"No charge. It was a labour of love." Last year, I was admiring a hand-knitted blanket that my friend, Sue, made for someone as a gift. It must have taken her many, many hours to knit this blanket, as the … Read more

My brother mentioned this scripture verse to me the other night as he explained the message that his pastor had delivered based upon it. The point that his pastor had made was quite intriguing, and immediately I began to consider … Read more

I'm learning each and every day, from a young man who can hardly speak. He teaches me something new each day, as I watch him mop and sweep. His staggered gait doesn't stop him from walking to work each day. … Read more

I remember that when I was in school, I looked forward to recess. It was a period to get outside and play some kickball or other sport. One of the hardest things was picking teams so that we could play. … Read more

My mother, from whom I learned the gift of giving and sharing, often used to smile and quip, "You'll get your reward in heaven!" Recently I had occasion to confront an organization that had earlier reamed out an elderly relative … Read more

When a family matter required my presence in another community off and on for several months, I had the pleasure of meeting Leon (not his real name), who lived across the street. He is an exuberant little kid who, thankfully, … Read more

Some minor roads that feed into the main ones in Gaborone, Botswana, do not give their users any right of way to enter the main roads. On occasion, however, a considerate driver along the main road assists fellow drivers in … Read more

Thanksgiving Day 1961, my fourth year in Laos, drew near. My three partners and I were used to eating rice three times a day at our remote outstation. Usually we had fish or pork with our rice, occasionally chicken. I … Read more

When I leave my house to take my dog out for a walk, he pulls on the lead like crazy. He is just so very excited at going out and getting exercise, it is very hard to hold on. In … Read more

It never ceases to amaze me that God can take something that is irritating, turn it around and make a blessing out of it. When I worked on the special education bus, the bus driver and I started our morning … Read more

Now that the hours of daylight in our part of the world are increasingly shorter, my daily walking routine with the dogs is anything but routine! And if the dogs and I are to maintain our physical exercise, I must … Read more

The days have lengthened, and the gray sky of winter is upon us. A certain loneliness has settled upon me. I am quite aware of what it is. I will refer to it as the "unopened boxes" in our basement. … Read more

As I was driving to work one day, a mist, like a bridal veil that gently sways in a summer breeze, was slowly coming towards me. As I drove ahead, this mist began to thicken in form and density. Trying … Read more

The blue crab of the Chesapeake Bay is a formidable creature. For decades, men have sought ways of entrapping this Epicurean delight. The hard outer shell acts as a virtual suit of armour, warding off possible enemy attacks. During its … Read more

A few years back I did some work in Thule Air Base in Greenland. It was an interesting trip. One thing that was hard to deal with was the dark season there. For the whole of the winter there was … Read more

If we live life to the fullest — no matter what our health problems may be — if we live life to the fullest, we will be loved and remembered all our days. No matter what we can offer each … Read more

The landscape seems so barren, now that the trees have been stripped of their foliage. Yet, I can see so much more: the neighbours' house across the way; the far side of the lake; the dogs as they run through … Read more

My father-in-law was a remarkable man. When he passed away recently at the age of 94, we saw so much more of his life that we perhaps had taken for granted. As we moved through the material possessions that had … Read more

Every Sunday, I prepare our church offering envelope to put on the collection plate at the local Presbyterian Church where we worship. It gives me a good feeling to know that I am contributing to keeping our church alive, as … Read more

It's a metal box, with a faceplate full of knobs and dials. Most people don't notice it, and even if they do, they have to ask, "What is it?" "It" is a Canadian Marconi model FR12 transmitter/receiver. Some people would … Read more

Nearly twenty years ago my family (my parents and brother) began studying with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Because my parents were disillusioned with their own church, they were very open to the teachings that were being presented to them. It was … Read more

Have you ever wondered about the six materials listed above used in building upon the foundation of Christ? Just what is it we do or do not do to make the difference between materials that burn or materials that last? … Read more

I love my church — except for one thing! When it was built, the architect must have seen that the weight of the roof might cause the walls to collapse outward, and so he fixed a series of iron rods … Read more

My eight-year old daughter, observing the grassy roadside plastered with posters on poles, asked as we were driving along the highway: "Daddy, what are all the signs for?" We live only twelve miles from the Canadian/American border, and with local, … Read more

As a Christian group travelling through Greece, we walked to the top of a hill, where in front of us stood the ruins of ancient Epidaurus built towards the beginning of the third century B.C. The theatre still stands intact … Read more

This title is not meant to be facetious; in no way am I putting down the cross. This is what happened. Every Sunday, we go early to the rented community hall to put out chairs, place the pulpit in its … Read more

Recently I did some backpacking. I used to do a lot of hiking when I was younger, but it had been quite a few years since I had put a backpack on. When I got out on the trail and … Read more

On August 29th, the Rev. Dr. Eustace Renner died in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We became friends in 1998 when he lived in Saskatoon for a few months. I was saddened by the death of this great man, and drafted a … Read more

I can't quite explain my feeling in coming to share the sorrow in the loss of my sister-in-law. At the same time, I was made aware of two contributors to the Daily who lost loved ones. Both have suffered a … Read more

Recently, I found myself in the position of trying to give some advice to a friend who was searching for some answers. He was and is going through some very difficult times in his life and is facing problems in … Read more