The wooden deck creaks slightly beneath my deck chair. Reflected trees, sky and clouds shimmer on the smooth surface of the lake. A slight breeze whispers across its surface causing mild ripples that travel languidly to the shore. There is no splash in response, no sound of water lapping, just a visible representation of movement. … Continue reading Quiet Waters
Black Fly Lies
Our blue van disappeared around the bend in the dirt road, with my family safe inside. The quiet of the clearing pressed in on me as it sunk in that I was all alone and defenceless. Looking at the flat tire on the tent trailer sitting behind me, I wondered how long it would take … Continue reading Black Fly Lies
Fallen Leaves
"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."Romans 8:20-21 Fireworks of colour explode amidst a landscape … Continue reading Fallen Leaves
Hand Holder
Sitting on the closed toilet, I watched mesmerized as the two-edged safety razor scratched a path through the foam across his cheek and along his strong jaw. Dipping it into the warm water in the sink and sharply swishing the razor to remove the hair, he began again. The sound of his voice, deeply droning … Continue reading Hand Holder
Ridiculous Grace
I closed my phone after quickly scanning the text. Deep in thought, I slowly walked beside my husband as we followed after my two excited granddaughters running ahead toward the park climber. Surprise had been my first response to the note and slight confusion. But as I mulled on it, tears welled up in my … Continue reading Ridiculous Grace
Identity Theft
My dear husband is a big fan of the Chicago Bears football team. So for his sixtieth birthday, I decided to surprise him with a weekend in Chicago and tickets to a game in Soldier Field. I was thrilled to find a deal on tickets. I booked a Boutique Hotel and purchased two train tickets … Continue reading Identity Theft
One Kind Word
It was Christmas Eve, and I was excited our little family was going together to the evening service at church for the first time. After running around, making sure my three young, rambunctious boys were dressed in clean dress shirts and pants, I had taken time to preen myself, putting on makeup, jewelry, and my … Continue reading One Kind Word
Scented Cuts
My husband and I had just returned from visiting my Mom’s gravesite, and my heart felt heavy with loss. My eyes were focused on the gravel path, which crunched beneath our feet as we briskly moved along it. Suddenly, on bright red, wide-spread wings, a Cardinal swooped across in front of us and landed in … Continue reading Scented Cuts
Never Give Up, Never Surrender
In the well-known movie Galaxy Quest by Paramount Pictures, we frequently hear the spaceship Captain's motto, "never give up, never surrender!". And this is what I want to encourage you to do today. But first I want to tell you a story. The woman sat on a low wall of grey, cold, cement cinder blocks. Snow … Continue reading Never Give Up, Never Surrender
The View
Above my desk in my office, there is a large window. It provides me with a beautiful view of God's creative hand, no matter the season. In that view are many different types of trees, but my favourite has always been the large oak which spread it's large branches across our driveway and right in … Continue reading The View