Though not of the Roman Catholic faith, I had to stop and watch as the World Youth Day took over last week in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Pope John Paul had come to town and everything seemed to come to a … Read more

Once again, many are preparing for their summer holidays. We are so fortunate in this area, being only a few days' travel from many destinations. We could travel to the east, and visit the mysterious forces of the Atlantic Ocean. … Read more

One Sunday, the minister preached a sermon on today's scripture, and I was very surprised. I thought that this text was directed at the religious leaders of Jesus' day, but apparently I was wrong, as it is directed at each … Read more

My childhood neighbourhood was situated across the street from a steel mill. Once I was old enough to realize I was poor, I wanted the things I didn't have. As an adult, I "got them", and lived among people who … Read more

Recently, while driving through the city, we passed a church. This was not a typical, large-city church with a new design and a modern look. It was a simple brick building that we were more accustomed to seeing in smaller … Read more

The Japanese lilac tree in the front yard has not done well since it was planted three years ago. We had great hopes for this tree to be lovely, but the best that we have seen from the lilac tree … Read more

Recently I heard a Christian couple, Geoff and Sandra Moon, tell the story of how their two children were killed in a tragic car accident, how God had used their Christian testimony in the media, and how they had coped … Read more

My husband gave me a necklace when we were married, a little over thirteen years ago. It is a gold chain with a gold cross. The cross is cut plainly, with bevelled edges that catch the light. I have broken … Read more

In my work in India and Nepal, I visit many weaving centres, operated for training purposes by many of the church and para-church organizations. Although a weaver myself, I never realized that there are so many different styles of looms. … Read more

I get a lot of e-mails. They keep me in touch with who and what needs praying about around the world. It helps me to keep my feet upon the ground — at least I would like to think so. … Read more

I grew up in a small town situated close to the Thames River, in southern Ontario, Canada. From March 15 to April 15 every year, the river is designated as a nature reserve. This is to allow hundreds of pickerel … Read more

When we want to purchase sporting goods or camping equipment we usually take a look at the major Canadian hardware chain store located in our neighbourhood to see what is available. We have been customers there for several years. I … Read more

Everyone loves a bargain! My daughter and I have started going to garage sales on the long weekends when she comes to visit us. As well, we've discovered Value Village, a charity-operated discount store that sells used clothes, books, household … Read more

The night was dark, as nights are in rural India after 6 p.m., and my husband and I, as guests of a bishop of the Church of North India, were travelling by car, with the bishop and his wife, back … Read more

After experiencing some difficulties with our computer, my husband came to the conclusion that we needed a new modem. While the side panel of the computer was off, I looked inside and was amazed at all the cables, circuit boards … Read more

I read the prayer requests on the Daily website, and I make a few myself, from time to time. That is what it is there for. I enjoy this sense of community, and I am even surprised that God answers … Read more

Years ago at a World Day of Prayer Service, we were given small slips of paper and were told to write down the names of people we would like to forgive and receive forgiveness from. I was a young mother … Read more

On a recent holiday in Ontario, Canada, we attended a wonderful performance of the classic musical, My Fair Lady, at the Stratford Festival Theatre. Although I was familiar with the music, I had never heard the dialogue or seen a … Read more

One day recently, an egg I had boiled for my breakfast evoked my sense of awe. I wondered how anyone could behold the perfection of its shape, the beauty of its construction, and the promise of life within, and yet … Read more

We have all had times when we experienced the nearness and greatness of God. He is always near us, drawing us closer to Himself. I recall the time when I was on board ship, going to Singapore for language study … Read more

While recently caring for Mary, the six-year-old daughter of an ill friend, I found myself reading to her from her favourite book, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. We had come to the part in the story … Read more

The Sunday morning drive to church in the beautiful Muskoka, Ontario, Canada, countryside turned my thoughts to the 104th Psalm, the focus of my meditation for the day. The more I thought about the words of the Psalm, the more … Read more

I had always felt inferior as a teacher, because I did not have a teaching degree, as many of the church's teachers did. One day I read today's scripture. It did not say, "Renew your mind by getting a teaching … Read more

It's that time of year when the new, young robins are out of the nest. Although they are as big as their parents, the only way I can distinguish them is by the speckles on their breasts. All day long, … Read more

I have an old, blue robe. I have had this robe for many years. It is worn and faded, but it is also warm and comforting. My children grew up watching me emerge from my daily shower in my old, … Read more

Each relationship is balanced like a seesaw; both ends must have weight, substance, or there is no relationship. It is dynamic, not static, meaning that there is communication, which may be seen in the rise and fall of each side … Read more

"I've lived in this house for thirty-seven years," the distraught woman's voice came across the airwaves on the evening news. As I listened to the story, the cause of the woman's tears was explained. Several years before, a team of … Read more

During my work period in India, I frequently visited the capital city, New Delhi, one of the busiest cities in the world. Traffic is atrocious and long delays are "par for the course". One thing I noticed very quickly was … Read more

There have been times in my life when God has "long been silent", not because He had nothing to say to me, but because I was not in the mood to listen. My Bible, while sitting on the bookshelf, had … Read more

When I was a teenager, I spent hours reading poetry. I particularly enjoyed modern poetry, the kind that does not rhyme. In secret, I also wrote poems and would share them with one or two special friends. I did not … Read more

Several close friends have been hit with problems that came without any warning at all. As the difficulties grew, they became filled with fear and anxiety. I've experienced those types of problems, and possibly you have too. So what can … Read more