How many people can be fed with one kernel of wheat? David Fife fed millions. The Fife family came to Canada from Scotland in 1820 when David was 15. They settled in Otanabee township, east of Peterborough, Ontario . When David was 20, he married Jane Becket and they began to farm on their own. … Continue reading One kernel of wheat
Author: Bob Goodnough
Canada Day trivia
Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada? This is a tricky question. The first Prime Minister after Confederation in 1867 was John A McDonald. But the Act of Union of 1841 merged Upper Canada and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Québec) into the United Province of Canada. The first elected leader of the United … Continue reading Canada Day trivia
Is this vile world a friend to grace?
Alexander Fraser Tytler, (1747 – 1813) was a Scottish lawyer, judge, writer and historian. In writing about democracy in Athens, he first noted that a large number of the people were slaves, not citizens, then went on to say, “Nor were the superior classes in the actual enjoyment of a rational liberty and independence. They … Continue reading Is this vile world a friend to grace?
Don’t strike out at the pulpit
The story is told of a Scottish reverend who went out one day to visit his parishioners. When he entered a local shop, the proprietress immediately thanked him for the wonderful sermon that he had preached a fortnight ago. Now the reverend was wary of attempts at flattery, so he questioned her about the topic … Continue reading Don’t strike out at the pulpit
Rebels without a clue
I am struck at how clueless protest movements have become. The “Occupy” folks seem to think it is the fault of government and business that they don’t have a job. You worked hard and got your BA. You apply for a job that seems to offer the pay and perks that you feel you deserve. … Continue reading Rebels without a clue
Flavoured water
My wife picked up a bottle of water to drink on the way home. Once we got out on the highway, she picked up the bottle, unscrewed the cap and took a swig. I heard a disgusted noise from the seat beside me, followed by "What is this stuff?" She examined the label more closely … Continue reading Flavoured water
The cat who came in from the cold
I glanced out the window one evening in late fall and was startled to see a white kitten sitting on our doorstep. I walked around to the door and opened it, half expecting this kitten to dash off in fear when he saw me. I was amazed when he calmly got up, walked into the … Continue reading The cat who came in from the cold
Things they didn’t teach us in school: W is a vowel
Most of the time w is used as a vowel. They didn't teach me this in school; I'm not sure it's being taught in school even now. Consider the following: Fawn / faun: aw has exactly the same sound as au. Can you think of any words in which aw is not a vowel sound? … Continue reading Things they didn’t teach us in school: W is a vowel
Brighten the Corner Where You Are
A few days ago I was reading brief profiles of recent homeschool graduates and one in particular caught my eye. This young lady expressed a desire to stay home and serve her family and church. She expects to find her greatest fulfilment in one day having her own family and homeschooling her own children. She … Continue reading Brighten the Corner Where You Are
This blog’s first anniversary
June 13 was the first anniversary of this blog, a milestone that suggests a need to reflect on what I am doing here and where I want to go. As a side note, June 13 was also the date of our daughter's fourteenth wedding anniversary. That is an event much more worthy of celebration. It brought … Continue reading This blog’s first anniversary
