As a prison guard in a small town, I am always on call, so I keep a bag in the closet packed and ready to go. My shift may be short, or it could be quite long. It could be mid-day or midnight, so I make sure I have reading and writing … Read more
Archive for May, 2013
Blind Spots
It was years ago when I was still young, married, and already had two children. We came to Canada as a family, with enthusiasm, learning about life in a new country. In two years, we had an old model car, and after getting his driver's … Read more
Control Or Controlled
When I saw the "Hot Now" neon sign, all sense of self-control vanished. I had to have one — the heck with calories and sugar levels! My wife and I were ushering mom to a Christmas concert. As our car crept up to the parking lot and we … Read more
Thinning Out
The company that owns the forest behind my son's country property has been actively cutting down trees, which I thought was a shame, the bit of a tree hugger that I am. But what they are doing is thinning out the forest, so that the … Read more
The Gift Of Pain
"It is hard to forget pain, but it is even harder to remember sweetness. There is no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace." (Chuck Palahniuk) "Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, … Read more
A Work In Progress
Summer is arriving here, and soon, our roads will be cluttered with annoying construction projects — just when we want to go on holiday trips. It means slowdowns, dust, and delays. There's no escape! Yet we know that ongoing road work … Read more
This Bitter Cup?
I was given a plain white porcelain cup, slightly over one inch tall. What could I do with such a wee thing? Still, out of respect for the giver, I kept it. Months afterwards, the horticultural fair listed an item: "Mini-arrangement, … Read more
Optimism Vs. Pessimism
Prime Time Ladies, a group of women from our church, along with friends, come together on the third Tuesday of each month to have lunch and listen to a speaker. To date, we have had many different speakers from various organizations and … Read more
Waiting On The Light
A recent trip to Tennessee, U.S.A., had us travelling throughout the night. Around 5:30 a.m., I began to look for signs of daybreak. It was overcast, and we had driven through rain during the night, so although I was not expecting to see a … Read more
Out Of Sight
I am a short person, a mere five feet from head to heel. Consequently, many things in life challenge me, such as cleaning the tops of refrigerators, cabinets, and ceiling fans. If it is out of sight, it is also out of mind. Since I … Read more
Perfect Timing
Have you ever been in a situation where everything seems to be falling apart? Perhaps you're there right now. You feel cast adrift, not knowing what is expected of you or just where life is going. You had been on course and then the winds … Read more
Serving With Sincerity
I was serving, but deep inside, my motives were tainted. Fresh out of college and pastoring my first church, I was eager to impress … someone … anyone. So began my journey for recognition. In addition to pastoring and teaching … Read more
This Alone Thing
I don't like it! This living alone experience sometimes feels like being alone on a desert island. Oh, I know that having God in our lives, we should be able to circumvent those feelings, but really, why does it always seem like that is … Read more
The Despised Things
While walking my dog this morning, I noticed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of earthworms scattered all over the street. This is a common sight when heavy rains force these little creatures out of their water-filled burrows to seek oxygen. … Read more
The Catch Me! Game
When my youngest daughter was approximately two and a half years old, she would climb to the top of the stairs and yell, "Catch me, daddy!" and jump, having the faith and the assurance that indeed her daddy would catch her. Now that my … Read more
Why Go To Church?
It was a windy Sunday morning to walk the few blocks to church. The wind was against me as if trying to keep me from getting ahead. Debris was flying all around, and the wind's fury tried to pick me up every step of the way. Having some … Read more
The Wood Fairy
Cutting, hauling and stacking wood is a large part of our lifestyle in northern British Columbia, Canada. It is simply a fact of life. If we want to stay warm in the winter, we must work hard in the summer and get the wood in. As much as … Read more
The Armour Of God
Many years ago, I saw a war film, Full Metal Jacket, about a group of infantrymen during the Vietnam War. The scene I remember most vividly, which has stuck with me over the years, opened with the men returning to base camp from leave. … Read more
Fuel Gauge Or Destination?
I am sure that I am not the first to be driving along, only to glance down and see the fuel gauge on empty and the red low fuel indicator illuminated. On this particular day, by the time I noticed, I was a very long way from the next town. … Read more
The Four Ws
It is sad to say, but many times, I have found myself questioning our Lord. Usually this occurs during times when I feel like I can no longer go on with a problem, or I don't understand the struggles or heavy burdens someone else is … Read more
Sticks And Stones
The robins proclaim both their own and spring's arrival through song, ending the winter's silence with their robust and distinctive singing: a cheery, rolling trill. It was a robin's loud, persistent, and forceful chirp that caught my ear … Read more
Light Versus Darkness
The news about a five-year-old girl being raped in India has caused worldwide concern and disgust. The recent bombings at the Boston Marathon and the shootings that are so prevalent these days have also caused concern and anxiety. These … Read more
Giving That Hurts
Finances going south and a pressing question: should I keep giving to God, cut back, or cut it out entirely? I was always taught that we couldn't outgive God, but what about when giving means an unpaid bill, a missed meal, an empty gas … Read more
The Cracks
In the last few years, it has happened twice now. I have been busily munching away when — crack — I hear and then feel something go snap in my mouth. Each time that I have experienced this, upon further examination, I have discovered … Read more
- Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy