A close, but much younger friend of mine had a continuous battle with the age-old time factor, i.e. never having enough of it! Overall, he managed his time well. However, he frequently complained that his personal relationship time with the … (read more)

Don't you just hate it when you are in a hurry and all the traffic lights turn to red the moment you get to them? It's one of those days. I'm in a great hurry; all the traffic lights, one … (read more)

In our town, many of the churches have signs out front with challenging messages on them. Recently, I saw one that said, "Too bad when we mess up, we couldn't press Control-Alt-Delete and have a new start." In the PC … (read more)

Each day, we put out six or seven peanuts, in the shell, on our deck railing for the blue jays, as well as the feed in the bird feeders in the backyard. But there is also a red squirrel which … (read more)

Like many here in Canada, I've been thinking about the changes in our own government and the uncertainty of its stability. I've also thought about the change of government that has taken place recently in the United States. With hopes … (read more)

Today, I picked up my hand-held mirror to check the back of my hairdo to see if it would pass inspection. What I beheld in the glass was marred by splotches of dried toothpaste, water spots, and other minute detritus … (read more)

I love February because it's 31 Days of Oscar on Turner Classic Movies. I get to record and watch the old movies with famous actors like Errol Flynn, Olivia de Haviland, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Greer Garson. On two … (read more)

Our part of Canada has recently experienced very, very cold weather and severe wind chill. After a few days of experiencing and enduring this weather, we finally ventured out into the community to church and to the stores. It was … (read more)

As a renewed Christian — a good few years ago now — I so wanted to succeed in serving the Lord. I so wanted this promise of success, as well as all other promises in God's Word. At the time, … (read more)

I was concluding a course I was taking on preaching the Word of God when I was asked two questions: (1) Do you agree that there is theological illiteracy in the church today? and (2) Do you think a distinctive … (read more)

Although Jesus warns us in the verses following today's Scripture not to become like the unbelievers, constantly preoccupied with the material things of this world, yet at times of uncertainty, I find myself struggling with feelings of anxiety and fear. … (read more)

I have noticed in our travels some very uninviting environments where the people are very poor. The water is at a public faucet or a water truck, or existence requires many hours hauling water for household use, bathing, cleaning, or … (read more)

Here in Victoria, one of Australia's cooler states, the seasonal change to February's summer weather has turned my green lawns to straw gold, as temperatures have soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The changes around me, though, are … (read more)

Recently, I made the tough and painful decision to put my beloved dog, Ally, to sleep. This was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, as I struggled with feelings of guilt and doubt about taking a … (read more)

I was stationed at the Canadian Navy base in Scotland, waiting to join a new aircraft carrier destined for the Pacific, when the war came to an end with VJ day. I was scheduled for return to Canada and demob … (read more)

Recently, we had a Sunday storm with winds of ninety kilometres per hour. Rain fell steadily, making slick the ice-covered church steps and parking lot. Because of the wind, I found it difficult even to stand without being blown sideways … (read more)

As I have said in previous devotionals, last summer, we moved house, and baby Zo

Learning to use my first computer was a long, tedious task. Today, however, I wonder how I could ever get by without it. Learning to lean on Jesus is also a task which can take much practice and perseverance. We … (read more)

Having the challenge of raising an autistic son, I am greatly inspired by Jochebed's demonstration of faith and courage to protect her son, Moses. "Jochebed" means "Jehovah is her glory". It is a name that describes her strength of character … (read more)

We come across many verses in God's Word about gathering together, and about agreeing and being in unity. Like me, I would guess that you are continually amazed what we can experience and accomplish in pairs, in groups, in teams … (read more)

My dog, Princess, really loves her walks. When we go up the road to a nearby pond, her nose is to the ground the whole way. She sniffs the most interesting smells in her environment. She can tell which rabbit … (read more)

It seems that everything that is supposedly good for us goes up in price. The whole wheat bread I often found on sale for ninety-nine cents is now triple the price and never on sale. Yes, I am aware that … (read more)

Israel's incident at "Marah", which means "bitter", can be compared to many of life's experiences as we journey through the wilderness of this world. If you are like most people, there probably have been hardships in your life when you … (read more)

2.6 billion people world-wide (1.6 million in the U.S.A. alone) have no sanitation. That is four out of ten people who have no access to any latrine, toilet, bucket, or box. The disease toll is stunning. One gram of feces … (read more)

For many years now, I have started each day of my life by anointing my forehead with oil, and asking the Lord for "Your righteousness, peace, and joy to be flowing throughout my whole being, spirit, soul, and body, so … (read more)

I have a problem with judging distance; I always have, as far as I know. Overall, this has not caused too many problems, except for some with driving and parking — to which my family will attest! One of my … (read more)

Not all people celebrate Groundhog Day, but it is popular in North America. Tradition asserts that if the groundhog (reputed to be afraid of his shadow) comes out of his hole on February 2nd and sees his shadow, he will … (read more)

Once again, I was awakened by a loud, contented purring close to my ear. My old cat Ginger was at it again. Well advanced in age, he finds it difficult, due to his old teeth, to chew dry food anymore. … (read more)