Year: 2014

A few years ago, we had a family reunion. The place where we held our reunion was in a beautiful park that had a large, walk-in swimming hole with a concrete floor. It was a very hot day. We ate lots. We toured the park and even visited a … Read more

As a piano teacher, my job involves training students to work less. That's hard work for them! It sounds like a contradiction, but it's not. For example, overworking arm muscles interferes with finger development. The student must "make … Read more

For the first time ever, this winter, I strapped on a pair of snowshoes and hiked off at speed over head-high snowdrifts into our scrubby wetlands. It was giddy. As I made those initial strides, the thought came, "I am walking on water — … Read more

Materialism, or fixation on earthly possessions, is one of mankind's strongest temptations. During the past several months, with the help of friends, I have been going through a process of scaling down my personal belongings. My part in … Read more

When it's easy or suits my purposes, I normally don't buck it. But when it goes against my grain and costs me? Well … There have been many occasions when I've struggled to discover God's will. But there have also been times when I knew … Read more

I enjoy word puzzles. One of the puzzles that I enjoy the most involves finding words within a grid. A list of words is given, and those words can run up and down, sideways, or diagonally within the grid. Words can run forwards or … Read more

Unlike its summer counterpart, I prefer watching the Winter Olympics because snow and ice are great equalizers when it comes down to individual performances. Even the best winter athletes can slip on the ice or fall on the snow, so you … Read more

One Sunday morning, our pastor introduced his sermon by referring to a ministry known as "Cat n Dog Theology". Having two cats at home, this idea naturally aroused my curiosity. Then, I heard the following quotation: A dog may look at … Read more

I have been writing for the PresbyCan Daily Devotional since January, 1999, when I first was led by the Spirit to put words onto paper (via the computer). I still have a copy of that first devotional and the four responses that I … Read more

By seven o'clock in the morning, I am on my way to the kitchen, whereas Caroline has already washed, dressed, eaten, read a book, and is well on her way to work. Consequently, it falls to me to round up the children, dispense breakfast to … Read more