“You give glory to my Father when you produce a lot of fruit and therefore show that you are my disciples” (John 15:8 God’s Word).

Part of the joy of gardening comes from planting more than we can use and sharing. Our carrots, beets, zucchini, squash, as well as yellow and cherry tomatoes got shared this year. Winter onions and garlic added to the list. Then there were the flowers which we shared. Read more…

Wild Grapevine (Photo credit: bill barber)

For many years a wild grapevine flourished in the corner of the yard. It climbed up every tree, shrub, hedge and fence it could reach. But strangling the greenery in its own yard eventually wasn’t enough. It began to cross into the neighbour’s backyard. It climbed on the hedge, tangled in unwanted Manitoba maple trees and finally overpowered the red cherry tree nearby the fence line. Neighbour finally noticed it high in the cherry tree. It entangled the leaves and branches with such vigour that Neighbour could not pull it out of the tree. So Neighbour followed the stem of the invading plant, but found the roots far onto the next lot, beyond reach. So Neighbour trimmed and pulled the best that was possible, but year after year the grapevine returned. If only Neighbour’s neighbour cared enough to dig out the offending plant!

Humour can be a powerful teacher. Even God knows that! So Jesus used humour, quite a bit.

Look at the story Jesus told about sawdust and wooden beams. Read more…

The rainstorm raged against the house. Probably the worst storm of the season the wind whipped the pounding rain like a raging and ravenous beast. But Mother, Father and Greatgran felt safe and dry inside the house.

Read more…

In front of our house stands a gorgeous cedar tree. At ten metres (thirty-three feet) it looks like a perfectly groomed tower of green. Our grandchildren have even burrowed into the centre and climbed its many branches.

But a very short time ago its shape changed. Read more…