As I was enjoying a peaceful evening, a text arrived from my daughter. My middle brother, who was severely depressed because of his family breakup and impending divorce, instructed her to call our mom and tell her that he was going to our … Read more

Devastation! — the only word to describe the horrendous scenes of destruction caused by vicious tornadoes and torrential rain which built up into furious flooding, washing out dams, sweeping away countless homes, and resulting in loss … Read more

Sometimes I feel like I'm auditioning for a comedy show as I stamp my feet to create vibrations, wave my arms like a windmill, and shout as loudly as I can. Yes, having three very elderly canines in the house which are all at one stage or … Read more

At ten-plus years of age, my dog, Elliot, lives to eat, sleep, and watch the birds fly to and from the feeders in the front yard. Most of all, he loves his food — it doesn't matter what brand or type. He will even scarf up crumbs from … Read more

Like many in later years, I was having a tossing-and-turning, sleepless night. This is not unusual for me, as I have been under spiritual attack for many years. I must cope with audible voices 24/7, and nighttime is the most difficult. … Read more

I love going to church. I look forward to singing familiar hymns, partaking in holy communion with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and enjoying the fellowship in our church hall downstairs after the service. But one particular Sunday, … Read more

On this day nineteen years ago, the very first PresbyCan Daily Devotional was published on the fledgling, experimental PCCWeb site. But recently, I have been remembering events that God prepared which stretch back much farther than … Read more

I am quite interested in nature, especially birds. Even as a little boy, I could spot a flock of pigeons from a long way away. I still can. If my memory serves me correctly, back in the 1940s, there was a theatre in Amsterdam where nature … Read more

My dog, Sparky, and I went down The Trail for the first time this spring. It was a mild, sunny day, so different from the frigid weather that we had been having for the previous several months. He pranced and danced along happily, as I … Read more

Several weeks ago, I heard about an interesting archaeological find which fits the description of the rock that God commanded Moses to strike in the wilderness of Horeb. I learned the details on a website known as "Real Discoveries". … Read more

"Put that board upright through the saw!" instructed the master woodworker. His worker listened carefully and then dutifully put the board through the saw — with its narrow side up. To him, this was the upright position. But he was wrong … Read more

One of the earliest images of Jesus that most of us have is usually of Him playing with and surrounded by children. Most church nurseries have pictures hanging on their walls with similar drawings. The best picture that I have ever seen … Read more

Saying "I'm sorry" isn't the easiest thing in the world to do. A recent teacher evaluation reminded me of this. Our headmaster's instructions to the observers were never to score any teacher with the highest ratings in all categories. … Read more

Recently, I was inspired by a television Bible study on persecution presented by Hal Lindsey, an evangelist/teacher who focuses on biblical prophecy. Hal made an interesting comparison between what went on in the early church and the … Read more

Getting older can place us in a tight spot. Each year, things which hadn't seemed to be changing at all now catch me unawares. My hair is actually turning grey. The third finger of my right hand has a cyst on the tendon which causes the … Read more

Have you met Mr. and Mrs. Grudge? Let me introduce them to you. These people go through life, forgiving with great reluctance and carrying around feelings of ill will over various grievances. The grievances could be real or imagined. On … Read more

I belong to a number of online websites designed to assist a person in finding good books to read. Goodreads promotes the work of writers and sells their books, but also offers a reading challenge to encourage its members to get serious … Read more

Today is Ascension Day, a Christian holy day to which not much attention is given here in North America. Most calendars don't even make note of it. However, in most of Europe, it is an actual holiday, a day off from work, and some … Read more

At a supermarket recently, I found shelving on which were displayed some seeds to sow for annual flowers. I had wanted to plant some sweet peas for the garden to improve the soil and to grow something that was colourful and that will … Read more

Daybreak opens the skies. The picturesque view from my living room bay window displays a miniature freshwater pond as a family of white-tailed deer dashes across its sunlit banks and breaks for a refreshing drink. Suddenly, I'm in awe: … Read more

The brothers hugged before one entered surgery. Little did they know what lay ahead. Two brothers, Chad and Ryan Arnold: one with a healthy liver, the other with an incurable liver disease. But love won out. In Denver, Colorado, Ryan, age … Read more

"Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace." (Author unknown) My oldest daughter has been undergoing severe back pain for quite some time now. The pain in her lower back is so excruciating, that it has … Read more

The pastor of my new church has been preaching verse by verse through the book of Exodus. I like his expository approach, as it's helped me to examine the Scriptures carefully. In particular, I was struck by the verses in today's passage. … Read more

Twenty people in our little town were searching. Two hours had passed. The bush was thick. The paths were many. The chill of night crept closer. Would the elderly gentleman who had wandered away from his home be found in time? … Read more

I think that today's verse supports the saying, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." David was commissioning his son Solomon to build the temple, and giving him encouragement to do it. Like many of us when requested to … Read more

It's official! The new princess in Britain has been named as Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. News media around the world, as well as newspapers all over the globe, had been busy speculating on what the new baby would be named. Personally, I'm … Read more

Do you find it hard to be forgiving? Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to let go of the many hurts that have come our way. Some may be trivial, but others are heartbreaking. I understand, as I have experienced both. When we carry … Read more

Today's title sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? At first, it appears to be a contradiction, but if we break it down into two parts, first comes the discipline, and then comes the result, which is indeed a delight. "Stretch … Read more

The instructor at a recent meeting of the local canoe club presented three navigational aids: a map, a compass, and a GPS. He then challenged the members present with a question: If you were able to take only one of the three on a trip, … Read more

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technical marvel made possible by a group of satellites in earth's orbit that transmit precise signals, allowing GPS receivers to calculate and display accurate location, speed, and time information … Read more

As a retiree, I have kept myself busy since my husband's death seven years ago, volunteering in many organizations. At times, the pace of these commitments was hectic, but I soldiered on, afraid not to be occupied and thus alone. My … Read more