Year: 2009

Years ago, there was a terrible storm which unexpectedly hit the west coast of Scotland late one afternoon. All the fishermen in my parish desperately fought against the wind and waves that threatened to engulf their boats. One by one, … Read more

When we are driving anywhere, whether on a short or a long trip, there are roadside signs and signals revealing important information, instructions, and directions: speed limits, slow, stop, give way, keep left, turn right to such and … Read more

My friend was painstakingly peeling cloves of garlic with a huge butcher knife. (Women often use the nearest tool at hand, thinking they are saving time!) "Why do you peel garlic like that?" I asked. "There is a better way." "Will you … Read more

There are some things that I really miss about not being in Scotland, even after all of these years. I get homesick for the people, the places, the scenery, and the songs. I long for the accents and traditions, the green hills and the … Read more

The Labrador puppies were a beautiful rich cream colour, very appealing as they clamoured towards us at the front of the mesh cage. The one that caught our attention, however, was the peaceful puppy, last in line at the back of the pack. … Read more

On a recent fishing trip, we were able to try out our new fishing net. After baiting three lines, we cast them into the water. After a few minutes, I felt that knowing tug on the line — I knew a fish had found the bait. As I reeled it … Read more

When I cycle in to work, I pass by a woodshed where pallets of sawn wood of various lengths and thicknesses are stacked and kept dry. Sometimes when I pass by and the wind is blowing from the right direction, the lovely fragrance of pine … Read more

A close friend of mine attended a house church in Zimbabwe in the late 1990s that catered mostly to white expatriates. He recounted how these grew to be more than places of worship — they were also a means of connecting socially and … Read more

Recently, I watched a Christian film entitled Perfect Stranger, based on the novel Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory. Having a great interest in Christian apologetics, I was deeply moved by the movie's presentation of … Read more

I read about Mike May, who lost his sight when he was three years old. Forty years later, medical technology had created a way, through surgery, for him to see. Even though his eye turned out perfectly, his brain could not always … Read more