A few days ago, I received an e-mail request from a stranger. She asked if I could please tell her the origin of "There, but for the grace of God, go I", as I'd used it in my devotional. I … Read more

Several months ago, on March 21 , I wrote about the experiences of a group of college students from our church who went to Cite Soleil in Haiti to build houses. It was, for them, an unforgettable experience. It … Read more

Fraser has always been a "climber". At three, he climbs playground equipment older children are tentative about. For over a year now, he has been sliding down the banister, saying, "This is the way boys climb stairs." We shouldn't have … Read more

I couldn't let the season pass without telling of the tomatoes in my garden this year. I didn't have time to go to the regular nursery for my plants, so I picked them up at the local grocery store, which … Read more

I had the chance recently, while on a mission trip, to take a trust walk. A trust walk involves getting together with another person for a walk through the woods. The only difference is that one of the walkers is … Read more

The phone would ring and the vet would be on the other end. "Can you come? Another dog has arrived." Sometimes the animal had been abandoned. Sometimes it had been abused, flung from a car travelling the highway, and rescued … Read more

The Reverend Mr. John McGregor, a former member of the Billy Graham team, describes himself as a former Irish terrorist. He told his story recently to those attending a 50-plus weekend at Wesley Acres Retreat Centre, south of Belleville, … Read more

Where John's Revelation describes only those who are rescued eternally with Christ's blood, a different cross-section of humanity was represented in those recently fallen towers: man, woman, white, black, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, CEO and janitor. Therefore, this crime, or … Read more

Tammi, our Sheltie, was already two when she joined our family. Having previously lived in a kennel, she was also incredibly shy. She was so timid, in fact, that she would literally climb up the back of my legs and … Read more

As I am an artist and a disciple of Christ, one image from the days of terror that began on September 11th stands out in my mind, and it draws me to full dependence. I have been struck by the … Read more

The day is bright, clear and sunny. A soft breeze rustles the leaves of the large oak tree that stands strong and tall in my front yard. It is peaceful. Yet approximately five hundred miles from here, there is chaos. … Read more

In the two years since my back first grounded me and something gripped my sciatic nerve, I've learned a lot. First and foremost, I've learned what it's like to move among the "walking wounded" — those people who have "invisible" … Read more

It was one of those melancholy mornings, when one remembers what one had been doing during the same time last year with someone who is no longer here. My father-in-law (a long-time railroader), at 94, had begun to slow down. … Read more

I am shocked but still I remain fully able to react. Through this internal mechanism, over which I have no control, I seem to be able to borrow from tomorrow's resources that which I need today to meet the present … Read more

Although I am often in awe at the complete appropriateness in the pairing of hymns to the Daily devotionals, I am told that except for those few times when one may be requested, no particular thought or concerted effort goes … Read more

I received a piece of mail from someone who was just back from a vacation of three weeks. In the note, the individual mentioned the many weeds that had grown in their garden while they were away. There had not … Read more

The inclusion of the book of Job in holy Scripture reminds us clearly that the prosperous are not always blessed, that Satan does have leave from time to time to strike terror into the lives of the Lord's people, and … Read more

Here in mid-western Canada, an unusual phenomenon occurs. Perhaps because of the vast expanse of sky and the absence of pollution and humidity, we can often see a sunset in the east as well as in the west. The sun … Read more

The sky is blue, with only a few puffy white clouds drifting by. I saw the last of the diverted aircraft landing at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Everywhere I went it seemed strangely silent. Tragedy has struck our neighbours to … Read more

It had been a hot sunny day, and we had spent most of the afternoon at the town pool. As we meandered home, stopping to chat with a neighbour here and there, or pet one of the many dogs behind … Read more

When my daughter was in Grade Two, she taught us both a very valuable lesson. That was the year that she discovered what an eraser was meant for. My daughter is a perfectionist (I don't know where she gets that … Read more

One day, I received an urgent call from the local co-ordinator of the Cancer Society, asking if I would possibly consider canvassing our street for donations. She had exhausted her list of volunteers, and was in great need of help. … Read more

I know that God has promised to be in the midst of His people when they gather in His name, but somehow that summer Sunday morning, I wasn't expecting much. Our pastor was away and so was half of our … Read more

Crews had been working on our road for almost two years. Then, one day, they were done! Interestingly enough, the final section to be completed was right where we lived, as the crews had worked from either end toward the … Read more

The parable of the wise and foolish builders is a good lesson in construction whether we are building a house or building a life. Years ago, I was in the construction business and I have dug many a foundation. Once … Read more

As the interim moderator for a small rural two-point charge in Alberta, Canada, I am required to go there and celebrate the sacraments, among other things. One weekend this summer when my wife and I were going, we decided to … Read more

One recent evening, just before sunset, dark clouds started moving in fast. In just a few minutes, the whole sky had changed from blue to black. Then, all of a sudden, the lightning started, first a few rolling flashes that … Read more

Today is the day that many of us celebrate as Labour Day. As I was thinking about this day, I got to wondering what this day really means to people. For many here in North America, it is the last … Read more

While vacationing at the beach recently, my husband and I enjoyed going for a walk along the shore in the mornings, followed by a refreshing swim in the lake. Rather than putting my running shoes back on again after swimming … Read more

This world would be a much different place were there no goings-on behind the scenes. Consider for a moment, things in life that we have either helped take place, had the privilege of attending, or been the recipient of, because … Read more