Christians mark the weeks of Advent with candles, one for each week until Christmas Day. For me, candles are a powerful symbol of Advent and the coming Christ. Candles are simple; just some wax and a wick and you have … Read more

These words remind me of Aunt Katie, a grand lady of the old school. When any proposed future activity was discussed, she would qualify any commitment with, "The Lord willing." It was a fairly common saying in those days. We … Read more

A few thoughts on the rocky road of getting along with people. Disagreement and conflicts are inevitable. With the present emphasis on individuality, being assertive, and standing one's ground ("I ain't takin' no guff from nobody!"), it is becoming more … Read more

Last week I was visiting a couple whose daughter is likely to die of cancer before Christmas. They mentioned that their son was coming up from California for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be tough for them this … Read more

We ask for and receive messages in varied and unusual ways and places. I "received a message" one day a few years back as I grabbed my husband's Rotarian magazine to read in the "loo". There I read the story … Read more

Recently, I saw a story in the newspaper from one of the southern US states. This particular place apparently has some type of "Social Register", a large book listing the socially in people in this community. If you were not … Read more

Recently, my wife mentioned that she thought that the windshield wipers on our car were not working properly. She said they leaving streaks. The next time it was raining (which was soon in our West Coast climate!), I looked carefully … Read more

At my workplace, there is a digital clock that's counting down to the year 2000. It tells everyone how many days and weeks until the 1900's are no more. If you work with computers, as I do, that's a big … Read more

The previous three devotions have featured Rhoda, the woman "behind that smiling face." In case you have been wondering how she received this wonderful faith, here is her story. When Rhoda was eleven years old, two travelling evangelists were holding … Read more

When I was a young and eager Christian I was reading a book on prayer entitled Asking and Receiving. I was stopped dead in my tracks by a story of a dead American railroad engineer who was restored to life … Read more