Recently we'd been in our apartment for a couple of days during a heat wave (smog advisory, humidex advisory, heat emergency), so we decided to go out in the air-conditioned car to do a couple of errands. As we stood … Read more

I'm constantly awed by the times when God has been with me at the most mundane times. Yes, he has been with me and comforted me when I called out in anguish. But what about those times when things are … Read more

I notice that the light of day is failing; the days are becoming shorter. There is that certain chill in the air when evening approaches. Autumn is upon us, and the time for beginning a new church season is here. … Read more

The day had finally arrived. It was the day we moved our youngest daughter, Cindy, to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to complete her last year at Queen's University. Cindy's futon bed, computer desk, and chair, along with two bedside tables, a … Read more

One of Aesop's fables is about a dog that lost the bone it was carrying because the dog mistook its own reflection in a pond for another dog, carrying a larger bone. When I read the story to one of … Read more

The sun was hot, not a breeze to be had. As we approached the fields of strawberries, we were informed that this field's official picking season was over in half an hour. We were told to go to their stand … Read more

God knows the thought before we speak the word. Where can we go to flee from the Spirit? Nowhere, we are told. If we go to the mountaintops, He is there. If we go to the depths of the sea, … Read more

While camping one day, I watched my husband as he was standing in rather shallow water at the end of the dock, coaching one of the grandchildren into the water. Jake stood there, arms outstretched, calling to Nicole to trust … Read more

Being sick at heart isn't always a bad thing, not when it is a righteous sickness, created by all the unrighteousness which bombards both man and God from day to day. The word of God doesn't mess around, does it? … Read more

Whenever I read this account, I immediately think in my heart, "there but for the grace of God go I"! Isn't it true that even though we have been washed in Christ's blood, and tasted of God's Holy Spirit, we … Read more

I must reluctantly wonder whether the average person checking in on a daily devotional seeks praise instead of reproof, and a pat on the back instead of a kick in the pants. However, I'm finding that I'm continually judging myself, … Read more

It all began with a mental pep talk. I can do this, I thought, just one board at a time. Our deck is quite large and was desperately in need of staining. The job was mine to accomplish. The heat … Read more

It seems like only yesterday, when my two daughters, Christine and Cindy, were waiting for the school bus to arrive on that first day. Tightly clutched in her right hand was Cindy's new lunch box. She looked a little worried, … Read more

The Christian life is one that is a conflict between the kingdom and the flesh. I find myself continually being distracted, sidetracked, by the world, because I am acquisitive, a hoarder by inclination and upbringing. It is a hard … Read more

My church has been facing, and continues to face, a few funerals this season. They are honourable deaths of saints who founded and built this congregation when my older brothers were baptized in the school around the corner from where … Read more

Just a few days ago I celebrated my birthday — seventy five years old! Yes, and when I look back over the years, I have many memories. Some are full of joy and singing, while others bring back thoughts of … Read more

Our 50+ group just went on a bus trip to the Hamilton Botanical Gardens. Here is part of their newsletter. Quick! Don't waste another minute. Turn fifty as soon as you can. Retire! At least, take the day off. You … Read more

Recently, I received an e-mail from a lady who had just lost a very dear friend — her dog. I sympathized with this person, as I have known this loss a time or two myself. I wrote back, "I know … Read more

In the world of investing, a contrarion is someone who invests in what is currently out of favour. When a valuable commodity or an industry becomes unpopular, contrarion investors buy, and then wait patiently for their investment to pay off, … Read more

I remember a cartoon from yesteryear. It showed two elks standing together in a clearing. One elk had a vivid alternating black and white concentric ringed mark on his chest. The companion to the elk with the unusual markings said, … Read more

These verses suggest happiness! Every Sunday, after opening the service, we have a prayer, followed by repeating the Lord's Prayer. This is a good thing to do, but I often wonder whether God is that thrilled with our dutiful rendition. … Read more

Things we take for granted sometimes are meant to guide others. I had cataracts removed, with implants put in. I didn't think about it too much, but later I found out that I had led the way for someone else … Read more

One sport that I enjoy playing a great deal is tennis. I have been playing for about fourteen years now, and I enjoy the game more and more with each passing year. As the years go by, I would like … Read more

We all face struggles in our daily lives. As I was watching my mother go through one recently, I asked God to give her something she could lean on. The following verses are what He gave to her. These scriptures … Read more

One day, I was waiting in line at the automated teller, when I noticed a father, with two young children, conducting his banking activities. He carefully placed his children on a seat that was within his reach so that he … Read more

I had just finished planting the last flowers that I had planned to put into my garden. When I had finished, I proceeded to look it over, and I thought, "My! how God must have marvelled over Eden." Everything was … Read more

Are you a "God reaches down to us" or a "we stretch up to find God" sort of person? As a boy, I found God by reaching up towards my creator as I looked to the cosmos through a telescope. … Read more

Recently I completed an Alpha course where participants were given the opportunity to examine issues of faith in a safe and loving environment and in community with others. It was a wonderful experience, and what struck me most was that … Read more

I took a course in underwater diving, and, yes, I did get my C card, and I am a certified diver. I didn't think I could do it. I started the course in a community pool. I was the … Read more

I spent the day today weeding my garden. It is a never-ending task. It seems that as soon as the job is finished, I have to start over. There are dandelions, bindweed, buckhorn, clover, quack grass, creeping charlie, and many … Read more

Once again, I am sitting in the waiting room of the car dealership, waiting for my car to undergo a lube, oil, and filter change. The service department is also checking the air conditioner and brakes at the same time, … Read more