Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR A Friend I Never Met July 21, 2025 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ~ Eccl. 3:12 NIV ~ "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." (Eccl. 3:12 NIV) Is it possible to mourn a friend you’ve never met? A friend of mine passed away recently. ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Patience in the Process July 20, 2025 Before he left, he [a nobleman] called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ ~ Luke 19:13 NLT ~ Our youngest son had been asking me to help him make jam for days. Nick had confidence in my jam-making skills, and the last time we made jelly together, we were happy with th ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Purple Orchid July 18, 2025 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  ~ James 3:10 NIV ~ There have been a couple of plant phenomena in our home recently. It began when our purple orchid grew a flower stalk and produced a multitude of beautiful, long-lasting purple orchids. When they finally died down an ...Continue Reading

Welcome ToTHE ILLUSTRATORThe ShapingJuly 16, 2025And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.~ Romans 8:28 NIV ~   "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV) One of my hobbies is paper quilling. This involves taking thin strips of coloured paper and rolling them tightly around a spool, into a tight ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Pinball Anyone? July 14, 2024 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. ~ 2 Thess. 3:16 NLT ~ Have you ever played pinball, an arcade game where a steel ball is violently slapped around by paddles inside a machine and points are tallied up as it strikes different flashy components? I bet you have. In fact, ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Taking the First Step July 13, 2025 And He [Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two... ~ Mark 6:7 ESV ~ "And He [Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Cowering in Fear July 11, 2025 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged... ~ 1 Corinthians 7:32a NIV ~ Here in Canada we recently celebrated Canada Day. Besides being a day to contemplate how God has blessed this land and to thank Him that this nation is our home, it is also a day where families get together for barbeques and picnics; where couples go out ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR The Rubble July 9, 2025 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. ~ Luke 1:50 ESV ~ "And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR How the Fourth of July Reminds Us that We Have Freedom From Worry July 7, 2025 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. ~ Psalms 91:3 NIV ~ It was the big day. My parents, my brother 16 and I at 17 sat in the courtroom. We dressed for the occasion and our hearts wore unprecedented excitement. My family worked hard to me ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR A Skipping Vinyl Record July 6, 2025 ...Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:18b-20 NIV ~ "...Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking ...Continue Reading