From the privacy of the car, I watched a little two-year-old bundle of all-boy energy. With infectious delight, he was climbing the large rock boulders that marked the perimeter of the parking lot. I saw the moment when his eyes … Read more

Recently, my sister experienced the birth of her first grandchild, Christian Paul. His name (kept as a surprise) was not announced until the day he was born. As I thought about the biblical meaning of this wonderful name, I was … Read more

My brothers back in Scotland are ardent Partick Thistle supporters. They've supported that soccer team for most of their lives. I used to go to some of the soccer matches when I was in high school, but I didn't develop … Read more

It's that time of year again when we need either to change over to our snow tires or to purchase new ones. There is a saying which goes, The more things change, the more they stay the same. When I … Read more

Recently, I joined a prayer ministry that has enriched my own personal communication with God. Based on Scripture promises, I am encouraged to depend on the Holy Spirit's leading, and have found a beautiful example of prayer based on God's … Read more

From what I've seen and experienced over the last several years, Thanksgiving in America is a time of immense pressure and stress for those who are hosting family and friends at this season. I know that in our household, we're … Read more

Midge is one of my smallest dogs. She is a silver dapple, long-haired dachshund, and she is very special. Midge loves everybody. No matter who comes to our door, she graciously welcomes them with her gently wagging tail and quiet … Read more

My first job, when I was very young, was as an orthodontist assistant. The office was in the basement of a building owned by an alcoholic who lived upstairs. From downstairs, we could hear the verbal abuse and the arguments. … Read more

Going to the peak of a snow-covered mountain, slapping two skis onto one's feet, and screaming downhill isn't everyone's idea of fun. For the blind, it might sound impossible. John, a fun-loving, middle-aged man — blind from birth — has … Read more

One of my dachshunds has a special gift. Hoss is a goat herder. With his extremely short legs, long body, and the typically large head of the wire-haired variety, people often find Hoss's appearance quite comical, and at first glance, … Read more

I am a professor of biology at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, and the truth in this verse shouts out to me almost daily. It is truly wonderful the way the human body has been made. I marvel … Read more

For some reason, still unknown to me, "Sheba" was a popular name for dogs in Scotland when I was growing up. It usually was given to a German Shepherd or Alsatian, which looked proud and fierce, but normally was great … Read more

Every so often, I'm an observer of a contest to see who in the room has the most keys. Often the winner comes in at 25 or more keys. I say that I'm an observer, because, for years, I've had … Read more

Over the years, I've discovered that any Christ-like virtues that the Lord was developing in me, for the most part, are despised by the world, and even, unfortunately, by some believers. These Christ-like virtues are too often seen as being … Read more

The little turtle scuffled his head back into his shell. He didn't know whether the boy had a mean streak or if he was just curious. To be on the safe side, he hid. That's exactly what I wanted to … Read more

One of the gentlest people whom I have ever met was a shepherd. His family had been shepherds for generations, so it was natural for him to follow in their footsteps. He was a clever man who probably could have … Read more

We love it when our grandchildren come for a visit. It is especially fun when they come one at a time. Then we can interact with only one, instead of having several clamouring for our attention. When one little grandson … Read more

Because God's Word is absolutely clear that there is a time and season for everything, I began, years ago, to feel guilty whenever I used the old clichés, "I haven't got time," or "I haven't had … Read more

I belong to a writers group, and each month, we meet for a time of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement for one another with our writing. We have a schedule for the year, and each month, we are asked to bring … Read more

The most enduring moment in the movie, Saving Private Ryan, comes at the very end. Ryan, now an old man, is visiting the graves of American troops in France. Immediately following D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Army Chief of Staff … Read more

Often when I have a problem, I worry about it until I'm at my wit's end. Then when all else fails, I pray. Now, why did I waste all this time and energy? It is so plainly written out in … Read more

My son-in-law went fishing the other day, with an old trout rod we had bought him for Christmas one year. He was fishing for salmon on the banks of a local river, catching one big fish after another. A fisherman, … Read more

To encourage understanding and appreciation for the roots of the Christian faith, I once led a Bible study using a curriculum entitled "The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church", prepared by the Christian History Institute. This course was one … Read more

There are some remote congregations in the Scottish highlands and islands that have been singing the same worship songs for nearly five hundred years. They don't get caught up in the hype of modern Christian music; instead, they faithfully praise … Read more

Did you know that the blue-footed booby bird with the bluest foot wins the girl, that an anteater has a blue tongue, that a bonga's rusty colour rubs off, that a newborn wallabee weighs less than a paper clip, that … Read more

My earliest memory of prayer was when either of our parents put my brother and me to bed. They taught us to say the "Our Father" prayer and to say, "Please, God bless …" so and so, and we'd proceed … Read more

Upon our retirement, my husband planted five Satsuma Tangerine trees, some of which he received as Christmas gifts. He has lovingly tended these trees with fertilizer, pruning, spraying, and following whatever additional advice the county agent shared with him. The … Read more

Terminal cancer is a hard disease to understand. It hurts so many people — its victims and their relatives. It's a process that is hard to endure, especially as it normally involves losing a lot of weight until the patients … Read more

Over the last few weeks, the days have been getting shorter more quickly. During the summer months, driving to work in the daylight was a blessing. As I hopped into my van at four o'clock this morning, however, one of … Read more

Have you ever considered how contrast allows us to understand the value of life? Could we understand peace if we never felt conflict? Could we appreciate safety if we never felt fear? Could we yearn for love if we never … Read more