving a Legacy

    Yesterday was a joyous day as we celebrated a family birthday. As I watched my children and grandchildren playing, I chuckled at their antics. It warmed my heart to see their interactions and enjoyment of each other. As I look at the next two generations, I wonder what kind of legacy I am leaving them. What is it that I need to pass on to them as the best inheritance? How can I lead my life that will be an example to them and encourage them in their own life journeys? How can I be God’s light in their lives and show them the hope I have in Christ? One…

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  • rock formation

    Jesus is Always on Time

    The mother sobs as her son is carried away to be prepared for burial. She is despondent, not only at the loss of her loved one, but at the dim prospects life now holds for her. Her culture has little means for women to support themselves and she has lost the final male in her household to care for her. It is a sombre group that carries the young man toward the tomb. As is part of the Jewish tradition, many mourners join the mother on the sad trek outside the city walls. It seems a hopeless situation but that changes in an instant with the approach of Jesus. He…

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  • white clouds

    What to do with Anxiety

    As I reflect on my teaching experiences, an overarching theme comes up. I am seeing more and more children with some form of anxiety. It astounds me how children so young can be filled with so much trepidation and uncertainty about life. I can understand anxiety in students who are experiencing issues at home but it frequently shows up in children who seem to have a together home life and things going well. I have observed children being almost paralyzed with fear over new situations or new relationships. Their whole viewpoint is skewed with a focus on all the what ifs rather than what is true and right. Anxiety affects…

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  • white sailboat on water

    Life in Abundance

    As we began life on our acreage nine years ago, we had great plans for a flourishing garden to provide food for our household. It has been a tumultuous process with flooding, hail, and a variety of other circumstances trying to destroy our hard work. It has been many years of waiting for what was planted to come to fruition. Definitely, it has been a time to develop patience. We planted our little fruit trees in faith, trusting that God would help them grow and produce fruit. This year we are finally seeing some of that come into play. As I walk through the garden and see the abundance of…

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  • scenic view of lake in forest

    Be Strong and Take Heart

    Just when I think things are going well, something happens to upset my equilibrium. It would be nice if things could just go okay for a while. Why do these bumps in the road keep happening? It would be really nice to just have a peaceful life for a time at least. The fact is, in our sinful world, there is no perfect ride. There are twists and turns in the road and many unforeseen pitfalls and hazards. Sometimes our road is a familiar one, but still there are hidden challenges along the way. Sometimes God takes us on a road less travelled or one in places we never thought…

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  • shallow focus of purple flowers

    Growing in Grace

    It is so therapeutic for me to spend time outdoors and work in my garden again. This time of year, is a time for hope as seeds are planted with the potential of growth and trees begin to bud with the promise of fruit to come. My days alternate between tending the seedlings in my greenhouse and cleaning up my flower gardens so that they are ready for perennials to emerge and seeds and seedlings to be planted. This myriad of tasks all has the purpose of preparing and nurturing. Without this time spent, I would not have as an effective of a garden. It would be much more difficult…

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  • gray and brown mountain

    Climb Every Mountain

    As I sit in the darkened theatre, anticipation wells up inside me. In the hush just prior to the orchestra’s first grand notes, I am drawn back to many years ago when I first experienced this musical as part of the performance’s chorus. The music, memorized as a child, is a part of me and I am easily drawn into this production of my favourite show – The Sound of Music. It is the first time seeing this production live and I sit enthralled as familiar scenes pass before my eyes. Knowing the storyline well doesn’t take away from my enjoyment. This heartwarming story of a woman’s journey to find…

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