COLLEEN GREEN The Standard For Merlan Bale, a lifetime devoted to gospel music can be traced back to three words, spoken with quiet certainty: never say never . Forged through fear, faith and perseverance, the phrase frames a journey stretching from a terrified child, on a church platform, to more than six decades of singing in churches, concert halls, camp meetings and even a barn. “I want people to see what God can do through the journey,” Mr. Bale said. “He’s there with y

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Prayer isn’t just for storms, it’s also for ordinary days. I give daily whispers of thanksgiving and gratitude, to God. Life gives us different choices, different ways of life, and presents those who will attempt to distract us and keep us separated from the truth! This is why we need discernment and wisdom, and need to keep going. It comes down to, a relationship with Jesus is the only thing which matters. Life offers many choices and challenges.

Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley As my husband and I faced health issues, leading into January 2026, I found myself prayerfully asking the Lord to fix me when I am the problem, and to protect me when I am not. The challenges brought anxiety, upset, and conflict with loved ones. However, I’ve learned, listening is one of the quietest and most powerful ways to show love. I know God is near, listening with love, every time we turn our hearts toward Him. My life is far from perfect, but

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley We all carry so much in this busy world, and there are so many changes expected for seniors in 2026. Are you ready? I often wonder what we are chasing. It’s easy to be swayed by what we see on social media. I hope you understand what you often see is not reality! Struggles are a common experience in this life, whether you are 35 or 85, so the experiences of older people can be very relatable. Consequently, it may be mutually beneficial to check on

Canada was built on the idea people should be free to believe, or not believe, without government interference. From the country’s earliest days, religious freedom helped shape our communities. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith groups helped build schools, hospitals and charities which still serve Canadians today. This was possible because the state did not control belief and belief did not control the state. That balance is now being questioned by Bill C-9. Supp

Gifts are given, the days been lived in. The children have spent the day in delight, the big feed has happened, and maybe some laughs and memories have passed between family members who came to visit. A flurry of phone calls, Zoom calls, and texts have taken place and a warm glow of support and renewed connection is in the atmosphere. Well, what's next, tomorrow? Do we continue on, in this newly asserted goodwill, or do we malinger back into the distances we have become accu

I thought I would share of some of the Christmas traditions we have entered into, in our home and family time. Christmas, many will agree, is especially marketed to children these days, however, it's truth has nothing to do with children frantically opening boxes of gifts, set aside so quickly they have no time to truly appreciate the thought behind the offering. In our early years of being married, my wife Colleen and I attempted to start a new Christmas tradition of making

Translated: The inward experience, beyond words enough to fully explain, saturated with a sense of Higher reality! The third and fourth weeks of Advent, commemorated on the next two coming Sundays, are focused on the inward experience of Joy and Love from God made possible by Jesus' birth here on earth. Without God giving, without Christ coming, there would be no atonement, aka. no substitutionary death by Jesus for us, so no opportunity to accept His gift of exchange and be

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley The average age for one experiencing dementia is not a single number because its prevalence increases significantly with age, particularly after 65. Dementia is not a typical part of aging, but age is the biggest risk factor. Dementia includes difficulty with familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation with time and place, poor judgement, withdrawal from social activities and planning or problem solving. Communication difficulties can b

Hope is always tied together with the answer to a question, problem or need. In the big question, what Jesus did for us, was take upon Himself the punishment for the sin invasion which had affected humankind. Much of our difficulty and sense of not being enough in life comes in the struggle to be “better.” Certainly, in some senses we get it, like not being addicted to something, or putting on airs, which comes from comparing ourselves with others or what we think we should b

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Life doesn't come without it's various pains, struggles or hardships, but God promised to give you strength to get through them. Fear attempts, in it's way, to keep us frozen in pain. The more we struggle the deeper we sink. These feelings can paralyze us, however, if you call on the Lord, He will save you. We need to do more than eat healthy food, take vitamins, exercise, and rest to feel your best. Who has time for everything … stop spreading yo

by Susan Merriman Emmanuel Community Church, led by its Biker’s Church ministry, is once again calling on the community for support, as it reaches the halfway point of its annual Bundles of Blessings campaign. The initiative provides essential items to homeless individuals, in the Port Perry and Peterborough areas, during the cold winter months. Community members are encouraged to assemble a Blessing Bag—a backpack, duffel bag, or purse—filled with practical items, such as: w

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley I know from experience, exercise is very effective and beneficial for most seniors. I anticipate a right knee replacement in the new year. I am looking to further improve my strength, balance, and flexibility, as well as my mental and emotional well-being. As we age, we see physical changes that can negatively affect muscles and bone strength, as well as other bodily systems. Moderate physical activity does benefit your overall health. It’s import

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Sometimes, we beg God, or say, “Why, why me!? Why are things falling apart,” or “Why is this happening? It’s just not fair!” I have no answer to these questions, except, we are here to learn and live a full rich life. For peace at heart, we need to affirm our confidence in Gods power and His ability to overcome any obstacle.   In His paramount wisdom, I understand, the Holy Spirit shows up where there is surrender, obedience, and a cry for genuin

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley It's certainly been a challenging year for us. We both look forward to a fresh start with hope and anticipation. As believers, we focus our eyes on Jesus and his wonderful ways of coming through. Many see an older person as broken, as if somehow, they need to be fixed. I will admit, our bodies do change and so they suffer. Their parts no longer work like they once did. Most seniors begin to seem to disappear into the background, and this is a grow

by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley As we gathered for Church service, it was wonderful to see and talk to so many friends, after such a long...

by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley Many words have been used to describe the qualities of those who thrive: optimism, hope, resiliency and even...

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley It is a beautiful Sunday morning here in Canada. The raindrops gently fall from the sky and a gentle breeze...

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard LITTLE BRITAIN  – A devastating house fire on Sunday, August 10th, has left a young Little Britain family...

by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley It doesn't seem that long ago, when I was in high school. A gang of us would gather at lunch and head to...