How often when someone asks, "How are you?" we instantly say, "I'm fine," when in fact we are not. Either we don't wish to talk about our problems, or we think, "Who really cares?" A while back, I sat for … Read more

I couldn't turn that light off — no matter how hard I tried. My hostess had turned on the guest room lights, and then slipped off to bed. I didn't want to wake her, and I didn't want to admit … Read more

One recent morning as I looked out my window, I was greeted by a tinge of pink sky in the east. Later, as my husband and I were having our quiet time, the sun came streaming through our window, and … Read more

I stood looking at the small, austere grave of Frances Ridley Havergal in the graveyard of the church of St. Peter, Astley, Worcestershire, England. I remembered that she not only wrote hymns and composed music, but also set herself the … Read more

I was up and out of the house reasonably early one morning, walking to a nearby plaza for a few items. As I retraced my steps, I met my wife — and my five-year-old granddaughter, whom I had not seen … Read more

Mary's face lights up when you ask her about her work. She teaches a kindergarten class of five-year-olds. Part of her enjoyment comes from being able to share new experiences with the children who are coming to school for the … Read more

My granddaughter and I love to put jigsaw puzzles together. We begin by placing all the pieces on the dining room table and spreading them so that every piece is in plain view. We have learned through experience to do … Read more

Horrors! When I hosted my first big dinner party as a new bride, the gravy formed into lumps the size of a horse's head. (All right — a slight exaggeration here!) I quickly set the colander into the sink and … Read more

In Maleras, Sweden, I stood behind the rope in a fenced-off area of a glassmaking factory to watch a skilled craftsman as he used tiny diamond drills and ultrasonic tools to refine the details in a piece of crystal he … Read more

Several weeks back, I was asked to write a few words for the "Prayer Circle" page in our upcoming newsletter, something for the closing of yet another church year, when many will be off to their cottages and on vacation. … Read more

The sinful woman washed Jesus' feet to show her love and hospitality to Him. She was also seeking forgiveness for her sinful past. Would you wash your father's feet? I did, when I was about ten years old. My father … Read more

In a conversation, I mentioned a trip that I was intending to take, and the response was, "You must be wealthy!" I thought about this, and asked myself, how do we measure wealth? Is it all to do with money? … Read more

My friend spent much time in prayer for her granddaughter, Sadie (not her real name). She was concerned because Sadie's parents rarely went to church or took time from their busy lifestyles to teach their daughter about God. Every day … Read more

As a homemaker, I prepare three meals a day for my family, each one designed with the special needs of the day in mind. For breakfast, food is needed to wake them up and get them energized and going. For … Read more

When we wintered in the state of Florida, we usually arrived just as the second crop of tomatoes was being staked. The plants had reached about a foot-and-a-half in height. Later, I used to go into the fields when the … Read more

Young and old alike warmly received the local parish priest into their homes for a visit. Not long ago, on a Monday, his normal day off, he dropped into a parishioner's home for a cup of tea and a wee … Read more

Many years ago, I preached a sermon in Maybole, Scotland, on God's call. A visitor from Northern Ireland was in the congregation. His name was Tom, and he was a successful director of a civil engineering firm. The sermon had … Read more

Recently, I stood with a friend at the bedside as his beloved father struggled to die. For several days this man's family watched as he gasped for breath, unconscious of those waiting through those last hours with him. I could … Read more

My brothers and I didn't have a television when we were growing up, and I don't remember seeing a play until I was in high school, so I'm not sure why we enjoyed acting out our Sunday School lessons, but … Read more

When I was a teenager, I worked in a clothing store where young people came to buy the latest fashions. I sold flared jeans, bomber jackets, heavy knit sweaters, and afghan coats. Our store manager, Joe, was constantly buying new … Read more

While living in a rented home for a couple of months, I was not familiar with the toaster. I am in the habit of leaving a slice of bread sitting in the toaster, ready for me to push down the … Read more

Recently, I was drawn to the book of Daniel, and, as I read the familiar passages, I couldn't help but wonder what Daniel might have written to his mother if he had been allowed to write home. If his letter … Read more

Granules exploded in my mouth; a chalky substance chased them down my throat. Machines tipped me off balance: right, left, and center. I did not really enjoy the experience of an upper GI (gastro-intestinal) exam. Still, my doctor had recommended … Read more

I remember an old movie starring Ronald Reagan, Patricia Neal, and Richard Todd called "The Hasty Heart". It's all about a group of wounded soldiers during World War II who are recovering in an army hospital in Asia. Todd plays … Read more

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough brothers available to re-enact the scene of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were in the fiery furnace, but I do remember telling the story to my brothers and their friends in the Bible club … Read more

My new Bible had more bells and whistles than a streetcar! There were teaching notes, maps, and diagrams to add insight to the Word. The leather cover was fresh and clean. But I didn't like it. I couldn't put my … Read more

This evening, I was sitting in my apartment when the windows shook because of the wind outside. For some reason, I have always loved windy days, so I opened the door, walked out into the night, and listened to the … Read more

Many times when I look around my comfortable home, I've thought of the tiny home that sheltered me for the first nine years of my life. We had no running water, indoor plumbing, or television, and the new wringer washer … Read more

I can remember when I was young, and played for my street soccer team in Scotland. Before a game, the two best players lined everyone else up on the sidewalk and began to choose players alternately. Each time a selection … Read more

Some years back, the caretaker for our church went away on a vacation for several weeks, and we as a family volunteered to take over the duties. We didn't realize what the job entailed. I thought that we would just … Read more